bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Response of North Western Pacific Marine Ecosystems to Deposition of Atmospheric Inorganic Nitrogen Compounds from East Asia
Authors: Taketani Fumikazu , Aita Maki N. , Yamaji Kazuyo , Sekiya Takashi , Ikeda Kohei , Sasaoka Kosei , Hashioka Taketo , Honda Makio C. , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Kanaya Yugo
Published: June 2018

The contribution of the atmospheric deposition of inorganic nitrogen compounds produced in East Asia to the marine ecosystems of the North Western Pacific Ocean (NWPO) was investigated in this study using a 3-D lower trophic-marine ecosystem model (NEMURO) combined with an atmospheric regional chemical transport model (WRF-CMAQ). The monthly mean values for the wet and dry deposition of nitrogen compounds, including gases (HNO3and NH3) and aerosol particles (NO3−and NH4+), were determined using the WRF-CMAQ for the NWPO from 2009–2016. These values were input into the NEMURO as an additional nitrogen source. The NEMURO indicated that the annual average chlorophyll mass concentration at the surface in the subtropical region (20°N–30°N; 125°E–150°E) of the NWPO increased from 0.04 to 0.10 mg/m3. Similarly, the gross primary productivity, integrated over sea depths of 0–200 m, increased from 85 to 147 mg C/m2/day because of this deposition. This study indicates that the supply of atmospheric inorganic nitrogen compounds from East Asia to the NWPO could have a high nutrient impact on the marine ecosystem in the subtropical region.
Influence of growth media components on the antibacterial effect of silver ions on Bacillus subtilis in a liquid growth medium
Authors: De Leersnyder Ilse , De Gelder Leen , Van Driessche Isabel , Vermeir Pieter
Published: June 2018

Numerous studies have investigated the antibacterial effect of both silver ions and silver nanomaterials on a large diversity of environmentally and clinically relevant bacteria. However, contradictory results are reported in which inhibition concentrations were varying by a 10-fold. This study investigated whether this variance in results could be attributed to the difference in experimental conditions, especially the microbial growth medium. B. subtilis was exposed to 500 µg L−1 Ag+ in liquid growth media with different concentrations of some commonly used media components: tryptone, yeast extract, Cl−, and S2−. The toxic effect was investigated by means of three complementary analysis techniques: (i) analyzing the growth curves obtained by optical density measurements, (ii) using flow cytometry, and (iii) by transmission electron microscopy. The silver ion toxicity towards B. subtilis decreased as more tryptone, yeast extract, or S2− was present. This study demonstrates that the medium composition, rarely acknowledged as an important experimental factor in bacterial toxicity studies, has a profound impact on the observed silver toxicity towards B. subtilis.
Cell wall associated protein TasA provides an initial binding component to extracellular polysaccharides in dual-species biofilm
Authors: Duanis-Assaf Danielle , Duanis-Assaf Tal , Zeng Guanghong , Meyer Rikke Louise , Reches Meital , Steinberg Doron , Shemesh Moshe
Published: June 2018

Many bacteria in biofilm surround themselves by an extracellular matrix composed mainly of extracellular polysaccharide (EP), proteins such as amyloid-like fibers (ALF) and nucleic acids. While the importance of EP in attachment and acceleration of biofilm by a number of different bacterial species is well established, the contribution of ALF to attachment in multispecies biofilm remains unknown. The study presented here aimed to investigate the role of TasA, a precursor for ALF, in cell-cell interactions in dual-species biofilms ofBacillus subtilisandStreptococcus mutans. Expression of majorB.subtilismatrix operons was significantly up-regulated in the presence ofS.mutansduring different stages of biofilm formation, suggesting that the two species interacted and modulated gene expression in each other. Wild-typeB.subtilisexpressing TasA adhered strongly toS.mutansbiofilm, while a TasA-deficient mutant was less adhesive and consequently less abundant in the dual-species biofilm. Dextran, a biofilm polysaccharide, induced aggregation ofB.subtilisand stimulated adhesion toS.mutansbiofilms. This effect was only observed in the wild-type strain, suggesting that interactions between TasA and dextran-associated EP plays an important role in inter-species interactions during initial stages of multispecies biofilm development.
Opto-thermally excited multimode parametric resonance in graphene membranes
Authors: Dolleman Robin J. , Houri Samer , Chandrashekar Abhilash , Alijani Farbod , van der Zant Herre S. J. , Steeneken Peter G.
Published: June 2018

In the field of nanomechanics, parametric excitations are of interest since they can greatly enhance sensing capabilities and eliminate cross-talk. Above a certain threshold of the parametric pump, the mechanical resonator can be brought into parametric resonance. Here we demonstrate parametric resonance of suspended single-layer graphene membranes by an efficient opto-thermal drive that modulates the intrinsic spring constant. With a large amplitude of the optical drive, a record number of 14 mechanical modes can be brought into parametric resonance by modulating a single parameter: the pre-tension. A detailed analysis of the parametric resonance allows us to study nonlinear dynamics and the loss tangent of graphene resonators. It is found that nonlinear damping, of the van der Pol type, is essential to describe the high amplitude parametric resonance response in atomically thin membranes.
Biomimetic post-capillary venule expansions for leukocyte adhesion studies
Authors: Benson Bryan L. , Li Lucy , Myers Jay T. , Dorand R. Dixon , Gurkan Umut A. , Huang Alex Y. , Ransohoff Richard M.
Published: June 2018

Leukocyte adhesion and extravasation are maximal near the transition from capillary to post-capillary venule, and are strongly influenced by a confluence of scale-dependent physical effects. Mimicking the scale of physiological vessels usingin vitromicrofluidic systems allows the capture of these effects on leukocyte adhesion assays, but imposes practical limits on reproducibility and reliable quantification. Here we present a microfluidic platform that provides multiple (54–512) technical replicates within a 15-minute sample collection time, coupled with an automated computer vision analysis pipeline that captures leukocyte adhesion probabilities as a function of shear and extensional stresses. We report that in post-capillary channels of physiological scale, efficient leukocyte adhesion requires erythrocytes forcing leukocytes against the wall, a phenomenon that is promoted by the transitional flow in post-capillary venule expansions and dependent on the adhesion molecule ICAM-1.
Inhibition of the substantia nigra pars reticulata produces divergent effects on sensorimotor gating in rats and monkeys
Authors: Aguilar Brittany L. , Forcelli Patrick A. , Malkova Ludise
Published: June 2018

The basal ganglia are an evolutionarily old group of structures, with gross organization conserved across species. Despite this conservation, there is evidence suggesting that anatomical organization of a key output nucleus of the basal ganglia, the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr), diverges across species. Nevertheless, there are relatively few comparative studies examining the impact of manipulations of SNpr across species. Here, we evaluated the role of SNpr in a highly conserved behavior: prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (PPI). We performed parallel experiments in both rats and rhesus macaques using intracranial microinfusions of GABAA agonist muscimol to investigate the role of SNpr in PPI. SNpr inactivation significantly disrupted PPI in rats, congruent with prior studies; however, in macaques, SNpr inactivation resulted in facilitation of PPI. We suggest that this difference in circuit function results from a divergence in anatomical connectivity, underscoring the importance of circuit dissection studies across species.
Imaging in Biologically-Relevant Environments with AFM Using Stiff qPlus Sensors
Authors: Pürckhauer Korbinian , Weymouth Alfred J. , Pfeffer Katharina , Kullmann Lars , Mulvihill Estefania , Krahn Michael P. , Müller Daniel J. , Giessibl Franz J.
Published: June 2018

High-resolution imaging of soft biological samples with atomic force microscopy (AFM) is challenging because they must be imaged with small forces to prevent deformation. Typically, AFM of those samples is performed with soft silicon cantilevers (k ≈ 0.1–10 N/m) and optical detection in a liquid environment. We set up a new microscope that uses a stiff qPlus sensor (k ≥ 1 kN/m). Several complex biologically-relevant solutions are non-transparent, and even change their optical properties over time, such as the cell culture medium we used. While this would be problematic for AFM setups with optical detection, it is no problem for our qPlus setup which uses electrical detection. The high stiffness of the qPlus sensor allows us to use small amplitudes in frequency-modulation mode and obtain high Q factors even in liquid. The samples are immersed in solution in a liquid cell and long tips are used, with only the tip apex submerged. We discuss the noise terms and compare the minimal detectable signal to that of soft cantilevers. Atomic resolution of muscovite mica was achieved in various liquids: H2O, Tris buffer and a cell culture medium. We show images of lipid membranes in which the individual head groups are resolved.
The Thrombin Receptor Restricts Subventricular Zone Neural Stem Cell Expansion and Differentiation
Authors: Choi Chan-Il , Yoon Hyesook , Drucker Kristen L. , Langley Monica R. , Kleppe Laurel , Scarisbrick Isobel A.
Published: June 2018

Thrombin is frequently increased in the CNS after injury yet little is known regarding its effects on neural stem cells. Here we show that the subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult mice lacking the high affinity receptor for thrombin, proteinase activated receptor 1 (PAR1), show increased numbers of Sox2+ and Ki-67+ self-renewing neural stem cells (NSCs) and Olig2+ oligodendrocyte progenitors. SVZ NSCs derived from PAR1-knockout mice, or treated with a PAR1 small molecule inhibitor (SCH79797), exhibited enhanced capacity for self-renewal in vitro, including increases in neurosphere formation and BrdU incorporation. PAR1-knockout SVZ monolayer cultures contained more Nestin, NG2+ and Olig2+ cells indicative of enhancements in expansion and differentiation towards the oligodendrocyte lineage. Cultures of NSCs lacking PAR1 also expressed higher levels of myelin basic protein, proteolipid protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein upon differentiation. Complementing these findings, the corpus callosum and anterior commissure of adult PAR1-knockout mice contained greater numbers of Olig2+ progenitors and CC1+ mature oligodendrocytes. Together these findings highlight PAR1 inhibition as a means to expand adult SVZ NSCs and to promote an increased number of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes in vivo that may be of particular benefit in the context of neural injury where PAR1 agonists such as thrombin are deregulated.
Plasmonic Optical Imaging of Gold Nanorods Localization in Small Animals
Authors: Xu Keying , Shi Junwei , Pourmand Ali , Udayakumar Thirupandiyur S. , Dogan Nesrin , Zhao Weizhao , Pollack Alan , Yang Yidong
Published: June 2018

Gold nanoparticles (GNP) have been intensively investigated for applications in cancer imaging and therapy. Most imaging studies focused on microscopic imaging. Their potential as optical imaging probes for whole body small animal imaging has rarely been explored. Taking advantage of their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties, we aim to develop a noninvasive diffuse optical imaging method to map the distribution of a special type of GNP, gold nanorods (GNR), in small animals. We developed an integrated dual-modality imaging system capable of both x-ray computed tomography (XCT) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT). XCT provides the animal anatomy and contour required for DOT; DOT maps the distribution of GNR in the animal. This SPR enhanced optical imaging (SPROI) technique was investigated using simulation, phantom and mouse experiments. The distribution of GNR at various concentrations (0.1–100 nM, or 3.5 ug/g–3.5 mg/g) was successfully reconstructed from centimeter-scaled volumes. SPROI detected GNR at 18 μg/g concentration in the mouse breast tumor, and is 3 orders more sensitive than x-ray imaging. This study demonstrated the high sensitivity of SPROI in mapping GNR distributions in small animals. It does not require additional imaging tags other than GNR themselves. SPROI can be used to detect tumors targeted by GNR via passive targeting based on enhanced permeability and retention or via active targeting using biologically conjugated ligands.
Experimental evidence that stripes do not cool zebras
Authors: Horváth Gábor , Pereszlényi Ádám , Száz Dénes , Barta András , Jánosi Imre M. , Gerics Balázs , Åkesson Susanne
Published: June 2018

There are as many as 18 theories for the possible functions of the stripes of zebras, one of which is to cool the animal. We performed field experiments and thermographic measurements to investigate whether thermoregulation might work for zebra-striped bodies. A zebra body was modelled by water-filled metal barrels covered with horse, cattle and zebra hides and with various black, white, grey and striped patterns. The barrels were installed in the open air for four months while their core temperature was measured continuously. Using thermography, the temperature distributions of the barrel surfaces were compared to those of living zebras. The sunlit zebra-striped barrels reproduced well the surface temperature characteristics of sunlit zebras. We found that there were no significant core temperature differences between the striped and grey barrels, even on many hot days, independent of the air temperature and wind speed. The average core temperature of the barrels increased as follows: white cattle, grey cattle, real zebra, artificial zebra, grey horse, black cattle. Consequently, we demonstrate that zebra-striped coats do not keep the body cooler than grey coats challenging the hypothesis of a thermoregulatory role of zebra stripes.
Independent regulation of Plasmodium falciparum rif gene promoters
Authors: Araujo Rosana Beatriz Duque , Silva Tatiane Macedo , Kaiser Charlotte Sophie , Leite Gabriela Fernandes , Alonso Diego , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Wunderlich Gerhard
Published: June 2018

All Plasmodium species express variant antigens which may mediate immune escape in the vertebrate host. In Plasmodium falciparum, the rif gene family encodes variant antigens which are partly exposed on the infected red blood cell surface and may function as virulence factors. Not all rif genes are expressed at the same time and it is unclear what controls rif gene expression. In this work, we addressed global rif transcription using plasmid vectors with two drug resistance markers, one controlled by a rif 5′ upstream region and the second by a constitutively active promoter. After spontaneous integration into the genome of one construct, we observed that the resistance marker controlled by the rif 5′ upstream region was expressed dependent on the applied drug pressure. Then, the global transcription of rif genes in these transfectants was compared in the presence or absence of drugs. The relative transcript quantities of all rif loci did not change profoundly between strains grown with or without drug. We conclude that either there is no crosstalk between rif loci or that the elusive system of allelic exclusion of rif gene transcription is not controlled by their 5′ upstream region alone.
Top-down pulses reduce prey population sizes and persistence
Authors: Hamman Elizabeth A. , McCoy Michael W.
Published: June 2018

Resource pulses are well documented and have important consequences for population dynamics relative to continuous inputs. However, pulses of top-down factors (e.g. predation) are less explored and appreciated in the ecological literature. Here, we use a simple differential equation population model to show how pulsed removals of individuals from a population alter population size relative to continuous dynamics. Pulsed removals result in lower equilibrium population sizes relative to continuous removals, and the differences are greatest at low population growth rates, high removal rates, and with large, infrequent pulses. Furthermore, the timing of the removal pulses (either stochastic or cyclic) affects population size. For example, cyclic removals are less likely than stochastic removals to result in population eradication, but when eradication occurs, the time until eradication is shorter for cyclic than with stochastic removals.
CYGNSS data map flood inundation during the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season
Authors: Chew Clara , Reager John T. , Small Eric
Published: June 2018

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was one of the most active and destructive on record, leading to significant flooding in many parts of the United States and the Caribbean. During flooding events such as these, there is an urgent need to quickly map in detail which areas have been severely affected, yet current satellite missions are not capable of sampling the global land surface at high enough spatio-temporal scales for flooding applications. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach to high-resolution flood mapping by repurposing data from the new NASA mission, CYGNSS. The CYGNSS multi-satellite constellation was designed for frequent temporal sampling of the ocean surface in the tropics. We demonstrate that CYGNSS data provide clear signals of surface saturation and inundation extent over land at higher spatio-temporal resolution than radiometers like SMAP. Using a simple thresholding technique, we are able to estimate that approximately 32,580 km2 of land area in Texas flooded during Hurricane Harvey, and approximately 7210 km2 of land area flooded in Cuba during Hurricane Irma, or about 7% of Cuba’s total area.
The effect of canopy exchange on input of base cations in a subalpine spruce plantation during the growth season
Authors: Tan Siyi , Zhao Hairong , Yang Wanqin , Tan Bo , Ni Xiangyin , Yue Kai , Zhang Yu , Wu Fuzhong
Published: June 2018

Canopy exchange is one of the most important processes involved in the internal transfer of elements in forest ecosystems. However, little information is available on how canopy exchange influences the input of base cations in subalpine forests. Therefore, the concentrations and fluxes of base cations in throughfall and stemflow were investigated from August 2015 to July 2016 (except for the frozen season) in a representative subalpine spruce plantation in the eastern Tibet Plateau. Our results showed that the mean concentrations of K, Ca, Na and Mg were higher in the stemflow than in the throughfall and precipitation. The total input fluxes of K, Ca, Na and Mg in the internal forest were lower than those in the non-forest. Moreover, the results from the canopy budget model indicated that the canopy exchange fluxes of K, Ca and Mg were higher than the dry deposition fluxes, and Ca and Mg were uptaken, whereas K was leached when precipitation passed through the canopy. Therefore, the results suggested that the input of base cations is mainly controlled by canopy exchange during precipitation in subalpine forest ecosystems, and the canopy could alter the sinks and sources of base cations from precipitation.
Detection of genetic cardiac diseases by Ca2+ transient profiles using machine learning methods
Authors: Juhola Martti , Joutsijoki Henry , Penttinen Kirsi , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: June 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have revolutionized cardiovascular research. Abnormalities in Ca2+ transients have been evident in many cardiac disease models. We have shown earlier that, by exploiting computational machine learning methods, normal Ca2+ transients corresponding to healthy CMs can be distinguished from diseased CMs with abnormal transients. Here our aim was to study whether it is possible to separate different genetic cardiac diseases (CPVT, LQT, HCM) on the basis of Ca2+ transients using machine learning methods. Classification accuracies of up to 87% were obtained for these three diseases, indicating that Ca2+ transients are disease-specific. By including healthy controls in the classifications, the best classification accuracy obtained was still high: approximately 79%. In conclusion, we demonstrate as the proof of principle that the computational machine learning methodology appears to be a powerful means to accurately categorize iPSC-CMs and could provide effective methods for diagnostic purposes in the future.
MicroRNA-guided prioritization of genome-wide association signals reveals the importance of microRNA-target gene networks for complex traits in cattle
Authors: Fang Lingzhao , Sørensen Peter , Sahana Goutam , Panitz Frank , Su Guosheng , Zhang Shengli , Yu Ying , Li Bingjie , Ma Li , Liu George , Lund Mogens Sandø , Thomsen Bo
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key modulators of gene expression and so act as putative fine-tuners of complex phenotypes. Here, we hypothesized that causal variants of complex traits are enriched in miRNAs and miRNA-target networks. First, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for seven functional and milk production traits using imputed sequence variants (13~15 million) and >10,000 animals from three dairy cattle breeds, i.e., Holstein (HOL), Nordic red cattle (RDC) and Jersey (JER). Second, we analyzed for enrichments of association signals in miRNAs and their miRNA-target networks. Our results demonstrated that genomic regions harboring miRNA genes were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched with GWAS signals for milk production traits and mastitis, and that enrichments within miRNA-target gene networks were significantly higher than in random gene-sets for the majority of traits. Furthermore, most between-trait and across-breed correlations of enrichments with miRNA-target networks were significantly greater than with random gene-sets, suggesting pleiotropic effects of miRNAs. Intriguingly, genes that were differentially expressed in response to mammary gland infections were significantly enriched in the miRNA-target networks associated with mastitis. All these findings were consistent across three breeds. Collectively, our observations demonstrate the importance of miRNAs and their targets for the expression of complex traits.
Evaluation of heat wave forecasts seamlessly across subseasonal timescales
Authors: Ford Trent W. , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Benson David O.
Published: June 2018

We develop an extreme heat validation approach for medium-range forecast models and apply it to the NCEP coupled forecast model, for which we also attempt to diagnose sources of poor forecast skill. A weighting strategy based on the Poisson function is developed to provide a seamless transition from short-term day-by-day weather forecasts to expanding time means across subseasonal timescales. The skill of heat wave forecasts over the conterminous United States is found to be rather insensitive to the choice of skill metric; however, forecast skill does display spatial patterns that vary depending on whether daily mean, minimum, or maximum temperatures are the basis of the heat wave metric. The NCEP model fails to persist heat waves as readily as is observed. This inconsistency worsens with longer forecast lead times. Land–atmosphere feedbacks appear to be a stronger factor for heat wave maintenance at southern latitudes, but the NCEP model seems to misrepresent those feedbacks, particularly over the Southwest United States, leading to poor skill in that region. The NCEP model also has unrealistically weak coupling over agricultural areas of the northern United States, but this does not seem to degrade model skill there. Overall, we find that the Poisson weighting strategy combined with a variety of deterministic and probabilistic skill metrics provides a versatile framework for validation of dynamical model heat wave forecasts at subseasonal timescales.
Does elevation-dependent warming hold true above 5000 m elevation? Lessons from the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Chen Fei , Lettenmaier Dennis P. , Xu Jianwei , Xiao Linhong , Li Xia
Published: June 2018

Available observations below 5000 m altitude suggest that some mountain regions are undergoing accelerated elevation-dependent warming (EDW) in response to global or regional climate change. We address the question of whether EDW exists above 5000 m altitude, which is the elevation of much of the mountainous portion of the Tibetan Plateau, and headwaters to most of Asia’s major rivers. We analyzed four data sources: in situ observations, gridded observations, ERA-Interim reanalysis, and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model output over the portion of the Tibetan Plateau above 5000 m elevation. We also analyzed the relative contributions of changes in water vapor, diabatic heating, snow, and surface energy changes to EDW in WRF simulations and ERA-Interim. Gridded observations over the Tibetan Plateau show EDW below 5000 m, in apparent consistency with studies elsewhere. However, the gridded observations above 5000 m are essentially entirely extrapolated from lower elevations. Despite differences in details, neither ERA-Interim nor WRF indicate EDW above 5000 m. The WRF simulation produces more realistic temperature profiles at elevations where observations exist, which are also consistent with the simulated profiles of factors contributing to vertical heating. Furthermore, WRF projects no EDW above 5000 m in future climate projections (with CCSM4 boundary conditions) for RCP 4.5 and 8.5 global emission scenarios. Therefore, we conclude that EDW above 5000 m over the Tibetan Plateau is not occurring, nor is it likely to occur in future decades.
Simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone by magnetic nanoparticle filled amino-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Wen-kui , Zhang Hai-xia , Shi Yan-ping
Published: June 2018

We report a novel extractant based MSPE-HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone.
Steroid inhibition of erythrocyte-derived ATP reduces endothelial cell production of nitric oxide in a 3D-printed fluidic model
Authors: Janes Tiffany M. , Spence Dana M.
Published: June 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide.
Magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymeric microspheres using gallic acid as a segment template for excellent recognition of ester catechins
Authors: Wang Bin , Deng Huiyun , Wu Mao , Xiang Shu , Ma Qiang , Shi Shuyun , Xie Lianwu , Guo Yaping
Published: June 2018

The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) with gallic acid as a segment template can simultaneously recognize and separate ester catechins as a whole form tea samples.
Low molecular weight heparin-based reduction-sensitive nanoparticles for antitumor and anti-metastasis of orthotopic breast cancer
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Cao Dinglingge , Liu Yanhong , Wang Hui , Ke Xue , Ci Tianyuan
Published: June 2018

Tumor metastasis has become a major obstacle for the clinical treatment of malignant breast cancer.
C–H oxygenation at tertiary carbon centers using iodine oxidant
Authors: Kiyokawa Kensuke , Ito Ryo , Takemoto Kenta , Minakata Satoshi
Published: June 2018

An oxidation system which employs iodic acid and N-hydroxyphthalimide permitted effective oxygenation of tertiary C–H bonds.
Dual role of ethyl bromodifluoroacetate in the formation of fluorine-containing heteroaromatic compounds
Authors: Ma Xingxing , Mai Shaoyu , Zhou Yao , Cheng Gui-Juan , Song Qiuling
Published: June 2018

An efficient one-pot cascade process via unprecedented quadruple cleavage of BrCF2COOEt with primary amines to afford valuable fluorine-containing heterocycles is described, in which BrCF2COOEt plays a dual role as a C1 synthon and a difluoroalkylating reagent for the first time.
Switching on the proton transport pathway of a lanthanide metal–organic framework by one-pot loading of tetraethylene glycol for high proton conduction
Authors: Wang Xi , Lou Dandan , Lu Xiangcheng , Wu Jianbin , Mu Ying , Yan Yan , Zhang Qian , Bai Ming
Published: June 2018

We enhance the proton conductivity of a lanthanide MOF compared to commercial Nafion by the one-pot loading of tetraethylene glycol.
Substituent effects in pyridyl-functionalized pyrylium salts, pyridines and λ3,σ2-phosphinines: a fundamental and systematic study
Authors: Loibl Antonia , Oschmann Wiebke , Vogler Maria , Pidko Evgeny A. , Weber Manuela , Wiecko Jelena , Müller Christian
Published: June 2018

A series of pyridyl-functionalized O+–, N–, and P– containing heterocycles have been prepared and investigated for substituent effects.
A fluorescent layered oxalato-based canted antiferromagnet
Authors: Benmansour Samia , Cerezo-Navarrete Christian , Canet-Ferrer Josep , Muñoz-Matutano Guillermo , Martínez-Pastor Juan , Gómez-García Carlos J.
Published: June 2018

The first fluorescent oxalato-based canted antiferromagnet maintains the quantum nature of the emitters thanks to the isolation provided by the honeycomb matrix.
A 2D metal–thiacalix[4]arene porous coordination polymer with 1D channels: gas absorption/separation and frequency response
Authors: Geng Dantong , Zhang Min , Hang Xinxin , Xie Wenjie , Qin Yucai , Li Qiang , Bi Yanfeng , Zheng Zhiping
Published: June 2018

A two-dimensional thiacalix[4]arene-supported porous coordination polymer utilizes its inherent channels and ‘ugly faces’ (inter-layer voids) for highly selective absorption and separation of C3/C2 alkanes and/or olefins.
Cyclooctatetraenyl calcium and strontium amido complexes
Authors: Sroor Farid M. , Vendier Laure , Etienne Michel
Published: June 2018

The first examples of Ca and Sr amido complexes built on a cyclooctatetraenyl platform are reported.
Controlled mono-olefination versus diolefination of arenes via C–H activation in water: a key role of catalysts
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Yang Zhongzhen , Ma Qiang , Liu Jinxin , Zheng Yang , Guan Mei , Wu Yong
Published: June 2018

Catalyst-controlled mono- and diolefinations of arenes via C–H activation in water with reaction times of tens of minutes.
A heterogenized cobaltate catalyst on a bis-imidazolium-based covalent triazine framework for hydroesterification of epoxides
Authors: Rajendiran Senkuttuvan , Gunasekar Gunniya Hariyanandam , Yoon Sungho
Published: June 2018

A recyclable heterogeneous [bis-imidazolium-CTF][Co(CO)4] complex that reduces decomposition of cobaltate by intramolecular anion stabilization effects and efficiently converts epoxides into β-hydroxyesters with excellent conversion (selectivity 93%).
Formation of nanocrystalline graphene on germanium
Authors: Yekani Rana , Rusak Evgenia , Riaz Adnan , Felten Alexandre , Breitung Ben , Dehm Simone , Perera Delwin , Rohrer Jochen , Rockstuhl Carsten , Krupke Ralph
Published: June 2018

We study the formation of nanocrystalline graphene on germanium and observe the formation of cavities in germanium, over which nanocrystalline graphene is suspended.
Valley-selective circular dichroism and high carrier mobility of graphene-like BC6N
Authors: Liu Xiaobiao , Ma Xikui , Gao Han , Zhang Xiaoming , Ai Haoqiang , Li Weifeng , Zhao Mingwen
Published: June 2018

Graphene-like borocarbonitride (g-BC6N) has a direct-band gap of 1.833 eV, high carrier mobility comparable to that of black phosphorene and a pair of inequivalent valleys with opposite Berry curvatures in K and K′ points.
Novel antimonene tunneling field-effect transistors using an abrupt transition from semiconductor to metal in monolayer and multilayer antimonene heterostructures
Authors: Chang Jiwon
Published: June 2018

Semiconductor to metal transition observed in antimonene can be used to enhance the on-state current in TFETs.
Tunable assembly of biomimetic peptoids as templates to control nanostructure catalytic activity
Authors: Merrill Nicholas A. , Yan Feng , Jin Haibao , Mu Peng , Chen Chun-Long , Knecht Marc R.
Published: June 2018

Tunable peptoid assembly directs the control over structure and function of Pd nanomaterial catalysts.
Dearomative [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of ammonium ylides followed by 1,4-elimination to form α-(ortho-vinylphenyl)amino acid esters
Authors: Tayama Eiji , Sotome Sho
Published: June 2018

A base-induced dearomative [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement followed by 1,4-elimination produced α-(ortho-vinylphenyl)amino acid esters.
Cd2+ coordination: an efficient structuring switch for polypeptide polymers
Authors: Aujard-Catot Julien , Nguyen Michel , Bijani Christian , Pratviel Geneviève , Bonduelle Colin
Published: June 2018

Stimuli-responsive polypeptides have practical applications in devices and therapeutic delivery. Here we report that coordination to Cd2+ metal species can be used as a robust stimulus to control both, α-helix and β-sheet secondary structuring of polypeptide polymers.
Structure transformation in Ca1−x−δSrδLaxAg1−ySb (0 ≤ δ ≤ 0.7) and related thermoelectric properties
Authors: Guo Jia , Zhu Min , Li Xin , Tao Xu-Tang , Xia Sheng-Qing
Published: June 2018

Interesting structure transformation was observed in the Ca1−x−δSrδLaxAg1−ySb series, which also corresponded to significant improvement in related thermoelectric properties.
Cs1−xRbxSnI3light harvesting semiconductors for perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Marshall Kenneth P. , Tao Shuxia , Walker Marc , Cook Daniel S. , Lloyd-Hughes James , Varagnolo Silvia , Wijesekara Anjana , Walker David , Walton Richard I. , Hatton Ross A.
Published: June 2018

Partial substitution of Cs with Rb in CsSnI3perovskite imparts useful increases in ionisation potential for photovoltaic applications.
Influence of the gate bias stress on the stability of n-type organic field-effect transistors based on dicyanovinylene–dihydroindenofluorene semiconductors
Authors: Bebiche S. , Cisneros-Perez P. A. , Mohammed-Brahim T. , Harnois M. , Rault-Berthelot J. , Poriel C. , Jacques E.
Published: June 2018

The electrical stabilities of n-type Organic Field-Effect Transistors (OFETs) based on dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorene and dihydroindeno[2,1-b]fluorene derivatives have been studied.
Retracted Article: Ligustrazine attenuates renal damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic nephropathy by inactivating MAPK pathways
Authors: Yang Hongling , Wu Shukun
Published: June 2018

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease around the world.
A novel microporous Tb-MOF fluorescent sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid
Authors: Ju Ping , Zhang Ensheng , Jiang Long , Zhang Ze , Hou Xiangyang , Zhang Yuqi , Yang Hua , Wang Jijiang
Published: June 2018

A new three-dimensional reusable Tb-MOF fluorescent sensor for the highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid was reported.
Atrazine exposure improves the proliferation of H22 cellsin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Tian Yong , He Jingchun , Liu Nan , Huang Di , Liu Zhuo , Yang Yanrong , Chen Junyu , Zhao Benzheng , Zhao Shuhua , Liang Bing
Published: June 2018

ATZ exposure promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis.
Insight into the significant roles of microstructures and functional groups on carbonaceous surfaces for acetone adsorption
Authors: Yu Xinning , Liu Shaojun , Lin Guoxin , Zhu Xuecheng , Zhang Shuo , Qu Ruiyang , Zheng Chenghang , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2018

To understand the roles of pore structures and functional groups on acetone adsorption, activated carbons (ACs) with different properties were obtained by surface modification.
Spitzer shaped ZnO nanostructures for enhancement of field electron emission behaviors
Authors: Chikate Parameshwar R. , Bankar Prashant K. , Choudhary Ram J. , Ma Yuan-Ron , Patil Shankar I. , More Mahendra A. , Phase Deodatta M. , Shirage Parasharam M. , Devan Rupesh S.
Published: June 2018

Spitzer shaped ZnO nanowires had a reduced work function providing a significantly smaller barrier for the direct emission of an electron toward the emission site and contributed to a lowest turn-on field of 1.56 V μm−1.
Controlled self-assembly into diverse stimuli-responsive microstructures: from microspheres to branched cylindrical micelles and vesicles
Authors: Zhou Xiaoteng , Li Lingxiao , Qin He , Ning Bo , Li Junpei , Kan Chengyou
Published: June 2018

A series of cross-linked amphiphilic PDMAEMA–SS–PCL were prepared, which could self-assemble into diverse microstructures with reduction and light responsiveness.
A novel light diffuser based on the combined morphology of polymer networks and polymer balls in a polymer dispersed liquid crystals film
Authors: Zhou Le , Ma Haipeng , Han Cheng , Hu Wei , Zhang Shuaifeng , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai
Published: June 2018

A novel light diffuser based on a thermally cured polymer dispersed liquid crystal film was made by thermally curing epoxy monomers with thiols and polyamine in a solution of monomers and liquid crystals between two transparent polyethylene terephthalates.
Understanding effects of precursor solution aging in triple cation lead perovskite
Authors: Boonmongkolras Passarut , Kim Daehan , Alhabshi Esra M. , Gereige Issam , Shin Byungha
Published: June 2018

The solution process is the most widely used method to prepare perovskite absorbers for high performance solar cells due to its ease for fabrication and low capital cost.
Robust colorimetric detection based on the anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles for bromide in rice samples
Authors: Plaisen Siwat , Cheewasedtham Wilairat , Rujiralai Thitima
Published: June 2018

In this work, we developed a AuNP colorimetric sensor for the facile, sensitive and selective detection of bromide ions in rice samples.
A nano-fibrous platform of copolymer patterned surfaces for controlled cell alignment
Authors: Zhang Kai , Arranja Alexandra , Chen Hongyu , Mytnyk Serhii , Wang Yiming , Oldenhof Sander , van Esch Jan H. , Mendes Eduardo
Published: June 2018

A method to transfer-print quenched, ultra-long copolymer cylindrical micelles to a flat surface and the use of these nano-structures to promote spontaneous cell alignment is proposed. Endless possibilities of corona end-group chemical modification provide a new tool to control cell response.
Facile morphology control of 3D porous CeO2 for CO oxidation
Authors: Jiang Xia , Huang Xiaochun , Zeng Wei , Huang Jiale , Zheng Yanmei , Sun Daohua , Li Qingbiao
Published: June 2018

Different morphologies of CeO2 were obtained via a green and facial method, which realized CO complete conversion at 370 °C.
Highly efficient green synthesis and photodynamic therapeutic study of hypericin and its derivatives
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shang Kun , Wu Xiaowen , Song Siyu , Li Zebo , Pei Zhichao , Pei Yuxin
Published: June 2018

A highly efficient synthetic pathway for hypericin as well as its derivatives was achieved under mild and green conditions with high yields.
Probing the single pair rupture force of supramolecular quadruply hydrogen bonding modules by nano-adhesion measurement
Authors: Wang Lulu , Yin Zhaoming , Zhang Yagang , Jiang Yingfang , Zhang Letao , Yasin Akram
Published: June 2018

Quadruply hydrogen bonding interactions under mechanical stress were investigated by measuring adhesion force using PS-DAN, PBMA-DeUG and PBA-UPy as adhesion promoters. Results showed QHB interaction contributed significantly (72%) of overall adhesion.
Creating magnetic ionic liquid-molecularly imprinted polymers for selective extraction of lysozyme
Authors: Xu Wei , Dai Qingzhou , Wang Yuzhi , Hu Xiaojian , Xu Panli , Ni Rui , Meng Jiaojiao
Published: June 2018

A novel magnetic (Fe3O4) surface molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on ionic liquid (IL) (Fe3O4@VTEO@IL-MIPs) was prepared for the selective extraction of lysozyme (Lys).
Germanium quantum dot/nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposite for high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Amollo Tabitha A. , Mola Genene T. , Nyamori Vincent O.
Published: June 2018

Germanium quantum dot/nitrogen-doped graphene, a novel nanocomposite, is successfully synthesized and utilized in the photoactive medium of organic solar cells.
Egress and invasion machinery of malaria: an in-depth look into the structural and functional features of the flap dynamics of plasmepsin IX and X
Authors: Munsamy Geraldene , Ramharack Pritika , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: June 2018

A molecular dynamic study of the infiltrating machinery of malaria, an in-depth look in the flap and loop dynamics of Plm IX and X.
Origin of metastable oligomers and their effects on amyloid fibril self-assembly
Authors: Hasecke Filip , Miti Tatiana , Perez Carlos , Barton Jeremy , Schölzel Daniel , Gremer Lothar , Grüning Clara S. R. , Matthews Garrett , Meisl Georg , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Willbold Dieter , Neudecker Philipp , Heise Henrike , Ullah Ghanim , Hoyer Wolfgang , Muschol Martin
Published: June 2018

Simultaneous analysis of oligomer and fibril assembly kinetics reveals inhibitory effects of metastable oligomers on amyloid fibril formation.
Hydrogen evolution catalysis by molybdenum sulfides (MoSx): are thiomolybdate clusters like [Mo3S13]2− suitable active site models?
Authors: Grutza Marie-Luise , Rajagopal Ashwene , Streb Carsten , Kurz Philipp
Published: June 2018

Recent results concerning molecular molybdenum sulfido clusters as model systems for heterogeneous hydrogen evolution catalysis by molybdenum sulfides are summarized and also compared to the related chemistry of the active site of the enzyme Mo-nitrogenase.
Cargo carrying bacteria at interfaces
Authors: Vaccari Liana , Molaei Mehdi , Leheny Robert L. , Stebe Kathleen J.
Published: June 2018

The displacements of ensembles of colloids at the interface between oil and suspensions of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14ΔpelA indicate enhanced colloid mobilities and apparently diffusive motion driven by interactions with the bacteria.
Density functional theory for charged fluids
Authors: Jiang Jian , Ginzburg Valeriy V. , Wang Zhen-Gang
Published: June 2018

Our improved DFT avoids the unphysical layer-by-layer phase predicted by a previous DFT for a moderately large Bjerrum length.
Relating open-circuit voltage losses to the active layer morphology and contact selectivity in organic solar cells
Authors: Tang Zheng , Wang Jing , Melianas Armantas , Wu Yang , Kroon Renee , Li Weiwei , Ma Wei , Andersson Mats R. , Ma Zaifei , Cai Wanzhu , Tress Wolfgang , Inganäs Olle
Published: June 2018

By manipulating the active-layer morphologies in OSCs, we achieve different open-circuit-voltages without affecting the energy of charge-transfer state.
Dual carbon-protected metal sulfides and their application to sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Zhu Xinxin , Liu Dan , Zheng Dong , Wang Gongwei , Huang Xingkang , Harris Joshua , Qu Deyu , Qu Deyang
Published: June 2018

Metal sulfides are considered as promising anode materials for sodium ion batteries owing to their good redox reversibility and relatively high theoretical capacity.
Competitive adsorption for simultaneous removal of emulsified water and surfactants from mixed surfactant-stabilized emulsions with high flux
Authors: Ye Xiaoxia , Wang Yaping , Ke Le , Cui Yiwen , Luo Wei , Wang Xiaoling , Huang Xin , Shi Bi
Published: June 2018

Simultaneous removal of emulsified water and surfactant from surfactant-stabilized emulsions remains challenging.
Multifunctional smart hydrogels: potential in tissue engineering and cancer therapy
Authors: Li Xian , Su Xiulan
Published: June 2018

Multifunctional smart hydrogels are used for tissue engineering, drug delivery and cancer therapy.
Photoacid generator–polymer interaction on the quantum yield of chemically amplified resists for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Fallica Roberto , Ekinci Yasin
Published: June 2018

The rate of photoacid generation is measured experimentally and it is demonstrated to depend on the interaction between polymer backbone and photoacid generator. The clearing volume per absorbed photon and per generated photoacid is also calculated and discussed in view of lithographic resolution and roughness.
Preparation and properties of side chain liquid crystalline polymers with aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics
Authors: Yuan Yongjie , Li Jindi , He Lifang , Liu Yiwu , Zhang Hailiang
Published: June 2018

A series of polymers with aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics and stable liquid crystalline properties were prepared.
Introducing cyclic alkyl chains into small-molecule acceptors for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Renlong , Liu Gongchu , Xie Ruihao , Wang Zhenfeng , Yang Xiye , An Kang , Zhong Wenkai , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: June 2018

A new acceptor–donor–acceptor type small molecule acceptor, namely IDT-HN, is developed, which consists of a newly developed 2-(3-oxo-2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-ylidene)malononitrile as the peripheral electron-withdrawing group.
A portable all-fiber thermometer based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique in rare earth doped TeO2–WO3–La2O3–Na2O glass
Authors: Tu Yuyuan , Zhao Shilong , He Dongyang , Wu Ting , Zhang Hui , Lei Ruoshan , Huang Lihui , Xu Shiqing
Published: June 2018

A portable all-fiber thermometer based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped TeO2–WO3–La2O3–Na2O (TWLN) glass fiber was designed and its temperature sensing performance was determined.
miRNA-1284, a regulator of HMGB1, inhibits cell proliferation and migration in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lv Shuai , Guan Meng
Published: June 2018

Previous literatures have reported the role of human micro RNA-1284 (hsa-miR-1284, in short miR-1284) in diverse cancers. However, its biological function in osteosarcoma pathogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of miR-1284 in osteosarcoma. Expression of miR-1284 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were examined in 80 tissues obtained from 40 patients. MiR-1284 level was measured in five osteosarcoma cell lines. Relative luciferase activity and HMGB1 expression were examined in MG-63 and U2OS cells transfected with wild-type or mutant 3′-UTR of HMGB1 in the presence of miR-1284 mimics or miR-NC. Cell viability, colony formation, and cell migration were measured in MG-63, U2OS and hFOB 1.19 cells, which were transfected with miR-1284 mimics or miR-NC. In the rescue experiments, recombinant HMGB1 plasmid was transfected into MG-63 and U2OS cells, and cell viability and migration were determined again. Our results indicated that relative level of miR-1284 was lower in tumor tissues compared with its adjacent tissues and it was found suppressed at lower levels in MG-63 and U2OS cell lines. Expression of HMGB1 is significantly elevated in tumor tissues and negatively correlated with miR-1284 expression. MiR-1284 exerted its function by directly binding to 3′-UTR of HMGB1 and regulates expression of HMGB1. The overexpression of miR-1284 inhibited the cell proliferation and migration, and altered the protein expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail), which was reversed by HMGB1 overexpression. In conclusion, miR-1284 can function as a new regulator to inhibit osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration by targeting HMGB1.