bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different bacterial and viral pathogens trigger distinct immune responses in a globally invasive ant
Authors: Lester Philip J. , Buick Kaitlin H. , Baty James W. , Felden Antoine , Haywood John
Published: April 2019

Invasive species populations periodically collapse from high to low abundance, sometimes even to extinction. Pathogens and the burden they place on invader immune systems have been hypothesised as a mechanism for these collapses. We examined the association of the bacterial pathogen (Pseudomonas spp.) and the viral community with immune gene expression in the globally invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile (Mayr)). RNA-seq analysis found evidence for 17 different viruses in Argentine ants from New Zealand, including three bacteriophages with one (Pseudomonas phage PS-1) likely to be attacking the bacterial host. Pathogen loads and prevalence varied immensely. Transcriptomic data showed that immune gene expression was consistent with respect to the viral classification of negative-sense, positive-sense and double-stranded RNA viruses. Genes that were the most strongly associated with the positive-sense RNA viruses such as the Linepithema humile virus 1 (LHUV-1) and the Deformed wing virus (DWV) were peptide recognition proteins assigned to the Toll and Imd pathways. We then used principal components analysis and regression modelling to determine how RT-qPCR derived immune gene expression levels were associated with viral and bacterial loads. Argentine ants mounted a substantial immune response to both Pseudomonas and LHUV-1 infections, involving almost all immune pathways. Other viruses including DWV and the Kashmir bee virus appeared to have much less immunological influence. Different pathogens were associated with varying immunological responses, which we hypothesize to interact with and influence the invasion dynamics of this species.
Preferential Accumulation of Phospholipid-PEG and Cholesterol-PEG Decorated Gold Nanorods into Human Skin Layers and Their Photothermal-Based Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Mahmoud Nouf N. , Alhusban Ala A. , Ali Jamila Isabilla , Al-Bakri Amal G. , Hamed Rania , Khalil Enam A.
Published: April 2019

Herein, a library of gold nanorods (GNR) decorated with polyethylene glycol-thiol (PEG-SH) containing different functionalities were synthesized and characterized by optical absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The colloidal stability of GNR when exposed to skin, and their preferential accumulation into excised human skin layers were investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were utilized to track the penetration of GNR into different skin layers. The results demonstrated that cholesterol-PEG coated GNR were preferentially loaded up in the upper layers of skin (stratum corneum), while phospholipid-PEG coated counterparts were drastically deposited in skin dermis. Neutral methoxy-PEG-coated GNR were distributed in both SC and dermis skin layers, while charged GNR (anionic-carboxylic acid-PEG-GNR and cationic-amine-PEG-GNR) revealed a minimal accumulation into skin. DSPE-PEG-GNR and Chol-PEG-GNR demonstrated antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) at MIC values of 0.011 nM and 0.75 nM, respectively. Photothermal treatment for S. aureus at sub-MIC concentrations resulted in a significant bactericidal effect when using Chol-PEG-GNR but not DSPE-PEG-GNR. Gold-based nanoscale systems have great value as a promising platform for skin diseases therapy.
Origin of optical nonlinearity of photo-responsive liquid crystals revealed by transient grating imaging
Authors: Katayama Kenji , Kato Daiki , Nagasaka Kin-Ichiro , Miyagawa Minako , Sohn Woon Yong , Lee Kuang-Wu
Published: April 2019

A large optical nonlinearity has been observed for the photo-responsive liquid crystals under the condition that the nematic phase is close to the isotropic condition. The direct observation of the photo-response of a liquid crystal by the time-resolved transient grating phase imaging technique revealed that the optical nonlinearity was caused by the transiently generated phase formed inside the photo-induced isotropic region. A shock-like flow was observed for the formation of the transiently generated phase. Based on the theoretical calculation, we propose that a flow generated at the disordered/ordered interface induced the reorientation of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby generating a larger polarization and ultimately causing the optical nonlinearity.
Binocular non-stereoscopic cues can deceive clinical tests of stereopsis
Authors: Chopin Adrien , Chan Samantha Wenyan , Guellai Bahia , Bavelier Daphné , Levi Dennis Michael
Published: April 2019

Stereoscopic vision plays a critical role in visual perception; however, it is difficult to assess. In clinical settings, stereoacuity is assessed with clinical stereotests. Observers can use monocular cues to deceive some of the most common stereotests, such as the Titmus test. The Randot test has been found free of monocular cues, and here we confirm that result by testing observers under monocular viewing. However, there is a common misconception that only monocular cues can be used to deceive stereotests. Here we demonstrate that binocular non-stereoscopic cues can also be used to pass the Randot, by testing participants with the test rotated, a condition that abolishes stereopsis, and comparing the performance to a monocular viewing condition. We also assessed the Random Dot Butterfly test and discovered considerable amounts of non-stereoscopic cues, including binocular cues in the Circles that can be used to deceive the test. Participants with amblyopia had more difficulty using non-stereoscopic cues than neurotypical observers. We gathered normal-viewing Randot stereoacuities for 110 participants (90 neurotypical and 20 with amblyopia) and compared them to psychophysical stereoacuities (our gold standard). The Randot test showed low positive normalized predictive values for detecting stereoblindness. It could perfectly detect stereo-impairment but with a low sensitivity.
Comparative transcriptome profiling of low light tolerant and sensitive rice varieties induced by low light stress at active tillering stage
Authors: Sekhar Sudhanshu , Panda Darshan , Kumar Jitendra , Mohanty Niharika , Biswal Monalisha , Baig Mirza J. , Kumar Awadhesh , Umakanta Ngangkham , Samantaray Sangamitra , Pradhan Sharat K. , Shaw Birendra P. , Swain Padmini , Behera Lambodar
Published: April 2019

Low light intensity is a great limitation for grain yield and quality in rice. However, yield is not significantly reduced in low light tolerant rice varieties. The work therefore planned for comparative transcriptome profiling under low light stress to decipher the genes involved and molecular mechanism of low light tolerance in rice. At active tillering stage, 50% low light exposure for 1 day, 3 days and 5 days were given to Swarnaprabha (low light tolerant) and IR8 (low light sensitive) rice varieties. Illumina (HiSeq) platform was used for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 6,652 and 12,042 genes were differentially expressed due to low light intensity in Swarnaprabha and IR8, respectively as compared to control. CAB, LRP, SBPase, MT15, TF PCL1 and Photosystem I & II complex related gene expressions were mostly increased in Swarnaprabha upon longer duration of low light exposure which was not found in IR8 as compared to control. Their expressions were validated by qRT-PCR. Overall study suggested that the maintenance of grain yield in the tolerant variety under low light might be results of accelerated expression of the genes which enable the plant to keep the photosynthetic processes moving at the same pace even under low light.
Oxytocin Receptor Antagonists, Atosiban and Nolasiban, Inhibit Prostaglandin F2α-induced Contractions and Inflammatory Responses in Human Myometrium
Authors: Kim Sung Hye , Riaposova Lucia , Ahmed Hauwa , Pohl Oliver , Chollet André , Gotteland Jean-Pierre , Hanyaloglu Aylin , Bennett Phillip R. , Terzidou Vasso
Published: April 2019

Oxytocin receptor antagonists (OTR-A) have been developed as tocolytics for the management of preterm labour due to the significant role of oxytocin (OT) in the onset of both term and preterm labour. Similar to OT, prostaglandins (PGs) play key roles in myometrial contractility and cervical ripening. Inhibition of PG synthesis/activity is used to delay preterm birth. Thus, targeting the PG pathway in combination with an OTR-A may be an effective strategy for delaying preterm delivery. In this study, we examined the effects of atosiban and nolasiban on PGF2α-induced contractions and pro-inflammatory responses in human pregnant myometrium. Both OTR-As, atosiban and nolasiban, inhibited PGF2α-induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001 andp < 0.01, respectively). These inhibitory effects involved the suppression of PGF2α-mediated increase in intracellular calcium levels. In addition, the OTR-As significantly suppressed PGF2α-induced activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the subsequent expression of contraction-associated-protein, COX-2. We have demonstrated that atosiban and nolasiban not only inhibit contractions elicited by OT, but also inhibit contractions and inflammation induced by PGF2α. This suggests a possible crosstalk between OTR and PG receptor signalling and highlights the importance of understanding G protein-coupled receptor interactions/crosstalk in the development of future tocolytics.
Gamma tACS over the temporal lobe increases the occurrence of Eureka! moments
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Sprugnoli Giulia , Bricolo Emanuela , Costantini Giulio , Liew Sook-Lei , Musaeus Christian S. , Salvi Carola , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Rossi Alessandro , Rossi Simone
Published: April 2019

The solution to a problem might manifest itself as a burst of unexpected, unpredictable clarity. Such Eureka! events, or Insight moments, are among the most fascinating mysteries of human cognition, whose neurophysiological substrate seems to include a role for oscillatory activity within the α and γ bands in the right parietal and temporal brain regions. We tested this hypothesis on thirty-one healthy participants using transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to externally amplify α (10 Hz) and γ (40 Hz) activity in the right parietal and temporal lobes, respectively. During γ-tACS over the right temporal lobe, we observed an increase in accuracy on a verbal insight task. Furthermore, electroencephalography (EEG) data revealed an increase in γ spectral power over bilateral temporal lobes after stimulation. Additionally, resting-state functional MRI data acquired before the stimulation session suggested a correlation between behavioral response to right temporal lobe tACS and functional connectivity of bilateral temporal lobes, in line with the bilateral increase in γ band revealed by EEG. Overall, results suggest the possibility of enhancing the probability of generating Eureka! moments in humans by means of frequency-specific noninvasive brain stimulation.
Residues 529 to 549 participate in membrane penetration and pore-forming activity of the Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin
Authors: Roderova Jana , Osickova Adriana , Sukova Anna , Mikusova Gabriela , Fiser Radovan , Sebo Peter , Osicka Radim , Masin Jiri
Published: April 2019

The adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA, ACT or AC-Hly) of pathogenic Bordetellae delivers its adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzyme domain into the cytosol of host cells and catalyzes uncontrolled conversion of cellular ATP to cAMP. In parallel, the toxin forms small cation-selective pores that permeabilize target cell membrane and account for the hemolytic activity of CyaA on erythrocytes. The pore-forming domain of CyaA is predicted to consist of five transmembrane α-helices, of which the helices I, III, IV and V have previously been characterized. We examined here the α-helix II that is predicted to form between residues 529 to 549. Substitution of the glycine 531 residue by a proline selectively reduced the hemolytic capacity but did not affect the AC translocating activity of the CyaA-G531P toxin. In contrast, CyaA toxins with alanine 538 or 546 replaced by diverse residues were selectively impaired in the capacity to translocate the AC domain across cell membrane but remained fully hemolytic. Such toxins, however, formed pores in planar asolectin bilayer membranes with a very low frequency and with at least two different conducting states. The helix-breaking substitution of alanine 538 by a proline residue abolished the voltage-activated increase of membrane activity of CyaA in asolectin bilayers. These results reveal that the predicted α-helix comprising the residues 529 to 549 plays a key role in CyaA penetration into the target plasma membrane and pore-forming activity of the toxin.
Changing surface grafting density has an effect on the activity of immobilized xylanase towards natural polysaccharides
Authors: Montanier Cédric Y. , Fanuel Mathieu , Rogniaux Hélène , Ropartz David , Di Guilmi Anne-Marie , Bouchoux Antoine
Published: April 2019

Enzymes are involved in various types of biological processes. In many cases, they are part of multi-component machineries where enzymes are localized in close proximity to each-other. In such situations, it is still not clear whether inter-enzyme spacing actually plays a role or if the colocalization of complementary activities is sufficient to explain the efficiency of the system. Here, we focus on the effect of spatial proximity when identical enzymes are immobilized onto a surface. By using an innovative grafting procedure based on the use of two engineered protein fragments, Jo and In, we produce model systems in which enzymes are immobilized at surface densities that can be controlled precisely. The enzyme used is a xylanase that participates to the hydrolysis of plant cell wall polymers. By using a small chromogenic substrate, we first show that the intrinsic activity of the enzymes is fully preserved upon immobilization and does not depend on surface density. However, when using beechwood xylan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, as substrate, we find that the enzymatic efficiency decreases by 10–60% with the density of grafting. This unexpected result is probably explained through steric hindrance effects at the nanoscale that hinder proper interaction between the enzymes and the polymer. A second effect of enzyme immobilization at high densities is the clear tendency for the system to release preferentially shorter oligosaccharides from beechwood xylan as compared to enzymes in solution.
Surfaceome interrogation using an RNA-seq approach highlights leukemia initiating cell biomarkers in an LMO2 T cell transgenic model
Authors: Pais Helio , Ruggero Katia , Zhang Jing , Al-Assar Osama , Bery Nicolas , Bhuller Ravneet , Weston Victoria , Kearns Pamela R. , Mecucci Cristina , Miller Ami , Rabbitts Terence H.
Published: April 2019

The surfaceome is critical because surface proteins provide a gateway for internal signals and transfer of molecules into cells, and surfaceome differences can influence therapy response. We have used a surfaceome analysis method, based on comparing RNA-seq data between normal and abnormal cells (Surfaceome DataBase Mining or Surfaceome DBM), to identify sets of upregulated cell surface protein mRNAs in an LMO2-mediated T-ALL mouse model and corroborated by protein detection using antibodies. In this model the leukemia initiating cells (LICs) comprise pre-leukaemic, differentiation inhibited thymocytes allowing us to provide a profile of the LIC surfaceome in which GPR56, CD53 and CD59a are co-expressed with CD25. Implementation of cell surface interaction assays demonstrates fluid interaction of surface proteins and CD25 is only internalized when co-localized with other proteins. The Surfaceome DBM approach to analyse cancer cell surfaceomes is a way to find targetable surface biomarkers for clinical conditions where RNA-seq data from normal and abnormal cell are available.
Fabrication and characterization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-embedded cellulose acetate membranes for osmotically driven membrane process
Authors: Kim Teayeop , Choi Moon-ki , Ahn Hyun S. , Rho Junsuk , Jeong Hyung Mo , Kim Kyunghoon
Published: April 2019

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-302 (ZIF-302)-embedded cellulose acetate (CA) membranes for osmotic driven membrane process (ODMPs) were fabricated using the phase inversion method. We investigated the effects of different fractions of ZIF-302 in the CA membrane to understand their influence on ODMPs performance. Osmotic water transport was evaluated using different draw solution concentrations to investigate the effects of ZIF-302 contents on the performance parameters. CA/ZIF-302 membranes showed fouling resistance to sodium alginate by a decreased water flux decline and increased recovery ratio in the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode. Results show that the hydrothermally stable ZIF-302-embedded CA/ZIF-302 composite membrane is expected to be durable in water and alginate-fouling conditions.
Intravenous administration of normal saline may be misinterpreted as a change of end-expiratory lung volume when using electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Sobota Vladimír , Müller Martin , Roubík Karel
Published: April 2019

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that allows real-time monitoring of regional lung ventilation. The aim of the study is to investigate whether fast saline infusion causes changes in lung impedance that could affect the interpretation of EIT data. Eleven pigs were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. A bolus of 500 mL of normal saline was administered rapidly. Two PEEP steps were performed to allow quantification of the effect of normal saline on lung impedance. The mean change of end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) caused by the saline bolus was equivalent to a virtual decrease of end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) by 227 (188–250) mL and decremental PEEP step of 4.40 (3.95–4.59) cmH2O (median and interquartile range). In contrast to the changes of PEEP, the administration of normal saline did not cause any significant differences in measured EELV, regional distribution of lung ventilation determined by EIT or in extravascular lung water and intrathoracic blood volume. In conclusion, EELI can be affected by the changes of EELV as well as by the administration of normal saline. These two phenomena can be distinguished by analysis of regional distribution of lung ventilation.
Neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide causes cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Zhao Jiayi , Bi Wei , Xiao Shu , Lan Xin , Cheng Xiaofeng , Zhang Jiawei , Lu Daxiang , Wei Wei , Wang Yanping , Li Hongmei , Fu Yongmei , Zhu Lihong
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6J mice by using behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. We found that LPS treatment leads to sickness behavior and cognitive impairment in mice as shown in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance test, and these effects were accompanied by microglia activation (labeled by ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1, IBA-1) and neuronal cell loss (labeled by microtubule-associated protein 2, MAP-2) in the hippocampus. The levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum and brain homogenates were reduced by the LPS treatment, while the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) were increased. In addition, LPS promoted the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the brain homogenates. The Western blot analysis showed that the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated in the LPS groups. Furthermore, VIPER, which is a TLR-4-specific inhibitory peptide, prevented the LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. These data suggest that LPS induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation via microglia activation by activating the NF-kB signaling pathway; furthermore, we compared the time points, doses, methods and outcomes of LPS administration between intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injections of LPS in LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment, and these data may provide additional insight for researchers performing neuroinflammation research.
On resin click-chemistry-mediated synthesis of novel enkephalin analogues with potent anti-nociceptive activity
Authors: Stefanucci Azzurra , Lei Wei , Pieretti Stefano , Novellino Ettore , Dimmito Marilisa Pia , Marzoli Francesca , Streicher John M. , Mollica Adriano
Published: April 2019

Here, we report the chemical synthesis of two DPDPE analogues 7a (NOVA1) and 7b (NOVA2). This entailed the solid-phase synthesis of two enkephalin precursor chains followed by a CuI-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, with the aim of improving in vivo analgesic efficacy versus DPDPE. NOVA2 showed good affinity and selectivity for the μ-opioid receptor (KI of 59.2 nM, EC50 of 12.9 nM, EMax of 87.3%), and long lasting anti-nociceptive effects in mice when compared to DPDPE.
Early endosome autoantigen 1 regulates IL-1β release upon caspase-1 activation independently of gasdermin D membrane permeabilization
Authors: Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Compan Vincent , Martín-Sánchez Fátima , Tapia-Abellán Ana , Couillin Isabelle , Pelegrín Pablo
Published: April 2019

Unconventional protein secretion represents an important process of the inflammatory response. The release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β which burst during pyroptosis as a consequence of gasdermin D plasma membrane pore formation, can also occur through other unconventional secretion pathways dependent on caspase-1 activation. However, how caspase-1 mediates cytokine release independently of gasdermin D remains poorly understood. Here we show that following caspase-1 activation by different inflammasomes, caspase-1 cleaves early endosome autoantigen 1 (EEA1) protein at Asp127/132. Caspase-1 activation also results in the release of the endosomal EEA1 protein in a gasdermin D-independent manner. EEA1 knock-down results in adecreased release of caspase-1 and IL-1β, but the pyroptotic release of other inflammasome components and lactate dehydrogenase was not affected. This study shows how caspase-1 control the release of EEA1 and IL-1β in a pyroptotic-independent manner.
Mechanical Twinning is a Correlated Dynamic Process
Authors: Vinogradov A. , Agletdinov E. , Merson D.
Published: April 2019

Plastic deformation and fracture of materials is accompanied by generation of elastic wave transients known as acoustic emissions (AE). A novel complex methodology combining the statistical analysis of distributions of time intervals between the successive AE events, and the unsupervised cluster analysis of the time series is proposed to test for possible correlations between emitting sources and to highlight their intrinsic dynamics. Aiming at revealing the essential temporal features of the twinning and dislocation dynamics, the proposed methodology was applied to the AE signals produced during plastic deformation in a magnesium alloy where both primary deformation modes - dislocation slip and twinning - operate concurrently. It has been undoubtedly demonstrated that the mechanical twinning belongs to a class of non-Poisson processes having a memory of the past in the millisecond range. As opposes to the correlated behaviour of twins, it was shown that the dislocation slip falls into the category of Poisson processes caused by independent sources.
Methodologies in Chemical Syntheses of Carbohydrates
Authors: Leng Wei-Lin , He Jing-Xi , Yao Hui , Liu Xue-Wei
Published: April 2019

In this chapter, methodologies to access diverse carbohydrates by chemical syntheses are discussed. Works covered on this topic range from de novo preparation of desirable monosaccharide substrates to concerns raised in glycosylation as the most important chemical reaction in carbohydrate chemistry, and eventually to showcasing examples of complexed carbohydrates and their derivatives which have been synthesized with additional strategic route design on top of application of the methodologies introduced. Emphasis has been placed on the control of reactivity and stereoselectivity during glycosylation, which set up the basis for the construction of large carbohydrate scaffolds.
Chemical Synthesis of N-Glycans
Authors: Lih Yu-Hsuan , Shivatare Sachin S. , Wu Chung-Yi
Published: April 2019

Glycosylation is an important protein modification in nature that controls many biological processes. More than 50% of human proteins are glycosylated through asparagine residues. However, acquiring those N-glycans from natural sources is often laborious. Chemical synthesis, therefore, is a worthwhile alternative. This chapter summarizes recent advances in chemical synthesis, including strategies toward high-mannose type, hybrid type, complex type, N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)-containing, asymmetric, bisecting and core-fucosylated N-glycans.
Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Oligosaccharides and Chondroitin Sulfate Glycopeptides
Authors: Ramadan Sherif , Yang Weizhun , Huang Xuefei
Published: April 2019

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) belong to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) family, a class of poly-anionic glyco-conjugates widely expressed by animal cells. They play important roles in many biological events. Here, we summarize the main considerations in the design of chemical and enzymatic methodologies to access diverse CS structures with well-defined sulfation patterns. In addition, generation of CS polymers and conjugates are reviewed. Finally, syntheses of CS glycopeptides towards CSPGs are discussed.
Glycan Production by Bacterial Fermentation
Authors: Albermann Christoph
Published: April 2019

Oligosaccharides, in free or in conjugated form, are involved in a wide range of biological processes. To enable the use of such bioactive oligosaccharides for pharmaceutical or food application, efficient ways for their synthesis are needed. The use of chemical and enzymatic synthesis has proved to generate a large variety of natural oligosaccharides and chemical derivatives. However, these procedures are often very laborious and expensive and therefore currently inappropriate for a large-scale synthesis. An alternative approach is the in vivo synthesis of oligosaccharides using recombinant bacterial cells. This chapter gives an overview on the in vivo synthesis of oligosaccharides and will discuss the advantages and challenges of this approach.
Green infrastructure optimization to achieve pre-development conditions of a semiarid urban catchment
Authors: Tavakol-Davani Hessam E. , Tavakol-Davani Hassan , Burian Steven J. , McPherson Brian J. , Barber Michael E.
Published: April 2019

The introduced hydrologically comprehensive green infrastructure design approach exceeds conventional stormwater runoff reduction goals in terms of common environmental benefits.
“Ion sliding” on graphene: a novel concept to boost supercapacitor performance
Authors: Bellani Sebastiano , Martín-García Beatriz , Oropesa-Nuñez Reinier , Romano Valentino , Najafi Leyla , Demirci Cansunur , Prato Mirko , Del Rio Castillo Antonio Esau , Marasco Luigi , Mantero Elisa , D’Angelo Giovanna , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate how single-/few-layer graphene flakes act as friction-free “ion slides” for supercapacitor electrolytes, boosting the electrochemical performance of commercial-like supercapacitors.
A quantum biochemistry approach to investigate checkpoint inhibitor drugs for cancer
Authors: Tavares Ana Beatriz M. L. A. , Lima Neto José X. , Fulco Umberto L. , Albuquerque Eudenilson L.
Published: April 2019

We investigate the coupling profiles of the receptor PD-1 in complex with its natural ligand PDL1 and two inhibitor drugs.
An integrative bioinspired venation network with ultra-contrasting wettability for large-scale strongly self-driven and efficient water collection
Authors: Liu Weijian , Fan Peixun , Cai Mingyong , Luo Xiao , Chen Changhao , Pan Rui , Zhang Hongjun , Zhong Minlin
Published: April 2019

The bioinspired venation network with micro–nanostructures manifests near-unity efficiency in collecting and centralizing condensed water on a large-scale surface.
Ion induced ferromagnetism combined with self-assembly for large area magnetic modulation of thin films
Authors: Krupinski Michal , Bali Rantej , Mitin Dmitriy , Sobieszczyk Pawel , Gregor-Pawlowski Jakub , Zarzycki Arkadiusz , Böttger Roman , Albrecht Manfred , Potzger Kay , Marszałek Marta
Published: April 2019

A highly versatile and scalable path to obtain buried magnetic nanostructures within alloy thin films, while maintaining a flat topography, is described.
A MAPbBr3:poly(ethylene oxide) composite perovskite quantum dot emission layer: enhanced film stability, coverage and device performance
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Lu Yao , Feng Zengqin , Wu Yanan , Liu Ziwei , Xia Pengfei , Qian Jie , Chen Yanfeng , Liu Lihui , Cao Kun , Chen Shufen , Huang Wei
Published: April 2019

MAPbBr3:poly(ethylene oxide) composite perovskite quantum dots as the emission layer of LEDs significantly enhance film coverage, device stability and electroluminescence performances.
Retracted Article: Long noncoding RNA PTPRG-AS1 regulates growth of glioma cells by sponging miR-185-5p
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Li Zhenjiang , He Tao , Yuan Bingjian , Ding Bingqian
Published: April 2019

Previous studies have found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, G, antisense (PTPRG-AS1) was upregulated in glioma cells.
Targeting HER2-positive gastric cancer with a novel 18F-labeled ZHER2:342 probe
Authors: Pan Yunyun , Yang Zhengyang , Xu Yuping , Bai Zhicheng , Pan Donghui , Yang Runlin , Wang Lizhen , Guan Wenxian , Yang Min
Published: April 2019

Tumor targeting of the novel 18F-labeled ZHER2:342 probe in HER2-positive gastric cancer xenograft models.
Regiodivergent hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, [2π + 2π]-cycloaddition and C–H borylation using counterion activated earth-abundant metal catalysis
Authors: Agahi Riaz , Challinor Amy J. , Dunne Joanne , Docherty Jamie H. , Carter Neil B. , Thomas Stephen P.
Published: April 2019

Low oxidation-state iron- and cobalt catalysis has been enabled using tetrafluoroborate activation across 5 reaction classes and seven ligand frameworks using a single catalysis protocol.
Diacetyl as a “traceless” visible light photosensitizer in metal-free cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions
Authors: Huang Chia-Yu , Li Jianbin , Liu Wenbo , Li Chao-Jun
Published: April 2019

Minisci alkylation is of prime importance for its applicability in functionalizing diverse heteroarenes, which are core structures in many bioactive compounds.
Hydroboration without a B–H bond: reactions of the borinium cation [(iPr2N)2B]+ with alkyne, nitrile, ketone and diazomethane
Authors: Major Christopher J. , Bamford Karlee L. , Qu Zheng-Wang , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: April 2019

The borinium cation [(iPr2N)2B]+ (1+) is shown to react with PhCCH, PhCN, Ph2CO, and Ph2CN2 to effect a net hydroboration, affording borenium products of 1,1 and 1,2 hydroboration.
Covalently functionalized carbon nanoparticles with a chiral Mn-Salen: a new nanocatalyst for enantioselective epoxidation of alkenes
Authors: Zammataro Agatino , Gangemi Chiara Maria Antonietta , Pappalardo Andrea , Toscano Rosa Maria , Puglisi Roberta , Nicotra Giuseppe , Fragalà Maria Elena , Tuccitto Nunzio , Sfrazzetto Giuseppe Trusso
Published: April 2019

The first nanocatalyst, obtained via “step-by-step” functionalization of CNPs, for enantioselective epoxidation of non-functionalized alkenes is reported here.
Reconfiguration of π-conjugated superstructures enabled by redox-assisted assembly
Authors: Liu Kaixuan , Mukhopadhyay Arindam , Ashcraft Adam , Liu Chuan , Levy Adam , Blackwelder Patricia , Olivier Jean-Hubert
Published: April 2019

Redox-assisted assembly enforces reconfiguration of π-conjugated superstructures.
Dihalogen-bridged NHC–palladium(i) dimers: synthesis, characterisation and applications in cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Pirkl Nico , Del Grosso Alessandro , Mallick Bert , Doppiu Angelino , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: April 2019

Diiodo-bridged, dinuclear NHC–PdI complexes have been synthesised and utilised as one-component pre-catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura, Buchwald–Hartwig, and Sonogashira reactions.
Polymorphism of 1,3-cyclohexanediols: molecular structure and plastic crystal formation of cyclohexanediol isomers
Authors: Maria Teresa M. R. , Rosado Mário T. S. , Oliveira Melodia F. , Bebiano Suse S. , Castro Ricardo A. E. , Juszyńska-Gałązka Ewa , Ramos Silva Manuela , Canotilho João , Eusébio M. Ermelinda S.
Published: April 2019

Different plastic crystal formation abilities of cyclohexanediol isomers interpreted with Hirshfeld surfaces.
An analytical model for the bending of radial nanowire heterostructures
Authors: Zang Hang , Chen Huadong , Li Xinlei , Zhao Yanping
Published: April 2019

The balance between surface energy and elastic strain energy determines the bending induced by heteroepitaxial growth on the surface of thin nanowires.
The scandium doped boron cluster B27Sc2+: a fruit can-like structure
Authors: Shakerzadeh Ehsan , Van Duong Long , Tahmasebi Elham , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: April 2019

A systematic exploration of the potential energy surface through evolutionary search algorithms was carried out to identify the most stable B27Sc2+structure.
Improved photo-dechlorination at polar photocatalysts K3B6O10X (X = Cl, Br) by halogen atoms-modulated polarization
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhai Yufei , Yu Yang , Su Zhi , Yin Jiao , Wang Chuanyi , Fan Xiaoyun
Published: April 2019

The material with larger distortion ability has better photocatalytic activity during the dechlorination of CPs.
A N,N-dimethylformamide protected rhodium nanocluster with engrossing optical properties and its application
Authors: Maman Manju P. , Gratious Saniya , K Aparna R. , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: April 2019

A new DMF protected rhodium cluster exhibits inhomogeneous broadening due to ground state heterogeneity.
Cu(ii) templated formation of [n]pseudorotaxanes (n = 2, 3, 4) using a tris-amino ether macrocyclic wheel and multidentate axles
Authors: Bej Somnath , Nandi Mandira , Ghosh Tamal Kanti , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: April 2019

The systematic development of mono-, bi- and tri-nuclear [n]pseudorotaxanes (n = 2, 3, 4) via Cu(ii) templation and π–π stacking interactions.
The complex reactivity of β-diketiminato magnesium(i) dimers towards pinacolborane: implications for catalysis
Authors: Jones Dafydd D. L. , Matthews Aidan J. R. , Jones Cameron
Published: April 2019

Reactions of magnesium(i) dimers with pinacolborane are complex, yielding many products (e.g. see picture). The results of this study bring into question mechanisms proposed for the magnesium(i) catalysed hydroboration of unsaturated substrates.
Near-infrared-emissive metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zou Danna , Zhang Jun , Cui Yuanjing , Qian Guodong
Published: April 2019

We describe the recent progress in near-infrared-emissive metal–organic frameworks, and especially highlight their appealing applications in bio-imaging, sensing and barcoding.
Understanding the interaction of gold and silver nanoparticles with natural organic matter using affinity capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Sutton A. T. , Arrua R. D. , Thickett S. C. , Lombi E. , Hilder E. F.
Published: April 2019

Nanoparticles (NPs) undergo a number of changes in environmental systems which are often influenced by their interaction with natural organic matter (NOM).
Extraction of nucleic acids from blood: unveiling the potential of active pneumatic pumping in centrifugal microfluidics for integration and automation of sample preparation processes
Authors: Brassard Daniel , Geissler Matthias , Descarreaux Marianne , Tremblay Dominic , Daoud Jamal , Clime Liviu , Mounier Maxence , Charlebois Denis , Veres Teodor
Published: April 2019

NAs are extracted from blood using a pneumatic centrifugal platform.
A spherical nucleic acid-based two-photon nanoprobe for RNase H activity assay in living cells and tissues
Authors: Wang Ningning , Song Liran , Xing Hang , Zhang Ke , Yang Ronghua , Li Jishan
Published: April 2019

We report here a two-photon nanoprobe for the detection of RNase H activity in living cells andex vivotissues by combining a two-photon dye with a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) featuring a DNA/RNA duplex corona and a gold nanoparticle core.
In situconstruction of hollow carbon spheres with N, Co, and Fe co-doping as electrochemical sensors for simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Shunxing , Yu Huiwu , Zheng Fengying , Lin Luxiu , Chen Jie , Li Yuehai , Lin Ye
Published: April 2019

Control of the active sites/centers plays an important role in the design of novel electrode materials with unusual properties and achievement of sensors with high performance.
All-polymer methylammonium lead iodide perovskite microcavities
Authors: Lova Paola , Giusto Paolo , Di Stasio Francesco , Manfredi Giovanni , Paternò Giuseppe M. , Cortecchia Daniele , Soci Cesare , Comoretto Davide
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate state of the art polymer-perovskite microcavities obtained by protecting the polymer photonic structure from a broad-range perovskite solvent with a perfluorinated layer.
Glucose and H2O2 dual-sensitive nanogels for enhanced glucose-responsive insulin delivery
Authors: Li Chang , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Yong , Huang Fan , Wu Gang , Liu Ying , Zhang Zhanzhan , Ding Yuxun , Lv Juan , Ma Rujiang , An Yingli , Shi Linqi
Published: April 2019

Glucose and H2O2 dual-responsive nanogels were designed for enhanced glucose-responsive insulin delivery.
Overcoming intrinsic defects of the hole transport layer with optimized carbon nanorods for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Zhiqi , Dong Jiajun , Han Wenbin , Ren Guanhua , Liu Chunyu , Cui Houxiao , Shen Liang , Guo Wenbin
Published: April 2019

To overcome the intrinsic chemical-reduction-activity of highly p-doped PEDOT:PSS and improve the open-circuit voltage of planar inverted perovskite solar cells, an oxidized carbon nanorod is developed and incorporated into a PEDOT:PSS hole transport layer.
Charge transfer-induced photoluminescence in ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Yuhui , Choi Ting-Wing , Cheung Sin Hang , Cheng Yuanhang , Xu Xiuwen , Xie Yue-Min , Li Ho-Wa , Li Menglin , Luo Huixia , Zhang Wenjuan , So Shu Kong , Chen Song , Tsang Sai-Wing
Published: April 2019

Charge transfer (CT) states induced by physisorbed N2 on ZnO NPs are non-radiative whereas those induced by chemisorbed O2 are radiative.
Azobenzene-functionalized polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization for high dielectric and energy storage performance
Authors: Zhu Yu , Ma Cuihong , Han Huijin , Sun Ruyi , Liao Xiaojuan , Xie Meiran
Published: April 2019

Block copolymers with push–pull azobenzene pendants and core–shell nanostructures exhibited high and regulated dielectric constants by photoisomerization of azobenzene groups, low dielectric loss, and high energy density.
Highly selective and sensitive probes for the detection of Cr(vi) in aqueous solutions using diglycolic acid-functionalized Au nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yang , Bai Ruixi , Zhao Zhigang , Liao Qiuxia , Chen Peng , Guo Wanghuan , Cai Chunqing , Yang Fan
Published: April 2019

In this study, we proposed a diglycolic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticle (Au NP) probe, which are highly sensitive for the detection of chromium ions based on the application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) theory.
From metal–organic framework to morphology- and size-controlled 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 toward a high surface area and enhanced volatile organic compound oxidation catalyst
Authors: Li Xiutao , Zhao Qichen , Qiao Junyu , Zhang Qingsong , Zhou Xiaomeng
Published: April 2019

Morphology- and size-controlled 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 have always been a research hotspot due to their wide applications.
A novel positively charged composite nanofiltration membrane based on polyethyleneimine with a tunable active layer structure developed via interfacial polymerization
Authors: Jiang Zhibin , Miao Jing , He Yuantao , Tu Kai , Chen Shunquan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Ling , Yang Hao
Published: April 2019

The tunable active layer structure was developed via interfacial polymerization, using polyethyleneimine as the monomer of the aqueous phase, and a mixture of isophthaloyl dichloride and tri-mesoyl chloride as the monomer of the organic phase.
TUG1 knockdown enhances adriamycin cytotoxicity by inhibiting glycolysis in adriamycin-resistant acute myeloid leukemia HL60/ADR cells
Authors: Chen Li , Zhao Hongmian , Wang Chao , Hu Ning
Published: April 2019

Taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported as an oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
A reinforced thermal barrier coat of a Na–tannic acid complex from the view of thermal kinetics
Authors: Nam Sunghyun , Easson Michael W. , Condon Brian D. , Hillyer Matthew B. , Sun Luyi , Xia Zhiyu , Nagarajan Ramaswamy
Published: April 2019

A reinforced thermal barrier coat of a Na–tannic acid complex controls the high flammability of cotton.
Discovery of potential therapeutic targets for non-small cell lung cancer using high-throughput metabolomics analysis based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Hong-dan , Luo Wen , Lin Yuanlong , Zhang Jiawen , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Wei , Huang Shu-ming
Published: April 2019

High-throughput metabolomics can discover potential therapeutic targets for non-small cell lung cancer.
Rational design of quinoxaline-based bipolar host materials for highly efficient red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Feng Zilong , Gao Zhixiang , Qu Wenshan , Yang Tingting , Li Jiangang , Wang Lixiong
Published: April 2019

Two novel bipolar carbazole/diphenylquinoxaline-based host materials 3-(2,3-diphenylquinoxalin-6-yl)-9-phenyl-9H-carbazole (M1) and 3-(4-(2,3-diphenylquinoxalin-6-yl)phenyl)-9-phenyl-9H-carbazole (M2) have been rationally designed and synthesized.
Stability of blueberry anthocyanin, anthocyanidin and pyranoanthocyanidin pigments and their inhibitory effects and mechanisms in human cervical cancer HeLa cells
Authors: Pan Fengguang , Liu Yanjun , Liu Jingbo , Wang Erlei
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis on the stability and anticancer activities of anthocyanin, anthocyanidin and pyranoanthocyanidin pigments derived from blueberries.
Correction: Utilizing FBR to produce olefins from CO reduction using Fe–Mn nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide catalysts and comparing the performance with SBR
Authors: Nasser A. L.-Hassan , EL-Naggar Hamada , El-Bery Haitham , Basha Islam , Abdelmoneim Ahmed
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Utilizing FBR to produce olefins from CO reduction using Fe–Mn nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide catalysts and comparing the performance with SBR’ by AL-Hassan Nasser et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 42415–42423.
Laboratory of the future: a modular flow platform with multiple integrated PAT tools for multistep reactions
Authors: Sagmeister Peter , Williams Jason D. , Hone Christopher A. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: April 2019

The coupling of a modular microreactor platform, real-time inline analysis by IR and NMR, and online UPLC, leads to efficient optimization of a multistep organolithium transformation to a given product without the need for human intervention.
Brønsted acid catalysis – the effect of 3,3′-substituents on the structural space and the stabilization of imine/phosphoric acid complexes
Authors: Melikian Maxime , Gramüller Johannes , Hioe Johnny , Greindl Julian , Gschwind Ruth M.
Published: April 2019

Advanced NMR and theoretical studies reveal detailed insights into monomeric and dimeric structures plus deviating experimental and theoretical E/Z-populations.
Asymmetric micro-ratchets regulated drop dispensing on bamboo mimetic surface
Authors: Li Ning , Li Chuxin , Yu Cunlong , Wang Ting , Gao Can , Dong Zhichao , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2019

Asymmetric micro-ratchet-regulated drop dispensing on a bamboo mimetic surface performs well for controlling the drop emission in open microfluidic devices.
A metal–organic framework converted catalyst that boosts photo-electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Cardenas-Morcoso Drialys , Ifraemov Raya , García-Tecedor Miguel , Liberman Itamar , Gimenez Sixto , Hod Idan
Published: April 2019

We show that a MOF-converted compound can act as highly active co-catalyst in a water splitting photo-electrochemical cell.
N-Doped gel-structures for construction of long cycling Si anodes at high current densities for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Liu Junhao , Wang Zhi , Gong Xuzhong , Qi Meiping , Wang Yong
Published: April 2019

Si-based N-doped gel-structures enable long-term cycling at high current densities for high performance lithium-ion batteriy anodes.
The doping of phosphorus atoms into graphitic carbon nitride for highly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Fang Xiao-Xiang , Ma Liu-Bo , Liang Kuang , Zhao Sheng-Jie , Jiang Yi-Fan , Ling Cong , Zhao Tan , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Xu An-Wu
Published: April 2019

The introduction of phosphorus atoms, as an electron donor, effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity.
In situ formation of Ni3S2–Cu1.8S nanosheets to promote hybrid supercapacitor performance
Authors: Liu Yadong , Liu Guoqiang , Nie Xiong , Pan Anqiang , Liang Shuquan , Zhu Ting
Published: April 2019

Ni3S2–Cu1.8S nanosheets were fabricated by a one-step co-sulfurization with in situ ion exchange, demonstrating potential applications in hybrid supercapacitors.
Unique MOF-derived hierarchical MnO2 nanotubes@NiCo-LDH/CoS2 nanocage materials as high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Huang Feifei , Rong Fang , He Peng , Que Ronghui , Jiang San Ping
Published: April 2019

A new one-dimensional hierarchical hollow MnO2 nanotubes@NiCo-LDH/CoS2 nanocage supercapacitor, MnO2@NiCo-LDH/CoS2, achieves a high specific capacitance and high stability.
Intercalation and delamination behavior of Ti3C2Txand MnO2/Ti3C2Tx/RGO flexible fibers with high volumetric capacitance
Authors: Lu Meng , Zhang Zhiyan , Kang Liping , He Xuexia , Li Qi , Sun Jie , Jiang Ruibin , Xu Hua , Shi Feng , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zong-Huai
Published: April 2019

The intercalation and delamination processes of Ti3C2Txwere systematically investigated. A MnO2/Ti3C2Tx/RGO fiber with the largest volumetric capacitance in neutral electrolyte was firstly prepared by using a wet-spinning method, and the assembled symmetric fiber supercapacitor with superior flexibility and volumetric energy density.
Yolk–shell Nb2O5 microspheres as intercalation pseudocapacitive anode materials for high-energy Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Fu Shida , Yu Qiang , Liu Zhenhui , Hu Ping , Chen Qiang , Feng Shihao , Mai Liqiang , Zhou Liang
Published: April 2019

Porous yolk–shell structured Nb2O5 enables a Nb2O5//activated carbon lithium-ion capacitor to exhibit superior energy density and cycling stability.
Highly efficient self-healable and dual responsive hydrogel-based deformable triboelectric nanogenerators for wearable electronics
Authors: Guan Qingbao , Lin Guanghui , Gong Yuzhu , Wang Jingfeng , Tan Weiyi , Bao Dequan , Liu Yina , You Zhengwei , Sun Xuhui , Wen Zhen , Pan Yue
Published: April 2019

A soft hydrogel based self-healing triboelectric nanogenerator (HS-TENG) is highly deformable, and both mechanically and electrically self-healable upon exposure to water spraying and near-infrared (NIR) light.