bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual role of the Anopheles coluzzii Venus Kinase Receptor in both larval growth and immunity
Authors: Gouignard Nadège , Cherrier Floriane , Brito-Fravallo Emma , Pain Adrien , Zmarlak Natalia Marta , Cailliau Katia , Genève Corinne , Vernick Kenneth D. , Dissous Colette , Mitri Christian
Published: March 2019

Vector-borne diseases and especially malaria are responsible for more than half million deaths annually. The increase of insecticide resistance in wild populations of Anopheles malaria vectors emphasises the need for novel vector control strategies as well as for identifying novel vector targets. Venus kinase receptors (VKRs) constitute a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) family only found in invertebrates. In this study we functionally characterized Anopheles VKR in the Gambiae complex member, Anophelescoluzzii. Results showed that Anopheles VKR can be activated by L-amino acids, with L-arginine as the most potent agonist. VKR was not required for the fecundity of A. coluzzii, in contrast to reports from other insects, but VKR function is required in both Anopheles males and females for development of larval progeny. Anopheles VKR function is also required for protection against infection by Plasmodium parasites, thus identifying a novel linkage between reproduction and immunity in Anopheles. The insect specificity of VKRs as well as the essential function for reproduction and immunity suggest that Anopheles VKR could be a potentially druggable target for novel vector control strategies.
Performance of 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion-estimating equations in relation to measured 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion in hospitalized hypertensive patients
Authors: Jędrusik Piotr , Symonides Bartosz , Gaciong Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

Estimated 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (24 hrUCr) may be useful for converting spot urine analyte/creatinine ratio into estimated 24-hour urinary excretion of the evaluated analyte, and for verifying completeness of 24-hour urinary collections. We compared various published 24 hrUCr-estimating equations against measured 24 hrUCr in hospitalized hypertensive patients. 24 hrUCr was measured in 293 patients and estimated using eight formulas (CKD-EPI, Cockcroft-Gault, Walser, Goldwasser, Rule, Gerber-Mann, Kawasaki, Tanaka). We used the Pearson correlation coefficient, the Bland-Altman method, and the percentage of estimated 24 hrUCr within 15%, 30% (P30), and 50% of measured 24hUCr to compare estimated and measured 24 hrUCr. Differences between the mean bias by eight formulas were evaluated using the Friedman rank sum test. Overall, the best formulas were CKD-EPI (mean bias 0.002 g/d, P30 86%) and Rule (mean bias 0.022 g/d, P30 89%), although both tended to underestimate 24 hrUCr with higher excretion values. The Gerber-Mann formula and the Asian formulas (Tanaka, Kawasaki) were less precise in our study population but superior in an analysis restricted to subjects with highest measured 24 hrUCr per body weight. We found significant differences between 24 hrUCr-estimating equations in hypertensive patients. In addition, formula performance was critically affected by inclusion criteria based on measured 24 hrUCr per body weight.
Dissolution behaviour of radiocaesium-bearing microparticles released from the Fukushima nuclear plant
Authors: Okumura Taiga , Yamaguchi Noriko , Dohi Terumi , Iijima Kazuki , Kogure Toshihiro
Published: March 2019

Radiocaesium-bearing microparticles (CsMPs) composed of silicate glass were released by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011. Since CsMPs contain a high concentration of radiocaesium, their dynamics and fate in the environment are urgent issues to be investigated. Here, we show that CsMPs are dissolved by weathering in the environment and that their radioactivity is more rapidly decreased by dissolution than the physical decay of radiocaesium. We conducted dissolution experiments with CsMPs in pure water that absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere and in artificial seawater at several temperatures. The dissolution progress was monitored by the decrease in the 137Cs radioactivity in CsMPs, and the dissolution rate was estimated. The activation energy for the dissolution of CsMPs was estimated to be 65 and 88 kJ/mol and the dissolution rate at 13 °C (approximate annual mean temperature in Fukushima City) was 0.014 and 0.140 μm/y for pure water and seawater, respectively, assuming that radiocaesium is uniformly distributed in spherical CsMPs. The shapes of the CsMPs dissolved in pure water were considerably altered, suggesting that the dissolution proceeded without maintaining the geometry. Tin oxide and iron oxide nanoparticulates formed on the surfaces. Such features were similar to those observed in CsMPs recently collected in Fukushima Prefecture, indicating that weathering dissolution of CsMPs is also occurring in the environment. For the CsMPs dissolved in seawater, a crust of secondary Mg- and Fe-rich minerals was formed, and the glass matrix inside the crust decreased, creating space between the crust and the glass matrix.
Spatio-temporal variations and factors of a provincial PM2.5 pollution in eastern China during 2013–2017 by geostatistics
Authors: Sun Xue , Luo Xiao-San , Xu Jiangbing , Zhao Zhen , Chen Yan , Wu Lichun , Chen Qi , Zhang Dan
Published: March 2019

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a typical air pollutant and has adverse health effects across the world, especially in the rapidly developing China due to significant air pollution. The PM2.5 pollution varies with time and space, and is dominated by the locations owing to the differences in geographical conditions including topography and meteorology, the land use and the characteristics of urbanization and industrialization, all of which control the pollution formation by influencing the various sources and transport of PM2.5. To characterize these parameters and mechanisms, the 5-year PM2.5 pollution patterns of Jiangsu province in eastern China with high-resolution was investigated. The Kriging interpolation method of geostatistical analysis (GIS) and the HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model were conducted to study the spatial and temporal distribution of air pollution at 110 sites from national air quality monitoring network covering 13 cities. The PM2.5 pollution of the studied region was obvious, although the annual average concentration decreased from previous 72 to recent 50 μg m−3. Evident temporal variations showed high PM2.5 level in winter and low in summer. Spatially, PM2.5 level was higher in northern (inland, heavy industry) than that in eastern (costal, plain) regions. Industrial sources contributed highest to the air pollution. Backward trajectory clustering and potential source contribution factor (PSCF) analysis indicated that the typical monsoon climate played an important role in the aerosol transport. In summer, the air mass in Jiangsu was mainly affected by the updraft from near region, which accounted for about 60% of the total number of trajectories, while in winter, the long-distance transport from the northwest had a significant impact on air pollution.
Microstructure evolution in amorphous Hf-B-Si-C-N high temperature resistant coatings after annealing to 1500 °C in air
Authors: Shen Y. , Jiang J. C. , Zeman P. , Šímová V. , Vlček J. , Meletis E. I.
Published: March 2019

Recently, amorphous Hf-B-Si-C-N coatings found to demonstrate superior high-temperature oxidation resistance. The microstructure evolution of two coatings, Hf7B23Si22C6N40 and Hf6B21Si19C4N47, annealed to 1500 °C in air is investigated to understand their high oxidation resistance. The annealed coatings develop a two-layered structure comprising of the original as-deposited film followed by an oxidized layer. In both films, the oxidized layer possesses the same microstructure with HfO2 nanoparticles dispersed in an amorphous SiOx-based matrix. The bottom layer in the Hf6B21Si19C4N47 coating remains amorphous after annealing while Hf7B23Si22C6N40 recrystallized partially showing a nanocrystalline structure of HfB2 and HfN nanoparticles separated by h-Si3N4 and h-BN boundaries. The HfB2 and HfN nanostructures form a sandwich structure with a HfB2 strip being atomically coherent to HfN skins via (111)-Hf monolayers. In spite of the different bottom layer structure, the oxidized/bottom layer interface of both films was found to exhibit a similar microstructure with a fine distribution of HfO2 nanoparticles surrounded by SiO2 quartz boundaries. The high-temperature oxidation resistance of both films is attributed to the particular evolving microstructure consisting of HfO2 nanoparticles within a dense SiOx-based matrix and quartz SiO2 in front of the oxidized/bottom layer interface acting as a barrier for oxygen and thermal diffusion.
An efficient and reusable nano catalyst for the synthesis of benzoxanthene and chromene derivatives
Authors: Balou Javad , Khalilzadeh Mohammad A. , Zareyee Daryoush
Published: March 2019

Potassium fluoride impregnated on clinoptilolite nanoparticles (KF/CP NPs) was investigated as an efficient solid base catalyst for multicomponent condensation reaction. A broad range of aromatic aldehydes and enolizable compounds were condensed with 2-naphthol or 4-hydroxycumarine. The reaction was carried out under a solvent-free condition to give the corresponding benzoxanthene and pyrano [3,2-c]chromene derivatives in high yields. The low cost and availability of catalyst, novel and green procedure makes this strategy more useful for the preparation of tetrahydrobenzo[a]-xanthene-11-one and pyrano [3,2-c]chromene derivatives.
Profiling the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from acute and chronic infections to cell-wall-targeting immune proteins
Authors: Torrens Gabriel , Barceló Isabel M. , Pérez-Gallego Marcelo , Escobar-Salom Maria , Tur-Gracia Sara , Munar-Bestard Marta , González-Nicolau María del Mar , Cabrera-Venegas Yoandy José , Rigo-Rumbos Estefany Nayarith , Cabot Gabriel , López-Causapé Carla , Rojo-Molinero Estrella , Oliver Antonio , Juan Carlos
Published: March 2019

In the current scenario of high antibiotic resistance, the search for therapeutic options against Pseudomonas aeruginosa must be approached from different perspectives: cell-wall biology as source of bacterial weak points and our immune system as source of weapons. Our recent study suggests that once the permeability barrier has been overcome, the activity of our cell-wall-targeting immune proteins is notably enhanced, more in mutants with impaired peptidoglycan recycling. The present work aims at analyzing the activity of these proteins [lysozyme and Peptidoglycan-Recognition-Proteins (PGLYRPs)], alone or with a permeabilizer (subinhibitory colistin) in clinical strains, along with other features related to the cell-wall. We compared the most relevant and complementary scenarios: acute (bacteremia) and chronic infections [early/late isolates from lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients]. Although a low activity of lysozyme/PGLYRPs per se (except punctual highly susceptible strains) was found, the colistin addition significantly increased their activity regardless of the strains’ colistin resistance levels. Our results show increased susceptibility in late CF isolates, suggesting that CF adaptation renders P. aeruginosa more vulnerable to proteins targeting the cell-wall. Thus, our work suggests that attacking some P. aeruginosa cell-wall biology-related elements to increase the activity of our innate weapons could be a promising therapeutic strategy.
Geometric-Phase Microscopy for Quantitative Phase Imaging of Isotropic, Birefringent and Space-Variant Polarization Samples
Authors: Bouchal Petr , Štrbková Lenka , Dostál Zbyněk , Chmelík Radim , Bouchal Zdeněk
Published: March 2019

We present geometric-phase microscopy allowing a multipurpose quantitative phase imaging in which the ground-truth phase is restored by quantifying the phase retardance. The method uses broadband spatially incoherent light that is polarization sensitively controlled through the geometric (Pancharatnam-Berry) phase. The assessed retardance possibly originates either in dynamic or geometric phase and measurements are customized for quantitative mapping of isotropic and birefringent samples or multi-functional geometric-phase elements. The phase restoration is based on the self-interference of polarization distinguished waves carrying sample information and providing pure reference phase, while passing through an inherently stable common-path setup. The experimental configuration allows an instantaneous (single-shot) phase restoration with guaranteed subnanometer precision and excellent ground-truth accuracy (well below 5 nm). The optical performance is demonstrated in advanced yet routinely feasible noninvasive biophotonic imaging executed in the automated manner and predestined for supervised machine learning. The experiments demonstrate measurement of cell dry mass density, cell classification based on the morphological parameters and visualization of dynamic dry mass changes. The multipurpose use of the method was demonstrated by restoring variations in the dynamic phase originating from the electrically induced birefringence of liquid crystals and by mapping the geometric phase of a space-variant polarization directed lens.
Differential miRNA expression profile and proteome in plasma exosomes from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Teruel-Montoya Raúl , Luengo-Gil Ginés , Vallejo Fernando , Yuste José Enrique , Bohdan Nataliya , García-Barberá Nuria , Espín Salvador , Martínez Constantino , Espín Juan Carlos , Vicente Vicente , Martínez-Martínez Irene
Published: March 2019

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal disease of blood cells caused by the lack of glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol anchored proteins bound to the cell membrane. In consequence, erythrocytes lead to intravascular hemolysis upon complement activation, which promotes high risk of thrombosis, intravascular hemolytic anemia, and bone marrow failure in patients. The mechanisms of thrombosis in PNH are still poorly understood. Treatment with eculizumab reduces intravascular hemolysis and thrombotic risk, but not in all cases. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by cells and whose secretion is closely related to the inflammatory status. They participate in cell communication by activating signaling pathways and transferring genetic material and proteins to host cells. In consequence, exosomes may serve as surrogate biomarkers for the prognosis and/or diagnosis of a disease. Isolation of exosomes was carried out from healthy controls and from three groups of PNH patients, i.e. i) with no eculizumab treatment; ii) under treatment with eculizumab that have not suffered thrombosis; and iii) under treatment with eculizumab but that have suffered thrombosis. The miRNAome and proteome was analyzed using plasma focus miRNAs PCR panel and LC-MS analysis respectively. We found differential expression of miRNAs miR-148b-3p, miR-423-3p, miR29b-3p, miR15b-5p, let-7e-5p, miR126-3p, miR-125b-5p and miR-376c-3p as well as hemoglobin, haptoglobin, protein S and C4-binding protein in healthy controls vs PNH patients. Our results warrant further research and provide new information on the content of exosomes that could play a role in the hypercoagulable state in this disease.
Changes in separate renal function in patients who underwent minimally invasive renal stone surgery according to the preoperative functional deterioration
Authors: Choo Min Soo , Park Juhyun , Cho Min Chul , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon , Cho Sung Yong
Published: March 2019

The significant predictors for the postoperative deterioration of separate renal function after minimally invasive stone surgery were investigated in the present prospective and observational study. A total of 117 consecutive patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery or mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal calculi >10 mm were included in the present study. Perioperative changes in separate renal function were evaluated with Technetium-99m-Diethylene TriaminePenta acetic acid scan prior to intervention and at postoperative 3 months. Based on the functional differences between bilateral renal units, deterioration of separate renal function was graded into the following three groups: normal deterioration (<10%), moderate deterioration (10–20%), and severe deterioration (>20%). A total of 46 patients had a normal separate renal function, while 71 (60.7%) showed abnormal separate function in the involved side, including 29 (24.8%) moderate and 42 (35.9%) severe deterioration. Postoperatively, 48 patients (41.0%) showed aggravation or no recovery of separate renal function. Of the 46 patients with normal separate function, only 9 patients (19.5%) showed postoperative aggravation. Patients with moderate and severe deterioration showed aggravation (n = 7, 24.1%) or no recovery of separate renal function (n = 32, 76.1%, P < 0.001). Preoperative severe deterioration of separate renal function was an independent significant predictor for the postoperative deterioration of renal function (OR: 9.09, 95% CI: 4.007–20.624, P < 0.001). Lower preoperative deterioration of separate renal function showed a high probability of functional recovery. Therefore, it is hypothesized that early intervention might be necessary in cases where the patient exhibits severe aggravation of renal function.
Polarization- and wavelength-agnostic nanophotonic beam splitter
Authors: González-Andrade David , Lafforgue Christian , Durán-Valdeiglesias Elena , Le Roux Xavier , Berciano Mathias , Cassan Eric , Marris-Morini Delphine , Velasco Aitor V. , Cheben Pavel , Vivien Laurent , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: March 2019

High-performance optical beam splitters are of fundamental importance for the development of advanced silicon photonics integrated circuits. However, due to the high refractive index contrast of silicon-on-insulator platforms, state-of-the-art nanophotonic splitters are hampered by trade-offs in bandwidth, polarization dependence and sensitivity to fabrication errors. Here, we present a new strategy that exploits modal engineering in slotted waveguides to overcome these limitations, enabling ultra-broadband polarization-insensitive optical power splitters with relaxed fabrication tolerances. The proposed splitter design relies on a single-mode slot waveguide that is gradually transformed into two strip waveguides by a symmetric taper, yielding equal power splitting. Based on this concept, we experimentally demonstrate −3 ± 0.5 dB polarization-independent transmission for an unprecedented 390 nm bandwidth (1260–1650 nm), even in the presence of waveguide width deviations as large as ±25 nm.
3D shear wave velocity model of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the Tyrrhenian basin and margins
Authors: Manu-Marfo D. , Aoudia A. , Pachhai S. , Kherchouche R.
Published: March 2019

The Tyrrhenian basin serves as a natural laboratory for back-arc basin studies in the Mediterranean region. Yet, little is known about the crust-uppermost mantle structure beneath the basin and its margins. Here, we present a new 3D shear-wave velocity model and Moho topography map for the Tyrrhenian basin and its margins using ambient noise cross-correlations. We apply a self-parameterized Bayesian inversion of Rayleigh group and phase velocity dispersions to estimate the lateral variation of shear velocity and its uncertainty as a function of depth (down to 100 km). Results reveal the presence of a broad low velocity zone between 40 and 80 km depth affecting much of the Tyrrhenian basin’s uppermost mantle structure and its extension mimics the paleogeographic reconstruction of the Calabrian arc in time. We interpret the low-velocity structure as the possible source of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts- and Ocean Island Basalts- type magmatic rocks found in the southern Tyrrhenian basin. At crustal depths, our results support an exhumed mantle basement rather than an oceanic basement below the Vavilov basin. The 3D crust-uppermost mantle structure supports a present-day geodynamics with a predominant Africa-Eurasia convergence.
Metamaterial for elastostatic cloaking under thermal gradients
Authors: Álvarez Hostos Juan C. , Fachinotti Víctor D. , Peralta Ignacio
Published: March 2019

We introduce the optimization-based method for the design of thermo-mechanical metamaterials and, particularly, for the elastostatic cloaking under thermal loads. It consists of solving a large-scale, nonlinear constrained optimization problem, where the objective function is the error in the cloaking task accomplishment. The design variables define the required metamaterial distribution. In this way, the cloaking task is accomplished, if not exactly, optimally. Further, the design variables dictate how to fabricate the metamaterial, avoiding the uncertainty of simultaneously mimicking several thermal and mechanical effective properties, as required by transformation-based metamaterial design methods.
Thermal transport in layer-by-layer assembled polycrystalline graphene films
Authors: Estrada David , Li Zuanyi , Choi Gyung-Min , Dunham Simon N. , Serov Andrey , Lee Jungchul , Meng Yifei , Lian Feifei , Wang Ning C. , Perez Alondra , Haasch Richard T. , Zuo Jian-Min , King William P. , Rogers John A. , Cahill David G. , Pop Eric
Published: March 2019

New technologies are emerging which allow us to manipulate and assemble 2-dimensional (2D) building blocks, such as graphene, into synthetic van der Waals (vdW) solids. Assembly of such vdW solids has enabled novel electronic devices and could lead to control over anisotropic thermal properties through tuning of inter-layer coupling and phonon scattering. Here we report the systematic control of heat flow in graphene-based vdW solids assembled in a layer-by-layer (LBL) fashion. In-plane thermal measurements (between 100 K and 400 K) reveal substrate and grain boundary scattering limit thermal transport in vdW solids composed of one to four transferred layers of graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Such films have room temperature in-plane thermal conductivity of ~400 Wm−1 K−1. Cross-plane thermal conductance approaches 15 MWm−2 K−1 for graphene-based vdW solids composed of seven layers of graphene films grown by CVD, likely limited by rotational mismatch between layers and trapped particulates remnant from graphene transfer processes. Our results provide fundamental insight into the in-plane and cross-plane heat carrying properties of substrate-supported synthetic vdW solids, with important implications for emerging devices made from artificially stacked 2D materials.
Unravelling platinum nanoclusters as active sites to lower the catalyst loading for formaldehyde oxidation
Authors: Sun Xiucheng , Lin Jian , Chen Yang , Wang Yuehan , Li Lin , Miao Shu , Pan Xiaoli , Wang Xiaodong
Published: March 2019

Minimizing the use of precious metal remains a challenge in heterogeneous catalysis, such as platinum-based catalysts for formaldehyde oxidation. Here we report the  catalyst system Pt/TiO2 with low platinum loading of 0.08 wt%, orders of magnitude lower than conventional catalysts. A volcano-like relationship is identified between reaction rates of formaldehyde and platinum sizes in a scale of single-atoms, nanoclusters and nanoparticles, respectively. Various characterization techniques demonstrate that platinum nanoclusters facilitate more activation of O2 and easier adsorption of HCHO as formates. The activated O facilitates the decomposition of formates to CO2 via a lower reaction barrier. Consequently, this size platinum with such low loading realizes complete elimination of formaldehyde at ambient conditions, outperforming single-atoms and nanoparticles. Moreover, the platinum nanoclusters exhibit a good versatility regardless of supporting on “active” FeOx or “inert” Al2O3 for formaldehyde removal. The identification of the most active species has broad implications to design cost-effective metal catalysts with relatively lower loadings.
Three-dimensional time-resolved trajectories from laboratory insect swarms
Authors: Sinhuber Michael , van der Vaart Kasper , Ni Rui , Puckett James G. , Kelley Douglas H. , Ouellette Nicholas T.
Published: March 2019

Aggregations of animals display complex and dynamic behaviour, both at the individual level and on the level of the group as a whole. Often, this behaviour is collective, so that the group exhibits properties that are distinct from those of the individuals. In insect swarms, the motion of individuals is typically convoluted, and swarms display neither net polarization nor correlation. The swarms themselves, however, remain nearly stationary and maintain their cohesion even in noisy natural environments. This behaviour stands in contrast with other forms of collective animal behaviour, such as flocking, schooling, or herding, where the motion of individuals is more coordinated, and thus swarms provide a powerful way to study the underpinnings of collective behaviour as distinct from global order. Here, we provide a data set of three-dimensional, time-resolved trajectories, including positions, velocities, and accelerations, of individual insects in laboratory insect swarms. The data can be used to study the collective as a whole as well as the dynamics and behaviour of individuals within the swarm.
A longitudinal neuroimaging dataset on arithmetic processing in school children
Authors: Suárez-Pellicioni Macarena , Lytle Marisa , Younger Jessica W. , Booth James R.
Published: March 2019

We describe functional and structural data acquired using a 3T scanner in a sample of 132 typically developing children, who were scanned when they were approximately 11 years old (i.e. Time 1). Sixty-three of them were scanned again approximately 2 years later (i.e. Time 2). Children performed four tasks inside the scanner: two arithmetic tasks and two localizer tasks. The arithmetic tasks were a single-digit multiplication and a single-digit subtraction task. The localizer tasks, a written rhyming judgment task and a numerosity judgment task, were used to independently identify verbal and quantity brain areas, respectively. Additionally, we provide data on behavioral performance on the tasks inside the scanner, participants’ scores on standardized tests, including reading and math skill, and a developmental history questionnaire completed by parents. This dataset could be useful to answer questions regarding the neural bases of the development of math in children and its relation to individual differences in skill. The data, entitled “Brain Correlates of Math Development”, are freely available from OpenNeuro (https://openneuro.org).
Point-of-care monitoring of intracellular glutathione and serum triglyceride levels using a versatile personal glucose meter
Authors: Xu Jinqiong , Qiao Xiujuan , Zhang Jingjing , Cheng Ni , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin , Cao Wei , Yue Tianli , Lu Yi
Published: March 2019

Portable, cost-effective and quantitative detection of various targets related to health at home and in the field has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics.
A turn-on near-infrared fluorescent probe for detection of cysteine over glutathione and homocysteine in vivo
Authors: He Qing , Li Ruixi , Yuan Zhenwei , Kassaye Habtamu , Zheng Jinrong , Wei Chen , Wang Fei , Yao Yuxin , Gui Lijuan , Chen Haiyan
Published: March 2019

Cysteine (Cys) has emerged as a significant sensing target in recent years.
Investigation of hydride vapor phase epitaxial growth of AlN on sputtered AlN buffer layers
Authors: Huang Jun , Niu MuTong , Sun MaoSong , Su XuJun , Xu Ke
Published: March 2019

To improve the crystal quality and suppress the cracks of HVPE-AlN films, annealed sputtered AlN templates have been utilized.
Deactivation of Sn-Beta zeolites caused by structural transformation of hydrophobic to hydrophilic micropores during aqueous-phase glucose isomerization
Authors: Cordon Michael J. , Hall Jacklyn N. , Harris James W. , Bates Jason S. , Hwang Son-Jong , Gounder Rajamani
Published: March 2019

Spectroscopic, titration and kinetic methods were used to probe the deactivation of Sn-Beta in water.
Self-assembly of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid: polymorphism of a eumelanin building block on Au(111)
Authors: De Marchi F. , Galeotti G. , Simenas M. , Ji P. , Chi L. , Tornau E. E. , Pezzella A. , MacLeod J. , Ebrahimi M. , Rosei F.
Published: March 2019

Non-covalent interactions allow DHICA to self-assemble into multiple phases that can be transformed by O2 exposure due to catechol oxidation.
Nano-hybrid electrospun non-woven mats made of wool keratin and hydrotalcites as potential bio-active wound dressings
Authors: Giuri Demetra , Barbalinardo Marianna , Sotgiu Giovanna , Zamboni Roberto , Nocchetti Morena , Donnadio Anna , Corticelli Franco , Valle Francesco , Gennari Chiara G. M. , Selmin Francesca , Posati Tamara , Aluigi Annalisa
Published: March 2019

Keratin/hydrotalcites hybrid nanofibers loaded with diclofenac were proposed as a potential drug delivery system and scaffold for cells growth.
Films of filled single-wall carbon nanotubes as a new material for high-performance air-sustainable transparent conductive electrodes operating in a wide spectral range
Authors: Tonkikh A. A. , Tsebro V. I. , Obraztsova E. A. , Rybkovskiy D. V. , Orekhov A. S. , Kondrashov I. I. , Kauppinen E. I. , Chuvilin A. L. , Obraztsova E. D.
Published: March 2019

In this paper we show the advantages of transparent high conductive films based on filled single-wall carbon nanotubes.
Translocation of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures through a solid-state nanopore
Authors: Zhao Xinjia , Ma Ruiping , Hu Ying , Chen Xiaoyu , Dou Ruifen , Liu Ke , Cui Chengjun , Liu Huajie , Li Qian , Pan Dun , Shan Xinyan , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Lu Xinghua
Published: March 2019

Translocation of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) and TDNs bonded to linear DNA molecules through a nanopore was first demonstrated.
Effect of shearing stress on the radial heterogeneity and chromatographic performance of styrene-based polymerised high internal phase emulsions prepared in capillary format
Authors: Desire Christopher T. , Arrua R. Dario , Mansour Fotouh R. , Bon Stefan A. F. , Hilder Emily F.
Published: March 2019

The preparation of polymerised high internal phase emulsions with high shear in narrower capillary dimensions results in significant improvements in the chromatographic performance for the separation of proteins.
Upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles based-sensor array for discrimination of the same variety red grape wines
Authors: Wang Kewei , Li Yanli , Li Haijie , Yin Mingyuan , Liu Huilin , Deng Qiliang , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2019

A fluorescent sensor array composed of upconversion nanomaterials to distinguish the same variety of red grape wines was constructed.
Concise total syntheses of phelligridins A, C, and D
Authors: Ohyoshi Takayuki , Mitsugi Keisuke , Higuma Tatsuya , Ichimura Fumitaka , Yoshida Masahito , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: March 2019

We have established a concise and scalable synthetic pathway for phelligridins A (1), C (2) and D (3) by using Suzuki–Miyamura coupling and aldol-type condensation as key steps.
Microscale flower-like magnesium oxide for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solution
Authors: Zheng Yajun , Cao Liyun , Xing Gaoxuan , Bai Zongquan , Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Zhiping
Published: March 2019

Flower-like MgO microparticles with excellent photocatalytic performance in degradation of various organic dyes were synthesized by a facile precipitation method via the reaction between Mg2+ and CO32− at 70 °C.
Biomimetic hybrid membranes: incorporation of transport proteins/peptides into polymer supports
Authors: Puiggalí-Jou Anna , del Valle Luis J. , Alemán Carlos
Published: March 2019

Molecular sensing, water purification and desalination, drug delivery, and DNA sequencing are some striking applications of biomimetic hybrid membranes.
Triaxial braided piezo fiber energy harvesters for self-powered wearable technologies
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Foroughi Javad , Zheng Tian , Cheng Zhenxiang , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: March 2019

A new strategy of a triaxial architecture based on piezoelectric fibers, silver coated nylon and braiding technology as a wearable energy harvesting generator.
Designing multifunctionalized selenium nanoparticles to reverse oxidative stress-induced spinal cord injury by attenuating ROS overproduction and mitochondria dysfunction
Authors: Rao Siyuan , Lin Yongpeng , Du Yanxin , He Lizhen , Huang Guanning , Chen Bolai , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2019

Herein, novel multifunctionalized selenium nanoparticles have been rationally designed to reverse oxidative stress-induced spinal cord injury by attenuating ROS overproduction and mitochondria dysfunctionviainactivation of p53 and MAPK pathways.
In situ aqueous synthesis of genetically engineered polypeptide-capped Ag2S quantum dots for second near-infrared fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhao Dong-Hui , Yang Xiao-Quan , Hou Xiao-Lin , Xuan Yang , Song Xian-Lin , Zhao Yuan-Di , Chen Wei , Wang Qiong , Liu Bo
Published: March 2019

Polypeptide-engineering capped silver sulfide quantum dots were prepared and used for second near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, and the photothermal therapy of tumors.
Tunable amplified spontaneous emission based on liquid magnetically responsive photonic crystals
Authors: Li Ying , Long Yue , Yang Guoqiang , Tung Chen-Ho , Song Kai
Published: March 2019

The wavelength of amplified spontaneous emission based on liquid magnetically responsive photonic crystals can be tuned by simply changing the magnetic field intensity.
Large magnetoresistance and spin-polarized photocurrent in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3(Co)/quaterthiophene/La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 organic magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Han Xuefei , Mi Wenbo , Wang Xiaocha
Published: March 2019

Large tunneling magnetoresistance, perfect spin injection and fully spin-polarized photocurrent are realized in a LSMO/T4/LSMO organic magnetic tunnel junction.
POSS-based supramolecular amphiphilic zwitterionic complexes for drug delivery
Authors: Fan Linfeng , Wang Xing , Cao Qingchen , Yang Yanyu , Wu Decheng
Published: March 2019

A novel POSS-based supramolecular amphiphilic zwitterionic polymer exhibited excellent stability in both extracellular and intracellular pH environments and well encapsulated the antitumor drug DOX, and has the potential to improve smart drug delivery and enhance antitumor efficacy for biomedical applications.
Hyaluronic acid-based extracellular matrix triggers spontaneous M2-like polarity of monocyte/macrophage
Authors: Kim Hyebin , Cha Junghwa , Jang Minjeong , Kim Pilnam
Published: March 2019

HA-based matrix spontaneously triggers M2-like polarity of human monocytes/macrophages through the CD44-mediated activation of STAT3.
Catalytic enantioselective Hosomi–Sakurai reaction of α-ketoesters promoted by chiral copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Niwa Yutaro , Miyake Mayu , Hayakawa Ichiro , Sakakura Akira
Published: March 2019

The first catalytic enantioselective Hosomi−Sakurai reaction of α-ketoesters.
Aerobic oxidative alkynylation of H-phosphonates and amides: an efficient route for the synthesis of alkynylphosphonates and ynamides using a recyclable Cu–MnO catalyst
Authors: Singh Harshvardhan , Sahoo Tapan , Sen Chiranjit , Galani Sunil M. , Ghosh Subhash Chandra
Published: March 2019

We developed a straightforward, atom-economical and scalable route for the synthesis of alkynylphosphonates and ynamides using a reusable Cu–MnO catalyst.
A versatile and membrane-less electrochemical reactor for the electrolysis of water and brine
Authors: H. Hashemi S. Mohammad , Karnakov Petr , Hadikhani Pooria , Chinello Enrico , Litvinov Sergey , Moser Christophe , Koumoutsakos Petros , Psaltis Demetri
Published: March 2019

Separation of electrolysis products using fluidic inertial forces in a 3D printed flow cell.
Transformation of Ag ions into Ag nanoparticle-loaded AgCl microcubes in the plant root zone
Authors: Guo Huiyuan , Ma Chuanxin , Thistle Lauren , Huynh My , Yu Chenghao , Clasby Daniel , Chefetz Benny , Polubesova Tamara , White Jason C. , He Lili , Xing Baoshan
Published: March 2019

Silver ions can be naturally transformed into silver nanoparticles due to the plant root exudate-mediated photoreduction of silver chloride microcubes.
Unique mesoporous amorphous manganese iron oxide with excellent catalytic performance for benzene abatement under UV-vis-IR and IR irradiation
Authors: Chen Cheng , Li Yuanzhi , Yang Yi , Zhang Qian , Wu Jichun , Xie Xuan , Shi Zhengkang , Zhao Xiujian
Published: March 2019

Mesoporous amorphous manganese iron oxide exhibits excellent catalytic activity with UV-vis-IR and IR irradiation due to light-driven thermocatalysis and novel photoactivation.
Recyclable nickel-catalyzed C–H/O–H dual functionalization of phenols with mandelic acids for the synthesis of 3-aryl benzofuran-2(3H)-ones under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Tang Zhi , Tong Zhou , Xu Zhihui , Au Chak-Tong , Qiu Renhua , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: March 2019

Cooperative catalysis: Green synthesis of 3-aryl benzofuran-2(3H)-ones under solvent-free conditions from phenols and mandelic acids using recyclable Ni(OTf)2as a catalyst.
Synthesis of endolides A and B: naturally occurring N-methylated cyclic tetrapeptides
Authors: Davison Emma K. , Cameron Alan J. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: March 2019

The first syntheses of the bioactive cyclic tetrapeptide natural products, endolides A and B, were accomplished using a solution-phase macrocyclisation reaction; the stereoselectivity of which was found to be reagent-controlled.
Broad-band high-gain room temperature photodetectors using semiconductor–metal nanofloret hybrids with wide plasmonic response
Authors: Ziv Amir , Tzaguy Avra , Sun Zhiyuan , Yochelis Shira , Stratakis Emmanuel , Kenanakis George , Schatz George C. , Lauhon Lincoln J. , Seidman David N. , Paltiel Yossi , Yerushalmi Roie
Published: March 2019

We present an optoelectronic device for broad spectral detection using SiGe nanowires coupled to a plasmonic antenna.
N-Heterocyclic olefins and thioureas as an efficient cooperative catalyst system for ring-opening polymerization of δ-valerolactone
Authors: Zhou Li , Xu Guangqiang , Mahmood Qaiser , Lv Chengdong , Wang Xiaowu , Sun Xitong , Guo Kai , Wang Qinggang
Published: March 2019

An organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of δ-valerolactone has been developed.
Mitochondria-targeting cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes for tumor hypoxic imaging and therapy
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Hongmin , Zeng Leli , Rees Thomas W. , Xiong Kai , Chen Yu , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: March 2019

The organometallic anthraquinone iridium(iii) complexes display an efficient turn-on phosphorescence response to hypoxia. The complexes can induce cell apoptosis in HeLa cells via mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3 activation making them excellent candidates as theranostic agents for hypoxic cancer cells.
Tunable thermal expansion and high hardness of (0.9−x)PbTiO3–xCaTiO3–0.1Bi(Zn2/3Ta1/3)O3ceramics
Authors: Yang Tao , Lin Kun , Wang Na , Liu Zhanning , Wang Yilin , Deng Jinxia , Chen Jun , Kato Kenichi , Xing Xianran
Published: March 2019

Ceramic materials with controllable thermal expansion (positive, zero, and negative) and high hardness have been achieved in perovskites through chemical modifications.
Electrode engineering starting from live biomass: a ‘smart’ way to construct smart pregnant hybrids for sustainable charge storage devices
Authors: Jiang Jian , Liu Siyuan , Liu Yani , Meng Ting , Ma Lai , Zhang Han , Xu Maowen , Zhu Jianhui , Li Chang Ming
Published: March 2019

Electrode engineering beginning from live biomass is confirmed as a ‘smart’ way to construct smart hybrids for sustained charge storage.
An efficient synthesis of new imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-6-carbohydrazide and pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-7-carbohydrazide derivatives via a five-component cascade reaction
Authors: Hosseini Hajar , Bayat Mohammad
Published: March 2019

An easy synthesis of novel and highly substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines using heterocyclic ketene aminals.
Preparation of polyimide films via microwave-assisted thermal imidization
Authors: Zhou Lingren , Li Yuzhen , Wang Ziqi , Zhang Mengying , Wang Xiaodong , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen
Published: March 2019

A series of polyimide films were prepared via a microwave-assisted thermal imidization and conventional thermal imidization method at different temperatures.
Point defect-reduced colloidal SnO2 electron transport layers for stable and almost hysteresis-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ju Yeonkyeong , Park So Yeon , Han Hyun Soo , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: March 2019

The SnO2 colloidal nanoparticles facilitate enhancing thermal stability and reducing hysteresis of the device.
Supramolecular chirality transformation driven by monodentate ligand binding to a coordinatively unsaturated self-assembly based on C3-symmetric ligands
Authors: Imai Yuki , Yuasa Junpei
Published: March 2019

A supramolecular chirality transition driven by monodentate ligand binding, the present strategy shows promise for the rational design of dynamic coordination chirality capable of alternating between chiral objects of different shapes driven by a specific external stimulus.
Self-assembly of polyelectrolyte diblock copolymers at monovalent and multivalent counterions
Authors: Liu Li-Yan , Xia Gang , Feng Zhao-Jie , Hao Qing-Hai , Tan Hong-Ge
Published: March 2019

One and two dimensional macroscopic aggregation of micelles occurs in the presence of multivalent counterions.
Chemically tailored high-χ block copolymers for perpendicular lamellae via thermal annealing
Authors: Yoshimura Yasunari , Chandra Alvin , Nabae Yuta , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: March 2019

A chemically tailored high-χ block copolymer (BCP), polystyrene-block-poly[2-hydroxy-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfanyl)propyl methacrylate] (PS-b-PHFMA), was designed to incorporate tailored surface affinities and chemical incompatibilities for engineering perpendicular lamellae using thermal annealing.
Reversible Zn-driven reduction displacement reaction in aqueous zinc-ion battery
Authors: Shan Lutong , Zhou Jiang , Han Mingming , Fang Guozhao , Cao Xinxin , Wu Xianwen , Liang Shuquan
Published: March 2019

We have observed the unique reduction displacement reaction mechanism in an aqueous ZIB system, on the basis of a Zn/Cu3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O cell. This cell is capable of exhibiting excellent electrochemical properties, including high capacity and long-term cycling stability.
Single metal atoms regulated flexibly by a 2D InSe substrate for CO2 reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhao Chen-Xu , Zhang Guo-Xu , Gao Wang , Jiang Qing
Published: March 2019

The CO2 electroreduction reaction (CRR) is impeded by the low selectivity and high limiting potential of catalysts.
In situ N-doped carbon modified (Co0.5Ni0.5)9S8 solid-solution hollow spheres as high-capacity anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Cao Dongwei , Kang Wenpei , Wang Shuilong , Wang Yuyu , Sun Kaian , Yang Lingzhi , Zhou Xi , Sun Daofeng , Cao Yuliang
Published: March 2019

The in situ N-doped carbon modified (Co0.5Ni0.5)9S8 solid-solution hollow spheres can be explored as high-capacity anodes for sodium-ion batteries.
Co-regulating the surface and bulk structure of Li-rich layered oxides by a phosphor doping strategy for high-energy Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Min-Jun , Yu Fu-Da , Sun Gang , Wang Jian , Zhou Ji-Gang , Gu Da-Ming , Wang Zhen-Bo
Published: March 2019

A novel phosphor doping strategy renders commendable homogeneity in the chemical environment and phase distribution between the surface and bulk of Li-rich materials.
Color-changing smart fibrous materials for naked eye real-time monitoring of wound pH
Authors: Pan Nan , Qin Juanrong , Feng Pingping , Li Zeke , Song Botao
Published: March 2019

A biocompatible fibrous sensor material with pH-responsive color changing property was designed for real-time monitoring of wound pH.
An ideal platform of light-emitting materials from phenothiazine: facile preparation, tunable red/NIR fluorescence, bent geometry-promoted AIE behaviour and selective lipid-droplet (LD) tracking ability
Authors: Gong Junyi , Han Jinliang , Liu Qian , Ren Xiaojie , Wei Peifa , Yang Lei , Zhang Yun , Liu Jing , Dong Yongqiang , Wang Yangang , Song Xiangzhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2019

An AIE platform based on phenothiazine with bright red-NIR emission was facilely synthesized and the mechanism/application was also investigated.
The electrical enhancement and reversible manipulation of near-infrared luminescence in Nd doped ferroelectric nanocomposites for optical switches
Authors: Pan Er , Bai Gongxun , Lei Lei , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing
Published: March 2019

The exceptional enhancement and reversible manipulation of near-infrared luminescence has been developed in Nd doped ferroelectric nanocomposites using electric fields.
Conservation of the structural and functional architecture of encapsulated ferritins in bacteria and archaea
Authors: He Didi , Piergentili Cecilia , Ross Jennifer , Tarrant Emma , Tuck Laura R. , Mackay C. Logan , McIver Zak , Waldron Kevin J. , Clarke David J. , Marles-Wright Jon
Published: March 2019

Ferritins are a large family of intracellular proteins that protect the cell from oxidative stress by catalytically converting Fe(II) into less toxic Fe(III) and storing iron minerals within their core. Encapsulated ferritins (EncFtn) are a sub-family of ferritin-like proteins, which are widely distributed in all bacterial and archaeal phyla. The recently characterized Rhodospirillum rubrum EncFtn displays an unusual structure when compared with classical ferritins, with an open decameric structure that is enzymatically active, but unable to store iron. This EncFtn must be associated with an encapsulin nanocage in order to act as an iron store. Given the wide distribution of the EncFtn family in organisms with diverse environmental niches, a question arises as to whether this unusual structure is conserved across the family. Here, we characterize EncFtn proteins from the halophile Haliangium ochraceum and the thermophile Pyrococcus furiosus, which show the conserved annular pentamer of dimers topology. Key structural differences are apparent between the homologues, particularly in the centre of the ring and the secondary metal-binding site, which is not conserved across the homologues. Solution and native mass spectrometry analyses highlight that the stability of the protein quaternary structure differs between EncFtn proteins from different species. The ferroxidase activity of EncFtn proteins was confirmed, and we show that while the quaternary structure around the ferroxidase centre is distinct from classical ferritins, the ferroxidase activity is still inhibited by Zn(II). Our results highlight the common structural organization and activity of EncFtn proteins, despite diverse host environments and contexts within encapsulins.