bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced EPR directed and Imaging guided Photothermal Therapy using Vitamin E Modified Toco-Photoxil
Authors: Chauhan Deepak S. , Bukhari Amirali B. , Ravichandran Gayathri , Gupta Ramkrishn , George Liya , Poojari Radhika , Ingle Aravind , Rengan Aravind K. , Shanavas Asifkhan , Srivastava Rohit , De Abhijit
Published: November 2018

Herein we report synthesis, characterization and preclinical applications of a novel hybrid nanomaterial Toco-Photoxil developed using vitamin E modified gold coated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoshells incorporating Pgp inhibitor d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a highly inert and disintegrable photothermal therapy (PTT) agent. Toco-Photoxil is highly biocompatible, physiologically stable PTT material with an average diameter of 130 nm that shows good passive accumulation (2.3% ID) in solid tumors when delivered systemically. In comparison to its surface modified counterparts such as IR780-Toco-Photoxil, FA-Toco-Photoxil or FA-IR780-Toco-Photoxil accumulation are merely ~0.3% ID, ~0.025% ID and ~0.005% ID in folate receptor (FR) negative and positive tumor model. Further, Toco-Photoxil variants are prepared by tuning the material absorbance either at 750 nm (narrow) or 915 nm (broad) to study optimal therapeutic efficacy in terms of peak broadness and nanomaterial’s concentration. Our findings suggest that Toco-Photoxil tuned at 750 nm absorbance is more efficient (P = 0.0097) in preclinical setting. Toco-Photoxil shows complete passiveness in critical biocompatibility test and reasonable body clearance. High tumor specific accumulation from systemic circulation, strong photothermal conversion and a very safe material property in body physiology makes Toco-Photoxil a superior and powerful PTT agent, which may pave its way for fast track clinical trial in future.
Acute alcohol administration dampens central extended amygdala reactivity
Authors: Hur Juyoen , Kaplan Claire M. , Smith Jason F. , Bradford Daniel E. , Fox Andrew S. , Curtin John J. , Shackman Alexander J.
Published: November 2018

Alcohol use is common, imposes a staggering burden on public health, and often resists treatment. The central extended amygdala (EAc)—including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce)—plays a key role in prominent neuroscientific models of alcohol drinking, but the relevance of these regions to acute alcohol consumption in humans remains poorly understood. Using a single-blind, randomized-groups design, multiband fMRI data were acquired from 49 social drinkers while they performed a well-established emotional faces paradigm after consuming either alcohol or placebo. Relative to placebo, alcohol significantly dampened reactivity to emotional faces in the BST. To rigorously assess potential regional differences in activation, data were extracted from unbiased, anatomically predefined regions of interest. Analyses revealed similar levels of dampening in the BST and Ce. In short, alcohol transiently reduces reactivity to emotional faces and it does so similarly across the two major divisions of the human EAc. These observations reinforce the translational relevance of addiction models derived from preclinical work in rodents and provide new insights into the neural systems most relevant to the consumption of alcohol and to the initial development of alcohol abuse in humans.
Audit of stored strain energy and extent of future earthquake rupture in central Himalaya
Authors: Sreejith K. M. , Sunil P. S. , Agrawal Ritesh , Saji Ajish P. , Rajawat A. S. , Ramesh D. S.
Published: November 2018

The deadly 25 April 2015 Gorkha earthquake (Mw = 7.8) and aftershocks have partially released the accumulated interseismic strain along the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). Postseismic deformation associated with this earthquake is mainly confined to the north of the rupture. This suggests possible occurrence of future large events towards west or south, where MHT is locked. Asperities arising due to heterogeneity in the stress-strain patterns are believed to play a major role in controlling the coseismic rupture propagation. We determine interseismic coupling along the MHT and spatial variations in total strain rate using two decades of GPS, InSAR and sprit leveling data. Further, b-values derived from the seismicity data are used to identify zones of stress accumulation. We demonstrate that the 2015 earthquake ruptured an asperity which hosted high strain and stress accumulation prior to the event. A similar asperity towards west of the epicenter with unreleased strain energy is identified. This could spawn a future large earthquake akin in magnitude to the 2015 Gorkha event. These findings compel a revisit of the seismic hazard assessment of the central Himalaya.
Unprecedented rains decimate surface microbial communities in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Azua-Bustos A. , Fairén A. G. , González-Silva C. , Ascaso C. , Carrizo D. , Fernández-Martínez M. Á. , Fernández-Sampedro M. , García-Descalzo L. , García-Villadangos M. , Martin-Redondo M. P. , Sánchez-García L. , Wierzchos J. , Parro V.
Published: November 2018

The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert, the driest and oldest desert on Earth, has experienced a number of highly unusual rain events over the past three years, resulting in the formation of previously unrecorded hypersaline lagoons, which have lasted several months. We have systematically analyzed the evolution of the lagoons to provide quantitative field constraints of large-scale impacts of the rains on the local microbial communities. Here we show that the sudden and massive input of water in regions that have remained hyperarid for millions of years is harmful for most of the surface soil microbial species, which are exquisitely adapted to survive with meager amounts of liquid water, and quickly perish from osmotic shock when water becomes suddenly abundant. We found that only a handful of bacteria, remarkably a newly identified species of Halomonas, remain metabolically active and are still able to reproduce in the lagoons, while no archaea or eukaryotes were identified. Our results show that the already low microbial biodiversity of extreme arid regions greatly diminishes when water is supplied quickly and in great volumes. We conclude placing our findings in the context of the astrobiological exploration of Mars, a hyperarid planet that experienced catastrophic floodings in ancient times.
A Lateral Flow Immunochromato-graphic Strip Test for Rapid Detection of Oseltamivir Phosphate in Egg and Chicken Meat
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Yang Jifei , Wang Yinbiao , Li Lili , Sun Zhongke , Yue Zonghao , Tian Fengshou , He Le , Hu Xiaofei
Published: November 2018

A lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test (LFIST) based on a competitive format was developed for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of oseltamivir phosphate (OP) residues in poultry product. The sensitivity (half inhibitory concentration, IC50) of the LFIST in the detection of egg and chicken meat samples was confirmed to be 2.56 and 2.63 µg/kg, and the limit detection (LOD) value were 0.43 and 0.42 µg/kg, respectively. For intra-assay and inter-assay reproducibility, recoveries of OP spiked samples ranged between 82.8% and 91.2% with coefficients of variations (CV) less than 5.67% (intra-assay) and 6.52% (inter-assay). The performance of LFIST was comparable to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a parallel testing of egg samples and chicken samples. LFIST takes less than 5 minutes, eliminates the dependency on professional personnel, and thus can be used as a surveillance tool for on-site detection of OP residues.
Modulation of salivary cytokines in response to alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption: a pilot study
Authors: Sheth Chirag C. , López-Pedrajas Rosa M. , Jovani-Sancho Maria del Mar , González-Martínez Raquel , Veses Veronica
Published: November 2018

It has been shown that long-term stimulant consumption alters the biological and microbiological status of the oral cavity. We present a pilot study describing stimulant-specific oral immunomodulation in the oral cavity. Changes in salivary cytokine levels in response to long-term alcohol, tobacco and caffeine were identified. Volunteers were recruited from amongst the patients visiting University Dental Clinic of CEU Cardenal Herrera University (Alfara del Patriarca, Spain). Participants were grouped according to their self-reported levels of consumption of either caffeine, alcohol or tobacco (control group volunteers were non-consumers of all three). Informed consent was provided and stimulated saliva samples were obtained and assayed for interleukin-1α IL-1α), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) and Interferon γ IFN-γ). Long-term, high-level consumers of alcohol or tobacco exhibited elevated salivary concentrations of the three inflammatory cytokines with respect to control values. Specifically, IL-1α was found to be elevated in alcohol users whilst IFN-γ concentration higher in tobacco users versus controls. Long-term caffeine consumers displayed elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, whereas IL-1α levels were reduced with respect to control volunteers. This pilot study demonstrates that salivary cytokines can be modulated in response to quantity and duration of alcohol, caffeine or tobacco consumption.
Investigation of the Roles of Plasma Species Generated by Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Pai Kedar , Timmons Chris , Roehm Kevin D. , Ngo Alvin , Narayanan Sai Sankara , Ramachandran Akhilesh , Jacob Jamey D. , Ma Li Maria , Madihally Sundararajan V.
Published: November 2018

As an emerging sterilization technology, cold atmospheric plasma offers a dry, non-thermal, rapid process that is minimally damaging to a majority of substrates. However, the mechanisms by which plasma interacts with living cells are poorly understood and the plasma generation apparatuses are complex and resource-intensive. In this study, the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and charged particles (ions) produced by surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma on prokaryotic (Listeria monocytogenes (Gram-positive)) and eukaryotic (human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)) cellular function were evaluated. HUVEC and bacterial oxidative stress responses, the accumulation of nitrite in aqueous media, air ion density, and bacterial inactivation at various distances from SDBD actuators were measured. SDBD actuator designs were also varied in terms of electrode number and length to evaluate the cellular effects of plasma volume and power distribution. NO and ions were found to contribute minimally to the observed cellular effects, whereas ROS were found to cause rapid bacterial inactivation, induce eukaryotic and prokaryotic oxidative stress, and result in rapid oxidation of bovine muscle tissue. The results of this study underscore the dominance of ROS as the major plasma generated species responsible for cellular effects, with ions and RNS having a secondary, complimentary role.
Adult Antarctic krill proves resilient in a simulated high CO2 ocean
Authors: Ericson Jessica. A. , Hellessey Nicole , Kawaguchi So , Nicol Stephen , Nichols Peter D. , Hoem Nils , Virtue Patti
Published: November 2018

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) have a keystone role in the Southern Ocean, as the primary prey of Antarctic predators. Decreases in krill abundance could result in a major ecological regime shift, but there is limited information on how climate change may affect krill. Increasing anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are causing ocean acidification, as absorption of atmospheric CO2 in seawater alters ocean chemistry. Ocean acidification increases mortality and negatively affects physiological functioning in some marine invertebrates, and is predicted to occur most rapidly at high latitudes. Here we show that, in the laboratory, adult krill are able to survive, grow, store fat, mature, and maintain respiration rates when exposed to near-future ocean acidification (1000–2000 μatm pCO2) for one year. Despite differences in seawater pCO2 incubation conditions, adult krill are able to actively maintain the acid-base balance of their body fluids in near-future pCO2, which enhances their resilience to ocean acidification.
Biomineralization of calcium phosphate revealed by in situ liquid-phase electron microscopy
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Yang Jie , Andrei Carmen M. , Soleymani Leyla , Grandfield Kathryn
Published: November 2018

Calcium phosphate biomineralization is essential to the formation of bones and teeth, and other pathological calcifications. Unravelling the mechanism of calcium phosphate nucleation and growth contributes significantly to understanding diseases caused by pathological mineralization, and also to designing biomimetic materials with suitable properties. Recently, calcium phosphate was proposed to mineralize following a non-classical crystal growth pathway of pre-nucleation cluster aggregation. Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy allows dynamic processes to be recorded continuously inside liquid. Here we present direct evidence, based on continuous monitoring in liquid, to confirm that calcium phosphate mineralization from simulated body fluid occurs by particle attachment, shown with nanoscale spatial resolution and sufficient temporal resolution. This work may lay the foundation for future investigation of mineralization in other relevant biological systems in humans and vertebrates.
Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Sarcophaga peregrina, a forensically important fly species
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Lim Hye Young , Shin Sang Eon , Cha Hyo Kyeong , Seo Jeong-Han , Kim Suel-Kee , Park Seong Hwan , Son Gi Hoon
Published: November 2018

Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly) is a frequently found fly species in Palaearctic, Oriental, and Australasian regions that can be used to estimate minimal postmortem intervals important for forensic investigations. Despite its forensic importance, the genome information of S. peregrina has not been fully described. Therefore, we generated a comprehensive gene expression dataset using RNA sequencing and carried out de novo assembly to characterize the S. peregrina transcriptome. We obtained precise sequence information for RNA transcripts using two different methods. Based on primary sequence information, we identified sets of assembled unigenes and predicted coding sequences. Functional annotation of the aligned unigenes was performed using the UniProt, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. As a result, 26,580,352 and 83,221 raw reads were obtained using the Illumina MiSeq and Pacbio RS II Iso-Seq sequencing applications, respectively. From these reads, 55,730 contigs were successfully annotated. The present study provides the resulting genome information of S. peregrina, which is valuable for forensic applications.
Complete genome sequencing of Comamonas kerstersii 8943, a causative agent for peritonitis
Authors: Jiang Xiawei , Liu Wenhong , Zheng Beiwen
Published: November 2018

Because of poor differentiation among the members of genus Comamonas using phenotypic methods, human infections caused by C. kerstersii are sporadically reported in the literature. Here, we represent the first complete genome sequence of C. kerstersii 8943, which caused peritonitis in a patient with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The complete genome with no gaps was obtained using third-generation Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII sequencing system with single-molecule real-time (SMRT) analysis. Protein-coding genes, rRNAs and tRNAs were predicted. Functional annotations of the genome using different databases revealed several genes related to pathogenicity including antibiotic resistance genes and prophages. Our work demonstrates that whole genome sequencing can enhance the resolution of clinical investigations and our data can be used as a reference genome during the rapid diagnosis of C. kerstersii infections in the future.
De novo assembly and annotation of three Leptosphaeria genomes using Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing
Authors: Dutreux Fabien , Da Silva Corinne , d’Agata Léo , Couloux Arnaud , Gay Elise J. , Istace Benjamin , Lapalu Nicolas , Lemainque Arnaud , Linglin Juliette , Noel Benjamin , Wincker Patrick , Cruaud Corinne , Rouxel Thierry , Balesdent Marie-Hélène , Aury Jean-Marc
Published: November 2018

Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa are ascomycete phytopathogens of Brassica napus (oilseed rape, canola). Here we report the complete sequence of three Leptosphaeria genomes (L. maculans JN3, L. maculans Nz-T4 and L. biglobosa G12-14). Nz-T4 and G12-14 genome assemblies were generated de novo and the reference JN3 genome assembly was improved using Oxford Nanopore MinION reads. The new assembly of L. biglobosa showed the existence of AT rich regions and pointed to a genome compartmentalization previously unsuspected following Illumina sequencing. Moreover nanopore sequencing allowed us to generate a chromosome-level assembly for the L. maculans reference isolate, JN3. The genome annotation was supported by integrating conserved proteins and RNA sequencing from Leptosphaeria-infected samples. The newly produced high-quality assemblies and annotations of those three Leptosphaeria genomes will allow further studies, notably focused on the tripartite interaction between L. maculans, L. biglobosa and oilseed rape. The discovery of as yet unknown effectors will notably allow progress in B. napus breeding towards L. maculans resistance.
Different binding sites of serum albumins in the protein corona of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Szekeres Gergo Peter , Kneipp Janina
Published: November 2018

Binding sites of albumins on gold nanoparticles were characterized by surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
A novel chemiluminescence signal amplification strategy based on a capillary electrophoresis platform for highly sensitive competitive immunoassay of biomolecules
Authors: Shi Min , Zhao Jingjin , Li Shuting , Tian Jianniao , Zhao Shulin
Published: November 2018

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) signal amplification strategy based on luminophore and antigen co-loaded gold nanoparticles was developed to improve the sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis CL assay.
Bioinspired reinforcement of cyclosiloxane hybrid polymer
Authors: Song Yujie , Tang Xiuzhi , Liang Yen Nan , Lee Heng Yeong , Liu Ming , Zhang Liying , Bi Shuguang , Mu Chenzhong , Hu Xiao
Published: November 2018

Structural analysis showed that cyclosiloxane hybrid polymer (CHP) is a collection of nano-sized nacre-like structures arranged in random orientations and CHP can be reinforced through a bio-inspired method.
Nitrostyrenes as 1,4-CCNO-dipoles: diastereoselective formal [4+1] cycloaddition of indoles
Authors: Aksenov Alexander V. , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Aksenov Dmitrii A. , Khamraev Vladislav F. , Rubin Michael
Published: November 2018

An unusual reactivity of nitrostyrenes in phosphorous acid was discovered, which permits the employment of these readily available synthons as 1,4-CCNO-dipole surrogates in a highly diastereoselective (4+1)-cycloaddition of indoles to afford 4′H-spiro[indole-3,5′-isoxazoles] in a diastereomerically pure form.
Helicity adaptation within a quadruply stranded helicate by encapsulation
Authors: Lin Qi , Gao Lei , Kauffmann Brice , Zhang Jiajia , Ma Chunmiao , Luo Dan , Gan Quan
Published: November 2018

The helical chirality can be tuned by both the size and number of anion guests.
Copper(ii) serves as an efficient additive for metal-directed self-assembly of over 20 thiacyclophanes
Authors: Phan Ngoc-Minh , Zakharov Lev N. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: November 2018

Cu2+ salts are presented as an alternative to previously reported pnictogen additives in the self-assembly of 23 different thiacyclophanes.
Ultrasensitive SERS detection of highly homologous miRNAs by generating 3D organic-nanoclusters and a functionalized chip with locked nucleic acid probes
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Sun Zhaomei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Shusheng
Published: November 2018

Herein, a new finding is reported that 3D organic-nanoclusters (3DONs) with superior SERS properties as an original reporter could accurately and sensitively distinguish microRNAs (miRNAs) with highly similar sequences, even with a single-nucleotide difference.
A novel and cost effective CZTS hole transport material applied in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Patel Siddhant B. , Patel Amar H. , Gohel Jignasa V.
Published: November 2018

CZTS nano-particles are synthesized under ambient condition and applied as low-cost and sustainable inorganic HTM in Perovskite solar cells.
Optimized oriented seed growth and optical properties of high-quality LiInSe2 crystals
Authors: Jia Ning , Xiong Xixi , Wang Shanpeng , Yu TongTong , Han Bing , Qiao Jie , Li Chenning , Tao Xutang
Published: November 2018

Optimized oriented seed growth and optical properties of high-quality LISe, which is significant for the exploration of other MIR crystals.
Host–guest complexes of cucurbit[6]uril with phenethylamine-type stimulants
Authors: Danylyuk Oksana
Published: November 2018

The macrocyclic host cucurbit[6]uril forms either partial inclusion or perching complexes with phenethylamine drugs ephedrine, synephrine and octopamine.
Evaluating rotation diffusion properties of molecules from short trajectories
Authors: Polimeno Antonino , Zerbetto Mirco
Published: November 2018

An efficient approach is reported to estimate the rotational diffusion tensor of molecules from the global angular momentum autocorrelation functions obtained from short molecular dynamics trajectories.
Quantum-classical dynamics of the capture of neon atoms by superfluid helium nanodroplets
Authors: Blancafort-Jorquera Miquel , Vilà Arnau , González Miguel
Published: November 2018

The capture dynamics of Ne by a HeND was studied theoretically in a detailed manner (energy and angular momentum transfer and vortex formation).
‘Nano on micro’ hierarchical porous all carbon structures: an insight into interfacial interactions with bacteria
Authors: Janghela Shriram , Neeraj Nagendra Singh , Agarwal Neha , Agarwal Kavita , Roy Debmalya , Mukhopadhyay Kingsuk , Prasad Namburi Eswara
Published: November 2018

The tight grasp of biomolecules on synthesized porous carbon beads, with topologically controlled hairy surfaces under different physical parameters, is shown.
Remarkable negative differential resistance and perfect spin-filtering effects of the indium triphosphide (InP3) monolayer tuned by electric and optical ways
Authors: Zhang Shenghui , Xie Yiqun , Hu Yibin , Niu Xiaobin , Wang Yin
Published: November 2018

Fully spin-polarized current and negative differential resistance (NDR) are two important electronic transport properties for spintronic nanodevices based on two-dimensional materials.
Why does 4-biphenyl carbonyl azide have ultra-short lived excited states? An ultrafast UV-vis spectroscopic and computational study
Authors: Peng Huo-Lei
Published: November 2018

A new model is presented for ultrashort-lived excited states of carbonyl azides, their solvent dependence and other experimental observations.
The hitchhiker's guide to quantitative diffusion measurements
Authors: Struntz Philipp , Weiss Matthias
Published: November 2018

Quantitative comparison of three widely used techniques for diffusion measurements, implemented on a light sheet microscope.
Spin state engineered ZnxCo3−xO4 as an efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Ramsundar Rani Mohan , Pillai Vijayamohanan Kunjukrishna , Joy Pattayil Alias
Published: November 2018

The electrocatalytic activity of ZnxCo3−xO4 for the oxygen evolution reaction is correlated with the population of high-spin Co3+ and the Co3+/Co2+ ratio.
Organic and hybrid resistive switching materials and devices
Authors: Gao Shuang , Yi Xiaohui , Shang Jie , Liu Gang , Li Run-Wei
Published: November 2018

This review presents a timely and comprehensive summary of organic and hybrid materials for nonvolatile resistive switching memory applications in the “More than Moore” era, with particular attention on their designing principles for electronic property tuning and flexible memory performance.
Cu(i) coordination polymers (CPs) as tandem catalysts for three-component sequential click/alkynylation cycloaddition reaction with regiocontrol
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing , Huang Chao , Yang Haiyan , Shao Zhichao , Gao Kuan , Qin Na , Li Gaoxiang , Wu Jie , Hou Hongwei
Published: November 2018

Two synthesized Cu(i)-based CPs could catalyze the three-component sequential click/alkynylation cycloaddition reaction with high regioselectivity.
Facet-dependent generation of superoxide radical anions by ZnO nanomaterials under simulated solar light
Authors: Wang Qianwu , Zhou Huaxi , Liu Xinlei , Li Tong , Jiang Chuanjia , Song Weihua , Chen Wei
Published: November 2018

The capability of ZnO nanomaterials to generate reactive oxygen species under solar light, which is critical for their photocatalytic applications and may affect their environmental implications, can be substantially influenced by exposed facets.
Highly porous Ce–W–TiO2 free-standing electrospun catalytic membranes for efficient de-NOxvia ammonia selective catalytic reduction
Authors: Dankeaw Apiwat , Gualandris Fabrizio , Silva Rafael Hubert , Scipioni Roberto , Hansen Kent Kammer , Ksapabutr Bussarin , Esposito Vincenzo , Marani Debora
Published: November 2018

Highly porous free-standing ceramic SCR catalysts are achieved by via integrating a co-electrospun supporting polymeric component.
A colloidal heterostructured quantum dot sensitized carbon nanotube–TiO2 hybrid photoanode for high efficiency hydrogen generation
Authors: Selopal Gurpreet Singh , Mohammadnezhad Mahyar , Navarro-Pardo Fabiola , Vidal François , Zhao Haiguang , Wang Zhiming M. , Rosei Federico
Published: November 2018

A photoelectrochemical device based on a TiO2/QD–MWCNT (0.015 wt%) hybrid photoanode yields 40% higher photocurrent density than the control device.
Theoretical investigation of conversion between different C2Hxspecies over Pd–Ag/Pd(100) surface alloys: influence on the selectivity and transformation of carbonaceous species
Authors: Li Qiang , Qin Yucai , Tan Duping , Xie Yuan , Lv Manli , Song Lijuan
Published: November 2018

Full reaction pathways for acetylene hydrogenation on model catalysts are important for understanding the influence of ethylene selectivity and the formation of carbonaceous species.
LSPR effects in a magnetic–luminescent heterostructure for efficient enhanced luminescence performance
Authors: Peng Hongxia , He Yi , Tian Xiuying , Wen Jin , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2018

In this study, a novel core–shell structured nanocomposite of WO3 intermediate with LSPR was synthesized. This conclusion can solve the problems faced by magnetic–luminescent imaging materials and promote the application of this type of nanocomposites in tumor therapy.
Preparation of a novel polyfunctional and high adsorption capacity adsorbent by laccase-catalyzed self-polymerization of GAL and cross-linking with PEI
Authors: Li Chengcai , Wang Tianli , Luo Yunying , Wang Feng , Zhu Hailin , Guo Yuhai
Published: November 2018

A novel polyfunctional and high adsorption capacity adsorbent was prepared by laccase-catalyzed self-polymerization of GAL and cross-linking with PEI.
Distribution of superparamagnetic Au/Fe nanoparticles in an isolated guinea pig brain with an intact blood brain barrier
Authors: Sanavio Barbara , Librizzi Laura , Pennacchio Paolo , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Sousa Fernanda , Silva Paulo Jacob , Mironov Alexander A. , Frassoni Carolina , Stellacci Francesco , de Curtis Marco , Krol Silke
Published: November 2018

Superparamagnetic Au/Fe nanoparticles penetrate the brain parenchyma in an isolated guinea pig brain with an intact blood brain barrier.
Carbon quantum dots derived by direct carbonization of carbonaceous microcrystals in mesophase pitch
Authors: Wang Haibin , Ning Guoqing , He Xing , Ma Xinlong , Yang Fan , Xu Zhiming , Zhao Suoqi , Xu Chunming , Li Yongfeng
Published: November 2018

Aggregation of the central aromatic ring system of asphaltene molecules due to π–π interaction can lead to the formation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs).
Melt-processable telechelic poly(ether imide)s end-capped with zinc sulfonate salts
Authors: Cao Ke , Zhou Zhengping , Liu Guoliang
Published: November 2018

Zinc sulfonated poly(ether imide)s possess significantly better mechanical and rheological properties than other metal sulfonated poly(ether imide)s and non-sulfonated ones.
Oxidative homodimerization of substituted olefins by DDQ visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Chuskit Deachen , Chaudhary Renu , Venugopalan Paloth , König Burkhard , Natarajan Palani
Published: November 2018

A metal-free approach for the synthesis of buta-1,3-dienes from olefins using visible-light and catalytic amounts of DDQ is disclosed.
Trifluoromethylation of α-diazoesters and α-diazoketones with fluoroform-derived CuCF3: synergistic effects of co-solvent and pyridine as a promoter
Authors: Ma Qiao , Tsui Gavin Chit
Published: November 2018

Fluoroform-derived CuCF3 can efficiently trifluoromethylate α-diazoesters and α-diazoketones. The key is the use of co-solvent and pyridine as a promoter.
Low temperature-processed ZnO thin films for p–n junction-based visible-blind ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: B. Hanna , K. P. Surendran , K. N. Narayanan Unni
Published: November 2018

Visible-blind ultraviolet photodetectors have been fabricated with a p–n junction based on ZnO and an organic hole transport layer.
Advancing and receding contact angle investigations for highly sticky and slippery aluminum surfaces fabricated from nanostructured anodic oxide
Authors: Nakajima Daiki , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Natsui Shungo , Suzuki Ryosuke O.
Published: November 2018

Highly sticky and slippery superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces were successfully fabricated by pyrophosphoric acid anodizing.
Effect of single metal doping on the thermoelectric properties of SnTe
Authors: Aminzare Masoud , Tseng Yu-Chih , Ramakrishnan Anbalagan , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Mozharivskyj Yurij
Published: November 2018

SnTe, a lead-free chalcogenide-based material, shows potential to achieve high thermoelectric performance.
Remarkably long-lived excited states of copper photosensitizers containing an extended π-system based on an anthracene moiety
Authors: Giereth Robin , Reim Immanuel , Frey Wolfgang , Junge Henrik , Tschierlei Stefanie , Karnahl Michael
Published: November 2018

This study reveals the effect of an anthracene moiety on the resulting Cu(i) complexes and their photo- and electrochemical properties. As a result, unprecedented excited state lifetimes were found for such Cu(i) photosensitizers containing an extended π-system.
Flexible double-cross-linked cellulose-based hydrogel and aerogel membrane for supercapacitor separator
Authors: Li Liyuan , Lu Feixue , Wang Chao , Zhang Fengling , Liang Weihua , Kuga Shigenori , Dong Zhichao , Zhao Yang , Huang Yong , Wu Min
Published: November 2018

A cellulose-based flexible double-cross-linked hydrogel with hierarchical porosity (max. 80%) was obtained by a facile solution-phase method by using polydopamine (PDA) as a crosslinker between cellulose and polyacrylamide (PAM).
Apically Co-nanoparticles-wrapped nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes from a single-source MOF for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Ma Lin , Wang Rui , Li Ya-Hui , Liu Xiao-Fei , Zhang Qing-Qing , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: November 2018

Bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes wrapping Co nanoparticles (Co@BNCNTs) derived from a single precursor Co-MOF exhibited remarkable ORR electrocatalytic performance with long-term durability, due to the synergetic interaction between the NCNTs and Co nanoparticles.
All-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cell with 10.26% efficiency by spectra engineering
Authors: Yuan Haiwen , Zhao Yuanyuan , Duan Jialong , Wang Yudi , Yang Xiya , Tang Qunwei
Published: November 2018

Through fabricating a perovskite/photoactive layer mixed light-harvester, the all-inorganic CsPbBr3 PSC achieved a champion PCE of 10.26% and excellent stability in high humidity or high temperature atmosphere.
Rational design of molecularly engineered biomimetic threshold scale inhibitors
Authors: Sheikhi Amir , Li Na , Mejlsøe Søren Leth , Bomal Enzo , van de Ven Theo G. M. , Kakkar Ashok
Published: November 2018

We have engineered the molecular structure of dendrimers/dendrons to provide the first mechanistic study on the structure–property relationships of macromolecular antiscalants based on which an optimum structure has been developed to prevail the performance of the most efficient industrial scale inhibitors.
High-performance ternary organic solar cells with photoresponses beyond 1000 nm
Authors: Xue Peiyao , Xiao Yiqun , Li Tengfei , Dai Shuixing , Jia Boyu , Liu Kuan , Wang Jiayu , Lu Xinhui , Han Ray P. S. , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: November 2018

Panchromatic ternary organic solar cells with photoresponses beyond 1000 nm and power conversion efficiencies as high as 12.1% were fabricated using low-bandgap polymer PTB7-Th as a donor and ultra low-bandgap F8IC and mid-bandgap IDT-2BR as nonfullerene acceptors.
Phosphorized polyoxometalate-etched iron-hydroxide porous nanotubes for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Lin Hong , Wang Jia-Wei , Guo Xiang-Wei , Yao Shuang , Liu Meng , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: November 2018

FeOOH/FePOxporous nanotubes were prepared with polyoxometalates for high-performance electrocatalytic OER, affording a low overpotential of 230 mV.
Overcoming the morphological and efficiency limit in all-polymer solar cells by designing conjugated random copolymers containing a naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c′]bis([1,2,5]thiadiazole)] moiety
Authors: Xie Ruihao , Li Zhenye , Zhong Wenkai , Ying Lei , Hu Qin , Liu Feng , Li Ning , Russell Thomas P. , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: November 2018

We developed a series of ternary random copolymers for all-PSCs, which presented superior performances to their blended counterparts.
Chemically activated hollow carbon nanospheres as a high-performance anode material for potassium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Gang , Xiong Xunhui , Xie Dong , Lin Zhihua , Zheng Jie , Zheng Fenghua , Li Youpeng , Liu Yanzhen , Yang Chenghao , Liu Meilin
Published: November 2018

Hollow carbon nanospheres with enlarged interlayer spacing as a high-performance anode material for potassium ion batteries.
Lipid bilayer modified gold nanorod@mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery triggered by near-infrared light
Authors: Cui Xinyu , Cheng Wenlong , Han Xiaojun
Published: November 2018

We coupled the photothermal and thermoresponsive properties in one nanoplatform by wrapping AuNRs@mSiO2 with thermoresponsive lipid bilayer.
Albumin conjugates and assemblies as versatile bio-functional additives and carriers for biomedical applications
Authors: Tao Chao , Chuah Yon Jin , Xu Chenjie , Wang Dong-An
Published: November 2018

As the most abundant plasma protein, serum albumin has been extensively studied and employed for therapeutic applications.
Correction: Biodegradable nanoparticles bearing amine groups as a strategy to alter surface features, biological identity and accumulation in a lung metastasis model
Authors: Esposito Diletta , Conte Claudia , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Russo Annapina , Barbieri Antonio , Ungaro Francesca , Arra Claudio , Russo Giulia , Laurienzo Paola , Quaglia Fabiana
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘Biodegradable nanoparticles bearing amine groups as a strategy to alter surface features, biological identity and accumulation in a lung metastasis model’ by Diletta Esposito et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018, 6, 5922–5930.
Repeatable, room-temperature-processed baroplastic-carbon nanotube composites for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Lv Zhi , Jia Chuan-Li , Ji Xu , Yan Ding-Xiang , Lei Jun , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: November 2018

CNT/PBA@PS composites show great potential in energy saving and long-term usage for efficient EMI shielding.
Baking soda: an ultra-cheap and air stable electron injection layer for organic electronic devices
Authors: Long Dang Xuan , Noh Yong-Young
Published: November 2018

To realize high performance printed organic optoelectronic devices, the development of air-stable, cheap, and solution-processable electron injection layers (EILs) is urgently required to avoid the use of a low work-function metal electrode with poor air stability.
Robust CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite quantum dot embedded glasses: nanocrystallization, improved stability and visible full-spectral tunable emissions
Authors: Chen Daqin , Yuan Shuo , Chen Jiangkun , Zhong Jiasong , Xu Xuhui
Published: November 2018

CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I and their mixture) QDs@glass nanocomposites are fabricated via a facile in situ glass crystallization strategy, exhibiting full-spectral visible emissions, superior thermal stability and water resistance.
Growth and in-plane undulations of GaAs/Ge superlattices on [001]-oriented Ge and GaAs substrates: formation of regular 3D island-in-network nanostructures
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Jin Yunjiang , Lin Ming , Guo Shifeng , Yong Anna Marie , Dolmanan Surani Bin , Tripathy S. , Wang Xizu
Published: November 2018

Coherently strained pseudo-superlattices (PSLs) of 20-period GaAs/Ge have been epitaxially grown on [001]-oriented Ge and GaAs substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.
Redox poise and metabolite changes in bread wheat seeds are advanced by priming with hot steam
Authors: Gerna Davide , Roach Thomas , Arc Erwann , Stöggl Wolfgang , Limonta Margherita , Vaccino Patrizia , Kranner Ilse
Published: November 2018

Fast and uniform germination is key to agricultural production and can be achieved by seed ‘priming’ techniques. Here, we characterised the responses of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds to a hot steam treatment (‘BioFlash’), which accelerated water uptake, resulting in faster germination and seedling growth, typical traits of primed seed. Before the completion of germination, metabolite profiling of seeds revealed advanced accumulation of several amino acids (especially cysteine and serine), sugars (ribose, glucose), and organic acids (glycerate, succinate) in hot steam-treated seeds, whereas sugar alcohols (e.g. arabitol, mannitol) and trehalose decreased in all seeds. Tocochromanols (the ‘vitamin E family’) rose independently of the hot steam treatment. We further assessed shifts in the half-cell reduction potentials of low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiol-disulfide redox couples [i.e. glutathione disulfide (GSSG)/glutathione (GSH) and cystine/cysteine], alongside the activities of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-processing enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Upon the first 4 h of imbibition, a rapid conversion of LMW disulfides to thiols occurred. Completion of germination was associated with a re-oxidation of the LMW thiol-disulfide cellular redox environment, before more reducing conditions were re-established during seedling growth, accompanied by an increase in all ROS-processing enzyme activities. Furthermore, changes in the thiol-disulfide cellular redox state were associated to specific stages of wheat seed germination. In conclusion, the priming effect of the hot steam treatment advanced the onset of seed metabolism, including redox shifts associated with germination and seedling growth.
Casticin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by down-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Li , Zhang Yi , Zhou Qiuhong , Liu Ying , Gong Baolan , Lü Jieyu , Zhu Hui , Zhu Guijuan , Xu Yingping , Huang Guangrong
Published: November 2018

Casticin is one of the major active components isolated from Fructus viticis. Increasing studies have revealed that casticin has potential anticancer activity in various cancer cells, but its effects on breast cancer cell migration and invasion are still not well known. Therefore, the ability of cell migration and invasion in the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells treated by casticin was investigated. The results indicated that casticin significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in the cells exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 µM of casticin for 24 h. Casticin treatment reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (MMP-9) activity and down-regulated MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression, but not MMP-2. Casticin treatment suppressed the nuclear translocation of transcription factors c-Jun and c-Fos, but not nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and decreased the phosphorylated level of Akt (p-Akt). Additionally, the transfection of Akt overexpression vector to MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells could up-regulate MMP-9 expression concomitantly with a marked increase in cell invasion, but casticin treatment reduced Akt, p-Akt, and MMP-9 protein levels and inhibited the ability of cell invasion in breast cancer cells. Additionally, casticin attenuated lung metastasis of mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells in the mice and down-regulated MMP-9 expression in the lung tissues of mice treated by casticin. These findings suggest that MMP-9 expression suppression by casticin may act through inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which in turn results in the inhibitory effects of casticin on cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Therefore, casticin may have potential for use in the treatment of breast cancer invasion and metastasis.
Inhibitory effects of vasostatin-1 against atherogenesis
Authors: Sato Yuki , Watanabe Rena , Uchiyama Nozomi , Ozawa Nana , Takahashi Yui , Shirai Remina , Sato Kengo , Mori Yusaku , Matsuyama Takaaki , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Hirano Tsutomu , Watanabe Takuya
Published: November 2018

Vasostatin-1, a chromogranin A (CgA)-derived peptide (76 amino acids), is known to suppress vasoconstriction and angiogenesis. A recent study has shown that vasostatin-1 suppresses the adhesion of human U937 monocytes to human endothelial cells (HECs) via adhesion molecule down-regulation. The present study evaluated the expression of vasostatin-1 in human atherosclerotic lesions and its effects on inflammatory responses in HECs and human THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages, macrophage foam cell formation, migration and proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) production by HASMCs, and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Vasostatin-1 was expressed around Monckeberg’s medial calcific sclerosis in human radial arteries. Vasostatin-1 suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced up-regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in HECs. Vasostatin-1 suppressed inflammatory M1 phenotype and LPS-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion via nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) down-regulation in macrophages. Vasostatin-1 suppressed oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced foam cell formation associated with acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) and CD36 down-regulation and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) up-regulation in macrophages. In HASMCs, vasostatin-1 suppressed angiotensin II (AngII)-induced migration and collagen-3 and fibronectin expression via decreasing ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, but increased elastin expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities via increasing Akt and JNK phosphorylation. Vasostatin-1 did not affect the proliferation and apoptosis in HASMCs. Four-week infusion of vasostatin-1 suppressed the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions with reductions in intra-plaque inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and SMC content, and plasma glucose level in ApoE−/− mice. These results indicate the inhibitory effects of vasostatin-1 against atherogenesis. The present study provided the first evidence that vasostatin-1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
Blood-based bioenergetic profiling is related to differences in brain morphology in African Americans with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mahapatra Gargi , Smith S. Carrie , Hughes Timothy M. , Wagner Benjamin , Maldjian Joseph A. , Freedman Barry I. , Molina Anthony J. A.
Published: November 2018

Blood-based bioenergetic profiling has promising applications as a minimally invasive biomarker of systemic bioenergetic capacity. In the present study, we examined peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mitochondrial function and brain morphology in a cohort of African Americans with long-standing Type 2 diabetes. Key parameters of PBMC respiration were correlated with white matter, gray matter, and total intracranial volumes. Our analyses indicate that these relationships are primarily driven by the relationship of systemic bioenergetic capacity with total intracranial volume, suggesting that systemic differences in mitochondrial function may play a role in overall brain morphology.
Intelligent control for accurate position tracking of electrohydraulic actuators
Authors: dos Santos J.D.B. , Bessa W.M.
Published: November 2018

A novel intelligent control scheme is presented for accurate position tracking of electrohydraulic servo actuators. The proposed control law is designed by means of a non‐linear control approach and includes an adaptive neural network to provide the basic intelligent features. Online learning, instead of off‐line supervised training, is proposed to update the weight vector of the neural network. Moreover, the adoption of a composite error signal as the only input to the neural network allows a significant reduction in the computational complexity of the algorithm. Rigorous proofs for the boundedness and convergence properties of the closed‐loop signals are provided. Experimental results obtained with an electrohydraulic system demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller, even considering the highly non‐linear and uncertain plant dynamics.
Stochastic control of state‐dependent jump linear systems with state‐dependent noise
Authors: Chitraganti Shaikshavali , Aberkane Samir
Published: November 2018

State‐dependent jump linear systems (SJLSs) are a set of linear systems whose switching is determined by a finite state random process with state‐dependent transition rates. In this study, a SJLS is considered with state multiplicative noise and stochastic perturbations. In particular, the jump process is regarded to have dissimilar transition rates among sets of state evolution space. The aim of this study is to consider stochastic control of such systems using state‐feedback control input. Sufficient conditions for stochastic are obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities, which are validated by a simulation example.