bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Monte Carlo simulations of a giant {Ni21Gd20} cage with a S = 91 spin ground state
Authors: Chen Wei-Peng , Singleton Jared , Qin Lei , Camón Agustín , Engelhardt Larry , Luis Fernando , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: May 2018

The detailed analysis of magnetic interactions in a giant molecule is difficult both because the synthesis of such compounds is challenging and the number of energy levels increases exponentially with the magnitude and number of spins. Here, we isolated a {Ni21Gd20} nanocage with a large number of energy levels (≈5 × 1030) and used quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations to perform a detailed analysis of magnetic interactions. Based on magnetization measurements above 2 K, the QMC simulations predicted very weak ferromagnetic interactions that would give a record S = 91 spin ground state. Low-temperature measurements confirm the spin ground state but suggest a more complex picture due to the single ion anisotropy; this has also been modeled using the QMC approach. The high spin and large number of low-lying states lead to a large low-field magnetic entropy (14.1 J kg−1 K−1 for ΔH = 1 T at 1.1 K) for this material.
Image-based modeling of gas adsorption and deformation in porous media
Authors: Bakhshian Sahar , Shi Zhuofan , Sahimi Muhammad , Tsotsis Theodore T. , Jessen Kristian
Published: May 2018

Understanding adsorption of CO2in porous formations is crucial to its sequestration in geological formations. We describe a model for adsorption of CO2and the deformation that it induces in a sandstone formation over wide ranges of temperature and pressure. The model couples the thermodynamics of sorption with elastic deformation of the solid. Finite-element computations are then used in order to compute CO2adsorption isotherms along with the induced strain in the formation. We also compute the Darcy permeability of the porous medium using the lattice-Boltzmann method. All the computations are carried out with a three-dimensional image of a core sample from Mt. Simon sandstone, the target porous formation for a pilot CO2sequestration project that is currently being carried out by Illinois State Geological Survey. Thus, no assumptions are made regarding the shape and sizes of the pore throats and pore bodies. The computed CO2sorption isotherm at 195 K is in excellent agreement with our experimental data. The computed permeability is also in good agreement with the measurement. As a further test we also compute the sorption isotherm of N2in the same formation at 77.3 K, and show that it is also in good agreement with our experimental data. The model is capable of predicting adsorption of CO2(or any other gas for that matter) in porous formations at high pressures and temperatures. Thus, it is used to study the effect of hydrostatic pressure on adsorption and deformation of the porous formation under various conditions. We find that the effect of the confining pressure is more prominent at higher temperatures. Also computed is the depth-dependence of the capacity of the formation for CO2adsorption, along with the induced volumetric strain.
Serum metabolite profile associated with incident type 2 diabetes in Koreans: findings from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Yang Soo Jin , Kwak So-Young , Jo Garam , Song Tae-Jin , Shin Min-Jeong
Published: May 2018

The identification of metabolic alterations in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is useful for elucidating the pathophysiology of the disease and in classifying high-risk individuals. In this study, we prospectively examined the associations between serum metabolites and T2D risk in a Korean community-based cohort (the Ansan–Ansung cohort). Data were obtained from 1,939 participants with available metabolic profiles and without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline. The acylcarnitine, amino acid, amine, and phospholipid levels in fasting serum samples were analyzed by targeted metabolomics. During the 8-year follow-up period, we identified 282 cases of incident T2D. Of all metabolites measured, 22 were significantly associated with T2D risk. Specifically, serum levels of alanine, arginine, isoleucine, proline, tyrosine, valine, hexose and five phosphatidylcholine diacyls were positively associated with T2D risk, whereas lyso-phosphatidylcholine acyl C17:0 and C18:2 and other glycerophospholipids were negatively associated with T2D risk. The associated metabolites were further correlated with T2D-relevant risk factors such as insulin resistance and triglyceride indices. In addition, a healthier diet (as measured by the modified recommended food score) was independently associated with T2D risk. Alterations of metabolites such as amino acids and choline-containing phospholipids appear to be associated with T2D risk in Korean adults.
Isospecific adenine DNA methyltransferases show distinct preferences towards DNA substrates
Authors: Wons Ewa , Mruk Iwona , Kaczorowski Tadeusz
Published: May 2018

Here, we report results on systematic analysis of DNA substrate preferences of three N6-adenine β-class DNA methyltransferases that are part of the type II restriction-modification systems. The studied enzymes were: M.EcoVIII, M.HindIII and M.LlaCI, which although found in phylogenetically distant bacteria (γ-proteobacteria and low-GC Gram-positive bacteria), recognize the same palindromic specific sequence 5′-AAGCTT-3′ and catalyze formation of N6-methyladenine at the first A-residue. As expected overall the enzymes share the most analyzed features, but they show also some distinct differences in substrate recognition. Therefore DNA methylation reactions were carried out not only under standard, but also under relaxed conditions using DMSO or glycerol. We found that all of these enzymes preferred DNA containing a hemimethylated target site, but differ in modification of ssDNA, especially more pronounced for M.EcoVIII under relaxed conditions. In these conditions they also have shown varied preferences toward secondary sites, which differ by one nucleotide from specific sequence. They preferred sequences with substitutions at the 1st (A1 → G/C) and at the 2nd position (A2 → C), while sites with substitutions at the 3rd position (G3 → A/C) were modified less efficiently. Kinetic parameters of the methylation reaction carried out by M.EcoVIII were determined. Methylation efficiency (kcat/Km) of secondary sites was 4.5–10 times lower when compared to the unmethylated specific sequences, whilst efficiency observed for the hemimethylated substrate was almost 4.5 times greater. We also observed a distinct effect of analyzed enzymes on unspecific interaction with DNA phosphate backbone. We concluded that for all three enzymes the most critical is the phosphodiester bond between G3-C4 nucleotides at the center of the target site.
Fabrication and In Vitro Characterization of a Tissue Engineered PCL-PLLA Heart Valve
Authors: Hasan Anwarul , Soliman Sherif , El Hajj Fatima , Tseng Yuan-Tsan , Yalcin Huseyin C. , Marei Hany Elsayed
Published: May 2018

Heart valve diseases are among the leading causes of cardiac failure around the globe. Nearly 90,000 heart valve replacements occur in the USA annually. Currently, available options for heart valve replacement include bioprosthetic and mechanical valves, both of which have severe limitations. Bioprosthetic valves can last for only 10–20 years while patients with mechanical valves always require blood-thinning medications throughout the remainder of the patient’s life. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising solution for the development of a viable, biocompatible and durable heart valve; however, a human implantable tissue engineered heart valve is yet to be achieved. In this study, a tri-leaflet heart valve structure is developed using electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds, and a set of in vitro testing protocol has been developed for routine manufacturing of tissue engineered heart valves. Stress-strain curves were obtained for mechanical characterization of different valves. The performances of the developed valves were hemodynamically tested using a pulse duplicator, and an echocardiography machine. Results confirmed the superiority of the PCL-PLLA heart valve compared to pure PCL or pure PLLA. The developed in vitro test protocol involving pulse duplicator and echocardiography tests have enormous potential for routine application in tissue engineering of heart valves.
C-terminal intrinsically disordered region-dependent organization of the mycobacterial genome by a histone-like protein
Authors: Savitskaya Anna , Nishiyama Akihito , Yamaguchi Takehiro , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Ozeki Yuriko , Nameta Masaaki , Kon Tomohiro , Kaboso Shaban A. , Ohara Naoya , Peryanova Olga V. , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: May 2018

The architecture of the genome influences the functions of DNA from bacteria to eukaryotes. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) of eukaryotic histones have pivotal roles in various processes of gene expression. IDR is rare in bacteria, but interestingly, mycobacteria produce a unique histone-like protein, MDP1 that contains a long C-terminal IDR. Here we analyzed the role of IDR in MDP1 function. By employing Mycobacterium smegmatis that inducibly expresses MDP1 or its IDR-deficient mutant, we observed that MDP1 induces IDR-dependent DNA compaction. MDP1-IDR is also responsible for the induction of growth arrest and tolerance to isoniazid, a front line tuberculosis drug that kills growing but not growth-retardated mycobacteria. We demonstrated that MDP1-deficiency and conditional knock out of MDP1 cause spreading of the M. smegmatis genome in the stationary phase. This study thus demonstrates for the first time a C-terminal region-dependent organization of the genome architecture by MDP1, implying the significance of IDR in the function of bacterial histone-like protein.
The effect of PTC124 on choroideremia fibroblasts and iPSC-derived RPE raises considerations for therapy
Authors: Torriano Simona , Erkilic Nejla , Baux David , Cereso Nicolas , De Luca Valerie , Meunier Isabelle , Moosajee Mariya , Roux Anne-Francoise , Hamel Christian P. , Kalatzis Vasiliki
Published: May 2018

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are caused by mutations in over 200 genes, resulting in a range of therapeutic options. Translational read-through inducing drugs (TRIDs) offer the possibility of treating multiple IRDs regardless of the causative gene. TRIDs promote ribosomal misreading of premature stop codons, which results in the incorporation of a near-cognate amino acid to produce a full-length protein. The IRD choroideremia (CHM) is a pertinent candidate for TRID therapy, as nonsense variants cause 30% of cases. Recently, treatment of the UAA nonsense-carrying CHM zebrafish model with the TRID PTC124 corrected the underlying biochemical defect and improved retinal phenotype. To be clinically relevant, we studied PTC124 efficiency in UAA nonsense-carrying human fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium, as well as in a UAA-mutated CHM overexpression system. We showed that PTC124 treatment induces a non-significant trend for functional rescue, which could not be improved by nonsense-mediated decay inhibition. Furthermore, it does not produce a detectable CHM-encoded protein even when coupled with a proteasome inhibitor. We suggest that drug efficiency may depend upon on the target amino acid and its evolutionary conservation, and argue that patient cells should be screened in vitro prior to inclusion in a clinical trial.
Possible Obesogenic Effects of Bisphenols Accumulation in the Human Brain
Authors: Charisiadis Pantelis , Andrianou Xanthi D. , van der Meer Thomas P. , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. , Swaab Dick F. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Makris Konstantinos C. , van Vliet-Ostaptchouk Jana V.
Published: May 2018

Evidence of bisphenols’ obesogenic effects on humans is mixed and inconsistent. We aimed to explore the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF) and chlorinated BPA (ClBPA), collectively called the bisphenols, in different brain regions and their association with obesity usingpost-mortemhypothalamic and white matter brain material from twelve pairs of obese (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2) and normal-weight individuals (BMI <25 kg/m2). Mean ratios of hypothalamus:white matter for BPA, BPF and ClBPA were 1.5, 0.92, 0.95, respectively, suggesting no preferential accumulation of the bisphenols in the grey matter (hypothalamic) or white matter-enriched brain areas. We observed differences in hypothalamic concentrations among the bisphenols, with highest median level detected for ClBPA (median: 2.4 ng/g), followed by BPF (2.2 ng/g) and BPA (1.2 ng/g); similar ranking was observed for the white matter samples (median for: ClBPA-2.5 ng/g, BPF-2.3 ng/g, and BPA-1.0 ng/g). Furthermore, all bisphenol concentrations, except for white-matter BPF were associated with obesity (p < 0.05). This is the first study reporting the presence of bisphenols in two distinct regions of the human brain. Bisphenols accumulation in the white matter-enriched brain tissue could signify that they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Combining amplicon sequencing and metabolomics in cirrhotic patients highlights distinctive microbiota features involved in bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Iebba Valerio , Guerrieri Francesca , Di Gregorio Vincenza , Levrero Massimo , Gagliardi Antonella , Santangelo Floriana , Sobolev Anatoly P. , Circi Simone , Giannelli Valerio , Mannina Luisa , Schippa Serena , Merli Manuela
Published: May 2018

In liver cirrhosis (LC), impaired intestinal functions lead to dysbiosis and possible bacterial translocation (BT). Bacteria or their byproducts within the bloodstream can thus play a role in systemic inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We combined 16S sequencing, NMR metabolomics and network analysis to describe the interrelationships of members of the microbiota in LC biopsies, faeces, peripheral/portal blood and faecal metabolites with clinical parameters. LC faeces and biopsies showed marked dysbiosis with a heightened proportion of Enterobacteriaceae. Our approach showed impaired faecal bacterial metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and carbon/methane sources in LC, along with an enhanced stress-related response. Sixteen species, mainly belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum, were shared between LC peripheral and portal blood and were functionally linked to iron metabolism. Faecal Enterobacteriaceae and trimethylamine were positively correlated with blood proinflammatory cytokines, while Ruminococcaceae and SCFAs played a protective role. Within the peripheral blood and faeces, certain species (Stenotrophomonas pavanii, Methylobacterium extorquens) and metabolites (methanol, threonine) were positively related to HE. Cirrhotic patients thus harbour a ‘functional dysbiosis’ in the faeces and peripheral/portal blood, with specific keystone species and metabolites related to clinical markers of systemic inflammation and HE.
Stabilization of molten salt materials using metal chlorides for solar thermal storage
Authors: Dunlop T. O. , Jarvis D. J. , Voice W. E. , Sullivan J. H.
Published: May 2018

The effect of a variety of metal-chlorides additions on the melting behavior and thermal stability of commercially available salts was investigated. Ternary salts comprised of KNO3, NaNO2, and NaNO3 were produced with additions of a variety of chlorides (KCl, LiCl, CaCl2, ZnCl2, NaCl and MgCl2). Thermogravimetric analysis and weight loss experiments showed that the quaternary salt containing a 5 wt% addition of LiCl and KCl led to an increase in short term thermal stability compared to the ternary control salts. These additions allowed the salts to remain stable up to a temperature of 630 °C. Long term weight loss experiments showed an upper stability increase of 50 °C. A 5 wt% LiCl addition resulted in a weight loss of only 25% after 30 hours in comparison to a 61% loss for control ternary salts. Calorimetry showed that LiCl additions allow partial melting at 80 °C, in comparison to the 142 °C of ternary salts. This drop in melting point, combined with increased stability, provided a molten working range increase of almost 100 °C in total, in comparison to the control ternary salts. XRD analysis showed the oxidation effect of decomposing salts and the additional phase created with LiCl additions to allow melting point changes to occur.
Characterization of Papaya ringspot virus isolates infecting transgenic papaya ‘Huanong No.1’ in South China
Authors: Wu Zilin , Mo Cuiping , Zhang Shuguang , Li Huaping
Published: May 2018

In 2006, the release and cultivation of the genetically modified papaya cultivar ‘Huanong No.1’ successfully controlled the destructive papaya ringspot disease caused by Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) in South China. However, some transgenic papaya plants from Guangdong and Hainan are found infected by PRSV. In this study, Field investigation was carried out and susceptible transgenic papaya samples were collected during 2012–2016. Twenty representative isolates were artificially inoculated into Cucurbita pepo and commercialised ‘Huanong No.1’ papaya, and results indicated that the plants showed obvious disease symptoms. Phylogenetic analysis of CP genes of 120 PRSV-infected isolates showed that PRSV can be divided into three groups. Isolates from Guangdong and Hainan belong to Group III, which is further divided into two subgroups. The isolates collected in this study have greatly diverged from the previously reported dominant strains Ys, Vb and Sm in South China, indicating that they belong to a new lineage. Further analysis showed a highly genetic differentiation between isolates, and 27.1% of the isolates were identified as recombinants on the basis of CP nucleotide sequences. These results indicate that the genetic variation of PRSV and the formation of the new virus lineage may explain the loss of transgenic papaya resistance in South China.
Genome-wide microRNA screening in Nile tilapia reveals pervasive isomiRs’ transcription, sex-biased arm switching and increasing complexity of expression throughout development
Authors: Pinhal Danillo , Bovolenta Luiz A. , Moxon Simon , Oliveira Arthur C. , Nachtigall Pedro G. , Acencio Marcio L. , Patton James G. , Hilsdorf Alexandre W. S. , Lemke Ney , Martins Cesar
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in multicellular organisms. The elucidation of miRNA function and evolution depends on the identification and characterization of miRNA repertoire of strategic organisms, as the fast-evolving cichlid fishes. Using RNA-seq and comparative genomics we carried out an in-depth report of miRNAs in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), an emergent model organism to investigate evo-devo mechanisms. Five hundred known miRNAs and almost one hundred putative novel vertebrate miRNAs have been identified, many of which seem to be teleost-specific, cichlid-specific or tilapia-specific. Abundant miRNA isoforms (isomiRs) were identified with modifications in both 5p and 3p miRNA transcripts. Changes in arm usage (arm switching) of nine miRNAs were detected in early development, adult stage and even between male and female samples. We found an increasing complexity of miRNA expression during ontogenetic development, revealing a remarkable synchronism between the rate of new miRNAs recruitment and morphological changes. Overall, our results enlarge vertebrate miRNA collection and reveal a notable differential ratio of miRNA arms and isoforms influenced by sex and developmental life stage, providing a better picture of the evolutionary and spatiotemporal dynamics of miRNAs.
Simple prebiotic synthesis of high diversity dynamic combinatorial polyester libraries
Authors: Chandru Kuhan , Guttenberg Nicholas , Giri Chaitanya , Hongo Yayoi , Butch Christopher , Mamajanov Irena , Cleaves H. James
Published: May 2018

It is widely believed that the origin of life depended on environmentally driven complexification of abiotically produced organic compounds. Polymerization is one type of such complexification, and it may be important that many diverse polymer sequences be produced for the sake of selection. Not all compound classes are easily polymerized under the environmental conditions present on primitive planets, and it is possible that life’s origin was aided by other monomers besides those used in contemporary biochemistry. Here we show that alpha-hydroxy acids, which are plausibly abundant prebiotic monomers, can be oligomerized to generate vast, likely sequence-complete libraries, which are also stable for significant amounts of time. This occurs over a variety of reaction conditions (temperature, concentration, salinity, and presence of congeners) compatible with geochemical settings on the primitive Earth and other solar system environments. The high-sequence heterogeneity achievable with these compounds may be useful for scaffolding the origin of life.
A reconstruction of global hydroclimate and dynamical variables over the Common Era
Authors: Steiger Nathan J. , Smerdon Jason E. , Cook Edward R. , Cook Benjamin I.
Published: May 2018

Hydroclimate extremes critically affect human and natural systems, but there remain many unanswered questions about their causes and how to interpret their dynamics in the past and in climate change projections. These uncertainties are due, in part, to the lack of long-term, spatially resolved hydroclimate reconstructions and information on the underlying physical drivers for many regions. Here we present the first global reconstructions of hydroclimate and associated climate dynamical variables over the past two thousand years. We use a data assimilation approach tailored to reconstruct hydroclimate that optimally combines 2,978 paleoclimate proxy-data time series with the physical constraints of an atmosphere—ocean climate model. The global reconstructions are annually or seasonally resolved and include two spatiotemporal drought indices, near-surface air temperature, an index of North Atlantic variability, the location of the intertropical convergence zone, and monthly Niño indices. This database, called the Paleo Hydrodynamics Data Assimilation product (PHYDA), will provide a critical new platform for investigating the causes of past climate variability and extremes, while informing interpretations of future hydroclimate projections.
HormoneBase, a population-level database of steroid hormone levels across vertebrates
Authors: Vitousek Maren N. , Johnson Michele A. , Donald Jeremy W. , Francis Clinton D. , Fuxjager Matthew J. , Goymann Wolfgang , Hau Michaela , Husak Jerry F. , Kircher Bonnie K. , Knapp Rosemary , Martin Lynn B. , Miller Eliot T. , Schoenle Laura A. , Uehling Jennifer J. , Williams Tony D.
Published: May 2018

Hormones are central regulators of organismal function and flexibility that mediate a diversity of phenotypic traits from early development through senescence. Yet despite these important roles, basic questions about how and why hormone systems vary within and across species remain unanswered. Here we describe HormoneBase, a database of circulating steroid hormone levels and their variation across vertebrates. This database aims to provide all available data on the mean, variation, and range of plasma glucocorticoids (both baseline and stress-induced) and androgens in free-living and un-manipulated adult vertebrates. HormoneBase (www.HormoneBase.org) currently includes >6,580 entries from 476 species, reported in 648 publications from 1967 to 2015, and unpublished datasets. Entries are associated with data on the species and population, sex, year and month of study, geographic coordinates, life history stage, method and latency of hormone sampling, and analysis technique. This novel resource could be used for analyses of the function and evolution of hormone systems, and the relationships between hormonal variation and a variety of processes including phenotypic variation, fitness, and species distributions.
A hydroxamic acid–methacrylated collagen conjugate for the modulation of inflammation-related MMP upregulation
Authors: Liang He , Russell Stephen J. , Wood David J. , Tronci Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

The selective covalent coupling of hydroxamic acid functions on to methacrylated type I collagen led to UV-cured networks with inherent MMP-modulating capability and enhanced proteolytic stability.
Introducing an integral optimised warping (IOW) approach for achieving swift alignment of drifted chromatographic peaks: an optimisation of the correlation optimised warping (COW) technique
Authors: Kumar Keshav
Published: May 2018

The present work introduces integral optimized warping (IOW) as a novel approach to correct the drifts in the chromatographic peak position.
Cetuximab and Taxol co-modified collagen scaffolds show combination effects for the repair of acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Fan Caixia , Li Xing , Zhao Yannan , Xiao Zhifeng , Xue Weiwei , Sun Jie , Li Xiaoran , Zhuang Yan , Chen Yanyan , Dai Jianwu
Published: May 2018

A combined functional scaffold is designed to simultaneously direct neuronal differentiation of injury-activated NSCs and neurite growth for SCI repair.
Acetic acid hydrodeoxygenation on molybdenum carbide catalysts
Authors: Kumar Anurag , Phadke Sohan , Bhan Aditya
Published: May 2018

Kinetics and site requirements of acetic acid hydrodeoxygenation on molybdenum carbide – a stable and selective catalyst under atmospheric hydrogen pressure.
Anti-inflammatory effect of xanthomicrol, a major colonic metabolite of 5-demethyltangeretin
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Wu Xian , Zheng Jinkai , Charoensinphon Noppawat , Dong Ping , Qiu Peiju , Song Mingyue , Tang Zhonghai , Xiao Hang
Published: May 2018

Orally administered 5-demethyltengeretin (5DT) was mainly metabolized to form xanthomicrol (XAN) in mice. The colonic level of XAN was much higher than that of 5DT. Furthermore, XAN exerted very potent anti-inflammatory effectin vitro. These results provided insights on the beneficial effects of 5DT.
Anti-amyloidogenic properties of an ethyl acetate fraction from Actinidia arguta in Aβ1–42-induced ICR mice
Authors: Ha Jeong Su , Kim Jong Min , Park Seon Kyeong , Kang Jin Yong , Lee Du Sang , Lee Uk , Kim Dae-Ok , Choi Sung-Gil , Heo Ho Jin
Published: May 2018

The anti-amnesic effect of an ethyl acetate fraction from Actinidia arguta (EFAA) on amyloid beta induced cognitive dysfunction.
Hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols modulate appetite-related biomarkers in overweight subjects: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boix-Castejón Marina , Herranz-López María , Pérez Gago Alberto , Olivares-Vicente Mariló , Caturla Nuria , Roche Enrique , Micol Vicente
Published: May 2018

Plant-derived polyphenols have shown potential to alleviate obesity-related pathologies by a multi-targeted mechanism in animal models and human intervention studies.
Rational design of multi-functional gold nanoparticles with controlled biomolecule adsorption: a multi-method approach for in-depth characterization
Authors: Ojea-Jiménez Isaac , Capomaccio Robin , Osório Inês , Mehn Dora , Ceccone Giacomo , Hussain Rohanah , Siligardi Giuliano , Colpo Pascal , Rossi François , Gilliland Douglas , Calzolai Luigi
Published: May 2018

Multi-functionalized nanoparticles are of great interest for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Nanostructure to thermal property relationship of resorcinol formaldehyde aerogels using the fractal technique
Authors: Alshrah Mohammed , Mark Lun Howe , Zhao Chongxiang , Naguib Hani E. , Park Chul B.
Published: May 2018

Structural analysis of the X-ray diffraction pattern of microstructures using the fractal technique.
One-step template-free synthesis of 3D functionalized flower-like boron nitride nanosheets for NH3 and CO2 adsorption
Authors: Yang Chen , Wang Jinfeng , Chen Ying , Liu Dan , Huang Shaoming , Lei Weiwei
Published: May 2018

The adsorption mechanisms of NH3 and CO2 molecules on 3D FBNNSs are discussed.
Novel catalytic micromotor of porous zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 for precise drug delivery
Authors: Wang Linlin , Zhu Hongli , Shi Ying , Ge You , Feng Xiaomiao , Liu Ruiqing , Li Yi , Ma Yanwen , Wang Lianhui
Published: May 2018

Novel catalytic micromotors based on porous ZIF-67 were used as efficient fluorescence drug (DOX) carriers. Benefiting from the porous nature and high surface area, these micromotors display effective motion, long durable movement life and high drug loading capacity.
Crystal-defect-induced facet-dependent electrocatalytic activity of 3D gold nanoflowers for the selective nanomolar detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: De Sandip Kumar , Mondal Subrata , Sen Pintu , Pal Uttam , Pathak Biswarup , Rawat kuber Singh , Bardhan Munmun , Bhattacharya Maireyee , Satpati Biswarup , De Amitabha , Senapati Dulal
Published: May 2018

Understanding and exploring the decisive factors responsible for designing superlative electrode materials with improved catalytic and sensing ability.
An easy-to-fabricate clearable CuS-superstructure-based multifunctional theranostic platform for efficient imaging guided chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Xiao Jingbo , Cao Qing , Wang Weiheng , Peng Xuan , Guan Guoqiang , Cui Zhe , Zhang Yongfang , Wang Shige , Zou Rujia , Wan Xinjian , Qiu Huiling , Hu Junqing
Published: May 2018

A CuS-superstructure-based clearable drug delivery and cancer theranostic platform was constructed.
Modular 2,3-diaryl-2H-azirine synthesis from ketoxime acetates via Cs2CO3-mediated cyclization
Authors: Zhao Mi-Na , Zhang Wei , Wang Xu-Cai , Zhang Ying , Yang De-Suo , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: May 2018

A practical and effective Cs2CO3-mediated cyclization of ketoxime acetates for the synthesis of 2H-azirines has been developed.
2-Aminoimidazole facilitates efficient gene delivery in a low molecular weight poly(amidoamine) dendrimer
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Xuefeng , Wang Dongli , Xie Cao , Lu Weiyue , Song Jie , Wang Ruifeng , Gao Chunli , Liu Min
Published: May 2018

2-Aminoimidazole greatly improved the transfection efficiency of G2. It contributes to condensing DNA into small, monodisperse nanostructures, enhancing cellular penetration and endosome/lysosome escape.
Dispersity control in atom transfer radical polymerizations through addition of phenylhydrazine
Authors: Yadav Vivek , Hashmi Nairah , Ding Wenyue , Li Tzu-Han , Mahanthappa Mahesh K. , Conrad Jacinta C. , Robertson Megan L.
Published: May 2018

Phenylhydrazine is an effective modifier for conventional ATRP syntheses, providing systematic control over the dispersity of polymers with unimodal molecular weight distributions.
Supramolecular hydrogels encapsulating bioengineered mesenchymal stem cells for ischemic therapy
Authors: Hwang Byung Woo , Kim Young-Eun , Kim Mungu , Han Seulgi , Bok Seoyeon , Park Kyeng Min , Shrinidhi Annadka , Kim Ki Su , Ahn G-One , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: May 2018

We developed supramolecular hydrogels encapsulating bioengineered mesenchymal stem cells for ischemia therapy.
Hydrophobic and stretchable Ag nanowire network electrode passivated by a sputtered PTFE layer for self-cleaning transparent thin film heaters
Authors: Lee Sang-Mok , Kim Sung Hyun , Lee Jae Heung , Lee Sang-Jin , Kim Han-Ki
Published: May 2018

We demonstrated hydrophobic, flexible/stretchable, and transparent electrodes made up of Ag nanowire networks passivated by a sputtered polytetrafluoroethylene layer to produce self-cleaning transparent film heaters.
Monitoring bromide effect on radiolytic yields usingin situobservations of uranyl oxide precipitation in the electron microscope
Authors: Buck Edgar C. , Wittman Richard S. , Soderquist Chuck. Z. , McNamara Bruce K.
Published: May 2018

During electron microscopy observations of uranium-bearing phases and solutions in a liquid cell, the electron beam induced radiolysis causes changes in the chemistry of the system.
Adsorption of Cu(ii), Zn(ii), and Pb(ii) from aqueous single and binary metal solutions by regenerated cellulose and sodium alginate chemically modified with polyethyleneimine
Authors: Zhan Wei , Xu Chuanhui , Qian Guangfu , Huang Guohuan , Tang Xiuzhen , Lin Baofeng
Published: May 2018

Crosslinked cellulose/sodium alginate was modified with polyethyleneimine as an adsorbent (PEI-RCSA) for comparative and competitive adsorption of metal ions.
Optically active bimesogens incorporating branched central spacers
Authors: Mandle Richard J. , Goodby John W.
Published: May 2018

Methylene-linked liquid-crystalline dimers with chiral spacers are found to exhibit several mesophases, including the helicoidal twist-bend modulated nematic state.
Hierarchically porous N-doped carbon derived from supramolecular assembled polypyrrole as a high performance supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Lai Li , Zhao Yu , Ying Shu , Li Lanlan , Ma Zhong , Pan Lijia
Published: May 2018

Hierarchically porous N-doped carbon with optimized morphology exhibits an enhanced specific capacitance of 435.6 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1and 96.1% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles in 1 M H2SO4.
Morphologically controlled synthesis of ionic cesium iodide colloidal nanocrystals and electron beam-induced transformations
Authors: Song Weidong , Wu Xiaotong , Di Qian , Xue Tianjiao , Zhu Jichao , Quan Zewei
Published: May 2018

Morphologically controlled synthesis of cesium iodide colloidal nanocrystals.
Pyridyl group design in viologens for anolyte materials in organic redox flow batteries
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Shun , Zhu Yingzhong , Qian Yumin , Niu Zhihui , Ye Jing , Zhao Yu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: May 2018

Organic redox compounds represent an emerging class of active materials for organic redox-flow batteries (RFBs), which are highly desirable for sustainable electrical energy storage.
High-performance dye-sensitized solar cells using Ag-doped CoS counter electrodes
Authors: Zhuang Guoce , Liu Huiling , Chen Xiaobo
Published: May 2018

The PCE of 5% Ag-doped CoS based solar cells is 20.5% higher than that of solar cells based on un-doped CoS.
Hydrogen sulfide gas capture by organic superbase 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene through salt formation: salt synthesis, characterization and application for CO2capture
Authors: Khokarale Santosh Govind , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka
Published: May 2018

The organic superbase DBU captured H2S gas by protonation of one of its nitrogen atoms where a liquid, colorless, molecular DBU turned to solid greenish salt, [DBU][SH].
The effect of the intramolecular C–H⋯O interactions on the conformational preferences of bis-arylsulfones – 5-HT6receptor antagonists and beyond
Authors: Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Staroń Jakub , Krawczuk Anna , Mordalski Stefan , Warszycki Dawid , Satała Grzegorz , Hogendorf Adam S. , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: May 2018

The impact of weak intramolecular C–H⋯O interactions on the conformational stability of bis-arylsulfones is discussed, suggesting different role of sulfonyl group in the ligand – 5HT6receptor interaction.
Fluorinated anionic fenugreek gum: their self-assembly behaviors and use as a novel thickening agent in fracturing gel
Authors: Wang Chen , Wang Xia , Qiu Liewei
Published: May 2018

A novel fluorinated anionic fenugreek gum was obtained with excellent solution, gel, and broken-gel liquid properties in tertiary oil recovery.
Product-oriented chemical surface modification of a levansucrase (SacB) via an ene-type reaction
Authors: Ortiz-Soto Maria Elena , Ertl Julia , Mut Jürgen , Adelmann Juliane , Le Thien Anh , Shan Junwen , Teßmar Jörg , Schlosser Andreas , Engels Bernd , Seibel Jürgen
Published: May 2018

A flexible tyrosine-attached chemical lid prevents premature disengagement of growing oligosaccharides and triggers the synthesis of a high molecular weight polymer.
Particle size effect on the thermal conductivity reduction of silicon based thermoelectric composites
Authors: Parasuraman Rajasekar , Wu Yunhui , Ordonez-Miranda Jose , Volz Sebastian , Umarji Arun M.
Published: May 2018

Thermal conductivity reduction in environmentally friendly thermoelectric composites with varying Si particle size has been experimentally measured and modelled using the crowding-factor model.
Application of a constant hole volume Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state to mixtures relevant to polymeric foaming
Authors: von Konigslow Kier , Park Chul B. , Thompson Russell B.
Published: May 2018

A thermodynamically consistent constant hole volume Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state is applied to several polymers, blowing agents, and saturated mixtures of interest to the polymer foaming industry.
Rational design of light induced self healed Fe based oxygen vacancy rich CeO2 (CeO2NS–FeOOH/Fe2O3) nanostructure materials for photocatalytic water oxidation and Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Sultana S. , Mansingh S. , Parida K. M.
Published: May 2018

Self regenerating oxygen vacancy rich CeO2NS–FeOOH/Fe2O3 hybrids are optimized and show superior charge separation efficiency both in visible and UV-visible light.
Enhanced H2 evolution based on ultrasound-assisted piezo-catalysis of modified MoS2
Authors: Su Yang , Zhang Ling , Wang Wenzhong , Li Xiaoman , Zhang Yunlong , Shao Dengkui
Published: May 2018

Piezo-catalysis of H2 evolution from water has been realized from modified-MoS2 nanosheets, and high production was achieved.
Evaluating the influences of the sulfur content in precursors on the structure and sodium storage performances of carbon materials
Authors: Zhao Ganggang , Zhang Yu , Zou Guoqiang , Zhang Yang , Hong Wanwan , Jiang Yunling , Xu Wei , Shuai Honglei , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2018

In this study, a series of S/N co-doped carbon materials (SNC) has been designed, and the influences of the S contents in precursors on the structures and morphologies of the carbon materials have been evaluated. Furthermore, the electrochemical sodium storage performances of the obtained materials have been investigated.
In situ generation of CoS1.097 nanoparticles on S/N co-doped graphene/carbonized foam for mechanically tough and flexible all solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Degang , Liang Hui , Liu Yan , Zheng Yiwei , Li Chenwei , Yang Wenrong , Barrow Colin J. , Liu Jingquan
Published: May 2018

Flexible, high-strength and free-standing CoS1.097/GF/KOH/PVA composite films are synthesized by a simple squeeze-dip-coating and sulfidation process and utilized as positive electrode for asymmetric electrochemical capacitor with ultrahigh specific capacitance, high energy density and excellent mechanical stability.
Enzymatically-controlled biomimetic synthesis of titania/protein hybrid thin films
Authors: Bawazer L. A. , Ihli J. , Levenstein M. A. , Jeuken L. J. C. , Meldrum F. C. , McMillan D. G. G.
Published: May 2018

The digestive enzyme papain can drive the formation of crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles on surfaces. This dual functionality of thin film formation and mineralization promotion has the potential to enable the construction of hierarchical inorganic/organic structures in the form of continuous amorphous titania/protein films.
A target-responsive autonomous aptamer machine biosensor for enzyme-free and sensitive detection of protein biomarkers
Authors: Zou Mengqi , Li Daxiu , Yuan Ruo , Xiang Yun
Published: May 2018

Target-triggered operation of an aptamer machine leads to amplified and highly sensitive detection of protein biomarkers.
High thermochromic performance of Fe/Mg co-doped VO2 thin films for smart window applications
Authors: Ji Chunhui , Wu Zhiming , Lu Lulu , Wu Xuefei , Wang Jun , Liu Xianchao , Zhou Hongxi , Huang Zehua , Gou Jun , Jiang Yadong
Published: May 2018

A new method, Fe/Mg co-doping, is proposed for the first time to optimize thermochromic VO2 and the promising performance of VO2-based smart windows for practical applications is successfully achieved.
Highly flexible and stretchable MWCNT/HEPCP nanocomposites with integrated near-IR, temperature and stress sensitivity for electronic skin
Authors: Li Mei , Wang Yunming , Zhang Yun , Zhou Huamin , Huang Zhigao , Li Dequn
Published: May 2018

MWCNT/HEPCP nanocomposites realized high sensitivity to IR, temperature and tensile stress, together with outstanding flexibility and stretchability for electronic skin.
Stable dye-encapsulated indium–organic framework as dual-emitting sensor for the detection of Hg2+/Cr2O72− and a wide range of nitro-compounds
Authors: Fu Hong-Ru , Zhao Ying , Xie Tao , Han Min-Le , Ma Lu-Fang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: May 2018

A water-stable porous anionic metal–organic framework (MOF), [(CH3)2NH2][In(TNB)4/3]·(2DMF)(3H2O) (1, H3TNB = 4,4′,4′′-nitrilotribenzoicacid), was synthesized.
Understanding the temperature-dependent charge transport, structural variation and photoluminescent properties in methylammonium lead halide perovskite single crystals
Authors: Zhou Jiyu , Lei Na , Zhou Huiqiong , Zhang Yuan , Tang Zhiyong , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2018

Temperature dependent XRD illustrates a tetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition around 150 K in methylammonium lead halide perovskite single crystals.
High photodetectivity of low-voltage flexible photodetectors assembled with hybrid aligned nanowire arrays
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Cheng Jing , Li Tianjun , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Wang Yuting , Hu Yue , Zhang Mengfei , Yang Jun , Aziz Hafiz Sartaj , Wan Chunlei , Nishijima Hiroki , Pan Wei
Published: May 2018

High-performance low voltage flexible photodetectors based on a hybrid nanofiber network were prepared by a facile assembly method.
Influence of ZnO thin film crystallinity on in vitro biocompatibility
Authors: Lewinski Nastassja A. , Avrutin Vitaliy , Izadi Tanin , Secondo Lynn E. , Ullah Md. Barkat , Özgür Ümit , Morkoç Hadis , Topsakal Erdem
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the cytocompatibility of single- and poly-crystalline ZnO thin films using extract and direct contact methods. Exposure to poly-crystalline ZnO extract resulted in reduced cell viability, on average 82%/70% as measured by MTS/LDH assays, respectively. Direct exposure to both single- and poly-crystalline ZnO thin films resulted in reduced cell viability, which was attributed to anoikis due to inhibition of cell adhesion to the substrate by zinc. Intracellular zinc imaging suggests that single crystalline ZnO thin films do not result in a significant change in intracellular zinc concentrations. Overall, the results suggest that single-crystalline ZnO thin films have better short-term (24 h) cytocompatibility and support their potential to serve as a biocompatible sensor material.
Treatment with eucalyptol mitigates cigarette smoke-induced lung injury through suppressing ICAM-1 gene expression
Authors: Yu Na , Sun Yi-Tian , Su Xin-Ming , He Miao , Dai Bing , Kang Jian
Published: May 2018

The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical significance of Eucalyptol in treating cigarette smoke-induced lung injury with the potential mechanism involved in the event. Rats were exposed to air (control) and cigarette smoke (smoking) after they were treated with Eucalyptol (260 mg/kg) orally once a day for 12 weeks. Cell counts of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), measurements of mean liner intercept (MLI) and mean alveolar number (MAN), and lung function test were executed in experimental animals. Contents of cytokines and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in BALF and ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression in lung tissues were determined by ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RT-PCR, respectively. A rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) displayed declining lung function, increased cell counts and cytokine production in BALF, and emphysema-like lesions in cigarette smoke-exposed lungs compared with the controls (all P<0.01). Treatment with Eucalyptol partly reversed lung function decline with obvious decrease in inflammatory cell infiltrate, TNF-α, IL-6, and ICAM-1 expression levels in the challenged lungs (all P<0.05 and 0.01). Furthermore, oral administration of the drug not only reduced the emphysema-associated lung lesions but also suppressed ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression in the lungs compared with the control (all P<0.05 or 0.01). Intervention of Eucalyptol mitigates the ongoing inflammatory process in airways and ameliorates the cigarette smoke-induced lung injury through suppressing ICAM-1 gene expression in the diseased lungs.
Improved disturbance rejection control for piezoelectric actuators based on combination of ESO and Q‐filter
Authors: Zhuoyun Nie , Yijing Ma , Ruijuan Liu , Dongsheng Guo
Published: May 2018

An improved disturbance rejection control based on the combination of an extended‐state observer (ESO) and Q‐filter is presented for piezoelectric actuators. Analysis using the standard disturbance observer framework is performed to verify that the new method can improve the accuracy of disturbance estimation even under measurement noise. An advantage of the proposed method is that the bandwidth of the ESO can be reduced without the degradation of disturbance rejection performance. An experiment is performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Ultrathin design and implementation of planar and conformal polarisation rotating frequency selective surface based on SIW technology
Authors: Varikuntla Krushna Kanth , Singaravelu Raghavan
Published: May 2018

The design of novel ultra‐thin polarisation rotating frequency selective surface based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology has been presented. The primary function of the structure is to select the linear polarisation from the impinging electromagnetic wave on it and to rotate the wave into the 90° counter‐clockwise direction in the given frequency band. The proposed array consists of periodic Y‐shaped slot elements surrounded by SIW cavities. The structure shows a relative bandwidth of 8% with impedance matching better than −10 dB and a very good insertion loss of 0.3 dB. It also offers co‐polarisation below −20 dB in the passband. The proposed structure is very thin (0.055λ0) compared to the existing SIW‐based frequency selective polarising rotators. Also, the conformal analysis of the proposed structure has been carried to study its behaviour for real‐time applications when used on curved surfaces. Finally, to prove the efficacy of proposed structure, a prototype has fabricated and measured its performance. A very good agreement is observed between the experimental and simulated results.
Pattern synthesis for multi‐layered perforated dielectric superstrate loaded patch antenna with equal E/H beamwidth
Authors: Yu Yin‐Hua , Zong Zhi‐Yuan , Wu Wen , Fang Da‐Gang
Published: May 2018

The pattern synthesis based on the spectral Green's functions for multi‐layered perforated dielectric loaded patch antenna is presented. It is conducted by optimising the dielectric superstrate parameters, i.e. relative permittivity (εr) and thickness. To solve the problem of the optimised εr unavailable from market, perforated dielectric superstrate (PDS) is utilised. The equivalence between PDS and homogeneous dielectric superstrate (HDS) in spectral domain is investigated and the effective relative permittivity (εreff) of PDS is studied. Moreover, by introducing εreff, the general optimisation procedure for HDS loaded antenna is also applicable for PDS loaded antenna, which reduces the computational cost significantly. To validate their method, a two‐layer PDS loaded patch antenna with E/H beamwidth equalisation was designed, fabricated and measured. Simulations and measurements show that the synthesised antenna has satisfactory performances over the ITU‐RS.1068‐1994 band from 13.75 to 14 GHz. The half 10 dB E/H beamwidths of 19°/20°, −27 dB cross polarisation and −15.5 dB side lobe level have been achieved.