bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle-Mediated Physical Exfoliation of Aqueous-Phase Graphene for Fabrication of Three-Dimensionally Structured Hybrid Electrodes
Authors: Lee Younghee , Choi Hojin , Kim Min-Sik , Noh Seonmyeong , Ahn Ki-Jin , Im Kyungun , Kwon Oh Seok , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: January 2016

Monodispersed polypyrrole (PPy) nanospheres were physically incorporated as guest species into stacked graphene layers without significant property degradation, thereby facilitating the formation of unique three-dimensional hybrid nanoarchitecture. The electrochemical properties of the graphene/particulate PPy (GPPy) nanohybrids were dependent on the sizes and contents of the PPy nanospheres. The nanohybrids exhibited optimum electrochemical performance in terms of redox activity, charge-transfer resistance and specific capacitance at an 8:1 PPy/graphite (graphene precursor) weight ratio. The packing density of the alternately stacked nanohybrid structure varied with the nanosphere content, indicating the potential for high volumetric capacitance. The nanohybrids also exhibited good long-term cycling stability because of a structural synergy effect. Finally, fabricated nanohybrid-based flexible all–solid state capacitor cells exhibited good electrochemical performance in an acidic electrolyte with a maximum energy density of 8.4 Wh kg−1 or 1.9 Wh L−1 at a maximum power density of 3.2 kW kg−1 or 0.7 kW L−1; these performances were based on the mass or packing density of the electrode materials.
Nanoparticles Based on Chitosan as Carriers for the Combined Herbicides Imazapic and Imazapyr
Authors: Maruyama Cintia Rodrigues , Guilger Mariana , Pascoli Mônica , Bileshy-José Natalia , Abhilash P.C. , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes , de Lima Renata
Published: January 2016

The use of lower concentrations and fewer applications of herbicides is one of the prime objectives of the sustainable agriculture as it decreases the toxicity to non-targeted organisms and the risk of wider environmental contamination. In the present work, nanoparticles were developed for encapsulation of the herbicides imazapic and imazapyr. Alginate/chitosan and chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles were manufactured and their physicochemical stability was evaluated. Determinations were made of the encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics and the toxicity of the nanoparticles was evaluated using cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays. The effects of herbicides and herbicide-loaded nanoparticles on soil microorganisms were studied in detail using real-time polymerase chain reactions. The nanoparticles showed an average size of 400 nm and remained stable during 30 days of storage at ambient temperature. Satisfactory encapsulation efficiencies of between 50 and 70% were achieved for both types of particles. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the encapsulated herbicides were less toxic, compared to the free compounds and genotoxicity was decreased. Analyses of soil microbiota revealed changes in the bacteria of the soils exposed to the different treatments. Our study proves that encapsulation of the herbicides improved their mode of action and reduced their toxicity, indicating their suitability for use in future practical applications.
A novel method for evaluating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by flowcytometry using cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Aikawa Hiroaki , Kuchiba Aya , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Noboru , Tamura Kenji , Hamada Akinobu
Published: January 2016

Analyzing the cytotoxic functions of effector cells, such as NK cells against target cancer cells, is thought to be necessary for predicting the clinical efficacy of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) -dependent antibody therapy. The 51Cr release assay has long been the most widely used method for quantification of ADCC activity. However, the reproducibilities of these release assays are not adequate and they do not allow evaluation of the lysis susceptibilities of distinct cell types within the target cell population. In this study, we established a novel method for evaluating cytotoxicity, which involves the detection and quantification of dead target cells using flowcytometry. CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) was used as a dye to specifically stain and thereby label the target cell population, allowing living and dead cells, as well as both target and effector cells, to be quantitatively distinguished. Furthermore, with our new approach, ADCC activity was more reproducibly, sensitively and specifically detectable, not only in freshly isolated but also in frozen human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), than with the calcein-AM release assay. This assay, validated herein, is expected to become a standard assay for evaluating ADCC activity which will ultimately contribute the clinical development of ADCC dependent-antibody therapies.
Urinary N-methylnicotinamide and β-aminoisobutyric acid predict catch-up growth in undernourished Brazilian children
Authors: Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Lima Aldo A.M. , Guerrant Richard L. , Leite Álvaro M. , Moura Alessandra F. , Lima Noélia L. , Soares Alberto M. , Havt Alexandre , Moore Sean R. , Pinkerton Relana , Swann Jonathan R.
Published: January 2016

Enteric infections, enteropathy and undernutrition in early childhood are preventable risk factors for child deaths, impaired neurodevelopment and later life metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms linking these exposures and outcomes remain to be elucidated, as do biomarkers for identifying children at risk. By examining the urinary metabolic phenotypes of nourished and undernourished children participating in a case-control study in Semi-Arid Brazil, we identified key differences with potential relevance to mechanisms, biomarkers and outcomes. Undernutrition was found to perturb several biochemical pathways, including choline and tryptophan metabolism, while also increasing the proteolytic activity of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, a metabolic adaptation was observed in the undernourished children to reduce energy expenditure, reflected by increased N-methylnicotinamide and reduced β-aminoisobutyric acid excretion. Interestingly, accelerated catch-up growth was observed in those undernourished children displaying a more robust metabolic adaptation several months earlier. Hence, urinary N-methylnicotinamide and β-aminoisobutyric acid represent promising biomarkers for predicting short-term growth outcomes in undernourished children and for identifying children destined for further growth shortfalls. These findings have important implications for understanding contributors to long-term sequelae of early undernutrition, including cognitive, growth and metabolic functions.
Analgesic exposure in pregnant rats affects fetal germ cell development with inter-generational reproductive consequences
Authors: Dean Afshan , van den Driesche Sander , Wang Yili , McKinnell Chris , Macpherson Sheila , Eddie Sharon L. , Kinnell Hazel , Hurtado-Gonzalez Pablo , Chambers Tom J. , Stevenson Kerrie , Wolfinger Elke , Hrabalkova Lenka , Calarrao Ana , Bayne Rosey AL , Hagen Casper P. , Mitchell Rod T. , Anderson Richard A. , Sharpe Richard M.
Published: January 2016

Analgesics which affect prostaglandin (PG) pathways are used by most pregnant women. As germ cells (GC) undergo developmental and epigenetic changes in fetal life and are PG targets, we investigated if exposure of pregnant rats to analgesics (indomethacin or acetaminophen) affected GC development and reproductive function in resulting offspring (F1) or in the F2 generation. Exposure to either analgesic reduced F1 fetal GC number in both sexes and altered the tempo of fetal GC development sex-dependently, with delayed meiotic entry in oogonia but accelerated GC differentiation in males. These effects persisted in adult F1 females as reduced ovarian and litter size, whereas F1 males recovered normal GC numbers and fertility by adulthood. F2 offspring deriving from an analgesic-exposed F1 parent also exhibited sex-specific changes. F2 males exhibited normal reproductive development whereas F2 females had smaller ovaries and reduced follicle numbers during puberty/adulthood; as similar changes were found for F2 offspring of analgesic-exposed F1 fathers or mothers, we interpret this as potentially indicating an analgesic-induced change to GC in F1. Assuming our results are translatable to humans, they raise concerns that analgesic use in pregnancy could potentially affect fertility of resulting daughters and grand-daughters.
Cytoplasmic Determination of Meiotic Spindle Size Revealed by a Unique Inter-Species Germinal Vesicle Transfer Model
Authors: Wang Zhong-Wei , Zhang Guang-Li , Schatten Heide , Carroll John , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: January 2016

Spindle sizes are different in diverse species and cell types. In frogs, the meiotic spindle size is positively correlated with the egg cell volume. Across species, relatively small mouse oocytes (70–80 μm) have a relatively large spindle while larger pig oocytes (about 120 μm) have a considerably smaller spindle. In this study we investigated whether species-specific oocyte spindle size was determined by cytoplasmic or nuclear factors. By exchanging the germinal vesicle between mouse and pig oocytes, we obtained two kinds of reconstructed oocytes: one with mouse ooplasm and pig GV (mCy-pGV oocyte) and the other with pig ooplasm and mouse GV (pCy-mGV oocyte). We show that the MII spindle size of the mCy-pGV oocyte is similar to that of the mouse meiotic spindle and significantly larger than that of the pig meiotic spindle. The timing of oocyte maturation also followed that of the species from which the oocyte cytoplasm arose, although some impact of the origin of the GV was observed. These data suggest that spindle size and the timing of meiotic progression are governed by cytoplasmic components rather than cytoplasmic volume and GV materials.
An approach to scoring cursorial limb proportions in carnivorous dinosaurs and an attempt to account for allometry
Authors: Persons IV W. Scott , Currie Philip J.
Published: January 2016

From an initial dataset of 53 theropod species, the general relationship between theropod lower-leg length and body mass is identified. After factoring out this allometric relationship, theropod hindlimb proportions are assessed irrespective of body mass. Cursorial-limb-proportion (CLP) scores derived for each of the considered theropod taxa offer a measure of the extent to which a particular species deviates in favour of higher or lower running speeds. Within the same theropod species, these CLP scores are found to be consistent across multiple adult specimens and across disparate ontogenetic stages. Early theropods are found to have low CLP scores, while the coelurosaurian tyrannosauroids and compsognathids are found to have high CLP scores. Among deinonychosaurs, troodontids have consistently high CLP scores, while many dromaeosaur taxa, including Velociraptor and Deinonychus, have low CLP scores. This indicates that dromaeosaurs were not, overall, a particularly cursorily adapted group. Comparisons between the CLP scores of Tyrannosaurus and specimens referred to the controversial genus Nanotyrannus indicate a strong discrepancy in cursorial adaptations, which supports the legitimacy of Nanotyrannus and the previous suggestions of ecological partitioning between Nanotyrannus and the contemporaneous Tyrannosaurus.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibits lung injury induced by respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Gu Hongjing , Xie Zhengde , Li Tieling , Zhang Shaogeng , Lai Chengcai , Zhu Ping , Wang Keyu , Han Lina , Duan Yueqiang , Zhao Zhongpeng , Yang Xiaolan , Xing Li , Zhang Peirui , Wang Zhouhai , Li Ruisheng , Yu Jane J. , Wang Xiliang , Yang Penghui
Published: January 2016

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of severe lower respiratory illness in infants and young children, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for viral pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. To date, no drugs or vaccines have been employed to improve clinical outcomes for RSV-infected patients. In this paper, we report that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) protected against severe lung injury induced by RSV infection in an experimental mouse model and in pediatric patients. Moreover, ACE2 deficiency aggravated RSV-associated disease pathogenesis, mainly by its action on the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Furthermore, administration of a recombinant ACE2 protein alleviated the severity of RSV-induced lung injury. These findings demonstrate that ACE2 plays a critical role in preventing RSV-induced lung injury and suggest that ACE2 is a promising potential therapeutic target in the management of RSV-induced lung disease.
Rich diversity and potency of skin antioxidant peptides revealed a novel molecular basis for high-altitude adaptation of amphibians
Authors: Yang Xinwang , Wang Ying , Zhang Yue , Lee Wen-Hui , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2016

Elucidating the mechanisms of high-altitude adaptation is an important research area in modern biology. To date, however, knowledge has been limited to the genetic mechanisms of adaptation to the lower oxygen and temperature levels prevalent at high altitudes, with adaptation to UV radiation largely neglected. Furthermore, few proteomic or peptidomic analyses of these factors have been performed. In this study, the molecular adaptation of high-altitude Odorrana andersonii and cavernicolous O. wuchuanensis to elevated UV radiation was investigated. Compared with O. wuchuanensis, O. andersonii exhibited greater diversity and free radical scavenging potentiality of skin antioxidant peptides to cope with UV radiation. This implied that O. andersonii evolved a much more complicated and powerful skin antioxidant peptide system to survive high-altitude UV levels. Our results provided valuable peptidomic clues for understanding the novel molecular basis for adaptation to high elevation habitats.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy discriminates the response to microglial stimulation of wild type and Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Pardon Marie-Christine , Yanez Lopez Maria , Yuchun Ding , Marjańska Małgorzata , Prior Malcolm , Brignell Christopher , Parhizkar Samira , Agostini Alessandra , Bai Li , Auer Dorothee P. , Faas Henryk M
Published: January 2016

Microglia activation has emerged as a potential key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Metabolite levels assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are used as markers of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, but how they relate to microglial activation in health and chronic disease is incompletely understood. Using MRS, we monitored the brain metabolic response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced microglia activation in vivo in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (APP/PS1) and healthy controls (wild-type (WT) littermates) over 4 hours. We assessed reactive gliosis by immunohistochemistry and correlated metabolic and histological measures. In WT mice, LPS induced a microglial phenotype consistent with activation, associated with a sustained increase in macromolecule and lipid levels (ML9). This effect was not seen in APP/PS1 mice, where LPS did not lead to a microglial response measured by histology, but induced a late increase in the putative inflammation marker myoinositol (mI) and metabolic changes in total creatine and taurine previously reported to be associated with amyloid load. We argue that ML9 and mI distinguish the response of WT and APP/PS1 mice to immune mediators. Lipid and macromolecule levels may represent a biomarker of activation of healthy microglia, while mI may not be a glial marker.
Time Invariant Surface Roughness Evolution during Atmospheric Pressure Thin Film Depositions
Authors: Merkh Thomas , Spivey Robert , Lu Toh Ming
Published: January 2016

The evolution of thin film morphology during atmospheric pressure deposition has been studied utilizing Monte Carlo methods. Time invariant root-mean-squared roughness and local roughness morphology were both observed when employing a novel simulation parameter, modeling the effect of the experimental high pressure condition. This growth regime, where the surface roughness remains invariant after reaching a critical value, has not been classified by any existing universality class. An anti-shadowing growth mechanism responsible for this regime occurs when particles undergo binary collisions beneath the surface apexes. Hence, this mechanism is applicable when the mean free path of the depositing species is comparable to the amplitude of the surface features. Computationally this has been modeled by allowing particles to change direction at a specified height above the local film surface. This modification of the incoming flux trajectory consequently has a dramatic smoothening effect and the resulting surfaces appear in agreement with recent experimental observations.
Stimulation of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage by nitrogen addition: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yue Kai , Peng Yan , Peng Changhui , Yang Wanqin , Peng Xin , Wu Fuzhong
Published: January 2016

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition alters the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, which is likely to feed back to further climate change. However, how the overall terrestrial ecosystem C pools and fluxes respond to N addition remains unclear. By synthesizing data from multiple terrestrial ecosystems, we quantified the response of C pools and fluxes to experimental N addition using a comprehensive meta-analysis method. Our results showed that N addition significantly stimulated soil total C storage by 5.82% ([2.47%, 9.27%], 95% CI, the same below) and increased the C contents of the above- and below-ground parts of plants by 25.65% [11.07%, 42.12%] and 15.93% [6.80%, 25.85%], respectively. Furthermore, N addition significantly increased aboveground net primary production by 52.38% [40.58%, 65.19%] and litterfall by 14.67% [9.24%, 20.38%] at a global scale. However, the C influx from the plant litter to the soil through litter decomposition and the efflux from the soil due to microbial respiration and soil respiration showed insignificant responses to N addition. Overall, our meta-analysis suggested that N addition will increase soil C storage and plant C in both above- and below-ground parts, indicating that terrestrial ecosystems might act to strengthen as a C sink under increasing N deposition.
Semiquantum key distribution with secure delegated quantum computation
Authors: Li Qin , Chan Wai Hong , Zhang Shengyu
Published: January 2016

Semiquantum key distribution allows a quantum party to share a random key with a “classical” party who only can prepare and measure qubits in the computational basis or reorder some qubits when he has access to a quantum channel. In this work, we present a protocol where a secret key can be established between a quantum user and an almost classical user who only needs the quantum ability to access quantum channels, by securely delegating quantum computation to a quantum server. We show the proposed protocol is robust even when the delegated quantum server is a powerful adversary and is experimentally feasible with current technology. As one party of our protocol is the most quantum-resource efficient, it can be more practical and significantly widen the applicability scope of quantum key distribution.
A Cell-Penetrating Peptide with a Guanidinylethyl Amine Structure Directed to Gene Delivery
Authors: Oba Makoto , Kato Takuma , Furukawa Kaori , Tanaka Masakazu
Published: January 2016

A peptide composed of lysine with a guanidinylethyl (GEt) amine structure in the side chain [Lys(GEt)] was developed as a cell-penetrating peptide directed to plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The GEt amine adopted a diprotonated form at neutral pH, which may have led to the more efficient cellular uptake of a Lys(GEt)-peptide than an arginine-peptide at a low concentration. Lys(GEt)-peptide/pDNA complexes showed the highest transfection efficiency due to efficient endosomal escape without any cytotoxicity. Lys(GEt)-peptide may be a promising candidate as a gene delivery carrier.
Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 is involved in melanogenesis via regulation of MITF expression in melanocytes
Authors: Yun Woo Jin , Kim Eun-Young , Park Ji-Eun , Jo Soo Youn , Bang Seung Hyun , Chang Eun-Ju , Chang Sung Eun
Published: January 2016

Although autophagy plays a role in melanogenesis by regulating melanosome degradation and biogenesis in melanocytes, a detailed understanding of the regulatory functions of autophagy factors is lacking. Here, we report a mechanistic link between microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) activation and melanogenesis. We observed high expression of LC3 in melanosome-associated pigment-rich melanocytic nevi of sun-exposed skin, as indicated by patterns of melanosomal protein MART1 expression. Rapamycin-induced autophagy significantly increased the melanin index, tyrosinase activity and expression of several proteins linked to melanosome biogenesis, including microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), pre-melanosome protein and tyrosinase, in Melan-a melanocytes. siRNA-mediated knockdown of LC3, but not beclin-1 or ATG5, decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity. LC3 knockdown also markedly inhibited MITF expression and subsequent rapamycin-induced melanosome formation. More importantly, LC3 knockdown suppressed α-MSH-mediated melanogenesis by attenuating cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and MITF expression in Melan-a cells via decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Overexpression of constitutively active ERK reversed the effect of LC3 knockdown on CREB phosphorylation and MITF expression. These findings demonstrate that LC3 contributes to melanogenesis by increasing ERK-dependent MITF expression, thereby providing a mechanistic insight into the signaling network that links autophagy to melanogenesis.
Photonic Crystal Optical Tweezers with High Efficiency for Live Biological Samples and Viability Characterization
Authors: Jing Peifeng , Wu Jingda , Liu Gary W. , Keeler Ethan G. , Pun Suzie H. , Lin Lih Y.
Published: January 2016

We propose and demonstrate a new optical trapping method for single cells that utilizes modulated light fields to trap a wide array of cell types, including mammalian, yeast and Escherichia coli cells, on the surface of a two-dimensional photonic crystal. This method is capable of reducing the required light intensity and thus minimizing the photothermal damage to living cells, thereby extending cell viability in optical trapping and cell manipulation applications. To this end, a thorough characterization of cell viability in optical trapping environments was performed. This study also demonstrates the technique using spatial light modulation in patterned manipulation of live cell arrays over a broad area.
Fano resonances from gradient-index metamaterials
Authors: Xu Yadong , Li Sucheng , Hou Bo , Chen Huanyang
Published: January 2016

Fano resonances – resonant scattering features with a characteristic asymmetric profile – have generated much interest, due to their extensive and valuable applications in chemical or biological sensors, new types of optical switches, lasers and nonlinear optics. They have been observed in a wide variety of resonant optical systems, including photonic crystals, metamaterials, metallic gratings and nanostructures. In this work, a waveguide structure is designed by employing gradient-index metamaterials, supporting strong Fano resonances with extremely sharp spectra. As the changes in the transmission spectrum originate from the interaction of guided modes from different channels, instead of resonance structures or metamolecules, the Fano resonances can be observed for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. These findings are verified by fine agreement with analytical calculations and experimental results at microwave, as well as simulated results at near infrared frequencies.
Atomic-layer soft plasma etching of MoS2
Authors: Xiao Shaoqing , Xiao Peng , Zhang Xuecheng , Yan Dawei , Gu Xiaofeng , Qin Fang , Ni Zhenhua , Han Zhao Jun , Ostrikov Kostya
Published: January 2016

Transition from multi-layer to monolayer and sub-monolayer thickness leads to the many exotic properties and distinctive applications of two-dimensional (2D) MoS2. This transition requires atomic-layer-precision thinning of bulk MoS2without damaging the remaining layers, which presently remains elusive. Here we report a soft, selective and high-throughput atomic-layer-precision etching of MoS2in SF6+ N2plasmas with low-energy (<0.4 eV) electrons and minimized ion-bombardment-related damage. Equal numbers of MoS2layers are removed uniformly across domains with vastly different initial thickness, without affecting the underlying SiO2substrate and the remaining MoS2layers. The etching rates can be tuned to achieve complete MoS2removal and any desired number of MoS2layers including monolayer. Layer-dependent vibrational and photoluminescence spectra of the etched MoS2are also demonstrated. This soft plasma etching technique is versatile, scalable, compatible with the semiconductor manufacturing processes and may be applicable for a broader range of 2D materials and intended device applications.
Highly Efficient Quantum Sieving in Porous Graphene-like Carbon Nitride for Light Isotopes Separation
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Li Feng , Zhou Hongcai , Zhao Mingwen
Published: January 2016

Light isotopes separation, such as 3He/4He, H2/D2, H2/T2,etc., is crucial for various advanced technologies including isotope labeling, nuclear weapons, cryogenics and power generation. However, their nearly identical chemical properties made the separation challenging. The low productivity of the present isotopes separation approaches hinders the relevant applications. An efficient membrane with high performance for isotopes separation is quite appealing. Based on first-principles calculations, we theoretically demonstrated that highly efficient light isotopes separation, such as 3He/4He, can be reached in a porous graphene-like carbon nitride material via quantum sieving effect. Under moderate tensile strain, the quantum sieving of the carbon nitride membrane can be effectively tuned in a continuous way, leading to a temperature window with high 3He/4He selectivity and permeance acceptable for efficient isotopes harvest in industrial application. This mechanism also holds for separation of other light isotopes, such as H2/D2, H2/T2. Such tunable quantum sieving opens a promising avenue for light isotopes separation for industrial application.
Precision Medicine: Genetic Repair of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Patient-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Bassuk Alexander G. , Zheng Andrew , Li Yao , Tsang Stephen H. , Mahajan Vinit B.
Published: January 2016

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from patient fibroblasts could potentially be used as a source of autologous cells for transplantation in retinal disease. Patient-derived iPSCs, however, would still harbor disease-causing mutations. To generate healthy patient-derived cells, mutations might be repaired with new gene-editing technology based on the bacterial system of clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9, thereby yielding grafts that require no patient immunosuppression. We tested whether CRISPR/Cas9 could be used in patient-specific iPSCs to precisely repair an RPGR point mutation that causes X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). Fibroblasts cultured from a skin-punch biopsy of an XLRP patient were transduced to produce iPSCs carrying the patient’s c.3070G > T mutation. The iPSCs were transduced with CRISPR guide RNAs, Cas9 endonuclease and a donor homology template. Despite the gene’s repetitive and GC-rich sequences, 13% of RPGR gene copies showed mutation correction and conversion to the wild-type allele. This is the first report using CRISPR to correct a pathogenic mutation in iPSCs derived from a patient with photoreceptor degeneration. This important proof-of-concept finding supports the development of personalized iPSC-based transplantation therapies for retinal disease.
Orientation-Induced Effects of Water Harvesting on Humps-on-Strings of Bioinspired Fibers
Authors: Chen Yuan , Li Dan , Wang Ting , Zheng Yongmei
Published: January 2016

Smart water-collecting functions are naturally endowed on biological surfaces with unique wettable microstructures, e.g., beetle back with “alternate hydrophobic, hydrophilic micro-regions” and spider silk with wet-rebuilt “spindle-knot, joint” structures. Enlightened by the creature features, design of bio-inspired surfaces becomes the active issue in need of human beings for fresh water resource. Recently, as observed from spider web in nature, the net of spider silk is usually set in different situations and slopes in air, thus spider silks can be placed in all kinds of orientations as capturing water. Here, we show the styles and orientations of hump-on-string to control the ability of water collection as bioinspired silks are fabricated successfully. As different strings, sizes (height, length, pitch) of humps can become the controlling on volumes of extreme water drops. It is related to the different solid/liquid contact regions resulting in the as-modulated wet adhesion due to orientations of humps-on-strings. The conversion of high-low adhesion can be achieved to rely on orientations for the effect of capturing water drops. These studies offer an insight into enhancement of water collection efficiency and are helpful to design smart materials for controlled water drop capture and release via conversions of high-low adhesion.
Mechanistic investigation of the on-surface enzymatic digestion (oSED) protein adsorption detection method using targeted mass spectrometry
Authors: Undin Torgny , Dahlin Andreas , Hörnaeus Katarina , Bergquist Jonas , Lind Sara Bergström
Published: January 2016

This study describes our efforts to study some of the mechanistic aspects of the earlier established on-surface enzymatic digestion (oSED) method.
Identification, characterization and HPLC quantification of impurities in apremilast
Authors: Xiong Kaihe , Ma Xingling , Cao Na , Liu Lei , Sun Lili , Zou Qiaogen , Wei Ping
Published: January 2016

A new compound Imp-F was obtained and the structures were elucidated by using spectral data (NMR, MS, and IR); the potential process-related impurities were speculated in the apremilast drug; LC conditions were optimized and an effective HPLC method for the quantitative determination of the potential process-related impurities in apremilast was developed.
A highly active Pd–P nanoparticle electrocatalyst for enhanced formic acid oxidation synthesized via stepwise electroless deposition
Authors: Poon Kee Chun , Khezri Bahareh , Li Yao , Webster Richard D. , Su Haibin , Sato Hirotaka
Published: January 2016

A highly active Pd–P nanoparticle electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation was synthesized using NaH2PO2 as the reducing agent.
Stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines via Rh(iii)-catalyzed tandem oxidative olefination–cyclization of 4-aryl cyclic sulfamidates
Authors: Son Se-Mi , Seo Yeon Ji , Lee Hyeon-Kyu
Published: January 2016

Rh(iii)-catalyzed tandem ortho C–H activation/olefination of 4-aryl cyclic sulfamidates and subsequent intramolecular cyclization which lead to the stereoselective synthesis of trans-1,3-disubstituted isoindolines are reported.
The synthesis of NiII and AlIII 10-azacorroles through coordination-induced cyclisation involving 1,2-migration
Authors: Omori Hiroto , Hiroto Satoru , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

We have synthesized NiII and AlIII 10-azacorroles through coordination-induced cyclisation of nitrogen-bridged bisdipyrrins. The α-substituent (X = Br or Ph) shifted to the adjacent β-position during cyclisation.
Ultrafast deactivation of bilirubin: dark intermediates and two-photon isomerization
Authors: Carreira-Blanco Carlos , Singer Patrick , Diller Rolf , Luis Pérez Lustres J.
Published: January 2016

The Franck-Condon stateAcouples to the dark intermediateB, which shows tight molecular skeleton and distorted hydrogen bonding.Bdeactivates with nearly 100% efficiency. 2-Photon excitation at 400 nm triggersZ,Eisomerization efficiently.
A theoretical study on charge transport of dithiolene nickel complexes
Authors: Huong Vu Thi Thu , Tai Truong Ba , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: January 2016

The effect of chemical structures on the charge transport characteristics of dithiophene nickel complexes was studied using DFT and NEGF-DFT methods.
HSO3Cl: a prototype molecule for studying OH-stretching overtone induced photodissociation
Authors: Yosa Reyes Juvenal , Brickel Sebastian , Unke Oliver T. , Nagy Tibor , Meuwly Markus
Published: January 2016

Vibrationally induced photodissociation in sulfurochloridic acid (HSO3Cl) is found to be a viable process to form SO3and HCl from excitations of the OH-stretching overtone starting atνOH= 4.
Blue to near-IR energy transfer cascade within a dye-doped polymer matrix, mediated by a photochromic molecular switch
Authors: Dryza Viktoras , Smith Trevor A. , Bieske Evan J.
Published: January 2016

We describe a new approach for using a photochromic molecular switch to control the communication between two chromophores.
Time-resolved fluctuation during the photochemical reaction of a photoreceptor protein: phototropin1LOV2-linker
Authors: Kuroi Kunisato , Sato Francielle , Nakasone Yusuke , Zikihara Kazunori , Tokutomi Satoru , Terazima Masahide
Published: January 2016

The compressibilities, which reflect structural fluctuations were successfully measured for reaction intermediates of phot1LOV2-linker in time-domain. This result indicates transient enhancement of the fluctuation during the reaction.
Nitroxyl as a ligand in ruthenium tetraammine systems: a density functional theory study
Authors: Da Silva Augusto C. H. , Da Silva Juarez L. F. , Franco Douglas W.
Published: January 2016

The properties of the free nitroxyl molecule and the nitroxyl ligand in Ru(ii) tetraammines (trans-[Ru(NH3)4(nitroxyl)n(L)]2+n(n= nitroxyl charge; L = NH3, py, P(OEt)3, H2O, Cl−and Br−)) were studied using density functional theory.
Interaction of europium and curium with alpha-amylase
Authors: Barkleit Astrid , Heller Anne , Ikeda-Ohno Atsushi , Bernhard Gert
Published: January 2016

Batch sorption experiments, potentiometric and spectroscopic titration investigations revealed a fast and strong interaction of Eu(iii) and Cm(iii) with the digestive enzyme α-amylase.
Lanthanide dinuclear complexes constructed from mixed oxygen-donor ligands: the effect of substituent positions of the neutral ligand on the magnetic dynamics in Dy analogues
Authors: Zhu Wen-Hua , Li Shan , Gao Chen , Xiong Xia , Zhang Yan , Liu Li , Powell Annie K. , Gao Song
Published: January 2016

A substantial suppression of the quantum tunnelling effect and pronounced magnetic relaxation were achieved in the Dy analogues by modifying the methyl substituent positions on the neutral ligands.
Improving the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with electron-donor and electron-acceptor characteristic of planar electronic skeletons
Authors: Ren Yameng , Li Yang , Chen Shu , Liu Jiao , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: January 2016

Dye C288 with an almost planar electronic skeleton achieved an excellent PCE of 12%.
Comment on “Exposure to mercury and Aroclor 1268 congeners in least terns (Sternula antillarum) in coastal Georgia, USA” by G. L. Robinson, G. L. Mills, A. H. Lindell, S. H. Schweitzer and S. M. Hernandez, Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2015, 17, 1424
Authors: Fuchsman P. C. , Henning M. H. , Magar V. S.
Published: January 2016

Omissions in Robinson et al.'s interpretation of Aroclor 1268 concentrations in least tern eggs alter the study's conclusions.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Exposure to mercury and Aroclor 1268 congeners in least terns (Sternula antillarum) in coastal Georgia, USA”’ by P. C. Fuchsman, M. H. Henning and V. S. Magar, Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2016, 18, DOI: 10.1039/C5EM00489F
Authors: Robinson Gabrielle L. , Mills Gary L. , Schweitzer Sara , Hernandez Sonia
Published: January 2016

This article provides our response to the comment by Fuchsman et al.
Metal–organic framework MIL-101 supported bimetallic Pd–Cu nanocrystals as efficient catalysts for chromium reduction and conversion of carbon dioxide at room temperature
Authors: Trivedi Manoj , Bhaskaran Bhaskaran , Kumar Akshay , Singh Gurmeet , Kumar Abhinav , Rath Nigam P.
Published: January 2016

A series of bimetallic Pd–Cu nanocrystals supported on the zeolite-type metal–organic framework MIL-101 and their application in the reduction of Cr(vi) to Cr(iii) using formic acid and the conversion of terminal alkynes into propiolic acids with CO2are reported.
Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of cinnamic acids and ACCN via single electron transfer
Authors: Gao Bao , Xie Yinjun , Yang Lei , Huang Hanmin
Published: January 2016

A novel and convenient method for the synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated nitriles using ACCN (1,1′-azobis(cyclohexane-1-carbonitrile)) as a cyano source was described.
Synthesis of 19F nucleic acid–polymer conjugates as real-time MRI probes of biorecognition
Authors: Sicilia Giovanna , Davis Adrienne L. , Spain Sebastian G. , Magnusson Johannes P. , Boase Nathan R. B. , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Alexander Cameron
Published: January 2016

The efficacy of novel 19F nucleic acid–polymer conjugates as sensitive and selective in vitro reporters of DNA binding events is demonstrated through a number of rapid-acquisition MR sequences.
Process characterization of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial type II cells using surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Cao Xiaowei , Chen Xiang , Shi Chaowen , Zhang Mingyue , Lu Wenbo , Li Li , Dong Jian , Han Xiaodong , Qian Weiping
Published: January 2016

Here we present a sensitive, non-invasive, and label-free detection method for successful identification and discrimination of the BLM-induced EMT in ATII cells, which is based on the TAT-functionalized AuNSs as intracellular SERS probes.
Dielectric passivation layer as a substratum on localized single-cell electroporation
Authors: Santra Tuhin Subhra , Chen Chih-Wei , Chang Hwan-You , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: January 2016

Without dielectric passivation layer provide bulk electroporation, whereas with passivation layer generate an intense electric field to deliver molecules precisely into single cell, as name as localized single cell electroporation (LSCEP).
Computational fluid dynamic modeling of a pervaporation process for removal of styrene from petrochemical wastewater
Authors: Darvishi Abdolmajid , Aroujalian Abdolreza , Keshavarz Moraveji Mostafa , Pazuki Gholamreza
Published: January 2016

In this study, a predictive model was developed to describe the process of separation of volatile organic compounds.
Optimizing the interaction between poly(vinyl alcohol) and sandy soil for enhanced water retention performance
Authors: Yin Zheng , Cao Jingjing , Li Zhen , Qiu Dong
Published: January 2016

PVA 1795 and 1797 was effective in improving the growth of plants in sandy soil, may be a good alterative of PAM.
Multifunctional human serum albumin-modified reduced graphene oxide for targeted photothermal therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Aixian , Zhang Da , Wu Ming , Yang Huanghao , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: January 2016

Multifunctional human serum albumin-modified reduced graphene oxide can specifically target HCC cells and effectively kill them with the help of a NIR laser.
Synthesis of calixarene–polyglycerol conjugates and their self-assembly toward nano and microtubes
Authors: Rafiee Zeinab , Kakanejadifard Ali , Hosseinzadeh Rahman , Nemati Mohammad , Adeli Mohsen
Published: January 2016

The molecular self-assembly of new hyperbranched polymers and copolymers consisting of polyglycerol and citric acid with a calixarene core results in nano and microtubes with the ability of loading of curcumin as an anticancer drug.
Effect of chemical structure of elastomer on filler dispersion and interactions in silica/solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber composites through molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Luo Yanlong , Qu Liangliang , Su Huifang , Chan Tung W. , Wu Sizhu
Published: January 2016

The dynamic properties, filler–rubber interactions, and filler dispersion in silica/SSBR composites with various chemical structures of SSBR were studied using MD. Competing effects led to the existence of an optimum modifier content of 14.2 wt%.
Spherical, particulate poly(ether ketone ketone) by a Friedel Crafts dispersion polymerisation
Authors: Smith Kaylie J. , Towle Ian D. H. , Moloney Mark G.
Published: January 2016

A range of particulate poly(ether ketone ketone)s (PEKKs) have been synthesised by a room temperature Friedel–Crafts dispersion polymerisation.
Formation of SiO2@SnO2 core–shell nanofibers and their gas sensing properties
Authors: Liu Yunshi , Yang Ping , Li Jia , Matras-Postolek Katarzyna , Yue Yunlong , Huang Baibiao
Published: January 2016

SiO2@SnO2 core–shell nanofibers were prepared by a single-spinneret electrospinning route and subsequent calcination process. Both the ratio of Sn and Si and the special core–shell structure played significant roles in gas sensing performance.
[Re(CO)3Cl(C5H4ClP)2] and [Re(CO)2Cl(C5H4ClP)3]: synthesis and characterization of two novel rhenium(i) phosphinine complexes
Authors: Hollering Manuela , Reithmeier Richard O. , Meister Simon , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Kühn Fritz E. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: January 2016

Two novel rhenium(i) phosphinine complexes [Re(CO)3Cl(η1-C5H4ClP)2] (1) and [Re(CO)2Cl(η1-C5H4ClP)3] (2) were synthesized and the molecular structure of both was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Human neutrophils ROS inhibition and protective effects of Myrtus communis leaves essential oils against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Jabri Mohamed-Amine , Hajaji Soumaya , Marzouki Lamjed , El-Benna Jamel , Sakly Mohsen , Sebai Hichem
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanism implicated in the protective effects ofMyrtus communisleaves essential oils (MCEO) on human neutrophils reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
Computational insight into conformational states of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and its binding mode with GLP-1
Authors: Zhang Juan , Gu Shikai , Sun Xianqiang , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia
Published: January 2016

It was observed that the apo-GLP-1R stabilized in the ‘closed’ state, while GLP-1R coupled with GLP-1 stabilized in the ‘open’ state.
Air-assisted activation strategy for porous carbon spheres to give enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Xuan Huaqing , Wang Yiliang , Lin Gaoxin , Wang Fan , Zhou Lin , Dong Xiaoping , Chen Zhi
Published: January 2016

Porous carbon spheres showing excellent pore structures and superior electrochemical performance were obtained from a resorcinol–formaldehyde resin by an air-assisted activation strategy.
A simple method to fabricate poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) with highly improved electrical conductivity via pre-polymerization
Authors: Ou Xianghui , Xu Xuecheng
Published: January 2016

The electrical conductivity of poly(aniline-co-pyrrole) by proper pre-polymerization achieved the same order of magnitude (10−1 S cm−1) with their homopolymers, or even slightly higher, which was not affected by the molar ratio of two monomers.
˙OH-initiated heterogeneous oxidation of methyl orange using an Fe–Ce/MCM-41 catalyst
Authors: Wang Shuaijun , Zhao Chaocheng , Wang Dejun , Wang Yongqiang , Liu Fang
Published: January 2016

Surface-bound ˙OH radicals play a dominant role in the oxidation of methyl orange.
High mechanical strength bioactive wollastonite bioceramics sintered from nanofibers
Authors: Lin Kaili , Lin Chucheng , Zeng Yi
Published: January 2016

The high mechanical strength bioactive wollastonite bioceramics were successfully fabricated via pressureless sintering using nanofibers as raw materials.
Mesoporous RuO2/TiO2 composites prepared by cyclodextrin-assisted colloidal self-assembly: towards efficient catalysts for the hydrogenation of methyl oleate
Authors: Bleta Rudina , Noël Sébastien , Addad Ahmed , Ponchel Anne , Monflier Eric
Published: January 2016

CD-based assemblies give rise to mesoporous Ru/TiO2 catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity, ease of recovery and reusability.
Enzyme-mediated free radical polymerization of acrylamide in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Sánchez-Leija R. J. , Torres-Lubián J. R. , Reséndiz-Rubio A. , Luna-Bárcenas G. , Mota-Morales J. D.
Published: January 2016

The enzyme-mediated free radical polymerization of acrylamide was performed in nearly non-aqueous DES, which allowed the exploration of higher and lower temperatures that in aqueous media.
Smectic liquid crystal polymers as a template for ultrathin CaCO3 nanolayers
Authors: Xu Yifei , van Kuringen Huub P. C. , Mulder Dirk J. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M.
Published: January 2016

A nanoporous smectic liquid crystalline network is infiltrated by CaCO3 crystal nanolayers with thickness of ∼1 nm.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Mn3O4nanocrystals with controlled morphologies grown from compact ion layers
Authors: Park Hae Woong , Lee Ho Jun , Park Sun-min , Roh Kwang Chul
Published: January 2016

With a simple electrochemical precipitation method, Mn3O4nanocrystals including rod-like, plate-like, and round nanoparticles were synthesised on Ti substrates by varying the precursor solution concentration, LiOH and the reaction time.
Direct observation by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy of the bright and the dark excited states of the [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ light-switch compound in solution and when bound to DNA
Authors: Poynton Fergus E. , Hall James P. , Keane Páraic M. , Schwarz Christine , Sazanovich Igor V. , Towrie Michael , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Cardin Christine J. , Cardin David J. , Quinn Susan J. , Long Conor , Kelly John M.
Published: January 2016

Strikingly different TRIR spectra are recorded for the complex in D2O or CD3CN or when DNA-bound.
When the inhibitor tells more than the substrate: the cyanide-bound state of a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase
Authors: Ciaccafava Alexandre , Tombolelli Daria , Domnik Lilith , Fesseler Jochen , Jeoung Jae-Hun , Dobbek Holger , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Zebger Ingo , Hildebrandt Peter
Published: January 2016

An integral approach including experimental and theoretical analysis has been carried out with the wild-type and engineered CODHIIChvariant to assess the parameters that control the CN stretching frequency.
Trace level doping of lithium-rich cathode materials
Authors: Lengyel Miklos , Shen Kuan-Yu , Lanigan Deanna M. , Martin Jonathan M. , Zhang Xiaofeng , Axelbaum Richard L.
Published: January 2016

Lithium ion batteries have revolutionized portable electronics and have the potential to electrify the transportation sector.
sec-Butyl alcohol assisted pinhole-free perovskite film growth for high-performance solar cells
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lian Jiarong , Song Jun , Hao Yuying , Zeng Pengju , Niu Hanben
Published: January 2016

sec-Butyl alcohol has proven to be a suitable solvent for the fast crystallization of pinhole-free perovskite film.
Novel aramid nanofiber-coated polypropylene separators for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hu Shengyu , Lin Shudong , Tu Yuanyuan , Hu Jiwen , Wu Yan , Liu Guojun , Li Fei , Yu Fameng , Jiang Tingting
Published: January 2016

Novel aramid nanofiber (ANF)-coated polypropylene (PP) separators with improved performance were successfully fabricated by dip-coating the surface cationized PP separators in an ANF dispersion.
A ‘point–line–point’ hybrid electrocatalyst for bi-functional catalysis of oxygen evolution and reduction reactions
Authors: Wang Hao-Fan , Tang Cheng , Zhu Xiaolin , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2016

A hybrid electrocatalyst with ‘active point–conductive line–active point’ connections was proposed and exhibited superb bi-functional reactivity for both oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions.