bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapid Method for Label-Free Enrichment of Rare Trophoblast Cells from Cervical Samples
Authors: Bailey-Hytholt Christina M. , Sayeed Sumaiya , Kraus Morey , Joseph Richard , Shukla Anita , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: August 2019

Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) have the potential to provide the entire fetal genome for prenatal testing. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of EVTs in the cervical canal and the ability to retrieve a small quantity of these cells by cervical sampling. However, these small quantities of trophoblasts are far outnumbered by the population of cervical cells in the sample, making isolation of the trophoblasts challenging. We have developed a method to enrich trophoblast cells from a cervical sample using differential settling of the cells in polystyrene wells. We tested the addition of small quantities of JEG-3 trophoblast cell line cells into clinical samples from standard Pap tests taken at 5 to 20 weeks of gestation to determine the optimal work flow. We observed that a 4 min incubation in the capture wells led to a maximum in JEG-3 cell settling on the surface (71 ± 10% of the initial amount added) with the removal of 91 ± 3% of the cervical cell population, leading to a 700% enrichment in JEG-3 cells. We hypothesized that settling of mucus in the cervical sample affects the separation. Finally, we performed a proof-of-concept study using our work flow and CyteFinder cell picking to verify enrichment and pick individual JEG-3 and trophoblast cells free of cervical cells. Ultimately, this work provides a rapid, facile, and cost-effective method for enriching native trophoblasts from cervical samples for use in subsequent non-invasive prenatal testing using methods including single cell picking.
Antiviral activity of ethanol extract of Geranii Herba and its components against influenza viruses via neuraminidase inhibition
Authors: Choi Jang-Gi , Kim Young Soo , Kim Ji Hye , Chung Hwan-Suck
Published: August 2019

Influenza viruses are a serious threat to human health, causing numerous deaths and pandemics worldwide. To date, neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors have primarily been used to treat influenza. However, there is a growing need for novel NA inhibitors owing to the emergence of resistant viruses. Geranii Herba (Geranium thunbergii Siebold et Zuccarini), which is edible, has long been used in a variety of disease treatments in Asia. Although recent studies have reported its various pharmacological activities, the effect of Geranii Herba and its components on influenza viruses has not yet been reported. In this study, Geranii Herba ethanol extract (GHE) and its component geraniin showed high antiviral activity against influenza A strain as well as influenza B strain, against which oseltamivir has less efficacy than influenza A strain, by inhibiting NA activity following viral infection in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Thus, GHE and its components may be useful for the development of anti-influenza drugs.
Graphene oxide-ferrite hybrid framework as enhanced broadband absorption in gigahertz frequencies
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rajarshi , Prakash Om , Roy Somnath , Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Bhattacharya Tapas Kumar , Maiti Pralay , Bhattacharyya Somak , Das Santanu
Published: August 2019

The present investigation is focused on the in-situ synthesis of Graphene oxide (GO)-ferrite nanoparticle hybrid framework by gel-combustion method followed by fabrication of homogeneous, structurally stable thin (~100–120 μm) hybrid-polyurethane coating on a metallic aluminum substrate and its application on the properties of broadband absorption over the microwave frequency region. Microstructure studies of hybrid materials illustrated that small sized ferrite nanoparticles (~17 nm) are grafted on and through the graphene layers, which forms a homogeneous coating thereby. The hybrid-nanocomposite coating demonstrated superior broadband absorption properties with absorptivity higher than 90% throughout a bandwidth of ~6 GHz, and moreover, it was found that with increased loading of GO in the nanocomposite, the bandwidth range of absorption frequency increases with enhanced absorptivity. The real part and imaginary part of the surface impedance values of the coating was obtained as 377 Ω and 0 Ω, respectively, which imply that the free-space impedance of the hybrid-nanocomposite coating is matching correctly. The nanocomposite coating showed ultra-high absorptivity over the frequency band of 8–12 GHz, which has numerous practical applications as radar absorbing materials (RAM), stealth technology, electromagnetic shielding, and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) management in onboard spacecraft and many more.
Construction of a ternary g-C3N4/TiO2@polyaniline nanocomposite for the enhanced photocatalytic activity under solar light
Authors: Alenizi M. A. , Kumar Rajeev , Aslam M. , Alseroury F. A. , Barakat M. A.
Published: August 2019

The combination of two or more semiconductor materials for the synthesis of new hybrid photocatalyst could be a good approach to enhance the visible light absorption, electron-hole (e−/h+) pair separation rate and photocatalytic decomposition of the organic contaminants. Herein, a facile in situ oxidative polymerization method has been used for the synthesis of visible light active g-C3N4/TiO2@polyaniline (g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI) nanocomposite for the decomposition of the congo red (CR) under the solar light irradiation. Prior to making the composite of TiO2 (P25) with g-C3N4 and polyaniline, a lamellar structure was generated onto the TiO2 brim by alkali hydrothermal treatment to enhance the surface area and adsorption properties. The PL and UV-visible analysis clearly showed the fast separation of the e−/h+ pair, and reduction in the bandgap energy of the g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI nanocomposite. The results revealed TiO2, PANI and g-C3N4 showed the synergestic behavior in the g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI nanocomposite and greatly enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of the CR. The photocatalytic decomposition of the CR was almost 100% for 20 mg/L at pH 5, 7 and 180 min. The reusability study of the spent catalyst showed the 90% degradation of CR after four consecutive cycles indicate that g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI nanocomposite is a stable and efficient catalyst. The high efficiency and reusability of the g-C3N4/TiO2@PANI nanocomposite could be attributed to the higher visible light absorption and sensitizing effect of the g-C3N4 and PANI.
Contrasting signals of cardiovascular health among natriuretic peptides in subjects without heart disease
Authors: Prickett Timothy C. R. , Spittlehouse Janet K. , Miller Allison L. , Liau Yusmiati , Kennedy Martin A. , Cameron Vicky A. , Pearson John F. , Boden Joseph M. , Troughton Richard W. , Espiner Eric A.
Published: August 2019

Natriuretic Peptides (NP) are important in maintaining normal cardiac and metabolic status and have been used to predict cardiovascular events. Whether plasma concentrations of NP products within the normal range reflect cardio-metabolic health is unknown. Plasma NTproANP, NTproBNP and NTproCNP and their bioactive counterparts were measured in a random sample of 348 community dwellers aged 49–51 yr without heart disease and associations sought with established vascular risk factors, echocardiographic indices and a genetic variant previously linked with BNP. Stratified by sex, each of ten vascular risk factors were positively associated with NTproCNP whereas associations with NTproBNP and NTproANP were all negative. In both sexes, higher plasma NTproCNP was associated with higher arterial elastance, lower LV stroke volume and lower LV end diastolic volume. Exactly opposite associations were found with plasma NTproBNP or NTproANP. Sex specific differences were identified: positive association of NTproBNP with LV end systolic volume and the negative association with LV elastance were found only in males. The genetic variant rs198358 was independently associated with NTproBNP but not with NTproANP. In conclusion, higher NTproCNP is likely to be an adaptive response to impaired LV relaxation whereas genetic factors likely contribute to higher NTproBNP and improved cardio-metabolic health at midlife.
Electronic Properties of Linear and Cyclic Boron Nanoribbons from Thermally-Assisted-Occupation Density Functional Theory
Authors: Seenithurai Sonai , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: August 2019

It remains rather difficult for traditional computational methods to reliably predict the properties of nanosystems, especially for those possessing pronounced radical character. Accordingly, in this work, we adopt the recently formulated thermally-assisted-occupation density functional theory (TAO-DFT) to study two-atom-wide linear boron nanoribbons l-BNR[2,n] and two-atom-wide cyclic boron nanoribbons c-BNR[2,n], which exhibit polyradical character when the n value (i.e., the number of boron atoms along the length of l-BNR[2,n] or the circumference of c-BNR[2,n]) is considerably large. We calculate various electronic properties associated with l-BNR[2,n] and c-BNR[2,n], with n ranging from 6 to 100. Our results show that l-BNR[2,n] and c-BNR[2,n] have singlet ground states for all the n values examined. The electronic properties of c-BNR[2,n] exhibit more pronounced oscillatory patterns than those of l-BNR[2,n] when n is small, and converge to the respective properties of l-BNR[2,n] when n is sufficiently large. The larger the n values, the stronger the static correlation effects that originate from the polyradical nature of these ribbons. Besides, the active orbitals are found to be delocalized along the length of l-BNR[2,n] or the circumference of c-BNR[2,n]. The analysis of the size-dependent electronic properties indicates that l-BNR[2,n] and c-BNR[2,n] can be promising for nanoelectronic devices.
A hierarchy of environmental covariates control the global biogeography of soil bacterial richness
Authors: Bickel Samuel , Chen Xi , Papritz Andreas , Or Dani
Published: August 2019

Soil bacterial communities are central to ecosystem functioning and services, yet spatial variations in their composition and diversity across biomes and climatic regions remain largely unknown. We employ multivariate general additive modeling of recent global soil bacterial datasets to elucidate dependencies of bacterial richness on key soil and climatic attributes. Although results support the well-known association between bacterial richness and soil pH, a hierarchy of novel covariates offers surprising new insights. Defining climatic soil water content explains both, the extent and connectivity of aqueous micro-habitats for bacterial diversity and soil pH, thus providing a better causal attribution. Results show that globally rare and abundant soil bacterial phylotypes exhibit different levels of dependency on environmental attributes. Surprisingly, the strong sensitivity of rare bacteria to certain environmental conditions improves their predictability relative to more abundant phylotypes that are often indifferent to variations in environmental drivers.
Continuous-Wave Coherent Raman Spectroscopy via Plasmonic Enhancement
Authors: Monfared Yashar E. , Shaffer Travis M. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Hewitt Kevin C.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we report a successful combination of stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SRS) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using cw laser sources and gold/silica nanoparticles with embedded reporter molecules. We describe the preparation method for our gold/silica nanoparticles as well as the effect of probe wavelength, pump and probe power, polarization and sample concentration on the cwSESRS signal. Altogether, a stable ~12 orders of magnitude enhancement in the stimulated Raman signal is achieved because of the amplification of both pump and probe beams, leading to the detection of pico-molar nanoparticle concentrations, comparable to those of SERS. The coherent Raman spectra matches the incoherent conventional Raman spectra of the reporter molecules. Unlike conventional incoherent SERS this approach generates a coherent stimulated signal of microwatt intensities, opening the field to applications requiring a coherent beam, such as Molecular Holography.
Microgravity inhibits decidualization via decreasing Akt activity and FOXO3a expression in human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Cho Hye-Jeong , Baek Mi-Ock , Khaliq Sana Abdul , Chon Seung Joo , Son Kuk Hui , Lee Sung Ho , Yoon Mee-Sup
Published: August 2019

Decidualization is characterized by the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (eSCs), which is critical for embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. In the present study, we investigated the possible effect of simulated microgravity (SM) on the process of proliferation and in vitro decidualization using primary human eSCs. Exposure to SM for 36 h decreased the proliferation and migration of eSCs significantly, without inducing cell death and changes in cell cycle progression. The phosphorylation of Akt decreased under SM conditions in human eSCs, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in the level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and FOXO3a. Treatment with Akti, an Akt inhibitor, decreased MMP-2 expression, but not FOXO3a expression. The decreased level of FOXO3a under SM conditions impeded autophagic flux by reducing the levels of autophagy-related genes. In addition, pre-exposure of eSCs to SM significantly inhibited 8-Br-cAMP induced decidualization, whereas restoration of the growth status under SM conditions by removing 8-Br-cAMP remained unchanged. Treatment of human eSCs with SC-79, an Akt activator, restored the reduced migration of eSCs and decidualization under SM conditions. In conclusion, exposure to SM inhibited decidualization in eSCs by decreasing proliferation and migration through Akt/MMP and FOXO3a/autophagic flux.
Genome-wide analysis of the Dof gene family in durian reveals fruit ripening-associated and cultivar-dependent Dof transcription factors
Authors: Khaksar Gholamreza , Sangchay Wassakarn , Pinsorn Pinnapat , Sangpong Lalida , Sirikantaramas Supaart
Published: August 2019

DNA binding with one finger (Dof) proteins constitute a ubiquitous plant-specific transcription factor (TF) family associated with diverse biological processes, including ripening. We conducted a genome-wide analysis of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) and identified 24 durian Dofs (DzDofs), 15 of which were expressed in fruit pulp. Gene expression analysis revealed differential expression of DzDofs during ripening in two commercial durian cultivars from Thailand, Monthong and Chanee. Comparing the expression levels of fruit pulp-expressed DzDofs between cultivars revealed ten potential cultivar-dependent Dofs, among which DzDof2.2 showed a significantly greater fold increase at every ripening stage in Chanee than in Monthong. The prediction of DzDof2.2’s function based on its orthologue in Arabidopsis revealed its possible role in regulating auxin biosynthesis. We observed significantly higher auxin levels during ripening of Chanee than Monthong which concurred with the greater expression of auxin biosynthetic genes. Transient expression of DzDof2.2 in Nicotiana benthamiana significantly upregulated the expression levels of auxin biosynthetic genes. Higher expression levels of DzDof2.2 in Chanee would enhance auxin levels through transcriptional regulation of auxin biosynthetic genes. Higher auxin levels in Chanee could activate auxin-mediated transcription, contributing to its faster ripening compared to Monthong through earlier initiation of the ethylene response (auxin-ethylene crosstalk).
Newtonian flow inside carbon nanotube with permeable boundary taking into account van der Waals forces
Authors: Chan Yue , Lee Shern-Long , Chen Wenjian , Zheng Lian , Shi Yong , Ren Yong
Published: August 2019

Here, water flow inside large radii semi-infinite carbon nanotubes is investigated. Permeable wall taking into account the molecular interactions between water and a nanotube, and the slip boundary condition will be considered. Furthermore, interactions among molecules are approximated by the continuum approximation. Incompressible and Newtonian fluid is assumed, and the Navier-Stokes equations, after certain assumptions, transformations and derivations, can be reduced into two first integral equations. In conjunction with the asymptotic expansion technique, we are able to derive the radial and axial velocities analytically, capturing the effect of the water leakage, where both mild and exceptionally large leakages will be considered. The radial velocity obeys the prescribed boundary condition at the (im)permeable wall. Through the mean of the radial forces, the sufficiently large leakages will enhance the radial velocity at the center of the tube. On the other hand, unlike the classical laminar flow, the axial velocity attains its maximum at the wall due to the coupling effect with the radial forces as water is being pushed into the proximity of the inner wall. In addition, the axial velocity and the flux with the consideration of the suck-in forces, induced by the tubes’ entry turn out to be one order higher than that without the suck-in forces. All the aforementioned considerations might partially resolve the mysteriously high water penetration through nanotubes. Axial velocity also drops with the tube’s length when the water leakage is permitted and the suck-in forces will ease the decline rate of the axial velocity. The present mathematical framework can be directly employed into the water flow inside other porous nano-materials, where large water leakage is permitted and therefore are of huge practical impact on ultra-filtration and environmental protection.
Hybrid Nano-GdF3 contrast media allows pre-clinical in vivo element-specific K-edge imaging and quantification
Authors: Halttunen Niki , Lerouge Frederic , Chaput Frederic , Vandamme Marc , Karpati Szilvia , Si-Mohamed Salim , Sigovan Monica , Boussel Loic , Chereul Emmanuel , Douek Philippe , Parola Stephane
Published: August 2019

Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality. Among the recent technical improvements to increase the range of detection for optimized diagnostic, new devices such as dual energy CT allow elemental discrimination but still remain limited to two energies. Spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) is an emerging X-ray imaging technology with a completely new multiple energy detection and high spatial resolution (200 μm). This unique technique allows detection and quantification of a given element thanks to an element-specific increase in X-ray absorption for an energy (K-band) depending on its atomic number. The main contrast media used hitherto are iodine-based compounds but the K-edge of iodine (33.2 keV) is out of the range of detection. Therefore, it is crucial to develop contrast media suitable for this advanced technology. Gadolinium, well known and used element for MRI, possess a K-edge (50.2 keV) well suited for the SPCCT modality. The use of nano-objects instead of molecular entities is pushed by the necessity of high local concentration. In this work, nano-GdF3 is validated on a clinical based prototype, to be used as efficient in vivo contrast media. Beside an extremely high stability, it presents long lasting time in the blood pool allowing perfusion imaging of small animals, without apparent toxicity.
Amorphous 2D materials containing a conjugated-polymer network
Authors: Yano Shoichiro , Sato Kosuke , Suzuki Jumpei , Imai Hiroaki , Oaki Yuya
Published: August 2019

Two-dimensional materials, such as layered compounds and nanosheets, have attracted interest for their characteristic structures and properties. If layered materials containing functional organic molecules are synthesized, designed nanosheets can be obtained by exfoliation. Here we show the design and synthesis of an amorphous organic layered material containing a conjugated-polymer network, its exfoliation into nanosheets, and their applications. Copolymerization of benzoquinone and pyrrole generates random stacks of the conjugated polymer layers through successive C-C bond formation and pericyclic reaction under mild conditions at 60 °C. The amorphous organic layered materials are efficiently exfoliated into nanosheets in 44.6% after 1 h. The nanosheets are used as a metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction with the overpotential 0.28 V (vs. RHE). The present approach may be applied to the design of functional nanosheets with graphene-like structures under mild conditions.
The combined detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers HE4 and CA125 by a fluorescence and quantum dot dual-signal immunoassay
Authors: Yao Shuange , Xiao Wei , Chen Hui , Tang Yong , Song Qifang , Zheng Qubo , Deng Ning
Published: August 2019

A novel immunoassay system based on a fluorescence and quantum dot dual-signal for simultaneous detection of HE4 and CA125.
Boron–nitrogen substituted dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorene derivatives as acceptors in organic solar cells
Authors: Morgan Matthew M. , Nazari Maryam , Pickl Thomas , Rautiainen J. Mikko , Tuononen Heikki M. , Piers Warren E. , Welch Gregory C. , Gelfand Benjamin S.
Published: August 2019

Derivatives of a new non-fullerene acceptor core based on a BN substituted indenofluorene framework show 2% PCE in organic solar cells.
Luminescent metal organic frameworks for sensing and gas adsorption studies
Authors: Verma Pankaj , Singh Udai P. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: August 2019

Two three-dimensional metal organic frameworks (LZn and LCd) were synthesized solvothermally for sensing of nitro phenolic explosives and gas adsorption studies. LZn showed selectivity towards N2 gas at 77 K.
How does the mutation in the cap domain of methylcobalamin-dependent methionine synthase influence the photoactivation of the Co–C bond?
Authors: Ghosh Arghya Pratim , Mamun Abdullah Al , Kozlowski Pawel M.
Published: August 2019

The topology of the S1PES is modulated by introducing a mutation at the F708 position. The mutation influences the photoactivation of the Co–C bond by decreasing the rate of geminate recombination and altering the rate of radical pair formation.
A comprehensive study of the molecular vibrations in solid-state benzylic amide [2]catenane
Authors: Romero-Muñiz Carlos , Paredes-Roibás Denís , Hernanz Antonio , Gavira-Vallejo José María
Published: August 2019

In this work we record and assign the infrared spectrum of benzylic amide [2]catenane, a molecular solid owning mechanical bonds. By means of first-principles calculations we analyze over 1000 normal modes in terms of the usual internal coordinates.
MELEXIR: maximum entropy Legendre expanded image reconstruction. A fast and efficient method for the analysis of velocity map imaging or photoelectron imaging data
Authors: Dick Bernhard
Published: August 2019

The MELEXIR program obtains a Legendre expansion of the 3D velocity distribution from 2D images of ions or photoelectrons. The maximum entropy algorithm avoids inverse Abel transforms, is fast and applicable to low-intensity images.
Synthesis of a photo-responsive single-walled nanoscroll and its photo-reactivity in a nano-layered microenvironment
Authors: Hassan Syed Zahid , Nabetani Yu , Matsumoto Ayaka , Shiragami Tsutomu , Tong Zhiwei , Tachibana Hiroshi , Inoue Haruo
Published: August 2019

Novel photo-responsive single-walled nanoscroll (SWNS) of niobate has been synthesized with quantitative estimation of the yield by the intercalation of cationic polyfluorinated surfactant molecules having azobenzene chromophore.
Shedding light on the atomic-scale structure of amorphous silica–alumina and its Brønsted acid sites
Authors: Perras Frédéric A. , Wang Zichun , Kobayashi Takeshi , Baiker Alfons , Huang Jun , Pruski Marek
Published: August 2019

Advanced solid-state NMR methods, using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), are applied to probe the atomic-scale bulk structure of amorphous silica–alumina catalysts prepared by flame-spray pyrolysis, and the structure of their Brønsted acid sites.
Conformational dynamics and interfacial interactions of peptide-appended pillar[5]arene water channels in biomimetic membranes
Authors: Liu Yong , Vashisth Harish
Published: August 2019

Peptide appended pillar[5]arene (PAP) is an artificial water channel resembling biological water channel proteins, which has shown a significant potential for designing bioinspired water purification systems.
Bio-catalytic synthesis of unnatural nucleosides possessing a large functional group such as a fluorescent molecule by purine nucleoside phosphorylase
Authors: Hatano Akihiko , Wakana Hiroyuki , Terado Nanae , Kojima Aoi , Nishioka Chisato , Iizuka Yu , Imaizumi Takuya , Uehara Sanae
Published: August 2019

Unnatural nucleosides are attracting interest as potential diagnostic tools, medicines, and functional molecules.
Simple fluorene oxadiazole-based Ir(iii) complexes with AIPE properties: synthesis, explosive detection and electroluminescence studies
Authors: Liu Jia-Wei , Xu Ya-Nan , Qin Chun-Yan , Wang Zi-Ning , Wu Cong-Jin , Li Yong-Hua , Wang Shi , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Huang Wei
Published: August 2019

Two simple Ir(iii) complexes based on fluorene oxadiazole groups exhibiting AIPE properties are applied to nitroexplosive detection and electroluminescence devices.
A new octa-Mn-substituted poly(polyoxotungstate)
Authors: Li Hai-Lou , Lian Chen , Yin Da-Peng , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: August 2019

A novel octa-Mn-substituted silicotungstate (ST) tetramer [H2N(CH3)2]8H19Na4{[K(H2O)4WO4] [SiMnII2W10O38]3}[SiMnIII2W10O38]·27H2O (1) was prepared, and its electrochemistry, thermal stability and magnetic properties were investigated.
Photocatalytic reduction of chlorite in water using bismuth vanadate (BiVO4): effect of irradiance conditions and presence of oxalate on the reactivity and by-product selectivity
Authors: Marks Randal , Doudrick Kyle
Published: August 2019

Chlorite (ClO2−) is a disinfection byproduct formed during drinking water treatment when source waters with a high oxidant demand are disinfected with chlorine dioxide.
Evaluation of the protective effects ofGanoderma atrumpolysaccharide on acrylamide-induced injury in small intestine tissue of rats
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Lulu , Jiang Guoyong , Lei Aitong , Yu Qiang , Xie Jianhua , Chen Yi
Published: August 2019

This research confirmed the protective effects ofGanoderma atrumpolysaccharide (PSG-1) on acrylamide (AA) induced intestinal injury in rats.
Corrosion electrochemical behavior of cadmium-plated 4340 steel in aircraft landing gears under thin electrolyte layers of potassium acetate deicing fluid
Authors: Lin Xiuzhou , Zhang Runhua , Mei Yongjun , Yang Li , Yang Feng , Dou Baojie , Wei Yongqiang
Published: August 2019

We present a study of the corrosion behavior of cadmium-plated 4340 steel in aircraft landing gears under thin electrolyte layers of potassium acetate deicing fluid.
Supramolecular birefringent metallogels formed by trinuclear copper(ii) complexes with myo-inositol and bipyridyl ligands
Authors: Puranik Aditya A. , Salunke Priyanka S. , Kulkarni Neelima D.
Published: August 2019

Birefringent metallohydrogels have been prepared by a fibrous supramolecular assembly resulting from the trinuclear copper(ii) complexes of myo-inositol (ins) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), [Cu3(ins)(bipy)3]X3, with formate, acetate and propionate as anions, X.
Environmentally benign pH-responsive cytidine-5′-monophosphate molecule-mediated akaganeite (5′-CMP-β-FeOOH) soft supramolecular hydrogels induced by the puckering of ribose sugar with efficient loading/release capabilities
Authors: Kumar Anil , Priyanka Priyanka
Published: August 2019

A novel synthetic protocol for environmentally benign 5′-CMP-β-FeOOH soft hydrogels exhibiting a rapid pH-responsive reversible sol–gel transition, efficient adsorption and slow release capabilities is reported.
Hydrogen elimination reactivity of ruthenium pincer hydride complexes: a DFT study
Authors: Remya Geetha S. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: August 2019

The pincer effect is explained for various pincer hydride complexes, differing in the donor atoms, using activation barriers, and MESP parameters.
Monosubstituted pillar[5]arene functionalized with (amino)phosphonate fragments are “smart” building blocks for constructing nanosized structures with some s- and p-metal cations in the organic phase
Authors: Nazarova Anastasia A. , Yakimova Luidmila S. , Padnya Pavel L. , Evtugyn Vladimir G. , Osin Yuri N. , Cragg Peter J. , Stoikov Ivan I.
Published: August 2019

Pillar[5]arenes with phosphonate- and 1-aminophosphonate-substituents form complexes with Na+, K+, Cs+ and Pb2+ with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry and lg Ka values between 2.0 and 4.8, and that Pb2+ is the most effectively bound cation.
Azines: synthesis, structure, electronic structure and their applications
Authors: Chourasiya Sumit S. , Kathuria Deepika , Wani Aabid Abdullah , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: August 2019

Azines (2,3-diaza-1,3-butadienes): structure, electronic structure, tautomerism, and their applications in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and materials chemistry.
A route to access imidazol[1,5-a]indole-1,3-diones and pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1,3-diones
Authors: Sreenivasa Rao Ramana , Shajan Femil Joseph , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: August 2019

A simple and practical method for synthesizing imidazol[1,5-a]indoles and pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles has been developed. The present method uses microwave conditions and is free from the need for work-up and column chromatography.
Highly efficient asymmetric bioreduction of 1-aryl-2-(azaaryl)ethanones. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of lanicemine
Authors: Liz Ramón , Liardo Elisa , Rebolledo Francisca
Published: August 2019

1-Aryl-2-(azaaryl)ethanols with ee > 99% have been prepared by KRED-catalyzed reduction of the ketone precursors. A chemoenzymatic synthesis of lanicemine is described.
Tuning chromatic response, sensitivity, and specificity of polydiacetylene-based sensors
Authors: Weston Max , Tjandra Angie Davina , Chandrawati Rona
Published: August 2019

In this review, we provide an overview of six major techniques to tune the sensitivity and specificity of polydiacetylene-based sensors.
Pulsed-addition ring-opening metathesis polymerization with functional enyne reagents
Authors: Zhang Tianqi , Gutekunst Will R.
Published: August 2019

Functional enyne reagents enable the synthesis of low dispersity heterotelechelic polymers using catalytic quantities of ruthenium initiator.
Cobalt-catalyzed condensation of sulfonyl azides with o-diisocyanoarenes and anilines: a new approach to N-sulfonyl guanidines
Authors: Fang Yue , Yang Jin-Ming , Zhang Rong , Wang Shun-Yi , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: August 2019

A novel method for the synthesis of N-sulfonyl guanidines is reported using a cobalt-catalyzed cascade reaction of sulfonyl azides with o-diisocyanoarenes and anilines.
Self-formed silver nanoparticles on freestanding silicon nanowire arrays featuring SERS performances
Authors: Chien Pin-Ju , Zhou Yongcun , Tsai Kun-Hung , Duong Hong Phan , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: August 2019

The formation of freestanding Si nanowire arrays with decorated Ag nanoparticles offers the SERS sensing capability.
High performance poly(urethane-co-amide) from CO2-based dicarbamate: an alternative to long chain polyamide
Authors: Qin Jiaxiang , Jiang Junqiao , Ye Shuxian , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Tao Youji , Jie Ganxin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: August 2019

A novel high performance polymer like long carbon-chain nylon was synthesized via a green and efficient copolymerization from CO2-based dicarbamate.
Degradation of methylene blue by dielectric barrier discharge plasma coupled with activated carbon supported on polyurethane foam
Authors: Wu Lihang , Xie Qinglong , Lv Yongbo , Zhang Zhiyong , Wu Zhenyu , Liang Xiaojiang , Lu Meizhen , Nie Yong
Published: August 2019

High dye degradation efficiency, COD removal and energy yield were obtained using a novel plasma reactor coupled with AC/PUF.
Monomer sequence design at two solvent interface enables the synthesis of highly photoactive carbon nitride
Authors: Dolai Susmita , Karjule Neeta , Azoulay Adi , Barrio Jesús
Published: August 2019

The design of a supramolecular assembly in a two solvent interface is used to tailor the morphology, chemical and electronic properties of carbon nitride. This approach opens many opportunities for the design of C–N based materials.
Ramified derivatives of 5-(perylen-3-ylethynyl)uracil-1-acetic acid and their antiviral properties
Authors: Sapozhnikova Ksenia A. , Slesarchuk Nikita A. , Orlov Alexey A. , Khvatov Evgeny V. , Radchenko Eugene V. , Chistov Alexey A. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Brylev Vladimir A.
Published: August 2019

Ramified clusters of antiviral perylenylethynyl scaffold were prepared using CuAAC reaction of 5-(perylen-3-ylethynyl)-3-pivaloyloxymethyl-1-(propargylamidomethyl)uracil with azides. Compounds inhibited TBEV reproduction at nanomolar concentrations.
Electrochemical C–H bond activation via cationic iridium hydride pincer complexes
Authors: Lindley Brian M. , Walden Andrew G. , Brasacchio Ann Marie , Casuras Andrea , Lease Nicholas , Chen Chun-Hsing , Goldman Alan S. , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: August 2019

Electrochemical C–H activation proceeds at room temperature upon oxidation of a pincer-ligated iridium complex in the presence of base.
Tumor-acidity activated surface charge conversion of two-photon fluorescent nanoprobe for enhanced cellular uptake and targeted imaging of intracellular hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Chen Lanlan , Xu Shuai , Li Wei , Ren Tianbing , Yuan Lin , Zhang Shusheng , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: August 2019

A smart, two-photon fluorescent GC–NABP nanoprobe with pH-dependent surface charge conversion was developed for tumor-targeted visualization of H2O2.
Correction: Unraveling the structural and chemical features of biological short hydrogen bonds
Authors: Zhou Shengmin , Wang Lu
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘Unraveling the structural and chemical features of biological short hydrogen bonds’ by Shengmin Zhou et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9sc01496a.
Spontaneous rectification and absolute negative mobility of inertial Brownian particles induced by Gaussian potentials in steady laminar flows
Authors: Wu Jian-Chun , An Meng , Ma Wei-Gang
Published: August 2019

Spontaneous rectification and absolute negative mobility can be realized in steady laminar flows with 2D Gaussian potentials.
Heptazine-based porous graphitic carbon nitride: a visible-light driven photocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Bo , Li Shenchang , Du Jinli , Liu Zhiguo , Zhong Wenying
Published: August 2019

Heptazine-based porous graphitic carbon nitride with a suitable band alignment with respect to the water redox levels for water splitting.
Bromomethylation of high-surface area carbons as a versatile synthon: adjusting the electrode–electrolyte interface in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Fretz Samuel J. , Lyons Christopher T. , Levin Ella , Chidsey Christopher E. D. , Palmqvist Anders E. C. , Stack T. Daniel P.
Published: August 2019

Bromomethylation is a mild and convenient synthetic method to modify a carbon surface that can be subsequently derivatized to form a variety of surface groups. Diamine modification yields novel materials that improve the performance of Li–S cathodes.
An interfacial polymerization strategy towards high-performance flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Chao , Chen Xi
Published: August 2019

An interfacial polymerization strategy is developed for construction of robust interfaces towards high-performance flexible supercapacitors.
Organic energy-harvesting devices achieving power conversion efficiencies over 20% under ambient indoor lighting
Authors: Arai Ryota , Furukawa Seiichi , Sato Narumi , Yasuda Takuma
Published: August 2019

The ability of solution-processed organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on new small-molecule semiconductors, 1DTP-ID and 2DTP-ID, for indoor dim-light energy harvesting is reported.
High face-on ratio isoindigo copolymers with extended nano-fibrillar networks in fullerene-based thick (>300 nm) photovoltaics achieving a high efficiency of 10.7%
Authors: Liao Song-Fu , Lu Chun-Fu , Fenta Adane Desta , Chen Chin-Ti , Chao Chi-Yang , Su Wei-Fang
Published: August 2019

In addition to the thick active layer (>300 nm), the extended nano-fibrillar network and a high face-on ratio of isoindigo copolymers in the nano-fibrillar network raise the short-circuit current density up to 22 mA cm−2 and efficiency near 10.7%.
A moisture absorbing gel electrolyte enables aqueous and flexible supercapacitors operating at high temperatures
Authors: Liu Lingyang , Dou Qingyun , Sun Yinglun , Lu Yulan , Zhang Qingnuan , Meng Jianing , Zhang Xu , Shi Siqi , Yan Xingbin
Published: August 2019

A “water-in-salt” gel electrolyte with superior water-retention capability enables aqueous flexible supercapacitors to operate at high temperature up to 120 °C.
Long-life Li–S batteries based on enabling the immobilization and catalytic conversion of polysulfides
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Gu Rong , Zheng Shuai , Liao KeXuan , Shi Penghui , Fan Jinchen , Xu QunJie , Min YuLin
Published: August 2019

A novel hierarchical mesoporous nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres comprising one-dimensional (1D) bamboo-like carbon nanotubes encapsulating Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized are used as a high-efficiency host for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Ternary MnO/CoMn alloy@N-doped graphitic composites derived from a bi-metallic pigment as bi-functional electrocatalysts
Authors: Deng Chen , Wu Kuang-Hsu , Scott Jason , Zhu Shenmin , Amal Rose , Wang Da-Wei
Published: August 2019

A composite comprising a CoMn alloy coated with N-doped graphitic carbon (CoMn@NC) and MnO was fabricated by a single-step pyrolysis of a Prussian blue analogue, showing superior activity and stability for both the ORR and OER.
Bulk charge-transfer doping of amorphous metal oxide: fullerene blends for solution-processed amorphous indium zinc oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Le Minh Nhut , Kim Hyeongyeon , Kang Yeo Kyung , Song Youngmin , Guo Xugang , Ha Young-Geun , Kim Choongik , Kim Myung-Gil
Published: August 2019

A facile bulk charge transfer doping method enabled electrical performance improvement of a low temperature solution processed thin film transistor.
Mitofusins modulate the increase in mitochondrial length, bioenergetics and secretory phenotype in therapy-induced senescent melanoma cells
Authors: Martínez Jennyfer , Tarallo Doménica , Martínez-Palma Laura , Victoria Sabina , Bresque Mariana , Rodríguez-Bottero Sebastián , Marmisolle Inés , Escande Carlos , Cassina Patricia , Casanova Gabriela , Bollati-Fogolín Mariela , Agorio Caroline , Moreno María , Quijano Celia
Published: August 2019

Cellular senescence is an endpoint of chemotherapy, and targeted therapies in melanoma and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can affect tumor growth and microenvironment, influencing treatment outcomes. Metabolic interventions can modulate the SASP, and an enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism supports resistance to therapy in melanoma cells. Herein, we assessed the mitochondrial function of therapy-induced senescent melanoma cells obtained after exposing the cells to temozolomide (TMZ), a methylating chemotherapeutic agent. Senescence induction in melanoma was accompanied by a substantial increase in mitochondrial basal, ATP-linked, and maximum respiration rates and in coupling efficiency, spare respiratory capacity, and respiratory control ratio. Further examinations revealed an increase in mitochondrial mass and length. Alterations in mitochondrial function and morphology were confirmed in isolated senescent cells, obtained by cell-size sorting. An increase in mitofusin 1 and 2 (MFN1 and 2) expression and levels was observed in senescent cells, pointing to alterations in mitochondrial fusion. Silencing mitofusin expression with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) prevented the increase in mitochondrial length, oxygen consumption rate and secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a component of the SASP, in melanoma senescent cells. Our results represent the first in-depth study of mitochondrial function in therapy-induced senescence in melanoma. They indicate that senescence increases mitochondrial mass, length and energy metabolism; and highlight mitochondria as potential pharmacological targets to modulate senescence and the SASP.
MiR-124 suppression in the prefrontal cortex reduces depression-like behavior in mice
Authors: Gu Zhiwen , Pan Jiyang , Chen Liping
Published: August 2019

Depression is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder with unknown etiology. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the etiology of depression. Here, we aim to elucidate the anti-depressive behavior of miR-124 suppression in prefrontal cortex (PFC). Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of miR-124 and SIRT1 in the PFC of a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. The PFC of C57BL/6J mice was bilaterally injected with lentiviral vectors (LV) for ectopic expression of SIRT1, miR-124, or miR-124 inhibitor (si-miR-124). The anti-depressive behavior was observed after injection of LV-SIRT1 or LV-si-miR-124 into the PFC, using behavior tests including latency to feed, food and water intake, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test. MiR-124 overexpression and inhibition resulted in upregulation and down-regulation of SIRT1 and cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1), respectively. MiR-124 overexpression exacerbated depression-like behaviors and decreased SIRT1. Further, dual-luciferase assay confirmed that SIRT1 was a target of miR-124. Taken together, a potential molecular regulation of miR-124 on SIRT1 is revealed by our study and miR-124 suppression in PFC is a potential strategy to reduce depression-like behavior.
Cancer-associated variants of human NQO1: impacts on inhibitor binding and cooperativity
Authors: Megarity Clare F. , Timson David J.
Published: August 2019

Human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase, NQO1) exhibits negative cooperativity towards its potent inhibitor, dicoumarol. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that the effects of the two cancer-associated polymorphisms (p.R139W and p.P187S) may be partly mediated by their effects on inhibitor binding and negative cooperativity. Dicoumarol stabilized both variants and bound with much higher affinity for p.R139W than p.P187S. Both variants exhibited negative cooperativity towards dicoumarol; in both cases, the Hill coefficient (h) was approximately 0.5 and similar to that observed with the wild-type protein. NQO1 was also inhibited by resveratrol and by nicotinamide. Inhibition of NQO1 by resveratrol was approximately 10,000-fold less strong than that observed with the structurally similar enzyme, NRH quinine oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2). The enzyme exhibited non-cooperative behaviour towards nicotinamide, whereas resveratrol induced modest negative cooperativity (h = 0.85). Nicotinamide stabilized wild-type NQO1 and p.R139W towards thermal denaturation but had no detectable effect on p.P187S. Resveratrol destabilized the wild-type enzyme and both cancer-associated variants. Our data suggest that neither polymorphism exerts its effect by changing the enzyme’s ability to exhibit negative cooperativity towards inhibitors. However, it does demonstrate that resveratrol can inhibit NQO1 in addition to this compound’s well-documented effects on NQO2. The implications of these findings for molecular pathology are discussed.
Synthetic life on a chip
Authors: Deshpande Siddharth , Dekker Cees
Published: August 2019

In this article, we argue that on-chip microfluidic systems provide an attractive technology when it comes to designing synthetic cells. We emphasize the importance of the surrounding environment for both living systems in nature and for developing artificial self-sustaining entities. On-chip microfluidic devices provide a high degree of control over the production of cell-like synthetic entities as well as over the local microenvironment that these soft-matter-based synthetic cells experience. Rapid progress in microfluidic fabrication technology has led to a variety of production and manipulation tools that establish on-chip environments as a versatile platform and arguably the best route forward for realizing synthetic life.
Diurnal Cortisol Levels and Subjective Ratings of Effort and Fatigue in Adult Cochlear Implant Users: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dwyer Robert T. , Gifford René H. , Bess Fred H. , Dorman Michael , Spahr Anthony , Hornsby Benjamin W. Y.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

There is a growing body of literature that suggests a linkage between impaired auditory function, increased listening effort, and fatigue in children and adults with hearing loss. Research suggests this linkage may be associated with hearing loss–related variations in diurnal cortisol levels. Here, we examine variations in cortisol profiles between young adults with and without severe sensorineural hearing loss and examine associations between cortisol and subjective measures of listening effort and fatigue.

Method

This study used a repeated-measures, matched-pair design. Two groups (
n
= 8 per group) of adults enrolled in audiology programs participated, 1 group of adults with hearing loss (AHL) and 1 matched control group without hearing loss. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at 7 time points over a 2-week period and used to quantify physiological stress. Subjective measures of listening effort, stress, and fatigue were also collected to investigate relationships between cortisol levels, perceived stress, and fatigue.

Results

Subjective ratings revealed that AHL required significantly more effort and concentration on typical auditory tasks than the control group. Likewise, complaints of listening-related fatigue were more frequent and more of a problem in everyday life for AHL compared to the control group. There was a significant association between subjective ratings of listening effort and listening-related fatigue for our AHL, but not for the control group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in cortisol measures between groups, nor were there significant associations between cortisol and any subjective measure.

Conclusions

Young AHL experience more effortful listening than their normal hearing peers. This increased effort is associated with increased reports of listening-related fatigue. However, diurnal cortisol profiles were not significantly different between groups nor were they associated with these perceived differences.
Compact three‐dimensional bandpass FSS with high selectivity based on split square coaxial waveguide
Authors: Yu Zhengyong , Yang Xia , Tang Wanchun , Shi Yongrong , Zhu Jianping , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2019

In this Letter, a compact three‐dimensional (3D) frequency selective surface (FSS), exhibiting a bandpass filtering response with high selectivity, is proposed based on the split square coaxial waveguide (SSCW). The unit cell of the presented 3D FSS consists of one parallel‐plate waveguide propagation path and one SSCW propagation path. In the SSCW path, two identical short SCWs are produced by employing a centred annular slot. Each short SCW intrinsically provides a square slot resonance. Owing to the electromagnetic coupling between these two square slot resonances, original single square slot resonant mode will split into even‐/odd‐resonant modes, resulting in a flat passband with two transmission poles. Moreover, two transmission zeros located at both sides of the passband are introduced for high selectivity, because the electromagnetic waves passing through these two different paths are combined out of phase. By investigating the electric‐field distributions at the frequencies of the transmission zeros/poles, the operating principle of the proposed 3D FSS is described. A prototype of the proposed 3D FSS is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the proposed design can achieve a stable response under the incident angles up to 60° for both TE and TM polarisations.