bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 inhibition in cells with CXCR4 mutant genome created by CRISPR-Cas9 and piggyBac recombinant technologies
Authors: Liu Shuai , Wang Qiankun , Yu Xiao , Li Yilin , Guo Yandan , Liu Zhepeng , Sun Fuyun , Hou Wei , Li Chunmei , Wu Li , Guo Deyin , Chen Shuliang
Published: May 2018

The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is one of the major co-receptors for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry and is considered an important therapeutic target. However, its function in maintaining the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) makes it difficult to be used for HIV-1 gene therapy with HSC transplantation. A previous report showed that the natural CXCR4 P191A mutant inhibits HIV-1 infection without any defect in HSC differentiation, which could provide a basis for the development of new approaches for HIV-1 gene therapy. In the present study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 combined with the piggyBac transposon technologies to efficiently induce the expression of the CXCR4 P191A mutant in an HIV-1 reporter cell line, leading to no detectable exogenous sequences. In addition, no off-target effects were detected in the genome-edited cells. The decline of HIV-1 replication in biallelic CXCR4 gene-edited cells suggests that individuals equipped with homologous recombination of the CXCR4 P191A mutant could prevent or reduce HIV-1 infection. This study provides an effective approach to create a CXCR4 mutation with HIV-1 infection inhibition function and without leaving any genetic footprint inside cells, thereby shedding light on an application in HIV-1 gene therapy and avoiding side effects caused by deficiency or destruction of CXCR4 function.
Active and passive smoking impacts on asthma with quantitative and temporal relations: A Korean Community Health Survey
Authors: Kim So Young , Sim Songyong , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the relations of smoking with asthma and asthma-related symptoms, considering quantitative and temporal influences. The 820,710 Korean adults in the Korean Community Health Survey in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 were included and classified as non-smoker, past smoker or current smoker. Total smoking years, total pack-years, and age at smoking onset were assessed. Information on wheezing, exercise wheezing, and aggravation of asthma in the past 12 months and asthma diagnosis history and current treatment was collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sampling was used. Current and former smokers showed significant positive relations with wheezing, exercise wheezing, asthma ever, current asthma, and asthma aggravation. Current smokers demonstrated higher adjusted odd ratios (AORs) for wheezing, exercise wheezing, and asthma aggravation than former smokers. Former smokers showed higher AORs than current smokers for current asthma treatment. Longer passive smoking was related to wheezing and exercise wheezing. Greater age at smoking onset and duration since cessation were negatively related to wheezing, exercise wheezing, and current asthma; total pack-years demonstrated proportional associations with these symptoms. Former, current, and passive smoking was positively correlated with wheezing and exercise wheezing. Total pack-years and early initiation were increasingly related to asthma.
Effect of Qiangji Jianli decoction on mitochondrial respiratory chain activity and expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins in myasthenia gravis rats
Authors: Song Jingwei , Lei Xiaowen , Jiao Wei , Song Yafang , Chen Weijing , Li Jinqiu , Chen Zhiwei
Published: May 2018

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by the production of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Qiangji Jianli (QJJL) decoction is an effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is used to treat MG. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of QJJL decoction on MG and to clarify the mechanism by which QJJL regulates mitochondrial energy metabolism and mitochondrial fusion and fission (MFF). SPF female Lewis rats were administered Rat 97–116 peptides to induce experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). The treatment groups received QJJL decoction (7.8 g/kg, 15.6 g/kg and 23.4 g/kg). Mitochondria were extracted from gastrocnemius tissue samples to detect respiratory chain complex enzymatic activity. Quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were performed to detect Mfn1/2, Opa1, Drp1 and Fis1 mRNA and protein expression, respectively, in the mitochondria. Transmission electron microscopy examination was performed to show the improvement of mitochondria and myofibrils after QJJL treatment. The results indicated that QJJL decoction may attenuate MG by promoting the enzymatic activity of respiratory chain complexes to improve energy metabolism. Moreover, QJJL decoction increased Mfn1/2, Opa1, Drp1 and Fis1 mRNA and protein expression to exert its curative effect on MFF. Thus, QJJL decoction may be a promising therapy for MG.
Excitatory drive of masseter muscle during mastication with dental implants
Authors: Grigoriadis Anastasios , Trulsson Mats
Published: May 2018

Previously we have reported a biphasic increase in excitatory drive of the masseter muscle during natural chewing in young adults. We now hypothesize that sensory inputs from the periodontal mechanoreceptors (PMRs) are responsible for the late increase in excitatory drive during this biphasic movement. 13 participants with implant-supported bridges in both jaws, and thus lacking PMRs, and 13 participants with natural dentition chewed and swallowed model food of different hardness. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter muscle was recorded, along with the position of the mandible, and the muscle activity and jaw kinematics during the different phases of the chewing cycle were analyzed. Throughout the entire masticatory sequence, the excitatory drive of the masseter muscle during the jaw closing increased in a biphasic manner for the dentate participants; whereas biphasic elevation was observed only during the middle and last segments in the implant participants. Dentate participants exhibited significantly greater boosting of the EMG activity during late jaw closing than the implant participants, irrespective of food hardness and segment of the masticatory sequence. Sensory information from PMRs are required for boosting the enhancement of masseter muscle activity during the late jaw closing, during tooth-food contact.
Proof-of-Concept Study for an Enhanced Surrogate Marker of Endothelial Function in Diabetes
Authors: Dalan R. , Goh S. , Bing Sun , Seneviratna A. , Phua C. T.
Published: May 2018

Diabetes mellitus affects distal small vessels earlier and to a greater extent than proximal vessels. Vascular disease starts from activation of the endothelial cells, which if prolonged may lead to reduced distensibility of the vessel when maximally stimulated. Hence a device which measures distensibility of a distal vessel should be a good biomarker for subclinical disease. We have developed a device capable of measuring reactive hyperaemia induced changes in the radial artery flow, volumetric changes and accompanying effects on the vessel wall. The measurement is based on the magnetic flux disturbance upon haemodynamic modulation as blood flows through a uniformly applied magnetic field, and generates what we have termed the radial artery maximum distensibility index (RA-MDI). In a proof-of-concept study we found significant correlations between RA-MDI and cardiovascular risk factors, scoring systems and carotid artery intima-media thickness. Further large scale prospective studies need to be conducted to ascertain the correlations with cardiovascular events.
Comparing Sanger sequencing and high-throughput metabarcoding for inferring photobiont diversity in lichens
Authors: Paul Fiona , Otte Jürgen , Schmitt Imke , Dal Grande Francesco
Published: May 2018

The implementation of HTS (high-throughput sequencing) approaches is rapidly changing our understanding of the lichen symbiosis, by uncovering high bacterial and fungal diversity, which is often host-specific. Recently, HTS methods revealed the presence of multiple photobionts inside a single thallus in several lichen species. This differs from Sanger technology, which typically yields a single, unambiguous algal sequence per individual. Here we compared HTS and Sanger methods for estimating the diversity of green algal symbionts within lichen thalli using 240 lichen individuals belonging to two species of lichen-forming fungi. According to HTS data, Sanger technology consistently yielded the most abundant photobiont sequence in the sample. However, if the second most abundant photobiont exceeded 30% of the total HTS reads in a sample, Sanger sequencing generally failed. Our results suggest that most lichen individuals in the two analyzed species,Lasallia hispanicaandL. pustulata, indeed contain a single, predominant green algal photobiont. We conclude that Sanger sequencing is a valid approach to detect the dominant photobionts in lichen individuals and populations. We discuss which research areas in lichen ecology and evolution will continue to benefit from Sanger sequencing, and which areas will profit from HTS approaches to assessing symbiont diversity.
Third-generation Sequencing Reveals Extensive Polycistronism and Transcriptional Overlapping in a Baculovirus
Authors: Moldován Norbert , Tombácz Dóra , Szűcs Attila , Csabai Zsolt , Balázs Zsolt , Kis Emese , Molnár Judit , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: May 2018

The Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is an insect-pathogen baculovirus. In this study, we applied the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform for the analysis of the polyadenylated fraction of the viral transcriptome using both cDNA and direct RNA sequencing methods. We identified and annotated altogether 132 novel transcripts and transcript isoforms, including 4 coding and 4 non-coding RNA molecules, 47 length variants, 5 splice isoforms, as well as 23 polycistronic and 49 complex transcripts. All of the identified novel protein-coding genes were 5′-truncated forms of longer host genes. In this work, we demonstrated that in the case of transcript start site isoforms, the promoters and the initiator sequence of the longer and shorter variants belong to the same kinetic class. Long-read sequencing also revealed a complex meshwork of transcriptional overlaps, the function of which needs to be clarified. Additionally, we developed bioinformatics methods to improve the transcript annotation and to eliminate the non-specific transcription reads generated by template switching and false priming.
Induced seismicity response of hydraulic fracturing: results of a multidisciplinary monitoring at the Wysin site, Poland
Authors: López-Comino J. A. , Cesca S. , Jarosławski J. , Montcoudiol N. , Heimann S. , Dahm T. , Lasocki S. , Gunning A. , Capuano P. , Ellsworth W. L.
Published: May 2018

Shale oil and gas exploitation by hydraulic fracturing experienced a strong development worldwide over the last years, accompanied by a substantial increase of related induced seismicity, either consequence of fracturing or wastewater injection. In Europe, unconventional hydrocarbon resources remain underdeveloped and their exploitation controversial. In UK, fracturing operations were stopped after the Mw 2.3 Blackpool induced earthquake; in Poland, operations were halted in 2017 due to adverse oil market conditions. One of the last operated well at Wysin, Poland, was monitored independently in the framework of the EU project SHEER, through a multidisciplinary system including seismic, water and air quality monitoring. The hybrid seismic network combines surface mini-arrays, broadband and shallow borehole sensors. This paper summarizes the outcomes of the seismological analysis of these data. Shallow artificial seismic noise sources were detected and located at the wellhead active during the fracturing stages. Local microseismicity was also detected, located and characterised, culminating in two events of Mw 1.0 and 0.5, occurring days after the stimulation in the vicinity of the operational well, but at very shallow depths. A sharp methane peak was detected ~19 hours after the Mw 0.5 event. No correlation was observed between injected volumes, seismicity and groundwater parameters.
DNA Barcoding of Freshwater Fishes of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Barman Anindya Sundar , Singh Mamta , Singh Soibam Khogen , Saha Himadri , Singh Yumlembam Jackie , Laishram Martina , Pandey Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2018

To develop an effective conservation and management strategy, it is required to assess the biodiversity status of an ecosystem, especially when we deal with Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot. Importance of this reaches to an entirely different level as the hotspot represents the area of high endemism which is under continuous threat. Therefore, the need of the present study was conceptualized, dealing with molecular assessment of the fish fauna of Indo-Myanmar region, which covers the Indian states namely, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. A total of 363 specimens, representing 109 species were collected and barcoded from the different rivers and their tributaries of the region. The analyses performed in the present study, i.e. Kimura 2-Parameter genetic divergence, Neighbor-Joining, Automated Barcode Gap Discovery and Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes suggest that DNA barcoding is an efficient and reliable tool for species identification. Most of the species were clearly delineated. However, presence of intra-specific and inter-specific genetic distance overlap in few species, revealed the existence of putative cryptic species. A reliable DNA barcode reference library, established in our study provides an adequate knowledge base to the groups of non-taxonomists, researchers, biodiversity managers and policy makers in sketching effective conservation measures for this ecosystem.
3D virtual histology at the host/parasite interface: visualisation of the master manipulator, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, in the brain of its ant host
Authors: Martín-Vega Daniel , Garbout Amin , Ahmed Farah , Wicklein Martina , Goater Cameron P. , Colwell Douglas D. , Hall Martin J. R.
Published: May 2018

Some parasites are able to manipulate the behaviour of their hosts to their own advantage. One of the most well-established textbook examples of host manipulation is that of the trematode Dicrocoelium dendriticum on ants, its second intermediate host. Infected ants harbour encysted metacercariae in the gaster and a non-encysted metacercaria in the suboesophageal ganglion (SOG); however, the mechanisms that D. dendriticum uses to manipulate the ant behaviour remain unknown, partly because of a lack of a proper and direct visualisation of the physical interface between the parasite and the ant brain tissue. Here we provide new insights into the potential mechanisms that this iconic manipulator uses to alter its host’s behaviour by characterising the interface between D. dendriticum and the ant tissues with the use of non-invasive micro-CT scanning. For the first time, we show that there is a physical contact between the parasite and the ant brain tissue at the anteriormost part of the SOG, including in a case of multiple brain infection where only the parasite lodged in the most anterior part of the SOG was in contact with the ant brain tissue. We demonstrate the potential of micro-CT to further understand other parasite/host systems in parasitological research.
Large-scale additive manufacturing with bioinspired cellulosic materials
Authors: Sanandiya Naresh D. , Vijay Yadunund , Dimopoulou Marina , Dritsas Stylianos , Fernandez Javier G.
Published: May 2018

Cellulose is the most abundant and broadly distributed organic compound and industrial by-product on Earth. However, despite decades of extensive research, the bottom-up use of cellulose to fabricate 3D objects is still plagued with problems that restrict its practical applications: derivatives with vast polluting effects, use in combination with plastics, lack of scalability and high production cost. Here we demonstrate the general use of cellulose to manufacture large 3D objects. Our approach diverges from the common association of cellulose with green plants and it is inspired by the wall of the fungus-like oomycetes, which is reproduced introducing small amounts of chitin between cellulose fibers. The resulting fungal-like adhesive material(s) (FLAM) are strong, lightweight and inexpensive, and can be molded or processed using woodworking techniques. We believe this first large-scale additive manufacture with ubiquitous biological polymers will be the catalyst for the transition to environmentally benign and circular manufacturing models.
Subcortical structural connectivity of insular subregions
Authors: Ghaziri Jimmy , Tucholka Alan , Girard Gabriel , Boucher Olivier , Houde Jean-Christophe , Descoteaux Maxime , Obaid Sami , Gilbert Guillaume , Rouleau Isabelle , Nguyen Dang Khoa
Published: May 2018

Hidden beneath the Sylvian fissure and sometimes considered as the fifth lobe of the brain, the insula plays a multi-modal role from its strategic location. Previous structural studies have reported cortico-cortical connections with the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes, but only a few have looked at its connections with subcortical structures. The insular cortex plays a role in a wide range of functions including processing of visceral and somatosensory inputs, olfaction, audition, language, motivation, craving, addiction and emotions such as pain, empathy and disgust. These functions implicate numerous subcortical structures, as suggested by various functional studies. Based on these premises, we explored the structural connectivity of insular ROIs with the thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, putamen, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens. More precisely, we were interested in unraveling the specific areas of the insula connected to these subcortical structures. By using state-of-the-art HARDI tractography algorithm, we explored here the subcortical connectivity of the insula.
C10orf99 contributes to the development of psoriasis by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Wu Na , Duan Qiqi , Yang Huizi , Wang Xin , Yang Peiwen , Zhang Mengdi , Liu Jiankang , Liu Zhi , Shao Yongping , Zheng Yan
Published: May 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex and has not been fully understood. C10orf99 was a recently identified human antimicrobial peptide whose mRNA expression is elevated in psoriatic human skin samples. In this study, we investigated the functional roles of C10orf99 in epidermal proliferation under inflammatory condition. We showed that C10orf99 protein was significantly up-regulated in psoriatic skin samples from patients and the ortholog gene expression levels were up-regulated in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice. Using M5-stimulated HaCaT cell line model of inflammation and a combinational approach of knockdown and overexpression of C10orf99, we demonstrated that C10orf99 could promote keratinocyte proliferation by facilitating the G1/S transition, and the pro-proliferation effect of C10orf99 was associated with the activation of the ERK1/2 and NF-κB but not the AKT pathways. Local depletion of C10orf99 by lentiviral vectors expressing C10orf99 shRNA effectively ameliorated IMQ-induced dermatitis. Taken together, these results indicate that C10orf99 plays a contributive role in psoriasis pathogenesis and may serve as a new target for psoriasis treatment.
Comparative analysis of two discretizations of Ricci curvature for complex networks
Authors: Samal Areejit , Sreejith R. P. , Gu Jiao , Liu Shiping , Saucan Emil , Jost Jürgen
Published: May 2018

We have performed an empirical comparison of two distinct notions of discrete Ricci curvature for graphs or networks, namely, the Forman-Ricci curvature and Ollivier-Ricci curvature. Importantly, these two discretizations of the Ricci curvature were developed based on different properties of the classical smooth notion, and thus, the two notions shed light on different aspects of network structure and behavior. Nevertheless, our extensive computational analysis in a wide range of both model and real-world networks shows that the two discretizations of Ricci curvature are highly correlated in many networks. Moreover, we show that if one considers the augmented Forman-Ricci curvature which also accounts for the two-dimensional simplicial complexes arising in graphs, the observed correlation between the two discretizations is even higher, especially, in real networks. Besides the potential theoretical implications of these observations, the close relationship between the two discretizations has practical implications whereby Forman-Ricci curvature can be employed in place of Ollivier-Ricci curvature for faster computation in larger real-world networks whenever coarse analysis suffices.
Catalytic enantioselective aldol reactions
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Yasukawa Tomohiro , Yoo Woo-Jin , Kitanosono Taku , Kobayashi Shū
Published: May 2018

Recent developments in catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions have been summarized.
Cell-secreted extracellular matrix, independent of cell source, promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human stromal vascular fraction
Authors: Harvestine Jenna N. , Orbay Hakan , Chen Jonathan Y. , Sahar David E. , Leach J. Kent
Published: May 2018

Cell-secreted extracellular matrix potentiates osteogenic differentiation by stromal vascular fraction for bone tissue engineering.
In vitroFTIR microspectroscopy analysis of primary oral squamous carcinoma cells treated with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil: a new spectroscopic approach for studying the drug–cell interaction
Authors: Giorgini Elisabetta , Sabbatini Simona , Rocchetti Romina , Notarstefano Valentina , Rubini Corrado , Conti Carla , Orilisi Giulia , Mitri Elisa , Bedolla Diana E. , Vaccari Lisa
Published: May 2018

In vitroFTIRM analysis of primary OSCCs treated with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for the drug–cell interaction.
Accuracy and stability improvement in detecting Wuchang rice adulteration by piece-wise multiplicative scatter correction in the hyperspectral imaging system
Authors: Yu Yunxin , Yu Hanyue , Guo Lianbo , Li Jun , Chu Yanwu , Tang Yun , Tang Shisong , Wang Fan
Published: May 2018

The adulterated Wuchang rice were detected using hyperspectral imaging system with the optimal spectral pre-processing methods.
Isothermal amplification of long DNA segments by quadruplex priming amplification
Authors: Lomidze Levan , Williford Tyler H. , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Kankia Besik
Published: May 2018

Amplification of long DNA segments with the highest possible specificity and lowest bias is one of the main goals of modern genomics.
ZnO nanoparticles doped polyamide nanocomposite coated on cellulose paper as a novel sorbent for ultrasound-assisted thin film microextraction of organophosphorous pesticides in aqueous samples
Authors: Ayazi Zahra , Shekari Esfahlan Fatemeh , Monsef Khoshhesab Zahra
Published: May 2018

A novel ultrasound assisted-thin film microextraction method based on the application of ZnO NPs/polyamide/cellulose paper was introduced for the determination of OPPs.
Flow-gated capillary electrophoresis: a powerful technique for rapid and efficient chemical separation
Authors: Gong Maojun , Zhang Ning , Maddukuri Naveen
Published: May 2018

Flow-gated capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a hybrid of conventional and microchip CE since it employs a fused silica capillary as the separation channel while taking advantage of the well-controlled flow-gated injection, which adds versatility in terms of separation efficiency, analytical throughput, and ease of coupling with sample pretreatment procedures.
Optochemical control of gene expression by photocaged guanine and riboswitches
Authors: Dhamodharan V. , Nomura Yoko , Dwidar Mohammed , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: May 2018

A photocaged guanine was synthesized to optically control gene expression in cells using synthetic riboswitches.
Total syntheses of spirocyclic PKS-NRPS-based fungal metabolites
Authors: Jo Deokhee , Han Sunkyu
Published: May 2018

We present the isolations, the biosynthetic studies, the biological activities, and the comprehensive description of all reported total syntheses of spirocyclic PKS-NRPS-based fungal natural products.
A live bacteria SERS platform for the in situ monitoring of nitric oxide release from a single MRSA
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Han Xuemei , Wang Zhimin , Yang Zhe , Zhang Wenmin , Li Juan , Yang Huanghao , Ling Xing Yi , Xing Bengang
Published: May 2018

A live bacteria SERS platform is developed for the precise and sensitive monitoring of nitric oxide release from a single MRSA.
Microhydrangeas with a high ratio of low valence MnOx are capable of extremely fast degradation of organics
Authors: Wang Chengcheng , Fu Jiali , Zhang Yong , Zhao Hui , Wei Xin , Zhang Renjie
Published: May 2018

Low valence manganese oxides are essential to directly produce abundant ˙OH radicals for extremely fast catalytic degradation of dye pollutants.
Topology meets MOF chemistry for pore-aperture fine tuning: ftw-MOF platform for energy-efficient separations via adsorption kinetics or molecular sieving
Authors: Xue Dong-Xu , Cadiau Amandine , Weseliński Łukasz J. , Jiang Hao , Bhatt Prashant M. , Shkurenko Aleksander , Wojtas Lukasz , Zhijie Chen , Belmabkhout Youssef , Adil Karim , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: May 2018

The MBB approach permitted the construction of a highly stable ftw-MOF for intricate separations.
Serendipitous isolation of a disappearing conformational polymorph of succinic acid challenges computational polymorph prediction
Authors: Lucaioli Paolo , Nauha Elisa , Gimondi Ilaria , Price Louise S. , Guo Rui , Iuzzolino Luca , Singh Ishwar , Salvalaglio Matteo , Price Sarah L. , Blagden Nicholas
Published: May 2018

A new polymorph of succinic acid is an unusually challenging test for metastable polymorph prediction.
The influence of aggregation on the third-order nonlinear optical property of π-conjugated chromophores: the case of cyanine dyes
Authors: Wang Chao , Yuan Yizhong
Published: May 2018

The typical J cyanine aggregate is experimentally and theoretically found to have potential applications involving two photon absorption.
Transition metal atoms absorbed on MoS2/h-BN heterostructure: stable geometries, band structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Wu Yanbing , Huang Zongyu , Liu Huating , He Chaoyu , Xue Lin , Qi Xiang , Zhong Jianxin
Published: May 2018

We have studied the stable geometries, band structures and magnetic properties of transition-metal (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) atoms absorbed on MoS2/h-BN heterostructure systems by first-principles calculations.
Competing plasmonic and charge-transfer excitations in pyridine adsorbed silver and aluminum nanoparticles
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: May 2018

Based on time dependent density functional theory calculations, we reveal radical modifications in the optical absorption spectra of pyridine molecules adsorbed on Ag and Al nanoparticles.
Ten-fold boost of catalytic performance in thiol–yne click reaction enabled by a palladium diketonate complex with a hexafluoroacetylacetonate ligand
Authors: Eremin Dmitry B. , Boiko Daniil A. , Borkovskaya Eugenia V. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: May 2018

Palladium complexes with fluorinated acetylacetonate chelating ligands were studied as catalysts for alkyne hydrothiolation.
The correlation between surface defects and the behavior of hydrogen adsorption over ZnO under UV light irradiation
Authors: Wang Zhongming , Wang Kun , Wang Hong , Chen Xun , Dai Wenxin , Fu Xianzhi
Published: May 2018

A photo-assisted gas sensing response can identify the electron transfer behavior of adsorbed H2 and its oxidation over ZnO.
Coinage metal complexes of selenoureas derived from N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Nahra Fady , Van Hecke Kristof , Kennedy Alan R. , Nelson David J.
Published: May 2018

The coordination chemistry of selenoureas derived from N-heterocyclic carbenes with copper and silver is explored, and compared to previous work with gold.
Rapid route to efficient, scalable, and robust perovskite photovoltaics in air
Authors: Hilt Florian , Hovish Michael Q. , Rolston Nicholas , Brüning Karsten , Tassone Christopher J. , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: May 2018

RSPP is a unique up-scalable method to produce high quality photoactive perovskite in seconds in open-air.
Pectin structure and particle size modify carotenoid bioaccessibility and uptake by Caco-2 cells in citrus juices vs. concentrates
Authors: Gence Laura , Servent Adrien , Poucheret Patrick , Hiol Abel , Dhuique-Mayer Claudie
Published: May 2018

Pectin changes from a citrus-based product modify bioaccessibility and carotenoid uptake by intestinal cells.
Amaranth peptides decreased the activity and expression of cellular tissue factor on LPS activated THP-1 human monocytes
Authors: Sabbione Ana Clara , Luna-Vital Diego , Scilingo Adriana , Añón María Cristina , González de Mejía Elvira
Published: May 2018

The immunomodulatory activity of amaranth peptides is linked for the first time with their antithrombotic activity. Inhibition of tissue factor expression and the NF-κB pathway was observed after treatment with the peptides.
The dual reactivity of Weinreb amides applied to the late-stage divergent functionalisation of meso pyrrolidines
Authors: Boufroura Hamza , Sevaille Laurent , Gigant Nicolas , Drège Emmanuelle , Joseph Delphine
Published: May 2018

The dual reactivity of Weinreb amides was exploited to prepare diversified symmetrical and dissymmetrical 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines from simple building blocks.
Total synthesis campaigns toward chlorophylls and related natural hydroporphyrins – diverse macrocycles, unrealized opportunities
Authors: Liu Yizhou , Zhang Shaofei , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: May 2018

Quantitative evaluation of reported routes toward bonellin, chlorophylla, and tolyporphin A suggests heuristics for practical syntheses of native hydroporphyrins.
Impact of thermally dead volume on phonon conduction along silicon nanoladders
Authors: Park Woosung , Sohn Joon , Romano Giuseppe , Kodama Takashi , Sood Aditya , Katz Joseph S. , Kim Brian S. Y. , So Hongyun , Ahn Ethan C. , Asheghi Mehdi , Kolpak Alexie M. , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: May 2018

Silicon nanoladders show that thermally dead volume minimally impacts on the ballistic effects.
High-performance flexible strain sensor with bio-inspired crack arrays
Authors: Han Zhiwu , Liu Linpeng , Zhang Junqiu , Han Qigang , Wang Kejun , Song Honglie , Wang Ze , Jiao Zhibin , Niu Shichao , Ren Luquan
Published: May 2018

Biomimetic sensor technology is always superior to existing human technologies.
The Auger process in multilayer WSe2 crystals
Authors: Li Yuanzheng , Shi Jia , Chen Heyu , Wang Rui , Mi Yang , Zhang Cen , Du Wenna , Zhang Shuai , Liu Zheng , Zhang Qing , Qiu Xiaohui , Xu Haiyang , Liu Weizhen , Liu Yichun , Liu Xinfeng
Published: May 2018

The Auger process initiated by a phonon-bottleneck effect governs carrier recombination in multilayer WSe2.
Laser assisted blending of Ag nanoparticles in an alumina veil: a highly fluorescent hybrid
Authors: Lim Sharon Xiaodai , Koon Gavin Kok Wai , Zhang Zheng , Castro Neto Antonio H. , Tok Eng Soon , Sow Chorng-Haur
Published: May 2018

A fluorescence enhanced Ag/Al hybrid film is created through laser initiated photo-reduction of GO in the presence of AgNO3 and Al(NO3)3·9H2O solutions.
DNA-templated nanoparticle complexes for photothermal imaging and labeling of cancer cells
Authors: Wang Ganglin , Li Zhi , Luo Xucheng , Yue Renye , Shen Yi , Ma Nan
Published: May 2018

In situ monitoring of the photothermal (PT) effect at the cellular level is of great importance in the photothermal (PT) treatment of cancer.
Total synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs modified at the side chain and D-ring
Authors: López-Pérez Borja , Maestro Miguel A. , Mouriño Antonio
Published: May 2018

A general approach to generate the natural or unnatural steroid configuration at C20 and unsaturation at the D-ring is exemplified with the total synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs 3 and 4.
Improving the anti-icing/frosting property of a nanostructured superhydrophobic surface by the optimum selection of a surface modifier
Authors: Zuo Zhiping , Liao Ruijin , Song Xiaoyu , Zhao Xuetong , Yuan Yuan
Published: May 2018

To study the anti-icing properties of a nanostructured superhydrophobic surface (SHP), four SHP surfaces were prepared on glass with a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method and then modified with HDTMS, G502, FAS-17 and PDMS.
Bending effect on the resistive switching behavior of a NiO/TiO2 p–n heterojunction
Authors: Cui Hai-peng , Li Jian-chang , Yuan Hai-lin
Published: May 2018

The bending-induced micro-crack leads to the incomplete rupture of the conducting filaments and reduces the local depletion-region width.
Perfecting band selective homo-decoupling for decoupling two signals coupled within the same band
Authors: Verma Ajay , Bhattacharya Subrato , Baishya Bikash
Published: May 2018

Perfecting Echo Band Selective Homo-decoupling (PE-BASHD) reduces experimental time by performing simultaneous homo-decoupling of two closely resonating coupled signals.
Bottom-electrode induced defects in self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based tunnel junctions affect only the SAM resistance, not the contact resistance or SAM capacitance
Authors: Sangeeth C. S. Suchand , Jiang Li , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: May 2018

In large area molecular junctions, defects are always present and can be caused by impurities and/or defects in the electrode materials and/or SAMs, but how they affect the electrical characteristics of junctions has rarely been studied.
Near infrared light activatable PEI-wrapped bismuth selenide nanocomposites for photothermal/photodynamic therapy induced bacterial inactivation and dye degradation
Authors: Gorle Govinda , Bathinapatla Ayyappa , Chen Yi-Zhan , Ling Yong-Chien
Published: May 2018

Inactivation of bacteria and degradation of organic pollutants by engineered nanomaterials (NMs) are very effective approaches in producing safe and clean drinking water.
Establishment of a reliable transfer process for fabricating chemical vapor deposition-grown graphene films with advanced and repeatable electrical properties
Authors: Sun Dongyun , Wang Wei , Liu Zhaoping
Published: May 2018

Graphene films grown by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method have attracted intensive attention due to their native advantages of both high quality and large quantity for commercial applications.
Waste wool derived nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon for selective CO2 capture
Authors: Li Yao , Xu Ran , Wang Xin , Wang Binbin , Cao Jianliang , Yang Juan , Wei Jianping
Published: May 2018

In this work, N-doped hierarchical porous carbon has been successfully fabricated by KOH activation of waste wool. The optimal sample exhibits good CO2 adsorption capacity under atmospheric pressure (1 bar), as well as excellent CO2/N2 selectivity.
Degradation of diuron by heterogeneous electro-Fenton using modified magnetic activated carbon as the catalyst
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhu Kai , Ma Xiaoyue , Sun Zhirong , Hu Xiang
Published: May 2018

The magnetic particles were firstly coated with PTFE for the degradation of diuron in a heterogeneous electro-Fenton system.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by cattle manure-derived low temperature biochar
Authors: Zhu Yao , Yi Baojun , Yuan Qiaoxia , Wu Yunlian , Wang Ming , Yan Shuiping
Published: May 2018

Biochar is a kind of low cost and renewable adsorbents which can be used to remove dye from wastewater. The mechanism between MB and CMB involved cation exchange, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, physical function and others.
Nickel-foam-supported β-Ni(OH)2 as a green anodic catalyst for energy efficient electrooxidative degradation of azo-dye wastewater
Authors: Sun Shan , Diao Peng , Feng Cuiyun , Ungureanu Eleonora-Mihaela , Tang Yi , Hu Bin , Hu Qing
Published: May 2018

A novel NF/β-Ni(OH)2 catalyst for energy efficient electrochemical degradation of methyl orange was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method.
Adsorptive environmental applications of MXene nanomaterials: a review
Authors: Zhang Yujuan , Wang Lin , Zhang Ningning , Zhou Zhangjian
Published: May 2018

Due to their large specific surface area and abundant active surficial sites, MXenes can adsorb various environmental pollutants.
Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for fluorescence detection of Cu2+ and electrochemical monitoring of bisphenol A
Authors: Wu Xinran , Wu Lina , Cao Xizhong , Li Ying , Liu Anran , Liu Songqin
Published: May 2018

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots were applied in the fluorescence detection of Cu2+ and electrochemical detection of BPA.
Elucidation of the structural stability and dynamics of heterogeneous intermediate ensembles in unfolding pathway of the N-terminal domain of TDP-43
Authors: Prakash Amresh , Kumar Vijay , Meena Naveen Kumar , Lynn Andrew M.
Published: May 2018

The N-terminal domain of the RNA binding protein TDP-43 (NTD) is essential to both physiology and proteinopathy; however, elucidation of its folding/unfolding still remains a major quest.
Earth-abundant and environment friendly organic–inorganic hybrid tetrachloroferrate salt CH3NH3FeCl4: structure, adsorption properties and photoelectric behavior
Authors: Yin Jie , Shi Shaozhen , Wei Jiazhen , He Guohang , Fan Lin , Guo Junxue , Zhang Kaixuan , Xu Wenli , Yuan Cang , Wang Yunying , Wang Liwen , Pu Xipeng , Li Wenzhi , Zhang Dafeng , Wang Jie , Ren Xiaozhen , Ma Huiyan , Shao Xin , Zhou Huawei
Published: May 2018

We prepare earth-abundant and environmentally friendly organic–inorganic hybrid tetrachloroferrate salt CH3NH3FeCl4 (MAFeCl4) for optoelectronic applications.
Inexpensive, operationally simple flow reactor for rapid, chromatography free synthesis of siloxane based liquid crystals
Authors: Mandle Richard J. , Goodby John W.
Published: May 2018

We report on the hydrosilylation of terminal alkenes in flow using a “Karstedt-like” platinum-on-silica catalyst to afford liquid-crystalline materials.
The 3rddegree of biomimetism: associating the cavity effect, ZnIIcoordination and internal base assistance for guest binding and activation
Authors: Parrot A. , Collin S. , Bruylants G. , Reinaud O.
Published: May 2018

A resorcinarene-based Zn(ii) complex presenting a hemilabile imidazole arm allows endo-coordination of acidic guests and catalyzes of acetonitrile hydration.
Combined scanning electrochemical and fluorescence microscopies using a tetrazine as a single redox and luminescent (electrofluorochromic) probe
Authors: Guerret-Legras L. , Audibert J. F. , Dubacheva G. V. , Miomandre F.
Published: May 2018

Combined fluorescence and electrochemical microscopies using a single redox and fluorescent probe.
A strategically managed rechargeable battery system with a neutral methyl viologen anolyte and an acidic air-cathode enabled by a mediator-ion solid electrolyte
Authors: Yu Xingwen , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: May 2018

A “mediator-ion” solid-electrolyte membrane strategy enables the operation of methyl viologen–air batteries with a neutral anolyte and an acidic catholyte.
Pair aligning improved motility of Quincke rollers
Authors: Lu Shi Qing , Zhang Bing Yue , Zhang Zhi Chao , Shi Yan , Zhang Tian Hui
Published: May 2018

As two Quincke rollers align in a pair, their speed can be significantly improved due to the enhanced rotation torque.
Spin-glass-like aging in colloidal and granular glasses
Authors: Seoane Beatriz , Zamponi Francesco
Published: May 2018

Motivated by the mean field prediction of a Gardner phase transition between a “normal glass” and a “marginally stable glass”, we investigate the off-equilibrium dynamics, after a sudden quench in pressure from the liquid phase, of three-dimensional polydisperse hard spheres, used as a model for colloidal or granular glasses.
Effect of crystal orientation on the segregation of aliovalent dopants at the surface of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3
Authors: Pişkin Fatih , Bliem Roland , Yildiz Bilge
Published: May 2018

The effect of crystal orientation on aliovalent dopant segregation at the surface of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 as a model perovskite oxide was investigated. Statistical evaluation of SEM-EBSD images revealed that the area coverage of precipitates on grains having orientations close to {001} is more than three times higher compared to that on other orientations.
Enhanced hydrogen chemisorption and spillover on non-metallic nickel subnanoclusters
Authors: Nishihara Hirotomo , Ohtake Fumihide , Castro-Muñiz Alberto , Itoi Hiroyuki , Ito Masashi , Hayasaka Yuuichiroh , Maruyama Jun , Kondo Junko N. , Osuga Ryota , Kyotani Takashi
Published: May 2018

Thermal decomposition of nickelocene loaded onto zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC) yields very fine Ni nanoparticles including subnanoclusters which are in a unique oxidized state and exhibit high activity to H2 chemisorption and the following spillover under ambient conditions.
Controllable synthesis of hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica spheres with radial mesochannels and their degradable behavior
Authors: Sun Yangyi , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: May 2018

Hollow periodic mesoporous organosilica spheres with radial mesochannels have been efficiently and controllably synthesized only through introducing a pre-hydrolysis process.
Efficient chemical structure and device engineering for achieving difluorinated 2,2′-bithiophene-based small molecular organic solar cells with 9.0% efficiency
Authors: Li Min , Qiu Zhongbin , Zhang Guangjun , Liu Yu , Xiong Lin , Bai Dan , Zhu Mengbing , Peng Qiang , Zhu Weiguo
Published: May 2018

Three novel narrow band gap small molecules (SMs) with D(A–Ar)2 molecular frameworks, based on fluorinated 2,2′-bithiophene (FBT) as an electron-donating (D) central core coupled with different electron-acceptor (A) bridge units, and 2-octylthiophene (Ar) units as end-capping units, were designed and synthesized for application as donor materials in solution-processed SM-OSCs. Under optimized conditions, a high PCE of 9.00% with a very high Jsc of 16.14 mA cm−2 and a FF of 73.52% for FBT(TDPP-T)2/PC71BM is obtained in single layer OSCs, which is among the highest reported for D(A–Ar)2-type SM based solar cells with a PCE up to 9% so far.
Metallic 1T phase MoS2 nanosheets decorated hollow cobalt sulfide polyhedra for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Lu Jian , Xia Guoliang , Gong Shipeng , Wang Changlai , Jiang Peng , Lin Zhiyu , Wang Dongdong , Yang Yang , Chen Qianwang
Published: May 2018

We reported hollow cobalt sulfide polyhedra with vertically aligned metallic phase MoS2 nanosheets for highly reversible lithium storage.
An in operando study of chemical expansion and oxygen surface exchange rates in epitaxial GdBaCo2O5.5 electrodes in a solid-state electrochemical cell by time-resolved X-ray diffraction
Authors: Chatterjee Arindom , Caicedo Jose Manuel , Ballesteros Belén , Santiso Jose
Published: May 2018

Chemical expansion and O2 surface exchange rates show a remarkable asymmetric response when the oxygen stoichiometry O5.5±δ crosses δ = 0.
Multi-functional Ni3C cocatalyst/g-C3N4 nanoheterojunctions for robust photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light
Authors: He Kelin , Xie Jun , Liu Zhao-Qing , Li Neng , Chen Xiaobo , Hu Jun , Li Xin
Published: May 2018

The multi-functional Ni3C cocatalyst has been demonstrated to markedly boost the robust photocatalytic H2 evolution g-C3N4 nanosheets.
Progress and future prospects of high-voltage and high-safety electrolytes in advanced lithium batteries: from liquid to solid electrolytes
Authors: Chen Shimou , Wen Kaihua , Fan Juntian , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri
Published: May 2018

Recent progress in designing electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and solid-state lithium batteries is summarized.
Micron-sized monocrystalline LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 as high-volumetric-energy-density cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Feng , Kong Linglong , Sun Yanyun , Jin Yongcheng , Hou Peiyu
Published: May 2018

Micron-sized monocrystalline LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is proposed for the first time to improve the volumetric-energy-density of lithium-ion batteries.
Nickel sulfide anchored carbon nanotubes for all-solid-state lithium batteries with enhanced rate capability and cycling stability
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Peng Gang , Mwizerwa Jean Pierre , Wan Hongli , Cai Liangting , Xu Xiaoxiong , Yao Xiayin
Published: May 2018

All-solid-state lithium batteries employing NiS–CNT nanocomposites as cathodes exhibit superior rate capability and cycling performances owing to their excellent ionic/electronic conduction and structural stability.
Oxygen reduction electrocatalysts sophisticated by using Pt nanoparticle-dispersed ionic liquids with electropolymerizable additives
Authors: Izumi Reiko , Yao Yu , Tsuda Tetsuya , Torimoto Tsukasa , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: May 2018

We demonstrated that conductive polymer formation between Pt nanoparticles and carbon supports contributes to the catalytic performance for oxygen reduction.
Monolithic nanofoam based on conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes with ultrahigh mechanical strength and flexibility for energy storage
Authors: Mu Peng , Sun Hanxue , Zhu Zhaoqi , He Jingxian , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: May 2018

A new elastomeric CMP monolithic nanofoam with excellent processability, exceptional mechanical strength and flexibility was synthesized for energy storage.
Quaternary two dimensional Zn–Ag–In–S nanosheets for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Xiao-Yuan , Wang Shizhuo , Wang Xu , Wei Qi , Jiang Xianyuan , Wang Fei , Xu Kaimin , Ke Jianxi , Zhang Qiong , Gao Qian , Ke Youqi , Long Yi-Tao , Ning Zhijun
Published: May 2018

Hydrogen generation based on photocatalytic water splitting is a promising strategy for renewable energy production.
Defect modulation on CaZn1−xAg1−ySb (0 < x < 1; 0 < y <1) Zintl phases and enhanced thermoelectric properties with high zT plateaus
Authors: Zhu Min , Wu Zhen , Liu Qian , Zhu Tie-Jun , Zhao Xin-Bing , Huang BaiBiao , Tao Xutang , Xia Sheng-Qing
Published: May 2018

New Zintl phases CaZn1−xAg1−ySb (0 < x < 1; 0 < y < 1) show tunable thermoelectric properties with a broad high zT plateau (zT > 1.0).
Organosilicon modification to enhance the stability of black phosphorus nanosheets under ambient conditions
Authors: Zhang Jianing , Chen Si , Ma Yue , Wang Dongyuan , Zhang Jian , Wang Yanding , Li Wenjun , Yu Zhiqiang , Zhang Han , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: May 2018

An organosilicon agent, TMSCl, was used for the surface coordination of bare BP nanosheets to generate the more stable TMSCl@BP.
Dimethyl-sulfoxide-assisted improvement in the crystallization of lead-acetate-based perovskites for high-performance solar cells
Authors: Liu Yawen , Liu Zhihai , Lee Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2018

We used dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent additive which significantly improved the performance of Pb(Ac)2-based perovskite solar cells.
Reversible alternation between bipolar and unipolar resistive switching in Ag/MoS2/Au structure for multilevel flexible memory
Authors: Zhao Xiaoning , Fan Zeying , Xu Haiyang , Wang Zhongqiang , Xu Jiaqi , Ma Jiangang , Liu Yichun
Published: May 2018

A new operating scheme for voltage-polarity-controlled multilevel memory based on Ag/MoS2/Au flexible structure with reversible alternation between bipolar and unipolar resistive switching modes was demonstrated.