bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of protein Gar1 to the RNA-guided and RNA-independent rRNA:Ψ-synthase activities of the archaeal Cbf5 protein
Authors: Fujikane Ryosuke , Behm-Ansmant Isabelle , Tillault Anne-Sophie , Loegler Christine , Igel-Bourguignon Valérie , Marguet Evelyne , Forterre Patrick , Branlant Christiane , Motorin Yuri , Charpentier Bruno
Published: September 2018

Archaeal RNA:pseudouridine-synthase (PUS) Cbf5 in complex with proteins L7Ae, Nop10 and Gar1, and guide box H/ACA sRNAs forms ribonucleoprotein (RNP) catalysts that insure the conversion of uridines into pseudouridines (Ψs) in ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Nonetheless, in the absence of guide RNA, Cbf5 catalyzes the in vitro formation of Ψ2603 in Pyrococcus abyssi 23S rRNA and of Ψ55 in tRNAs. Using gene-disrupted strains of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, we studied the in vivo contribution of proteins Nop10 and Gar1 to the dual RNA guide-dependent and RNA-independent activities of Cbf5 on 23S rRNA. The single-null mutants of the cbf5, nop10, and gar1 genes are viable, but display a thermosensitive slow growth phenotype. We also generated a single-null mutant of the gene encoding Pus10, which has redundant activity with Cbf5 for in vitro formation of Ψ55 in tRNA. Analysis of the presence of Ψs within the rRNA peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of the mutants demonstrated that Cbf5 but not Pus10 is required for rRNA modification. Our data reveal that, in contrast to Nop10, Gar1 is crucial for in vivo and in vitro RNA guide-independent formation of Ψ2607 (Ψ2603 in P. abyssi) by Cbf5. Furthermore, our data indicate that pseudouridylation at orphan position 2589 (2585 in P. abyssi), for which no PUS or guide sRNA has been identified so far, relies on RNA- and Gar1-dependent activity of Cbf5.
Rare-earth fluorescence thermometry of laser-induced plasmon heating in silver nanoparticles arrays
Authors: Cesca Tiziana , Perotto Giovanni , Pellegrini Giovanni , Michieli Niccolò , Kalinic Boris , Mattei Giovanni
Published: September 2018

The laser-induced plasmon heating of an ordered array of silver nanoparticles, under continuous illumination with an Ar laser, was probed by rare-earth fluorescence thermometry. The rise in temperature in the samples was monitored by measuring the temperature-sensitive photoluminescent emission of a europium complex (EuTTA) embedded in PMMA thin-films, deposited onto the nanoparticles array. A maximum temperature increase of 19 °C was determined upon resonant illumination with the surface plasmon resonance of the nanoarray at the highest pump Ar laser power (173 mW). The experimental results were supported by finite elements method electrodynamic simulations, which provided also information on the temporal dynamics of the heating process. This method proved to be a facile and accurate approach to probe the actual temperature increase due to photo-induced plasmon heating in plasmonic nanosystems.
MiR-199a-5p regulates sirtuin1 and PI3K in the rat hippocampus with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chen Juncao , Gong Xiaoyun , Huang Li , Chen Pingyang , Wang Tao , Zhou Wei , Luo Kaiju , Wang Jing
Published: September 2018

In humans, malnutrition during pregnancy results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and an increased risk of neurological morbidities; altered miRNA characteristics have been suggested to contribute to IUGR neurological pathogenesis. A miRNA microarray was used to identify differentially expressed miRNA molecules in the hippocampi of rats with IUGR. Five of the molecules in question were selectively validated using real-time PCR in rats with IUGR. We then investigated the role of miR-199a-5p in hippocampal pathology. Bioinformatics analysis results suggested that TNF-α, caspase-3 and SIRT1 were potential targets of miR-199a-5p. Changes in PI3K, SIRT1 and caspase-3 protein expressions levels in the hippocampus were confirmed by Western blot analysis (all P < 0.05). Studies using the pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 cells and primary neurons demonstrated that miR-199a-5p modulated PI3K, caspase-3 and SIRT1 expression. Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between miR-199a-5p and caspase-3 expression, though dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that caspase-3 is not a target of miR-199a-5p. We conclude that IUGR affects hippocampal miRNAs characteristics. Our results also indicated that aberrantly high expression levels of miR-199a-5p may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IUGR by regulating SIRT1 and PI3K.
Cells with stemness features are generated from in vitro transformed human fibroblasts
Authors: Bono Bartolo , Ostano Paola , Peritore Martina , Gregnanin Ilaria , Belgiovine Cristina , Liguori Manuela , Allavena Paola , Chiorino Giovanna , Chiodi Ilaria , Mondello Chiara
Published: September 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been involved in the maintenance, progression and relapse of several tumors, but their origin is still elusive. Here,in vitrotransformed human fibroblasts (cen3tel cells) and the tumorsphere assay were used to search for and possibly characterize CSCs in transformed somatic cells. Cen3tel cells formed spheres showing self-renewal capacity and Sox2 overexpression, suggesting that they contained a subset of cells with CSC-like features. Sphere cells displayed deregulation of a c-MYC/miR-34a circuitry, likely associated with cell protection from apoptosis. Gene expression profiles of sphere cells revealed an extensive transcriptional reprogramming. Genes up-regulated in tumorspheres identified processes related to tumorigenesis and stemness, as cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis suppression, interferon and cytokine mediated signalling pathways. Sphere cells engrafted into NSG mice more rapidly than adherent cells, but both cell populations were tumorigenic. These results indicate that, during transformation, human somatic cells can acquire CSC properties, confirming the high plasticity of tumor cells. However, CSC-like cells are not the only tumorigenic population in transformed cells, indicating that the CSC phenotype and tumorigenicity can be uncoupled.
Evaluation of two-point Dixon water-fat separation for liver specific contrast-enhanced assessment of liver maximum capacity
Authors: Haimerl Michael , Probst Ute , Poelsterl Stefanie , Fellner Claudia , Nickel Dominik , Weigand Kilian , Brunner Stefan M. , Zeman Florian , Stroszczynski Christian , Wiggermann Philipp
Published: September 2018

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has become a useful tool for quantitative evaluation of liver capacity. We report on the importance of intrahepatic fat on gadoxetic acid-supported T1 mapping for estimation of liver maximum capacity, assessed by the realtime 13C-methacetin breathing test (13C-MBT). For T1 relaxometry, we used a respective T1-weighted sequence with two-point Dixon water-fat separation and various flip angles. Both T1 maps of the in-phase component without fat separation (T1_in) and T1 maps merely based on the water component (T1_W) were generated, and respective reduction rates of the T1 relaxation time (rrT1) were evaluated. A steady considerable decline in rrT1 with progressive reduction of liver function could be observed for both T1_in and T1_W (p < 0.001). When patients were subdivided into 3 different categories of 13C-MBT readouts, the groups could be significantly differentiated by their rrT1_in and rrT1_W values (p < 0.005). In a simple correlation model of 13C-MBT values with T1_inpost (r = 0.556; p < 0.001), T1_Wpost (r = 0.557; p < 0.001), rrT1_in (r = 0.711; p < 0.001) and rrT1_W (r = 0.751; p < 0.001), a log-linear correlation has been shown. Liver maximum capacity measured with 13C-MBT can be determined more precisely from gadoxetic acid-supported T1 mapping when intrahepatic fat is taken into account. Here, T1_W maps are shown to be significantly superior to T1_in maps without separation of fat.
Skeletal Muscle Dystrophy mutant of lamin A alters the structure and dynamics of the Ig fold domain
Authors: Dutta Subarna , Das Jitendra K. , Maganti Lakshmi , Bhattacharyya Maitree , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay , Mukherjee Sujoy , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: September 2018

Mutations in the different domains of A-type lamin proteins cause a diverse plethora of diseases collectively termed as laminopathies which can affect multiple organs. Ig fold is one such domain of lamin A which is implicated in numerous nuclear interactions wherein the mutations lead to different laminopathies. W514R is one such mutation in the Ig fold which leads to severe phenotypes in Skeletal Muscle Dystrophy (SMD) which is a class of laminopathies. In this report, we elucidated gross alterations in structure and dynamics at the level of individual amino acids. These studies indicate altered conformational features of residues in the close vicinity of W514. Imaging of mammalian cells transfected with the mutant have shown distinct perturbation of the nuclear meshwork with concomitant alteration in nuclear interactions as a result of increased oligomerization of Ig W514R. Hence, this novel approach of amalgamating theoretical and experimental procedures to predict the severity of a mutant in the context of laminopathies could be extended for numerous lamin A mutants.
Association of Percentage Body Fat and Metabolic Health in Offspring of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Fang Wen-Hui , Wang Chung-Ching , Kao Tung-Wei , Chang Yaw-Wen , Yang Hui-Fang , Wu Chen-Jung , Sun Yu-Shan , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: September 2018

Family history was one of the major risk factors for developing adverse health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Our aim was to examine the relationship between different family histories and cardiometabolic events, including DM, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and HTN. Participants who attended the health examinations at the Tri-Service General Hospital from 2010 to 2016 were enrolled in the study and were categorized into four groups by representing different family history. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for the associations between various family history with the cardiometabolic events. Subjects with family history of DM were divided into quartiles by percentage body fat (PBF) to be analyzed for these adverse outcomes. In the cross-sectional analysis, subjects with family history of DM had significant association with MetS (OR = 1.34 [95%CI: 1.17–1.54]) and DM (OR = 3.03 [95%CI: 2.44–3.76]), and those with family history of HTN were positively associated with HTN (OR = 1.60 [95%CI: 1.41–1.81]). Notably, those with family history of DM in higher PBF quartiles had substantially increased association of cardiometabolic events (MetS: OR = 15.20 [95%CI: 9.87–23.39]; DM: OR = 3.35 [95%CI: 1.91–5.90]; HTN: 2.81 [95%CI: 1.84–4.29]). Individuals with family history of DM were positively associated with MetS and DM, and those with family history of HTN was associated with HTN. Family history assessment was requested especially in obese population for screening adverse health outcomes.
Integrative analysis of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs predicts complex T3-mediated protective circuits in a rat model of cardiac ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Forini Francesca , Nicolini Giuseppina , Kusmic Claudia , D’Aurizio Romina , Rizzo Milena , Baumgart Mario , Groth Marco , Doccini Stefano , Iervasi Giorgio , Pitto Letizia
Published: September 2018

Thyroid hormone (T3) dyshomeostasis in the cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) setting negatively impacts on mitochondria function and extracellular matrix remodeling. The modulation of cardiac miRNAs may represent the underlying molecular mechanisms, but a systems biology perspective investigating this critical issue in depth is still lacking. A rat model of myocardial IR, with or without an early short-term T3-replacement, was used to predict putative T3-dependent miRNA-gene interactions targeted to mitochondria quality control and wound healing repair. As evidenced by mRNA and miRNA expression profiling, the T3 supplementation reverted the expression of 87 genes and 11 miRNAs that were dysregulated in the untreated group. In silico crossing and functional analysis of the T3-associated differentially expressed transcripts, identified a signature of interconnected miRNA-gene regulatory circuits that confer resistance to noxious cascades of acute stress. In this network the T3-down-regulated Tp53, Jun and Sp1 transcription factors emerge as critical nodes linking intrinsic cell death and oxidative stress pathways to adverse remodeling cascades. The data presented here provide a novel insight into the molecular basis of T3 cardioprotection in the early post-IR phase and highlight the contribution of a previously unappreciated complex T3-regulatory network that may be helpful in translating T3 replacement into clinical practice.
The sense of agency shapes body schema and peripersonal space
Authors: D’Angelo Mariano , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Seriani Stefano , Gallina Paolo , Frassinetti Francesca
Published: September 2018

Body schema, a sensorimotor representation of the body used for planning and executing movements, is plastic because it extends by using a tool to reach far objects. Modifications of peripersonal space, i.e., a functional representation of reach space, usually co-occur with body schema changes. Here, we hypothesized that such plastic changes depend on the experience of controlling the course of events in space trough one’s own actions, i.e., the sense of agency. In two experiments, body schema and peripersonal space were assessed before and after the participants’ sense of agency over a virtual hand was manipulated. Body schema and peripersonal space enlarged or contracted depending on whether the virtual hand was presented in far space, or closer to the participants’ body than the real hand. These findings suggest that body schema and peripersonal space are affected by the dynamic mapping between intentional body movements and expected consequences in space.
Nanoparticles reveal Extreme Size-Sorting and Morphologies in Complex Coacervate Superstructures
Authors: ten Hove Jan Bart , van Oosterom Matthias N. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Velders Aldrik H.
Published: September 2018

We here provide detailed insight in self-assembled complex coacervate systems exploiting gold nanoparticles for cryoTEM contrast. Nanoparticle-containing dendrimicelles are formed from fifth-generation dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) and dendrimer-stabilized nanoparticles (DSNs). The complex coacervate structures self-organize in biconcave thin water layers into size-sorted monolayer superstructures. The embedded nanoparticles are a straightforward tool to visualize dendrimicelles and determine the aggregation number and polydispersity. The superstructure shows extreme size-sorting patterns which, contrary to related systems with higher generation dendrimers, consists not only of dendrimicelles but also much bigger complex coacervate nanoassemblies, such as vesicles.
A combination of curcumin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins offer superior anti-tumorigenic properties in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ravindranathan Preethi , Pasham Divya , Balaji Uthra , Cardenas Jacob , Gu Jinghua , Toden Shusuke , Goel Ajay
Published: September 2018

Combining anti-cancer agents in cancer therapies is becoming increasingly popular due to improved efficacy, reduced toxicity and decreased emergence of resistance. Here, we test the hypothesis that dietary agents such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and curcumin cooperatively modulate cancer-associated cellular mechanisms to inhibit carcinogenesis. By a series of in vitro assays in colorectal cancer cell lines, we showed that the anti-tumorigenic properties of the OPCs-curcumin combination were superior to the effects of individual compounds. By RNA-sequencing based gene-expression profiling in six colorectal cancer cell lines, we identified the cooperative modulation of key cancer-associated pathways such as DNA replication and cell cycle pathways. Moreover, several pathways, including protein export, glutathione metabolism and porphyrin metabolism were more effectively modulated by the combination of OPCs and curcumin. We validated genes belonging to these pathways, such as HSPA5, SEC61B, G6PD, HMOX1 and PDE3B to be cooperatively modulated by the OPCs-curcumin combination. We further confirmed that the OPCs-curcumin combination more potently suppresses colorectal carcinogenesis and modulated expression of genes identified by RNA-sequencing in mice xenografts and in colorectal cancer patient-derived organoids. Overall, by delineating the cooperative mechanisms of action of OPCs and curcumin, we make a case for the clinical co-administration of curcumin and OPCs as a treatment therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.
Late Pleistocene glacial transitions in North America altered major river drainages, as revealed by deep-sea sediment
Authors: Fildani Andrea , Hessler Angela M. , Mason Cody C. , McKay Matthew P. , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: September 2018

Sediment eroded from continents during ice ages can be rapidly (<104 years) transferred via rivers to the deep-sea and preserved in submarine fans, becoming a viable record of landscape evolution. We applied chemical weathering proxies and zircon geo-thermo-chronometry to late Pleistocene sediment recovered from the deep-sea Mississippi fan, revealing interactions between the Laurentide ice sheet (LIS) and broader Mississippi–Missouri catchment between ca. 70,000 and 10,000 years ago (70 to 10 ka). Sediment contribution from the Missouri catchment to the Mississippi fan was low between 70 and 30 ka but roughly doubled after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Therefore, pre-LGM glacial advance profoundly altered the vast Missouri drainage through ice dams and/or re-routing of the river, thereby controlling the transfer of continental debris and freshwater toward southern outlets.
Different multi-year mean temperature in mid-summer of South China under different 1.5 °C warming scenarios
Authors: Qu Xia , Huang Gang
Published: September 2018

The Paris Agreement proposed a goal of “pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels”. The Community Earth System Model, version 1, with the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CESM1-CAM5), designed a set of experiments that fulfilled the 1.5 °C warming goal. By analyzing the outputs, this study aims to present projections associated with warming in South China (SC). Interestingly, if the global mean temperature (GMT) overshoots to 1.7 °C above the pre-industrial levels in 2050 and back to 1.5 °C by 2100, additional warming in the SC mid-summer will occur when approaching 2100 compared to that in the scenario under which the GMT stabilizes at an increase of 1.5 °C after the mid-2040 s. In the final 1 to 3 decades of 21st century in most parts of SC, the multi-year mean warming differences, as well as the difference of extreme hot days, between the two scenarios are significant among the ensembles in mid-summer. Under the scenario in which the GMT overshoots an increase of 1.5 °C, the decrease of mid-level clouds leads to increased downwards solar radiation in the SC and warms the surface, resulting in increases in both outgoing longwave radiation and latent heat flux into the atmosphere and maintenance of the surface balance of the heat budget.
Randomized trial examining effectiveness of lifestyle intervention in reducing gestational diabetes in high risk Chinese pregnant women in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ruth Suk-Mei , Tam Wing-Hung , Ho Ivan Chak-Hang , Kwan Macy Wai-Chi , Li Liz Sin , Sea Mandy Man-Mei , Woo Jean
Published: September 2018

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is of public health concern. This trial examined whether a clinically proven lifestyle modification program (LMP) in early pregnancy was superior to routine antenatal care in improving GDM, maternal and infant outcomes. Chinese pregnant women at risk of GDM (n = 220) were recruited at or before 12-week gestation and randomized to either a LMP group or a routine care control group. Eighty subjects completed a dietitian-led LMP including dietary and exercise components from early pregnancy till 24-week gestation. Data were compared with those of 86 control subjects. Twenty three (26.7%) control subjects and 20 (25.0%) LMP subjects developed GDM (p = 0.798). The proportion of infants born large for gestational age and macrosomia was similar between groups. The LMP group showed a lower proportion of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Subgroup analysis suggested that those with higher LMP adherence showed more desirable dietary composition and energy intake, and lower proportion of excessive GWG compared with the low LMP adherence group and the control group. The potential effect of LMP on GDM and other maternal and infant outcomes, in particular GWG, as well as barriers for making lifestyle changes warrant further investigations (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02368600).
Recognition of Schizophrenia with Regularized Support Vector Machine and Sequential Region of Interest Selection using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chin Rowena , You Alex Xiaobin , Meng Fanwen , Zhou Juan , Sim Kang
Published: September 2018

Structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia have been well characterized with the application of univariate methods to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. However, these traditional techniques lack sensitivity and predictive value at the individual level. Machine-learning approaches have emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic tools. We used an anatomically and spatially regularized support vector machine (SVM) framework to categorize schizophrenia and healthy individuals based on whole-brain gray matter densities estimated using voxel-based morphometry from structural MRI scans. The regularized SVM model yielded recognition accuracy of 86.6% in the training set of 127 individuals and validation accuracy of 83.5% in an independent set of 85 individuals. A sequential region-of-interest (ROI) selection step was adopted for feature selection, improving recognition accuracy to 92.0% in the training set and 89.4% in the validation set. The combined model achieved 96.6% sensitivity and 74.1% specificity. Seven ROIs were identified as the optimal discriminatory subset: the occipital fusiform gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, anterior superior temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, left thalamus and left lateral ventricle. These findings demonstrate the utility of spatial and anatomical priors in SVM for neuroimaging analyses in conjunction with sequential ROI selection in the recognition of schizophrenia.
The m6A-methylase complex recruits TREX and regulates mRNA export
Authors: Lesbirel Simon , Viphakone Nicolas , Parker Matthew , Parker Jacob , Heath Catherine , Sudbery Ian , Wilson Stuart A.
Published: September 2018

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. This modification has previously been shown to alter the export kinetics for mRNAs though the molecular details surrounding this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Recruitment of the TREX mRNA export complex to mRNA is driven by transcription, 5′ capping and pre-mRNA splicing. Here we identify a fourth mechanism in human cells driving the association of TREX with mRNA involving the m6A methylase complex. We show that the m6A complex recruits TREX to m6A modified mRNAs and this process is essential for their efficient export. TREX also stimulates recruitment of the m6A reader protein YTHDC1 to the mRNA and the m6A complex influences the interaction of TREX with YTHDC1. Together our studies reveal a key role for TREX in the export of m6A modified mRNAs.
Photo-electrochemical Hydrogen Plants at Scale: A Life-cycle Net Energy Assessment
Authors: Greenblatt Jeffery B.
Published: September 2018

Prospective life-cycle assessment was applied to a hypothetical large-scale (1 gigawatt (GW) annual average) photo-electrochemical (PEC) plant producing hydrogen (H2) from splitting water. The approach provides early insight into key variables driving the net energy balance, and suggests directions for future research. The life-cycle approach spans raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, deployment, operations and decommissioning of a technology. We focused on three indices of net energy performance: life-cycle primary energy balance, energy return on energy invested, and energy payback time, and investigate the net energy significance of six characteristics describing the PEC life cycle: (1) embodied energy (the embodied energy of a system element is the cumulative energy input required to produce it in finished form from raw starting materials) of active cell materials, (2) embodied energy of inactive module materials, (3) energy intensity of active cell fabrication, (4) energy intensity of PEC module assembly, (5) initial energy use for production of balance of system (BOS), and (6) ongoing energy use for operation and end-of-life of BOS. We develop and apply a system model describing material and energy flows during the full life-cycle of louvered thin-film PEC cells and their associated modules and BOS components. We find that fabrication processes for the PEC cells are important drivers of net energy performance: the energy intensity of the thin-film deposition of active cell materials strongly affects the overall net energy. We confirm that solar-to-H2 (STH) conversion efficiency and cell life span are key focus areas for improving net energy performance of a PEC H2 system. We discuss these and other system parameters, and highlight pathways to improve net energy performance.
Evaluating Electrocatalysts for Solar Water-splitting Reactions
Authors: McCrory Charles C. L. , Jung Suho , Kallick Jeremy
Published: September 2018

Standardization in evaluating and reporting electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction is crucial to the development of new catalysts for solar-water splitting devices. The goal of the Benchmarking project at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis was to propose standard protocols for evaluating water-splitting catalysts that facilitate cross-comparison of catalytic activity and stability. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the evaluation and reporting methods developed by the Benchmarking project and summarize our studies evaluating solid-state, heterogeneous electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting. The chapter will specifically overview the choice of appropriate electrochemical apparatus and electrodes for conducting electrocatalytic studies, provide details regarding the use and limitations of the benchmarking protocols used in our studies to evaluate catalyst activity and stability, and summarize the general results of our investigations of catalyst performance.
Heterojunction Approaches for Stable and Efficient Photoelectrodes
Authors: Ager Joel W.
Published: September 2018

In photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar to chemical energy conversion, photo-generated charges are used to drive reduction and oxidation reactions in an electrolyte solution. In the specific case of solar to hydrogen conversion via PEC water splitting, photo-generated electrons can drive the reduction of protons (or water itself directly) to hydrogen gas and photo-generated holes can oxidize water to oxygen. As the currents in the light absorbers are driven by minority carriers, p-type light absorbing semiconductors are used as the hydrogen-generating photocathodes and n-type semiconductor are used as oxygen-generating photoanodes. Due to the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints of overall-water splitting, typically at least two light absorbing elements are used if the system is to operate without additional electrical bias. Practically implemented PEC devices can have either a photocathode, a photoanode, or both. Devices with a single photo-electrode typically have one or more photovoltaic devices to provide the additional bias required for operation. For realization of this technology for practical energy storage, both high solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency and long operational lifetime are desirable. By analogy with recent trends in photovoltaic energy conversion, it has been more typical to use heterojunctions to affect the needed charge selective contacts for the photo-electrodes. Specific to the PEC application, the heterojunction may also be used to protect the electrode from photo-electrochemical corrosion. While these two desired outcomes are separate, it is possible to find heterojunction designs which perform both functions well. Focusing on work in the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) in the period 2010–2015, this chapter will review the evolving role of heterojunctions in developing high efficiency, stable photocathodes for the generation of hydrogen and photoanodes for the generation of oxygen.
Artificial Photosynthesis with Inorganic Particles
Authors: Osterloh Frank E.
Published: September 2018

Water photoelectrolysis with particles is a special form of artificial photosynthesis that can offer substantial cost savings over established photovoltaic-electrolyzer and photoelectrochemical cells. Existing particle water splitting devices only reach a fraction of their theoretical solar to hydrogen conversion (STH) efficiency limit, which means that significant advances are still possible with such systems. In order to promote development of this technology, this chapter surveys particle-based water splitting photocatalysts and photoreactors and provides an introduction to their operational principles. The factors that control the generation of charge carriers by absorption of light, charge transport, separation, recombination, and electrochemical reactions at particle surfaces are described in detail. The use of solid–liquid and solid–solid junctions and Ohmic contacts to control carrier transport are discussed, as well as strategies to prevent electron/hole recombination and the oxygen reduction reaction (back reaction) in particle photocatalysts. The effects of pH and ions on the energetics and conversion efficiency will be examined, and recent developments in particle-based water splitting devices will be highlighted, including the discovery of photocatalyst sheets, studies on long term stability, and the application of new experimental techniques for the characterization of charge transport across particle junctions. Selected theoretical modeling efforts will be summarized and promising new materials for particle based water splitting systems will be discussed.
Membranes for Solar Fuels Devices
Authors: Miller Daniel J. , Houle Frances A.
Published: September 2018

Membranes are employed in photoelectrochemical solar fuels devices to permit the transport of electrolyte ions while minimizing the transport of oxidation and reduction products between electrodes, thereby contributing to improved product purity and overall device efficiency. This chapter outlines the principal challenges and design criteria for these essential device components. Fundamentals of polymer chemistry, membrane structure, and small molecule and ion transport in polymeric membrane films are presented, and phenomena that induce changes in membrane transport properties are described. The use of several common commercial polyelectrolyte membranes is discussed. Membrane research within JCAP is summarized, including the development of new polymer chemistries, device architectures that integrate a membrane with catalyst materials, and development of measurement techniques useful for characterizing membrane transport of gases, ions, and neutral molecules in aqueous solutions. An outlook on the use of membranes in CO2 reduction devices provides perspective on additional requirements for photoelectrochemistry applications.
Highly sensitive detection of exosomes by SERS using gold nanostar@Raman reporter@nanoshell structures modified with a bivalent cholesterol-labeled DNA anchor
Authors: Tian Ya-Fei , Ning Cui-Fang , He Fang , Yin Bin-Cheng , Ye Bang-Ce
Published: September 2018

Exosomes, as important signal transmitters, play a key role in intercellular communication, especially in cancer metastasis.
A near-infrared carbon dioxide sensor system using a compact folded optical structure for deep-sea natural gas hydrate exploration
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Zheng Chuantao , Chen Chen , Xie Hongtao , Ren Qiang , Ye Weilin , Wang Yiding , Tittel Frank K.
Published: September 2018

A near-infrared carbon dioxide sensor system using a compact folded optical structure for deep-sea natural gas hydrate exploration.
Aggregation-induced near-infrared emitting platinum(ii) terpyridyl complex: cellular characterisation and lysosome-specific localisation
Authors: Wu Jiatao , Li Yaqiong , Tan Chunyan , Wang Xin , Zhang Youming , Song Jun , Qu Junle , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: September 2018

An aggregation-induced near-infrared emitting terpyridyl Pt(ii) complex with excellent biocompatibility shows high specificity to lysosomes in HeLa cells.
Construction of a diverse set of terpenoid decalin subunits from a common enantiomerically pure scaffold obtained by a biomimetic cationic cyclization
Authors: Fontaneda Raquel , Fañanás Francisco J. , Rodríguez Félix
Published: September 2018

An unprecedented biomimetic cationic cyclization reaction is used for the synthesis of an enantiomerically pure scaffold that is easily transformed into a set of structurally diverse decalin derivatives with potential application in the synthesis of targeted natural products and/or natural-product-inspired new molecules.
Crystal structures and investigation of the third-order nonlinear optical properties of four coordination polymers by using the Z-scan technique
Authors: Lian Zhaoxun , Zhao Ning , Liu Ping , An Caixia , Wang Airong , Yang Fengxia
Published: September 2018

Four coordination polymers with different structures are reported. They exhibit different third-order nonlinear optical activities.
Cobalt nanoparticles incorporated into hollow doped porous carbon capsules as a highly efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst
Authors: Guo Feng , Yang Hui , Aguila Briana , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , Singh Mandeep , Bansal Vipul , Ma Shengqian
Published: September 2018

MOF nanocrystals are employed for the design and synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles embedded into hollow doped porous carbon electrocatalyst.
Preparation of the Ru3(CO)8-pyridine-alcohol cluster and its use for the selective catalytic transformation of primary to secondary amines
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Mobin Shaikh M. , Mathur Pradeep
Published: September 2018

This report describes simple Ru3 pyridine alcohol cluster catalysts, which are excellent catalysts for the mono-alkylation of primary amines.
Observation of current rectification by the new bimetallic iron(iii) hydrophobe [FeIII2(LN4O6)] on Au|LB-molecule|Au devices
Authors: Weeraratne A. D. K. Isuri , Baydoun Habib , Shakya Rajendra , Niklas Jens , Xie Lingxiao , Mao Guangzhao , Stoian Sebastian A. , Poluektov Oleg G. , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: September 2018

A new bimetallic iron hydrophobe, [FeIII2(LN4O6)] (1) forms well-defined films used for current–voltage measurements and shows unquestionable molecular rectification.
Construction of NIR luminescent polynuclear lanthanide-based nanoclusters with sensing properties towards metal ions
Authors: Chen Hongfen , Yang Xiaoping , Jiang Dongmei , Shi Dongliang , Zhang Lijie
Published: September 2018

Two types of 4- and 9-metal lanthanide-based nanoclusters (Ln = Yb(iii) and Er(iii)) were constructed and the 9-metal Yb(iii) cluster shows interesting luminescent sensing of metal ions and exhibits high sensitivity to Cd2+ and Co2+ at ppm level.
Scandium alkyl and hydride complexes supported by a pentadentate diborate ligand: reactions with CO2 and N2O
Authors: Beh Daniel W. , Piers Warren E. , del Rosal Iker , Maron Laurent , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Gendy Chris , Lin Jian-Bin
Published: September 2018

Alkyl and hydrido scandium complexes of the dianionic pentadentate ligand B2Pz4Py are reported.
Cadmium exposure in First Nations communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada: smoking is a greater contributor than consumption of cadmium-accumulating organ meats
Authors: Ratelle Mylene , Li Xinci , Laird Brian D.
Published: September 2018

Study of cadmium exposure sources in First Nations communities promotes traditional food consumption and supports the prioritization of environmental issues.
Methane emissions: choosing the right climate metric and time horizon
Authors: Balcombe Paul , Speirs Jamie F. , Brandon Nigel P. , Hawkes Adam D.
Published: September 2018

We compare and make recommendations for the use of different climate metrics and time horizons with respect to methane emissions, applying to a case study of LNG as a shipping fuel.
Emerging investigator series: design of hydrogel nanocomposites for the detection and removal of pollutants: from nanosheets, network structures, and biocompatibility to machine-learning-assisted design
Authors: Hou Xuan , Mu Li , Chen Fang , Hu Xiangang
Published: September 2018

Due to serious pollution of the world's water resources, effective methods for the detection and removal of pollutants must be developed.
Preparation of cobalt-containing spinel oxides as novel adsorbents for efficient phosphate removal
Authors: Li Ting , Liao Taiwan , Su Xiangde , Yu Xiang , Han Boping , Zhu Yi , Zhang Yuanming
Published: September 2018

We prepared a series of novel and efficient phosphate removal adsorbents, figured out the adsorption mechanism in depth and revealed the relationship between the properties of adsorbents and their adsorption capacity.
Superwettability with antithetic states: fluid repellency in immiscible liquids
Authors: Zhu Pingan , Kong Tiantian , Tian Ye , Tang Xin , Tian Xiaowei , Wang Liqiu
Published: September 2018

Diatom-frustule-inspired surfaces are designed to stabilize the antithetic Cassie and Wenzel states for under-liquid super-repellency in virtually all two-fluid systems.
Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over a heterojunction composed of silver cyanamide and graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Bai Chunpeng , Bi Jingce , Wu Junbiao , Han Yide , Zhang Xia
Published: September 2018

A semiconductor heterojunction composed of silver cyanamide (Ag2NCN) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution under simulated sunlight irradiation.
Plasmonic zero mode waveguide for highly confined and enhanced fluorescence emission
Authors: Ponzellini Paolo , Zambrana-Puyalto Xavier , Maccaferri Nicolò , Lanzanò Luca , De Angelis Francesco , Garoli Denis
Published: September 2018

Experimental verification of a plasmonic zero mode waveguide able to enhance fluorescence from a single molecule in a confined volume.
Controllable drug release from nano-layered hollow carrier by non-human enzyme
Authors: Choi Daheui , Heo Jiwoong , Hong Jinkee
Published: September 2018

To improve drug incorporation and release efficiency, we prepared a micro-drug delivery carrier using tannic acid (TA) and lignin extracted from plants and wood.
Manipulating the crystal structure of a conjugated polymer for efficient sequentially processed organic solar cells
Authors: Yi Ahra , Chae Sangmin , Hong Seungyeon , Lee Hyun Hwi , Kim Hyo Jung
Published: September 2018

The effective structure control of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is suggested for efficient sequentially processed organic solar cells by using various volatile solvents.
Ternary confined-functional sulfur composite with a host–sulfur–container architecture for lithium/sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Yong , Liang Xin , Yun Jufeng , Shi Pengcheng , Lu Peng , Sun Yi , Xiang Hongfa
Published: September 2018

A ternary confined-functional sulfur composite with a Host–Sulfur–Container structure is designed and synthesized for high performance lithium sulfur batteries.
Graphene oxide-modified LaVO4nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency of antibiotics
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Liu Jie , Xie Meng , Jing Liquan , Yan Jia , Deng Jiujun , Xu Hui , Li Huaming , Xie Jimin
Published: September 2018

Antibiotic TC was degraded into lower toxic products using novel GO/LaVO4composite photocatalysts under visible light.
Biomimetic dendrimers for mineralization: rare fibrous amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and branch-and-bud ACC–vaterite polymorphs
Authors: Sheikhi Amir , Mejlsøe Søren Leth , Li Na , Bomal Enzo , van de Ven Theo G. M. , Kakkar Ashok
Published: September 2018

The first experimental evidence of mm-long amorphous calcium carbonate fibers decorated with the least thermodynamically-stable crystalline CaCO3, vaterite, in a branch-and-bud structure was demonstrated through novel, highly efficient bioinspired dendrimer-mediated mineralization.
Ultralong needle-like N-doped Co(OH)F on carbon fiber paper with abundant oxygen vacancies as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction catalyst
Authors: Lv Jiaqi , Yang Xiaoxuan , Zang Hong-Ying , Wang Yong-Hui , Li Yang-Guang
Published: September 2018

The 3D needle-like N-doped Co(OH)F on carbon fiber paper rich in oxygen vacancies synthesized by hydrothermal method has an efficient oxygen evolution performance.
Copper-catalyzed [3 + 2 + 1] annulation for functionalized pyridines as potent and dynamic UV absorbers
Authors: Maezono Shizuka Mei Bautista , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Yong Rok
Published: September 2018

A novel synthesis of functionalized pyridines via copper-catalyzed [3 + 2 + 1] annulation for the development of potent UV absorbers is described.
Green fabrication of nanoporous BiVO4 films on ITO substrates for photoelectrochemical water-oxidation
Authors: Okunaka Sayuri , Hitomi Yutaka , Tokudome Hiromasa
Published: September 2018

Nanoporous BiVO4 photoanodes for efficient water oxidation were directly fabricated on an ITO substrate using an aqueous solution of mild pH.
Characterization and adsorption properties of cross-linked yeast/β-cyclodextrin polymers for Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) adsorption
Authors: Duan Zhengyang , Song Mingyao , Li Tianguo , Liu Shuli , Xu Xiaojun , Qin Ronggao , He Changhua , Wang Yao , Xu Longqian , Zhang Mengjiao
Published: September 2018

A cross-linked yeast/β-cyclodextrin polymer (Y–β-CDP) was synthesized to remove Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) from aqueous solution.
Using special Janus nanobelt as constitutional unit to construct anisotropic conductive array membrane for concurrently affording color-tunable luminescence and superparamagnetism
Authors: Xi Xue , Yu Wensheng , Ma Qianli , Li Dan , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: September 2018

Flexible peculiar-structured Janus nanobelts and their array membranes of high electrically conductive anisotropy, luminescence and superparamagnetism were fabricated via electrospinning.
Advanced binder-free electrodes based on CoMn2O4@Co3O4 core/shell nanostructures for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Liu Xiao , Liu Yongxu , Zhu Yameng , Zhuang Guoce , Zheng Wei , Cai Zhenyu , Yang Peizhi
Published: September 2018

CoMn2O4@Co3O4 core/shell arrays on Ni foam exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance for asymmetric supercapacitors with respect to high specific capacitance and high cycling stability.
Ultrathin two-dimensional covalent organic framework nanoprobe for interference-resistant two-photon fluorescence bioimaging
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhou Fang , Zhang Cheng , Yin Sheng-Yan , Teng Lili , Chen Lanlan , Hu Xiao-Xiao , Liu Hong-Wen , Yin Xia , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: September 2018

A two-photon fluorescent covalent organic framework nanopore is designed for the first time for H2S interference-resistant bioimaging.
Mechanistic study of styrene aziridination by iron(iv) nitrides
Authors: Crandell Douglas W. , Muñoz Salvador B. , Smith Jeremy M. , Baik Mu-Hyun
Published: September 2018

A combined experimental and computational investigation reveals that styrene aziridination by an iron(iv) nitride occurs by a stepwise mechanism involving multistate character.
Effect of adhesion force on the height pesticide droplets bounce on impaction with cabbage leaf surfaces
Authors: Cao Chong , Song Yu-Ying , Zhou Zhao-Lu , Cao Li-Dong , Li Feng-Min , Huang Qi-Liang
Published: September 2018

A negative correlation between the height of pesticide bouncing drops and the adhesion force on a cabbage leaf surface.
Understanding chain looping kinetics in polymer solutions: crowding effects of microviscosity and collapse
Authors: Bian Yukun , Cao Xiuli , Li Peng , Zhao Nanrong
Published: September 2018

A theoretical framework based on a generalized Langevin equation with fractional Gaussian noise is presented to describe the looping kinetics of chains in polymer solutions.
Defect tolerant perovskite solar cells from blade coated non-toxic solvents
Authors: Bi Zhuoneng , Rodríguez-Martínez Xabier , Aranda Clara , Pascual-San-José Enrique , Goñi Alejandro R. , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Xu Xueqing , Guerrero Antonio
Published: September 2018

Blade coating in combination with non-toxic solvents provides high photovoltaic efficiency in perovskite thin films by spherulitic growth crystallization.
Poly(MMA-co-FMA) as a platform for tuning emission by clicking with luminescent lanthanide complexes
Authors: Ren Yuanyuan , Feng Jiachun
Published: September 2018

Lanthanide metallopolymers with tunable emission were prepared by skillfully designed Diels–Alder reactions.
Huayu Tongmai Granules protects against vascular endothelial dysfunction via up-regulating miR-185 and down-regulating RAGE
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Wang Dongli , Yang Xiaoni , Lei Lei
Published: September 2018

Objective: Receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a membrane protein that contributes to the initiation and progression of diabetic vascular complications, which is reported as a target of miR-185. Huayu Tongmai Granules is a Chinese herbal compound that is capable of treating diabetic angiopathy. The present study was designed to explore the molecular biological mechanism by which Huayu Tongmai Granules protects against diabetic angiopathy.

Methods: The rat model of diabetes and hyperglucose cell model were established. The blood glucose was detected to verify whether the model was successfully established. Besides, serum nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations of the rats in each group were determined. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed to examine the mRNA expression levels of miR-185 and other miRNAs in femoral artery of rats or human umbilical vein endothelial cell line. Additionally, the protein levels of RAGE or Bax were determined using Western blotting. Cell apoptosis was determined by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling assay or flow cytometry.

Results: In the present study, we found that Huayu Tongmai Granules significantly decreased blood glucose and serum ROS and up-regulated serum NO concentration. MiR-185 was low-expressed in diabetic rats; however, Huayu Tongmai Granules intervention up-regulated miR-185. Stable overexpression of miR-185 directly suppressed the expression of RAGE and further suppressed endothelial cell apoptosis.:

ConclusionHuayu Tongmai Granules appears to have a therapeutic effect on diabetic angiopathy that is most probably mediated by miR-185/RAGE axis.