bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-supporting Co3O4/Graphene Hybrid Films as Binder-free Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shouling , Wang Ronghua , Chang Jie , Hu Ning , Xu Chaohe
Published: February 2018

A self-supporting Co3O4/graphene hybrid film has been constructed via vacuum filtration of Co(OH)2 nanosheet and graphene, followed by a two-step thermal treatment. Within the hybrid film, Co3O4 nanoparticles with size of 40~60 nm uniformly in-situ grew on the surface of graphene, forming a novel porous and interleaved structure with strong interactions between Co3O4 nanoparticles and graphene. Such fascinating microstructures can greatly facilitate interfacial electron transportation and accommodate the volume changes upon Li ions insertion and extraction. Consequently, the binder-less hybrid film demonstrated extremely high reversible capacity (1287.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), excellent cycling stability and rate capability (1110 and 800 mAh g−1 at 0.5 and 1.0 A g−1, respectively).
Alternative splicing of ALCAM enables tunable regulation of cell-cell adhesion through differential proteolysis
Authors: Hebron Katie E. , Li Elizabeth Y. , Arnold Egloff Shanna A. , von Lersner Ariana K. , Taylor Chase , Houkes Joep , Flaherty David K. , Eskaros Adel , Stricker Thomas P. , Zijlstra Andries
Published: February 2018

While many adhesion receptors are known to influence tumor progression, the mechanisms by which they dynamically regulate cell-cell adhesion remain elusive. We previously identified Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) as a clinically relevant driver of metastasis and hypothesized that a tunable mechanism of ectodomain shedding regulates its contribution to dissemination. To test this hypothesis, we examined an under-explored ALCAM splice variant (ALCAM-Iso2) and demonstrated that loss of the membrane-proximal region of ALCAM (exon 13) increased metastasis four-fold. Mechanistic studies identified a novel MMP14-dependent membrane distal cleavage site in ALCAM-Iso2, which mediated a ten-fold increase in shedding, thereby decreasing cellular cohesion. Importantly, the loss of cohesion is not limited to the cell capable of shedding because the released extracellular domain diminished cohesion of non-shedding cells through disruption of ALCAM-ALCAM interactions. ALCAM-Iso2-dominated expression in bladder cancer tissue, compared to normal bladder, further emphasizes that ALCAM alternative splicing may contribute to clinical disease progression. The requirement for both the loss of exon 13 and the gain of metalloprotease activity suggests that ALCAM shedding and concomitant regulation of tumor cell adhesion is a locally tunable process.
Dormancy release and germination of Taxus yunnanensis seeds during wet sand storage
Authors: Bian Fangyuan , Su Jianrong , Liu Wande , Li Shuaifeng
Published: February 2018

Dormancy is an innate constraint on germination that occurs across all life forms. In this study, we investigated the seed dormancy release and germination characters of Taxus yunnanensis by exploring the seed morphology, permeability, germination inhibitors, endogenous hormones, and embryo germination in vitro during wet sand storage. Our results showed that seeds and embryos grew to a critical size to germination and permeability increased with the extension of storage. Seed coat and kernel methanol extracts reduced Brassica campestris seed vigor index. The in vitro embryo germination rate increased by 12.20% after storage for 30–360 d, whereas seed germination occurred after 450 d. Gibberellic acid and zeatin riboside contents were relatively stable, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) content decreased; indole acetic acid (IAA) content and the IAA/ABA ratio showed increasing trends. These results indicate that ABA is the key inhibitor of germination in Taxus. The chemical(s) in seed coat and kernel cause the inhibition of seed germination. Taken together, Taxus seeds have morphophysiological dormancy, in which the embryos can continue to grow and hormone imbalance inhibits further development and germination. Further, seed dormancy is active even during the middle of storage and shows “double peaks” during the entire dormancy process.
Plasmonic Spherical Heterodimers: Reversal of Optical Binding Force Based on the Forced Breaking of Symmetry
Authors: Mahdy M. R. C. , Danesh Md. , Zhang Tianhang , Ding Weiqiang , Rivy Hamim Mahmud , Chowdhury Ariful Bari , Mehmood M. Q.
Published: February 2018

The stimulating connection between the reversal of near-field plasmonic binding force and the role of symmetry-breaking has not been investigated comprehensively in the literature. In this work, the symmetry of spherical plasmonic heterodimer-setup is broken forcefully by shining the light from a specific side of the set-up instead of impinging it from the top. We demonstrate that for the forced symmetry-broken spherical heterodimer-configurations: reversal of lateral and longitudinal near-field binding force follow completely distinct mechanisms. Interestingly, the reversal of longitudinal binding force can be easily controlled either by changing the direction of light propagation or by varying their relative orientation. This simple process of controlling binding force may open a novel generic way of optical manipulation even with the heterodimers of other shapes. Though it is commonly believed that the reversal of near-field plasmonic binding force should naturally occur for the presence of bonding and anti-bonding modes or at least for the Fano resonance (and plasmonic forces mostly arise from the surface force), our study based on Lorentz-force dynamics suggests notably opposite proposals for the aforementioned cases. Observations in this article can be very useful for improved sensors, particle clustering and aggregation.
Ultrahigh resolution radiation imaging system using an optical fiber structure scintillator plate
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Kamada Kei , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: February 2018

High resolution imaging of radiation is required for such radioisotope distribution measurements as alpha particle detection in nuclear facilities or high energy physics experiments. For this purpose, we developed an ultrahigh resolution radiation imaging system using an optical fiber structure scintillator plate. We used a ~1-μm diameter fiber structured GdAlO3:Ce (GAP) /α-Al2O3 scintillator plate to reduce the light spread. The fiber structured scintillator plate was optically coupled to a tapered optical fiber plate to magnify the image and combined with a lens-based high sensitivity CCD camera. We observed the images of alpha particles with a spatial resolution of ~25 μm. For the beta particles, the images had various shapes, and the trajectories of the electrons were clearly observed in the images. For the gamma photons, the images also had various shapes, and the trajectories of the secondary electrons were observed in some of the images. These results show that combining an optical fiber structure scintillator plate with a tapered optical fiber plate and a high sensitivity CCD camera achieved ultrahigh resolution and is a promising method to observe the images of the interactions of radiation in a scintillator.
Operando characterization of cathodic reactions in a liquid-state lithium-oxygen micro-battery by scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Liu Pan , Han Jiuhui , Guo Xianwei , Ito Yoshikazu , Yang Chuchu , Ning Shoucong , Fujita Takeshi , Hirata Akihiko , Chen Mingwei
Published: February 2018

Rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-oxygen batteries with a large theoretical capacity are emerging as a high-energy electrochemical device for sustainable energy strategy. Despite many efforts made to understand the fundamental Li-O2 electrochemistry, the kinetic process of cathodic reactions, associated with the formation and decomposition of a solid Li2O2 phase during charging and discharging, remains debate. Here we report direct visualization of the charge/discharge reactions on a gold cathode in a non-aqueous lithium-oxygen micro-battery using liquid-cell aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combining with synchronized electrochemical measurements. The real-time and real-space characterization by time-resolved STEM reveals the electrochemical correspondence of discharge/charge overpotentials to the nucleation, growth and decomposition of Li2O2 at a constant current density. The nano-scale operando observations would enrich our knowledge on the underlying reaction mechanisms of lithium-oxygen batteries during round-trip discharging and charging and shed lights on the strategies in improving the performances of lithium-oxygen batteries by tailoring the cathodic reactions.
Molecular characterization of colorectal adenomas with and without malignancy reveals distinguishing genome, transcriptome and methylome alterations
Authors: Druliner Brooke R. , Wang Panwen , Bae Taejeong , Baheti Saurabh , Slettedahl Seth , Mahoney Douglas , Vasmatzis Nikolaos , Xu Hang , Kim Minsoo , Bockol Matthew , O’Brien Daniel , Grill Diane , Warner Nathaniel , Munoz-Gomez Miguel , Kossick Kimberlee , Johnson Ruth , Mouchli Mohamad , Felmlee-Devine Donna , Washechek-Aletto Jill , Smyrk Thomas , Oberg Ann , Wang Junwen , Chia Nicholas , Abyzov Alexej , Ahlquist David , Boardman Lisa A.
Published: February 2018

The majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from precursor lesions known as polyps. The molecular determinants that distinguish benign from malignant polyps remain unclear. To molecularly characterize polyps, we utilized Cancer Adjacent Polyp (CAP) and Cancer Free Polyp (CFP) patients. CAPs had tissues from the residual polyp of origin and contiguous cancer; CFPs had polyp tissues matched to CAPs based on polyp size, histology and dysplasia. To determine whether molecular features distinguish CAPs and CFPs, we conducted Whole Genome Sequencing, RNA-seq, and RRBS on over 90 tissues from 31 patients. CAPs had significantly more mutations, altered expression and hypermethylation compared to CFPs. APC was significantly mutated in both polyp groups, but mutations in TP53, FBXW7, PIK3CA, KIAA1804 and SMAD2 were exclusive to CAPs. We found significant expression changes between CAPs and CFPs in GREM1, IGF2, CTGF, and PLAU, and both expression and methylation alterations in FES and HES1. Integrative analyses revealed 124 genes with alterations in at least two platforms, and ERBB3 and E2F8 showed aberrations specific to CAPs across all platforms. These findings provide a resource of molecular distinctions between polyps with and without cancer, which have the potential to enhance the diagnosis, risk assessment and management of polyps.
Enhancement of immunomodulative effect of lactic acid bacteria on plasmacytoid dendritic cells with sucrose palmitate
Authors: Kanayama Masaya , Kato Yukiko , Tsuji Toshikazu , Konoeda Yuki , Hashimoto Akiko , Kanauchi Osamu , Fujii Toshio , Fujiwara Daisuke
Published: February 2018

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in the immune response against viruses. In addition, recent research has suggested that pDCs possess direct and indirect tumoricidal activities. We previously found that a lactic acid bacteria strain, Lactococcus lactis JCM 5805 (LC-Plasma), stimulated pDCs and prevented viral infection in mouse and human studies. Meanwhile, emulsifiers have recently been highlighted as candidate adjuvants for some viral vaccines and cancer immunotherapies. In this study, we discovered some specific emulsifiers, mainly consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters, that drastically enhance the potency of LC-Plasma to activate pDCs in vitro. The emulsifiers promoted the efficient uptake of LC-Plasma by pDCs and the ratio of pDCs that took up LC-Plasma correlated with the activity of pDCs. In addition, an in vivo study showed that oral treatment with LC-Plasma mixed with an emulsifier induced a higher expression of genes related to anti-viral immunity in the lung compared to treatment with LC-Plasma alone. Both LC-Plasma and the emulsifiers used in this study have been confirmed to be safe for human use. Therefore, LC-Plasma mixed with an emulsifier might be a useful tool for certain anti-cancer and anti-viral therapies.
Georeferenced soil provenancing with digital signatures
Authors: Tighe M. , Forster N. , Guppy C. , Savage D. , Grave P. , Young I. M.
Published: February 2018

The provenance or origin of a soil sample is of interest in soil forensics, archaeology, and biosecurity. In all of these fields, highly specialized and often expensive analysis is usually combined with expert interpretation to estimate sample origin. In this proof of concept study we apply rapid and non-destructive spectral analysis to the question of direct soil provenancing. This approach is based on one of the underlying tenets of soil science – that soil pedogenesis is spatially unique, and thus digital spectral signatures of soil can be related directly, rather than via individual soil properties, to a georeferenced location. We examine three different multivariate regression techniques to predict GPS coordinates in two nested datasets. With a minimum of data processing, we show that in most instances Eastings and Northings can be predicted to within 20% of the range of each within the dataset using the spectral signatures produced via portable x-ray fluorescence. We also generate 50 and 95% confidence intervals of prediction and express these as a range of GPS coordinates. This approach has promise for future application in soil and environmental provenancing.
Chronic treatment with fluoride affects the jejunum: insights from proteomics and enteric innervation analysis
Authors: Dionizio Aline Salgado , Melo Carina Guimarães Souza , Sabino-Arias Isabela Tomazini , Ventura Talita Mendes Silva , Leite Aline Lima , Souza Sara Raquel Garcia , Santos Erika Xavier , Heubel Alessandro Domingues , Souza Juliana Gadelha , Perles Juliana Vanessa Colombo Martins , Zanoni Jacqueline Nelisis , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo
Published: February 2018

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the first signs of fluoride (F) toxicity. In the present study, the jejunum of rats chronically exposed to F was evaluated by proteomics, as well as by morphological analysis. Wistar rats received water containing 0, 10 or 50 mgF/L during 30 days. HuC/D, neuronal Nitric Oxide (nNOS), Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), and Substance P (SP) were detected in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum by immunofluorescence. The density of nNOS-IR neurons was significantly decreased (compared to both control and 10 mgF/L groups), while the VIP-IR varicosities were significantly increased (compared to control) in the group treated with the highest F concentration. Significant morphological changes were seen observed in the density of HUC/D-IR neurons and in the area of SP-IR varicosities for F-treated groups compared to control. Changes in the abundance of various proteins correlated with relevant biological processes, such as protein synthesis, glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism were revealed by proteomics.
Revisiting the Pacific Meridional Mode
Authors: Stuecker Malte F.
Published: February 2018

Numerous studies demonstrated that the Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM) can excite Central Pacific (CP) El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and that the PMM is mostly a stochastic phenomenon associated with mid-latitude atmospheric variability and wind-evaporation-SST feedback. Here we show that CP sea surface temperature (SST) variability exhibits high instantaneous correlations both on interannual (ENSO-related) and decadal (Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)-related) timescales with the PMM. By prescribing an idealized interannual equatorial CP ENSO SST forcing in a partially-coupled atmosphere/slab ocean model we are able to generate a realistic instantaneous PMM response consistent with the observed statistical ENSO/PMM relationship. This means that CP ENSO and the PMM can excite each other respectively on interannual timescales, strongly suggesting that a fast positive feedback exists between the two phenomena. Thus, we argue that they cannot be considered two independent dynamical entities. Additionally, we show that the interannual CP ENSO SST forcing generates atmospheric circulation variability that projects strongly on the Aleutian Low and North Pacific SST anomalies that exhibit the characteristic PDO pattern.
Elevated nitrogen allows the weak invasive plant Galinsoga quadriradiata to become more vigorous with respect to inter-specific competition
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Ying-Bo , Zhu Zhi-Hong
Published: February 2018

Elevated nitrogen associated with global change is believed to promote the invasion of many vigorous exotic plants. However, it is unclear how a weak exotic plant will respond to elevated nitrogen in the future. In this study, the competitive outcome of a weak invasive plant (Galinsoga quadriradiata) and two non-invasive plants was detected. The plants were subjected to 3 types of culture (mixed, monoculture or one-plant), 2 levels of nitrogen (ambient or elevated at a rate of 2 g m−2 yr−1) and 2 levels of light (65% shade or full sunlight). The results showed that elevated nitrogen significantly promoted the growth of both the weak invader and the non-invasive plants in one-plant pots; however, growth promotion was not observed for the non-invasive species in the mixed culture pots. The presence of G. quadriradiata significantly inhibited the growth of the non-invasive plants, and a decreased negative species interaction was detected as a result of elevated nitrogen. Our results suggest that competitive interactions between G. quadriradiata and the non-invasive plants were altered by elevated nitrogen. It provides exceptional evidence that an initially weak invasive plant can become an aggressive invader through elevated nitrogen deposition.
Phenotypic plasticity vs. local adaptation in quantitative traits differences of Stipa grandis in semi-arid steppe, China
Authors: Gao Shao-bo , Mo Li-dong , Zhang Li-hong , Zhang Jian-li , Wu Jian-bo , Wang Jin-long , Zhao Nian-xi , Gao Yu-bao
Published: February 2018

Whether plants are able to adapt to environmental changes depends on their genetic characteristics and phenotypic plastic responses. We investigated the phenotypic responses of 7 populations of an important dominant species in semi-arid steppe of China - Stipa grandis, and then distinguished which adaptive mechanism(s), phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation, was/were involved in this species to adapt to environmental changes. (1) All traits were significantly influenced by the interaction of population and growth condition and by population in each condition, and inter-population variability (CVinter) was larger in the field than in the common garden for 8/9 traits, indicating that both phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation controlled the phenotypic differences of S. grandis. (2) From a functional standpoint, the significant relationships between the values of traits in the common garden and the environmental variables in their original habitats couldn’t support local habitat adaptation of these traits. (3) Low CVintra, low quantitative differentiation among populations (Q
ST
), and low plasticity shown in the western populations indicated the very low adaptive potential of S. grandis to environmental changes. (4) From the original habitats to the common garden which is far away from S. grandis distribution region, positive phenotypic responses were found in several populations, indicating that some original habitats have become unfavorable for S. grandis.
A Potential Prognostic Long Noncoding RNA Signature to Predict Recurrence among ER-positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Tamoxifen
Authors: Wang Kang , Li Jie , Xiong Yong-Fu , Zeng Zhen , Zhang Xiang , Li Hong-Yuan
Published: February 2018

Limited predictable long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature was reported in tamoxifen resistance among estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC) patients. The aim of this study was to identify and assess prognostic lncRNA signature to predict recurrence among ER-positive BC patients treated with tamoxifen. Cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (n = 298) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 160) were defined as training and validation cohort, respectively. BC relapse associated lnRNAs was identify within training cohort, and the predictable value of recurrence was assessed in both cohorts. A total of 11lncRNAs were recognized to be associated with relapse free survival (RFS) of ER-positive BC patients receiving tamoxifen, who were divided into low-risk and high-risk group on basis of relapse risk scores (RRS). Multivariate cox regression analyses revealed that the RRS is an independent prognostic biomarker in the prediction of ER-positive BC patients’ survival. GSEA indicated that high-risk group was associated with several signaling pathways in processing of BC recurrence and metastasis such as PI3K-Akt and Wnt signaling. Our 11-lncRNA based classifier is a reliable prognostic and predictive tool for disease relapse in BC patients receiving tamoxifen.
Effect of chronic exercise on fluoride metabolism in fluorosis-susceptible mice exposed to high fluoride
Authors: Amaral Sandra L. , Azevedo Liane B. , Buzalaf Marilia A. R. , Fabricio Mayara F. , Fernandes Mileni S. , Valentine Ruth A. , Maguire Anne , Zohoori Fatemeh V.
Published: February 2018

The present study investigated the effect of chronic exercise on fluoride (F) metabolism in fluorosis-susceptible mice exposed to high-F and explored the relationship between F concentrations in bone and plasma. Thirty male mice were randomised into three groups: Group I (No-F, No-Exercise), Group II (50 ppmF, No-Exercise), Group III (50 ppmF, Exercise). Body weight and physical performance of all mice were measured at baseline and end of experiment. F concentrations of plasma and bone were measured at the end of experiment. Mean plasma F concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in Groups II and III compared with Group I. Mean bone F concentration was also significantly higher (p < 0.01) in Groups II and III compared with Group I. There was a significant correlation (p = 0.01, r = 0.54) between F concentration of plasma and bone. Mean body weight of Group I mice was significantly higher than Group II (p < 0.001) and Group III (p = 0.001) mice at the end of the experiment. This study, which provides the first data on the effect of chronic exercise on F metabolism in fluorosis-susceptible mice, suggests no effect of chronic exercise on F in plasma and bone. However, exposure to high-F resulted in lower body weight and exercise capacity in mice.
An amplification-free electrochemical detection of exosomal miRNA-21 in serum samples
Authors: Boriachek Kseniia , Umer Muhammad , Islam Md Nazmul , Gopalan Vinod , Lam Alfred K. , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: February 2018

A sensitive and amplification-free assay for the electrochemical detection of exosomal miRNAs in complex biological samples.
Designed multifunctional ionic liquids–magnetic graphene nanocomposites as the adsorbent of MSPE for the determination of preservatives
Authors: Cao Shurui , Chen Yaling , Zhang Lei , Xi Cunxian , Li Xianliang , Tang Bobin , Wang Guomin , Chen Zhiqiong
Published: February 2018

A new structural design for fabricating four types of ionic liquids was successfully adapted, which was based on changing the anion of 1-vinyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide (VOIm+Br−) with benzene sulfonic acid (BenSO3−), 2-naphthalene sulfonic acid (NapSO3−), 1-anthraquinonesulfonic acid (AQSO3−) and 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid (NQSO3−).
Tandem MoP nanocrystals with rich grain boundaries for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Lei , Li Mengxia , Hu Xianluo
Published: February 2018

Crystallographically interconnected MoP nanocrystals with abundant grain boundaries are facilely synthesized and they exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic activities for hydrogen evolution.
Synthesis, X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetric analysis and spectroscopic characterization of isostructural one-dimensional coordination polymers as sorbents for some anions
Authors: Ghanbari Bahram , Shahhoseini Leila , Owczarzak Agata , Kubicki Maciej , Kia Reza , Raithby Paul R.
Published: February 2018

A new series of coordination polymers capable of adsorbing anions have been synthesized by employing a dipyridine substituted diazacrown macrocycle as linker.
The direct observation of electron backflow in an organic heterojunction formed by two n-type materials
Authors: Li Ping , Wu Bo , Xiang Jin , Yang Xiu De , Huang Hai Shen , Zhou Guang Dong , Song Qun Liang
Published: February 2018

Many physical processes such as exciton interfacial dissociation, exciton interfacial recombination, and exciton–electron and exciton–hole interactions coexist at the interface of organic solar cells (OSC).
Addressing the temperature transferability of structure based coarse graining models
Authors: Rosenberger David , van der Vegt Nico F. A.
Published: February 2018

We present a novel idea to improve the temperature transferability of structure based coarse graining models.
Differences in the behavior of dicationic and monocationic ionic liquids as revealed by time resolved-fluorescence, NMR and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Majhi Debashis , Seth Sudipta , Sarkar Moloy
Published: February 2018

Two imidazolium-based dicationic ionic liquids and one monocationic ionic liquid were investigated to understand their intermolecular interactions, structure and dynamics.
Scalable and clean exfoliation of graphitic carbon nitride in NaClO solution: enriched surface active sites for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Cui Lifeng , Liu Yanfei , Fang Xueyou , Yin Chaochuang , Li Shasha , Sun Di , Kang Shifei
Published: February 2018

The challenge of exfoliation of bulk g-C3N4 into nanosheets was tackled using green drinking-water disinfectant NaClO in solution.
The disclosure of mesoscale behaviour of a 3d-SMM monolayer on Au(111) through a multilevel approach
Authors: Fernandez Garcia Guglielmo , Lunghi Alessandro , Totti Federico , Sessoli Roberta
Published: February 2018

A multi-level computational approach was applied to a Fe4Ph monolayer shedding light on packing effects on structural and magnetic properties.
The influence of different Si : C ratios on the electrochemical performance of silicon/carbon layered film anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Shengli , Zhao Yi , Shi Juan , Lv Lili , Wang Huazhi , Zhang Zhiya , Feng Wangjun
Published: February 2018

With a high specific capacity (4200 mA h g−1), silicon based materials have become the most promising anode materials in lithium-ions batteries.
On the use of nanomechanical atomic force microscopy to characterise oil-exposed surfaces
Authors: Kaimaki Domna-Maria , Smith Ben E. , Durkan Colm
Published: February 2018

AFM-based maps of elastic modulus superimposed on topography for the case with and without asphaltene inhibitor.
Facile synthesis of a WOx/CsyWO3 heterostructured composite as a visible light photocatalyst
Authors: Tahmasebi N. , Madmoli S.
Published: February 2018

In this work, a WOx/CsyWO3 heterostructured composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a simple pyrolysis method followed by heat treatment under a reducing atmosphere.
Preparation of ferulic acid-grafted chitosan using recombinant bacterial laccase and its application in mango preservation
Authors: Yang Jie , Sun Jianna , An Xiujuan , Zheng Meixia , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Fengxia , Zhang Chong
Published: February 2018

To improve the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosan, recombinant bacterial laccase from Bacillus vallismortis fmb-103 (fmb-rL103) was used to catalyze ferulic acid grafting.
The behavior of the aluminum trimer when combining with different superatom clusters
Authors: Yang Hui , Wu Di , He Hui-Min , Yu Dan , Li Ying , Li Zhi-Ru
Published: February 2018

The Al3 moiety exists in the cationic state in Al3–superhalogen compounds while in the anionic state in Al3–superalkali compounds.
Preparation of nitrogen-doped porous carbons for high-performance supercapacitor using biomass of waste lotus stems
Authors: Yan Song , Lin Jingjing , Liu Ping , Zhao Zhicheng , Lian Jun , Chang Wei , Yao Lu , Liu Yueran , Lin Hualin , Han Sheng
Published: February 2018

In this study, advanced nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials for supercapacitor was prepared using low-cost and environmentally friendly waste lotus stems (denoted as LS-NCs).
Comprehensively durable superhydrophobic metallic hierarchical surfaces via tunable micro-cone design to protect functional nanostructures
Authors: Han Jinpeng , Cai Mingyong , Lin Yi , Liu Weijian , Luo Xiao , Zhang Hongjun , Wang Kaiyang , Zhong Minlin
Published: February 2018

Superhydrophobic metallic hierarchical surfaces with micro-cones designed to protect functional nanostructures exhibit outstanding comprehensive mechanical durability.
Effect of a pH-controlled co-precipitation process on rhodamine B adsorption of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Lamdab Umaporn , Wetchakun Khatcharin , Kangwansupamonkon Wiyong , Wetchakun Natda
Published: February 2018

The MnFe2O4-pH 10.5 sample exhibited high adsorption capacity towards rhodamine B (RhB) solution. The high adsorption capacity towards RhB can be attributed to the large pore size and negative surface charge of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles.
Dark electrical bias effects on moisture-induced degradation in inverted lead halide perovskite solar cells measured by using advanced chemical probes
Authors: Barbé Jérémy , Kumar Vikas , Newman Michael J. , Lee Harrison K. H. , Jain Sagar M. , Chen Hu , Charbonneau Cécile , Rodenburg Cornelia , Tsoi Wing C.
Published: February 2018

The dark electrical bias degradation of inverted perovskite solar cells is due to ion migration in the presence of moisture.
Fluorescent and charge transport properties of columnar phases made of mono and bi-phenazine derivatives
Authors: Szydłowska J. , Sitkiewicz A. , Nazaruk E. , Pociecha D. , Krzyczkowska P. , Krówczyński A. , Gorecka E.
Published: February 2018

Mesogenic dibenzophenazine derivatives have been synthesized and their liquid crystalline, fluorescent and electrochemical properties have been studied.
Domain size polydispersity effects on the structural and dynamical properties in lipid monolayers with phase coexistence
Authors: Rufeil-Fiori Elena , Banchio Adolfo J.
Published: February 2018

Brownian dynamics simulation reveals that size polydispersity of lipid domains at the air–water interface strongly affects the structure and dynamics of the monolayer.
Effects of the electrode insertion depth on the neural signal amplitude in the spinal cord
Authors: Deng Shijie , Hu Hai , Wang Peng
Published: February 2018

The technique used for electrode insertion navigation is of crucial importance for neural signal collection.
Fast simultaneous detection of three diterpenoids in Herba Siegesbeckiae using solid phase extraction followed by HPLC-UV with a core–shell particle column
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zou Zhizhong , Chou Guixing
Published: February 2018

To quickly determine the amounts of kirenol, darutoside and darutigenol in Herba Siegesbeckiae using HPLC, the efficiency of sample cleanup with different solid phase extraction methods was systematically investigated.
Light-enhanced acid catalysis over a metal–organic framework
Authors: Xu Caiyun , Sun Keju , Zhou Yu-Xiao , Ma Xiao , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: February 2018

A sulfonate group-functionalized metal–organic framework exhibits unprecedented light-enhanced catalytic activity, even higher than H2SO4, and excellent recyclability toward acid-engaged reactions under light irradiation.
Photo-controlled fluorescence on/off switching of a pseudo[3]rotaxane between an AIE-active pillar[5]arene host and a photochromic bithienylethene guest
Authors: Ma Liangwei , Wang Sheng , Li Chengpeng , Cao Derong , Li Teng , Ma Xiang
Published: February 2018

A fluorescence photoswitch was constructed based on a host–guest pseudo[3]rotaxane between an AIE-active pillar[5]arene host bearing tetraphenyl ethylene moieties and a photo-responsive dithienylethylene guest.
Copper-mediated domino C–H iodination and nitration of indoles
Authors: Tu Daoquan , Luo Jun , Jiang Chao
Published: February 2018

An efficient and cost-effective copper-mediated aerobic oxidative C–H iodination and nitration of indolesviadouble C–H functionalization is reported. The domino process proceeds smoothly under mild aerobic conditions to give 3-iodo-2-nitroindoles in one step with high regioselectivity and a broad substrate scope.
Allosteric regulation of metal-binding sites inside an optically-active helical foldamer and its tubular assemblies
Authors: Kawabata Satoshi , Ousaka Naoki , Yashima Eiji
Published: February 2018

A helical foldamer bearing metal-binding linker units self-assembles into helical nanofibers that undergo a reversible helix-to-helix transition upon the binding and release of Ag(i) ions.
Binuclear Mn2+ complexes of a biphenyltetracarboxylic acid with variable N-donor ligands: syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties
Authors: Su Feng , Zhou Cheng-Yong , Han Chun , Wu Lin-Tao , Wu Xi , Sun Long , Su Jing , Feng Si-Si , Lu Li-Ping , Zhu Miao-Li
Published: February 2018

A series of manganese(ii) coordination polymers show a variety of features due to the recognition and assembly processes of the N-donor ligands.
Tailored supramolecular gel and microemulsion crystallization strategies – is isoniazid really monomorphic?
Authors: Kennedy Stuart R. , Jones Christopher D. , Yufit Dmitry S. , Nicholson Catherine E. , Cooper Sharon J. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: February 2018

A tailored supramolecular gel and microemulsion crystallization strategy has been applied to isoniazid crystal screening.
Crystal engineering of dichromate pillared hybrid ultramicroporous materials incorporating pyrazole-based ligands
Authors: Scott Hayley S. , Mukherjee Soumya , Turner David R. , Polson Matthew I. J. , Zaworotko Michael J. , Kruger Paul E.
Published: February 2018

Short and sterically encumbered pyrazole ligands have led to the first examples of non-interpenetrated, dichromate pillared hybrid ultramicroporous materials.
Comparison of charge transfer dynamics in polypyridyl ruthenium sensitizers for solar cells and water splitting systems
Authors: Grądzka Iwona , Gierszewski Mateusz , Karolczak Jerzy , Ziółek Marcin
Published: February 2018

Standard ruthenium components of dye-sensitized solar cells (sensitizer N719) and dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (sensitizer RuP) are investigated to compare their photodynamics and charge separation efficiency.
Cucurbit[6]uril-based multifunctional supramolecular assemblies: synthesis, removal of Ba(ii) and fluorescence sensing of Fe(iii)
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Du , Zhao Yue , Chen Kai , Wang Peng , Kang Yan-Shang , Wu Hua , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: February 2018

Supramolecular assemblies formed of cucurbit[6]uril and flexible aromatic compounds were achieved via outer-surface interactions, and show selective adsorption and sensing properties.
An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on C60-modified polyamidoamine dendrimers and Au NPs for co-catalytic silver deposition
Authors: Chen Peipei , Wang Ting , Zheng Xiangli , Tian Dong , Xia Fangquan , Zhou Changli
Published: February 2018

C60-Modified polyamidoamine dendrimers and Au NPs for the co-catalytic deposition of silver, used for ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensing.
Efficient removal of pentachlorophenol from aqueous solution by 4-tert-butylcalix[8]arene modified thermally sensitive hydrogels
Authors: Guo Ying , Liao Bing , Wang Kun , Zhao Yangyang , Yong Qiwen , Zhao Hongwei , Pang Hao
Published: February 2018

We synthesized 4-tert-butylcalix[8]arene modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels to enhance the adsorption ability for pentachlorophenol in aqueous solutions.
Understanding novel mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis in chronic lung disease: implications for new therapeutic targets
Authors: Eapen Mathew Suji , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh
Published: February 2018

Airway infections are considered as one of the vital factors driving the pathophysiology of chronic lung disease with significant influences on disease trajectory. Opportunistic lung microbes in diseased conditions induce excessive exacerbations and contribute to airflow limitation. Though there has been considerable amount of information that ascertains their links with airway inflammation, the intricate interaction in clinical conditions are poorly understood and requires further deciphering. Current therapeutic interventions for such pathologies are few and lack the ability to modulate underlying dysfunctional immunity as well as suppress the excessive infectious conditions. Thus, in this Commentary we provide a focused outlook on the mechanisms involved in microbial infestation in lung diseases and provides important information on new therapeutic interventions including the potential role of Resolvins and their derivatives as alternative therapeutic agents in combating such multifaceted pathological mechanisms.
Bayesian model checking: A comparison of tests
Authors: Lucy L. B.
Published: February 2018

Two procedures for checking Bayesian models are compared using a simple test problem based on the local Hubble expansion. Over four orders of magnitude,p-values derived from a global goodness-of-fit criterion for posterior probability density functions agree closely with posterior predictivep-values. The former can therefore serve as an effective proxy for the difficult-to-calculate posterior predictivep-values.
Effect of Cord Blood Magnesium Level at Birth on Non-neurologic Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Edwards Laura , Swamy Geeta , Grotegut Chad , Edwards James
Published: February 2018

Objective We examined the effects of magnesium sulfate on non-neurologic neonatal outcomes with respect to cord blood magnesium level.

Study Design We conducted a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Beneficial Effects of Antenatal Magnesium (MFMU BEAM) trial comparing the upper and lower quintiles of cord blood magnesium level. Outcomes included cerebral palsy (CP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and assessments of mental and motor disability. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of each outcome, controlling for gestational age (GA), birth weight, and treatment group (TG).

Results A total of 1,254 women of the 2,444 included in the BEAM trial had cord blood magnesium levels recorded. GA and birth weight were lower and TG was more common in the upper quintile cohort (p < 0.001). Neonates in the upper quintile were more likely to have severe NEC (OR, 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–5.24), ROP (OR, 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05–2.59), and BPD (OR, 1.70, 95% CI: 1.04–2.73). Adjustment for covariates demonstrated no difference in the NEC, ROP, and BPD rates, although there was a decrease in rates of mental disability index < 70 which was not seen in the unadjusted analysis (aOR, 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25–0.99).

Conclusion Higher cord blood magnesium levels do not appear to have adverse non-neurologic effects on the neonate and may demonstrate improvement in neurologic outcomes.
Anticoagulants Resumption after Warfarin-Related Intracerebral Haemorrhage: The Multicenter Study on Cerebral Hemorrhage in Italy (MUCH-Italy)
Authors: Poli Loris , Grassi Mario , Zedde Marialuisa , Marcheselli Simona , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Sessa Maria , Zini Andrea , Paciaroni Maurizio , Azzini Cristiano , Gamba Massimo , Toriello Antonella , Tassi Rossana , Giorli Elisa , Calabrò Rocco , Ritelli Marco , De Vito Alessandro , Pugliese Nicola , Martini Giuseppe , Lanari Alessia , Lodigiani Corrado , Padroni Marina , De Giuli Valeria , Caria Filomena , Morotti Andrea , Costa Paolo , Strambo Davide , Corato Manuel , Pascarella Rosario , Del Sette Massimo , Malferrari Giovanni , Colombi Marina , Padovani Alessandro , Pezzini Alessandro ,   on behalf of the Multicenter Study on Cerebral Hemorrhage in Italy (MUCH-Italy) Investigators
Published: February 2018

Whether to resume antithrombotic treatment after oral anticoagulant–related intracerebral haemorrhage (OAC-ICH) is debatable. In this study, we aimed at investigating long-term outcome associated with OAC resumption after warfarin-related ICH, in comparison with secondary prevention strategies with platelet inhibitors or antithrombotic discontinuation. Participants were patients who sustained an incident ICH during warfarin treatment (2002–2014) included in the Multicenter Study on Cerebral Hemorrhage in Italy. Primary end-point was a composite of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary end-points were ischemic stroke/SE, all-cause mortality and major recurrent bleeding. We computed individual propensity score (PS) as the probability that a patient resumes OACs or other agents given his pre-treatment variables, and performed Cox multivariable analysis using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) procedure. A total of 244 patients qualified for the analysis. Unlike antiplatelet agents, OAC resumption was associated with a lower rate of the primary end-point (weighted hazard ratio [HR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09–0.45), as well as of overall mortality (weighted HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06–0.45) and ischemic stroke/SE (weighted HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.60) with no significant increase of major bleeding in comparison with patients receiving no antithrombotics. In the subgroup of patients with atrial fibrillation, OACs resumption was also associated with a reduction of the primary end-point (weighted HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09–0.54), and the secondary end-point ischemic stroke/SE (weighted HR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02–0.40). In conclusion, in patients who have an ICH while receiving warfarin, resuming anticoagulation results in a favorable trade-off between bleeding susceptibility and thromboembolic risk.
International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) Recommendations for Laboratory Measurement of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Gosselin Robert , Adcock Dorothy , Bates Shannon , Douxfils Jonathan , Favaloro Emmanuel , Gouin-Thibault Isabelle , Guillermo Cecilia , Kawai Yohko , Lindhoff-Last Edelgard , Kitchen Steve
Published: February 2018

This guidance document was prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) for providing haemostasis-related guidance documents for clinical laboratories. This inaugural coagulation ICSH document was developed by an ad hoc committee, comprised of international clinical and laboratory direct acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) experts. The committee developed consensus recommendations for laboratory measurement of DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban), which would be germane for laboratories assessing DOAC anticoagulation. This guidance document addresses all phases of laboratory DOAC measurements, including pre-analytical (e.g. preferred time sample collection, preferred sample type, sample stability), analytical (gold standard method, screening and quantifying methods) and post analytical (e.g. reporting units, quality assurance). The committee addressed the use and limitations of screening tests such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time as well as viscoelastic measurements of clotting blood and point of care methods. Additionally, the committee provided recommendations for the proper validation or verification of performance of laboratory assays prior to implementation for clinical use, and external quality assurance to provide continuous assessment of testing and reporting method.
Farbkodierte Duplexsonographie und „Power-Doppler“ in der Perforatorchirurgie – Erhöhung
der Patientensicherheit durch effiziente Planung
Authors: Daigeler Adrien , Schubert Cornelius , Hirsch Tobias , Behr Björn , Lehnhardt Marcus
Published: February 2018

Einleitung Unterschiedlichste Techniken mit spezifischen Vor- und Nachteilen kommen zur Lokalisation der
Gefäße in der Perforatorchirurgie zum Einsatz. Stabdoppler sind handlich aber ungenau bei der exakten
Perforatorlokalisation. Die Angio-CT ist teuer, zeitaufwendig, strahlenintensiv und invasiv. Die
Duplexsonographie dagegen ist eine zuverlässige, einfach einzusetzende und verfügbare Alternative für die
prä-, intra- und postoperative Gefäßdarstellung. Der Powerdoppler bietet eine noch größere Sensitivität und
kann Gefäße bis 0,5 mm Durchmesser sicher darstellen.

Material und Methoden Der Einsatz von Farb- und Powerdoppler bei der präoperativen Planung wird anhand
von Bildern, die die Identifizierung septaler Gefäße beim ALT, die Darstellung von Empfängergefäßen und die
Planung von gestielten Perforatorlappenplastiken zeigen, illustriert. Es wurden konsekutiv 33 freie
Lappenplastiken (21 ALT, 5 DIEP, 4 FCI, 2 MSAP, 1 tib. post. perforator Lappen) zur Unterschenkel- und
Brustrekonstruktion, sowie 19 gestielte Perforatorlappenplastiken am Rumpf und den Extremitäten zur
Defektdeckung nach Tumor und Trauma für die Auswertung eingeschlossen.

Ergebnisse Die Detektionsgenauigkeit für das Verfahren lag bei 100 %, bedeutend, dass der identifizierte
Perforator in einem Radius von 0,5 cm um die präoperative Markierung lag. Auch der Gefäßverlauf (septal vs.
intramuskulär) wurde zu 100 % korrekt dargestellt. In der Serie trat kein Lappenverlust auf. Es handelt sich
um eine nicht invasive, sichere und kostengünstige, aber zeitaufwendige und untersucherabhängige Technik.

Diskussion Durch die Sichtbarmachung von Arterien und Venen und der exakten Lokalisierung des
Fasziendurchtritts wird das Lappendesign erleichtert. Perforatoren können zentral in den Lappen gelegt, der
Perforatorverlauf speziell bei ALT-Lappen dargestellt und damit aufwendige Präparationen durch den Muskel
vermieden werden.
PPAR-α Agonist Improves Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in Pancreatic Cells by Potentiating Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Mohammadi Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2018

Background Diabetes-induced oxidative stress has an essential role in pancreatic cells dysfunction. The present study aimed to evaluate whether peroxisome proliferator activated receptor- alpha (PPAR-α) induction by fenofibrate counterbalances oxidative stress in pancreatic cells.

Methods In this in vivo study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as normal, normal treated, diabetic and diabetic treated groups (n=6 in each group). Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Treated animals received fenofibrate for 8 weeks (80 mg/kg/day) orally. At the end of the 8th week, rats were sacrificed and blood samples and pancreas tissues were collected. Then, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate (Nox) and glutathione (GLT) and enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. D ata were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.

Results Diabetes deteriorated anti-oxidant defense capacity in pancreatic cells by reducing SOD and CAT activities and induced oxidative stress as reflected by increased MDA content and free radicals production (Nox content). Treatment by fenofibrate increased SOD and CAT activities and improved oxidative stress by decreasing pancreatic MDA and Nox levels.

Conclusion Uncontrolled hyperglycemia weakens anti-oxidant defense capacity in pancreatic cells and contributes to oxidative stress. PPAR-α induction by fenofibrate can restore anti-oxidant defense systems and improve diabetes-induced oxidative stress.