bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technospheric Mining of Rare Earth Elements from Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Process Optimization, Kinetic Investigation, and Microwave Pretreatment
Authors: Reid Sable , Tam Jason , Yang Mingfan , Azimi Gisele
Published: November 2017

Some rare earth elements (REEs) are classified under critical materials, i.e., essential in use and subject to supply risk, due to their increasing demand, monopolistic supply, and environmentally unsustainable and expensive mining practices. To tackle the REE supply challenge, new initiatives have been started focusing on their extraction from alternative secondary resources. This study puts the emphasis on technospheric mining of REEs from bauxite residue (red mud) produced by the aluminum industry. Characterization results showed the bauxite residue sample contains about 0.03 wt% REEs. Systematic leaching experiments showed that concentrated HNO3 is the most effective lixiviant. However, because of the process complexities, H2SO4 was selected as the lixiviant. To further enhance the leaching efficiency, a novel process based on microwave pretreatment was employed. Results indicated that microwave pretreatment creates cracks and pores in the particles, enabling the lixiviant to diffuse further into the particles, bringing more REEs into solution, yielding of 64.2% and 78.7% for Sc and Nd, respectively, which are higher than the maximum obtained when HNO3 was used. This novel process of “H2SO4 leaching-coupled with-microwave pretreatment” proves to be a promising technique that can help realize the technological potential of REE recovery from secondary resources, particularly bauxite residue.
Exosomal miR-126 as a circulating biomarker in non-small-cell lung cancer regulating cancer progression
Authors: Grimolizzi Franco , Monaco Federica , Leoni Francesca , Bracci Massimo , Staffolani Sara , Bersaglieri Cristiana , Gaetani Simona , Valentino Matteo , Amati Monica , Rubini Corrado , Saccucci Franca , Neuzil Jiri , Tomasetti Marco , Santarelli Lory
Published: November 2017

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. It is diagnosed mostly at the locally advanced or metastatic stage. Recently, micro RNAs (miRs) and their distribution in circulation have been implicated in physiological and pathological processes. In this study, miR-126 was evaluated in serum, exosome and exosome-free serum fractions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at early and advanced stages, and compared with healthy controls. Down-regulation of miR-126 was found in serum of advanced stage NSCLC patients. In healthy controls, circulating miR-126 was equally distributed between exosomes and exosome-free serum fractions. Conversely, in both early and advanced stage NSCLC patients, miR-126 was mainly present in exosomes. Different fractions of miR-126 in circulation may reflect different conditions during tumour formation. Incubation of exosomes from early and advanced NSCLC patients induced blood vessel formation and malignant transformation in human bronchial epithelial cells. On the other hand, exosome-enriched miR-126 from normal endothelial cells inhibited cell growth and induces loss of malignancy of NSCLC cells. These findings suggest a role of exo-miRs in the modulation of the NSCLC microenvironmental niche. Exosome-delivered miRs thus hold a substantial promise as a diagnostics biomarker as well as a personalized therapeutic modality.
Tunable Mid IR focusing in InAs based semiconductor Hyperbolic Metamaterial
Authors: Desouky Mai , Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: November 2017

Noble Metals such as Gold and Silver demonstrated for mid IR metamaterials have suffered many obstacles such as: high losses and lack of tunability. The application of doped semiconductors has allowed overcoming the tunability restriction, besides, possessing lower losses as compared to metals. In addition, doped semiconductors have small magnitude of negative real permittivity which is required to realize mid IR Hyperbolic Metamaterials (HMMs). We theoretically demonstrate super focusing based on an all Semiconductor planar HMM using InAs heterostructure. By applying a single slit integrated with doped InAs/InAs HMM, incident light can be coupled to high propagation wave vectors of the HMM modes leading to sub diffraction focusing within the mid IR wave length range. Our proposed structure shows a wide controllable/ tunable operation by changing the doping concentration of InAs. As a consequence, focusing resolution can be tuned over the mid IR ranging from 4.64 μm to 19.57 μm with the maximum achieved resolution is up to 0.045λ at an operating wavelength of 19.57 μm. In addition, we show the effect of substrate refractive index on tuning and enhancing the focusing resolution. Our proposed HMM is an all single based material in which it will not suffer lattice mismatch restrictions during fabrication.
Amniotic membrane promotes focal adhesion remodeling to stimulate cell migration
Authors: Bernabé-García Ángel , Liarte Sergio , Moraleda Jose M. , Castellanos Gregorio , Nicolás Francisco J.
Published: November 2017

During wound healing, the migration of keratinocytes onto newly restored extracellular matrix aims to reestablish continuity of the epidermis. The application of amniotic membrane (AM) to chronic, deep traumatic, non-healing wounds has proven successful at stimulating re-epithelialization. When applied on epithelial cell cultures, AM activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 (JNK1/2), with the overexpression and phosphorylation of c-Jun along the wound edge. The effect of AM on the migration of cells was investigated by studying critical proteins involved in the focal adhesions turn-over: Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), Paxillin and Vinculin. In Mv1Lu and HaCaT cells, validated models for cell migration and wound healing, AM affected the expression and activation of Paxillin, but did not affect Vinculin expression, both factors which integrate into focal adhesions. Moreover, AM regulation also affected FAK activity through phosphorylation. Finally, we have determined that AM regulation of focal adhesions involves both JNK and MEK MAP kinase signaling pathways. This data provides a molecular background to understand how AM regulates critical cell and molecular aspects of cell migration, organizing and directing the movement of cells by the continuous formation, maturation, and turnover of focal adhesion structures at the migration leading edge.
Controlling the Bidirectional Circular Polarization States Using Ultrathin Back-to-Back Quarter-Wave Plates Cavity
Authors: Chang Le , Li Yue , Liu Yongmin
Published: November 2017

Efficiently manipulating the polarization states of electromagnetic waves is of great importance for communication, imaging, and sensing. In this paper, we aim to control the circular polarization states, e.g., left-hand, or right-hand, for the bidirectional radiated waves utilizing a pair of back-to-back quarter-wave plates, which are integrated within an ultrathin cavity. As an example, a bidirectional circularly polarized wave with the same helicity in forward and backward is generated based on numerical analyses, and proved by experiments in microwave region. The proposed ultrathin back-to-back quarter-wave plates cavity can be adopted to higher frequencies, e.g., terahertz and mid-infrared ranges, with lower metallic conductivity. The proposed method exhibits the advantages of compact dimension and low-cost implementation in engineering the bidirectional polarization states of electromagnetic waves.
Margination of Stiffened Red Blood Cells Regulated By Vessel Geometry
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Li Donghai , Li Yongjian , Wan Jiandi , Li Jiang , Chen Haosheng
Published: November 2017

Margination of stiffened red blood cells has been implicated in many vascular diseases. Here, we report the margination of stiffened RBCs in vivo, and reveal the crucial role of the vessel geometry in the margination by calculations when the blood is seen as viscoelastic fluid. The vessel-geometry-regulated margination is then confirmed by in vitro experiments in microfluidic devices, and it establishes new insights to cell sorting technology and artificial blood vessel fabrication.
Identification and in vitro characterization of two new PCSK9 Gain of Function variants found in patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Di Taranto Maria Donata , Benito-Vicente Asier , Giacobbe Carola , Uribe Kepa Belloso , Rubba Paolo , Etxebarria Aitor , Guardamagna Ornella , Gentile Marco , Martín Cesar , Fortunato Giuliana
Published: November 2017

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding for LDL receptor (LDLR), Apolipoprotein B and Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Among PCSK9 variants, only Gain-of- Function (GOF) variants lead to FH. Greater attention should be paid to the classification of variants as pathogenic. Two hundred sixty nine patients with a clinical suspect of FH were screened for variants in LDLR and the patients without pathogenic variants were screened for variants in PCSK9 and APOB. Functional characterization of PCSK9 variants was performed by assessment of protein secretion, of LDLR activity in presence of PCSK9 variant proteins as well as of the LDLR affinity of the PCSK9 variants. Among 81 patients without pathogenic variants in LDLR, 7 PCSK9 heterozygotes were found, 4 of whom were carriers of variants whose role in FH pathogenesis is still unknown. Functional characterization revealed that two variants (p.(Ser636Arg) and p.(Arg357Cys)) were GOF variants. In Conclusions, we demonstrated a GOF effect of 2 PCSK9 variants that can be considered as FH-causative variants. The study highlights the important role played by functional characterization in integrating diagnostic procedures when the pathogenicity of new variants has not been previously demonstrated.
Catabolic Effects of Human PTH (1–34) on Bone: Requirement of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Murine Model of Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Siddiqui Jawed A. , Johnson Joshua , Le Henaff Carole , Bitel Claudine L. , Tamasi Joseph A. , Partridge Nicola C.
Published: November 2017

The bone catabolic actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) are seen in patients with hyperparathyroidism, or with infusion of PTH in rodents. We have previously shown that the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), is a mediator of PTH’s anabolic effects on bone. To determine its role in PTH’s catabolic effects, we continuously infused female wild-type (WT) and MCP-1−/− mice with hPTH or vehicle. Microcomputed tomography (µCT) analysis of cortical bone showed that hPTH-infusion induced significant bone loss in WT mice. Further, μCT analysis of trabecular bone revealed that, compared with the vehicle-treated group, the PTH-treated WT mice had reduced trabecular thickness and trabecular number. Notably, MCP-1−/− mice were protected against PTH-induced cortical and trabecular bone loss as well as from increases in serum CTX (C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen) and TRACP-5b (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b). In vitro, bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) from MCP-1−/− and WT mice were cultured with M-CSF, RANKL and/or MCP-1. BMMs from MCP-1−/− mice showed decreased multinucleated osteoclast formation compared with WT mice. Taken together, our work demonstrates that MCP-1 has a role in PTH’s catabolic effects on bone including monocyte and macrophage recruitment, osteoclast formation, bone resorption, and cortical and trabecular bone loss.
The Habitats Humans Provide: Factors affecting the diversity and composition of arthropods in houses
Authors: Leong Misha , Bertone Matthew A. , Savage Amy M. , Bayless Keith M. , Dunn Robert R. , Trautwein Michelle D.
Published: November 2017

The indoor biome is a novel habitat which recent studies have shown exhibit not only high microbial diversity, but also high arthropod diversity. Here, we analyze findings from a survey of 50 houses (southeastern USA) within the context of additional survey data concerning house and room features, along with resident behavior, to explore how arthropod diversity and community composition are influenced by physical aspects of rooms and their usage, as well as the lifestyles of human residents. We found that indoor arthropod diversity is strongly influenced by access to the outdoors and carpeted rooms hosted more types of arthropods than non-carpeted rooms. Arthropod communities were similar across most room types, but basements exhibited more unique community compositions. Resident behavior such as house tidiness, pesticide usage, and pet ownership showed no significant influence on arthropod community composition. Arthropod communities across all rooms in houses exhibit trophic structure—with both generalized predators and scavengers included in the most frequently found groups. These findings suggest that indoor arthropods serve as a connection to the outdoors, and that there is still much yet to be discovered about their impact on indoor health and the unique ecological dynamics within our homes.
The synthetic neuroactive steroid SGE-516 reduces seizure burden and improves survival in a Dravet syndrome mouse model
Authors: Hawkins Nicole A. , Lewis Michael , Hammond Rebecca S. , Doherty James J. , Kearney Jennifer A.
Published: November 2017

Dravet syndrome is an infant-onset epileptic encephalopathy with multiple seizure types that are often refractory to conventional therapies. Treatment with standard benzodiazepines like clobazam, in combination with valproate and stiripentol, provides only modest seizure control. While benzodiazepines are a first-line therapy for Dravet syndrome, they are limited by their ability to only modulate synaptic receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, neuroactive steroids potentiate a wider-range of GABAA receptors. The synthetic neuroactive steroid SGE-516 is a potent positive allosteric modulator of both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Prior work demonstrated anticonvulsant activity of SGE-516 in acute seizure assays in rodents. In this study, we evaluated activity of SGE-516 on epilepsy phenotypes in the Scn1a+/− mouse model that recapitulates many features of Dravet syndrome, including spontaneous seizures, premature death and seizures triggered by hyperthermia. To evaluate SGE-516 in Scn1a+/− mice, we determined the effect of treatment on hyperthermia-induced seizures, spontaneous seizure frequency and survival. SGE-516 treatment protected against hyperthermia-induced seizures, reduced spontaneous seizure frequency and prolonged survival in the Scn1a+/− mice. This provides the first evidence of SGE-516 activity in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome, and supports further investigation of neuroactive steroids as potential anticonvulsant compounds for refractory epilepsies.
A high-density consensus linkage map of white lupin highlights synteny with narrow-leafed lupin and provides markers tagging key agronomic traits
Authors: Książkiewicz Michał , Nazzicari Nelson , Yang Hua’an , Nelson Matthew N. , Renshaw Daniel , Rychel Sandra , Ferrari Barbara , Carelli Maria , Tomaszewska Magdalena , Stawiński Stanisław , Naganowska Barbara , Wolko Bogdan , Annicchiarico Paolo
Published: November 2017

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a valuable source of seed protein, carbohydrates and oil, but requires genetic improvement to attain its agronomic potential. This study aimed to (i) develop a new high-density consensus linkage map based on new, transcriptome-anchored markers; (ii) map four important agronomic traits, namely, vernalization requirement, seed alkaloid content, and resistance to anthracnose and Phomopsis stem blight; and, (iii) define regions of synteny between the L. albus and narrow-leafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) genomes. Mapping of white lupin quantitative trait loci (QTLs) revealed polygenic control of vernalization responsiveness and anthracnose resistance, as well as a single locus regulating seed alkaloid content. We found high sequence collinearity between white and narrow-leafed lupin genomes. Interestingly, the white lupin QTLs did not correspond to previously mapped narrow-leafed lupin loci conferring vernalization independence, anthracnose resistance, low alkaloids and Phomopsis stem blight resistance, highlighting different genetic control of these traits. Our suite of allele-sequenced and PCR validated markers tagging these QTLs is immediately applicable for marker-assisted selection in white lupin breeding. The consensus map constitutes a platform for synteny-based gene cloning approaches and can support the forthcoming white lupin genome sequencing efforts.
The nature of ancient Egyptian copper-containing carbon inks is revealed by synchrotron radiation based X-ray microscopy
Authors: Christiansen Thomas , Cotte Marine , Loredo-Portales René , Lindelof Poul Erik , Mortensen Kell , Ryholt Kim , Larsen Sine
Published: November 2017

For the first time it is shown that carbon black inks on ancient Egyptian papyri from different time periods and geographical regions contain copper. The inks have been investigated using synchrotron-based micro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and micro X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The composition of the copper-containing carbon inks showed no significant differences that could be related to time periods or the geographical locations. This renders it probable that the same technology for ink production was used throughout Egypt for a period spanning at least 300 years. It is argued that the black pigment material (soot) for these inks was obtained as by-products of technical metallurgy. The copper (Cu) can be correlated with the following three main components: cuprite (Cu2O), azurite (Cu3[CO3]2[OH]2) and malachite (Cu2CO3[OH]2).
Scalable symmetry detector and its applications by using beam splitters and weak nonlinearities
Authors: He Ying-Qiu , Ding Dong , Yan Feng-Li , Gao Ting
Published: November 2017

We describe a method to detect twin-beam multiphoton entanglement based on a beam splitter and weak nonlinearities. For the twin-beam four-photon entanglement, we explore a symmetry detector. It works not only for collecting two-pair entangled states directly from the spontaneous parametric down-conversion process, but also for generating them by cascading these symmetry detectors. Surprisingly, by calculating the iterative coefficient and the success probability we show that with a few iterations the desired two-pair can be obtained from a class of four-photon entangled states. We then generalize the symmetry detector to n-pair emissions and show that it is capable of determining the number of the pairs emitted indistinguishably from the spontaneous parametric down-conversion source, which may contribute to explore multipair entanglement with a large number of photons.
Sequencing and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Japanese Swellshark (Cephalloscyllium umbratile)
Authors: Zhu Ke-Cheng , Liang Yin-Yin , Wu Na , Guo Hua-Yang , Zhang Nan , Jiang Shi-Gui , Zhang Dian-Chang
Published: November 2017

To further comprehend the genome features ofCephalloscyllium umbratile(Carcharhiniformes), an endangered species, the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was firstly sequenced and annotated. The full-length mtDNA ofC. umbratilewas 16,697 bp and contained ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 23 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a major non-coding control region. Each PCG was initiated by an authoritative ATN codon, except forCOX1initiated by a GTG codon. Seven of 13 PCGs had a typical TAA termination codon, while others terminated with a single T or TA. Moreover, the relative synonymous codon usage of the 13 PCGs was consistent with that of other published Carcharhiniformes. All tRNA genes had typical clover-leaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-Ser (GCT), which lacked the dihydrouridine ‘DHU’ arm. Furthermore, the analysis of the average Ka/Ks in the 13 PCGs of three Carcharhiniformes species indicated a strong purifying selection within this group. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed thatC. umbratilewas closely related toGlyphis glyphisandGlyphis garricki. Our data supply a useful resource for further studies on genetic diversity and population structure ofC. umbratile.
Genome-wide analyses of long noncoding RNA expression profiles in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Zhenzi , Wang Jun , Shan Bin , Yuan Fulai , Li Bin , Dong Yeping , Peng Wei , Shi Wenwen , Cheng Yuanda , Gao Yang , Zhang Chunfang , Duan Chaojun
Published: November 2017

LncRNAs have emerged as a novel class of critical regulators of cancer. We aimed to construct a landscape of lncRNAs and their potential target genes in lung adenocarcinoma. Genome-wide expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs was determined using microarray. qRT-PCR was performed to validate the expression of the selected lncRNAs in a cohort of 42 tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. R and Bioconductor were used for data analysis. A total of 3045 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the paired tumor and normal tissues (1048 up and 1997 down). Meanwhile, our data showed that the expression NONHSAT077036 was associated with N classification and clinical stage. Further, we analyzed the potential co-regulatory relationship between the lncRNAs and their potential target genes using the ‘cis’ and ‘trans’ models. In the 25 related transcription factors (TFs), our analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) found that patients with lower expression of POU2F2 and higher expression of TRIM28 had a shorter overall survival time. The POU2F2 and TRIM28 co-expressed lncRNA landscape characterized here may shed light into normal biology and lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis, and be valuable for discovery of biomarkers.
Rapid and selective surface functionalization of the membrane for high efficiency oil-water separation via an atmospheric pressure plasma process
Authors: You Yong Sung , Kang Seongchan , Mauchauffé Rodolphe , Moon Se Youn
Published: November 2017

Oil-water separation is a worldwide challenge because of the increasing production of industrial oily wastewater and frequent oil spills. The growing environmental and economic demands emphasize the need to develop effective solutions to separate oil and water. Recently, oil-water separation methods were developed by tuning the wettability of membranes via surface functionalization. However, the industrialization of such methods remains challenging due to the easy-fouling, high cost and complex fabrication. Herein, a simple and rapid pathway to separate oil from oil-water mixtures is reported using plasma surface functionalization in an open-air environment. The fine tuning and study of the plasma process parameters enables the selective functionalization of each side of the membranes which led respectively to a superhydrophobic-superoleophilic and superhydrophobic-oleophobic sides. The successful separation, without any external force, of a 50 mL oil-water solution in 6 minutes was achieved. This work paves the way for an efficient, low cost and easily upscalable method for oil-water separation due to the high versatility of the atmospheric pressure plasma processes.
Kinetically-enhanced DNA detection via multiple-pass exonuclease III-aided target recycling
Authors: Lee Yu Henson L. , Zhang Yinghua , Hsing I-Ming
Published: November 2017

A multiple-pass, exonuclease III-mediated target recycling circuit is described for sensitive DNA detection with a shorter assay time.
Uracil removal-inhibited ligase reaction in combination with catalytic hairpin assembly for the sensitive and specific detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase activity
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Wang Lei , Wu Yushu , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2017

Uracil removal-inhibited ligase reaction in combination with a catalytic hairpin assembly sensing strategy is demonstrated for UDG activity detection.
Modified acellular nerve-delivering PMSCs improve functional recovery in rats after complete spinal cord transection
Authors: Tian Ting , Yu Zhenhai , Zhang Naili , Chang Yingwei , Zhang Yuqiang , Zhang Luping , Zhou Shuai , Zhang Chunlei , Feng Guoying , Huang Fei
Published: November 2017

Due to the poor regeneration capacity of neurons and the inhibitory microenvironment, spontaneous regeneration in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains challenging.
The role of hierarchical design and morphology in the mechanical response of diatom-inspired structures via simulation
Authors: Gutiérrez Alejandro , Guney Metin G. , Fedder Gary K. , Dávila Lilian P.
Published: November 2017

Novel path towards the design and fabrication of diatom-inspired hierarchical microstructures.
Novel fullerene-based porous materials constructed by a solvent knitting strategy
Authors: Zhang Chengxin , Wang Shaolei , Tan Bien
Published: November 2017

Here we choose a dihydronaphthyl-functionalized C60 fullerene as a building block and utilize a novel solvent knitting strategy based on Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction to construct two kinds of novel porous materials by using dichloromethane (DCM) and 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) as solvents and external crosslinkers.
Transition metal-free N-fluoroalkylation of amines using cyanurate activated fluoroalcohols
Authors: Haghighi Fatemeh , Panahi Farhad , Golbon Haghighi Mohsen , Khalafi-Nezhad Ali
Published: November 2017

N-Fluoroalkylation of amines was efficiently achieved using fluoroalkyl alcohols activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine under mild and catalyst-free conditions.
3D organic Na4C6O6/graphene architecture for fast sodium storage with ultralong cycle life
Authors: Gu Jianan , Gu Yue , Yang Shubin
Published: November 2017

A novel 3D Na4C6O6–graphene architecture was successfully fabricated from commercial Na2C6O6 and for the first time applied for sodium storage.
Use of azidonaphthalimide carboxylic acids as fluorescent templates with a built-in photoreactive group and a flexible linker simplifies protein labeling studies: applications in selective tagging of HCAII and penicillin binding proteins
Authors: Singha Monisha , Roy Sayantani , Pandey Satya Deo , Bag Subhendu Sekhar , Bhattacharya Prabuddha , Das Mainak , Ghosh Anindya S. , Ray Debashis , Basak Amit
Published: November 2017

A simple design of versatile template-based protein labeling agents has been successfully demonstrated with HCA and PBPs.
Highly tuneable proton-conducting coordination polymers derived from a sulfonate-based ligand
Authors: Wei Mei-Jie , Fu Jia-Qi , Wang Yi-Di , Zhang Yi , Zang Hong-Ying , Shao Kui-Zhan , Li Yang-Guang , Su Zhong-Min
Published: November 2017

Three highly proton-conducting coordination compounds have been synthesizedviathe HCl steaming-assisted conversion approach by using multiple functional groups including the sulfonate group and the Cl−or HPO42−group.
Coordination polymer based perovskite device: matched energy levels and photocurrent enhancement in the absence or presence of methanol
Authors: Lv Sen , Wang Zhe Yuan , Gu Xu , Zhang Chong , Gong Yun , Lin Jian Hua
Published: November 2017

A coordination polymer based perovskite device yielded much larger photocurrent density with or without methanol under visible light illumination, which is ascribed to their matched VBM/CBM energy levels.
The reaction of fluorine atoms with methanol: yield of CH3O/CH2OH and rate constant of the reactions CH3O + CH3O and CH3O + HO2
Authors: Assaf Emmanuel , Schoemaecker Coralie , Vereecken Luc , Fittschen Christa
Published: November 2017

Measurement and theory of CH3O + HO2and CH3O + CH3O reactions, product yields for F + CH3OH.
Reversibly photo-switchable wettability of stearic acid monolayer modified bismuth-based micro-/nanomaterials
Authors: Yang Hao , Hu Xiaojing , Su Chunping , Liu Yunling , Chen Rong
Published: November 2017

Bismuth-based micro-/nanomaterials could realize reversibly switchable wettability between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity under UV-visible irradiation and dark storage.
Formation of spherical ice-shells inside carbon fullerenes
Authors: Tutchton Roxanne M. , Wu Zhigang
Published: November 2017

Water molecules confined inside fullerene cages form concentric shells, which are solid-like at room temperature.
Explaining the symmetry breaking observed in the endofullerenes H2@C60, HF@C60, and H2O@C60
Authors: Felker Peter M. , Vlček Vojtěch , Hietanen Isaac , FitzGerald Stephen , Neuhauser Daniel , Bačić Zlatko
Published: November 2017

Symmetry breaking has been recently observed in the endofullerenes M@C60 (M = H2, HF, H2O), manifesting in the splittings of the three-fold degenerate ground states of the endohedral ortho-H2, ortho-H2O and the j = 1 level of HF.
Structural and electronic properties of barbituric acid and melamine-containing ribonucleosides as plausible components of prebiotic RNA: implications for prebiotic self-assembly
Authors: Kaur Sarabjeet , Sharma Purshotam , Wetmore Stacey D.
Published: November 2017

DFT calculations are employed to assess the fitness of barbituric acid and melamine to act as components of prebiotic RNA.
Stanene based gas sensors: effect of spin–orbit coupling
Authors: Garg Priyanka , Choudhuri Indrani , Pathak Biswarup
Published: November 2017

B@, N@, and B–N@stanene for NO2gas sensors.
Comprehensive investigations of near infrared downshift and upconversion luminescence mechanisms in Yb3+ single-doped and Er3+,Yb3+ co-doped SiO2 inverse opals
Authors: Yang Zhengwen , Yang Jianzhi , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: November 2017

Comprehensive investigations of near infrared (NIR) downshift and visible upconversion luminescence (UCL) mechanisms were carried out for Yb3+ single-doped and Er3+,Yb3+ co-doped SiO2 inverse opals under excitation at 256, 378, 520 and 980 nm.
Catalytic reactivity of surfaces: in recognition of François Gault
Authors: Fechete Ioana , Idriss Hicham , Hutchings Graham , Bond Geoffrey , Garin François
Published: November 2017

This special issue of Catalysis Science & Technology pays tribute to the scientific work of François Gault.
Dimer formation of GdDO3A-arylsulfonamide complexes causes loss of pH-dependency of relaxivity
Authors: Wacker Anja , Carniato Fabio , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Esteban-Gomez David , Wester Hans-Jürgen , Tei Lorenzo , Notni Johannes
Published: November 2017

Coordination of peripheral carboxylates intended for bioconjugation dramatically changes the Gd(iii) coordination properties of DO3A-sulfonamide ligands.
Rare earth metal–organic complexes constructed from hydroxyl and carboxyl modified arenesulfonate: syntheses, structure evolutions, and ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared luminescence
Authors: Xiao Ying-Hui , Deng Zhao-Peng , Zhu Zhi-Biao , Huo Li-Hua , Gao Shan
Published: November 2017

Thirty-eight rare earth metal-sulfonate complexes present seven typical structures and 17 of them exhibit diverse luminescence.
Temperature dependence of photoluminescence and hydrogen bonding revealed for the first time in a templated borate family: synthesis, structure and properties of a pentaborate [Emmim][B5O6(OH)4]
Authors: Zhou Kang , Chen Zhuo-Qing , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Li Jun , Zhao Feng-Hua , Pan Chun-Yang
Published: November 2017

A templated borate exhibits a series of broadened luminescence curves from −183 to 75 °C, and H-Bs in this compound with distinctly enlarging trends were observed as the temperature increased.
Electrophoretic cytometry of adherent cells
Authors: Su Elaine J. , Herr Amy E.
Published: November 2017

We design a microfluidic,in situisoelectric focusing assay that assays adherent cells for targeted, single-cell protein analysis.
Revisiting syntheses of Ti(iv)/H2PO4–HPO4 functional ion-exchangers, properties and features
Authors: Trublet Mylène , Rusanova Daniela , Antzutkin Oleg N.
Published: November 2017

Systematic and readily obtainable ion-exchanger, TiO(OH)(H2PO4)·H2O, with excellent Na+ uptake and strong affinity towards divalent metal ions.
Two-dimensional porous Co3O4nanosheets for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Li , Jiang Gaoxue , Sun Runzhi , Cao Bingqiang
Published: November 2017

2D porous Co3O4nanosheets are synthesizedviaa self-sacrificing template method. When applied as an anode for LIBs, the as-obtained 2D porous Co3O4nanosheets exhibit a high discharge specific capacity, good cycling stability, and high rate capability.
Integration of molecular machines into supramolecular materials: actuation between equilibrium polymers and crystal-like gels
Authors: Mariani Giacomo , Goujon Antoine , Moulin Emilie , Rawiso Michel , Giuseppone Nicolas , Buhler Eric
Published: November 2017

A phase transition between equilibrium polymer solutions and crystal-like gels can be controlled by the pH nano-actuation of the mechanical bond of a rotaxane-based supramolecular polymer.
Capacitive pressure sensing with suspended graphene–polymer heterostructure membranes
Authors: Berger Christian , Phillips Rory , Centeno Alba , Zurutuza Amaia , Vijayaraghavan Aravind
Published: November 2017

We describe the fabrication and characterisation of a capacitive pressure sensor formed by an ultra-thin graphene–polymer heterostructure membrane spanning a large array of micro-cavities each up to 30 μm in diameter with 100% yield.
Identifying DNA mismatches at single-nucleotide resolution by probing individual surface potentials of DNA-capped nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Hyungbeen , Lee Sang Won , Lee Gyudo , Lee Wonseok , Nam Kihwan , Lee Jeong Hoon , Hwang Kyo Seon , Yang Jaemoon , Lee Hyeyoung , Kim Sangsig , Lee Sang Woo , Yoon Dae Sung
Published: November 2017

Here, we demonstrate a powerful method to discriminate DNA mismatches at single-nucleotide resolution from 0 to 5 mismatches (χ0 to χ5) using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM).
Controlling the Sn–C bonds content in SnO2@CNTs composite to form in situ pulverized structure for enhanced electrochemical kinetics
Authors: Cheng Yayi , Huang Jianfeng , Qi Hui , Cao Liyun , Luo Xiaomin , Li Jiayin , Xu Zhanwei , Yang Jun
Published: November 2017

In situ pulverization process controlled by Sn–C bonding in SnO2@CNTs composite greatly promotes the electrochemical kinetics of the SnO2 anode.
Low-temperature benchtop-synthesis of all-inorganic perovskite nanowires
Authors: Kostopoulou A. , Sygletou M. , Brintakis K. , Lappas A. , Stratakis E.
Published: November 2017

Ultra-thin and highly uniform CsPbBr3 nanowires over micron-size lengths and widths down to the quantum confinement regime have been fabricated via a facile, low-temperature precipitation-based method. This synthesis approach is the first of its kind that is carried out on the work-bench. The nanowires’ photoluminescence is shown to improve over time.
Cu-Catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts propargylic alkylation of phenol derivatives
Authors: Shao Long , Hu Xiang-Ping
Published: November 2017

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts propargylic alkylation of electron-rich phenol derivatives with a variety of propargylic esters has been described. With Cu(OTf)2 decorated with a chiral tridentate ketimine P,N,N-ligand as the catalyst, the reaction proceeded smoothly in high yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).
25 years and still going strong: 2′-O-(pyren-1-yl)methylribonucleotides – versatile building blocks for applications in molecular biology, diagnostics and materials science
Authors: Hrdlicka Patrick J. , Karmakar Saswata
Published: November 2017

This review highlights the synthesis, biophysical properties, and wide range of applications of oligonucleotides modified with 2′-O-(pyren-1-yl)methyl-RNA monomers reported over the past 25 years.
Differentiation of enantiomeric anions by NMR spectroscopy with chiral bisurea receptors
Authors: Ito Suguru , Okuno Manami , Asami Masatoshi
Published: November 2017

Enantiomeric 1H NMR signals of chiral anions are separated by forming 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 host–guest complexes with chiral bisurea.
Water-soluble and UV traceable isatoic anhydride-based reagents for bioconjugation
Authors: Fessler Adam , Garmon Corey , Heavey Thomas , Fowler Anthony , Ogle Craig
Published: November 2017

A new “clickable” bioconjugation platform based on isatoic anhydride.
A novel route to synthesize carbon spheres and carbon nanotubes from carbon dioxide in a molten carbonate electrolyzer
Authors: Li Zhida , Yuan Dandan , Wu Hongjun , Li Wei , Gu Di
Published: November 2017

Carbon dioxide is readily converted into carbon spheres (CSs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a molten carbonate electrolyzer.
Enantioselective palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization of pyrroles using an axially chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligand
Authors: Shen Hong-Qiang , Liu Cong , Zhou Ji , Zhou Yong-Gui
Published: November 2017

An enantioselective palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization of pyrroles with diazoacetates has been developed with up to 90% of enantioselectivity.
Removal of sulphur from model gasoline by CuAgY zeolite: equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics
Authors: Lu Yanfei , Wang Rijie , Nan Yue , Liu Fei , Yang Xiaoxia
Published: November 2017

Bimetallic zeolites (CuAgY) were prepared by co-exchanging NaY in a mixed solution of AgNO3and Cu(NO3)2. The highest sulfur adsorption capacity of CuAgY was achieved at 323 K, which is 60.98 mgS g−1.
Cooperative loading of multisite receptors with lanthanide containers: an approach for organized luminescent metallopolymers
Authors: Babel Lucille , Guénée Laure , Besnard Céline , Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Petoud Stéphane , Piguet Claude
Published: November 2017

Metal loading of multi-terdentate receptors with [Eu(pbta)3] provides the first anti-cooperative factors large enough for programming metal alternation in lanthanidopolymers at room temperature.
Bi-functional composite electrocatalysts consisting of nanoscale (La, Ca) oxides and carbon nanotubes for long-term zinc–air fuel cells and rechargeable batteries
Authors: Xu Nengneng , Nie Qi , Wei Yanan , Xu He , Wang Yu-Dong , Zhou Xiao-Dong , Qiao Jinli
Published: November 2017

A long life test for power generation is demonstrated by replacing a total of 30 pieces of Zn plate and electrolyte.
Gramicidin ion channels in a lipid bilayer supported on polyelectrolyte multilayer films: an electrochemical impedance study
Authors: Diamanti Eleftheria , Gutiérrez-Pineda Eduart , Politakos Nikolaos , Andreozzi Patrizia , Rodriguez-Presa María José , Knoll Wolfgang , Azzaroni Omar , Gervasi Claudio A. , Moya Sergio E.
Published: November 2017

Selective ion transport through gramicidin channels integrated in a lipid bilayer assembled on polyelectrolyte multilayer films.
Measurement of long range attractive forces between hydrophobic surfaces produced by vapor phase adsorption of palmitic acid
Authors: Eom Namsoon , Parsons Drew F. , Craig Vincent S. J.
Published: November 2017

The electrostatic interaction between a patch of bilayer and the bare surface gives rise to the attraction between these hydrophobic surfaces.
A microstructure-composition map of a ternary liquid/liquid/particle system with partially-wetting particles
Authors: Yang Junyi , Roell David , Echavarria Martin , Velankar Sachin S.
Published: November 2017

We examine the effect of composition on the morphology of a ternary mixture comprising two molten polymeric liquid phases (polyisobutylene and polyethylene oxide) and micron-scale spherical silica particles.
Hierarchically ordered porous Ni-based cathode-supported solid oxide electrolysis cells for stable CO2 electrolysis without safe gas
Authors: Dong Dehua , Xu Shanshan , Shao Xin , Hucker Leigh , Marin Justin , Pham Thang , Xie Kui , Ye Zhengmao , Yang Ping , Yu Libo , Parkinson Gordon , Li Chun-Zhu
Published: November 2017

This study reported a hierarchically ordered porous Ni-based cathode of a solid oxide electrolysis cell to realise stable CO2 electrolysis without the need for safe gas.
Ultra-fast spin-mixing in a diketopyrrolopyrrole monomer/fullerene blend charge transfer state
Authors: Salvadori Enrico , Luke Nathaniel , Shaikh Jordan , Leventis Anastasia , Bronstein Hugo , Kay Christopher W. M. , Clarke Tracey M.
Published: November 2017

Transient absorption and time-resolved EPR spectroscopy show an ultra-fast spin-mixing CT state in a small diketopyrrolopyrrole-based molecule blended with fullerene.
Galvanic-replacement mediated synthesis of copper–nickel nitrides as electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ma Yaming , He Zhengda , Wu Zhifeng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yang , Ding Shujiang , Xiao Chunhui
Published: November 2017

For the first time, CuNi bimetallic nitrides were employed as an electrocatalyst for the HER.
From anti-perovskite to double anti-perovskite: tuning lattice chemistry to achieve super-fast Li+ transport in cubic solid lithium halogen–chalcogenides
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Xu Hongjie , Xuan Minjie , Shao Guosheng
Published: November 2017

Using a materials genome approach on the basis of density functional theory, we have formulated a new class of inorganic electrolytes for the fast diffusion of Li+ ions by fine-tuning the lattice chemistry of anti-perovskite structures.
Platinum group metal-free NiMo hydrogen oxidation catalysts: high performance and durability in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Kabir Sadia , Lemire Kenneth , Artyushkova Kateryna , Roy Aaron , Odgaard Madeleine , Schlueter Debbie , Oshchepkov Alexandr , Bonnefont Antoine , Savinova Elena , Sabarirajan Dinesh C. , Mandal Pratiti , Crumlin Ethan J. , Zenyuk Iryna V. , Atanassov Plamen , Serov Alexey
Published: November 2017

A highly active NiMo electrocatalyst for HOR in alkaline media with power density at 0.5 V higher than 100 mW cm−2 (peak value of 120 mW cm−2), which is similar to palladium was synthesized and comprehensively studied.
A graphene–polyurethane composite hydrogel as a potential bioink for 3D bioprinting and differentiation of neural stem cells
Authors: Huang Chao-Ting , Kumar Shrestha Lok , Ariga Katsuhiko , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: November 2017

The composite hydrogel ink containing a small amount of graphene (25 ppm) was printed with neural stem cells (NSCs) into 3D cell-laden tissue constructs, expressing neural-associated proteins after culture for only seven days without induction.
Silica nanoparticles based on an AIE-active molecule for ratiometric detection of RNSin vitro
Authors: Liu Leijing , Zhang Fengli , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing
Published: November 2017

Silica nanoparticles based on an AIE-active molecule were prepared for ratiometric detection of reactive nitrogen species (RNS)in vitro.
A small bandgap (3E,7E)-3,7-bis(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran-2,6(3H,7H)-dione (IBDF) based polymer semiconductor for near-infrared organic phototransistors
Authors: He Yinghui , Quinn Jesse T. E. , Hou Dongliang , Ngai Jenner H.L. , Li Yuning
Published: November 2017

A novel small bandgap donor–acceptor polymer with a very small band gap of 0.95 eV shows promising photoresponse under near infrared light in phototransistors.
Electrochemical and atomic force microscopy investigations of the effect of CdS on the local electrical properties of CH3NH3PbI3:CdS perovskite solar cells
Authors: Guo Mingxuan , Li Fumin , Ling Lanyu , Chen Chong
Published: November 2017

The effect of the incorporated CdS on the local optoelectronic properties of CH3NH3PbI3:CdS bulk heterojunction (BHJ) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are studied using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Nonlinear optical and optical limiting response of PLD nc-Si thin films
Authors: Dey Partha P. , Khare Alika
Published: November 2017

PLD nc-Si films exhibited deposition temperature-dependent large RSA and positive NLR (χ(3) ∼ 10−1 esu) and optical limiting behavior.
First Total Synthesis of (±)-Rhodoconferimide
Authors: Argade Narshinha , Pandhade Kailas
Published: November 2017

Starting from vanillin and dimethyl maleate, a concise and efficient racemic total synthesis of the potent antioxidant marine natural product (±)-rhodoconferimide has been carried out via the Wittig reaction, catalytic hydrogenation, selective brominations, and imide formation. An appropriate regioselective double bromination of the aromatic ring was a key step in the synthesis.
Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Aromatics by TiCl4-Promoted Ring Cleavage of 3-Arylcyclobutanones
Authors: Matsuo Jun-ichi , Kanie Mayu , Yoshimura Tomoyuki
Published: November 2017

Ring cleavage of 3-arylcyclobutanones and successive Friedel–Crafts alkylation of methoxy- or alkyl-substituted benzene derivatives proceeded to give 3,3-diarylbutan-2-ones by activation with titanium tetrachloride.
Identification of a Novel Nonsense Variant in the SCN1A Gene that Causes Febrile Seizure Disorder
Authors: MarchoudI Nabila , Rouissi Abdelfettah , Fekkak Jamal , Jouali Farah
Published: November 2017

The SCN1A gene, encoding for the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1, is the most clinically relevant epilepsy gene, with most mutations having been documented in a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes, ranging from the relatively benign generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) to severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI), and other rare febrile seizure disorders. To date, more than 1,250 mutations in SCN1A have been linked to epilepsy. In this case, we describe a novel nonsense pathogenic variant (NM_001202435.1; c.327C > G) in SCN1A in a 10-month Moroccan infant with febrile seizure disorder.
Postarthroscopy Osteonecrosis of the Knee: Current Concepts
Authors: Di Caprio Francesco , Meringolo Renato , Navarra Maria , Mosca Massimiliano , Ponziani Lorenzo
Published: November 2017

Knee osteonecrosis is a severe disease rapidly leading to end-stage osteoarthritis, which was classified into three categories: spontaneous, secondary, and postarthroscopy. To understand postarthroscopy osteonecrosis of the knee, all the three types of knee osteonecrosis have to be deepened. This article reviewed spontaneous and secondary osteonecroses of the knee, with special focus upon postarthroscopy osteonecrosis, which is a rare form, affecting patients operated for arthroscopic knee surgery, most commonly for meniscectomy. Due to its rarity, patients and surgeons are often unprepared for this complication. A correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, and also to determine if a preexisting osteonecrosis was present, avoiding medicolegal sequelae, although many authors agree that osteonecrosis (both spontaneous and postarthroscopy) represent unpreventable and unpredictable conditions. In spontaneous osteonecrosis, the treatment is defined according to the size and the degree of the lesion, whereas in postarthroscopy osteonecrosis, the size of the lesion has no prognostic value, and therefore, the choice of the correct treatment is based more on the timing of the diagnosis. A diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm was outlined on the basis of the actual knowledge.