bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-step One-pot Synthesis of TiO2 Nanosheets Doped with Sulfur on Reduced Graphene Oxide with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wang Weilin , Wang Zhaofeng , Liu Jingjing , Luo Zhu , Suib Steven L. , He Peng , Ding Guqiao , Zhang Zhengguo , Sun Luyi
Published: April 2017

A hybrid photocatalyst based on anatase TiO2 was designed by doping TiO2 with sulfur and incorporating reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-S/rGO hybrid), with an aim to narrow the band gap to potentially make use of visible light and decrease the recombination of excitons, respectively. This TiO2-S/rGO hybrid was successfully synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method via single-step reaction. The structure and morphology of the TiO2-S/rGO hybrid catalyst was carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Its photocatalytic reactivity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl blue. The results showed that both the doping of sulfur and the introduction of rGO worked as designed, and the TiO2-S/rGO hybrid exhibited high photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight. Considering both the facile and scalable reaction to synthesize TiO2-S/rGO hybrid, and its excellent photocatalytic performance, such TiO2-S/rGO hybrids are expect to find practical applications in environmental and energy sectors.
The risk of translaminar screw fixation to the transverse foramen of the lower cervical spine: a computed tomography study
Authors: Kong Ganggang , Ji Wei , Huang Zucheng , Liu Junhao , Chen Jianting , Zhu Qingan
Published: April 2017

Translaminar screw fixation (TSF) of the axis is considered as an efficient, safe and simple surgical procedure, however the study of the potential risk of TSF to the transverse foramen in lower cervical spine is lacked. Head-neck CT images of 60 patients were included in this study. Maximum screw length, laminar thickness, the screw angle and the laminar height were measured. The feasibility of 3.5-mm diameter screw fixation and the potential risk of transverse foramen injury was analyzed. The TSF was safe at C3 and C4, but risky to the transverse foraman at a rate of 8.7% at C5 (0% on the left side and 20% on the right side), 33.3% at C6 (24.4% on the left side and 42.9% on the right side). C7 had the highest 77.8% rate (65.5% on the left side and 89.8% on the right side). The safe screw length was 27.7 mm at C3, 27.4 mm at C4, 28.0 mm at C5, 25.6 mm at C6 and 25.5 mm at C7, respectively. The present study showed that translaminar screw could place the transverse foramen of C5–C7 at risk. Preoperative CT scanning was necessary for safe screw placement.
Nutrient removal from Chinese coastal waters by large-scale seaweed aquaculture
Authors: Xiao Xi , Agusti Susana , Lin Fang , Li Ke , Pan Yaoru , Yu Yan , Zheng Yuhan , Wu Jiaping , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: April 2017

China is facing intense coastal eutrophication. Large-scale seaweed aquaculture in China is popular, now accounting for over 2/3’s of global production. Here, we estimate the nutrient removal capability of large-scale Chinese seaweed farms to determine its significance in mitigating eutrophication. We combined estimates of yield and nutrient concentration of Chinese seaweed aquaculture to quantify that one hectare of seaweed aquaculture removes the equivalent nutrient inputs entering 17.8 ha for nitrogen and 126.7 ha for phosphorus of Chinese coastal waters, respectively. Chinese seaweed aquaculture annually removes approximately 75,000 t nitrogen and 9,500 t phosphorus. Whereas removal of the total N inputs to Chinese coastal waters requires a seaweed farming area 17 times larger than the extant area, one and a half times more of the seaweed area would be able to remove close to 100% of the P inputs. With the current growth rate of seaweed aquaculture, we project this industry will remove 100% of the current phosphorus inputs to Chinese coastal waters by 2026. Hence, seaweed aquaculture already plays a hitherto unrealized role in mitigating coastal eutrophication, a role that may be greatly expanded with future growth of seaweed aquaculture.
Natriuretic peptide receptor guanylyl cyclase-A pathway counteracts glomerular injury evoked by aldosterone through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition
Authors: Kato Yukiko , Mori Kiyoshi , Kasahara Masato , Osaki Keisuke , Ishii Akira , Mori Keita P. , Toda Naohiro , Ohno Shoko , Kuwabara Takashige , Tokudome Takeshi , Kishimoto Ichiro , Saleem Moin A. , Matsusaka Taiji , Nakao Kazuwa , Mukoyama Masashi , Yanagita Motoko , Yokoi Hideki
Published: April 2017

Guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) signaling, a natriuretic peptide receptor, exerts renoprotective effects by stimulating natriuresis and reducing blood pressure. Previously we demonstrated massive albuminuria with hypertension in uninephrectomized, aldosterone-infused, and high salt-fed (ALDO) systemic GC-A KO mice with enhanced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in podocytes. In the present study, we examined the interaction between p38 MAPK and GC-A signaling. The administration of FR167653, p38 MAPK inhibitor, reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), urinary albumin excretion, segmental sclerosis, podocyte injury, and apoptosis. To further investigate the local action of natriuretic peptide and p38 MAPK in podocytes, we generated podocyte-specific (pod) GC-A conditional KO (cKO) mice. ALDO pod GC-A cKO mice demonstrated increased urinary albumin excretion with marked mesangial expansion, podocyte injury and apoptosis, but without blood pressure elevation. FR167653 also suppressed urinary albumin excretion without reducing SBP. Finally, we revealed that atrial natriuretic peptide increased phosphorylation of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) concomitant with inhibited phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in response to MAPK kinase 3 activation, thereby resulting in decreased mRNA expression of the apoptosis-related gene, Bax, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in cultured podocytes. These results indicate that natriuretic peptide exerts a renoprotective effect via inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in podocytes.
Correction: Corrigendum: Selective targeting of HDAC1/2 elicits anticancer effects through Gli1 acetylation in preclinical models of SHH Medulloblastoma
Authors: Coni Sonia , Mancuso Anna Barbara , Di Magno Laura , Sdruscia Giulia , Manni Simona , Serrao Silvia Maria , Rotili Dante , Spiombi Eleonora , Bufalieri Francesca , Petroni Marialaura , Kusio-Kobialka Monika , De Smaele Enrico , Ferretti Elisabetta , Capalbo Carlo , Mai Antonello , Niewiadomski Pawel , Screpanti Isabella , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Canettieri Gianluca
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 44079; published online: 09 March 2017; updated: 21 April 2017. In this Article, Monika Kusio-Kobialka and Pawel Niewiadomski are incorrectly listed as being affiliated with ‘Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093, Warszawa,Poland’.
Control of structural transition in FeSe1−xTex thin films by changing substrate materials
Authors: Imai Yoshinori , Sawada Yuichi , Nabeshima Fuyuki , Asami Daisuke , Kawai Masataka , Maeda Atsutaka
Published: April 2017

Iron chalcogenide superconductors FeSe1−xTe x are important materials for investigating the relation be-tween the superconductivity and the orbital and/or electronic nematic order, because the end member material FeSe exhibits a structural transition without a magnetic phase transition. However, the phase separation occurs in the region of 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 for bulk samples, and it prevents the complete understanding of this system. Here, we report the successful fabrication of epitaxial thin films of FeSe1−xTe x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7, which includes the phase-separation region, on LaAlO3 substrates via pulsed laser deposition. In the temperature dependences of differential resistivity for these films with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3, the dip- or peak- anomalies, which are well-known to be originated from the structural transition in FeSebulk samples, are observed at the characteristic temperatures, T*. The doping-temperature (x–T) phase diagram of FeSe1−xTex films clearly shows that T* decreases with increasing x, and that Tc suddenly changes at a certain Te content where T* disappears, which turns out to be commonly observed for both films on LaAlO3 and CaF2. These indicate the importance of controlling the structural transition to achieve high Tc in iron chalcogenides.
Impact of Surface-Active Guanidinium-, Tetramethylguanidinium-, and Cholinium-Based Ionic Liquids on Vibrio Fischeri Cells and Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Liposomes
Authors: Rantamäki Antti H. , Ruokonen Suvi-Katriina , Sklavounos Evangelos , Kyllönen Lasse , King Alistair W. T. , Wiedmer Susanne K.
Published: April 2017

We investigated the toxicological effect of seven novel cholinium, guanidinium, and tetramethylguanidinium carboxylate ionic liquids (ILs) from an ecotoxicological point of view. The emphasis was on the potential structure-toxicity dependency of these surface-active ILs in aqueous environment. The median effective concentrations (EC50) were defined for each IL using Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri marine bacteria. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes were used as biomimetic lipid membranes to study the interactions between the surface-active ILs and the liposomes. The interactions were investigated by following the change in the DPPC phase transition behaviour using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Critical micelle concentrations for the ILs were determined to clarify the analysis of the toxicity and the interaction results. Increasing anion alkyl chain length increased the toxicity, whereas branching of the chain decreased the toxicity of the ILs. The toxicity of the ILs in this study was mainly determined by the surface-active anions, while cations induced a minor impact on the toxicity. In the DSC experiments the same trend was observed for all the studied anions, whereas the cations seemed to induce more variable impact on the phase transition behaviour. Toxicity measurements combined with liposome interaction studies can provide a valuable tool for assessing the mechanism of toxicity.
Evaluation of the precision of contrast sensitivity function assessment on a tablet device
Authors: Dorr Michael , Lesmes Luis A. , Elze Tobias , Wang Hui , Lu Zhong-Lin , Bex Peter J.
Published: April 2017

The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) relates the visibility of a spatial pattern to both its size and contrast, and is therefore a more comprehensive assessment of visual function than acuity, which only determines the smallest resolvable pattern size. Because of the additional dimension of contrast, estimating the CSF can be more time-consuming. Here, we compare two methods for rapid assessment of the CSF that were implemented on a tablet device. For a single-trial assessment, we asked 63 myopes and 38 emmetropes to tap the peak of a “sweep grating” on the tablet’s touch screen. For a more precise assessment, subjects performed 50 trials of the quick CSF method in a 10-AFC letter recognition task. Tests were performed with and without optical correction, and in monocular and binocular conditions; one condition was measured twice to assess repeatability. Results show that both methods are highly correlated; using both common and novel measures for test-retest repeatability, however, the quick CSF delivers more precision with testing times of under three minutes. Further analyses show how a population prior can improve convergence rate of the quick CSF, and how the multi-dimensional output of the quick CSF can provide greater precision than scalar outcome measures.
A specific nanobody prevents amyloidogenesis of D76N β2-microglobulin in vitro and modifies its tissue distribution in vivo
Authors: Raimondi Sara , Porcari Riccardo , Mangione P. Patrizia , Verona Guglielmo , Marcoux Julien , Giorgetti Sofia , Taylor Graham W. , Ellmerich Stephan , Ballico Maurizio , Zanini Stefano , Pardon Els , Al-Shawi Raya , Simons J. Paul , Corazza Alessandra , Fogolari Federico , Leri Manuela , Stefani Massimo , Bucciantini Monica , Gillmore Julian D. , Hawkins Philip N. , Valli Maurizia , Stoppini Monica , Robinson Carol V. , Steyaert Jan , Esposito Gennaro , Bellotti Vittorio
Published: April 2017

Systemic amyloidosis is caused by misfolding and aggregation of globular proteins in vivo for which effective treatments are urgently needed. Inhibition of protein self-aggregation represents an attractive therapeutic strategy. Studies on the amyloidogenic variant of β2-microglobulin, D76N, causing hereditary systemic amyloidosis, have become particularly relevant since fibrils are formed in vitro in physiologically relevant conditions. Here we compare the potency of two previously described inhibitors of wild type β2-microglobulin fibrillogenesis, doxycycline and single domain antibodies (nanobodies). The β2-microglobulin -binding nanobody, Nb24, more potently inhibits D76N β2-microglobulin fibrillogenesis than doxycycline with complete abrogation of fibril formation. In β2-microglobulin knock out mice, the D76N β2-microglobulin/ Nb24 pre-formed complex, is cleared from the circulation at the same rate as the uncomplexed protein; however, the analysis of tissue distribution reveals that the interaction with the antibody reduces the concentration of the variant protein in the heart but does not modify the tissue distribution of wild type β2-microglobulin. These findings strongly support the potential therapeutic use of this antibody in the treatment of systemic amyloidosis.
Dual mechanisms of grain refinement in a FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloy processed by high-pressure torsion
Authors: Wu Wenqian , Song Min , Ni Song , Wang Jingshi , Liu Yong , Liu Bin , Liao Xiaozhou
Published: April 2017

An equiatomic FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloy with a face-centered cubic structure was fabricated by a powder metallurgy route, and then processed by high-pressure torsion. Detailed microscopy investigations revealed that grain refinement from coarse grains to nanocrystalline grains occurred mainly via concurrent nanoband (NB) subdivision and deformation twinning. NB–NB, twin–NB and twin–twin interactions contributed to the deformation process. The twin–twin interactions resulted in severe lattice distortion and accumulation of high densities of dislocations in the interaction areas. With increasing strain, NB subdivision and interactions between primary twins and inclined secondary stacking faults (SFs)/nanotwins occurred. Secondary nanotwins divided the primary twins into many equiaxed parts, leading to further grain refinement. The interactions between secondary SFs/nanotwins associated with the presence of Shockley partials and primary twins also transformed the primary twin boundaries into incoherent high-angle grain boundaries.
Straight and rigid flagellar hook made by insertion of the FlgG specific sequence into FlgE
Authors: Hiraoka Koichi D. , Morimoto Yusuke V. , Inoue Yumi , Fujii Takashi , Miyata Tomoko , Makino Fumiaki , Minamino Tohru , Namba Keiichi
Published: April 2017

The bacterial flagellar hook connects the helical flagellar filament to the rotary motor at its base. Bending flexibility of the hook allows the helical filaments to form a bundle behind the cell body to produce thrust for bacterial motility. The hook protein FlgE shows considerable sequence and structural similarities to the distal rod protein FlgG; however, the hook is supercoiled and flexible as a universal joint whereas the rod is straight and rigid as a drive shaft. A short FlgG specific sequence (GSS) has been postulated to confer the rigidity on the FlgG rod, and insertion of GSS at the position between Phe-42 and Ala-43 of FlgE actually made the hook straight. However, it remains unclear whether inserted GSS confers the rigidity as well. Here, we provide evidence that insertion of GSS makes the hook much more rigid. The GSS insertion inhibited flagellar bundle formation behind the cell body, thereby reducing motility. This indicates that the GSS insertion markedly reduced the bending flexibility of the hook. Therefore, we propose that the inserted GSS makes axial packing interactions of FlgE subunits much tighter in the hook to suppress axial compression and extension of the protofilaments required for bending flexibility.
Annealing Induced Re-crystallization in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx for High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yingguo , Feng Shanglei , Li Meng , Xu Weidong , Yin Guangzhi , Wang Zhaokui , Sun Baoquan , Gao Xingyu
Published: April 2017

Using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as hole conductor, a series of inverted planar CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated based on perovskite annealed by an improved time-temperature dependent (TTD) procedure in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere for different time. Only after an optimum annealing time, an optimized power conversion efficiency of 14.36% could be achieved. To understand their performance dependence on annealing time, an in situ real-time synchrotron-based grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) was used to monitor a step-by-step gradual structure transformation from distinct mainly organic-inorganic hybrid materials into highly ordered CH3NH3PbI3 crystal during annealing. However, a re-crystallization process of perovskite crystal was observed for the first time during such an annealing procedure, which helps to enhance the perovskite crystallization and preferential orientations. The present GIXRD findings could well explain the drops of the open circuit voltage (Voc) and the fill factor (FF) during the ramping of temperature as well as the optimized power conversion efficiency achieved after an optimum annealing time. Thus, the present study not only illustrates clearly the decisive roles of post-annealing in the formation of solution-processed perovskite to better understand its formation mechanism, but also demonstrates the crucial dependences of device performance on the perovskite microstructure in PSCs.
A Forest of Sub-1.5-nm-wide Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes over an Engineered Alumina Support
Authors: Yang Ning , Li Meng , Patscheider Jörg , Youn Seul Ki , Park Hyung Gyu
Published: April 2017

A precise control of the dimension of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in their vertical array could enable many promising applications in various fields. Here, we demonstrate the growth of vertically aligned, single-walled CNTs (VA-SWCNTs) with diameters in the sub-1.5-nm range (0.98 ± 0.24 nm), by engineering a catalyst support layer of alumina via thermal annealing followed by ion beam treatment. We find out that the ion beam bombardment on the alumina allows the growth of ultra-narrow nanotubes, whereas the thermal annealing promotes the vertical alignment at the expense of enlarged diameters; in an optimal combination, these two effects can cooperate to produce the ultra-narrow VA-SWCNTs. According to micro- and spectroscopic characterizations, ion beam bombardment amorphizes the alumina surface to increase the porosity, defects, and oxygen-laden functional groups on it to inhibit Ostwald ripening of catalytic Fe nanoparticles effectively, while thermal annealing can densify bulk alumina to prevent subsurface diffusion of the catalyst particles. Our findings contribute to the current efforts of precise diameter control of VA-SWCNTs, essential for applications such as membranes and energy storage devices.
Ruthenium–cobalt dinuclear complexes as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang X. , Goudy V. , Genesio G. , Maynadié J. , Meyer D. , Fontecave M.
Published: April 2017

A series of Ru–Co dinuclear complexes have been synthesized and assayed as photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to CO in organic solvents.
QM/MM studies of the type II isopentenyl diphosphate–dimethylallyl diphosphate isomerase demonstrate a novel role for the flavin coenzyme
Authors: Hou Qianqian , Wang Kang , Xu Feng , Zhang Wenshen , Ji Kejian , Liu Yongjun
Published: April 2017

The type II isopentenyl diphosphate:dimethylallyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI-2) catalyzes the reversible isomerization of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP).
Bacterial community compositions of propylene oxide saponification wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Fan Xiangyu , Zhu Ying , Gu Pengfei , Li Yumei , Xiao Guiqing , Song Dongxue , Wang Yiwei , He Rong , Zheng Huajun , Li Qiang
Published: April 2017

In this study, the bacterial community structures of propylene oxide saponification wastewater treatment plants were explored for the first time.
Atomic level changes during capacity fade in highly oriented thin films of cathode material LiCoPO4
Authors: Ikuhara Yumi H. , Gao Xiang , Fisher Craig A. J. , Kuwabara Akihide , Moriwake Hiroki , Kohama Keiichi , Iba Hideki , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: April 2017

High-quality thin films of cathode material LiCoPO4 are analyzed using a combination of STEM-EELS, XRD, and atomistic simulations. Capacity fade during cycling is accompanied by formation of large numbers of cation exchange defects, especially at surfaces, blocking the preferred Li-ion migration pathways.
Detection of small, highly structured RNAs using molecular beacons
Authors: Li J. , Xu C. , Shimada N. , Miyoshi Y. , Watanabe K. , Cong W. , Ohtsuki T.
Published: April 2017

Efficient detection of small, highly structured RNA (e.g. tRNA) was achieved by selecting the best target region.
Nitrilotriacetate-stabilized gold nanoparticles: a novel strategy for the colorimetric detection of Cr(iii)/Cr(vi) and the mechanistic aspects
Authors: Wei Jianyu , Yang Luming , Yue Guozong , Zhu Jing , Huang Deshun , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: April 2017

Nitrilotriacetate (NTA) has been reported to behave as both a reductant and a stabilizer for gold nanoparticle (AuNP) preparation in a one-pot synthesis and colorimetric assay.
Successful PEGylation of hollow encapsulin nanoparticles from Rhodococcus erythropolis N771 without affecting their disassembly and reassembly properties
Authors: Sonotaki Seiichi , Takami Taku , Noguchi Keiichi , Odaka Masafumi , Yohda Masafumi , Murakami Yoshihiko
Published: April 2017

PEGylation of hollow encapsulin nanoparticles was successful without affecting their disassembly and reassembly properties.
A comparative study of plasmonic-enhanced single-molecule fluorescence induced by gold nanoantennas and its application for illuminating telomerase
Authors: Niu Caixia , Peng Manshu , You Ying , Wang Ruihua , Jia Yijing , Xie Tianxin , Wang Jinyu , Na Na , Ouyang Jin
Published: April 2017

A comparative study of plasmonic-enhanced single molecular fluorescence (PESMF) induced by four gold nanoantennas is reported.
Ultra-weak chemiluminescence enhanced by facilely synthesized nitrogen-rich quantum dots through chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer and electron hole injection
Authors: Zheng Yongzan , Zhang Dingkun , Shah Syed Niaz Ali , Li Haifang , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: April 2017

In this study, a novel nitrogen-rich dots were easily synthesized with high percentage of nitrogen and exhibited unique CL property.
Supported Pd nanoclusters with enhanced hydrogen spillover for NOx removal via H2-SCR: the elimination of “volcano-type” behaviour
Authors: Peng Zhezhe , Li Zongyuan , Liu Yun-Quan , Yan Shuai , Tong Jianing , Wang Duo , Ye Yueyuan , Li Shuirong
Published: April 2017

The synthesis of a highly dispersed Pd catalyst that efficiently eliminates the “volcano-type” behavior of NOx conversion in H2-SCR with excess O2.
Hybrid ultramicroporous materials (HUMs) with enhanced stability and trace carbon capture performance
Authors: Kumar Amrit , Hua Carol , Madden David G. , O’Nolan Daniel , Chen Kai-Jie , Keane Lee-Ann J. , Perry John J. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: April 2017

Fine-tuning of HUMs through pillar substitution can significantly enhance trace CO2 sorption performance and stability.
Generalized structural motif model for studying the thermodynamic stability of fullerenes: from C60to graphene passing through giant fullerenes
Authors: Wang Yang , Díaz-Tendero Sergio , Alcamí Manuel , Martín Fernando
Published: April 2017

A generalized motif model to describe the stability of neutral fullerenes, covering the full range of cage sizes, starting from C60, going through giant fullerenes, and ultimately leading to graphene.
Correction: Identifying the optimal anticancer targets from the landscape of a cancer–immunity interaction network
Authors: Li Chunhe
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘Identifying the optimal anticancer targets from the landscape of a cancer–immunity interaction network’ by Chunhe Li et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 7642–7651.
Epoxidation of propene using Au/TiO2: on the difference between H2 and CO as a co-reactant
Authors: Kanungo Shamayita , Su Yaqiong , Neira d'Angelo M. F. , Schouten Jaap C. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: April 2017

The role of the reducing gas in the direct epoxidation of propene to propene oxide (PO) using O2 over a Au/TiO2 catalyst was studied through experiments and density functional theory calculations.
First examples of tri- and tetraphosphametacyclophanes: synthesis and isolation of an unusual hexapalladium complex containing pincer units with Pd–P covalent bonds
Authors: Kashid Vitthalrao S. , Radhakrishna Latchupatula , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: April 2017

First examples of tri- and tetraphosphametacyclophanes and a rare hexapalladium(ii) dipincer complex containing Pd–P covalent bonds are described.
Molecular rare earth metal alumosilicates
Authors: Huerta-Lavorie Raúl , Báez-Rodríguez Dana V. , García-Ríos Jessica , Martínez-Vollbert Emiliano , Martínez-Otero Diego , Jancik Vojtech
Published: April 2017

The resulting structure of the rare-earth metal alumosilicates depends strongly on the lanthanide radii and the acidity of Al–OH and Si–OH groups.
The impact of new cathode materials relative to baseline performance of microbial fuel cells all with the same architecture and solution chemistry
Authors: Yang Wulin , Kim Kyoung-Yeol , Saikaly Pascal E. , Logan Bruce E.
Published: April 2017

A review of the literature using cube-type microbial fuel cell reveals the extent in variability of power production.
Metallomics: the history over the last decade and a future outlook
Authors: Haraguchi Hiroki
Published: April 2017

Hiroki Haraguchi discusses the history of metallomics over the last decade, and considers the current and future directions of the field.
Synergistic effects of ion exchange and complexation processes in cysteine-modified clinoptilolite nanoparticles for removal of Cu(ii) from aqueous solutions in batch and continuous flow systems
Authors: Fakari Sahar , Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh Alireza
Published: April 2017

In this work, clinoptilolite tuff was pre-treated and converted to microparticles (CMP) and nanoparticles (CNP) by a mechanical method.
Block copolymer synthesis in one shot: concurrent metal-free ATRP and ROP processes under sunlight
Authors: Aydogan Cansu , Kutahya Ceren , Allushi Andrit , Yilmaz Gorkem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: April 2017

A completely metal-free strategy was developed by combining Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and Ring Opening Polymerization (ROP) for the syntheses of block copolymers.
Facile synthesis of various epitaxial and textured polymorphs of vanadium oxide thin films on the (0006)-surface of sapphire substrates
Authors: Hong Bin , Zhao Jiangtao , Hu Kai , Yang Yuanjun , Luo Zhenlin , Li Xiaoguang , Gao Chen
Published: April 2017

Wafer-scale epitaxial and textured polymorphs of vanadium oxide thin films on low-cost sapphire substrates enable real applications.
Understanding the colorimetric properties of quinoxaline-based pi-conjugated copolymers by tuning their acceptor strength: a joint theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Fagour Sébastien , Thirion Damien , Vacher Antoine , Sallenave Xavier , Sini Gjergji , Aubert Pierre-Henri , Vidal Frédéric , Chevrot Claude
Published: April 2017

We report the synthesis and characterization of donor–acceptor π-conjugated copolymers leading to blue-to-green coloration according to acceptor strength.
Manipulating energy transfer in lanthanide-doped single nanoparticles for highly enhanced upconverting luminescence
Authors: Zhuo Zhu , Liu Yongsheng , Liu Dajiu , Huang Ping , Jiang Feilong , Chen Xueyuan , Hong Maochun
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate a multilayer-structured design strategy to manipulate the deleterious CR-ETs in lanthanide-doped UCNPs for highly enhanced upconverting luminescence.
Simple synthesis of graphene-doped flower-like cobalt–nickel–tungsten–boron oxides with self-oxidation for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xiang Cuili , Wang Qingyong , Zou Yongjin , Huang Pengru , Chu Hailiang , Qiu Shujun , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: April 2017

Graphene-doped flower-like cobalt–nickel–tungsten–boron oxides with self-oxidation were used as high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials.
A semiconducting gyroidal metal-sulfur framework for chemiresistive sensing
Authors: Huang Jiahong , He Yonghe , Yao Ming-Shui , He Jun , Xu Gang , Zeller Matthias , Xu Zhengtao
Published: April 2017

Metal-oxo bridges integrate dithiolene units into a crystalline net: the oxo hinge not only circumvents intractable metal-sulfur bonds that often frustrate crystallization, but also proves effective in promoting electronic interaction throughout the resultant porous gyroidal net.
Simple spray deposition of a water-based superhydrophobic coating with high stability for flexible applications
Authors: Ye Hui , Zhu Liqun , Li Weiping , Liu Huicong , Chen Haining
Published: April 2017

A highly stable water-based superhydrophobic coating was developed by a simple spraying technique using a low-cost and readily available non-fluorinated material system.
Disarming the enemy: targeting bacterial toxins with small molecules
Authors: Huerta-Uribe Alejandro , Roe Andrew J.
Published: April 2017

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains has prompted efforts to find new and more efficacious treatment strategies. Targeting virulence factors produced by pathogenic bacteria has gained particular attention in the last few years. One of the inherent advantages of this approach is that it provides less selective pressure for the development of resistance mechanisms. In addition, antivirulence drugs could potentially be the answer for diseases in which the use of conventional antibiotics is counterproductive. That is the case for bacterial toxin-mediated diseases, in which the severity of the symptoms is a consequence of the exotoxins produced by the pathogen. Examples of these are haemolytic-uraemic syndrome produced by Shiga toxins, the profuse and dangerous dehydration caused by Cholera toxin or the life-threatening colitis occasioned by clostridial toxins. This review focuses on the recent advances on the development of small molecules with antitoxin activity against Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae and Clostridium difficile given their epidemiological importance. The present work includes studies of small molecules with antitoxin properties that act directly on the toxin (direct inhibitors) or that act by preventing expression of the toxin (indirect inhibitors).
Extremely low‐loss hollow‐core bandgap photonic crystal fibre for broadband terahertz wave guiding
Authors: Hasan Md. Rabiul , Akter Sanjida
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate a simple polymer Topas‐based low‐loss hollow‐core photonic crystal fibre for efficient guiding of terahertz radiation. The guiding properties are numerically investigated using finite‐element method. It is shown that the proposed fibre exhibits extremely low average effective material loss of 0.017 cm−1, very small near‐zero average group velocity dispersion of 0.263 ps/THz/cm with low total loss over 2–2.20 THz bands. Moreover, high air‐core power fraction ∼94% having single‐mode guiding is also reported for the optimum design parameters.
Sharp roll‐off planar lowpass filter with ultra‐wide stopband up to 40 GHz
Authors: Jiang Shu , Xu Jinping
Published: April 2017

A microstrip planar lowpass filter (LPF) with sharp roll‐off and ultra‐wide stopband up to 40 GHz is presented. The central part of the LPF consists of three basic circular sectors, two smaller quadrants and a number of high‐impedance lines that are cross‐coupled to form a high cut‐off rate and a moderate stop band from 2.3 to 10 GHz. Then, four types of resonator cells, three of which are high‐impedance lines loaded with semi‐circulars and one of which comprises folded step‐impedance lines, are added to the central part to generate additional transmission zeroes up into Ka band. As a result, an ultra‐wide stopband with 18th‐harmonic suppression has been attained. A demonstration filter with 3 dB cut‐off frequency of 1.96 GHz has been designed and fabricated. The measured results show that the relative stopband bandwidth of the LPF is 180% with suppression level >25 dB, and the roll‐off rate is 104 dB/GHz. The functional area size of the LPF is 18.4 × 11.6 mm, which corresponds to 0.189 × 0.121λg (λg is the guided wavelength at fc).
Attitude determination using a single sensor observation: analytic quaternion solutions and property discussion
Authors: Wu Jin , Zhou Zebo , Li Rui , Yang Long , Fourati Hassen
Published: April 2017

This study solves the attitude determination problem based on a single sensor observation. The rotation equation is transformed into a quadratic quaternion form and is then derived to a linear matrix equation with pseudoinverse matrices. The analytic solutions to the equation are computed via elementary row operations. The solutions show that the attitude determination from a single sensor observation has infinite solutions and the general one is governed by two limiting quaternions. Accordingly, the variance analysis is given in view of probabilistic characters. The authors explore the experimental results via the accelerometer attitude determination system. The properties of the two limiting quaternions are investigated in the experiment. The results show that the gravity‐determination abilities of the two limiting quaternions are quite different. Using the rotation vector and eigenvalue decomposition of the attitude matrix, the authors prove that one limiting quaternion is better than another one geometrically. The singularity analysis is also performed revealing the non‐existence of singularities for limiting quaternions. The above findings are novel, which are quite different from the conclusions made in a previously published study.
Molecular dynamic simulation of mechanical behaviour of RGO produced by thermal reduction method
Authors: Liu Xia , Yang Qingsheng
Published: April 2017

Chemical oxidation of graphite and subsequent exfoliation allow the large‐scale production of isolated graphene oxide (GO), in which the induced oxygen‐containing functional groups on GO surface were then removed by means of reduction processes. The residual functional groups including carbonyl, hydroxyl and epoxy groups as well as the newly formed defects, significantly influence the physical properties of reduced GO (RGO). Here, RGO structures were generated through a thermal reduction process of GO using molecular dynamics simulations, in which the transformation of functional groups and the formation of non‐hexagonal rings/defects were captured. The results suggested the formation of two RGO structures with different contents of functional groups at C/O ratios of about 11 and 13. These structures were obtained using various durations of the thermal reduction process. The dependence of tensile behaviour of RGOs on the structure and chirality as well as the influence of temperature on the tensile properties of RGOs were also evaluated. It was found that the strength and Young's modulus of RGOs decreased as a result of the residual functional groups and newly formed defects, and were decreased with the environment temperature.
Metastatic Adenocarcinoma Cerebrum Mimicking Tuberculoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report with Review of literature
Authors: Awasthi Rahul , Jain Nilesh , Rege Shrikant , Iyengar Raghwan , Songara Abhishek
Published: April 2017

Brain tumors in pregnancy are rare phenomenon with variable outcomes. We present a case of adenocarcinoma cerebrum originated from the lung in a 24-year-old primigravida woman. The patient was operated successfully, and 6-month postoperative period was uneventful. A female child was born with cesarean section at full term.
Peripheral and Central Glucocorticoid Signaling Contributes to Positive Energy Balance in Rats
Authors: Borba Tássia , Galindo Lígia , Ferraz-Pereira Kelli , da Silva Aragão Raquel , Toscano Ana , Guzmán-Quevedo Omar , Manhães-de-Castro Raul
Published: April 2017

The obesity epidemic has been the target of several studies to understand its etiology. The pathophysiological processes that take to obesity generally relate to the rupture of energy balance. This imbalance can result from environmental and/or endogenous events. Among the endogenous events, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which promotes stress response via glucocorticoid activity, is considered a modulator of energy balance. However, it remains controversial whether the increase in plasma levels of glucocorticoids results in a positive or negative energy balance. Furthermore, there are no studies comparing different routes of administration of glucocorticoids in this context. Here, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of a specific agonist for glucocorticoid receptors on food intake and energy expenditure in rats. Sixty-day old rats were treated with i.p. or i.c.v. dexamethasone. Food intake and satiety were evaluated, as well as locomotor activity in order to determine energy expenditure. Both i.p. and i.c.v. dexamethasone increased food intake and decreased energy expenditure. Moreover, i.c.v. dexamethasone delayed the onset of satiety. Together, these results confirm that central glucocorticoid signaling promotes a positive energy balance and supports the role of the glucocorticoid system as the underlying cause of psychological stress-induced obesity.
Behandlungsoptionen beim neurogenen Lähmungsfuß – eine systematische Literaturrecherche
Authors: Jakubowitz Eike , Yao Daiwei , Windhagen Henning , Stukenborg-Colsman Christina , Thomann Anna , Daniilidis Kiriakos
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund Der neurogene Lähmungsfuß kann durch zentrale oder periphere Läsionen des Nervensystems verursacht sein. Je nachdem, ob das 1. oder 2. Motoneuron geschädigt ist, bildet sich ein schlaffer oder spastischer Lähmungsfuß aus. Der spastische Lähmungsfuß besteht bei ca. 14 % der Patienten als residuale Langzeitkomplikation nach Schlaganfall. Verschiedene konservative und operative Behandlungsoptionen stehen zur Verfügung.

Methode Der Artikel basiert auf einer systematischen Literaturrecherche zur medizinischen Evidenz der funktionellen Elektrostimulation (FES) mit den Suchbegriffen „functional electrical stimulation AND drop foot“ sowie „functional electrical stimulation AND gait AND stroke“ in PubMed- und Cochrane-Datenbanken. Randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien und Kohortenstudien der letzten 10 Jahre wurden nach spezifischen Einschlusskriterien selektiert. Zudem wurden 4 Leitlinien einbezogen.

Ergebnisse Aktuelle Leitlinien geben wenig Orientierung zur praktischen Behandlung und berücksichtigen neuartige operative Verfahren wie Neuroimplantate nicht ausreichend. In 18 randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien zu FES bei Schlaganfallpatienten mit Fußlähmung zeigte das FES-behandelte Kollektiv entweder eine signifikante Überlegenheit oder eine Nichtunterlegenheit gegenüber der Kontrolle. Zwei Kohortenstudien bestätigten die signifikante Besserung durch FES.

Schlussfolgerung Die Analyse führt auf, dass bei der Wahl der Behandlungsoption Ursachen und Ausprägung der Fußlähmung sowie prä- und postoperativer Zustand des Patienten eine tragende Rolle spielen. Für aktive Patienten mit hohem Anspruch stellen Neuroimplantate eine wertvolle Behandlungsoption dar.
Molecular dynamics model for nano-motions of FePd nanohelices
Authors: Taya M. , Xu C. , Matsuse T. , Muraishi S.
Published: April 2017

Shrinkage and relaxation motions of flexible FePd nanohelices of FePd nanorobots are simulated by a molecular dynamics (MD) model where FePd is a paramagnetic shape memory alloy that can exhibit phase transformation accompanied by softening of the nanohelix under an applied magnetic field (H-field). Two designs of FePd nanorobots are used: (i) a FePd cylindrical head connected to a FePd nanohelix tail and (ii) a FePd nanohelix alone. The geometry and dimensions of the FePd robots are taken after the as-processed FePd nanorobots. In the MD simulation, the FePd head and nanohelix are divided into a number of segmented FePd spheres, each having its magnetic moment. The results of the MD model reveal that upon the applied constant magnetic field, the initial gaps (g = 3 nm) between the adjacent turns of the FePd nanohelix are closed, resulting in the total shrinkage (Stot) of 47 nm of the FePd nanorobot. The effects of the applied H-field on Stot are examined by using the MD model and the M-H curve of FePd fitted with Langevin type, resulting in the smaller applied magnetic field leading to the smaller Stot. The results of the MD model provide us with an effective tool in the analysis and design of new nanorobots based on the paramagnetic shape memory alloy of FePd nanohelices that can exert dynamic vibrations on target cells under the oscillating magnetic field.
First-principles investigation of Zr-O compounds, their crystal structures, and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Jin , Oganov Artem R. , Li Xinfeng , Mahdi Davari Esfahani M. , Dong Huafeng
Published: April 2017

First-principles evolutionary simulations are used to systematically predict stable compounds in the Zr-O system at pressures up to 120 GPa. Zr-O compounds and Hf-O compounds share many similarities, but four new phases Cmmm-Zr3O, R3¯c-Zr3O2, Pmma-ZrO, and Fe2P-type ZrO2 (P6¯2m) appear in the Zr-O system: the latter two phases appear in the Hf-O system at higher pressure. OII ZrO2 (Pnma) transforms into Fe2P-type ZrO2 at 102 GPa. Meanwhile, Fe2P-type ZrO2 and P6¯2m-ZrO have similar structures based on ω-Zr. However, the calculated Vickers hardness of Fe2P-type ZrO2 (5.6 GPa) is inferior to that of P6¯2m-ZrO (14.1 GPa). The hardness of P6¯2m-ZrO (14.1 GPa) is lower than that of P6¯2m-HfO (16.1 GPa) and P6¯2m-TiO (16.6 GPa). On the whole, Zr-O compounds exhibit lower hardnesses and bulk moduli than Hf-O compounds.
Electrolyte solutions at curved electrodes. I. Mesoscopic approach
Authors: Reindl Andreas , Bier Markus , Dietrich S.
Published: April 2017

Within the Poisson-Boltzmann approach, electrolytes in contact with planar, spherical, and cylindrical electrodes are analyzed systematically. The dependences of their capacitance C on the surface charge density σ and the ionic strength I are examined as a function of the wall curvature. The surface charge density has a strong effect on the capacitance for small curvatures, whereas for large curvatures the behavior becomes independent of σ. An expansion for small curvatures gives rise to capacitance coefficients which depend only on a single parameter, allowing for a convenient analysis. The universal behavior at large curvatures can be captured by an analytic expression.
Proximity sensing of electrostatic induction electret nanoparticles device using separation electrode
Authors: Zhu Jianxiong , Huang Run , Zhu Hua
Published: April 2017

We reported a two dimensional self-powered proximity sensor based on nanoparticles polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) electrostatic induction electret using separation electrode. The structural pattern was carefully designed for identifying the specific position on the horizontal plane. When the separation electrode is motioned above the sensor, the induced charges on electrodes will change based on the coupling effect of the electret film. Experiment results showed that the proximity sensor works well with the velocity 0.05 m/s. We also found that the prototype have a good stability even with a huge uncontrolled perturbation on the Y direction. Our work could be a significant step forward in self-powered proximity sensing technology, with a wide range of potential applications in touchpad, robotics, and safety-monitoring device.
High field transport of high performance black phosphorus transistors
Authors: Li Tiaoyang , Zhang Zhenfeng , Li Xuefei , Huang Mingqiang , Li Sichao , Li Shengman , Wu Yanqing
Published: April 2017

Black phosphorus is a layered material stacked together by weak van der Waals force with a direct bandgap and highly anisotropic electrical characteristics. Most of the previous reports focus on the low-field mobility of transistors based on SiO2 back gate dielectrics. Recently, black phosphorus transistors encapsulated with hexagonal boron nitride have been demonstrated with greatly improved mobility at low temperatures. However, this approach requires multiple dry transfer methods using both black phosphorus and boron nitride flakes, which are only available in small crystal sizes. Here, we demonstrated high performance black phosphorus transistors using atomic layer deposited high-κ HfO2 as a back gate dielectric. The maximum drain current density reaches 480 μA/μm at 300 K and a record high drain current 906 μA/μm at 20 K in a short channel 100 nm device based on HfO2, exhibiting excellent current-carrying capability and high field strength. Moreover, a side-by-side comparison on important figures-of-merit is carried out systematically for transistors based on HfO2 with those based on conventional SiO2, showing more than 50% performance improvement in mobility and over 8 times reduction in interface trap density.
Ctf4-related protein recruits LHP1-PRC2 to maintain H3K27me3 levels in dividing cells in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhou Yue , Tergemina Emmanuel , Cui Haitao , Förderer Alexander , Hartwig Benjamin , Velikkakam James Geo , Schneeberger Korbinian , Turck Franziska
Published: April 2017

Significance

Plant development depends on the Polycomb Group (PcG) pathway, which ensures an epigenetic memory of gene repression. PcG proteins form complexes that decorate histones of target genes with signature modifications. Decorated histones are diluted during DNA replication, therefore compensatory mechanisms must ensure their renewal during cell division. We show that a protein related to a yeast replication factor plays an important role in maintaining a PcG-associated chromatin modification in dividing plant cells.
Monolingual stimuli as a foundation for analyzing code-switching data
Authors: Ebert Shane , Koronkiewicz Bryan
Published: April 2017

Among methodological concerns specific to code-switching (CS) research is the design of the target stimuli used in experiments with an acceptability judgment task. We argue here that research which makes use of CS data of this type must also incorporate monolingual stimuli into the experimental design, specifically monolingual stimuli judged by the same bilingual participants who judge the code-switched stimuli. We do so by reviewing two sets of experimental CS data we collected and exploring the role that monolingual stimuli can play in the analysis of that data. In each experiment, an analysis based solely on acceptability judgments of the CS stimuli leads to one interpretation, while incorporation of results from the monolingual stimuli leads to a distinct interpretation. We show that it is the interpretation integrating the monolingual acceptability judgments which is more valid, thereby arguing for the value of monolingual stimuli in design and analysis.