bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defluoridation technology for drinking water and tea by green synthesized Fe3O4/Al2O3 nanoparticles coated polyurethane foams for rural communities
Authors: Kumari Sonu , Khan Suphiya
Published: August 2017

Fluoride (F) contaminated ground water poses a serious public health concern to rural population with unaffordable purification technologies. Therefore, development of a cost-effective, portable, environment and user-friendly defluoridation technique is imperative. In the present study, we report on the development of a green and cost-effective method that utilizes Fe3O4 and Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) that were synthesized using jojoba defatted meal. These NPs were impregnated on to polyurethane foam (PUF) and made into tea infusion bags. The Al2O3 NPs-PUF displayed a higher water defluoridation capacity of 43.47 mg g−1 of F as compared to 34.48 mg g−1 of F with Fe3O4 NPs-PUF. The synthesized Al2O3-PUF infusion bags removed the F that was under the permissible limit of 1.5 mg L−1. The sorption experiments were conducted to verify the effect of different parameters such as pH, contact time, size of PUF and initial F concentration. The different properties of adsorbent were characterized using a combination of FESEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR techniques, respectively. The calculated total cost per NPs-PUF pouch developed is as low as US $0.05, which makes the technology most suitable for rural communities. This paper will be beneficial for researchers working toward further improvement in water purification technologies.
Change of precipitation characteristics in the water-wind erosion crisscross region on the Loess Plateau, China, from 1958 to 2015
Authors: Zhao Xingkai , Li Zengyao , Zhu Qingke
Published: August 2017

Precipitation plays an important and crucial role in processes in the water-wind erosion crisscross region of the Loess Plateau than in other parts of the region. We analyzed precipitation data and standardized precipitation index (SPI) at 14 representative synoptic stations from 1958 to 2015 used trend-free prewhitening, linear trend estimation, Spearman’s rho test, the Mann-Kendall trend test, the Mann-Kendall abrupt change test and rescaled range analysis. The following conclusions were drawn. First, the analysis of monthly precipitation at all stations suggested that precipitation during the rainy season (July, August, September), especially rain in July and August, exhibited a general decreasing trend, while both increasing and decreasing trends were observed in other months. Moreover, the annual precipitation of all stations continued to exhibit decreasing trends except Wuzhai. Erosive rainfall frequency in the rainy season and the annual scale was weakly reduced but erosive force of single rainfall has been enhanced. Second, the SPI exhibited different increasing degrees in winter, while decreasing trends were observed in other seasons. Additionally, the annual-scale SPI at most stations exhibited a stable and sustained downward trend. Therefore, this region is currently associated with a drought trend, and the drought degree will likely continue to increase.
Targeting Apolipoprotein E/Amyloid β Binding by Peptoid CPO_Aβ17-21 P Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Disease Related Pathology and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Liu Shan , Park Shinae , Allington Grant , Prelli Frances , Sun Yanjie , Martá-Ariza Mitchell , Scholtzova Henrieta , Biswas Goutam , Brown Bernard , Verghese Philip B. , Mehta Pankaj D. , Kwon Yong-Uk , Wisniewski Thomas
Published: August 2017

Inheritance of the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) genotype has been identified as the major genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have shown that apoE, apoE4 in particular, binds to amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides at residues 12-28 of Aβ and this binding modulates Aβ accumulation and disease progression. We have previously shown in several AD transgenic mice lines that blocking the apoE/Aβ interaction with Aβ12-28 P reduced Aβ and tau-related pathology, leading to cognitive improvements in treated AD mice. Recently, we have designed a small peptoid library derived from the Aβ12-28 P sequence to screen for new apoE/Aβ binding inhibitors with higher efficacy and safety. Peptoids are better drug candidates than peptides due to their inherently more favorable pharmacokinetic properties. One of the lead peptoid compounds, CPO_Aβ17–21 P, diminished the apoE/Aβ interaction and attenuated the apoE4 pro-fibrillogenic effects on Aβ aggregation in vitro as well as apoE4 potentiation of Aβ cytotoxicity. CPO_Aβ17–21 P reduced Aβ-related pathology coupled with cognitive improvements in an AD APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. Our study suggests the non-toxic, non-fibrillogenic peptoid CPO_Aβ17–21 P has significant promise as a new AD therapeutic agent which targets the Aβ related apoE pathway, with improved efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties.
Direct electrochemical measurement of metanephrines in spot urine samples for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas
Authors: Shi Zheng-Hu , Zhang Xiao-Qing , Zhen Qian-Na , Zuo Ming , Tian Gang , He Yi-Fan , Ding Min
Published: August 2017

Metanephrines (MNs) were suggested as a potential first-line biochemical index for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas (PHEO). In this study, we developed a simple electrochemical method for the quantitative measurement of MNs in spot urine samples. As MNs contain a hydroxyphenyl group, they could be oxidized at a certain potential to quinines, which could be further detected by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method using unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Meanwhile, the solid phase extraction (SPE) technique was used to eliminate the matrix effect in the samples. Consequently, free MNs from the extracted urine sample were screened in a linear range from 0.25 mg/L to 12.5 mg/L. The lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) for MNs was 0.25 mg/L and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05 mg/L. Both the precisions and recoveries were sufficient for clinical applications. The urine samples from 22 patients with PHEO and 63 controls were analyzed by the proposed method. The area under the ROC curve was 0.981 (95% CI, 0.958–1.000) with the sensitivity of 95.5% and the specificity of 92.4% at the cut-off value of 0.404 mg/L in these urine samples. Overall, the proposed method provides a cost-effective, rapid and simple tool for clinical diagnosis of PHEO.
Genome-scale analysis identifies NEK2, DLGAP5 and ECT2 as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in human lung cancer
Authors: Shi Yuan-Xiang , Yin Ji-Ye , Shen Yao , Zhang Wei , Zhou Hong-Hao , Liu Zhao-Qian
Published: August 2017

This study aims to identify promising biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer and evaluate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Genome-wide mRNA expression data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE19188, GSE18842 and GSE40791), including 231 primary tumor samples and 210 normal samples, were used to discover differentially expressed genes (DEGs). NEK2, DLGAP5 and ECT2 were found to be highly expressed in tumor samples. These results were experimentally confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The elevated expression of the three candidate genes was also validated using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, which consist of 349 tumor and 58 normal tissues. Furthermore, we performed receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to assess the diagnostic value of these lung cancer biomarkers, and the results suggested that NEK2, DLGAP5 and ECT2 expression levels could robustly distinguish lung cancer patients from normal subjects. Finally, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that elevated NEK2, DLGAP5 and ECT2 expression was negatively correlated with both overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Taken together, these findings indicate that these three genes might be used as promising biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer, as well as predicting the prognosis of lung cancer patients.
Modular Serial Flow Through device for pulsed electric field treatment of the liquid samples
Authors: Kandušer Maša , Belič Aleš , Čorović Selma , Škrjanc Igor
Published: August 2017

In biotechnology, medicine, and food processing, simple and reliable methods for cell membrane permeabilization are required for drug/gene delivery into the cells or for the inactivation of undesired microorganisms. Pulsed electric field treatment is among the most promising methods enabling both aims. The drawback in current technology is controllable large volume operation. To address this challenge, we have developed an experimental setup for flow through electroporation with online regulation of the flow rate with feedback control. We have designed a modular serial flow-through co-linear chamber with a smooth inner surface, the uniform cross-section geometry through the majority of the system’s length, and the mesh in contact with the electrodes, which provides uniform electric field distribution and fluid velocity equilibration. The cylindrical cross-section of the chamber prevents arching at the active treatment region. We used mathematical modeling for the evaluation of electric field distribution and the flow profile in the active region. The system was tested for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. We compared two flow-through chambers and used a static chamber as a reference. The experiments were performed under identical experimental condition (product and similar process parameters). The data were analyzed in terms of inactivation efficiency and specific energy consumption.
Rare Earth Extraction from NdFeB Magnet Using a Closed-Loop Acid Process
Authors: Kitagawa Jiro , Uemura Ryohei
Published: August 2017

There is considerable interest in extraction of rare earth elements from NdFeB magnets to enable recycling of these elements. In practical extraction methods using wet processes, the acid waste solution discharge is a problem that must be resolved to reduce the environmental impact of the process. Here, we present an encouraging demonstration of rare earth element extraction from a NdFeB magnet using a closed-loop hydrochloric acid (HCl)-based process. The extraction method is based on corrosion of the magnet in a pretreatment stage and a subsequent ionic liquid technique for Fe extraction from the HCl solution. The rare earth elements are then precipitated using oxalic acid. Triple extraction has been conducted and the recovery ratio of the rare earth elements from the solution is approximately 50% for each extraction process, as compared to almost 100% recovery when using a one-shot extraction process without the ionic liquid but with sufficient oxalic acid. Despite its reduced extraction efficiency, the proposed method with its small number of procedures at almost room temperature is still highly advantageous in terms of both cost and environmental friendliness. This study represents an initial step towards realization of a closed-loop acid process for recycling of rare earth elements.
Inhibition of the mevalonate pathway augments the activity of pitavastatin against ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Abdullah Marwan Ibrahim , Abed Mohammed Najim , Richardson Alan
Published: August 2017

Only 40% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer survive more than 5 years. We have previously shown that pitavastatin induces regression of ovarian cancer xenografts in mice. To evaluate whether the response of ovarian cancer cells to pitavastatin is potentiated by farnesyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors or geranylgeraniol transferase I inhibitors, we evaluated combinations of pitavastatin with zoledronic acid, risedronate and GGTI-2133 in a panel of ovarian cancer cells. Pitavastatin (IC50 = 0.6–14 μM), zoledronic acid (IC50 = 21–57 μM), risedronate (IC50 > 100 μM) or GGTI-2133 (IC50 > 25 μM) inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cell cultures. Combinations of pitavastatin with zoledronic acid displayed additive or synergistic effects in cell growth assays in 10 of 11 cell lines evaluated as well as in trypan blue exclusion, cellular ATP or caspase 3/7, 8 and 9 assays. Pitavastatin reduced levels of GGT-IIβ and the membrane localization of several small GTPases and this was potentiated by zoledronic acid. siRNA to GGT-Iβ and GGT-IIβ used in combination, but not when used individually, significantly increased the sensitivity of cells to pitavastatin. These data suggest that zoledronic acid, a drug already in clinical use, may be usefully combined with pitavastatin in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Controllable oscillatory lateral coupling in a waveguide-microdisk-resonator system
Authors: Bo Fang , Özdemir Şahin Kaya , Monifi Faraz , Zhang Jing , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun , Yang Lan
Published: August 2017

We report a theoretical and experimental study of coupling between a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microdisk resonator and a fiber taper which exchange energies at two distinct regions. We observe an oscillatory behavior in the coupling strength as a function of the distance between the two coupling regions when a fiber taper is moved laterally above the resonator at fixed vertical distance. This oscillation is clearly seen in the linewidth of the resonance as well as in the on-resonance transmission. A theoretical model considering for two-point coupling successfully explains the experimental observations as being a result of the interference between the light fields coupled into and out of the resonator at two distinct regions and the light transmitted through the waveguide. Critical coupling in two-region coupling is a collective result of the coupling at two different coupling regions, and does not require critical coupling at both or at any one of the two coupling regions. This relaxes the conditions for achieving critical coupling in waveguide-resonator systems. The discovery of this previously unnoticed oscillatory behavior in two-region coupling between a WGM resonator and a waveguide will benefit both fundamental studies and practical applications based on WGM resonators.
In vivo evaluation of radiotracers targeting the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1: [11C]SNAP-7941 and [18F]FE@SNAP reveal specific uptake in the ventricular system
Authors: Zeilinger Markus , Dumanic Monika , Pichler Florian , Budinsky Lubos , Wadsak Wolfgang , Pallitsch Katharina , Spreitzer Helmut , Lanzenberger Rupert , Hacker Marcus , Mitterhauser Markus , Philippe Cécile
Published: August 2017

The MCHR1 is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and changes of the expression are linked to a variety of associated diseases, such as diabetes and adiposity. The study aimed at the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of [11C]SNAP-7941 and [18F]FE@SNAP as potential PET-tracers for the MCHR1. Competitive binding studies with non-radioactive derivatives and small-animal PET/CT and MRI brain studies were performed under baseline conditions and tracer displacement with the unlabelled MCHR1 antagonist (±)-SNAP-7941. Binding studies evinced high binding affinity of the non-radioactive derivatives. Small-animal imaging of [11C]SNAP-7941 and [18F]FE@SNAP evinced high tracer uptake in MCHR1-rich regions of the ventricular system. Quantitative analysis depicted a significant tracer reduction after displacement with (±)-SNAP-7941. Due to the high binding affinity of the non-labelled derivatives and the high specific tracer uptake of [11C]SNAP-7941 and [18F]FE@SNAP, there is strong evidence that both radiotracers may serve as highly suitable agents for specific MCHR1 imaging.
The key energy scales of Gd-based metallofullerene determined by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Shao Yu-Cheng , Wray L. Andrew , Huang Shih-Wen , Liu Yi-Sheng , Song Wang , Yang Shangfeng , Chuang Yi-De , Guo Jinghua , Pong Way-Faung
Published: August 2017

Endohedral metallofullerenes, formed by encaging Gd inside fullerenes like C80, can exhibit enhanced proton relaxitivities compared with other Gd-chelates, making them the promising contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the underlying key energy scales of Gd
x
Sc3−x
N@C80 (x  =  1–3) remain unclear. Here, we carry out resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) experiments on Gd
x
Sc3−x
N@C80 at Gd N4,5-edges to directly study the electronic structure and spin flip excitations of Gd 4f electrons. Compared with reference Gd2O3 and contrast agent Gadodiamide, the features in the RIXS spectra of all metallofullerenes exhibit broader spectral lineshape and noticeable energy shift. Using atomic multiplet calculations, we have estimated the key energy scales such as the inter-site spin exchange field, intra-atomic 4f–4f Coulomb interactions, and spin-orbit coupling. The implications of these parameters to the 4f states of encapsulated Gd atoms are discussed.
Noise of a superconducting magnetic flux sensor based on a proximity Josephson junction
Authors: Jabdaraghi R. N. , Golubev D. S. , Pekola J. P. , Peltonen J. T.
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate simultaneous measurements of DC transport properties and flux noise of a hybrid superconducting magnetometer based on the proximity effect (superconducting quantum interference proximity transistor, SQUIPT). The noise is probed by a cryogenic amplifier operating in the frequency range of a few MHz. In our non-optimized device, we achieve minimum flux noise ~4 μΦ0/Hz1/2, set by the shot noise of the probe tunnel junction. The flux noise performance can be improved by further optimization of the SQUIPT parameters, primarily minimization of the proximity junction length and cross section. Furthermore, the experiment demonstrates that the setup can be used to investigate shot noise in other nonlinear devices with high impedance. This technique opens the opportunity to measure sensitive magnetometers including SQUIPT devices with very low dissipation.
Neuroinflammation alters cellular proteostasis by producing endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy activation and disrupting ERAD activation
Authors: Pintado Cristina , Macías Sandra , Domínguez-Martín Helena , Castaño Angélica , Ruano Diego
Published: August 2017

Proteostasis alteration and neuroinflammation are typical features of normal aging. We have previously shown that neuroinflammation alters cellular proteostasis through immunoproteasome induction, leading to a transient decrease of proteasome activity. Here, we further investigated the role of acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hippocampal neuroinflammation in cellular proteostasis. In particular, we focused on macroautophagy (hereinafter called autophagy) and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD). We demonstrate that LPS injection induced autophagy activation that was dependent, at least in part, on glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β activity but independent of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition. Neuroinflammation also produced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to canonical unfolded protein response (UPR) activation with a rapid activating transcription factor (ATF) 6α attenuation that resulted in a time-dependent down-regulation of ERAD markers. In this regard, the time-dependent accumulation of unspliced X-box binding protein (XBP) 1, likely because of decreased inositol-requiring enzyme (IRE) 1α-mediated splicing activity, might underlie in vivo ATF6α attenuation. Importantly, lactacystin-induced activation of ERAD was abolished in both the acute neuroinflammation model and in aged rats. Therefore, we provide a cellular pathway through which neuroinflammation might sensitize cells to neurodegeneration under stress situations, being relevant in normal aging and other disorders where neuroinflammation is a characteristic feature.
Minimally invasive treatment of both-column acetabular fractures through the Stoppa combined with iliac fossa approach
Authors: Zhang Ruipeng , Yin Yingchao , Li Shilun , Hou Zhiyong , Wang Juan , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze
Published: August 2017

Both-column fractures are the most complicated group of acetabular fractures. Although great progress of surgical technique has been made, the choice of approach is controversial. All the fragments could be exposed and managed through combined ilioinguinal and Kocher-Langenbeck (IL+KL) approaches, which has been widely used to conduct the both-column fractures. However, the clinical popularization may be restricted for high rate of complication. Most internal area of the hemipelvis could be exposed through Stoppa combined with iliac fossa (S+IF) approach. The majority of both-column fractures were managed through IL+KL approaches or S+IF approach in our institution. The comparison of the two surgical methods was done in this study. The purpose is to examine whether S+IF approach could achieve the satisfactory reduction and fixation for both-column fractures.
Stress Induced Polarization of Immune-Neuroendocrine Phenotypes in Gallus gallus
Authors: Nazar F. Nicolas , Estevez Inma , Correa Silvia G. , Marin Raul H.
Published: August 2017

Immune-neuroendocrine phenotypes (INPs) stand for population subgroups differing in immune-neuroendocrine interactions. While mammalian INPs have been characterized thoroughly in rats and humans, avian INPs were only recently described inCoturnix coturnix(quail). To assess the scope of this biological phenomenon, herein we characterized INPs inGallus gallus(a domestic hen strain submitted to a very long history of strong selective breeding pressure) and evaluated whether a social chronic stress challenge modulates the individuals’ interplay affecting the INP subsets and distribution. Evaluating plasmatic basal corticosterone, interferon-γ and interleukin-4 concentrations, innate/acquired leukocyte ratio, PHA-P skin-swelling and induced antibody responses, two opposite INP profiles were found: LEWIS-like (15% of the population) and FISCHER-like (16%) hens. After chronic stress, an increment of about 12% in each polarized INP frequency was found at expenses of a reduction in the number of birds with intermediate responses. Results show that polarized INPs are also a phenomenon occurring in hens. The observed inter-individual variation suggest that, even after a considerable selection process, the population is still well prepared to deal with a variety of immune-neuroendocrine challenges. Stress promoted disruptive effects, leading to a more balanced INPs distribution, which represents a new substrate for challenging situations.
Molecular Rationale behind the Differential Substrate Specificity of Bacterial RND Multi-Drug Transporters
Authors: Ramaswamy Venkata Krishnan , Vargiu Attilio V. , Malloci Giuliano , Dreier Jürg , Ruggerone Paolo
Published: August 2017

Resistance-Nodulation-cell Division (RND) transporters AcrB and AcrD of Escherichia coli expel a wide range of substrates out of the cell in conjunction with AcrA and TolC, contributing to the onset of bacterial multidrug resistance. Despite sharing an overall sequence identity of ~66% (similarity ~80%), these RND transporters feature distinct substrate specificity patterns whose underlying basis remains elusive. We performed exhaustive comparative analyses of the putative substrate binding pockets considering crystal structures, homology models and conformations extracted from multi-copy μs-long molecular dynamics simulations of both AcrB and AcrD. The impact of physicochemical and topographical properties (volume, shape, lipophilicity, electrostatic potential, hydration and distribution of multi-functional sites) within the pockets on their substrate specificities was quantitatively assessed. Differences in the lipophilic and electrostatic potentials among the pockets were identified. In particular, the deep pocket of AcrB showed the largest lipophilicity convincingly pointing out its possible role as a lipophilicity-based selectivity filter. Furthermore, we identified dynamic features (not inferable from sequence analysis or static structures) such as different flexibilities of specific protein loops that could potentially influence the substrate recognition and transport profile. Our findings can be valuable for drawing structure (dynamics)-activity relationship to be employed in drug design.
The importance of the nutritive value of old bones in the diet of Bearded vultures Gypaetus barbatus
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Villalba Daniel
Published: August 2017

Vultures are central-place foragers and need to optimize their foraging behaviour to offset travel costs by increasing their energy gain. This process is more obvious in certain vulture species that do not feed their young by regurgitation and so must carry food items back to the nest. The Bearded VultureGypaetus barbatusis the only species with a bone-diet based. We analysed the chemical composition of bones and the age-related changes in their nutritive value to assess the differences in energy content between bones of differing age, body part and species. We found differences between specific anatomical parts, species and the age of the bones. Fresh bones contain 108% as much energy as fresh meat and, interestingly, dry bones retain 90% of the protein found in fresh bones. Dry femurs weighing 140 g retain enough protein to be comparable to 111 g of fresh meat, in energy terms. Compared to meat-eating species, the specialized osteophagous diet of the Bearded Vulture seems to have certain advantages. A better understanding of nutrient levels in food remains could help to improve theoretical foraging models, assist in conservation management, and even improve our understanding of the use of bones by early hominids.
Characteristic Assessment of Diesel-degrading Bacteria Immobilized on Natural Organic Carriers in Marine Environment: the Degradation Activity and Nutrient
Authors: Xue Jianliang , Wu Yanan , Liu Zhixiu , Li Menglu , Sun Xiyu , Wang Huajun , Liu Bing
Published: August 2017

Oil spill has led to severe environmental and ecological problems. Due to the harsh environmental conditions, the bioremediation technology is not successfully used to remedy the oil spill in marine environment. In this study, immobilization technology was used to immobilize bacteria on natural organic carriers (i.e., wood chips and maize straw). The higher surface area of in wood chips leads to larger biomass density (0.0242 gVSS/g) than that of maize straw of 0.0097 gVSS/g carrier. Compared with biodegradation efficiency of free bacteria (44.79%), the immobilized bacteria on wood chips and maize straw reached to 73.39% and 52.28%, respectively. The high biological activity of the immobilized bacteria can be also explained by nutrients, such as TN (total nitrogen) and TP (total phosphorus), released from wood chips and maize straw, which was 8.83 mg/g and 5.53 mg/g, 0.0624 mg/g and 0.0099 mg/g, respectively.
PHF20 positively regulates osteoblast differentiation via increasing the expression and activation of Runx2 with enrichment of H3K4me3
Authors: Yang Jin-Woo , Jeong Byung-Chul , Park Jongsun , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: August 2017

Plant homeodomain finger protein 20 (PHF20), a methyl lysine effector protein, is a component MOF-NSL lysine acetyltranferase complex. Global deletion of PHF20 has shown spinal bone defects and reduced skeletal formation. However, the molecular basis of PHF20 involved in skeletal development has not been elucidated yet. The objective of this study was to determine the role of PHF20 in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Expression of PHF20 was gradually increased during osteoblast differentiation. Overexpression of PHF20 enhanced ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation as well as the expression of osteogenic markers including Runx2. In contrast, inhibition of PHF20 expression reduced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Mechanistically, PHF20 increased the promoter activity of osteogenic genes including Og2, Alp, and Bsp through direct association with Runx2. Moreover, PHF20 increased the enrichment of H3K4me3 on the promoter of Runx2 followed by increased Runx2 promoter activity. Interestingly, Bix-01294, a histone methylation inhibitor, decreased mineralized nodule formation through decreasing the levels of H3K4me3 and Runx2. Overexpression of PHF20 restored the Bix-01294 effects. Taken together, these results indicate that methyl lysine-binding protein PHF20 might be a novel regulator of osteoblast differentiation.
Water quality measurements in San Francisco Bay by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1969–2015
Authors: Schraga Tara S. , Cloern James E.
Published: August 2017

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintains a place-based research program in San Francisco Bay (USA) that began in 1969 and continues, providing one of the longest records of water-quality measurements in a North American estuary. Constituents include salinity, temperature, light extinction coefficient, and concentrations of chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silicate, and phosphate. We describe the sampling program, analytical methods, structure of the data record, and how to access all measurements made from 1969 through 2015. We provide a summary of how these data have been used by USGS and other researchers to deepen understanding of how estuaries are structured and function differently from the river and ocean ecosystems they bridge.
Label-free, high content screening using Raman microspectroscopy: the toxicological response of different cell lines to amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2)
Authors: Efeoglu Esen , Maher Marcus A. , Casey Alan , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: August 2017

Raman microspectroscopy as a ‘high content nanotoxicological screening technique’ with the aid of multivariate analysis, on non-cancerous and cancerous cell lines.
Rhodamine-based conjugated polymers: potentiometric, colorimetric and voltammetric sensing of mercury ions in aqueous medium
Authors: Ayranci Rukiye , Demirkol Dilek Odaci , Timur Suna , Ak Metin
Published: August 2017

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a conducting polymer film used as a simple and novel multi-signal sensor platform which demonstrates ion selective potentiometric, colorimetric and voltammetric responses in aqueous media.
Tuning ethylene gas adsorption via metal node modulation: Cu-MOF-74 for a high ethylene deliverable capacity
Authors: Liao Yijun , Zhang Lin , Weston Mitchell H. , Morris William , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: August 2017

Co and Cu-MOF-74s are promising candidates for efficient ethylene abatement or storage and delivery, respectively.
Towards well-defined MoS2 nanoribbons on a large scale
Authors: Qi Ruifeng , Wang Shanling , Wang Minxiang , Liu Wentao , Yan Zhihui , Bi Xiaofeng , Huang Qingsong
Published: August 2017

Massive MoS2 nanoribbons can be derived from templates, exhibiting well-defined topology and dominated zigzag edge chirality.
In situ generation of electrochemiluminescent DNA nanoflowers as a signal tag for mucin 1 detection based on a strategy of target and mimic target synchronous cycling amplification
Authors: Li Sheng-Kai , Chen An-Yi , Niu Xiao-Xue , Liu Zhi-Ting , Du Min , Chai Ya-Qin , Yuan Ruo , Zhuo Ying
Published: August 2017

In situ generation of a novel signal tag of ECL DNA NFs for ultrasensitive MUC1 detection.
Supported nickel–rhenium catalysts for selective hydrogenation of methyl esters to alcohols
Authors: Liu Kaituo , Pritchard James , Lu Li , van Putten Robbert , (Tiny) Verhoeven M. W. G. M. , Schmitkamp Mike , Huang Xiaoming , Lefort Laurent , Kiely Christopher J. , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: August 2017

TiO2-Supported bimetallic Ni–Re catalysts efficiently promote the hydrogenation of acids and esters to alcohols under mild conditions.
Synthesis of borasiloxanes by oxidative hydrolysis of silanes and pinacolborane using Cu3(BTC)2 as a solid catalyst
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Asiri Abdullah M. , Concepcion Patricia , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: August 2017

This work reports the synthesis of borasiloxanes from silanes and pinacolboranes using Cu3(BTC)2 as a heterogeneous catalyst in acetonitrile under mild conditions.
Quantitative investigation of C–H⋯π and other intermolecular interactions in a series of crystalline N-(substituted phenyl)-2-naphthamide derivatives
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Saeed Aamer , Simpson Jim , Chopra Deepak
Published: August 2017

In this study, we have investigated the nature and characteristics of different intermolecular interactions present in a series of sevenN-(substituted phenyl)-2-naphthamides.
Increased thermal stability of activated N2adsorbed on K-promoted Ni{110}
Authors: Liu Tao , Temprano Israel , Jenkins Stephen J.
Published: August 2017

The role of potassium in promoting the adsorption, and modulating the polarisation, of dinitrogen is investigated by RAIRS and DFT.
Two-step adsorption kinetics of malachite green on anionic polystyrene microspheres in aqueous solution probed by second harmonic generation
Authors: Kim Joon Heon
Published: August 2017

Adsorption of organic cations of malachite green on anionic microspheres was monitored in real time using a surface-specific second-harmonic generation technique, and its two-step characteristic was investigated.
Anionic fructose-related conformational and positional isomers assigned through PES experiments and DFT calculations
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: August 2017

Fructose− exists as an open chain structure with substrate dependent specific conformational isomers. (Fructose-H2O)− evidences two types of positional isomers.
Ultrasonication-enhanced gelation properties of a versatile amphiphilic formamidine-based gelator exhibiting both organogelation and hydrogelation abilities
Authors: Bachl Jürgen , Sampedro Diego , Mayr Judith , Díaz Díaz David
Published: August 2017

We describe the preparation of a novel amphiphilic gelator built from a formamidine core, which is able to form a variety of physical organogels and hydrogels. The effects of ultrasound on gelation are described.
Folic acid supramolecular ionogels
Authors: Ranjan Rahul , Rawat Kamla , Bohidar H. B.
Published: August 2017

Herein, we report on folic acid (FA, a low molecular weight gelator) thermoreversible supramolecular organo (in 1 : 1 (v/v) water–DMSO binary solvent), and ionogels reported in 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride, [C2mim][Cl], and 1-octyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride, [C8mim][Cl], solutions with 0.1 ≤ [IL] ≤ 5% (w/v).
Analyzing the dependence of oxygen incorporation current density on overpotential and oxygen partial pressure in mixed conducting oxide electrodes
Authors: Guan Zixuan , Chen Di , Chueh William C.
Published: August 2017

The oxygen incorporation reaction involves the transformation of an oxygen gas molecule to two lattice oxygen ions in a mixed ionic and electronic conducting solid. The current density is modeled as functions of both oxygen partial pressure and overpotential.
Comparison of classical reaction paths and tunneling paths studied with the semiclassical instanton theory
Authors: Meisner Jan , Markmeyer Max N. , Bohner Matthias U. , Kästner Johannes
Published: August 2017

Comparison of classical reaction paths and semiclassical instanton paths for a proton transfer reaction mechanism.
Kinetic fragility and structure of lithium borophosphate glasses analysed by 1D/2D NMR
Authors: Muñoz-Senovilla Laura , Tricot Gregory , Muñoz Francisco
Published: August 2017

1D/2D 31P/11B correlation MAS NMR experiments have been used to explain the behaviour of the fragility in lithium borophosphate glasses.
Novel benzodithiophene-based polymer acceptors for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Yan-Ling , Li Quan-Song , Li Ze-Sheng
Published: August 2017

Novel polymer acceptors (P2 and P5) exhibiting high light-absorbing capacity, exciton separation ability, and electron mobility have been designed for OSCs.
Dark excitons and tunable optical gap in graphene nanodots
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Sheng Weidong , Li Yang
Published: August 2017

By using a configuration interaction approach with up to the fifth excitations taken into account, we study the excitonic effect in the optical absorption in graphene nanodots.
Mechanistic insight into selective catalytic combustion of HCN over Cu-BEA: influence of different active center structures
Authors: Liu Ning , Yuan Xiaoning , Zhang Runduo , Li Yingxia , Chen Biaohua
Published: August 2017

HCN being a highly toxic N-containing volatile organic compound (VOCs) poses great threat to human living environment.
Reactivity of methanol over copper supported on well-shaped CeO2: a TPD-DRIFTS study
Authors: Araiza Daniel G. , Gómez-Cortés Antonio , Díaz Gabriela
Published: August 2017

Methoxy and formate species resulting from methanol adsorption on Cu supported on well-shaped CeO2 are morphology-dependent.
Emerging investigators series: trihalomethane, dihaloacetonitrile, and total N-nitrosamine precursor adsorption by modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT micropillars
Authors: Needham Erin M. , Chimka Justin R. , De Volder Michael , Fairey Julian L.
Published: August 2017

Modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT micropillars are shown to adsorb organic precursors of disinfection byproducts, most notably those of totalN-nitrosamines.
Ultra-trace determination of thallium by electrochemical hydride generation using efficient tungsten electrodes followed by in situ trapping on a graphite tube and detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Shams Alireza , Ashraf Narges , Arbab-Zavar Mohammad Hossein , Masrournia Mahboubeh
Published: August 2017

Tungsten-inert gas welding electrodes have been applied for electrochemical hydride generation of thallium.
Double-spike data reduction in the presence of isotopic anomalies
Authors: Hu Justin Y. , Dauphas Nicolas
Published: August 2017

An analytical formula is derived to correct double-spike isotopic analyses for isotopic anomalies, cosmogenic effects, and radioactive production.
Solar-driven photodegradation of 17-β-estradiol and ciprofloxacin from waste water and CO2conversion using sustainable coal-char/polymeric-g-C3N4/RGO metal-free nano-hybrids
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Ajay , Sharma Gaurav , Naushad Mu. , Veses Renato Cataluna , Ghfar Ayman A. , Stadler Florian J. , Khan Mohammad Rizwan
Published: August 2017

We report the synthesis of a polymeric g-C3N4/RGO nano-photocatalyst for the degradation of ciprofloxacin and β-estradiol and conversion of CO2into CH4, CO & O2.
Nanostructured 3D porous hybrid network of N-doped carbon, graphene and Si nanoparticles as an anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Alkarmo Walid , Aqil Abdelhafid , Ouhib Farid , Thomassin Jean-Michel , Mazouzi Driss , Guyomard Dominique , Detrembleur Christophe , Jérôme Christine
Published: August 2017

A facile and scalable process to prepare nanostructured 3D porous networks combining graphene, N-doped carbon and silicon nanoparticles (G@Si@C) as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.
Combining theory and experiment in the design of a lead-free ((CH3NH3)2AgBiI6) double perovskite
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Wu Tao , Li Yajuan , Jiang Lei , Deng Weiqiao , Han Keli
Published: August 2017

A lead-free double perovskite, (CH3NH3)2AgBiI6, which is rather stable, was investigated using a combination of experiment and density functional theory.
Synthesis of an electronically conductive hydrogel from a hydrogelator and a conducting polymer
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Saruhashi Kowichiro , Watanabe Hisayuki , MIyamoto Nobuyoshi
Published: August 2017

A polymer hydrogelator mixed with a water-soluble electronically conductive polymer exhibits thixotropy due to the hydrogelator although each component at low concentrations does not exhibit this behaviour.
A mild two-step propargylation of aromatic bioactive small molecules
Authors: Kanoh Naoki , Okamura Toshitaka , Suzuki Takahiro , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu
Published: August 2017

A mild 2-step propargylation strategy for aromatic bioactive small molecules has been developed.
Enhanced proliferation inhibition of HL60 cells treated by synergistic all-trans retinoic acid/blue light/nanodiamonds
Authors: Zhuang Jianjian , Liu Junsong , Liu Yange , Li Hongdong , Wang Di , Teng Lesheng
Published: August 2017

This work explores a strategy using drug all-transretinoic (ATRA) combined with nanodiamond (ND) and blue light (BL) irradiation on the typical HL60 cell line, to establish a approach for improving the treatment efficacy of human leukemia cells.
Defining the role of nanonetting in the electrical behaviour of composite nanofiber/nets
Authors: Massaglia G. , Chiodoni A. , Salvador G. P. , Delmondo L. , Muñoz-Tabares J. A. , Bocchini S. , Sacco A. , Bianco S. , Saracco G. , Quaglio M.
Published: August 2017

The electrical behaviour of MWCNT-based composite nanofiber/nets can be tuned by controlling the morphology of the secondary nanoweb.
Remarkable enhancement of Fe–V–Ox composite metal oxide to gold catalyst for CO oxidation in the simulated atmosphere of CO2 laser
Authors: Lin Qingquan , Han Chun , Su Huijuan , Sun Libo , Ishida Tamao , Honma Tetsuo , Sun Xun , Zheng Yuhua , Qi Caixia
Published: August 2017

A novel Au/Fe–V–Ox/Al2O3 displays remarkable activity and good stability for CO oxidation in simulated atmosphere of CO2 laser. The higher Au dispersion and more labile lattice oxygen after modification contributed to its outstanding performance.
Spin variable approach for the statistical mechanics of folding and unfolding chains
Authors: Giordano Stefano
Published: August 2017

Force–extension relations for stretching experiments under isotensional and isometric conditions are obtained through the spin variable approach.
Blue-shifting tuning of the selective reflection of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Min Lee Kyung , Tondiglia Vincent P. , Godman Nicholas P. , Middleton Claire M. , White Timothy J.
Published: August 2017

We report on electrically-induced, large magnitude (>300 nm), and reversible tuning of the selective reflection in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) prepared from negative dielectric anisotropy nematic liquid crystal hosts.
Flexible hydroxyapatite ultralong nanowire-based paper for highly efficient and multifunctional air filtration
Authors: Xiong Zhi-Chao , Yang Ri-Long , Zhu Ying-Jie , Chen Fei-Fei , Dong Li-Ying
Published: August 2017

Ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire-based air filter paper with a low pressure drop and high removal efficiencies for PM2.5 and PM10 has been developed.
A wide visible light driven complex perovskite Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3−xNy photocatalyst for water oxidation and reduction
Authors: Cui Junyan , Liu Taifeng , Qi Yu , Zhao Dan , Jia Mingjun , Liu Gang , Zhang Fuxiang , Li Can
Published: August 2017

A new nitrogen-doped metal oxide photocatalyst Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3−xNy (BMTON) with an absorption edge of ca. 560 nm was synthesized, showing obvious H2 or O2-evolution half reaction activities under visible light irradiation for promising solar water splitting.
Carbon nanostructures in biology and medicine
Authors: Martín Nazario , Da Ros Tatiana , Nierengarten Jean-François
Published: August 2017

Guest editors Nazario Martín, Tatiana Da Ros and Jean-François Nierengarten introduce this Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on carbon nanostructures in biology and medicine.
IgG light chain-independent secretion of heavy chain dimers: consequence for therapeutic antibody production and design
Authors: Stoyle Chloe L. , Stephens Paul E. , Humphreys David P. , Heywood Sam , Cain Katharine , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: August 2017

Rodent monoclonal antibodies with specificity towards important biological targets are developed for therapeutic use by a process of humanisation. This process involves the creation of molecules, which retain the specificity of the rodent antibody but contain predominantly human coding sequence. Here, we show that some humanised heavy chains (HCs) can fold, form dimers and be secreted even in the absence of a light chain (LC). Quality control of recombinant antibody assembly in vivo is thought to rely upon folding of the HC CH1 domain. This domain acts as a switch for secretion, only folding upon interaction with the LC CL domain. We show that the secreted heavy-chain dimers contain folded CH1 domains and contribute to the heterogeneity of antibody species secreted during the expression of therapeutic antibodies. This subversion of the normal quality control process is dependent on the HC variable domain, is prevalent with engineered antibodies and can occur when only the Fab fragments are expressed. This discovery will have an impact on the efficient production of both humanised antibodies and the design of novel antibody formats.
Association between the TGF-β1 polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liao Ning , Zhao Hua , Chen Min-Li , Xie Zheng-Fu
Published: August 2017

It has been hypothesized that polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene on chromosome 19 modify the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, results from previous studies are contradictory. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of published case–control studies on the association between five common TGF-β1 polymorphisms (rs1982073, rs1800469, rs2241712, rs6957, and rs2241718) and COPD risk. Data sources were Pubmed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases. Twelve studies including 6749 participants were reviewed and analyzed. For the TGF-β1 polymorphism rs1982073, the results indicted that the C allele was associated with decreased risk of COPD in Caucasians (odds ratio (OR) =0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–0.99, P=0.038) but not in Asians (OR =0.95, 95% CI: 0.71–1.28, P=0.741). No associations with COPD were identified for other polymorphisms evaluated in the present study including rs1800469 (T allele compared with C allele, OR =0.89, 95% CI: 0.77–1.02, P=0.099), rs2241712 (A allele compared with G allele, OR =1.03, 95% CI: 0.89–1.20, P=0.666), rs6957 (A allele compared with G allele, OR =1.14, 95% CI: 0.95–1.36, P=0.160), and rs2241718 (C allele compared with T allele, OR =0.95, 95% CI: 0.79–1.14, P=0.571). In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that the C allele of rs1982073 was protective against COPD in Caucasians but not in Asians, whereas there was no association of rs1800469, rs2241712, rs6957, and rs2241718 with COPD.
Chenopodium ambrosioides associated with whole body vibration exercises alters the feed intake in Wistar rats
Authors: Cardoso André Luiz Bandeira Dionizio , Frederico Éric Heleno Freire Ferreira , Guimarães Carlos Alberto Sampaio , Almeida Lívia Pinto , Neves Rosane de Figueiredo , de Sá-Caputo Danúbia Cunha , Moreira-Marconi Eloá , Dionello Carla de Fontoura , Morel Danielle Soares , Paineiras-Domingos Laisa Liane , Sousa-Gonçalves Cintia Renata , Asad Nasser Ribeiro , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: August 2017

The consequences of treatment involving the use of a natural product and whole body vibration (WBV) exercise have been investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the joint treatment with an aqueous extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides and WBV on physiological parameters in rats. Wistar rats (n=20) were divided equally into four groups: control group (CG), treated with C. ambrosioides (CHE) group, exposed to 50 Hz of mechanial vibration (VBR), and treated with C. ambrosioides and exposed to 50 Hz of mechanical vibration (VBR + CHE) daily for 6 weeks. The body mass of the animals was determined weekly, the feed intake and the stool consistency were measured daily. One day after the 6 weeks of treatment, samples of blood were collected and used for biochemical analysis. Along 6 weeks, there was an increase (P<0.001) in the feed intake in VBR group and a decrease in the CHE group in comparison with other groups. The levels of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in VBR + CHE group decreased (P<0.05) in comparison with other groups. No differences were found in body mass and stool consistency. WBV altered the feed intake without directly affecting the body mass. Moreover, WBV in association with C. ambrosioides caused alteration in the enzymatic activity of AST.