bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gully evolution and geomorphic adjustments of badlands to reforestation
Authors: Ballesteros Cánovas J. A. , Stoffel M. , Martín-Duque J. F. , Corona C. , Lucía A. , Bodoque J. M. , Montgomery D. R.
Published: March 2017

Badlands and gullied areas are among those geomorphic environments with the highest erosion rates worldwide. Nevertheless, records of their evolution and their relations with anthropogenic land transformation are scarcer. Here we combine historical data with aerial photographs and tree-ring records to reconstruct the evolution of a badland in a Mediterranean environment of Central Spain. Historical sources suggest an anthropogenic origin of this badland landscape, caused by intense quarrying activities during the 18thcentury. Aerial photographs allowed detection of dramatic geomorphic changes and the evolution of an emerging vegetation cover since the 1960s, due to widespread reforestation. Finally, tree-ring analyses of exposed roots allowed quantification of recent channel incision of the main gully, and sheet erosion processes. Our results suggest that reforestation practices have influenced the initiation of an episode of incision in the main channel in the 1980s, through the hypothesized creation of disequilibrium in water-sediment balance following decoupling of hillslopes from channel processes. These findings imply an asymmetry in the geomorphic response of badlands to erosion such that in the early evolution stages, vegetation removal results in gullying, but that reforestation alone does not necessarily stabilize the landforms and may even promote renewed incision.
Hypoxia induces H19 expression through direct and indirect Hif-1α activity, promoting oncogenic effects in glioblastoma
Authors: Wu Weining , Hu Qi , Nie Er , Yu Tianfu , Wu Youzhi , Zhi Tongle , Jiang Kuan , Shen Feng , Wang Yingyi , Zhang Junxia , You Yongping
Published: March 2017

H19 expression is elevated in many human tumors including glioblastomas, suggesting an oncogenic role for the long noncoding RNA; yet the upregulation of H19 in glioblastomas remains unclear. Here we report that hypoxia significantly stimulated H19 expression in glioblastoma cell lines, which was related to hypoxia-inducible factors 1α (Hif-1α). Hif-1α promoted H19 expression in U87 and U251 cells. Meanwhile PTEN is an advantageous factor to affect H19 expression, through attenuating Hif-1α stability. Hif-1α also positively correlates with H19 in human glioblastoma samples depending on PTEN status. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays showed that Hif-1α induced H19 transcription through directly binding to the H19 promoter. Furthermore, Hif-1α upregulated specific protein 1 (SP1) expression in glioblastomas cells in vitro and in vivo, and SP1 also strongly interacted with the H19 promoter to promote H19 expression under hypoxia. We also showed that H19 acts as a molecular sponge that binds miR-181d, relieving inhibition of β-catenin expression. Therefore, H19 participates in hypoxia-driven migration and invasion in glioblastoma cells. In summary, our results uncover the mechanisms that stimulate H19 expression under hypoxia to promote malignant effects in glioblastomas and suggest H19 might be a promising therapeutic target.
Metal-Organic Framework Templated Synthesis of Ultrasmall Catalyst Loaded ZnO/ZnCo2O4 Hollow Spheres for Enhanced Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Koo Won-Tae , Choi Seon-Jin , Jang Ji-Soo , Kim Il-Doo
Published: March 2017

To achieve the rational design of nanostructures for superior gas sensors, the ultrasmall nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on ternary metal oxide (TMO) hollow spheres (HS) were synthesized by using the polystyrene (PS) sphere template and bimetallic metal-organic framework (BM-MOFs) mold. The zinc and cobalt based zeolite imidazole frameworks (BM-ZIFs) encapsulating ultrasmall Pd NPs (2–3 nm) were assembled on PS spheres at room temperature. After calcination at 450 °C, these nanoscale Pd particles were effectively infiltrated on the surface of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HSs. In addition, the heterojunctions of Pd-ZnO, Pd-ZnCo2O4, and ZnO-ZnCo2O4 were formed on each phase. The synthesized Pd-ZnO/ZnCo2O4 HSs exhibited extremely high selectivity toward acetone gas with notable sensitivity (S = 69% to 5 ppm at 250 °C). The results demonstrate that MOF driven ultrasmall catalyst loaded TMO HSs were highly effective platform for high performance chemical gas sensors.
A facile ultrasonic-assisted fabrication of nitrogen-doped carbon dots/BiOBr up-conversion nanocomposites for visible light photocatalytic enhancements
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Park Mira , Kim Hak Yong , Ding Bin , Park Soo-Jin
Published: March 2017

A highly efficient novel photocatalyst consisting of nitrogen-carbon dots (N-CDs) and three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical BiOBr was synthesized via a simple ultrasonic-assisted method and used for the degradation of hazardous dyes. Deposition of N-CDs onto the surface of BiOBr was confirmed through structure and composition characterizations. The N-CDs/BiOBr composites exhibited superior activity for organic contaminant degradation under visible light and the 1 wt% N-CDs/BiOBr composite showed the highest degradation rate, indicating that N-CDs/BiOBr composites have great potential for application in mitigating hazardous contaminants. The N-CDs played an important role in improving the photocatalytic performance, owing to the enhancement of up-converted photoluminescence behavior as well as the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers originating from the intimately contacted interface. A possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results.
Chymase-producing cells of the innate immune system are required for decidual vascular remodeling and fetal growth
Authors: Meyer Nicole , Woidacki Katja , Knöfler Martin , Meinhardt Gudrun , Nowak Désirée , Velicky Philipp , Pollheimer Jürgen , Zenclussen Ana C.
Published: March 2017

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is caused by insufficient remodeling of spiral arteries (SAs). The mechanism underlying the relevance of natural killer cells (NKs) and mast cells (MCs) for SA remodeling and its effects on pregnancy outcome are not well understood. We show that NK depletion arrested SA remodeling without affecting pregnancy. MC depletion resulted in abnormally remodeled SAs and IUGR. Combined absence of NKs and MCs substantially affected SA remodeling and impaired fetal growth. We found that α-chymase mast cell protease (Mcpt) 5 mediates apoptosis of uterine smooth muscle cells, a key feature of SA remodeling. Additionally, we report a previously unknown source for Mcpt5: uterine (u) NKs. Mice with selective deletion of Mcpt5+cells had un-remodeled SAs and growth-restricted progeny. The human α-chymase CMA1, phylogenetic homolog of Mcpt5, stimulated theex vivomigration of human trophoblasts, a pre-requisite for SA remodeling. Our results show that chymases secreted by uMCs and uNKs are pivotal to the vascular changes required to support pregnancy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying pregnancy-induced vascular changes is essential for developing therapeutic options against pregnancy complications associated with poor vascular remodeling.
Early metabolic and transcriptional variations in fruit of natural white-fruited Fragaria vesca genotypes
Authors: Härtl Katja , Denton Alisandra , Franz-Oberdorf Katrin , Hoffmann Thomas , Spornraft Melanie , Usadel Björn , Schwab Wilfried
Published: March 2017

Strawberry fruits (Fragaria vesca) are valued for their sweet fruity flavor, juicy texture, and characteristic red color caused by anthocyanin pigments. To gain a deeper insight into the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis, we performed comparative metabolite profiling and transcriptome analyses of one red-fruited and two natural white-fruited strawberry varieties in two tissues and three ripening stages. Developing fruit of the three genotypes showed a distinctive pattern of polyphenol accumulation already in green receptacle and achenes. Global analysis of the transcriptomes revealed that the ripening process in the white-fruited varieties is already affected at an early developmental stage. Key polyphenol genes showed considerably lower transcript levels in the receptacle and achenes of both white genotypes, compared to the red genotype. The expression of theanthocyanidin glucosyltransferasegene and a glutathione S-transferase, putatively involved in the vacuolar transport of the anthocyanins, seemed to be critical for anthocyanin formation. A bHLH transcription factor is among the differentially expressed genes as well. Furthermore, genes associated with flavor formation and fruit softening appear to be coordinately regulated and seem to interact with the polyphenol biosynthesis pathway. This study provides new information about polyphenol biosynthesis regulators in strawberry, and reveals genes unknown to affect anthocyanin formation.
Altered resting-state hippocampal functional networks associated with chemotherapy-induced prospective memory impairment in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cheng Huaidong , Li Wen , Gong Liang , Xuan Han , Huang Zhonglian , Zhao Hong , Wang Long Sheng , Wang Kai
Published: March 2017

In this study, we aimed to investigate the intrinsic hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) network and its relationship with prospective memory in patients with breast cancer suffering from chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). Thirty-four breast cancer patients before and after adjuvant chemotherapy (CB and CC, respectively) and 31 age- and education-matched cognitively normal (CN) women were recruited and subjected to a prospective memory task and a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was used to compare the hippocampal FC networks between CC and CN groups. Partial correction analysis was used to examine the association between the hippocampal FC network and prospective memory in the CC group. The cancer group that underwent chemotherapy obtained significantly poorer scores than the CN group on mini-mental state examination, verbal fluency test, digit span, and prospective memory examination. Compared to the CN group, CC group showed increased hippocampal connectivity in the frontal and parietal cortex, precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and the cerebellum. In addition, the increasing hippocampal FC networks were negatively correlated with prospective memory performance in the CC group. These findings suggest maladaptive hippocampal functioning as a mechanism underlying the impairment of prospective memory in patients experiencing CICI.
Miniaturization for ultrathin metamaterial perfect absorber in the VHF band
Authors: Khuyen Bui Xuan , Tung Bui Son , Yoo Young Joon , Kim Young Ju , Kim Ki Won , Chen Liang-Yao , Lam Vu Dinh , Lee YoungPak
Published: March 2017

An efficient resolution for ultrathin metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) is proposed and demonstrated in the VHF radio band (30–300 MHz). By adjusting the lumped capacitors and the through vertical interconnects, the absorber is miniaturized to be only λ/816 and λ/84 for its thickness and periodicity with respect to the operating wavelength (at 102 MHz), respectively. The detailed simulation and calculation show that the MPA can maintain an absorption rate over 90% in a certain range of incident angle and with a wide variation of capacitance. Additionally, we utilized the advantages of the initial single-band structure to realize a nearly perfect dual-band absorber in the same range. The results were confirmed by both simulation and experiment at oblique incidence angles up to 50°. Our work is expected to contribute to the actualization of future metamaterial-based devices working at radio frequency.
Aspirin induces cell death by directly modulating mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)
Authors: Tewari Debanjan , Majumdar Dhriti , Vallabhaneni Sirisha , Bera Amal Kanti
Published: March 2017

Aspirin induces apoptotic cell death in various cancer cell lines. Here we showed that silencing of VDAC1 protected HeLa cells from aspirin-induced cell death. Compared to the wild type cells, VDAC1 knocked down cells showed lesser change of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), upon aspirin treatment. Aspirin augmented ATP and ionomycin-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake which was abolished in VDAC1 knocked down cells. Aspirin dissociated bound hexokinase II (HK-II) from mitochondria. Further, aspirin promoted the closure of recombinant human VDAC1, reconstituted in planar lipid bilayer. Taken together, these results imply that VDAC1 serves as a novel target for aspirin. Modulation of VDAC1 is possibly associated with the cell death and anticancer effects of aspirin.
Dopamine functionalized tannic-acid-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a new sorbent for the efficient removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution
Authors: Gao Junkai , Lei Hao , Han Zhi , Shi Qian , Chen Yan , Jiang Yanjun
Published: March 2017

A simple, environmentally friendly and cost-effective nonsurfactant template method was used to synthesize tannic-acid-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (TMSNs), and then dopamine functionalized TMSNs (Dop-TMSNs) which was synthesized by a facile and biomimetic coating strategy, was developed as a new sorbent for the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution. The Dop-TMSNs were thoroughly characterized by SEM, TEM, BET, FT-IR and TGA, and the effects of contact time, initial pH, K+ and Na+ concentrations, co-existing polyvalent metal ions and adsorption-desorption cycle times on the sorption capacity of Dop-TMSNs were studied. It was demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu2+ by Dop-TMSNs was 58.7 mg/g at pH 5.5, and the sorption reached equilibrium within 180 min. Moreover, the K+ and Na+ concentrations had a very slight influence on the sorption process and the adsorption capacity of the Dop-TMSNs still remained 89.2% after recycling for four times. All the results indicated that the Dop-TMSNs could be utilized as an excellent sorbent for the sequestration of Cu2+.
BCIP: a gene-centered platform for identifying potential regulatory genes in breast cancer
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Hu Shuofeng , Chen Yaowen , Li Zongcheng , Zhang Jian , Yuan Hanyu , Shi Qiang , Shao Ningsheng , Ying Xiaomin
Published: March 2017

Breast cancer is a disease with high heterogeneity. Many issues on tumorigenesis and progression are still elusive. It is critical to identify genes that play important roles in the progression of tumors, especially for tumors with poor prognosis such as basal-like breast cancer and tumors in very young women. To facilitate the identification of potential regulatory or driver genes, we present the Breast Cancer Integrative Platform (BCIP, http://www.omicsnet.org/bcancer/). BCIP maintains multi-omics data selected with strict quality control and processed with uniform normalization methods, including gene expression profiles from 9,005 tumor and 376 normal tissue samples, copy number variation information from 3,035 tumor samples, microRNA-target interactions, co-expressed genes, KEGG pathways, and mammary tissue-specific gene functional networks. This platform provides a user-friendly interface integrating comprehensive and flexible analysis tools on differential gene expression, copy number variation, and survival analysis. The prominent characteristic of BCIP is that users can perform analysis by customizing subgroups with single or combined clinical features, including subtypes, histological grades, pathologic stages, metastasis status, lymph node status, ER/PR/HER2 status, TP53 mutation status, menopause status, age, tumor size, therapy responses, and prognosis. BCIP will help to identify regulatory or driver genes and candidate biomarkers for further research in breast cancer.
Association of aldosterone excess and apnea-hypopnea index in patients with resistant hypertension
Authors: Ke Xiao , Guo Wenyu , Peng Hu , Hu Chengheng , Zhang Henghong , Peng Changnong , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2017

The present study was to investigate the association of aldosterone excess and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with resistant hypertension. Patients with resistant hypertension were enrolled and baseline characteristics including plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and 24 h-urine aldosterone levels were collected and compared between groups with different degrees of AHI as assessed by polysomnography. Association of key variables and AHI was then evaluated by univariate and multiple linear regression analysis. A total of 534 patients with resistant hypertension were enrolled and mean age was 57 ± 11 years. Overall, mean number of AHI was 21.7 ± 9.6 and nearly 92.3% of resistant hypertensive patients had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Mean PAC and 24 h-urine aldosterone level was 12.4 ± 6.3 ng/dL and 13.1 ± 6.8 ug, respectively. Compared with other groups, participants in the severe OSA group (AHI ≥ 30) had significantly higher PAC and 24 h-urine aldosterone level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PAC and 24 h-urine aldosterone levels were positively associated with AHI, while spironolactone was negatively associated with AHI, independent of age, gender, body mass index, smoking, plasma renin activity and diuretics. OSA is highly prevalent in patients with resistant hypertension and both PAC and 24 h-urine aldosterone level are significantly associated with AHI.
Lactate Racemase and Its Niacin-Derived, Covalently-Tethered, Nickel Cofactor
Authors: Desguin Benoît , Soumillion Patrice , Hols Pascal , Hu Jian , Hausinger Robert P.
Published: March 2017

The biological racemization of d- and l-lactic acid was first reported in 1936 and has remained mysterious for eight decades. Recently, considerable advances have been achieved by studying the lactate racemase system in Lactobacillus plantarum. In this species, two operons encompassing a total of nine genes are responsible for this activity, with four genes being strictly required. LarA was shown to be the lactate racemase harboring a nickel ion coordinated by a niacin-derived (SCS) pincer complex. A likely mechanistic hypothesis is that the pincer complex reversibly captures a hydride from lactate, forming the achiral pyruvate intermediate. The three accessory proteins required for lactate racemization catalyze carboxylation, sulfur insertion, and nickel incorporation steps during the synthesis of the lactate racemase cofactor from nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide. LarE, when expressed in the presence of the other two other accessory proteins LarB and LarC, is able to activate the LarA apoprotein in vitro. This suggests the mature cofactor is assembled on LarE before its transfer to the LarA apoprotein. The presence of the lactate racemase accessory proteins in many genomes lacking larA suggests a wider use of the cofactor in the prokaryotic world.
Attraction induced frictionless sliding of rare gas monolayer on metallic surfaces: an efficient strategy for superlubricity
Authors: Sun Junhui , Zhang Yanning , Lu Zhibin , Xue Qunji , Wang Liping
Published: March 2017

Interfacial attraction-induced frictionless sliding of rare gas monolayers on metal substrates.
Flexible MOF–aminoclay nanocomposites showing tunable stepwise/gated sorption for C2H2, CO2 and separation for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4
Authors: Chakraborty Anindita , Roy Syamantak , Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: March 2017

New flexible MOF (F-MOF)–aminoclay (AC) nanocomposites are synthesized and their tunable gas adsorption/separation properties are reported.
Highly flexible, stretchable, wearable, patternable and transparent heaters on complex 3D surfaces formed from supersonically sprayed silver nanowires
Authors: Lee Jong-Gun , Lee Jong-Hyuk , An Seongpil , Kim Do-Yeon , Kim Tae-Gun , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Yarin Alexander L. , Yoon Sam S.
Published: March 2017

A highly transparent, flexible, patternable, and wearable heater by a single-step supersonic kinetic spraying.
Morphology-controlled MnO2 modified silicon diatoms for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Le Qiu Jian , Wang Tian , Tran Diana N. H. , Dong Fan , Zhang Yu Xin , Losic Dusan
Published: March 2017

Successful conversion of diatomites (SiO2) into silicon diatoms was achieved via the magnesiothermic reduction method followed by deposition of MnO2 nanosheets to fabricate unique 3D silicon-diatom@MnO2 electrodes and demonstrate their application for high-performance supercapacitors.
Design and construction of self-hidden and pH-reversed targeting drug delivery nanovehicles via noncovalent interactions to overcome drug resistance
Authors: Zhao Dan , Yi Xiaoqing , Xu Jiaqi , Yuan Gongdao , Zhuo Renxi , Li Feng
Published: March 2017

A convenient one-step method was used to construct self-hidden and pH-reversed targeting drug delivery nanovehicles using the host–guest interaction between β-CD and Ad, and borate formation between PBA and serinol.
A long-lived iridium(iii) chemosensor for the real-time detection of GHB
Authors: Wang Wanhe , Dong Zhen-Zhen , Yang Guanjun , Leung Chung-Hang , Lin Sheng , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: March 2017

In this work, a long-lived iridium(iii) chemosensor 1 has been synthesized for the detection of GHB. The luminescence signal of iridium(iii) complex 1 could also be distinguished from strongly fluorescent media using time-resolved emission spectroscopy.
Improved assessment of accuracy and performance indicators in paper-based ELISA
Authors: Mazzu-Nascimento Thiago , Morbioli Giorgio Gianini , Milan Luis Aparecido , Silva Diego Furtado , Donofrio Fabiana Cristina , Mestriner Carlos Alberto , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: March 2017

Paper-based devices are an excellent match for low-cost point-of-care testing (POCT) tools.
A Ni–Mg–Al layered triple hydroxide-supported Pd catalyst for heterogeneous acceptorless dehydrogenative aromatization
Authors: Jin Xiongjie , Taniguchi Kento , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Nozaki Kyoko , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: March 2017

In the presence of a Ni–Mg–Al layered triple hydroxide-supported Pd catalyst, the acceptorless dehydrogenative aromatization of a wide range of substrates efficiently proceeded with the liberation of molecular hydrogen.
A theoretical simulation of small-molecules sensing on an S-vacancy SnS2 monolayer
Authors: Zhao Rumeng , Wang Tianxing , Zhao Mingyu , Xia Congxin , Zhao Xu , An Yipeng , Dai Xianqi
Published: March 2017

Using first-principle atomistic simulations, we focused on the electronic structures of small gas molecules (CO, H2O, NH3, NO, and NO2) adsorbed on the S-vacancy SnS2 monolayer.
Modulation of the cooperativity in the assembly of multistranded supramolecular polymers
Authors: Campanella Cristiana , Lopez-Fontal Elkin , Milanesi Lilia , Tomas Salvador
Published: March 2017

Interaction with countercations may increase the stability of an anionic double-stranded polymer while decreasing the cooperativity in the assembly.
Catalytic conversion of methanol to aromatics over nano-sized HZSM-5 zeolite modified by ZnSiF6·6H2O
Authors: Jia Yanming , Wang Junwen , Zhang Kan , Liu Shibin , Chen Guoliang , Yang Yufei , Ding Chuanmin , Liu Ping
Published: March 2017

ZnSiF6-modified nano-sized HZSM-5 zeolites (NZ2, NZ3 and NZ4 catalysts) were prepared and investigated as catalysts for the conversion of methanol to aromatics.
Volatile organic compounds concentrations during the construction process in newly-built timber-frame houses: source identification and emission kinetics
Authors: Plaisance H. , Vignau-Laulhere J. , Mocho P. , Sauvat N. , Raulin K. , Desauziers V.
Published: March 2017

The construction process and the materials used predetermine the indoor air quality in newly-built buildings.
Functionalization of biomass carbonaceous aerogels and their application as electrode materials for electro-enhanced recovery of metal ions
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Xiangxue , Wang Hongqing , Wang Suhua , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Wang Xiangke
Published: March 2017

The CAs/MO hybrid electrodes show an outstanding decontamination capacity of 57.13 mg g−1for Cu(ii) at a low applied voltage of 1.2 V, which was nearly 3 times higher than that of 19.28 mg g−1at an open circuit, which highlights the advantages of the CDI process in decontamination technology.
Recent advances in the design of polymeric microneedles for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing
Authors: Wang Min , Hu Lianzhe , Xu Chenjie
Published: March 2017

Polymeric microneedles have attracted extensive attentions due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and nontoxicity compared to solid microneedles made of silicon, metals and ceramics.
Modulating polyolefin properties through the incorporation of nitrogen-containing polar monomers
Authors: Na Yinna , Zhang Dan , Chen Changle
Published: March 2017

In this work, ethylene copolymerization and terpolymerization reactions with some nitrogen-containing monomers were investigated using α-diimine palladium and phosphine-sulfonate palladium catalysts.
Synthesis of largely π-extended naphthalenediimides via C–H activation towards highly soluble and narrow band-gap organic optoelectronic materials
Authors: Wu Wenting , Li Jing , Zhao Zheng , Yang Xiaodi , Gao Xike
Published: March 2017

Largely π-extended naphthalenediimides were synthesized by using efficient palladium catalyzed C–H/C–H homocouplings, with the yields of up to 94%.
Efficient one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones catalyzed by a new heterogeneous catalyst based on Co-functionalized Na+-montmorillonite
Authors: Khorshidi Alireza , Tabatabaeian Khalil , Azizi Hashem , Aghaei-Hashjin Mehraneh , Abbaspour-Gilandeh Esmayeel
Published: March 2017

A facile and efficient solvent-free protocol for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones by using Co@imine-Na+-MMT as a new, environmentally friendly and reusable heterogeneous catalyst is reported.
Preparation and catalytic activity of magnetic bimetallic nickel/copper nanowires
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Deng Yi , Yang Yuanyi , Xu Zhiqiang , Xie Kenan , Liao Li
Published: March 2017

Nowadays, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), one of the most toxic pollutants of waste water, is capturing more attention in the field of sewage disposal.
Combinatorial optimization of the atomic compositions for green-emitting YBO3:Ce3+,Tb3+ and red-emitting YBO3:Ce3+,Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors using a microplate reader
Authors: Yano Kohei , Takeshita Satoru , Iso Yoshiki , Isobe Tetsuhiko
Published: March 2017

Compositions of green-emitting Y1−x−yCexTbyBO3 and red-emitting Y1−x−y−zCexTbyEuzBO3 were optimized by photoluminescence intensity of each microplate-well by using a microplate reader.
A single colorimetric sensor for multiple targets: the sequential detection of Co2+and cyanide and the selective detection of Cu2+in aqueous solution
Authors: Jang Hyo Jung , Jo Tae Geun , Kim Cheal
Published: March 2017

A colorimetric chemosensor was developed for simultaneous detection of Co2+and Cu2+and for sequential recognition of Co2+and CN−.
Fabrication of submillimeter-sized single-crystalline graphene arrays by a commercial printing-assisted CVD method
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Wei , Guo Zhiyong , Liu Zhaoping
Published: March 2017

Submillimeter-sized single-crystalline graphene arrays have been successfully prepared by a commercial printing-assisted chemical vapor deposition method.
Gold nanoparticles-supported histamine-grafted monolithic capillaries as efficient microreactors for flow-through reduction of nitro-containing compounds
Authors: Liu Y. , Guerrouache M. , Kebe S. I. , Carbonnier B. , Le Droumaguet B.
Published: March 2017

Hybrid microreactors consisting in 5, 20, 100 nm-sized gold nanoparticles immobilized on histamine grafted polymeric monoliths were successfully prepared, finely characterized and further applied to the catalytic reduction of nitro-derivatives.
Rational design of a difluorobenzo[c]cinnoline-based low-bandgap copolymer for high-performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Zeng Zhaokui , Zhang Zhiquan , Zhao Bin , Liu Hailu , Sun Xiai , Wang Guo , Zhang Jian , Tan Songting
Published: March 2017

A copolymer PDFBC-DPP with A–A structure based on difluorobenzo[c]-cinnoline is reported and achieved a PCE value of 7.92%.
A high strength, free-standing cathode constructed by regulating graphitization and the pore structure in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers for flexible lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Song Xiong , Wang Suqing , Bao Yue , Liu Guoxue , Sun Wenping , Ding Liang-Xin , Liu Huakun , Wang Haihui
Published: March 2017

A high strength, flexible cathode was designed for Li–S batteries by introducing graphitic carbon and hierarchical pores in carbon nanofibers.
Robust fabrication of μ-patterns with tunable and durable wetting properties: hydrophilic to ultrahydrophobic via a vacuum process
Authors: Jagdheesh R. , Diaz M. , Marimuthu S. , Ocana J. L.
Published: March 2017

Tunable and durable lotus effect on laser-patterned stainless steel via a vacuum process in a very short time interval.
Rechargeable zinc–air batteries: a promising way to green energy
Authors: Gu Peng , Zheng Mingbo , Zhao Qunxing , Xiao Xiao , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: March 2017

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries show great potential in applications such as electric vehicles and wearable devices, especially for the flexible design. And the challenges and functional materials for each component are provided and discussed from air electrode, solid-state electrolyte to zinc anode, with perspectives of research directions.
Nanoscale silicon for subcellular biointerfaces
Authors: Acaron Ledesma Hector , Tian Bozhi
Published: March 2017

Semiconductor nanomaterials are emerging as a class of materials that can push the fundamental limits of current biomedical devices and possibly revolutionize healthcare.
Polymer nanoparticles with high photothermal conversion efficiency as robust photoacoustic and thermal theranostics
Authors: Guo Liang , Liu Weimin , Niu Guangle , Zhang Panpan , Zheng Xiuli , Jia Qingyan , Zhang Hongyan , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: March 2017

Polymer nanoparticles with high photothermal conversion efficiency have been prepared, which serve as an excellent therapeutic agent for PA-imaging-guided PTT.
NMR studies of the interactions between AMB-1 Mms6 protein and magnetosome Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Kun , Zhao Hongxin , Zheng Xinwei , Sun Hongbin , Hu Lin , Zhu Lei , Shen Yang , Luo Tao , Dai Han , Wang Junfeng
Published: March 2017

NMR studies demonstrate that, the C-terminal Mms6 undergo conformation change upon magnetosome Fe3O4 crystals binding. The N-terminal hydrophobic packing arranges the DEEVE motifs into a correct assembly and orientation for magnetite crystal recognition.
A semi-conductive organic–inorganic hybrid emits pure white light with an ultrahigh color rendering index
Authors: Wang Sasa , Li Lina , Sun Zhihua , Ji Chengmin , Liu Sijie , Wu Zhenyue , Zhao Sangen , Zeb Aurang , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua
Published: March 2017

A single-component semiconductor emits pure white light with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.33, 0.33) and an ultrahigh color rendering index of 92.5.
Triblock near-infrared fluorescent polymer semiconductor nanoparticles for targeted imaging
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Huang Yiming , Wang Dongsheng , Pollard Alyssa C. , Chen Zhuo (Georgia) , Egap Eilaf
Published: March 2017

Self-assembled nanoparticles of triblock copolymers incorporating a NIR-emitting fluorophore and folic acid specifically label folate receptor-positive cells.
Magnetostructural correlations in BiFeO3-based multiferroics
Authors: Khomchenko V. A. , Karpinsky D. V. , Paixão J. A.
Published: March 2017

The reasons behind the composition- and magnetic field-driven instability of the cycloidal antiferromagnetic order in the polar phase of bismuth ferrites are analyzed.
Abdominal obesity and gastroesophageal cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Du Xuan , Hidayat Khemayanto , Shi Bi-Min
Published: March 2017

To systematically and quantitatively review the relation of abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR), to total gastroesophageal cancer, gastric cancer (GC), and esophageal cancer. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the association between abdominal obesity and gastroesophageal cancer (GC and/or esophageal cancer) up to August 2016. A random-effect model was used to calculate the summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven prospective cohort studies – one publication included two separate cohorts – from six publications were included in the final analysis. A total of 2130 gastroesophageal cancer cases diagnosed amongst 913182 participants. Higher WC and WHR were significantly associated with increased risk of total gastroesophageal cancer (WC: RR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.04; WHR: RR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.88), GC (WC: RR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.78; WHR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.70), and esophageal cancer (WC: RR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.24; WHR: RR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.75).Findings from our subgroup analyses showed non-significant positive associations between gastric non-cardia adenocarcinoma (GNCA) and both measures of abdominal adiposity, while gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) was positively associated with WC but not with WHR. On analysis restricted to studies that adjusted for body mass index (BMI), WC was positively associated with GC and esophageal cancer, whereas WHR was positively associated with risk of GC only. Although limited, the findings from our meta-analysis suggest the potential role of abdominal obesity in the etiology of gastric and esophageal cancers.
Pretreatment with the ALDH2 agonist Alda-1 reduces intestinal injury induced by ischaemia and reperfusion in mice
Authors: Zhu Qiankun , He Guizhen , Wang Jie , Wang Yukang , Chen Wei
Published: March 2017

Many studies demonstrate that activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) protects against oxidative stress via detoxification of cytotoxic aldehydes, and could attenuate cardiac, cerebral, lung and renal ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, the effect of ALDH2 in intestinal I/R is unknown. The present study was set up to determine whether an ALDH2 agonist, Alda-1, could alleviate intestinal injury after gut I/R. In a mouse model of intestinal I/R injury, histological grading, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis, chemokine contents, ALDH2 activity, 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. The results indicated that I/R treatment conferred elevation in pathological scores, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis and chemokine levels, accompanied by accumulated 4-HNE and MDA. No significant changes in ALDH2 activity were observed after I/R. However, Alda-1 pretreatment significantly decreased these injurious indicators, concomitant with up-regulated ALDH2 activity, and lessened 4-HNE and MDA accumulation. Taken together, our results implicate activation of ALDH2 by Alda-1 in the significant abatement intestinal I/R injury.
Lingual–Alveolar Contact Pressure During Speech in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Searl Jeff , Knollhoff Stephanie , Barohn Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This preliminary study on lingual–alveolar contact pressures (LACP) in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) had several aims: (a) to evaluate whether the protocol induced fatigue, (b) to compare LACP during speech (LACP-Sp) and during maximum isometric pressing (LACP-Max) in people with ALS (PALS) versus healthy controls, (c) to compare the percentage of LACP-Max utilized during speech (%Max) for PALS versus controls, and (d) to evaluate relationships between LACP-Sp and LACP-Max with word intelligibility.

Method

Thirteen PALS and 12 healthy volunteers produced /t, d, s, z, l, n/ sounds while LACP-Sp was recorded. LACP-Max was obtained before and after the speech protocol. Word intelligibility was obtained from auditory–perceptual judgments.

Results

LACP-Max values measured before and after completion of the speech protocol did not differ. LACP-Sp and LACP-Max were statistically lower in the ALS bulbar group compared with controls and PALS with only spinal symptoms. There was no statistical difference between groups for %Max. LACP-Sp and LACP-Max were correlated with word intelligibility.

Conclusions

It was feasible to obtain LACP-Sp measures without inducing fatigue. Reductions in LACP-Sp and LACP-Max for bulbar speakers might reflect tongue weakness. Although confirmation of results is needed, the data indicate that individuals with high word intelligibility maintained LACP-Sp at or above 2 kPa and LACP-Max at or above 50 kPa.
Technique to counter active echo cancellation of self‐protection ISRJ
Authors: Baher Safa Hanbali S. , Kastantin R.
Published: March 2017

In the active echo cancellation (AEC), the jammer can suppress the true target by superimposing on it a false target with the same amplitude and inverted phase. Under certain conditions, the interrupted‐sampling repeater jammer (ISRJ) performs a kind of partial AEC against chirp radars. A novel technique that not only eliminates the effect of a self‐protection ISRJ is proposed, but also the jamming signal power to augment the power of the true target is exploited. The theoretical analysis of this technique is presented and its effectiveness is verified by simulation.
‘Wake-Up Call of A Sleeping Beauty’: Straightforward Synthesis of Functionalized β-(2-Pyridyl) Ketones from 2,6-Lutidine
Authors: Bouchez Laure , Gerbeaux Cyril , Rusch Marion , Patoor Maude , Livendahl Madeleine , Press Neil
Published: March 2017

β-(2-Pyridyl) ketones are a unique class of heterocycles with valuable physicochemical properties and emerging relevance as pharmacophores. Herein we report a one-step process for the preparation of various substituted β-(2-pyridyl) ketones from the common starting material, 2,6-lutidine. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of this building block by synthesizing of a small set of antimalarial natural products.
Delayed Closure of Giant Omphaloceles in West Africa: Report of Five Cases
Authors: El Ezzi Oumama , Bossou Raymond , Reinberg Olivier , Maurer Sabine , Roessingh Anthony
Published: March 2017

Giant omphalocele (GO) management is controversial and not easy. Conservative management at birth and delayed surgical closure is usually mandatory. Postponed surgery may be challenging and carry the risk of intensive care treatment. We report on five children who were treated in our department for GO between 2000 and 2010. Initially, the patients were managed conservatively in West Africa. Delayed closure of the ventral hernia was performed in Switzerland after patient transfer through a nongovernmental organization. Fascial closure was performed at the median age of 23 months. Median diameter of the hernias was 10 × 10 cm ranging from 10 × 8 cm to 24 × 15 cm. Four (80%) patients had associated anomalies. Three children needed mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit after surgery. Median hospitalization was 19 days. Complications were seen in two patients. The follow-up showed no recurrence of ventral hernia. There was no mortality.

This report shows that conservative management of a GO at birth with delayed closure of the ventral hernia after transferring the patients to a European center is a safe approach for West African children and avoids life-threatening procedures. Delayed closure of a GO may be nevertheless challenging everywhere.
Long-term outcomes of palliative colonic stenting versus emergency surgery for acute proximal malignant colonic obstruction: a multicenter trial
Authors: Siddiqui Ali , Cosgrove Natalie , Yan Linda , Brandt Daniel , Janowski Raymond , Kalra Ankush , Zhan Tingting , Baron Todd , Repici Allesandro , Taylor Linda , Adler Douglas.
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims Long-term data are limited regarding clinical outcomes of self-expanding metal stents as an alternative for surgery in the treatment of acute proximal MBO. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of stenting to surgery for palliation in patients with incurable obstructive CRC for lesions proximal to the splenic flexure.

Patients and methods Retrospective multicenter cohort study of obstructing proximal CRC patients with who underwent insertion of a SEMS (n = 69) or surgery (n = 36) from 1999 to 2014. The primary endpoint was relief of obstruction. Secondary endpoints included technical success, duration of hospital stay, early and late adverse events (AEs) and survival.

Results Technical success was achieved in 62/69 (89.8 %) patients in the SEMS group and in 36 /36 (100 %) patients who underwent surgery (P = 0.09). In the SEMS group, 10 patients underwent stenting as a bridge to surgery and 59 underwent stent placement for palliation. Clinical relief was achieved in 78 % of patients with stenting and in 100 % of patients who underwent surgery (P < 0.001). Patients with SEMS had significantly less acute AEs compared to the surgery group (7.2 % vs. 30.5 %, P = 0.003). Hospital mortality for the SEMS group was 0 % compared to 5.6 % in the surgery group (P = 0.11). Patients in the SEMS group had a significantly shorter median hospital stay (4 days) as compared to the surgery group (8 days) (P < 0.01). Maintenance of decompression without the recurrence of bowel obstruction until death or last follow-up was lower in the SEMS group (73.9 %) than the surgery group (97.3 %; P = 0.003). SEMS placement was associated with higher long-term complication rates compared to surgery (21 % and 11 % P = 0.27). Late SEMS AEs included occlusion (10 %), migration (5 %), and colonic ulcer (6 %). At 120 weeks, survival in the SEMS group was 5.6 % vs. 0 % in the surgery group (P = 0.8).

Conclusions Technical and clinical success associated with proximal colonic obstruction are higher with surgery when compared to SEMS, but surgery is associated with longer hospital stays and more early AEs. SEMS should be considered the initial mode of therapy in patients with acute proximal MBO and surgery should be reserved for SEMS failure, as surgery involves a high morbidity and mortality.
Defining and quantifying frustration in the energy landscape: Applications to atomic and molecular clusters, biomolecules, jammed and glassy systems
Authors: de Souza V. K. , Stevenson J. D. , Niblett S. P. , Farrell J. D. , Wales D. J.
Published: March 2017

The emergence of observable properties from the organisation of the underlying potential energy landscape is analysed, spanning a full range of complexity from self-organising to glassy and jammed systems. The examples include atomic and molecular clusters, a β-barrel protein, the GNNQQNY peptide dimer, and models of condensed matter that exhibit structural glass formation and jamming. We have considered measures based on several different properties, namely, the Shannon entropy, an equilibrium thermodynamic measure that uses a sample of local minima, and indices that require additional information about the connections between local minima in the form of transition states. A frustration index is defined that correlates directly with key properties that distinguish relaxation behaviour within this diverse set. The index uses the ratio of the energy barrier to the energy difference with reference to the global minimum. The contributions for each local minimum are weighted by the equilibrium occupation probabilities. Hence we obtain fundamental insight into the connections and distinctions between systems that cover the continuum from efficient structure-seekers to landscapes that exhibit broken ergodicity and rare event dynamics.
Low rank factorization of the Coulomb integrals for periodic coupled cluster theory
Authors: Hummel Felix , Tsatsoulis Theodoros , Grüneis Andreas
Published: March 2017

We study a tensor hypercontraction decomposition of the Coulomb integrals of periodic systems where the integrals are factorized into a contraction of six matrices of which only two are distinct. We find that the Coulomb integrals can be well approximated in this form already with small matrices compared to the number of real space grid points. The cost of computing the matrices scales as O(N4) using a regularized form of the alternating least squares algorithm. The studied factorization of the Coulomb integrals can be exploited to reduce the scaling of the computational cost of expensive tensor contractions appearing in the amplitude equations of coupled cluster methods with respect to system size. We apply the developed methodologies to calculate the adsorption energy of a single water molecule on a hexagonal boron nitride monolayer in a plane wave basis set and periodic boundary conditions.
Blow-up of solutions to quantum hydrodynamic models in half space
Authors: Guo Boling , Wang Guangwu
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we prove that any smooth solutions of quantum hydrodynamic model which satisfies suitable conditions will blow up in finite time in half space. This model can be considered as the compressible Euler equation with quantum potential. The main ideal is based on the construction of energy inequality.
Research Update: Fast and tunable nanoionics in vertically aligned
nanostructured films
Authors: Lee Shinbuhm , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L.
Published: March 2017

This review provides the design principles to develop new nanoionic applications using vertically aligned nanostructured (VAN) thin films, incorporating two phases which self-assemble in one film. Tunable nanoionics has attracted great attention for energy and device applications, such as ion batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, catalysts, memories, and neuromorphic devices. Among many proposed device architectures, VAN films have strong potential for nanoionic applications since they show enhanced ionic conductivity and tunability. Here, we will review the recent progress on state-of-the-art nanoionic applications, which have been realized by using VAN films. In many VAN systems made by the inclusion of an oxygen ionic insulator, it is found that ions flow through the vertical heterointerfaces. The observation is consistent with structural incompatibility at the vertical heteroepitaxial interfaces resulting in oxygen deficiency in one of the phases and hence to oxygen ion conducting pathways. In other VAN systems where one of the phases is an ionic conductor, ions flow much faster within the ionic conducting phase than within the corresponding plain film. The improved ionic conduction coincides with much improved crystallinity in the ionically conducting nanocolumnar phase, induced by use of the VAN structure. Furthermore, for both cases Joule heating effects induced by localized ionic current flow also play a role for enhanced ionic conductivity. Nanocolumn stoichiometry and strain are other important parameters for tuning ionic conductivity in VAN films. Finally, double-layered VAN film architectures are discussed from the perspective of stabilizing VAN structures which would be less stable and hence less perfect when grown on standard substrates.
Sensing with toroidal metamaterial
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Manjappa Manukumara , Singh Ranjan
Published: March 2017

Localized electromagnetic excitation in the form of toroidal dipoles has recently been observed in metamaterial systems. The origin of the toroidal dipole lies in the currents flowing on the surface of a torus. Thus, the exotic toroidal excitations play an important role in determining the optical properties of a system. Toroidal dipoles also contribute towards enabling high quality factor subwavelength resonances in metamaterial systems which could be an excellent platform for probing the light matter interaction. Here, we demonstrate sensing with toroidal resonance in a two-dimensional terahertz metamaterial in which a pair of mirrored asymmetric Fano resonators possesses anti-aligned magnetic moments at an electromagnetic resonance that gives rise to a toroidal dipole. Our proof of concept demonstration opens up an avenue to explore the interaction of matter with toroidal multipoles that could have strong applications in the sensing of dielectrics and biomolecules.