bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic degradation of Aniline from aqueous solutions under sunlight illumination using immobilized Cr:ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Pirsaheb Meghdad , Shahmoradi Behzad , Beikmohammadi Masumeh , Azizi Esmaeel , Hossini Hooshyar , Md Ashraf Ghulam 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe present study aimed at synthesizing chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cr:ZnO NPs) under mild hydrothermal conditions (temperature ~100 °C, p = autogenous and time ~12 hr). Chromium oxide and n-butylamine were used as dopant and surface modifier, respectively. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined through conducting specialized experiments including powder XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Then, the Cr:ZnO NPs were immobilized on a sandblasted glass through thermal method. The photocatalytic degradation of aniline was conducted in a continuous reactor with a volume of 1.5 liters. Before and after photocatalytic degradation, the immobilized Cr:ZnO NPs were characterized for SEM and EDX to determine the degree of stability of immobilized nanoparticles as well as the influence of the current applied on them. The photodegradation operational parameters investigated were aniline initial concentration (150, 200, and 250 mg/L), pH (5, 7, 6, and 12), and reaction time (2, 4, and 6 hours) under sunlight illumination. The characterization results indicated high purity of the Cr:ZnO NPs and no change in morphology or composition even after the immobilization and photo-oxidation process. Finally, it was found that the optimum conditions for 93% removal of aniline under sunlight illumination was about 6 hours retention time at pH 9.
Interpenetration of polymeric microgels at ultrahigh densities
Authors: Mohanty Priti S. , Nöjd Sofi , van Gruijthuijsen Kitty , Crassous Jérôme J. , Obiols-Rabasa Marc , Schweins Ralf , Stradner Anna , Schurtenberger Peter 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSoft particles such as polymeric microgels can form ultra-dense phases, where the average center-to-center distance as can be smaller than the initial unperturbed particle diameter σ0, due to their ability to interpenetrate and compress. However, despite of the effort devoted to microgels at ultrahigh densities, we know surprisingly little about their response to their environment at effective volume fractions ϕ
eff
above close packing (ϕ
cp
), and the existing information is often contradictory. Here we report direct measurements of the size and shape of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels at concentrations below and above ϕ
cp
using the zero average contrast method in small-angle neutron scattering. We complement these experiments with measurements of the average interparticle distances using small-angle x-ray scattering, and a determination of the glass transition using dynamic light scattering. This allows us to unambiguously decouple interaction effects from density-dependent variations of the particle size and shape at all values of ϕ
eff
. We demonstrate that the microgels used in this study significantly interpenetrate and thus change their size and shape only marginally even for ϕ
eff
≫ ϕ
cp
, a finding that may require changes in the interpretation of a number of previously published studies on the structural and dynamic properties of dense soft particle systems.
Fluorocarbon Thin Films Fabricated using Carbon Nanotube/Polytetrafluoroethylene Composite Polymer Targets via Mid-Frequency Sputtering
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Kim Cheol Hwan , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Tae Gon , Cho Seong Keun , Yang Yong Suk , Lee Jae Heung , Lee Sang-Jin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCarbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite polymer targets are proposed for use in the fabrication of fluorocarbon thin films using the mid-frequency sputtering process. Fluorocarbon thin films deposited using carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite targets exhibit an amorphous phase with a smooth surface and show a high water contact angle, optical transmittance, and surface hardness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies reveal that as the carbon nanotube concentration increased in the composite target, a carbon cross-linked structure was formed, which enhanced the film hardness and the modulus of the fluorocarbon thin film. Large-area fluorocarbon thin films with a substrate width of 700 mm were successfully fabricated by a pilot-scale roll-to-roll sputtering system using a carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite target.
Efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation through a tunable potential barrier: The case of a C2N membrane
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Li Feng , Zhao Mingwen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIsotopes separation through quantum sieving effect of membranes is quite promising for industrial applications. For the light hydrogen isotopologues (eg. H2, D2), the confinement of potential wells in porous membranes to isotopologues was commonly regarded to be crucial for highly efficient separation ability. Here, we demonstrate from first-principles that a potential barrier is also favorable for efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation. Taking an already-synthesized two-dimensional carbon nitride (C2N-h2D) as an example, we predict that the competition between quantum tunneling and zero-point-energy (ZPE) effects regulated by the tensile strain leads to high selectivity and permeance. Both kinetic quantum sieving and equilibrium quantum sieving effects are considered. The quantum effects revealed in this work offer a prospective strategy for highly efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation.
Role of differentially expressed microRNA-139-5p in the regulation of phenotypic internal anal sphincter smooth muscle tone
Authors: Singh Jagmohan , Mohanty Ipsita , Addya Sankar , Phillips Benjamin , Mee Yong Hwan , An Steven S. , Penn Raymond B. , Rattan Satish 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe present study focused on the role of microRNA-139-5p (miRNA-139-5p) in the regulation of basal tone in internal anal sphincter (IAS). Applying genome-wide miRNA microarrays on the phenotypically distinct smooth muscle cells (SMCs) within the rat anorectrum, we identified miRNA-139-5p as differentially expressed RNA repressor with highest expression in the purely phasic smooth muscle of anococcygeus (ASM) vs. the truly tonic smooth muscle of IAS. This pattern of miRNA-139-5p expression, previously shown to target ROCK2, was validated by target prediction using ingenuity pathway (IPA) and by qPCR analyses. Immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry (ICC), and functional assays using IAS tissues and cells subjected to overexpression/knockdown of miRNA-139-5p confirmed the inverse relationship between miRNA-139-5p and ROCK2 expressions/IAS tone. Overexpression of miRNA-139-5p caused a decrease, while knockdown by anti-miRNA-139-5p caused an increase in the IAS tone; these tissue contractile responses were confirmed by single-cell contraction using magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC). These findings suggest miRNA-139-5p is capable of significantly influencing the phenotypic tonicity in smooth muscle via ROCK2: a lack of tone in ASM may be associated with the suppression of ROCK2 by high expression of miRNA-139-5p, whereas basal IAS tone may be associated with the persistence of ROCK2 due to low expression of miRNA-139-5p.
Involvement of the MEK-ERK/p38-CREB/c-fos signaling pathway in Kir channel inhibition-induced rat retinal Müller cell gliosis
Authors: Gao Feng , Li Fang , Miao Yanying , Xu Lin-Jie , Zhao Yuan , Li Qian , Zhang Sheng-Hai , Wu Jihong , Sun Xing-Huai , Wang Zhongfeng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOur previous studies have demonstrated that activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors downregulated Kir channels in chronic ocular hypertension (COH) rats, thus contributing to Müller cell gliosis, characterized by upregulated expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In the present study, we explored possible signaling pathways linking Kir channel inhibition and GFAP upregulation. In normal retinas, intravitreal injection of BaCl2 significantly increased GFAP expression in Müller cells, which was eliminated by co-injecting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126. The protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and its upstream regulator, p-MEK, were significantly increased, while the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and p38 kinase (p-p38) remained unchanged. Furthermore, the protein levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB) and c-fos were also increased, which were blocked by co-injecting ERK inhibitor FR180204. In purified cultured rat Müller cells, BaCl2 treatment induced similar changes in these protein levels apart from p-p38 levels and the p-p38:p38 ratio showing significant upregulation. Moreover, intravitreal injection of U0126 eliminated the upregulated GFAP expression in COH retinas. Together, these results suggest that Kir channel inhibition-induced Müller cell gliosis is mediated by the MEK-ERK/p38-CREB/c-fos signaling pathway.
Deciphering pyritization-kerogenization gradient for fish soft-tissue preservation
Authors: Osés Gabriel L. , Petri Setembrino , Voltani Cibele G. , Prado Gustavo M. E. M. , Galante Douglas , Rizzutto Marcia A. , Rudnitzki Isaac D. , da Silva Evandro P. , Rodrigues Fabio , Rangel Elidiane C. , Sucerquia Paula A. , Pacheco M. L. A. F. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSoft-tissue preservation provides palaeobiological information that is otherwise lost during fossilization. In Brazil, the Early Cretaceous Santana Formation contains fish with integument, muscles, connective tissues, and eyes that are still preserved. Our study revealed that soft-tissues were pyritized or kerogenized in different microfacies, which yielded distinct preservation fidelities. Indeed, new data provided the first record of pyritized vertebrate muscles and eyes. We propose that the different taphonomic pathways were controlled by distinct sedimentation rates in two different microfacies. Through this process, carcasses deposited in each of these microfacies underwent different residence times in sulphate-reduction and methanogenesis zones, thus yielding pyritized or kerogenized soft-tissues, and a similar process has previously been suggested in studies of a late Ediacaran lagerstätte.
Coaxial 3D bioprinting of self-assembled multicellular heterogeneous tumor fibers
Authors: Dai Xingliang , Liu Libiao , Ouyang Jia , Li Xinda , Zhang Xinzhi , Lan Qing , Xu Tao 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of living structures with cell-laden biomaterials has been achieved in vitro, however, some cell-cell interactions are limited by the existing hydrogel. To better mimic tumor microenvironment, self-assembled multicellular heterogeneous brain tumor fibers have been fabricated by a custom-made coaxial extrusion 3D bioprinting system, with high viability, proliferative activity and efficient tumor-stromal interactions. Therein, in order to further verify the sufficient interactions between tumor cells and stroma MSCs, CRE-LOXP switch gene system which contained GSCs transfected with “LOXP-STOP-LOXP-RFP” genes and MSCs transfected with “CRE recombinase” gene was used. Results showed that tumor-stroma cells interacted with each other and fused, the transcription of RFP was higher than that of 2D culture model and control group with cells mixed directly into alginate, respectively. RFP expression was observed only in the cell fibers but not in the control group under confocal microscope. In conclusion, coaxial 3D bioprinted multicellular self-assembled heterogeneous tumor tissue-like fibers provided preferable 3D models for studying tumor microenvironment in vitro, especially for tumor-stromal interactions.
DNA methylation and Transcriptome Changes Associated with Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lund Riikka J. , Huhtinen Kaisa , Salmi Jussi , Rantala Juha , Nguyen Elizabeth V. , Moulder Robert , Goodlett David R. , Lahesmaa Riitta , Carpén Olli 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHigh-grade serous ovarian cancer is the most common ovarian cancer type. Although the combination of surgery and platinum-taxane chemotherapy provide an effective treatment, drug resistance frequently occurs leading to poor outcome. In order to clarify the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, the DNA methylation and transcriptomic changes, associated with the development of drug resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, were examined from patient derived malignant ascites cells. In parallel with large-scale transcriptome changes, cisplatin resistance was associated with loss of hypermethylation at several CpG sites primarily localized in the intergenic regions of the genome. The transcriptome and CpG methylome changes in response to cisplatin treatment of both sensitive and resistant cells were minimal, indicating the importance of post-translational mechanisms in regulating death or survival of the cells. The response of resistant cells to high concentrations of cisplatin revealed transcriptomic changes in potential key drivers of drug resistance, such as KLF4. Among the strongest changes was also induction of IL6 in resistant cells and the expression was further increased in response to cisplatin. Also, several other components of IL6 signaling were affected, further supporting previous observations on its importance in malignant transformation and development of drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
Antagonistic evolution of an antibiotic and its molecular chaperone: how to maintain a vital ectosymbiosis in a highly fluctuating habitat
Authors: Papot Claire , Massol François , Jollivet Didier , Tasiemski Aurélie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEvolution of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been shown to be driven by recurrent duplications and balancing/positive selection in response to new or altered bacterial pathogens. We use Alvinella pompejana, the most eurythermal animal known on Earth, to decipher the selection patterns acting on AMP in an ecological rather than controlled infection approach. The preproalvinellacin multigenic family presents the uniqueness to encode a molecular chaperone (BRICHOS) together with an AMP (alvinellacin) that controls the vital ectosymbiosis of Alvinella. In stark contrast to what is observed in the context of the Red queen paradigm, we demonstrate that exhibiting a vital and highly conserved ecto-symbiosis in the face of thermal fluctuations has led to a peculiar selective trend promoting the adaptive diversification of the molecular chaperone of the AMP, but not of the AMP itself. Because BRICHOS stabilizes beta-stranded peptides, this polymorphism likely represents an eurythermal adaptation to stabilize the structure of alvinellacin, thus hinting at its efficiency to select and control the epibiosis across the range of temperatures experienced by the worm; Our results fill some knowledge gaps concerning the function of BRICHOS in invertebrates and offer perspectives for studying immune genes in an evolutionary ecological framework.
Rational modular design of metabolic network for efficient production of plant polyphenol pinosylvin
Authors: Wu Junjun , Zhang Xia , Zhu Yingjie , Tan Qinyu , He Jiacheng , Dong Mingsheng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEfficient biosynthesis of the plant polyphenol pinosylvin, which has numerous applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, is necessary to make biological production economically viable. To this end, an efficient Escherichia coli platform for pinosylvin production was developed via a rational modular design approach. Initially, different candidate pathway enzymes were screened to construct de novo pinosylvin pathway directly from D-glucose. A comparative analysis of pathway intermediate pools identified that this initial construct led to the intermediate cinnamic acid accumulation. The pinosylvin synthetic pathway was then divided into two new modules separated at cinnamic acid. Combinatorial optimization of transcriptional and translational levels of these two modules resulted in a 16-fold increase in pinosylvin titer. To further improve the concentration of the limiting precursor malonyl-CoA, the malonyl-CoA synthesis module based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference was assembled and optimized with other two modules. The final pinosylvin titer was improved to 281 mg/L, which was the highest pinosylvin titer even directly from D-glucose without any additional precursor supplementation. The rational modular design approach described here could bolster our capabilities in synthetic biology for value-added chemical production.
Little Cigars are More Toxic than Cigarettes and Uniquely Change the Airway Gene and Protein Expression
Authors: Ghosh Arunava , Abdelwahab Sabri H. , Reeber Steven L. , Reidel Boris , Marklew Abigail J. , Garrison Andrew J. , Lee Shernita , Dang Hong , Herring Amy H. , Glish Gary L. , Kesimer Mehmet , Tarran Robert 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLittle cigars (LCs) are regulated differently than cigarettes, allowing them to be potentially targeted at youth/young adults. We exposed human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs) to air or whole tobacco smoke from cigarettes vs. LCs. Chronic smoke exposure increased the number of dead cells, lactate dehydrogenase release, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion and decreased apical cilia, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein levels, and transepithelial resistance. These adverse effects were significantly greater in LC-exposed HBECs than cigarette exposed cultures. LC-exposure also elicited unique gene expression changes and altered the proteomic profiles of airway apical secretions compared to cigarette-exposed HBECs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that LCs produced more chemicals than cigarettes, suggesting that the increased chemical load of LCs may be the cause of the greater toxicity. This is the first study of the biological effects of LCs on pulmonary epithelia and our observations strongly suggest that LCs pose a more severe danger to human health than cigarettes.
Five low energy phosphorene allotropes constructed through gene segments recombination
Authors: He Chaoyu , Zhang ChunXiao , Tang Chao , Ouyang Tao , Li Jin , Zhong Jianxin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBased on the crystal structures of the previously proposed low energy η-P and θ-P, five new phosphorene allotropes were predicted through gene segments recombination method. These five new phosphorene allotropes are confirmed dynamically stable and energetically more favorable than their parents (η-P and θ-P). Especially, the XX-XX type G1-P is confirmed energetically more favorable than most of all the previously proposed phosphorene allotropes, including black phosphorene and blue phosphorene, which is highly expected to be synthesized in future experiment through vapor deposition or epitaxial growth method like blue β-P. The calculated results also show that such a new promising phosphorene allotrope G1-P is a potential candidate for application in nano-electronics according to its middle band gap of about 1.491 eV from DFT-HSE06 calculation.
In situ polymerisation of isoeugenol as a green consolidation method for waterlogged archaeological wood
Authors: McHale Emily , Steindal Calin C. , Kutzke Hartmut , Benneche Tore , Harding Stephen E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWaterlogged archaeological wood is often in need of consolidation prior to drying to prevent shrinkage and cracking of the object. There is a need for new greener materials (than for example polyethylene glycol) and methods for consolidation to be developed. The use of wood-based components could provide good interaction between the consolidant and the remaining wood structure and would also support a shift away from fossil fuel-based materials to those with more sustainable sources. Based on this, lignin-like structures have been investigated for their ability to consolidate waterlogged archaeological wood. The in situ formation of a lignin-like material has been carried out using isoeugenol polymerised by horse radish peroxidase in aqueous solution. The formation of the oligomeric/polymeric materials within the wood following this reaction has been determined by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra Red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The oligomers remaining in solution have been characterised by ATR-FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as well as analytical ultracentrifugation, showing that they have a weight average Mw of 0.4–0.9 kDa and a lignin-like structure rich in the β-5′ moiety. Therefore, this approach is proposed as a basis to further develop a green consolidation method for waterlogged archaeological wood.
Wireless Power Transfer to Millimeter-Sized Gastrointestinal Electronics Validated in a Swine Model
Authors: Abid Abubakar , O’Brien Jonathan M. , Bensel Taylor , Cleveland Cody , Booth Lucas , Smith Brian R. , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni 
Published: April 2017

AbstractElectronic devices placed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for prolonged periods have the potential to transform clinical evaluation and treatment. One challenge to the deployment of such gastroresident electronics is the difficulty in powering millimeter-sized electronics devices without using batteries, which compromise biocompatibility and long-term residence. We examined the feasibility of leveraging mid-field wireless powering to transfer power from outside of the body to electronics at various locations along the GI tract. Using simulations and ex vivo measurements, we designed mid-field antennas capable of operating efficiently in tissue at 1.2 GHz. These antennas were then characterized in vivo in five anesthetized pigs, by placing one antenna outside the body, and the other antenna inside the body endoscopically, at the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Across the animals tested, mean transmission efficiencies of −41.2, −36.1, and −34.6 dB were achieved in vivo while coupling power from outside the body to the esophagus, stomach, and colon, respectively. This corresponds to power levels of 37.5 μW, 123 μW and 173 μW received by antennas in the respective locations, while keeping radiation exposure levels below safety thresholds. These power levels are sufficient to wirelessly power a range of medical devices from outside of the body.
Constraining the instantaneous aerosol influence on cloud albedo
Authors: Gryspeerdt Edward , Quaas Johannes , Ferrachat Sylvaine , Gettelman Andrew , Ghan Steven , Lohmann Ulrike , Morrison Hugh , Neubauer David , Partridge Daniel G. , Stier Philip , Takemura Toshihiko , Wang Hailong , Wang Minghuai , Zhang Kai 
Published: April 2017

Significance
Uncertainties in the strength of aerosol–cloud interactions drive the current uncertainty in the anthropogenic forcing of the climate. Previous studies have highlighted shortcomings in using satellite data for determining the forcing, which underestimate the strength of the aerosol forcing. This work demonstrates that the component of the radiative forcing from aerosol–cloud interactions due to the instantaneous effect on cloud reflectivity (RFaci) can be calculated to within 20%, using only present-day observations of the variability of aerosol and cloud properties, provided the anthropogenic component of the aerosol is known. The model results are combined with satellite data to provide an improved observations-based estimate of the RFaci, paving the way for more accurate estimates of the aerosol influence on climate.
Normative realism and ontology: reply to Clarke-Doane, Rosen, and Enoch and McPherson
Authors: Scanlon T. M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn response to comments on my book,Being Realistic about Reasons, by Justin Clarke-Doane, David Enoch and Tristram McPherson, and Gideon Rosen, I try to clarify my domain-based view of ontology, my understanding of the epistemology of normative judgments, and my interpretation of the phenomenon of supervenience.