bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A highly active and stable hydrogen evolution catalyst based on pyrite-structured cobalt phosphosulfide
Authors: Liu Wen , Hu Enyuan , Jiang Hong , Xiang Yingjie , Weng Zhe , Li Min , Fan Qi , Yu Xiqian , Altman Eric I. , Wang Hailiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRational design and controlled synthesis of hybrid structures comprising multiple components with distinctive functionalities are an intriguing and challenging approach to materials development for important energy applications like electrocatalytic hydrogen production, where there is a great need for cost effective, active and durable catalyst materials to replace the precious platinum. Here we report a structure design and sequential synthesis of a highly active and stable hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst material based on pyrite-structured cobalt phosphosulfide nanoparticles grown on carbon nanotubes. The three synthetic steps in turn render electrical conductivity, catalytic activity and stability to the material. The hybrid material exhibits superior activity for hydrogen evolution, achieving current densities of 10 mA cm−2and 100 mA cm−2at overpotentials of 48 mV and 109 mV, respectively. Phosphorus substitution is crucial for the chemical stability and catalytic durability of the material, the molecular origins of which are uncovered by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and computational simulation.
Manipulating the interfacial structure of nanomaterials to achieve a unique combination of strength and ductility
Authors: Khalajhedayati Amirhossein , Pan Zhiliang , Rupert Timothy J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe control of interfaces in engineered nanostructured materials has met limited success compared with that which has evolved in natural materials, where hierarchical structures with distinct interfacial states are often found. Such interface control could mitigate common limitations of engineering nanomaterials. For example, nanostructured metals exhibit extremely high strength, but this benefit comes at the expense of other important properties like ductility. Here, we report a technique for combining nanostructuring with recent advances capable of tuning interface structure, a complementary materials design strategy that allows for unprecedented property combinations. Copper-based alloys with both grain sizes in the nanometre range and distinct grain boundary structural features are created, using segregating dopants and a processing route that favours the formation of amorphous intergranular films. The mechanical behaviour of these alloys shows that the trade-off between strength and ductility typically observed for metallic materials is successfully avoided here.
Design principles for rapid folding of knotted DNA nanostructures
Authors: Kočar Vid , Schreck John S. , Čeru Slavko , Gradišar Helena , Bašić Nino , Pisanski Tomaž , Doye Jonathan P. K. , Jerala Roman 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKnots are some of the most remarkable topological features in nature. Self-assembly of knotted polymers without breaking or forming covalent bonds is challenging, as the chain needs to be threaded through previously formed loops in an exactly defined order. Here we describe principles to guide the folding of highly knotted single-chain DNA nanostructures as demonstrated on a nano-sized square pyramid. Folding of knots is encoded by the arrangement of modules of different stability based on derived topological and kinetic rules. Among DNA designs composed of the same modules and encoding the same topology, only the one with the folding pathway designed according to the ‘free-end’ rule folds efficiently into the target structure. Besides high folding yield on slow annealing, this design also folds rapidly on temperature quenching and dilution from chemical denaturant. This strategy could be used to design folding of other knotted programmable polymers such as RNA or proteins.
ALDH1A1 provides a source of meiosis-inducing retinoic acid in mouse fetal ovaries
Authors: Bowles Josephine , Feng Chun-Wei , Miles Kim , Ineson Jessica , Spiller Cassy , Koopman Peter 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSubstantial evidence exists that during fetal ovarian development in mammals, retinoic acid (RA) induces germ cells to express the pre-meiotic marker Stra8 and enter meiosis, and that these effects are prevented in the fetal testis by the RA-degrading P450 enzyme CYP26B1. Nonetheless, the role of RA has been disputed principally because germ cells in embryos lacking two major RA-synthesizing enzymes, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, remain able to enter meiosis. Here we show that a third RA-synthesizing enzyme, ALDH1A1, is expressed in fetal ovaries, providing a likely source of RA in the absence of ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3. In ovaries lacking ALDH1A1, the onset of germ cell meiosis is delayed. Our data resolve the conundrum posed by conflicting published data sets and reconfirm the model that meiosis is triggered by endogenous RA in the developing ovary.
cGMP Signalling Mediates Water Sensation (Hydrosensation) and Hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Wei , Qin Li-Wei , Wu Tai-Hong , Ge Chang-Li , Wu Ya-Qian , Zhang Qiang , Song Yan-Xue , Chen Yuan-Hua , Ge Ming-Hai , Wu Jing-Jing , Liu Hui , Xu Yao , Su Chun-Ming , Li Lan-Lan , Tang Jing , Li Zhao-Yu , Wu Zheng-Xing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAnimals have developed the ability to sense the water content in their habitats, including hygrosensation (sensing humidity in the air) and hydrosensation (sensing the water content in other microenvironments) and they display preferences for specific water contents that influence their mating, reproduction and geographic distribution. We developed and employed four quantitative behavioural test paradigms to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying sensing the water content in an agar substrate (hydrosensation) and hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans. By combining a reverse genetic screen with genetic manipulation, optogenetic neuronal manipulation and in vivo Ca2+ imaging, we demonstrate that adult worms avoid the wetter areas of agar plates and hypo-osmotic water droplets. We found that the cGMP signalling pathway in ciliated sensory neurons is involved in hydrosensation and hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Characters related to higher starch accumulation in cassava storage roots
Authors: Li You-Zhi , Zhao Jian-Yu , Wu San-Min , Fan Xian-Wei , Luo Xing-Lu , Chen Bao-Shan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCassava (Manihot esculenta) is valued mainly for high content starch in its roots. Our understanding of mechanisms promoting high starch accumulation in the roots is, however, still very limited. Two field-grown cassava cultivars, Huanan 124(H124) with low root starch and Fuxuan 01(F01) with high root starch, were characterised comparatively at four main growth stages. Changes in key sugars in the leaves, stems and roots seemed not to be strongly associated with the final amount of starch accumulated in the roots. However, when compared with H124, F01 exhibited a more compact arrangement of xylem vascular bundles in the leaf axils, much less callose around the phloem sieve plates in the stems, higher starch synthesis-related enzymatic activity but lower amylase activity in the roots, more significantly up-regulated expression of related genes and a much higher stem flow rate (SFR). In conclusion, higher starch accumulation in the roots results from the concurrent effects of powerful stem transport capacity highlighted by higher SFR, high starch synthesis but low starch degradation in the roots and high expression of sugar transporter genes in the stems. A model of high starch accumulation in cassava roots was therefore proposed and discussed.
Rapamycin attenuates acute lung injury induced by LPS through inhibition of Th17 cell proliferation in mice
Authors: Yan Zhao , Xiaoyu Zhang , Zhixin Song , Di Qi , Xinyu Deng , Jing Xia , Jing He , Wang Deng , Xi Zhong , Chunrong Zhang , Daoxin Wang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTh17 cells have been confirmed to increase neutrophils through cytokine secretions. ALI/ARDS are characterized as neutrophil infiltration in inflammation cases; however, there is conflicting information concerning the role of Th17 cells in ALI/ARDS, as well as their potential treatment value. We measured Th17-linear cytokines in the plasma of patients with sepsis-related ARDS. The consistently high levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in the nonsurvivors suggested that overreaction of the Th17-mediated immune response may be a risk factor for poor outcomes. Th17 linear cytokines were also increased in an LPS-induced murine model of acute lung injury, along with neutrophil accumulation. The mice that completely lacked IL-17 failed to accumulate and activate neutrophils. Lung inflammation was obviously attenuated in the IL-17−/− mice. Meanwhile, the neutrophil count was markedly increased in the healthy WT mice challenged with recombinant IL-22 and IL-17. Rapamycin attenuated lung injury by inhibiting the differentiation of Th17 cells through RORγt and STAT3 dysfunction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SOCS3 and Gfi1, which were responsible for the molecular suppression of RORγt and STAT3, were up-regulated by rapamycin. These results point toward a pivotal view to treatment of ALI through weakening the proliferation of Th17 cells with rapamycin.
Structure and biological function of ENPP6, a choline-specific glycerophosphodiester-phosphodiesterase
Authors: Morita Junko , Kano Kuniyuki , Kato Kazuki , Takita Hiroyuki , Sakagami Hideki , Yamamoto Yasuo , Mihara Emiko , Ueda Hirofumi , Sato Takanao , Tokuyama Hidetoshi , Arai Hiroyuki , Asou Hiroaki , Takagi Junichi , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Nureki Osamu , Aoki Junken 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCholine is an essential nutrient for all living cells and is produced extracellularly by sequential degradation of phosphatidylcholine (PC). However, little is known about how choline is produced extracellularly. Here, we report that ENPP6, a choline-specific phosphodiesterase, hydrolyzes glycerophosphocholine (GPC), a degradation product of PC, as a physiological substrate and participates in choline metabolism. ENPP6 is highly expressed in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and developing oligodendrocytes, which actively incorporate choline and synthesize PC. ENPP6-deficient mice exhibited fatty liver and hypomyelination, well known choline-deficient phenotypes. The choline moiety of GPC was incorporated into PC in an ENPP6-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. The crystal structure of ENPP6 in complex with phosphocholine revealed that the choline moiety of the phosphocholine is recognized by a choline-binding pocket formed by conserved aromatic and acidic residues. The present study provides the molecular basis for ENPP6-mediated choline metabolism at atomic, cellular and tissue levels.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss is Delayed Following Optic Nerve Crush in NLRP3 Knockout Mice
Authors: Puyang Zhen , Feng Liang , Chen Hui , Liang Peiji , Troy John B. , Liu Xiaorong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe NLRP3 inflammasome, a sensor for a variety of pathogen- and host-derived threats, consists of the adaptor ASC (Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase Activation and Recruitment Domain (CARD)), pro-caspase-1 and NLRP3 (NOD-Like Receptor family Pyrin domain containing 3). NLRP3-induced neuroinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of eye diseases, but it remains unclear whether activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Here we examined NLRP3-induced neuroinflammation and RGC survival following partial optic nerve crush (pONC) injury. We showed that NLRP3 was up-regulated in retinal microglial cells following pONC, propagating from the injury site to the optic nerve head and finally the entire retina within one day. Activation of NLRP3-ASC inflammasome led to the up-regulation of caspase-1 and a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In NLRP3 knockout mice, up-regulation of ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β were all reduced, and, importantly, RGC and axon loss was substantially delayed following pONC injury. The average survival time of RGCs in NLRP3 knockout mice was about one week longer than for control animals. Taken together, our study demonstrated that ablating the NLRP3 gene significantly reduced neuroinflammation and delayed RGC loss after optic nerve crush injury.
Synthesis and transistor application of the extremely extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene
Authors: Shimo Yuma , Mikami Takahiro , Hamao Shino , Goto Hidenori , Okamoto Hideki , Eguchi Ritsuko , Gohda Shin , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Kubozono Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMany chemists have attempted syntheses of extended π-electron network molecules because of the widespread interest in the chemistry, physics and materials science of such molecules and their potential applications. In particular, extended phenacene molecules, consisting of coplanar fused benzene rings in a repeating W-shaped pattern have attracted much attention because field-effect transistors (FETs) using phenacene molecules show promisingly high performance. Until now, the most extended phenacene molecule available for transistors was [8]phenacene, with eight benzene rings, which showed very high FET performance. Here, we report the synthesis of a more extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene, with nine benzene rings. Our synthesis produced enough [9]phenacene to allow the characterization of its crystal and electronic structures, as well as the fabrication of FETs using thin-film and single-crystal [9]phenacene. The latter showed a field-effect mobility as high as 18 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest mobility realized so far in organic single-crystal FETs.
Transmission comb of a distributed Bragg reflector with two surface dielectric gratings
Authors: Zhao Xiaobo , Zhang Yongyou , Zhang Qingyun , Zou Bingsuo , Schwingenschlogl Udo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe transmission behaviour of a distributed Bragg reector (DBR) with surface dielectric gratings on top and bottom is studied. The transmission shows a comb-like spectrum in the DBR band gap, which is explained in the Fano picture. The number density of the transmission peaks increases with increasing number of cells of the DBR, while the ratio of the average full width at half maximum to the corresponding average free spectral range, being only few percent for both transversal electric and magnetic waves, is almost invariant. The transmission peaks can be narrower than 0.1 nm and are fully separated from each other in certain wavebands. We further prove that the transmission combs are robust against randomness in the heights of the DBR layers. Therefore, the proposed structure is a candidate for an ultra-narrow-band multichannel filter or polarizer.
Acute ecotoxicology of natural oil and gas condensate to coral reef larvae
Authors: Negri Andrew P. , Brinkman Diane L. , Flores Florita , Botté Emmanuelle S. , Jones Ross J. , Webster Nicole S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRisks posed by oil spills to coral reefs are difficult to evaluate, partially due to the absence of studies that adequately assess toxicity to relevant coral reef species. Here we experimentally tested the acute toxicity of condensate, representing a fraction of light crude oil, to coral (Acropora tenuis) and sponge (Rhopaloeides odorabile) larvae. The metamorphosis of coral larvae was inhibited at total petroleum aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) concentrations of water accommodated fractions (WAF) as low as 103 μg l−1, similar to concentrations detected in seawater following large spills. The sensitivity of coral larvae increased by 40% when co-exposed to UV light that they might encounter in shallow reefal systems. Condensate WAF was more toxic to coral larvae than predicted by summing the toxicity of its main components (benzene, toluene, p-xylene and napthalene). In contrast, the sensitivity of sponge larvae to condensate WAF (>10,000 μg l−1 TPAH) was far less than coral in the presence and absence of UV, but similar to that of other marine invertebrates. While these results highlight the relative sensitivity of coral larvae to oil, further research is needed to better understand and predict the impacts and risks posed by hydrocarbons to tropical reef systems.
TNFα induces co-trafficking of TRPV1/TRPA1 in VAMP1-containing vesicles to the plasmalemma via Munc18–1/syntaxin1/SNAP-25 mediated fusion
Authors: Meng Jianghui , Wang Jiafu , Steinhoff Martin , Dolly James Oliver 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTransient receptor potential (TRP) A1 and V1 channels relay sensory signals, yet little is known about their transport to the plasmalemma during inflammation. Herein, TRPA1 and TRPV1 were found on vesicles containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), accumulated at sites of exo- and endo-cytosis and co-localised on fibres and cell bodies of cultured sensory neurons expressing both. A proinflammatory cytokine, TNFα, elevated their surface content and both resided in close proximity, indicating co-trafficking. Syntaxin 1–interacting protein, Munc18–1, proved necessary for the response to TNFα and for TRPV1-triggered CGRP release. TNFα-induced surface trafficking of TRPV1 and TRPA1 required a synaptic vesicle membrane protein VAMP1 (but not 2/3), which is essential for CGRP exocytosis from large dense-core vesicles. Inactivation of two proteins on the presynaptic plasma membrane, syntaxin-1 or SNAP-25, by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)/C1 or /A inhibited the TNFα-elevated delivery. Accordingly, enhancement by TNFα of Ca2+ influx through the upregulated surface-expressed TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels was abolished by BoNT/A. Thus, in addition, the neurotoxins’ known inhibition of the release of pain transmitters, their therapeutic potential is augmented by lowering the exocytotic delivery of transducing channels and the resultant hyper-sensitisation in inflammation.
miR-182 Modulates Myocardial Hypertrophic Response Induced by Angiogenesis in Heart
Authors: Li Na , Hwangbo Cheol , Jaba Irina M. , Zhang Jiasheng , Papangeli Irinna , Han Jinah , Mikush Nicole , Larrivée Bruno , Eichmann Anne , Chun Hyung J. , Young Lawrence H. , Tirziu Daniela 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMyocardial hypertrophy is an adaptive response to hemodynamic demands. Although angiogenesis is critical to support the increase in heart mass with matching blood supply, it may also promote a hypertrophic response. Previously, we showed that cardiac angiogenesis induced by placental growth factor (PlGF), promotes myocardial hypertrophy through the paracrine action of endothelium-derived NO, which triggers the degradation of regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) to activate the Akt/mTORC1 pathways in cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigated whether miRNAs contribute to the development of hypertrophic response associated with myocardial angiogenesis. We show that miR-182 is upregulated concurrently with the development of hypertrophy in PlGF mice, but not when hypertrophy was blocked by concomitant expression of PlGF and RGS4, or by PlGF expression in eNOS−/− mice. Anti-miR-182 treatment inhibits the hypertrophic response and prevents the Akt/mTORC1 activation in PlGF mice and NO-treated cardiomyocytes. miR-182 reduces the expression of Bcat2, Foxo3 and Adcy6 to regulate the hypertrophic response in PlGF mice. Particularly, depletion of Bcat2, identified as a new miR-182 target, promotes AktSer473/p70-S6KThr389 phosphorylation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. LV pressure overload did not upregulate miR-182. Thus, miR-182 is a novel target of endothelial-cardiomyocyte crosstalk and plays an important role in the angiogenesis induced-hypertrophic response.
Improving seedless kelp (Saccharina japonica) during its domestication by hybridizing gametophytes and seedling-raising from sporophytes
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Zhang Zhuangzhi , Qu Shancun , Liang Guangjin , Sun Juan , Zhao Nan , Cui Cuiju , Cao Zengmei , Li Yan , Pan Jinhua , Yu Shenhui , Wang Qingyan , Li Xia , Luo Shiju , Song Shaofeng , Guo Li , Yang Guanpin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDongfang no.7 (Saccharina japonica) was bred and maintained by hybridizing gametophytes, self-crossing the best individuals, selecting the best self-crossing line and seedling-raising from yearly reconstructed sporophytes. It increased the air dry yield by 43.2% in average over 2 widely farmed controls. Dongfang no.7 was seedling-raised from bulked sporophytes reconstructed from its representative gametophyte clones. Such strategy ensured it against variety contamination due to possible cross fertilization and occasional mixing and inbred depletion due to self-crossing number-limited sporophytes year after year. It derived from an intraspecific hybrid through 4 rounds of self-crossing and selection and retained a certain degree of genetic heterozygosity, thus being immune to inbred depletion due to purification of unknown detrimental alleles. Most importantly, it can be farmed in currently available system as the seedlings for large scale culture can be raised from reconstructed Dongfang no.7 sporophytes. Breeding and maintaining Dongfang no.7 provided a model that other varieties of kelp (S. japonica) and brown algae may follow during their domestication.
Structural and electronic features of binary Li2S-P2S5 glasses
Authors: Ohara Koji , Mitsui Akio , Mori Masahiro , Onodera Yohei , Shiotani Shinya , Koyama Yukinori , Orikasa Yuki , Murakami Miwa , Shimoda Keiji , Mori Kazuhiro , Fukunaga Toshiharu , Arai Hajime , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Ogumi Zempachi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe atomic and electronic structures of binary Li2S-P2S5 glasses used as solid electrolytes are modeled by a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulation using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy data. The ratio of PSx polyhedral anions based on the Raman spectroscopic results is reflected in the glassy structures of the 67Li2S-33P2S5, 70Li2S-30P2S5 and 75Li2S-25P2S5 glasses and the plausible structures represent the lithium ion distributions around them. It is found that the edge sharing between PSx and LiSy polyhedra increases at a high Li2S content and the free volume around PSx polyhedra decreases. It is conjectured that Li+ ions around the face of PSx polyhedra are clearly affected by the polarization of anions. The electronic structure of the DFT/RMC model suggests that the electron transfer between the P ion and the bridging sulfur (BS) ion weakens the positive charge of the P ion in the P2S7 anions. The P2S7 anions of the weak electrostatic repulsion would causes it to more strongly attract Li+ ions than the PS4 and P2S6 anions and suppress the lithium ionic conduction. Thus, the control of the edge sharing between PSx and LiSy polyhedra without the electron transfer between the P ion and the BS ion is expected to facilitate lithium ionic conduction in the above solid electrolytes.