bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of TALE nickase-mediated gene-targeted cows expressing human serum albumin in mammary glands
Authors: Luo Yan , Wang Yongsheng , Liu Jun , Cui Chenchen , Wu Yongyan , Lan Hui , Chen Qi , Liu Xu , Quan Fusheng , Guo Zekun , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2016

Targeting exogenous genes at milk protein loci via gene-targeting technology is an ideal strategy for producing large quantities of pharmaceutical proteins. Transcription- activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) are an efficient genome-editing tool. However, the off-target effects may lead to unintended gene mutations. In this study, we constructed TALENs and TALE nickases directed against exon 2 of the bovine β-lactoglobulin (BLG) locus. The nickases can induce a site-specific DNA single-strand break, without inducing double-strand break and nonhomologous end joining mediated gene mutation, and lower cell apoptosis rate than TALENs. After co-transfecting the bovine fetal fibroblasts with human serum albumin (HSA) gene-targeting vector and TALE nickase expression vectors, approximately 4.8% (40/835) of the cell clones contained HSA at BLG locus. Unexpectedly, one homozygous gene-targeted cell clone (1/835, 0.1%) was obtained by targeting both alleles of BLG in a single round of transfection. The recombinant protein mimicking the endogenous BLG was highly expressed and correctly folded in the mammary glands of the targeted cows, and the expression level of HSA was significantly increased in the homozygous targeted cows. Results suggested that the combination of TALE nickase-mediated gene targeting and somatic cell nuclear transfer is a feasible and safe approach in producing gene-targeted livestock.
Human milk miRNAs primarily originate from the mammary gland resulting in unique miRNA profiles of fractionated milk
Authors: Alsaweed Mohammed , Lai Ching Tat , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T. , Kakulas Foteini
Published: February 2016

Human milk (HM) contains regulatory biomolecules including miRNAs, the origin and functional significance of which are still undetermined. We used TaqMan OpenArrays to profile 681 mature miRNAs in HM cells and fat, and compared them with maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma, and bovine and soy infant formulae. HM cells and PBMCs (292 and 345 miRNAs, respectively) had higher miRNA content than HM fat and plasma (242 and 219 miRNAs, respectively) (p < 0.05). A strong association in miRNA profiles was found between HM cells and fat, whilst PBMCs and plasma were distinctly different to HM, displaying marked inter-individual variation. Considering the dominance of epithelial cells in mature milk of healthy women, these results suggest that HM miRNAs primarily originate from the mammary epithelium, whilst the maternal circulation may have a smaller contribution. Our findings demonstrate that unlike infant formulae, which contained very few human miRNA, HM is a rich source of lactation-specific miRNA, which could be used as biomarkers of the performance and health status of the lactating mammary gland. Given the recently identified stability, uptake and functionality of food- and milk-derived miRNA in vivo, HM miRNA are likely to contribute to infant protection and development.
Scarce evidence of the causal role of germline mutations in UNC5C in hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis
Authors: Mur Pilar , Sánchez-Cuartielles Elena , Aussó Susanna , Aiza Gemma , Valdés-Mas Rafael , Pineda Marta , Navarro Matilde , Brunet Joan , Urioste Miguel , Lázaro Conxi , Moreno Victor , Capellá Gabriel , Puente Xose S. , Valle Laura
Published: February 2016

Germline mutations in UNC5C have been suggested to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, thus causing hereditary CRC. However, the evidence gathered thus far is insufficient to include the study of the UNC5C gene in the routine genetic testing of familial CRC. Here we aim at providing a more conclusive answer about the contribution of germline UNC5C mutations to genetically unexplained hereditary CRC and/or polyposis cases. To achieve this goal we sequenced the coding region and exon-intron boundaries of UNC5C in 544 familial CRC or polyposis patients (529 families), using a technique that combines pooled DNA amplification and massively parallel sequencing. A total of eight novel or rare variants, all missense, were identified in eight families. Co-segregation data in the families and association results in case-control series are not consistent with a causal effect for 7 of the 8 identified variants, including c.1882_1883delinsAA (p.A628K), previously described as a disease-causing mutation. One variant, c.2210G > A (p.S737N), remained unclassified. In conclusion, our results suggest that the contribution of germline mutations in UNC5C to hereditary colorectal cancer and to polyposis cases is negligible.
Enhancing capacitance behaviour of CoOOH nanostructures using transition metal dopants by ambient oxidation
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Zhou Junfeng , Maguire Pierce , O’Connell Robert , Schmitt Wolfgang , Li Yonghe , Yan Zhengguang , Zhang Yuefei , Zhang Hongzhou
Published: February 2016

Cobalt hydrate and doped binary Co0.9M0.1OOH (M = Ni, Mn, Fe) nanorings of 100–300 nm were fabricated in solution through a facile ambient oxidation method. A transformation from Co0.9Ni0.1(OH)2 nanodiscs to hollow Co0.9Ni0.1OOH nanorings was observed with prolonged reaction time. Core-shell nanodiscs have elemental segregation with a Co(OH)2 core and Ni(OH)2 shell. Co0.9Ni0.1OOH nanorings displayed a higher electrochemical capacitance than Mn and Fe doped nanorings materials or materials with disc-like geometries.
Correction: Corrigendum: Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production
Authors: Venterea Rodney T. , Clough Timothy J. , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Breuillin-Sessoms Florence , Wang Ping , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 12153; published online: 16 July 2015; updated: 08 February 2016. Ping Wang and Michael J. Sadowsky were omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. The Author Contributions section now reads:
A Simple low-cost device enables four epi-illumination techniques on standard light microscopes
Authors: Ishmukhametov Robert R. , Russell Aidan N. , Wheeler Richard J. , Nord Ashley L. , Berry Richard M.
Published: February 2016

Back-scattering darkfield (BSDF), epi-fluorescence (EF), interference reflection contrast (IRC) and darkfield surface reflection (DFSR) are advanced but expensive light microscopy techniques with limited availability. Here we show a simple optical design that combines these four techniques in a simple low-cost miniature epi-illuminator, which inserts into the differential interference-contrast (DIC) slider bay of a commercial microscope, without further additions required. We demonstrate with this device: 1) BSDF-based detection of Malarial parasites inside unstained human erythrocytes; 2) EF imaging with and without dichroic components, including detection of DAPI-stained Leishmania parasite without using excitation or emission filters; 3) RIC of black lipid membranes and other thin films and 4) DFSR of patterned opaque and transparent surfaces. We believe that our design can expand the functionality of commercial bright field microscopes, provide easy field detection of parasites and be of interest to many users of light microscopy.
Correction: Corrigendum: Multiple loss-of-function variants of taste receptors in modern humans
Authors: Fujikura Kohei
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 12349; published online: 26 August 2015; updated: 08 February 2016. The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Kohei Fujikura, which was incorrectly given as K. Fujikura. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Correction: Corrigendum: Efficacy of Concurrent Chemotherapy for Intermediate Risk NPC in the Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era: a Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Yuan , Li Wen-Fei , Liu Xu , Guo Rui , Sun Ying , Lin Ai-Hua , Chen Lei , Ma Jun
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 17378; published online: 27 November 2015; updated: 08 February 2016. This Article contains a typographical error in Affiliation 2. The correct affiliation is listed below: Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, People’s Republic of China
Correction: Corrigendum: Profiling RNA editing in human tissues: towards the inosinome Atlas
Authors: Picardi Ernesto , Manzari Caterina , Mastropasqua Francesca , Aiello Italia , D’Erchia Anna Maria , Pesole Graziano
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 14941; published online: 09 October 2015; updated: 08 February 2016. The original version of this Article contained typographical errors in the inosinome database link ‘ http://srv00.recas.ba.infn.it/editing’ which was incorrectly given as ‘ http://srv00.ibbe.cnr.
Tracking ink composition on Herculaneum papyrus scrolls: quantification and speciation of lead by X-ray based techniques and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Tack Pieter , Cotte Marine , Bauters Stephen , Brun Emmanuel , Banerjee Dipanjan , Bras Wim , Ferrero Claudio , Delattre Daniel , Mocella Vito , Vincze Laszlo
Published: February 2016

The writing in carbonized Herculaneum scrolls, covered and preserved by the pyroclastic events of the Vesuvius in 79 AD, was recently revealed using X-ray phase-contrast tomography, without the need of unrolling the sensitive scrolls. Unfortunately, some of the text is difficult to read due to the interference of the papyrus fibers crossing the written text vertically and horizontally. Recently, lead was found as an elemental constituent in the writing, rendering the text more clearly readable when monitoring the lead X-ray fluorescence signal. Here, several hypotheses are postulated for the origin and state of lead in the papyrus writing. Multi-scale X-ray fluorescence micro-imaging, Monte Carlo quantification and X-ray absorption microspectroscopy experiments are used to provide additional information on the ink composition, in an attempt to determine the origin of the lead in the Herculaneum scrolls and validate the postulated hypotheses.
Unravelling the spatial variation of nitrous oxide emissions from a step-feed plug-flow full scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Pan Yuting , van den Akker Ben , Ye Liu , Ni Bing-Jie , Watts Shane , Reid Katherine , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: February 2016

Plug-flow activated sludge reactors (ASR) that are step-feed with wastewater are widely adopted in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) due to their ability to maximise the use of the organic carbon in wastewater for denitrification. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are expected to vary along these reactors due to pronounced spatial variations in both biomass and substrate concentrations. However, to date, no detailed studies have characterised the impact of the step-feed configuration on emission variability. Here we report on the results from a comprehensive online N2O monitoring campaign, which used multiple gas collection hoods to simultaneously measure emission along the length of a full-scale, step-fed, plug-flow ASR in Australia. The measured N2O fluxes exhibited strong spatial-temporal variation along the reactor path. The step-feed configuration had a substantial influence on the N2O emissions, where the N2O emission factors in sections following the first and second step feed were 0.68% ± 0.09% and 3.5% ± 0.49% of the nitrogen load applied to each section. The relatively high biomass-specific nitrogen loading rate in the second section of the reactor was most likely cause of the high emissions from this section.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activates NDRG1 Transcription under Hypoxia in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li En-Yu , Huang Wei-Yung , Chang Ya-Chu , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Chuang Eric Y. , Kuok Qian-Yu , Bai Shih-Ting , Chao Lo-Yun , Sher Yuh-Pyng , Lai Liang-Chuan
Published: February 2016

Hypoxia has been intensively investigated over the past several decades based on the observations that hypoxic tumors are more resistant to therapy and have a worse prognosis. Previously, we reported that N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is strongly up-regulated under hypoxia and may play an important role in tumor adaptation to fluctuating oxygen concentrations. However, the regulatory mechanism ofNDRG1under hypoxia remains elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the transcription factors that regulateNDRG1and to investigate the functional roles ofNDRG1in hypoxia. We showed that binding sites of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) were predicted in theNDRG1promoter. Nuclear AHR was up-regulated in the presence of cobalt and hypoxia. AHR translocated to nuclei and bound between base pairs −412 and −388 of theNDRG1promoter in hypoxia. Moreover, hypoxia-mimetic induction ofNDRG1was attenuated by knockdown of AHR expression. Also, overexpression of AHR facilitated cell proliferation and migration via up-regulation ofNDRG1. These results showed for the first time that AHR positively regulatesNDRG1transcription through an AHR binding site by way of hypoxia-mimetic signaling, which may lead to development of a specific therapeutic regimen to prevent tumor malignancy under hypoxia.
Robust superhydrophobic surface on Al substrate with durability, corrosion resistance and ice-phobicity
Authors: Wang Guoyong , Liu Shuai , Wei Sufeng , Liu Yan , Lian Jianshe , Jiang Qing
Published: February 2016

Practical application of superhydrophobic surfaces is limited by the fragility of nanoscale asperities. Combining chemical etching and anodization, microscale pits and nanoscale pores, instead of the micro and nano protrusions on traditional superhydrophobic surfaces mimicking Lutos leaves, were fabricated on commercially pure aluminum surfaces. After modified by FDTS, the surfaces were superhydrophobic and self-cleaning. The ultrahigh hardness and electrochemical stability of Al2O3 coating endowed the surface excellent mechanical durability and good corrosion resistance. Because the method is scalable, it may find practical application on body panels of automobiles and aircrafts and so on.
Artificial Life in Quantum Technologies
Authors: Alvarez-Rodriguez Unai , Sanz Mikel , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique
Published: February 2016

We develop a quantum information protocol that models the biological behaviours of individuals living in a natural selection scenario. The artificially engineered evolution of the quantum living units shows the fundamental features of life in a common environment, such as self-replication, mutation, interaction of individuals and death. We propose how to mimic these bio-inspired features in a quantum-mechanical formalism, which allows for an experimental implementation achievable with current quantum platforms. This study paves the way for the realization of artificial life and embodied evolution with quantum technologies.
Termites utilise clay to build structural supports and so increase foraging resources
Authors: Oberst Sebastian , Lai Joseph C. S. , Evans Theodore A.
Published: February 2016

Many termite species use clay to build foraging galleries and mound-nests. In some cases clay is placed within excavations of their wooden food, such as living trees or timber in buildings; however the purpose for this clay is unclear. We tested the hypotheses that termites can identify load bearing wood and that they use clay to provide mechanical support of the load and thus allow them to eat the wood. In field and laboratory experiments, we show that the lower termiteCoptotermes acinaciformis, the most basal species to build a mound-nest, can distinguish unloaded from loaded wood and use clay differently when eating each type. The termites target unloaded wood preferentially and use thin clay sheeting to camouflage themselves while eating the unloaded wood. The termites attack loaded wood secondarily and build thick, load-bearing clay walls when they do. The termites add clay and build thicker walls as the load-bearing wood is consumed. The use of clay to support wood under load unlocks otherwise unavailable food resources. This behaviour may represent an evolutionary step from foraging behaviour to nest building in lower termites.
Microfluidic high-throughput selection of microalgal strains with superior photosynthetic productivity using competitive phototaxis
Authors: Kim Jaoon Young Hwan , Kwak Ho Seok , Sung Young Joon , Choi Hong Il , Hong Min Eui , Lim Hyun Seok , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Lee Sang Yup , Sim Sang Jun
Published: February 2016

Microalgae possess great potential as a source of sustainable energy, but the intrinsic inefficiency of photosynthesis is a major challenge to realize this potential. Photosynthetic organisms evolved phototaxis to find optimal light condition for photosynthesis. Here we report a microfluidic screening using competitive phototaxis of the model alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, for rapid isolation of strains with improved photosynthetic efficiencies. We demonstrated strong relationship between phototaxis and photosynthetic efficiency by quantitative analysis of phototactic response at the single-cell level using a microfluidic system. Based on this positive relationship, we enriched the strains with improved photosynthetic efficiency by isolating cells showing fast phototactic responses from a mixture of 10,000 mutants, thereby greatly improving selection efficiency over 8 fold. Among 147 strains isolated after screening, 94.6% showed improved photoautotrophic growth over the parental strain. Two mutants showed much improved performances with up to 1.9- and 8.1-fold increases in photoautotrophic cell growth and lipid production, respectively, a substantial improvement over previous approaches. We identified candidate genes that might be responsible for fast phototactic response and improved photosynthesis, which can be useful target for further strain engineering. Our approach provides a powerful screening tool for rapid improvement of microalgal strains to enhance photosynthetic productivity.
Concentration of Sindbis virus with optimized gradient insulator-based dielectrophoresis
Authors: Ding Jie , Lawrence Robert M. , Jones Paul V. , Hogue Brenda G. , Hayes Mark A.
Published: February 2016

Rapid concentration of Sindbis virus using optimized gradient insulator-based Dielectrophoresis (i-gDEP).
Noncompetitive affinity assays of glucagon and amylin using mirror-image aptamers as affinity probes
Authors: Yi Lian , Wang Xue , Bethge Lucas , Klussmann Sven , Roper Michael G.
Published: February 2016

Noncompetitive capillary electrophoresis affinity assays were developed using fluorescently labeled mirror-image aptamers as affinity probes to detect picomolar concentrations of glucagon and amylin.
A metal-responsive interdigitated bilayer for selective quantification of mercury(ii) traces by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Ermakova Elizaveta , Raitman Oleg , Shokurov Alexander , Kalinina Maria , Selector Sofiya , Tsivadze Aslan , Arslanov Vladimir , Meyer Michel , Bessmertnykh-Lemeune Alla , Guilard Roger
Published: February 2016

An innovative design of reusable SPR chips allowing the quantitative and selective determination of mercury(ii) at the ppt level is reported.
Neodymium uranyl peroxide synthesis by ion exchange on ammonium uranyl peroxide nanoclusters
Authors: Blanchard F. , Ellart M. , Rivenet M. , Vigier N. , Hablot I. , Morel B. , Grandjean S. , Abraham F.
Published: February 2016

This study demonstrates the ability of ammonium uranyl peroxide nanoclusters U32R-NH4 to undergo exchange in between NH4+ and trivalent (Nd3+) or tetravalent (Th4+) cations in the solid state.
A ratiometric fluorescent formaldehyde probe for bioimaging applications
Authors: He Longwei , Yang Xueling , Liu Yong , Kong Xiuqi , Lin Weiying
Published: February 2016

The first ratiometric fluorescent formaldehyde probe (RFFP) has been engineered for bio-applications.
Shedding light on an ultra-bright photoluminescent lamellar gold thiolate coordination polymer [Au(p-SPhCO2Me)]n
Authors: Lavenn Christophe , Guillou Nathalie , Monge Miguel , Podbevšek Darjan , Ledoux Gilles , Fateeva Alexandra , Demessence Aude
Published: February 2016

The first structure elucidation of a lamellar gold thiolate coordination polymer exhibiting intense photoemission (QY ∼ 70%) due to ligand–metal-to-ligand transitions.
The synthesis and self-assembly of disc-cube dyads with spacers of different lengths
Authors: Zhang Meng-Yao , Gu Ke-Hua , Zhou Yu , Zhou Sheng , Fan Xing-He , Shen Zhihao
Published: February 2016

Covalently linked disc-cube (HBC–POSS) dyads were synthesized. The length of a spacer is important in the self-assembly behavior of the dyad.
An adaptive quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics method for the infrared spectrum of water: incorporation of the quantum effect between solute and solvent
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi C. , Banno Misa , Sakurai Minoru
Published: February 2016

Quantum effects in solute–solvent interactions, such as the many-body effect and the dipole-induced dipole, are known to be critical factors influencing the infrared spectra of species in the liquid phase.
Investigating molecular interactions and surface morphology of wax-doped asphaltenes
Authors: Pahlavan Farideh , Mousavi Masoumeh , Hung Albert , Fini Ellie H.
Published: February 2016

The nature and origin of bee-like microstructures (bees) in asphalt binders and their impact on asphalt oxidation have been the subject of extensive discussions in recent years.
Deactivation pathways of thiophene and oligothiophenes: internal conversion versus intersystem crossing
Authors: Kölle Patrick , Schnappinger Thomas , de Vivie-Riedle Regina
Published: February 2016

Quantum chemical calculations reveal that excited thiophene decays via a low lying conical intersection seam. In oligothiophenes barriers inhibit this passage while deactivation pathways via intersystem crossing channels open.
The facile synthesis and optical waveguide properties of single-crystal 1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene microrods
Authors: Xiao Yan , Peng Hong-Dan , Wang Juan-Ye , Wu Hao-Di , Liu Zheng-Hui , Pan Ge-Bo
Published: February 2016

Single-crystalline 1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene (PPCP) microrods were prepared using a facile solution process.
Understanding the anion–π interactions with tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine
Authors: Xi Jinyang , Xu Xin
Published: February 2016

The geometries of four anion–π complexes,1·X−(X−= SCN−, NO3−, BF4−, and PF6−) were optimized using the extended ONIOM (XO) method with a high level (H) = ωB97X-D/6-31+G(d) and low level (L) = PM6. Then, the bonding energies of1·X−were calculated with the XYG3 functional, and they follow the order of1·NO3−>1·SCN−>1·BF4−>1·PF6−.
Synthesis of α-aminoboronic acids
Authors: Andrés Patricia , Ballano Gema , Calaza M. Isabel , Cativiela Carlos
Published: February 2016

This review provides an overview of methodologies for the synthesis of acyclic, carbocyclic and azacyclic α-aminoboronic acid derivatives. Preparation routes towards these challenging compounds in either their racemic or their enantiomerically pure form are discussed.
Amine-functionalized ionic liquid-based mesoporous organosilica as a highly efficient nanocatalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Elhamifar Dawood , Kazempoor Somayeh , Karimi Babak
Published: February 2016

A novel aminopropyl-containing ionic liquid-based mesoporous organosilica was prepared and characterized and its catalytic performance was studied in the Knoevenagel condensation.
Cu-catalysed pyrazole synthesis in continuous flow
Authors: Comas-Barceló Júlia , Blanco-Ania Daniel , van den Broek Sebastiaan A. M. W. , Nieuwland Pieter J. , Harrity Joseph P. A. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: February 2016

By using supported Cu(ii) catalysts for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted pyrazoles, we significantly reduced the Cu loading to 30 mol% and the alkyne required. Also, continuous flow allowed a dramatic reduction of reaction times going from 16 h to residence times of 5–15 min, being able to easily scale up this methodology.
Well-dispersed CoS2nano-octahedra grown on a carbon fibre network as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wan Song , Liu Yipu , Li Guo-Dong , Li Xiaotian , Wang Dejun , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: February 2016

Well-dispersed CoS2nanocrystals grown on a carbon fibre network have been shown to be efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Two-dimensional layered MoS2: rational design, properties and electrochemical applications
Authors: Zhang Gong , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2016

Nanostructured MoS2 materials and their potential applications in energy conversion and storage devices.
Efficient charge extraction and slow recombination in organic–inorganic perovskites capped with semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ihly Rachelle , Dowgiallo Anne-Marie , Yang Mengjin , Schulz Philip , Stanton Noah J. , Reid Obadiah G. , Ferguson Andrew J. , Zhu Kai , Berry Joseph J. , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2016

Capping perovskite absorber layers with semiconducting carbon nanotubes enables sub-picosecond hole extraction and recombination times of hundreds of microseconds.
Effects of waxy rice starch and short chain amylose (SCA) on the formation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in a model system
Authors: Yu Di , Yu Shu-Juan
Published: February 2016

A possible mechanism of waxy rice starch and SCA for inhibiting PhIP formation in the model system is also proposed.
Network stratification analysis for identifying function-specific network layers
Authors: Zhang Chuanchao , Wang Jiguang , Zhang Chao , Liu Juan , Xu Dong , Chen Luonan
Published: February 2016

We proposed a novel computational framework, namely network stratification analysis (NetSA), to stratify the whole biological network into various function-specific network layers corresponding to particular functions.
Synthesis of zeolite A using kaolin from Ethiopia and its application in detergents
Authors: Ayele Lijalem , Pérez-Pariente Joaquín , Chebude Yonas , Diaz Isabel
Published: February 2016

Zeolite A synthesized from Ethiopian raw kaolin via alkali fusion with 91% crystallinity and CEC of >310 mg CaCO3 per g.
HMF etherification using NH4-exchanged zeolites
Authors: Barbera Katia , Lanzafame Paola , Perathoner Siglinda , Centi Gabriele , Migliori Massimo , Aloise Alfredo , Giordano Girolamo
Published: February 2016

The reversible dissociation of NH4+ ions in the intra-cages of zeolites is correlated with their catalytic reactivity for HMF etherification.
Large-quantity and continuous preparation of two-dimensional nanosheets
Authors: Zhao Gang , Wu Yongzhong , Shao Yongliang , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: February 2016

Here, we present a high-efficiency exfoliation method to obtain abundant and superior graphene, h-BN, MoS2, and WS2nanosheets in aqueous solution.
A reduced graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane intercalated by well-dispersed carbon nanotubes for drinking water purification
Authors: Chen Xianfu , Qiu Minghui , Ding Hao , Fu Kaiyun , Fan Yiqun
Published: February 2016

A high-performance graphene-based nanofiltration membrane intercalated by well-dispersed carbon nanotubes for drinking water purification.
The synthesis and tissue adhesiveness of temperature-sensitive hyperbranched poly(amino acid)s with functional side groups
Authors: Lu Dedai , Zhang Yongyong , Li Ting'e , Li Yunfei , Wang Hongsen , Shen Zhiqiang , Wei Qiangbing , Lei Ziqiang
Published: February 2016

The adhesive strength of poly(amino acid)s can be improved by clicking a cross-link, forming a disulfide bond and so on. In addition, the adhesion strength becomes better on grafting with different monomers at 37 °C.
Thermoresponsive gels based on ABC triblock copolymers: effect of the length of the PEG side group
Authors: Constantinou A. P. , Georgiou T. K.
Published: February 2016

ABC triblock copolymers of varying compositions and lengths of the PEG side groups were fabricated and their thermoresponsive behaviour was thoroughly investigated.
Molecular photo-charge-separators enabling single-pigment-driven multi-electron transfer and storage leading to H2 evolution from water
Authors: Kitamoto Kyoji , Ogawa Makoto , Ajayakumar Gopalakrishnan , Masaoka Shigeyuki , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard , Sakai Ken
Published: February 2016

Novel unimolecular architectures that enable single-pigment-driven multi-electron transfer coupled with double-electron-storage leading to catalytic H2 evolution are reported.
Development of bis(arylimino)acenaphthene (BIAN) copper complexes as visible light harvesters for potential photovoltaic applications
Authors: Kee J. W. , Ng Y. Y. , Kulkarni S. A. , Muduli S. K. , Xu K. , Ganguly R. , Lu Y. , Hirao H. , Soo H. S.
Published: February 2016

Readily synthesized, new bis(arylimino)acenaphthene copper(i) complexes exhibit panchromatic light absorption to the NIR region and function in dye-sensitized solar cells.
The hierarchies of hydrogen bonds in salts/cocrystals of isoniazid and its Schiff base – a case study
Authors: Oruganti Madhavi , Khade Pavan , Das Uttam Kumar , Trivedi Darshak R.
Published: February 2016

A series of two salts of isoniazid and two cocrystals of its Schiff base have been synthesized and well characterized. Further, the hydrogen bonding patterns have been studied and the correlation between the bond distances and corresponding pKa's have been deduced.
Tailoring SWIR emission in tri-lanthanide-doped CaF2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Tan Mei Chee
Published: February 2016

Erbium doped CaF2 nanophosphors with enhanced short-wavelength infrared emission synthesized in this work have promising potential for deep tissue imaging due to their low vibrational energy and superior biocompatibility.
Influence of vehicles on antioxidant efficacy in hair
Authors: Rubio L. , Alonso C. , Martí M. , Martínez V. , Coderch L.
Published: February 2016

Microspheres are the best vehicle to increase the antioxidant efficacy of gallic acid in hair.
Tailoring optical, magnetic and electric behavior of lanthanum strontium manganite La1−xSrxMnO3(LSM) nanopowders prepared via a co-precipitation method with different Sr2+ion contents
Authors: Turky Ali Omar , Rashad Mohamed Mohamed , Hassan Ali Mostafa , Elnaggar Elsayed M. , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: February 2016

We report on the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum strontium manganite with tunable optical, magnetic and electrical properties.
Amyloid-β25–35peptides aggregate into cross-β sheets in unsaturated anionic lipid membranes at high peptide concentrations
Authors: Tang Jennifer , Alsop Richard J. , Backholm Matilda , Dies Hannah , Shi An-Chang , Rheinstädter Maikel C.
Published: February 2016

A membrane mediated interaction leads to the formation of peptide clusters inside the bilayers, which may serve as nuclei for further growth into amyloid fibrils.
The mechanoelectrical response of droplet interface bilayer membranes
Authors: Freeman E. C. , Najem J. S. , Sukharev S. , Philen M. K. , Leo D. J.
Published: February 2016

The mechanoelectrical response of membrane-based materials is examined in detail, linking the current generated through membrane deformation to the underlying membrane structure.
Pressure sensitive microparticle adhesion through biomimicry of the pollen–stigma interaction
Authors: Lin Haisheng , Qu Zihao , Meredith J. Carson
Published: February 2016

Biomimicry of structurally-derived pollen–stigma interactions enables pressure-sensitive microparticle adhesion.
Crystallinity and defect state engineering in organo-lead halide perovskite for high-efficiency solar cells
Authors: Wang Baohua , Wong King Young , Yang Shangfeng , Chen Tao
Published: February 2016

Perovskite films with 5 μm crystalline domains were prepared with a solvent annealing method, achieving reduced bulk and surface defect densities.
Fluorene–morpholine-based organic nanoparticles: lysosome-targeted pH-triggered two-photon photodynamic therapy with fluorescence switch on–off
Authors: Gangopadhyay Moumita , Mukhopadhyay Sourav K. , Gayathri Sree , Biswas Sandipan , Barman Shrabani , Dey Satyahari , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: February 2016

We synthesized fluorene–morpholine NPs that showed reversible fluorescence switch ON–OFF properties, which rendered the real time monitoring of PDT activity.
Highly sensitive photodetectors using ZnTe/ZnO core/shell nanowire field effect transistors with a tunable core/shell ratio
Authors: Shaygan Mehrdad , Davami Keivan , Jin Bo , Gemming Thomas , Lee Jeong-Soo , Meyyappan M.
Published: February 2016

The fabrication and characterization of a field effect transistor using a radial core/shell structure based on ZnTe nanowires is reported here.
In vitro toxicological evaluation of ethyl carbamate in human HepG2 cells
Authors: Cui Xia , Wang Jiayi , Qiu Nannan , Wu Yongning
Published: February 2016

Ethyl carbamate could decrease the viability of HepG2 cells by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase, as well as apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, an oxidative stress mechanism also contributed to the cytotoxic effects of EC.
Correction: Interpretation of type 2 diabetes mellitus relevant GC-MS metabolomics fingerprints by using random forests
Authors: Huang Jian-Hua , Xie Hua-Lin , Yan Jun , Cao Dong-Sheng , Lu Hong-Mei , Xu Qing-Song , Liang Yi-Zeng
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Interpretation of type 2 diabetes mellitus relevant GC-MS metabolomics fingerprints by using random forests’ by Jian-Hua Huang et al., Anal. Methods, 2013, 5, 4883–4889.
Pyrene-based heparin sensors in competitive aqueous media – the role of self-assembled multivalency (SAMul)
Authors: Chan Ching W. , Smith David K.
Published: February 2016

Simple functionalised pyrene derivatives can achieve ratiometric sensing of heparin with the precise sensing mechanism depending on whether the sensor self-assembles into a multivalent ligand display.
Citric acid encapsulation by a double helical foldamer in competitive solvents
Authors: Chandramouli Nagula , Ferrand Yann , Kauffmann Brice , Huc Ivan
Published: February 2016

Self-assembly combined with folding generate cavities for large polar guests.
Biomass derived solvents for the scalable production of single layered graphene from graphite
Authors: Sharma Mukesh , Mondal Dibyendu , Singh Nripat , Prasad Kamalesh
Published: February 2016

Levulinic acid, a biomass derived green and sustainable solvent, was found to exfoliate graphite to single and few layered graphene.
Patterned growth of luminescent metal–organic framework films: a versatile electrochemically-assisted microwave deposition method
Authors: Li Wei-Jin , Feng Ji-Fei , Lin Zu-Jin , Yang Ying-Long , Yang Yan , Wang Xu-Sheng , Gao Shui-Ying , Cao Rong
Published: February 2016

Electrochemically-assisted microwave deposition technology, a facile method for spatially locating the microcrystals of luminescent metal–organic framework (LMOF) films on a surface, was reported.
Simultaneous cross-linking and p-doping of a polymeric semiconductor film by immersion into a phosphomolybdic acid solution for use in organic solar cells
Authors: Aizawa Naoya , Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Kolesov Vladimir A. , Khan Talha M. , Kido Junji , Kippelen Bernard
Published: February 2016

Simultaneous cross-linking and p-doping of a polymeric semiconductor film was achieved by immersion into a phosphomolybdic acid solution for use in organic solar cells.
Particle size effects in the kinetic trapping of a structurally-locked form of a flexible MOF
Authors: Linder-Patton Oliver M. , Bloch Witold M. , Coghlan Campbell J. , Sumida Kenji , Kitagawa Susumu , Furukawa Shuhei , Doonan Christian J. , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: February 2016

Controlling the particle size of a flexible metal–organic framework demonstrates that a 2D to 3D transformation gives a kinetically-trapped, structurally-locked form.
Amino-functionalized breath-figure cavities in polystyrene–alumina hybrid films: effect of particle concentration and dispersion
Authors: V. Lakshmi , Raju Annu , V. G. Resmi , Pancrecious Jerin K. , T. P. D. Rajan , C. Pavithran
Published: February 2016

Breath figure patterns in polystyrene films with cavity walls embedded with amino functionalized alumina particles.
Transversal spin freezing and re-entrant spin glass phases in chemically disordered Fe-containing perovskite multiferroics
Authors: Stephanovich V. A. , Laguta V. V.
Published: February 2016

We propose experimental verification and theoretical explanation of magnetic anomalies in the complex Fe-containing perovskite multiferroics like PbFe1/2Nb1/2O3 and PbFe1/2Ta1/2O3.
Efficient blue and white polymer light emitting diodes based on a well charge balanced, core modified polyfluorene derivative
Authors: Das Dipjyoti , Gopikrishna Peddaboodi , Singh Ashish , Dey Anamika , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: February 2016

Bright WPLEDs comprised of a polyfluorene-naphthalenediimide copolymer (PFONPN01) doped with 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% of dithiophene benzothiadiazole (DBT) showed a maximum brightness of 8025 cd m−2, 9565 cd m−2 and 10 180 cd m−2, respectively.
Asymmetric optical properties of photocatalytically deposited plasmonic silver nanoparticles
Authors: Okumura Arisa , Saito Koichiro , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: February 2016

Plasmonic Ag nanoparticles deposited and grown photocatalytically for a sufficient period of time on a TiO2 thin film scatter blue or reddish light for the front or back incidence, respectively.
Highly efficient CuxO/TiO2 catalysts: controllable dispersion and isolation of metal active species
Authors: Shen Lijuan , Xu Congbo , Qi Xinxin , Cao Yanning , Tang Jing , Zheng Yuanhui , Jiang Lilong
Published: February 2016

CuxO/TiO2 architectures with enhanced dispersion of the active phase are synthesized by a MOF-templated method. Such composites show excellent catalytic activity for CO oxidation.
Reversible metal-induced emission and chromaticity switching in isostructural Ln-MOFs
Authors: Tong Yue , Han Xiao , Huang Chao , Shao Zhichao , Guo Li'an , Wang Yazhen , Ding Jie , Hou Hongwei
Published: February 2016

Herein, reversible metal-induced optical switching is reported, especially the first chromaticity switching example in MOFs.
An environmentally friendly etching agent: vapor from hot electron-activated liquid water
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Chien , Mai Fu-Der , Yang Kuang-Hsuan , Tsai Hui-Yen , Yang Chih-Ping , Chen Chien-Chung , Chen Chao-Hsuan , Liu Yu-Chuan
Published: February 2016

A novel strategy for an environmentally friendly etching process is proposed based on the vapor from hot electron-activated (HEA) water.
Retracted Article: Olefin epoxidation with chiral salen Mn(iii) immobilized on ZnPS-PVPA upon alkyldiamine
Authors: Huang J. , Qi D. W. , Cai J. L. , Chen X. H.
Published: February 2016

Heterogeneous Jacobsen’s catalysts on ZnPS-PVPA upon alkyldiamines possess superior catalytic performance both for experimental scale and large-scale reactions.
A diphenylamino-substituted quinacridone derivative: red fluorescence based on intramolecular charge-transfer transition
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Wang Shipan , Chen Weiping , Zhang Zuolun , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Yue
Published: February 2016

A red emissive quinacridone derivative has been prepared through construction of an ICT system. This resulted in the first efficient and bright red OLED based on a quinacridone derivative.
Enhanced Zn2+ion-sensing behavior of a benzothiazole derivative on encapsulation by β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Paulpandi Rajathi Queen , Ramasamy Sivaraj , Paulraj Mosae Selvakumar , Díaz Baños F. Guillermo , Villora G. , Cerón-Carrasco José P. , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Muthu Vijayan Enoch Israel V.
Published: February 2016

We report, in this paper, a benzothiazole derivative which shows selective binding of zinc ions among a pool of metal ions and the enhanced selectivity of the same metal ion by the derivative in its β-cyclodextrin bound form.
Core identification and attack strategies against regenerative complex networks
Authors: Guo W. , Lu X.
Published: February 2016

Modelling enemy networks in a way that reveals their key entities and links is important when disrupting complex networks with high redundancy. How best to attack such networks under a limited ground intelligence constraint is examined. The key modelling contribution is to include both the heterogeneity of the node functions and the dynamics of recuperation after destruction. Through identifying the core nodes, the results show that ground intelligence should focus on locating and attacking high degree nodes, yielding a 41% reduction in conflict length over random opportunistic targeting and a 23% reduction over specialist targeting. Even when difficult to replace specialists are considered, targeting high degree nodes that can recuperate quickly, remains the most effective method of attack. The impact is to allow military forces to more effectively target enemy nodes that will cause functional paralysis and create further collapses.
Capacitance‐to‐digital converter for leaky capacitive sensors
Authors: Vooka P. , George B.
Published: February 2016

A novel capacitance‐to‐digital converter (CDC) that performs an accurate measurement of the capacitance of a leaky capacitive sensor is presented. The conversion technique of this CDC is novel, which helps to achieve the highest interference rejection compared with the exiting CDC topologies. The digital output from the CDC is directly proportional to the sensor capacitance, Cx. It provides an accurate output even in the presence of a parasitic leakage resistance, Rp, parallel to the sensor. A prototype CDC has been developed and tested. Worst‐case error was found to be 0.1%. The CDC employs a sinusoidal excitation for the sensor, and is suitable for a variety of applications such as proximity or touch detection, detection of ice, level sensing, humidity measurement, etc. This CDC is well suited for applications where the conventional schemes fail to work due to the extreme interference from other sources, e.g. power line.
UWB balun with complete ground based on vertically mounted planar structure
Authors: Wu Yongle , Yao Lidan , Jiao Lingxiao , Wang Weimin , Liu Yuanan
Published: February 2016

A novel UWB balun with complete ground based on vertically mounted planar structure is presented. Two mutually perpendicular planes comprise the proposed balun. The vertical configuration of double‐sided parallel‐strip line ensures complete ground in the horizontal plane and the cascading of seven‐section quarter‐wavelength transformers facilitates UWB functionality. For verification, a prototype balun is designed, fabricated and measured. The simulation and measurement agree well, exhibiting a bandwidth from 0 up to 8 GHz with good return loss, flat insertion losses and high stability of 180° phase difference.
Digital predistortion architecture with reduced ADC dynamic range
Authors: Liu Ying , Quan Xin , Shao Shihai , Tang Youxi
Published: February 2016

A digital predistortion (DPD) architecture is proposed with the dynamic range of the feedback channel being reduced. In this architecture, an extra radio frequency (RF) chain is deployed to cancel the linear components of the power amplifier (PA) output signal to reduce the dynamic range requirement on the analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC) of the feedback channel. Subsequently in digital domain, the original PA output signal is estimated from both the digital replica of the RF cancelling signal and the acquired residual signal after cancellation, which is utilised to extract the DPD coefficients. Experimental results validate the effectiveness and superior performances of the proposed architecture, particularly with the number of ADC bits being reduced.
Performance analysis of closed‐loop pre‐equalisation for multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output with multicarrier code division multiple access systems
Authors: Luna‐Rivera Jose Martin , Campos‐Delgado Daniel Ulises , Gutiérrez Carlos A. , Covarrubias‐Rosales David H.
Published: February 2016

The use of multiple transmit and receive antennas is widely recognised as an effective technology to boost the capacity of wireless communication systems. Moreover, the combination of multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems with multicarrier code division multiple access (MC‐CDMA) offers a strong alternative to satisfy the demand for high data rates with rigorous quality‐of‐service (QoS) restrictions. In this study, this paper applies a closed‐loop pre‐equalisation methodology under a unified framework for MIMO and MC‐CDMA systems that satisfies the QoS target with a single‐user‐based detector while minimising the power of the pre‐equalisation factors. It is of particular interest to investigate the impact and limitations of combining the robustness of the feedback scheme with the degrees of freedom available in the system, given in terms of the number of subcarriers and multiple antennas. The contribution of this work includes the derivation of the distributed and centralised optimal closed‐loop pre‐equalisation solutions under the MIMO–MC‐CDMA structure. The results and analysis illustrate important gains in the form of power savings, enabled by the spatial diversity of the MIMO scheme.
Double retransmission deferred negative acknowledgement in Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems File Delivery Protocol for space communications
Authors: Wu Haitao , Zhang Qinyu , Yang Zhihua , Jiao Jian , Li Yunhe , Gu Shushi
Published: February 2016

To improve the reliability of file transfer and shorten file transfer time in space communication, this study aims to provide an improved strategy for deferred negative acknowledgement (NAK) in Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems File Delivery Protocol (CFDP). Based on a theoretical analysis of the recommended deferred NAK, the authors propose a double retransmission deferred NAK strategy instead to guarantee the reliability of file transfer; the file transfer time is reduced significantly using fewer retransmission spurts. They make the performance comparisons of the recommended deferred NAK in CFDP with the authors’ proposed strategy under several typical scenarios. Numerical and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Joint interference mitigation approach using space‐time pilot design in large‐scale antenna systems
Authors: Wang Pengbiao , Li Rong , Zhao Chenglin , Liu Xiaokai , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2016

This study addresses the problem of interference mitigation in multi‐cell time division duplex cellular networks with large‐scale antennas. Network performance in such systems is hampered by pilot contamination effect, which results in the inter‐cell interference. To mitigate the interference, the authors propose a space‐time pilot design‐based approach to jointly eliminate interference from both time domain and space domain. The authors’ space‐time pilot design divides a cellular network into different groups which proceed channel estimation alternately in time. Moreover, a low‐rate coordination assisted pilot assignment scheme is added into each cell group during its pilot phase. This pilot assignment scheme relies on the minimum mean square of the updated Bayesian channel estimation. It can make use of the second‐order statistical information about the users' channel vectors within the same group to assign an identical pilot sequence to users that tend to interfere with each other at a lower level. On the basis of space‐time pilot design, the base station can proceed the maximal ratio transmitting and maximal ratio combining. With rigorous theoretic proof, their joint approach is able to significantly decrease interference. Simulations verified its excellent performance promotion.