bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Validity of the Short UK Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool For the Assessment of the Psychosocial Work Environment in Italy
Authors: Balducci Cristian , Romeo Luciano , Brondino Margherita , Lazzarini Gianluigi , Benedetti Francesca , Toderi Stefano , Fraccaroli Franco , Pasini Margherita
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool (SIT) is a 35-item questionnaire to assess exposure to seven common psychosocial factors involved in the genesis of work-related stress. Recent work conducted in the UK has provided evidence that the SIT may be reduced to a 25-item questionnaire (the SIT-25) showing the same seven-factor model and criterion-related validity of the SIT. The SIT is the most widely used tool to assess work-related stress factors in Italy, with benchmark (normative) data managed by the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority. Thus, we conducted two studies to further test whether in Italy the SIT may be reduced to the SIT-25. In Study 1 a heterogeneous sample of workers (N = 588, 39.5% females) was used to further test the seven-factor model of the SIT-25 and its criterion-related validity with mental well-being. In Study 2 two new samples of workers (N = 625, 69.8% females; and N = 344, 3.2% females) from health and metal-mechanical sectors were used to assess the degree of measurement invariance of the SIT-25 and further test its criterion-related validity. Overall the results showed that the SIT-25 data fit the postulated seven-factor solution and that the reduced subscales (i.e., Demands, Control, Relationships, and Role) have the same criterion-related validity as their longer version. Additionally, the SIT-25 showed strong measurement invariance in the two different samples of workers of Study 2. These results provide further encouraging evidence that the SIT-25 may be effectively used in place of its longer version.
Diagnostic Concordance Between Categorical and Dimensional Instruments to Assess Personality Disorder in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Calvo Natalia , Sáez-Francàs Naia , Valero Sergi , Castro-Marrero Jesús , Alegre Martín José , Casas Miquel
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The study examines the relationship between a categorical and a dimensional personality assessment instrument in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A total of 162 CFS patients were included in the study (91.4% women; mean age 47.5 years). All subjects completed the Spanish versions of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) and the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Results: 78 (48.1%) of the patients presented a Personality Disorder (PD), the most frequent being Cluster C, specifically Obsessive-compulsive disorder, followed by Avoidant disorder. PDs showed a specific pattern of correlation with temperament scales. All PD clusters correlated positively with Harm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence, and negatively with Reward Dependence, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness. In a logistic regression analysis, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness predicted PD presence. The findings are consistent with previous studies in non-CFS samples and suggest that the combination of the Temperament and Character dimensions (low Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness and high Harm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence) correlates with PD severity, and that Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness are associated with PD presence in CFS patients. The integration of these two perspectives expands the current comprehension of personality pathology in CFS patients.
Inhibition of autophagy in EBV-positive Burkitt’s lymphoma cells enhances EBV lytic genes expression and replication
Authors: De Leo A , Colavita F , Ciccosanti F , Fimia G M , Lieberman P M , Mattia E
Published: September 2015

Autophagy, an important degradation system involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis, serves also to eliminate pathogens and process their fragments for presentation to the immune system. Several viruses have been shown to interact with the host autophagic machinery to suppress or make use of this cellular catabolic pathway to enhance their survival and replication. Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a γ-herpes virus associated with a number of malignancies of epithelial and lymphoid origin in which establishes a predominantly latent infection. Latent EBV can periodically reactivate to produce infectious particles that allow the virus to spread and can lead to the death of the infected cell. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between autophagy and EBV reactivation in Burkitt’s lymphoma cells. By monitoring autophagy markers and EBV lytic genes expression, we demonstrate that autophagy is enhanced in the early phases of EBV lytic activation but decreases thereafter concomitantly with increased levels of EBV lytic proteins. In a cell line defective for late antigens expression, we found an inverse correlation between EBV early antigens expression and autophagosomes formation, suggesting that early after activation, the virus is able to suppress autophagy. We report here for the first time that inhibition of autophagy by Bafilomycin A1 or shRNA knockdown of Beclin1 gene, highly incremented EBV lytic genes expression as well as intracellular viral DNA and viral progeny yield. Taken together, these findings indicate that EBV activation induces the autophagic response, which is soon inhibited by the expression of EBV early lytic products. Moreover, our findings open the possibility that pharmacological inhibitors of autophagy may be used to enhance oncolytic viral therapy of EBV-related lymphomas.
Myelin-associated glycoprotein modulates apoptosis of motoneurons during early postnatal development via NgR/p75NTR receptor-mediated activation of RhoA signaling pathways
Authors: Palandri A , Salvador V R , Wojnacki J , Vivinetto A L , Schnaar R L , Lopez P H H
Published: September 2015

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a minor constituent of nervous system myelin, selectively expressed on the periaxonal myelin wrap. By engaging multiple axonal receptors, including Nogo-receptors (NgRs), MAG exerts a nurturing and protective effect the axons it ensheaths. Pharmacological activation of NgRs has a modulatory role on p75NTR-dependent postnatal apoptosis of motoneurons (MNs). However, it is not clear whether this reflects a physiological role of NgRs in MN development. NgRs are part of a multimeric receptor complex, which includes p75NTR, Lingo-1 and gangliosides. Upon ligand binding, this multimeric complex activates RhoA/ROCK signaling in a p75NTR-dependent manner. The aim of this study was to analyze a possible modulatory role of MAG on MN apoptosis during postnatal development. A time course study showed thatMag-null mice suffer a loss of MNs during the first postnatal week. Also, these mice exhibited increased susceptibility in an animal model of p75NTR-dependent MN apoptosis induced by nerve-crush injury, which was prevented by treatment with a soluble form of MAG (MAG-Fc). The protective role of MAG was confirmed inin vitromodels of p75NTR-dependent MN apoptosis using the MN1 cell line and primary cultures. Lentiviral expression of shRNA sequences targeting NgRs on these cells abolished protection by MAG-Fc. Analysis of RhoA activity using a FRET-based RhoA biosensor showed that MAG-Fc activates RhoA. Pharmacological inhibition of p75NTR/RhoA/ROCK pathway, or overexpression of a p75NTRmutant unable to activate RhoA, completely blocked MAG-Fc protection against apoptosis. The role of RhoA/ROCK signaling was further confirmed in the nerve-crush model, where pretreatment with ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 blocked the pro-survival effect of MAG-Fc. These findings identify a new protective role of MAG as a modulator of apoptosis of MNs during postnatal development by a mechanism involving the p75NTR/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Also, our results highlight the relevance of the nurture/protective effects of myelin on neurons.
The p53 co-activator Zac1 neither induces cell cycle arrest nor apoptosis in chicken Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells
Authors: Fard S Shirazi , Blixt MKE , Hallböök F
Published: September 2015

Chicken horizontal progenitor cells are able to enter their final mitosis even in the presence of DNA damage despite having a functional p53-p21 system. This suggests that they are resistant to DNA damage and that the regulation of the final cell cycle of horizontal progenitor cells is independent of the p53-p21 system. The activity of p53 is regulated by positive and negative modulators, including the zinc finger containing transcription factor Zac1 (zinc finger protein that regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest). Zac1 interacts with and enhances the activity of p53, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this work, we use a gain-of-function assay in which mouse Zac1 (mZac1) is overexpressed in chicken retinal progenitor cells to study the effect on the final cell cycle of horizontal progenitor cells. The results showed that overexpression of mZac1 induced expression of p21 in a p53-dependent way and arrested the cell cycle as well as triggered apoptosis in chicken non-horizontal retinal progenitor cells. The negative regulation of the cell cycle by mZac1 is consistent with its proposed role as a tumour-suppressor gene. However, the horizontal cells were not affected by mZac1 overexpression. They progressed into S- and late G2/M-phase despite overexpression of mZac1. The inability of mZac1 to arrest the cell cycle in horizontal progenitor cells support the notion that the horizontal cells are less sensitive to events that triggers the p53 system during their terminal and neurogenic cell cycle, compared with other retinal cells. These properties are associated with a cell that has a propensity to become neoplastic and thus with a cell that may develop retinoblastoma.
A highly stable prefusion RSV F vaccine derived from structural analysis of the fusion mechanism
Authors: Krarup Anders , Truan Daphné , Furmanova-Hollenstein Polina , Bogaert Lies , Bouchier Pascale , Bisschop Ilona J. M. , Widjojoatmodjo Myra N. , Zahn Roland , Schuitemaker Hanneke , McLellan Jason S. , Langedijk Johannes P. M.
Published: September 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute lower respiratory tract infections and is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations. Recently, a promising vaccine antigen based on the RSV fusion protein (RSV F) stabilized in the native prefusion conformation has been described. Here we report alternative strategies to arrest RSV F in the prefusion conformation based on the prevention of hinge movements in the first refolding region and the elimination of proteolytic exposure of the fusion peptide. A limited number of unique mutations are identified that stabilize the prefusion conformation of RSV F and dramatically increase expression levels. This highly stable prefusion RSV F elicits neutralizing antibodies in cotton rats and induces complete protection against viral challenge. Moreover, the structural and biochemical analysis of the prefusion variants suggests a function for p27, the excised segment that precedes the fusion peptide in the polypeptide chain.
Fractal dendrite-based electrically conductive composites for laser-scribed flexible circuits
Authors: Yang Cheng , Cui Xiaoya , Zhang Zhexu , Chiang Sum Wai , Lin Wei , Duan Huan , Li Jia , Kang Feiyu , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: September 2015

Fractal metallic dendrites have been drawing more attentions recently, yet they have rarely been explored in electronic printing or packaging applications because of the great challenges in large-scale synthesis and limited understanding in such applications. Here we demonstrate a controllable synthesis of fractal Ag micro-dendrites at the hundred-gram scale. When used as the fillers for isotropically electrically conductive composites (ECCs), the unique three-dimensional fractal geometrical configuration and low-temperature sintering characteristic render the Ag micro dendrites with an ultra-low electrical percolation threshold of 0.97 vol% (8 wt%). The ultra-low percolation threshold and self-limited fusing ability may address some critical challenges in current interconnect technology for microelectronics. For example, only half of the laser-scribe energy is needed to pattern fine circuit lines printed using the present ECCs, showing great potential for wiring ultrathin circuits for high performance flexible electronics.
Projected phase-change memory devices
Authors: Koelmans Wabe W. , Sebastian Abu , Jonnalagadda Vara Prasad , Krebs Daniel , Dellmann Laurent , Eleftheriou Evangelos
Published: September 2015

Nanoscale memory devices, whose resistance depends on the history of the electric signals applied, could become critical building blocks in new computing paradigms, such as brain-inspired computing and memcomputing. However, there are key challenges to overcome, such as the high programming power required, noise and resistance drift. Here, to address these, we present the concept of a projected memory device, whose distinguishing feature is that the physical mechanism of resistance storage is decoupled from the information-retrieval process. We designed and fabricated projected memory devices based on the phase-change storage mechanism and convincingly demonstrate the concept through detailed experimentation, supported by extensive modelling and finite-element simulations. The projected memory devices exhibit remarkably low drift and excellent noise performance. We also demonstrate active control and customization of the programming characteristics of the device that reliably realize a multitude of resistance states.
Two-photon-like microscopy with orders-of-magnitude lower illumination intensity via two-step fluorescence
Authors: Ingaramo Maria , York Andrew G. , Andrade Eric J. , Rainey Kristin , Patterson George H.
Published: September 2015

We describe two-step fluorescence microscopy, a new approach to non-linear imaging based on positive reversible photoswitchable fluorescent probes. The protein Padron approximates ideal two-step fluorescent behaviour: it equilibrates to an inactive state, converts to an active state under blue light, and blue light also excites this active state to fluoresce. Both activation and excitation are linear processes, but the total fluorescent signal is quadratic, proportional to the square of the illumination dose. Here, we use Padron’s quadratic non-linearity to demonstrate the principle of two-step microscopy, similar in principle to two-photon microscopy but with orders-of-magnitude better cross-section. As with two-photon, quadratic non-linearity from two-step fluorescence improves resolution and reduces unwanted out-of-focus excitation, and is compatible with structured illumination microscopy. We also show two-step and two-photon imaging can be combined to give quartic non-linearity, further improving imaging in challenging samples. With further improvements, two-step fluorophores could replace conventional fluorophores for many imaging applications.
High-resolution non-contact measurement of the electrical activity of plants in situ using optical recording
Authors: Zhao Dong-Jie , Chen Yang , Wang Zi-Yang , Xue Lin , Mao Tong-Lin , Liu Yi-Min , Wang Zhong-Yi , Huang Lan
Published: September 2015

The limitations of conventional extracellular recording and intracellular recording make high-resolution multisite recording of plant bioelectrical activity in situ challenging. By combining a cooled charge-coupled device camera with a voltage-sensitive dye, we recorded the action potentials in the stem of Helianthus annuus and variation potentials at multiple sites simultaneously with high spatial resolution. The method of signal processing using coherence analysis was used to determine the synchronization of the selected signals. Our results provide direct visualization of the phloem, which is the distribution region of the electrical activities in the stem and leaf of H. annuus and verify that the phloem is the main action potential transmission route in the stems of higher plants. Finally, the method of optical recording offers a unique opportunity to map the dynamic bioelectrical activity and provides an insight into the mechanisms of long-distance electrical signal transmission in higher plants.
Effects of stoichiometry on the transport properties of crystalline phase-change materials
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wuttig Matthias , Mazzarello Riccardo
Published: September 2015

It has recently been shown that a metal-insulator transition due to disorder occurs in the crystalline state of the GeSb2Te4 phase-change compound. The transition is triggered by the ordering of the vacancies upon thermal annealing. In this work, we investigate the localization properties of the electronic states in selected crystalline (GeTe)x-(Sb2Te3)y compounds with varying GeTe content by large-scale density functional theory simulations. In our models, we also include excess vacancies, which are needed to account for the large carrier concentrations determined experimentally. We show that the models containing a high concentration of stoichiometric vacancies possess states at the Fermi energy localized inside vacancy clusters, as occurs for GeSb2Te4. On the other hand, the GeTe-rich models display metallic behavior, which stems from two facts: a) the tail of localized states shrinks due to the low probability of having sizable vacancy clusters, b) the excess vacancies shift the Fermi energy to the region of extended states. Hence, a stoichiometry-controlled metal-insulator transition occurs. In addition, we show that the localization properties obtained by scalar-relativistic calculations with gradient-corrected functionals are unaffected by the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling or the use of hybrid functionals.
Self-organization of waves and pulse trains by molecular motors in cellular protrusions
Authors: Yochelis A. , Ebrahim S. , Millis B. , Cui R. , Kachar B. , Naoz M. , Gov N. S.
Published: September 2015

Actin-based cellular protrusions are an ubiquitous feature of cells, performing a variety of critical functions ranging from cell-cell communication to cell motility. The formation and maintenance of these protrusions relies on the transport of proteins via myosin motors, to the protrusion tip. While tip-directed motion leads to accumulation of motors (and their molecular cargo) at the protrusion tip, it is observed that motors also form rearward moving, periodic and isolated aggregates. The origins and mechanisms of these aggregates and whether they are important for the recycling of motors, remain open puzzles. Motivated by novel myosin-XV experiments, a mass conserving reaction-diffusion-advection model is proposed. The model incorporates a non-linear cooperative interaction between motors, which converts them between an active and an inactive state. Specifically, the type of aggregate formed (traveling waves or pulse-trains) is linked to the kinetics of motors at the protrusion tip which is introduced by a boundary condition. These pattern selection mechanisms are found not only to qualitatively agree with empirical observations but open new vistas to the transport phenomena by molecular motors in general.
High-performance multi-functional reverse osmosis membranes obtained by carbon nanotube·polyamide nanocomposite
Authors: Inukai Shigeki , Cruz-Silva Rodolfo , Ortiz-Medina Josue , Morelos-Gomez Aaron , Takeuchi Kenji , Hayashi Takuya , Tanioka Akihiko , Araki Takumi , Tejima Syogo , Noguchi Toru , Terrones Mauricio , Endo Morinobu
Published: September 2015

Clean water obtained by desalinating sea water or by purifying wastewater, constitutes a major technological objective in the so-called water century. In this work, a high-performance reverse osmosis (RO) composite thin membrane using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and aromatic polyamide (PA), was successfully prepared by interfacial polymerization. The effect of MWCNT on the chlorine resistance, antifouling and desalination performances of the nanocomposite membranes were studied. We found that a suitable amount of MWCNT in PA, 15.5 wt.%, not only improves the membrane performance in terms of flow and antifouling, but also inhibits the chlorine degradation on these membranes. Therefore, the present results clearly establish a solid foundation towards more efficient large-scale water desalination and other water treatment processes.
Mixed gaits in small avian terrestrial locomotion
Authors: Andrada Emanuel , Haase Daniel , Sutedja Yefta , Nyakatura John A. , M. Kilbourne Brandon , Denzler Joachim , Fischer Martin S. , Blickhan Reinhard
Published: September 2015

Scientists have historically categorized gaits discretely (e.g. regular gaits such as walking, running). However, previous results suggest that animals such as birds might mix or regularly or stochastically switch between gaits while maintaining a steady locomotor speed. Here, we combined a novel and completely automated large-scale study (over one million frames) on motions of the center of mass in several bird species (quail, oystercatcher, northern lapwing, pigeon and avocet) with numerical simulations. The birds studied do not strictly prefer walking mechanics at lower speeds or running mechanics at higher speeds. Moreover, our results clearly display that the birds in our study employ mixed gaits (such as one step walking followed by one step using running mechanics) more often than walking and, surprisingly, maybe as often as grounded running. Using a bio-inspired model based on parameters obtained from real quails, we found two types of stable mixed gaits. In the first, both legs exhibit different gait mechanics, whereas in the second, legs gradually alternate from one gait mechanics into the other. Interestingly, mixed gaits parameters mostly overlap those of grounded running. Thus, perturbations or changes in the state induce a switch from grounded running to mixed gaits or vice versa.
Establishment of immunoassay for detecting HPV16 E6 and E7 RNA
Authors: Ding Sen , Qian Steven Y. , Zhang Yang , Wu Wenlei , Lu Gensheng , Lu Yan , Feng Xiujing , Li Li , Shen Pingping
Published: September 2015

Cervical carcinoma is the most prevalent malignancy second only to breast cancer among women worldwide. Since more than 99% of cervical cancers are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), measurement of HPV (HPV test) was commonly used in screening risk and/or early stage of cervical cancer as well as assessing the efficacies of the treatments that can decrease the incidence of cervical cancer. Many approaches that diagnose HPV infections have been developed, while most of them have distinct shortcomings. We here established a novel immunoassay method in which the pairs of unlabeled DNA probes firstly bind to HPV16 E6 and E7 RNAs to form the DNA-RNA hybrids and the hybrids will subsequently be identified by S9.6 antibody. The sensitivity of this highly specific method can reach ~0.923 pg/mL and ~0.424 pg/mL of in vitro transcribed HPV16 E6 and E7 RNA, respectively and reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification were no longer needed. Thus, our immunoassay approaches can precisely reflect the actually viral load that is related to the course of HPV infection. In addition, it has also fast and low cost characteristic feature.
Aphid-induced Defences in Chilli Affect Preferences of the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Saad Khalid A. , Mohamad Roff M. N. , Hallett Rebecca H. , Idris A. B.
Published: September 2015

The sweetpotato whitefly (WF),Bemisia tabaci, is a major pest that damages a wide range of vegetable crops in Malaysia. WF infestation is influenced by a variety of factors, including previous infestation of the host plant by other insect pests. This study investigated the effects of previous infestation of host chilli plants by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on the olfactory behavioural response ofB. tabaci, using free-choice bioassay with a Y-tube olfactometer. We analysed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by non-infested andM. persicae-infested chilli plants using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results showed that female WFs preferred non-infested to pre-infested plants. Collection and analysis of volatile compounds emitted by infested plants confirmed that there were significant increases in the production of monoterpenes (cymene; 1,8-cineole), sesquiterpenes (β–cadinene, α-copaene) and methyl salicylate (MeSA) compared to non-infested plants. Our results suggest that host plant infestation by aphids may induce production of secondary metabolites that deterB. tabacifrom settling on its host plants. These results provide important information for understanding WF host selection and dispersal among crops and also for manipulating WF behaviour to improve IPM in chilli.
Symmetry issues in the hybridization of multi-mode waves with resonators: an example with Lamb waves metamaterial
Authors: Rupin Matthieu , Roux Philippe , Lerosey Geoffroy , Lemoult Fabrice
Published: September 2015

Locally resonant metamaterials derive their effective properties from hybridization between their resonant unit cells and the incoming wave. This phenomenon is well understood in the case of plane waves that propagate in media where the unit cell respects the symmetry of the incident field. However, in many systems, several modes with orthogonal symmetries can coexist at a given frequency, while the resonant unit cells themselves can have asymmetric scattering cross-sections. In this paper we are interested in the influence of symmetry breaking on the hybridization of a wave field that includes multiple propagative modes. The A0 and S0 Lamb waves that propagate in a thin plate are good candidates for this study, as they are either anti-symmetric or symmetric. First we designed an experimental setup with an asymmetric metamaterial made of long rods glued to one side of a metallic plate. We show that the flexural resonances of the rods induce a break of the orthogonality between the A0/S0 modes of the free-plate. Finally, based on numerical simulations we show that the orthogonality is preserved in the case of a symmetric metamaterial leading to the presence of two independent polariton curves in the dispersion relation.
Tailoring optical complex field with spiral blade plasmonic vortex lens
Authors: Rui Guanghao , Zhan Qiwen , Cui Yiping
Published: September 2015

Optical complex fields have attracted increasing interests because of the novel effects and phenomena arising from the spatially inhomogeneous state of polarizations and optical singularities of the light beam. In this work, we propose a spiral blade plasmonic vortex lens (SBPVL) that offers unique opportunities to manipulate these novel fields. The strong interaction between the SBPVL and the optical complex fields enable the synthesis of highly tunable plasmonic vortex. Through theoretical derivations and numerical simulations we demonstrated that the characteristics of the plasmonic vortex are determined by the angular momentum (AM) of the light and the geometrical topological charge of the SBPVL, which is govern by the nonlinear superposition of the pitch and the number of blade element. In addition, it is also shown that by adjusting the geometric parameters, SBPVL can be utilized to focus and manipulate optical complex field with fractional AM. This miniature plasmonic device may find potential applications in optical trapping, optical data storage and many other related fields.
CRISPR/Cas9 nickase-mediated disruption of hepatitis B virus open reading frame S and X
Authors: Karimova Madina , Beschorner Niklas , Dammermann Werner , Chemnitz Jan , Indenbirken Daniela , Bockmann Jan-Hendrik , Grundhoff Adam , Lüth Stefan , Buchholz Frank , Wiesch Julian Schulze zur , Hauber Joachim
Published: September 2015

Current antiviral therapies cannot cure hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; successful HBV eradication would require inactivation of the viral genome, which primarily persists in host cells as episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and, to a lesser extent, as chromosomally integrated sequences. However, novel designer enzymes, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease system, provide technologies for developing advanced therapy strategies that could directly attack the HBV genome. For therapeutic application in humans, such designer nucleases should recognize various HBV genotypes and cause minimal off-target effects. Here, we identified cross-genotype conserved HBV sequences in the S and X region of the HBV genome that were targeted for specific and effective cleavage by a Cas9 nickase. This approach disrupted not only episomal cccDNA and chromosomally integrated HBV target sites in reporter cell lines, but also HBV replication in chronically and de novo infected hepatoma cell lines. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of using the CRISPR/Cas9 nickase system for novel therapy strategies aiming to cure HBV infection.
Electrically Tunable and Negative Schottky Barriers in Multi-layered Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructured Transistors
Authors: Qiu Dongri , Kim Eun Kyu
Published: September 2015

We fabricated multi-layered graphene/MoS2heterostructured devices by positioning mechanically exfoliated bulk graphite and single-crystalline 2H-MoS2onto Au metal pads on a SiO2/Si substrateviaa contamination-free dry transfer technique. We also studied the electrical transport properties of Au/MoS2junction devices for systematic comparison. A previous work has demonstrated the existence of a positive Schottky barrier height (SBH) in the metal/MoS2system. However, analysis of the SBH indicates that the contacts of the multi-layered graphene/MoS2have tunable negative barriers in the range of 300 to −46 meV as a function of gate voltage. It is hypothesized that this tunable SBH is responsible for the modulation of the work function of the thick graphene in these devices. Despite the large number of graphene layers, it is possible to form ohmic contacts, which will provide new opportunities for the engineering of highly efficient contacts in flexible electronics and photonics.
Assembling strategy to synthesize palladium modified kaolin nanocomposites with different morphologies
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Ouyang Jing , Zhou Yonghua , Yang Huaming
Published: September 2015

Nanocomposites of aluminosilicate minerals, kaolins (kaolinite and halloysite) with natural different morphologies assembling with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through strong electrostatic adsorption and chemical bonding after surface modification with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). Meanwhile, the influence of different morphologies supports on catalytic hydrogenation properties was explored. The surface concentration of amino groups on the kaolins was related to the morphology and surface nature. Electronmicroscopy revealed that the monodisperse Pd nanoparticles were uniformly deposited onto the surface of kaolins, ranging in diameter from 0.5 nm to 5.5 nm. The functional groups could not only improve the dispersion of kaolins with different morphologies in solution, but also enhance the interaction between Pd precursors and kaolins, thus preventing small Pd nanoparticles from agglomerating and leading to high activity for the catalytic hydrogenation of styrene. Pd-FK@APTES was more active compared to other samples. Selecting the kaolin morphology with a different surface nature allows the selective surface modification of a larger fraction of the reactive facets on which the active sites can be enriched and tuned. This desirable surface coordination of catalytically active atoms could substantially improve catalytic activity.
Genetic association of RIT2 rs12456492 polymorphism and Parkinson’s disease susceptibility in Asian populations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yanjun , Liu Wei , Tan Kun , Peng Jing , Zhu Yaowu , Wang Xiong
Published: September 2015

Recent studies investigating the association of the Ras-like without CAAX 2 (RIT2) polymorphism, rs12456492, with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to study the association between rs12456492 and PD susceptibility in Asian populations. Literature searches of PubMed and Embase were performed up to June 3, 2015 and the strength of the association between rs12456492 and PD was evaluated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Four studies conducted between 2013 and 2015, comprising 2017 PD cases and 2010 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Significant association of rs12456492 with PD was found in the dominant (GG + AG vs. AA: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.20–1.44, P = 0.00) and additive models (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.83, P = 0.030). Although sensitivity analysis found that the overall result was stable only in the dominant genetic model, a publication bias was also detected. Therefore, the results should be treated with caution. The current meta-analysis suggested that rs12456492 might be associated with increased PD risk in Asian populations, but studies using larger sample sizes and different ethnic populations will be needed to further confirm this association.
Multi-wavelength emission through self-induced second-order wave-mixing processes from a Nd3+ doped crystalline powder random laser
Authors: Moura André L. , Jerez Vladimir , Maia Lauro J. Q. , Gomes Anderson S. L. , de Araújo Cid B.
Published: September 2015

Random lasers (RLs) based on neodymium ions (Nd3+) doped crystalline powders rely on multiple light scattering to sustain laser oscillation. Although Stokes and anti-Stokes Nd3+ RLs have been demonstrated, the optical gain obtained up to now was possibly not large enough to produce self-frequency conversion. Here we demonstrate self-frequency upconversion from Nd3+ doped YAl3(BO3)4 monocrystals excited at 806 nm, in resonance with the Nd3+ transition 4I9/2 → 4F5/2. Besides the observation of the RL emission at 1062 nm, self-converted second-harmonic at 531 nm and self-sum-frequency generated emission at 459 nm due to the RL and the excitation laser at 806 nm, are reported. Additionally, second-harmonic of the excitation laser at 403 nm was generated. These results exemplify the first multi-wavelength source of radiation owing to nonlinear optical effect in a Nd3+ doped crystalline powder RL. Contrary to the RLs based on dyes, this multi-wavelength light source can be used in photonic devices due to the large durability of the gain medium.
Nanosized LiNi1−xFexPO4 embedded in a mesoporous carbon matrix for high-performance electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Ma Shaojun , Zhu Qing , Zheng Zhi , Wang Wenlou , Chen Dongming
Published: September 2015

This work reports for the first time LiNi1−xFexPO4@C nanocomposites as highly effective catalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Synthesis of well dispersed polymer grafted metal–organic framework nanoparticles
Authors: Xie K. , Fu Q. , He Y. , Kim J. , Goh S. J. , Nam E. , Qiao G. G. , Webley P. A.
Published: September 2015

We prepared novel polymer grafted MOF nanoparticles for the first time with excellent water dispersity and significantly enhanced catalytic effect.
The insulin degrading enzyme activates ubiquitin and promotes the formation of K48 and K63 diubiquitin
Authors: Grasso G. , Lanza V. , Malgieri G. , Fattorusso R. , Pietropaolo A. , Rizzarelli E. , Milardi D.
Published: September 2015

Insulin degrading enzyme: a metalloprotease with ubiquitin activating ability.
Spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking in a re-entrant isotropic liquid
Authors: Dressel Christian , Weissflog Wolfgang , Tschierske Carsten
Published: September 2015

An achiral double swallow tailed rod-like molecule forms a chirality synchronized isotropic liquid conglomerate between a chiral cubic and an achiral nematic phase.
DFT+U studies of Cu doping and p-type compensation in crystalline and amorphous ZnS
Authors: Pham Hieu H. , Barkema Gerard T. , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: September 2015

Zinc sulfide is an excellent candidate for the development of a p-type transparent conducting material that has great demands in solar energy and optoelectronic applications.
Pressure-dependent formation of i-motif and G-quadruplex DNA structures
Authors: Takahashi S. , Sugimoto N.
Published: September 2015

Pressure is an important physical stimulus that can influence the fate of cells by causing structural changes in biomolecules such as DNA.
Correction: Origin of colossal permittivity in (In1/2Nb1/2)TiO2via broadband dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Xiao-gang , Liu Peng , Song Yue-Chan , Zhang An-ping , Chen Xiao-ming , Zhou Jian-ping
Published: September 2015

Correction for ‘Origin of colossal permittivity in (In1/2Nb1/2)TiO2via broadband dielectric spectroscopy’ by Xiao-gang Zhao et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 23132–23139.
Assessment of the distribution of phenolic compounds and contribution to the antioxidant activity in Tunisian fig leaves, fruits, skins and pulps using mass spectrometry-based analysis
Authors: Ammar Sonda , del Mar Contreras María , Belguith-Hadrich Olfa , Segura-Carretero Antonio , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: September 2015

The qualitative and quantitative phenolic composition explains the differences in the antioxidant activity of fig leaves, fruits, pulps, and skins.
7.1% efficient co-electroplated Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells with sputtered CdS buffer layers
Authors: Tao Jiahua , Liu Junfeng , Chen Leilei , Cao Huiyi , Meng Xiankuan , Zhang Yingbin , Zhang Chuanjun , Sun Lin , Yang Pingxiong , Chu Junhao
Published: September 2015

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films with fine control over composition and pure phase were fabricated by sulfurization of co-electroplated Cu–Zn–Sn–S precursors.
Integration of a microfluidic chip with a size-based cell bandpass filter for reliable isolation of single cells
Authors: Kim Hojin , Lee Sanghyun , Lee Jae-hyung , Kim Joonwon
Published: September 2015

A novel approach for reliable arraying of single cells is presented using a size-based cell bandpass filter integrated with a microfluidic single-cell array chip.
Realizing the full potential of conjugated polymers: innovation in polymer synthesis
Authors: Morin Pierre-Olivier , Bura Thomas , Leclerc Mario
Published: September 2015

Plastic electronics is closely linked to advances in polymer synthesis.
Covalently-linked polyoxometalate–polymer hybrids: optimizing synthesis, appealing structures and prospective applications
Authors: Wu Han , Yang Hai-Kuan , Wang Wei
Published: September 2015

In this perspective, the field of covalent polyoxometalate–polymer hybrids has been reviewed and some perspectives are provided.
Stability of conformationally locked free fructose: theoretical and computational insights
Authors: Deshmukh Milind M. , Gadre Shridhar R. , Cocinero Emilio J.
Published: September 2015

Total stabilization is governed by three predominant factors viz. the sum of energy of all H-bonds, ring strain and anomeric stabilization.
Direct construction of vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in natural product synthesis
Authors: Long Rong , Huang Jun , Gong Jianxian , Yang Zhen
Published: September 2015

Molecules containing vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters are found in many secondary metabolites, and they exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological activities.
Synthesis of aza and carbocyclic β-carbolines for the treatment of alcohol abuse. Regiospecific solution to the problem of 3,6-disubstituted β- and aza-β-carboline specificity
Authors: Phani Babu Tiruveedhula V. V. N. , Methuku Kashi Reddy , Deschamps Jeffrey R. , Cook James M.
Published: September 2015

A novel two step protocol was developed to gain regiospecific access to 3-substituted β- and aza-β-carbolines, 3-PBC (1), 3-ISOPBC (2), βCCt (3), 6-aza-3-PBC (4) and 6-aza-3-ISOPBC (5).
Synthesis, binding and self-assembly properties of a well-defined pillar[5]arene end functionalised polydimethylacrylamide
Authors: Laggoune N. , Delattre F. , Lyskawa J. , Stoffelbach F. , Guigner J. M. , Ruellan S. , Cooke G. , Woisel P.
Published: September 2015

The synthesis, binding and self-assembly properties of a well-defined pillar[5]arene end functionalised polydimethylacrylamide are reported.
Highly efficient biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg3 using β-galactosidase from Aspergillus sp.
Authors: Wan Hui-da , Li Dan
Published: September 2015

β-Galactosidase from Aspergillus sp. can transform major ginsenoside Rb1 to rare ginsenoside F2 via ginsenoside Rd. Ginsenoside Rg3 can be selectively hydrolyzed with this β-galactosidase and only ginsenoside Rh2 was obtained as well.
Electroanalytical determination of diazepam in tablet and human serum samples using a multiwalled carbon nanotube embedded molecularly imprinted polymer-modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Milani Hosseini Mohammad Reza , Motaharian Ali
Published: September 2015

In this study a new MWCNT–MIP nanocomposite modified carbon paste electrode for determination of diazepam has been developed.
One-pot facile synthesis of half-cauliflower amphiphilic Janus particles with pH-switchable emulsifiabilities
Authors: Zhai Wenzhong , Li Tao , He Yu-Feng , Xiong Yubing , Wang Rong-Min
Published: September 2015

A facile synthesis strategy for generating two types of highly uniform amphiphilic polymer Janus particles, spherical seeds and half-cauliflower particles, is first presented.
Evaluation of power generated by thermoelectric modules comprising a p-type and n-type single walled carbon nanotube composite paper
Authors: Piao Mingxing , Joo Min-Kyu , Choi Jun Hee , Shin Jong Mok , Moon Young Sun , Kim Gyu Tae , Dettlaff-Weglikowska Urszula
Published: September 2015

Thermoelectric modules were fabricated from p-type and n-type SWCNT composite papers, and were demonstrated as efficient thermoelectric materials.
A new electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of guanine and adenine: using a NiAl-layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide-multi wall carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Rezaei Behzad , Khosropour Hossein , Ensafi Ali Asghar , Dinari Mohammad , Nabiyan Afshin
Published: September 2015

An electrochemical sensor was developed for guanine and adenine detection using multiwall carbon nanotubes with the hybrid NiAl-layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide (NiAl-LDH/GO) on a glassy carbon electrode.
Mild Cu(OAc)2·H2O-catalyzed synthesis of multi-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles from amidines with nitriles via a N–N/C–N coupling
Authors: Wang Fei , You Qing , Wu Chaoting , Min Dewen , Shi Tianchao , Kong Yuting , Zhang Wu
Published: September 2015

Multi-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles were obtained via a Cu(OAc)2·H2O-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of amidines with nitriles.
Visible light photoelectrochemical properties of a hydrogenated TiO2 nanorod film and its application in the detection of chemical oxygen demand
Authors: Wang Xiujie , Zhang Shengsen , Wang Hongjuan , Yu Hao , Wang Haihui , Zhang Shanqing , Peng Feng
Published: September 2015

Hydrogenated TiO2 nanorod arrays as a photoelectrochemical sensor exhibit good stability and reproducibility for online COD monitoring using visible light.
A novel tetraethylenepentamine functionalized polymeric adsorbent for enhanced removal and selective recovery of heavy metal ions from saline solutions
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Peng , Liu Fu-Qiang , Zhu Chang-Qing , Xu Chao , Chen Da , Wei Meng-Meng , Liu Jian , Li Cheng-Hui , Ling Chen , Li Ai-Min , You Xiao-Zeng
Published: September 2015

A novel tetraethylenepentamine functionalized polymeric adsorbent with polymethacrylate–divinylbenzene as the substrate was facilely prepared for the enhanced removal and selective recovery of Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) from saline solutions.
Designing interchain and intrachain properties of conjugated polymers for latent optical information encoding
Authors: Chung Kyeongwoon , McAllister Andrew , Bilby David , Kim Bong-Gi , Kwon Min Sang , Kioupakis Emmanouil , Kim Jinsang
Published: September 2015

Based on systematic conjugated polymers design, we demonstrate latent information encoding which reveals and conceals hidden information upon polymers' aggregation/deaggregation.
Size-controllable DNA nanoribbons assembled from three types of reusable brick single-strand DNA tiles
Authors: Shi Xiaolong , Chen Congzhou , Li Xin , Song Tao , Chen Zhihua , Zhang Zheng , Wang Yanfeng
Published: September 2015

A novel approach to assemble size-controllable DNA nanoribbons with three types of reusable brick single-stranded DNA tiles. Control of ribbon size is achieved by regulating the concentration ratio between manipulative strands and packed single-stranded DNA tiles.
A zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF)–sponge composite prepared via a surfactant-assisted dip-coating method
Authors: Andrew Lin Kun-Yi , Chang Hsuan-Ang
Published: September 2015

A rapid, simple and inexpensive dip-coating method is developed to prepare a three-dimensional hierarchical zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) composite using the commercially available melamine sponge as a support.
An effect of Ag(i)-substitution at Cu sites in CuGaS2 on photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties for solar hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kaga Hiroshi , Tsutsui Yuko , Nagane Akira , Iwase Akihide , Kudo Akihiko
Published: September 2015

Ag(i)-substitution at the Cu sites in a CuGaS2 photocatalyst with a p-type character was a useful strategy to improve its photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances.
Stable layered P3/P2 Na0.66Co0.5Mn0.5O2 cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Zhou Xianlong , Hu Meng , Liang Jing , Wu Dihua , Wei Jinping , Zhou Zhen
Published: September 2015

This study presents P3/P2-type biphasic layered Na0.66Co0.5Mn0.5O2 by integrating P2 into P3-layered materials, which delivered outstanding electrochemical performance.
Synthesis of Cu–Ir nanocages with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Chao , Sui Yongming , Xiao Guanjun , Yang Xinyi , Wei Yingjin , Zou Guangtian , Zou Bo
Published: September 2015

Single-crystalline Cu1.11Ir nanocages were synthesized, which exhibited high catalytic performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction in 0.05 M H2SO4.
TiO2/NiO hybrid shells: p–n junction photocatalysts with enhanced activity under visible light
Authors: Wang Minggui , Hu Yimin , Han Jie , Guo Rong , Xiong Huixin , Yin Yadong
Published: September 2015

Mesoporous hybrid shells of TiO2/NiO were prepared by sequential coating of TiO2 and NiO on SiO2 nanospheres through a combined sol–gel and hydrothermal process followed by calcination and template removal.
Nonfullerene acceptors based on extended fused rings flanked with benzothiadiazolylmethylenemalononitrile for polymer solar cells
Authors: Bai Huitao , Wu Yao , Wang Yifan , Wu Yang , Li Rong , Cheng Pei , Zhang Mingyu , Wang Jiayu , Ma Wei , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: September 2015

Two novel nonfullerene acceptors based on extended fused rings flanked with benzothiadiazolylmethylenemalononitrile were synthesized and used in polymer solar cells.
One-step coating inverted polymer solar cells using a conjugated polymer as an electron extraction additive
Authors: Peng Zuosheng , Zhang Yangdong , Xia Yuxin , Xiong Kang , Cai Chaosheng , Xia Lianpeng , Hu Zhanhao , Zhang Kai , Huang Fei , Hou Lintao
Published: September 2015

A facile method is reported which involves blending a conjugated electron-extraction polymer with photoactive materials to simplify the fabrication process.
Stimuli responsive drug delivery application of polymer and silica in biomedicine
Authors: Gulzar Arif , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping , Li Chunxia , Ansari Mohd Bismillah , Lin Jun
Published: September 2015

In the last decade, using polymer and mesoporous silica materials as efficient drug delivery carriers has attracted great attention.
Linear‐time JPDAF based on many‐2‐many approximation of marginal association probabilities
Authors: Baum M.
Published: September 2015

A novel linear‐time approximation for the marginal association probabilities in the JPDAF is proposed. The key idea is to combine two existing approximations that are based on (computationally cheap) many‐2‐1 and 1‐2‐many association models. Simulations demonstrate the benefits of the novel approximation, called many‐2‐many approximation, in comparison with existing linear‐time approaches.