bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Defect Range and Evolution in Ion-Irradiated Single Crystalline Ni and Ni Binary Alloys
Authors: Lu Chenyang , Jin Ke , Béland Laurent K. , Zhang Feifei , Yang Taini , Qiao Liang , Zhang Yanwen , Bei Hongbin , Christen Hans M. , Stoller Roger E. , Wang Lumin
Published: February 2016

Energetic ions have been widely used to evaluate the irradiation tolerance of structural materials for nuclear power applications and to modify material properties. It is important to understand the defect production, annihilation and migration mechanisms during and after collision cascades. In this study, single crystalline pure nickel metal and single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys of 50%Ni50%Co (NiCo) and 50%Ni50%Fe (NiFe) without apparent preexisting defect sinks were employed to study defect dynamics under ion irradiation. Both cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy characterization (TEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry channeling (RBS-C) spectra show that the range of radiation-induced defect clusters far exceed the theoretically predicted depth in all materials after high-dose irradiation. Defects in nickel migrate faster than in NiCo and NiFe. Both vacancy-type stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) and interstitial loops coexist in the same region, which is consistent with molecular dynamics simulations. Kinetic activation relaxation technique (k-ART) simulations for nickel showed that small vacancy clusters, such as di-vacancies and tri-vacancies, created by collision cascades are highly mobile, even at room temperature. The slower migration of defects in the alloy along with more localized energy dissipation of the displacement cascade may lead to enhanced radiation tolerance.
Efficient simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation of high-concentrated N,N-dimethylformamide from water by Paracoccus denitrificans-graphene oxide microcomposites
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: February 2016

Water contamination becomes one of the most pervasive environmental issues all over the world in recent years. In this paper, the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with copolymers containing methacrylic acid (MAA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) was investigated to prepare a new microcomposite material (PGO) via free radical solution polymerization. PGO was used for the adsorption of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) from aqueous solution by utilizing the characteristics of ultralarge surface and the Van der Waals force between DMF molecules and polymers on the surface of PGO. Besides, PGO was used not only a high-capable adsorbent but also a carrier for the immobilization of Paracoccus denitrificans cells in the treatment of high-concentrated DMF. Bacterial cells could immobilized on the PGO (PGO@P. denitrificans) stably by covalent coupling process after acclimatization and high-concentrated DMF (2000 mg/L) could be removed completely and relatively rapidly from aqueous solutions by the simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation (SAB) process of PGO@P. denitrificans. Furthermore, the excellent recycle performance of PGO@P. denitrificans made the whole process more economical and practical.
Clay mineralogy indicates a mildly warm and humid living environment for the Miocene hominoid from the Zhaotong Basin, Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , Guo Zhengtang , Deng Chenglong , Ji Xueping , Wu Haibin , Paterson Greig A. , Chang Lin , Li Qin , Wu Bailing , Zhu Rixiang
Published: February 2016

Global and regional environmental changes have influenced the evolutionary processes of hominoid primates, particularly during the Miocene. Recently, a new Lufengpithecus cf. lufengensis hominoid fossil with a late Miocene age of ~6.2 Ma was discovered in the Shuitangba (STB) section of the Zhaotong Basin in Yunnan on the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau. To understand the relationship between paleoclimate and hominoid evolution, we have studied sedimentary, clay mineralogy and geochemical proxies for the late Miocene STB section (~16 m thick; ca. 6.7–6.0 Ma). Our results show that Lufengpithecus cf. lufengensis lived in a mildly warm and humid climate in a lacustrine or swamp environment. Comparing mid to late Miocene records from hominoid sites in Yunnan, Siwalik in Pakistan and tropical Africa we find that ecological shifts from forest to grassland in Siwalik are much later than in tropical Africa, consistent with the disappearance of hominoid fossils. However, no significant vegetation changes are found in Yunnan during the late Miocene, which we suggest is the result of uplift of the Tibetan plateau combined with the Asian monsoon geographically and climatically isolating these regions. The resultant warm and humid conditions in southeastern China offered an important refuge for Miocene hominoids.
Huaier extract suppresses breast cancer via regulating tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Li Yaming , Qi Wenwen , Song Xiaojin , Lv Shangge , Zhang Hanwen , Yang Qifeng
Published: February 2016

Macrophages in tumor microenvironment are mostly M2-polarized - and have been reported to promote tumorigenesis, which are also defined as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Huaier extract on TAMs using RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Our data demonstrated that Huaier extract could inhibit the infiltration of macrophages into tumor microenvironment in a dose-dependent manner. By performing RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and phagocytosis assay, we were able to find that Huaier extract could regulate the polarization of macrophages, with decreased M2-polarization and increased phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, we identified that Huaier extract could suppress macrophages-induced angiogenesis by using HUVEC migration assay, tube formation and chorioallantoic membrane assay. Additionally, western blotting showed decreased expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF with the use of Huaier extract. Finally, we found that Huaier extract could inhibit M2-macrophages infiltration and angiogenesis through treating 4T1 tumor bearing mice with Huaier extract. Our study revealed a novel mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of Huaier extract which inhibited angiogenesis by targeting TAMs. These findings provided that Huaier was a promising drug for clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Serum Adipsin Levels throughout Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Authors: Poveda Natalia E. , Garcés María F. , Ruiz-Linares Carlos E. , Varón Diana , Valderrama Sergio , Sanchez Elizabeth , Castiblanco-Cortes Adriana , Agudelo-Zapata Yessica , Sandoval-Alzate Héctor Fabio , Leal Luis G. , Ángel-Müller Edith , Ruíz-Parra Ariel I. , González-Clavijo Angélica M. , Diéguez Carlos , Nogueiras Rubén , Caminos Jorge E.
Published: February 2016

Adipsin is a protease produced at high levels by adipose tissue. It is involved in complement activation and metabolic control. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in adipsin levels during different stages of normal pregnancy and its association with obstetric outcomes, such as preeclampsia. This nested case-control study in a longitudinal cohort included normal pregnant (n = 54) and preeclamptic (n = 18) women, both followed throughout pregnancy. Additionally, some of the normal pregnant women were followed up three months postpartum (n = 18). Healthy non-pregnant women were also studied during their menstrual cycle (n = 20). The results of this study show that in healthy non-pregnant women, adipsin levels did not change significantly during the menstrual cycle. In normal pregnant women, adipsin levels were lower (p < 0.01) when compared with non-pregnant healthy women, but these serum levels increased again during postpartum (p < 0.001). Adipsin levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptic women in late pregnancy (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was not found between leptin and adipsin during the three periods of gestation studied in healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women. Our results suggest that adipsin may be involved in pregnancy-associated metabolic changes. Moreover, the increase of adipsin levels towards late gestation in preeclamptic women could be related to the pathophysiology of this disease.
Streptomyces thermoautotrophicus does not fix nitrogen
Authors: MacKellar Drew , Lieber Lucas , Norman Jeffrey S. , Bolger Anthony , Tobin Cory , Murray James W. , Oksaksin Mehtap , Chang Roger L. , Ford Tyler J. , Nguyen Peter Q. , Woodward Jimmy , Permingeat Hugo R. , Joshi Neel S. , Silver Pamela A. , Usadel Björn , Rutherford Alfred W. , Friesen Maren L. , Prell Jürgen
Published: February 2016

Streptomyces thermoautotrophicusUBT1 has been described as a moderately thermophilic chemolithoautotroph with a novel nitrogenase enzyme that is oxygen-insensitive. We have cultured the UBT1 strain and have isolated two new strains (H1 and P1-2) of very similar phenotypic and genetic characters. These strains show minimal growth on ammonium-free media and fail to incorporate isotopically labeled N2gas into biomass in multiple independent assays. Thesdngenes previously published as the putative nitrogenase ofS. thermoautotrophicushave little similarity to anything found in draft genome sequences, published here, for strains H1 and UBT1, but share >99% nucleotide identity with genes fromHydrogenibacillus schlegelii, a draft genome for which is also presented here.H. schlegeliisimilarly lacks nitrogenase genes and is a non-diazotroph. We propose reclassification of the species containing strains UBT1, H1 and P1-2 as a non-Streptomycete, non-diazotrophic, facultative chemolithoautotroph and conclude that the existence of the previously proposed oxygen-tolerant nitrogenase is extremely unlikely.
Singlet oxygen production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under heat stress
Authors: Prasad Ankush , Ferretti Ursula , Sedlářová Michaela , Pospíšil Pavel
Published: February 2016

In the current study, singlet oxygen formation by lipid peroxidation induced by heat stress (40 °C) was studied in vivo in unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Primary and secondary oxidation products of lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde, were generated under heat stress as detected using swallow-tailed perylene derivative fluorescence monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was initiated by enzymatic reaction as inhibition of lipoxygenase by catechol and caffeic acid prevented hydroperoxide formation. Ultra-weak photon emission showed formation of electronically excited species such as triplet excited carbonyl, which, upon transfer of excitation energy, leads to the formation of either singlet excited chlorophyll or singlet oxygen. Alternatively, singlet oxygen is formed by direct decomposition of hydroperoxide via Russell mechanisms. Formation of singlet oxygen was evidenced by the nitroxyl radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spin-trapping spectroscopy and the imaging of green fluorescence of singlet oxygen sensor green detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Suppression of singlet oxygen formation by lipoxygenase inhibitors indicates that singlet oxygen may be formed via enzymatic lipid peroxidation initiated by lipoxygenase.
Proteome-wide survey of the autoimmune target repertoire in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
Authors: Landegren Nils , Sharon Donald , Freyhult Eva , Hallgren Åsa , Eriksson Daniel , Edqvist Per-Henrik , Bensing Sophie , Wahlberg Jeanette , Nelson Lawrence M. , Gustafsson Jan , Husebye Eystein S. , Anderson Mark S. , Snyder Michael , Kämpe Olle
Published: February 2016

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a monogenic disorder that features multiple autoimmune disease manifestations. It is caused by mutations in the Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, which promote thymic display of thousands of peripheral tissue antigens in a process critical for establishing central immune tolerance. We here used proteome arrays to perform a comprehensive study of autoimmune targets in APS1. Interrogation of established autoantigens revealed highly reliable detection of autoantibodies and by exploring the full panel of more than 9000 proteins we further identified MAGEB2 and PDILT as novel major autoantigens in APS1. Our proteome-wide assessment revealed a marked enrichment for tissue-specific immune targets, mirroring AIRE’s selectiveness for this category of genes. Our findings also suggest that only a very limited portion of the proteome becomes targeted by the immune system in APS1, which contrasts the broad defect of thymic presentation associated with AIRE-deficiency and raises novel questions what other factors are needed for break of tolerance.
Enhanced waste activated sludge digestion using a submerged anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor: performance, sludge characteristics and microbial community
Authors: Yu Hongguang , Wang Zhiwei , Wu Zhichao , Zhu Chaowei
Published: February 2016

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plays an important role in waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment; however, conventional AD (CAD) process needs substantial improvements, especially for the treatment of WAS with low solids content and poor anaerobic biodegradability. Herein, we propose a submerged anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) for simultaneous WAS thickening and digestion without any pretreatment. During the long-term operation, the AnDMBR exhibited an enhanced sludge reduction and improved methane production over CAD process. Moreover, the biogas generated in the AnDMBR contained higher methane content than CAD process. Stable carbon isotopic signatures elucidated the occurrence of combined methanogenic pathways in the AnDMBR process, in which hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway made a larger contribution to the total methane production. It was also found that organic matter degradation was enhanced in the AnDMBR, thus providing more favorable substrates for microorganisms. Pyrosequencing revealed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were abundant in bacterial communities and Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta in archaeal communities, which played an important role in the AnDMBR system. This study shed light on the enhanced digestion of WAS using AnDMBR technology.
High Performance Transparent Transistor Memory Devices Using Nano-Floating Gate of Polymer/ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Shih Chien-Chung , Lee Wen-Ya , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Hsu Han-Wen , Chang Hsuan-Chun , Liu Cheng-Liang , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: February 2016

Nano-floating gate memory devices (NFGM) using metal nanoparticles (NPs) covered with an insulating polymer have been considered as a promising electronic device for the next-generation nonvolatile organic memory applications NPs. However, the transparency of the device with metal NPs is restricted to 60~70% due to the light absorption in the visible region caused by the surface plasmon resonance effects of metal NPs. To address this issue, we demonstrate a novel NFGM using the blends of hole-trapping poly (9-(4-vinylphenyl) carbazole) (PVPK) and electron-trapping ZnO NPs as the charge storage element. The memory devices exhibited a remarkably programmable memory window up to 60 V during the program/erase operations, which was attributed to the trapping/detrapping of charge carriers in ZnO NPs/PVPK composite. Furthermore, the devices showed the long-term retention time (>105 s) and WRER test (>200 cycles), indicating excellent electrical reliability and stability. Additionally, the fabricated transistor memory devices exhibited a relatively high transparency of 90% at the wavelength of 500 nm based on the spray-coated PEDOT:PSS as electrode, suggesting high potential for transparent organic electronic memory devices.
Cocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla) water extract inhibits adipocyte differentiation in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Li Kai Kai , Liu Chuek Lun , Shiu Hoi Ting , Wong Hing Lok , Siu Wing Sum , Zhang Cheng , Han Xiao Qiang , Ye Chuang Xing , Leung Ping Chung , Ko Chun Hay
Published: February 2016

Cocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla) is a naturally decaffeinated tea plant. Previously we found that cocoa tea demonstrated a beneficial effect against high-fat diet induced obesity, hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-adipogenic effect of cocoa tea in vitro using preadipocytes 3T3-L1. Adipogenic differentiation was confirmed by Oil Red O stain, qPCR and Western blot. Our results demonstrated that cocoa tea significantly inhibited triglyceride accumulation in mature adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Cocoa tea was shown to suppress the expressions of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP α). The tea extract was subsequently found to reduce the expressions of adipocyte-specific genes such as sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid translocase (FAT) and stearoylcoenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1). In addition, JNK, ERK and p38 phosphorylation were inhibited during cocoa tea inhibition of 3T3-L1 adipogenic differentiation. Taken together, this is the first study that demonstrates cocoa tea has the capacity to suppress adipogenesis in pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 similar to traditional green tea
miR-150 regulates obesity-associated insulin resistance by controlling B cell functions
Authors: Ying Wei , Tseng Alexander , Chang Richard Cheng-An , Wang Haiqing , Lin Yu-lieh , Kanameni Srikanth , Brehm Tyler , Morin Andrew , Jones Benjamin , Splawn Taylor , Criscitiello Michael , Golding Michael C. , Bazer Fuller W. , Safe Stephen , Zhou Beiyan
Published: February 2016

Adipose tissue resident B cells account for more than 20% of stromal cells within visceral adipose tissues; however, their functions in the adipose tissue niche are poorly elucidated. Here we report that miR-150 modulates adipose tissue function by controlling activation of B cells and their interactions with other immune cells. miR-150KO mice displayed exacerbated obesity-associated tissue inflammation and systemic insulin resistance, which is recapitulated by adoptive transfer of B cells, but not purified immunoglobulin, into obese Bnull mice. Using purified cell populations, we found that enhanced proinflammatory activation of adipose tissue T cells and macrophages was due to miR-150KO B cells action but not cell-autologous mechanisms. miR-150KO B cells displayed significantly enhanced antigen presentation upon stimulation, ultimately leading to elevated inflammation and insulin resistance, compared to wild type B cells. Knockdown of identified miR-150 target genes, Elk1, Etf1 or Myb attenuated B cell action by altering B cell receptor pathways and MHCII cell surface presentation. Our results demonstrate a critical role for miR-150 in regulating B cell functions in adipose tissue which ultimately regulate both metabolic and immunologic homeostasis in the adipose tissue niche.
Monocular perceptual learning of contrast detection facilitates binocular combination in adults with anisometropic amblyopia
Authors: Chen Zidong , Li Jinrong , Liu Jing , Cai Xiaoxiao , Yuan Junpeng , Deng Daming , Yu Minbin
Published: February 2016

Perceptual learning in contrast detection improves monocular visual function in adults with anisometropic amblyopia; however, its effect on binocular combination remains unknown. Given that the amblyopic visual system suffers from pronounced binocular functional loss, it is important to address how the amblyopic visual system responds to such training strategies under binocular viewing conditions. Anisometropic amblyopes (n = 13) were asked to complete two psychophysical supra-threshold binocular summation tasks: (1) binocular phase combination and (2) dichoptic global motion coherence before and after monocular training to investigate this question. We showed that these participants benefited from monocular training in terms of binocular combination. More importantly, the improvements observed with the area under log CSF (AULCSF) were found to be correlated with the improvements in binocular phase combination.
Glutamatergic axon-derived BDNF controls GABAergic synaptic differentiation in the cerebellum
Authors: Chen Albert I. , Zang Keling , Masliah Eliezer , Reichardt Louis F.
Published: February 2016

To study mechanisms that regulate the construction of inhibitory circuits, we examined the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the assembly of GABAergic inhibitory synapses in the mouse cerebellar cortex. We show that within the cerebellum, BDNF-expressing cells are restricted to the internal granular layer (IGL), but that the BDNF protein is present within mossy fibers which originate from cells located outside of the cerebellum. In contrast to deletion of TrkB, the cognate receptor for BDNF, deletion of Bdnf from cerebellar cell bodies alone did not perturb the localization of pre- or postsynaptic constituents at the GABAergic synapses formed by Golgi cell axons on granule cell dendrites within the IGL. Instead, we found that BDNF derived from excitatory mossy fiber endings controls their differentiation. Our findings thus indicate that cerebellar BDNF is derived primarily from excitatory neurons—precerebellar nuclei/spinal cord neurons that give rise to mossy fibers—and promotes GABAergic synapse formation as a result of release from axons. Thus, within the cerebellum the preferential localization of BDNF to axons enhances the specificity through which BDNF promotes GABAergic synaptic differentiation.
Microbial profiles at baseline and not the use of antibiotics determine the clinical outcome of the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Bizzarro S. , Laine M. L. , Buijs M. J. , Brandt B. W. , Crielaard W. , Loos B. G. , Zaura E.
Published: February 2016

Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, which is a major cause of tooth loss. However, evidence in favour of a microbial indication for the prescription of antibiotics is lacking, which may increase the risk of the possible indiscriminate use of antibiotics and consequent, microbial resistance. Here, using an open-ended technique, we report the changes in the subgingival microbiome up to one year post-treatment of patients treated with basic periodontal therapy with or without antibiotics. Antibiotics resulted in a greater influence on the microbiome 3 months after therapy, but this difference disappeared at 6 months. Greater microbial diversity, specific taxa and certain microbial co-occurrences at baseline and not the use of antibiotics predicted better clinical treatment outcomes. Our results demonstrate the predictive value of specific subgingival bacterial profiles for the decision to prescribe antibiotics in the treatment of periodontitis, but they also indicate the need for alternative therapies based on ecological approaches.
ADAR1 Suppresses the Activation of Cytosolic RNA-Sensing Signaling Pathways to Protect the Liver from Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Liyong , Zhang Junbin , Zhang Jinxiang , Wang Qingde , Billiar Timothy R.
Published: February 2016

Excessive inflammation resulting from activation of the innate immune system significantly contributes to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Inflammatory reactions in both IRI and infections share the same signaling pathways evoked by danger/pathogen associated molecular pattern molecules. The cytosolic retinoid-inducible gene I(RIG-I)-like RNA receptor (RLR) RNA sensing pathway mediates type I IFN production during viral infection and the sensing of viral RNA is regulated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1). Using a model of liver IRI, we provide evidence that ADAR1 also regulates cytosolic RNA-sensing pathways in the setting of ischemic stress. Suppression of ADAR1 significantly enhanced inflammation and liver damage following IRI, which was accompanied by significant increases in type I IFN through cytosolic RNA-sensing pathways. In addition, knocking ADAR1 down in hepatocytes exaggerates inflammatory signaling to dsRNA or endotoxin and results in over production of type I IFN, which could be abolished by the interruption of RIG-I. Therefore, we identified a novel ADAR1-dependent protective contribution through which hepatocytes guard against aberrant cytosolic RLR-RNA-sensing pathway mediated inflammatory reaction in response to acute liver IR. ADAR1 protects against over activation of viral RNA-sensing pathways in non-infectious tissue stress.
Structural characterisation of human galectin-4 N-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain in complex with glycerol, lactose, 3′-sulfo-lactose and 2′-fucosyllactose
Authors: Bum-Erdene Khuchtumur , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J. , Blanchard Helen
Published: February 2016

Galectin-4 is a tandem-repeat galectin with two distinct carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD). Galectin-4 is expressed mainly in the alimentary tract and is proposed to function as a lipid raft and adherens junction stabilizer by its glycan cross-linking capacity. Galectin-4 plays divergent roles in cancer and inflammatory conditions, either promoting or inhibiting each disease progression, depending on the specific pathological condition. The study of galectin-4’s ligand-binding profile may help decipher its roles under specific conditions. Here we present the X-ray structures of human galectin-4 N-terminal CRD (galectin-4N) bound to different saccharide ligands. Galectin-4’s overall fold and its core interactions to lactose are similar to other galectin CRDs. Galectin-4N recognises the sulfate cap of 3′-sulfated glycans by a weak interaction through Arg45 and two water-mediated hydrogen bonds via Trp84 and Asn49. When galectin-4N interacts with the H-antigen mimic, 2′-fucosyllactose, an interaction is formed between the ring oxygen of fucose and Arg45. The extended binding site of galectin-4N may not be well suited to the A/B-antigen determinants, α-GalNAc/α-Gal, specifically due to clashes with residue Phe47. Overall, galectin-4N favours sulfated glycans whilst galectin-4C prefers blood group determinants. However, the two CRDs of galectin-4 can, to a less extent, recognise each other’s ligands.
Development and validation of a HILIC-UPLC-ELSD method based on optimized chromatographic and detection parameters for the quantification of polyols from bioconversion processes
Authors: Fontes Pedro R. , Ribeiro José Antônio de A. , Costa Patrícia P. K. G. , Damaso Mônica C. T. , Gonzalez Wilma de A. , dos Santos Cláudia Maria C. , Abdelnur Patrícia V. , Rodrigues Clenilson M.
Published: February 2016

An analytical tool for bio-prospecting microbial banks able to convert glycerol into arabitol and mannitol is shown.
Monitoring pyrophosphate anions via cobalt(ii)-modulated fluorescence of cadmium sulfide quantum dots
Authors: Liu Jin-Xia , Ding Shou-Nian
Published: February 2016

An off–on fluorescent sensor for pyrophosphate (PPi) is established based on the fluorescence quenching of CdS QDs in the presence of Co2+(turn-off) and the fluorescence recovery (turn-on) by the continuous addition of PPi.
Visible light-induced intramolecular dearomative cyclization of α-bromo-N-benzyl-alkylamides: efficient construction of 2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes
Authors: Hu Bei , Li Yuyuan , Dong Wuheng , Ren Kai , Xie Xiaomin , Wan Jun , Zhang Zhaoguo
Published: February 2016

An efficient intramolecular dearomative cyclizationviavisible light-induced photoredox catalysis allows for a highly regioselective dearomative cyclization of α-bromo-N-benzyl-alkylamides to construct 2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes in the presence of an iridium catalyst.
Nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence emission for non-separation assays of carbohydrates using a boronic acid–alizarin complex
Authors: Li Qianjin , Kamra Tripta , Ye Lei
Published: February 2016

Addition of crosslinked polymer nanoparticles into a solution of a 3-nitrophenylboronic acid–alizarin complex leads to significant enhancement of fluorescence emission.
Crystallographic fusion behavior and interface evolution of mono-layer BaTiO3nanocube arrangement
Authors: Ma Qiang , Kato Kazumi
Published: February 2016

An abnormal sintering behavior between BaTiO3nanocubes with variable sintering temperature and geometry was investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
A new Co-nitroimidazolate–dicarboxylate pillared-layer network with various types of channels and ultra-large cages for gas uptake
Authors: Guo Xiao-Qing , Wang Miao , Tang Yan-Feng , Meng Fei , Jiang Guo-Qing , Zhu Jin-Li
Published: February 2016

A 3-D pillared-layer metal–organic framework constructed from unprecedented Co3-Co2-bdc-based layers and 2-nitroimidazole as pillars exhibits various types of pores and a nanometer-sized cavity along with a high CO2 uptake capacity (73.3 cm3 g−1 at 273 K and 1 atm).
Molecular simulations of imidazolium-based tricyanomethanide ionic liquids using an optimized classical force field
Authors: Vergadou Niki , Androulaki Eleni , Hill Jörg-Rüdiger , Economou Ioannis G.
Published: February 2016

An atomistic force field is optimized to accurately predict the equilibrium and transport properties of technologically important imidazolium-based tricyanomethanide ionic liquids.
The photocatalytic properties of ultrathin bismuth oxychloride nanosheets: a first principles study
Authors: Jing Tao , Dai Ying , Ma Xiangchao , Wei Wei , Huang Baibiao
Published: February 2016

The built-in electric field can promote the separation of photo-generated carriers in the ultrathin BiOCl(001) nanosheet.
A general view on the reactivity of the oxygen-functionalized graphene basal plane
Authors: Dobrota Ana S. , Pašti Igor A. , Mentus Slavko V. , Skorodumova Natalia V.
Published: February 2016

Reactivity of the oxidized graphene basal plane is analyzed, revealing scaling relations and the link to the electronic structure.
Dimer-mediated cation diffusion in the stoichiometric ionic conductor Li3N
Authors: Mulliner Alexander D. , Battle Peter D. , David William I. F. , Refson Keith
Published: February 2016

Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics has identified the different diffusion mechanisms that operate in Li3N and elucidated the key role played by transient Li2 dimers.
Catalytic oxidation of methyl bromide using ruthenium-based catalysts
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Zeng Junlin , Wang Jian , Shi Wenbo , Zhu Tingyu
Published: February 2016

Ruthenium-based catalysts Ru/TiO2, Ru/SiO2, Ru/γ-Al2O3, and Ru/ZrO2 were prepared and evaluated for CH3Br oxidation, and Ru/TiO2 showed the best catalytic performance. Product selectivity, thermal stability, and anti-moisture properties were also studied.
Fe2O3/NGr@C- and Co–Co3O4/NGr@C-catalysed hydrogenation of nitroarenes under mild conditions
Authors: Formenti Dario , Topf Christoph , Junge Kathrin , Ragaini Fabio , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2016

An improved hydrogenation of nitroarenes using nano-structured iron- and cobalt-based catalysts is presented.
Selective catalytic reduction over size-tunable rutile TiO2 nanorod microsphere-supported CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Cheng Kai , Song Weiyu , Cheng Ying , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang
Published: February 2016

Morphology and structure of TiO2 supports impact NH3-SCR performance of Ce/Ti catalysts significantly.
Controllable synthesis of Zn/Cd(ii) coordination polymers: dual-emissive luminescent properties, and tailoring emission tendency under varying excitation energies
Authors: Xing Kai , Fan Ruiqing , Gao Song , Wang Xinming , Du Xi , Wang Ping , Fang Ru , Yang Yulin
Published: February 2016

With the help of rationally selected N-donor ligands, different dimensional architectures 1–5 have been synthesized and they display dual-emission properties.
Highly efficient moisture-enabled electricity generation from graphene oxide frameworks
Authors: Zhao Fei , Liang Yuan , Cheng Huhu , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti
Published: February 2016

A high performance chemical potential energy harvester for directly generating electric power has been developed on the basis of the three-dimensional assembly of graphene oxide with an oxygen gradient.
A microwave promoted continuous flow approach to self-assembled hierarchical hematite superstructures
Authors: Bayazit M. K. , Cao E. , Gavriilidis A. , Tang J.
Published: February 2016

A novel sustainable system coupling microwave irradiation with micro-flow synthesis to continuously produce pure self-assembled α-Fe2O3 superstructures in 6 min.
Wash-free magnetic immunoassay of the PSA cancer marker using SERS and droplet microfluidics
Authors: Gao Rongke , Cheng Ziyi , deMello Andrew J. , Choo Jaebum
Published: February 2016

We report a novel wash-free magnetic immunoassay technique for prostate-specific antigen that uses a surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based microdroplet sensor.
Continuous flow photochemistry as an enabling synthetic technology: synthesis of substituted-6(5H)-phenanthridinones for use as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors
Authors: Fang Y. , Tranmer G. K.
Published: February 2016

Methods utilizing continuous flow photochemistry have been developed for the synthesis of phenanthridinones via an intramolecular photochemical cyclization reaction in yields up to 99%, as a means to generate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors.
Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis assembly of a TiO2–WO3–Pt multi-heterojunction microsphere photocatalyst using highly crystalline WO3 nanosheets: less is better
Authors: Zheng Han , Wang Changhua , Zhang Xintong , Kong Lina , Li Yingying , Liu Yunyu , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2016

In spite of the lower amount of Pt (0.04 wt%), the acetaldehyde degradation activity of the TiO2–WO3–Pt multi-heterojunction is still 2.66 and 1.52 times higher than that of TiO2 and TiO2–WO3 composites, respectively.
Retracted Article: Synthesis of octahedral, truncated octahedral, and cubic Rh2Ni nanocrystals and their structure–activity relationship for the decomposition of hydrazine in aqueous solution to hydrogen
Authors: Li Chun , Wang Tao , Chu Wei , Wu Ping , Tong Dong Ge
Published: February 2016

Rh2Ni nanocrystals with a higher percentage of {111} facets exhibited higher activity and H2selectivity during hydrazine dehydrogenation in aqueous solution.
Lipophosphoramidate-based bipolar amphiphiles: their syntheses and transfection properties
Authors: Berchel Mathieu , Le Gall Tony , Lozach Olivier , Haelters Jean-Pierre , Montier Tristan , Jaffrès Paul-Alain
Published: February 2016

A series of cationic bipolar amphiphiles were readily prepared by thiol–ene click reaction. These compounds were formulated in liposomal solutions and assessed as vector for gene delivery.
Theoretical study on Au(i)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of ynamides with two discrete nitriles
Authors: Liang Haosheng , Bi Siwei , Liu Yuxia , Tang Ya-nan , Liu Congcong
Published: February 2016

The Au-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of ynamides with two discrete nitriles were theoretically studied with the aid of DFT calculations.
Synergistic effect of quercetin and 6-gingerol treatment in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats and poloxamer P-407 induced hyperlipidemia
Authors: Shao Yi , Yu Yao , Li Cheng , Yu Jing , Zong Rongrong , Pei Chonggang
Published: February 2016

Ginger and quercetin have been reported to have significant antidiabetic effects.
Photocatalytic H2generation on macro-mesoporous oxide-supported Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Moon Song Yi , Naik Brundabana , An Kwangjin , Kim Sun Mi , Park Jeong Young
Published: February 2016

Photocatalysts with high surface area and crystalline walls are synthesized through a dual-templating strategy. The role of ordered macro-mesoporous oxides with crystalline walls was studied for photocatalytic water splitting to generate H2.
Enhanced sulfamethoxazole ozonation by noble metal-free catalysis based on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: catalytic performance and degradation mechanism
Authors: Yin Renli , Guo Wanqian , Zhou Xianjiao , Zheng Heshan , Du Juanshan , Wu Qinglian , Chang Joshu , Ren Nanqi
Published: February 2016

In this research, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a low-cost route free of other agents, and applied in the catalysis of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) ozonation.
Etching synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for adsorption of arsenic from water
Authors: Cheng Wei , Zhang Weidong , Hu Lijuan , Ding Wei , Wu Feng , Li Jinjun
Published: February 2016

Nano-iron oxide prepared by an etching method is good adsorbent for arsenic removal from water.
Room temperature and low temperature toughness improvement in PBA-g-SAN/α-MSAN by melt blending with TPU
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2016

Toughness of PBA-g-SAN/α-MSAN blends at room temperature and low temperature was successfully improved by incorporating TPU elastomer.
Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for Mg2+ and Ca2+ based on a multi-addressable diarylethene
Authors: Cui Shiqiang , Tian Zhaoyan , Pu Shouzhi , Dai Yanfeng
Published: February 2016

A new photochromic diarylethene bearing 8-aminoquinoline unit was designed and synthesized, and the multi-addressable behaviors were investigated. It was highly sensitive towards Mg2+ and Ca2+ with different fluorescence emission and color change.
Bionic, porous, functionalized hybrid scaffolds with vascular endothelial growth factor promote rapid wound healing in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Murali Ragothaman , Thanikaivelan Palanisamy
Published: February 2016

Biomimetic collagen-poly(dialdehyde) locust bean gum based hybrid scaffolds synergistically combined with vascular endothelial growth factor were prepared to regenerate tissue formation for wound healing applications.
Electrochemical synthesis, optical, electrochemical and electrochromic characterizations of indene and 1,2,5-thiadiazole-based poly(2,5-dithienylpyrrole) derivatives
Authors: Wu Tzi-Yi , Li Jhao-Lun
Published: February 2016

PBDTA/PProDOT-Et2ECD showed high ΔTmax(43.8%) and satisfactory cyclic voltammetry stability, whereas P(BDTA-co-DTP)/PProDOT-Et2ECD showed high ΔTmax(44.0%) and coloration efficiency (504.6 cm2C−1).
Recovery of chemically degraded polyethyleneimine by a re-modification method: prolonging the lifetime of cation exchange membranes
Authors: Zhao Yan , Tang Kaini , Liu Qinqin , Van der Bruggen B. , Díaz Arcadio Sotto , Pan Jiefeng , Gao Congjie , Shen Jiangnan
Published: February 2016

Recovery of chemically degraded cation exchange membranes in a cyclic process.
Deformation and internal stress in a red blood cell as it is driven through a slit by an incoming flow
Authors: Salehyar Sara , Zhu Qiang
Published: February 2016

As a RBC passes through a slit, large dissociation stress may develop between its lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton.
A high energy density solar rechargeable redox battery
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Mohammad Ali , Usgaocar Ashwin R. , Giorgio Joseph , Officer David L. , Wallace Gordon G. , Madden John D. W.
Published: February 2016

An integrated solar energy conversion and storage system is presented using a dye sensitized electrode in a redox battery structure.
Bio-inspired synthesis of N,F co-doped 3D graphitized carbon foams containing manganese fluoride nanocrystals for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lu Y. , Zhou Y. P. , Yan Q. Y. , Fong E.
Published: February 2016

A facile approach for the synthesis of 3D hybrid metal fluoride@N,F-carbon foams using metal-binding elastin-like recombinant proteins as the template is demonstrated.
Recent advances in the photovoltaic applications of coordination polymers and metal organic frameworks
Authors: Kaur Rajnish , Kim Ki-Hyun , Paul A. K. , Deep Akash
Published: February 2016

Coordination polymers and metal organic frameworks (CPs/MOFs) have attracted a great deal of attention in a variety of scientific fields due to their unique and intriguing structural properties.
Differential expression of serum proteins in rats subchronically exposed to arsenic identified by iTRAQ-based proteomic technology—14-3-3 ζ protein to serve as a potential biomarker
Authors: Zhang Jin Hui , Li Ying , Song Xuan Bo , Ji Xiao Hong , Sun Hong Na , Wang Hui , Fu Song Bin , Zhao Li Jun , Sun Dian Jun
Published: February 2016

Arsenic is a multi-system toxicant.
Nanoarchitectonics for carbon-material-based sensors
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Minami Kosuke , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: February 2016

Recently, the nanoarchitectonics concept has been proposed to fabricate functional materials on the basis of concerted harmonization actions to control materials organization.
A novel copper-rich open-framework chalcogenide constructed from octahedral Cu4Se6 and icosahedral Cu8Se13 nanoclusters
Authors: Yang Huajun , Wang Le , Hu Dandan , Lin Jian , Luo Li , Wang Hongxiang , Wu Tao
Published: February 2016

A unique open-framework chalcogenide was constructed from two kinds of cluster-based secondary building units (SBUs), namely, the icosahedral Cu8Se13 cluster and the octahedral Cu4Se6 cluster.
Reduction of a diamidocarbene-supported borenium cation: isolation of a neutral boryl-substituted radical and a carbene-stabilized aminoborylene
Authors: Ledet Anthony D. , Hudnall Todd W.
Published: February 2016

We have synthesized the first diamidocarbene (DAC)-supported borenium salt which was found to readily undergo two sequential 1-electron reductions to give a boryl-substituted DAC-centred radical and a DAC-supported aminoborylene.
A ruthenium water oxidation catalyst based on a carboxamide ligand
Authors: Rabten Wangchuk , Åkermark Torbjörn , Kärkäs Markus D. , Chen Hong , Sun Junliang , Andersson Pher G. , Åkermark Björn
Published: February 2016

Herein is presented a single-site Ru complex bearing a carboxamide-based ligand that efficiently manages to carry out the four-electron oxidation of H2O.
A three-component reagent system for rapid and mild removal of O-, N- and S-trityl protecting groups
Authors: Kicsák Máté , Bege Miklós , Bereczki Ilona , Csávás Magdolna , Herczeg Mihály , Kupihár Zoltán , Kovács Lajos , Borbás Anikó , Herczegh Pál
Published: February 2016

A synergistic effect of BF3·Et2O, hexafluoroisopropanol and triethylsilane led to efficient detritylation of nucleoside, monosaccharide and amino acid derivatives.
High performance LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material with a bi-functional coating for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chong Jin , Zhang Jingping , Xie Haiming , Song Xiangyun , Liu Gao , Battaglia Vincent , Xun Shidi , Wang Rongsun
Published: February 2016

LiPO3/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 exhibited superior cyclability and rate performance as a result of a bi-functional coating layer of LiPO3.
A new lipase–inorganic hybrid nanoflower with enhanced enzyme activity
Authors: Ke C. , Fan Y. , Chen Y. , Xu L. , Yan Y.
Published: February 2016

A new hybrid nanoflower biocatalyst was synthesized using the organic component of Burkholderia cepacia lipase and inorganic component of calcium phosphate.
The range and nature of effective interactions in hard-sphere solids
Authors: Schindler Michael , Maggs A. C.
Published: February 2016

In thermal colloidal systems, entropy contributes in a non-central an nonlocal way to the effective interactions that can be measured using the correlation matrix of particle displacements.
Highly efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to formate by a new anthracene-based zirconium MOF via dual catalytic routes
Authors: Chen Dashu , Xing Hongzhu , Wang Chungang , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2016

A new anthracene-based Zr-MOF for highly efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to produce formate via dual catalytic routes.
A random copolymer approach to develop nonfullerene acceptors for all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Xiangzhi , Sun Po , Wang Yulong , Shan Haiquan , Xu Jiaju , Song Xin , Xu Zong-xiang , Chen Zhi-Kuan
Published: February 2016

We report a donor–acceptor type of random copolymer PNDI-TT-TVT as a replacement for fullerene-based acceptors in organic solar cells (OSCs).
The end-capped group effect on dithienosilole trimer based small molecules for efficient organic photovoltaics
Authors: Li Wei , Deng Wanyuan , Wu Kailong , Xie Guohua , Yang Chuluo , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong
Published: February 2016

We designed and synthesized three new small molecules FBT–tDTS, DFBT–tDTS and RHO–tDTS based on the dithienosilole trimer as the core. The device based on RHO–tDTS achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.56%.
Thermodynamic stability and control of oxygen reactivity at functional oxide interfaces: EuO on ITO
Authors: Gerber Timm , Lömker Patrick , Zijlstra Bernardus , Besson Claire , Mueller David N. , Zander Willi , Schubert Jürgen , Gorgoi Mihaela , Müller Martina
Published: February 2016

How thermodynamic properties affect the growth, interface chemistry and magnetic functionality of the ferromagnetic insulator EuO on transparent and conductive ITO is studied by employing HAXPES as a powerful non-destructive and element-sensitive probing technique.
Wireless sensor network‐based pattern matching technique for the circumvention of environmental and stimuli‐related variability in structural health monitoring
Authors: Contreras William , Ziavras Sotirios
Published: February 2016

Much research has gone into using wireless sensor networks to monitor structural health by sensing and measuring vibrations. One problem here is that structural vibrations can be affected by many factors, which can make it difficult to determine the contribution of structural condition to measured vibrations. The authors propose a robust solution to this difficulty that consists of a wireless sensor network that implements a highly efficient, fully distributed pattern matching algorithm. Here, the authors exploit correlation between sensed vibration signals at different locations on the structure under measurement to detect damage. Potential applications for the system are numerous. They include many infrastructure applications such as those involving railroad and pipeline monitoring. The general solution is described, including tradeoffs between accuracy and energy/memory consumption. It is shown that the accuracy of the approach grows gracefully at the expense of memory and energy consumption. In addition, a case study involving railroad applications is discussed. Simulations in the case study indicate that the distributed approach can reduce the consumed energy for transmitted data by 50% compared with a centralised architecture.
Two-loop renormalization group flow for Lorentzian manifolds
Authors: Hesamifard F. , Rezaii M. M.
Published: February 2016

We study two-loop renormalization group flow (RG-2) on Lorentzian three-manifolds. The fixed points of flow are analysed on a three-dimensional Lorentzian manifold and we present a classification of the solitons that evolves only by homotheties. Furthermore, we prove the existence of a Lorentzian RG-2 cigar soliton of constant positive curvature.
Design and characterization of a novel toroidal split-ring resonator
Authors: Bobowski J. S. , Nakahara Hiroko
Published: February 2016

The design and characterization of a novel toroidal split-ring resonator (SRR) are described in detail. In conventional cylindrical SRRs, there is a large magnetic flux within the bore of the resonator. However, there also exists a non-negligible magnetic flux in the free space surrounding the resonator. The energy losses associated with this radiated power diminish the resonator’s quality factor. In the toroidal SRR, on the other hand, the magnetic field lines are strongly confined within the bore of the resonator resulting in high intrinsic quality factors and stable resonance frequencies without requiring additional electromagnetic shielding. This paper describes the design and construction of a toroidal SRR as well as an experimental investigation of its cw response in the frequency-domain and its time-domain response to a rf pulse. Additionally, the dependence of the toroidal SRR’s resonant frequency and quality factor on the strength of inductive coupling to external circuits is investigated both theoretically and experimentally.