bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic stress induces a Wnt-dependent cancer stem cell-like state transition
Authors: Lee E , Yang J , Ku M , Kim N H , Park Y , Park C B , Suh J-S , Park E S , Yook J I , Mills G B , Huh Y-M , Cheong J-H
Published: July 2015

Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment drive multiple clinically significant behaviors including dormancy, invasion, and metastasis as well as therapy resistance. These microenvironment-dependent phenotypes share typical characteristics with cancer stem cells (CSC). However, it is poorly understood how metabolic stress in the confined tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and maintenance of CSC-like phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that chronic metabolic stress (CMS) in a long-term nutrient deprivation induces a Wnt-dependent phenoconversion of non-stem cancer cells toward stem-like state and this is reflected in the transcriptome analysis. Addition of Wnt3a as well as transfection of dominant-negative Tcf4 establishes an obligatory role for the Wnt pathway in the acquisition of CSC-like characteristics in response to metabolic stress. Furthermore, systematic characterization for multiple single cell-derived clones and negative enrichment of CD44+/ESA+ stem-like cancer cells, all of which recapitulate stem-like cancer characteristics, suggest stochastic adaptation rather than selection of pre-existing subclones. Finally, CMS in the tumor microenvironment can drive a CSC-like phenoconversion of non-stem cancer cells through stochastic state transition dependent on the Wnt pathway. These findings contribute to an understanding of the metabolic stress-driven dynamic transition of non-stem cancer cells to a stem-like state in the tumor metabolic microenvironment.
Reducing the impact of influenza‐associated secondary pneumococcal infections
Authors: Mifsud Edin J , Tan Amabel C , Short Kirsty R , Brown Lorena E , Chua Brendon Y , Jackson David C
Published: July 2015

When administered prophylactically, we show that the Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR‐2) agonist PEG‐Pam2Cys (pegylated‐S‐(2,3‐bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl)cysteine) not only mediates potent anti‐viral activity against influenza virus but also reduces the impact of secondary infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) by reducing (i) pulmonary viral and bacterial burdens, (ii) the levels of proinflammatory cytokines that normally accompany influenza and S. pneumoniae secondary infections and (iii) the vascular permeability of the pulmonary tract that can allow bacterial invasion of the blood in mice. We also show that an inactivated detergent‐disrupted influenza virus vaccine formulated with the Pam2Cys‐based adjuvant R4‐Pam2Cys provides the host with both immediate and long‐term protection against secondary pneumococcal infections following influenza virus infection through innate and specific immune mechanisms, respectively. Vaccinated animals generated influenza virus‐specific immune responses that provided the host with long‐term protection against influenza virus and its sequelae. This vaccine, which generates an immediate response, provides an additional countermeasure, which is ideal for use even in the midst of an influenza outbreak.
Epstein–Barr virus-encoded microRNA BART1 induces tumour metastasis by regulating PTEN-dependent pathways in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Cai Longmei , Ye Yanfen , Jiang Qiang , Chen Yuxiang , Lyu Xiaoming , Li Jinbang , Wang Shuang , Liu Tengfei , Cai Hongbing , Yao Kaitai , Li Ji-Liang , Li Xin
Published: July 2015

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), aetiologically linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), is the first human virus found to encode many miRNAs. However, how these viral miRNAs precisely regulate the tumour metastasis in NPC remains obscure. Here we report that EBV-miR-BART1 is highly expressed in NPC and closely associated with pathological and advanced clinical stages of NPC. Alteration of EBV-miR-BART1 expression results in an increase in migration and invasion of NPC cells in vitro and causes tumour metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, EBV-miR-BART1 directly targets the cellular tumour suppressor PTEN. Reduction of PTEN dosage by EBV-miR-BART1 activates PTEN-dependent pathways including PI3K-Akt, FAK-p130Cas and Shc-MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling, drives EMT, and consequently increases migration, invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. Reconstitution of PTEN rescues all phenotypes generated by EBV-miR-BART1, highlighting the role of PTEN in EBV-miR-BART-driven metastasis in NPC. Our findings provide new insights into the metastasis of NPC regulated by EBV and advocate for developing clinical intervention strategies against NPC.
Rethinking fast and slow based on a critique of reaction-time reverse inference
Authors: Krajbich Ian , Bartling Björn , Hare Todd , Fehr Ernst
Published: July 2015

Do people intuitively favour certain actions over others? In some dual-process research, reaction-time (RT) data have been used to infer that certain choices are intuitive. However, the use of behavioural or biological measures to infer mental function, popularly known as ‘reverse inference’, is problematic because it does not take into account other sources of variability in the data, such as discriminability of the choice options. Here we use two example data sets obtained from value-based choice experiments to demonstrate that, after controlling for discriminability (that is, strength-of-preference), there is no evidence that one type of choice is systematically faster than the other. Moreover, using specific variations of a prominent value-based choice experiment, we are able to predictably replicate, eliminate or reverse previously reported correlations between RT and selfishness. Thus, our findings shed crucial light on the use of RT in inferring mental processes and strongly caution against using RT differences as evidence favouring dual-process accounts.
Determining the location and nearest neighbours of aluminium in zeolites with atom probe tomography
Authors: Perea Daniel E. , Arslan Ilke , Liu Jia , Ristanović Zoran , Kovarik Libor , Arey Bruce W. , Lercher Johannes A. , Bare Simon R. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: July 2015

Zeolite catalysis is determined by a combination of pore architecture and Brønsted acidity. As Brønsted acid sites are formed by the substitution of AlO4for SiO4tetrahedra, it is of utmost importance to have information on the number as well as the location and neighbouring sites of framework aluminium. Unfortunately, such detailed information has not yet been obtained, mainly due to the lack of suitable characterization methods. Here we report, using the powerful atomic-scale analysis technique known as atom probe tomography, the quantitative spatial distribution of individual aluminium atoms, including their three-dimensional extent of segregation. Using a nearest-neighbour statistical analysis, we precisely determine the short-range distribution of aluminium over the different T-sites and determine the most probable Al–Al neighbouring distance within parent and steamed ZSM-5 crystals, as well as assess the long-range redistribution of aluminium upon zeolite steaming.
A low pre-infall mass for the Carina dwarf galaxy from disequilibrium modelling
Authors: Ural Uğur , Wilkinson Mark I. , Read Justin I. , Walker Matthew G.
Published: July 2015

Dark matter-only simulations of galaxy formation predict many more subhalos around a Milky Way-like galaxy than the number of observed satellites. Proposed solutions require the satellites to inhabit dark matter halos with masses 109–1010Msun at the time they fell into the Milky Way. Here we use a modelling approach, independent of cosmological simulations, to obtain a pre-infall mass of "Equation missing" Msun for one of the Milky Way’s satellites: Carina. This determination of a low halo mass for Carina can be accommodated within the standard model only if galaxy formation becomes stochastic in halos below ∼1010Msun. Otherwise Carina, the eighth most luminous Milky Way dwarf, would be expected to inhabit a significantly more massive halo. The implication of this is that a population of ‘dark dwarfs’ should orbit the Milky Way: halos devoid of stars and yet more massive than many of their visible counterparts.
Protein conformational plasticity and complex ligand-binding kinetics explored by atomistic simulations and Markov models
Authors: Plattner Nuria , Noé Frank
Published: July 2015

Understanding the structural mechanisms of protein–ligand binding and their dependence on protein sequence and conformation is of fundamental importance for biomedical research. Here we investigate the interplay of conformational change and ligand-binding kinetics for the serine protease Trypsin and its competitive inhibitor Benzamidine with an extensive set of 150 μs molecular dynamics simulation data, analysed using a Markov state model. Seven metastable conformations with different binding pocket structures are found that interconvert at timescales of tens of microseconds. These conformations differ in their substrate-binding affinities and binding/dissociation rates. For each metastable state, corresponding solved structures of Trypsin mutants or similar serine proteases are contained in the protein data bank. Thus, our wild-type simulations explore a space of conformations that can be individually stabilized by adding ligands or making suitable changes in protein sequence. These findings provide direct evidence of conformational plasticity in receptors.
Black Hydroxylated Titanium Dioxide Prepared via Ultrasonication with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Fan Chenyao , Chen Chao , Wang Jia , Fu Xinxin , Ren Zhimin , Qian Guodong , Wang Zhiyu
Published: July 2015

The amorphous TiO2 derived from hydroxylation has become an effective approach for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2 since a kind of special black TiO2 was prepared by engineering disordered layers on TiO2 nanocrystals via hydrogenation. In this contribution, we prepared totally amorphous TiO2 with various degrees of blackness by introducing hydroxyls via ultrasonic irradiation, through which can we remarkably enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 with improved light harvesting and narrowed band gap.
Circuital characterisation of space-charge motion with a time-varying applied bias
Authors: Kim Chul , Moon Eun-Yi , Hwang Jungho , Hong Hiki
Published: July 2015

Understanding the behaviour of space-charge between two electrodes is important for a number of applications. The Shockley-Ramo theorem and equivalent circuit models are useful for this; however, fundamental questions of the microscopic nature of the space-charge remain, including the meaning of capacitance and its evolution into a bulk property. Here we show that the microscopic details of the space-charge in terms of resistance and capacitance evolve in a parallel topology to give the macroscopic behaviour via a charge-based circuit or electric-field-based circuit. We describe two approaches to this problem, both of which are based on energy conservation: the energy-to-current transformation rule and an energy-equivalence-based definition of capacitance. We identify a significant capacitive current due to the rate of change of the capacitance. Further analysis shows that Shockley-Ramo theorem does not apply with a time-varying applied bias and an additional electric-field-based current is identified to describe the resulting motion of the space-charge. Our results and approach provide a facile platform for a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of space-charge between electrodes.
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein Gene Expression and Function Enhances Triptolide-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Kong Ling-Lei , zhuang Xiao-Mei , Yang Hai-Ying , Yuan Mei , Xu Liang , Li Hua
Published: July 2015

Triptolide (TP) is the major active principle of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. and very effective in treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, TP induced hepatotoxicity limited its clinical applications. Our previous study found that TP was a substrate of P-glycoprotein and its hepatobiliary clearance was markedly affected by P-gp modulation in sandwich-cultured rat hepatocytes. In this study, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and specific inhibitor tariquidar were used to investigate the impact of P-gp down regulation on TP-induced hepatotoxicity. The results showed that when the function of P-gp was inhibited by mdr1a-1 siRNA or tariquidar, the systemic and hepatic exposures of TP were significantly increased. The aggravated hepatotoxicity was evidenced with the remarkably lifted levels of serum biomarkers (ALT and AST) and pathological changes in liver. The other toxicological indicators (MDA, SOD and Bcl-2/Bax) were also significantly changed by P-gp inhibition. The data analysis showed that the increase of TP exposure in mice was quantitatively correlated to the enhanced hepatotoxicity and the hepatic exposure was more relevant to the toxicity. P-gp mediated clearance played a significant role in TP detoxification. The risk of herb-drug interaction likely occurs when TP is concomitant with P-gp inhibitors or substrates in clinic.
A Novel Chimeric Anti-PA Neutralizing Antibody for Postexposure Prophylaxis and Treatment of Anthrax
Authors: Xiong Siping , Tang Qi , Liang Xudong , Zhou Tingting , Yang Jin , Liu Peng , Chen Ya , Wang Changjun , Feng Zhenqing , Zhu Jin
Published: July 2015

Anthrax is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and the associated shock is closely related to the lethal toxin (LeTx) produced by the bacterium. The central role played by the 63 kDa protective antigen (PA63) region of LeTx in the pathophysiology of anthrax makes it an excellent therapeutic target. In the present study, a human/murine chimeric IgG mAb, hmPA6, was developed by inserting murine antibody variable regions into human constant regions using antibody engineering technology. hmPA6 expressed in 293F cells could neutralize LeTx both in vitro and in vivo. At a dose of 0.3 mg/kg, it could protect all tested rats from a lethal dose of LeTx. Even administration of 0.6 mg/kg hmPA6 48 h before LeTx challenge protected all tested rats. The results indicate that hmPA6 is a potential candidate for clinical application in anthrax treatment.
Controlling single-molecule junction conductance by molecular interactions
Authors: Kitaguchi Y. , Habuka S. , Okuyama H. , Hatta S. , Aruga T. , Frederiksen T. , Paulsson M. , Ueba H.
Published: July 2015

For the rational design of single-molecular electronic devices, it is essential to understand environmental effects on the electronic properties of a working molecule. Here we investigate the impact of molecular interactions on the single-molecule conductance by accurately positioning individual molecules on the electrode. To achieve reproducible and precise conductivity measurements, we utilize relatively weak π-bonding between a phenoxy molecule and a STM-tip to form and cleave one contact to the molecule. The anchoring to the other electrode is kept stable using a chalcogen atom with strong bonding to a Cu(110) substrate. These non-destructive measurements permit us to investigate the variation in single-molecule conductance under different but controlled environmental conditions. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we clarify the role of the electrostatic field in the environmental effect that influences the molecular level alignment.
Tunable continuous wave emission via phase-matched second harmonic generation in a ZnSe microcylindrical resonator
Authors: Vukovic N. , Healy N. , Sparks J. R. , Badding J. V. , Horak P. , Peacock A. C.
Published: July 2015

Whispering gallery mode microresonators made from crystalline materials are of great interest for studies of low threshold nonlinear phenomena. Compared to amorphous materials, crystalline structures often exhibit desirable properties such as high indices of refraction, high nonlinearities and large windows of transparency, making them ideal for use in frequency comb generation, microlasing and all-optical processing. In particular, crystalline materials can also possess a non-centrosymmetric structure which gives rise to the second order nonlinearity, necessary for three photon processes such as frequency doubling and parametric down-conversion. Here we report a novel route to fabricating crystalline zinc selenide microcylindrical resonators from our semiconductor fibre platform and demonstrate their use for tunable, low power continuous wave second harmonic generation. Visible red light is observed when pumped with a telecommunications band source by a process that is phase-matched between different higher order radial modes, possible due to the good spatial overlap between the pump and signal in the small volume resonator. By exploiting the geometrical flexibility offered by the fibre platform together with the ultra-wide 500–22000 nm transmission window of the ZnSe material, we expect these resonators to find use in applications ranging from spectroscopy to quantum information systems.
Anatase TiO2 ultrathin nanobelts derived from room-temperature-synthesized titanates for fast and safe lithium storage
Authors: Wen Wei , Wu Jin-ming , Jiang Yin-zhu , Yu Sheng-lan , Bai Jun-qiang , Cao Min-hua , Cui Jie
Published: July 2015

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising energy storage devices for portable electronics, electric vehicles and power-grid applications. It is highly desirable yet challenging to develop a simple and scalable method for constructions of sustainable materials for fast and safe LIBs. Herein, we exploit a novel and scalable route to synthesize ultrathin nanobelts of anatase TiO2, which is resource abundant and is eligible for safe anodes in LIBs. The achieved ultrathin nanobelts demonstrate outstanding performances for lithium storage because of the unique nanoarchitecture and appropriate composition. Unlike conventional alkali-hydrothermal approaches to hydrogen titanates, the present room temperature alkaline-free wet chemistry strategy guarantees the ultrathin thickness for the resultant titanate nanobelts. The anatase TiO2ultrathin nanobelts were achieved simply by a subsequent calcination in air. The synthesis route is convenient for metal decoration and also for fabricating thin films of one/three dimensional arrays on various substrates at low temperatures, in absence of any seed layers.
In-Situ ESEM and EELS Observation of Water Uptake and Ice Formation in Multilayer Graphene Oxide
Authors: Daio Takeshi , Bayer Thomas , Ikuta Tatsuya , Nishiyama Takashi , Takahashi Koji , Takata Yasuyuki , Sasaki Kazunari , Matthew Lyth Stephen
Published: July 2015

Graphene oxide (GO) is hydrophilic and swells significantly when in contact with water. Here, we investigate the change in thickness of multilayer graphene oxide membranes due to intercalation of water, via humidity-controlled observation in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The thickness increases reproducibly with increasing relative humidity. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) reveals the existence of water ice under cryogenic conditions, even in high vacuum environment. Additionally, we demonstrate that freezing then thawing water trapped in the multilayer graphene oxide membrane leads to the opening up of micron-scale inter-lamellar voids due to the expansion of ice crystals.
Effect of N-n-butyl haloperidol iodide on ROS/JNK/Egr-1 signaling in H9c2 cells after hypoxia/reoxygenation
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Liao Han , Zhong Shuping , Gao Fenfei , Chen Yicun , Huang Zhanqin , Lu Shishi , Sun Ting , Wang Bin , Li Weiqiu , Xu Han , Zheng Fuchun , Shi Ganggang
Published: July 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress in cells is an important pathophysiological process during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the transcription factor Egr-1 is a master switch for various damage pathways during reperfusion injury. An in vitro model of myocardial I/R injury and H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was used to assess whether there is abnormal intracellular ROS/JNK/Egr-1 signaling. We also assessed whether N-n-butyl haloperidol (F2), which exerts protective effects during myocardial I/R injury, can modulate this pathway. H/R induced ROS generation, JNK activation and increased the expression of Egr-1 protein in H9c2 cells. The ROS scavengers edaravone (EDA) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduced ROS level, downregulated JNK activation and Egr-1 expression in H9c2 cells after H/R. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited Egr-1 overexpression in H9c2 cells caused by H/R. F2 could downregulate H/R-induced ROS level, JNK activation and Egr-1 expression in H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The ROS donor hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase (XO/HX) and the JNK activator ANISO antagonized the effects of F2. Therefore, H/R activates ROS/Egr-1 signaling pathway in H9c2 cells and JNK activation plays an important role in this pathway. F2 regulates H/R-induced ROS/JNK/Egr-1 signaling, which might be an important mechanism by which it antagonizes myocardial I/R injury.
Uncovering miRNAs involved in crosstalk between nutrient deficiencies in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liang Gang , Ai Qin , Yu Diqiu
Published: July 2015

Integrating carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) metabolism is essential for the growth and development of living organisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in regulating nutrient metabolism in plants. However, how plant miRNAs mediate crosstalk between different nutrient metabolic pathways is unclear. In this study, deep sequencing of Arabidopsis thaliana small RNAs was used to reveal miRNAs that were differentially expressed in response to C, N, or S deficiency. Comparative analysis revealed that the targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in different cellular responses and metabolic processes, including transcriptional regulation, auxin signal transduction, nutrient homeostasis and regulation of development. C, N and S deficiency specifically induced miR169b/c, miR826 and miR395, respectively. In contrast, miR167, miR172, miR397, miR398, miR399, miR408, miR775, miR827, miR841, miR857 and miR2111 are commonly suppressed by C, N and S deficiency. In particular, the miRNAs that are induced specifically by a certain nutrient deficiency are often suppressed by other nutrient deficiencies. Further investigation indicated that the modulation of nutrient-responsive miRNA abundance affects the adaptation of plants to nutrient starvation conditions. This study revealed that miRNAs function as important regulatory nodes of different nutrient metabolic pathways.
Colonization by fragments of the submerged macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum under different sediment type and density conditions
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Lianlian , Xie Yonghong , Jiang Li , Chen Xinsheng , Deng Zhengmiao , Pan Baihan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the effect of plant density, sediment type and macrophyte fragment size on the fragment colonization ability of Myriophyllum spicatum was evaluated in an outdoor experiment. The relative growth rate (RGR) was higher in the mud and low-density treatments than in the sand and high-density treatments. The relative elongation rate (RER) decreased with increasing density and fragment size, with RER values being much higher in the mud than the sand treatments. Both branching number and shoot diameter increased with decreasing density and increasing fragment size and were significantly higher in the mud than the sand treatments. The shoot : root ratio was higher in the mud treatments than in the sand treatments. Total N content in both the shoot and root was significantly higher in the mud and low-density treatments than in the sand and high-density treatments. Shoot P content only decreased with increasing density, while root P content was higher in the mud and low-density treatments than in the sand and high-density treatments. These data indicate that fragment colonization by M. spicatum is improved by large fragments, low density and nutrient-rich sediments and that these conditions contribute to the rapid population expansion of this species.
Prevalence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in patients after spine surgery: a retrospective case-cohort study
Authors: Yang Si-Dong , Liu Huan , Sun Ya-Peng , Yang Da-Long , Shen Yong , Feng Shi-Qing , Zhao Feng-Dong , Ding Wen-Yuan
Published: July 2015

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common seen in patients undergoing spine surgery. However, its prevalence and associated risk factors have not been well understood yet. This retrospective case-cohort study was designed to investigate risk factors for postoperative DVT using retrospectively collected data from department of spine surgery between 07/2013 and 07/2014. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine risk factors for DVT. A total of 861 patients were admitted into DVT-associated analyses, including 410 males and 451 females, aged from 15 to 87 years old (median 54, IQR 18). Of them, 147 cases (17%) sustained postoperative DVT. DVT incidence was 15.9% in patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion, 13.5% in patients treated by low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), while only 8.1% in patients without LMWH. However, it revealed no significant difference between LMWH group and non-LMWH group (χ2 = 1.933, p = 0.164). Logistic regression equation was logit P = −4.09 + 0.05*X1 − 0.55*X2 + 0.41*X3 + 1.41*X7, (X1 = age; X2 = regions; X3 = hypertension; X7 = D-dimer). In this study, LMWH prophylaxis after spine surgery proved ineffective. Advanced age, D-dimer and hypertension have proved to be the risk factors for postoperative DVT in patients undergoing spine surgery.
External control of reactions in microdroplets
Authors: Mashaghi Samaneh , van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: July 2015

Scale reduction of chemical reactions enables novel screening and synthesis approaches that facilitate a highly parallelized and combinatorial exploration of chemical space. Droplet-based microfluidics have evolved as a powerful platform to allow many chemical reactions within small volumes that each can be controlled and manipulated. A significant technical challenge is the ability to change the concentration of reactants inside a droplet. Here we describe a strategy that relies on the use of reactants that are soluble in both oil and water and allow a passive, diffusive exchange of reactants between the oil and aqueous phases to externally control composition of the droplets. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by externally changing the pH inside microdroplets without the need for physical manipulation or droplet merging.
Recent Reversal of the Upper-Tropospheric Temperature Trend and its Role in Intensifying the East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Zhao Siyao , Li Jian , Yu Rucong , Chen Haoming
Published: July 2015

At the beginning of the 21st century, the July and August (JA) mean upper-tropospheric temperature over East Asia shows a significant increasing trend, contrary to the decreasing trend in the late 1970 s. The largest warming center is over northern China (between 30°N–45°N and 85°E–120°E) around 300 hPa. Together with the temperature rising, the geo-potential height rises above the warming center and drops below, which connects closely to a correspondingly significant decadal shift of the general circulation over East Asia. In the upper-level of the troposphere, an anomalous anti-cyclone dominates and the 200–hPa westerly jet strengthens due to the increasing pole-ward geo-potential height gradient. In the lower-troposphere, the anomalous southerly wind increases around Yangtze River Valley and the East Asian summer monsoon intensifies. The integrated circulation changes seriously impact summer precipitation over East Asia. The so-called “southern flood and northern drought” (SFND) pattern since the 1970 s over eastern China has changed. As the cooling center in the 1970 s moves southward, the dry belt moves southward as well. A wet belt dominates the Huaihe River Valley after the temperature trend reversal at 2005 while southern China experiences a dry condition.
Re-visiting the nature and relationships between neurological signs and neurocognitive functions in first-episode schizophrenia: An invariance model across time
Authors: Chan Raymond C. K. , Dai Shan , Lui Simon S. Y. , Ho Karen K. Y. , Hung Karen S. Y. , Wang Ya , Geng Fu-lei , Li Zhi , Cheung Eric F. C.
Published: July 2015

The present study examined different types of neurological signs in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and their relationships with neurocognitive functions. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs were adopted with the use of the abridged Cambridge Neurological Inventory which comprises items capturing motor coordination, sensory integration and disinhibition. A total of 157 patients with first-episode schizophrenia were assessed at baseline and 101 of them were re-assessed at six-month interval. A structural equation model (SEM) with invariance model across time was used for data analysis. The model fitted well with the data at baseline assessment, X^2(21) = 21.78, p = 0.413, NFI = 0.95, NNFI = 1.00, CFI = 1.00, IFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.015. Subsequent SEM analysis with invariance model at six-month interval also demonstrated the same stable pattern across time and showed strong measurement invariance and structure invariance across time. Our findings suggest that neurological signs capture more or less the same construct captured by conventional neurocognitive tests in patients with schizophrenia. The measurement and structure of these relationships appear to be stable over time.
Deciphering the evolution of birdwing butterflies 150 years after Alfred Russel Wallace
Authors: Condamine Fabien L. , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Clamens Anne-Laure , Genson Gwenaelle , Sperling Felix A. H. , Kergoat Gael J.
Published: July 2015

One hundred and fifty years after Alfred Wallace studied the geographical variation and species diversity of butterflies in the Indomalayan-Australasian Archipelago, the processes responsible for their biogeographical pattern remain equivocal. We analysed the macroevolutionary mechanisms accounting for the temporal and geographical diversification of the charismatic birdwing butterflies (Papilionidae), a major focus of Wallace’s pioneering work. Bayesian phylogenetics and dating analyses of the birdwings were conducted using mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The combination of maximum likelihood analyses to estimate biogeographical history and diversification rates reveals that diversity-dependence processes drove the radiation of birdwings and that speciation was often associated with founder-events colonizing new islands, especially in Wallacea. Palaeo-environment diversification models also suggest that high extinction rates occurred during periods of elevated sea level and global warming. We demonstrated a pattern of spatio-temporal habitat dynamics that continuously created or erased habitats suitable for birdwing biodiversity. Since birdwings were extinction-prone during the Miocene (warmer temperatures and elevated sea levels), the cooling period after the mid-Miocene climatic optimum fostered birdwing diversification due to the release of extinction. This also suggests that current global changes may represent a serious conservation threat to this flagship group.
A Practical Evaluation of Petrogenic and Biogenic Methane Sources in the Context of Redevelopment and Explosive Hazard Management in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Rebele Leo M. , Crews Michael J.
Published: July 2015

In Southern California and in certain regions of the world where methane gas is prevalent due to petrogenic activity, careful planning is needed to manage the potential explosive hazard associated with methane encroachment within confined spaces such as buildings and tunnels. The City of Los Angeles has specific regulations in place governing new construction within a designated “Methane Zone”. However, many existing buildings, which are exempt from the newer methane building standards, may require special attention when such properties change hands. New property owners and institutional capital partners look at potential vapor migration and explosive hazards as environmental risks which require mitigation. In cases where the source of methane is clearly from an on-site source, the costs of mitigation measures would generally be expected to be borne by the property owner and/or developer. However, in cases where there is evidence of methane migration from off-site sources, and potential commingling of biogenic and petrogenic sources of methane, the use of environmental forensic techniques and specialized sampling programs can be beneficial in determining responsibility for the mitigation costs. This presentation will review general methane characteristics, methane concentrations and implications to redevelopment projects, methane sampling/monitoring methods, and forensic analytical techniques.
Cell-SELEX based selection and optimization of DNA aptamers for specific recognition of human cholangiocarcinoma QBC-939 cells
Authors: Wan Jun , Ye Ling , Yang Xiaohai , Guo Qiuping , Wang Kemin , Huang Zhixiang , Tan Yuyu , Yuan Baoyin , Xie Qin
Published: July 2015

Aptamers recognizing human cholangiocarcinoma QBC-939 cells with high affinity and specificity were successfully generated via cell-SELEX.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based profiling as a step forward in the characterization of peritoneal dialysis effluent
Authors: Araújo J. E. , Santos T. , Jorge S. , Pereira T. M. , Reboiro-Jato M. , Pavón R. , Magriço R. , Teixeira-Costa F. , Ramos A. , Santos H. M.
Published: July 2015

Detection of glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy using (i) peritoneal dialysate effluent, (ii) MALDI-TOF MS and (iii) bioinformatics tools.
A simple and new fluorescent and colorimetric probe based on NBD–maleimide for detecting thiols in living cells
Authors: Shen Youming , Liu Chang , Zhang Youyu , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhang Chunxiang , Jin Junling , Liu Xuewen , Li Haitao , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: July 2015

A simple and new fluorescent and colorimetric probe bearing 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole and 4-maleimidophenol fragments for biothiols was designed and synthesized.
A sensitive colorimetric aptasensor for chloramphenicol detection in fish and pork based on the amplification of a nano-peroxidase-polymer
Authors: Gao Huiju , Gan Ning , Pan Daodong , Chen Yinji , Li Tianhua , Cao Yuting , Fu Tian
Published: July 2015

A polymerase chain (PV) labeled gold colloid as a signal tag could greatly catalyze the H2O2-mediated oxidation of TMB leading to color development, which can be easily observed by the naked eye and quantified by UV spectroscopy.
Copper phthalocyanine-based CMPs with various internal structures and functionalities
Authors: Ding Xuesong , Han Bao-Hang
Published: July 2015

Synthesis of copper phthalocyanine-based conjugated microporous polymers with various internal structures and functionalities.
A general method for N-glycosylation of nucleobases promoted by (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O with thioglycoside as donor
Authors: Liu Guang-jian , Zhang Xiao-tai , Xing Guo-wen
Published: July 2015

35 nucleosides were synthesized by coupling thioglycosides with pyrimidines and purines under the preactivation of (p-Tol)2SO/Tf2O in high yields and with β-stereoselectivities.
Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of arylhydrazines with terminal alkynes
Authors: Zhao Yingwei , Song Qiuling
Published: July 2015

The Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidative coupling of arylhydrazines with terminal acetylenes was achieved under copper- and base-free conditions.
Application of a novel 2D cadmium(ii)-MOF in the formation of a photo-switch with a substantial on–off ratio
Authors: Roy Sumit , Dey Arka , Ray Partha Pratim , Ortega-Castro Joaquín , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: July 2015

Single crystal X-ray crystallography of a novel thiocyanate bridged 2D MOF has been reported along with its applicability in photosensitive devices. The band gap in the solid state has been determined and compared with the theoretical value.
Substrate-constituted three-liquid-phase system: a green, highly efficient and recoverable platform for interfacial enzymatic reactions
Authors: Li Zhigang , Chen Huayong , Wang Weifei , Qu Man , Tang Qingyun , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: July 2015

Using substrate (oil) as one phase, a three-liquid-phase system was fabricated, wherein the highly efficient interfacial enzymatic hydrolysis of oil toward the production of fatty acids could be readily achieved.
Double clicking for site-specific coupling of multiple enzymes
Authors: Lim Sung In , Cho Jinhwan , Kwon Inchan
Published: July 2015

Herein, we report a novel strategy to site-specifically couple multiple enzymes using two compatible click chemistries and site-specific incorporation of a clickable non-natural amino acid.
Single Pt atom stabilized on nitrogen doped graphene: CO oxidation readily occurs via the tri-molecular Eley–Rideal mechanism
Authors: Zhang Xilin , Lu Zhansheng , Xu Guoliang , Wang Tianxing , Ma Dongwei , Yang Zongxian , Yang Lin
Published: July 2015

The tri-molecular E–R mechanism (2CO + O2→ OCO–OCO → 2CO2) is more preferable than the normal L–H and E–R mechanisms.
Ultrafast photoinduced dynamics of the organolead trihalide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on mesoporous TiO2 scaffolds in the 320–920 nm range
Authors: Flender Oliver , Klein Johannes R. , Lenzer Thomas , Oum Kawon
Published: July 2015

Ultrafast broadband transient absorption spectroscopy elucidates charge carrier dynamics in the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3.
Novel La3Fe(MoO4)6 phase: magnetic properties and ethanol reactivity
Authors: Colmont Marie , Bucataru Georgiana , Borowiec Anita , Capron Mickaël , Dumeignil Franck , Huvé Marielle , Capet Frédéric , Damay Françoise , Mentré Olivier , Roussel Pascal
Published: July 2015

This paper reports the synthesis, crystal structure and properties (magnetic and ethanol reactivity) of a new La3Fe(MoO4)6 phase.
Novel windows for “solar commodities”: a device for CO2 reduction using plasmonic catalyst activation
Authors: Navarrete Alexander , Muñoz Sergio , Sanz-Moral Luis M. , Brandner Juergen J. , Pfeifer Peter , Martín Ángel , Dittmeyer Roland , Cocero María J.
Published: July 2015

A novel plasmonic reactor concept is proposed and tested to work as a visible energy harvesting device while allowing reactions to transform CO2 to be carried out. Particularly the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction has been tested as a means to introduce renewable energy into the economy. The development of the new reactor concept involved the synthesis of a new composite capable of plasmonic activation with light, the development of an impregnation method to create a single catalyst reactor entity, and finally the assembly of a reaction system to test the reaction. The composite developed was based on a Cu/ZnO catalyst dispersed into transparent aerogels. This allows efficient light transmission and a high surface area for the catalyst. An effective yet simple impregnation method was developed that allowed introduction of the composites into glass microchannels. The activation of the reaction was made using LEDs that covered all the sides of the reactor allowing a high power delivery. The results of the reaction show a stable process capable of low temperature transformations.
Spiers Memorial Lecture : New tools for observing the growth and assembly of colloidal inorganic nanocrystals
Authors: Paul Alivisatos A. , Cho Hoduk , Park Jungwon
Published: July 2015

We present two examples of the use of liquid cells to study colloidal inorganic nanocrystals using in situ transmission electron microscopy. The first uses a liquid cell to quantify the interaction potential between pairs of colloidal nanocrystals, and the second demonstrates direct imaging of nanocrystal growth and structure in the liquid cell.
Almost complete dissolution of woody biomass with tetra-n-butylphosphonium hydroxide aqueous solution at 60 °C
Authors: Abe Mitsuru , Yamanaka Sachiko , Yamada Hajime , Yamada Tatsuhiko , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: July 2015

Tetra-n-butylphosphonium hydroxide aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide dissolved wood powder almost completely under mild stirring for 24 h at 60 °C without any pretreatment.
Oxidation of levulinic acid for the production of maleic anhydride: breathing new life into biochemicals
Authors: Chatzidimitriou Anargyros , Bond Jesse Q.
Published: July 2015

Advanced biofuels have to date failed to compete with their petrochemical equivalents. Herein, we explore alternative, emerging opportunities in commodity chemical markets by presenting a novel bio-based approach for the production of maleic anhydride.
Towards sustainable synthesis of pyren-1-yl azoliums via electrochemical oxidative C–N coupling
Authors: de Robillard Guillaume , Makni Oumayma , Cattey Hélène , Andrieu Jacques , Devillers Charles H.
Published: July 2015

Synthesis of pyren-1-yl azoliumsviaelectrooxidative C–N coupling of pyrene with azoles is optimized with the aim to reduce waste and simplify the experimental setup.
Optical signature of erythrocytes by light scattering in microfluidic flows
Authors: Dannhauser D. , Rossi D. , Causa F. , Memmolo P. , Finizio A. , Wriedt T. , Hellmers J. , Eremin Y. , Ferraro P. , Netti P. A.
Published: July 2015

Label-free analysis of individual erythrocytes by a camera-based light scattering approach coupled with a viscoelasticity-induced cell migration technique in microfluidic flows.
Cell pinball: phenomenon and mechanism of inertia-like cell motion in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Murakami Ryo , Tsai Chia-Hung Dylan , Kaneko Makoto , Sakuma Shinya , Arai Fumihito
Published: July 2015

An unexpected phenomenon of RBCs bouncing back and forth in a laminar flow channel.
Chemical fixation of CO2into cyclic carbonates by azo-containing Schiff base metal complexes
Authors: İkiz Mesut , İspir Esin , Aytar Emine , Ulusoy Mahmut , Karabuğa Şemistan , Aslantaş Mehmet , Çelik Ömer
Published: July 2015

Two new azo-containing Schiff bases and their transition metal complexes were synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray analyses were performed on the ligand (L1H) and complex (Zn(L1)2). The synthesized metal complexes were used as catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO2into cyclic carbonates. The azo moiety increased the activity.
Evidence for hydrogen-bonded ammonia wire influencing the ESMPT process of the 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin·(NH3)3 cluster
Authors: Wang Ye , Li Hui , Shi Ying
Published: July 2015

The different types of excited-state hydrogen-bonded dynamics mechanisms orderly provide two driving forces for the excited-state multiple proton transfer (ESMPT) reaction of the 7H4MC·(NH3)3 cluster.
Phase transition, morphology transformation and highly enhanced luminescence properties of YOF:Eu3+ crystals by Gd3+ doping
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Zhang Nannan , Li Linlin , Liang Yimai , Liu Yali , Gan Shucai
Published: July 2015

We report the crystal phase transition, morphology transformation, and greatly enhanced luminescence properties of YOF crystals by Gd3+ doping.
Two GdIII complexes derived from dicarboxylate ligands as cryogenic magnetorefrigerants
Authors: Liu Sui-Jun , Zheng Teng-Fei , Bao Jun , Dong Piao-Ping , Liao Jin-Sheng , Chen Jing-Lin , Wen He-Rui , Xu Jian , Bu Xian-He
Published: July 2015

Two GdIII complexes with 1D/3D structures exhibit weak magnetic interactions and large magnetocaloric effects (−ΔSmaxm > 37.0 J kg−1 K−1).
Bilayer insulator tunnel barriers for graphene-based vertical hot-electron transistors
Authors: Vaziri S. , Belete M. , Dentoni Litta E. , Smith A. D. , Lupina G. , Lemme M. C. , Östling M.
Published: July 2015

Bilayer dielectric tunnel barriers in graphene-based electron injection tunnel diodes show high tunneling current densities due to step tunneling.
Plasmon enhanced visible light photocatalysis for TiO2 supported Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Lacerda A. M. , Larrosa I. , Dunn S.
Published: July 2015

Fast rhodamine b dye photodegradation due to plasmonic effect of Pd supported on TiO2 under solar light irradiation.
Cu(OAc)2-promoted reaction of [60]fullerene with primary amines or diamines
Authors: Lu Xin-Wei , Xing Meng-Lei , Miao Chun-Bao , Li Jia-Xing , Sun Xiao-Qiang , Yang Hai-Tao
Published: July 2015

The Cu(OAc)2-mediated oxidative dehydrogenative addition of easily available primary amines to C60 allows the concise preparation of aziridinofullerenes. Moreover, the Cu(OAc)2-promoted reaction of C60 with diamines affords C60-fused cyclic 1,2-diaminated fullerenes.
Efficient routes towards a series of 5,5′-bithiazolidinylidenes as π-electron acceptors
Authors: Le Gal Y. , Ameline D. , Bellec N. , Vacher A. , Roisnel T. , Dorcet V. , Jeannin O. , Lorcy D.
Published: July 2015

Among different approaches, the thermal treatment of the fused bicycle involving a dithiole-2-one ring is the most efficient one and opens access to a variety of π-conjugated electron acceptors.
A platinum supported reduced graphene catalyst to enhance the hydrogenation of nitro compound activity
Authors: Raju Madhan Mohan , Pattanayak Deepak K.
Published: July 2015

Schematic representation of the complete synthesis of Pt/RG process.
Synthesis, structure, self-assembly and genotoxicity evaluation of a series of Mn-Anderson cluster based polyoxometalate–organic hybrids
Authors: Satyanarayana V. S. V. , Reddy Pulikanti Guruprasad , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: July 2015

A new series of POM–organic hybrids have been developed which show less genotoxicity compared to the parent polyoxometalate cluster.
Enhanced photocurrent of a ZnO nanorod array sensitized with graphene quantum dots
Authors: Yang Bingjun , Chen Jiangtao , Cui Linfan , Liu Wenwen
Published: July 2015

GQDs have a remarkable sensitization effect on the photocurrent of ZNRA, which is due to the interfacial charge transfer.
Microfluidic contactless conductivity cytometer for electrical cell sensing and counting
Authors: Sun Duanping , Lu Jing , Chen Zuanguang
Published: July 2015

An integrated and cost-effective microfluidic contactless conductivity cytometer for cell sensing and counting.
Random forest model for the ultrasonic-assisted removal of chrysoidine G by copper sulfide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon; response surface methodology approach
Authors: Bagheri A. R. , Ghaedi M. , Hajati S. , Ghaedi A. M. , Goudarzi A. , Asfaram A.
Published: July 2015

Copper sulfide nanoparticle-loaded activated carbon (CuS-NP-AC) was prepared and used as an adsorbent for the accelerated removal of chrysoidine G (CG) assisted by ultrasound.
Ni–Co alloy nanostructures anchored on mesoporous silica nanoparticles for non-enzymatic glucose sensor applications
Authors: Ranjani M. , Sathishkumar Y. , Lee Yang Soo , Jin Yoo Dong , Kim Ae Rhan , Gnana kumar G.
Published: July 2015

Uniform sized Ni–Co alloy nanoparticles were effectively confined over the active channels of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) using a simple chemical reduction method, and the resultant nanostructures exhibited a spherical configuration with a mean diameter of 5 nm.
Carbocationic polymerization of isoprene using cumyl initiators: progress in understanding side reactions
Authors: Ouardad Samira , Wirotius Anne-Laure , Kostjuk Sergei , Ganachaud François , Peruch Frédéric
Published: July 2015

The cationic polymerization of isoprene using cumyl chloride/B(C6F5)3 and cumyl ether/TiCl4 systems was investigated in dichloromethane or in dichloromethane/methylcyclohexane mixtures varying the polymerization conditions.
Improving thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites by using functionalized graphene
Authors: Pan Lulu , Ban Jianfeng , Lu Shaorong , Chen Guoxin , Yang Jin , Luo Qiyun , Wu Linyan , Yu Jinhong
Published: July 2015

A novel reduced graphene oxide/perylene bisimide-containing hyperbranched polyglycerol was successfully prepared via π–π stacking interactions. The thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy composite were enhanced significantly.
One-pot three-component synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles using magnetic NiFe2O4–glutamate–Cu as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in water
Authors: Lu Jun , Ma Er-Qian , Liu Yu-Heng , Li Ya-Meng , Mo Li-Ping , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: July 2015

A magnetic NiFe2O4 supported glutamate–copper catalyst is prepared and applied for the synthesis of a wide variety of 1,2,3-triazoles in water at room temperature.