bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable photonic crystals enabled by pressure-responsive shape-memory polymers
Authors: Fang Yin , Ni Yongliang , Leo Sin-Yen , Taylor Curtis , Basile Vito , Jiang Peng
Published: June 2015

Smart shape-memory polymers can memorize and recover their permanent shape in response to an external stimulus (for example, heat). They have been extensively exploited for a wide spectrum of applications ranging from biomedical devices to aerospace morphing structures. However, most of the existing shape-memory polymers are thermoresponsive and their performance is hindered by heat-demanding programming and recovery steps. Although pressure is an easily adjustable process variable such as temperature, pressure-responsive shape-memory polymers are largely unexplored. Here we report a series of shape-memory polymers that enable unusual ‘cold’ programming and instantaneous shape recovery triggered by applying a contact pressure at ambient conditions. Moreover, the interdisciplinary integration of scientific principles drawn from two disparate fields—the fast-growing photonic crystal and shape-memory polymer technologies—enables fabrication of reconfigurable photonic crystals and simultaneously provides a simple and sensitive optical technique for investigating the intriguing shape-memory effects at nanoscale.
Single molecule-level detection and long read-based phasing of epigenetic variations in bacterial methylomes
Authors: Beaulaurier John , Zhang Xue-Song , Zhu Shijia , Sebra Robert , Rosenbluh Chaggai , Deikus Gintaras , Shen Nan , Munera Diana , Waldor Matthew K. , Chess Andrew , Blaser Martin J. , Schadt Eric E. , Fang Gang
Published: June 2015

Beyond its role in host defense, bacterial DNA methylation also plays important roles in the regulation of gene expression, virulence and antibiotic resistance. Bacterial cells in a clonal population can generate epigenetic heterogeneity to increase population-level phenotypic plasticity. Single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing enables the detection of N6-methyladenine and N4-methylcytosine, two major types of DNA modifications comprising the bacterial methylome. However, existing SMRT sequencing-based methods for studying bacterial methylomes rely on a population-level consensus that lacks the single-cell resolution required to observe epigenetic heterogeneity. Here, we present SMALR (single-molecule modification analysis of long reads), a novel framework for single molecule-level detection and phasing of DNA methylation. Using seven bacterial strains, we show that SMALR yields significantly improved resolution and reveals distinct types of epigenetic heterogeneity. SMALR is a powerful new tool that enablesde novodetection of epigenetic heterogeneity and empowers investigation of its functions in bacterial populations.
Diet-induced changes in brain structure and behavior in old gerbils
Authors: Goncharova K , Skibo G , Kovalenko T , Osadchenko I , Ushakova G , Vovchanskii M , Pierzynowski S G
Published: June 2015

Background/Objectives:

Aging is associated with many physiological alterations such as changes in metabolism, food intake and brain dysfunction. Possible ways to correct age-related brain dysfunction using dietary treatments still remains undeveloped. The aim of our research was to investigate whether long-term dietary treatment with 2-oxoglutarate (2-OX), which is involved in many regulatory pathways, together with pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin (PLEM), which ensure appropriate digestion and absorption of nutrients, affects age-related changes in the brain morphology and cognitive function in old Mongolian gerbils.

Materials/methods:

Experiment was comprised of two separate studies. Samples of the hippocampus were obtained from male Mongolian gerbils of different ages (n=63 in the first study, n=74 in the second study). Immunohistochemistry was used for visualization of the nestin/NeuN-positive neuronal progenitors. Changes in amount of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs) were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For assessment of cognitive and sensorimotor functions, the T-maze spontaneous alternation test and the adhesive removal test (ART) were used. The ultrastructure of the CA1 hippocampal area was visualized using transmission electron microscopy.

Results:

Long-term treatment with 2-OX+PLEM led to a significantly increased amount of nestin/NeuN-positive cells in the CA1 hippocampal area and positive changes in learning and sensorimotor functions. As for synaptic transmission, changes in the spatial distribution of synaptic vesicles, as well as the redistribution of NCAM forms, were observed in the hippocampal synapses of the old gerbils.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our data show that dietary supplementation with 2-OX+PLEM not only enhances the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors, but also improves age-related deficits in the morphological and functional state of the brain of old gerbils. Thus, suggesting that a 2-OX+PLEM-enriched diet could also improve brain functions that have deteriorated with age.
Pharmacologic Therapy of Diabetes and Overall Cancer Risk and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of 265 Studies
Authors: Wu Lang , Zhu Jingjing , Prokop Larry J. , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2015

Different anti-diabetic medications (ADMs) may modify cancer risk and mortality in patients with diabetes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of association and quality of supporting evidence for each ADM. A total of 265 studies (44 cohort studies, 39 case-control studies and 182 randomized controlled trials (RCT)) were identified, involving approximately 7.6 million and 137,540 patients with diabetes for observational studies and RCTs, respectively. The risk of bias overall was moderate. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the use of metformin or thiazolidinediones was associated with a lower risk of cancer incidence (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.83-0.90, I2 = 88.61%; RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.96, I2 = 0.00% respectively). On the other hand, insulin, sulfonylureas and alpha glucosidase inhibitor use was associated with an increased risk of cancer incidence (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.08-1.36, I2 = 96.31%; RR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13-1.27, I2 = 95.02%; RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.15, I2 = 0.00% respectively). Use of other types of ADMs was not significantly associated with cancer risk. This study indicates that some ADMs may modify the risk of cancer in individuals with diabetes. Knowledge of this risk may affect the choice of ADM in individuals concerned about cancer or at increased risk for cancer.
Imaging Nanoscale Electromagnetic Near-Field Distributions Using Optical Forces
Authors: Huang Fei , Ananth Tamma Venkata , Mardy Zahra , Burdett Jonathan , Kumar Wickramasinghe H.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate the application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for mapping optical near-fields with nanometer resolution, limited only by the AFM probe geometry. By detecting the optical force between a gold coated AFM probe and its image dipole on a glass substrate, we profile the electric field distributions of tightly focused laser beams with different polarizations. The experimentally recorded focal force maps agree well with theoretical predictions based on a dipole-dipole interaction model. We experimentally estimate the aspect ratio of the apex of gold coated AFM probe using only optical forces. We also show that the optical force between a sharp gold coated AFM probe and a spherical gold nanoparticle of radius 15 nm, is indicative of the electric field distribution between the two interacting particles. Photo Induced Force Microscopy (PIFM) allows for background free, thermal noise limited mechanical imaging of optical phenomenon over wide range of wavelengths from Visible to RF with detection sensitivity limited only by AFM performance.
Quantum magnetism in strongly interacting one-dimensional spinor Bose systems
Authors: Dehkharghani Amin , Volosniev Artem , Lindgren Jonathan , Rotureau Jimmy , Forssén Christian , Fedorov Dmitri , Jensen Aksel , Zinner Nikolaj
Published: June 2015

Strongly interacting one-dimensional quantum systems often behave in a manner that is distinctly different from their higher-dimensional counterparts. When a particle attempts to move in a one-dimensional environment it will unavoidably have to interact and ‘push’ other particles in order to execute a pattern of motion, irrespective of whether the particles are fermions or bosons. A present frontier in both theory and experiment are mixed systems of different species and/or particles with multiple internal degrees of freedom. Here we consider trapped two-component bosons with short-range inter-species interactions much larger than their intra-species interactions and show that they have novel energetic and magnetic properties. In the strongly interacting regime, these systems have energies that are fractions of the basic harmonic oscillator trap quantum and have spatially separated ground states with manifestly ferromagnetic wave functions. Furthermore, we predict excited states that have perfect antiferromagnetic ordering. This holds for both balanced and imbalanced systems and we show that it is a generic feature as one crosses from few- to many-body systems.
Prmt5 is required for germ cell survival during spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Zhu Tianxiang , Li Qiuling , Liu Chunyi , Han Feng , Chen Min , Zhang Lianjun , Cui Xiuhong , Qin Yan , Bao Shilai , Gao Fei
Published: June 2015

During germ cell development, epigenetic modifications undergo extensive remodeling. Abnormal epigenetic modifications usually result in germ cell loss and reproductive defect. Prmt5 (Protein arginine methyltransferase 5) encodes a protein arginine methyltransferase which has been demonstrated to play important roles in germ cell development during embryonic stages. In the present study, we found that Prmt5 was also abundantly expressed in male germ cells after birth. Inactivation of this gene by crossing with Stra8-Cre transgenic mice resulted in germ cell loss during spermatogenesis. Further study revealed that the germ cell development was grossly normal before P10. However, most of the germ cells in Prmt5Δ/f; Stra8-Cre mice were blocked at meiotic stage. The expression of meiosis associated genes was reduced in Prmt5Δ/f; Stra8-Cre testes compared to control testes at P10. γH2AX was detected in sex body of control germ cells at P12, whereas multiple foci were observed in Prmt5-deficient germ cells. Further study revealed that H4R3me2s was virtually absent in germ cells after Prmt5 inactivation. The results of this study indicate that Prmt5 also plays important roles in germ cell development during spermatogenesis.
Aggravation of post-ischemic liver injury by overexpression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3
Authors: Zhou Lu , Koh Hyoung-Won , Bae Ui-Jin , Park Byung-Hyun
Published: June 2015

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is known to inhibit reperfusion-induced apoptosis. IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is the major circulating carrier protein for IGF-1 and induces apoptosis. In this study, we determined if IGFBP-3 was important in the hepatic response to I/R. To deliver IGFBP-3, we used an adenovirus containing IGFBP-3 cDNA (AdIGFBP-3) or an IGFBP-3 mutant devoid of IGF binding affinity but retaining IGFBP-3 receptor binding ability (AdIGFBP-3GGG). Mice subjected to I/R injury showed typical patterns of hepatocellular damage. Protein levels of IGFBP-3 were increased after reperfusion and showed a positive correlation with the extent of liver injury. Prior injection with AdIGFBP-3 aggravated liver injury: serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time, proinflammatory cytokines, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration were markedly increased compared to control mice. A decrease in antioxidant potential and an upregulation of NADPH oxidase might have caused these aggravating effects of IGFBP-3. Experiments using HepG2 cells and N-acetylcysteine-pretreated mice showed a discernible effect of IGFBP-3 on reactive oxygen species generation. Lastly, AdIGFBP-3 abolished the beneficial effects of ischemic preconditioning and hypothermia. Mice treated with AdIGFBP-3GGG exhibited effects similar to those of AdIGFBP-3, suggesting a ligand-independent effect of IGFBP-3. Our results suggest IGFBP-3 as an aggravating factor during hepatic I/R injury.
Recursion-Transform method to a non-regular m×n cobweb with an arbitrary longitude
Authors: Tan Zhi-Zhong
Published: June 2015

A general Recursion-Transform method is put forward and is applied to resolving a difficult problem of the two-point resistance in a non-regular m × n cobweb network with an arbitrary longitude (or call radial), which has never been solved before as the Green’s function technique and the Laplacian matrix approach are difficult in this case. Looking for the explicit solutions of non-regular lattices is important but difficult, since the non-regular condition is like a wall or trap which affects the behavior of finite network. This paper gives several general formulae of the resistance between any two nodes in a non-regular cobweb network in both finite and infinite cases by the R-T method which, is mainly composed of the characteristic roots, is simpler and can be easier to use in practice. As applications, several interesting results are deduced from a general formula and a globe network is generalized.
A novel male sterility-fertility restoration system in plants for hybrid seed production
Authors: Singh Surendra Pratap , Singh Sudhir P. , Pandey Tripti , Singh Ram Rakshpal , Sawant Samir V.
Published: June 2015

Hybrid seeds are used for stimulated crop production, as they harness heterosis. The achievement of complete male-sterility in the female-parent and the restored-fertility in F1-hybrids are the major bottlenecks in the commercial hybrid seed production. Here, we report a male sterility–fertility restoration system by engineering the inmost nutritive anther wall layer tapetum of female and male parents. In the female parent, high–level and stringent expression of Arabidopsis autophagy–related geneBECLIN1was achieved in the tapetum, which altered the tapetal degeneration program, leading to male sterility. This works on our previously demonstrated expression cassette based on functional complementation of TATA-box mutant (TGTA) promoter and TATA-binding protein mutant3 (TBPm3), with modification by conjugating Long Hypocotyle in Far-Red1 fragment (HFR1NT131) with TBPm3 (HFR1NT131-TBPm3) to exercise regulatory control over it. In the male parent, tapetum–specific Constitutive photo-morphogenesis1 (COP1) was expressed. The F1 obtained by crossing these engineered parents showed decreasedBECLIN1expression, which was further completely abolished when COP1-mutant (COP1L105A) was used as a male parent, leading to normal tapetal development and restored fertility. The system works on COP1-HFR1 interaction and COP1–mediated degradation of TBPm3 pool (HFR1NT131-TBPm3). The system can be deployed for hybrid seed production in agricultural crops.
Rapid, automated, parallel quantitative immunoassays using highly integrated microfluidics and AlphaLISA
Authors: Tak For Yu Zeta , Guan Huijiao , Ki Cheung Mei , McHugh Walker M. , Cornell Timothy T. , Shanley Thomas P. , Kurabayashi Katsuo , Fu Jianping
Published: June 2015

Immunoassays represent one of the most popular analytical methods for detection and quantification of biomolecules. However, conventional immunoassays such as ELISA and flow cytometry, even though providing high sensitivity and specificity and multiplexing capability, can be labor-intensive and prone to human error, making them unsuitable for standardized clinical diagnoses. Using a commercialized no-wash, homogeneous immunoassay technology (‘AlphaLISA’) in conjunction with integrated microfluidics, herein we developed a microfluidic immunoassay chip capable of rapid, automated, parallel immunoassays of microliter quantities of samples. Operation of the microfluidic immunoassay chip entailed rapid mixing and conjugation of AlphaLISA components with target analytes before quantitative imaging for analyte detections in up to eight samples simultaneously. Aspects such as fluid handling and operation, surface passivation, imaging uniformity and detection sensitivity of the microfluidic immunoassay chip using AlphaLISA were investigated. The microfluidic immunoassay chip could detect one target analyte simultaneously for up to eight samples in 45 min with a limit of detection down to 10 pg mL−1. The microfluidic immunoassay chip was further utilized for functional immunophenotyping to examine cytokine secretion from human immune cells stimulated ex vivo. Together, the microfluidic immunoassay chip provides a promising high-throughput, high-content platform for rapid, automated, parallel quantitative immunosensing applications.
Growth from behind: Intercalation-growth of two-dimensional FeO moiré structure underneath of metal-supported graphene
Authors: Dahal Arjun , Batzill Matthias
Published: June 2015

Growth of graphene by chemical vapor deposition on metal supports has become a promising approach for the large-scale synthesis of high quality graphene. Decoupling of the graphene from the metal has been achieved by either mechanical transfer or intercalation of elements/molecules in between the metal and graphene. Here we show that metal stabilized two-dimensional (2D)-oxide monolayers can be grown in between graphene and the metal substrate thus forming 2D-heterostructures that enable tuning of the materials properties of graphene. Specifically, we demonstrate the intercalation-growth of a 2D-FeO layer in between graphene and Pt(111), which can decouple the graphene from the metal substrate. It is known that the 2D-FeO/Pt(111) system exhibits a moiré-structure with locally strongly varying surface potential. This variation in the substrate surface potential modifies the interface charge doping to graphene locally, causing nanometer-scale variation in its work function and Fermi-level shifts relative to its Dirac point.
Origin of the non-monotonic variance of Tc in the 1111 iron based superconductors with isovalent doping
Authors: Usui Hidetomo , Suzuki Katsuhiro , Kuroki Kazuhiko
Published: June 2015

Motivated by recent experimental investigations of the isovalent doping iron-based superconductors LaFe(AsxP1-x)O1-yFy and NdFe(AsxP1-x)O1-yFy, we theoretically study the correlation between the local lattice structure, the Fermi surface, the spin fluctuation-mediated superconductivity and the composition ratio. In the phosphides, the dXZ and dYZ orbitals barely hybridize around the Γ point to give rise to two intersecting ellipse shape Fermi surfaces. As the arsenic content increases and the Fe-As-Fe bond angle is reduced, the hybridization increases, so that the two bands are mixed to result in concentric inner and outer Fermi surfaces and the orbital character gradually changes to dxz and dyz, where x–y axes are rotated by 45 degrees from X–Y. This makes the orbital matching between the electron and hole Fermi surfaces better and enhances the spin fluctuation within the dxz/yz orbitals. On the other hand, the hybridization splits the two bands, resulting in a more dispersive inner band. Hence, there is a trade-off between the density of states and the orbital matching, thereby locally maximizing the dxz/yz spin fluctuation and superconductivity in the intermediate regime of As/P ratio. The consistency with the experiment strongly indicate the importance of the spin fluctuation played in this series of superconductors.
pH-Taxis of Biohybrid Microsystems
Authors: Zhuang Jiang , Wright Carlsen Rika , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2015

The last decade has seen an increasing number of studies developing bacteria and other cell-integrated biohybrid microsystems. However, the highly stochastic motion of these microsystems severely limits their potential use. Here, we present a method that exploits the pH sensing of flagellated bacteria to realize robust drift control of multi-bacteria propelled microrobots. Under three specifically configured pH gradients, we demonstrate that the microrobots exhibit both unidirectional and bidirectional pH-tactic behaviors, which are also observed in free-swimming bacteria. From trajectory analysis, we find that the swimming direction and speed biases are two major factors that contribute to their tactic drift motion. The motion analysis of microrobots also sheds light on the propulsion dynamics of the flagellated bacteria as bioactuators. It is expected that similar driving mechanisms are shared among pH-taxis, chemotaxis and thermotaxis. By identifying the mechanism that drives the tactic behavior of bacteria-propelled microsystems, this study opens up an avenue towards improving the control of biohybrid microsystems. Furthermore, assuming that it is possible to tune the preferred pH of bioactuators by genetic engineering, these biohybrid microsystems could potentially be applied to sense the pH gradient induced by cancerous cells in stagnant fluids inside human body and realize targeted drug delivery.
Rice ragged stunt virus-induced apoptosis affects virus transmission from its insect vector, the brown planthopper to the rice plant
Authors: Huang Hai-Jian , Bao Yan-Yuan , Lao Shu-Hua , Huang Xiao-Hui , Ye Yi-Zhou , Wu Jian-Xiang , Xu Hai-Jun , Zhou Xue-Ping , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: June 2015

Most plant viruses that seriously damage agricultural crops are transmitted by insects. However, the mechanisms enabling virus transmission by insect vectors are poorly understood. The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most serious rice pests, causing extensive damage to rice plants by sucking the phloem sap and transmitting viruses, including Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of RRSV transmission from its insect vector to the rice plant in vivo using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay and RNA interference technology. RRSV induced apoptosis in the salivary gland cells of its insect vector, N. lugens. The RRSV-induced apoptosis was regulated through a caspase-dependent manner and inhibition of the expression of N. lugens caspase-1 genes significantly interfered with virus transmission. Our findings establish a link between virus-associated apoptosis and virus transmission from the insect vector to the host plant.
Entrainment of the mouse circadian clock by sub-acute physical and psychological stress
Authors: Tahara Yu , Shiraishi Takuya , Kikuchi Yosuke , Haraguchi Atsushi , Kuriki Daisuke , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Motohashi Hiroaki , Sakai Tomoko , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: June 2015

The effects of acute stress on the peripheral circadian system are not well understood in vivo. Here, we show that sub-acute stress caused by restraint or social defeat potently altered clock gene expression in the peripheral tissues of mice. In these peripheral tissues, as well as the hippocampus and cortex, stressful stimuli induced time-of-day-dependent phase-advances or -delays in rhythmic clock gene expression patterns; however, such changes were not observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, i.e. the central circadian clock. Moreover, several days of stress exposure at the beginning of the light period abolished circadian oscillations and caused internal desynchronisation of peripheral clocks. Stress-induced changes in circadian rhythmicity showed habituation and disappeared with long-term exposure to repeated stress. These findings suggest that sub-acute physical/psychological stress potently entrains peripheral clocks and causes transient dysregulation of circadian clocks in vivo.
Cultural background shapes spatial reference frame proclivity
Authors: Goeke Caspar , Kornpetpanee Suchada , Köster Moritz , Fernández-Revelles Andrés B. , Gramann Klaus , König Peter
Published: June 2015

Spatial navigation is an essential human skill that is influenced by several factors. The present study investigates how gender, age and cultural background account for differences in reference frame proclivity and performance in a virtual navigation task. Using an online navigation study, we recorded reaction times, error rates (confusion of turning axis) and reference frame proclivity (egocentric vs. allocentric reference frame) of 1823 participants. Reaction times significantly varied with gender and age, but were only marginally influenced by the cultural background of participants. Error rates were in line with these results and exhibited a significant influence of gender and culture, but not age. Participants’ cultural background significantly influenced reference frame selection; the majority of North-Americans preferred an allocentric strategy, while Latin-Americans preferred an egocentric navigation strategy. European and Asian groups were in between these two extremes. Neither the factor of age nor the factor of gender had a direct impact on participants’ navigation strategies. The strong effects of cultural background on navigation strategies without the influence of gender or age underlines the importance of socialized spatial cognitive processes and argues for socio-economic analysis in studies investigating human navigation.
Covalent nitrophenyl diazonium functionalized silicene for spintronics: a first-principles study
Authors: Dai Jun , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: June 2015

We predict some novel electronic and magnetic properties of a functionalized silicene sheet by nitrophenyl diazonium (NPD) using first-principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory with dispersion corrections.
Hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography for simultaneously screening multiple trace level β-blockers in environmental water samples
Authors: Li Qinglian , Jing Shaojun , Zhang Jinfeng , Zhang Lin , Ran Congcong , Du Chaohui , Jiang Ye
Published: June 2015

A two-phase hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) pretreatment technique was developed for simultaneously screening multiple β-blockers.
Mussel inspired redox surface for one step visual and colorimetric detection of Hg2+ during the formation of Ag@DOPA@Hg nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Yuling , Wang Dongmei , Li Gongke
Published: June 2015

A facile, rapid and economic colorimetric method for Hg2+ detection involving formation of Ag@DOPA@Hg nanostructures was designed.
Tailoring flavins for visible light photocatalysis: organocatalytic [2+2] cycloadditions mediated by a flavin derivative and visible light
Authors: Mojr Viktor , Svobodová Eva , Straková Karolína , Neveselý Tomáš , Chudoba Josef , Dvořáková Hana , Cibulka Radek
Published: June 2015

A new application of flavins in visible light photocatalysis: excited alloxazine allows fast cycloaddition of both electron-poor and electron-rich dienes.
Bio-inspired Maillard-Like reactions enable a simple and sensitive assay for colorimetric detection of methylglyoxal
Authors: Wang Shih-Ting , Lin Yiyang , Spicer Christopher D. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: June 2015

A simple and selective assay for methylglyoxal (MGO) detection was developed by combining a bio-inspired reaction with anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles.
Self-assembly pathway of peptide nanotubes formed by a glutamatic acid-based bolaamphiphile
Authors: da Silva Emerson Rodrigo , Alves Wendel Andrade , Castelletto Valeria , Reza Mehedi , Ruokolainen Janne , Hussain Rohanah , Hamley Ian William
Published: June 2015

The self-assembly of peptide nanotubes formed by anl-glutamic acid-based bolaamphiphile is shown to proceedviaa remarkable mechanism where the peptide conformation changes from β-sheet to unordered.
β-Tetrachlorotetramethoxyporphycenes: positional effect of substituents on structure and photophysical properties
Authors: Rana Anup , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: June 2015

We report the regiospecific synthesis of the first chloro-substituted porphycenes as two positional isomers of β-tetrachlorotetramethoxyporphycene.
Antimicrobial peptide shows enhanced activity and reduced toxicity upon grafting to chitosan polymers
Authors: Sahariah Priyanka , Sørensen Kasper K. , Hjálmarsdóttir Martha Á. , Sigurjónsson Ólafur E. , Jensen Knud J. , Másson Már , Thygesen Mikkel B.
Published: June 2015

Grafting of anoplin to chitosan polymers in varying density and orientation leads to a 30-fold activity enhancement and a reduction in toxicity towards red blood cell of more than two orders of magnitude.
Rapid surfactant-free synthesis of Mg(OH)2 nanoplates and pseudomorphic dehydration to MgO
Authors: Hanlon James M. , Bravo Diaz Laura , Balducci Giulia , Stobbs Blane A. , Bielewski Marek , Chung Peter , MacLaren Ian , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: June 2015

Mg(OH)2 nanoplates are synthesised from MgO and water without surfactants in <3 min using microwaves; MgO is recycled pseudomorphically by either microwave or conventional heating.
A systematic typology for negative Poisson's ratio materials and the prediction of complete auxeticity in pure silica zeolite JST
Authors: Siddorn M. , Coudert F.-X. , Evans K. E. , Marmier A.
Published: June 2015

From experimental elastic constants, partial auxeticity occurs in around 37% of single crystals, average auxeticity is limited to α-cristobalite and complete auxeticity is not observed. Two hundreds pure silica zeolites are simulated and complete auxeticity is found in the JST zeolite framework.
Relaxation dynamics of liposomes in an aqueous solution
Authors: Kundu S. K. , Choe S. , Sasaki K. , Kita R. , Shinyashiki N. , Yagihara S.
Published: June 2015

The gel–liquid crystal phase transition has been studied by the temperature and frequency dependent dielectric relaxation behavior of liposomes in an aqueous solution (40 g L−1 DPPC–water mixture).
Ambient preparation and reactions of gas phase silver cluster cations and anions
Authors: Wleklinski Michael , Sarkar Depanjan , Hollerbach Adam , Pradeep Thalappil , Cooks R. Graham
Published: June 2015

The production and reactivity of silver cluster cations and anions at atmospheric pressure is demonstrated.
Difference in TiO2 photocatalytic mechanism between rutile and anatase studied by the detection of active oxygen and surface species in water
Authors: Kakuma Yusuke , Nosaka Atsuko Y. , Nosaka Yoshio
Published: June 2015

A short Ti–Ti distance on a rutile surface leads to the formation of Ti–OO–Ti, which is accountable for the production of O2 and lower photocatalytic reactivity.
Emission spectroscopy of a ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complex adsorbed on calcium niobate lamellar solids and nanosheets
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Oshima Takayoshi , Ishitani Osamu
Published: June 2015

Electron injection from the excited state of a Ru(ii) polypyridyl complex occurs not only in the conduction band of HCa2Nb3O10 but also surface traps whose density is strongly dependent on both the morphological feature and the preparation method of HCa2Nb3O10.
Assessing multi-variable coupling effects of UV illumination, heat and oxygen on porous ZnO nanocrystalline film through electron concentration and mobility extraction
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Xie Changsheng , Zhang Guozhu , Zhu Qiang , Zhang Shunping
Published: June 2015

The coupling effect of UV illumination, heat and oxygen is achieved through the important roles of photo-assisted thermal ionization and oxygen adsorption-induced interface barriers.
Zeolites for the selective adsorption of sulfur hexafluoride
Authors: Matito-Martos I. , Álvarez-Ossorio J. , Gutiérrez-Sevillano J. J. , Doblaré M. , Martin-Calvo A. , Calero S.
Published: June 2015

Molecular simulations have been used to investigate at the molecular level the suitability of zeolites with different topology on the adsorption, diffusion and separation of a nitrogen–sulfur hexafluoride mixture containing the latter at low concentration.
A computational protocol for the study of circularly polarized phosphorescence and circular dichroism in spin-forbidden absorption
Authors: Kamiński Maciej , Cukras Janusz , Pecul Magdalena , Rizzo Antonio , Coriani Sonia
Published: June 2015

First computational approach for circularly polarized phosphorescence.
The R- and S-diastereoisomeric effects on the guanidinohydantoin-induced mutations in DNA
Authors: Jena N. R. , Gaur Vivek , Mishra P. C.
Published: June 2015

Although, Gh (Gh1 or Gh2) in DNA would induce mainly G to C mutations, other mutations cannot be ignored.
Metal containing cryptands as hosts for anions: evaluation of Cu(i)⋯X and π⋯X interactions in halide–tricopper(i) complexes through relativistic DFT calculations
Authors: Ponce-Vargas Miguel , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: June 2015

More selective than crown ethers, cryptands arise as suitable hosts for several ions, with the size of the cavity and the behavior of the atoms belonging to the structure being the main factors governing their selectivity.
Nanometer-scale separation of d10Zn2+-layers and twin–shift competition in Ba8ZnNb6O24-based 8-layered hexagonal perovskites
Authors: Lu Fengqi , Wang Xiaoming , Pan Zhengwei , Pan Fengjuan , Chai Shiqiang , Liang Chaolun , Wang Quanchao , Wang Jing , Fang Liang , Kuang Xiaojun , Jing Xiping
Published: June 2015

The shifted hexagonal perovskite Ba8ZnNb6O24demonstrates ∼ 1.9 nm separation of octahedral d10Zn2+-layers and twin–shift competition upon Sb5+/Ta5+substitution for Nb5+.
A triazine di(carboxy)porphyrin dyad versus a triazine di(carboxy)porphyrin triad for sensitizers in DSSCs
Authors: Zervaki G. E. , Tsaka Vasilitsa , Vatikioti Alexandra , Georgakaki Irene , Nikolaou Vasilis , Sharma G. D. , Coutsolelos A. G.
Published: June 2015

Two different porphyrin-chromophores, dyad (PorZn)2-NMe2 and triad PorZn-(PorCOOH)2-(piper)2, have been synthesized and their photophysical and electrochemical properties have been investigated and tested in DSSCs.
Recognition of fractional non-innocent feature of osmium coordinated 2,2′-biimidazole or 2,2′-bis(4,5-dimethylimidazole) and their interactions with anions
Authors: Das Ankita , Mobin Shaikh M. , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: June 2015

The non-innocent feature of osmium coordinated doubly deprotonated 2,2′-biimidazole derivatives in symmetric dimeric complexes leads to a mixed electronic structural configuration.
Correction: Bio-oil production from sub- and supercritical water liquefaction of microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta and related properties
Authors: Zou Shuping , Wu Yulong , Yang Mingde , Li Chun , Tong Junmao
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Bio-oil production from sub- and supercritical water liquefaction of microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta and related properties’ by Shuping Zou et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2010, 3, 1073–1078.
Effects of thonningianin A in natural foods on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of HepG-2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Tian-Tian , Yang Li , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: June 2015

The anti-cancer activities of Thonningianin A on the HepG-2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line were evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting.
Unraveling the mechanisms of action of lactoferrin-derived antihypertensive peptides: ACE inhibition and beyond
Authors: Manzanares Paloma , Salom Juan B. , García-Tejedor Aurora , Fernández-Musoles Ricardo , Ruiz-Giménez Pedro , Gimeno-Alcañíz José V.
Published: June 2015

The characterization of lactoferrin-derived antihypertensive peptides shows that they might act on several molecular targets.
Ecotoxicity studies of glycerol ethers in Vibrio fischeri: checking the environmental impact of glycerol-derived solvents
Authors: García J. I. , Pires E. , Aldea L. , Lomba L. , Perales E. , Giner B.
Published: June 2015

Most glycerol-derived ethers display low or null ecotoxicity againstVibrio fischeribiomarker, supporting the low environmental impact of this biobased solvent family.
Using reconfigurable microfluidics to study the role of HGF in autocrine and paracrine signaling of hepatocytes
Authors: Patel Dipali , Haque Amranul , Gao Yandong , Revzin Alexander
Published: June 2015

Hepatocytes communicateviaHGF that act both in an autocrine and a paracrine manner. Reconfigurable microfluidic devices are used to dissect this signaling.
Between a rock and a soft place: recent progress in understanding matrix mechanics
Authors: Moraes Christopher
Published: June 2015

The mechanical properties of a cell's surrounding environment play a critical role in modulating cell function. We highlight recent advances in novel technologies, material design strategies, and bioanalytical approaches that have shed new light on the complex interplay between materials, mechanics and biological function.
Improving gene regulatory network inference using network topology information
Authors: Nair Ajay , Chetty Madhu , Wangikar Pramod P.
Published: June 2015

(a) maxPiter-algorithm and (b) maxPincrement-algorithm take only a fraction of existing method's time for different network types.
An insight into local environment of lanthanide ions in Sr2SiO4:Ln (Ln = Sm, Eu and Dy)
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Nigam Sandeep , Yadav Ashok K. , Mohapatra Manoj , Jha Shambhu N. , Majumder Chiranjib , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu
Published: June 2015

Site occupancy of Eu2+, Eu3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+ is investigated in Sr2SiO4 using TRFS and EXAFS and complemented by DFT calculations.
Oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and 2-aminophenol by molecular oxygen catalyzed by an organocatalyst
Authors: Székely Gábor , Bagi Nárcisz , Kaizer József , Speier Gábor
Published: June 2015

1,3,2-Oxazaphosphole is an excellent biomimetic organocatalyst for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and o-aminophenol to the corresponding quinone and 2-amino phenoxazine-3-one.
Core–shell InGaN/GaN nanowire light emitting diodes analyzed by electron beam induced current microscopy and cathodoluminescence mapping
Authors: Tchernycheva M. , Neplokh V. , Zhang H. , Lavenus P. , Rigutti L. , Bayle F. , Julien F. H. , Babichev A. , Jacopin G. , Largeau L. , Ciechonski R. , Vescovi G. , Kryliouk O.
Published: June 2015

SEM image and electron beam induced current map of InGaN/GaN nanowire core–shell led in cross-sectional and top view configurations.
Kelvin probe imaging of photo-injected electrons in metal oxide nanosheets from metal sulfide quantum dots under remote photochromic coloration
Authors: Kondo A. , Yin G. , Srinivasan N. , Atarashi D. , Sakai E. , Miyauchi M.
Published: June 2015

KPFM imaging visualized the photo-injected electrons in metal oxide nanosheets from quantum dots under a remote photochromic coloration process.
Recent advances in alternative counter electrode materials for Co-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yun Sining , Liu Yanfang , Zhang Taihong , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: June 2015

Novel Co-mediated DSSCs with unparalleled merits have so far achieved the highest PCE value for liquid electrolyte DSSCs.
Improved electrochemical performance of nitrogen doped TiO2-B nanowires as anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yongquan , Fu Qiang , Xu Qiaoling , Yan Xiao , Zhang Rongyu , Guo Zhendong , Du Fei , Wei Yingjin , Zhang Dong , Chen Gang
Published: June 2015

The substituted-N plays a key role in improving the conductivity and structural stability of TiO2-B. Thereout, the rate capability and cycling stability of the TiO2-B nanowires are significantly improved.
Two-dimensional boron–nitrogen–carbon monolayers with tunable direct band gaps
Authors: Zhang Miao , Gao Guoying , Kutana Alex , Wang Yanchao , Zou Xiaolong , Tse John S. , Yakobson Boris I. , Li Hongdong , Liu Hanyu , Ma Yanming
Published: June 2015

Two-dimensional boron–nitrogen–carbon monolayers were predicted with tunable direct band gaps using calypso and cluster-expansion methologies.
A dinaphtho[8,1,2-cde:2′,1′,8′-uva]pentacene derivative and analogues: synthesis, structures, photophysical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Xiao-Jun , Li Meng , Lu Hai-Yan , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: June 2015

Dinaphtho[8,1,2-cde:2′,1′,8′-uva]pentacene with a scorpion-shaped structure has a twisted configuration, but shows marked intermolecular π–π interactions, strong electronic delocalization, and a small HOMO–LUMO bandgap.
High coercivity α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared by continuous spray pyrolysis
Authors: Kant Rich , Kumar Dinesh , Dutta Viresh
Published: June 2015

Surfactant free growth of high coercivity (HC) α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles by continuous spray pyrolysis (CoSP).
Visible light assisted photocatalytic hydrogen generation by Ta2O5/Bi2O3, TaON/Bi2O3, and Ta3N5/Bi2O3 composites
Authors: Adhikari Shiba P. , Hood Zachary D. , More Karren L. , Ivanov Ilia , Zhang Lifeng , Gross Michael , Lachgar Abdou
Published: June 2015

Bi2O3/TaON or Ta3N5 heterojunctions show significant enhancement in photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation compared to individual components.
Application of response surface methodology for the optimization of lead removal from contaminated soil using chelants
Authors: Wang Guiyin , Zhang Shirong , Li Ting , Xu Xiaoxun , Zhong Qinmei , Chen Yue , Deng Ouping , Li Yun
Published: June 2015

The efficiency of Pb removal from soil by biodegradable chelant washing was successfully optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM) approach.
Enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of Poplar through the treatment of glyoxal-urea/nano-SiO2
Authors: Yan Yutao , Dong Youming , Li Jianzhang , Zhang Shifeng , Xia Changlei , Shi Sheldon Q. , Cai Liping
Published: June 2015

An environmental-friendly glyoxal-urea (GU) resin is synthesized from urea and glyoxal, and combined with nano-SiO2to treat Poplar wood and endow it superior mechanical and thermal properties.
Effective uranium(vi) sorption from alkaline media using bi-functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Chen X. T. , He L. F. , Liu R. Z. , Zhang C. , Liu B. , Tang Y. P.
Published: June 2015

A bi-functionalized magnetic iron oxide composite has been employed for uranium(vi) sorption from alkaline media. The maximum sorption capacity was observed at pH 9.0 with a capacity of 70.7 mg g−1atcU(vi)initial= 21.7 mg L−1.
A highly conductive porous graphene electrode prepared via in situ reduction of graphene oxide using Cu nanoparticles for the fabrication of high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Xu Yuanhong , Liu Zhen , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan
Published: June 2015

A new graphene/Cu nanoparticle composite was prepared via the in situ reduction of GO in the presence of Cu nanoparticles which was then utilized as a sacrificing template for the formation of graphene electrodes for supercapacitors.
On the sintering of gold nanorod assemblies towards continuous networks
Authors: Lai Fengyuan , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian , Iruvanti Sushumna , Plawsky Joel
Published: June 2015

We present an approach for the coalescence and sintering of a gold nanorod assembly by thermal annealing at low temperatures. The sintering process initially takes place locally, resulting in aggregates which eventually grow into a continuous, percolating network structure.
Assembly of 3-allyl-3-ethynyl-oxindole motifs via palladium(ii)-catalyzed quaternary allylation of 3-ethynyl-3-OBoc-oxindoles
Authors: Kumarswamyreddy Nandarapu , Prakash Muthuraj , Jayakumar Samydurai , Kesavan Venkitasamy
Published: June 2015

A simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 3-allyl-3-ethynyl-oxindoles using Pd(ii) catalyst has been developed. Applications of these intermediates were realized by synthesizing structurally diverse carbocyclic spirooxindoles.
Influence of graphene oxide as dispersed phase in cement mortar matrix in defining the crystal patterns of cement hydrates and its effect on mechanical, microstructural and crystallization properties
Authors: Sharma Snigdha , Kothiyal N. C.
Published: June 2015

The influence of dispersed graphene oxide (GO) on the mechanical, microstructural and crystallization properties of GO–cement nanocomposites has been investigated.
Near-infrared light emitting diodes using PbSe quantum dots
Authors: Yan Long , Shen Xinyu , Zhang Yu , Zhang Tieqiang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Feng Yi , Yin Jingzhi , Zhao Jun , Yu William W.
Published: June 2015

The near-infrared light-emitting diodes using PbSe quantum dots were fabricated with the highest external quantum efficiency of 2.52%, which is comparable to those commercial InGaAsP LEDs and visible quantum dot electroluminescence LEDs.
Thin film composite polyamide membranes: parametric study on the influence of synthesis conditions
Authors: Khorshidi B. , Thundat T. , Fleck B. A. , Sadrzadeh M.
Published: June 2015

Analysis of strong interaction between monomers concentrations in interfacial polymerization reaction provides valuable guidelines for making a wide range of salt rejecting membranes.
Investigation of photoinduced electron transfer on TiO2 nanowire arrays/porphyrin composite via scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Qin Dong-Dong , Fan Yan-Ru , Guo Hui-Xia , Wang Shi-Xia , Ning Xing-Ming , Lu Xiao-Quan
Published: June 2015

A photo-induced electron transfer (PET) system was constructed by the combination of vertically aligned single-crystal TiO2 nanowire arrays and porphyrin to investigate the mechanism of the charge transfer process in artificial photosynthesis.
One-pot tandem reactions for the preparation of esterified cellulose nanocrystals with 4-dimethylaminopyridine as a catalyst
Authors: Lu Qi-lin , Li Xian-yan , Tang Li-rong , Lu Bei-li , Huang Biao
Published: June 2015

Esterified cellulose nanocrystals were manufacturedviaone-pot tandem reactions with DMAP as a catalyst. During the process cellulose nanocrystallization and acetylation occurred simultaneously.
Electrochemical and electronic properties of flower-like MoS2 nanostructures in aqueous and ionic liquid media
Authors: Pandey Kavita , Yadav Pankaj , Mukhopadhyay Indrajit
Published: June 2015

In the present work, we report a facile strategy to synthesize uniform 3D flower-like MoS2 nanostructures prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and investigate their supercapacitive behavior.
Emulsified oily-waste water: pretreatment with inorganic salts and treatment using two indigenous membrane modules
Authors: Putatunda Sirsha , Sen Dwaipayan , Bhattacharjee Chiranjib
Published: June 2015

Percentage of TPH (with a S.D. of 5% error margin) in the organic phase collected from the separator after salt dosing. Data were collected after 72 h of salt dosing to the emulsified oily water.
Synergetic effects of a matrix crystalline structure and chain mobility on the low temperature toughness of polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer blends
Authors: Hu Xin , Geng Chengzhen , Yang Guanghui , Fu Qiang , Bai Hongwei
Published: June 2015

Synergetic effects of a matrix crystalline structure and chain mobility was investigated on the low temperature toughness of polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer blends.
Layered perovskite Sm1−xLaxBaFe2O5+δ as cobalt-free cathodes for IT-SOFCs
Authors: He Zhiping , Xia Lina , Chen Yanghui , Yu Jianchang , Huang Xiaowei , Yu Yan
Published: June 2015

The La-doped SmBaFe2O5+δ series of materials were investigated systematically to determine whether they may serve as effective cathodes.
Molecular basis of R294K mutation effects of H7N9 neuraminidases with drugs and cyclic peptides: an in silico and experimental study
Authors: Wang Yeng-Tseng , Chuang Lea-Yea , Lu Chi-Yu
Published: June 2015

An overview of Shanghai N9/cyclic peptide I complex structure.
Promotional effect of the electron donating functional groups on the gas sensing properties of graphene nanoflakes
Authors: Omidvar Akbar , Mohajeri Afshan
Published: June 2015

The influence of electron donating funcional groups upon the adsorption of gas molecules (O2, N2, CO, and NO) on the graphene nanoflake has been investigated.
Observation of isotropic–isotropic demixing in colloidal platelet–sphere mixtures
Authors: Chen Mingfeng , Li Huawei , Chen Ying , Mejia Andres F. , Wang Xuezhen , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: June 2015

Direct experimental evidence of I1-I2 demixing is presented at size ratio q = Rsphere/Rdisk = 0.0901 ± 0.0004 in colloidal platelet and sphere mixtures, which validates the free-volume scaled particle theory and indicates the need for refinement of the fundamental measure density functional theory.