bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse transduction measured in the living cochlea by low-coherence heterodyne interferometry
Authors: Ren Tianying , He Wenxuan , Barr-Gillespie Peter G.
Published: January 2016

It is generally believed that the remarkable sensitivity and frequency selectivity of mammalian hearing depend on outer hair cell-generated force, which amplifies sound-induced vibrations inside the cochlea. This ‘reverse transduction’ force production has never been demonstrated experimentally, however, in the living ear. Here by directly measuring microstructure vibrations inside the cochlear partition using a custom-built interferometer, we demonstrate that electrical stimulation can evoke both fast broadband and slow sharply tuned responses of the reticular lamina, but only a slow tuned response of the basilar membrane. Our results indicate that outer hair cells can generate sufficient force to drive the reticular lamina over all audible frequencies in living cochleae. Contrary to expectations, the cellular force causes a travelling wave rather than an immediate local vibration of the basilar membrane; this travelling wave vibrates in phase with the reticular lamina at the best frequency, and results in maximal vibration at the apical ends of outer hair cells.
Unveiling the Mechanism for the Split Hysteresis Loop in Epitaxial Co2Fe1-xMnxAl Full-Heusler Alloy Films
Authors: Tao X. D. , Wang H. L. , Miao B. F. , Sun L. , You B. , Wu D. , Zhang W. , Oepen H. P. , Zhao J. H. , Ding H. F.
Published: January 2016

Utilizing epitaxial Co2Fe1-xMnxAl full-Heusler alloy films on GaAs (001), we address the controversy over the analysis for the split hysteresis loop which is commonly found in systems consisting of both uniaxial and fourfold anisotropies. Quantitative comparisons are carried out on the values of the twofold and fourfold anisotropy fields obtained with ferromagnetic resonance and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements. The most suitable model for describing the split hysteresis loop is identified. In combination with the component resolved magnetization measurements, these results provide compelling evidences that the switching is caused by the domain wall nucleation and movements with the switching fields centered at the point where the energy landscape shows equal minima for magnetization orienting near the easy axis and the field supported hard axis.
Genesis of charge orders in high temperature superconductors
Authors: Tu Wei-Lin , Lee Ting-Kuo
Published: January 2016

One of the most puzzling facts about cuprate high-temperature superconductors in the lightly doped regime is the coexistence of uniform superconductivity and/or antiferromagnetism with many low-energy charge-ordered states in a unidirectional charge density wave or a bidirectional checkerboard structure. Recent experiments have discovered that these charge density waves exhibit different symmetries in their intra-unit-cell form factors for different cuprate families. Using a renormalized mean-field theory for a well-known, strongly correlated model of cuprates, we obtain a number of charge-ordered states with nearly degenerate energies without invoking special features of the Fermi surface. All of these self-consistent solutions have a pair density wave intertwined with a charge density wave and sometimes a spin density wave. Most of these states vanish in the underdoped regime, except for one with a large d-form factor that vanishes at approximately 19% doping of the holes, as reported by experiments. Furthermore, these states could be modified to have a global superconducting order, with a nodal-like density of states at low energy.
Aspergillus flavus Conidia-derived Carbon/Sulfur Composite as a Cathode Material for High Performance Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Xu Maowen , Jia Min , Mao Cuiping , Liu Sangui , Bao Shujuan , Jiang Jian , Liu Yang , Lu Zhisong
Published: January 2016

A novel approach was developed to prepare porous carbon materials with an extremely high surface area of 2459.6 m2g−1 by using Aspergillus flavus conidia as precursors. The porous carbon serves as a superior cathode material to anchor sulfur due to its uniform and tortuous morphology, enabling high capacity and good cycle lifetime in lithium sulfur-batteries. Under a current rate of 0.2 C, the carbon-sulfur composites with 56.7 wt% sulfur loading deliver an initial capacity of 1625 mAh g−1, which is almost equal to the theoretical capacity of sulfur. The good performance may be ascribed to excellent electronic networks constructed by the high-surface-area carbon species. Moreover, the semi-closed architecture of derived carbons can effectively retard the polysulfides dissolution during charge/discharge, resulting in a capacity of 940 mAh g−1 after 120 charge/discharge cycles.
Ionizing radiation modulates human macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype preserving their pro-invasive and pro-angiogenic capacities
Authors: Teresa Pinto Ana , Laranjeiro Pinto Marta , Patrícia Cardoso Ana , Monteiro Cátia , Teixeira Pinto Marta , Filipe Maia André , Castro Patrícia , Figueira Rita , Monteiro Armanda , Marques Margarida , Mareel Marc , dos Santos Susana Gomes , Seruca Raquel , Adolfo Barbosa Mário , Rocha Sónia , José Oliveira Maria
Published: January 2016

In order to improve the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy, attention has been paid to immune cells, which not only modulate cancer cell response to therapy but are also highly recruited to tumours after irradiation. Particularly, the effect of ionizing radiation on macrophages, using therapeutically relevant doses, is not well understood. To evaluate how radiotherapy affects macrophage behaviour and macrophage-mediated cancer cell activity, human monocyte derived-macrophages were subjected, for a week, to cumulative ionizing radiation doses, as used during cancer treatment (2 Gy/fraction/day). Irradiated macrophages remained viable and metabolically active, despite DNA damage. NF-kappaB transcription activation and increased Bcl-xL expression evidenced the promotion of pro-survival activity. A significant increase of pro-inflammatory macrophage markersCD80, CD86 and HLA-DR, but notCCR7,TNFandIL1Bwas observed after 10 Gy cumulative doses, while anti-inflammatory markersCD163,MRC1,VCANand IL-10 expression decreased, suggesting the modulation towards a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, ionizing radiation induced macrophage morphological alterations and increased their phagocytic rate, without affecting matrix metalloproteases (MMP)2 and MMP9 activity. Importantly, irradiated macrophages promoted cancer cell-invasion and cancer cell-induced angiogenesis. Our work highlights macrophage ability to sustain cancer cell activities as a major concern that needs to be addressed to improve radiotherapy efficacy.
Testis-enriched heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2): Adaptive advantages of the birds with internal testes over the mammals with testicular descent
Authors: Padhi Abinash , Ghaly Mona M. , Ma Li
Published: January 2016

The molecular chaperone heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2), a member of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) family, plays an important role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Although HSPA2 is evolutionarily highly conserved across the metazoan lineages, the observation of striking differences in temperature-sensitive expressions, testicular physiology, spermatogenesis, as well as its role in male fertility indicates that avian and mammalian HSPA2 may exhibit distinct evolutionary trajectory. The present study reports that while mammalian HSPA2 is constrained by intense purifying selection, avian HSPA2 has been subjected to positive selection. The majority of the positively selected amino acid residues fall on the α-helix and β-sheets of the peptide-binding domain located at the carboxyl-terminal region of the avian HSPA2. The detection of positively selected sites at the helix and β-sheets, which are less tolerant to molecular adaptation, indicates an important functional consequence and contribution to the structural and functional diversification of the avian HSPA2. Collectively, avian HSPA2 may have an adaptive advantage over the mammals in response to heat stress and therefore, mammals with testicular descent may be at a greater risk in the event of scrotal temperature rise.
A zero power harmonic transponder sensor for ubiquitous wireless μL liquid-volume monitoring
Authors: Huang Haiyu , Chen Pai-Yen , Hung Cheng-Hsien , Gharpurey Ranjit , Akinwande Deji
Published: January 2016

Autonomous liquid-volume monitoring is crucial in ubiquitous healthcare. However, conventional approach is based on either human visual observation or expensive detectors, which are costly for future pervasive monitoring. Here we introduce a novel approach based on passive harmonic transponder antenna sensor and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) pattern analysis, to provide a very low cost wireless μL-resolution liquid-volume monitoring without battery or digital circuits. In our conceptual demonstration, the harmonic transponder comprises of a passive nonlinear frequency multiplier connected to a metamaterial-inspired 3-D antenna designed to be highly sensitive to the liquid-volume within a confined region. The transponder first receives some FHSS signal from an interrogator, then converts such signal to its harmonic band and re-radiates through the antenna sensor. The harmonic signal is picked up by a sniffer receiver and decoded through pattern analysis of the high dimensional FHSS signal strength data. A robust, zero power, absolute accuracy wireless liquid-volume monitoring is realized in the presence of strong direct coupling, background scatters, distance variance as well as near-field human-body interference. The concepts of passive harmonic transponder sensor, metamaterial-inspired antenna sensor and FHSS pattern analysis based sensor decoding may help establishing cost-effective, energy-efficient and intelligent wireless pervasive healthcare monitoring platforms.
Size-dependent redox behavior of iron observed by in-situ single nanoparticle spectro-microscopy on well-defined model systems
Authors: Karim Waiz , Kleibert Armin , Hartfelder Urs , Balan Ana , Gobrecht Jens , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Ekinci Yasin
Published: January 2016

Understanding the chemistry of nanoparticles is crucial in many applications. Their synthesis in a controlled manner and their characterization at the single particle level is essential to gain deeper insight into chemical mechanisms. In this work, single nanoparticle spectro-microscopy with top-down nanofabrication is demonstrated to study individual iron nanoparticles of nine different lateral dimensions from 80 nm down to 6 nm. The particles are probed simultaneously, under same conditions, during in-situ redox reaction using X-ray photoemission electron microscopy elucidating the size effect during the early stage of oxidation, yielding time-dependent evolution of iron oxides and the mechanism for the inter-conversion of oxides in nanoparticles. Fabrication of well-defined system followed by visualization and investigation of singled-out particles eliminates the ambiguities emerging from dispersed nanoparticles and reveals a significant increase in the initial rate of oxidation with decreasing size, but the reactivity per active site basis and the intrinsic chemical properties in the particles remain the same in the scale of interest. This advance of nanopatterning together with spatially-resolved single nanoparticle X-ray absorption spectroscopy will guide future discourse in understanding the impact of confinement of metal nanoparticles and pave way to solve fundamental questions in material science, chemical physics, magnetism, nanomedicine and nanocatalysis.
PYCR1 and PYCR2 Interact and Collaborate with RRM2B to Protect Cells from Overt Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kuo Mei-Ling , Lee Mabel Bin-Er , Tang Michelle , den Besten Willem , Hu Shuya , Sweredoski Michael J. , Hess Sonja , Chou Chih-Ming , Changou Chun A. , Su Mingming , Jia Wei , Su Leila , Yen Yun
Published: January 2016

Ribonucleotide reductase small subunit B (RRM2B) is a stress response protein that protects normal human fibroblasts from oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanism that governs this function is not entirely understood. To identify factors that interact with RRM2B and mediate anti-oxidation function, large-scale purification of human Flag-tagged RRM2B complexes was performed. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 and 2 (PYCR1, PYCR2) were identified by mass spectrometry analysis as components of RRM2B complexes. Silencing of both PYCR1 and PYCR2 by expressing short hairpin RNAs induced defects in cell proliferation, partial fragmentation of the mitochondrial network and hypersensitivity to oxidative stress in hTERT-immortalized human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-hTERT). Moderate overexpression of RRM2B, comparable to stress-induced level, protected cells from oxidative stress. Silencing of both PYCR1 and PYCR2 completely abolished anti-oxidation activity of RRM2B, demonstrating a functional collaboration of these metabolic enzymes in response to oxidative stress.
The soluble form of BMPRIB is a novel therapeutic candidate for treating bone related disorders
Authors: Yamawaki Kengo , Kondo Yuichiro , Okada Tsutomu , Oshima Takeshi , Kakitani Makoto , Tomizuka Kazuma
Published: January 2016

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors that belong to the TGF-beta superfamily. Recently, several soluble BMP receptors, such as ActRIIA-Fc, ActRIIB-Fc and ALK1-Fc, are undergoing clinical trials. Both BMPRIA and BMPRIB are type I BMP receptors and while BMPRIA-Fc has been reported to have bone-increasing properties, there have been no investigations concerning the biological functions of BMPRIB-Fc. Therefore, comparing the effects of BMPRIA-Fc and BMPRIB-Fc in vivo should be helpful in revealing the differences in biological function between BMPRIA and BMPRIB and would also aid in the evaluation of BMPRIB-Fc as a therapeutic agent. Here, we produced Tg chimeras in which BMPRIA-Fc and BMPRIB-Fc proteins circulated at high concentrations (36.8–121.4 μg/mL). Both Tg chimeras showed a significant increase of bone volume and strength. Using histological analysis, adenoma of the glandular stomach was observed only in BMPRIA-Fc chimeras suggesting the tumorigenic activity of this protein. Administration of recombinant BMPRIB-Fc protein to normal mice also increased bone volumes. Finally, treatment with BMPRIB-Fc decreased the area of osteolytic regions in a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis. In conclusion, our data suggest that BMPRIB-Fc can be used for the treatment of bone-related disorders with a lower risk than BMPRIA-Fc.
Manifold angles, the concept of self-similarity and angle-enhanced bifurcation diagrams
Authors: Beims Marcus W. , Gallas Jason A. C.
Published: January 2016

Chaos and regularity are routinely discriminated by using Lyapunov exponents distilled from the norm of orthogonalized Lyapunov vectors, propagated during the temporal evolution of the dynamics. Such exponents are mean-field-like averages that, for each degree of freedom, squeeze the whole temporal evolution complexity into just a single number. However, Lyapunov vectors also contain a step-by-step record of what exactly happens with the angles between stable and unstable manifolds during the whole evolution, a big-data information permanently erased by repeated orthogonalizations. Here, we study changes of angles between invariant subspaces as observed during temporal evolution of Hénon’s system. Such angles are calculated numerically and analytically and used to characterize self-similarity of a chaotic attractor. In addition, we show how standard tools of dynamical systems may be angle-enhanced by dressing them with informations not difficult to extract. Such angle-enhanced tools reveal unexpected and practical facts that are described in detail. For instance, we present a video showing an angle-enhanced bifurcation diagram that exposes from several perspectives the complex geometrical features underlying the attractors. We believe such findings to be generic for extended classes of systems.
A transcriptome-wide, organ-specific regulatory map of Dendrobium officinale, an important traditional Chinese orchid herb
Authors: Meng Yijun , Yu Dongliang , Xue Jie , Lu Jiangjie , Feng Shangguo , Shen Chenjia , Wang Huizhong
Published: January 2016

Dendrobium officinale is an important traditional Chinese herb. Here, we did a transcriptome-wide, organ-specific study on this valuable plant by combining RNA, small RNA (sRNA) and degradome sequencing. RNA sequencing of four organs (flower, root, leaf and stem) of Dendrobium officinale enabled us to obtain 536,558 assembled transcripts, from which 2,645, 256, 42 and 54 were identified to be highly expressed in the four organs respectively. Based on sRNA sequencing, 2,038, 2, 21 and 24 sRNAs were identified to be specifically accumulated in the four organs respectively. A total of 1,047 mature microRNA (miRNA) candidates were detected. Based on secondary structure predictions and sequencing, tens of potential miRNA precursors were identified from the assembled transcripts. Interestingly, phase-distributed sRNAs with degradome-based processing evidences were discovered on the long-stem structures of two precursors. Target identification was performed for the 1,047 miRNA candidates, resulting in the discovery of 1,257 miRNA--target pairs. Finally, some biological meaningful subnetworks involving hormone signaling, development, secondary metabolism and Argonaute 1-related regulation were established. All of the sequencing data sets are available at NCBI Sequence Read Archive (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/). Summarily, our study provides a valuable resource for the in-depth molecular and functional studies on this important Chinese orchid herb.
Next-Generation Bacillus anthracis Live Attenuated Spore Vaccine Based on the htrA- (High Temperature Requirement A) Sterne Strain
Authors: Chitlaru Theodor , Israeli Ma’ayan , Bar-Haim Erez , Elia Uri , Rotem Shahar , Ehrlich Sharon , Cohen Ofer , Shafferman Avigdor
Published: January 2016

Anthrax is a lethal disease caused by the gram-positive spore-producing bacteriumBacillus anthracis. Live attenuated vaccines, such as the nonencapsulated Sterne strain, do not meet the safety standards mandated for human use in the Western world and are approved for veterinary purposes only. Here we demonstrate that disrupting thehtrAgene, encoding the chaperone/protease HtrA (High Temperature Requirement A), in the virulentBacillus anthracisVollum strain results in significant virulence attenuation in guinea pigs, rabbits and mice, underlying the universality of the attenuated phenotype associated withhtrAknockout. Accordingly,htrAdisruption was implemented for the development of a Sterne-derived safe live vaccine compatible with human use. The novelB. anthracisSterneΔhtrAstrain secretes functional anthrax toxins but is 10–104-fold less virulent than the Sterne vaccine strain depending on animal model (mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits). In spite of this attenuation, double or even single immunization with SterneΔhtrA spores elicits immune responses which target toxaemia and bacteremia resulting in protection from subcutaneous or respiratory lethal challenge with a virulent strain in guinea pigs and rabbits. The efficacy of the immune-protective response in guinea pigs was maintained for at least 50 weeks after asingleimmunization.
Anti-inflammatory effects of indirubin derivatives on influenza A virus-infected human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Kwok Hoi-Hin , Poon Po-Ying , Fok Siu-Ping , Ying-Kit Yue Patrick , Mak Nai-Ki , Chan Michael Chi-Wai , Peiris Joseph Sriyal Malik , Wong Ricky Ngok-Shun
Published: January 2016

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses global threats to human health. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction are major complications in patients with severe influenza infection. This may be explained by the recent studies which highlighted the role of the pulmonary endothelium as the center of innate immune cells recruitment and excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines production. In this report, we examined the potential immunomodulatory effects of two indirubin derivatives, indirubin-3′-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-oximether (E804) and indirubin-3′-oxime (E231), on IAV (H9N2) infected-human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Infection of H9N2 on HPMECs induced a high level of chemokines and cytokines production including IP-10, RANTES, IL-6, IFN-β and IFN-γ1. Post-treatment of E804 or E231 could significantly suppress the production of these cytokines. H9N2 infection rapidly triggered the activation of innate immunity through phosphorylation of signaling molecules including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. Using specific inhibitors or small-interfering RNA, we confirmed that indirubin derivatives can suppress H9N2-induced cytokines production through MAPKs and STAT3 signaling pathways. These results underscore the immunomodulatory effects of indirubin derivatives on pulmonary endothelium and its therapeutic potential on IAV-infection.
Evaluation of hypointense liver lesions during hepatobiliary phase MR imaging in normal and cirrhotic livers: is increasing flip angle reliable?
Authors: Xiao Yu-dong , Ma Cong , Liu Jun , Li Hua-bing , Zhang Zi-shu , Zhou Shun-ke
Published: January 2016

Gd-EOB-DTPA is a newly developed liver specific magnetic resonance contrast agent, which is widely used for focal liver lesion (FLL) detection and liver function evaluation. However, it has been demonstrated that hepatocytes uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA obviously decreased in cirrhotic liver and cirrhotic liver parenchyma may show reduced enhancement in hepatobiliary phase, which would result in decreased liver-to-lesion contrast (LLC) and liver to lesion signal intensity ratio (LLSIR). Therefore, it is important to improve the image quality in cirrhotic liver, as it may alter therapeutic strategy. In this paper, we have shown adjustments of the flip angle (FA) provides a simple step to achieve better image quality for evaluation of FLLs, especially to those patients with severe liver cirrhosis. On the basis of our quantitative analysis, both of the LLC and the LLSIR with high FA protocol were always higher than those of low FA protocol. Additionally, on high FA images, more FLLs were detected, peritumoral invasion was found, boundary of the tumor was more remarkably and better visualization of bile duct was observed. In conclusion, for the patient with severe liver cirrhosis, increasing FA can obviously improve the image quality, which is helpful for FLLs depiction.
Transcriptome and biomineralization responses of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata to elevated CO2 and temperature
Authors: Li Shiguo , Liu Chuang , Huang Jingliang , Liu Yangjia , Zhang Shuwen , Zheng Guilan , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing
Published: January 2016

Ocean acidification and global warming have been shown to significantly affect the physiological performances of marine calcifiers; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, the transcriptome and biomineralization responses ofPinctada fucatato elevated CO2(pH 7.8 and pH 7.5) and temperature (25 °C and 31 °C) are investigated. Increases in CO2and temperature induced significant changes in gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, net calcification rates and relative calcium content, whereas no changes are observed in the shell ultrastructure. “Ion and acid-base regulation” related genes and “amino acid metabolism” pathway respond to the elevated CO2(pH 7.8), suggesting thatP. fucataimplements a compensatory acid-base mechanism to mitigate the effects of low pH. Additionally, “anti-oxidation”-related genes and “Toll-like receptor signaling”, “arachidonic acid metabolism”, “lysosome” and “other glycan degradation” pathways exhibited responses to elevated temperature (25 °C and 31 °C), suggesting thatP. fucatautilizes anti-oxidative and lysosome strategies to alleviate the effects of temperature stress. These responses are energy-consuming processes, which can lead to a decrease in biomineralization capacity. This study therefore is important for understanding the mechanisms by which pearl oysters respond to changing environments and predicting the effects of global climate change on pearl aquaculture.
Discovering new mTOR inhibitors for cancer treatment through virtual screening methods and in vitro assays
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Lei , Yu Miao , Xu Li-Hui , Cheng Bao , Lin Yong-Sheng , Gu Qiong , He Xian-Hui , Xu Jun
Published: January 2016

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an attractive target for new anticancer drug development. We recently developed in silico models to distinguish mTOR inhibitors and non-inhibitors. In this study, we developed an integrated strategy for identifying new mTOR inhibitors using cascaded in silico screening models. With this strategy, fifteen new mTOR kinase inhibitors including four compounds with IC50 values below 10 μM were discovered. In particular, compound 17 exhibited potent anticancer activities against four tumor cell lines, including MCF-7, HeLa, MGC-803 and C6, with IC50 values of 1.90, 2.74, 3.50 and 11.05 μM. Furthermore, cellular studies and western blot analyses revealed that 17 induces cell death via apoptosis by targeting both mTORC1 and mTORC2 within cells and arrests the cell cycle of HeLa at the G1/G0-phase. Finally, multi-nanosecond explicit solvent simulations and MM/GBSA analyses were carried out to study the inhibitory mechanisms of 13, 17 and 40 for mTOR. The potent compounds presented here are worthy of further investigation.
Uncovering biologically significant lipid isomers with liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry
Authors: Kyle Jennifer E. , Zhang Xing , Weitz Karl K. , Monroe Matthew E. , Ibrahim Yehia M. , Moore Ronald J. , Cha Jeeyeon , Sun Xiaofei , Lovelace Erica S. , Wagoner Jessica , Polyak Stephen J. , Metz Thomas O. , Dey Sudhansu K. , Smith Richard D. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Baker Erin S.
Published: January 2016

LC-IMS-MS spectra of lipids in mouse decidua tissue.
The application of fluorescence-conjugated pyrrole/imidazole polyamides in the characterization of protein–DNA complex formation
Authors: Han Yong-Woon , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Harada Yoshie
Published: January 2016

Fluorescent conjugates of Py–Im polyamides are used as sequence-specific fluorescent probes and applied to the characterisation of protein–DNA complex dynamics.
Ionothermal synthesis and proton-conductive properties of NH2-MIL-53 MOF nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Jia , Zou Xiaoqin , Liu Chuanfang , Cai Kun , Zhao Nian , Zheng Weitao , Zhu Guangshan
Published: January 2016

Highly stable and proton-conductive NH2-MIL-53 metal–organic framework nanomaterials have been successfully synthesized in an ionothermal system.
Efficient tandem aqueous room temperature oxidative amidations catalysed by supported Pd nanoparticles on graphene oxide
Authors: Rostamnia Sadegh , Doustkhah Esmail , Golchin-Hosseini Habib , Zeynizadeh Behzad , Xin Hongchuan , Luque Rafael
Published: January 2016

Pd nanoparticles deposited onto graphene oxide nanosheets (SE-GO/PdNPs) were found to successfully promote two oxidative processes for the synthesis of amides, providing alternative possibilities to these important compounds.
An indirect generation of 1D MII-2,5-dihydroxybenzoquinone coordination polymers, their structural rearrangements and generation of materials with a high affinity for H2, CO2 and CH4
Authors: Abrahams Brendan F. , Dharma A. David , Dyett Brendan , Hudson Timothy A. , Maynard-Casely Helen , Kingsbury Christopher J. , McCormick Laura J. , Robson Richard , Sutton Ashley L. , White Keith F.
Published: January 2016

1D coordination polymers undergo transformations upon desolvation to yield sorbent materials.
Seven phenoxido-bridged complexes encapsulated by 8-hydroxyquinoline Schiff base derivatives and β-diketone ligands: single-molecule magnet, magnetic refrigeration and luminescence properties
Authors: Wang Shi-Yu , Wang Wen-Min , Zhang Hong-Xia , Shen Hai-Yun , Jiang Li , Cui Jian-Zhong , Gao Hong-Ling
Published: January 2016

Seven dinuclear complexes based on 8-hydroxyquinoline Schiff base derivatives and β-diketone ligands have been synthesized, and structurally and magnetically characterized.
An N-doped three dimensional flexible carbon/sulfur cathode for lithium sulfur battery design
Authors: Mi Liwei , Xiao Weidong , Cui Shizhong , Hou Hongwei , Chen Weihua
Published: January 2016

Nitrogen-doped flexible carbon foam was used to fabricate a lithium sulfur battery.
Industrially scalable and cost-effective Mn2+ doped ZnxCd1−xS/ZnS nanocrystals with 70% photoluminescence quantum yield, as efficient down-shifting materials in photovoltaics
Authors: Levchuk I. , Würth C. , Krause F. , Osvet A. , Batentschuk M. , Resch-Genger U. , Kolbeck C. , Herre P. , Steinrück H. P. , Peukert W. , Brabec C. J.
Published: January 2016

We present colloidally stable and highly luminescent ZnxCd1–xS:Mn/ZnS core–shell nanocrystals (NCs) as cost-effective light converters for silicon photovoltaic (PV).
Some of tomorrow's catalysts for processing renewable and non-renewable feedstocks, diminishing anthropogenic carbon dioxide and increasing the production of energy
Authors: Thomas John Meurig , Harris Kenneth D. M.
Published: January 2016

A wide-ranging overview is presented of the likely impact that heterogeneous catalytic systems will play in tackling some critically important societal and environmental issues in the future.
Probing the mechanism of benzaldehyde reduction to chiral hydrobenzoin on the CNT surface under near-UV light irradiation
Authors: Wang Yunwei , Ren Pengju , Gu Xianmo , Wen Xiaodong , Wang Yingyong , Guo Xiangyun , Waclawik Eric R. , Zhu Huaiyong , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: January 2016

For the first time, metal-free CNTs is found to be an effective photocatalyst working under near-UV light (400 nm).
Transition-metal-free regioselective synthesis of alkylboronates from arylacetylenes and vinyl arenes
Authors: Yang Kai , Song Qiuling
Published: January 2016

A transition-metal-free synthesis of alkylboronates from arylacetylenes or vinyl arenes and B2pin2via tandem borylation and protodeboronation has been developed. This reaction features with excellent regioselectivities, broad functional group tolerance and good yields in both small and gram scale.
A quinazoline-based HDAC inhibitor affects gene expression pathways involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and mevalonate in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lin Z. , Bishop K. S. , Sutherland H. , Marlow G. , Murray P. , Denny W. A. , Ferguson L. R.
Published: January 2016

Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of cancers and resolution of inflammation is an ongoing challenge.
A low temperature operating gas sensor with high response to NO2 based on ordered mesoporous Ni-doped In2O3
Authors: Yang Qiuyue , Cui Xiaobiao , Liu Jiangyang , Zhao Jing , Wang Yinglin , Gao Yuan , Sun Peng , Ma Jian , Lu Geyu
Published: January 2016

This study demonstrated that doping Ni enhanced the response of the sensor based on mesoporous In2O3 to NO2.
Using non-covalent interactions to direct regioselective 2+2 photocycloaddition within a macrocyclic cavitand
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Clements Aspen Rae , Pattabiraman Mahesh
Published: January 2016

A cavitand mediated approach involving host–guest and guest–guest interactions has been developed to direct regioselective photocycloaddition of non-symmetric alkenes wherein a complete reversal in selectivity is achievable.
Weaving an infinite 3-D supramolecular network via AuI⋯AuIII aurophilicity and C–H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding
Authors: Chou Chang-Chuan , Yang Chia-Chi , Chang Hao-Ching , Lee Way-Zen , Kuo Ting-Shen
Published: January 2016

The use of ligand-unsupported AuI⋯AuIII interactions to increase the structural dimensionality to a 3-D array was demonstrated.
Shape-dependent optoelectrical investigation of Cu2+xCd1−xSnS4thin films for solar cell applications
Authors: Henry Johnson , Prema Pasunkili , Padiyan Duraipandi Pathinettam , Mohanraj Kannusamy , Sivakumar Ganesan
Published: January 2016

The morphology and photosensitivity of the CCTS thin films vary with increase in Cu concentration. The opto-structural and morphological studies of the Cu-rich films show better optical properties that are suitable for PV applications.
Versatile method for template-free synthesis of single crystalline metal and metal alloy nanowires
Authors: Scott John A. , Totonjian Daniel , Martin Aiden A. , Tran Toan Trong , Fang Jinghua , Toth Milos , McDonagh Andrew M. , Aharonovich Igor , Lobo Charlene J.
Published: January 2016

A versatile, template-free growth technique for single crystalline metal nanowires using gas or solution phase precursors.
Effect of magnetic field strength on the alignment of α′′-Fe16N2 nanoparticle films
Authors: Kartikowati Christina W. , Suhendi Asep , Zulhijah Rizka , Ogi Takashi , Iwaki Toru , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: January 2016

Aligning the magnetic orientation of α′′-Fe16N2 NPs is one strategy to improve the magnetic performance of magnetic α′′-Fe16N2 NP films.
Curcumin modified silver nanoparticles for highly efficient inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Yang Xiao Xi , Li Chun Mei , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: January 2016

Uniform and stable curcumin-AgNPs, which are synthesized with a simple method, show excellent antiviral properties against respiratory syncytial virus.
Fabrication and characterization of a collagen coated electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)–gelatin nanofibrous scaffold as a soft bio-mimetic material for skin tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ramanathan Giriprasath , Singaravelu Sivakumar , Raja M. D. , Nagiah Naveen , Padmapriya P. , Ruban K. , Kaveri Krishnasamy , Natarajan T. S. , Sivagnanam Uma Tiruchirapalli , Perumal Paramasivan Thirumalai
Published: January 2016

The collagen coated nanofibrous scaffold mimics the function of the extra cellular matrix with good biocompatibility, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and aids to provide as a promising tool in skin tissue engineering application.
Disorder-enhanced spin polarization of the Zn1−xCoxO1−v concentrated magnetic semiconductor
Authors: Xu T. S. , Ju L. , Wang Z. , Ren C. , Kang S. S. , Qiao S. Z. , Li T. X. , Yan S. S. , Mei L. M.
Published: January 2016

Amorphous concentrated magnetic semiconductor Zn0.32Co0.68O1−v (v refers to oxygen vacancies) thin film was investigated by magnetic and electrical transport measurements as well as Andreev reflection spectroscopy.
Reactivity of carbon black diamond electrode during the electro-oxidation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R
Authors: Ajeel Mohammed A. , Taeib Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Ashri Wan Daud Wan Mohd
Published: January 2016

This article reports for the first time, the reactivity of Carbon Black Diamond (CBD) electrode using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance techniques in 0.25 M H2SO4solution containing 0.5 mM K4Fe(CN)6.
In situ ion-exchange synthesis of SnS2/g-C3N4 nanosheets heterojunction for enhancing photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Yongping , Chen Peng , Chen Yuan , Lu Huidan , Wang Jixiang , Yang Zhishu , Lu Zhenhuan , Li Ming , Fang Liang
Published: January 2016

SnS2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with different contents of SnS2 have been prepared via a simple ion-exchange process.
Evaluation of the performance of differently immobilized recombinant lipase B from Candida antarctica preparations for the synthesis of pharmacological derivatives in organic media
Authors: Manoel Evelin A. , Robert Julia M. , Pinto Martina C. C. , Machado Antonio C. O. , Besteti Marina D. , Coelho Maria Alice Z. , Simas Alessandro B. C. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto , Pinto Jose Carlos , Freire Denise M. G.
Published: January 2016

This paper shows the production of lipase B fromCandida antarctica(LIPB) after cloning the gene that encoded it inPichia pastorisusing PGK as a constitutive promoter. The lipase was immobilized on different home-made supports for distinct reactions.
Mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of a nickel(ii) complex as a reversible thermochromic nanostructure
Authors: Kahani Seyed Abolghasem , Abdevali Fatemeh
Published: January 2016

A nickel(ii) complex has been synthesized which shows a reversible thermochromic behavior under heating. The results show that its structure is changing from octahedral to tetrahedral structure.
Clean photoinduced generation of free reactive oxygen species by silica films embedded with CdTe–MTA quantum dots
Authors: de Souza Gustavo C. S. , Ribeiro David S. M. , Rodrigues S. Sofia M. , Paim Ana Paula S. , Lavorante André F. , da Silva Valdinete L. , Santos João L. M. , Araújo Alberto N. , Montenegro Maria Conceição B. S. M.
Published: January 2016

QDs immobilized into silica films were obtained by sol–gel technique using TMOS. These nanomaterials kept their native PL and the ability to generate ROS opening perspectives for the development of more environment friendly analytical application.
Effect of amino group on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanisms of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole and its amino derivatives
Authors: Li Chaozheng , Yang Yonggang , Ma Chi , Liu Yufang
Published: January 2016

The electronic density redistributes and it migrates in opposite directions for HBO when compared to those of 5A-HBO and 6A-HBO. The amino group in the HBO framework can change the behavior of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Host–guest inclusion complexes of RNA nucleosides inside aqueous cyclodextrins explored by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods
Authors: Roy Mahendra Nath , Saha Subhadeep , Barman Siti , Ekka Deepak
Published: January 2016

Spectroscopic and physicochemical studies reveal formation of host–guest inclusion complexes of RNA nucleosides inside hydrophobic cavity of α and β-cyclodextrins.
Improved intestinal lymphatic drug targeting via phospholipid complex-loaded nanolipospheres of rosuvastatin calcium
Authors: Beg Sarwar , Raza Kaisar , Kumar Rajendra , Chadha Renu , Katare O. P. , Singh Bhupinder
Published: January 2016

The present work describes the systematic development and characterization of nanolipospheres (NLPs) loaded with phospholipid complex of rosuvastatin for enhanced oral drug absorption trough lymphatic pathways.
Early release of 1-pyrroline by Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures discovered using ambient corona discharge ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Longhua , Liang Juchao , Chingin Konstantin , Hang Yaping , Wu Xiaoping , Chen Huanwen
Published: January 2016

1-Pyrroline detected by ambient mass spectrometry is suggested as a potential volatile biomarker for early identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Facile synthesis of CNT/AgI with enhanced photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial ability
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Huang Shuquan , Ji Haiyan , Jing Liquan , He Minqiang , Xu Hui , Zhang Qi , Li Huaming
Published: January 2016

Introducing small amount CNT not only reduced the size of the AgI, but also improved the electron–hole separation efficiency and enhanced the photodegradation ability.
Phototransformation of tetrazoline oxime ethers: photoisomerization vs. photodegradation
Authors: Fréneau Maxime , de Sainte Claire Pascal , Hoffmann Norbert , Vors Jean-Pierre , Geist Julie , Euvrard Michel , Richard Claire
Published: January 2016

Fungicides showing potent biological activity in green house may have poor activity in the field due to fast photodegradation.
Indiene 2D monolayer: a new nanoelectronic material
Authors: Singh Deobrat , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Lukačević Igor , Sonvane Yogesh
Published: January 2016

Through first principles calculations, we systematically investigate the structural and electronic properties of indium monolayers in three different allotropic forms: planar, puckered and buckled.
Relationships of Echium plantagineum L. bee pollen, dietary flavonoids and their colonic metabolites with cytochrome P450 enzymes and oxidative stress
Authors: Sousa C. , Andrade P. B. , Valentão P.
Published: January 2016

Echium plantagineumL. bee pollen is a dietary source of flavonoids, which can play a protective role in the gastrointestinal tract by modulating cytochrome P450 (CYP) biotransformation enzymes and by opposing oxidative stress.
Copolymers of ionic liquids with polymeric or metallocomplex chromophores for quasi-solid-state DSSC applications
Authors: Giannopoulos Panagiotis , Andreopoulou Aikaterini K. , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Raptis Dimitrios , Sfyri Georgia , Kallitsis Joannis K. , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: January 2016

Polymeric and copolymeric ionic liquids were prepared and tested in quasi solid DSSCs as additives of a P3HT hole transporting layer. The morphology and the increased ionic nature of the blends played decisive roles on the cell performance.
Three-dimensional light confinement in a PT-symmetric nanocavity
Authors: Sun Wenzhao , Gu Zhiyuan , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai
Published: January 2016

We demonstrate a robust mechanism that can improve light confinement in nanostructures by breaking the parity–time (PT) symmetry in nanowire based nanocavities.
Stimuli-responsive colorimetric and NIR fluorescence combination probe for selective reporting of cellular hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Narayanaswamy Nagarjun , Narra Sivakrishna , Nair Raji R. , Saini Deepak Kumar , Kondaiah Paturu , Govindaraju T.
Published: January 2016

Stimuli-responsive and NIR fluorescence combination probe (QCy-BA⊂DNA) to efficiently quantify and image normal and elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in primary and disease-associated cells.
HKOCl-3: a fluorescent hypochlorous acid probe for live-cell and in vivo imaging and quantitative application in flow cytometry and a 96-well microplate assay
Authors: Hu Jun Jacob , Wong Nai-Kei , Lu Ming-Yang , Chen Xingmiao , Ye Sen , Zhao Angela Qian , Gao Peng , Yi-Tsun Kao Richard , Shen Jiangang , Yang Dan
Published: January 2016

We describe an ultra-selective and ultra-sensitive HOCI fluorescent probe HKOCl-3 for live-cell and in vivo imaging and quantitative applications.
Electrochemical fingerprint of street samples for fast on-site screening of cocaine in seized drug powders
Authors: de Jong Mats , Sleegers Nick , Kim Jayoung , Van Durme Filip , Samyn Nele , Wang Joseph , De Wael Karolien
Published: January 2016

Application of a novel electrochemical fingerprint strategy leads to improved screening, allowing simultaneous detection of cocaine and cutting agents.
Metal-free electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation using frustrated Lewis pairs and carbon-based Lewis acids
Authors: Lawrence Elliot J. , Clark Ewan R. , Curless Liam D. , Courtney James M. , Blagg Robin J. , Ingleson Michael J. , Wildgoose Gregory G.
Published: January 2016

The synergistic interaction of a carbon-centred Lewis acid and borane “hydride shuttle” offers a metal-free, CO tolerant pathway to hydrogen oxidation.
Diffusion of eccentric microswimmers
Authors: Debnath Debajyoti , Ghosh Pulak K. , Li Yunyun , Marchesoni Fabio , Li Baowen
Published: January 2016

We model the two-dimensional diffusive dynamics of an eccentric artificial microswimmer in a highly viscous medium.
Structural organization of sterol molecules in DPPC bilayers: a coarse-grained molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Zhang Yawen , Carter James W. , Lervik Anders , Brooks Nicholas J. , Seddon John M. , Bresme Fernando
Published: January 2016

We investigate the structural organization of cholesterol (CHOL) analogues in 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) bilayers using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and the MARTINI forcefield.
Highly efficient photoanodes based on cascade structural semiconductors of Cu2Se/CdSe/TiO2: a multifaceted approach to achieving microstructural and compositional control
Authors: Chong Baohe , Zhu Wen , Liu Yong , Guan Li , Chen George Z.
Published: January 2016

Hydrogen produced by splitting water is receiving significant attention due to the rising global energy demand and growing climate concerns.
Ni nanoparticle doped porous VN nanoflakes assembled into hierarchical hollow microspheres with a structural inheritance from the Ni1−xVxO2 cathode material for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Ji Chenchen , Bi Jinglei , Wang Shan , Zhang Xiaojing , Yang Shengchun
Published: January 2016

A Ni/VN 3D HHMS structure was produced via exact structural inheritance from the cathode Ni1−xVxO2. They show enhanced performance when assembled into an ASC.
Solution-processable iridium phosphors for efficient red and white organic light-emitting diodes with low roll-off
Authors: Deng Ya-Li , Cui Lin-Song , Liu Yuan , Wang Zhao-Kui , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: January 2016

A new red phosphorescent material Ir(dmppm)2(dmd) is synthesized and successfully used to fabricate solution-processed red and white organic light-emitting diodes.
Mechanism of vascular dysfunction due to circulating factors in women with pre-eclampsia
Authors: Kao Cindy K. , Morton Jude S. , Quon Anita L. , Reyes Laura M. , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: January 2016

Circulating factors have been proposed to play a major role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclampsia (PE), which is defined as new-onset hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. However, the mechanisms leading to altered vascular reactivity remain unclear. We hypothesized that circulating factors lead to endothelial dysfunction by increasing oxidative stress and reducing nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) bioavailability. Pregnant rat uterine and mesenteric arteries were incubated overnight with 3% normotensive (NP) or PE plasma collected from women upon admission to hospital. Responses to methacholine (MCh) were obtained using wire myography to assess endothelial function pathways. Vascular superoxide level was measured via dihydroethidium staining and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression via Western blots. PE plasma significantly increased superoxide levels and impaired endothelial dysfunction in uterine arteries (Emax 79.9±5.6% compared with 44.9±6.3%, P=0.0004), which was restored in the presence of oxidant scavengers or PG synthesis inhibition. Uterine artery vasodilation was abolished in the presence of pan-NOS inhibitor (P<0.0001) in both NP- and PE-treated vessels, but inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent vasodilation was present only in NP-treated arteries. Uterine arteries exposed to PE plasma exhibit an increased endothelial NOS expression and a decreased iNOS expression. PE plasma did not alter endothelial function in mesenteric arteries, suggesting that the effect of circulating factors was vascular-bed-specific. We have shown that circulating factors lead to endothelial dysfunction via altered oxidative stress and vasodilator pathways. The present study contributes to our understanding of the pathophysiology and finding a potential target for intervention in PE.
Working With Facilitators to Provide School-Based Speech and Language Intervention via Telepractice
Authors: Alvares Robin
Published: January 2016

Successful telepractice to a school requires a facilitator (eHelper). This article describes the roles and responsibilities of an eHelper, additional responsibilities that may be assumed by an eHelper, supervision of the eHelper and potential challenges to working with an eHelper.
Design of unimodular sequences with real periodic correlation and complementary correlation
Authors: Arriaga‐Trejo I.A. , Flores‐Troncoso J. , Villanueva J. , Simón J.
Published: January 2016

The design of unimodular sequences of even length N that possess impulse‐like periodic correlation and non‐zero complementary correlation coefficients at lags l = −N/2 and l = N/2, is addressed. The parameters that define the sequences are determined by minimising the integrated side lobe using the limited‐memory Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno optimisation method. It is shown that the objective function and its gradient can be efficiently evaluated using the fast Fourier transform.