bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wee1 inhibition potentiates Wip1-dependent p53-negative tumor cell death during chemotherapy
Authors: Clausse V , Goloudina A R , Uyanik B , Kochetkova E Y , Richaud S , Fedorova O A , Hammann A , Bardou M , Barlev N A , Garrido C , Demidov O N
Published: April 2016

Inactivation of p53 found in more than half of human cancers is often associated with increased tumor resistance to anti-cancer therapy. We have previously shown that overexpression of the phosphatase Wip1 in p53-negative tumors sensitizes them to chemotherapeutic agents, while protecting normal tissues from the side effects of anti-cancer treatment. In this study, we decided to search for kinases that prevent Wip1-mediated sensitization of cancer cells, thereby interfering with efficacy of genotoxic anti-cancer drugs. To this end, we performed a flow cytometry-based screening in order to identify kinases that regulated the levels of γH2AX, which were used as readout. Another criterion of the screen was increased sensitivity of p53-negative tumor cells to cisplatin (CDDP) in a Wip1-dependent manner. We have found that a treatment with a low dose (75 nM) of MK-1775, a recently described specific chemical inhibitor of Wee1, decreases CDDP-induced H2AX phosphorylation in p53-negative cells and enhances the Wip1-sensitization of p53-negative tumors. We were able to reduce CDDP effective concentration by 40% with a combination of Wip1 overexpression and Wee1 kinase inhibition. We have observed that Wee1 inhibition potentiates Wip1-dependent tumor sensitization effect by reducing levels of Hipk2 kinase, a negative regulator of Wip1 pathway. In addition, during CDDP treatment, the combination of Wee1 inhibition and Wip1 overexpression has a mild but significant protective effect in normal cells and tissues. Our results indicate that inhibition of the negative regulators of Wip1 pathway, Wee1 and Hipk2, in p53-negative tumors could potentiate efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents without concomitant increase of cytotoxicity in normal tissues. The development and clinical use of Wee1 and Hipk1 kinase chemical inhibitors might be a promising strategy to improve anti-cancer therapy.
TAK1 regulates Paneth cell integrity partly through blocking necroptosis
Authors: Simmons A N , Kajino-Sakamoto R , Ninomiya-Tsuji J
Published: April 2016

Paneth cells reside at the base of crypts of the small intestine and secrete antimicrobial factors to control gut microbiota. Paneth cell loss is observed in the chronically inflamed intestine, which is often associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the relationship between Paneth cell loss and ROS is not yet clear. Intestinal epithelial-specific deletion of a protein kinase Tak1 depletes Paneth cells and highly upregulates ROS in the mouse model. We found that depletion of gut bacteria or myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88), a mediator of bacteria-derived cell signaling, reduced ROS but did not block Paneth cell loss, suggesting that gut bacteria are the cause of ROS accumulation but bacteria-induced ROS are not the cause of Paneth cell loss. In contrast, deletion of the necroptotic cell death signaling intermediate, receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (Ripk3), partially blocked Paneth cell loss. Thus, Tak1 deletion causes Paneth cell loss in part through necroptotic cell death. These results suggest that TAK1 participates in intestinal integrity through separately modulating bacteria-derived ROS and RIPK3-dependent Paneth cell loss.
Human macrophages induce CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells via binding and re‐release of TGF‐β
Authors: Schmidt Angelika , Zhang Xing‐Mei , Joshi Rubin N , Iqbal Shasina , Wahlund Casper , Gabrielsson Susanne , Harris Robert A , Tegnér Jesper
Published: April 2016

While pro‐inflammatory immune responses are a requirement to combat microbes, uncontrolled self‐directed inflammatory immune responses are the hallmark of autoimmune diseases. Restoration of immunological tolerance involves both suppression of ongoing tissue‐destructive immune responses and re‐education of the host immune system. Both functionally immunosuppressive macrophages (M2) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are implicated in these processes. Their mutual interaction is synergistic in this context and adoptive transfer of each cell type has been functioning as immunotherapy in experimental models, being particularly effective when using M2 macrophages generated with an optimized interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)/interleukin‐10 (IL‐10)/transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) combination. As a prerequisite for eventual translation of M2 therapy into clinical settings we herein studied the induction, stability and mechanism of generation of human induced Tregs (iTregs) by M2 macrophages generated with IL‐4/IL‐10/TGF‐β. The supernatants of monocyte‐derived human M2 macrophages robustly induced FOXP3 and other Treg signature molecules such as CTLA‐4 and IKZF4 in human naïve CD4 T cells. M2‐induced iTregs displayed enhanced FOXP3 stability and low expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ and IL‐17, as well as functional immunosuppressive activity compared with control T cells. The FOXP3‐inducing activity was dependent on TGF‐β, which was both expressed and captured with re‐release by M2 macrophages into the soluble supernatant fraction, in which the TGF‐β was not confined to extracellular vesicles such as exosomes. We propose that adoptive transfer of human M2 macrophages may be exploited in the future to induce Tregs in situ by delivering TGF‐β, which could be developed as a therapeutic strategy to target autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.
Orthogonal ring-closing alkyne and olefin metathesis for the synthesis of small GTPase-targeting bicyclic peptides
Authors: Cromm Philipp M. , Schaubach Sebastian , Spiegel Jochen , Fürstner Alois , Grossmann Tom N. , Waldmann Herbert
Published: April 2016

Bicyclic peptides are promising scaffolds for the development of inhibitors of biological targets that proved intractable by typical small molecules. So far, access to bioactive bicyclic peptide architectures is limited due to a lack of appropriate orthogonal ring-closing reactions. Here, we report chemically orthogonal ring-closing olefin (RCM) and alkyne metathesis (RCAM), which enable an efficient chemo- and regioselective synthesis of complex bicyclic peptide scaffolds with variable macrocycle geometries. We also demonstrate that the formed alkyne macrocycle can be functionalized subsequently. The orthogonal RCM/RCAM system was successfully used to evolve a monocyclic peptide inhibitor of the small GTPase Rab8 into a bicyclic ligand. This modified peptide shows the highest affinity for an activated Rab GTPase that has been reported so far. The RCM/RCAM-based formation of bicyclic peptides provides novel opportunities for the design of bioactive scaffolds suitable for the modulation of challenging protein targets.
A geometrical approach to control and controllability of nonlinear dynamical networks
Authors: Wang Le-Zhi , Su Ri-Qi , Huang Zi-Gang , Wang Xiao , Wang Wen-Xu , Grebogi Celso , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: April 2016

In spite of the recent interest and advances in linear controllability of complex networks, controlling nonlinear network dynamics remains an outstanding problem. Here we develop an experimentally feasible control framework for nonlinear dynamical networks that exhibit multistability. The control objective is to apply parameter perturbation to drive the system from one attractor to another, assuming that the former is undesired and the latter is desired. To make our framework practically meaningful, we consider restricted parameter perturbation by imposing two constraints: it must be experimentally realizable and applied only temporarily. We introduce the concept of attractor network, which allows us to formulate a quantifiable controllability framework for nonlinear dynamical networks: a network is more controllable if the attractor network is more strongly connected. We test our control framework using examples from various models of experimental gene regulatory networks and demonstrate the beneficial role of noise in facilitating control.
Sex bias in CNS autoimmune disease mediated by androgen control of autoimmune regulator
Authors: Zhu Meng-Lei , Bakhru Pearl , Conley Bridget , Nelson Jennifer S. , Free Meghan , Martin Aaron , Starmer Joshua , Wilson Elizabeth M. , Su Maureen A.
Published: April 2016

Male gender is protective against multiple sclerosis and other T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. This protection may be due, in part, to higher androgen levels in males. Androgen binds to the androgen receptor (AR) to regulate gene expression, but how androgen protects against autoimmunity is not well understood. Autoimmune regulator (Aire) prevents autoimmunity by promoting self-antigen expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells, such that developing T cells that recognize these self-antigens within the thymus undergo clonal deletion. Here we show that androgen upregulates Aire-mediated thymic tolerance to protect against autoimmunity. Androgen recruits AR to Aire promoter regions, with consequent enhancement of Aire transcription. In mice and humans, thymic Aire expression is higher in males compared with females. Androgen administration and male gender protect against autoimmunity in a multiple sclerosis mouse model in an Aire-dependent manner. Thus, androgen control of an intrathymic Aire-mediated tolerance mechanism contributes to gender differences in autoimmunity.
Tunable magnetic nanowires for biomedical and harsh environment applications
Authors: Ivanov Yurii P. , Alfadhel Ahmed , Alnassar Mohammed , Perez Jose E. , Vazquez Manuel , Chuvilin Andrey , Kosel Jürgen
Published: April 2016

We have synthesized nanowires with an iron core and an iron oxide (magnetite) shell by a facile low-cost fabrication process. The magnetic properties of the nanowires can be tuned by changing shell thicknesses to yield remarkable new properties and multi-functionality. A multi-domain state at remanence can be obtained, which is an attractive feature for biomedical applications, where a low remanence is desirable. The nanowires can also be encoded with different remanence values. Notably, the oxidation process of single-crystal iron nanowires halts at a shell thickness of 10 nm. The oxide shell of these nanowires acts as a passivation layer, retaining the magnetic properties of the iron core even during high-temperature operations. This property renders these core-shell nanowires attractive materials for application to harsh environments. A cell viability study reveals a high degree of biocompatibility of the core-shell nanowires.
Characterization of the natural enemy community attacking cotton aphid in the Bt cotton ecosystem in Northern China
Authors: Ali Abid , Desneux Nicolas , Lu Yanhui , Liu Bing , Wu Kongming
Published: April 2016

Planting Bt cotton in China since 1997 has led to important changes in the natural enemy communities occurring in cotton, however their specific effect on suppressing the cotton aphids (being notorious in conventional cotton ecosystem) has not been fully documented yet. We observed strong evidence for top-down control of the aphid population, e.g. the control efficiency of natural enemies on cotton aphid increased significantly in open field cages compared to exclusion cages, accounted for 60.2, 87.2 and 76.7% in 2011, 2012 and 2013 season, respectively. The cotton aphid populations peaked in early June to late July (early and middle growth stages) in open field cotton survey from 2011 to 2013. The population densities of cotton aphids and natural enemies were highest on middle growth stage while lowest densities were recorded on late stage for aphids and on early plant stage for natural enemies. Aphid parasitoids (Trioxys spp., Aphidius gifuensis), coccinellids and spiders were key natural enemies of cotton aphid. Briefly, natural enemies can suppress aphid population increase from early to middle plant growth stages by providing biocontrol services in Chinese Bt cotton.
Molecular basis of the STIL coiled coil oligomerization explains its requirement for de-novo formation of centrosomes in mammalian cells
Authors: David Ahuvit , Amartely Hadar , Rabinowicz Noa , Shamir Mai , Friedler Assaf , Izraeli Shai
Published: April 2016

The STIL protein is essential for centriole replication and for the non-templated, de novo centriole biogenesis that is required for mammalian embryogenesis. Here we performed quantitative biophysical and structural analysis of the central short coiled coil domain (CCD) of STIL that is critical for its function. Using biophysical, biochemical and cell biology approaches, we identified the specific residues in the CCD that mediate the oligomerization, centrosomal localization and protein interactions of STIL. We characterized the structural properties of the coiled coil peptide using circular dichroism spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. We identified two regions in this domain, containing eight hydrophobic residues, which mediate the coiled coil oligomerization. Mutations in these residues destabilized the coiled coil thermodynamically but in most cases did not affect its secondary structure. Reconstituting mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking endogenous Stil, we show that STIL oligomerization mediated by these residues is not only important for the centrosomal functions of STIL during the canonical duplication process but also for de-novo formation of centrosomes.
The robustness of multiplex networks under layer node-based attack
Authors: Zhao Da-wei , Wang Lian-hai , Zhi Yong-feng , Zhang Jun , Wang Zhen
Published: April 2016

From transportation networks to complex infrastructures and to social and economic networks, a large variety of systems can be described in terms of multiplex networks formed by a set of nodes interacting through different network layers. Network robustness, as one of the most successful application areas of complex networks, has attracted great interest in a myriad of research realms. In this regard, how multiplex networks respond to potential attack is still an open issue. Here we study the robustness of multiplex networks under layer node-based random or targeted attack, which means that nodes just suffer attacks in a given layer yet no additional influence to their connections beyond this layer. A theoretical analysis framework is proposed to calculate the critical threshold and the size of giant component of multiplex networks when nodes are removed randomly or intentionally. Via numerous simulations, it is unveiled that the theoretical method can accurately predict the threshold and the size of giant component, irrespective of attack strategies. Moreover, we also compare the robustness of multiplex networks under multiplex node-based attack and layer node-based attack and find that layer node-based attack makes multiplex networks more vulnerable, regardless of average degree and underlying topology.
Longitudinal Hierarchy Co3O4 Mesocrystals with High-dense Exposure Facets and Anisotropic Interfaces for Direct-Ethanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Hassen Diab , El-Safty Sherif A. , Tsuchiya Koichi , Chatterjee Abhijit , Elmarakbi Ahmed , Shenashen Mohamed. A. , Sakai Masaru
Published: April 2016

Novel electrodes are needed for direct ethanol fuel cells with improved quality. Hierarchical engineering can produce catalysts composed of mesocrystals with many exposed active planes and multi-diffused voids. Here we report a simple, one-pot, hydrothermal method for fabricating Co3O4/carbon/substrate electrodes that provides control over the catalyst mesocrystal morphology (i.e., corn tubercle pellets or banana clusters oriented along nanotube domains, or layered lamina or multiple cantilevered sheets). These morphologies afforded catalysts with a high density of exposed active facets, a diverse range of mesopores in the cage interior, a window architecture and vertical alignment to the substrate, which improved efficiency in an ethanol electrooxidation reaction compared with a conventional platinum/carbon electrode. On the atomic scale, the longitudinally aligned architecture of the Co3O4mesocrystals resulted in exposed low- and high-index single and interface surfaces that had improved electron transport and diffusion compared with currently used electrodes.
Topological Properties of Electrons in Honeycomb Lattice with Detuned Hopping Energy
Authors: Wu Long-Hua , Hu Xiao
Published: April 2016

Honeycomb lattice can support electronic states exhibiting Dirac energy dispersion, with graphene as the icon. We propose to derive nontrivial topology by grouping six neighboring sites of honeycomb lattice into hexagons and enhancing the inter-hexagon hopping energies over the intra-hexagon ones. We reveal that this manipulation opens a gap in the energy dispersion and drives the system into a topological state. The nontrivial topology is characterized by the "Equation missing" index associated with a pseudo time-reversal symmetry emerging from the C6 symmetry of the hopping texture, where the angular momentum of orbitals accommodated on the hexagonal “artificial atoms” behaves as the pseudospin. The size of topological gap is proportional to the hopping-energy difference, which can be larger than typical spin-orbit couplings by orders of magnitude and potentially renders topological electronic transports available at high temperatures.
Electron work function–a promising guiding parameter for material design
Authors: Lu Hao , Liu Ziran , Yan Xianguo , Li Dongyang , Parent Leo , Tian Harry
Published: April 2016

Using nickel added X70 steel as a sample material, we demonstrate that electron work function (EWF), which largely reflects the electron behavior of materials, could be used as a guide parameter for material modification or design. Adding Ni having a higher electron work function to X70 steel brings more “free” electrons to the steel, leading to increased overall work function, accompanied with enhanced e−–nuclei interactions or higher atomic bond strength. Young’s modulus and hardness increase correspondingly. However, the free electron density and work function decrease as the Ni content is continuously increased, accompanied with the formation of a second phase, FeNi3, which is softer with a lower work function. The decrease in the overall work function corresponds to deterioration of the mechanical strength of the steel. It is expected that EWF, a simple but fundamental parameter, may lead to new methodologies or supplementary approaches for metallic materials design or tailoring on a feasible electronic base.
BPGA- an ultra-fast pan-genome analysis pipeline
Authors: Chaudhari Narendrakumar M. , Gupta Vinod Kumar , Dutta Chitra
Published: April 2016

Recent advances in ultra-high-throughput sequencing technology and metagenomics have led to a paradigm shift in microbial genomics from few genome comparisons to large-scale pan-genome studies at different scales of phylogenetic resolution. Pan-genome studies provide a framework for estimating the genomic diversity of the dataset, determining core (conserved), accessory (dispensable) and unique (strain-specific) gene pool of a species, tracing horizontal gene-flux across strains and providing insight into species evolution. The existing pan genome software tools suffer from various limitations like limited datasets, difficult installation/requirements, inadequate functional features etc. Here we present an ultra-fast computational pipeline BPGA (Bacterial Pan Genome Analysis tool) with seven functional modules. In addition to the routine pan genome analyses, BPGA introduces a number of novel features for downstream analyses like core/pan/MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing) phylogeny, exclusive presence/absence of genes in specific strains, subset analysis, atypical G + C content analysis and KEGG & COG mapping of core, accessory and unique genes. Other notable features include minimum running prerequisites, freedom to select the gene clustering method, ultra-fast execution, user friendly command line interface and high-quality graphics outputs. The performance of BPGA has been evaluated using a dataset of complete genome sequences of 28 Streptococcus pyogenes strains.
Structural insights and functional implications of inter-individual variability in β2-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Tandale Aditi , Joshi Manali , Sengupta Durba
Published: April 2016

The human β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and due to its central role in bronchodilation, is an important drug target. The inter-individual variability in β2AR has been implicated in disease susceptibility and differential drug response. In this work, we identified nine potentially deleterious non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) using a consensus approach. The deleterious nsSNPs were found to cluster near the ligand binding site and towards the G-protein binding site. To assess their molecular level effects, we built structural models of these receptors and performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Most notably, in the Phe290Ser variant we observed the rotameric flip of Trp2866.48, a putative activation switch that has not been reported in β2AR thus far. In contrast, the variant Met82Lys was found to be the most detrimental to epinephrine binding. Additionally, a few of the nsSNPs were seen to cause perturbations to the lipid bilayer, while a few lead to differences at the G-protein coupling site. We are thus able to classify the variants as ranging from activating to damaging, prioritising them for experimental studies.
Coexistence of perfect spin filtering for entangled electron pairs and high magnetic storage efficiency in one setup
Authors: Ji T. T. , Bu N. , Chen F. J. , Tao Y. C. , Wang J.
Published: April 2016

For Entangled electron pairs superconducting spintronics, there exist two drawbacks in existing proposals of generating entangled electron pairs. One is that the two kinds of different spin entangled electron pairs mix with each other. And the other is a low efficiency of entanglement production. Herein, we report the spin entanglement state of the ferromagnetic insulator (FI)/s-wave superconductor/FI structure on a narrow quantum spin Hall insulator strip. It is shown that not only the high production of entangled electron pairs in wider energy range, but also the perfect spin filtering of entangled electron pairs in the context of no highly spin-polarized electrons, can be obtained. Moreover, the currents for the left and right leads in the antiferromagnetic alignment both can be zero, indicating 100% tunnelling magnetoresistance with highly magnetic storage efficiency. Therefore, the spin filtering for entangled electron pairs and magnetic storage with high efficiencies coexist in one setup. The results may be experimentally demonstrated by measuring the tunnelling conductance and the noise power.
Human oropharynx as natural reservoir of Streptobacillus hongkongensis
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Chan Jasper F. W. , Tsang Chi-Ching , Chan Sau-Man , Ho Man-Ling , Que Tak-Lun , Lau Yu-Lung , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: April 2016

Recently, we reported the isolation of Streptobacillus hongkongensis sp. nov. from patients with quinsy or septic arthritis. In this study, we developed a PCR sequencing test after sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and nalidixic acid enrichment for detection of S. hongkongensis. During a three-month study period, among the throat swabs from 132 patients with acute pharyngitis and 264 controls, PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed that S. hongkongensis and S. hongkongensis-like bacteria were detected in 16 patients and 29 control samples, respectively. Among these 45 positive samples, five different sequence variants were detected. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that sequence variant 1 was clustered with S. hongkongensis HKU33T/HKU34 with high bootstrap support; while the other four sequence variants formed another distinct cluster. When compared with the 16S rRNA gene of S. hongkongensis HKU33T, the five sequence variants possessed 97.5–100% sequence identities. Among sequence variants 2–5, their sequences showed ≥99.5% nucleotide identities to each other. Forty-two individuals (93.3%) only harbored one sequence variant. We showed that the human oropharynx is a reservoir of S. hongkongensis, but the bacterium is not associated with acute pharyngitis. Another undescribed novel Streptobacillus species is probably also residing in the human oropharynx.
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx)-induced abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism revealed by 1H-NMR-based metabonomics
Authors: Dan Yue  , Zhang Yuwei , Cheng Liuliu , Ma Jinhu , Xi Yufeng , Yang Liping , Su Chao , Shao Bin , Huang Anliang , Xiang Rong , Cheng Ping
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays an important role in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis; however, mechanisms underlying HBx-mediated carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this study, an NMR-based metabolomics approach was applied to systematically investigate the effects of HBx on cell metabolism. EdU incorporation assay was conducted to examine the effects of HBx on DNA synthesis, an important feature of nucleic acid metabolism. The results revealed that HBx disrupted metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids, especially nucleic acids. To understand the potential mechanism of HBx-induced abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism, gene expression profiles of HepG2 cells expressing HBx were investigated. The results showed that 29 genes involved in DNA damage and DNA repair were differentially expressed in HBx-expressing HepG2 cells. HBx-induced DNA damage was further demonstrated by karyotyping, comet assay, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analyses. Many studies have previously reported that DNA damage can induce abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism. Thus, our results implied that HBx initially induces DNA damage, and then disrupts nucleic acid metabolism, which in turn blocks DNA repair and induces the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These findings further contribute to our understanding of the occurrence of HCC.
A Fluorescence Approach to Assess the Production of Soluble Microbial Products from Aerobic Granular Sludge Under the Stress of 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Wei Dong , Dong Heng , Wu Na , Ngo Huu Hao , Guo Wenshan , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: April 2016

In this study, a fluorescence approach was used to evaluate the production of soluble microbial products (SMP) in aerobic granular sludge system under the stress of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). A combined use of three-dimension excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM), Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), synchronous fluorescence and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) were explored to respect the SMP formation in the exposure of different doses of 2,4-DCP. Data implied that the presence of 2,4-DCP had an obvious inhibition on biological nitrogen removal. According to EEM-PARAFAC, two fluorescent components were derived and represented to the presence of fulvic-like substances and humic-like substances in Component 1 and protein-like substances in Component 2. It was found from synchronous fluorescence that protein-like peak presented slightly higher intensity than that of fulvic-like peak. 2D-COS further revealed that fluorescence change took place sequentially in the following order: protein-like fraction > fulvic-like fraction. The obtained results could provide a potential application of fluorescence spectra in the released SMP assessment in the exposure of toxic compound during wastewater treatment.
A novel ZnO@Ag@Polypyrrole hybrid composite evaluated as anode material for zinc-based secondary cell
Authors: Huang Jianhang , Yang Zhanhong , Feng Zhaobin , Xie Xiaoe , Wen Xing
Published: April 2016

A novel ZnO@Ag@Polypyrrole nano-hybrid composite has been synthesized with a one-step approach, in which silver-ammonia complex ion serves as oxidant to polymerize the pyrrole monomer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) show the existence of metallic silver and polypyrrole. The structure of nano-hybrid composites are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which demonstrates that the surface of ZnO is decorated with nano silver grain coated with polypyrrole. When evaluated as anode material, the silver grain and polypyrrole layer not only suppress the dissolution of discharge product, but also helps to uniform electrodeposition due to substrate effect and its good conductivity, thus shows better cycling performance than bare ZnO electrode does.
Characterization and parameterization of aerosol cloud condensation nuclei activation under different pollution conditions
Authors: Che H. C. , Zhang X. Y. , Wang Y. Q. , Zhang L. , Shen X. J. , Zhang Y. M. , Ma Q. L. , Sun J. Y. , Zhang Y. W. , Wang T. T.
Published: April 2016

To better understand the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation capacity of aerosol particles in different pollution conditions, a long-term field experiment was carried out at a regional GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) station in the Yangtze River Delta area of China. The homogeneity of aerosol particles was the highest in clean weather, with the highest active fraction of all the weather types. For pollution with the same visibility, the residual aerosol particles in higher relative humidity weather conditions were more externally mixed and heterogeneous, with a lower hygroscopic capacity. The hygroscopic capacity (κ) of organic aerosols can be classified into 0.1 and 0.2 in different weather types. The particles at ~150 nm were easily activated in haze weather conditions. For CCN predictions, the bulk chemical composition method was closer to observations at low supersaturations (≤0.1%), whereas when the supersaturation was ≥0.2%, the size-resolved chemical composition method was more accurate. As for the mixing state of the aerosol particles, in haze, heavy haze, and severe haze weather conditions CCN predictions based on the internal mixing assumption were robust, whereas for other weather conditions, predictions based on the external mixing assumption were more accurate.
Novel bifunctional catalysts based on crystalline multi-oxide matrices containing iron ions for CO2 hydrogenation to liquid fuels and chemicals
Authors: Utsis N. , Vidruk-Nehemya R. , Landau M. V. , Herskowitz M.
Published: April 2016

Seven solid mono-, bi- and tri-metallic oxide matrices where Fe(2+,3+) ions are distributed in different chemical/spatial environments were synthesized and characterized by XRD, N2-adsorption and EDAX methods. After basification with potassium, all matrices were activated by carburization or reduction–carburization under conditions selected based on the TPC/TPR spectra, tailoring the carburization extent of iron. The performances of the activated Fe-based catalysts with respect to CO2 conversion and C5+ selectivity were measured in a fixed-bed reactor under standard conditions in transient and continuous operation modes in units containing one or three reactors in series with water separations between the reactors. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2-adsorption, HRTEM-EELS and XPS before and after steady-state operation in the reactors. It was found that the rate of CO2 conversion is not limited by thermodynamic equilibrium but is strongly restricted by water inhibition and it depends on the nature of the Fe-oxide precursor. The ratio between the FTS and RWGS rates, which determines the C5+ hydrocarbons productivity, is strongly affected by the nature of the Fe-oxide matrix. The catalysts derived from the Fe–Al–O spinel and Fe–Ba–hexaaluminate precursors displayed the best balance of the two functions RFTS/RRWGS = 0.77–0.78. They were followed by magnetite, CuFe–delafossite, K–ferrite, Fe–La–hexaaluminate and LaFe–perovskite with a gradual lowering of RFTS/RRWGS from 0.60 to 0.15 and a gradual decrease in the C5+ productivity. The active sites that enhance the RWGS reaction are located on the surface of the Fe-oxide phases, while the FTS and methanation reactions occur on the surface of the Fe-carbide phases.
Stereo-epitaxial growth of single-crystal Ni nanowires and nanoplates from aligned seed crystals
Authors: Lee Hyoban , Yoo Youngdong , Kang Taejoon , Lee Jiyoung , Kim Eungwang , Fang Xiaosheng , Lee Sungyul , Kim Bongsoo
Published: April 2016

Vertical Ni NWs, inclined Ni NWs, and vertical Ni nanoplates were epitaxially grown on sapphire substrates with a single-crystalline structure in the vapor phase. The morphology and growth direction of Ni nanostructures are determined by Ni seed crystals.
Correlating the surface structure and hydration of a γ-Al2O3 support with the Run (n = 1–4) cluster adsorption behavior: a density functional theory study
Authors: Yang J. , Wang H. , Zhao X. , Li Y. L. , Fan W. L.
Published: April 2016

Theory configurations consisting of Run (1–4) clusters on a γ-Al2O3 support are constructed to illustrate the effect of surface structure and hydration on adsorption performance.
Evaluation of the direct effects of poly(dopamine) on the in vitro response of human osteoblastic cells
Authors: Steeves Alexander J. , Atwal Aman , Schock Sarah C. , Variola Fabio
Published: April 2016

Functional poly(dopamine) coatings promise to become an efficient strategy to endow biomaterials with enhanced bioactive properties.
High performance optical oxygen sensors based on iridium complexes exhibiting interchromophore energy shuttling
Authors: Medina-Rodríguez Santiago , Denisov Sergey A. , Cudré Yanouk , Male Louise , Marín-Suárez Marta , Fernández-Gutiérrez Alberto , Fernández-Sánchez Jorge F. , Tron Arnaud , Jonusauskas Gediminas , McClenaghan Nathan D. , Baranoff Etienne
Published: April 2016

Reversible electronic energy transfer is used for sensing oxygen traces and results in very high sensitivity.
Calix[4]arene crown ether as an oriented linker for highly sensitive detection of zinc ions using a peptide probe
Authors: Jia Shengsong , Shao Min , Zou Fei , Wu Beiping , Zhou Hongjian , Chen Hongxia
Published: April 2016

Experimental scheme for zinc ion detection on a SPR chip.
Co3O4nanosheets as a high-performance catalyst for oxygen evolution proceeding via a double two-electron process
Authors: Du Shichao , Ren Zhiyu , Qu Yang , Wu Jun , Xi Wang , Zhu Jiaqing , Fu Honggang
Published: April 2016

The apparent four-electron oxygen evolution catalyzed by Co3O4nanosheets indeed proceedsviaa double two-electron process, because the generated CoIII/CoIVredox couple can synchronously, quickly, and effectively oxidate the intermediate OOHadsto Oads2.
New artificial fluoro-cofactor of hydride transfer with novel fluorescence assay for redox biocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yuan Jun , Xu Yufang , Zhang Y.-H. Percival , Qian Xuhong
Published: April 2016

A new artificial fluoro-cofactor was developed for the replacement of natural cofactors NAD(P) and validated by novel fluorescence assay system.
In vivo protein allylation to capture protein methylation candidates
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Pan Yanbo , Liu Wujun , Zhou Yongjin J. , Wang Keyun , Wang Lei , Sohail Muhammad , Ye Mingliang , Zou Hanfa , Zhao Zongbao K.
Published: April 2016

An approach combining in vivo protein allylation, chemical tagging and affinity enrichment was devised to capture protein methylation candidates in yeast cells.
On the nature of chemical bonding in the all-metal aromatic [Sb3Au3Sb3]3− sandwich complex
Authors: You Xue-Rui , Tian Wen-Juan , Li Da-Zhi , Wang Ying-Jin , Li Rui , Feng Lin-Yan , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: April 2016

All-metal aromatic sandwich [Sb3Au3Sb3]3− is held together via three 3c–2e Sb–Au–Sb σ bonds, due to the collective contributions from some 17 molecular orbitals.
Prebiotic synthesis of nucleic acids and their building blocks at the atomic level – merging models and mechanisms from advanced computations and experiments
Authors: Šponer Judit E. , Szabla Rafał , Góra Robert W. , Saitta A. Marco , Pietrucci Fabio , Saija Franz , Di Mauro Ernesto , Saladino Raffaele , Ferus Martin , Civiš Svatopluk , Šponer Jiří
Published: April 2016

Main directions for future computational studies on the origin of the first nucleic acids is outlined.
Different routes to methanol: inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy of adsorbates on supported copper catalysts
Authors: Kandemir Timur , Friedrich Matthias , Parker Stewart F. , Studt Felix , Lennon David , Schlögl Robert , Behrens Malte
Published: April 2016

Inelastic neutron scattering of Cu-based methanol synthesis catalysts revealed that the surface coverage after reaction depends on the support oxide.
Designing thermoelectric generators for self-powered wearable electronics
Authors: Suarez Francisco , Nozariasbmarz Amin , Vashaee Daryoosh , Öztürk Mehmet C.
Published: April 2016

Computational efficient, quasi-3D model for designing body wearable thermoelectric generators and experimental verification.
High-throughput superhydrophobic microwell arrays for investigating multifactorial stem cell niches
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Jianxiong , Bian Shengtai , Chen Zhongyao , Hu Yawei , Hu Ruowen , Li Jiaqi , Cheng Yichun , Zhang Xiaochen , Zhou Yiming , Chen Xiaofang , Liu Peng
Published: April 2016

A superhydrophobic microwell array chip (SMARchip) was developed for high-throughput screening.
Identification of novel peptoid agonists of fibroblast growth factor receptors using microarray-based screening
Authors: Fu Junjie , Xia Amy , Qi Xin
Published: April 2016

Microarray-based screening leads to the discovery of novel peptoid ligands as potential FGFR agonists.
A zigzag fused-ring building block for polymer solar cells
Authors: Xiao Nan , Qian Liu , Cao Jiamin , Zhao Xiaojuan , Han Aihong , Ding Liming
Published: April 2016

A zigzag fused-ring building block zTITI, as a new acceptor unit, was developed. This zigzag acceptor unit endows D–A copolymers with deep HOMO levels and outstanding Voc up to 1.08 V.
Synthesis of fluorinated diphenyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives as new building blocks for conjugated copolymers
Authors: Jiang Bin , Du Chen Chen , Li Min Jie , Gao Ke , Kou Li , Chen Ming , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P. , Wang Hongyu
Published: April 2016

A series of conjugated copolymers with an identical backbone (PBDT-DPP) but different fluorination numbers and positions were synthesized, and the impact of fluorine atoms on the structure–property-device performance was comprehensively investigated.
Shrimp-shell derived carbon nanodots as precursors to fabricate Fe,N-doped porous graphitic carbon electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen reduction in zinc–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Xian , Liu Rongrong , Zang Yipeng , Liu Guoqiang , Liu Shengwen , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: April 2016

Shrimp-shell derived N-doped carbon nanodots as precursors are used to fabricate Fe, N-doped porous carbon electrocatalysts exhibiting superior ORR activity in zinc–air batteries.
New insights on the decomposition mechanism of Molybdenum DialkyldiThioCarbamate (MoDTC): a Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Khaemba Doris N. , Neville Anne , Morina Ardian
Published: April 2016

A new decomposition mechanism for molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, a friction modifier used in engine lubricants, has been proposed.
Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of a BiOI/TiO2 nanobelt array for methyl orange degradation under visible light irradiation
Authors: Teng Qizhi , Zhou Xiaosong , Jin Bei , Luo Jin , Xu Xuyao , Guan Haojian , Wang Wei , Yang Fei
Published: April 2016

A novel heterojunction by facet coupling of BiOI onto TiO2 nanobelt arrays (NBAs) as a visible light photocatalyst was achieved through a hydrothermal method.
Synthesis of curly graphene nanoribbon/polyaniline/MnO2 composite and its application in supercapacitor
Authors: Yin Zhixiong , Zhou Haihui , Fu Chaopeng , Zhang Ningshuang , Liu Dan , Kuang Yafei
Published: April 2016

The ternary composite of curly graphene nanoribbon/polyaniline/MnO2 exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance due to the unique structure and synergetic effects of the three components.
Novel hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2nanocluster structure for sensitive electrochemical detection of human and environmental hazardous pollutant 4-aminophenol
Authors: Kumar J. Vinoth , Karthik R. , Chen Shen-Ming , Saravanakumar K. , Govindasamy Mani , Muthuraj V.
Published: April 2016

A trace level electrochemical detection platform for the determination of environmentally hazardous pollutant 4-aminophenol at MoS2nanoclusters is reported.
Synthesis and preliminary therapeutic evaluation of copper nanoparticles against diabetes mellitus and -induced micro- (renal) and macro-vascular (vascular endothelial and cardiovascular) abnormalities in rats
Authors: Sharma Arun K. , Kumar Ashish , Taneja Gaurav , Nagaich Upendra , Deep Aakash , Rajput Satyendra K.
Published: April 2016

Current study synthesized and investigated the effect of low-dose copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) against diabetes mellitus and -induced experimental micro- (nephropathy) and macro-vascular (cardio and endothelium) complications.
The effect of sonication treatment of graphene oxide on the mechanical properties of the assembled films
Authors: Ye Shibing , Feng Jiachun
Published: April 2016

We performed a systematic study on the influence of sonication treatment of graphite oxide on the mechanical properties of the resulting graphene oxide films.
PAA/PEDOT:PSS as a multifunctional, water-soluble binder to improve the capacity and stability of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Pan Jin , Xu Guiyin , Ding Bing , Chang Zhi , Wang Aixiu , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: April 2016

An improved cycling performance of sulfur cathodes is attributed to the synergistic effect of PAA and PEDOT:PSS.
Poly(vinyl alcohol): review of its promising applications and insights into biodegradation
Authors: Ben Halima Nihed
Published: April 2016

Poly(vinyl alcohol) is a promising class of synthetic polymer biodegradable under a two-step metabolism consisting of an oxidation and hydrolysis.
A copper(ii)-based MOF film for highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen production
Authors: Zhao Jingshu , Wang Yin , Zhou Junwen , Qi Pengfei , Li Siwu , Zhang Kexin , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo , Hu Changwen
Published: April 2016

A copper(ii)-based MOF film (MOF-199/Ni) prepared by electrodeposition shows exceptionally high photocatalytic hydrogen production rates with and without Pt as the co-catalyst.
Efficient solar cells are more stable: the impact of polymer molecular weight on performance of organic photovoltaics
Authors: Ding Z. , Kettle J. , Horie M. , Chang S. W. , Smith G. C. , Shames A. I. , Katz E. A.
Published: April 2016

The principle remaining challenge in the research area of organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials is to develop solar cells that combine high efficiency, stability and reproducibility.
Influence of Ca-doping in layered perovskite PrBaCo2O5+δ on the phase transition and cathodic performance of a solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Lim Chaehyun , Jun Areum , Jo Hongil , Ok Kang Min , Shin Jeeyoung , Ju Young-Wan , Kim Guntae
Published: April 2016

We investigated the phase transition and its correlated electrical and electro-chemical properties of a novel double perovskite series, PrBa1−xCaxCo2O5+δ.
CoO@Co and N-doped mesoporous carbon composites derived from ionic liquids as cathode catalysts for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Ni Wenpeng , Liu Shimin , Fei Yuqing , He Yude , Ma Xiangyuan , Lu Liujin , Deng Youquan
Published: April 2016

N-Doped mesoporous carbon-supported CoO@Co nanoparticles using an ionic liquid as the precursor show superior catalytic activity for Li–O2batteries.
Pd/Ag and Pd/Au bimetallic nanocatalysts on mesoporous silica for plasmon-mediated enhanced catalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: April 2016

A systematic comparison of plasmonic properties and catalytic performances has been performed with Pd deposited bimetallic nanostructures of plasmonic Ag and Au.
Laminar ventricular myocardium on a microelectrode array-based chip
Authors: Kujala Ville J. , Pasqualini Francesco Silvio , Goss Josue A. , Nawroth Janna C. , Parker Kevin Kit
Published: April 2016

Micromolded gelatin can be used to engineer laminar human myocardium on microelectrode array chips for electrophysiological studies and drug testing.
Tunable self-assembly of Irinotecan-fatty acid prodrugs with increased cytotoxicity to cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Chunqiu , Jin Shubin , Xue Xiangdong , Zhang Tingbin , Jiang Yonggang , Wang Paul C. , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: April 2016

A small library of Irinotecan-fatty acid prodrugs which can self-assemble into different nanostructures is constructed to achieve enhanced cytotoxicity.
Deterioration mechanism of electrochromic poly(3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene) thin films
Authors: Guan Shian , Elmezayyen Ayman S. , Zhang Feifei , Zheng Jianming , Xu Chunye
Published: April 2016

Here we investigate the stability of poly(3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene) (PProDot-Me2) films via cycling 10 000 times in 0.1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate (PC). And we find the morphology changed from a loose irregular network to compact structure with fibres covered by [ClO4]− and Li+ because of chemisorption and physisorption during cycling, the adsorbed ions decreased electroactive sites and blocked ion migration channels.
Occlusion‐robust traffic sign detection via cascaded colour cubic feature
Authors: Liu Chunsheng , Chang Faliang , Liu Chenyun
Published: April 2016

The high variability of sign appearance with partial occlusions in uncontrolled environments has made the detection of traffic signs a challenging problem in computer vision. In this study, an occlusion‐robust traffic sign detection framework is proposed. To achieve occlusion‐robust detection, a colour cubic feature called colour cubic local binary pattern (CC‐LBP) is proposed to construct a coarse‐to‐fine cascaded detector. The CC‐LBP utilises colour information and a self‐adaptive threshold to express multiclass traffic signs, which can effectively remove non‐object subwindows in the cascade‐based detection. The verification experiments show that the proposed CC‐LBP feature performs better than the previous rectangular features in representing multiclass traffic signs, and that the proposed occlusion‐robust detection method can detect multiclass partial occluded traffic signs with high accuracy in real time.