bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watt-level passively Q-switched heavily Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror
Authors: Shen Yanlong , Wang Yishan , Luan Kunpeng , Huang Ke , Tao Mengmeng , Chen Hongwei , Yi Aiping , Feng Guobin , Si Jinhai
Published: May 2016

A diode-cladding pumped mid-infrared passively Q-switched Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with an average output power of watt-level based on a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is demonstrated. Stable pulse train was produced at a slope efficiency of 17.8% with respect to launched pump power. The maximum average power of 1.01 W at a repetition rate of 146.3 kHz was achieved with a corresponding pulse energy of 6.9 μJ, from which the maximum peak power was calculated to be 21.9 W. To the best of our knowledge, the average power and the peak power are the highest in 3 μm region passively Q-switched fiber lasers. The influence of gain fiber length on the operation regime of the fiber laser has been investigated in detail.
Origin of Structural Transformation in Mono- and Bi-Layered Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Wang Zhiguo , Li Zhijie , Fu Y. Q.
Published: May 2016

Mono- and multi-layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is considered to be one of the next generation anode materials for rechargeable ion batteries. Structural transformation from trigonal prismatic (2H) to octahedral (1T) upon lithium or sodium intercalation has been in-situ observed experimentally using transmission electron microscope during studies of their electrochemical dynamics processes. In this work, we explored the fundamental mechanisms of this structural transformation in both mono- and bi-layered MoS2 using density functional theory. For the intercalated MoS2, the Li and Na donate their electrons to the MoS2. Based on the theoretical analysis, we confirmed that, for the first time, electron transfer is dominant in initiating this structural transformation, and the results provide an in-depth understanding of the transformation mechanism induced by the electron doping. The critical values of electron concentrations for this structural transformation are decreased with increasing the layer thickness.
A genetic polymorphism affects the risk and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma: association with follistatin-like protein 1 expression
Authors: Liu Yan , Han Xue , Yu Yongwei , Ding Yibo , Ni Chong , Liu Wenbin , Hou Xiaomei , Li Zixiong , Hou Jianguo , Shen Dan , Yin Jianhua , Zhang Hongwei , Thompson Timothy C. , Tan Xiaojie , Cao Guangwen
Published: May 2016

Few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been identified, yet genetic predisposition contributes significantly to this malignancy. We previously showed that follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) was significantly down-regulated in clear cell RCC (ccRCC), in particular metastatic ccRCC. In the present study, we systemically investigated the associations of the 6 SNPs within FSTL1-coding genomic region with RCC risk and postoperative prognosis. Age- and gender-matched case-control study (417 vs 855) indicated that rs1259293 variant genotype CC was significantly associated with an increased risk of RCC, with an odds ratio of 2.004 (95% confidence internal [CI] = 1.190–3.375). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in 309 of 417 cases showed that rs1259293 genotype (CC vs TT + CT) independently predicted an unfavorable prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.531 (95% CI = 1.052–6.086). Expression of FSTL1 was significantly higher in adjacent renal tissues than in tumors and significantly higher in the tissues with rs1259293 TT genotype than in those with rs1259293 TC+CC genotypes. rs1259293 C allele might generate a CTCF binding site that blocks trans-activation of FSTL1 expression. Our results indicate that rs1259293 is associated with an increased risk and unfavorable postoperative prognosis of RCC, possibly by down-regulating FSTL1 expression in renal tissues.
Characterizing the malignancy and drug resistance of cancer cells from their membrane resealing response
Authors: Hui T. H. , Zhou Z. L. , Fong H. W. , Ngan Roger K. C. , Lee T. Y. , Au Joseph S. K. , Ngan A. H. W. , Yip Timothy T. C. , Lin Y.
Published: May 2016

In this report, we showed that two tumor cell characteristics, namely the malignancy and drug-resistance status can be evaluated by their membrane resealing response. Specifically, membrane pores in a number of pairs of cancer and normal cell lines originated from nasopharynx, lung and intestine were introduced by nano-mechanical puncturing. Interestingly, such nanometer-sized holes in tumor cells can reseal ~2–3 times faster than those in the corresponding normal cells. Furthermore, the membrane resealing time in cancer cell lines exhibiting resistance to several leading chemotherapeutic drugs was also found to be substantially shorter than that in their drug-sensitive counterparts, demonstrating the potential of using this quantity as a novel marker for future cancer diagnosis and drug resistance detection. Finally, a simple model was proposed to explain the observed resealing dynamics of cells which suggested that the distinct response exhibited by normal, tumor and drug resistant cells is likely due to the different tension levels in their lipid membranes, a conclusion that is also supported by direct cortical tension measurement.
Human iPSC-derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts together promote bone regeneration in 3D biomaterials
Authors: Jeon Ok Hee , Panicker Leelamma M. , Lu Qiaozhi , Chae Jeremy J. , Feldman Ricardo A. , Elisseeff Jennifer H.
Published: May 2016

Bone substitutes can be designed to replicate physiological structure and function by creating a microenvironment that supports crosstalk between bone and immune cells found in the native tissue, specifically osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) represent a powerful tool for bone regeneration because they are a source of patient-specific cells that can differentiate into all specialized cell types residing in bone. We show that osteoblasts and osteoclasts can be differentiated from hiPSC-mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages when co-cultured on hydroxyapatite-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/poly(L-lactic acid) (HA–PLGA/PLLA) scaffolds. Both cell types seeded on the PLGA/PLLA especially with 5% w/v HA recapitulated the tissue remodeling process of human bone via coupling signals coordinating osteoblast and osteoclast activity and finely tuned expression of inflammatory molecules, resulting in accelerated in vitro bone formation. Following subcutaneous implantation in rodents, co-cultured hiPSC-MSC/-macrophage on such scaffolds showed mature bone-like tissue formation. These findings suggest the importance of coupling matrix remodeling through osteoblastic matrix deposition and osteoclastic tissue resorption and immunomodulation for tissue development.
Dynamic enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhosis on contrast-enhanced computed tomography: risk of misdiagnosis as hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Rui , Cai Ping , Ma Kuan-sheng , Ding Shi-Yi , Guo De-Yu , Yan Xiao-Chu
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to assess the features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) at computerized tomography (CT) and verify the risk of misdiagnosis of ICC as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. CT appearances of 98 histologically confirmed ICC nodules from 84 cirrhotic patients were retrospectively reviewed, taking into consideration the pattern and dynamic contrast uptake during the arterial, portal venous and delayed phases. During the arterial phase, 53 nodules (54.1%) showed peripheral rim-like enhancement, 35 (35.7%) hyperenhancement, 9 (9.2%) hypoenhancement and 1 (1.0%) isoenhancement. The ICC nodules showed heterogeneous dynamic contrast patterns, being progressive enhancement in 35 nodules (35.7%), stable enhancement in 28 nodules (28.6%), wash-in and wash-out pattern in 15 nodules (15.3%) and all other enhancement patterns in 20 nodules (20.4%). There were no significant differences in the dynamic vascular patterns of ICC according to nodule size (p > 0.05). ICC in cirrhosis has varied enhancement patterns at contrast-enhanced multiphase multidetector CT. Though the majority of ICC did not display typical radiological hallmarks of HCC, if dynamic CT scan was used as the sole modality for the non-invasive diagnosis of nodules in cirrhosis, the risk of misdiagnosis of ICC for HCC is not negligible.
Percolation Phase Transition of Surface Air Temperature Networks under Attacks of El Niño/La Niña
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Yuan Naiming , Fu Zuntao
Published: May 2016

In this study, sea surface air temperature over the Pacific is constructed as a network, and the influences of sea surface temperature anomaly in the tropical central eastern Pacific (El Niño/La Niña) are regarded as a kind of natural attack on the network. The results show that El Niño/La Niña leads an abrupt percolation phase transition on the climate networks from stable to unstable or metastable phase state, corresponding to the fact that the climate condition changes from normal to abnormal significantly during El Niño/La Niña. By simulating three different forms of attacks on an idealized network, including Most connected Attack (MA), Localized Attack (LA) and Random Attack (RA), we found that both MA and LA lead to stepwise phase transitions, while RA leads to a second-order phase transition. It is found that most attacks due to El Niño/La Niña are close to the combination of MA and LA, and a percolation critical threshold Pc can be estimated to determine whether the percolation phase transition happens. Therefore, the findings in this study may renew our understandings of the influence of El Niño/La Niña on climate, and further help us in better predicting the subsequent events triggered by El Niño/La Niña.
First-in-class small molecule potentiators of cancer virotherapy
Authors: Dornan Mark H. , Krishnan Ramya , Macklin Andrew M. , Selman Mohammed , El Sayes Nader , Son Hwan Hee , Davis Colin , Chen Andrew , Keillor Kerkeslin , Le Penny J. , Moi Christina , Ou Paula , Pardin Christophe , Canez Carlos R. , Le Boeuf Fabrice , Bell John C. , Smith Jeffrey C. , Diallo Jean-Simon , Boddy Christopher N.
Published: May 2016

The use of engineered viral strains such as gene therapy vectors and oncolytic viruses (OV) to selectively destroy cancer cells is poised to make a major impact in the clinic and revolutionize cancer therapy. In particular, several studies have shown that OV therapy is safe and well tolerated in humans and can infect a broad range of cancers. Yet in clinical studies OV therapy has highly variable response rates. The heterogeneous nature of tumors is widely accepted to be a major obstacle for OV therapeutics and highlights a need for strategies to improve viral replication efficacy. Here, we describe the development of a new class of small molecules for selectively enhancing OV replication in cancer tissue. Medicinal chemistry studies led to the identification of compounds that enhance multiple OVs and gene therapy vectors. Lead compounds increase OV growth up to 2000-fold in vitro and demonstrate remarkable selectivity for cancer cells over normal tissue ex vivo and in vivo. These small molecules also demonstrate enhanced stability with reduced electrophilicity and are highly tolerated in animals. This pharmacoviral approach expands the scope of OVs to include resistant tumors, further potentiating this transformative therapy. It is easily foreseeable that this approach can be applied to therapeutically enhance other attenuated viral vectors.
Impaired Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Ahluwalia Vishwadeep , Betrapally Naga S , Hylemon Phillip B , White Melanie B , Gillevet Patrick M , Unser Ariel B , Fagan Andrew , Daita Kalyani , Heuman Douglas M , Zhou Huiping , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Bajaj Jasmohan S
Published: May 2016

Cirrhosis is associated with brain dysfunction known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The mechanisms behind HE are unclear although hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation through gut dysbiosis have been proposed. We aimed to define the individual contribution of specific gut bacterial taxa towards astrocytic and neuronal changes in brain function using multi-modal MRI in patients with cirrhosis. 187 subjects (40 controls, 147 cirrhotic; 87 with HE) underwent systemic inflammatory assessment, cognitive testing, stool microbiota analysis and brain MRI analysis. MR spectroscopy (MRS) changes of increased Glutamate/glutamine, reduced myo-inositol and choline are hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) demonstrates changes in neuronal integrity and edema. Linkages between cognition, MRI parameters and gut microbiota were compared between groups. We found that HE patients had a significantly worse cognitive performance, systemic inflammation, dysbiosis and hyperammonemia compared to controls and cirrhotics without HE. Specific microbial families (autochthonous taxa negatively and Enterobacteriaceae positively) correlated with MR spectroscopy and hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes. On the other hand Porphyromonadaceae, were only correlated with neuronal changes on DTI without linkages with ammonia. We conclude that specific gut microbial taxa are related to neuronal and astrocytic consequences of cirrhosis-associated brain dysfunction.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Alpha-ketoglutarate promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy and protein synthesis through Akt/mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: Cai Xingcai , Zhu Canjun , Xu Yaqiong , Jing Yuanyuan , Yuan Yexian , Wang Lina , Wang Songbo , Zhu Xiaotong , Gao Ping , Zhang Yongliang , Jiang Qingyan , Shu Gang
Published: May 2016

Skeletal muscle weight loss is accompanied by small fiber size and low protein content. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) participates in protein and nitrogen metabolism. The effect of AKG on skeletal muscle hypertrophy has not yet been tested, and its underlying mechanism is yet to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated that AKG (2%) increased the gastrocnemius muscle weight and fiber diameter in mice. Our in vitro study also confirmed that AKG dose increased protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes, which could be effectively blocked by the antagonists of Akt and mTOR. The effects of AKG on skeletal muscle protein synthesis were independent of glutamate, its metabolite. We tested the expression of GPR91 and GPR99. The result demonstrated that C2C12 cells expressed GPR91, which could be upregulated by AKG. GPR91 knockdown abolished the effect of AKG on protein synthesis but failed to inhibit protein degradation. These findings demonstrated that AKG promoted skeletal muscle hypertrophy via Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, GPR91 might be partially attributed to AKG-induced skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
κ-Opioid Receptor Stimulation Improves Endothelial Function via Akt-stimulated NO Production in Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Tian Fei , Zheng Xu-Yang , Li Juan , Zhang Shu-Miao , Feng Na , Guo Hai-Tao , Jia Min , Wang Yue-Min , Fan Rong , Pei Jian-Ming
Published: May 2016

This study was designed to investigate the effect of U50,488H (a selective κ-opioid receptor agonist) on endothelial function impaired by hyperlipidemia and to determine the role of Akt-stimulated NO production in it. Hyperlipidemic model was established by feeding rats with a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. U50,488H and nor-BNI (a selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist) were administered intraperitoneally. In vitro, the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in the effect of U50,488H was studied using cultured endothelial cells subjected to artificial hyperlipidemia. Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations dramatically increased after high-fat diet feeding. Administration of U50,488H significantly alleviated endothelial ultrastructural destruction and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation impairment caused by hyperlipidemia. U50,488H also increased Akt/eNOS phosphorylation and serum/medium NO level both in vivo and in vitro. U50,488H increased eNOS activity and suppressed iNOS activity in vivo. The effects of U50,488H were abolished in vitro by siRNAs targeting κ-opioid receptor and Akt or PI3K/Akt/eNOS inhibitors. All effects of U50,488H were blocked by nor-BNI. These results demonstrate that κ-opioid receptor stimulation normalizes endothelial ultrastructure and function under hyperlipidemic condition. Its mechanism is related to the preservation of eNOS phosphorylation through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and downregulation of iNOS expression/activity.
Transcriptome analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae treated with the designed antimicrobial peptides, DM3
Authors: Le Cheng-Foh , Gudimella Ranganath , Razali Rozaimi , Manikam Rishya , Sekaran Shamala Devi
Published: May 2016

In our previous studies, we generated a short 13 amino acid antimicrobial peptide (AMP), DM3, showing potent antipneumococcal activity in vitro and in vivo. Here we analyse the underlying mechanisms of action using Next-Generation transcriptome sequencing of penicillin (PEN)-resistant and PEN-susceptible pneumococci treated with DM3, PEN and combination of DM3 and PEN (DM3PEN). DM3 induced differential expression in cell wall and cell membrane structural and transmembrane processes. Notably, DM3 altered the expression of competence-induction pathways by upregulating CelA, CelB and CglA while downregulating Ccs16, ComF and Ccs4 proteins. Capsular polysaccharide subunits were downregulated in DM3-treated cells, however, it was upregulated in PEN- and DM3PEN-treated groups. Additionally, DM3 altered the amino acids biosynthesis pathways, particularly targeting ribosomal rRNA subunits. Downregulation of cationic AMPs resistance pathway suggests that DM3 treatment could autoenhance pneumococci susceptibility to DM3. Gene enrichment analysis showed that unlike PEN and DM3PEN, DM3 treatment exerted no effect on DNA-binding RNA polymerase activity but observed downregulation of RpoD and RNA polymerase sigma factor. In contrast to DM3, DM3PEN altered the regulation of multiple purine/pyrimidine biosynthesis and metabolic pathways. Future studies based on in vitro experiments are proposed to investigate the key pathways leading to pneumococcal cell death caused by DM3.
Soil Water Balance and Water Use Efficiency of Dryland Wheat in Different Precipitation Years in Response to Green Manure Approach
Authors: Zhang Dabin , Yao Pengwei , Na Zhao , Cao Weidong , Zhang Suiqi , Li Yangyang , Gao Yajun
Published: May 2016

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) monoculture is conventionally cultivated followed by two to three months of summer fallow in the Loess Plateau. To develop a sustainable cropping system, we conducted a six-year field experiment to investigate the effect of leguminous green manure (LGM) instead of bare fallow on the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat and the soil water balance (SWB) in different precipitation years in a semi-arid region of northwest China. Results confirmed that planting LGM crop consumes soil water in the fallow season can bring varied effects to the subsequent wheat. The effect is positive or neutral when the annual precipitation is adequate, so that there is no significant reduction in the soil water supplied to wheat. If this is not the case, the effect is negative. On average, the LGM crop increased wheat yield and WUE by 13% and 28%, respectively, and had considerable potential for maintaining the SWB (0–200 cm) compared with fallow management. In conclusion, cultivation of the LGM crop is a better option than fallow to improve the productivity and WUE of the next crop and maintain the soil water balance in the normal and wet years in the Loess Plateau.
Prenatal ketamine exposure causes abnormal development of prefrontal cortex in rat
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Li Chuanxiang , Wei Wei , Zhang Haixing , Ma Daqing , Song Xingrong , Zhou Libing
Published: May 2016

Ketamine is commonly used for anesthesia and as a recreational drug. In pregnant users, a potential neurotoxicity in offspring has been noted. Our previous work demonstrated that ketamine exposure of pregnant rats induces affective disorders and cognitive impairments in offspring. As the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critically involved in emotional and cognitive processes, here we studied whether maternal ketamine exposure influences the development of the PFC in offspring. Pregnant rats on gestational day 14 were treated with ketamine at a sedative dose for 2 hrs, and pups were studied at postnatal day 0 (P0) or P30. We found that maternal ketamine exposure resulted in cell apoptosis and neuronal loss in fetal brain. Upon ketamine exposure in utero, PFC neurons at P30 showed more dendritic branching, while cultured neurons from P0 PFC extended shorter neurites than controls. In addition, maternal ketamine exposure postponed the switch of NR2B/2A expression, and perturbed pre- and postsynaptic protein expression in the PFC. These data suggest that prenatal ketamine exposure impairs neuronal development of the PFC, which may be associated with abnormal behavior in offsprings.
Broadband diffuse terahertz wave scattering by flexible metasurface with randomized phase distribution
Authors: Zhang Yin , Liang Lanju , Yang Jing , Feng Yijun , Zhu Bo , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Jin Biaobing , Liu Weiwei
Published: May 2016

Suppressing specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section is important and of broad interests in practical electromagnetic engineering. Here, we present a scheme to achieve broadband backward scattering reduction through diffuse terahertz wave reflection by a flexible metasurface. The diffuse scattering of terahertz wave is caused by the randomized reflection phase distribution on the metasurface, which consists of meta-particles of differently sized metallic patches arranged on top of a grounded polyimide substrate simply through a certain computer generated pseudorandom sequence. Both numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate the ultralow specular reflection over a broad frequency band and wide angle of incidence due to the re-distribution of the incident energy into various directions. The diffuse scattering property is also polarization insensitive and can be well preserved when the flexible metasurface is conformably wrapped on a curved reflective object. The proposed design opens up a new route for specular reflection suppression and may be applicable in stealth and other technology in the terahertz spectrum.
Pencil it in: pencil drawn electrochemical sensing platforms
Authors: Foster Christopher W. , Brownson Dale A. C. , Ruas de Souza Ana P. , Bernalte Elena , Iniesta Jesus , Bertotti Mauro , Banks Craig E.
Published: May 2016

Inspired by recent reports concerning the utilisation of hand drawn pencil macroelectrodes (PDEs), we report the fabrication, characterisation (physicochemical and electrochemical) and implementation (electrochemical sensing) of various PDEs drawn upon a flexible polyester substrate.
A microporous anionic metal–organic framework for a highly selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor of Cu2+ ions
Authors: Jin Jun-Cheng , Wu Ju , Yang Guo-Ping , Wu Yun-Long , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: May 2016

We developed a microporous anionic metal–organic framework for a chemically modified electrode material. The modified electrode shows an excellent selectivity, high stability and sensitivity, wide linear range and lower detection limit for Cu2+ ion.
A new hydrophilic supramolecular photocatalyst for the production of H2 in aerobic aqueous solutions
Authors: Canterbury Theodore R. , Arachchige Shamindri M. , Brewer Karen J. , Moore Robert B.
Published: May 2016

Addition of sulfonated ligands into a Ru,Rh,Ru photocatalyst increases solubility and H2 production in aqueous aerobic solutions.
N-Heterocyclic olefins as efficient phase-transfer catalysts for base-promoted alkylation reactions
Authors: Blümel Marcus , Crocker Reece D. , Harper Jason B. , Enders Dieter , Nguyen Thanh V.
Published: May 2016

N-Heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) chemically transfer the base from solid phase and promote alkylation reaction on a wide range of substrates.
Predictive thermodynamics for ionic solids and liquids
Authors: Glasser Leslie , Jenkins H. Donald Brooke
Published: May 2016

Thermodynamic properties of ionic solids and liquids may reliably be predicted using volume-based thermodynamics (VBT) and thermodynamic difference rules (TDR).
Partial oxidation of step-bound water leads to anomalous pH effects on metal electrode step-edges
Authors: Schwarz Kathleen , Xu Bingjun , Yan Yushan , Sundararaman Ravishankar
Published: May 2016

Loss of electrons caused by adsorption of water on metal electrode step edges explains the anomalous variation of hydrogen underpotential deposition and potential of zero total charge with pH.
Effect of water on the structure of a prototype ionic liquid
Authors: Borodin Oleg , Price David L. , Aoun Bachir , González Miguel A. , Hooper Justin B. , Kofu Maiko , Kohara Shinji , Yamamuro Osamu , Saboungi Marie-Louise
Published: May 2016

The influence of water on the structure of a prototype ionic liquid (IL) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C8mimBF4) is examined in the IL-rich regime using high-energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
In situ microscopic studies on the structures and phase behaviors of SF/PEG films using solid-state NMR and Raman imaging
Authors: Chen Congheng , Yao Ting , Tu Sidong , Xu Weijie , Han Yi , Zhou Ping
Published: May 2016

SF was incompatible with PEG in some extent, and the phase separation took place in their blend film. The conformation of SF in the interface between SF and PEG was changed to the β-sheet, while that in the protein-rich domain remained in the random coil and/or helix conformation.
Oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol using bimetallic Au–Pd/TiO2 catalysts: a deactivation study in a continuous flow packed bed microreactor
Authors: Wu Gaowei , Brett Gemma L. , Cao Enhong , Constantinou Achilleas , Ellis Peter , Kuhn Simon , Hutchings Graham J. , Bethell Donald , Gavriilidis Asterios
Published: May 2016

Deactivation of Au–Pd/TiO2 catalyst during oxidation in flow is attributed to Pd leaching and a complex effect of oxygen.
A combined theoretical and experimental EXAFS study of the structure and dynamics of Au147 nanoparticles
Authors: Duan Zhiyao , Li Yuanyuan , Timoshenko Janis , Chill Samuel T. , Anderson Rachel M. , Yancey David F. , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Crooks Richard M. , Henkelman Graeme
Published: May 2016

We demonstrated the capability of combined EXAFS and DFT calculations for characterizing the structural and thermal properties of Au147 clusters.
Linker design for the modular assembly of multifunctional and targeted platinum(ii)-containing anticancer agents
Authors: Ding S. , Bierbach U.
Published: May 2016

A versatile modular-synthetic scheme based on cleavable amide–ester linkers allows incorporation of platinum–acridines into multifunctional and targeted anticancer agents.
Opportunities for near zero volt storage of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Crompton K. R. , Landi B. J.
Published: May 2016

There are inherent safety risks associated with inactive lithium ion batteries leading to greater restrictions and regulations on shipping and inactive storage. Near zero volt storage under fixed load of all cells in a lithium ion battery is a promising approach to reduce or mitigate these safety risks in a highly controllable manner.
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum enhances colonic epithelial wound healing via activation of RhoA and ERK1/2
Authors: Horii Yusuke , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Toyokawa Yuki , Hotta Yuma , Tanaka Makoto , Yasukawa Zenta , Tokunaga Makoto , Okubo Tsutomu , Mizushima Katsura , Higashimura Yasuki , Dohi Osamu , Okayama Tetsuya , Yoshida Naohisa , Katada Kazuhiro , Kamada Kazuhiro , Handa Osamu , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito
Published: May 2016

We provide evidence that partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) enhances colonic epithelial cell wound healing.
Efficacy of nobiletin, a citrus flavonoid, in the treatment of the cardiovascular dysfunction of diabetes in rats
Authors: Parkar N. A. , Bhatt L. K. , Addepalli V.
Published: May 2016

Nobiletin, due to its MMP-2 & MMP-9 inhibitory and antioxidant effects, may ameliorate the cardiovascular dysfunction of diabetes.
Potential allergenicity response to structural modification of irradiated bovine α-lactalbumin
Authors: Meng Xuanyi , Li Xin , Wang Xinkang , Gao Jinyan , Yang Hao , Chen Hongbing
Published: May 2016

Bovine α-lactalbumin (α-La) is a major food allergen found in milk and is characterized by high conformational stability because of its four disulfide bridges and being calcium bound.
Fabrication and directed assembly of magnetic Janus rods
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhou Hui , Liu Chuanyong , Long Yue , Yang Guoqiang , Tung Chen-Ho , Song Kai
Published: May 2016

Varied morphologies and aspect ratios of magnetic Janus rods have been synthesized via a wet-chemical method.
Synthesis of β,β-diaryl propiophenones via palladium-catalyzed domino arylboronation, elimination and enone hydroarylation of enaminones
Authors: Zhong Shanshan , Lu Yu , Zhang Yan , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie-Ping
Published: May 2016

The first example of a domino reaction involving enaminone C–N conversion-based arylation has been realized as an efficient new route toward the synthesis of β,β-diaryl propiophenones.
Enol ethers as carbonyl surrogates in a modification of the Povarov synthesis of 3-aryl quinolines and their anti-Toxoplasma activity
Authors: Brown Carla E. , McNulty James , Bordón Claudia , Yolken Robert , Jones-Brando Lorraine
Published: May 2016

A novel method for the preparation of 2-carboxyl-3-aryl quinoline derivatives from anilines, ethyl glyoxalate and enol ethers as phenylacetaldehyde surrogates is reported.
Toward unsaturated stannylenes Y2ZSn: and related compounds with triplet electronic ground states
Authors: Bundhun Ashwini , Momeni Mohammad R. , Shakib Farnaz A. , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Gaspar Peter P. , Schaefer III Henry F.
Published: May 2016

Distribution of electrons between the Y2Z: moiety and the triplet Sn atom in Y2ZSn: and representations of singlet and triplet Y2ZSn: and Y2Z: electronic configurations.
Curcumin induces cell death of human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhang Lixi , Zhang Li , Cheng Xian , Gao Yanyan , Bao Jiandong , Yu Huixin , Guan Haixia , Sun Yang , Lu Rongrong
Published: May 2016

Curcumin induced cell death of BCPAP cells via ER stress with activation of the ATF6/XBP-1 signaling pathway and Ca2+ release.
Layer-by-layer self-assembled laminin/fucoidan films: towards better hemocompatibility and endothelialization
Authors: Wang Yan , Ye Changrong , Su Hong , Wang Juan , Wang Yanan , Wang Haohao , Zhao Ansha , Huang Nan
Published: May 2016

The laminin/fucoidan multilayer film is prepared on glass via layer-by-layer self-assembly technique and monitored the assembled process by QCM-D. This film can inhibit platelets adhesion and improve ECs and EPCs adhesion.
Calcium sulfate hemihydrate whisker reinforced polyvinyl alcohol with improved shape memory effect
Authors: Zhao Wenpeng , Gao Chuanhui , Sang Hongfei , Xu Jun , Wang Chuanxing , Wu Yumin
Published: May 2016

A novel shape memory composite is synthesized by introducing calcium sulfate hemihydrate whisker to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol.
Control of pH by acetic acid and its effect on ethanol fermentation in an integrated ethanol–methane fermentation process
Authors: Yang Xinchao , Wang Ke , Wang Huijun , Zhang Jianhua , Tang Lei , Mao Zhonggui
Published: May 2016

The integrated ethanol–methane fermentation process employing cassava or other feedstock requires pH control to maximize yields.
AgX@carbon (X = Br and I) as robust and efficient catalysts for the reaction of propargylic alcohols and CO2 to carbonates under ambient conditions
Authors: Qiu Jikuan , Zhao Yuling , Wang Huiyong , Cui Guokai , Wang Jianji
Published: May 2016

An easily prepared AgX@C material was found to be a highly efficient catalyst for transforming CO2 into carbonates.
Influence of gold nanoparticles applied to catalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone with cationic complexes containing ruthenium
Authors: Souza Lanarck C. M. , Santos Thiago A. , Do Prado Cássio R. A. , Lima Benedicto A. V. , Corrêa Rodrigo S. , Batista Alzir A. , Otubo Larissa , Ellena Javier , Ueno Leonardo T. , Dinelli Luís R. , Bogado André L.
Published: May 2016

AuNPsn−have improved the catalytic activity of complexes that have biphosphines with tensioned or large bite angles, while for complexes that have biphosphines with a strong chelate effect a decrease was observed.
Pt nanoparticles stabilized by thermosensitive polymer as effective and recyclable catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Lou Lan-Lan , Yu Kai , Li Shanshan , Shi Yang , Liu Shuangxi
Published: May 2016

Thermosensitive polymer stabilized Pt nanocatalysts were firstly applied in asymmetric hydrogenation and exhibited excellent catalytic activity and durability.
MoS2 quantum dot decorated g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst with enhanced hydrogen evolution performance
Authors: Jin Xixiong , Fan Xiangqian , Tian Jianjian , Cheng Ruolin , Li Mengli , Zhang Lingxia
Published: May 2016

We constructed a MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) decorated g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst via a simple impregnation method for H2 evolution.
Thermal stability of phenolic resin: new insights based on bond dissociation energy and reactivity of functional groups
Authors: Bian Cheng , Wang Shujuan , Liu Yuhong , Jing Xinli
Published: May 2016

Based on bisphenol-F-like model molecules, the bond dissociation energies and Fukui function were calculated to interpret the relationship between the atomistic structure and thermal properties of the phenolic resin.
Biocompatible anti-microbial coatings for urinary catheters
Authors: Thompson Vanessa C. , Adamson Penelope J. , Dilag Jessirie , Uswatte Uswatte Liyanage Dhanushka Bandara , Srikantharajah Kagithiri , Blok Andrew , Ellis Amanda V. , Gordon David L. , Köper Ingo
Published: May 2016

Using a simple dip-coating mechanism, urinary catheters have been coated with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethylammonium chloride (pMTAC) using activator regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET)–atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
Mycobacterial IclR family transcriptional factor Rv2989 is specifically involved in isoniazid tolerance by regulating the expression of catalase encoding gene katG
Authors: Li Qiming , Fu Tiwei , Li Chunyan , Fan Xiangyu , Xie Jianping
Published: May 2016

Transcriptional factors are essential for bacteria to adapt diverse environmental stresses, especially upon exposure to antibiotics.
Integration of the inexpensive CuNWs based transparent counter electrode with dye sensitized photo sensors
Authors: Shikoh Ali Sephar , Ahmad Zubair , Touati Farid , Shakoor R. A. , Al-Thani N. J. , Zhu Zhaozhao , Mankowski Trent , Benammar Mohieddine A. , Mansuripur Masud , Falco Charles M.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate, a newly developed, inexpensive transparent conducting electrode based on copper nanowires combined with reduced graphene oxide and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate as a cathode for dye sensitized photo sensors.
Metabolite profiling of the leaf extract reveals the antioxidant and nutraceuticals potential of the halophyte Salvadora persica
Authors: Kumari Asha , Parida Asish Kumar
Published: May 2016

Metabolite profiling and antioxidant properties of the halophyteSalvadora persicareveal this plant as a source of non-conventional food.
Bio-based epoxy-anhydride thermosets from six-armed linoleic acid-derived epoxy resin
Authors: Liu Ren , Zhang Xiaopeng , Gao Shuai , Liu Xiaoya , Wang Zhen , Yan Jingling
Published: May 2016

A series of bio-based epoxy-anhydride thermosets with considerably high thermal and mechanical properties were developed from 4-methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride and six-armed linoleic-acid-derived epoxy resin.
Degradation of sulfadiazine in water by a UV/O3process: performance and degradation pathway
Authors: Guo Wanqian , Yang Zizeng , Du Juanshan , Yin Renli , Zhou Xianjiao , Jin Shuilin , Ren Nanqi
Published: May 2016

In this study, the performance of a combined UV/O3process for aquatic sulfadiazine (SDZ) removal was investigated.
Recent advances in melt electrospinning
Authors: Zhang Li-Hua , Duan Xiao-Peng , Yan Xu , Yu Miao , Ning Xin , Zhao Yong , Long Yun-Ze
Published: May 2016

With the emergence of one-dimensional (1D) functional nanomaterials and their promising applications, electrospinning (e-spinning) technology and electrospun (e-spun) ultrathin fibers have been widely explored.
Synthesis, magnetism, aqueous-two phase formation and physical properties of novel guanidinium-based magnetic ionic liquids
Authors: Yao Tian , Yao Shun , Tang Dan , Jing Long , Wang Daocai , Song Hang
Published: May 2016

A novel magnetic ionic liquid aqueous two-phase systems (MILATPs) has been developed, based on a series of novelly synthesized guanidinium-based magnetic ionic liquids.
Efficient removal of U(vi) from aqueous solutions by polyaniline/hydrogen-titanate nanobelt composites
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Yuying , Chen Lei , Zhu Hongshan , Dong Yunhui , Alharbi Njud S. , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hu Jun
Published: May 2016

The organic–inorganic hybrid material of polyaniline/hydrogen-titanate nanobelt (PANI/H-TNB) composites was fabricated as a potential adsorbent to remove U(vi) from wastewater.
Fabrication of rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays on a copper substrate for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Guanrao , Zhang Shichao , Wu Xiaomeng , Lin Ruoxu
Published: May 2016

TiO2 nanorods array has been prepared directly on flexible copper substrate via in situ synthesis, presenting enormous potentials in LIBs.
Direct functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals with polymer brushes via UV-induced polymerization: access to novel heterogeneous visible-light photocatalysts
Authors: Hou Liman , Bian Hang , Wang Qiliao , Zhang Ning , Liang Yongjiu , Dong Dewen
Published: May 2016

An efficient and facile strategy for the preparation of polymer brushes on cellulose nanocrystals via photopolymerization is reported.
Highly proton conducting MoS2/graphene oxide nanocomposite based chemoresistive humidity sensor
Authors: Burman Debasree , Ghosh Ruma , Santra Sumita , Guha Prasanta K.
Published: May 2016

This paper reports the development of MoS2/GO nanocomposite based sensing layers for resistive humidity sensors.
A chiral “Siamese-Twin” calix[4]pyrrole tetramer
Authors: Galán Albano , Aragay Gemma , Ballester Pablo
Published: May 2016

We describe our results in the attempted template syntheses of oligomacrocycle calix[4]pyrrole dimer 4, using Hay coupling reaction conditions, tetraalkynyl calix[4]pyrrole 5 as starting material and two bipyridyl N-oxides of different length as templates.
A new anode material for high performance lithium-ion batteries: V2(PO4)O/C
Authors: Nan Xihui , Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Changkun , Ma Wenda , Wang Kan , Li Zhuoyu , Cao Guozhong
Published: May 2016

Studies were conducted on V2(PO4)O/C, a promising new anode material for lithium ion batteries, with excellent electrochemical properties.
Ferroelectric polymer nanopillar arrays on flexible substrates by reverse nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Song Jingfeng , Lu Haidong , Foreman Keith , Li Shumin , Tan Li , Adenwalla Shireen , Gruverman Alexei , Ducharme Stephen
Published: May 2016

Large area ferroelectric polymer nanopillar arrays were prepared directly on flexible substrates using soft-mold reverse nanoimprint lithography at low pressure.
Enhanced hand part classification from a single depth image using random decision forests
Authors: Sohn Myoung‐Kyu , Lee Sang‐Heon , Kim Hyunduk , Park Hyeyoung
Published: May 2016

Hand pose recognition has received increasing attention in an area of human–computer interaction. With the recent spread of many low‐cost three‐dimensional (3D) cameras, research into understanding more natural gestures has increased. In this study, the authors present a method for hand part classification and joint estimation from a single depth image. They apply random decision forests (RDFs) for hand part classification. Foreground pixels in the hand image are estimated by RDF. Then hand joints are estimated based on the classified hand parts. They suggest a robust feature extraction method for per‐pixel classification, which enhances the accuracy of hand part classification. They also propose a tree selection algorithm using legacy trained RDF to classify unseen test data. Selecting trees using the proposed method show better performance than using all the trees as in conventional method. Depth images and label images synthesised by 3D hand mesh model were used for training forests and algorithm verification. The authors’ experiments show that the enhanced algorithm outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art method in accuracy.
A projected approximation to strongly contracted N-electron valence perturbation theory for DMRG wavefunctions
Authors: Roemelt Michael , Guo Sheng , Chan Garnet K.-L.
Published: May 2016

A novel approach to strongly contracted N-electron valence perturbation theory (SC-NEVPT2) as a means of describing dynamic electron correlation for quantum chemical density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) calculations is presented. In this approach the strongly contracted perturber functions are projected onto a renormalized Hilbert space. Compared to a straightforward implementation of SC-NEVPT2 with DMRG wavefunctions, the computational scaling and storage requirements are reduced. This favorable scaling opens up the possibility of calculations with larger active spaces. A specially designed renormalization scheme ensures that both the electronic ground state and the perturber functions are well represented in the renormalized Hilbert space. Test calculations on the N2 and [Cu2O2(en)2]2+ demonstrate some key properties of the method and indicate its capabilities.
Perspective: Composition–structure–property mapping in high-throughput experiments: Turning data into knowledge
Authors: Hattrick-Simpers Jason R. , Gregoire John M. , Kusne A. Gilad
Published: May 2016

With their ability to rapidly elucidate composition-structure-property relationships, high-throughput experimental studies have revolutionized how materials are discovered, optimized, and commercialized. It is now possible to synthesize and characterize high-throughput libraries that systematically address thousands of individual cuts of fabrication parameter space. An unresolved issue remains transforming structural characterization data into phase mappings. This difficulty is related to the complex information present in diffraction and spectroscopic data and its variation with composition and processing. We review the field of automated phase diagram attribution and discuss the impact that emerging computational approaches will have in the generation of phase diagrams and beyond.
A link between structure, diffusion and rotations of hydrogen bonding tracers in ionic liquids
Authors: Araque Juan C. , Daly Ryan P. , Margulis Claudio J.
Published: May 2016

When solutes are small compared to the size of the ions in an ionic liquid, energetic heterogeneities associated with charge enhanced (stiff) and charge depleted (soft) nanoenvironments are sampled. In a recent article [J. C. Araque et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 119(23), 7015-7029 (2015)], we explored large deviations from Stokes-Einstein translational diffusion caused by such a heterogeneity. The current article is set to explore the effect of soft and stiff solvent environments (i.e., structure) on OH-bond rotations in the case of water and small alcohols in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Im1,2+NTf2−). Is solute rotational dynamics heterogeneous? If so, are solute rotations and translations coupled in the sense that stiff and soft solvent environments hinder or speed up both types of dynamics? For the systems studied here, there appears to be a clear connection between translations, rotations, and stiff/soft solvent environments. We also discuss interesting asymmetries of the correlation between solutes with anions and cations.
Formation of the seed layers for layer-transfer process silicon solar cells by zone-heating recrystallization of porous silicon structures
Authors: Lukianov A. , Murakami K. , Takazawa C. , Ihara M.
Published: May 2016

Thin-film crystalline silicon is promising for photovoltaic application to reduce the cost of photovoltaic energy. Porous silicon structures have been intensively studied as a seed layer for epitaxial growth of thin Si film and layer-transfer process (LTP). In this article, another approach for LTP has been proposed. The seed layers for epitaxial silicon growth have been formed by zone-heating recrystallization of double-layer por-Si structures. The influence of annealing parameters on porous silicon structures was studied. The transformation of por-Si layer to crystalline Si was observed with the formation of smooth continuous surface with the roughness 0.3 nm, peak-to-valley distance around 3.5 nm, and reduced density of pores. The mechanism of the transformation of por-Si surface due to the action of hydrogen in the passivated pores with preventing surface oxidation was proposed.
Optical properties of nearly lattice-matched GaN/(Al,In)N quantum wells
Authors: Liaugaudas Gediminas , Jacopin Gwénolé , Carlin Jean-François , Butté Raphaël , Grandjean Nicolas
Published: May 2016

We report a systematic study of the photoluminescence (PL) properties of a series of nearly lattice-matched (LM) GaN/(Al,In)N single quantum well (SQW) samples, with well thickness ranging from 1.5 to 5 nm, grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Temperature dependent PL and time-resolved PL measurements reveal similar trends among the studied SQW samples, which also indicate strong localization effects. The observed PL energy behavior, akin to the S-shape, accompanied first by a narrowing and then a broadening of the PL line width with increasing temperature, closely resemble previous observations made on the more established (In,Ga)N/GaN QW system. The similar trends observed in the PL features of those two QW systems imply that the PL properties of LM GaN/(Al,In)N SQW samples are also governed by localized states. The effects of carrier transfer among these localization sites are clearly observed for the 3 nm thick QW, evidenced by an increasing PL intensity in the lower energy spectral window and a concomitant increase in the corresponding PL decay time. Time-resolved data corroborate the picture of strongly localized carriers and also indicate that above a well thickness dependent delocalization temperature carrier distribution across the localized sites reaches thermal equilibrium, as the PL decay times over different spectral regions converge to the same value. Based on the difference between the calculated QW ground state transition energy, obtained using the envelope wave function formalism, and the measured PL energy, a localization energy of at least a few hundreds of meV has been extracted for all of the studied SQW samples. This rather large value also implies that In-related localization effects are more pronounced in the GaN/(Al,In)N system with respect to those in the (In,Ga)N/GaN one for a similar In content.
Broadband, large-area microwave antenna for optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
Authors: Sasaki Kento , Monnai Yasuaki , Saijo Soya , Fujita Ryushiro , Watanabe Hideyuki , Ishi-Hayase Junko , Itoh Kohei M. , Abe Eisuke
Published: May 2016

We report on a microwave planar ring antenna specifically designed for optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. It has the resonance frequency at around 2.87 GHz with the bandwidth of 400 MHz, ensuring that ODMR can be observed under external magnetic fields up to 100 G without the need of adjustment of the resonance frequency. It is also spatially uniform within the 1-mm-diameter center hole, enabling the magnetic-field imaging in the wide spatial range. These features facilitate the experiments on quantum sensing and imaging using NV centers at room temperature.