bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of band gaps in 3D printed cantilever-in-mass metamaterials
Authors: Qureshi Awais , Li Bing , Tan K. T.
Published: June 2016

In this research, the negative effective mass behavior of elastic/mechanical metamaterials is exhibited by a cantilever-in-mass structure as a proposed design for creating frequency stopping band gaps, based on local resonance of the internal structure. The mass-in-mass unit cell model is transformed into a cantilever-in-mass model using the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory. An analytical model of the cantilever-in-mass structure is derived and the effects of geometrical dimensions and material parameters to create frequency band gaps are examined. A two-dimensional finite element model is created to validate the analytical results and excellent agreement is achieved. The analytical model establishes an easily tunable metamaterial design to realize wave attenuation based on locally resonant frequency. To demonstrate feasibility for 3D printing, the analytical model is employed to design and fabricate 3D printable mechanical metamaterial. A three-dimensional numerical experiment is performed using COMSOL Multiphysics to validate the wave attenuation performance. Results show that the cantilever-in-mass metamaterial is capable of mitigating stress waves at the desired resonance frequency. Our study successfully presents the use of one constituent material to create a 3D printed cantilever-in-mass metamaterial with negative effective mass density for stress wave mitigation purposes.
Dazl is a critical player for primordial germ cell formation in medaka
Authors: Li Mingyou , Zhu Feng , Li Zhendong , Hong Ni , Hong Yunhan
Published: June 2016

The DAZ family genes boule, daz and dazl have conserved functions in primordial germ cell (PGC) migration, germ stem cell proliferation, differentiation and meiosis progression. It has remained unknown whether this family is required for PGC formation in developing embryos. Our recent study in the fish medaka (Oryzias latipes) has defined dnd as the critical PGC specifier and predicted the presence of additional factors essential for PGC formation. Here we report that dazl is a second key player for medaka PGC formation. Dazl knockdown did not prevent PGC formation even in the absence of normal somatic structures. It turned out that a high level of Dazl protein was maternally supplied and persisted until gastrulation and hardly affected by two antisense morpholino oligos targeting the dazl RNA translation. Importantly, microinjection of a Dazl antibody remarkably reduced the number of PGCs and even completely abolished PGC formation without causing detectable somatic abnormality. Therefore, medaka PGC formation requires the Dazl protein as maternal germ plasm component, offering first evidence that dazl is a critical player in PGC formation in vivo. Our results demonstrate that antibody neutralization is a powerful tool to study the roles of maternal protein factors in PGC development in vivo.
Ultra-broadband achromatic imaging with diffractive photon sieves
Authors: Zhao Xiaonan , Hu Jingpei , Lin Yu , Xu Feng , Zhu Xiaojun , Pu Donglin , Chen Linsen , Wang Chinhua
Published: June 2016

Diffractive optical elements suffer from large chromatic aberration due to the strong wavelength-dependent nature in diffraction phenomena and therefore, diffractive elements can work only at a single designed wavelength, which significantly limits the applications of diffractive elements in imaging. Here, we report on a demonstration of a wavefront coded broadband achromatic imaging with diffractive photon sieves. The broadband diffraction imaging is implemented with a wavefront coded pinhole pattern that generates equal focusing power for a wide range of operating wavelength in a single thin-film element without complicated auxiliary optical system. Experimental validation was performed using an UV-lithography fabricated wavefront coded photon sieves. Results show that the working bandwidth of the wavefront coded photon sieves reaches 28 nm compared with 0.32 nm of the conventional one. Further demonstration of the achromatic imaging with a bandwidth of 300 nm is also performed with a wavefront coded photon sieves integrated with a refractive element.
Neil3-dependent base excision repair regulates lipid metabolism and prevents atherosclerosis in Apoe-deficient mice
Authors: Skarpengland Tonje , Holm Sverre , Scheffler Katja , Gregersen Ida , Dahl Tuva B. , Suganthan Rajikala , Segers Filip M. , Østlie Ingunn , Otten Jeroen J. T. , Luna Luisa , Ketelhuth Daniel F. J. , Lundberg Anna M. , Neurauter Christine G. , Hildrestrand Gunn , Skjelland Mona , Bjørndal Bodil , Svardal Asbjørn M. , Iversen Per O. , Hedin Ulf , Nygård Ståle , Olstad Ole K. , Krohg-Sørensen Kirsten , Slupphaug Geir , Eide Lars , Kuśnierczyk Anna , Folkersen Lasse , Ueland Thor , Berge Rolf K. , Hansson Göran K. , Biessen Erik A. L. , Halvorsen Bente , Bjørås Magnar , Aukrust Pål
Published: June 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative DNA damage accumulates in atherosclerosis. Recently, we showed that a genetic variant in the human DNA repair enzyme NEIL3 was associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction. Here, we explored the role of Neil3/NEIL3 in atherogenesis by both clinical and experimental approaches. Human carotid plaques revealed increased NEIL3 mRNA expression which significantly correlated with mRNA levels of the macrophage marker CD68. Apoe−/−Neil3−/− mice on high-fat diet showed accelerated plaque formation as compared to Apoe−/− mice, reflecting an atherogenic lipid profile, increased hepatic triglyceride levels and attenuated macrophage cholesterol efflux capacity. Apoe−/−Neil3−/− mice showed marked alterations in several pathways affecting hepatic lipid metabolism, but no genotypic alterations in genome integrity or genome-wide accumulation of oxidative DNA damage. These results suggest a novel role for the DNA glycosylase Neil3 in atherogenesis in balancing lipid metabolism and macrophage function, potentially independently of genome-wide canonical base excision repair of oxidative DNA damage.
Optical simulation of a Popescu-Rohrlich Box
Authors: Chu Wen-Jing , Zong Xiao-Lan , Yang Ming , Pan Guo-Zhu , Cao Zhuo-Liang
Published: June 2016

It is well known that the fair-sampling loophole in Bell test opened by the selection of the state to be measured can lead to post-quantum correlations. In this paper, we make the selection of the results after measurement, which opens the fair- sampling loophole too and thus can lead to post-quantum correlations. This kind of result-selection loophole can be realized by pre- and post-selection processes within the “two-state vector formalism” and a physical simulation of Popescu-Rohrlich (PR) box is designed in linear optical system. The probability distribution of the PR has a maximal CHSH value 4, i.e. it can maximally violate CHSH inequality. Because the “two-state vector formalism” violates the information causality, it opens the locality loophole too, which means that this kind of results selection within “two-state vector formalism” leads to both fair- sampling loophole and locality loophole, so we call it a comprehensive loophole in Bell test. The comprehensive loophole opened by the results selection within “two-state vector formalism” may be another possible explanation of why post-quantum correlations are incompatible with quantum mechanics and seem not to exist in nature.
Roles of the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, NCLX, in B lymphocyte chemotaxis
Authors: Kim Bongju , Takeuchi Ayako , Hikida Masaki , Matsuoka Satoshi
Published: June 2016

Lymphocyte chemotaxis plays important roles in immunological reactions, although the mechanism of its regulation is still unclear. We found that the cytosolic Na+-dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux transporter, NCLX, regulates B lymphocyte chemotaxis. Inhibiting or silencing NCLX in A20 and DT40 B lymphocytes markedly increased random migration and suppressed the chemotactic response to CXCL12. In contrast to control cells, cytosolic Ca2+ was higher and was not increased further by CXCL12 in NCLX-knockdown A20 B lymphocytes. Chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM disturbed CXCL12-induced chemotaxis, suggesting that modulation of cytosolic Ca2+ via NCLX, and thereby Rac1 activation and F-actin polymerization, is essential for B lymphocyte motility and chemotaxis. Mitochondrial polarization, which is necessary for directional movement, was unaltered in NCLX-knockdown cells, although CXCL12 application failed to induce enhancement of mitochondrial polarization, in contrast to control cells. Mouse spleen B lymphocytes were similar to the cell lines, in that pharmacological inhibition of NCLX by CGP-37157 diminished CXCL12-induced chemotaxis. Unexpectedly, spleen T lymphocyte chemotaxis was unaffected by CGP-37157 treatment, indicating that NCLX-mediated regulation of chemotaxis is B lymphocyte-specific, and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ dynamics are more important in B lymphocytes than in T lymphocytes. We conclude that NCLX is pivotal for B lymphocyte motility and chemotaxis.
Long-term survival in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion: a model of malignant stroke in rats
Authors: Shanbhag Nagesh C. , Henning Robert H. , Schilling Lothar
Published: June 2016

Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by an intraluminal filament is widely used to study focal brain ischemia in male Sprague-Dawley rats. However, permanent occlusion goes along with a high fatality. To overcome this drawback we designed a new filament carrying a bowling pin-shaped tip (BP-tip) and compared this with three conventionally tipped filaments. Follow-up periods were 24 h (all groups) and 72 and 120 h in BP-tip group. Ischemic damage and swelling were quantified using silver nitrate staining. Collateral flow via the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) was assessed using selective dye perfusion of the internal carotid artery. Despite a comparable decrease of brain perfusion in all groups, ischemic damage was significantly smaller in BP-tips (p < 0.05). Moreover, BP-tip significantly reduced mortality from 60% to 12.5% and widely spared the occipital region and hypothalamus from ischemic damage. Conventional but not BP-tip filaments induced vascular distortion, measured as gross displacement of the MCA origin, which correlated with occipital infarction size. Accordingly, BP-tip occluded rats showed a significantly better collateral filling of the PCA territory. Ischemic volume significantly increased in BP-tip occlusion at 72 h follow-up. BP-tip filaments offer superior survival in permanent MCA occlusion, while mimicking the course of a malignant stroke in patients.
Construction and application of a co-expression network in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Jiang Jun , Sun Xian , Wu Wei , Li Li , Wu Hai , Zhang Lu , Yu Guohua , Li Yao
Published: June 2016

Because of its high pathogenicity and infectivity, tuberculosis is a serious threat to human health. Some information about the functions of the genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome was currently available, but it was not enough to explore transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Here, we applied the WGCNA (Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis) algorithm to mine pooled microarray datasets for the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. We constructed a co-expression network that was subdivided into 78 co-expression gene modules. The different response to two kinds of vitro models (a constant 0.2% oxygen hypoxia model and a Wayne model) were explained based on these modules. We identified potential transcription factors based on high Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the modules and genes. Three modules that may be associated with hypoxic stimulation were identified, and their potential transcription factors were predicted. In the validation experiment, we determined the expression levels of genes in the modules under hypoxic condition and under overexpression of potential transcription factors (Rv0081, furA (Rv1909c), Rv0324, Rv3334, and Rv3833). The experimental results showed that the three identified modules related to hypoxia and that the overexpression of transcription factors could significantly change the expression levels of genes in the corresponding modules.
Defining and quantifying the resilience of responses to disturbance: a conceptual and modelling approach from soil science
Authors: Todman L. C. , Fraser F. C. , Corstanje R. , Deeks L. K. , Harris J. A. , Pawlett M. , Ritz K. , Whitmore A. P.
Published: June 2016

There are several conceptual definitions of resilience pertaining to environmental systems and, even if resilience is clearly defined in a particular context, it is challenging to quantify. We identify four characteristics of the response of a system function to disturbance that relate to “resilience”: (1) degree of return of the function to a reference level; (2) time taken to reach a new quasi-stable state; (3) rate (i.e. gradient) at which the function reaches the new state; (4) cumulative magnitude of the function (i.e. area under the curve) before a new state is reached. We develop metrics to quantify these characteristics based on an analogy with a mechanical spring and damper system. Using the example of the response of a soil function (respiration) to disturbance, we demonstrate that these metrics effectively discriminate key features of the dynamic response. Although any one of these characteristics could define resilience, each may lead to different insights and conclusions. The salient properties of a resilient response must thus be identified for different contexts. Because the temporal resolution of data affects the accurate determination of these metrics, we recommend that at least twelve measurements are made over the temporal range for which the response is expected.
Random-phase metasurfaces at optical wavelengths
Authors: Pors Anders , Ding Fei , Chen Yiting , Radko Ilya P. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: June 2016

Random-phase metasurfaces, in which the constituents scatter light with random phases, have the property that an incident plane wave will diffusely scatter, hereby leading to a complex far-field response that is most suitably described by statistical means. In this work, we present and exemplify the statistical description of the far-field response, particularly highlighting how the response for polarised and unpolarised light might be alike or different depending on the correlation of scattering phases for two orthogonal polarisations. By utilizing gap plasmon-based metasurfaces, consisting of an optically thick gold film overlaid by a subwavelength thin glass spacer and an array of gold nanobricks, we design and realize random-phase metasurfaces at a wavelength of 800 nm. Optical characterisation of the fabricated samples convincingly demonstrates the diffuse scattering of reflected light, with statistics obeying the theoretical predictions. We foresee the use of random-phase metasurfaces for camouflage applications and as high-quality reference structures in dark-field microscopy, while the control of the statistics for polarised and unpolarised light might find usage in security applications. Finally, by incorporating a certain correlation between scattering by neighbouring metasurface constituents new types of functionalities can be realised, such as a Lambertian reflector.
The role of the residence-effect on the outcome of intergroup encounters in Verreaux’s sifakas
Authors: Koch Flávia , Signer Johannes , Kappeler Peter M. , Fichtel Claudia
Published: June 2016

Intergroup competition has an important impact on the survival and fitness of individuals in group-living species. However, factors influencing the probability of winning an encounter are not fully understood. We studied the influence of numerical advantage and location of the encounter on the chances of winning in eight neighboring groups of Verreaux’s sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi), in Kirindy Forest, western Madagascar. Intergroup encounters were inferred from spatial data collected via GPS loggers over a period of two years. Location, i.e., the proximity to the respective core area, rather than the numerical advantage of a group in a given encounter, influenced the probability of winning. Accordingly, the high value that resident groups attribute to exclusive and intensively used areas increased their motivation in defending these locations against intruders. Moreover, losers used the encounter area less often than winners within a month after the encounter, suggesting that losing also entails long-term costs. Thus, our results suggest that in gregarious animals the particular circumstances of each encounter, such as the location, can outweigh group characteristics and predict the chances of winning an intergroup encounter.
Multiscale conformal pattern transfer
Authors: Lodewijks Kristof , Miljkovic Vladimir , Massiot Inès , Mekonnen Addis , Verre Ruggero , Olsson Eva , Dmitriev Alexandre
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate a method for seamless transfer from a parent flat substrate of basically any lithographic top-down or bottom-up pattern onto essentially any kind of surface. The nano- or microscale patterns, spanning macroscopic surface areas, can be transferred with high conformity onto a large variety of surfaces when such patterns are produced on a thin carbon film, grown on top of a sacrificial layer. The latter allows lifting the patterns from the flat parent substrate onto a water-air interface to be picked up by the host surface of choice. We illustrate the power of this technique by functionalizing broad range of materials including glass, plastics, metals, rough semiconductors and polymers, highlighting the potential applications in in situ colorimetry of the chemistry of materials, anti-counterfeit technologies, biomolecular and biomedical studies, light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, conformal photovoltaics and flexible electronics.
Serum Uric Acid Levels were Dynamically Coupled with Hemoglobin A1c in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wei Fengjiang , Chang Baocheng , Yang Xilin , Wang Yaogang , Chen Liming , Li Wei-Dong
Published: June 2016

The aim of the study was to decipher the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and normal subjects. A total of 2,250 unrelated T2DM patients and 4,420 Han Chinese subjects from a physical examination population were recruited for this study. In T2DM patients SUA levels were negatively correlated with HbA1c (rs = −0.109, P = 0.000) and 2 h plasma glucose levels (rs = −0.178, P = 0.000). In the physical examination population, SUA levels were inversely correlated with HbA1c (rs = −0.175, P = 0.000) and FPG (rs = −0.131, P = 0.009) in T2DM patients but positively correlated with HbA1c (rs = 0.040, P = 0.012) and FPG (rs = 0.084, P = 0.000) in normal-glucose subjects. Multivariate analyses showed that HbA1c was significantly negatively associated with HUA both in T2DM patients (OR = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.790~0.963) and in the physical examination T2DM patients (OR = 0.722, 95% CI: 0.539~0.968). Genetic association studies in T2DM patients showed that alleles of two glucose-uric acid transporter genes, ABCG2 and SLC2A9 were significantly associated with SUA levels (P < 0.05). SUA level is inversely correlated with HbA1c in T2DM patients but positively correlated with HbA1c in normal-glucose subjects. The reverse transporting of uric acid and glucose in renal tubules might be accounted for these associations.
Structural insights of a hormone sensitive lipase homologue Est22
Authors: Huang Jing , Huo Ying-Yi , Ji Rui , Kuang Siyun , Ji Chaoneng , Xu Xue-Wei , Li Jixi
Published: June 2016

Hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) catalyzes the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols into fatty acids and glycerol, thus playing key roles in energy homeostasis. However, the application of HSL serving as a pharmaceutical target and an industrial biocatalyst is largely hampered due to the lack of high-resolution structural information. Here we report biochemical properties and crystal structures of a novel HSL homologue esterase Est22 from a deep-sea metagenomic library. Est22 prefers short acyl chain esters and has a very high activity with substrate p-nitrophenyl butyrate. The crystal structures of wild type and mutated Est22 with its product p-nitrophenol are solved with resolutions ranging from 1.4 Å to 2.43 Å. The Est22 exhibits a α/β-hydrolase fold consisting with a catalytic domain and a substrate-recognizing cap domain. Residues Ser188, Asp287, and His317 comprise the catalytic triad in the catalytic domain. The p-nitrophenol molecule occupies the substrate binding pocket and forms hydrogen bonds with adjacent residues Gly108, Gly109, and Gly189. Est22 exhibits a dimeric form in solution, whereas mutants D287A and H317A change to polymeric form, which totally abolished its enzymatic activities. Our study provides insights into the catalytic mechanism of HSL family esterase and facilitates the understanding for further industrial and biotechnological applications of esterases.
Retraction Note: Novel piperazine core compound induces death in human liver cancer cells: possible pharmacological properties
Authors: Samie Nima , Muniandy Sekaran , Kanthimathi M. S. , Haerian Batoul Sadat , Azudin Raja Elina Raja
Published: June 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 24172; published online: 13 April 2016; updated: 22 June 2016 This Article has been retracted by the Editors and Publishers of Scientific Reports. Following online criticisms of the published paper, an investigation at the journal has confirmed the manipulation and duplication of data and a level of image processing that is not compliant with the journal’s policies on image data integrity in figures 1–3, 6, 7, 10 and 12.
Paradoxical augmented relapse in alcohol-dependent rats during deep-brain stimulation in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Hadar R , Vengeliene V , Barroeta Hlusicke E , Canals S , Noori H R , Wieske F , Rummel J , Harnack D , Heinz A , Spanagel R , Winter C
Published: June 2016

Case reports indicate that deep-brain stimulation in the nucleus accumbens may be beneficial to alcohol-dependent patients. The lack of clinical trials and our limited knowledge of deep-brain stimulation call for translational experiments to validate these reports. To mimic the human situation, we used a chronic-continuous brain-stimulation paradigm targeting the nucleus accumbens and other brain sites in alcohol-dependent rats. To determine the network effects of deep-brain stimulation in alcohol-dependent rats, we combined electrical stimulation of the nucleus accumbens with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and studied neurotransmitter levels in nucleus accumbens-stimulated versus sham-stimulated rats. Surprisingly, we report here that electrical stimulation of the nucleus accumbens led to augmented relapse behavior in alcohol-dependent rats. Our associated fMRI data revealed some activated areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex and caudate putamen. However, when we applied stimulation to these areas, relapse behavior was not affected, confirming that the nucleus accumbens is critical for generating this paradoxical effect. Neurochemical analysis of the major activated brain sites of the network revealed that the effect of stimulation may depend on accumbal dopamine levels. This was supported by the finding that brain-stimulation-treated rats exhibited augmented alcohol-induced dopamine release compared with sham-stimulated animals. Our data suggest that deep-brain stimulation in the nucleus accumbens enhances alcohol-liking probably via augmented dopamine release and can thereby promote relapse.
Nucleus accumbens deep-brain stimulation efficacy in ACTH-pretreated rats: alterations in mitochondrial function relate to antidepressant-like effects
Authors: Kim Y , McGee S , Czeczor J K , Walker A J , Kale R P , Kouzani A Z , Walder K , Berk M , Tye S J
Published: June 2016

Mitochondrial dysfunction has a critical role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and treatment response. To investigate this, we established an animal model exhibiting a state of antidepressant treatment resistance in male Wistar rats using 21 days of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration (100 μg per day). First, the effect of ACTH treatment on the efficacy of imipramine (10 mg kg−1) was investigated alongside its effect on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) mitochondrial function. Second, we examined the mood-regulatory actions of chronic (7 day) high-frequency nucleus accumbens (NAc) deep-brain stimulation (DBS; 130 Hz, 100 μA, 90 μS) and concomitant PFC mitochondrial function. Antidepressant-like responses were assessed in the open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) for both conditions. ACTH pretreatment prevented imipramine-mediated improvement in mobility during the FST (P<0.05). NAc DBS effectively improved FST mobility in ACTH-treated animals (P<0.05). No improvement in mobility was observed for sham control animals (P>0.05). Analyses of PFC mitochondrial function revealed that ACTH-treated animals had decreased capacity for adenosine triphosphate production compared with controls. In contrast, ACTH animals following NAc DBS demonstrated greater mitochondrial function relative to controls. Interestingly, a proportion (30%) of the ACTH-treated animals exhibited heightened locomotor activity in the OFT and exaggerated escape behaviors during the FST, together with general hyperactivity in their home-cage settings. More importantly, the induction of this mania-like phenotype was accompanied by overcompensative increased mitochondrial respiration. Manifestation of a DBS-induced mania-like phenotype in imipramine-resistant animals highlights the potential use of this model in elucidating mechanisms of mood dysregulation.
The potential beneficial effects of phenolic compounds isolated from A. pilosa Ledeb on insulin-resistant hepatic HepG2 cells
Authors: Teng Hui , Chen Lei , Song Hongbo
Published: June 2016

Agrimonia pilosaLedeb (AP) has already been applied in practice for the treatment of different disorders and is available to access without the provision of a medical prescription.
Photonanomedicine: a convergence of photodynamic therapy and nanotechnology
Authors: Obaid Girgis , Broekgaarden Mans , Bulin Anne-Laure , Huang Huang-Chiao , Kuriakose Jerrin , Liu Joyce , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: June 2016

As clinical nanomedicine has emerged over the past two decades, phototherapeutic advancements using nanotechnology have also evolved and impacted disease management.
A turn-on fluorescence chemosensor based on a tripodal amine [tris(pyrrolyl-α-methyl)amine]-rhodamine conjugate for the selective detection of zinc ions
Authors: Balamurugan Rathinam , Chang Wen-I , Zhang Yandison , Fitriyani Sri , Liu Jui-Hsiang
Published: June 2016

A tris(pyrrolyl-α-methyl)amine (H3tpa) and rhodamine-based conjugate (PR) served as a sensor for the selective detection of Zn2+and their application of imaging living cells were studied.
An aerodynamic assisted miniature mass spectrometer for enhanced volatile sample analysis
Authors: Zhai Yanbing , Jiang Ting , Huang Guangyan , Wei Yongzheng , Xu Wei
Published: June 2016

Low ppb-level VOC detection sensitivity was achieved by integrating an in-vacuum plasma ionization source into the continuous atmospheric pressure interfaced miniature mass spectrometer.
Detection of prostate cancer using a voltammetric electronic tongue
Authors: Pascual Lluís , Campos Inmaculada , Vivancos José-Luis , Quintás Guillermo , Loras Alba , Martínez-Bisbal M. Carmen , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Boronat Francisco , Ruiz-Cerdà José Luis
Published: June 2016

A multivariate analysis of data from urine with an electronic voltammetric tongue to detect patients with prostate cancer.
Untargeted metabolic profiling of saliva by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers of asthma
Authors: Malkar Aditya , Wilson Emma , Harrrison Tim , Shaw Dominick , Creaser Colin
Published: June 2016

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method is reported for metabolic profiling of saliva. The method has been evaluated as a tool for asthma diagnosis in a pilot study of well phenotyped patients and healthy controls.
Determination of the geographical origin and ethanol content of Brazilian sugarcane spirit using near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with discriminant analysis
Authors: Cirino de Carvalho Lívia , de Lelis Medeiros de Morais Camilo , Gomes de Lima Kássio Miguel , Cunha Júnior Luis Carlos , Martins Nascimento Paloma Andrade , Bosco de Faria João , Henrique de Almeida Teixeira Gustavo
Published: June 2016

Aguardente is a typical Brazilian spirit produced by the distillation of sugarcane.
Observation of intracellular interactions between DNA origami and lysosomes by the fluorescence localization method
Authors: Fu Meifang , Dai Luru , Jiang Qiao , Tang Yunqing , Zhang Xiaoming , Ding Baoquan , Li Junbai
Published: June 2016

The combined image (b) of the fluorescence localization image of DNA origami and the TIRF image of lysosomes illustrates detailed interactions between them.
Multi-doped carbon dots with ratiometric pH sensing properties for monitoring enzyme catalytic reactions
Authors: Wang Ya , Lu Linlin , Peng Hui , Xu Jie , Wang Fengyang , Qi Ruijuan , Xu Zhiai , Zhang Wen
Published: June 2016

Multi-doped carbon dots (C-dots) were synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal method, and the C-dots could be used as a ratiometric pH probe directly without integrating with other dyes, which was demonstrated by monitoring the proton-producing enzyme catalytic reactions.
Recodable surfaces based on switchable hydrogen bonds
Authors: Wedler-Jasinski Nils , Delbosc Nicolas , Virolleaud Marie-Alice , Montarnal Damien , Welle Alexander , Barner Leonie , Walther Andreas , Bernard Julien , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: June 2016

We introduce recodable surfaces solely based on reversible artificial hydrogen bonding interactions.
Molecular recognition and activation by polyaza macrocyclic compounds based on host–guest interactions
Authors: Zhong Di-Chang , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: June 2016

This paper highlights the recent progress in the recognition and activation of molecules and anions by polyaza macrocyclic compounds.
Marriage of heavy main group elements with π-conjugated materials for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Parke Sarah M. , Boone Michael P. , Rivard Eric
Published: June 2016

This review showcases recent work devoted to placing heavy inorganic elements within π-conjugated frameworks and the novel properties that can arise.
Photoswitchable ring-opening polymerization of lactide catalyzed by azobenzene-based thiourea
Authors: Dai Zhongran , Cui Yaqin , Chen Changjuan , Wu Jincai
Published: June 2016

An azobenzene-based thiourea compound 1 as a catalyst was successfully used in the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide. The reactivity of a catalytic polymerization system using photoresponsive azobenzene-based thiourea/PMDETA as a catalyst could be switched between slow and fast states by alternating exposure to UV and ambient light.
Enhanced selective adsorption of CO2 on nitrogen-doped porous carbon monoliths derived from IRMOF-3
Authors: Ding Shunmin , Dong Qiaoling , Hu Jingwei , Xiao Weiming , Liu Xiaohui , Liao Lieqiang , Zhang Ning
Published: June 2016

The N-doped porous carbon monoliths prepared by direct carbonization of IRMOF-3, through an in situ activation and self-templating process, were found to exhibit significantly enhanced performance for the selective adsorption of CO2 compared to pristine IRMOF-3.
A proline-derived transannular N-cap for nucleation of short α-helical peptides
Authors: Tian Yuan , Wang Dongyuan , Li Jingxu , Shi Chuan , Zhao Hui , Niu Xiaogang , Li Zigang
Published: June 2016

We report herein a simple and practical proline-derived transannular N-cap as a helix nucleating template in diverse bio-related peptide sequences via macrolactamization on resin.
Structural analysis and optical properties of the Bi2−xYxWO6 system
Authors: Pasternak S. , Levy D. , Paz Y. , Pokroy B.
Published: June 2016

The structural and optical properties of the Bi2−xYxWO6, system are reported.
Preparation and unique dielectric properties of nanoporous materials with well-controlled closed-nanopores
Authors: Zhao Cuijiao , Wei Xiaonan , Huang Yawen , Ma Jiajun , Cao Ke , Chang Guanjun , Yang Junxiao
Published: June 2016

Although general porous materials have a low dielectric constant, their uncontrollable opened porous structure results in high dielectric loss and poor barrier properties, thus limiting their application as interconnect dielectrics.
Linear, non-linear and plastic bending deformation of cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Pan , Ogawa Yu , Nishiyama Yoshiharu , Ismail Ahmed E. , Mazeau Karim
Published: June 2016

Bending deformation of cellulose nanocrystal is investigated by using multi-scale modeling and transmission electron microscopy, which highlights importance of shear contribution in the deformation behavior of cellulose.
The structure of liquid water beyond the first hydration shell
Authors: Henao Andrés , Busch Sebastian , Guàrdia Elvira , Tamarit Josep Lluis , Pardo Luis Carlos
Published: June 2016

Distance dependent excess entropy calculations reveal that water is tetrahedrally structured up to long distances.
Nanoporous two-dimensional MoS2 membranes for fast saline solution purification
Authors: Kou Jianlong , Yao Jun , Wu Lili , Zhou Xiaoyan , Lu Hangjun , Wu Fengmin , Fan Jintu
Published: June 2016

Nanoporous two-dimensional MoS2 membranes are excellent candidates for saline solution purification.
Optically active multi-helical erythrocyte-like Ln(OH)CO3 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Sm)
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Songmei , Du Juan , Wang Bo , Meng Shiming , Liu Jianhua , Yu Mei
Published: June 2016

Hierarchical erythrocyte-like Ln(OH)CO3 with nanosized chiral structure-induced circular dichroism responses, assigned to valence to conduction band transitions and coupling effects between the left-handed-assembled Ln(OH)CO3 nanorods in the multi-helical RBC-like architecture.
Ice nucleation of an insect lipoprotein ice nucleator (LPIN) correlates with retardation of the hydrogen bond dynamics at the myo-inositol ring
Authors: Bäumer Alexander , Duman John G. , Havenith Martina
Published: June 2016

Remarkably little is known about the mechanism of action of ice nucleation proteins (INPs), although their ability to trigger ice nucleation could be used in a broad variety of applications.
Probing the spontaneous reduction mechanism of platinum ions confined in the nanospace by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Fangling , Li Cheng , Fu Haiying , Guo Xiaojing , Wu Guozhong , Chen Shimou
Published: June 2016

The reduction mechanism of Pt4+ ions confined in the channel of multi-walled carbon nanotubes was mainly investigated using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, with the aid of TEM, Raman, XRD and ICP-AES studies.
pH and concentration dependence of the optical properties of thiol-capped CdTe nanocrystals in water and D2O
Authors: Schneider R. , Weigert F. , Lesnyak V. , Leubner S. , Lorenz T. , Behnke T. , Dubavik A. , Joswig J.-O. , Resch-Genger U. , Gaponik N. , Eychmüller A.
Published: June 2016

The optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (SC NCs) are largely controlled by their size and surface chemistry, i.e., the chemical nature and number of surface ligands as well as the strength of the particle-ligand bond.
The reaction current distribution in battery electrode materials revealed by XPS-based state-of-charge mapping
Authors: Pearse Alexander J. , Gillette Eleanor , Lee Sang Bok , Rubloff Gary W.
Published: June 2016

Morphologically complex electrochemical systems, such as composite or nanostructured lithium ion battery electrodes, exhibit spatially inhomogeneous internal current distributions which are explored using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on model systems.
Substrate-induced structures of bismuth adsorption on graphene: a first principles study
Authors: Lin Shih-Yang , Chang Shen-Lin , Chen Hsin-Hsien , Su Shu-Hsuan , Huang Jung-Chun , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: June 2016

The geometric and electronic properties of Bi-adsorbed monolayer graphene, enriched by the strong effect of a substrate, are investigated by first-principles calculations.
Mechanism and microstructures in Ga2O3 pseudomartensitic solid phase transition
Authors: Zhu Sheng-Cai , Guan Shu-Hui , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: June 2016

Stochastic surface walking pathway sampling leads to find the first example of pseudomartensitic solid phase transition, Ga2O3 α–β transition.
Heterogeneous catalysis for valorisation of vegetable oils via metathesis reactions: ethenolysis of methyl oleate
Authors: Nieres P. D. , Zelin J. , Trasarti A. F. , Apesteguía C. R.
Published: June 2016

A second-generation Hoveyda–Grubbs complex supported on silica efficiently catalyzes the cross-metathesis of methyl oleate with ethylene.
The influence of gold(i) on the mechanism of thiolate, disulfide exchange
Authors: Garusinghe Gamage S. P. , Bessey S. Max , Bruce Alice E. , Bruce Mitchell R. M.
Published: June 2016

The 4-centered, metallacycle structure proposed as an intermediate in gold(i) thiolate, disulfide exchange.
Sterically (un)encumbered mer-tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of titanium(iv) for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide with CO2
Authors: Hessevik Julie , Lalrempuia Ralte , Nsiri Hajar , Törnroos Karl W. , Jensen Vidar R. , Le Roux Erwan
Published: June 2016

Titanium(iv) complexes bearing an unsubstituted tridentate bis(phenolate) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) were synthesized and structurally identified.
Solvent-dependent fluorescent-colorimetric probe for dual monitoring of Al3+ and Cu2+ in aqueous solution: an application to bio-imaging
Authors: Ghorai Anupam , Mondal Jahangir , Chowdhury Shubhamoy , Patra Goutam K.
Published: June 2016

A solvent-dependent reversible fluorescent-colorimetric bis-iminopyridyl Schiff base receptor (N1E,N4E)-N1,N4-bis(quinolin-4-ylmethylene)benzene-1,4-diamine (L) has been developed for the first time for sensitive and selective determination of Al3+ and Cu2+ in aqueous solution.
Boosting catalyst activity in cis-selective semi-reduction of internal alkynes by tailoring the assembly of all-metal aromatic tri-palladium complexes
Authors: Monfredini Anna , Santacroce Veronica , Deyris Pierre-Alexandre , Maggi Raimondo , Bigi Franca , Maestri Giovanni , Malacria Max
Published: June 2016

Zwitterionic all-metal aromatic tri-palladium complexes can catalyse the cis-selective semi-reduction of internal alkynes at ppm levels.
Glycosylated platinum(iv) prodrugs demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in cancer cells and minimized side-effects
Authors: Ma Jing , Wang Qingpeng , Yang Xiande , Hao Wenpei , Huang Zhonglv , Zhang Jiabao , Wang Xin , Wang Peng George
Published: June 2016

Conjugates (A1–A5) of the Pt(iv) derivative (A6) with amino groups from peracetyl glucose, rhamnose and mannose with a propyl amino or ethyl amino linker at the reducing end were synthesized and exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in tumour cells, especially for prostate cancer (PCa).
Cunning metal core: efficiency/stability dilemma in metallated porphyrin based light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Weber Katharina T. , Karikis Kostas , Weber Michael D. , Coto Pedro B. , Charisiadis Asterios , Charitaki Despina , Charalambidis Georgios , Angaridis Panagiotis , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Costa Rubén D.
Published: June 2016

The syntheses, the photophysical/electrochemical characterization, and the first application in LECs of different metallated porphyrins are provided.
An advanced high-energy sodium ion full battery based on nanostructured Na2Ti3O7/VOPO4layered materials
Authors: Li Hongsen , Peng Lele , Zhu Yue , Chen Dahong , Zhang Xiaogang , Yu Guihua
Published: June 2016

A sodium ion full battery based on nanostructured Na2Ti3O7/VOPO4layered materials is developed, which exhibits attractive reversible capacity, outstanding rate capability and excellent cycling stability.
Nitrogenase bioelectrocatalysis: heterogeneous ammonia and hydrogen production by MoFe protein
Authors: Milton Ross D. , Abdellaoui Sofiene , Khadka Nimesh , Dean Dennis R. , Leech Dónal , Seefeldt Lance C. , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: June 2016

Nitrogenase MoFe protein immobilization yields a bioelectrode capable of producing H2 and NH3 independent of the ATP-hydrolyzing Fe protein.
Ionic redox transistor from pore-spanning PPy(DBS) membranes
Authors: Hery Travis , Sundaresan Vishnu-Baba
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate controlled ion transport through PPy(DBS) membranes formed on porous substrates by varying its electrochemical oxidation state, and its application as a smart membrane separator in energy storage devices.
Prenatal exposures and DNA methylation in newborns: a pilot study in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Reddy Poovendhree , Naidoo Rajen N. , Asharam Kareshma , Batterman Stuart , Dolinoy Dana C.
Published: June 2016

Prenatal exposures to air pollution and maternal HIV infection have the potential to influence epigenetic programming and subsequently the health of offspring.
A metal-free transformation of alkynes to carbonyls directed by remote OH group
Authors: Chen Dao-Qian , Guo Chun-Huan , Zhang Heng-Rui , Jin Dong-Po , Li Xue-Song , Gao Pin , Wu Xin-Xing , Liu Xue-Yuan , Liang Yong-Min
Published: June 2016

A remote OH group-directed metal-free transformation of alkynes to carbonyl compounds has been developed.
One-pot room-temperature aqueous synthesis of Ag2Te–Ag nanocomposites
Authors: Lin Fei-Hung , Liu Chia-Jyi
Published: June 2016

Ag2Te–Ag nanocomposites are synthesized at room temperature using a simple aqueous reaction in one pot.
Interaction and localization diversities of global and local hubs in human protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Kiran M. , Nagarajaram H. A.
Published: June 2016

Hubs, the highly connected nodes in protein–protein interaction networks (PPINs), are associated with several characteristic properties and are known to perform vital roles in cells.
Thermal unfolding simulations of NBD1 domain variants reveal structural motifs associated with the impaired folding of F508del-CFTR
Authors: Estácio Sílvia G. , Martiniano Hugo F. M. C. , Faísca Patrícia F. N.
Published: June 2016

The deletion of phenylalanine 508 reshapes the conformational space of the NBD1 domain that populates unique intermediate states that provide insights into the molecular events that underlie the impaired folding of F508del-NBD1.
New approaches and omics tools for mining of vaccine candidates against vector-borne diseases
Authors: Kuleš Josipa , Horvatić Anita , Guillemin Nicolas , Galan Asier , Mrljak Vladimir , Bhide Mangesh
Published: June 2016

The availability of omics datasets coupled to high-throughput and bioinformatics analyses enabled rational and faster identification of new generation vaccine candidates.
Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity studies of 1,2,3-triazole–chalcones
Authors: Fu Dong-Jun , Zhang Sai-Yang , Liu Ying-Chao , Yue Xiao-Xin , Liu Jun-Ju , Song Jian , Zhao Ruo-Han , Li Feng , Sun Hui-Hui , Zhang Yan-Bing , Liu Hong-Min
Published: June 2016

12k exhibited an IC50 value of 1.53 μM against SK-N-SH cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase.
Novel p38α MAP kinase inhibitors identified from yoctoReactor DNA-encoded small molecule library
Authors: Petersen L. K. , Blakskjær P. , Chaikuad A. , Christensen A. B. , Dietvorst J. , Holmkvist J. , Knapp S. , Kořínek M. , Larsen L. K. , Pedersen A. E. , Röhm S. , Sløk F. A. , Hansen N. J. V.
Published: June 2016

A DNA-encoded small-molecule library was prepared using yoctoReactor technology followed by binder trap enrichment to identify selective inhibitors with nanomolar potencies against p38α MAP kinase.
Screening for covalent inhibitors using DNA-display of small molecule libraries functionalized with cysteine reactive moieties
Authors: Zambaldo C. , Daguer J.-P. , Saarbach J. , Barluenga S. , Winssinger N.
Published: June 2016

Discriminating between non-covalent and covalent inhibitors with SDS wash in microarray-based screen.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel indole derivatives containing sulfonamide scaffold as potential tubulin inhibitor
Authors: Man Ruo-Jun , Tang Dan-Jie , Lu Xiao-Yuan , Duan Yong-Tao , Tao Xiang-Xiang , Yang Meng-Ru , Wang Le-Le , Wang Bao-Zhong , Xu Chen , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: June 2016

Microtubule-targeted drugs play a critical role in various types of cancer therapy worldwide.
Endogenous Cu in the central nervous system fails to satiate the elevated requirement for Cu in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS
Authors: Hilton J. B. , White A. R. , Crouch P. J.
Published: June 2016

It is unclear why ubiquitous expression of mutant SOD1 selectively affects the central nervous system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we hypothesise that the central nervous system is primarily affected because, unlike other tissues, it has relatively limited capacity to satiate an increased requirement for Cu.
Chiral, radical, gold bis(dithiolene) complexes
Authors: Le Pennec Ronan , Jeannin Olivier , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Fourmigué Marc
Published: June 2016

Chiral gold(iii) dithiolene complexes are investigated for further oxidation to the neutral radical species, as potential single component conductors.
A highly sensitive, highly transparent, gel-gated MoS2 phototransistor on biodegradable nanopaper
Authors: Zhang Qing , Bao Wenzhong , Gong Amy , Gong Tao , Ma Dakang , Wan Jiayu , Dai Jiaqi , Munday Jeremy N. , He Jr-Hau , Hu Liangbing , Zhang Daihua
Published: June 2016

Transition metal dichalcogenides hold great promise for a variety of novel electrical, optical and mechanical devices and applications.
Spatial non-uniformity in exfoliated WS2 single layers
Authors: Paradisanos I. , Pliatsikas N. , Patsalas P. , Fotakis C. , Kymakis E. , Kioseoglou G. , Stratakis E.
Published: June 2016

Extraordinary spatial non-uniformity of the photoluminescence (PL) and strain properties of exfoliated WS2 monolayers. PL enhancement of the outer regions is attributed to the pronounced oxygen chemisorption and physisorption.
Selenocysteine containing analogues of Atx1-based peptides protect cells from copper ion toxicity
Authors: Shoshan Michal S. , Lehman Yonat , Goch Wojciech , Bal Wojciech , Tshuva Edit Y. , Metanis Norman
Published: June 2016

Seleno-substituted model peptides of copper metallochaperone proteins display particularly high Cu(i) affinity andin vitroanti-oxidative reactivity.
Modifiable poly(p-phenylene vinylene) copolymers towards functional conjugated materials
Authors: Zaquen N. , Verstraete K. , Lutsen L. , Vanderzande D. , Junkers T.
Published: June 2016

The copolymerization of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] (MDMO-PPV) with poly[2-methoxy-5-(carboxypentyloxy)-PPV] (CPM-PPV) and poly[2,5-dicyano-PPV] (CN-PPV) is studied and postpolymerization modification with water soluble substituents is demonstrated.
Efficient concurrent removal of sulfur and nitrogen contents from complex oil mixtures by using polyoxometalate-based composite materials
Authors: Yao Zhixiao , Miras Haralampos N. , Song Yu-Fei
Published: June 2016

Efficient and simultaneous deep desulfurization and denitrogenation of complex oil systems under mild conditions is reported using a heterogeneous Tris-LDH-LaW10 catalyst.
Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction in eutectic solvent under aqueous medium
Authors: Zhao Sanhu , Zhi Hangyu , Zhang Mi , Yan Qin , Fan Jianfeng , Guo Jinchang
Published: June 2016

Aqueous solvent-catalyst system formed by DES (1ChCl/2Gly) and DABCO is more useful and practical to the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction.
Enhanced UV detection by transparent graphene oxide/ZnO composite thin films
Authors: Paul R. , Gayen R. N. , Biswas S. , Bhat S. Venkataprasad , Bhunia R.
Published: June 2016

Highly transparent graphene oxide–ZnO composite films synthesized by simple chemical method inhibit electron–hole recombination, modulate carrier transport and enhance UV detection capability.