bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-instability of finite sized solid-liquid interfaces
Authors: Wu L.K. , Xu B. , Li Q.L. , Liu W.
Published: December 2015

In solid-liquid systems, macroscopic solids lose their equilibrium and melt in a manner that results in overall movement of the solid-liquid interface. This phenomenon occurs when they are subjected to temperature gradients or external stress, for example. However, many experiments suggest that the melting of nano- and micro-sized metallic nuclei follows a different process not described by traditional melting theory. In this paper, we demonstrate through simulation that the melting of solid nuclei of these sizes occurs via random breaches at the interfaces. Moreover, this breaching process occurs at the exact solid-liquid equilibrium temperature and in the absence of any external disturbance, which suggests the name “self-instability” for this melting process. We attribute this spontaneous instability to the curvature of the samples; based on the relationship between the sample’s instability and its curvature, we propose a destabilizing model for small systems. This model fits well with experimental results and leads to new insights into the instability behavior of small-sized systems; these insights have broad implications for research topics ranging from dendrite self-fragmentation to nanoparticle instability.
Transcriptome analysis reveals mucin 4 to be highly associated with periodontitis and identifies pleckstrin as a link to systemic diseases
Authors: Lundmark Anna , Davanian Haleh , Båge Tove , Johannsen Gunnar , Koro Catalin , Lundeberg Joakim , Yucel-Lindberg Tülay
Published: December 2015

The multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease periodontitis, which is characterized by destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, has also been implicated as a risk factor for various systemic diseases. Although periodontitis has been studied extensively, neither disease-specific biomarkers nor therapeutic targets have been identified, nor its link with systemic diseases. Here, we analyzed the global transcriptome of periodontitis and compared its gene expression profile with those of other inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Gingival biopsies from 62 patients with periodontitis and 62 healthy subjects were subjected to RNA sequencing. The up-regulated genes in periodontitis were related to inflammation, wounding and defense response and apoptosis, whereas down-regulated genes were related to extracellular matrix organization and structural support. The most highly up-regulated gene was mucin 4 (MUC4) and its protein product was confirmed to be over-expressed in periodontitis. When comparing the expression profile of periodontitis with other inflammatory diseases, several gene ontology categories, including inflammatory response, cell death, cell motion and homeostatic processes, were identified as common to all diseases. Only one gene, pleckstrin (PLEK), was significantly overexpressed in periodontitis, CVD, RA and UC, implicating this gene as an important networking link between these chronic inflammatory diseases.
Thrombopoietin induces production of nucleated thrombocytes from liver cells in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Tanizaki Yuta , Ichisugi Megumi , Obuchi-Shimoji Miyako , Ishida-Iwata Takako , Tahara-Mogi Ayaka , Meguro-Ishikawa Mizue , Kato Takashi
Published: December 2015

The development of mammalian megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets, which are thought to be absent in non-mammals, is primarily regulated by the thrombopoietin (TPO)/Mpl system. Although non-mammals possess nucleated thrombocytes instead of platelets, the features of nucleated thrombocyte progenitors remain to be clarified. Here, we provide the general features of TPO using Xenopus laevis TPO (xlTPO). Hepatic and splenic cells were cultured in liquid suspension with recombinant xlTPO. These cells differentiated into large, round, polyploid CD41-expressing cells and were classified as X. laevis MKs, comparable to mammalian MKs. The subsequent culture of MKs after removal of xlTPO produced mature, spindle-shaped thrombocytes that were activated by thrombin, thereby altering their morphology. XlTPO induced MKs in cultured hepatic cells for at least three weeks; however, this was not observed in splenic cells; this result demonstrates the origin of early haematopoietic progenitors in the liver rather than the spleen. Additionally, xlTPO enhanced viability of peripheral thrombocytes, indicating the xlTPO-Mpl pathway stimulates anti-apoptotic in peripheral thrombocytes. The development of thrombocytes from MKs via the TPO-Mpl system in X. laevis plays a crucial role in their development from MKs, comparable to mammalian thrombopoiesis. Thus, our results offer insight into the cellular evolution of platelets/MKs in vertebrates. (200/200).
Oxytocin Protects Hippocampal Memory and Plasticity from Uncontrollable Stress
Authors: Lee Sun-Young , Park Seong-Hae , Chung ChiHye , Kim Jeansok J. , Choi Se-Young , Han Jung-Soo
Published: December 2015

The hippocampus is vulnerable to uncontrollable stress and is enriched with oxytocin receptors, but their interactive influences on hippocampal functioning are unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on stress-induced alterations in synaptic plasticity and spatial memory in male rats. While vehicle-administered stressed rats showed impairment in long-term potentiation, enhancement in long-term depression and weakened spatial memory, these changes were not observed in oxytocin-administered stressed rats. To reveal the potential signaling mechanism mediating these effects, levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK) in the hippocampus was examined. Western blotting showed that oxytocin treatment blocked stress-induced alterations of pERK. Additionally, the oxytocin receptor antagonist L-368,899 inhibited the oxytocin’s protective effects on hippocampal memory to stress. Thus, intranasal administration of oxytocin reduced stress effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in rats via acting on oxytocin receptors and regulating ERK activity. This study suggests that exogenous oxytocin may be a therapeutically effective means to counter the detrimental neurocognitive effects of stress.
Enzymatic cellulose oxidation is linked to lignin by long-range electron transfer
Authors: Westereng Bjørge , Cannella David , Wittrup Agger Jane , Jørgensen Henning , Larsen Andersen Mogens , Eijsink Vincent G.H. , Felby Claus
Published: December 2015

Enzymatic oxidation of cell wall polysaccharides by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) plays a pivotal role in the degradation of plant biomass. While experiments have shown that LPMOs are copper dependent enzymes requiring an electron donor, the mechanism and origin of the electron supply in biological systems are only partly understood. We show here that insoluble high molecular weight lignin functions as a reservoir of electrons facilitating LPMO activity. The electrons are donated to the enzyme by long-range electron transfer involving soluble low molecular weight lignins present in plant cell walls. Electron transfer was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showing that LPMO activity on cellulose changes the level of unpaired electrons in the lignin. The discovery of a long-range electron transfer mechanism links the biodegradation of cellulose and lignin and sheds new light on how oxidative enzymes present in plant degraders may act in concert.
Apocynin suppression of NADPH oxidase reverses the aging process in mesenchymal stem cells to promote osteogenesis and increase bone mass
Authors: Sun Jinlong , Ming Leiguo , Shang Fengqing , Shen Lijuan , Chen Jihua , Jin Yan
Published: December 2015

Because of the reduced potential for osteogenesis in aging bone marrow stromal cells, the balance of bone metabolism becomes disrupted, leading to various bone diseases. An increase in reactive oxygen species has been determined to be one of the key factors that accelerates the aging process in BMSCs. In these cells, increased expression of NADPH oxidases is the major source of ROS. In the current study, we suppressed the expression of NOX using apocynin, an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger and the results showed that aging BMSCs exhibited an enhanced potential for osteogenesis. The expression of potential key targets influencing this reversal was evaluated using qRT-PCR and the expression of p53 was shown to be reduced with the suppression of NOX. We speculate that this may be one of the major reasons for the reversal of the aging process. We also examined the effect of apocynin in vivo and the results showed that in SAMP6 mice, bone mineral density and total bone volume were increased after 3 months of apocynin treatment. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that in aging BMSCs, suppression of NADPH oxidase by apocynin partially reverses the aging process and enhances osteogenic potential.
The molecular mechanism of photochemical internalization of cell penetrating peptide-cargo-photosensitizer conjugates
Authors: Ohtsuki Takashi , Miki Shunya , Kobayashi Shouhei , Haraguchi Tokuko , Nakata Eiji , Hirakawa Kazutaka , Sumita Kensuke , Watanabe Kazunori , Okazaki Shigetoshi
Published: December 2015

In many drug delivery strategies, an inefficient transfer of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids to the cytosol often occurs because of their endosomal entrapment. One of the methods to overcome this problem is photochemical internalization, which is achieved using a photosensitizer and light to facilitate the endosomal escape of the macromolecule. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of photochemical internalization of cell penetrating peptide-cargo (macromolecule)-photosensitizer conjugates. We measured the photophysical properties of eight dyes (photosensitizer candidates) and determined the respective endosomal escape efficiencies using these dyes. Correlation plots between these factors indicated that the photogenerated 1O2 molecules from photosensitizers were highly related to the endosomal escape efficiencies. The contribution of 1O2 was confirmed using 1O2 quenchers. In addition, time-lapse fluorescence imaging showed that the photoinduced endosomal escape occurred at a few seconds to a few minutes after irradiation (much longer than 1O2 lifetime) and that the pH increased in the endosome prior to the endosomal escape of the macromolecule.
Stanene cyanide: a novel candidate of Quantum Spin Hall insulator at high temperature
Authors: Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Ding Meng , Li Ping , Li Feng , Ren Miao-juan , Wang Pei-ji , Hu Shu-jun , Yan Shi-shen
Published: December 2015

The search for quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators with high stability, large and tunable gap and topological robustness, is critical for their realistic application at high temperature. Using first-principle calculations, we predict the cyanogen saturated stanene SnCN as novel topological insulators material, with a bulk gap as large as 203 meV, which can be engineered by applying biaxial strain and electric field. The band topology is identified by Z2 topological invariant together with helical edge states and the mechanism is s-pxy band inversion at G point induced by spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Remarkably, these systems have robust topology against chemical impurities, based on the calculations on halogen and cyano group co-decorated stanene SnXxX′1−x (X,X′  =  F, Cl, Br, I and CN), which makes it an appropriate and flexible candidate material for spintronic devices.
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone ameliorates ocular surface dysfunctions and lesions in a scopolamine-induced dry eye model via PKA-CREB and MEK-Erk pathways
Authors: Ru Yusha , Huang Yue , Liu Huijuan , Du Juan , Meng Zhu , Dou Zexia , Liu Xun , Wei Rui Hua , Zhang Yan , Zhao Shaozhen
Published: December 2015

Dry eye is a highly prevalent, chronic and multifactorial disease that compromises quality of life and generates socioeconomic burdens. The pathogenic factors of dry eye disease (DED) include tear secretion abnormalities, tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation. An effective intervention targeting the pathogenic factors is needed to control this disease. Here we applied α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) twice a day to the ocular surface of a scopolamine-induced dry eye rat model. The results showed that α-MSH at different doses ameliorated tear secretion, tear film stability and corneal integrity and corrected overexpression of proinflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ, in ocular surface of the dry eye rats. Moreover, α-MSH, at 10−4 μg/μl, maintained corneal morphology, inhibited apoptosis and restored the number and size of conjunctival goblet cells in the dry eye rats. Mechanistically, α-MSH activated both PKA-CREB and MEK-Erk pathways in the dry eye corneas and conjunctivas; pharmacological blockade of either pathway abolished α-MSH’s protective effects, suggesting that both pathways are necessary for α-MSH’s protection under dry eye condition. The peliotropic protective functions and explicit signaling mechanism of α-MSH warrant translation of the α-MSH-containing eye drop into a novel and effective intervention to DED.
Crystal Structure of Human SSRP1 Middle Domain Reveals a Role in DNA Binding
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Zeng Fuxing , Liu Yiwei , Shao Chen , Li Sai , Lv Hui , Shi Yunyu , Niu Liwen , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: December 2015

SSRP1 is a subunit of the FACT complex, an important histone chaperone required for transcriptional regulation, DNA replication and damage repair. SSRP1 also plays important roles in transcriptional regulation independent of Spt16 and interacts with other proteins. Here, we report the crystal structure of the middle domain of SSRP1. It consists of tandem pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. These domains differ from the typical PH domain in that PH1 domain has an extra conserved βαβ topology. SSRP1 contains the well-characterized DNA-binding HMG-1 domain. Our studies revealed that SSRP1-M can also participate in DNA binding and that this binding involves one positively charged patch on the surface of the structure. In addition, SSRP1-M did not bind to histones, which was assessed through pull-down assays. This aspect makes the protein different from other related proteins adopting the double PH domain structure. Our studies facilitate the understanding of SSRP1 and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of interaction with DNA and histones of the FACT complex.
In situ analysis of dynamic laminar flow extraction using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Hua-Lin , Qiu Yang , Chang Yu-Long , Long Yi-Tao
Published: December 2015

In this study, we performed micro-scale dynamic laminar flow extraction and site-specific in situ chloride concentration measurements. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the diffusion process of chloride ions from an oil phase to a water phase under laminar flow. In contrast to common logic, we used SERS intensity gradients of Rhodamine 6G to quantitatively calculate the concentration of chloride ions at specific positions on a microfluidic chip. By varying the fluid flow rates, we achieved different extraction times and therefore different chloride concentrations at specific positions along the microchannel. SERS spectra from the water phase were recorded at these different positions and the spatial distribution of the SERS signals was used to map the degree of nanoparticle aggregation. The concentration of chloride ions in the channel could therefore be obtained. We conclude that this method can be used to explore the extraction behaviour and efficiency of some ions or molecules that enhance the SERS intensity in water or oil by inducing nanoparticle aggregation.
An integrated statistical model for enhanced murine cardiomyocyte differentiation via optimized engagement of 3D extracellular matrices
Authors: Jung Jangwook P. , Hu Dongjian , Domian Ibrahim J. , Ogle Brenda M.
Published: December 2015

The extracellular matrix (ECM) impacts stem cell differentiation, but identifying formulations supportive of differentiation is challenging in 3D models. Prior efforts involving combinatorial ECM arrays seemed intuitively advantageous. We propose an alternative that suggests reducing sample size and technological burden can be beneficial and accessible when coupled to design of experiments approaches. We predict optimized ECM formulations could augment differentiation of cardiomyocytes derived in vitro. We employed native chemical ligation to polymerize 3D poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels under mild conditions while entrapping various combinations of ECM and murine induced pluripotent stem cells. Systematic optimization for cardiomyocyte differentiation yielded a predicted solution of 61%, 24% and 15% of collagen type I, laminin-111 and fibronectin, respectively. This solution was confirmed by increased numbers of cardiac troponin T, α-myosin heavy chain and α-sarcomeric actinin-expressing cells relative to suboptimum solutions. Cardiomyocytes of composites exhibited connexin43 expression, appropriate contractile kinetics and intracellular calcium handling. Further, adding a modulator of adhesion, thrombospondin-1, abrogated cardiomyocyte differentiation. Thus, the integrated biomaterial platform statistically identified an ECM formulation best supportive of cardiomyocyte differentiation. In future, this formulation could be coupled with biochemical stimulation to improve functional maturation of cardiomyocytes derived in vitro or transplanted in vivo.
G9a orchestrates PCL3 and KDM7A to promote histone H3K27 methylation
Authors: Pan Mei-Ren , Hsu Ming-Chuan , Chen Li-Tzong , Hung Wen-Chun
Published: December 2015

Methylation of histone H3-lysine 9 (H3K9) and H3K27 by the methyltransferase G9a and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) inhibits transcription of target genes. A crosstalk between G9a and PRC2 via direct physical interaction has been shown recently. Here, we demonstrate an alternative mechanism by which G9a promotes H3K27 methylation. Overexpression of G9a increases both H3K9 and H3K27 methylation, reduces E-cadherin expression and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Conversely, the depletion of G9a or ectopic expression of methyltransferase-dead G9a in G9a-overexpressing gemcitabine-resistant PANC-1-R cells exhibits opposite effects. G9a promotes H3K27 methylation of the E-cadherin promoter by upregulating PCL3 to increase PRC2 promoter recruitment and by downregulating the H3K27 demethylase KDM7A to silence E-cadherin gene. The depletion of PCL3 or overexpression of KDM7A elevated expression of E-cadherin in PANC-1-R cells while ectopic expression of PCL3 or knockdown of KDM7A downregulated E-cadherin in PANC-1 cells. Collectively, we provide evidence that G9a orchestrates the dynamic balance within histone-modifying enzymes to regulate H3K27 methylation and gene expression.
Ultrasound-aided Multi-parametric Photoacoustic Microscopy of the Mouse Brain
Authors: Ning Bo , Sun Naidi , Cao Rui , Chen Ruimin , Kirk Shung K. , Hossack John A. , Lee Jin-Moo , Zhou Qifa , Hu Song
Published: December 2015

High-resolution quantitative imaging of cerebral oxygen metabolism in mice is crucial for understanding brain functions and formulating new strategies to treat neurological disorders, but remains a challenge. Here, we report on our newly developed ultrasound-aided multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), which enables simultaneous quantification of the total concentration of hemoglobin (CHb), the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (sO2) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the microscopic level and through the intact mouse skull. The three-dimensional skull and vascular anatomies delineated by the dual-contrast (i.e., ultrasonic and photoacoustic) system provide important guidance for dynamically focused contour scan and vessel orientation-dependent correction of CBF, respectively. Moreover, bi-directional raster scan allows determining the direction of blood flow in individual vessels. Capable of imaging all three hemodynamic parameters at the same spatiotemporal scale, our ultrasound-aided PAM fills a critical gap in preclinical neuroimaging and lays the foundation for high-resolution mapping of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2)—a quantitative index of cerebral oxygen metabolism. This technical innovation is expected to shed new light on the mechanism and treatment of a broad spectrum of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke.
The yield of mechanically harvested rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) can be increased by optimum plant density and row spacing
Authors: Kuai Jie , Sun Yingying , Zuo Qingsong , Huang Haidong , Liao Qingxi , Wu Chongyou , Lu Jianwei , Wu Jiangsheng , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: December 2015

To determine the effects of plant density and row spacing on the mechanical harvesting of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), field experiments were conducted. Higher plant density produced fewer pods and reduced the yield per plant. Wider row spacing at higher plant densities increased seeds per pod and the 1000-seed weight, resulting in a higher yield per plant. The highest yields were achieved at a density of 45 × 104 plants ha−1 (D45) in combination with 15 cm row spacing (R15) because mortality associated with competition increased as both the plant density and row spacing increased. The leaf area index (LAI) and pod area index (PAI) showed similar relations to the yield per hectare and they were positively correlated with the percentage of intercepted light, whereas the radiation use efficiency (RUE) was positively correlated with population biomass. Reduced plant height and increased root/shoot ratios led to a decreased culm lodging index. Improved resistance to pod shattering was also observed as plant density and row spacing increased. The angle of the lowest 5 branches decreased as row spacing increased under D30 and D45. All of these structural changes influenced the mechanical harvesting operations, resulting in the highest yield of mechanically harvesting rapeseed under D45R15.
Salt-induced ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and filter separation
Authors: Li Zhenhan , Xia Shanhong , Bian Chao , Tong Jianhua
Published: December 2015

A simple, rapid extraction method, which uses in-line-generated ionic liquid fine drops to extract analytes, and filters for separation.
A biopolymeric nano-receptor for sensitive and selective recognition of albendazole
Authors: Srivastava Juhi , Singh Meenakshi
Published: December 2015

A biopolymeric nano-receptor for selective and sensitive recognition of albendazole.
Synthesis of di-, tri- and tetracyclopropylhydrazines
Authors: Shestakov Aleksandr N. , Kuznetsov Mikhail A.
Published: December 2015

Previously unknown 1,1-dicyclopropylhydrazine was obtained in two steps starting from dicyclopropylamine. It serves as a starting material to tri- and tetracyclopropylhydrazines, which have not been described in the literature either.
Correction: Self-assembly of the anti-fungal polyene amphotericin B into giant helically-twisted nanotapes
Authors: Hamley Ian William , Kirkham Steven , Kowalczyk Radoslaw M. , Castelletto Valeria , Reza Mehedi , Ruokolainen Janne
Published: December 2015

Correction for ‘Self-assembly of the anti-fungal polyene amphotericin B into giant helically-twisted nanotapes’ by Ian William Hamley et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 17680–17683.
Phase transition kinetics of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 analyzed by temperature-controlled operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Takahashi Ikuma , Arai Hajime , Murayama Haruno , Sato Kenji , Komatsu Hideyuki , Tanida Hajime , Koyama Yukinori , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Ogumi Zempachi
Published: December 2015

Charge–discharge reaction scheme of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 at high and low temperatures.
Aggregation of binary colloidal suspensions on attractive walls
Authors: Laganapan Aleena , Bochicchio Davide , Bienia Marguerite , Videcoq Arnaud , Ferrando Riccardo
Published: December 2015

The adsorption of colloidal particles from a suspension on a solid surface is of fundamental importance to many physical and biological systems.
Cation doping size effect for methane activation on alkaline earth metal doping of the CeO2 (111) surface
Authors: Carey J. J. , Nolan M.
Published: December 2015

Alkaline earth metal doping of CeO2 improves the dissociative adsorption of methane with the behaviour showing a correlation to dopant ionic radius.
Substituting effect of Ce3+ on the AlPO-11 molecular sieve
Authors: Liu Yuxiang , Xu Lu , Zhao Lianming , Wei Ling , Liu Xinmei , Yan Zifeng
Published: December 2015

Substituted AlPO-11 molecular sieve with Ce3+ was first prepared via dry gel conversion.
Mechanism and stability of spectrally pure green up-conversion emission in Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped Ba5Gd8Zn4O21 phosphors
Authors: Suo Hao , Guo Chongfeng , Wang Wenbin , Li Ting , Duan Changkui , Yin Min
Published: December 2015

Intense green emitting UC phosphors are isolated from the impact of dopant content, temperature and pumping power.
A family of tetranuclear quinolinolate Dy(iii)-based single-molecule magnets: effects of periphery ligand replacement on their magnetic relaxation
Authors: Zhang Da , Tian Yong-Mei , Sun Wen-Bin , Li Hong-Feng , Chen Peng , Zhang Yi-Quan , Yan Peng-Fei
Published: December 2015

Three tetranuclear quinolinolate Dy(iii)-based complexes are reported, their distinct slow magnetic relaxation behaviors were related to the replacement of the peripheral β-diketonate ligand.
Defects and disorder in metal organic frameworks
Authors: Cheetham Anthony K. , Bennett Thomas D. , Coudert François-Xavier , Goodwin Andrew L.
Published: December 2015

The wide-ranging properties of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) rely in many cases on the presence of defects within their structures and the disorder that is inevitably associated with such defects.
Chlorine and temperature directed self-assembly of Mg–Ru2(ii,iii) carbonates and particle size dependent magnetic properties
Authors: Yang Jian-Hui , Cheng Ru-Mei , Jia Yan-Yan , Jin Jin , Yang Bing-Bing , Cao Zhi , Liu Bin
Published: December 2015

A series of heterometallic magnesium diruthenium(ii,iii) carbonates were synthesized from reactions of Ru2(CO3)43− and Mg2+ in aqueous solution. A variety of factors closely related to the structural and magnetic properties have been fully discussed.
Reformulated meat products protect against ischemia-induced cardiac damage
Authors: Asensio-Lopez M. C. , Lax A. , Sanchez-Mas J. , Avellaneda A. , Planes J. , Pascual-Figal D. A.
Published: December 2015

Processed meat products exert a protective effect against oxidative stress and cell damage induced under ischemia.
Apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide inhibits LPS-induced inflammation through the inactivation of AP-1 and MAPK signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages and protects mice against endotoxin shock
Authors: Hu Weicheng , Wang Xinfeng , Wu Lei , Shen Ting , Ji Lilian , Zhao Xihong , Si Chuan-Ling , Jiang Yunyao , Wang Gongcheng
Published: December 2015

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide.
A hybrid of thiazolidinone with the hydroxamate scaffold for developing novel histone deacetylase inhibitors with antitumor activities
Authors: Yang Feifei , Peng Shihong , Li Yunqi , Su Liqiang , Peng Yangrui , Wu Jing , Chen Huang , Liu Mingyao , Yi Zhengfang , Chen Yihua
Published: December 2015

A series of novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were designed, synthesized and evaluated based on the strategies of a hybrid of the classic pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors with the thiazolidinone scaffold.
A versatile bi-metallic copper–cobalt catalyst for liquid phase hydrogenation of furfural to 2-methylfuran
Authors: Srivastava Sanjay , Jadeja G. C. , Parikh Jigisha
Published: December 2015

This work presents the application of bi-metallic copper–cobalt catalysts towards one step hydrogenation of furfural to 2-methylfuran in liquid phase.
Effect of different morphologies on the creep behavior of high-density polyethylene
Authors: Pan Yuxi , Gao Xueqin , Lei Jun , Li ZhongMing , Shen KaiZhi
Published: December 2015

With the wide use of polymer materials as pressure parts, people have started paying more attention to the safety and longevity of polymeric materials.
Structural and conformational properties of polybenzimidazoles in melt and phosphoric acid solution: a polyelectrolyte membrane for fuel cells
Authors: Pahari Swagata , Roy Sudip
Published: December 2015

In this work, a single chain conformational analysis of poly[2,2′-(p-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole (PBI) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) in melt as well as in PA was performed using classical molecular dynamics simulations.
A multifunctional hierarchical nano/micro-structured silicon surface with omnidirectional antireflection and superhydrophilicity via an anodic aluminum oxide etch mask
Authors: Dudem Bhaskar , Leem Jung Woo , Yu Jae Su
Published: December 2015

Hierarchical nano/micro architectures fabricated on a Si surface via an anodic aluminum oxide etch mask can be utilized as antireflection coatings in Si-based device applications and for self-cleaning and anti-fogging surfaces.
A highly selective marker reaction for measuring the activity of human carboxylesterase 1 in complex biological samples
Authors: Lv Xia , Wang Dan-Dan , Feng Lei , Wang Ping , Zou Li-Wei , Hao Da-Cheng , Hou Jie , Cui Jing-Nan , Ge Guang-Bo , Yang Ling
Published: December 2015

NMHN hydrolysis was found to be a highly selective marker reaction for sensing the activity of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1).
Synthesis of donor–acceptor copolymer using benzoselenadiazole as acceptor for OTFT
Authors: Shaik Baji , Han Jin-Hee , Song Dong Jin , Kang Hun-Min , Kim Ye Beyeol , Park Chan Eon , Lee Sang-Gyeong
Published: December 2015

The synthesized copolymer has a low band gap and exhibits a hole mobility of around 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1.
In situ preparation of a MOF-derived magnetic carbonaceous catalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xu Jing-Yin , Zhai Xin-Ping , Gao Lin-Feng , Chen Peng , Zhao Min , Yang Hong-Bin , Cao Deng-Feng , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: December 2015

A MOF-derived magnetic carbonaceous photocatalyst was prepared in situ and demonstrated highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution without noble metal cocatalyst.
Chemical substitution assisted ion sensing with organic molecules: a case study of naphthalene
Authors: Min Wei-Jie , Hao Hua , Wang Xian-Long , Zheng Xiao-Hong , Zeng Zhi
Published: December 2015

Using first-principles calculations, we predict that a naphthalene molecule with N substitutions for the –CH groups is a good system for H+ sensing.
Highly efficient trans–cis isomerization of lycopene catalyzed by iodine-doped TiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Qingrui , Yang Cheng , Li Jing , Aboshora Waleed , Raza Husnain , Zhang Lianfu
Published: December 2015

Highly efficienttrans–cisisomerization of lycopene was achieved in the presence of a novel iodine-doped titanium dioxide (I-TiO2) catalyst.
The fluorescence detection of autophagosomes in live cells under starvation using core-substituted naphthalenediimide probes
Authors: Ghule Namdev V. , Kharat Kiran , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Puyad Avinash L. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Bhosale Sidhanath V.
Published: December 2015

We developedNDI-Cprobe for the analysis of the autophagosomes in live cells. A new flow cytometric method was also developed for the analysis of cell population on the basis of intracellular pH.
Molecular and biochemical characterization of a new thermostable bacterial laccase from Meiothermus ruber DSM 1279
Authors: Kalyani D. C. , Munk L. , Mikkelsen J. D. , Meyer A. S.
Published: December 2015

A new bacterial laccase gene (mrlac) fromMeiothermus ruberDSM 1279 was successfully overexpressed to produce a laccase (Mrlac) in soluble form inEscherichia coliduring simultaneous overexpression of a chaperone protein (GroEL/ES).
Structurally plastic peptide capsules for synthetic antimicrobial viruses
Authors: Castelletto Valeria , de Santis Emiliana , Alkassem Hasan , Lamarre Baptiste , Noble James E. , Ray Santanu , Bella Angelo , Burns Jonathan R. , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Ryadnov Maxim G.
Published: December 2015

A conceptual design for artificial antimicrobial viruses is described.
Nucleic acid-selective light-up fluorescent biosensors for ratiometric two-photon imaging of the viscosity of live cells and tissues
Authors: Li Dandan , Tian Xiaohe , Wang Aidong , Guan Lijuan , Zheng Jun , Li Fei , Li Shengli , Zhou Hongping , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: December 2015

Two water-soluble TPEF probes which can be applied as ratiometric viscosity sensors were shown to bind to nuclear DNA and RNA in the nucleolus and cytoplasm with high affinity, respectively.
Improved artificial neural network RF noise model for MOSFETs operating in avalanche region
Authors: Lee Chie‐In , Lin Yan‐Ting , Lin Wei‐Cheng
Published: December 2015

An artificial neural network (ANN)‐based noise model of MOSFETs for breakdown operation is presented for the first time. This ANN architecture for avalanche noise model determination is developed using a feed‐forward back propagation neural network program with optimisation algorithm of Levenberg Marquardt. Good agreement between measured and simulated noise parameters is achieved in the breakdown region. This simple and accurate breakdown characterisation method based on the ANN can be applicable to noise modelling for devices operating in the breakdown region.
Evaluation of performance enhancement on CRLB of CAF under multiple emitters
Authors: Lee Y.K. , Yang S.H. , Lee C.B. , Lee J.G. , Hwang S.W.
Published: December 2015

A method of enhancing performance is described on the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) of time difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) measurements under multiple emitters. The TDOA and FDOA measurements between two receivers can be simultaneously estimated by using the cross ambiguity function (CAF). However, in the case of multiple emitters, these measurements are contaminated by the inter‐symbol interferences (ISIs) which deteriorate the estimation quality. Therefore, it is required to reduce the effect of ISIs for enhancing the performance prior to calculating CAF. For separating the interference signals from the desired signal, we select the angle of arrival estimation algorithm with multiple array antennas. The performance of the estimator can be expressed as CRLB and the separation probability is calculated by employing the locally most powerful test. From the numerical evaluation results, it was observed that the performance could be significantly improved especially for the situation under heavy ISIs.
Composite analysis‐based model for image restoration solved by alternating direction method of multipliers fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithm
Authors: Shen Zhengwei , Cheng Lishuang
Published: December 2015

A composite analysis‐based model for image restoration by utilising the image edge's well preserving property of the total variation (TV) and the sparsely representation capability of the wavelet frame‐based image restoration model is proposed. This model is an analysis‐based approach that the wavelet frame coefficient is quite often able to be linked with the smoothness of the image and is more in accord with the model's essence of TV model. This model is solved using the alternating direction method of multipliers fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithm and a faster alternating minimisation algorithm, and numerical experiments show that the proposed method is more suitable for image restoration.
Muscle fatigue analysis using surface EMG signals and time–frequency based medium‐to‐low band power ratio
Authors: Karthick P.A. , Ramakrishnan S.
Published: December 2015

An attempt has been made to analyse the progression of muscle fatigue using mean power ratios (MPRs) derived from B‐distribution time–frequency spectrum of surface electromyography signals. For this purpose, signals are recorded from the biceps brachii muscle of 30 healthy adult volunteers. Fifteen subjects carried out isometric contractions and the rest performed dynamic muscle contractions until task failure. The signals are preprocessed and subjected to B‐distribution‐based time–frequency analysis. Subsequently, the MPR of medium‐to‐low‐frequency band (M/LFB) and high‐to‐LFB (H/LFB) are extracted from the time–frequency spectrum. Furthermore, the slope is calculated using the linear regression technique. Results show that MPR of M/LFB and H/LFB exhibit a decreasing trend during the progression of muscle fatigue condition. The strength of the peaks present in MPR of M/LFB progressively reduces and approaches zero at task failure for all subjects. Additionally, higher slope values are found in MPR of M/LFB in comparison with H/LFB. It appears that MPR of M/LFB is more sensitive for muscle fatigue analysis and may be used as an index for real‐time monitoring in work place.
Interference alignment in space, time and frequency: achievable DoF analysis
Authors: Falahati A. , Akbari M.
Published: December 2015

It is well established that the employment of interference alignment (IA) in the interference channel can enhance the achievable degrees of freedom (DOF) significantly. The feasibility of IA in a multi‐carrier time‐extended interference channel is considered. A new IA scheme is introduced that jointly performs the alignment over space, time and frequency. An asymmetric case is considered where the users are equipped with a different number of transmit/receive antennas. In the wake of this asymmetry, the feasible DoF of each user can be different. A closed‐form necessary condition on the feasibility of asymmetric achievable DoF in the proposed scheme is derived.
Achievable rates of Gaussian two‐way relay channel with orthogonal components and partial decoding at relay
Authors: Al‐qudah Z.
Published: December 2015

A novel two‐phase practical transmission scheme is proposed to exchange messages between the two users composing the two‐way relay channel. These two phases are the listening phase and the dynamic decode‐and‐forward phase. Then, the achievable rate region is derived in the case that the two users transmit and receive over orthogonal frequency bands. Some numerical results are obtained to confirm the theoretical results.
U‐shaped frequency selective surfaces for single‐ and dual‐band applications together with absorber and sensor configurations
Authors: Bakir Mehmet , Delihacioglu Kemal , Karaaslan Muharrem , Dincer Furkan , Sabah Cumali
Published: December 2015

In this study, the frequency selective surface (FSS), absorbance and sensing applications of new unit cells comprised of single, double and quad U‐shaped metallic elements are numerically and experimentally investigated. The numerical results are realised by using finite integration technique‐based electromagnetic simulation software, CST Microwave Studio. Experimental results are obtained by means of Agilent N5234A PNA‐L vector network analyser. The simulated and measured results of U‐shaped FSSs are carried out by using two different ways; periodic unit cell and waveguide boundary conditions. The single and quad U‐shaped FSS elements show a single band‐stop filter property, whereas the double U‐shaped FSS shows a dual‐frequency band‐stop filter behaviour. Absorber and sensor applications of the proposed U‐shaped FSSs are illustrated both numerically and experimentally. The three types of U‐shaped FSS structures show a narrowband absorbance which has potential in biomedical and sensing applications. Single and dual absorber characteristics are observed with a 90% absorbance. For the sensor configuration, 800 MHz bandwidth is obtained for sensing different materials showing that it is possible to realise different microwave sensor studies in industries of food and agriculture. Simulated and measured results are compared for FSS, absorber and sensor configurations, and the results show a good agreement with each other.
Derivation of zero‐sequence circulating current and the compensation of delta‐connected static var generators for unbalanced load
Authors: Fujun Ma , An Luo , Qiaopo Xiong , Zhixing He , Qianming Xu
Published: December 2015

Cascaded static var generators (SVG) with delta‐configuration is discussed for a compensation of reactive, negative‐sequence and harmonic currents. According to phasor analysis of negative‐sequence current compensation, the role of zero‐sequence circulating current for power balance is analysed. According to power analysis, the analytical expressions of zero‐sequence circulating current and 2nd frequency ripples of dc‐link voltages are derived. On the basis of this, the phase‐current reference detection and the simplified control method of SVG for negative‐sequence current compensation are proposed, which is concise and can achieve power balance of three‐phase clusters by superimposing a zero‐sequence circulating current without additional controllers. Finally, the simulation and experimental results have effectively verified the proposed method.
Power transfer using portable surfaces in capacitively coupled power transfer technology
Authors: Mishra Santanu K. , Adda Ravindranath , Sekhar Saurabh , Joshi Avinash , Rathore Akshay Kumar
Published: December 2015

Capacitively coupled power transfer (CCPT) uses electrostatic mechanism to deliver power from a stationary transmitter to a mobile receiver. The authors study various aspects of this technology including physical limitations that are encountered to increase power transfer. They characterise the impact of input voltage, dielectric area, and permittivity of the dielectric material in realisation of CCPT system. It is observed that the peak voltage and VA ratings of the capacitors are affected by the choice of the aforementioned parameters. Air as a dielectric medium leads to low power density. A high permittivity material instead of air dielectric can be used to improve power density. This strategy will make the CCPT technology non‐contactless, because a physical contact exists between the transmitter and receiver. However, this contact is different from an ohmic contact. A high power density CCPT system is realised using ceramic dielectric surfaces. Issues encountered in system realization are discussed including automatic resonant frequency tracking. Detailed mathematical models under resonance and off‐resonance operation are proposed. The models are validated using simulations and experimental results. A low cost multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) based high power‐density transfer surface is realised. Results show that 35 W can be easily transferred using a set of 12 mm2 capacitive surfaces and 32 V source.
Ku band ground penetrating radar for asphalt layer measurement
Authors: Olkkonen Martta‐Kaisa
Published: December 2015

This study presents a new asphalt radar, operating in the band from 13 to 17 GHz, intended for mobile road surveying of road pavement surface layers. A wide frequency band is required since new asphalt overlays are very thin in Finland being less than 50 mm in thickness. Therefore, sufficient spatial resolution of the radar system is required so that the subgrade would not affect the measurement result of the surface course. This study presents new results of the measurement campaign carried out on a newly‐laid highway lane in Finland during summer 2014. The permittivity values on the trial section of the lane varied between 2.1 and 6.4. Two samples were drilled from the road in order to obtain reference permittivity values, measured in a laboratory using a 7 to 17 GHz scanner producing a 2D image of the permittivity. The permittivity values obtained using the scanner varied between 4.3 and 9.5 and they relate to the structural variation of the permittivity with a 5 mm × 5 mm resolution. The results indicate that permittivity values can be used for monitoring the change in asphalt density condition when it is performed as a follow‐up survey.
Natural genetic variation of Arabidopsis thaliana root morphological response to magnesium supply
Authors: Xiao Qiying , De Gernier Hugues , Kupcsik László , De Pessemier Jérôme , Dittert Klaus , Fladung Kirsten , Verbruggen Nathalie , Hermans Christian
Published: December 2015

Plants dynamically cope with the variability of mineral nutrient distribution in soil by constantly modulating nutrient uptake and shaping root-system architecture. The changes in root morphology in response to major essential elements are largely documented, but little is known about how the root system responds to magnesium (Mg) availability. Thirty-six natural accessions of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana were subjected to an in vitro screen for identifying variation in root system architecture in response to Mg availability. Response of root morphology was observed on 2-dimensional agar plates. Low Mg supply repressed the elongation of the lateral roots more than of the primary root. However, some accessions exhibited higher number and length of lateral roots than the reference Columbia-0. Across all accessions, the root morphological traits did not correlate with tissue Mg concentrations. Interestingly, shoot calcium and root phosphorus concentrations were positively correlated with the number and length of lateral roots, whereas root iron concentration was negatively correlated with the primary root length. The diversity of root phenotypes identified in this report is a useful resource to study the genetic component determining root morphology in response to Mg availability.
Electrodeposited platinum nanostructure films on the tantalum for ethanol electro-oxidation
Authors: Momeni M. M. , Nazari Z.
Published: December 2015

A new catalyst, platinum nanostructure electrodeposited on tantalum substrate (Pt/Ta), was prepared. The morphology and surface analysis of Pt/Ta electrodes were investigated using SEM and EDX, respectively. Electrochemical characteristics of ethanol oxidation on Pt/Ta electrodes were investigated via cyclic voltammetric in acidic solutions. The results were compared to those at a smooth platinum electrode. It was found that the electro-catalytic oxidation of ethanol on the Pt/Ta electrode increases the rate of ethanol electro-oxidation several times larger than a smooth platinum electrode and confirmed the better electro-catalytic activity and stability of Pt/Ta electrodes.
Precursor aging effect on the properties of CdZnS films
Authors: Selvan G. , Abubacker M. P. , Usharani K. , Balu A. R.
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured ternary Zn-doped CdS (CdZnS) thin films were fabricated from fresh and aged (1, 2, 3 and 4 days) starting solutions by the spray pyrolysis technique using a perfume atomizer. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the films are polycrystalline in nature exhibiting hexagonal crystal structure with a (0 0 2) preferential orientation. SEM images showed that the film prepared from 1 day aged solution possesses randomly oriented CdS crystallites of elongated needle shape. The optical band gap values exhibit a red shift with aging time of the precursor solution. A minimum resistivity of 3.94 × 10−3 Ω cm is obtained for the film prepared from 1 day aged solution. The obtained results infer that the CdZnS film prepared from 1 day aged solution exhibits better physical properties.
Cognitive approaches to the study of episodic future thinking
Authors: Szpunar Karl K. , Radvansky Gabriel A.
Published: December 2015

The concept of episodic future thinking—the ability to simulate events that may take place in the personal future—has given rise to an exponentially growing field of research that spans a variety of sub-disciplines within psychology and neuroscience. In this introduction to the special issue, we provide a brief historical overview of factors that have shaped research on the topic and highlight the need for additional behavioural work to uncover cognitive mechanisms that support episodic future thinking and differentiate it from other related modes of future-oriented cognition. We conclude by discussing the manner in which the various contributions to the special issue fill the gaps in our knowledge and make some of our own suggestions for future work.