bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kaempferol Identified by Zebrafish Assay and Fine Fractionations Strategy from Dysosma versipellis Inhibits Angiogenesis through VEGF and FGF Pathways
Authors: Liang Fang , Han Yuxiang , Gao Hao , Xin Shengchang , Chen Shaodan , Wang Nan , Qin Wei , Zhong Hanbing , Lin Shuo , Yao Xinsheng , Li Song
Published: October 2015

Natural products are a rich resource for the discovery of therapeutic substances. By directly using 504 fine fractions from isolated traditional Chinese medicine plants, we performed a transgenic zebrafish based screen for anti-angiogenesis substances. One fraction, DYVE-D3, was found to inhibit the growth of intersegmental vessels in the zebrafish vasculature. Bioassay-guided isolation of DYVE-D3 indicates that the flavonoid kaempferol was the active substance. Kaempferol also inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in vitro. Furthermore, we found that kaempferol suppressed angiogenesis through inhibiting VEGFR2 expression, which can be enhanced by FGF inhibition. In summary, this study shows that the construction of fine fraction libraries allows efficient identification of active substances from natural products.
Computational speed-up with a single qudit
Authors: Gedik Z. , Silva I. A. , Çakmak B. , Karpat G. , Vidoto E. L. G. , Soares-Pinto D. O. , deAzevedo E. R. , Fanchini F. F.
Published: October 2015

Quantum algorithms are known for providing more efficient solutions to certain computational tasks than any corresponding classical algorithm. Here we show that a single qudit is sufficient to implement an oracle based quantum algorithm, which can solve a black-box problem faster than any classical algorithm. For 2d permutation functions defined on a set of d elements, deciding whether a given permutation is even or odd, requires evaluation of the function for at least two elements. We demonstrate that a quantum circuit with a single qudit can determine the parity of the permutation with only one evaluation of the function. Our algorithm provides an example for quantum computation without entanglement since it makes use of the pure state of a qudit. We also present an experimental realization of the proposed quantum algorithm with a quadrupolar nuclear magnetic resonance using a single four-level quantum system, i.e., a ququart.
Network modelling reveals the mechanism underlying colitis-associated colon cancer and identifies novel combinatorial anti-cancer targets
Authors: Lu Junyan , Zeng Hanlin , Liang Zhongjie , Chen Limin , Zhang Liyi , Zhang Hao , Liu Hong , Jiang Hualiang , Shen Bairong , Huang Ming , Geng Meiyu , Spiegel Sarah , Luo Cheng
Published: October 2015

The connection between inflammation and tumourigenesis has been well established. However, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying inflammation-associated tumourigenesis remains unknown because this process involves a complex interplay between immune microenvironments and epithelial cells. To obtain a more systematic understanding of inflammation-associated tumourigenesis as well as to identify novel therapeutic approaches, we constructed a knowledge-based network describing the development of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) by integrating the extracellular microenvironment and intracellular signalling pathways. Dynamic simulations of the CAC network revealed a core network module, including P53, MDM2 and AKT, that may govern the malignant transformation of colon epithelial cells in a pro-tumor inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, in silico mutation studies and experimental validations led to a novel finding that concurrently targeting ceramide and PI3K/AKT pathway by chemical probes or marketed drugs achieves synergistic anti-cancer effects. Overall, our network model can guide further mechanistic studies on CAC and provide new insights into the design of combinatorial cancer therapies in a rational manner.
Regulation of the unfolded protein response via S-nitrosylation of sensors of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Nakato Ryosuke , Ohkubo Yu , Konishi Akari , Shibata Mari , Kaneko Yuki , Iwawaki Takao , Nakamura Tomohiro , Lipton Stuart A. , Uehara Takashi
Published: October 2015

Protein S-nitrosylation modulates important cellular processes, including neurotransmission, vasodilation, proliferation and apoptosis in various cell types. We have previously reported that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is S-nitrosylated in brains of patients with sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. This modification inhibits PDI enzymatic activity and consequently leads to the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. Here, we describe S-nitrosylation of additional ER pathways that affect the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cell-based models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We demonstrate that nitric oxide (NO) can S-nitrosylate the ER stress sensors IRE1α and PERK. While S-nitrosylation of IRE1α inhibited its ribonuclease activity, S-nitrosylation of PERK activated its kinase activity and downstream phosphorylation/inactivation or eIF2α. Site-directed mutagenesis of IRE1α(Cys931) prevented S-nitrosylation and inhibition of its ribonuclease activity, indicating that Cys931 is the predominant site of S-nitrosylation. Importantly, cells overexpressing mutant IRE1α(C931S) were resistant to NO-induced damage. Our findings show that nitrosative stress leads to dysfunctional ER stress signaling, thus contributing to neuronal cell death.
Efficacy and HIV drug resistance profile of second-line ART among patients having received long-term first-line regimens in rural China
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Zhe , Liu Jia , Yue Yanchao , Yang Shimei , Huang Huimin , He Cui , Liao Lingjie , Xing Hui , Ruan Yuhua , Shao Yiming
Published: October 2015

Antiretroviral therapy has significantly expanded and an increased proportion of patients have switched to second-line regimens in China. We describe the outcomes of second-line therapy among patients having received long-term first-line ART. A prospective follow-up study was conducted in rural areas in China. We compared the virological, immunological outcomes and genotypic drug resistance (DR) profiles before and after regimen switches. A total of 303 patients were enrolled, 283 (93.4%) were retained at 12 months. Of 90 participants with HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 copies/ml before switch, the proportion of viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml at 6 and 12 months was 49.4% and 43.9%, respectively. Of 213 patients with HIV-RNA < 1000 copies/ml before switch, the proportion of VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml at 6 and 12 months was 4.8% and 6.5%, respectively. The rates of drug resistance to NNRTIs, NRTIs, PIs decreased from 65.5%, 53.3% and 1.1% before regimen switch to 26.8%, 18.3% and 0% at 12 months, respectively. DDI-based initial ART regimens and missing doses in past month were associated with HIV RNA ≥ 1000 copies/ml at 12 months. The results showed that patients having received long-term first-line ART and experiencing virological failure had good virological outcomes after switching to second-line treatment in China.
FSP1+ fibroblast subpopulation is essential for the maintenance and regeneration of medullary thymic epithelial cells
Authors: Sun Lina , Sun Chenming , Liang Zhanfeng , Li Hongran , Chen Lin , Luo Haiying , Zhang Hongmei , Ding Pengbo , Sun Xiaoning , Qin Zhihai , Zhao Yong
Published: October 2015

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) form a 3-dimentional network supporting thymocyte development and maturation. Besides epithelium and thymocytes, heterogeneous fibroblasts are essential components in maintaining thymic microenvironments. However, thymic fibroblast characteristics, development and function remain to be determined. We herein found that thymic non-hematopoietic CD45-FSP1+ cells represent a unique Fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1)—fibroblast-derived cell subset. Deletion of these cells in FSP1-TK transgenic mice caused thymus atrophy due to the loss of TECs, especially mature medullary TECs (MHCIIhigh, CD80+ and Aire+). In a cyclophosphamide-induced thymus injury and regeneration model, lack of non-hematopoietic CD45-FSP1+ fibroblast subpopulation significantly delayed thymus regeneration. In fact, thymic FSP1+ fibroblasts released more IL-6, FGF7 and FSP1 in the culture medium than their FSP1- counterparts. Further experiments showed that the FSP1 protein could directly enhance the proliferation and maturation of TECs in the in vitro culture systems. FSP1 knockout mice had significantly smaller thymus size and less TECs than their control. Collectively, our studies reveal that thymic CD45-FSP1+ cells are a subpopulation of fibroblasts, which is crucial for the maintenance and regeneration of TECs especially medullary TECs through providing IL-6, FGF7 and FSP1.
The thermodynamic cost of driving quantum systems by their boundaries
Authors: Barra Felipe
Published: October 2015

The laws of thermodynamics put limits to the efficiencies of thermal machines. Analogues of these laws are now established for quantum engines weakly and passively coupled to the environment providing a framework to find improvements to their performance. Systems whose interaction with the environment is actively controlled do not fall in that framework. Here we consider systems actively and locally coupled to the environment, evolving with a so-called boundary-driven Lindblad equation. Starting from a unitary description of the system plus the environment we simultaneously obtain the Lindblad equation and the appropriate expressions for heat, work and entropy-production of the system extending the framework for the analysis of new and some already proposed, quantum heat engines. We illustrate our findings in spin 1/2 chains and explain why an XX chain coupled in this way to a single heat bath relaxes to thermodynamic-equilibrium while and XY chain does not. Additionally, we show that an XX chain coupled to a left and a right heat baths behaves as a quantum engine, a heater or refrigerator depending on the parameters, with efficiencies bounded by Carnot efficiencies.
Erratum: Two-Aperture Microfluidic Probes as Flow Dipoles: Theory and Applications
Authors: Safavieh Mohammadali , Qasaimeh Mohammad A. , Vakil Ali , Juncker David , Gervais Thomas
Published: October 2015

A microfluidic probe (MFP) is a mobile channel-less microfluidic system under which a fluid is injected from an aperture into an open space, hydrodynamically confined by a surrounding fluid, and entirely re-aspirated into a second aperture. Various MFPs have been developed, and have been used for applications ranging from surface patterning of photoresists to local perfusion of organotypic tissue slices. However, the hydrodynamic and mass transfer properties of the flow under the MFP have not been analyzed, and the flow parameters are adjusted empirically. Here, we present an analytical model describing the key transport properties in MFP operation, including the dimensions of the hydrodynamic flow confinement (HFC) area, diffusion broadening, and shear stress as a function of: (i) probe geometry (ii) aspiration-to-injection flow rate ratio (iii) gap between MFP and substrate and (iv) reagent diffusivity. Analytical results and scaling laws were validated against numerical simulations and experimental results from published data. These results will be useful to guide future MFP design and operation, notably to control the MFP “brush stroke” while preserving shear-sensitive cells and tissues.
Direct tumor recognition by a human CD4+ T-cell subset potently mediates tumor growth inhibition and orchestrates anti-tumor immune responses
Authors: Matsuzaki Junko , Tsuji Takemasa , Luescher Immanuel F. , Shiku Hiroshi , Mineno Junichi , Okamoto Sachiko , Old Lloyd J. , Shrikant Protul , Gnjatic Sacha , Odunsi Kunle
Published: October 2015

Tumor antigen-specific CD4+ T cells generally orchestrate and regulate immune cells to provide immune surveillance against malignancy. However, activation of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells is restricted at local tumor sites where antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are frequently dysfunctional, which can cause rapid exhaustion of anti-tumor immune responses. Herein, we characterize anti-tumor effects of a unique human CD4+ helper T-cell subset that directly recognizes the cytoplasmic tumor antigen, NY-ESO-1, presented by MHC class II on cancer cells. Upon direct recognition of cancer cells, tumor-recognizing CD4+ T cells (TR-CD4) potently induced IFN-γ-dependent growth arrest in cancer cells. In addition, direct recognition of cancer cells triggers TR-CD4 to provide help to NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells by enhancing cytotoxic activity and improving viability and proliferation in the absence of APCs. Notably, the TR-CD4 either alone or in collaboration with CD8+ T cells significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft model. Finally, retroviral gene-engineering with T cell receptor (TCR) derived from TR-CD4 produced large numbers of functional TR-CD4. These observations provide mechanistic insights into the role of TR-CD4 in tumor immunity and suggest that approaches to utilize TR-CD4 will augment anti-tumor immune responses for durable therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients.
Boletus edulis Nitrite Reductase Reduces Nitrite Content of Pickles and Mitigates Intoxication in Nitrite-intoxicated Mice
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Tian Guoting , Feng Shanshan , Wong Jack Ho , Zhao Yongchang , Chen Xiao , Wang Hexiang , Ng Tzi Bun
Published: October 2015

Pickles are popular in China and exhibits health-promoting effects. However, nitrite produced during fermentation adversely affects health due to formation of methemoglobin and conversion to carcinogenic nitrosamine. Fruiting bodies of the mushroom Boletus edulis were capable of inhibiting nitrite production during pickle fermentation. A 90-kDa nitrite reductase (NiR), demonstrating peptide sequence homology to fungal nitrite reductase, was isolated from B. edulis fruiting bodies. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme was 45 °C and 6.8, respectively. B. edulis NiR was capable of prolonging the lifespan of nitrite-intoxicated mice, indicating that it had the action of an antidote. The enzyme could also eliminate nitrite from blood after intragastric administration of sodium nitrite and after packaging into capsule, this nitrite-eliminating activity could persist for at least 120 minutes thus avoiding immediate gastric degradation. B. edulis NiR represents the first nitrite reductase purified from mushrooms and may facilitate subsequent applications.
Circularly polarised phosphorescent photoluminescence and electroluminescence of iridium complexes
Authors: Li Tian-Yi , Jing Yi-Ming , Liu Xuan , Zhao Yue , Shi Lin , Tang Zhiyong , Zheng You-Xuan , Zuo Jing-Lin
Published: October 2015

Nearly all the neutral iridium complexes widely used as dopants in PhOLEDs are racemic mixtures; however, this study observed that these complexes can be separated into stable optically active Λ and ∆ isomers and that their chirality is an intrinsic property. The circularly polarised phosphorescent photoluminescence (CPPPL) signals of Λ/Δ isomers are perfect mirror images with opposite polarisation and equal intensity exhibiting a “handedness” for the polarisation. For the first time, we applied the Λ/Δ iridium isomers as emitters in OLEDs and the circularly polarised phosphorescent electroluminescence (CPPEL) spectra reveal completely positive or negative broad peaks consistent with the CPPPL spectra. The results demonstrate that the Λ/Δ isomers have potential application for 3D OLEDs because they can exhibit high efficiency and luminance and 3D display technology based on circularly polarised light is the most comfortable for the eyes.
Synaptic vesicles contain small ribonucleic acids (sRNAs) including transfer RNA fragments (trfRNA) and microRNAs (miRNA)
Authors: Li Huinan , Wu Cheng , Aramayo Rodolfo , Sachs Matthew S. , Harlow Mark L.
Published: October 2015

Synaptic vesicles (SVs) are neuronal presynaptic organelles that load and release neurotransmitter at chemical synapses. In addition to classic neurotransmitters, we have found that synaptic vesicles isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo californica, a model cholinergic synapse, contain small ribonucleic acids (sRNAs), primarily the 5′ ends of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) termed tRNA fragments (trfRNAs). To test the evolutionary conservation of SV sRNAs we examined isolated SVs from the mouse central nervous system (CNS). We found abundant levels of sRNAs in mouse SVs, including trfRNAs and micro RNAs (miRNAs) known to be involved in transcriptional and translational regulation. This discovery suggests that, in addition to inducing changes in local dendritic excitability through the release of neurotransmitters, SVs may, through the release of specific trfRNAs and miRNAs, directly regulate local protein synthesis. We believe these findings have broad implications for the study of chemical synaptic transmission.
Microplastics in Arctic polar waters: the first reported values of particles in surface and sub-surface samples
Authors: Lusher Amy L. , Tirelli Valentina , O’Connor Ian , Officer Rick
Published: October 2015

Plastic, as a form of marine litter, is found in varying quantities and sizes around the globe from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Identifying patterns of microplastic distribution will benefit an understanding of the scale of their potential effect on the environment and organisms. As sea ice extent is reducing in the Arctic, heightened shipping and fishing activity may increase marine pollution in the area. Microplastics may enter the region following ocean transport and local input, although baseline contamination measurements are still required. Here we present the first study of microplastics in Arctic waters, south and southwest of Svalbard, Norway. Microplastics were found in surface (top 16 cm) and sub-surface (6 m depth) samples using two independent techniques. Origins and pathways bringing microplastic to the Arctic remain unclear. Particle composition (95% fibres) suggests they may either result from the breakdown of larger items (transported over large distances by prevailing currents, or derived from local vessel activity), or input in sewage and wastewater from coastal areas. Concurrent observations of high zooplankton abundance suggest a high probability for marine biota to encounter microplastics and a potential for trophic interactions. Further research is required to understand the effects of microplastic-biota interaction within this productive environment.
Polarization induced self-doping in epitaxial Pb(Zr0.20Ti0.80)O3 thin films
Authors: Pintilie Lucian , Ghica Corneliu , Teodorescu Cristian Mihail , Pintilie Ioana , Chirila Cristina , Pasuk Iuliana , Trupina Lucian , Hrib Luminita , Boni Andra Georgia , Georgiana Apostol Nicoleta , Abramiuc Laura Elena , Negrea Raluca , Stefan Mariana , Ghica Daniela
Published: October 2015

The compensation of the depolarization field in ferroelectric layers requires the presence of a suitable amount of charges able to follow any variation of the ferroelectric polarization. These can be free carriers or charged defects located in the ferroelectric material or free carriers coming from the electrodes. Here we show that a self-doping phenomenon occurs in epitaxial, tetragonal ferroelectric films of Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3, consisting in generation of point defects (vacancies) acting as donors/acceptors. These are introducing free carriers that partly compensate the depolarization field occurring in the film. It is found that the concentration of the free carriers introduced by self-doping increases with decreasing the thickness of the ferroelectric layer, reaching values of the order of 1026 m−3for 10 nm thick films. One the other hand, microscopic investigations show that, for thicknesses higher than 50 nm, the 2O/(Ti+Zr+Pb) atomic ratio increases with the thickness of the layers. These results suggest that the ratio between the oxygen and cation vacancies varies with the thickness of the layer in such a way that the net free carrier density is sufficient to efficiently compensate the depolarization field and to preserve the outward direction of the polarization.
Real-time imaging of hydrogen peroxide dynamics in vegetative and pathogenic hyphae of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Mentges Michael , Bormann Jörg
Published: October 2015

Balanced dynamics of reactive oxygen species in the phytopathogenic fungusFusarium graminearumplay key roles for development and infection. To monitor those dynamics, ratiometric analysis using the novel hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensitive fluorescent indicator protein HyPer-2 was established for the first time in phytopathogenic fungi. H2O2changes the excitation spectrum of HyPer-2 with an excitation maximum at 405 nm for the reduced and 488 nm for the oxidized state, facilitating ratiometric readouts with maximum emission at 516 nm. HyPer-2 analyses were performed using a microtiter fluorometer and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Addition of external H2O2to mycelia caused a steep and transient increase in fluorescence excited at 488 nm. This can be reversed by the addition of the reducing agent dithiothreitol. HyPer-2 inF. graminearumis highly sensitive and specific to H2O2even in tiny amounts. Hyperosmotic treatment elicited a transient internal H2O2burst. Hence, HyPer-2 is suitable to monitor the intracellular redox balance. Using CLSM, developmental processes like nuclear division, tip growth, septation and infection structure development were analyzed. The latter two processes imply marked accumulations of intracellular H2O2. Taken together, HyPer-2 is a valuable and reliable tool for the analysis of environmental conditions, cellular development and pathogenicity.
Guiding SPPs with PT-symmetry
Authors: Yang Fan , Lei Mei Zhong
Published: October 2015

The concept of parity-time (PT) symmetry in SPPs is proposed and confirmed for the first time in this work. By introducing periodic modulation of the effective refractive index in SPP system, the asymmetric propagation is theoretically predicted and numerically demonstrated. After validation of this concept, we apply it in two applications: PT-waveguide and PT-cloak. Both two applications further illustrate the wide applicability of this concept in SPP system.
Energy saving strategies of honeybees in dipping nectar
Authors: Wu Jianing , Yang Heng , Yan Shaoze
Published: October 2015

The honeybee’s drinking process has generally been simplified because of its high speed and small scale. In this study, we clearly observed the drinking cycle of the Italian honeybee using a specially designed high-speed camera system. We analysed the pattern of glossal hair erection and the movement kinematics of the protracting tongue (glossa). Results showed that the honeybee used two special protraction strategies to save energy. First, the glossal hairs remain adpressed until the end of the protraction, which indicates that the hydraulic resistance is reduced to less than 1/3 of that in the case if the hairs remain erect. Second, the glossa protracts with a specific velocity profile and we quantitatively demonstrated that this moving strategy helps reduce the total energy needed for protraction compared with the typical form of protraction with constant acceleration and deceleration. These findings suggest effective methods to optimise the control policies employed by next-generation microfluidic pumps.
Half-Metallic Behavior in Doped Sr2CrOsO6 Double Perovskite with High Transition Temperature
Authors: Samanta Kartik , Sanyal Prabuddha , Saha-Dasgupta Tanusri
Published: October 2015

Half-metallic magnets with metallic behavior in one spin channel and insulating in the other, have attracted considerable attention due to their potential application possibility. The spin-dependent nature of the carrier scattering due to half-metallic nature of these materials, allows for the resistance to be strongly influenced by the low magnetic field. However, the operating temperatures of such known materials are generally low, opening up the need for half-metallic magnets with high transition temperatures. The double perovskites having general formula A2BB′O6 with alternating ordered arrangement of two transition metal sites, B and B′ offer an attractive possibility in this respect. Here, we consider the case of Sr2CrOsO6, which is a ferrimagnetic insulator with transition temperature (Tc) of 725 K, highest ever known in the oxide family and show that moderate amount of La and Na doping at Sr site can drive the compound half-metallic with high Tc.
Integrated transcriptome sequencing and dynamic analysis reveal carbon source partitioning between terpenoid and oil accumulation in developing Lindera glauca fruits
Authors: Niu Jun , Chen Yinlei , An Jiyong , Hou Xinyu , Cai Jian , Wang Jia , Zhang Zhixiang , Lin Shanzhi
Published: October 2015

Lindera glaucafruits (LGF) with the abundance of terpenoid and oil has emerged as a novel specific material for industrial and medicinal application in China, but the complex regulatory mechanisms of carbon source partitioning into terpenoid biosynthetic pathway (TBP) and oil biosynthetic pathway (OBP) in developing LGF is still unknown. Here we perform the analysis of contents and compositions of terpenoid and oil from 7 stages of developing LGF to characterize a dramatic difference in temporal accumulative patterns. The resulting 3 crucial samples at 50, 125 and 150 days after flowering (DAF) were selected for comparative deep transcriptome analysis. By Illumina sequencing, the obtained approximately 81 million reads are assembled into 69,160 unigenes, among which 174, 71, 81 and 155 unigenes are implicated in glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), TBP and OBP, respectively. Integrated differential expression profiling and qRT-PCR, we specifically characterize the key enzymes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in regulating carbon allocation ratios for terpenoid or oil accumulation in developing LGF. These results contribute to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of carbon source partitioning between terpenoid and oil in developing LGF and to the improvement of resource utilization and molecular breeding forL. glauca.
Overexpression of GbRLK, a putative receptor-like kinase gene, improved cotton tolerance to Verticillium wilt
Authors: Jun Zhao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Gao Yulong , Zhou Lei , Fang Lei , Chen Xiangdong , Ning Zhiyuan , Chen Tianzi , Guo Wangzhen , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: October 2015

Verticillium dahliae is a causative fungal pathogen and only a few genes have been identified that exhibit critical roles in disease resistance and few has shown positive effects on the resistance to Verticillium wilt in transgenic cotton. We cloned a receptor-like kinase gene (GbRLK) induced by Verticillium dahliae (VD) in the disease-resistant cotton Gossypium barbadense cv. Hai7124. Northern blotting revealed that the GbRLK was induced by VD at 96 h after inoculation. The functional GbRLK is from D subgenome since a single base deletion results in a frameshift or dysfunctional homologue in the A subgenome in tetraploid cotton. To verify the function of GbRLK, we developed the overexpression transgenic GbRLK cotton and Arabidopsis lines and found that they all showed the higher resistance to Verticillium in the greenhouse and field trial. The results of the expression profile using transgenic and non-transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that the GbRLK regulated expressions of a series genes associated with biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, we propose that the increased resistance to Verticillium dahliae infection in transgnic plants could result from reduction in the damage of water loss and regulation of defense gene expression.
Defect chemistry and defect engineering of TiO2-based semiconductors for solar energy conversion
Authors: Nowotny Janusz , Alim Mohammad Abdul , Bak Tadeusz , Idris Mohammad Asri , Ionescu Mihail , Prince Kathryn , Sahdan Mohd Zainizan , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Sigmund Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

This review considers defect chemistry of TiO2and defect-related properties associated with solar energy conversion.
Electrochemical signatures of multivitamin mixtures
Authors: Mohan A. M. Vinu , Brunetti Barbara , Bulbarello Andrea , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2015

Distinct electrochemical signatures of multivitamins using cyclic square wave voltammetry at a disposable screen printed electrode.
A novel, fast and cost effective graphene-modified graphite pencil electrode for trace quantification ofl-tyrosine
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Kawde Abdel-Nasser
Published: October 2015

A simple and novel method for detectingl-tyrosine in urine was introduced using a graphene-modified graphite pencil electrode (GR-modified GPE).
The art of signal transforming: electrodes and their smart applications in electrochemical sensing
Authors: Li Zhanming , Yu Yue , Li Zhiliang , Wu Tao , Yin Jinjin
Published: October 2015

Electrochemical biosensors were fabricated with electrode and recognition element and electrode was used to transform the recognition of a biological molecule into an easily quantifiable electrical signal.
GdDOTAGA(C18)2: an efficient amphiphilic Gd(iii) chelate for the preparation of self-assembled high relaxivity MRI nanoprobes
Authors: Filippi M. , Remotti D. , Botta M. , Terreno E. , Tei L.
Published: October 2015

MRI-nanoprobes endowed with improved relaxivity, incorporation stability andin vivoMRI efficiency were prepared using a newly synthesized amphiphilic GdDOTA-like complex.
Molecular iron complexes as catalysts for selective C–H bond oxygenation reactions
Authors: Lindhorst A. C. , Haslinger S. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: October 2015

This feature article summarises recent developments in homogeneous C–H bond oxygenation catalysed by molecular iron complexes.
Layered double hydroxides toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion: design, synthesis and applications
Authors: Shao Mingfei , Zhang Ruikang , Li Zhenhua , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: October 2015

This Feature Article summarizes the latest developments in LDH materials toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
Rapid formation of a stable boron–nitrogen heterocycle in dilute, neutral aqueous solution for bioorthogonal coupling reactions
Authors: Dilek Ozlem , Lei Zhen , Mukherjee Kamalika , Bane Susan
Published: October 2015

Reaction of 2-formylphenylboronic acid with an aromatic hydrazine does not product the expected hydrazone, but rather a boron-containing aromatic heterocycle. The characteristics of the reaction are highly desirable for bioconjugations.
Transient transmembrane secretion of H2O2: a mechanism for the citral-caused inhibition of aflatoxin production from Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Li Jinhan , Li Jialin , Lu Zhisong , Liu Yang , Li Chang Ming
Published: October 2015

A mechanism involving transient transmembrane secretion of H2O2 for the citral-caused inhibition of aflatoxin production from a fungus was revealed.
N-Heterocyclic carbene ligands bearing poly(ethylene glycol) chains: effect of the chain length on palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions employing aryl chlorides
Authors: Fujihara Tetsuaki , Yoshikawa Takahiro , Satou Motoi , Ohta Hidetoshi , Terao Jun , Tsuji Yasushi
Published: October 2015

N-Heterocyclic carbenes bearing poly(ethylene glycol) chains of different lengths have been employed as ligands in palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions of aryl chlorides.
Dynamic assembly of a zinc-templated bifunctional organocatalyst in the presence of water for the asymmetric aldol reaction
Authors: Serra-Pont Anna , Alfonso Ignacio , Jimeno Ciril , Solà Jordi
Published: October 2015

A bifunctional organocatalytic system consisting of simple pyridine ligands containing separate catalytic functionalities was assembled using ZnCl2.
The function-led design of Z-scheme photocatalytic systems based on hollow carbon nitride semiconductors
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Pang Chenyang , Wang Xinchen
Published: October 2015

Hollow conjugated polymer nanospheres mimicking thylakoids act as a host scaffold that coassemble with CdS and Au as an electron mediator to construct an artificial Z-scheme photosynthesis system, which shows a highly efficient performance in photocatalytic water-splitting and CO2reduction reaction under the irradiation of visible light.
A mercury(ii) ion sensor device based on an organic field effect transistor with an extended-gate modified by dipicolylamine
Authors: Minami Tsuyoshi , Sasaki Yui , Minamiki Tsukuru , Koutnik Petr , Anzenbacher Pavel , Tokito Shizuo
Published: October 2015

The detection of mercury(ii) ions (Hg2+) in water was successfully achieved by a disposable and reusable extended-gate organic transistor modified with an artificial receptor.
Temperature and electric field induced phase transition in [110]C-oriented 0.63Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.37PbTiO3 single crystals
Authors: He Wenhui , Li Qiang , Luo Nengneng , Zhang Yiling , Yan Qingfeng
Published: October 2015

Temperature-dependent domain configurations were studied for both unpoled and poled [110]C-oriented 0.63Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.37PbTiO3 (PMN–0.37PT) single crystals by polarized light microscopy (PLM).
Towards design strategies for anion–π interactions in crystal engineering
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Mooibroek Tiddo J. , Frontera Antonio
Published: October 2015

This highlight article summarizes some of the fundamental aspects of the anion–π interaction leading to several design strategies for generating it in solids. In the main body we highlight some relevant examples that illustrate the viability of these strategies and the importance of anion–π interactions in crystal engineering.
A facile method to control the structure and morphology of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate
Authors: Chen Qiaoshan , Jiang Guangming , Jia Caiyun , Wang Hao , Guan Baohong
Published: October 2015

Synergy effect of CaCl2 and Na2EDTA on the structure and morphology control of α-HH by regulating G/W.
Molecular modelling of the pH influence in the geometry and the absorbance spectrum of near-infrared TagRFP675 fluorescent protein
Authors: Randino Carlos , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M. , Piatkevich Kiryl D.
Published: October 2015

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out for the recently developed TagRFP675 fluorescent protein (FP), which is specifically designed to fully absorb and emit in the near infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Nanogap effects on near- and far-field plasmonic behaviors of metallic nanoparticle dimers
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhou Qin , Hou Mengjing , Ma Lingwei , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: October 2015

The near-field resonance shift of metallic nanosphere dimers decays nearly exponentially as the gap size increases, with a lower decay length than that for the far-field resonance shift.
On the structure and bonding in the B4O4+cluster: a boron oxide analogue of the 3,5-dehydrophenyl cation with p and s double aromaticity
Authors: Ou Ting , Tian Wen-Juan , You Xue-Rui , Wang Ying-Jin , Wang Kang , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: October 2015

The B4O4+cluster has a hexagonal structure with a boroxol ring. It features double (p and s) aromaticity, akin to the 3,5-dehydrophenyl cation.
When do defectless alkanethiol SAMs in ionic liquids become penetrable? A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Kislenko Sergey A. , Nikitina Victoria A. , Nazmutdinov Renat R.
Published: October 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to address the permeability of defectless alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on charged and uncharged Au(111) surfaces in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([bmim][BF4]) room-temperature ionic liquid (IL).
Direct observation of epitaxial organic film growth: temperature-dependent growth mechanisms and metastability
Authors: Marchetto Helder , Schmidt Thomas , Groh Ullrich , Maier Florian C. , Lévesque Pierre L. , Fink Rainer H. , Freund Hans-Joachim , Umbach Eberhard
Published: October 2015

Growth dynamics and structures of organic films, and hence their properties, strongly depend on temperature and substrate morphology, as shown for the example PTCDA on Ag(111).
Insights into the allosteric regulation of Syk association with receptor ITAM, a multi-state equilibrium
Authors: Feng Chao , Post Carol Beth
Published: October 2015

Syk high-affinity association with receptor ITAM is regulated by a phosphorylation-dependent allosteric mechanism. NMR titration-curve/line-shape analyses determined phosphorylation increases the energetic barrier for, but does not prevent, isomerization.
Adsorption studies of divalent, dinuclear coordination complexes as molecular spacers on SWCNTs
Authors: Alston Jeffrey R. , Banks David J. , McNeill Chauncey X. , Mitchell James B. , Popov Leonid D. , Shcherbakov Igor N. , Poler J. C.
Published: October 2015

Adsorption of ion-complex pair to SWCNTs enabling molecular spacers to increase SSA and ion transport for enhance supercapacitor performance.
Spidery catalyst for the synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen
Published: October 2015

In this study, a novel fibrous nanosilica (KCC-1) based nanocatalyst (Au, Pd, and Cu) with a high surface area and easy accessibility of active sites was successfully developed by a facile approach.
Dehydrogenative synthesis of benzimidazoles under mild conditions with supported iridium catalysts
Authors: Tateyama Keisuke , Wada Kenji , Miura Hiroki , Hosokawa Saburo , Abe Ryu , Inoue Masashi
Published: October 2015

Recyclable Ir/TiO2 catalysts enable the synthesis of benzimidazoles from primary alcohols and phenylenediamines under mild conditions, i.e. at 120 °C.
Control over the preference for binding sites of polyoxometalates to silver ethynide clusters by surface charge modification
Authors: Tamari Sho , Ono Kosuke , Hashimoto Masato , Ozeki Tomoji
Published: October 2015

Site-specific substitution of Nb for W in an α-Keggin polyoxometalate leads to the formation of [Ag42(CO3){CCC(CH3)3}27(α-A-SiW9Nb3O40)2]−, where corner-shared triads of NbO6 octahedra bind to the Ag42 cluster moiety.
A scanning probe investigation of the role of surface motifs in the behavior of p-WSe2 photocathodes
Authors: Velazquez Jesus M. , John Jimmy , Esposito Daniel V. , Pieterick Adam , Pala Ragip , Sun Guofeng , Zhou Xinghao , Huang Zhuangqun , Ardo Shane , Soriaga Manuel P. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: October 2015

Microscale in situ interrogation of the photoelectrochemical performance of pristine and Pt-covered p-WSe2 photocathodes was studied by scanning photocurrent microscopy.
Structural and optical properties of methylammonium lead iodide across the tetragonal to cubic phase transition: implications for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Quarti Claudio , Mosconi Edoardo , Ball James M. , D'Innocenzo Valerio , Tao Chen , Pathak Sandeep , Snaith Henry J. , Petrozza Annamaria , De Angelis Filippo
Published: October 2015

We report optical measurements on MAPbI3solar cells, together withab initiosimulations, to investigate the material property changes across the tetragonal to cubic phase transition.
Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol sulfate metabolites protect against the oxidized cholesterol pro-oxidant effect in Caco-2 human enterocyte-like cells
Authors: Atzeri Angela , Lucas Ricardo , Incani Alessandra , Peñalver Pablo , Zafra-Gómez Alberto , Melis M. Paola , Pizzala Roberto , Morales Juan C. , Deiana Monica
Published: October 2015

Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol sulfate metabolites counteract the oxidizing action of oxidized cholesterol in Caco-2 cells with an efficiency comparable to that of the parent compounds.
Polyphenolic extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa reduces body fat by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and preadipocyte adipogenesis
Authors: Kao Erl-Shyh , Yang Mon-Yuan , Hung Chia-Hung , Huang Chien-Ning , Wang Chau-Jong
Published: October 2015

Diets high in fat lead to excess lipid accumulation in adipose tissue, which is a crucial factor in the development of obesity, hepatitis, and hyperlipidemia.
Palm oil and cardiovascular disease: a randomized trial of the effects of hybrid palm oil supplementation on human plasma lipid patterns
Authors: Lucci P. , Borrero M. , Ruiz A. , Pacetti D. , Frega N. G. , Diez O. , Ojeda M. , Gagliardi R. , Parra L. , Angel M.
Published: October 2015

Hybrid palm oil supplementation (25 mL per day – 3 months) positively influences cardiovascular risk-factor profiles by significantly decreasing TC and LDL-C levels.
Neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus identified directly from human B cells by single-cell analysis and next generation sequencing
Authors: Tsioris Konstantinos , Gupta Namita T. , Ogunniyi Adebola O. , Zimnisky Ross M. , Qian Feng , Yao Yi , Wang Xiaomei , Stern Joel N. H. , Chari Raj , Briggs Adrian W. , Clouser Christopher R. , Vigneault Francois , Church George M. , Garcia Melissa N. , Murray Kristy O. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Love J. Christopher
Published: October 2015

Analysis of the B cell response to West Nile virus by integrated single-cell analysis and next generation sequencing reveals novel neutralizing antibodies.
Determination of relative rare earth element distributions in very small quantities of uranium ore concentrates using femtosecond UV laser ablation – SF-ICP-MS coupling
Authors: Donard A. , Pottin A.-C. , Pointurier F. , Pécheyran C.
Published: October 2015

An alternative analytical method has been developed to determine lanthanide distribution using hundreds of nanograms of uranium ore concentrates by femtosecond ultra-violet laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry.
Characterisation of SEQ0694 (PrsA/PrtM) of Streptococcus equi as a functional peptidyl-prolyl isomerase affecting multiple secreted protein substrates
Authors: Ikolo Felicia , Zhang Meng , Harrington Dean J. , Robinson Carl , Waller Andrew S. , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Black Gary W.
Published: October 2015

We present the first direct evidence that a streptococcal parvulin lipoprotein has PPIase activity, which likely affects virulence factor secretion.
Bisimidazoline arylamides binding to the DNA minor groove: N1-hydroxylation enhances binding affinity and selectivity to AATT sites
Authors: Ríos Martínez Carlos H. , Lagartera Laura , Trujillo Cristina , Dardonville Christophe
Published: October 2015

Selective binding of N-hydroxy bisimidazolines to dsDNA GCAATTGC is derived from a tighter fit to this narrower minor groove.
In silico-driven multicomponent synthesis of 4,5- and 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors
Authors: Fallarini S. , Massarotti A. , Gesù A. , Giovarruscio S. , Coda Zabetta G. , Bergo R. , Giannelli B. , Brunco A. , Lombardi G. , Sorba G. , Pirali T.
Published: October 2015

A virtual library of 50 000 000 compounds synthesizable via the van Leusen MCR was created, screened and filtered to afford a series of disubstituted imidazoles with improved properties compared to 4-phenylimidazole.
Mechanistic evaluation of translocation and physiological impact of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant
Authors: Raliya Ramesh , Nair Remya , Chavalmane Sanmathi , Wang Wei-Ning , Biswas Pratim
Published: October 2015

Nanonutrient for enhanced crop production and increased solar light absorption.
In vitro induction and proteomics characterisation of a uranyl–protein interaction network in bovine serum
Authors: Szyrwiel Łukasz , Liauchuk Viktoryia , Chavatte Laurent , Lobinski Ryszard
Published: October 2015

Uranyl ions (UO22+) were shown to interact with a number of foetal serum proteins, leading to the formation of a complex that could be isolated by ultracentrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography. The results are suggesting that UO22+stimulates the formation of a protein functional network.
Nuclear quantum tunnelling and carrier delocalization effects to bridge the gap between hopping and bandlike behaviors in organic semiconductors
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Zhong Xinxin , Shi Wen , Peng Qian , Geng Hua , Zhao Yi , Shuai Zhigang
Published: October 2015

Our research investigated the significant role of nuclear tunnelling and carrier delocalization effects in the charge transport process of organic semiconductors.
Molecular structure, spectral analysis and hydrogen bonding analysis of ampicillin trihydrate: a combined DFT and AIM approach
Authors: Khan Eram , Shukla Anuradha , Srivastava Anubha , Shweta Shweta , Tandon Poonam
Published: October 2015

The optimized structure and active sites of ampicillin trihydrate calculated using monomeric and dimeric models.
Atom precise platinum–thiol crowns
Authors: George Anu , Asha K. S. , Reber Arthur C. , Biltek Scott R. , Pedicini Anthony F. , Sen Ayusman , Khanna Shiv N. , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: October 2015

The synthesis and characterization of two atom-precise platinum–thiol clusters, Pt5(SG)10, and Pt6(SG)12.
Raman fingerprinting of single dielectric nanoparticles in plasmonic nanopores
Authors: Kerman Sarp , Chen Chang , Li Yi , Van Roy Wim , Lagae Liesbet , Van Dorpe Pol
Published: October 2015

We present SERS of a single dielectric nanoparticle and its temporal fluctuations related to the dynamics of the particle.
Effects of graphene oxide nanosheets on the ultrastructure and biophysical properties of the pulmonary surfactant film
Authors: Hu Qinglin , Jiao Bao , Shi Xinghua , Valle Russell P. , Zuo Yi Y. , Hu Guoqing
Published: October 2015

Upon deposition, graphene oxide nanosheets induce pores in the pulmonary surfactant film and thus have adverse effects on the ultrastructure and biophysical properties of the film.
Rapid flame synthesis of internal Mo6+ doped TiO2 nanocrystals in situ decorated with highly dispersed MoO3 clusters for lithium ion storage
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Hu Yanjie , Shen Jianhua , Jiang Haibo , Min Guoquan , Qiu Shengjie , Song Zhitang , Sun Zhuo , Li Chunzhong
Published: October 2015

Novel, quasi-chain Mo6+-TiO2/MoO3 nanohybrids have been synthesized by one step flame route and show superior electrochemical performance for LIBs.
All-optical investigation of tunable picosecond magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic nanostripes with a width down to 50 nm
Authors: Saha Susmita , Barman Saswati , Otani YoshiChika , Barman Anjan
Published: October 2015

Optically induced ultrafast magnetization dynamics in arrays of Ni80Fe20 nanostripes showed strong width dependent frequency, anisotropy and the spatial nature of spin waves. We also demonstrated detection of dynamics of single nanostripes with width down to 50 nm.
Cellular recognition and macropinocytosis-like internalization of nanoparticles targeted to integrin α2β1
Authors: Kankaanpää P. , Tiitta S. , Bergman L. , Puranen A.-B. , von Haartman E. , Lindén M. , Heino J.
Published: October 2015

Silica-based nanoparticles are targeted to α2β1 integrin cell surface receptor. Analysis with BioImageXD reveals them to be endocytosed into human cellsviamacropinocytosis, through GM1, Caveolin-1 and Rab7 positive pathways.
Superabsorption of light by multilayer nanowires
Authors: Mirzaei Ali , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: October 2015

Multilayer dielectric and hybrid nanowires make it possible to achieve enhanced, frequency-selective, multiband absorption of light.
Identification of noreremophilane-based inhibitors of angiogenesis using zebrafish assays
Authors: Muthukumarasamy Kalai Mangai , Handore Kishor L. , Kakade Dipti N. , Shinde Madhuri V. , Ranjan Shashi , Kumar Naveen , Sehrawat Seema , Sachidanandan Chetana , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: October 2015

A novel class of noreremophilane inhibitors of angiogenesis identified from zebrafish whole organism screens.
NIS-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alcohols with amidines: a simple and efficient transition-metal free method for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek R. , T. Akash , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: October 2015

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines by NIS-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alcohols with amidines has been developed. The reaction works smoothly under transition-metal and phosphine-free conditions.