bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ischemic brain injury in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Reijmer Yael D , van Veluw Susanne J , Greenberg Steven M
Published: May 2015

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common form of cerebral small vessel disease and an important risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage and cognitive impairment. While the majority of research has focused on the hemorrhagic manifestation of CAA, its ischemic manifestations appear to have substantial clinical relevance as well. Findings from imaging and pathologic studies indicate that ischemic lesions are common in CAA, including white-matter hyperintensities, microinfarcts, and microstructural tissue abnormalities as detected with diffusion tensor imaging. Furthermore, imaging markers of ischemic disease show a robust association with cognition, independent of age, hemorrhagic lesions, and traditional vascular risk factors. Widespread ischemic tissue injury may affect cognition by disrupting white-matter connectivity, thereby hampering communication between brain regions. Challenges are to identify imaging markers that are able to capture widespread microvascular lesion burden in vivo and to further unravel the etiology of ischemic tissue injury by linking structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities to their underlying pathophysiology and histopathology. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ischemic brain injury in CAA will be a key step toward new interventions to improve long-term cognitive outcomes for patients with CAA.
The low-affinity complex of cytochrome c and its peroxidase
Authors: Van de Water Karen , Sterckx Yann G. J. , Volkov Alexander N.
Published: May 2015

The complex of yeast cytochrome c peroxidase and cytochrome c is a paradigm of the biological electron transfer (ET). Building on seven decades of research, two different models have been proposed to explain its functional redox activity. One postulates that the intermolecular ET occurs only in the dominant, high-affinity protein–protein orientation, while the other posits formation of an additional, low-affinity complex, which is much more active than the dominant one. Unlike the high-affinity interaction—extensively studied by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy—until now the binding of cytochrome c to the low-affinity site has not been observed directly, but inferred mainly from kinetics experiments. Here we report the structure of this elusive, weak protein complex and show that it consists of a dominant, inactive bound species and an ensemble of minor, ET-competent protein–protein orientations, which summarily account for the experimentally determined value of the ET rate constant.
Hierarchically mesoporous CuO/carbon nanofiber coaxial shell-core nanowires for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Park Seok-Hwan , Lee Wan-Jin
Published: May 2015

Hierarchically mesoporous CuO/carbon nanofiber coaxial shell-core nanowires (CuO/CNF) as anodes for lithium ion batteries were prepared by coating the Cu2(NO3)(OH)3 on the surface of conductive and elastic CNF via electrophoretic deposition (EPD), followed by thermal treatment in air. The CuO shell stacked with nanoparticles grows radially toward the CNF core, which forms hierarchically mesoporous three-dimensional (3D) coaxial shell-core structure with abundant inner spaces in nanoparticle-stacked CuO shell. The CuO shells with abundant inner spaces on the surface of CNF and high conductivity of 1D CNF increase mainly electrochemical rate capability. The CNF core with elasticity plays an important role in strongly suppressing radial volume expansion by inelastic CuO shell by offering the buffering effect. The CuO/CNF nanowires deliver an initial capacity of 1150 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and maintain a high reversible capacity of 772 mAh g−1 without showing obvious decay after 50 cycles.
Design, Synthesis and Inhibitory Activity of Photoswitchable RET Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Ferreira Rubén , Nilsson Jesper R. , Solano Carlos , Andréasson Joakim , Grøtli Morten
Published: May 2015

REarranged during Transfection (RET) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase required for normal development and maintenance of neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Deregulation of RET and hyperactivity of the RET kinase is intimately connected to several types of human cancers, most notably thyroid cancers, making it an attractive therapeutic target for small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Novel approaches, allowing external control of the activity of RET, would be key additions to the signal transduction toolbox. In this work, photoswitchable RET kinase inhibitors based on azo-functionalized pyrazolopyrimidines were developed, enabling photonic control of RET activity. The most promising compound displays excellent switching properties and stability with good inhibitory effect towards RET in cell-free as well as live-cell assays and a significant difference in inhibitory activity between its two photoisomeric forms. As the first reported photoswitchable small-molecule kinase inhibitor, we consider the herein presented effector to be a significant step forward in the development of tools for kinase signal transduction studies with spatiotemporal control over inhibitor concentration in situ.
Local adaptation of Gymnocypris przewalskii (Cyprinidae) on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Renyi , Ludwig Arne , Zhang Cunfang , Tong Chao , Li Guogang , Tang Yongtao , Peng Zuogang , Zhao Kai
Published: May 2015

Divergent selection among environments affects species distributions and can lead to speciation. In this article, we investigated the transcriptomes of two ecotypes of scaleless carp (Gymnocypris przewalskii przewalskii and G. p. ganzihonensis) from the Tibetan Plateau. We used a transcriptome sequencing approach to screen approximately 250,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the gill and kidney tissues of twelve individuals from the Ganzi River and Lake Qinghai to understand how this freshwater fish has adapted to an ecological niche shift from saline to freshwater. We identified 9,429 loci in the gill transcriptome and 12,034 loci in the kidney transcriptome with significant differences in their expression, of which 242 protein-coding genes exhibited strong positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1). Many of the genes are involved in ion channel functions (e.g., Ca2+-binding proteins), immune responses (e.g., nephrosin) or cellular water absorption functions (e.g., aquaporins). These results have potentially broad importance in understanding shifts from saline to freshwater habitats. Furthermore, this study provides the first transcriptome of G. przewalskii, which will facilitate future ecological genomics studies and aid in the identification of genes underlying adaptation and incipient ecological speciation.
Direct Electrochemistry of Glucose Oxidase on Novel Free-Standing Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanospheres@Carbon Nanofibers Composite Film
Authors: Zhang Xueping , Liu Dong , Li Libo , You Tianyan
Published: May 2015

We have proposed a novel free-standing nitrogen-doped carbon nanospheres@carbon nanofibers (NCNSs@CNFs) composite film with high processability for the investigation of the direct electron transfer (DET) of glucose oxidase (GOx) and the DET-based glucose biosensing. The composites were simply prepared by controlled thermal treatment of electrospun polypyrrole nanospheres doped polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (PPyNSs@PAN NFs). Without any pretreatment, the as-prepared material can directly serve as a platform for GOx immobilization. The cyclic voltammetry of immobilized GOx showed a pair of well-defined redox peaks in O2-free solution, indicating the DET of GOx. With the addition of glucose, the anodic peak current increased, while the cathodic peak current decreased, which demonstrated the DET-based bioelectrocatalysis. The detection of glucose based on the DET of GOx was achieved, which displayed high sensitivity, stability and selectivity, with a low detection limit of 2 μM and wide linear range of 12–1000 μM. These results demonstrate that the as-obtained NCNSs@CNFs can serve as an ideal platform for the construction of the third-generation glucose biosensor.
Laser-pointer-induced self-focusing effect in hybrid-aligned dye-doped liquid crystals
Authors: Wang Jing , Aihara Yosuke , Kinoshita Motoi , Mamiya Jun-ichi , Priimagi Arri , Shishido Atsushi
Published: May 2015

Nonlinear optics deals with phenomena where “light controls light”; e.g., there is mediation by an intensity-dependent medium through which light propagates. This field has attracted much attention for its immense potential in applications dependent on nonlinear processes, such as frequency conversion, multiple-photon absorption, self-phase modulation and so on. However, such nonlinearities are typically only observed at very high light intensities and thus they require costly lasers. Here, we report on a self-focusing effect induced with a 1 mW handheld laser pointer. We prepared polymer-stabilized dye-doped liquid crystals, in which the molecular director orientation gradually changes from homeotropic at one surface to homogeneous at the other. This is referred to as hybrid alignment. In such films, the threshold intensity needed to form diffraction rings was reduced by a factor of 8.5 compared to that in conventional homeotropic cells, which enabled the induction of the self-focusing effect with a laser pointer.
Journey of water in pine cones
Authors: Song Kahye , Yeom Eunseop , Seo Seung-Jun , Kim Kiwoong , Kim Hyejeong , Lim Jae-Hong , Joon Lee Sang
Published: May 2015

Pine cones fold their scales when it rains to prevent seeds from short-distance dispersal. Given that the scales of pine cones consist of nothing but dead cells, this folding motion is evidently related to structural changes. In this study, the structural characteristics of pine cones are studied on micro-/macro-scale using various imaging instruments. Raindrops fall along the outer scales to the three layers (bract scales, fibers and innermost lignified structure) of inner pine cones. However, not all the layers but only the bract scales get wet and then, most raindrops move to the inner scales. These systems reduce the amount of water used and minimize the time spent on structural changes. The result shows that the pine cones have structural advantages that could influence the efficient motion of pine cones. This study provides new insights to understand the motion of pine cones and would be used to design a novel water transport system.
Dynamic evolution and biogenesis of small RNAs during sex reversal
Authors: Liu Jie , Luo Majing , Sheng Yue , Hong Qiang , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: May 2015

Understanding origin, evolution and functions of small RNA (sRNA) genes has been a great challenge in the past decade. Molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reversal in vertebrates, particularly sRNAs involved in this process, are largely unknown. By deep-sequencing of small RNA transcriptomes in combination with genomic analysis, we identified a large amount of piRNAs and miRNAs including over 1,000 novel miRNAs, which were differentially expressed during gonad reversal from ovary to testis via ovotesis. Biogenesis and expressions of miRNAs were dynamically changed during the reversal. Notably, phylogenetic analysis revealed dynamic expansions of miRNAs in vertebrates and an evolutionary trajectory of conserved miR-17-92 cluster in theEukarya. We showed that the miR-17-92 cluster in vertebrates was generated through multiple duplications from ancestor miR-92 in invertebratesTetranychus urticaeandDaphnia pulexfrom theChelicerataaround 580 Mya. Moreover, we identified the sexual regulatorDmrt1as a direct target of the members miR-19a and -19b in the cluster. These data suggested dynamic biogenesis and expressions of small RNAs during sex reversal and revealed multiple expansions and evolutionary trajectory of miRNAs from invertebrates to vertebrates, which implicate small RNAs in sexual reversal and provide new insight into evolutionary and molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reversal.
Mutual reinforcement of inflammation and carcinogenesis by the Helicobacter pylori CagA oncoprotein
Authors: Suzuki Nobumi , Murata-Kamiya Naoko , Yanagiya Kohei , Suda Wataru , Hattori Masahira , Kanda Hiroaki , Bingo Atsuhiro , Fujii Yumiko , Maeda Shin , Koike Kazuhiko , Hatakeyama Masanori
Published: May 2015

Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strain delivers the CagA oncoprotein into gastric epithelial cells and at the same time elicits stomach inflammation. To experimentally investigate the pathophysiological interplay between CagA and inflammation, transgenic mice systemically expressing the bacterial cagA gene were treated with a colitis inducer, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Compared with control mice, DSS-induced colitis was markedly deteriorated in cagA-transgenic mice. In the colonic epithelia of cagA-transgenic mice, there was a substantial decrease in the level of IκB, which binds and sequesters NF-κB in the cytoplasm. This IκB reduction was due to CagA-mediated inhibition of PAR1, which may stimulate IκB degradation by perturbing microtubule stability. Whereas the CagA-mediated IκB reduction did not automatically activate NF-κB, it lowered the threshold of NF-κB activation by inflammogenic insults, thereby contributing to colitis exacerbation in cagA-transgenic mice. CagA also activates inflammasomes independently of NF-κB signaling, which further potentiates inflammation. The incidence of colonic dysplasia was elevated in DSS-treated cagA-transgenic mice due to a robust increase in the number of pre-cancerous flat-type dysplasias. Thus, CagA deteriorated inflammation, whereas inflammation strengthened the oncogenic potential of CagA. This work revealed that H. pylori CagA and inflammation reinforce each other in creating a downward spiral that instigates neoplastic transformation.
Thermal stability and hcp–fcc allotropic transformation in supported Co metal catalysts probed near operando by ferromagnetic NMR
Authors: Andreev Andrey S. , d'Espinose de Lacaillerie Jean-Baptiste , Lapina Olga B. , Gerashenko Alexander
Published: May 2015

Ferromagnetic NMR reveals which cobalt metallic phase is actually at work in Fischer–Tropsch catalysts and what is its state of dispersion under operando conditions.
Fe3O4@ZrO2 magnetic nanoparticles as a new electrode material for sensitive determination of organophosphorus agents
Authors: Li Na-Na , Kang Tian-Fang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Lu Li-Ping , Cheng Shui-Yuan
Published: May 2015

In this study, Fe3O4@ZrO2 magnetic core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Microwave-assisted digestion using diluted acids for toxic element determination in medicinal plants by ICP-MS in compliance with United States pharmacopeia requirements
Authors: Muller Aline L. H. , Muller Edson I. , Barin Juliano S. , Flores Erico M. M.
Published: May 2015

Microwave-assisted digestion of medicinal plants using diluted acid solutions in closed vessels and subsequent determination of toxic elements.
Hydrodynamic nonadhesive cell retention in a microfluidic circuit for stressless suspension culture
Authors: Naito Toyohito , Kaji Noritada , Tokeshi Manabu , Kubo Takuya , Baba Yoshinobu , Otsuka Koji
Published: May 2015

Cell collection based on deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) and cell circulation with a loop channel are two component technologies for stressless cell retention which have been developed with a view to working toward suspension culture in a microfluidic channel.
Characterization of anthocyanins in wild Lycium ruthenicum Murray by HPLC-DAD/QTOF-MS/MS
Authors: Jin Hongli , Liu Yanfang , Yang Fan , Wang Jixia , Fu Dongmei , Zhang Xiuli , Peng Xiaojun , Liang Xinmiao
Published: May 2015

L. ruthenicum, which grows mainly in the salinized desert of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, contains abundant anthocyanins.
Systematic, computer-assisted development of high performance liquid chromatography for multi-component analysis
Authors: Sun Xiu-Ting , Tan Qing-Jie , Wang Shun-Xian , Shan Jin-Feng , Jiang Jian-Lan
Published: May 2015

Based on the QbD concept, a new HPLC-DAD/ELSD method was established to determine multiple components in the TCM preparation with the cooperation of modeling software Drylab and statistical software JMP.
Metal hydride-based materials towards high performance negative electrodes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zeng Liang , Kawahito Koji , Ikeda Suguru , Ichikawa Takayuki , Miyaoka Hiroki , Kojima Yoshitsugu
Published: May 2015

Electrode performances of MgH2–LiBH4 composite materials are investigated for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
Two-step solid-state synthesis of PEPPSI-type compounds
Authors: Adams Christopher J. , Lusi Matteo , Mutambi Emily M. , Guy Orpen A.
Published: May 2015

The two-step mechanochemical preparation of an important class of organometallic compounds is reported. The carbene–metal complexes are all rapidly formed in excellent yield. The solvent-free synthesis is proved to be a viable synthetic route to useful NHC-containing compounds amenable to scale-up and mechanization.
Crystal-surface-induced simultaneous synthesis and hierarchical morphogenesis of conductive polymers
Authors: Kuwabara Kento , Oaki Yuya , Muramatsu Ryo , Imai Hiroaki
Published: May 2015

The surface of oxidant crystals as a condensed phase of the oxidative agent facilitates the simultaneous synthesis and morphogenesis of conductive polymer materials.
Determination of magnetic anisotropy in a multinuclear TbIII-based single-molecule magnet
Authors: Huang Xing-Cai , Vieru Veacheslav , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Jiang Shang-Da , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: May 2015

The magnetic anisotropy axis of the Tb3+ ion in a tetranuclear [CuTb]2 SMM was established by magneto-structural relationship investigation.
Shell-engineering of hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres via copolymerization for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Pang Chenyang , Liu Yuxing , Wang Xinchen
Published: May 2015

Aromatic monomers have been grafted onto photocatalytic hollow carbon nitride nanospheres via copolymerization to strengthen their optical and electronic properties.
Pit assisted oxygen chemisorption on GaN surfaces
Authors: Mishra Monu , Krishna T. C. Shibin , Aggarwal Neha , Kaur Mandeep , Singh Sandeep , Gupta Govind
Published: May 2015

We correlate the oxygen chemisorption on GaN films having a structure with pits. The surface pits acted as favourable sites for oxygen chemisorption due to their favourable energetics, which resulted in significant changes in the electronic properties and energy band structure.
Ab initio modeling of Fe(ii) adsorption and interfacial electron transfer at goethite (α-FeOOH) surfaces
Authors: Alexandrov Vitaly , Rosso Kevin M.
Published: May 2015

First-principles study of the mechanism of aqueous Fe(ii) adsorption and Fe(ii)–Fe(iii) interfacial electron transfer at goethite surfaces.
Can a single water molecule really affect the HO2+ NO2hydrogen abstraction reaction under tropospheric conditions?
Authors: Zhang Tianlei , Wang Rui , Chen Hao , Min Suotian , Wang Zhiyin , Zhao Caibin , Xu Qiong , Jin Lingxia , Wang Wenliang , Wang Zhuqing
Published: May 2015

During the HO2+ NO2reaction, hydrogen abstraction by a single water molecule not only changes the branching ratio of HONO and HNO2formation, but also introduces different features with respect to the naked reaction, acting as a reactant that leads to the production of HNO3.
A multi-reference study of the byproduct formation for a ring-closed dithienylethene photoswitch
Authors: Matis Jochen René , Schönborn Jan Boyke , Saalfrank Peter
Published: May 2015

Description of a ground state reaction path for the formation of a detrimental byproduct in the photo reaction of dithienylethene.
Supramolecular amphipathicity for probing antimicrobial propensity of host defence peptides
Authors: Ravi Jascindra , Bella Angelo , Correia Ana J. V. , Lamarre Baptiste , Ryadnov Maxim G.
Published: May 2015

Supramolecular amphipathicity exposes antimicrobial propensity of host defence peptides.
Reduced graphene oxide–ZnO self-assembled films: tailoring the visible light photoconductivity by the intrinsic defect states in ZnO
Authors: Kavitha M. K. , Gopinath Pramod , John Honey
Published: May 2015

ZnO is a wide direct bandgap semiconductor; its absorption can be tuned to the visible spectral region by controlling the intrinsic defect levels.
Origin of enhanced visible light driven water splitting by (Rh, Sb)-SrTiO3
Authors: Modak Brindaban , Ghosh Swapan K.
Published: May 2015

The origin of enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of Rh-doped SrTiO3 with the codoping of Sb has been investigated using the hybrid density functional theory. Partially occupied t2g subset of Rh 4d orbitals is completely filled in the presence of Sb, resulting in the formation of a continuous band structure. This improves the mobility of charge carriers and reduces the electron–hole recombination rate.
Tautomeric transition between wobble A·C DNA base mispair and Watson–Crick-like A·C* mismatch: microstructural mechanism and biological significance
Authors: Brovarets' Ol'ha O. , Hovorun Dmytro M.
Published: May 2015

The A·C(w) → A·C*(WC) tautomerizationviathe DPT determines the origin of the spontaneous point AC/CA incorporation errors during DNA biosynthesis.
Vitamin B12catalysed reactions
Authors: Giedyk Maciej , Goliszewska Katarzyna , Gryko Dorota
Published: May 2015

This tutorial review focuses on cobalamin as a natural, nontoxic, environmentally benign cobalt catalyst for synthetically useful organic reactions.
Elucidating the nature and role of Cu species in enhanced catalytic carbonylation of dimethyl ether over Cu/H-MOR
Authors: Zhan Huimin , Huang Shouying , Li Ying , Lv Jing , Wang Shengping , Ma Xinbin
Published: May 2015

The synergistic effect of Cu0 and Brønsted acid sites remarkably facilitates the carbonylation of dimethyl ether to form methyl acetate.
Tailoring the selectivity in 2-butene conversion over supported d0 group 4, 5 and 6 metal hydrides: from dimerization to metathesis
Authors: Szeto Kai C. , Merle Nicolas , Rios Cesar , Rouge Pascal , Castelbou Jessica Llop , Taoufik Mostafa
Published: May 2015

2-Butenes are transformed in a continuous flow reactor over metal hydrides of zirconium, tantalum and tungsten supported on silica–alumina. Exceptionally high selectivity to dimeric products is obtained over supported zirconium hydride catalysts.
Construction of hybrid bowl-like structures by anchoring NiO nanosheets on flat carbon hollow particles with enhanced lithium storage properties
Authors: Liang Jin , Hu Han , Park Hyunjung , Xiao Chunhui , Ding Shujiang , Paik Ungyu , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: May 2015

Bowl-like hybrid structures constructed by anchoring NiO nanosheets on flat carbon shells exhibit superior lithium storage properties.
In situ growth of Ag/AgCl on the surface of CNT and the effect of CNT on the photoactivity of the composite
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Xie Meng , Zhou Teng , Yin Sheng , Xu Hui , Ji Haiyan , Li Huaming , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2015

The introduced CNT dispersed both in the interior and surface of Ag/AgCl, which is beneficial for enhancing photoactivity of composites.
Ultra-stretchable conductors based on buckled super-aligned carbon nanotube films
Authors: Yu Yang , Luo Shu , Sun Li , Wu Yang , Jiang Kaili , Li Qunqing , Wang Jiaping , Fan Shoushan
Published: May 2015

Buckled SACNT/PDMS conductors are fabricated by coating SACNT films on pre-strained PDMS that exhibit high stretchability, resistance stability, and durability.
One-pot two polymers: ABB′ melt polycondensation for linear polyesters and hyperbranched poly(ester-urethane)s based on natural l-amino acids
Authors: Aluri Rajendra , Jayakannan Manickam
Published: May 2015

One-pot two polymers: a novel one-pot temperature selective polymerization reaction was developed for ABB′ type multifunctional l-amino acid monomers to produce spherical hyperbranched poly(ester-urethane)s and helical linear polyesters.
A quantum mechanical study of the mechanism and stereoselectivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation reaction of enals with azodicarboxylates
Authors: Wang Yang , Zheng Linjie , Wei Donghui , Tang Mingsheng
Published: May 2015

The mechanism and stereoselectivity of the NHC-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation reaction of enals with azodicarboxylates have been investigated using the DFT method.
Influence of Mn dopants on the structure and multiferroic properties of a Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 thin film
Authors: Ye Wei , Tan Guoqiang , Yan Xia , Ren Huijun , Xia Ao
Published: May 2015

Mn substituted Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 (BHFO) thin films having the compositions Bi0.90Ho0.10Fe1−xMnxO3 (BHFMO) (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) were synthesized via chemical solution deposition.
Phenol adsorption from aqueous solutions by functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a pyrazoline derivative in the presence of ultrasound
Authors: Tahermansouri H. , Dehghan Z. , Kiani F.
Published: May 2015

MWCNT-Py indicated a high adsorption capacity for phenol in comparison with MWCNT-COOH.
Review of the bulk and surface chemistry of iron in atmospherically relevant systems containing humic-like substances
Authors: Al-Abadleh Hind A.
Published: May 2015

The current state of knowledge and future research directions of the bulk and surface chemistry of iron relevant to atmospheric surfaces are reviewed.
Glass structure and crystallization of Al and B containing glasses belonging to the Li2O–SiO2system
Authors: Gaddam Anuraag , Fernandes Hugo R. , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of substituting B2O3for Al2O3in a non-stoichiometric lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5, LS2) glass composition belonging to the system Li2O–K2O–Al2O3–SiO2.
Organocatalyzed asymmetric tandem Michael-cyclization reaction of 4-benzylidene-3-methylpyrazol-5-ones and malononitrile: stereocontrolled construction of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole scaffold
Authors: Wang H.-X. , Wu L.-L. , Wang Y.-M. , Zhou Z.-H.
Published: May 2015

Stereocontrolled construction of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole scaffold has been realized via chiral squaramide catalyzed asymmetric tandem Michael addition/cyclization reaction of 4-benzylidenepyrazol-5(4H)-ones and malononitrile.
A novel hydrolytic reaction to morphology-controlled TiO2 micro/nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic performances
Authors: Cheng He , Chen Gongde , Zhang Weixin , Qiu Maoqin , Yang Zeheng , Zhu Xiao , Ma Guo , Fu Yu
Published: May 2015

TiO2 nanorods, core–shell nanospheres, and microspheres were prepared via tuning the hydrolysis and nucleation rate of Ti4+ ions. Superior photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 nanorods attributes to large surface area and high ⋅OH radical productivity.
Cancer cell extinction through a magnetic fluid hyperthermia treatment produced by superparamagnetic Co–Zn ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Bohara Raghvendra A. , Thorat Nanasaheb D. , Chaurasia Akhilesh K. , Pawar Shivaji H.
Published: May 2015

TEG mediated synthesis of CZF MNPs for cancer cell extinction by using magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy.
Simultaneously enhanced tensile strength and fracture toughness of epoxy resins by a poly(ethylene oxide)-block-carboxyl terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber dilock copolymer
Authors: Heng Zhengguang , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: May 2015

PEG-b-CTBN diblock copolymer was synthesized by the esterification reaction and then used to modify epoxy via the formation of nanostructure.
New method for preparing graphene by peeling graphite and facile fabrication of bulk Bi0.45Sb1.55Te3.02/graphene composites with dense texture and high ZT
Authors: Cui Jingying , Li Shanming , Hao Qing , Zhao Huaizhou , Zhao Hongbo , Li Weiqian , Wang Yinzhen , Li Wei , He Qinyu
Published: May 2015

The incorporated graphene sheets acted as a growth template and result in dense texture with laminates, an increased Seebeck efficient, a decreased thermal conductivity, and therefore a 25%-enhanced-ZT in pressure direction.
Enzyme mimetic-catalyzed ATRP and its application in block copolymer synthesis combined with enzymatic ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Zhou Hang , Jiang Wei , An Ni , Zhang Qiuping , Xiang Shidong , Wang Liping , Tang Jun
Published: May 2015

Use of an enzyme mimetic (DhHP-6) as an ATRP catalyst for the synthesis of a series of functional polymers.
Mesoporous 2D covalent organic frameworks based on shape-persistent arylene-ethynylene macrocycles
Authors: Yang Haishen , Du Ya , Wan Shun , Trahan George Devon , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2015

Covalent organic frameworks with high porosity and crystallinity have been synthesized, through macrocycle-to-framework strategy, using shape-persistent arylene-ethynylene macrocycles as the key components to control the topology and modulate the porosity.
Protected lithium anode with porous Al2O3layer for lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Jing Hang-Kun , Kong Ling-Long , Liu Sheng , Li Guo-Ran , Gao Xue-Ping
Published: May 2015

A lithium anode protected with a porous Al2O3layer is beneficial for improving the cycle stability and capacity retention of a lithium–sulfur battery.
Controllable synthesis of 3D binary nickel–cobalt hydroxide/graphene/nickel foam as a binder-free electrode for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Bai Yang , Wang Weiqi , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing , Gao Lian
Published: May 2015

Graphene facilitates the formation of a 3D porous binder-free electrode with controllable morphology for high energy density supercapacitors.
Enhanced electrochemical performance by facile oxygen vacancies from lower valence-state doping for ramsdellite-MnO2
Authors: Chen Chi , Xu Kui , Ji Xiao , Zhang Bao , Miao Ling , Jiang Jianjun
Published: May 2015

The mechanisms of the spontaneously formed oxygen vacancies and the improved electrochemical performance for ramsdellite-MnO2by Zn-doping are analyzed.
From “waste to gold”: a one-pot method to synthesize ultrafinely dispersed Fe2O3-based nanoparticles on N-doped carbon for synergistic and efficient water splitting
Authors: Su Diefeng , wang Jing , Jin Haiyan , Gong Yutong , Li Mingming , Pang Zhenfeng , Wang Yong
Published: May 2015

We report a novel, simple, and one-pot method for the synthesis of ultrafinely dispersed iron oxide based nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a nitrogen doped carbon matrix (denoted as Fe2O3/Fe@CN).
Stabilized titanium nitride nanowire supported silicon core–shell nanorods as high capacity lithium-ion anodes
Authors: Zheng Hao , Fang Shan , Tong Zhenkun , Pang Gang , Shen Laifa , Li Hongsen , Yang Liang , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: May 2015

3D TiN@Si core–shell nanorod array electrodes have been successfully prepared by a controllable RF magnetron sputtering method. TiN@Si NR electrodes exhibit high capacity and good rate performance due to the superior mechanical stability and electrical conductivity of TiN NWs.
Effective doping by spin-coating and enhanced thermoelectric power factors in SWCNT/P3HT hybrid films
Authors: Hong Cheon Taek , Lee Woohwa , Kang Young Hun , Yoo Youngjae , Ryu Juwhan , Cho Song Yun , Jang Kwang-Suk
Published: May 2015

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hybrid films doped by spin-coating exhibited power factors up to 308 µW m−1 K−2.
Galactomannan binding agents for silicon anodes in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Dufficy Martin K. , Khan Saad A. , Fedkiw Peter S.
Published: May 2015

The high Li-extraction capacity can be owed to the favorable interactions between silicon nanoparticles and the galactomannan binders.
Surface defect rich ZnO quantum dots as antioxidants inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase: a potential anti-diabetic nanomedicine
Authors: Asok Adersh , Ghosh Sougata , More Piyush A. , Chopade Balu A. , Gandhi Mayuri N. , Kulkarni Ajit R.
Published: May 2015

The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of defect rich ZnO quantum dots is reported, which shows potential for developing anti-diabetic nanomedicine.
Acyl-CoA-binding domain containing 3 modulates NAD+ metabolism through activating poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1
Authors: Chen Yong , Bang Sookhee , Park Soohyun , Shi Hanyuan , Kim Sangwon F.
Published: May 2015

NAD+ plays essential roles in cellular energy homoeostasis and redox state, functioning as a cofactor along the glycolysis and citric acid cycle pathways. Recent discoveries indicated that, through the NAD+-consuming enzymes, this molecule may also be involved in many other cellular and biological outcomes such as chromatin remodelling, gene transcription, genomic integrity, cell division, calcium signalling, circadian clock and pluripotency. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is such an enzyme and dysfunctional PARP1 has been linked with the onset and development of various human diseases, including cancer, aging, traumatic brain injury, atherosclerosis, diabetes and inflammation. In the present study, we showed that overexpressed acyl-CoA-binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3), a Golgi-bound protein, significantly reduced cellular NAD+ content via enhancing PARP1's polymerase activity and enhancing auto-modification of the enzyme in a DNA damage-independent manner. We identified that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 as well as de novo fatty acid biosynthesis pathways are involved in ACBD3-mediated activation of PARP1. Importantly, oxidative stress-induced PARP1 activation is greatly attenuated by knocking down the ACBD3 gene. Taken together, these findings suggest that ACBD3 has prominent impacts on cellular NAD+ metabolism via regulating PARP1 activation-dependent auto-modification and thus cell metabolism and function.
Structural and biochemical characterization of novel bacterial α-galactosidases belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 31
Authors: Miyazaki Takatsugu , Ishizaki Yuichi , Ichikawa Megumi , Nishikawa Atsushi , Tonozuka Takashi
Published: May 2015

Glycoside hydrolase family 31 (GH31) proteins have been reportedly identified as exo-α-glycosidases with activity for α-glucosides and α-xylosides. We focused on a GH31 subfamily, which contains proteins with low sequence identity (<24%) to the previously reported GH31 glycosidases and characterized two enzymes from Pedobacter heparinus and Pedobacter saltans. The enzymes unexpectedly exhibited α-galactosidase activity, but were not active on α-glucosides and α-xylosides. The crystal structures of one of the enzymes, PsGal31A, in unliganded form and in complexes with D-galactose or L-fucose and the catalytic nucleophile mutant in unliganded form and in complex with p-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactopyranoside, were determined at 1.85–2.30 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. The overall structure of PsGal31A contains four domains and the catalytic domain adopts a (β/α)8-barrel fold that resembles the structures of other GH31 enzymes. Two catalytic aspartic acid residues are structurally conserved in the enzymes, whereas most residues forming the active site differ from those of GH31 α-glucosidases and α-xylosidases. PsGal31A forms a dimer via a unique loop that is not conserved in other reported GH31 enzymes; this loop is involved in its aglycone specificity and in binding L-fucose. Considering potential genes for α-L-fucosidases and carbohydrate-related proteins within the vicinity of Pedobacter Gal31, the identified Gal31 enzymes are likely to function in a novel sugar degradation system. This is the first report of α-galactosidases which belong to GH31 family.
The role of Cas8 in type I CRISPR interference
Authors: Cass Simon D.B. , Haas Karina A. , Stoll Britta , Alkhnbashi Omer S. , Sharma Kundan , Urlaub Henning , Backofen Rolf , Marchfelder Anita , Bolt Edward L.
Published: May 2015

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) systems provide bacteria and archaea with adaptive immunity to repel invasive genetic elements. Type I systems use ‘cascade’ [CRISPR-associated (Cas) complex for antiviral defence] ribonucleoprotein complexes to target invader DNA, by base pairing CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to protospacers. Cascade identifies PAMs (protospacer adjacent motifs) on invader DNA, triggering R-loop formation and subsequent DNA degradation by Cas3. Cas8 is a candidate PAM recognition factor in some cascades. We analysed Cas8 homologues from type IB CRISPR systems in archaea Haloferax volcanii (Hvo) and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus (Mth). Cas8 was essential for CRISPR interference in Hvo and purified Mth Cas8 protein responded to PAM sequence when binding to nucleic acids. Cas8 interacted physically with Cas5–Cas7–crRNA complex, stimulating binding to PAM containing substrates. Mutation of conserved Cas8 amino acid residues abolished interference in vivo and altered catalytic activity of Cas8 protein in vitro. This is experimental evidence that Cas8 is important for targeting Cascade to invader DNA.
Balanced and unbalanced inverter strategies in battery storage systems for low‐voltage grid support
Authors: Geth Frederik , Tant Jeroen , Belmans Ronnie , Driesen Johan
Published: May 2015

The design of battery storage systems includes technology choices for the batteries and for the inverter. The impact of the inverter design on the optimal design and operation of the storage system has not been analysed before. Therefore four inverter designs are compared with this research. The most basic inverter model assumes only symmetric active power exchange; the most advanced inverter model allows interphase active power transfer and reactive power control. A multi‐objective optimisation method is used, to visualise the trade‐offs between two technical objective functions for cycling control – voltage regulation and peak power reduction – for a given annual cost. The method is applied to a real‐world scenario, based on an existing feeder in a residential part of a city in Flanders, Belgium. Internal losses and losses in the grid are quantified for the different designs. Modelling a battery storage system purely as a finite source/sink of active power in a low‐voltage grid, strongly underestimates the potential because of the existing phase unbalance. Counteracting phase unbalance through an inter‐phase power transfer capable inverter, even more so than adding reactive power control, improves the performance of battery storage systems.
Coordinated ramp metering with priorities
Authors: Meshkat Amir , Zhi Min , Vrancken Jos L.M. , Verbraeck Alexander , Yuan Yufei , Wang Yubin
Published: May 2015

Ramp metering systems on motorways in urban areas need a level of coordination, otherwise, traffic on some on‐ramps has much more difficulty entering the motorway than on others. The existing rule‐based algorithms are a substantial improvement over the uncoordinated case, but this way of coordination still lacks flexibility. This is because the traditional algorithms take the existing ramp metering systems as starting point, which has inherent limitations, as these systems were not designed to operate in a setting with coordination. In this study, a more fundamental approach is taken, by considering the network of a motorway segment with a small number of on‐ramps, and addressing both internal performance and the role the network should play in its surrounding network. The fundamental approach has been expressed in a generic, scalable model for network management, and the quantitative hierarchical model. When this model is applied to ramp metering, it becomes easy to assign priorities to the different on‐ramps and to the motorway. This way of coordinating on‐ramps offers far greater flexibility to support various traffic management policies. Moreover, it offers a perspective to extend the managed area to networks of virtually any size.
Fabrication and characterisation of gallium arsenide ambipolar quantum point contacts
Authors: Chen J. C. H. , Klochan O. , Micolich A. P. , Das Gupta K. , Sfigakis F. , Ritchie D. A. , Trunov K. , Reuter D. , Wieck A. D. , Hamilton A. R.
Published: May 2015

We show that ballistic one-dimensional channels can be formed in an ambipolar device fabricated on a high mobility Al0.34Ga0.66As/GaAs heterostructure. Both electron and hole quantised conductances can be measured in the same one-dimensional channel. We have used this device to compare directly the subband spacings of the two charge carriers in the same confining potential and used this to compare the electron and hole effective masses.
Automatic real time evaluation of red blood cell elasticity by optical tweezers
Authors: Moura Diógenes S. , Silva Diego C. N. , Williams Ajoke J. , Bezerra Marcos A. C. , Fontes Adriana , de Araujo Renato E.
Published: May 2015

Optical tweezers have been used to trap, manipulate, and measure individual cell properties. In this work, we show that the association of a computer controlled optical tweezers system with image processing techniques allows rapid and reproducible evaluation of cell deformability. In particular, the deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a key role in the transport of oxygen through the blood microcirculation. The automatic measurement processes consisted of three steps: acquisition, segmentation of images, and measurement of the elasticity of the cells. An optical tweezers system was setup on an upright microscope equipped with a CCD camera and a motorized XYZ stage, computer controlled by a Labview platform. On the optical tweezers setup, the deformation of the captured RBC was obtained by moving the motorized stage. The automatic real-time homemade system was evaluated by measuring RBCs elasticity from normal donors and patients with sickle cell anemia. Approximately 150 erythrocytes were examined, and the elasticity values obtained by using the developed system were compared to the values measured by two experts. With the automatic system, there was a significant time reduction (60 × ) of the erythrocytes elasticity evaluation. Automated system can help to expand the applications of optical tweezers in hematology and hemotherapy.
Combining density functional and incremental post-Hartree-Fock approaches for van der Waals dominated adsorbate-surface interactions: Ag2/graphene
Authors: de Lara-Castells María Pilar , Mitrushchenkov Alexander O. , Stoll Hermann
Published: May 2015

A combined density functional (DFT) and incremental post-Hartree-Fock (post-HF) approach, proven earlier to calculate He-surface potential energy surfaces [de Lara-Castells et al., J. Chem. Phys. 141, 151102 (2014)], is applied to describe the van der Waals dominated Ag2/graphene interaction. It extends the dispersionless density functional theory developed by Pernal et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 263201 (2009)] by including periodic boundary conditions while the dispersion is parametrized via the method of increments [H. Stoll, J. Chem. Phys. 97, 8449 (1992)]. Starting with the elementary cluster unit of the target surface (benzene), continuing through the realistic cluster model (coronene), and ending with the periodic model of the extended system, modern ab initio methodologies for intermolecular interactions as well as state-of-the-art van der Waals-corrected density functional-based approaches are put together both to assess the accuracy of the composite scheme and to better characterize the Ag2/graphene interaction. The present work illustrates how the combination of DFT and post-HF perspectives may be efficient to design simple and reliable ab initio-based schemes in extended systems for surface science applications.
Multipole theory and the Hehl–Obukhov decomposition of the electromagnetic constitutive tensor
Authors: de Lange O. L. , Raab R. E.
Published: May 2015

The Hehl–Obukhov decomposition expresses the 36 independent components of the electromagnetic constitutive tensor for a local linear anisotropic medium in a useful general form comprising seven macroscopic property tensors: four of second rank, two vectors, and a four-dimensional (pseudo)scalar. We consider homogeneous media and show that in semi-classical multipole theory, the first full realization of this formulation is obtained (in terms of molecular polarizability tensors) at third order (electric octopole–magnetic quadrupole order). The calculations are an extension of a direct method previously used at second order (electric quadrupole–magnetic dipole order). We consider in what sense this theory is independent of the choice of molecular coordinate origins relative to which polarizabilities are evaluated. The pseudoscalar (axion) observable is expressed relative to the crystallographic origin. The other six property tensors are invariant (with respect to an arbitrary choice of each molecular coordinate origin), or zero, at first and second orders. At third order, this invariance has to be imposed (by transformation of the response fields)—an aspect that is required by consideration of isotropic fluids and is consistent with the invariance of transmission phenomena in dielectrics. Alternative derivations of the property tensors are reviewed, with emphasis on the pseudoscalar, constraint-breaking, translational invariance, and uniqueness.
Mode specificity in bond selective reactions F + HOD → HF + OD and DF + OH
Authors: Song Hongwei , Guo Hua
Published: May 2015

The influence of vibrational excitations in the partially deuterated water (HOD) reactant on its bond selective reactions with F is investigated using a full-dimensional quantum wave packet method on an accurate global potential energy surface. Despite the decidedly early barrier of the F + H2O reaction, reactant vibrational excitation in each local stretching mode of HOD is found to significantly enhance the reaction which breaks the excited bond. In the mean time, excitation of the HOD bending mode also enhances the reaction, but with much lower efficacy and weaker bond selectivity. Except for low collision energies, all vibrational modes are more effective in promoting the bond selective reactions than the translational energy. These results are compared with the predictions of the recently proposed sudden vector projection model.
Multi-symplectic, Lagrangian, one-dimensional gas dynamics
Authors: Webb G. M.
Published: May 2015

The equations of Lagrangian, ideal, one-dimensional, compressible gas dynamics are written in a multi-symplectic form using the Lagrangian mass coordinate m and time t as independent variables, and in which the Eulerian position of the fluid element x = x(m, t) is one of the dependent variables. This approach differs from the Eulerian, multi-symplectic approach using Clebsch variables. Lagrangian constraints are used to specify equations for xm, xt, and St consistent with the Lagrangian map, where S is the entropy of the gas. We require St = 0 corresponding to advection of the entropy S with the flow. We show that the Lagrangian Hamiltonian equations are related to the de Donder-Weyl multi-momentum formulation. The pullback conservation laws and the symplecticity conservation laws are discussed. The pullback conservation laws correspond to invariance of the action with respect to translations in time (energy conservation) and translations in m in Noether’s theorem. The conservation law due to m-translation invariance gives rise to a novel nonlocal conservation law involving the Clebsch variable r used to impose ∂S(m, t)/∂t = 0. Translation invariance with respect to x in Noether’s theorem is associated with momentum conservation. We obtain the Cartan-Poincaré form for the system, and use it to obtain a closed ideal of two-forms representing the equation system.
Quasi-periodic solutions of nonlinear beam equation with prescribed frequencies
Authors: Chang Jing , Gao Yixian , Li Yong
Published: May 2015

Consider the one dimensional nonlinear beam equation utt + uxxxx + mu + u3 = 0 under Dirichlet boundary conditions. We show that for any m > 0 but a set of small Lebesgue measure, the above equation admits a family of small-amplitude quasi-periodic solutions with n-dimensional Diophantine frequencies. These Diophantine frequencies are the small dilation of a prescribed Diophantine vector. The proofs are based on an infinite dimensional Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser iteration procedure and a partial Birkhoff normal form.