bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acrylamide toxic effects on mouse oocyte quality and fertility in vivo
Authors: Duan Xing , Wang Qiao-Chu , Chen Kun-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Cheng , Liu Jun , Sun Shao-Chen
Published: June 2015

Acrylamide is an industrial chemical that has attracted considerable attention due to its presumed carcinogenic, neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects. In this study we investigated possible acrylamide reproductive toxic effects in female mice. Mice were fed an acrylamide-containing diet for 6 weeks. Our results showed the following effects of an acrylamide-containing diet. (1) Ovary weights were reduced in acrylamide-treated mice and oocyte developmental competence was also reduced, as shown by reduced GVBD and polar body extrusion rates. (2) Acrylamide feeding resulted in aberrant oocyte cytoskeletons, as shown by an increased abnormal spindle rate and confirmed by disrupted γ-tubulin and p-MAPK localization. (3) Acrylamide feeding resulted in oxidative stress and oocyte early stage apoptosis, as shown by increased ROS levels and p-MAPK expression. (4) Fluorescence intensity analysis showed that DNA methylation levels were reduced in acrylamide-treated oocytes and histone methylation levels were also altered, as H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 levels were reduced after acrylamide treatment. (5) After acrylamide feeding, the litter sizes of acrylamide-treated mice were significantly smaller compared to thus of control mice. Thus, our results indicated that acrylamide might affect oocyte quality through its effects on cytoskeletal integrity, ROS generation, apoptosis induction and epigenetic modifications.
Phosphorylation of Beet black scorch virus coat protein by PKA is required for assembly and stability of virus particles
Authors: Zhao Xiaofei , Wang Xiaoling , Dong Kai , Zhang Yongliang , Hu Yue , Zhang Xin , Chen Yanmei , Wang Xianbing , Han Chenggui , Yu Jialin , Li Dawei
Published: June 2015

Plant virus coat proteins (CPs) play a fundamental role in protection of genomic RNAs, virion assembly and viral movement. Although phosphorylation of several CPs during virus infection have been reported, little information is available about CP phosphorylation of the spherical RNA plant viruses. Here, we demonstrate that the CP of Beet black scorch virus (BBSV), a member of the genus Necrovirus, can be phosphorylated at threonine-41 (T41) by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-like kinase in vivo and in vitro. Mutant viruses containing a T41A non-phosphorylatable alanine substitution and a T41E glutamic acid substitution to mimic threonine phosphorylation were able to replicate but were unable to move systemically in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, the T41A and T41E mutants generated unstable 17 nm virus-like particles that failed to package viral genomic (g) RNA, compared with wild-type BBSV with 30 nm virions during viral infection in N. benthamiana. Further analyses showed that the T41 mutations had little effect on the gRNA-binding activity of the CP. Therefore, we propose a model whereby CP phosphorylation plays an essential role in long-distance movement of BBSV that involves formation of stable virions.
RAD51 135G>C substitution increases breast cancer risk in an ethnic-specific manner: a meta-analysis on 21236 cases and 19407 controls
Authors: Sekhar Deepa , Pooja Singh , Kumar Sandeep , Rajender Singh
Published: June 2015

RAD51 is a homolog of bacterial RecA protein, which plays an important role in preserving stability of the genome. RAD51 interacts with BRCA1 and BRCA2 for homologous recombination repair. A functional polymorphism (135G > C) in the RAD51 gene has been a subject of great interest, which is evidenced by at least 28 case-control studies and eight meta-analyses undertaken on this polymorphism till now. We undertook a meta-analysis on RAD51 135G > C data for 21236 cases and 19407 controls pooled from 28 studies on breast cancer in women. Pooled data analysis suggested a significant association of the substitution with breast cancer in the recessive model (GG + GC versus CC) and in the co-dominant models comparing GG versus CC and GC versus CC. Analysis of the results suggested that ‘CC’ genotype is a significant breast cancer risk factor in comparison to ‘GG’ and ‘GC’ genotypes. We also undertook pooled analyses on different ethnic groups and found that ‘CC’ was a strong risk factor in Caucasians, but not in East-Asians and populations of mixed ethnicity. In conclusion, the RAD51 135G > C substitution in the homozygous form (CC) increases the risk of breast cancer in an ethnic-specific manner.
Ultrathin Carbon with Interspersed Graphene/Fullerene-like Nanostructures: A Durable Protective Overcoat for High Density Magnetic Storage
Authors: Dwivedi Neeraj , Satyanarayana Nalam , Yeo Reuben J. , Xu Hai , Ping Loh Kian , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Bhatia Charanjit S.
Published: June 2015

One of the key issues for future hard disk drive technology is to design and develop ultrathin (<2 nm) overcoats with excellent wear- and corrosion protection and high thermal stability. Forming carbon overcoats (COCs) having interspersed nanostructures by the filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) process can be an effective approach to achieve the desired target. In this work, by employing a novel bi-level surface modification approach using FCVA, the formation of a high sp3 bonded ultrathin (~1.7 nm) amorphous carbon overcoat with interspersed graphene/fullerene-like nanostructures, grown on magnetic hard disk media, is reported. The in-depth spectroscopic and microscopic analyses by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy support the observed findings. Despite a reduction of ~37 % in COC thickness, the FCVA-processed thinner COC (~1.7 nm) shows promising functional performance in terms of lower coefficient of friction (~0.25), higher wear resistance, lower surface energy, excellent hydrophobicity and similar/better oxidation corrosion resistance than current commercial COCs of thickness ~2.7 nm. The surface and tribological properties of FCVA-deposited COC was further improved after deposition of lubricant layer.
Hypertrophic scar contracture is mediated by the TRPC3 mechanical force transducer via NFkB activation
Authors: Ishise Hisako , Larson Barrett , Hirata Yutaka , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Nishimoto Soh , Kubo Tateki , Matsuda Ken , Kanazawa Shigeyuki , Sotsuka Yohei , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kakibuchi Masao , Kawai Kenichiro
Published: June 2015

Wound healing process is a complex and highly orchestrated process that ultimately results in the formation of scar tissue. Hypertrophic scar contracture is considered to be a pathologic and exaggerated wound healing response that is known to be triggered by repetitive mechanical forces. We now show that Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) C3 regulates the expression of fibronectin, a key regulatory molecule involved in the wound healing process, in response to mechanical strain via the NFkB pathway. TRPC3 is highly expressed in human hypertrophic scar tissue and mechanical stimuli are known to upregulate TRPC3 expression in human skin fibroblasts in vitro. TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts subjected to repetitive stretching forces showed robust expression levels of fibronectin. Furthermore, mechanical stretching of TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts induced the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), a regulator fibronectin expression, which was able to be attenuated by pharmacologic blockade of either TRPC3 or NFκB. Finally, transplantation of TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts into mice promoted wound contraction and increased fibronectin levels in vivo. These observations demonstrate that mechanical stretching drives fibronectin expression via the TRPC3-NFkB axis, leading to intractable wound contracture. This model explains how mechanical strain on cutaneous wounds might contribute to pathologic scarring.
Sox2-CreER mice are useful for fate mapping of mature, but not neonatal, cochlear supporting cells in hair cell regeneration studies
Authors: Walters Bradley J. , Yamashita Tetsuji , Zuo Jian
Published: June 2015

Studies of hair cell regeneration in the postnatal cochlea rely on fate mapping of supporting cells. Here we characterized a Sox2-CreER knock-in mouse line with two independent reporter mouse strains at neonatal and mature ages. Regardless of induction age, reporter expression was robust, with CreER activity being readily detectable in >85% of supporting cells within the organ of Corti. When induced at postnatal day (P) 28, Sox2-CreER activity was exclusive to supporting cells demonstrating its utility for fate mapping studies beyond this age. However, when induced at P1, Sox2-CreER activity was also detected in >50% of cochlear hair cells, suggesting that Sox2-CreER may not be useful to fate map a supporting cell origin of regenerated hair cells if induced at neonatal ages. Given that this model is currently in use by several investigators for fate mapping purposes and may be adopted by others in the future, our finding that current protocols are effective for restricting CreER activity to supporting cells at mature but not neonatal ages is both significant and timely.
Pancreatic alpha-cells from female mice undergo morphofunctional changes during compensatory adaptations of the endocrine pancreas to diet-induced obesity
Authors: Merino Beatriz , Alonso-Magdalena Paloma , Lluesma Mónica , Ñeco Patricia , Gonzalez Alejandro , Marroquí Laura , García-Arévalo Marta , Nadal Angel , Quesada Ivan
Published: June 2015

Obesity is frequently associated with insulin resistance. To compensate for this situation and maintain normoglycaemia, pancreatic beta-cells undergo several morphofunctional adaptations, which result in insulin hypersecretion and hyperinsulinaemia. However, no information exists about pancreatic alpha-cells during this compensatory stage of obesity. Here, we studied alpha-cells in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. These animals exhibited hyperinsulinaemia and normoglycaemia compared with control animals in addition to hypoglucagonaemia. While the in vivo response of glucagon to hypoglycaemia was preserved in the obese mice, the suppression of glucagon secretion during hyperglycaemia was impaired. Additionally, in vitro glucagon release at low glucose levels and glucagon content in isolated islets were decreased, while alpha-cell exocytosis remained unchanged. Assessment of morphological parameters revealed that alpha-cell area was reduced in the pancreas of the obese mice in association with alpha-cell hypotrophy, increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. HFD feeding for 24 weeks led to significant deterioration in beta-cell function and glucose homeostasis. Under these conditions, the majority of alpha-cell changes were reversed and became comparable to controls. These findings indicate that pancreatic compensatory adaptations during obesity may also involve pancreatic alpha-cells. Additionally, defects in alpha-cell function during obesity may be implicated in progression to diabetes.
Beyond Gisin’s Theorem and its Applications: Violation of Local Realism by Two-Party Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering
Authors: Chen Jing-Ling , Su Hong-Yi , Xu Zhen-Peng , Wu Yu-Chun , Wu Chunfeng , Ye Xiang-Jun , Żukowski Marek , Kwek L. C.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate here that for a given mixed multi-qubit state if there are at least two observers for whom mutual Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering is possible, i.e. each observer is able to steer the other qubits into two different pure states by spontaneous collapses due to von Neumann type measurements on his/her qubit, then nonexistence of local realistic models is fully equivalent to quantum entanglement (this is not so without this condition). This result leads to an enhanced version of Gisin’s theorem (originally: all pure entangled states violate local realism). Local realism is violated by all mixed states with the above steering property. The new class of states allows one e.g. to perform three party secret sharing with just pairs of entangled qubits, instead of three qubit entanglements (which are currently available with low fidelity). This significantly increases the feasibility of having high performance versions of such protocols. Finally, we discuss some possible applications.
Development of trastuzumab-resistant human gastric carcinoma cell lines and mechanisms of drug resistance
Authors: Zuo Qiang , Liu Jing , Zhang Jingwen , Wu Mengwan , Guo Lihong , Liao Wangjun
Published: June 2015

Trastuzumab has been successfully employed for the treatment of Her-2-positive gastric cancer. However, there are problems with both primary and secondary resistance to trastuzumab. In this study, we employed the human gastric carcinoma cell line NCI-N87 with high Her-2 expression to create trastuzumab-resistant NCI-N87/TR cells by stepwise exposure to increasing doses of trastuzumab. Western blotting and Real-time PCR were conducted to detect protein and gene levels. Compared with NCI-N87 cells, the expression of P-IGF-1R and P-AKT proteins was significantly increased in NCI-N87/TR cells (both P = 0.000), while PTEN gene and protein expression showed a significant decrease (both P = 0.000). In addition, mutations of the PTEN gene were detected at exons 5, 7 and 8. The sensitivity of NCI-N87/TR cells to trastuzumab was increased by transfection with the PTEN gene, or by incubation with a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or an IGF-IR inhibitor (AG1024), as well as siRNA targeting PI3K p110 or IGF-1R. Taken together, our findings showed that activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was one of the major mechanisms leading to resistance of NCI-N87/TR gastric cancer cells to trastuzumab, which was probably associated with PTEN gene down-regulation and mutation, as well as with over-activity of the IGF-1R signaling pathway.
Altered regional activity and inter-regional functional connectivity in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
Authors: Li Rong , Li Yibo , An Dongmei , Gong Qiyong , Zhou Dong , Chen Huafu
Published: June 2015

Although various imaging studies have focused on detecting the cerebral function underlying psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), the nature of PNES remains poorly understood. In this study, we combined the resting state fMRI with fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and functional connectivity based on the seed voxel linear correlation approach to examine the alterations of regional and inter-regional network cerebral functions in PNES. A total of 20 healthy controls and 18 patients were enrolled. The PNES patients showed significantly increased fALFF mainly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), parietal cortices and motor areas, as well as decreased fALFF in the triangular inferior frontal gyrus. Thus, our results add to literature suggesting abnormalities of neural synchrony in PNES. Moreover, PNES exhibited widespread inter-regional neural network deficits, including increased (DLPFC, sensorimotor and limbic system) and decreased (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex) connectivity, indicating that changes in the regional cerebral function are related to remote inter-regional network deficits. Correlation analysis results revealed that the connectivity between supplementary motor area and anterior cingulate cortex correlated with the PNES frequency, further suggesting the skewed integration of synchronous activity could predispose to the occurrence of PNES. Our findings provided novel evidence to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of PNES.
Nitrogen limitation as a driver of genome size evolution in a group of karst plants
Authors: Kang Ming , Wang Jing , Huang Hongwen
Published: June 2015

Genome size is of fundamental biological importance with significance in predicting structural and functional attributes of organisms. Although abundant evidence has shown that the genome size can be largely explained by differential proliferation and removal of non-coding DNA of the genome, the evolutionary and ecological basis of genome size variation remains poorly understood. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential elements of DNA and protein building blocks, yet often subject to environmental limitation in natural ecosystems. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we test this hypothesis by determining whether leaf N and P availability affects genome sizes in 99 species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae), a group of soil specialists adapted to limestone karst environment in south China. We find that genome sizes in Primulina are strongly positively correlated with plant N content, but the correlation with plant P content is not significant when phylogeny history was taken into account. This study shows for the first time that N limitation might have been a plausible driver of genome size variation in a group of plants. We propose that competition for nitrogen nutrient between DNA synthesis and cellular functions is a possible mechanism for genome size evolution in Primulina under N-limitation.
Nanopore sensing of individual transcription factors bound to DNA
Authors: Squires Allison , Atas Evrim , Meller Amit
Published: June 2015

Transcription factor (TF)-DNA interactions are the primary control point in regulation of gene expression. Characterization of these interactions is essential for understanding genetic regulation of biological systems and developing novel therapies to treat cellular malfunctions. Solid-state nanopores are a highly versatile class of single-molecule sensors that can provide rich information about local properties of long charged biopolymers using the current blockage patterns generated during analyte translocation and provide a novel platform for characterization of TF-DNA interactions. The DNA-binding domain of the TF Early Growth Response Protein 1 (EGR1), a prototypical zinc finger protein known as zif268, is used as a model system for this study. zif268 adopts two distinct bound conformations corresponding to specific and nonspecific binding, according to the local DNA sequence. Here we implement a solid-state nanopore platform for direct, label- and tether-free single-molecule detection of zif268 bound to DNA. We demonstrate detection of single zif268 TFs bound to DNA according to current blockage sublevels and duration of translocation through the nanopore. We further show that the nanopore can detect and discriminate both specific and nonspecific binding conformations of zif268 on DNA via the distinct current blockage patterns corresponding to each of these two known binding modes.
Universal Approach to FRAP Analysis of Arbitrary Bleaching Patterns
Authors: Blumenthal Daniel , Goldstien Leo , Edidin Michael , Gheber Levi A.
Published: June 2015

The original approach to calculating diffusion coefficients of a fluorescent probe from Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) measurements assumes bleaching with a circular laser beam of a Gaussian intensity profile. This method was used without imaging the bleached cell. An empirical equation for calculating diffusion coefficients from a rectangular bleaching geometry, created in a confocal image, was later published, however a single method allowing the calculation of diffusion coefficients for arbitrary geometry does not exist. Our simulation approach allows computation of diffusion coefficients regardless of bleaching geometry used in the FRAP experiment. It accepts a multiple-frame TIFF file, representing the experiment as input and simulates the (pure) diffusion of the fluorescent probes (2D random walk) starting with the first post-bleach frame of the actual data. It then fits the simulated data to the real data and extracts the diffusion coefficient. We validate our approach using a well characterized diffusing molecule (DiIC18) against well-established analytical procedures. We show that the algorithm is able to calculate the absolute value of diffusion coefficients for arbitrary bleaching geometries, including exaggeratedly large ones. It is provided freely as an ImageJ plugin and should facilitate quantitative FRAP measurements for users equipped with standard fluorescence microscopy setups.
The Missing Memristor has Not been Found
Authors: Vongehr Sascha , Meng Xiangkang
Published: June 2015

In 1971, not only the theoretical and by definition already existing ‘ideal memristor’ concept was introduced, but a real memristor device was suggested on grounds of the already known real inductors. The latter is a scientifically significant hypothesis grounded in fundamental symmetries of basic physics, here electro-magnetism. 2008 claimed the discovery of the “missing memristor.” Controversy arose: The devices were not new and the hypothesized device needs magnetism but has no material memory, while the available devices constitute analogue memory that would work in a world without magnetism. Nevertheless, even the originator of the prediction accepted the discovery. Defenders of the 2008 claim emphasize that the devices are not merely ‘memristive systems,’ which is however a distinction defined in 1976, not 1971. We clarify widely confused concepts and maintain that the originally hypothesized real memristor device is missing and likely impossible. The argument is illustrated also by finding an ideal mechanical memristor element and purely mechanical memristive systems and hypothesizing a real mechanical memristor device that requires inert mass just like the 1971 implied device requires magnetic induction.
Mechanical overloading causes mitochondrial superoxide and SOD2 imbalance in chondrocytes resulting in cartilage degeneration
Authors: Koike Masato , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Ozawa Yusuke , Watanabe Kenji , Muramatsu Yuta , Kaneko Haruka , Morikawa Daichi , Kobayashi Keiji , Saita Yoshitomo , Sasho Takahisa , Shirasawa Takuji , Yokote Koutaro , Kaneko Kazuo , Shimizu Takahiko
Published: June 2015

Mechanical stress and aging are major risk factors of cartilage degeneration. Human studies have previously reported that oxidative damage increased, while SOD2 protein was reciprocally downregulated in osteoarthritic degenerated cartilage. However, it remains unclear whether mitochondrial superoxide imbalance in chondrocytes causes cartilage degeneration. We herein demonstrate that mechanical loading promoted mitochondrial superoxide generation and selective Sod2 downregulation in chondrocytes in vivo and that mitochondrial superoxide inducer also downregulated Sod2 expression in chondrocytes in vitro. A genetically manipulated model revealed that Sod2 deficiency in chondrocytes also resulted in mitochondrial superoxide overproduction and dysfunction, thus leading to cartilage degeneration. Intra-articular injection of a permeable antioxidant effectively suppressed the mechanical loading-induced mitochondrial superoxide generation and cartilage degeneration in mice. Our findings demonstrate that mitochondrial superoxide plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis and the mitochondrial superoxide balance may therefore be a promising target for the treatment of cartilage degeneration.
Relative quantitation of multi-antennary N-glycan classes: combining PGC-LC-ESI-MS with exoglycosidase digestion
Authors: Abrahams J. L. , Packer N. H. , Campbell M. P.
Published: June 2015

In the search for N-glycan disease biomarkers current glycoanalytical methods may not be revealing a complete picture of precious samples, and we may be missing valuable structural information that fall outside analysis windows.
A new Keggin-like niobium-phosphate cluster that reacts reversibly with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Son Jung-Ho , Casey William H.
Published: June 2015

Solid niobium phosphate (NbOPO4·xH2O) is well known as a biomass-conversion catalyst, yet the chemical pathways are unclear. Here we report solution chemistry of a new niobophosphate cluster [H3Nb9P5O41]9− that reacts with H2O2 to form peroxo-Nb4P2, and this reaction can be reversed by hydrothermal treatment. We suggest that this cluster is a useful molecular model for the solid.
Bi- and trimetallic rare-earth–palladium complexes ligated by phosphinoamides
Authors: Völcker Franziska , Mück Felix M. , Vogiatzis Konstantinos D. , Fink Karin , Roesky Peter W.
Published: June 2015

Heterometallic early–late 4d/4f bi- and trinuclear phosphinoamido Ln–Pd(0) complexes [(Ph2PNHPh)Pd{μ-(Ph2PNPh)}3Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)3] (Ln = Y, Lu) and [Li(THF)4][{(Ph2PNHPh)Pd}2{μ-(Ph2PNPh)}4Ln] (Ln = Y, Lu) are described.
Toward electron-deficient pyrene derivatives: construction of pyrene tetracarboxylic diimide containing five-membered imide rings
Authors: Zou Lin , Wang Xiao-Ye , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Dai Ya-Zhong , Wu Yun-Dong , Wang Jie-Yu , Pei Jian
Published: June 2015

Electron-deficient pyrene-1,2,6,7-tetracarboxylic diimide (PyrDI) and pyrene-4,9-dicyano-1,2,6,7-tetracarboxylic diimide (PyrDI-CN) containing five-membered imide rings have been designed and synthesized as a new family of aromatic diimides.
Calcium carbonate crystallization in tailored constrained environments
Authors: Beato C. , Fernández M. S. , Fermani S. , Reggi M. , Neira-Carrillo A. , Rao A. , Falini G. , Arias J. L.
Published: June 2015

This research shows that by tailoring the assembly of lecithin molecules it is possible to modulate the texture, polymorphism, size and shape of calcium carbonate crystals.
Thermodynamic parameters of the pedal motion in the crystal structures of two bromomethylated azobenzenes
Authors: Vande Velde Christophe M. L. , Zeller Matthias , Azov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2015

Differences in the thermodynamic parameters of the central N-atoms' pedal motion in two bromomethylated azobenzenes were determined by multi-temperature X-ray diffraction, and rationalized by packing studies.
Statistical modeling of the reactions Fe+ + N2O → FeO+ + N2 and FeO+ + CO → Fe+ + CO2
Authors: Ushakov Vladimir G. , Troe Jürgen , Johnson Ryan S. , Guo Hua , Ard Shaun G. , Melko Joshua J. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: June 2015

The rates of the reactions Fe+ + N2O → FeO+ + N2 and FeO+ + CO → Fe+ + CO2 are modeled by statistical rate theory accounting for energy- and angular momentum-specific rate constants for formation of the primary and secondary cationic adducts and their backward and forward reactions.
On the importance of a precise crystal structure for simulating gas adsorption in nanoporous materials
Authors: Lawler Keith V. , Hulvey Zeric , Forster Paul M.
Published: June 2015

Differences between crystal structures produces substantial changes in simulated properties, underlying the importance of utilizing appropriate structural description in calculations.
Coherent intensity fluctuation model for autocorrelation imaging spectroscopy with higher harmonic generating point scatterers—a comprehensive theoretical study
Authors: Slenders Eli , vandeVen Martin , Hooyberghs Jef , Ameloot Marcel
Published: June 2015

We present a general analytical model for the intensity fluctuation autocorrelation function for second and third harmonic generating point scatterers.
Tuning of structure and enhancement of upconversion luminescence in NaLuF4:Yb3+,Ho3+ crystals
Authors: Lin Hao , Xu Dekang , Li Anming , Teng Dongdong , Yang Shenghong , Zhang Yueli
Published: June 2015

The formation processes of NaLuF4 nano/micro-crystals prepared under different experimental conditions.
Mechanism for formation of atmospheric Cl atom precursors in the reaction of dinitrogen oxides with HCl/Cl−on aqueous films
Authors: Hammerich Audrey Dell , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J. , Gerber R. Benny
Published: June 2015

Formation of atmospheric chlorine atom precursors ClNO2and ClNO in the reaction of HCl with oxides of nitrogen on a water film: left – formation of N–Cl bond as N–O bond breaks; right – concurrent changes in Mulliken charges.
Intrinsic defects in a photovoltaic perovskite variant Cs2SnI6
Authors: Xiao Zewen , Zhou Yuanyuan , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: June 2015

The intrinsic defects in pure Cs2SnI6 and their effects on electrical properties were studied by first-principles calculations.
Benchmarking two-photon absorption cross sections: performance of CC2 and CAM-B3LYP
Authors: Beerepoot Maarten T. P. , Friese Daniel H. , List Nanna H. , Kongsted Jacob , Ruud Kenneth
Published: June 2015

CC2 two-photon absorption strengths of neutral chromophores overestimate the EOM-CCSD reference only slightly, whereas TDDFT/CAM-B3LYP strengths are significantly underestimated.
Plant protein-based delivery systems for bioactive ingredients in foods
Authors: Wan Zhi-Li , Guo Jian , Yang Xiao-Quan
Published: June 2015

The application of food-grade delivery systems for the encapsulation, protection and controlled release of bioactive food ingredients have recently gained increasing interest in the research fields of functional foods and pharmaceutics. The preparation and application of bifunctional particles provide a novel perspective for the design of plant protein-based delivery system.
Metabolic faecal fingerprinting of trans-resveratrol and quercetin following a high-fat sucrose dietary model using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Etxeberria Usune , Arias Noemi , Boqué Noemí , Romo-Hualde Ana , Macarulla M. Teresa , Portillo María P. , Milagro Fermín I. , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: June 2015

Untargeted metabolomics distinguishes individuals into clusters based on the physiological impact of the dietary treatment to which they have been subjected.
Gastroprotective potential against indomethacin and safety assessment of the homology of medicine and food formula cuttlebone complex
Authors: Chien Mei-Yin , Lin Yi-Ting , Peng Fu-Chuo , Lee Huei-Jane , Chang Jin-Ming , Yang Chih-Min , Chen Chao-Hsiang
Published: June 2015

In this work, the gastroprotective potential against indomethacin and a safety assessment of cuttlebone complex (CBC) were investigated.
The effect of five Taraxacum species on in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and antiproliferative activity
Authors: Mingarro D. Muñoz , Plaza A. , Galán A. , Vicente J. A. , Martínez M. P. , Acero N.
Published: June 2015

Differences between antioxidant and cytotoxic activities have been found among five Taraxacum species.
Interaction between lamellar twinning and catalyst dynamics in spontaneous core–shell InGaP nanowires
Authors: Oliveira D. S. , Tizei L. H. G. , Li A. , Vasconcelos T. L. , Senna C. A. , Archanjo B. S. , Ugarte D. , Cotta M. A.
Published: June 2015

Micron-long <211>-oriented III–V nanowires are made possible due to lamellar twinning and stacking faults which stabilize the {111}A facet at the catalyst–nanowire interface.
Palladium-catalyzed direct C–H arylations of dioxythiophenes bearing reactive functional groups: a step-economical approach for functional π-conjugated oligoarenes
Authors: Liu Ching-Yuan , Chong Hui , Lin Hsing-An , Yamashita Yoshiro , Zhang Bin , Huang Kuo-wei , Hashizume Daizuke , Yu Hsiao-hua
Published: June 2015

A phosphine-free C–H arylation of dioxythiophenes bearing unprotected functional groups affords oligoarenes with good yields.
Phenalenones: insight into the biosynthesis of polyketides from the marine alga-derived fungus Coniothyrium cereale
Authors: Nazir Mamona , El Maddah Fayrouz , Kehraus Stefan , Egereva Ekaterina , Piel Jörn , Brachmann Alexander O. , König Gabriele M.
Published: June 2015

Biosynthetic study for the formation of phenalenone derivatives. Their polyketide skeleta are proposed to be formed through degradation of a heptaketide.
Arylene ethynylene macrocycles: from molecular hosts to components of high-performance supramolecular architectures
Authors: Smith Merry K. , Miljanić Ognjen Š.
Published: June 2015

This perspective highlights the recent utilization of arylene ethynylene macrocycles as supramolecular synthons—and speculates on what future may hold.
Ternary silicone sponge with enhanced mechanical properties for oil–water separation
Authors: Mu Lei , Yang Sudong , Hao Bin , Ma Peng-Cheng
Published: June 2015

Sponge-like silicone polymers were obtained from a mixture of silanes with di-, tri- and tetra-functional groups. The optimized material exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and stable adsorption capacities for various organic solvents, as well as an excellent recyclability for oil–water separations.
Phytoestrogen genistein inhibits EGFR/PI3K/NF-kB activation and induces apoptosis in human endometrial hyperplasial cells
Authors: Shukla Vinay , Chandra Vishal , Sankhwar Pushplata , Popli Pooja , Kaushal Jyoti Bala , Sirohi Vijay Kumar , Dwivedi Anila
Published: June 2015

Endometrial hyperplasia is an estrogen-dependent disease and is the most frequent precursor of endometrial cancer, diagnosed in pre- and peri-menopausal women.
Synthesis of a hydrophilic maltose functionalized Au NP/PDA/Fe3O4-RGO magnetic nanocomposite for the highly specific enrichment of glycopeptides
Authors: Bi Changfen , Jiang Ruidong , He Xiwen , Chen Langxing , Zhang Yukui
Published: June 2015

A novel approach was developed to synthesize a hydrophilic thiol-terminated maltose-functionalized Au NP/PDA/Fe3O4-RGO nanocomposite which exhibited high selectivity and detection sensitivity in the enrichment of glycopeptides from complex samples.
Enhancing the antifouling property of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes using NaX zeolite and titanium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Moghimifar V. , Livari A. Esmaili , Raisi A. , Aroujalian A.
Published: June 2015

The fouling tendency of nanocomposite membranes containing TiO2 and NaX zeolite nanoparticles was significantly lower than the neat PES membrane.
Preparation and characterization of the linked lanthanum carboxymethylcellulose microsphere adsorbent for removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions
Authors: Wang Jing , Lin Xiaoyan , Luo Xuegang , Yao Wenhui
Published: June 2015

Linked carboxymethyl cellulose microspheres loaded with lanthanum(iii) (linked-CMC–La) were fabricated with glutaraldehyde. The linked-CMC–La had good adsorption properties compared with CMC–La, and also showed better physical properties.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan/silver nanoparticle/copper nanoparticle/carbon nanotube multifunctional nano-composite for water treatment: heavy metals removal; kinetics, isotherms and competitive studies
Authors: Alsabagh Ahmed M. , Fathy M. , Morsi Rania E.
Published: June 2015

A chitosan/Ag NP/Cu NP/CNT multifunctional composite has superior water treatment efficiency compared with bare chitosan and bi-composite systems.
Copper promoted radical addition/cyclization of azobisisobutyronitrile with arylacrylamides: a convenient process to synthesize 3-(2′-cyano alkyl) oxindoles
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Bao Weiliang
Published: June 2015

A CuI promoted radical addition/cyclization of azobisisobutyronitrile with alkenes for the preparation of 3-(2′-cyano alkyl) oxindoles was developed.
Influence of addition of vapor grown carbon fibers on mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties of lignin nanoparticle filled bio-poly(trimethylene terephthalate) hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Gupta Arun Kumar , Mohanty Smita , Nayak S. K.
Published: June 2015

Bio-poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (bio-PTT) hybrid nanocomposites constituting 1.5 wt% of lignin nanoparticles (LNP) and variable wt% of vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF) were prepared using melt extrusion followed by a microinjection molding technique.
Conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by chromium(iii) Schiff base complexes and acidic ionic liquids immobilized on mesoporous silica
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Gu Zhen , Liu Wentao , Yao Yuan , Wang Haijun , Xia Xiao-Feng , Li Wei
Published: June 2015

A series of novel catalysts were synthesized using immobilized chromium(iii) complexes and ionic liquids on the surface of MCM-41.
Robust polylactide nanofibrous membranes by gelation/crystallization from solution
Authors: Liu Qingxian , Lv Ruihua , Na Bing , Ju Yunhui
Published: June 2015

Robust polylactide nanofibrous membranes were obtained by gelation/crystallization from solution.
Applications of HRP-immobilized catalytic beads to the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from wastewater
Authors: Wang Shuai , Fang He , Wen Yukai , Cai Minhua , Liu Wei , He Shengbin , Xu Xiaoping
Published: June 2015

Novel HRP-immobilized beads with the excellent catalytic activity were successfully fabricated to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol from wastewater.
Role of multivalent Cu, oxygen vacancies and CuO nanophase in the ferromagnetic properties of ZnO:Cu thin films
Authors: Younas M. , Shen Junying , He Mingquan , Lortz R. , Azad Fahad , Akhtar M. J. , Maqsood A. , Ling F. C. C.
Published: June 2015

Room temperature ferromagnetism (FM) of these thin film samples are highly tuneable by the simultaneous presence of CuO nanophases and multivalent Cu and Vö concentrations.
Flexible, transparent and robust SERS tapes through a two-step block copolymer self-assembly process
Authors: Suresh Vignesh , Yap Fung Ling
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate a simple and economical method for fabricating flexible, transparent and robust large area SERS-active tapes using a two-step process: the fabrication of gold nanoclusters on a flat chip and the transfer of the resulting metal nanoclusters onto a thermal tape.
Effects of Ag on morphology and catalytic performance of iron catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Zhang Yulan , Ding Mingyue , Ma Longlong , Wang Tiejun , Li Xinjun
Published: June 2015

Ag-doped porous composites were synthesized and employed as catalysts. Active Fe3O4 was interspersed on the surface of the Ag promoter, which was used to enhance the catalytic activity and the desired hydrocarbon yield.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of carbon nanospheres: a mechanistic insight
Authors: Bhagat P. N. , Patil K. R. , Bodas D. S. , Paknikar K. M.
Published: June 2015

SEM and PL for CNS synthesized for 4 h by hydrothermal reaction of glucose.
Enhancing the corrosion resistance and surface bioactivity of a calcium-phosphate coating on a biodegradable AZ60 magnesium alloy via a simple fluorine post-treatment method
Authors: Su Yingchao , Lu Yanbo , Su Yichang , Hu Jiangjiang , Lian Jianshe , Li Guangyu
Published: June 2015

A simple fluorine post-treatment was attempted on a calcium-phosphate coating on an AZ60 alloy. Optimum fluorine post-treatment parameters were obtained. The fluorine post-treated coating showed improved corrosion protectiveness and surface bioactivity.
An efficient condensation of substituted salicylaldehyde and malononitrile catalyzed by lipase under microwave irradiation
Authors: Yang Fengjuan , Wang Zhi , Wang Haoran , Wang Chunyu , Wang Lei
Published: June 2015

Lipase-catalyzed condensation of substituted salicylaldehyde and malononitrile under microwave irradiation.
Concave gold nanoparticle-based highly sensitive electrochemical IgG immunobiosensor for the detection of antibody–antigen interactions
Authors: Huang Youju , Kannan Palanisamy , Zhang Lei , Chen Tao , Kim Dong-Hwan
Published: June 2015

A concave gold nanocuboid-based electrochemical sensor was developed for the highly sensitive detection of antibody–antigen interactions.
Pd(ii)-catalyzed remote regiodivergent ortho- and meta-C–H functionalizations of phenylethylamines
Authors: Li Shangda , Ji Huafang , Cai Lei , Li Gang
Published: June 2015

A methylation switches the remote regioselectivity of C–H functionalizations of phenylethylamines.
Synthesis of an ε-MnO2/metal–organic-framework composite and its electrocatalysis towards oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline electrolyte
Authors: Wang Hao , Yin Fengxiang , Chen Biaohua , Li Guoru
Published: June 2015

An ε-MnO2/metal–organic-framework (Fe) (i.e., ε-MnO2/MOF(Fe)) composite was synthesised by integrating ε-MnO2 and a MOF(Fe) support.
Iodide-reduced graphene oxide with dopant-free spiro-OMeTAD for ambient stable and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Luo Qiang , Zhang Ye , Liu Chengyang , Li Jianbao , Wang Ning , Lin Hong
Published: June 2015

A p-type and highly conductive reduced graphene oxide combined with dopant-free spiro-OMeTAD as a hole transport layer improves the stability of perovskite solar cells.
Performance improvement by using ammonia water-synthesized TiO2 nanotubes with nanowire porous film mixed nanostructures
Authors: Lv Pin , Fu Wuyou , Mu Yannan , Sun Hairui , Liu Tie , Wang Jun , Niu Jiasheng , Li Xue , Liu Li , Yang Haibin
Published: June 2015

In this work, the morphology of TiO2 nanotubes with small nanowires directly formed on top (designated as TTW) was treated by the method of wet-chemical reaction (WCR) with an alkaline solution.
A (3,8)-connected metal–organic framework with a unique binuclear [Ni2(μ2-OH)(COO)2] node for high H2 and CO2 adsorption capacities
Authors: Zhang Lei , Qian Jinjie , Yang Wenbin , Kuang Xiaofei , Zhang Jun , Cui Yixin , Wu Weiming , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Lu Can-Zhong , Chen Wen-Zhe
Published: June 2015

A unique binuclear [Ni2(μ2-OH)(COO)2]-based nickel–organic framework consisting of close-packed octahedral cages exhibits high H2 and CO2 uptakes.
Nonflammable electrolyte for safer non-aqueous sodium batteries
Authors: Feng Jinkui , An Yongling , Ci Lijie , Xiong Shenglin
Published: June 2015

By introducing a high-efficiency flame-retarding additive, EFPN, a carbonate based sodium electrolyte becomes flame inhibiting.
Long cycle life of CoMn2O4 lithium ion battery anodes with high crystallinity
Authors: Bijelić Mirjana , Liu Xiang , Sun Q. , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Xie Mao Hai , Ng Alan M. C. , Suchomski Christian , Djerdj Igor , Skoko Željko , Popović Jasminka
Published: June 2015

CoMn2O4 nanomaterials prepared under optimal conditions exhibited excellent capacity retention after 1000 charge/discharge cycles.
Composited Co3O4/Ag with flower-like nanosheets anchored on a porous substrate as a high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Hao Qin , Yu Yang , Zhao Dianyun , Xu Caixia
Published: June 2015

Co3O4/Ag nanocomposites with hierarchical micro-/nano-structure and controllable components are easily fabricated by etching well-designed CoAgAl alloys in NaOH solution, which perform excellently as anode materials for lithium storage.
Mesoporous NiO with a single-crystalline structure utilized as a noble metal-free catalyst for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Tong Shengfu , Zheng Mingbo , Lu Yong , Lin Zixia , Li Jun , Zhang Xueping , Shi Yi , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: June 2015

Porous-structured NiO nanosheets, synthesized by means of a facile alcohol-thermal method, were utilized as a noble metal free catalyst for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries. The NiO showed good activity for the decomposition of Li2O2 and Li2CO3.
Robust polymeric coating enables the stable operation of silicon micro-plate anodes recovered from photovoltaic industry waste for high-performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Liya , Zhang Li , Zhang Juan , Hao Weiwei , Zheng Honghe
Published: June 2015

High-purity Si micro-plates are recovered from photovoltaic industry waste and used as high-performance Li-ion battery anodes by adopting robust polymeric coatings.
Internal polymer scaffolding in lipid-coated microbubbles for control of inertial cavitation in ultrasound theranostics
Authors: Kang Shih-Tsung , Lin Jian-Liang , Wang Chung-Hsin , Chang Yuan-Chih , Yeh Chih-Kuang
Published: June 2015

A lipid–polymer composite structure was developed for tuning of inertial cavitation activity of microbubbles under ultrasound exposure. This strategy has the potential to increase the safety of ultrasound theranostic applications assisted by microbubble cavitation.
Visualisation of dual radiolabelled poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticle degradation in vivo using energy-discriminant SPECT
Authors: Llop J. , Jiang P. , Marradi M. , Gómez-Vallejo V. , Echeverría M. , Yu S. , Puigivila M. , Baz Z. , Szczupak B. , Pérez-Campaña C. , Mao Z. , Gao C. , Moya S. E.
Published: June 2015

The determination of nanoparticle (NP) stability and degradation in vivo is essential for the accurate evaluation of NP biodistribution in medical applications and for understanding their toxicological effects.
Evaluation of Performance With an Adaptive Digital Remote Microphone System and a Digital Remote Microphone Audio-Streaming Accessory System
Authors: Wolfe Jace , Morais Duke Mila , Schafer Erin , Jones Christine , Mülder Hans E. , John Andrew , Hudson Mary
Published: June 2015

Purpose

One purpose of this study was to evaluate the improvement in speech recognition obtained with use of 2 different remote microphone technologies. Another purpose of this study was to determine whether a battery of audiometric measures could predict benefit from use of these technologies.

Method

Sentence recognition was evaluated while 17 adults used each of 2 different hearing aids. Performance was evaluated with and without 2 different remote microphone systems. A variety of audiologic measures were administered to determine whether prefitting assessment may predict benefit from remote microphone technology.

Results

Use of both remote microphone systems resulted in improvement in speech recognition in quiet and in noise. There were no differences in performance obtained with the 2 different remote microphone technologies in quiet and at low competing noise levels, but use of the digital adaptive remote microphone system provided better speech recognition in the presence of moderate- to high-level noise. The Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentence Test Prescribed Gain Amplifier (Cameron & Dillon, 2010) measure served as a good predictor of benefit from remote microphone technology.

Conclusions

Each remote microphone system improved sentence recognition in noise, but greater improvement was obtained with the digital adaptive system. The Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentence Test Prescribed Gain Amplifier may serve as a good indicator of benefit from remote microphone technology.
Context‐driven hybrid image inpainting
Authors: Cai Lu , Kim Taewhan
Published: June 2015

The existing non‐hybrid image inpainting techniques can be broadly classified into two types. One is the texture‐based inpainting and the other is the structure‐based inpainting. One critical drawback of those techniques is that their inpainting results are not effective for the images with a mixture of texture and structure features in terms of visual quality or processing time. However, the conventional hybrid inpainting algorithms, which aim at inpainting images with texture and structure features, do not effectively deal with the two items: (i) what is the most effective application order of the constituents? and (ii) how can one extract a minimal sub‐image that may contain best candidates of inpainting source? In this study, the authors propose a new hybrid inpainting algorithm to address the two tasks fully and effectively. Precisely, the authors’ algorithm attempts to solve two key ingredients: (i) (right time) determining the best application order for inpainting textural and structural missing regions and (ii) (right place) extracting the sub‐image containing best candidates of source patches to be used to fill in a target region.