bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-tumor effect of β-glucan from Lentinus edodes and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Xu Hui , Zou Siwei , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina
Published: June 2016

β-Glucans are well known for its various bioactivities, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. This study focuses on the anti-tumor effect and the potential mechanism of a branched β-(1, 3)-glucan (LNT) extracted from Lentinus edodes. The in vivo data indicated that LNT showed a profound inhibition ratio of ~75% against S-180 tumor growth, even significantly higher than the positive control of Cytoxan (~54%). Interestingly, LNT sharply promoted immune cells accumulation into tumors accompanied by cell apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation during tumor development. Furthermore, LNT not only up-regulated expressions of the tumor suppressor p53, cell cycle arrestin p21 and pro-apoptotic proteins of Bax and caspase 3/9, but also down-regulated PARP1 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expressions in tumor tissues. It was first found that LNT initiated p53-dependent signaling pathway to suppress cell proliferation in vitro and the caspase-dependent pathway to induce cell apoptosis in vivo. The underlying anti-tumor mechanism was proposed that LNT activated immune responses to induce cell apoptosis through caspase 3-dependent signaling pathway and to inhibit cell proliferation possibly via p53-dependent signaling pathway in vivo. Besides, LNT inhibited angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF expression, leading to slow progression of tumors.
Site-specific covalent modifications of human insulin by catechol estrogens: Reactivity and induced structural and functional changes
Authors: Ku Ming-Chun , Fang Chieh-Ming , Cheng Juei-Tang , Liang Huei-Chen , Wang Tzu-Fan , Wu Chih-Hsing , Chen Chiao-Chen , Tai Jung-Hsiang , Chen Shu-Hui
Published: June 2016

Proteins, covalently modified by catechol estrogens (CEs), were identified recently from the blood serum of diabetic patients and referred to as estrogenized proteins. Estrogenization of circulating insulin may occur and affect its molecular functioning. Here, the chemical reactivity of CEs towards specific amino acid residues of proteins and the structural and functional changes induced by the estrogenization of insulin were studied using cyclic voltammetry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and bioassays. Our results indicate that CEs, namely, 2- and 4-hydroxyl estrogens, were thermodynamically and kinetically more reactive than the catechol moiety. Upon co-incubation, intact insulin formed a substantial number of adducts with one or multiple CEs via covalent conjugation at its Cys 7 in the A or B chain, as well as at His10 or Lys29 in the B chain. Such conjugation was coupled with the cleavage of inter-chain disulfide linkages. Estrogenization on these sites may block the receptor-binding pockets of insulin. Insulin signaling and glucose uptake levels were lower in MCF-7 cells treated with modified insulin than in cells treated with native insulin. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that insulin molecules are susceptible to active estrogenization, and that such modification may alter the action of insulin.
Protein-directed synthesis of highly monodispersed, spherical gold nanoparticles and their applications in multidimensional sensing
Authors: Leng Yumin , Fu Ling , Ye Liqun , Li Bo , Xu Xiumei , Xing Xiaojing , He Junbao , Song Yuling , Leng Chaoliang , Guo Yongming , Ji Xiaoxu , Lu Zhiwen
Published: June 2016

An in-situ reduction method has been reported to prepare gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of 40–110 nm by using the green reducing agents of proteins, which are activated by H2O2 and the superoxide anion ("Equation missing"). The protein of collagen turns HAuCl4 to the aqueous Au(I) ainions, which are further reduced by other proteins to be highly monodispersed and spherical GNPs of different sizes. The GNPs reduced by different proteins are found to be with the exposed {100} facets, the distinctive UV-vis absorption spectra and various colors (See Fig. 1). By means of extracting the color responses, such as red, green and blue (RGB) alterations, an in-situ reduction method-based multidimensional sensing platform is fabricated in the process of GNPs synthesis. Without further modification of GNPs, nine common proteins are found to be well detected and discriminated at different concentrations. Moreover, this sensing platform also demonstrates great potentials in qualitative and semiquantitative analysis on the individuals of these proteins with high sensitivity. Furthermore, the validation of this multidimensional sensing platform has been carried out by analysis on the spiked proteins in human urine and the target proteins in complex matrix (e.g. lysozyme in human tear).
Role of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells in modulating T-helper cell immune responses during silica-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Liu Fangwei , Dai Wujing , Li Chao , Lu Xiaowei , Chen Ying , Weng Dong , Chen Jie
Published: June 2016

Silicosis is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis, which are seriously harmful to human health. Previous research demonstrated that uncontrolled T-helper (Th) cell immune responses were involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Lymphocytes also are reported to have important roles. Existing studies on lymphocyte regulation of Th immune responses were limited to T cells, such as the regulatory T (Treg) cell, which could negatively regulate inflammation and promote the process of silicosis. However, other regulatory subsets in silicosis have not been investigated in detail, and the mechanism of immune homeostasis modulation needs further exploration. Another regulatory lymphocyte, the regulatory B cell, has recently drawn increasing attention. In this study, we comprehensively showed the role of IL-10-producing regulatory B cell (B10) in a silicosis model of mice. B10 was inducible by silica instillation. Insufficient B10 amplified inflammation and attenuated lung fibrosis by promoting the Th1 immune response. Insufficient B10 clearly inhibited Treg and decreased the level of IL-10. Our study indicated that B10 could control lung inflammation and exacerbate lung fibrosis by inhibiting Th1 response and modulating the Th balance. The regulatory function of B10 could be associated with Treg induction and IL-10 secretion.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate experimental rheumatoid arthritis through microRNA-regulated IκB expression
Authors: Yan Xin , Cen Yurong , Wang Qin
Published: June 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation reduces the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, which is a model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we showed that MSC transplantation reduced the activities of NF-κB signaling and decreased microRNA-548e (miR-548e) levels in the joint tissue in CIA-mice, seemingly through activation of transforming growth factor β receptor signaling. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that miR-548e inhibited protein translation of the NF-κB inhibitor, IκB, through binding to the 3′-UTR of the IκB mRNA. MSCs co-transplanted with adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying miR-548e abolished the therapeutic effects of MSCs on CIA. On the other hand, transplantation of AAV carrying antisense of miR-548e (as-miR-548e) partially mimicked the effects of MSC transplantation on CIA. Together, these data suggest that MSC transplantation may alleviate experimental RA partially through suppressing miR-548e-mediated IκB inhibition.
A metagenomic-based survey of microbial (de)halogenation potential in a German forest soil
Authors: Weigold Pascal , El-Hadidi Mohamed , Ruecker Alexander , Huson Daniel H. , Scholten Thomas , Jochmann Maik , Kappler Andreas , Behrens Sebastian
Published: June 2016

In soils halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) are cycled through the transformation of inorganic halides into organohalogen compounds and vice versa. There is evidence that these reactions are microbially driven but the key enzymes and groups of microorganisms involved are largely unknown. Our aim was to uncover the diversity, abundance and distribution of genes encoding for halogenating and dehalogenating enzymes in a German forest soil by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Metagenomic libraries of three soil horizons revealed the presence of genera known to be involved in halogenation and dehalogenation processes such as Bradyrhizobium or Pseudomonas. We detected a so far unknown diversity of genes encoding for (de)halogenating enzymes in the soil metagenome including specific and unspecific halogenases as well as metabolic and cometabolic dehalogenases. Genes for non-heme, no-metal chloroperoxidases and haloalkane dehalogenases were the most abundant halogenase and dehalogenase genes, respectively. The high diversity and abundance of (de)halogenating enzymes suggests a strong microbial contribution to natural halogen cycling. This was also confirmed in microcosm experiments in which we quantified the biotic formation of chloroform and bromoform. Knowledge on microorganisms and genes that catalyze (de)halogenation reactions is critical because they are highly relevant to industrial biotechnologies and bioremediation applications.
Use of fluorescent nanoparticles to investigate nutrient acquisition by developing Eimeria maxima macrogametocytes
Authors: Frölich Sonja , Wallach Michael
Published: June 2016

The enteric disease coccidiosis, caused by the unicellular parasite Eimeria, is a major and reoccurring problem for the poultry industry. While the molecular machinery driving host cell invasion and oocyst wall formation has been well documented in Eimeria, relatively little is known about the host cell modifications which lead to acquisition of nutrients and parasite growth. In order to understand the mechanism(s) by which nutrients are acquired by developing intracellular gametocytes and oocysts, we have performed uptake experiments using polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) of 40 nm and 100 nm in size, as model NPs typical of organic macromolecules. Cytochalasin D and nocodazole were used to inhibit, respectively, the polymerization of the actin and microtubules. The results indicated that NPs entered the parasite at all stages of macrogametocyte development and early oocyst maturation via an active energy dependent process. Interestingly, the smaller NPs were found throughout the parasite cytoplasm, while the larger NPs were mainly localised to the lumen of large type 1 wall forming body organelles. NP uptake was reduced after microfilament disruption and treatment with nocodazole. These observations suggest that E. maxima parasites utilize at least 2 or more uptake pathways to internalize exogenous material during the sexual stages of development.
Transcriptome analysis revealed chimeric RNAs, single nucleotide polymorphisms and allele-specific expression in porcine prenatal skeletal muscle
Authors: Yang Yalan , Tang Zhonglin , Fan Xinhao , Xu Kui , Mu Yulian , Zhou Rong , Li Kui
Published: June 2016

Prenatal skeletal muscle development genetically determines postnatal muscle characteristics such as growth and meat quality in pigs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying prenatal skeletal muscle development remain unclear. Here, we performed the first genome-wide analysis of chimeric RNAs, single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) and allele-specific expression (ASE) in prenatal skeletal muscle in pigs. We identified 14,810 protein coding genes and 163 high-confidence chimeric RNAs expressed in prenatal skeletal muscle. More than 94.5% of the chimeric RNAs obeyed the canonical GT/AG splice rule and were trans-splicing events. Ten and two RNAs were aligned to human and mouse chimeric transcripts, respectively. We detected 106,457 high-quality SNPs (6,955 novel), which were mostly (89.09%) located within QTLs for production traits. The high proportion of non-exonic SNPs revealed the incomplete annotation status of the current swine reference genome. ASE analysis revealed that 11,300 heterozygous SNPs showed allelic imbalance, whereas 131 ASE variants were located in the chimeric RNAs. Moreover, 4 ASE variants were associated with various economically relevant traits of pigs. Taken together, our data provide a source for studies of chimeric RNAs and biomarkers for pig breeding, while illuminating the complex transcriptional events underlying prenatal skeletal muscle development in mammals.
Integrating roots into a whole plant network of flowering time genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bouché Frédéric , D’Aloia Maria , Tocquin Pierre , Lobet Guillaume , Detry Nathalie , Périlleux Claire
Published: June 2016

Molecular data concerning the involvement of roots in the genetic pathways regulating floral transition are lacking. In this study, we performed global analyses of the root transcriptome in Arabidopsis in order to identify flowering time genes that are expressed in the roots and genes that are differentially expressed in the roots during the induction of flowering. Data mining of public microarray experiments uncovered that about 200 genes whose mutations are reported to alter flowering time are expressed in the roots (i.e.were detected in more than 50% of the microarrays). However, only a few flowering integrator genes passed the analysis cutoff. Comparison of root transcriptome in short days and during synchronized induction of flowering by a single 22-h long day revealed that 595 genes were differentially expressed. Enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes in root tissues, gene ontology categories, and cis-regulatory elements converged towards sugar signaling. We concluded that roots are integrated in systemic signaling, whereby carbon supply coordinates growth at the whole plant level during the induction of flowering. This coordination could involve the root circadian clock and cytokinin biosynthesis as a feed forward loop towards the shoot.
Ultrasound-assisted cloud point extraction of manganese, zinc and tin from digested food samples for their determination by FAAS
Authors: Altunay Nail , Gürkan Ramazan , Korkmaz Sema
Published: June 2016

The current study is focused on the determination of the trace levels of manganese, zinc and tin in wet acid digested foods by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after preconcentration with ultrasound assisted-cloud point extraction (UA-CPE).
Surfactant-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of zinc in environmental water samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Dewangan Khemchand , Ahmed Asar
Published: June 2016

This method involved the formation of a zinc complex with 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) and subsequently SA-DLLME was applied to extract this Zn(ii)–(PAR)2·CPC complex into chloroform in the presence of cationic surfactant.
Beyond “turn-on” readout: from zero background to signal amplification by combination of magnetic separation and plasmon enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Gong Suqin , Xia Yunsheng
Published: June 2016

By magnetic separation and subsequent plasmon enhanced fluorescence, an assay platform with a signal output from completely “zero” background to fluorescence amplification is achieved, using quantum dots as reporters.
Gold-catalyzed intermolecular formal (3+2) cycloaddition of stabilized vinyldiazo derivatives and electronically unbiased allenes
Authors: López Enol , Lonzi Giacomo , González Javier , López Luis A.
Published: June 2016

The gold-catalyzed reaction of electronically unbiased allenes with alkenyldiazo compounds provided alkylidenecyclopentene derivatives resulting from a formal intermolecular (3+2) carbocyclization.
Self-assembly behaviours of primitive and modern lipid membrane solutions: a coarse-grained molecular simulation study
Authors: Arai Noriyoshi , Yoshimoto Yuki , Yasuoka Kenji , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a method to systematically model the behaviour of prebiotic lipid–water systems over a range of plausible early Earth conditions.
Comparative density functional theory and density functional tight binding study of arginine and arginine-rich cell penetrating peptide TAT adsorption on anatase TiO2
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Kotsis Konstantinos , Manzhos Sergei
Published: June 2016

A comparative DFT-DFTB study of geometries and electronic structures of arginine, arginine dipeptide, and arginine-rich cell penetrating peptide TAT on the surface of TiO2.
Quantum effects in ultrafast electron transfers within cryptochromes
Authors: Firmino Thiago , Mangaud Etienne , Cailliez Fabien , Devolder Adrien , Mendive-Tapia David , Gatti Fabien , Meier Christoph , Desouter-Lecomte Michèle , de la Lande Aurélien
Published: June 2016

Cryptochromes and photolyases are flavoproteins that may undergo ultrafast charge separation upon electronic excitation of their flavin cofactors.
Conformational selection underpins recognition of multiple DNA sequences by proteins and consequent functional actions
Authors: Naiya Gitashri , Raha Paromita , Mondal Manas Kumar , Pal Uttam , Saha Rajesh , Chaudhuri Susobhan , Batabyal Subrata , Kumar Pal Samir , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay , Maiti Nakul C. , Roy Siddhartha
Published: June 2016

Multiple DNA sequence recognition through selection from a pre-existing conformational ensemble leading to different outcomes.
Decoupling order and conductivity in doped conducting polymers
Authors: Mayevsky David , Gann Eliot , Garvey Christopher J. , McNeill Christopher R. , Winther-Jensen Bjorn
Published: June 2016

The resistance of pEDOT films manufactured by vapour phase polymerisation and conventional casting of oxidant and monomer displays an increase in resistance when undergoing a transition from the disordered state of the film to an ordered state in the same film.
Correction: Enhanced room temperature NO2 response of NiO–SnO2 nanocomposites induced by interface bonds at the p–n heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zeng Dawen , Zhu Qiang , Wu Jinjin , Huang Qingwu , Zhang Wan , Xie Changsheng
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘Enhanced room temperature NO2 response of NiO–SnO2 nanocomposites induced by interface bonds at the p–n heterojunction’ by Jian Zhang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 5386–5396.
Mechanistic insight into ruthenium catalysed meta-sulfonation of 2-phenylpyridine
Authors: Marcé Patricia , Paterson Andrew J. , Mahon Mary F. , Frost Christopher G.
Published: June 2016

The mechanism of the ruthenium catalysed meta-sulfonation has been studied and a novel cycloruthenated phenylpyridine complex tosylated at the para position to the metal has been structurally characterised.
Anticancer potential of a photoactivated transplatin derivative containing the methylazaindole ligand mediated by ROS generation and DNA cleavage
Authors: Pracharova Jitka , Radosova Muchova Tereza , Dvorak Tomastikova Eva , Intini Francesco P. , Pacifico Concetta , Natile Giovanni , Kasparkova Jana , Brabec Viktor
Published: June 2016

Photoinduced DNA damage by trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(1-methyl-7-azaindole)] is related to its photocytotoxic activity.
Thermodynamics of N–H bond formation in bis(phosphine) molybdenum(ii) diazenides and the influence of the trans ligand
Authors: Bezdek Máté J. , Chirik Paul J.
Published: June 2016

Dinitrogen-derived molybdenum alkyldiazenides and alkylhydrazides were synthesized with various trans ligands. The thermodynamics of N–H bond formation were studied both experimentally and computationally.
Controlling uranyl oxo group interactions to group 14 elements using polypyrrolic Schiff-base macrocyclic ligands
Authors: Bell Nicola L. , Arnold Polly L. , Love Jason B.
Published: June 2016

Interactions between the uranyl oxo atom and group 14 metal cations in macrocyclic Pacman complexes depend on both molecular cleft constraints and the fifth equatorial ligand of the uranyl.
Post-coordination backbone functionalization of an imidazol-2-ylidene and its application to synthesize heteropolymetallic complexes incorporating the ambidentate IMesCO2−ligand
Authors: Valyaev Dmitry A. , Uvarova Marina A. , Grineva Alina A. , César Vincent , Nefedov Sergei N. , Lugan Noël
Published: June 2016

The C4-carboxylation of the archetypal IMes ligand was achieved directly on its complexed form for the first time, and the resulting ambidentate IMesCO2−ligand was exploited for the formation of heteropolymetallic complexes.
Deterministic sequential isolation of floating cancer cells under continuous flow
Authors: Tran Quang D. , Kong Tian Fook , Hu Dinglong , Marcos Marcos , Lam Raymond H. W.
Published: June 2016

A microfluidic device for deterministic sequential isolation of cells through a series of microsieves with up to 100% trapping yield.
Activity-based assessment of an engineered hyperthermophilic protein as a capture agent in paper-based diagnostic tests
Authors: Miller E. A. , Traxlmayr M. W. , Shen J. , Sikes H. D.
Published: June 2016

The minimalist protein scaffold rcSso7d is endowed with a non-native analyte-binding face and assessed as an alternative to antibodies in anin vitropoint-of-care diagnostic test format.
Mismatch discrimination of lipidated DNA and LNA-probes (LiNAs) in hybridization-controlled liposome assembly
Authors: Jakobsen Ulla , Vogel Stefan
Published: June 2016

A comprehensive mismatch discrimination study of lipidated DNA and LNA-probes (LiNAs) in hybridization-controlled liposome assembly is presented and evaluated for different DNA and RNA targets.
Synthesis of oxindoles via reductive CO2 fixation
Authors: Amaya Toru , Kurata Izumi , Hirao Toshikazu
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles, which are a structural motif found in various natural products and pharmaceutically active compounds, was conducted via reductive coupling of (2-aminophenyl)(aryl)methanone derivatives and CO2 as a key step. The conditions employing Mg with chlorotrimethylsilane in DMA are the best for the reductive coupling. The reductive coupling and acid-catalyzed lactam formation can be performed in a one-pot reaction to give the oxindoles.
Diastereo- and enantioselective construction of cyclohexanone-fused spirospyrazolones containing four consecutive stereocenters through asymmetric sequential reactions
Authors: Li Jun-Hua , Cui Zhi-Hao , Du Da-Ming
Published: June 2016

The diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of cyclohexanone-fused spirospyrazolones through an asymmetric Michael/Michael/aldol cascade reaction catalyzed by squaramide and diphenylprolinol silyl ether, followed by a sequential oxidation was developed.
Evaluation of the performance of kinetic inhibitors for clathrate hydrate using unidirectional growth apparatus
Authors: Muraoka Michihiro , Susuki Naoko , Yamamoto Yoshitaka
Published: June 2016

We study the formation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) clathrate hydrate from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) aqueous solution as a function of growth rate V and adsorbed PVP concentration c using the unidirectional growth technique.
Lysozyme-stabilized Ag nanoclusters: synthesis of different compositions and fluorescent responses to sulfide ions with distinct modes
Authors: Gao Zhidan , Liu Fang , Hu Ruoxin , Zhao Meiping , Shao Na
Published: June 2016

The effect of composition on the photoluminescence properties of lysozyme-stabilized Ag nanoclusters and their sensing modes for sulfide anions were studied.
New approach to hydrosilylation reaction in ionic liquids as solvent in microreactor system
Authors: Kukawka R. , Pawlowska-Zygarowicz A. , Dutkiewicz M. , Maciejewski H. , Smiglak M.
Published: June 2016

Continuous flow-through reactors on a micro scale (microreactors) are being investigated as a new approach to chemical synthesis, due to larger surface-to-volume ratios and micro-structured internal volumes, which allow for efficient heat exchange.
Fully biobased thermoplastic elastomers: synthesis and characterization of poly(l-lactide)-b-polymyrcene-b-poly(l-lactide) triblock copolymers
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Wei Zhiyong , Lei Xuefei , Li Yang
Published: June 2016

Fully biobased thermoplastic elastomers poly(l-lactide)-b-polymyrcene-b-poly(l-lactide) triblock copolymers with PLLA as hard block and polymyrcene as soft block were synthesized and evaluated.
Cu–Al mixed oxide catalysts for azide–alkyne 1,3-cycloaddition in ethanol–water
Authors: González-Olvera R. , Urquiza-Castro C. I. , Negrón-Silva G. E. , Ángeles-Beltrán D. , Lomas-Romero L. , Gutiérrez-Carrillo A. , Lara V. H. , Santillan R. , Morales-Serna J. A.
Published: June 2016

Cu(Al)O mixed oxide promotes the formation of 1,2,3-triazoles from an alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction with excellent yields using an EtOH–H2O mixture as the solvent under microwave heating.
Computer simulation of self-assembly of cone-shaped nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yali , He Xuehao
Published: June 2016

Two kinds of cone-shaped particles are designed: one with a Janus structure and the other with a sandwich structure. The effects of the cone angle and particle structure (i.e. AB type and BAB type) on the kinetic pathway and assembled structures are discussed.
Biomass into chemicals: green chemical conversion of carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in ionic liquids
Authors: Chinnappan Amutha , Baskar Chinnappan , Kim Hern
Published: June 2016

Biomass is one of the few resources that have the potential to meet the challenges of sustainable and green energy systems.
Coordinate-polymerized organic ligand towards an efficient catalyst for selective hydrocarbon oxidation
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Hu Hailiang , Liu Beibei , Lin Xiaoling , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: June 2016

Stable and efficient catalyst design via coordinate-polymerized strategy for the selective oxidation of cyclooctene.
Preparation of light core/shell magnetic composite microspheres and their application for lipase immobilization
Authors: Fan Lili , Zhang Baoliang , Zhang Hepeng , Jia Xiangkun , Chen Xin , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: June 2016

Fe3O4@P(GMA-DVB-MAA) magnetic composite microspheres were prepared by facile one-pot distillation–precipitation polymerization and were modified with amino groups for the immobilization of lipase.
Structural, kinetic, and DFT studies of the transfer hydrogenation of ketones mediated by (pyrazole)pyridine iron(ii) and nickel(ii) complexes
Authors: Magubane Makhosazane N. , Nyamato George S. , Ojwach Stephen O. , Munro Orde Q.
Published: June 2016

DFT simulations effectively delineate structural and electronic factors underpinning the reactivity of Fe(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes in ketone transfer hydrogenations.
Rapid collection and re-dispersion of MOF particles by a simple and versatile method using a thermo-responsive polymer
Authors: Lu Yangyang , Zhu He , Wang Wen-Jun , Li Bo-Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: June 2016

An easy but versatile method for fast thermal-responsive dispersion and collection of MOF particles in water.
Visible-light-mediated reaction: synthesis of quinazolinones from 1,2-dihydroquinazoline 3-oxides
Authors: Wu Chun-Ku , Yang Ding-Yah
Published: June 2016

The first example of methane evolution involving cleavage of a C(sp3)–CH3 bond of quinazoline 3-oxide via visible light irradiation is reported.
Synergistic catalysis within TEMPO-functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica with bridge imidazolium groups in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Karimi Babak , Vahdati Saleh , Vali Hojatollah
Published: June 2016

Anchoring TEMPO within the nanospaces of a PMO with bridged imidazolium groups led to an powerful bifunctional catalyst (TEMPO@PMO-IL-Br), which showed enhanced activity in the metal-free aerobic oxidation of alcohols.
Soft-mode of charged chiral fibrous viruses (fd)
Authors: Kang Kyongok
Published: June 2016

From microscopic dynamics of charged chiral fd-viruses, the soft-mode is revealed with a rotation restoring “twist”, obtained from both polarized (VV) and depolarized (VH) small angle dynamic light scattering. Here, I have found the minimum spatial coherence length at a lower I–N binodal concentration, which is due to the reverse of electrostatic repulsive forces with an increase in the concentration of charged chiral rods.
Preparation of MoO3 QDs through combining intercalation and thermal exfoliation
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Wang Rongguo , Yang Fan , Jiao Weicheng , Liu Wenbo , Hao Lifeng , He Xiaodong
Published: June 2016

We reported an efficient method combining intercalation and thermal exfoliation to prepare quantum dots of layered transition-metal oxides.
Small magnetic nanoparticles decorating reduced graphene oxides to tune the electromagnetic attenuation capacity
Authors: He Jun-Zhe , Wang Xi-Xi , Zhang Yan-Lan , Cao Mao-Sheng
Published: June 2016

Decorating r-GO with small NiFe2O4 nanoparticles uniformly achieves efficient and tunable microwave absorption due to the synergistic effect of dielectric and magnetic loss, originating from inducing multiple relaxations and multiple resonances, respectively.
Palladium pnictide oxides Nd10Pd3As8O10and Sm10Pd3As8O10– low temperature structural phase transition and physical properties
Authors: Bartsch Timo , Niehaus Oliver , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Bartsch Manfred , Zacharias Helmut , Johrendt Dirk , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: June 2016

New quaternary palladium arsenide oxides Nd10Pd3As8O10and Sm10Pd3As8O10were synthesized from the rare earth (RE) elements, appropriate rare earth oxides, arsenic and palladium sponge at maximum annealing temperatures of 1223 K.
Frame timing estimation based on statistical analysis for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems in multipath fading channels
Authors: Zhen Li , Qin Hao , Song Bin , Ding Rui
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the problem of frame timing estimation in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. Conventional timing estimation methods, which take advantage of the correlation property of a given preamble, always experience performance degradation in multipath fading channels with severe channel dispersion. To achieve accurate timing estimation, the authors propose a robust threshold‐based timing detection method independent of the preamble structure. Based on the autocorrelation and cross‐correlation, a novel timing metric with an extended correlation length is proposed to mitigate noise and resist large carrier frequency offsets. Due to the superior statistical property of the proposed timing metric, the threshold can be easily determined with no need for the process of noise variance estimation. Simulation results under different multipath fading channels demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a remarkably improved timing accuracy compared to the existing methods.
Homeoprophylaxis: The Great Misunderstanding
Authors: Vithoulkas George
Published: June 2016

This article is a transcript of a lecture on homeoprophylaxis given by Professor Vithoulkas at the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Alonissos, which he kindly edited and agreed to be reproduced for this issue of Homeopathic Links.
Resolving the mystery of milliwatt-threshold opto-mechanical self-oscillation in dual-nanoweb fiber
Authors: Koehler J. R. , Noskov R. E. , Sukhorukov A. A. , Butsch A. , Novoa D. , Russell P. St. J.
Published: June 2016

It is interesting to pose the question: How best to design an optomechanical device, with no electronics, optical cavity, or laser gain, that will self-oscillate when pumped in a single pass with only a few mW of single-frequency laser power? One might begin with a mechanically resonant and highly compliant system offering very high optomechanical gain. Such a system, when pumped by single-frequency light, might self-oscillate at its resonant frequency. It is well-known, however, that this will occur only if the group velocity dispersion of the light is high enough so that phonons causing pump-to-Stokes conversion are sufficiently dissimilar to those causing pump-to-anti-Stokes conversion. Recently it was reported that two light-guiding membranes 20 μm wide, ∼500 nm thick and spaced by ∼500 nm, suspended inside a glass fiber capillary, oscillated spontaneously at its mechanical resonant frequency (∼6 MHz) when pumped with only a few mW of single-frequency light. This was surprising, since perfect Raman gain suppression would be expected. In detailed measurements, using an interferometric side-probing technique capable of resolving nanoweb movements as small as 10 pm, we map out the vibrations along the fiber and show that stimulated intermodal scattering to a higher-order optical mode frustrates gain suppression, permitting the structure to self-oscillate. A detailed theoretical analysis confirms this picture. This novel mechanism makes possible the design of single-pass optomechanical oscillators that require only a few mW of optical power, no electronics nor any optical resonator. The design could also be implemented in silicon or any other suitable material.
The linear magnetoresistance from surface state of the Sb2SeTe2 topological insulator
Authors: Huang Shiu-Ming , Yu Shih-Hsun , Chou Mitch
Published: June 2016

A non-saturating linear magnetoresistance (MR) is observed in Sb2SeTe2 topological insulator. The results show that the MR slope and the critical magnetic field of the linear MR are proportional to the carrier mobility and inverse mobility, respectively. These are consistent with the prediction of a model, which is constructed by Parish and Littlewood [Nature 426, 162 (2003)], in the weak mobility fluctuation condition. The Kohler plot of the magnetoresistance does not collapse onto a single curve that supports the multi-carriers scattering mechanisms.
Bond breaking in epoxy systems: A combined QM/MM approach
Authors: Barr Stephen A. , Kedziora Gary S. , Ecker Allison M. , Moller James C. , Berry Rajiv J. , Breitzman Tim D.
Published: June 2016

A novel method to combine quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics has been developed to accurately and efficiently account for covalent bond breaking in polymer systems under high strain without the use of predetermined break locations. Use of this method will provide a better fundamental understanding of the mechano-chemical origins of fracture in thermosets. Since classical force fields cannot accurately account for bond breaking, and QM is too demanding to simulate large systems, a hybrid approach is required. In the method presented here, strain is applied to the system using a classical force field, and all bond lengths are monitored. When a bond is stretched past a threshold value, a zone surrounding the bond is used in a QM energy minimization to determine which, if any, bonds break. The QM results are then used to reconstitute the system to continue the classical simulation at progressively larger strain until another QM calculation is triggered. In this way, a QM calculation is only computed when and where needed, allowing for efficient simulations. A robust QM method for energy minimization has been determined, as well as appropriate values for the QM zone size and the threshold bond length. Compute times do not differ dramatically from classical molecular mechanical simulations.
A DFT investigation of the adsorption of iodine compounds and water in H-, Na-, Ag-, and Cu- mordenite
Authors: Chibani Siwar , Chebbi Mouheb , Lebègue Sébastien , Bučko Tomáš , Badawi Michael
Published: June 2016

The potential use of some cation-exchanged mordenite (H+, Na+, Cu+, and Ag+) as a selective adsorbent for volatile iodine species (ICH3 and I2), which can be released during a nuclear accident together with a steam carrier gas, is investigated using density functional theory. It is found that in the case of Cu-MOR and Ag-MOR, the absolute values of interaction energies of ICH3 and I2 are higher than that of water which indicates that these forms of zeolite could be suitable for selective adsorption of iodine species. In contrast, the H-MOR and Na-MOR are found to be unsuitable for this purpose. A systematic investigation of all adsorption sites allowed us to analyze the structural effects affecting the adsorption behavior. For the Ag-MOR and Cu-MOR zeolites, the iodine compounds are adsorbed preferentially in the large channel of mordenite (main channel) while water prefers the small channel or the side pocket where it forms stronger hydrogen bonds. The factors governing the interaction energies between the cationic sites and the different molecules are analyzed and the important role of van der Waals interactions in these systems is highlighted.
Dynamics of higher-order rational solitons for the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the self-induced parity-time-symmetric potential
Authors: Wen Xiao-Yong , Yan Zhenya , Yang Yunqing
Published: June 2016

The integrable nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the self-induced parity-time-symmetric potential [M. J. Ablowitz and Z. H. Musslimani, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 064105 (2013)] is investigated, which is an integrable extension of the standard nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Its novel higher-order rational solitons are found using the nonlocal version of the generalized perturbation (1,N−1)-fold Darboux transformation. These rational solitons illustrate abundant wave structures for the distinct choices of parameters (e.g., the strong and weak interactions of bright and dark rational solitons). Moreover, we also explore the dynamical behaviors of these higher-order rational solitons with some small noises on the basis of numerical simulations.
Adjoint affine fusion and tadpoles
Authors: Urichuk Andrew , Walton Mark A.
Published: June 2016

We study affine fusion with the adjoint representation. For simple Lie algebras, elementary and universal formulas determine the decomposition of a tensor product of an integrable highest-weight representation with the adjoint representation. Using the (refined) affine depth rule, we prove that equally striking results apply to adjoint affine fusion. For diagonal fusion, a coefficient equals the number of nonzero Dynkin labels of the relevant affine highest weight, minus 1. A nice lattice-polytope interpretation follows and allows the straightforward calculation of the genus-1 1-point adjoint Verlinde dimension, the adjoint affine fusion tadpole. Explicit formulas, (piecewise) polynomial in the level, are written for the adjoint tadpoles of all classical Lie algebras. We show that off-diagonal adjoint affine fusion is obtained from the corresponding tensor product by simply dropping non-dominant representations.
Characteristics of a transient axial mode from the formation of anode plasma in a gigawatt-class L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator
Authors: Min Sun-Hong , Kwon Ohjoon , Sattorov Matlabjon , Jung Hoechun , Shin Sang-Ho , Baek In-Keun , Kim Seontae , Park Seunghyuk , Park Gun-Sik
Published: June 2016

An experimental result of a gigawatt-class L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) shows the generation of a transient axial mode pertaining to an anode plasma effect in the circuit of the MILO. The transient axial mode between the desired π mode and the 5π/6 mode causes the output power to become eccentric. When the electrons impact onto the metallic surface, plasma exists on the surface of the anode due to the electron-impact distortion process. As a result, the anode plasma causes the emitted current to increase the neutralization near the cathode. The increase of the current induces faster and stronger magnetic insulation, which lowers the drift velocity and suppresses the mode earlier during the beam pulse. After the 5π/6 mode, which initially interacts with the electron beam, remains as a transient axial mode for a very short time, it shows the capability to convert to the π mode, which is more stable and slowly grows.
Dry-growth of silver single-crystal nanowires from porous Ag structure
Authors: Chen Chuantong , Nagao Shijo , Jiu Jinting , Zhang Hao , Sugahara Tohru , Suganuma Katsuaki
Published: June 2016

A fabrication method of single crystal Ag nanowires in large scale is introduced without any chemical synthesis in wet processes, which usually generates fivefold twinned nanowires of fcc metals. Dense single-crystal nanowires grow on a mechanically polished surface of micro-porous Ag structure, which is created from Ag micro-particles. The diameter and the length of the nanowires can be controlled simply by changing the temperature and the time of the heating during the nanowire growth in air. Unique growth mechanism is described in detail, based on stress-induced migration accelerated by the micro-porous structure where the origin of Ag nanowires growth is incubated. Transmission electron microscopy analysis on the single crystal nanowires is also presented. This simple method offered an alternative preparation for metallic nanowires, especially with the single crystal structure in numerous applications.
Enhancement-mode operation of multilayer MoS2 transistors with a fluoropolymer gate dielectric layer
Authors: Yoo Geonwook , Choi Sol Lea , Lee Suelbe , Yoo Byungwook , Kim Sunkook , Oh Min Suk
Published: June 2016

Enhancement-mode multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field-effect transistors (FETs), which are an immensely important component toward low-power electronics based on a two-dimensional layered semiconductor, are demonstrated using the fluoropolymer CYTOP as a gate dielectric. The fabricated devices exhibit threshold voltage (VTH) of ∼5.7 V with field-effect mobility (μFE) of up to 82.3 cm2/V s, and the characteristics are compared with the depletion-mode characteristics of MoS2 FETs with the cross-linked Poly(4-vinylphenol) gate dielectric (VTH ∼ −7.8 V). UV photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates that increased surface potential due to the surface dipole effect of the fluorine group influences the positive VTH shift.
Plasmonic spectral tunability of conductive ternary nitrides
Authors: Kassavetis S. , Bellas D. V. , Abadias G. , Lidorikis E. , Patsalas P.
Published: June 2016

Conductive binary transition metal nitrides, such as TiN and ZrN, have emerged as a category of promising alternative plasmonic materials. In this work, we show that ternary transition metal nitrides such as TixTa1−xN, TixZr1−xN, TixAl1−xN, and ZrxTa1−xN share the important plasmonic features with their binary counterparts, while having the additional asset of the exceptional spectral tunability in the entire visible (400–700 nm) and UVA (315–400 nm) spectral ranges depending on their net valence electrons. In particular, we demonstrate that such ternary nitrides can exhibit maximum field enhancement factors comparable with gold in the aforementioned broadband range. We also critically evaluate the structural features that affect the quality factor of the plasmon resonance and we provide rules of thumb for the selection and growth of materials for nitride plasmonics.
Cold welding of organic light emitting diode: Interfacial and contact models
Authors: Asare J. , Adeniji S. A. , Oyewole O. K. , Agyei-Tuffour B. , Du J. , Arthur E. , Fashina A. A. , Zebaze Kana M. G. , Soboyejo W. O.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the results of an analytical and computational study of the contacts and interfacial fracture associated with the cold welding of Organic Light Emitting diodes (OLEDs). The effects of impurities (within the possible interfaces) are explored for contacts and interfacial fracture between layers that are relevant to model OLEDs. The models are used to study the effects of adhesion, pressure, thin film layer thickness and dust particle modulus (between the contacting surfaces) on contact profiles around impurities between cold-welded thin films. The lift-off stage of thin films (during cold welding) is then modeled as an interfacial fracture process. A combination of adhesion and interfacial fracture theories is used to provide new insights for the design of improved contact and interfacial separation during cold welding. The implications of the results are discussed for the design and fabrication of cold welded OLED structures.
Theoretical analysis and simulation of the influence of self-bunching effects and longitudinal space charge effects on the propagation of keV electron bunch produced by a novel S-band Micro-Pulse electron Gun
Authors: Zhao Jifei , Lu Xiangyang , Zhou Kui , Yang Ziqin , Yang Deyu , Luo Xing , Tan Weiwei , Yang Yujia
Published: June 2016

As an important electron source, Micro-Pulse electron Gun (MPG) which is qualified for producing high average current, short pulse, low emittance electron bunches steadily holds promise to use as an electron source of Coherent Smith-Purcell Radiation (CSPR), Free Electron Laser (FEL). The stable output of S-band MPG has been achieved in many labs. To establish reliable foundation for the future application of it, the propagation of picosecond electron bunch produced by MPG should be studied in detail. In this article, the MPG which was working on the rising stage of total effective Secondary Electron Yield (SEY) curve was introduced. The self-bunching mechanism was discussed in depth both in the multipacting amplifying state and the steady working state. The bunch length broadening induced by the longitudinal space-charge (SC) effects was investigated by different theoretical models in different regions. The 2D PIC codes MAGIC and beam dynamic codes TraceWin simulations were also performed in the propagation. The result shows an excellent agreement between the simulation and the theoretical analysis for bunch length evolution.
Early interconnectivity between metabolic and defense events against oxidative stress induced by cadmium in roots of four citrus rootstocks
Authors: Podazza Griselda , Arias Marta , Prado Fernando E.
Published: June 2016

The effect of cadmium on roots of four citrus rootstocks was studied to assess the relationships between oxidative stress, carbohydrates, phenolics and antioxidant responses. Swingle citrumelo (SC), Rangpur lime (RL), Troyer citrange (TC) and Volkamer lemon (VL) genotypes were exposed to 0, 5 and 10 µM Cd over 7 days, after which Cd accumulation was markedly higher in roots compared with stems and leaves. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity increased in Cd-treated SC and RL roots, suggesting that a lipid peroxidation is the main driver of plasma membrane damage. In contrast, in TC and VL genotypes, LOX-mediated lipid peroxidation does not appear to play a key role in Cd-induced lipid peroxidation, but H2O2 accumulation seems to be responsible of less plasma membrane damage. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol and syringaldazine peroxidases (G-POD and S-POD respectively) were differentially affected by Cd. Lipid profile and ATPase-dependant proton extrusion indicated higher disfunctionalities of root plasma membrane in SC and RL genotypes than in TC and VL genotypes. Differences in carbohydrates and phenolic compounds were also observed. Histochemical analysis of G-POD activity and lignin and suberin deposition revealed differences among genotypes. A model to explain the relationships among carbohydrates, soluble phenolics, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 accumulation in Cd-exposed roots was proposed.