bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary input of microbes and host genetic variation shape among-population differences in stickleback gut microbiota
Authors: Smith Chris C R , Snowberg Lisa K , Gregory Caporaso J , Knight Rob , Bolnick Daniel I
Published: April 2015

To explain differences in gut microbial communities we must determine how processes regulating microbial community assembly (colonization, persistence) differ among hosts and affect microbiota composition. We surveyed the gut microbiota of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from 10 geographically clustered populations and sequenced environmental samples to track potential colonizing microbes and quantify the effects of host environment and genotype. Gut microbiota composition and diversity varied among populations. These among-population differences were associated with multiple covarying ecological variables: habitat type (lake, stream, estuary), lake geomorphology and food- (but not water-) associated microbiota. Fish genotype also covaried with gut microbiota composition; more genetically divergent populations exhibited more divergent gut microbiota. Our results suggest that population level differences in stickleback gut microbiota may depend more on internal sorting processes (host genotype) than on colonization processes (transient environmental effects).
Nitrogenase diversity and activity in the gastrointestinal tract of the wood-eating catfish Panaque nigrolineatus
Authors: McDonald Ryan , Zhang Fan , Watts Joy E M , Schreier Harold J
Published: April 2015

The Amazonian catfish, Panaque nigrolineatus, consume large amounts of wood in their diets. The nitrogen-fixing community within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of these catfish was found to include nifH phylotypes that are closely related to Clostridium sp., Alpha and Gammaproteobacteria, and sequences associated with GI tracts of lower termites. Fish fed a diet of sterilized palm wood were found to contain nifH messenger RNA within their GI tracts, displaying high sequence similarity to the nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium group. Nitrogenase activity, measured by acetylene reduction assays, could be detected in freshly dissected GI tract material and also from anaerobic enrichment cultures propagated in nitrogen-free enrichment media; nifH sequences retrieved from these cultures were dominated by Klebsiella- and Clostridium-like sequences. Microscopic examination using catalyzed reporter deposition-enhanced immunofluorescence revealed high densities of nitrogenase-containing cells colonizing the woody digesta within the GI tract, as well as cells residing within the intestinal mucous layer. Our findings suggest that the P. nigrolineatus GI tract provides a suitable environment for nitrogen fixation that may facilitate production of reduced nitrogen by the resident microbial population under nitrogen limiting conditions. Whether this community is providing reduced nitrogen to the host in an active or passive manner and whether it is present in a permanent or transient relationship remains to be determined. The intake of a cellulose rich diet and the presence of a suitable environment for nitrogen fixation suggest that the GI tract microbial community may allow a unique trophic niche for P. nigrolineatus among fish.
Cellulosome stoichiometry in Clostridium cellulolyticum is regulated by selective RNA processing and stabilization
Authors: Xu Chenggang , Huang Ranran , Teng Lin , Jing Xiaoyan , Hu Jianqiang , Cui Guzhen , Wang Yilin , Cui Qiu , Xu Jian
Published: April 2015

The mechanism, physiological relevance and evolutionary implication of selective RNA processing and stabilization (SRPS) remain elusive. Here we report the genome-wide maps of transcriptional start sites (TSs) and post-transcriptional processed sites (PSs) for Clostridium cellulolyticum. The PS-associated genes are preferably associated with subunits of heteromultimeric protein complexes, and the intergenic PSs (iPSs) are enriched in operons exhibiting highly skewed transcript-abundance landscape. Stem-loop structures associated with those iPSs located at 3′ termini of highly transcribed genes exhibit folding free energy negatively correlated with transcript-abundance ratio of flanking genes. In the cellulosome-encoding cip-cel operon, iPSs and stem-loops precisely regulate structure and abundance of the subunit-encoding transcripts processed from a primary polycistronic RNA, quantitatively specifying cellulosome stoichiometry. Moreover, cellulosome evolution is shaped by the number, position and biophysical nature of TSs, iPSs and stem-loops. Our findings unveil a genome-wide RNA-encoded strategy controlling in vivo stoichiometry of protein complexes.
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem multifunctionality across trophic levels and habitats
Authors: Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Byrnes Jarrett E. K. , Isbell Forest , Gamfeldt Lars , Griffin John N. , Eisenhauer Nico , Hensel Marc J. S. , Hector Andy , Cardinale Bradley J. , Duffy J. Emmett
Published: April 2015

The importance of biodiversity for the integrated functioning of ecosystems remains unclear because most evidence comes from analyses of biodiversity’s effect on individual functions. Here we show that the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem function become more important as more functions are considered. We present the first systematic investigation of biodiversity’s effect on ecosystem multifunctionality across multiple taxa, trophic levels and habitats using a comprehensive database of 94 manipulations of species richness. We show that species-rich communities maintained multiple functions at higher levels than depauperate ones. These effects were stronger for herbivore biodiversity than for plant biodiversity, and were remarkably consistent across aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Despite observed tradeoffs, the overall effect of biodiversity on multifunctionality grew stronger as more functions were considered. These results indicate that prior research has underestimated the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning by focusing on individual functions and taxonomic groups.
Single-band upconversion nanoprobes for multiplexed simultaneous in situ molecular mapping of cancer biomarkers
Authors: Zhou Lei , Wang Rui , Yao Chi , Li Xiaomin , Wang Chengli , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Congjian , Zeng Aijun , Zhao Dongyuan , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2015

The identification of potential diagnostic markers and target molecules among the plethora of tumour oncoproteins for cancer diagnosis requires facile technology that is capable of quantitatively analysing multiple biomarkers in tumour cells and tissues. Diagnostic and prognostic classifications of human tumours are currently based on the western blotting and single-colour immunohistochemical methods that are not suitable for multiplexed detection. Herein, we report a general and novel method to prepare single-band upconversion nanoparticles with different colours. The expression levels of three biomarkers in breast cancer cells were determined using single-band upconversion nanoparticles, western blotting and immunohistochemical technologies with excellent correlation. Significantly, the application of antibody-conjugated single-band upconversion nanoparticle molecular profiling technology can achieve the multiplexed simultaneousin situbiodetection of biomarkers in breast cancer cells and tissue specimens and produce more accurate results for the simultaneous quantification of proteins present at low levels compared with classical immunohistochemical technology.
Deoxynybomycins inhibit mutant DNA gyrase and rescue mice infected with fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria
Authors: Parkinson Elizabeth I. , Bair Joseph S. , Nakamura Bradley A. , Lee Hyang Y. , Kuttab Hani I. , Southgate Emma H. , Lezmi Stéphane , Lau Gee W. , Hergenrother Paul J.
Published: April 2015

Fluoroquinolones are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antibiotics, but fluoroquinolone resistance (FQR) is widespread and increasing. Deoxynybomycin (DNM) is a natural-product antibiotic with an unusual mechanism of action, inhibiting the mutant DNA gyrase that confers FQR. Unfortunately, isolation of DNM is difficult and DNM is insoluble in aqueous solutions, making it a poor candidate for development. Here we describe a facile chemical route to produce DNM and its derivatives. These compounds possess excellent activity against FQR methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci clinical isolates and inhibit mutant DNA gyrase in-vitro. Bacteria that develop resistance to DNM are re-sensitized to fluoroquinolones, suggesting that resistance that emerges to DNM would be treatable. Using a DNM derivative, the first in-vivo efficacy of the nybomycin class is demonstrated in a mouse infection model. Overall, the data presented suggest the promise of DNM derivatives for the treatment of FQR infections.
Both respiration and photosynthesis determine the scaling of plankton metabolism in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Serret Pablo , Robinson Carol , Aranguren-Gassis María , García-Martín Enma Elena , Gist Niki , Kitidis Vassilis , Lozano José , Stephens John , Harris Carolyn , Thomas Rob
Published: April 2015

Despite its importance to ocean–climate interactions, the metabolic state of the oligotrophic ocean has remained controversial for >15 years. Positions in the debate are that it is either hetero- or autotrophic, which suggests either substantial unaccounted for organic matter inputs, or that all available photosynthesis (P) estimations (including 14C) are biased. Here we show the existence of systematic differences in the metabolic state of the North (heterotrophic) and South (autotrophic) Atlantic oligotrophic gyres, resulting from differences in both P and respiration (R). The oligotrophic ocean is neither auto- nor heterotrophic, but functionally diverse. Our results show that the scaling of plankton metabolism by generalized P:R relationships that has sustained the debate is biased, and indicate that the variability of R, and not only of P, needs to be considered in regional estimations of the ocean’s metabolic state.
Saccharina genomes provide novel insight into kelp biology
Authors: Ye Naihao , Zhang Xiaowen , Miao Miao , Fan Xiao , Zheng Yi , Xu Dong , Wang Jinfeng , Zhou Lin , Wang Dongsheng , Gao Yuan , Wang Yitao , Shi Wenyu , Ji Peifeng , Li Demao , Guan Zheng , Shao Changwei , Zhuang Zhimeng , Gao Zhengquan , Qi Ji , Zhao Fangqing
Published: April 2015

Seaweeds are essential for marine ecosystems and have immense economic value. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the draft genome ofSaccharina japonica, one of the most economically important seaweeds. The 537-Mb assembled genomic sequence covered 98.5% of the estimated genome, and 18,733 protein-coding genes are predicted and annotated. Gene families related to cell wall synthesis, halogen concentration, development and defence systems were expanded. Functional diversification of the mannuronan C-5-epimerase and haloperoxidase gene families provides insight into the evolutionary adaptation of polysaccharide biosynthesis and iodine antioxidation. Additional sequencing of seven cultivars and nine wild individuals reveal that the genetic diversity within wild populations is greater than among cultivars. All of the cultivars are descendants of a wildS. japonicaaccession showing limited admixture withS. longissima. This study represents an important advance toward improving yields and economic traits inSaccharinaand provides an invaluable resource for plant genome studies.
Damage-tolerant nanotwinned metals with nanovoids under radiation environments
Authors: Chen Y. , Yu K Y. , Liu Y. , Shao S. , Wang H. , Kirk M. A. , Wang J. , Zhang X.
Published: April 2015

Material performance in extreme radiation environments is central to the design of future nuclear reactors. Radiation induces significant damage in the form of dislocation loops and voids in irradiated materials, and continuous radiation often leads to void growth and subsequent void swelling in metals with low stacking fault energy. Here we show that by using in situ heavy ion irradiation in a transmission electron microscope, pre-introduced nanovoids in nanotwinned Cu efficiently absorb radiation-induced defects accompanied by gradual elimination of nanovoids, enhancing radiation tolerance of Cu. In situ studies and atomistic simulations reveal that such remarkable self-healing capability stems from high density of coherent and incoherent twin boundaries that rapidly capture and transport point defects and dislocation loops to nanovoids, which act as storage bins for interstitial loops. This study describes a counterintuitive yet significant concept: deliberate introduction of nanovoids in conjunction with nanotwins enables unprecedented damage tolerance in metallic materials.
From 2D to 3D: novel nanostructured scaffolds to investigate signalling in reconstructed neuronal networks
Authors: Bosi Susanna , Rauti Rossana , Laishram Jummi , Turco Antonio , Lonardoni Davide , Nieus Thierry , Prato Maurizio , Scaini Denis , Ballerini Laura
Published: April 2015

To recreate in vitro 3D neuronal circuits will ultimately increase the relevance of results from cultured to whole-brain networks and will promote enabling technologies for neuro-engineering applications. Here we fabricate novel elastomeric scaffolds able to instruct 3D growth of living primary neurons. Such systems allow investigating the emerging activity, in terms of calcium signals, of small clusters of neurons as a function of the interplay between the 2D or 3D architectures and network dynamics. We report the ability of 3D geometry to improve functional organization and synchronization in small neuronal assemblies. We propose a mathematical modelling of network dynamics that supports such a result. Entrapping carbon nanotubes in the scaffolds remarkably boosted synaptic activity, thus allowing for the first time to exploit nanomaterial/cell interfacing in 3D growth support. Our 3D system represents a simple and reliable construct, able to improve the complexity of current tissue culture models.
Chemical proteomic identification of T-plastin as a novel host cell response factor inHCV infection
Authors: Yoo Young-Hwa , Yun JiHyeon , Yoon Chang No , Lee Jun-Seok
Published: April 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease thatcurrently affects at least 170 million people worldwide. Although significantefforts have been focused on discovering inhibitors of a viral polymerase (NS5B) orprotease (NS3), strategies to cure HCV infection have been hampered by the limitedtherapeutic target proteins. Thus, discovery of a novel target remains a majorchallenge. Here, we report a method that combines transcriptome expression analysiswith unbiased proteome reactivity profiling to identify novel host cell responsefactors in HCV infection. A chemical probe for non-directed proteomic profiling wasselected based on genome-wide transcriptome expression analysis after HCV infection,which revealed noticeable alterations related to disulfide bond metabolism. On thebasis of this result, we screened the proteome reactivity using chemical probescontaining thiol-reactive functional groups and discovered a unique labeling profilein HCV-infected cells. A subsequent quantitative chemical proteomic mapping studyled to the identification of a target protein, T-plastin (PLST) and its regulationof HCV replication. Our approach demonstrates both a straightforward strategy forselecting chemical probes to discriminate disease states using a model system andits application for proteome reactivity profiling for novel biomarker discovery.
Unusual ferromagnetism enhancement in ferromagnetically optimal manganite La0.7−yCa0.3+yMn1−yRuyO3 (0≤y<0.3): the role of Mn-Ru t2g super-exchange
Authors: Liu M. F. , Du Z. Z. , Xie Y. L. , Li X. , Yan Z. B. , Liu J. –M.
Published: April 2015

The eg-orbital double-exchange mechanism as the core of physics of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) manganites is well known, which usually covers up the role of super-exchange at the t2g-orbitals. The role of the double-exchange mechanism is maximized in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3, leading to the concurrent metal-insulator transition and ferromagnetic transition as well as CMR effect. In this work, by a set of synchronous Ru-substitution and Ca-substitution experiments on La0.7–yCa0.3+yMn1–yRuyO3, we demonstrate that the optimal ferromagnetism in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 can be further enhanced. It is also found that the metal-insulator transition and magnetic transition can be separately modulated. By well-designed experimental schemes with which the Mn3+-Mn4+ double-exchange is damaged as weakly as possible, it is revealed that this ferromagnetism enhancement is attributed to the Mn-Ru t2g ferromagnetic super-exchange. The present work allows a platform on which the electro-transport and magnetism of rare-earth manganites can be controlled by means of the t2g-orbital physics of strongly correlated transition metal oxides.
Cyclophilin A is Associated with Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease in Geriatrics: The Tianliao Old People (TOP) Study
Authors: Liu Meng-Chuan , Lee Yen-Wei , Lee Po-Tseng , Chang Chin-Sung , Tai Yun-Lin , Yu Jia-Rong , Su Xiao-Ting , Hsu Ling-Wei , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Wu Chi-Hsing , Liu Ping-Yen
Published: April 2015

Cyclophilin A (CyPA), secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells in response to oxidative stress, is important in the pathogenesis of progressive peripheral arterial occlusion disease (PAOD), which is common among chronic kidney disease. We explored the prevalence of PAOD in Taiwan’s elderly (≥ 65 years old) population and its association with CyPA and renal function. Residents of Tianliao District, a rural community in southern Taiwan, were surveyed. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.91 was defined as PAOD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined based on eGFR levels < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Serum CyPA was measured. Of the 473 participants, 68 (14.4%) had PAOD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed PAOD was significantly associated with lower eGFR, lower BMI, higher glycated hemoglobin and higher pulse pressure. Serum CyPA levels in participants with PAOD were significantly higher than those with normal ABI values (47.3 ± 0.4 vs. 25.5 ± 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Moreover, eGFR inversely correlated with serum CyPA level (p < 0.05) in participants with CKD, but not in participants with normal renal function. In conclusion, with a prevalence of PAOD as high as 14.4% in an elderly community, CyPA might be the link between PAOD and advanced impaired renal function.
A sensitive label–free amperometric immunosensor for alpha-fetoprotein based on gold nanorods with different aspect ratio
Authors: Zhou Chunyang , Liu Dali , Xu Lin , Li Qingling , Song Jian , Xu Sai , Xing Ruiqing , Song Hongwei
Published: April 2015

A simple and accurate label–free amperometric immunosensor for α–fetoprotein (AFP) detection is developed based on gold nanorods (GNRs) with different aspect ratio and compared with gold particles (GNPs). The positively charged GNRs and GNPs due to the surface immobilized cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) can adsorb the negatively charged AFP antibody (Ab) directly. The presence of the GNRs not only enhanced the immobilized amount of biomolecules, but also improved the electrochemical properties of the immunosensor. With the aid of GNRs, the electrochemical signal was greatly enhanced in comparison with GNPs. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor could detect AFP in a linear range from 0.1 to 200 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.04 ng/mL (signal–to–noise ratio = 3) and it also possessed good reproducibility and storage stability. Moreover, the detection of AFP in five human serum samples also showed satisfactory accuracy. The proposed methodology was potentially attractive for clinical immunoassay.
Neuroreceptor Activation by Vibration-Assisted Tunneling
Authors: Hoehn Ross D. , Nichols David , Neven Hartmut , Kais Sabre
Published: April 2015

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of receptor proteinsthat sense molecular signals on the exterior of a cell and activate signaltransduction pathways within the cell. Modeling how an agonist activates such areceptor is fundamental for an understanding of a wide variety of physiologicalprocesses and it is of tremendous value for pharmacology and drug design. Inelasticelectron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) has been proposed as a model for themechanism by which olfactory GPCRs are activated by a bound agonist. We apply thishyothesis to GPCRs within the mammalian nervous system using quantum chemicalmodeling. We found that non-endogenous agonists of the serotonin receptor share aparticular IET spectral aspect both amongst each other and with the serotoninmolecule: a peak whose intensity scales with the known agonist potencies. We proposean experiential validation of this model by utilizing lysergic acid dimethylamide(DAM-57), an ergot derivative and its deuterated isotopologues; we also providetheoretical predictions for comparison to experiment. If validated our theory mayprovide new avenues for guided drug design and elevate methods of in silicopotency/activity prediction.
MicroRNA transcriptomes of distinct human NK cell populations identify miR-362-5p as an essential regulator of NK cell function
Authors: Ni Fang , Guo Chuang , Sun Rui , Fu Binqing , Yang Yue , Wu Lele , Ren Sitong , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: April 2015

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effectors in the immune response against malignancy and infection and microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in NK cell biology. Here we examined miRNA profiles of human NK cells from different cell compartments (peripheral blood, cord blood and uterine deciduas) and of NKT and T cells from peripheral blood and we identified a novel miRNA, miR-362-5p, that is highly expressed in human peripheral blood NK (pNK) cells. We also demonstrated that CYLD, a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling, was a target of miR-362-5p in NK cells. Furthermore, we showed that the over-expression of miR-362-5p enhanced the expression of IFN-γ, perforin, granzyme-B and CD107a in human primary NK cells and we found that silencing CYLD with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) mirrored the effect of miR-362-5p over-expression. In contrast, the inhibition of miR-362-5p had the opposite effect in NK cells, which was abrogated by CYLD siRNA, suggesting that miR-362-5p promotes NK-cell function, at least in part, by the down-regulation of CYLD. These results provide a resource for studying the roles of miRNAs in human NK cell biology and contribute to a better understanding of the physiologic significance of miRNAs in the regulation of NK cell function.
Redefining biorefinery: the search for unconventional building blocks for materials
Authors: Esposito Davide , Antonietti Markus
Published: April 2015

This review discusses different strategies for the upgrading of biomass into sustainable monomers and building blocks as scaffolds for the preparation of green polymers and materials.
An inventory for measuring student teachers' knowledge of chemical representations: design, validation, and psychometric analysis
Authors: Taskin V. , Bernholt S. , Parchmann I.
Published: April 2015

Chemical representations play an important role in helping learners to understand chemical contents. Thus, dealing with chemical representations is a necessity for learning chemistry, but at the same time, it presents a great challenge to learners. Due to this great challenge, it is not surprising that numerous national and international studies have shown that students have remarkable difficulties. Since most of the studies regarding chemical representations have focused on investigating high-school students' knowledge so far, little is known about university students' and especially student teachers' knowledge. The latter group is additionally challenged by the necessity of learning how to transform their own knowledge in order to teach chemical representations to their prospective students. Given this as a starting point, a paper-and-pencil test with 19 items in both semi-open and closed format was developed to investigate the extent of student teachers' knowledge of chemical representations. The present paper describes the design, validation, and psychometric analysis of this test instrument – the so-called Chemical Representations Inventory (CRI). The CRI includes a variety of chemical representations and chemical contents on both high-school and university level. Both classical test theory and Rasch modelling were used for the analysis. In addition, a qualitative analysis was performed, and factors which possibly influence the item difficulty were identified. Even though the CRI was originally developed for a sample of student teachers, it can also be used to measure chemistry students' knowledge on a basic level.
Determination of enantiomeric composition of tryptophan by using fluorescence spectroscopy combined with backward interval partial least squares
Authors: Jiao Long , Bing Shan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Yunxia , Li Hua
Published: April 2015

A method which combines backward interval partial least squares and fluorescence spectroscopy was proposed to determine the enantiomeric composition of tryptophan.
The validation of a new high throughput method for determination of chloramphenicol in milk using liquid–liquid extraction with low temperature partitioning (LLE-LTP) and isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)
Authors: do Rego Eliane Cristina Pires , Guimarães Evelyn de Freitas , dos Santos Ana Luiza Monteiro , Mothé Elizabeth de Souza Madureira , Rodrigues Janaína Marques , Pereira Netto Annibal Duarte
Published: April 2015

The first application of LLE-PBT for determination of chloramphenicol in milk.
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for chenodeoxycholic acid using an anti-chenodeoxycholic acid monoclonal antibody
Authors: Zhang Yue , Qu Huihua , Feng Huibin , Wang Xueqian , Shan Wenchao , Zeng Wenhao , Wang Qingguo , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2015

The icELISA for CDCA using anti-CDCA MAb will be of great use in determining CDCA in medicines for safe medications and may provide a potential tool for clinical tests.
CeO2–MWCNT nanocomposite based electrochemical sensor for acetaldehyde
Authors: Shereema Rayammarakkar M. , Nambiar Sindhu R. , Shankar S. Sharath , Rao Talasila P.
Published: April 2015

The present study endeavours to build a new, highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor with a CeO2–MWCNT nanocomposite film, which enhances the sensing platform to detect acetaldehyde.
Determination of methionine enantiomers by HPLC on the cyclofructan chiral stationary phase
Authors: Hroboňová Katarína , Moravčík Jakub , Lehotay Jozef , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: April 2015

The enantiomeric separation of methionine by high performance liquid chromatography on various cyclofructan type chiral stationary phases in the polar-organic separation mode was studied.
An improved method for BTEX extraction from charcoal
Authors: Cucciniello Raffaele , Proto Antonio , Rossi Federico , Marchettini Nadia , Motta Oriana
Published: April 2015

A mini-Soxhlet for the efficient extraction of BTEX from charcoal using dichloromethane as an alternative to CS2.
Estimation of bonding nature using diamagnetic susceptibility
Authors: Tomiyasu Keisuke , Sato Toyoto , Orimo Shin-ichi
Published: April 2015

A relationship between diamagnetic susceptibility and electronegativity was discovered, which provides a laboratory-based estimation method of bonding nature.
Nanoscale 2CL-20·HMX high explosive cocrystal synthesized by bead milling
Authors: Qiu Hongwei , Patel Rajen B. , Damavarapu Reddy S. , Stepanov Victor
Published: April 2015

Nanoscale cocrystal of CL-20 and HMX with a rounded morphology was prepared by bead milling an aqueous suspension of the coformers.
Ternary mesoporous WO3/Mn3O4/N-doped graphene nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalysis under visible light irradiation
Authors: Wu Yijie , Chu Dongmei , Yang Ping , Du Yukou , Lu Cheng
Published: April 2015

A novel ternary nanocomposite comprising mesoporous WO3, Mn3O4 nanoparticles and N-doped graphene demonstrated enhanced photoactivity for O2 evolution from water.
Copper mediated decyano decarboxylative coupling of cyanoacetate ligands: Pesci versus Lewis acid mechanism
Authors: Li Jiawei , Khairallah George N. , Steinmetz Vincent , Maitre Philippe , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: April 2015

A combination of gas-phase ion trap multistage mass spectrometry (MSn) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to examine the mechanisms of the sequential decomposition reactions of copper cyanoacetate anions, [(NCCH2CO2)2Cu]−.
N-Alkylfluorenyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes as bimodal pincers
Authors: Teci Matthieu , Brenner Eric , Matt Dominique , Gourlaouen Christophe , Toupet Loïc
Published: April 2015

Two N-heterocyclic carbene precursors having their nitrogen atoms substituted by the expanded 9-ethyl-9-fluorenyl group, namely imidazolinium chloride 6 and imidazolium chloride 7, have been synthesized in high yields from fluorenone (1).
Genome-wide transcriptional profiling analysis reveals annexin A6 as a novel EZH2 target gene involving gastric cellular proliferation
Authors: Qi Ying , Zhang Xiaoli , Kang Yani , Wu Jun , Chen Jian , Li Hua , Guo Yan , Liu Bingya , Shao Zhifeng , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: April 2015

Transcriptome analysis of EZH2 responsive genes revealsANXA6as a new EZH2 target involving proliferation in gastric cancer cells.
A novel white-light-emitting conjugated polymer derived from polyfluorene with a hyperbranched structure
Authors: Sun Jing , Yang Junli , Zhang Chongyang , Wang Hua , Li Jie , Su Shijian , Xu Huixia , Zhang Tiaomei , Wu Yuling , Wong Wai-Yeung , Xu Bingshe
Published: April 2015

A novel white-light hyperbranched conjugated polymer utilizing polyfluorene as the branches and Ir(piq)3 as the cores has been investigated.
Pyrite (FeS2) nanocrystals as inexpensive high-performance lithium-ion cathode and sodium-ion anode materials
Authors: Walter Marc , Zünd Tanja , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: April 2015

FeS2 nanocrystals are presented as high-performance lithium-ion cathode and sodium-ion anode materials with high cycling stability.
Correlated structural-optical study of single nanocrystals in a gap-bar antenna: effects of plasmonics on excitonic recombination pathways
Authors: Wang Feng , Karan Niladri S. , Nguyen Hue Minh , Ghosh Yagnaseni , Sheehan Chris J. , Hollingsworth Jennifer A. , Htoon Han
Published: April 2015

Correlated structural-optical study of nanocrystal quantum dot/metal-antenna couples reveals that a plasmonic field does not alter Auger recombination of bi-excitons.
Multilevel memristor effect in metal–semiconductor core–shell nanoparticles tested by scanning tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Chakrabarti Sudipto , Pal Amlan J.
Published: April 2015

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy experiments of Au–CZTS metal–semiconductor core–shell nanoparticles reveal a multilevel memristor effect. Voltage pulses of suitable magnitudes were applied to achieve two high-conducting states.
Size-controlled silver nanoparticles stabilized on thiol-functionalized MIL-53(Al) frameworks
Authors: Cheng Xinquan , Liu Min , Zhang Anfeng , Hu Shen , Song Chunshan , Zhang Guoliang , Guo Xinwen
Published: April 2015

Monodispersed silver nanoparticles stabilized on thiol-functionalized metal–organic frameworks with small and controllable sizes.
Nanoparticle-coated micro-optofluidic ring resonator as a detector for microscale gas chromatographic vapor analysis
Authors: Scholten K. , Collin W. R. , Fan X. , Zellers E. T.
Published: April 2015

A microfabricated optofluidic ring resonator (μOFRR) sensor with a monolayer-protected nanoparticle interface layer is introduced and evaluated as a detector for micro-scale gas chromatography.
Influence of air circulation on the structure and properties of melt-spun PAN precursor fibers during thermal oxidation
Authors: Liu Shuping , Han Keqing , Chen Lei , Zheng Ying , Yu Muhuo
Published: April 2015

A new method of melt-spun process was developed to prepare PAN precursor fibers using ionic liquid as the medium of processing.
Combination of positive charges and honeycomb pores to promote MC3T3-E1 cell behaviour
Authors: Zhao Changhong , Pan Changjiang , Sandstedt Joakim , Fu Yifeng , Lindahl Anders , Liu Johan
Published: April 2015

Symmetric poly(l-lactide) (PLLA)-based dendritic l-lysine copolymer, with the PLLA block as the core and the lysine dendrons in the two ends, was prepared through a divergent method. The honeycomb pores on this copolymer film significantly enhanced the MC3T3-E1 cell functions.
Development of a novel nitrite electrochemical sensor by stepwise in situ formation of palladium and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Fu Li , Yu Shuhong , Thompson Lachlan , Yu Aimin
Published: April 2015

Sensitive electrochemical nitrite sensors based on in situ stepwise formation of Pd nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide on electrodes.
Adsorption of herbicide 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propanoic acid by electrochemically generated aluminum hydroxides: an alternative to chemical dosing
Authors: Kamaraj R. , Davidson D. J. , Sozhan G. , Vasudevan S.
Published: April 2015

Flow diagram of pilot plant scale studies for the removal of 2,4-DP.
Asymmetric binuclear Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) Schiff base metallopolymers
Authors: Realista Sara , Viana Ana S. , Cardoso Bernardo de P. , Botelho do Rego Ana M. , Vaz Pedro D. , Melato Ana I. , Martinho Paulo N. , Calhorda Maria José
Published: April 2015

We use electrochemistry to polymerise the new asymmetric binuclear Cu(ii)/Cu(ii) and Ni(ii)/Ni(ii) monomers and study their behaviour as modified electrodes.
Comparative study on confinement effects of graphene and graphene oxide on structure and dynamics of water
Authors: Zokaie Meymanat , Foroutan Masumeh
Published: April 2015

A snapshot of the formation of hydrogen bond between water molecules and the hydroxyl groups of the graphene oxide. Red, blue, and green colors correspond to oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms, respectively. Dashed line show the hydrogen bond.
Polyelectrolyte-modified layered double hydroxide nanocontainers as vehicles for combined inhibitors
Authors: Carneiro Jorge , Caetano Ana F. , Kuznetsova Alena , Maia Frederico , Salak Andrei N. , Tedim João , Scharnagl Nico , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Ferreira Mário G. S.
Published: April 2015

The dual release of Ce3+and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole from layered double hydroxides modified by the layer-by-layer leads to an improvement of corrosion protection when compared to unmodified layered double hydroxides.
Synthesis of highly visible light active TiO2-2-naphthol surface complex and its application in photocatalytic chromium(vi) reduction
Authors: Karthik Peramaiah , Vinoth Ramalingam , Babu Sundaram Ganesh , Wen Meicheng , Kamegawa Takashi , Yamashita Hiromi , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw
Published: April 2015

Visible light active 2-naphthol functionalized TiO2 (TiO2-2-NAP) photocatalytic system is developed for the 100% reduction of Cr(vi) in aqueous medium.
Electrocodeposition of silver and silicomolybdate hybrid nanocomposite for nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor
Authors: Lin Kuo Chiang , Wu Tsung Han , Chen Shen Ming
Published: April 2015

Electrocodeposition of silver and silicomolybdate hybrid nanocomposite using negatively charged silicomolybdate to induce silver ions to co-deposit on electrode surface.
Theoretical study of catalytic oxidation of CO on free PdxO2+(x = 4–6) clusters: size dependent comparison of combustion
Authors: Sahu Chandan , Ghosh Deepanwita , Das Abhijit K.
Published: April 2015

A DFT study has been adopted to explore the catalytic CO oxidation on a free PdxO2+(x= 4–6) cluster.
Hydrothermal synthesis of nitrogen doped graphene nanosheets from carbon nanosheets with enhanced electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Suhag Deepa , Singh Anirudha , Chattopadhyay Sourav , Chakrabarti Sandip , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen doped graphene nanosheets (NGS) were synthesized from carbon nanosheets (CNS). The as-synthesized NGS were employed to selectively detect dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) with enhanced electrocatalytic activity.
Influence of imidazolium-based ionic liquid electrolytes on the performance of nano-structured MnO2 hollow spheres as electrochemical supercapacitor
Authors: Maiti Sandipan , Pramanik Atin , Mahanty Sourindra
Published: April 2015

Activated carbon//MnO2 hollow sphere asymmetric supercapacitor shows an energy density of 163 W h kg−1 in EMIMBF4 ionic liquid as electrolyte.
13C pathway analysis of biofilm metabolism of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Guo Weihua , Luo Shuai , He Zhen , Feng Xueyang
Published: April 2015

Biofilm metabolism ofShewanellawas analyzedvia13C tracing experiments for the first time.
Fabrication of Cu–Ag bimetal nanotube-based copper silicates for enhancement of antibacterial activities
Authors: Fang Weijun , Chaofa Xu Chaofa Xu , Zheng Jun , Chen Guangjun , Jiang Kong
Published: April 2015

A novel Cu–Ag bimetal antibacterial system was developed, which showed higher antibacterial activities than single ones, and exhibited a synergistic effect.
Highly modular dipeptide-like organocatalysts for direct asymmetric aldol reactions in brine
Authors: Hu Xiao-Mu , Zhang Dong-Xu , Zhang Sheng-Yong , Wang Ping-An
Published: April 2015

The dipeptide-like organocatalysts have been developed for asymmetric aldol reactions in brine to achieve high yields and enantioselectivities with 1 mol% catalyst-loading.
Evaluation of methionine and tryptophan derivatised vehicles: Met-ac-TE3A/Trp-ac-TE3A for tumor imaging
Authors: Singh Sweta , Tiwari Anjani K. , Varshney Raunak , Mathur Rashi , Hazari Puja P. , Singh B. , Mishra Anil K.
Published: April 2015

Two novel amino acid (methionine and tryptophan) appended 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane triacetate (TE3A) compounds Met-ac-TE3A and Trp-ac-TE3A were synthesized and evaluated for imaging applications.
Correction: Cobalt co-catalysis for cross-electrophile coupling: diarylmethanes from benzyl mesylates and aryl halides
Authors: Ackerman Laura K. G. , Anka-Lufford Lukiana L. , Naodovic Marina , Weix Daniel J.
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Cobalt co-catalysis for cross-electrophile coupling: diarylmethanes from benzyl mesylates and aryl halides’ by Laura K. G. Ackerman et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 1115–1119.
An experimental study on the effects of temperature and magnetic field strength on the magnetorheological fluid stability and MR effect
Authors: Rabbani Yahya , Ashtiani Mahshid , Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan
Published: April 2015

In this study, the stability and rheological properties of a suspension of carbonyl iron microparticles (CIMs) in silicone oil were investigated within a temperature range of 10 to 85 °C.
A high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries: Fe3O4 microspheres encapsulated in hollow graphene shells
Authors: Jiang Yu , Jiang Zhong-Jie , Yang Lufeng , Cheng Shuang , Liu Meilin
Published: April 2015

A composite electrode composed of Fe3O4 microspheres encapsulated in hollow graphene shells exhibits high electrochemical performance when used as an anode in a lithium ion battery.
Reaction mechanism from quantum molecular dynamics for the initial thermal decomposition of 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-trioxide (MTO) and 2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine-1,3,5-trioxide (MTO3N), promising green energetic materials
Authors: Ye Cai-Chao , An Qi , Cheng Tao , Zybin Sergey , Naserifar Saber , Ju Xue-Hai , Goddard III William A.
Published: April 2015

A variety of initial reactions are favorable for MTO and MTO3N, two possible candidates for green energetic materials.
Stability of Language and Literacy Profiles of Children With Language Impairment in the Public Schools
Authors: Tambyraja Sherine R. , Schmitt Mary Beth , Farquharson Kelly , Justice Laura M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The present study focused on the identification and stability of language and literacy profiles of primary school children receiving school-based language therapy over the course of one academic year.

Method

Participants included 272 early elementary school-age children (144 boys, 128 girls) who had been clinically identified as having a language impairment. A latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct profiles on the basis of a battery of language and literacy assessments in the fall and spring of the academic year.

Results

Four profiles were identified in both fall and spring that could be best described as representing high, average, and low overall abilities. Two average groups were identified that differentiated according to phonological awareness abilities. Children's profile membership was variable from fall to spring with nearly 60% of children shifting into a higher profile. The results of
t
tests comparing children who shifted into higher profiles from those who remained stable in profile membership revealed group differences regarding language severity, socio-economic status, and proportion of therapy sessions received in the classroom.

Conclusion

These results provide further evidence regarding the heterogeneity of children with language impairment served in the public schools, indicating that differences may be best conceptualized along a continuum of severity.
Teaching a Child With Autism to Request Breaks While Concurrently Increasing Task Engagement
Authors: Kreibich Shelley R. , Chen Mo , Reichle Joe
Published: April 2015

Purpose

An intervention package, including teaching break requests and tolerance for delay in reinforcement delivery to increase task engagement, was implemented with a 4-year-old child with an autism spectrum disorder who did not engage for a duration commensurate with individual education program team expectations.

Method

A multiple-probe design across tasks was implemented. Dependent measures taken included engagement duration and the production of spoken break requests after work completion. Intervention was implemented with tasks involving short periods of engagement prior to the learner's disengagement. The possibility of the learner's overgeneralized production of break requests with tasks originally associated with longer engagement was also examined.

Results

The participant learned to request breaks in short engagement tasks. In addition, engagement increased dramatically without off-task behavior. Overgeneralized use of break requests with long engagement tasks did not occur. Generalization of break requests to untrained short engagement tasks that were not the focus of intervention (but were associated with escape and short engagement) did not occur until the intervention package was implemented.

Conclusions

The combination of teaching break requests and tolerance for delay in reinforcement delivery was effective in addressing problem behavior. Implications for enhancing properly generalized and moderated use of break requests across different tasks or contexts are discussed.
Hybrid double flying capacitor multicell converter and its application in grid‐tied renewable energy resources
Authors: Dargahi Vahid , Sadigh Arash Khoshkbar , Venayagamoorthy Ganesh Kumar , Corzine Keith
Published: April 2015

Multicell multilevel voltage source power converters are the state‐of‐the‐art and key elements for harnessing and integration of medium‐voltage high‐power renewable energy resources. This study proposes a novel hybrid topology for double flying capacitor multicell (DFCM) converters that is suitable for grid‐tied renewable energy systems. The proposed power converter is realised by cascade connection of one DFCM converter and one full‐bridge converter (FBC) comprising a floating‐capacitor. The floating‐capacitor voltage of the FBC is regulated naturally at its requisite voltage level because of the existence of the abundant redundant charging/discharging states provided by the proposed switching and modulation pattern for the suggested hybrid converter. Hence the proposed control technique not only preserves the natural balancing for the FC voltages of the DFCM converter but also provides natural balancing for the floating‐capacitor voltage of the FBC. The main objective of the FBC is to generate additional intermediate voltage steps to double the number of DFCM converter's voltage levels for enhancing power quality significantly. The proposed hybrid DFCM converter is simulated to inject/absorb active/reactive‐power provided and harvested from renewable energy resources into/from electric power grid. Furthermore, experimental measurements of the proposed hybrid power converter are also presented to validate its viability, merits, effectiveness and the proposed modulation and control strategy.
Computational study of trimer self-assembly and fluid phase behavior
Authors: Hatch Harold W. , Mittal Jeetain , Shen Vincent K.
Published: April 2015

The fluid phase diagram of trimer particles composed of one central attractive bead and two repulsive beads was determined as a function of simple geometric parameters using flat-histogram Monte Carlo methods. A variety of self-assembled structures were obtained including spherical micelle-like clusters, elongated clusters, and densely packed cylinders, depending on both the state conditions and shape of the trimer. Advanced simulation techniques were employed to determine transitions between self-assembled structures and macroscopic phases using thermodynamic and structural definitions. Simple changes in particle geometry yield dramatic changes in phase behavior, ranging from macroscopic fluid phase separation to molecular-scale self-assembly. In special cases, both self-assembled, elongated clusters and bulk fluid phase separation occur simultaneously. Our work suggests that tuning particle shape and interactions can yield superstructures with controlled architecture.
Frequency chirped light at large detuning with an injection-locked diode laser
Authors: Teng K. , Disla M. , Dellatto J. , Limani A. , Kaufman B. , Wright M. J.
Published: April 2015

We have developed a laser system to generate frequency-chirped light at rapid modulation speeds (∼100 MHz) with a large frequency offset. Light from an external cavity diode laser with its frequency locked to an atomic resonance is passed through a lithium niobate electro-optical phase modulator. The phase modulator is driven by a ∼6 GHz signal whose frequency is itself modulated with a RF MHz signal (<200 MHz). A second injection locked diode laser is used to filter out all of the light except the frequency-chirped ±1 order by more than 30 dB. Using this system, it is possible to generate a 1 GHz frequency chirp in 5 ns.
Quantifying equation-of-state and opacity errors using integrated supersonic diffusive radiation flow experiments on the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Guymer T. M. , Moore A. S. , Morton J. , Kline J. L. , Allan S. , Bazin N. , Benstead J. , Bentley C. , Comley A. J. , Cowan J. , Flippo K. , Garbett W. , Hamilton C. , Lanier N. E. , Mussack K. , Obrey K. , Reed L. , Schmidt D. W. , Stevenson R. M. , Taccetti J. M. , Workman J.
Published: April 2015

A well diagnosed campaign of supersonic, diffusive radiation flow experiments has been fielded on the National Ignition Facility. These experiments have used the accurate measurements of delivered laser energy and foam density to enable an investigation into SESAME's tabulated equation-of-state values and CASSANDRA's predicted opacity values for the low-density C8H7Cl foam used throughout the campaign. We report that the results from initial simulations under-predicted the arrival time of the radiation wave through the foam by ≈22%. A simulation study was conducted that artificially scaled the equation-of-state and opacity with the intended aim of quantifying the systematic offsets in both CASSANDRA and SESAME. Two separate hypotheses which describe these errors have been tested using the entire ensemble of data, with one being supported by these data.