bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold atmospheric plasma jet-generated RONS and their selective effects on normal and carcinoma cells
Authors: Kim Sun Ja , Chung T. H.
Published: February 2016

Cold atmospheric helium plasma jets were fabricated and utilized for plasma–cell interactions. The effect of operating parameters and jet design on the generation of specific reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) within cells and cellular response were investigated. It was found that plasma treatment induced the overproduction of RONS in various cancer cell lines selectively. The plasma under a relatively low applied voltage induced the detachment of cells, a reduction in cell viability and apoptosis, while the plasma under higher applied voltage led to cellular necrosis in our case. To determine whether plasma-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation occurs through interfering with mitochondria-related cellular response, we examined the plasma effects on ROS generation in both parental A549 cells and A549 ρ0 cells. It was observed that cancer cells were more susceptible to plasma-induced RONS (especially nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2−) radicals) than normal cells and consequently, plasma induced apoptotic cell responses mainly in cancer cells.
Ultra-low Doping on Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides using DNA Nanostructure Doped by a Combination of Lanthanide and Metal Ions
Authors: Kang Dong-Ho , Dugasani Sreekantha Reddy , Park Hyung-Youl , Shim Jaewoo , Gnapareddy Bramaramba , Jeon Jaeho , Lee Sungjoo , Roh Yonghan , Park Sung Ha , Park Jin-Hong
Published: February 2016

Here, we propose a novel DNA-based doping method on MoS2 and WSe2 films, which enables ultra-low n- and p-doping control and allows for proper adjustments in device performance. This is achieved by selecting and/or combining different types of divalent metal and trivalent lanthanide (Ln) ions on DNA nanostructures, using the newly proposed concept of Co-DNA (DNA functionalized by both divalent metal and trivalent Ln ions). The available n-doping range on the MoS2 by Ln-DNA is between 6 × 109 and 2.6 × 1010 cm−2. The p-doping change on WSe2 by Ln-DNA is adjusted between −1.0 × 1010 and −2.4 × 1010 cm−2. In Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA doping, a light p-doping is observed on MoS2 and WSe2 (~1010 cm−2). However, in the devices doped by Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA, a light n-doping (~1010 cm−2) occurs. A significant increase in on-current is also observed on the MoS2 and WSe2 devices, which are, respectively, doped by Tb3+- and Gd3+-Co-DNA, due to the reduction of effective barrier heights by the doping. In terms of optoelectronic device performance, the Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA (n-doping) and the Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA (p-doping) improve the MoS2 and WSe2 photodetectors, respectively. We also show an excellent absorbing property by Tb3+ ions on the TMD photodetectors.
Presence of retinal pericyte-reactive autoantibodies in diabetic retinopathy patients
Authors: Zhang Lingjun , Li Yan , Payne John , Srivastava Sunil , Fan Xingjun , Fung John , Li Xiaorong , Kern Timothy S. , Lin Feng
Published: February 2016

The loss of retinal pericytes (RPCs) is a hallmark of early stage diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the mechanism underlying RPC death is unclear. Although it was postulated in previous studies using bovine RPCs that autoantibodies against RPCs might develop and induce RPC death, it is unknown whether autoantibodies against cell-surface antigens on human RPCs exist in DR patients, whether such autoantibodies contribute to RPC damage/loss and if they do, through which mechanism. We screened serum samples from DR patients and controls using primary human RPCs and found that that levels of IgGs reactive to RPCs were significantly higher in the DR group than the control group. Serum samples with higher RPC-reactive IgG levels induced more severe complement-mediated RPC damage than those with lower RPC-reactive IgG levels. We also assessed levels of the complement-activation products C3a, C4a and C5a in these serum samples and found that serum levels of C3a and C5a, but not C4a, were higher in the DR group than control group. These data provide evidence the first time showing that autoantibodies against RPCs can develop in DR patients and that these autoantibodies could contribute to pericyte damage through complement activation.
Controllable band structure and topological phase transition in two-dimensional hydrogenated arsenene
Authors: Wang Ya-ping , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Li Ping , Li Feng , Ren Miao-juan , Chen Xin-Lian , Yuan Min , Wang Pei-ji
Published: February 2016

Discovery of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulator such as group-V films initiates challenges in exploring exotic quantum states in low dimensions. Here, we perform first-principles calculations to study the geometric and electronic properties in 2D arsenene monolayer with hydrogenation (HAsH). We predict a new σ-type Dirac cone related to the px,y orbitals of As atoms in HAsH, dependent on in-plane tensile strain. Noticeably, the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) opens a quantum spin Hall (QSH) gap of 193 meV at the Dirac cone. A single pair of topologically protected helical edge states is established for the edges and its QSH phase is confirmed with topological invariant Z2 = 1. We also propose a 2D quantum well (QW) encapsulating HAsH with the h-BN sheet on each side, which harbors a nontrivial QSH state with the Dirac cone lying within the band gap of cladding BN substrate. These findings provide a promising innovative platform for QSH device design and fabrication operating at room temperature.
Estrogen receptor-α is localized to neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Zhang Fan , Jiang Sirui , Siedlak Sandra L. , Shen Lu , Perry George , Wang Xinglong , Tang Beisha , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: February 2016

The female predominance for developing Alzheimer disease (AD) suggests the involvement of gender specific factor(s) such as a reduced estrogen-estrogen receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of AD. The potential role of ERα in AD pathogenesis has been explored by several groups with mixed results. We revisited this issue of expression and distribution of ERα in AD brain using a specific ERα antibody. Interestingly, we found that ERα co-localized with neurofibrillary pathology in AD brain and further demonstrated that ERα interacts with tau protein in vivo. Immunoprecipitaion experiments found increased ERα-tau interaction in the AD cases, which may account for ERα being sequestered in neuronal tau pathology. Indeed, tau overexpression in M17 cells leads to interruption of estrogen signaling. Our data support the idea that sequestration of ERα by tau pathology underlies the loss of estrogen neuroprotection during the course of AD.
The nuclear protein GmbZIP110 has transcription activation activity and plays important roles in the response to salinity stress in soybean
Authors: Xu Zhaolong , Ali Zulfiqar , Xu Ling , He Xiaolan , Huang Yihong , Yi Jinxin , Shao Hongbo , Ma Hongxiang , Zhang Dayong
Published: February 2016

Plant basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors play important roles in many biological processes and are involved in the regulation of salt stress tolerance. Previously, our lab generated digital gene expression profiling (DGEP) data to identify differentially expressed genes in a salt-tolerant genotype of Glycine soja (STGoGS) and a salt-sensitive genotype of Glycine max (SSGoGM). This DGEP data revealed that the expression (log2 ratio) ofGmbZIP110was up-regulated 2.76-fold and 3.38-fold in SSGoGM and STGoGS, respectively. In the present study, the salt inducible geneGmbZIP110was cloned and characterized through phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization and in silico transcript abundance analysis in different tissues. The functional role of this gene in salt tolerance was studied through transactivation analysis, DNA binding ability, expression in soybean composite seedlings and transgenicArabidopsisand the effect of GmbZIP110 on the expression of stress-related genes in transgenicArabidopsiswas investigated. We found that GmbZIP110 could bind to the ACGT motif, impact the expression of many stress-related genes and the accumulation of proline, Na+and K+and enhanced the salt tolerance of composite seedlings and transgenicArabidopsis. Integrating all these results, we propose that GmbZIP110 plays a critical role in the response to salinity stress in soybean and has high potential usefulness in crop improvement.
Metabolism and Disposition of Aditoprim in Swine, Broilers, Carp and Rats
Authors: Wang Liye , Huang Lingli , Pan Yuanhu , Kuča Kamil , Klímová Blanka , Wu Qinghua , Xie Shuyu , Ahmad Ijaz , Chen Dongmei , Tao Yanfei , Wan Dan , Liu Zhenli , Yuan Zonghui
Published: February 2016

Aditoprim (ADP) is a newly developed antibacterial agent in veterinary medicine. The metabolism and disposition of ADP in swine, broilers, carp and rats were investigated by using a radio tracer method combined with a radioactivity detector and a liquid chromatography/ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. After a single oral administration, more than 94% of the dose was recovered within 14 d in the four species. The urine excretion was dominant in swine and rats, making up 78% of the dose. N-monodesmethyl-ADP, N-didesmethyl-ADP and 10 new metabolites were characterized. These metabolites were biotransformed from the process of demethylation, α-hydroxylation, N-oxidation and NH2-glucuronidation. After an oral dose for 7 d, ADP-derived radioactivity was widely distributed in tissues and high concentrations were especially observed in bile, liver, kidney, lung and spleen. The radioactivity in the liver was eliminated much more slowly than in other tissues, with a half-life of 4.26, 3.38, 6.69 and 5.21 d in swine, broilers, carp and rats, respectively. ADP, N-monodesmethyl-ADP and N-didesmethyl-ADP were the major metabolites in edible tissues. Notably, ADP was detected with the highest concentration and the longest duration in these tissues. These findings indicated that ADP is the marker residue and the liver is the residue target tissue.
Correction: Corrigendum: Transcriptome analysis identifies genes involved in adventitious branches formation of Gracilaria lichenoides in vitro
Authors: Wang Wenlei , Li Huanqin , Lin Xiangzhi , Yang Shanjun , Wang Zhaokai , Fang Baishan
Published: February 2016

Tissue culture could solve the problems associated with Gracilaria cultivation, including the consistent supply of high-quality seed stock, strain improvement, and efficient mass culture of high-yielding commercial strains. However, STC lags behind that of higher plants because of the paucity of genomic information. Transcriptome analysis and the identification of potential unigenes involved in the formation and regeneration of callus or direct induction of ABs are essential. Herein, the CK, EWAB and NPA G. lichenoides transcriptomes were analyzed using the Illumina sequencing platform in first time. A total of 17,922,453,300 nucleotide clean bases were generated and assembled into 21,294 unigenes, providing a total gene space of 400,912,038 nucleotides with an average length of 1,883 and N 50 of 5,055 nucleotides and a G + C content of 52.02%. BLAST analysis resulted in the assignment of 13,724 (97.5%), 3,740 (26.6%), 9,934 (70.6%), 10,611 (75.4%), 9,490 (67.4%), and 7,773 (55.2%) unigenes were annotated to the NR, NT, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, COG, and GO databases, respectively, and the total of annotated unigenes was 14,070. A total of 17,099 transcripts were predicted to possess open reading frames, including 3,238 predicted and 13,861 blasted based on protein databases. In addition, 3,287 SSRs were detected in G.lichenoides, providing further support for genetic variation and marker-assisted selection in the future. Our results suggest that auxin polar transport, auxin signal transduction, crosstalk with other endogenous plant hormones and antioxidant systems, play important roles for ABs formation in G. lichenoides explants in vitro. The present findings will facilitate further studies on gene discovery and on the molecular mechanisms underlying the tissue culture of seaweed.
Persistence Increases in the Absence of the Alarmone Guanosine Tetraphosphate by Reducing Cell Growth
Authors: Chowdhury Nityananda , Kwan Brian W. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: February 2016

Most bacterial cells are stressed and as a result, some become tolerant to antibiotics by entering a dormant state known as persistence. The key intracellular metabolite that has been linked to this persister state is guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp), the alarmone that was first linked to nutrient stress. In Escherichia coli, ppGpp redirects protein production during nutrient stress by interacting with RNA polymerase directly and by inhibiting several proteins. Consistently, increased levels of ppGpp lead to increased persistence; but, the mechanism by which elevated ppGpp translates into persistence has not been determined. Hence, we explored persistence in the absence of ppGpp so that the underlying mechanism of persister cell formation could be explored. We found that persister cells still form, although at lower levels, in the absence of ppGpp. Additionally, the toxin/antitoxin systems that we investigated (MqsR, MazF, GhoT and YafQ) remain able to increase persistence dramatically in the absence of ppGpp. By overproducing each E. coli protein from the 4287 plasmid vectors of the ASKA library and selecting for increased persistence in the absence of ppGpp (via a relA spoT mutant), we identified five new proteins, YihS, PntA, YqjE, FocA and Zur, that increase persistence simply by reducing cell growth.
Human behaviour can trigger large carnivore attacks in developed countries
Authors: Penteriani Vincenzo , Delgado María del Mar , Pinchera Francesco , Naves Javier , Fernández-Gil Alberto , Kojola Ilpo , Härkönen Sauli , Norberg Harri , Frank Jens , Fedriani José María , Sahlén Veronica , Støen Ole-Gunnar , Swenson Jon E. , Wabakken Petter , Pellegrini Mario , Herrero Stephen , López-Bao José Vicente
Published: February 2016

The media and scientific literature are increasingly reporting an escalation of large carnivore attacks on humans in North America and Europe. Although rare compared to human fatalities by other wildlife, the media often overplay large carnivore attacks on humans, causing increased fear and negative attitudes towards coexisting with and conserving these species. Although large carnivore populations are generally increasing in developed countries, increased numbers are not solely responsible for the observed rise in the number of attacks by large carnivores. Here we show that an increasing number of people are involved in outdoor activities and, when doing so, some people engage in risk-enhancing behaviour that can increase the probability of a risky encounter and a potential attack. About half of the well-documented reported attacks have involved risk-enhancing human behaviours, the most common of which is leaving children unattended. Our study provides unique insight into the causes and as a result the prevention, of large carnivore attacks on people. Prevention and information that can encourage appropriate human behaviour when sharing the landscape with large carnivores are of paramount importance to reduce both potentially fatal human-carnivore encounters and their consequences to large carnivores.
Transcriptional Profiles from Paired Normal Samples Offer Complementary Information on Cancer Patient Survival – Evidence from TCGA Pan-Cancer Data
Authors: Huang Xiu , Stern David F. , Zhao Hongyu
Published: February 2016

Although normal tissue samples adjacent to tumors are sometimes collected from patients in cancer studies, they are often used as normal controls to identify genes differentially expressed between tumor and normal samples. However, it is in general more difficult to obtain and clearly define paired normal samples and whether these samples should be treated as “normal” due to their close proximity to tumors. In this article, by analyzing the accrued data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we show the surprising results that the paired normal samples are in general more informative on patient survival than tumors. Different lines of evidence suggest that this is likely due to tumor micro-environment instead of tumor cell contamination or field cancerization effect. Pathway analyses suggest that tumor micro-environment may play an important role in cancer patient survival either by boosting the adjacent metabolism or thein situimmunization. Our results suggest the potential benefit of collecting and profiling matched normal tissues to gain more insights on disease etiology and patient progression.
The miR-130 family promotes cell migration and invasion in bladder cancer through FAK and Akt phosphorylation by regulating PTEN
Authors: Egawa Hiroshi , Jingushi Kentaro , Hirono Takayuki , Ueda Yuko , Kitae Kaori , Nakata Wataru , Fujita Kazutoshi , Uemura Motohide , Nonomura Norio , Tsujikawa Kazutake
Published: February 2016

Bladder cancer causes an estimated 150,000 deaths per year worldwide. Although 15% of the recurrent bladder cancer becomes an invasive type, currently used targeted therapy for malignant bladder cancer is still not efficient. We focused on the miR-130 family (miR-130b, miR-301a and miR-301b) that was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer specimens than that of the normal urothelial specimens. We analyzed the functional significance of miR-130 family using a 5637 bladder cancer cell line and revealed that miR-130 family of inhibitors suppressed cell migration and invasion by downregulating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt phosphorylation. Mechanistic analyses indicate that the miR-130 family directly targets phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), resulting in the upregulation of FAK and Akt phosphorylation. In clinical bladder cancer specimens, downregulation of PTEN was found to be closely correlated with miR-130 family expression levels. Overall, the miR-130 family has a crucial role in malignant progression of bladder cancer and thus the miR-130 family could be a promising therapeutic target for invasive bladder cancer.
Repeated cultivation: non-cell disruption extraction of astaxanthin for Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Sun Han , Guan Bin , Kong Qing , Geng Zhaoyan , Wang Ni
Published: February 2016

The operation of cell disruption is indispensable but cost much in microalgae industry. To be simplified, two different reaction mechanisms await in the cell to respond to moderated or stressed environment. The physical and chemical changes of enzyme and turgor pressure of cell in this conversion play an important role in the enhancement of biomass and metabolites. Repeated turgor pressure (based on the structure and mechanics of cell wall) and converted enzyme system (based on photosynthesis) were used to loosen cell wall and then repeated cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis for astaxanthin extraction was proposed. There was no significant difference of extraction yield between the broken cell (94.75 ± 3.13%) and non-broken cell (92.32 ± 3.24%) treated by the repeated cultivation. Meanwhile, fed-batch culture according to the relationship among pH and nutrient concentration was used to enhance the biomass of Haematococcus pluvialis with the dry cell weight of 1.63 ± 0.07 g/L.
Crossover from polariton lasing to exciton lasing in a strongly coupled ZnO microcavity
Authors: Lai Ying-Yu , Chou Yu-Hsun , Lan Yu-Pin , Lu Tien-Chang , Wang Shing-Chung , Yamamoto Yoshihisa
Published: February 2016

Unlike conventional photon lasing, in which the threshold is limited by the population inversion of the electron-hole plasma, the exciton lasing generated by exciton-exciton scattering and the polariton lasing generated by dynamical condensates have received considerable attention in recent years because of the sub-Mott density and low-threshold operation. This paper presents a novel approach to generate both exciton and polariton lasing in a strongly coupled microcavity (MC) and determine the critical driving requirements for simultaneously triggering these two lasing operation in temperature <140 K and large negative polariton-exciton offset (<−133 meV) conditions. In addition, the corresponding lasing behaviors, such as threshold energy, linewidth, phase diagram and angular dispersion are verified. The results afford a basis from which to understand the complicated lasing mechanisms in strongly coupled MCs and verify a new method with which to trigger dual laser emission based on exciton and polariton.
Genetic regulation of salt stress tolerance revealed by RNA-Seq in cotton diploid wild species, Gossypium davidsonii
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhu Guozhong , Du Lei , Shang Xiaoguang , Cheng Chaoze , Yang Bing , Hu Yan , Cai Caiping , Guo Wangzhen
Published: February 2016

Cotton is an economically important crop throughout the world and is a pioneer crop in salt stress tolerance research. Investigation of the genetic regulation of salinity tolerance will provide information for salt stress-resistant breeding. Here, we employed next-generation RNA-Seq technology to elucidate the salt-tolerant mechanisms in cotton using the diploid cotton species Gossypium davidsonii which has superior stress tolerance. A total of 4744 and 5337 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be involved in salt stress tolerance in roots and leaves, respectively. Gene function annotation elucidated salt overly sensitive (SOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that photosynthesis pathways and metabolism play important roles in ion homeostasis and oxidation balance. Moreover, our studies revealed that alternative splicing also contributes to salt-stress responses at the posttranscriptional level, implying its functional role in response to salinity stress. This study not only provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic control of salt stress in cotton, but also lays a substantial foundation for the genetic improvement of crop resistance to salt stress.
Ferroelectric Metal in Tetragonal BiCoO3/BiFeO3 Bilayers and Its Electric Field Effect
Authors: Yin Li , Mi Wenbo , Wang Xiaocha
Published: February 2016

By first-principles calculations we investigate the electronic structure of tetragonal BiCoO3/BiFeO3 bilayers with different terminations. The multiferroic insulator BiCoO3 and BiFeO3 transform into metal in all of three models. Particularly, energetically favored model CoO2-BiO exhibits ferroelectric metallic properties, and external electric field enhances the ferroelectric displacements significantly. The metallic character is mainly associated to eg electrons, while t2g electrons are responsible for ferroelectric properties. Moreover, the strong hybridization between eg and O p electrons around Fermi level provides conditions to the coexistence of ferroelectric and metallic properties. These special behaviors of electrons are influenced by the interfacial electronic reconstruction with formed Bi-O electrovalent bond, which breaks OA-Fe/Co-OB coupling partially. Besides, the external electric field reverses spin polarization of Fe/Co ions efficiently, even reaching 100%.
Quantification of cortisol in human eccrine sweat by liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jia Min , Chew Wade M. , Feinstein Yelena , Skeath Perry , Sternberg Esther M.
Published: February 2016

Cortisol was separated from its isomers and quantified by HPLC-MS/MS in human eccrine sweat samples.
Recent advances in flow injection analysis
Authors: Trojanowicz Marek , Kołacińska Kamila
Published: February 2016

A dynamic development of methodologies of analytical flow injection measurements during four decades since their invention has reinforced the solid position of flow analysis in the arsenal of techniques and instrumentation of contemporary chemical analysis.
Realization of ppm-level CO detection with exceptionally high sensitivity using reduced graphene oxide-loaded SnO2 nanofibers with simultaneous Au functionalization
Authors: Kim Jae-Hun , Katoch Akash , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub
Published: February 2016

We have realized the highly sensitive, selective ppm-level carbon monoxide (CO) detection based on graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets-loaded SnO2 nanofibers with simultaneous Au functionalization.
Quantitatively resolving multivalent interactions on a macroscopic scale using force spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Qiongzheng , Yang Haopeng , Wang Yuhong , Xu Shoujun
Published: February 2016

The FIRMS force spectroscopy resolves different orders of noncovalent interactions at a macroscopic scale.
Phosphorylation promotes Al(iii) binding to proteins: GEGEGSGG as a case study
Authors: Grande-Aztatzi Rafael , Formoso Elena , Mujika Jon I. , Ugalde Jesus M. , Lopez Xabier
Published: February 2016

Aluminum, the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust and one of the key industrial components of our everyday life, has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases due to its ability to promote neurofilament tangles and β-amyloid peptide aggregation.
Tuning the hydrogen evolution activity of MS2 (M = Mo or Nb) monolayers by strain engineering
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Wang Guangjin
Published: February 2016

Strain can tune the HER activity of monolayer MS2 (M = Mo or Nb) in both 1H and 1T phases, among which 1T-MoS2 and 1H-NbS2 exhibit better strain tunability towards their HER activities since more active sites are induced.
Molecular structure and vibrations of NTCDA monolayers on Ag(111) from density-functional theory and infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Tonner Ralf , Rosenow Phil , Jakob Peter
Published: February 2016

The structure and vibrational properties of the metal–organic interface of 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) on Ag(111) were analysed using Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with density functional theory calculations including dispersion forces (PBE-D3).
Water ingress into a casein film quantified using time-resolved neutron imaging
Authors: Metwalli E. , Hermes H. E. , Calzada E. , Kulozik U. , Egelhaaf S. U. , Müller-Buschbaum P.
Published: February 2016

Migration of water into a casein film was probed with neutron radiography and the water saturation quantitatively analyzed.
Simultaneous enhancement of magnetic and ferroelectric properties in Dy and Cr co-doped BiFeO3nanoparticles
Authors: Mao Weiwei , Wang Xingfu , Chu Liang , Zhu Yiyi , Wang Qi , Zhang Jian , Yang Jianping , Li Xing'ao , Huang Wei
Published: February 2016

Bi0.95Dy0.05Fe0.95Cr0.05O3nanoparticles were synthesized by a carbon microsphere-assisted sol–gel method, with simultaneous enhancement of magnetic and ferroelectric properties.
A biomimetic molecular switch at work: coupling photoisomerization dynamics to peptide structural rearrangement
Authors: García-Iriepa Cristina , Gueye Moussa , Léonard Jérémie , Martínez-López David , Campos Pedro J. , Frutos Luis Manuel , Sampedro Diego , Marazzi Marco
Published: February 2016

A combined experimental and computational study of a peptide-linked retinal-like molecular switch shows the effects on photoreactivity and the α-helix structure.
Metal-supported carbon-based materials: opportunities and challenges in the synthesis of valuable products
Authors: Pérez-Mayoral E. , Calvino-Casilda V. , Soriano E.
Published: February 2016

We summarize relevant applications and limitations of metal-supported carbons and nanocarbons in the synthesis of valuable products and the recent advances in this field.
Tuning the flexibility in MOFs by SBU functionalization
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Kavoosi Negar , Senkovska Irena , Müller Philipp , Schaber Jana , Wallacher Dirk , Többens Daniel M. , Mueller Uwe , Kaskel Stefan
Published: February 2016

A new approach for the fine tuning of flexibility in MOFs, involving functionalization of the secondary building unit, is presented.
Platinum phosphinothiolato hydride complexes: synthesis, structure and evaluation as tin-free hydroformylation catalysts
Authors: Real Julio , Prat-Gil Esther , Pagès-Barenys Montserrat , Polo Alfonso , Piniella Joan F. , Álvarez-Larena Ángel
Published: February 2016

Hydride1was readily prepared and characterized: as it exchanges PPh3very fast, it was considered a candidate catalyst for the hydroformylation of olefins.
Current advances in ligand design for inorganic positron emission tomography tracers 68Ga, 64Cu, 89Zr and 44Sc
Authors: Price Thomas W. , Greenman John , Stasiuk Graeme J.
Published: February 2016

A key part of the development of metal based Positron Emission Tomography probes is the chelation of the radiometal.
Dinuclear ruthenium(ii) complexes containing one inert metal centre and one coordinatively-labile metal centre: syntheses and biological activities
Authors: Li Xin , Heimann Kirsten , Li Fangfei , Warner Jeffrey M. , Richard Keene F. , Grant Collins J.
Published: February 2016

Dinuclear ruthenium(ii) complexes containing one inert and one labile metal centre have been synthesised and their biological properties examined in bacterial and eukaryotic cells.
Functionalized C@TiO2hollow spherical architecture for multifunctional applications
Authors: Chattopadhyay Shreyasi , Mishra Manish Kr , De Goutam
Published: February 2016

Hierarchical TiO2hollow spheres with a coating of functionalized C dots show a very fast and selective dye adsorption, and the TiO2hollow spheres obtained after calcination of the dye adsorbed CF@THS can be useful as an efficient photoanode and a photocatalyst.
Production of 2,5-hexanedione and 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Ren Dezhang , Song Zhiyuan , Li Lu , Liu Yunjie , Jin Fangming , Huo Zhibao
Published: February 2016

A novel approach for the production of 2,5-hexanedione (HDN) and 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (3-MCO) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by water splitting with Zn is reported for the first time.
Sequence diversity and ligand-induced structural rearrangements of viper hyaluronidase
Authors: Bharathi A. Christian , Yadav Pradeep Kumar , Syed Ibrahim B.
Published: February 2016

The study focuses on ligand-induced structural changes of viper hyaluronidase and also provides insight into structure-based drug design for eukaryotic hyaluronidases, which could be future drug targets in cancer treatment, and venom spreading.
Enhanced mechanical stability and sensitive swelling performance of chitosan/yeast hybrid hydrogel beads
Authors: Feng Diejing , Bai Bo , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: February 2016

Up to the present time, improving the mechanical stability of hydrogel beads is still a challenging task for future applications of chitosan hydrogels.
Minuscule weight percent of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide modified Ag3PO4: new insight into improved photocatalytic activity
Authors: Panigrahy Bharati , Srivastava Sachchidanand
Published: February 2016

Improved photocatalytic activity of controllably reduced and minuscule weight percent graphene oxide modified Ag3PO4 composite.
Photoredox sheds new light on nickel catalysis: from carbon–carbon to carbon–heteroatom bond formation
Authors: Gui Yong-Yuan , Sun Liang , Lu Zhi-Peng , Yu Da-Gang
Published: February 2016

Recent emergence of photoredox/nickel dual catalysis to generate carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds is highlighted.
Novel soluble poly(ether imide)s with trifluoromethyl and chloride pendant groups for optical materials
Authors: Liu Yu , Gao Chang , Xiao Linjiu , Xie Ying , Wang Yu , Li Wenze
Published: February 2016

A series of novel PEIs (4a–4e) with ether linkages and bulk side groups in the backbone have been successfully synthesized. It was very interesting that they also had excellent optical properties.
Assessment of SOC adsorption prediction in activated carbon filtration based on Freundlich coefficients calculated from compound properties
Authors: Slavik I. , Uhl W. , Börnick H. , Worch E.
Published: February 2016

Three models using compound properties to calculate Freundlich constants for adsorption of SOCs on activated carbon were evaluated using data obtained from the literature and in our own experiments.
M2Ca3B16O28(M = Rb, Cs): structures analogous to SBBO with three-dimensional open-framework layers
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Li Danni , Wu Hongping , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2016

The structural comparison between M2Ca3B16O28(M = Rb, Cs) and Sr2Be2B2O7.
Medium bandgap copolymers based on carbazole and quinoxaline exceeding 1.0 V open-circuit voltages
Authors: Lee Kyu Cheol , Kim Taehyo , Song Seyeong , Kim Yiho , Dutta Gitish. K. , Kim Dong Suk , Kim Jin Young , Yang Changduk
Published: February 2016

Given the desire for superior VOC values in PSCs, we have designed and synthesized a series of ‘medium bandgap’ donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers containing carbazole (Cz) and quinoxaline (Qx) (PCzDT-Qx, PCzDT-fQx, and PCzDT-ffQx).
Synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical studies of acridone-amine based donor–acceptors for hole transport materials
Authors: Sharma Bharat K. , Shaikh Azam M. , Agarwal Neeraj , Kamble Rajesh M.
Published: February 2016

Acridone amine based donor–acceptors, having the potential for hole transport materials, were synthesized using Buchwald–Hartwig amination.
Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of donepezil-based reactivators and analogues for nerve agent-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Renou Julien , Dias José , Mercey Guillaume , Verdelet Tristan , Rousseau Catherine , Gastellier Anne-Julie , Arboléas Mélanie , Touvrey-Loiodice Mélanie , Baati Rachid , Jean Ludovic , Nachon Florian , Renard Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2016

Donepezil-based reactivators 1–3 show a better ability (8 fold higher) than pralidoxime to reactivate VX-hAChE, and oxime 2 is 5 to 11 fold more efficient than pralidoxime and HI-6 respectively to reactivate of VX-hBChE.
Effects of sodium chloride on adsorption at different interfaces and aggregation behaviors of disulfonate gemini surfactants
Authors: Jiao Tiliu , Liu Xiaochen , Niu Jinping
Published: February 2016

Schematic illustration of NaCl effects on the adsorption of Cn-DADS molecules at different interfaces (Cl− is not shown).
Biogenic gold nanoparticles induce cell cycle arrest through oxidative stress and sensitize mitochondrial membranes in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Ramalingam V. , Revathidevi S. , Shanmuganayagam T. , Muthulakshmi L. , Rajaram R.
Published: February 2016

Schematic representation of biogenic synthesized AuNPs have been proven to have excellent anticancer activity against A549 human lung cancer cells.
Minimization of dynamic effects in the evolution of dihydrofolate reductase
Authors: Ruiz-Pernía J. Javier , Behiry Enas , Luk Louis Y. P. , Loveridge E. Joel , Tuñón Iñaki , Moliner Vicent , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: February 2016

Protein isotope labeling is a powerful technique to probe functionally important motions in enzyme catalysis and can be applied to investigate the conformational dynamics of proteins.
Theoretical study of interactions of a Li+(CF3SO2)2N− ion pair with CR3(OCR2CR2)nOCR3 (R = H or F)
Authors: Abroshan Hadi , Dhumal Nilesh R. , Shim Youngseon , Kim Hyung J.
Published: February 2016

Interactions of a lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (Li+Tf2N−) ion pair with oligoethers are investigated via density functional theory (DFT).
Unusual dimer formation of cyclometalated ruthenium NHC p-cymene complexes
Authors: Schleicher David , Tronnier Alexander , Leopold Hendrik , Borrmann Horst , Strassner Thomas
Published: February 2016

Abstraction of a chloride ion in p-cymene ruthenium(ii) complexes bearing cyclometalated NHC ligands selectively leads to the formation of mono-ion-bridged ruthenium dimers.
Transition metal (Rh and Fe) complexes and main-group (Se and B) adducts with N,N′-diphosphanyl NHC ligands: a study of stereoelectronic properties
Authors: Ai Pengfei , Danopoulos Andreas A. , Braunstein Pierre
Published: February 2016

The reactions ofN,N′-bis(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-imidazole-2-ylidene (PCNHCP) with [Rh(μ-Cl)(COD)]2, [Rh(μ-Cl)(CO)2]2, [Fe4Cl8(THF)6], elemental Se and [(C6F5)BO]3, have been investigated to evaluate the stereoelectronic properties of this hybrid ligand.
Nano iron pyrite (FeS2) exhibits bi-functional electrode character
Authors: Dubey Amarish , Singh Sushil Kumar , Tulachan Brindan , Roy Manas , Srivastava Gaurav , Philip Deepu , Sarkar Sabyasachi , Das Mainak
Published: February 2016

Sustainable charge storage devices require materials that are environmentally benign, readily moldable, easily synthesizable, and profitable for applications in the electronics industry.
Correction: Triboelectric generator for wearable devices fabricated using a casting method
Authors: Lee Chang Jun , Choi A. Young , Park Jiwon , Choi Changsoon , Sim Hyeon Jun , Kim Seon Jeong , Kim Youn Tae
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Triboelectric generator for wearable devices fabricated using a casting method’ by Chang Jun Lee et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 10094–10098.
Correction: Genome mining and molecular characterization of the biosynthetic gene cluster of a diterpenic meroterpenoid, 15-deoxyoxalicine B, in Penicillium canescens
Authors: Yaegashi Junko , Romsdahl Jillian , Chiang Yi-Ming , Wang Clay C. C.
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Genome mining and molecular characterization of the biosynthetic gene cluster of a diterpenic meroterpenoid, 15-deoxyoxalicine B, in Penicillium canescens’ by Junko Yaegashi et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 6537–6544.
Successful fault current interruption on DC circuit breaker
Authors: Shan Yunhai , Lim Tee C. , Williams Barry W. , Finney Stephen J.
Published: February 2016

This study focus on the interruption capability of the DC circuit breaker employing a current commutation approach and evaluates the two main factors that determine the success rate for breaker current interruption, namely the current slope di/dt before current zero and the rate of rise of the transient recovery voltage dv/dt across the mechanical breaker contacts after current zero. A vacuum circuit breaker is used to evaluate DC breaker characteristics. Detailed mathematical and graphical analysis are presented for the proposed circuit operation used in analysing the circuit breaker properties, with simulation and experimental results at fault current levels up to 330 A.
Voltage balancing control of isolated modular multilevel dc–dc converter for use in dc grids with zero voltage switching
Authors: Sun Changjiang , Zhang Jianwen , Cai Xu , Shi Gang
Published: February 2016

The isolated modular multilevel dc–dc converter (IMMDCC) constructed by two modular multilevel converters (MMCs) and a medium frequency transformer is attractive for medium‐ and high‐voltage dc‐grid applications by offering the following features: the modular multilevel structure can handle high voltages with the series connection of lower voltage submodules; the MMC operating manner reduces the current stress of the switches by dividing the ac currents among the phase‐legs; using the square‐wave modulation scheme can increase the power capacity meanwhile, achieve zero‐voltage switching operation. In the square‐wave modulation scheme of IMMDCC, the voltage balancing control of the floating capacitors needs further investigation since the unmatched losses and circuit parameters lead to the deviation of the voltages. In this study, a capacitor voltage balancing control strategy that does not rely on the detection of the arm currents is presented by introducing small delay times among the switching pulses of the submodules, meanwhile dv/dt in the ac link is reduced by doing so. Soft‐switching boundary analysis imposes constraints on the balancing method to achieve zero‐voltage switching of the converter. Experimental results have confirmed the correctness of the theoretical analysis as well as the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
System integration aspects of DC circuit breakers
Authors: Döring David , Ergin Dominik , Würflinger Klaus , Dorn Jörg , Schettler Frank , Spahic Ervin
Published: February 2016

Currently, most of the voltage sourced converter (VSC) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) projects are point to point cable connections. However the market for VSC based HVDC projects using overhead lines is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Depending on the requirements for DC fault clearing and grid topology there are different protection concepts for these HVDC applications. The application of full bridge technology or the application of DC circuit breakers (DCCB) are the main approaches being discussed today for providing a fast DC fault clearing with auto‐reclosure. The main focus in this study is on the protection of HVDC systems by means of DCCBs and the challenges being faced with this approach. The first part of the study focuses on the description of hybrid DCCBs for the application with half bridge converter technology. The second and main part of the study presents the factors influencing the design of the DCCB: AC network, travelling waves, DC reactor and DC line inductance. The results from the given examples confirm the wide range of the energy to be absorbed (5.3 up to 50 MJ!) and the significant impact that these factors can have on the design of the DCCBs.
Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of a dinuclear Pt(II) complex: Tunneling autodetachment from both singlet and triplet excited states of a molecular dianion
Authors: Winghart Marc-Oliver , Yang Ji-Ping , Vonderach Matthias , Unterreiner Andreas-Neil , Huang Dao-Ling , Wang Lai-Sheng , Kruppa Sebastian , Riehn Christoph , Kappes Manfred M.
Published: February 2016

Time-resolved pump-probe photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to study the relaxation dynamics of gaseous [Pt2(μ-P2O5H2)4 + 2H]2− after population of its first singlet excited state by 388 nm femtosecond laser irradiation. In contrast to the fluorescence and phosphorescence observed in condensed phase, a significant fraction of the photoexcited isolated dianions decays by electron loss to form the corresponding monoanions. Our transient photoelectron data reveal an ultrafast decay of the initially excited singlet 1A2u state and concomitant rise in population of the triplet 3A2u state, via sub-picosecond intersystem crossing (ISC). We find that both of the electronically excited states are metastably bound behind a repulsive Coulomb barrier and can decay via delayed autodetachment to yield electrons with characteristic kinetic energies. While excited state tunneling detachment (ESETD) from the singlet 1A2u state takes only a few picoseconds, ESETD from the triplet 3A2u state is much slower and proceeds on a time scale of hundreds of nanoseconds. The ISC rate in the gas phase is significantly higher than in solution, which can be rationalized in terms of changes to the energy dissipation mechanism in the absence of solvent molecules. [Pt2(μ-P2O5H2)4 + 2H]2− is the first example of a photoexcited multianion for which ESETD has been observed following ISC.
Phase space barriers and dividing surfaces in the absence of critical points of the potential energy: Application to roaming in ozone
Authors: Mauguière Frédéric A. L. , Collins Peter , Kramer Zeb C. , Carpenter Barry K. , Ezra Gregory S. , Farantos Stavros C. , Wiggins Stephen
Published: February 2016

We examine the phase space structures that govern reaction dynamics in the absence of critical points on the potential energy surface. We show that in the vicinity of hyperbolic invariant tori, it is possible to define phase space dividing surfaces that are analogous to the dividing surfaces governing transition from reactants to products near a critical point of the potential energy surface. We investigate the problem of capture of an atom by a diatomic molecule and show that a normally hyperbolic invariant manifold exists at large atom-diatom distances, away from any critical points on the potential. This normally hyperbolic invariant manifold is the anchor for the construction of a dividing surface in phase space, which defines the outer or loose transition state governing capture dynamics. We present an algorithm for sampling an approximate capture dividing surface, and apply our methods to the recombination of the ozone molecule. We treat both 2 and 3 degrees of freedom models with zero total angular momentum. We have located the normally hyperbolic invariant manifold from which the orbiting (outer) transition state is constructed. This forms the basis for our analysis of trajectories for ozone in general, but with particular emphasis on the roaming trajectories.
Nano-textured high sensitivity ion sensitive field effect transistors
Authors: Hajmirzaheydarali M. , Sadeghipari M. , Akbari M. , Shahsafi A. , Mohajerzadeh S.
Published: February 2016

Nano-textured gate engineered ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs), suitable for high sensitivity pH sensors, have been realized. Utilizing a mask-less deep reactive ion etching results in ultra-fine poly-Si features on the gate of ISFET devices where spacing of the order of 10 nm and less is achieved. Incorporation of these nano-sized features on the gate is responsible for high sensitivities up to 400 mV/pH in contrast to conventional planar structures. The fabrication process for this transistor is inexpensive, and it is fully compatible with standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor fabrication procedure. A theoretical modeling has also been presented to predict the extension of the diffuse layer into the electrolyte solution for highly featured structures and to correlate this extension with the high sensitivity of the device. The observed ultra-fine features by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy tools corroborate the theoretical prediction.
Influence of annealing on the photodeposition of silver on periodically poled lithium niobate
Authors: Carville N. Craig , Neumayer Sabine M. , Manzo Michele , Baghban Mohammad-Amin , Ivanov Ilia N. , Gallo Katia , Rodriguez Brian J.
Published: February 2016

The preferential deposition of metal nanoparticles onto periodically poled lithium niobate surfaces, whereby photogenerated electrons accumulate in accordance with local electric fields and reduce metal ions from solution, is known to depend on the intensity and wavelength of the illumination and the concentration of the solution used. Here, it is shown that for identical deposition conditions (wavelength, intensity, concentration), post-poling annealing for 10 h at 200 °C modifies the surface reactivity through the reorientation of internal defect fields. Whereas silver nanoparticles deposit preferentially on the +z domains on unannealed crystals, the deposition occurs preferentially along 180° domain walls for annealed crystals. In neither case is the deposition selective; limited deposition occurs also on the unannealed –z domain surface and on both annealed domain surfaces. The observed behavior is attributed to a relaxation of the poling-induced defect frustration mediated by Li+ ion mobility during annealing, which affects the accumulation of electrons, thereby changing the surface reactivity. The evolution of the defect field with temperature is corroborated using Raman spectroscopy.
Band offsets and electronic structures of interface between In0.5Ga0.5As and InP
Authors: Cai Genwang , Wang Changhong , Wang Weichao , Liang Erjun
Published: February 2016

III–V semiconductor interfacing with high-κ gate oxide is crucial for the high mobility metal-oxide-semiconductor field transistor device. With density functional theory calculations, we explored the band offsets and electronic structures of the In0.5Ga0.5As/InP interfaces with various interfacial bondings. Among six different bonding interfaces, we found that P-In(Ga) bonding interface showed the highest stability. Local density of states calculations was adopted to calculate the band offsets. Except for the metallic interface, we noticed that neither valence band offset nor conduction band offset depended on the interfacial bondings. For the most stable P-In(Ga) interface, we did not observe any gap states. Furthermore, we explored the P-In(Ga) interfaces with interfacial P-As exchange defects, which slightly modified the interface stability and the band offsets but did not produce any gap states. These findings provide solid evidence that InP could serve as a promising interfacial passivation layer between III–V material and high-κ oxide in the application of high mobility devices.