bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single gene locus changes perturb complex microbial communities as much as apex predator loss
Authors: McClean Deirdre , McNally Luke , Salzberg Letal I. , Devine Kevin M. , Brown Sam P. , Donohue Ian
Published: September 2015

Many bacterial species are highly social, adaptively shaping their local environment through the production of secreted molecules. This can, in turn, alter interaction strengths among species and modify community composition. However, the relative importance of such behaviours in determining the structure of complex communities is unknown. Here we show that single-locus changes affecting biofilm formation phenotypes in Bacillus subtilis modify community structure to the same extent as loss of an apex predator and even to a greater extent than loss of B. subtilis itself. These results, from experimentally manipulated multitrophic microcosm assemblages, demonstrate that bacterial social traits are key modulators of the structure of their communities. Moreover, they show that intraspecific genetic variability can be as important as strong trophic interactions in determining community dynamics. Microevolution may therefore be as important as species extinctions in shaping the response of microbial communities to environmental change.
Covalency-reinforced oxygen evolution reaction catalyst
Authors: Yagi Shunsuke , Yamada Ikuya , Tsukasaki Hirofumi , Seno Akihiro , Murakami Makoto , Fujii Hiroshi , Chen Hungru , Umezawa Naoto , Abe Hideki , Nishiyama Norimasa , Mori Shigeo
Published: September 2015

The oxygen evolution reaction that occurs during water oxidation is of considerable importance as an essential energy conversion reaction for rechargeable metal–air batteries and direct solar water splitting. Cost-efficient ABO3 perovskites have been studied extensively because of their high activity for the oxygen evolution reaction; however, they lack stability, and an effective solution to this problem has not yet been demonstrated. Here we report that the Fe4+-based quadruple perovskite CaCu3Fe4O12 has high activity, which is comparable to or exceeding those of state-of-the-art catalysts such as Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ and the gold standard RuO2. The covalent bonding network incorporating multiple Cu2+ and Fe4+ transition metal ions significantly enhances the structural stability of CaCu3Fe4O12, which is key to achieving highly active long-life catalysts.
TORC1 controls G1–S cell cycle transition in yeast via Mpk1 and the greatwall kinase pathway
Authors: Moreno-Torres Marta , Jaquenoud Malika , De Virgilio Claudio
Published: September 2015

The target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) pathway couples nutrient, energy and hormonal signals with eukaryotic cell growth and division. In yeast, TORC1 coordinates growth with G1–S cell cycle progression, also coined as START, by favouring the expression of G1 cyclins that activate cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) and by destabilizing the CDK inhibitor Sic1. Following TORC1 downregulation by rapamycin treatment or nutrient limitation, clearance of G1 cyclins and C-terminal phosphorylation of Sic1 by unknown protein kinases are both required for Sic1 to escape ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis prompted by its flagging via the SCFCdc4 (Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complex. Here we show that the stabilizing phosphorylation event within the C-terminus of Sic1 requires stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, Mpk1, and inhibition of the Cdc55 protein phosphatase 2A (PP2ACdc55) by greatwall kinase-activated endosulfines. Thus, Mpk1 and the greatwall kinase pathway serve TORC1 to coordinate the phosphorylation status of Sic1 and consequently START with nutrient availability.
Transgranular liquation cracking of grains in the semi-solid state
Authors: Karagadde S. , Lee P. D. , Cai B. , Fife J. L. , Azeem M. A. , Kareh K. M. , Puncreobutr C. , Tsivoulas D. , Connolley T. , Atwood R. C.
Published: September 2015

Grain refinement via semi-solid deformation is desired to obtain superior mechanical properties of cast components. Using quantitative in situ synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy, we show an additional mechanism for the reduction of grain size, via liquation assisted transgranular cracking of semi-solid globular microstructures. Here we perform localized indentation of Al-15wt.%Cu globular microstructures, with an average grain size of ∼480 μm, at 555 °C (74% solid fraction). Although transgranular fracture has been observed in brittle materials, our results show transgranular fracture can also occur in metallic alloys in semi-solid state. This transgranular liquation cracking (TLC) occurs at very low contact stresses (between 1.1 and 38 MPa). With increasing strain, TLC continues to refine the size of the microstructure until the grain distribution reaches log-normal packing. The results demonstrate that this refinement, previously attributed to fragmentation of secondary arms by melt-shearing, is also controlled by an additional TLC mechanism.
The Janus face of Darwinian competition
Authors: Hintze Arend , Phillips Nathaniel , Hertwig Ralph
Published: September 2015

Without competition, organisms would not evolve any meaningful physical or cognitive abilities. Competition can thus be understood as the driving force behind Darwinian evolution. But does this imply that more competitive environments necessarily evolve organisms with more sophisticated cognitive abilities than do less competitive environments? Or is there a tipping point at which competition does more harm than good? We examine the evolution of decision strategies among virtual agents performing a repetitive sampling task in three distinct environments. The environments differ in the degree to which the actions of a competitor can affect the fitness of the sampling agent and in the variance of the sample. Under weak competition, agents evolve decision strategies that sample often and make accurate decisions, which not only improve their own fitness, but are good for the entire population. Under extreme competition, however, the dark side of the Janus face of Darwinian competition emerges: Agents are forced to sacrifice accuracy for speed and are prevented from sampling as often as higher variance in the environment would require. Modest competition is therefore a good driver for the evolution of cognitive abilities and of the population as a whole, whereas too much competition is devastating.
Graphene-Wrapped Anatase TiO2 Nanofibers as High-Rate and Long-Cycle-Life Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yeo Yeolmae , Jung Ji-Won , Park Kyusung , Kim Il-Doo
Published: September 2015

Anatase TiO2 has been suggested as a potential sodium anode material, but the low electrical conductivity of TiO2 often limits the rate capability, resulting in poor electrochemical properties. To address this limitation, we propose graphene-wrapped anatase TiO2 nanofibers (rGO@TiO2 NFs) through an effective wrapping of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets on electrospun TiO2 NFs. To provide strong electrostatic interaction between the graphene oxide (GO) sheets and the TiO2 NFs, poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) was used to induce a positively charged TiO2 surface by the immobilization of the -NH3+ group and to promote bonding with the negatively charged carboxylic acid (-COO−) and hydroxyl (-O−) groups on the GO. A sodium anode electrode using rGO@TiO2 NFs exhibited a significantly improved initial capacity of 217 mAh g−1, high capacity retention (85% after 200 cycles at 0.2C) and a high average Coulombic efficiency (99.7% from the second cycle to the 200th cycle), even at a 5C rate, compared to those of pristine TiO2 NFs. The improved electrochemical performances stem from highly conductive properties of the reduced GO which is effectively anchored to the TiO2 NFs.
Generation of gene-modified goats targeting MSTN and FGF5 via zygote injection of CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Yu Honghao , Lei Anmin , Zhou Jiankui , Zeng Wenxian , Zhu Haijing , Dong Zhiming , Niu Yiyuan , Shi Bingbo , Cai Bei , Liu Jinwang , Huang Shuai , Yan Hailong , Zhao Xiaoe , Zhou Guangxian , He Xiaoling , Chen Xiaoxu , Yang Yuxin , Jiang Yu , Shi Lei , Tian Xiue , Wang Yongjun , Ma Baohua , Huang Xingxu , Qu Lei , Chen Yulin
Published: September 2015

Recent advances in the study of the CRISPR/Cas9 system have provided a precise and versatile approach for genome editing in various species. However, the applicability and efficiency of this method in large animal models, such as the goat, have not been extensively studied. Here, by co-injection of one-cell stage embryos with Cas9 mRNA and sgRNAs targeting two functional genes (MSTN and FGF5), we successfully produced gene-modified goats with either one or both genes disrupted. The targeting efficiency of MSTN and FGF5 in cultured primary fibroblasts was as high as 60%, while the efficiency of disrupting MSTN and FGF5 in 98 tested animals was 15% and 21% respectively and 10% for double gene modifications. The on- and off-target mutations of the target genes in fibroblasts, as well as in somatic tissues and testis of founder and dead animals, were carefully analyzed. The results showed that simultaneous editing of several sites was achieved in large animals, demonstrating that the CRISPR/Cas9 system has the potential to become a robust and efficient gene engineering tool in farm animals and therefore will be critically important and applicable for breeding.
Hybridization between alien species Rumex obtusifolius and closely related native vulnerable species R. longifolius in a mountain tourist destination
Authors: Takahashi Koichi , Hanyu Masaaki
Published: September 2015

Alien species expand their distribution by transportation network development. Hybridization between alien species Rumex obtusifolius and closely related native vulnerable species R. longifolius was examined in a mountain tourist destination in central Japan. The three taxa were morphologically identified in the field. Stem height and leaf area were greater in R. longifolius than R. obtusifolius; hybrids were intermediate between the two Rumex species. R. longifolius and the hybrids grew mainly in wet land and the river tributary; R. obtusifolius grew mainly at the roadside and in meadows. Hybrid germination rates of pollen and seeds were much lower than for the two Rumex species. Clustering analysis showed the three taxa each formed a cluster. Most hybrids were F1 generation; the possibility was low of introgression into the two Rumex species by backcross. This study clarified that (1) hybridization occurred between R. obtusifolius and R. longifolius because they occurred together in a small area, but grew in different water habitat conditions and (2) hybridization was mostly F1 generation because hybrid pollen and seed fertility was low. However, we need caution about introgression into R. longifolius by R. obtusifolius in this area because of the slight possibility of F2 generation and backcrosses.
Control of optical spin Hall shift in phase-discontinuity metasurface by weak value measurement post-selection
Authors: Lee Y.U. , Wu J.W.
Published: September 2015

Spin Hall effect of light is a spin-dependent transverse shift of optical beam propagating along a curved trajectory, where the refractive index gradient plays a role of the electric field in spin Hall effect of solid-state systems. In order to observe optical spin Hall shift in a refraction taking place at air-glass interface, an amplification technique was necessary such as quantum weak measurement. In phase-discontinuity metasurface (PMS) a rapid phase-change along metasurface takes place over subwavelength distance, which leads to a large refractive index gradient for refraction beam enabling a direct detection of optical spin Hall shift without amplification. Here, we identify that the relative optical spin Hall shift depends on incidence angle at PMS and demonstrate a control of optical spin Hall shift by constructing weak value measurement with a variable phase retardance in the post-selection. Capability of optical spin Hall shift control permits a tunable precision metrology applicable to nanoscale photonics such as angular momentum transfer and sensing.
Occurrence of chiral organochlorine compounds in the environmental matrices from King George Island and Ardley Island, west Antarctica
Authors: Wang Pu , Zhang Qinghua , Li Yingming , Zhu Chaofei , Chen Zhaojing , Zheng Shucheng , Sun Huizhong , Liang Yong , Jiang Guibin
Published: September 2015

Chiral organochlorine compounds (OCs) were measured in various environmental matrices (air, soil and vegetation) from west Antarctica using high resolution gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). They were generally detected at a global background level compared with the previous studies. α-HCH and PCB-183 was observed in all the matrices except PCB-183 in two soil samples, while PCB-95, -136, -149, -174, -176 and o,p’-DDT were detected in most air but only a few solid matrices. Enantiomeric fractions (EFs) indicated that nonracemic residues of chiral OCs occurred in all the matrices and a wide variation of the EF values was observed in the vegetation. There was significant discrepancy between the EF values of PCB-183 and the racemic values, indicating that stereoselective depletion of PCB-183 was probably associated with the water-air exchange. The EFs values of α-HCH were generally lower than the racemic values but no statistical difference was obtained in all the matrices except lichen, supporting the assumption that water-air exchange may make influence on long-range transport of α-HCH.
Importance of liquid fragility for energy applications of ionic liquids
Authors: Sippel P. , Lunkenheimer P. , Krohns S. , Thoms E. , Loidl A.
Published: September 2015

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that are liquid close to room temperature. Their possible applications are numerous, e.g., as solvents for green chemistry, in various electrochemical devices and even for such “exotic” purposes as spinning-liquid mirrors for lunar telescopes. Here we concentrate on their use for new advancements in energy-storage and -conversion devices: Batteries, supercapacitors or fuel cells using ILs as electrolytes could be important building blocks for the sustainable energy supply of tomorrow. Interestingly, ILs show glassy freezing and the universal, but until now only poorly understood dynamic properties of glassy matter, dominate many of their physical properties. We show that the conductivity of ILs, an essential figure of merit for any electrochemical application, depends in a systematic way not only on their glass temperature but also on the so-called fragility, characterizing the non-canonical super-Arrhenius temperature dependence of their ionic mobility.
High-throughput sequencing and morphology perform equally well for benthic monitoring of marine ecosystems
Authors: Lejzerowicz Franck , Esling Philippe , Pillet Loïc , Wilding Thomas A. , Black Kenneth D. , Pawlowski Jan
Published: September 2015

Environmental diversity surveys are crucial for the bioassessment of anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems. Traditional benthic monitoring relying on morphotaxonomic inventories of macrofaunal communities is expensive, time-consuming and expertise-demanding. High-throughput sequencing of environmental DNA barcodes (metabarcoding) offers an alternative to describe biological communities. However, whether the metabarcoding approach meets the quality standards of benthic monitoring remains to be tested. Here, we compared morphological and eDNA/RNA-based inventories of metazoans from samples collected at 10 stations around a fish farm in Scotland, including near-cage and distant zones. For each of 5 replicate samples per station, we sequenced the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene using the Illumina technology. After filtering, we obtained 841,766 metazoan sequences clustered in 163 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). We assigned the OTUs by combining local BLAST searches with phylogenetic analyses. We calculated two commonly used indices: the Infaunal Trophic Index and the AZTI Marine Biotic Index. We found that the molecular data faithfully reflect the morphology-based indices and provides an equivalent assessment of the impact associated with fish farms activities. We advocate that future benthic monitoring should integrate metabarcoding as a rapid and accurate tool for the evaluation of the quality of marine benthic ecosystems.
Ability paradox of cascading model based on betweenness
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Xu Bo , Wu Yuedan
Published: September 2015

Must Investing more resources to protect every node in a network improve the robustness of the whole network subject to target attacks? To answer this question, we investigate the cascading dynamics in some typical networks. In real networks, the load on a node is generally correlated with the betweenness. Considering the weight of a node, we give a new method to define the initial load on a node by the revised betweenness. Then we present a simple cascading model. We investigate the cascading dynamics by disabling a single key node with the highest load. We find that in BA scale-free networks, the bigger the capacity of every node, the stronger the robustness of the whole network. However, in WS networks and some random networks, when we increase the capacity of every node, instead, the robustness of the whole network is weaker. In US power grid and the China power grid, we also observe this counterintuitive phenomenon. We give a reasonable explanation by a simple illusion. By the analysis, we think that resurrections of some nodes in a ring network structure after removing a node may be the reason of this phenomenon.
EGFR Exon 18 Mutations in East Asian Patients with Lung Adenocarcinomas: A Comprehensive Investigation of Prevalence, Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Prognosis
Authors: Cheng Chao , Wang Rui , Li Yuan , Pan Yunjian , Zhang Yang , Li Hang , Zheng Difan , Zheng Shanbo , Shen Xuxia , Sun Yihua , Chen Haiquan
Published: September 2015

Our aim was to investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 18 mutations in East Asian lung adenocarcinomas patients. A total of 1,201 lung adenocarcinomas were analyzed for mutation in EGFR. Clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with EGFR exon 18 mutations were compared with those who harbored classic activating mutations (exon 19 deletions and the L858R point mutation). The mutations in EGFR exon 18 were observed in 2.8% of 1,201 lung adenocarcinomas and 4.6% of patients with EGFR mutations. Patients with a single EGFR exon of 18 mutations had a worse overall survival than those harboring the complex EGFR exon of 18 mutations (p = 0.002) or those with classic activating mutations (p = 0.014). Four of five patients with EGFR exon 18 mutations showed objective response to the EGFR-TKI therapies after disease recurrence. Our results demonstrated that single EGFR exon 18 mutations may be an indicator of poor prognosis compared with complex EGFR exon 18 mutations or classic mutations. Furthermore, the results of the current study will be helpful for decision-making in the treatment of patients with EGFR exon 18 mutations.
Parallel molecular routes to cold adaptation in eight genera of New Zealand stick insects
Authors: Dennis Alice B. , Dunning Luke T. , Sinclair Brent J. , Buckley Thomas R.
Published: September 2015

The acquisition of physiological strategies to tolerate novel thermal conditions allows organisms to exploit new environments. As a result, thermal tolerance is a key determinant of the global distribution of biodiversity, yet the constraints on its evolution are not well understood. Here we investigate parallel evolution of cold tolerance in New Zealand stick insects, an endemic radiation containing three montane-occurring species. Using a phylogeny constructed from 274 orthologous genes, we show that stick insects have independently colonized montane environments at least twice. We compare supercooling point and survival of internal ice formation among ten species from eight genera and identify both freeze tolerance and freeze avoidance in separate montane lineages. Freeze tolerance is also verified in both lowland and montane populations of a single, geographically widespread, species. Transcriptome sequencing following cold shock identifies a set of structural cuticular genes that are both differentially regulated and under positive sequence selection in each species. However, while cuticular proteins in general are associated with cold shock across the phylogeny, the specific genes at play differ among species. Thus, while processes related to cuticular structure are consistently associated with adaptation for cold, this may not be the consequence of shared ancestral genetic constraints.
Complex Quantum Network Manifolds in Dimension d > 2 are Scale-Free
Authors: Bianconi Ginestra , Rahmede Christoph
Published: September 2015

In quantum gravity, several approaches have been proposed until now for the quantum description of discrete geometries. These theoretical frameworks include loop quantum gravity, causal dynamical triangulations, causal sets, quantum graphity and energetic spin networks. Most of these approaches describe discrete spaces as homogeneous network manifolds. Here we define Complex Quantum Network Manifolds (CQNM) describing the evolution of quantum network states and constructed from growing simplicial complexes of dimension "Equation missing". We show that in d = 2 CQNM are homogeneous networks while for d > 2 they are scale-free i.e. they are characterized by large inhomogeneities of degrees like most complex networks. From the self-organized evolution of CQNM quantum statistics emerge spontaneously. Here we define the generalized degrees associated with the "Equation missing"-faces of the "Equation missing"-dimensional CQNMs and we show that the statistics of these generalized degrees can either follow Fermi-Dirac, Boltzmann or Bose-Einstein distributions depending on the dimension of the "Equation missing"-faces.
Rhein antagonizes P2X7 receptor in rat peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Hu Fen , Xing Fulin , Zhu Ge , Xu Guangxue , Li Cunbo , Qu Junle , Lee Imshik , Pan Leiting
Published: September 2015

P2X7 receptor plays important roles in inflammation and immunity and thereby it serves as a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. Rhein, an anthraquinone derivative, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities in therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of rhein on P2X7 receptor-mediated responses in vitro. In HEK293 cells expressing rat P2X7 receptor, we first found that rhein concentration-dependently blocked ATP-induced cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) elevation and pore formation of the plasma membrane, two hallmarks of the P2X7 receptor activation. These two inhibitory effects of rhein were also observed in rat peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, rhein counteracted macrophage phagocytosis attenuation and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production triggered by ATP/BzATP. Meanwhile, rhein reduced ATP/BzATP-induced IL-1β release in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. Prolonged application of ATP caused macrophage apoptosis, while the presence of rhein suppressed this cell cytotoxicity. Such ATP/BzATP-induced cellular reactions were also inhibited by a well-known rat P2X7 receptor antagonist, brilliant blue G, in a similar way to rhein. Together, our results demonstrate that rhein inhibit ATP/BzATP-induced [Ca2+]c increase, pore formation, ROS production, phagocytosis attenuation, IL-1β release and cell apoptosis by antagonizing the P2X7 receptor in rat peritoneal macrophages.
Loss of G2 subunit of vacuolar-type proton transporting ATPase leads to G1 subunit upregulation in the brain
Authors: Kawamura Nobuyuki , Sun-Wada Ge-Hong , Wada Yoh
Published: September 2015

Vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) is a primary proton pump with versatile functions in various tissues. In nerve cells, V-ATPase is required for accumulation of neurotransmitters into secretory vesicles and subsequent release at the synapse. Neurons express a specific isoform (G2) of the G subunit of V-ATPase constituting the catalytic sector of the enzyme complex. Using gene targeting, we generated a mouse lacking functional G2 (G2 null), which showed no apparent disorders in architecture and behavior. In the G2-null mouse brain, a G1 subunit isoform, which is ubiquitously expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, accumulated more abundantly than in wild-type animals. This G1 upregulation was not accompanied by an increase in mRNA. These results indicate that loss of function of neuron-specific G2 isoform was compensated by an increase in levels of the G1 isoform without apparent upregulation of the G1 mRNA.
Mortality from contact-related epidemics among indigenous populations in Greater Amazonia
Authors: Walker Robert S. , Sattenspiel Lisa , Hill Kim R.
Published: September 2015

European expansion and contact with indigenous populations led to catastrophic depopulation primarily through the introduction of novel infectious diseases to which native peoples had limited exposure and immunity. In the Amazon Basin such contacts continue to occur with more than 50 isolated indigenous societies likely to make further contacts with the outside world in the near future. Ethnohistorical accounts are useful for quantifying trends in the severity and frequency of epidemics through time and may provide insight into the likely demographic consequences of future contacts. Here we compile information for 117 epidemics that affected 59 different indigenous societies in Greater Amazonia and caused over 11,000 deaths between 1875 and 2008, mostly (75%) from measles, influenza and malaria. Results show that mortality rates from epidemics decline exponentially through time and, independently, with time since peaceful contact. The frequency of documented epidemics also decreases with time since contact. While previous work on virgin soil epidemics generally emphasizes the calamity of contacts, we focus instead on improvements through time. The prospects for better survivorship during future contacts are good provided modern health care procedures are implemented immediately.
Aseptic Raman spectroscopy can detect changes associated with the culture of human dental pulp stromal cells in osteoinductive culture
Authors: Mitchell Adam , Ashton Lorna , Yang Xuebin B. , Goodacre Royston , Tomlinson Matthew J. , Smith Alistair , Kirkham Jennifer
Published: September 2015

There is an unmet need for the non-invasive characterisation of stem cells to facilitate the translation of cell-based therapies.
Bio-coordination of bismuth in Helicobacter pylori revealed by immobilized metal affinity chromatography
Authors: Wang Yuchuan , Tsang Cheuk-Nam , Xu Feng , Kong Pak-Wing , Hu Ligang , Wang Junwen , Chu Ivan Keung , Li Hongyan , Sun Hongzhe
Published: September 2015

Bi-binding motifs were mined inH. pyloriby Bi-IMAC and the putative Bi-targets were analyzed by structural and bioinformatics approaches.
Chromogenic and fluorogenic detection and discrimination of nerve agents Tabun and Vx
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Rana Hemlata
Published: September 2015

Chromogenic and fluorogenic detection and discrimination of nerve agents Tabun and Vx are presented.
adj-Dicarbachlorin, the first free base carbaporphyrinoid system with an internal methylene unit
Authors: Lash Timothy D. , AbuSalim Deyaa I. , Ferrence Gregory M.
Published: September 2015

Base-catalyzed condensation of dicyclopentadienylmethane with a dipyrrylmethane dialdehyde gave a dicarbachlorin with an internal CH2 group.
Lipid or aqueous medium for hematin crystallization?
Authors: Vekilov Peter G. , Rimer Jeffrey D. , Olafson Katy N. , Ketchum Megan A.
Published: September 2015

Hematin crystallization, the primary heme detoxification mechanism of malaria parasites infecting human erythrocytes, most likely requires the participation of lipid structures.
A single-crystal-to-single-crystal Diels–Alder reaction with mixed topochemical and topotactic behaviour
Authors: Khorasani S. , Botes D. S. , Fernandes M. A. , Levendis D. C.
Published: September 2015

During a SCSC solid-state Diels–Alder reaction, voids are created, followed by conformational change and crystal annealing that lead to the formation of new weak interactions.
Polymorphism control in the mechanochemical and solution-based synthesis of a thermochromic Schiff base
Authors: Zbačnik Marija , Nogalo Ivana , Cinčić Dominik , Kaitner Branko
Published: September 2015

Three crystal forms of a thermochromic Schiff base derived fromo-vanillin and 3-aminoacetophenone were obtained by conventional solution-based methods. Two polymorphs out of three were synthesized by mechanochemical syntheses, under solvent-free conditions.
Electrochemical and ab initio investigations to design a new phenothiazine based organic redox polymeric material for metal-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Godet-Bar T. , Leprêtre J.-C. , Le Bacq O. , Sanchez J.-Y. , Deronzier A. , Pasturel A.
Published: September 2015

Thanks to both electrochemical and ab initio calculation investigations, a new phenothiazine based polymeric material is proposed as a cathodic electrode for lithium batteries.
Transition metal-mediated donor–acceptor coordination of low-oxidation state Group 14 element halides
Authors: Swarnakar Anindya K. , Ferguson Michael J. , McDonald Robert , Rivard Eric
Published: September 2015

The main group element triggered C–H bond activation of a Rh-bound Cp ligand is reported. The key aspect of this transformation is the presence of a highly Lewis acidic Group 14 element site.
NIR-emissive iridium(iii) corrole complexes as efficient singlet oxygen sensitizers
Authors: Sinha Woormileela , Ravotto Luca , Ceroni Paola , Kar Sanjib
Published: September 2015

The observed phosphorescence of the studied Ir(iii)corroles at ambient temperature appears at much longer wavelengths than the previously reported Ir(iii) porphyrin/corrole derivatives. Efficiencies of these compounds in the generation of singlet oxygen are also studied for the first time.
Addition of in situ reduced amidinato-methylaluminium chloride to acetylenes
Authors: Chlupatý T. , Turek J. , De Proft F. , Růžičková Z. , Růžička A.
Published: September 2015

Addition of in situ reduced amidinato-methylaluminium chloride to acetylenes was observed. Whether the structure of the products contains an ethylene bridge or terminally bonded ethynyl groups, and the further reactivity of the products are closely related to the substituents on the CC group.
A series of phenyl sulfonate metal coordination polymers as catalysts for one-pot Biginelli reactions under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Wang Jin-Hua , Tang Gui-Mei , Wang Yong-Tao , Cui Yue-Zhi , Wang Jun-Jie , Ng Seik Weng
Published: September 2015

A series of phenyl sulfonate metal coordination polymers have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions, which show high catalytic performances for one-pot Biginelli condensation reactions under solvent-free conditions.
Effect propagation after silver nanoparticle exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos: a correlation to internal concentration and distribution patterns
Authors: Böhme Steffi , Stärk Hans-Joachim , Reemtsma Thorsten , Kühnel Dana
Published: September 2015

Internal silver concentrations were determined and combined with toxicological information to obtain critical internal effect concentrations triggering biological responses.
Polyozellin, a key constituent of the edible mushroom Polyozellus multiplex, attenuates glutamate-induced mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cell death
Authors: Yang Eun-Ju , Song Kyung-Sik
Published: September 2015

Polyozellin, a key constituent of Polyozellus multiplex, was applied to glutamate-treated HT22 cells to evaluate its neuroprotective mechanisms.
Sustainable wastewater treatment and recycling in membrane manufacturing
Authors: Razali Mayamin , Kim Jeong F. , Attfield Martin , Budd Peter M. , Drioli Enrico , Lee Young Moo , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: September 2015

Tackling the wastewater challenge in polymer membrane manufacturing with a continuous adsorption process.
Elemental fractionation during condensation of plasma plumes generated by laser ablation: a ToF-SIMS study of condensate blankets
Authors: Tang Ming , Arevalo Ricardo , Goreva Yulia , McDonough William F.
Published: September 2015

Ion imaging of the condensate blanket around a laser ablation site provides a window to study elemental fractionation during condensation of a plasma plume.
Silver nanoparticles as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction for the atomic absorption spectrometric determination of mercury in water samples
Authors: Krawczyk Magdalena , Stanisz Ewa
Published: September 2015

In this study, the analytical potential of USA DMSPE with silver nanoparticles as a solid sorbent combined with high-resolution continuum source ETAAS in the determination of mercury was evaluated.
Ionic liquids as solvents for the Knoevenagel condensation: understanding the role of solvent–solute interactions
Authors: Priede Elina , Brica Sindija , Bakis Eduards , Udris Niklavs , Zicmanis Andris
Published: September 2015

The hydrogen bond basicityβof ionic liquids, as demonstrated by the NMR studies and the Kamlet–Taft linear solvation energy relationship, was confirmed to be the dominant solvent descriptor determining the rate of the Knoevenagel condensation.
Germanium-doped carbon dots as a new type of fluorescent probe for visualizing the dynamic invasions of mercury(ii) ions into cancer cells
Authors: Yuan Yun Huan , Li Rong Sheng , Wang Qiang , Wu Zhu Lian , Wang Jian , Liu Hui , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: September 2015

The GeCDs could be utilized as a new fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of mercury(ii) ions in living cells.
Versatile synthesis of oxime-containing acyclic nucleoside phosphonates – synthetic solutions and antiviral activity
Authors: Solyev Pavel N. , Jasko Maxim V. , Kleymenova Alla A. , Kukhanova Marina K. , Kochetkov Sergey N.
Published: September 2015

New oxime-containing acyclic nucleoside phosphonates 9-{2-[(phosphonomethyl)oximino]ethyl}adenine (1), -guanine (2) and 9-{2-[(phosphonomethyl)oximino]propyl}adenine (3) with wide spectrum activity against different types of viruses were synthesized.
Indium triflate catalyzed microwave-assisted alkenylation of methoxyphenols: synthesis of indenes and chromenes
Authors: Rao V. Kameswara , Kaswan Pinku , Parang Keykavous , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2015

In(OTf)3 catalyzed microwave-assisted alkenylation of methoxyphenols was investigated.
Neutral lutetium complex/polyamine mediated immortal ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide: facile synthesis of well-defined hydroxyl-end and amide-core stereoregular star polylactide
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Bo , Liu Xinli , Wang Xue , Wang Yang , Yao Changguang , Wu Chunji , Cui Dongmei
Published: September 2015

A facile way to obtain well-defined hydroxyl-end and amide-core stereoregular star polylactide.
High charge mobility polymers based on a new di(thiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene for transistors and solar cells
Authors: Chen Lie , Wu Feiyan , Deng Zhiqiang , Feng Linlin , Gu Pengcheng , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2015

A novel random copolymer of di(thiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DTTT) with DPP achieved a high hole mobility of 0.627 cm2 V−1 s−1.
ADMET polymerization of bio-based biphenyl compounds
Authors: Llevot A. , Grau E. , Carlotti S. , Grelier S. , Cramail H.
Published: September 2015

Bio-based phenols were dimerized and employed as monomers in ADMET polymerization.
Novel nanostructured hematite–spongin composite developed using an extreme biomimetic approach
Authors: Szatkowski Tomasz , Wysokowski Marcin , Lota Grzegorz , Pęziak Daria , Bazhenov Vasili V. , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Walter Juliane , Molodtsov Serguei L. , Stöcker Hartmut , Himcinschi Cameliu , Petrenko Iaroslav , Stelling Allison L. , Jurga Stefan , Jesionowski Teofil , Ehrlich Hermann
Published: September 2015

The characteristic mineral-free fibrous skeletons (made of structural protein-spongin) of H. communis (Demospongiae: Porifera) was used as a structural template in hydrothermal synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles.
One-step and low-temperature synthesis of carbon nanotubes with no post treatment and high purity
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Long , Liu You song , Guo Xiangli
Published: September 2015

A new strategy for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes without any catalyst via the reaction between difluorocarbene (CF2) radicals generated from a precursor (hexafluoropropylene oxide) and porous silicon nanowire arrays at low temperature is reported in this study.
Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites ABI3(A = CH3NH3, NH2CHNH2; B = Sn, Pb) as potential thermoelectric materials: a density functional evaluation
Authors: Lee Changhoon , Hong Jisook , Stroppa Alessandro , Whangbo Myung-Hwan , Shim Ji Hoon
Published: September 2015

Our calculations show that, when doped by electrons, the organic–inorganic perovskite iodides ABI3(A = CH3NH3, NH2CHNH2; B = Sn, Pb) can be a good thermoelectric material with thermoelectric efficiency comparable to that of hole-doped Bi2Te3.
Fabrication of nickel oxide nanostructures with high surface area and application for urease-based biosensor for urea detection
Authors: Mai Hien Duy , Sung Gun Yong , Yoo Hyojong
Published: September 2015

NiO nanostructures with high surface area were used to fabricate urease-based NiO biosensors for urea detection.
Electric-field-induced rich magneto-absorption spectra of ABC-stacked trilayer graphene
Authors: Lin Yi-Ping , Lin Chiun-Yan , Chang Cheng-Pong , Lin Min-Fa
Published: September 2015

The magneto-optical spectra of ABC-stacked trilayer graphene are enriched by an electric field, providing a way to experimentally identify the stacking order of few layer graphene systems.
One-pot in situ molten salt synthesis of octahedral Fe3O4for efficient microwave absorption application
Authors: Shang Chaomei , Ji Guangbin , Liu Wei , Zhang Xingmiao , Lv Hualiang , Du Youwei
Published: September 2015

Octahedral Fe3O4particles were synthesized through the combination of thermal decomposition with a molten salt method. F-800 exhibits excellent microwave absorption behavior with a thickness of 1.4 mm.
Questioning the relationship between the χ4 susceptibility and the dynamical correlation length in a glass former
Authors: Colin Rémy , Alsayed Ahmed M. , Gay Cyprien , Abou Bérengère
Published: September 2015

We investigate dynamic heterogeneities with both a four-point correlation function G4 and its associated dynamical susceptibility χ4, in dense suspensions of soft microgel particles.
Gelation and mechanical response of patchy rods
Authors: Kazem Navid , Majidi Carmel , Maloney Craig E.
Published: September 2015

We perform Brownian dynamics simulations to study the gelation of suspensions of attractive, rod-like particles. We show that if the attraction is sufficiently corrugated or patchy, over time, a rigid space-spanning network will form. Surprisingly, the structural and mechanical properties are non-monotonic in the fraction of the surface.
Bacterial transport of colloids in liquid crystalline environments
Authors: Trivedi Rishi R. , Maeda Rina , Abbott Nicholas L. , Spagnolie Saverio E. , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: September 2015

This study lays the foundation for using cargo-carrying bacteria in engineering applications and for understanding interspecies interactions in polymicrobial communities.
Carbonate coprecipitation preparation of Li-rich layered oxides using the oxalate anion ligand as high-energy, high-power and durable cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Long , Hou Peiyu , Zhang Yantao , Zhang Hongzhou , Song Dawei , Shi Xixi , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Lianqi
Published: September 2015

A green, highly efficient and low cost ligand oxalate anion is successfully introduced to prepare spherical precursors for high-energy, high-power and durable cathode materials.
Enhanced adsorption of dibenzothiophene with zinc/copper-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Tingting , Li Xingxian , Dai Wei , Fang Yaoyao , Huang He
Published: September 2015

A novel type of bimetallic-organic porous material (Zn/Cu–BTC) plays an important role in adsorption desulfurization.
Elastic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Deng Jue , Qiu Longbin , Lu Xin , Yang Zhibin , Guan Guozhen , Zhang Zhitao , Peng Huisheng
Published: September 2015

Elastic perovskite solar cells, for the first time, have been realized by designing a stretchable nanostructured fiber and spring-like modified Ti wire as two electrodes with perovskite materials coated on the modified Ti wire through a solution process. The elastic perovskite solar cell appears in a fiber format and maintains stable energy conversion efficiencies under stretching.
A one-pot strategy for coupling chalcogenide nanocrystals with 1D oxides for solar-driven processes
Authors: Pathak Pawan , Gupta Satyajit , Resende Aline C. S. , Subramanian Vaidyanathan (Ravi)
Published: September 2015

Deposition of 0D CdS on 1D TiO2 nanotubes.
Strong CIE activity, multi-stimuli-responsive fluorescence and data storage application of new diphenyl maleimide derivatives
Authors: Zheng Rong , Mei Xiaofei , Lin Zhenghuan , Zhao Yan , Yao Huimei , Lv Wei , Ling Qidan
Published: September 2015

A series of new CIE-active diphenyl maleimide derivatives with multi-stimuli-responsive fluorescence were reported. Three kinds of new technologies for rewritable information storage and security ink were developed by using their multi-stimuli-responsive fluorescence.
Low‐complexity robust relay optimisation for multiple peer‐to‐peer beamforming: a safe tractable approximation approach
Authors: Maleki Sadr Mohammad Amin , Ahmadian‐Attari Mahmoud , Mahboobi Behrad
Published: September 2015

In this study, the authors present a novel outage‐based approach for distributed multiuser relay beamforming problem which can provide robustness against channel uncertainty. They assume all the channels are subject to Gaussian perturbation. The relay beamforming design is based on stochastic performance optimisation and has been shown to provide an excellent robustness against channel uncertainty. The robust problem aims to minimise the total power transmission of the relays that are subject to the probability of each receiver's signal‐to‐interference noise ratio (SINR) do not fall below a given outage‐probability specification. The underlying goal is to establish approximate probabilistic SINR constrained formulations in the form of convex conic optimisation problem. They show that the aforementioned problem is non‐convex, in general. They develop two novel conservative approximation schemes for handling non‐convex probabilistic constraint. Simulation results show the robustness of the proposed methods significantly improves the existing methods, both in terms of the solution quality and the computational complexity.
Zero intersymbol interference multiuser system: a new architecture utilising m‐sequence cyclic property
Authors: Lenty Stuwart S. , Tamil Selvi S.
Published: September 2015

Code division multiple access (CDMA) based on spread spectrum technique has become one of the most important multiple access technologies in contemporary communication systems. The properties of spreading codes largely govern the performance of CDMA systems. Therefore, CDMA can insure interference free operation when code design methodology takes into account of major impairing factors such as intersymbol interference (ISI), asynchronous transmission and random signs in consecutive symbols. In this study, the authors propose a design scheme for CDMA signal reception with zero ISI in the multipath environment. Cyclic shift property of maximal length sequence (m‐sequence) is utilised in the design to avoid ISI. The proposed scheme exploits inherent diversity present in the multipath channel and can be seen as antenna diversity. This scheme avoids the use of complex detectors and the performance is compared by simulations with conventional CDMA system using Walsh–Hadamard codes and m‐sequence. The impact of the Rician factor on the end‐to‐end performance is also studied in detail and suitable receiver to be used has been suggested for different fading scenarios. Simulations results presented indicate that the proposed scheme provides superior performance over traditional systems.
Risk informed design modification of dynamic thermal rating system
Authors: Teh Jiashen , Cotton Ian
Published: September 2015

Future grids will be operated much closer to their security limits due to the ever increasing power demands and the restrictions on land and space to build more transmission corridors. As one of the many smart grid technologies, the dynamic thermal rating (DTR) system of transmission lines offers the solution to increase line current capacity without infringing the conductor's maximum operating temperature. Hence, it has emerged as a popular solution for the aforementioned challenges. Owing to that, there is a strong need to assess the integrity of this technology. For this reason, this study presents a systematic framework for assessing the reliability and the risk of a DTR system. The research was carried out in two parts and is able to optimise the risk and the reliability (cost) of the DTR system. In addition, a weather estimation model is proposed to estimate the weather data when the DTR sensors are not functional. This is contrary to the existing literature which suggests that conservative assumptions be made. The results show that the proposed weather estimation model avoids overestimation of the DTR system risk.
Multi‐step radiographic image enhancement conforming to weld defect segmentation
Authors: Dang Changying , Gao Jianmin , Wang Zhao , Chen Fumin , Xiao Yulin
Published: September 2015

To improve the accuracy of automatic defect segmentation in radiographic non‐destructive testing and evaluation, the authors proposed a multi‐step radiographic image enhancement algorithm (MSRE) conforming to weld defect segmentation. In this algorithm, the requirement of defect segmentation is fully considered when enhancing a radiographic testing image. The first‐step enhancement is performed by linear weighting between an original radiographic image and its contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalisation image. Anisotropic diffusion filtering is used for simultaneously smoothing the weighted image and preserving the defect edges very well. Then, the filtered image is enhanced by a fuzzy enhancement algorithm as the final‐step enhancement and hence, obtaining a new image with high contrast, high definition, and strong edge intensity. The authors compared MSRE with adaptive histogram equalisation, fuzzy enhancement, global contrast enhancement, and local contrast enhancement algorithms and evaluated its performance by using indicators such as image contrast, definition, edge intensity, and information entropy. Furthermore, the authors compared the segmentation results of the enhanced images to further study the algorithm's effect on weld defect segmentation. Experimental results reveal that the quality of enhanced images is significantly improved by MSRE, and the image enhanced by MSRE has an high relative segmentation accuracy (RSA) of more than 95%.