bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune cell-specific transcriptional profiling highlights distinct molecular pathways controlled by Tob1 upon experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Didonna Alessandro , Cekanaviciute Egle , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Baranzini Sergio E.
Published: August 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltration, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Despite the recent advances in understanding MS molecular basis, no reliable biomarkers have been identified yet to monitor disease progression. Our group has previously reported that low levels of TOB1 in CD4+ T cells are strongly associated with a higher risk of MS conversion in individuals experiencing an initial demyelinating event. Consistently, Tob1 ablation in mice exacerbates the clinical phenotype of the MS model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To shed light on Tob1 molecular functions in the immune system, we have conducted the first cell-based transcriptomic analysis in Tob1−/− and wildtype mice upon EAE. Next-generation sequencing was employed to characterize the changes in gene expression in T and B cells at pre- and post-symptomatic EAE stages. Remarkably, we found only modest overlap among the different genetic signatures, suggesting that Tob1 may control distinct genetic programs in the different cytotypes. This hypothesis was corroborated by gene ontology and global interactome analyses, which highlighted specific cellular pathways in each cellular subset before and after EAE induction. In summary, our work pinpoints a multifaceted activity of Tob1 in both homeostasis and disease progression.
Pain modulation by intranasal oxytocin and emotional picture viewing — a randomized double-blind fMRI study
Authors: Zunhammer Matthias , Geis Sandra , Busch Volker , Eichhammer Peter , Greenlee Mark W.
Published: August 2016

The hormone oxytocin has been hypothesized to influence the emotional dimension of pain. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study explored whether intranasal oxytocin and emotional context can affect heat pain perception in 30 healthy male volunteers. After receiving 36 IU oxytocin or placebo, participants underwent functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) during which noxious and non-noxious thermode heat stimuli were applied. Simultaneously, scenes from the International Affective Pictures System (IAPS) with positive, neutral and negative emotional valence were shown. Heat intensity and unpleasantness ratings were obtained. The activity of whole-brain correlates of heat processing was quantified via multi-voxel pattern analysis. We observed no appreciable main effects of oxytocin on ratings or neural pain correlates. Effects of emotional picture valence on ratings were smaller than reported in previous studies. Nevertheless, oxytocin was found to significantly enhance the influence of picture valence on unpleasantness ratings at noxious heat levels. No corresponding changes in whole-brain correlates of heat intensity processing were found. Our study provides evidence that intranasal oxytocin increases the effects of emotional context on the subjective unpleasantness of experimental heat pain. Future studies are needed to determine whether this effect can be utilized in clinical settings.
Identifying the Stern-Gerlach force of classical electron dynamics
Authors: Wen Meng , Bauke Heiko , Keitel Christoph H.
Published: August 2016

Different classical theories are commonly applied in various branches of physics to describe the relativistic dynamics of electrons by coupled equations for the orbital motion and spin precession. Exemplarily, we benchmark the Frenkel model and the classical Foldy-Wouthuysen model with spin-dependent forces (Stern-Gerlach forces) to the quantum dynamics as predicted by the Dirac equation. Both classical theories can lead to different or even contradicting predictions how the Stern-Gerlach forces modify the electron’s orbital motion, when the electron moves in strong electromagnetic field configurations of emerging high-intensity laser facilities. In this way, one may evaluate the validity and identify the limits of these classical theories via a comparison with possible experiments to provide a proper description of spin-induced dynamics. Our results indicate that the Foldy-Wouthuysen model is qualitatively in better agreement with the Dirac theory than the widely used Frenkel model.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics reveals the role of the AMPK plant ortholog SnRK1 as a metabolic master regulator under energy deprivation
Authors: Nukarinen Ella , Nägele Thomas , Pedrotti Lorenzo , Wurzinger Bernhard , Mair Andrea , Landgraf Ramona , Börnke Frederik , Hanson Johannes , Teige Markus , Baena-Gonzalez Elena , Dröge-Laser Wolfgang , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: August 2016

Since years, research on SnRK1, the major cellular energy sensor in plants, has tried to define its role in energy signalling. However, these attempts were notoriously hampered by the lethality of a complete knockout of SnRK1. Therefore, we generated an inducible amiRNA::SnRK1α2 in a snrk1α1 knock out background (snrk1α1/α2) to abolish SnRK1 activity to understand major systemic functions of SnRK1 signalling under energy deprivation triggered by extended night treatment. We analysed the in vivo phosphoproteome, proteome and metabolome and found that activation of SnRK1 is essential for repression of high energy demanding cell processes such as protein synthesis. The most abundant effect was the constitutively high phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) in the snrk1α1/α2 mutant. RPS6 is a major target of TOR signalling and its phosphorylation correlates with translation. Further evidence for an antagonistic SnRK1 and TOR crosstalk comparable to the animal system was demonstrated by the in vivo interaction of SnRK1α1 and RAPTOR1B in the cytosol and by phosphorylation of RAPTOR1B by SnRK1α1 in kinase assays. Moreover, changed levels of phosphorylation states of several chloroplastic proteins in the snrk1α1/α2 mutant indicated an unexpected link to regulation of photosynthesis, the main energy source in plants.
Pruinosanones A-C, anti-inflammatory isoflavone derivatives from Caragana pruinosa
Authors: Zheng Chengjian , Wang Liang , Han Ting , Xin Hailiang , Jiang Yiping , Pan Lan , Jia Xiaoguang , Qin Luping
Published: August 2016

Pruinosanone A (1), a novel spirochromone, was isolated from the roots of Caragana pruinosa. Two biogenetically related isoflavone intermediates, pruinosanones B and C (2 and 3), were also isolated, together with five known analogs identified as 3-hydroxy-9-methoxypterocarpan (4), 7,2′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavanol (5), retusin-8-methylether (6), 7,2′-dihydroxy-8,4′-dimethoxy isoflavone (7) and 7,3′-dihydroxy-8,4′-dimethoxy isoflavone (8). The structures of 1–3 were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods. Notably, 1 is the first example of a spirochromone possessing an unprecedented pentacyclic skeleton containing a spiro[benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-2,3′-chroman]-4′-one motif, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 was also proposed. Compounds 1–8 were tested for their ability to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and compounds 1–3 were the most potent inhibitors of NO production, with IC50 values of 1.96, 1.93 and 1.58 μM, respectively. A structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that the fused 2-isopropenyl-2,3-dihydrofuran moiety plays a vital role in the potency of these compounds. Moreover, 1 was found to significantly inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, which accounts for the potent inhibition of NO production by this spirochromone.
Low molecular weight fucoidan protects renal tubular cells from injury induced by albumin overload
Authors: Jia Yingli , Sun Yi , Weng Lin , Li Yingjie , Zhang Quanbin , Zhou Hong , Yang Baoxue
Published: August 2016

Albuminuria is a causative and aggravating factor for progressive renal damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine if low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) could protect renal function and tubular cells from albumin overload caused injury. Treatment with 10 mg/g bovine serum albumin caused renal dysfunction, morphological changes, and overexpression of inflammation and fibrosis associated proteins in 129S2/Sv mice. LMWF (100 mg/kg) protected against kidney injury and renal dysfunction with decreased blood creatinine by 34% and urea nitrogen by 25%, increased creatinine clearance by 48%, and decreased significantly urinary albumin concentration. In vitro proximal tubule epithelial cell (NRK-52E) model showed that LMWF dose-dependently inhibited overexpression of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by albumin overload. These experimental results indicate that LMWF protects against albumin overload caused renal injury by inhibiting inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress and apoptosis, which suggests that LMWF could be a promising candidate drug for preventing CKD.
Dynamics of changing impacts of tropical Indo-Pacific variability on Indian and Australian rainfall
Authors: Li Ziguang , Cai Wenju , Lin Xiaopei
Published: August 2016

A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and a warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) reduce rainfall over the Indian subcontinent and southern Australia. However, since the 1980s, El Niño’s influence has been decreasing, accompanied by a strengthening in the IOD’s influence on southern Australia but a reversal in the IOD’s influence on the Indian subcontinent. The dynamics are not fully understood. Here we show that a post-1980 weakening in the ENSO-IOD coherence plays a key role. During the pre-1980 high coherence, ENSO drives both the IOD and regional rainfall, and the IOD’s influence cannot manifest itself. During the post-1980 weak coherence, a positive IOD leads to increased Indian rainfall, offsetting the impact from El Niño. Likewise, the post-1980 weak ENSO-IOD coherence means that El Niño’s pathway for influencing southern Australia cannot fully operate, and as positive IOD becomes more independent and more frequent during this period, its influence on southern Australia rainfall strengthens. There is no evidence to support that greenhouse warming plays a part in these decadal fluctuations.
Overexpression of calmodulin-like (ShCML44) stress-responsive gene from Solanum habrochaites enhances tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses
Authors: Munir Shoaib , Liu Hui , Xing Yali , Hussain Saddam , Ouyang Bo , Zhang Yuyang , Li Hanxia , Ye Zhibiao
Published: August 2016

Calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are important Ca2+ sensors, which play significant role in mediating plant stress tolerance. In the present study, cold responsive calmodulin-like (ShCML44) gene was isolated from cold tolerant wild tomato (Solanum habrochaites) and functionally characterized. The ShCML44 was differentially expressed in all plant tissues including root, stem, leaf, flower and fruit and was strongly up-regulated under cold, drought and salinity stresses along with plant growth hormones. Under cold stress, progressive increase in the expression of ShCML44 was observed particularly in cold-tolerant S. habrochaites. The ShCML44-overexpressed plants showed greater tolerance to cold, drought and salinity stresses and recorded higher germination and better seedling growth. Transgenic tomato plants demonstrated higher antioxidant enzymes activity, gas exchange and water retention capacity with lower malondialdehyde accumulation and membrane damage under cold and drought stresses compared to wild-type. Moreover, transgenic plants exhibited reduced reactive oxygen species and higher relative water contents under cold and drought stress, respectively. Greater stress tolerance of transgenic plants was further reflected by the up-/down-regulation of stress-related genes including SOD, GST, CAT, POD, LOX, PR and ERD. In crux, these results strengthen the molecular understanding of ShCML44 gene to improve the abiotic stress tolerance in tomato.
Gut microbiota can transfer fiber characteristics and lipid metabolic profiles of skeletal muscle from pigs to germ-free mice
Authors: Yan Honglin , Diao Hui , Xiao Yi , Li Wenxia , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Luo Yuheng , Zeng Benhua , Wei Hong , Chen Daiwen
Published: August 2016

Obesity causes changes in microbiota composition and an altered gut microbiota can transfer obesity-associated phenotypes from donors to recipients. Obese Rongchang pigs (RP) exhibited distinct fiber characteristics and lipid metabolic profiles in their muscle compared with lean Yorkshire pigs (YP). However, whether RP have a different gut microbiota than YP and whether there is a relationship between the microbiota and muscle properties are poorly understood. The present study was conducted to test whether the muscle properties can be transferred from pigs to germ-free (GF) mice. High-throughput pyrosequencing confirms the presence of distinct core microbiota between pig breeds, with alterations in taxonomic distribution and modulations in β diversity. RP displayed a significant higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and apparent genera differences compared with YP. Transplanting the porcine microbiota into GF mice replicated the phenotypes of the donors. RP and their GF mouse recipients exhibited a higher body fat mass, a higher slow-contracting fiber proportion, a decreased fiber size and fast IIb fiber percentage and enhanced lipogenesis in the gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, the gut microbiota composition of colonized mice shared high similarity with their donor pigs. Taken together, the gut microbiota of obese pigs intrinsically influences skeletal muscle development and the lipid metabolic profiles.
Physical Realization of von Neumann Lattices in Rotating Bose Gases with Dipole Interatomic Interactions
Authors: Cheng Szu-Cheng , Jheng Shih-Da
Published: August 2016

This paper reports a novel type of vortex lattice, referred to as a bubble crystal, which was discovered in rapidly rotating Bose gases with long-range interactions. Bubble crystals differ from vortex lattices which possess a single quantum flux per unit cell, while atoms in bubble crystals are clustered periodically and surrounded by vortices. No existing model is able to describe the vortex structure of bubble crystals; however, we identified a mathematical lattice, which is a subset of coherent states and exists periodically in the physical space. This lattice is called a von Neumann lattice, and when it possesses a single vortex per unit cell, it presents the same geometrical structure as an Abrikosov lattice. In this report, we extend the von Neumann lattice to one with an integral number of flux quanta per unit cell and demonstrate that von Neumann lattices well reproduce the translational properties of bubble crystals. Numerical simulations confirm that, as a generalized vortex, a von Neumann lattice can be physically realized using vortex lattices in rapidly rotating Bose gases with dipole interatomic interactions.
The relationship between nuclear factor (NF)-κB family gene expression and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients receiving adjuvant doxorubicin treatment
Authors: Kim Ji-Yeon , Jung Hae Hyun , Ahn Soomin , Bae SooYoun , Lee Se Kyung , Kim Seok Won , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Ahn Jin Seok , Im Young-Hyuck , Park Yeon Hee
Published: August 2016

We investigated gene expression profiles of the NF-κB pathway in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy to determine the prognostic value of NF-κB pathway genes according to chemotherapeutic regimen. We used the nCounter expression assay to measure expression of 11 genes (NFKB1, NFKB2, RELA, RELB, REL, TP53, FOXC1, TBP, SP1, STAT3 and IRF1 genes) belonging to the NF-κB pathway using mRNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from 203 patients diagnosed with TNBC. Of the 203 patients, 116 were treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen containing doxorubicin. As revealed by the expression profiles of the 11 genes, increased expression of SP1 was associated with poor prognosis in TNBC patients treated with adjuvant doxorubicin chemotherapy (5-year distant recurrence-free survival [5Y DRFS], low vs. high expression [cut-off: median]: 92.3% vs. 71.6%, P = 0.001). In a multivariate Cox regression model, SP1 expression was a useful marker for predicting long-term prognosis in TNBC patients receiving doxorubicin treatment, and we thus suggest that SP1 expression could serve as a prognostic marker in these patients.
Wideband-Switchable Metamaterial Absorber Using Injected Liquid Metal
Authors: Kim Hyung Ki , Lee Dongju , Lim Sungjoon
Published: August 2016

Metamaterial absorbers can provide good solutions for radar-cross-section (RCS) reduction. In spite of their attractive features of thinness, lightness, and low cost, resonant metamaterial absorbers have a drawback of narrow bandwidth. For practical radar applications, wideband absorbers are necessary. In this paper, we propose a wideband-switchable metamaterial absorber using liquid metal. In order to reduce RCS both for X-band and C-band, the switchable Jerusalem cross (JC) resonator is introduced. The JC resonator consists of slotted circular rings, chip resistors, and microfluidic channels. The JC resonator is etched on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the microfluidic channels are laser-etched on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. The proposed absorber can switch the absorption frequency band by injecting a liquid metal alloy into the channels. The performance of the absorber was demonstrated through full-wave simulation and through measurements employing prototypes. The experimental results showed absorption ratios of over 90% from 7.43 GHz to 14.34 GHz, and from 5.62 GHz to 7.3 GHz, with empty channels and liquid metal-filled channels, respectively. Therefore, the absorption band was successfully switched between the C-band (4–8 GHz) and the X-band (8–12 GHz) by injecting liquid metal eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn) into the channels.
Molecular circadian rhythm shift due to bright light exposure before bedtime is related to subthreshold bipolarity
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Moon Joung-Ho , Yoon Ho-Kyoung , Kang Seung-Gul , Geum Dongho , Son Gi-Hoon , Lim Jong-Min , Kim Leen , Lee Eun-Il , Lee Heon-Jeong
Published: August 2016

This study examined the link between circadian rhythm changes due to bright light exposure and subthreshold bipolarity. Molecular circadian rhythms, polysomnography, and actigraphy data were studied in 25 young, healthy male subjects, divided into high and low mood disorder questionnaire (MDQ) score groups. During the first 2 days of the study, the subjects were exposed to daily-living light (150 lux) for 4 hours before bedtime. Saliva and buccal cells were collected 5 times a day for 2 consecutive days. During the subsequent 5 days, the subjects were exposed to bright light (1,000 lux), and saliva and buccal cell samples were collected in the same way. Molecular circadian rhythms were analyzed using sine regression. Circadian rhythms of cortisol (F = 16.956, p < 0.001) and relative PER1/ARNTL gene expression (F = 122.1, p < 0.001) showed a delayed acrophase in both groups after bright light exposure. The high MDQ score group showed a significant delay in acrophase compared to the low MDQ score group only in salivary cortisol (F = 8.528, p = 0.008). The high MDQ score group showed hypersensitivity in cortisol rhythm shift after bright light exposure, suggesting characteristic molecular circadian rhythm changes in the high MDQ score group may be related to biological processes downstream from core circadian clock gene expression.
Switching of both local ferroelectric and magnetic domains in multiferroic Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 thin film by mechanical force
Authors: Jia Tingting , Kimura Hideo , Cheng Zhenxiang , Zhao Hongyang
Published: August 2016

Cross-coupling of ordering parameters in multiferroic materials by multiple external stimuli other than electric field and magnetic field is highly desirable from both practical application and fundamental study points of view. Recently, mechanical force has attracted great attention in switching of ferroic ordering parameters via electro-elastic coupling in ferroelectric materials. In this work, mechanical force induced both polarization and magnetization switching were visualized in a polycrystalline multiferroic Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 thin film using a scanning probe microscopy system. The piezoresponse force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy responses suggest that both the ferroelectric domains and the magnetic domains in Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 film could be switched by mechanical force as well as by electric field. High tip stress applied on our thin film is demonstrated as able to induce ferroelastic switching and thus induce both ferroelectric dipole and magnetic spin flipping, as a consequence of electro-elastic coupling and magneto-electric coupling. The demonstration of mechanical force control of both the ferroelectric and the magnetic domains at room temperature provides a new freedom for manipulation of multiferroics and could result in devices with novel functionalities.
On the Thermal and Thermodynamic (In)Stability of Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Brunetti Bruno , Cavallo Carmen , Ciccioli Andrea , Gigli Guido , Latini Alessandro
Published: August 2016

The interest of the scientific community on methylammonium lead halide perovskites (MAPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) for hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells has grown exponentially since the first report in 2009. This fact is clearly justified by the very high efficiencies attainable (reaching 20% in lab scale devices) at a fraction of the cost of conventional photovoltaics. However, many problems must be solved before a market introduction of these devices can be envisaged. Perhaps the most important to be addressed is the lack of information regarding the thermal and thermodynamic stability of the materials towards decomposition, which are intrinsic properties of them and which can seriously limit or even exclude their use in real devices. In this work we present and discuss the results we obtained using non-ambient X-ray diffraction, Knudsen effusion-mass spectrometry (KEMS) and Knudsen effusion mass loss (KEML) techniques on MAPbCl3, MAPbBr3 and MAPbI3. The measurements demonstrate that all the materials decompose to the corresponding solid lead (II) halide and gaseous methylamine and hydrogen halide and the decomposition is well detectable even at moderate temperatures (~60 °C). Our results suggest that these materials may be problematic for long term operation of solar devices.
Electrochemical capacitors: mechanism, materials, systems, characterization and applications
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Song Yanfang , Xia Yongyao
Published: August 2016

This article reviews the latest progress in electrochemical capacitors (i.e.supercapacitors), including materials, charge storage mechanisms, systems, characterization and applications.
A non-dissociative open-flask hydroboration with ammonia borane: ready synthesis of ammonia–trialkylboranes and aminodialkylboranes
Authors: Ramachandran P. Veeraraghavan , Drolet Michael P. , Kulkarni Ameya S.
Published: August 2016

A convenient open-air hydroboration of olefins using ammonia borane in refluxing tetrahydrofuran via an unprecedented non-dissociative mode is described.
From ACQ to AIE: the suppression of the strong π–π interaction of naphthalene diimide derivatives through the adjustment of their flexible chains
Authors: Zong Luyi , Xie Yujun , Wang Can , Li Jian-Rong , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: August 2016

The adjustment of flexible chains can realize the transformation from ACQ to AIE with the tunable packing modes, providing an alternative approach for the inhibition of unwanted π–π stacking.
Formation mechanism and elimination methods for anti-site defects in LiNbO3/LiTaO3crystals
Authors: Kang Xueliang , Liang Longyue , Song Wei , Wang Fulei , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong
Published: August 2016

Kanget al.summarized the mechanism of formation of anti-site defects in LiNbO3/LiTaO3crystals and the measures for growth of anti-site defect free LiNbO3/LiTaO3crystals to give the readers an overview in this field.
The i-TTM model for ab initio-based ion–water interaction potentials. II. Alkali metal ion–water potential energy functions
Authors: Riera Marc , Götz Andreas W. , Paesani Francesco
Published: August 2016

A new set of i-TTM potential energy functions describing the interactions between alkali metal ions and water molecules is reported.
Self-assembly of like-charged nanoparticles into Voronoi diagrams
Authors: Zámbó Dániel , Suzuno Kohta , Pothorszky Szilárd , Bárdfalvy Dóra , Holló Gábor , Nakanishi Hideyuki , Wang Dawei , Ueyama Daishin , Deák András , Lagzi István
Published: August 2016

Diffusion and aggregation of like-charged nanoparticles can generate macroscopic patterns (Voronoi diagrams) in hydrogels.
The temperature dependence of the Hofmeister series: thermodynamic fingerprints of cosolute–protein interactions
Authors: Senske Michael , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana , Havenith Martina , Herrmann Christian , Weingärtner Hermann , Ebbinghaus Simon
Published: August 2016

Ion-specific effects induce characteristic shifts of the protein stability curve leading to a temperature-dependent Hofmeister model, replacing the homologous series.
Organic derivatives of Mg(BH4)2as precursors towards MgB2and novel inorganic mixed-cation borohydrides
Authors: Wegner W. , Jaroń T. , Dobrowolski M. A. , Dobrzycki Ł. , Cyrański M. K. , Grochala W.
Published: August 2016

A series of organic and inorganic derivatives of magnesium borohydride have been prepared and thoroughly characterized.
Diverse structures of metal–organic frameworks via a side chain adjustment: interpenetration and gas adsorption
Authors: Shen Kang , Qin Ling , Zheng He-Gen
Published: August 2016

Three new coordination polymers have been synthesized based on linear ligands with different side chains. By the adjustment of side chains, the structure and performance were regulated.
A discrete CuII6 cluster and a 3D MnII–CuII framework based on assembly of Mn2Cu4 clusters: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Chakraborty Anindita , Escuer Albert , Ribas Joan , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: August 2016

Two new magnetic metal–organic coordination compounds, a 0D Cu6 cluster and a 3D heterometallic framework with MnII2CuII4 secondary building units are synthesized. Detailed magnetic studies are performed with proper magneto-structural correlation.
Kinetically-enhanced polysulfide redox reactions by Nb2O5nanocrystals for high-rate lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Tao Yingqing , Wei Yanju , Liu Yu , Wang Jitong , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng , Long Donghui
Published: August 2016

Rational introduction of electrocatalytically-active nanocrystals into carbon–sulfur enables the accelerated kinetics of sulfur redox reactions, thus achieving an ultra-high-rate and long-life Li–S battery.
3D-interconnected hierarchical porous N-doped carbon supported ruthenium nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for toluene and quinoline hydrogenation
Authors: Tang Minghui , Deng Jiang , Li Mingming , Li Xuefeng , Li Haoran , Chen Zhirong , Wang Yong
Published: August 2016

NHPC can serve as an advanced catalyst support, which is attributed to its convenient mass transfer channel and nitrogen functionalization.
Combination of single particle ICP-QMS and isotope dilution analysis for the determination of size, particle number and number size distribution of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sötebier Carina A. , Kutscher Daniel J. , Rottmann Lothar , Jakubowski Norbert , Panne Ulrich , Bettmer Jörg
Published: August 2016

Successful compensation of matrix effects by a combination of single particle ICP-MS and isotope dilution analysis.
Perovskite solar cell powered electrochromic batteries for smart windows
Authors: Xia Xinhui , Ku Zhiliang , Zhou Ding , Zhong Yu , Zhang Yongqi , Wang Yadong , Huang Min Joon , Tu Jiangping , Fan Hong Jin
Published: August 2016

New-generation smart windows: one system, three functions (solar harvest, light modulation, and charge storage).
Functional conductive nanomaterials via polymerisation in nano-channels: PEDOT in a MOF
Authors: Wang Tiesheng , Farajollahi Meisam , Henke Sebastian , Zhu Tongtong , Bajpe Sneha R. , Sun Shijing , Barnard Jonathan S. , Lee June Sang , Madden John D. W. , Cheetham Anthony K. , Smoukov Stoyan K.
Published: August 2016

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is formed inside a metal–organic framework (MOF). MOF removal leads to sub-millimetre structures of the nanostructured conducting polymer.
The hapticity of the acenaphthylene ligand in its mononuclear, binuclear, and trinuclear iron carbonyl complexes
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Qiyang , Wang Hongyan , Bruce King R.
Published: August 2016

The structures and energetics of the acenaphthylene iron carbonyl complexes (C12H8)Fe(CO)n (n = 4, 3, 2), (C12H8)Fe2(CO)n (n = 8, 7, 6, 5, 4), and (C12H8)Fe3(CO)n (n = 9, 8) have been examined using density functional theory.
A protecting group-free synthesis of (−)-hortonones A–C from the Inhoffen–Lythgoe diol
Authors: Stambulyan Hovsep , Minehan Thomas G.
Published: August 2016

Synthesis of (−)-hortonones A–C from vitamin D2 reveals that the natural products are of opposite absolute configuration to originally proposed.
Synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans via the palladium catalyzed carboalkoxylation of 2-allylphenols
Authors: Hutt Johnathon T. , Wolfe John P.
Published: August 2016

A new Pd-catalyzed alkene carboalkoxylation strategy for the preparation of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans is described.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of BiFeO3nanoparticles with high catalytic performance in microwave-enhanced Fenton-like process
Authors: Li Shuo , Zhang Guangshan , Zheng Heshan , Wang Nannan , Zheng Yongjie , Wang Peng
Published: August 2016

Synthesis of BiFeO3using microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method.
Influence of gas atmospheres and ceria on the stability of nanoporous gold studied by environmental electron microscopy and in situ ptychography
Authors: Baier Sina , Wittstock Arne , Damsgaard Christian D. , Diaz Ana , Reinhardt Juliane , Benzi Federico , Shi Junjie , Scherer Torsten , Wang Di , Kübel Christian , Schroer Christian G. , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk
Published: August 2016

A novel complementary approach of environmental TEM and in situ hard X-ray ptychography was used to study the thermally induced coarsening of nanoporous gold under different atmospheres, pressures and after ceria deposition.
Inorganic red perovskite quantum dot integrated blue chip: a promising candidate for high color-rendering in w-LEDs
Authors: Singh Bheeshma Pratap , Lin Shin-Ying , Wang Hung-Chia , Tang An-Cih , Tong Hung-Chun , Chen Ching-Yi , Lee Yu-Chun , Tsai Tzong-Liang , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: August 2016

Schematic representation of the generation of warm-white lightviaa red perovskite quantum dot (R-PQD) assisted YAG:Ce phosphor blend on a blue chip.
Expanded investigations of the aglycon promiscuity and catalysis characteristic of flavonol 3-O-rhamnosyltransferase AtUGT78D1 from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mo Ting , Liu Xiao , Liu Yuyu , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Le , Wang Juan , Zhang Zhongxiu , Shi Shepo , Tu Pengfei
Published: August 2016

Rhamnosides usually possess better bioavailabilities and improved solubilities compared with their aglycons and are a major source of bioactive natural products.
An aerosol synthesized CeO2:Eu3+/Na+ red nanophosphor with enhanced photoluminescence
Authors: Min Byeong Ho , Lee Jong Chan , Jung Kyeong Youl , Kim Dae Sung , Choi Byung-Ki , Kang Wkang-Jung
Published: August 2016

In this work, CeO2:Eu3+/Na+ nanoparticles were synthesized via a one-pot spray pyrolysis process using ethylene glycol as an organic additive. The luminescence intensity of CeO2:Eu3+ was improved about 16.5 times via Na+ codoping.
Enhanced microwave absorption material of ternary nanocomposites based on MnFe2O4@SiO2, polyaniline and polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Zhu Jia-Qiang , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Wang Shan-Wen , Wang Guang-Sheng , Yin Peng-Gang
Published: August 2016

Core–shell structural MnFe2O4@SiO2 nanocomposites have been fabricated. Our findings indicate that the ternary MnFe2O4@SiO2/PANI/PVDF composites filled with 20 wt% MnFe2O4@SiO2 and 20 wt% PANI show the most excellent wave absorption performance.
Molded MFI nanocrystals as a highly active catalyst in a methanol-to-aromatics process
Authors: Ma Yunhai , Wang Ning , Qian Weizhong , Wang Yao , Zhang Jianmei , Wei Fei
Published: August 2016

ZSM-5 nanocrystals with a short b-axis length exhibited higher activity and low coke selectivity in methanol-to-aromatics reaction than microcrystals, whether in the pristine state or in large molded particles toward industrial scale application.
Tunable self-assembly of two-component gels from novel sorbitol-appended compounds
Authors: Fan Kaiqi , Kong Huajie , Wang Xiaobo , Yang Xuzhao , Song Jian
Published: August 2016

A smart two-component gelator system was prepared by a combination of two good gelators based on sorbitol-appended compounds.
The GTPase hGBP1 converts GTP to GMP in two steps via proton shuttle mechanisms
Authors: Tripathi Ravi , Glaves Rachel , Marx Dominik
Published: August 2016

GTP hydrolysis in hGBP1 occursviaindirect substrate-assisted catalysis involving a complex proton relay mechanism of concerted-dissociative nature.
A combined 3D and 2D light scattering study on aqueous colloidal model systems with tunable interactions
Authors: Liu Yi , Claes Nathalie , Trepka Bastian , Bals Sara , Lang Peter R.
Published: August 2016

The near-wall dynamics of charged particles are investigated in aqueous suspensions up to volume fractions close to the isotropic-to-ordered transition.
Electrospun nanofiber-supported carbon aerogel as a versatile platform toward asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Lai Feili , Huang Yunpeng , Zuo Lizeng , Gu Huahao , Miao Yue-E , Liu Tianxi
Published: August 2016

A rationally designed carbon aerogel with a unique cellular structure was obtained, consisting of 1D carbon nanofibers and 2D carbon sheets, and used as an efficient versatile adsorbent and an ideal template for in situ growth of MnO2 nanosheets to obtain an electrochemically active hybrid aerogel.
Iron and nitrogen co-doped hierarchical porous graphitic carbon for a high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction in a wide range of pH
Authors: Gu Wenling , Hu Liuyong , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: August 2016

A template-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst Fe and N co-doped hierarchical porous graphitic carbon (Fe,N/PGC) was prepared by pyrolyzing a nontoxic and low-cost iron-coordinated polydopamine polymer precursor at 800 °C. The obtained catalyst manifests outstanding oxygen reduction activity in a wide range of pH.
Collagen: a network for regenerative medicine
Authors: Pawelec K. M. , Best S. M. , Cameron R. E.
Published: August 2016

Collagen, as the basic building block of native extracellular matrix, possesses an inherent biocompatibility which makes it ideal for regenerative medicine.
A homogeneous ethanedithiol doped ZnO electron transporting layer for polymer solar cells
Authors: Yang Hanjun , Wu Ting , Hu Ting , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: August 2016

In situgrown ZnO doped with EDT was employed to improve the performance of inverted polymer solar cells.
Is Neuromuscular Blocker Necessary in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair with Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing?
Authors: İnce İlker , Ahiskalioglu Elif , Oral Akgun , Aksoy Mehmet , Yiğiter Murat , Celikkaya Mehmet , Salman Ahmet , Ahiskalioglu Ali
Published: August 2016

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate operating conditions during general anesthesia with or without neuromuscular blocker (NMB) in patients undergoing percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS).

Materials and Methods In this study, 40 patients, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II between the ages of 1 and 12 years, were randomly assigned to two groups to receive muscle relaxant with endotracheal tube (ETT) (ETT group) or without muscle relaxant with supreme laryngeal mask airway (sLMA) (LMA group). Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen (Fio
2 0.3–0.5), thiopental sodium, fentanyl, and rocuronium in ETT group. In LMA group, same protocol was used without rocuronium. Heart rate, blood pressure, peak airway pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), and Spo
2 were recorded before and during pneumoperitoneum maintained at a pressure of 8 to 10 mm Hg. Duration of surgery, recovery time, anesthetic time, and grade of quality view were also recorded. Airway problems (cough, hoarseness, laryngospasm, and aspiration) were recorded.

Results In LMA group, there was a statistically significant reduction in recovery time versus ETT group (11.6 ± 4.08 vs. 17.15 ± 5.32 minutes; p = 0,001). There were no statistically significant differences grade of quality view between the two groups (p = 0.548). There were no statistically significant differences in oxygen saturation (Spo
2), peak airway pressure, and EtCO2 between the two groups before or during insufflation (p > 0.05). Postoperative airway complications were significantly more prevalent in the ETT group. There was no case of inadequate ventilation, regurgitation, or aspiration recorded.

Conclusion sLMA is safe and suitable alternative to ETT and NMB is not necessary in general anesthesia with sLMA, pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair with PIRS.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of antimony transport, toxicity and resistance
Authors: Tamás Markus J.
Published: August 2016

Environmental contextAntimony is a toxic metalloid that is used in a wide range of modern technology applications and in medical treatments. The accelerating needs for antimony in various industrial applications has led to concerns about increased human and environmental exposure. This review provides a brief summary of the biological properties of antimony and its mechanisms of actions in cells. AbstractAntimony is a toxic metalloid that is naturally present in low amounts in the environment, but can locally reach high concentrations at mining and processing sites. Today, antimony is used in a wide range of modern technology applications and is also an important constituent of pharmacological drugs. The increasing use of antimony has led to concerns about human and environmental exposure. Yet little is known about the biological properties of antimony and its mechanisms of actions in cells. This review will provide a brief summary of how antimony enters and affects cells, and how cells deal with the presence of this metalloid to acquire resistance.
The nitrification inhibitor 3,4,-dimethylpyrazole phosphate strongly inhibits nitrification in coarse-grained soils containing a low abundance of nitrifying microbiota
Authors: Duncan Elliott G. , O'Sullivan Cathryn A. , Simonsen Anna K. , Roper Margaret M. , Peoples Mark B. , Treble Karen , Whisson Kelley
Published: August 2016

The effectiveness of the nitrification inhibitor 3,4,-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on sandy soils containing low nitrifying microbial abundance has not been established. Two coarse-grained soils, representative of Western Australia’s agricultural zones, were incubated with 100mgNkg–1 soil, added as either urea, urea+DMPP or urea+nitrapyrin as an alternative nitrification inhibitor for comparative purposes. Ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3–) concentrations, potential nitrification rates (PNR) and the abundance of ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) were measured over time. Interactions between soil type and inhibitor type altered the extent of nitrification observed in these soils. When N was supplied as urea alone, NH4+-N concentrations decreased from 100mgNkg–1 soil to approximately 20mgNkg–1 soil in the high nutrient soil (Williams) and approximately 60mgNkg–1 soil in the low nutrient soil (Vasse). These differences were reflected in AOB abundance, which was higher (~105genecopiesg–1 soil) in Williams soil than in Vasse soil (<104genecopiesg–1 soil). This difference could have been attributable to differences in soil pH between Williams and Vasse (5.4 vs 4.0 respectively) and/or copper (Cu) availability (~1.5 vs ~0.5mgCukg–1 soil respectively), both of which have been demonstrated to reduce AOB abundance or limit nitrification. On the Williams soil, DMPP limited nitrification, resulting in approximately 80mgNkg–1 soil being retained as NH4+-N. Nitrapyrin was similarly effective for the first 56 days of incubation, but declined considerably in effectiveness between Days 56 and 100. Changes in soil nitrification rates were accompanied by changes in AOB abundance, which was below 103genecopiesg–1 soil when nitrification was impaired. Both DMPP and nitrapyrin inhibit nitrification via chelating Cu and, because these soils contained low Cu concentrations, it may be possible that interactions between DMPP, naturally low abundance of AOB and low Cu availability facilitated the long-term inhibition of nitrification in these soils.
Modelling survival and breeding dispersal to unobservable nest sites
Authors: Tavecchia Giacomo , Sanz-Aguilar Ana , Cannell Belinda
Published: August 2016

Context
Demographic parameters in wildlife populations are typically estimated by monitoring a limited number of individuals in observable sites and assuming that these are representative of the whole population. If individuals permanently disperse to unobservable breeding sites, recruitment and immature survival are expected to be negatively biased and breeding-site fidelity cannot be investigated.

Aims
To develop a method to obtain unbiased estimated of survival, recruitment and breeding dispersal when individuals can move to, or recruit in, unobservable sites.

Methods
We used the flexibility of multi-event capture–recapture models to estimate dispersal and recruitment to unobservable sites, merging observations made at two sites within the same breeding locations. We illustrated the model with data on little penguin (Eudyptula minor) breeding in artificial as well as in natural nests. Natural nests are unknown or inaccessible and birds in these sites remain unobservable. Encounters at beaches surrounding the colony suggested that marked animals can permanently move to unobservable nests. We built the multi-event model considering two possible states of the individuals (alive breeding in a nest box and alive in a natural nest) and three types of observations (encountered at a nest only, encountered at the beach only and encountered at both places). This model ensured that the breeding dispersal to unobservable places became estimable.

Key results
Results indicate that the estimated survival was 8% higher than when recaptures at artificial nests were analysed alone. Also, fidelity to artificial nests was 12% lower than to natural nests. This might reflect the greater availability of natural sites or, alternatively, a heterogeneity between these two types of nest.

Conclusions
We obtained an estimate of local survival of little penguins breeding at Penguin Island that incorporates the permanent migration to unobservable sites and found an asymmetric dispersion towards natural nests.

Implication
Our conclusions suggest a need for more careful treatment of data derived from artificial sites alone, as demographic parameters might be underestimated if animals prefer natural breeding sites or if they are in greater proportion compared with artificial ones. The analytical approach presented can be applied to many biological systems, when animals might move into inaccessible or unobservable breeding sites.
Novel use for a predator scent: preliminary data suggest that wombats avoid recolonising collapsed burrows following application of dingo scent
Authors: Sparrow Elisa E. , Parsons Michael H. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: August 2016

Southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) are fossorial marsupials that live in large burrow systems where their digging behaviour brings them into conflict with agriculture. In the absence of any available control options, non-selective culling is the primary mode of wombat management. This approach is contentious and has unknown implications for long-term wombat conservation. Predator scents, however, have been effective in altering behaviours of some herbivores and may offer a non-lethal alternative to culling if they discourage wombats from burrowing in perceived problem areas. Therefore, we trialled two dingo scents (faeces, urine) over 75 days to determine whether these scents would deter wombats from repopulating collapsed burrows. Ten inhabited single-entrance burrows were excavated over three days (to allow time for inhabitants to exit), collapsed and then filled in. Five burrows, separated by at least 200 m, were used for dingo scent treatments (three urine; two faeces) and three burrows, separated by the same distance, served as negative controls (unscented), along with two ‘farmer-monitored’ active controls (dog urine and a dingo carcass). We used a rank-sum score to assess wombat activity: scratching was scored with a value of (1), digging (2), and recolonisation (5), with each value reflecting total energy and time spent in the vicinity of the treatment. We fitted Generalised Estimating Equations (repeated-measures, Fisher Method) to explain variation within, and across, treatment and control burrows. Within 20 days, all 10 sites had signs of wombat activity that ranged from fresh digging, to fully functional burrows. Among the five treatment sites, scratching and tracks identified wombats as being present, but they did not dig. After 75 days, the five sites treated with dingo scents had minimal activity and no new burrows, while wombats recolonised all control burrows. Though we used only 10 burrows for this preliminary study, our findings suggest the need for further testing of dingo scents as a tool for dissuading wombats from digging and recolonisation of collapsed burrows. This represents a novel use for a predator scent, in that prey may remain in the vicinity near the deterrent, but curb problematic behaviours of economic consequence.
Intonation Units Revisited
Authors: Barth-Weingarten Dagmar
Published: August 2016

Intonation units have been notoriously difficult to identify in natural talk. Problems include fuzzy boundaries, lack of exhaustivity, and the potential circularity involved when studying their interface with other language-organizational dimensions. This volume advocates a way to resolve such problems: the ‘cesura’ approach. Cesuras, or breaks in the flow of talk, are created by discontinuities in the prosodic-phonetic parameters of speech that cluster to various extents at certain points in time. Using conversation-analytic and interactional-linguistic methodology, the volume identifies the parameters creating cesuras in talk-in-interaction and proposes ways to notate them depending on the researcher’s goal. It also offers a way to study the role of cesuras at the prosody-syntax interface non-circularly, which leads to new insights concerning language variation and change. The volume will thus be of major import to anyone working with natural spoken language, its chunks, its various dimensions, and its variation and change.