bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of apelin on transplanted mesenchymal stem cells in hindlimb ischemic mice via regulation of autophagy
Authors: Liang Dong , Han Dong , Fan Weiwei , Zhang Ran , Qiao Hongyu , Fan Miaomiao , Su Tao , Ma Sai , Li Xiujuan , Chen Jiangwei , Wang Yabin , Ren Jun , Cao Feng
Published: February 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy provides a promising avenue for the management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, engrafted MSCs are subjected to acute cell death in the ischemic microenvironment. Apelin has been shown to protect bone marrow MSCs against apoptosis although the mechanism of action remains elusive. Here we demonstrated that apelin promoted functional survival of AD-MSCs in ischemic hindlimbs and provoked a synergetic effect with AD-MSCs to restore hindlimb blood perfusion and limb functions. Furtherin vitrostudies revealed that a biphasic response in autophagy was induced by apelin in AD-MSCs during hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stages to exert cytoprotective effects against H/R injury. Mechanistically, apelin increased the viability of AD-MSCs via promoting protective autophagy during hypoxia, which was accompanied with activation of AMPK and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). To the contrary, apelin suppressed autophagic cell death during reoxygenation, which was accompanied with activation of Akt and inhibition of Beclin1. Our findings indicated that apelin facilitated AD-MSCs-based therapy in PAD, possibly through promoting survival of AD-MSCs by way of autophagy regulation. Our data support the promises of apelin as a novel strategy to improve MSC-based therapy for PAD, possibly through autophagy modulation in MSCs.
Variation in KRAS driver substitution distributions between tumor types is determined by both mutation and natural selection
Authors: Ostrow Sheli L. , Simon Einav , Prinz Elad , Bick Tova , Shentzer Talia , Nagawkar Sima S. , Sabo Edmond , Ben-Izhak Ofer , Hershberg Ruth , Hershkovitz Dov
Published: February 2016

Different tumor types vary greatly in their distribution of driver substitutions. Here, we analyzed how mutation and natural selection contribute to differences in the distribution of KRAS driver substitutions between lung, colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We were able to demonstrate that both differences in mutation and differences in selection drive variation in the distribution of KRAS driver substitutions between tumor types. By accounting for the effects of mutation on the distribution of KRAS driver substitutions, we could identify specific KRAS driver substitutions that are more favored by selection in specific tumor types. Such driver substitutions likely improve fitness most when they occur within the context of the tumor type in which they are preferentially favored. Fitting with this, we found that driver substitutions that are more favored by natural selection in a specific type of tumor tend to associate with worse clinical outcomes specifically in that type of tumor.
Pepino (Solanum muricatum) planting increased diversity and abundance of bacterial communities in karst area
Authors: Hu Jinxiang , Yang Hui , Long Xiaohua , Liu Zhaopu , Rengel Zed
Published: February 2016

Soil nutrients and microbial communities are the two key factors in revegetation of barren environments. Ecological stoichiometry plays an important role in ecosystem function and limitation, but the relationships between above- and belowground stoichiometry and the bacterial communities in a typical karst region are poorly understood. We used pepino (Solanum muricatum) to examine the stoichiometric traits between soil and foliage, and determine diversity and abundance of bacteria in the karst soil. The soil had a relatively high pH, low fertility, and coarse texture. Foliar N:P ratio and the correlations with soil nitrogen and phosphorus suggested nitrogen limitation. The planting of pepino increased soil urease activity and decreased catalase activity. Higher diversity of bacteria was determined in the pepino rhizosphere than bulk soil using a next-generation, Illumina-based sequencing approach. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in all samples, accounting for more than 80% of the reads. On a genus level, all 625 detected genera were found in all rhizosphere and bulk soils, and 63 genera showed significant differences among samples. Higher Shannon and Chao 1 indices in the rhizosphere than bulk soil indicated that planting of pepino increased diversity and abundance of bacterial communities in karst area.
Design and development of a modified runway model of mouse drug self-administration
Authors: Pandy Vijayapandi , Khan Yasmin
Published: February 2016

The present study established a novel mouse model of a runway drug self-administration in our laboratory. The operant runway apparatus consisted of three long runways arranged in a zig-zag manner. The methodology consisted of six distinct phases: habituation, preconditioning, conditioning, post-conditioning, extinction and reinstatement. The effects of saline were compared with escalating doses of either ethanol (0.5–4.0 g/kg, i.p), heroin (5–40 mg/kg, i.p), or nicotine (0.1–0.5mg/kg, i.p) administered in the goal box during the conditioning phase (day 1 to day 5). A significant decrease in the time of trained (conditioned) mice to reach the goal box confirmed the subjects’ motivation to seek those drugs on day 6 (expression). The mice were then subjected to non-rewarded extinction trials for 5 days over which run times were significantly increased. After 5 days of abstinence, a priming dose of ethanol or heroin (1/5th of maximum dose used in conditioning) significantly reinstated the drug-seeking behavior. These results suggest that the modified runway model can serve as a powerful behavioral tool for the study of the behavioral and neurobiological bases of drug self-administration and, as such, is appropriate simple but powerful tool for investigating the drug-seeking behavior of laboratory mice.
Genomic and phenotypic characterization of the species Acinetobacter venetianus
Authors: Fondi Marco , Maida Isabel , Perrin Elena , Orlandini Valerio , La Torre Laura , Bosi Emanuele , Negroni Andrea , Zanaroli Giulio , Fava Fabio , Decorosi Francesca , Giovannetti Luciana , Viti Carlo , Vaneechoutte Mario , Dijkshoorn Lenie , Fani Renato
Published: February 2016

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds that can produce serious environmental problems and whose removal is highly demanding in terms of human and technological resources. The potential use of microbes as bioremediation agents is one of the most promising fields in this area. Members of the species Acinetobacter venetianus have been previously characterized for their capability to degrade n-alkanes and thus may represent interesting model systems to implement this process. Although a preliminary experimental characterization of the overall hydrocarbon degradation capability has been performed for five of them, to date, the genetic/genomic features underlying such molecular processes have not been identified. Here we have integrated genomic and phenotypic information for six A. venetianus strains, i.e. VE-C3, RAG-1T, LUH 13518, LUH 7437, LUH 5627 and LUH 8758. Besides providing a thorough description of the A. venetianus species, these data were exploited to infer the genetic features (presence/absence patterns of genes) and the short-term evolutionary events possibly responsible for the variability in n-alkane degradation efficiency of these strains, including the mechanisms of interaction with the fuel droplet and the subsequent catabolism of this pollutant.
High-resolution Identification and Separation of Living Cell Types by Multiple microRNA-responsive Synthetic mRNAs
Authors: Endo Kei , Hayashi Karin , Saito Hirohide
Published: February 2016

The precise identification and separation of living cell types is critical to both study cell function and prepare cells for medical applications. However, intracellular information to distinguish live cells remains largely inaccessible. Here, we develop a method for high-resolution identification and separation of cell types by quantifying multiple microRNA (miRNA) activities in live cell populations. We found that a set of miRNA-responsive, in vitro synthesized mRNAs identify a specific cell population as a sharp peak and clearly separate different cell types based on less than two-fold differences in miRNA activities. Increasing the number of miRNA-responsive mRNAs enhanced the capability for cell identification and separation, as we precisely and simultaneously distinguished different cell types with similar miRNA profiles. In addition, the set of synthetic mRNAs separated HeLa cells into subgroups, uncovering heterogeneity of the cells and the level of resolution achievable. Our method could identify target live cells and improve the efficiency of cell purification from heterogeneous populations.
Superior electric storage on an amorphous perfluorinated polymer surface
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio , Kuroda Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Fumihiko , Sueyoshi Takashi
Published: February 2016

Amorphous perfluoroalkenyl vinyl ether polymer devices can store a remarkably powerful electric charge because their surface contains nanometre-sized cavities that are sensitive to the so-called quantum-size effect. With a work function of approximately 10 eV, the devices show a near-vertical line in the Nyquist diagram and a horizontal line near the −90° phase angle in the Bode diagram. Moreover, they have an integrated effect on the surface area for constant current discharging. This effect can be explained by the distributed constant electric circuit with a parallel assembly of nanometre-sized capacitors on a highly insulating polymer. The device can illuminate a red LED light for 3 ms after charging it with 1 mA at 10 V. Further gains might be attained by integrating polymer sheets with a micro-electro mechanical system.
Eye position effects on the remapped memory trace of visual motion in cortical area MST
Authors: Inaba Naoko , Kawano Kenji
Published: February 2016

After a saccade, most MST neurons respond to moving visual stimuli that had existed in their post-saccadic receptive fields and turned off before the saccade (“trans-saccadic memory remapping”). Neuronal responses in higher visual processing areas are known to be modulated in relation to gaze angle to represent image location in spatiotopic coordinates. In the present study, we investigated the eye position effects after saccades and found that the gaze angle modulated the visual sensitivity of MST neurons after saccades both to the actually existing visual stimuli and to the visual memory traces remapped by the saccades. We suggest that two mechanisms, trans-saccadic memory remapping and gaze modulation, work cooperatively in individual MST neurons to represent a continuous visual world.
Direct observation of negative-index microwave surface waves
Authors: Dockrey J. A. , Horsley S. A. R. , Hooper I. R. , Sambles J. R. , Hibbins A. P.
Published: February 2016

Waves propagating in a negative-index material have wave-front propagation (wavevector,k) opposite in direction to that of energy flow (Poynting vector,S). Here we present an experimental realisation at microwave frequencies of an analogous surface wave phenomenon whereby a metasurface supports a surface mode that has two possible wavevector eigenstates within a narrow band of frequencies: one that supports surface waves with positive mode index and another that supports surface waves with negative mode index. Phase sensitive measurements of the near-field of surface waves across the metasurface show the contrasting spatial evolution of the two eigenstates, providing a unique opportunity to directly observe the negative-index phenomenon.
Protective effects of fenofibrate against acute lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in mice
Authors: Zhu Qiankun , He Guizhen , Wang Jie , Wang Yukang , Chen Wei
Published: February 2016

This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether pretreatment with fenofibrate could mitigate acute lung injury (ALI) in a mice model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 6): sham, intestinal I/R + vehicle, and intestinal I/R + fenofibrate. Intestinal I/R was achieved by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) or equal volume of vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 60 minutes before the ischemia. At the end of experiment, measurement of pathohistological score, inflammatory mediators and other markers were performed. In addition, a 24-hour survival experiment was conducted in intestinal I/R mice treated with fenofibrate or vehicle. The chief results were as anticipated. Pathohistological evaluation indicated that fenofibrate ameliorated the local intestine damage and distant lung injury. Pretreatment with fenofibrate significantly decreased inflammatory factors in both the intestine and the lung. Consistently, renal creatine levels and hepatic ALT levels were significantly decreased in the fenofibrate group. Moreover, serum systemic inflammatory response indicators were significantly alleviated in the fenofibrate group. In addition, fenofibrate administration significantly improved the survival rate. Collectively, our data indicated that pretreatment with fenofibrate prior to ischemia attenuated intestinal I/R injury and ALI.
A novel low-power laser-mediated transfer of foreign molecules into cells
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko
Published: February 2016

Efficiently introducing molecules such as chemical drugs, proteins, or nucleic acids into cells is a central technique in cell and molecular biology, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. The cell membrane is a critical barrier for this purpose. While many approaches exist, some of which are applicable to single cells that researchers specify under microscopy, no reliable and efficient technique has been invented. In this study, cells were cultured on a coverslip that had been coated with carbon by vapor deposition and a laser beam was focused on a small local spot beneath a single cell under microscopy. The absorbed energy of the laser beam by the carbon made a pore only in the cell membrane that was attached to the carbon coat, which resulted in an efficient introduction. An inexpensive and lower-power laser could be used for this method and the introduction efficiency was 100% without any loss of cell viability. This new technique will provide a powerful tool not only to research but also to many applied fields.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Behavior of Au nanoparticles-hybridized Pb (II) metal-organic framework and its application in selective sensing hexavalent chromium
Authors: Ma Hongmin , Li Xiaojian , Yan Tao , Li Yan , Liu Haiyang , Zhang Yong , Wu Dan , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: February 2016

In this work, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on Au nanoparticles-hybridized Pb (II)-β-cyclodextrin (Pb-β-CD) metal-organic framework for detecting hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was developed. Pb-β-CD shows excellent ECL behavior and unexpected reducing ability towards Au ions. Au nanoparticles could massively form on the surface of Pb-β-CD (Au@Pb-β-CD) without use of any additional reducing agent. In the presence of coreactant K2S2O8, the ECL emission of Pb-β-CD was enhanced by the formation of Au nanoparticles. Cr(VI) can collisionally quench the ECL behavior of Au@Pb-β-CD/S2O82− system and the detection mechanism was investigated. This ECL sensor is found to have a linear response in the range of 0.01–100 μM and a low detection limit of 3.43 nM (S/N = 3) under the optimal conditions. These results suggest that metal-organic framework Au@Pb-β-CD has great potential in extending the application in the ECL field as an efficient luminophore.
Karrikins delay soybean seed germination by mediating abscisic acid and gibberellin biogenesis under shaded conditions
Authors: Meng Yongjie , Chen Feng , Shuai Haiwei , Luo Xiaofeng , Ding Jun , Tang Shengwen , Xu Shuanshuan , Liu Jianwei , Liu Weiguo , Du Junbo , Liu Jiang , Yang Feng , Sun Xin , Yong Taiwen , Wang Xiaochun , Feng Yuqi , Shu Kai , Yang Wenyu
Published: February 2016

Karrikins (KAR) are a class of signal compounds, discovered in wildfire smoke, which affect seed germination. Currently, numerous studies have focused on the model plant Arabidopsis in the KAR research field, rather than on crops. Thus the regulatory mechanisms underlying KAR regulation of crop seed germination are largely unknown. Here, we report that KAR delayed soybean seed germination through enhancing abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, while impairing gibberellin (GA) biogenesis. Interestingly, KAR only retarded soybean seed germination under shaded conditions, rather than under dark and white light conditions, which differs from in Arabidopsis. Phytohormone quantification showed that KAR enhanced ABA biogenesis while impairing GA biosynthesis during the seed imbibition process, and subsequently, the ratio of active GA4to ABA was significantly reduced. Further qRT-PCR analysis showed that the transcription pattern of genes involved in ABA and GA metabolic pathways are consistent with the hormonal measurements. Finally, fluridone, an ABA biogenesis inhibitor, remarkably rescued the delayed-germination phenotype of KAR-treatment; and paclobutrazol, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor, inhibited soybean seed germination. Taken together, these evidences suggest that KAR inhibit soybean seed germination by mediating the ratio between GA and ABA biogenesis.
Hypersensitive Transport in Photonic Crystals with Accidental Spatial Degeneracies
Authors: Makri Eleana , Smith Kyle , Chabanov Andrey , Vitebskiy Ilya , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: February 2016

A localized mode in a photonic layered structure can develop nodal points (nodal planes), where the oscillating electric field is negligible. Placing a thin metallic layer at such a nodal point results in the phenomenon of induced transmission. Here we demonstrate that if the nodal point is not a point of symmetry, then even a tiny alteration of the permittivity in the vicinity of the metallic layer drastically suppresses the localized mode along with the resonant transmission. This renders the layered structure highly reflective within a broad frequency range. Applications of this hypersensitive transport for optical and microwave limiting and switching are discussed.
Nimbolide, a neem limonoid inhibits Phosphatidyl Inositol-3 Kinase to activate Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β in a hamster model of oral oncogenesis
Authors: Sophia Josephraj , Kiran Kishore T. Kranthi , Kowshik Jaganathan , Mishra Rajakishore , Nagini Siddavaram
Published: February 2016

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a serine/threonine kinase is frequently inactivated by the oncogenic signalling kinases PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK in diverse malignancies. The present study was designed to investigate GSK-3β signalling circuits in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis model and the therapeutic potential of the neem limonoid nimbolide. Inactivation of GSK-3β by phosphorylation at serine 9 and activation of PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK and β-catenin was associated with increased cell proliferation and apoptosis evasion during stepwise evolution of HBP carcinomas. Administration of nimbolide inhibited PI3K/Akt signalling with consequent activation of GSK-3β thereby inducing trafficking of β-catenin away from the nucleus and enhancing the expression of miR-126 and let-7. Molecular docking studies confirmed interaction of nimbolide with PI3K, Akt, ERK and GSK-3β. Furthermore, nimbolide attenuated cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as evidenced by increased p-cyclin D1Thr286 and pro-apoptotic proteins. The present study has unravelled aberrant phosphorylation as a key determinant for oncogenic signalling and acquisition of cancer hallmarks in the HBP model. The study has also provided mechanistic insights into the chemotherapeutic potential of nimbolide that may be a useful addition to the armamentarium of natural compounds targeting PI3K for oral cancer treatment.
Intrinsic Self-Healing Polymeric Materials for Engineering and Environmental Applications
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Jingsi , Yan Bin , Zeng Hongbo
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes recent advances on intrinsic self-healing polymeric materials for engineering and environmental applications and unveils their corresponding self-healing mechanisms. Ongoing efforts on employing the self-healing concept to various material properties and the emulation of natural materials would facilitate the development of more sophisticated and advanced self-healing systems with a wide range of applications.
Biomimetic Materials for Efficient Atmospheric Water Collection
Authors: Zhang Lianbin , Wang Peng
Published: February 2016

Water scarcity is a severe problem in semi-arid desert regions, land-scarce countries and in countries with high levels of economic activity. In these regions, the collection of atmospheric water – for example, fog – is recognized as an important method of providing water. In nature, through millions of year evolution, some animals and plants in many of the arid regions have developed unique and highly efficient systems with delicate microstructures and composition for the purpose of fog collection to survive the harsh conditions. With the unique ability of fog collection, these creatures could readily cope with insufficient access to fresh water or lack of precipitation. These natural examples have inspired the design and fabrication of artificial fog collection materials and devices. In this chapter, we will first introduce some natural examples for their unique fog collection capability, and then give some examples of the bioinspired materials and devices that are fabricated artificially to mimic these natural creatures for the purpose of fog collection. We believe that the biomimetic strategy is one of the most promising routes for the design and fabrication of functional materials and devices for the solution of the global water crisis.
Challenges and Opportunities of Superhydrophobic/Superamphiphobic Coatings in Real Applications
Authors: Paven Maxime , Mammen Lena , Vollmer Doris
Published: February 2016

Contamination of surfaces with organic compounds and biological residues still represents a broad challenge, ranging from industry and medicine to our daily lives. Superhydrophobic coatings are exceptionally water repellent and have self-cleaning properties. Water drops roll off when tilting the surface by a few degrees. However, low surface tension liquids like oils and other organic contaminants easily adhere to superhydrophobic surfaces. Recently developed superamphiphobic coatings may prevent this problem. Superamphiphobic coatings could not only prevent wetting of surfaces by oil but also delay the deposition of biological material such as cells, proteins and bacteria. In this chapter we discuss the wetting behaviour of superhydrophobic and superamphiphobic surfaces. We address topics beyond the fabrication, characterization and optimization process of super-liquid repellent surfaces and present possible applications, ranging from industry to medicine. The durability and the long-term stability of superhydrophobicity/superamphiphobicity still present major challenges, limiting their industrial use.
Highly selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol by using newly developed terbium-doped blue carbon dots
Authors: Chen Bin Bin , Liu Ze Xi , Zou Hong Yan , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: February 2016

Tb-CDs were firstly prepared through one-step direct carbonization method for highly selective detection of TNP.
A sensitive magnetic nanoparticle-based immunoassay of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase using protein cage templated lead phosphate for signal amplification with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection
Authors: Liang Pei , Kang Caiyan , Yang Enjian , Ge Xiaoxiao , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: February 2016

The biomarker from exposure to organophosphate pesticides and nerve agents can be detected by this novel magnetic nanoparticle-based immunoassay.
A BSA coated NOA81 PCR chip for gene amplification
Authors: Qin Kuiwei , Lv Xuefei , Xing Qiaorui , Li Rui , Deng Yulin
Published: February 2016

We fabricated a NOA81 PCR chip (NP-chip) and first proposed a simple BSA coating method to successfully overcome the low PCR efficiency induced by the inhibition of the NP-chip which seriously impacted its application in the area of gene amplification.
Acellular and cellular high-density, collagen-fibril constructs with suprafibrillar organization
Authors: Blum Kevin M. , Novak Tyler , Watkins Lauren , Neu Corey P. , Wallace Joseph M. , Bart Zachary R. , Voytik-Harbin Sherry L.
Published: February 2016

Integrated use of collagen oligomers and confined compression for design of acellular and cellular high-density, collagen-fibril constructs with suprafibrillar organization.
Recent developments in low-cost TM-catalyzed Heck-type reactions (TM = transition metal, Ni, Co, Cu, and Fe)
Authors: Wang Sa-Sa , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: February 2016

This review focuses on low-cost TM-catalyzed Heck-type reactions, representing a new research trend in this reaction.
Mitochondrial selectivity and remarkable photocytotoxicity of a ferrocenyl neodymium(iii) complex of terpyridine and curcumin in cancer cells
Authors: Sarkar Tukki , Banerjee Samya , Mukherjee Sanjoy , Hussain Akhtar
Published: February 2016

A mixed-ligand neodymium(iii) complex of ferrocene appended terpyridine and curcumin targets the mitochondria and shows remarkable visible-light induced cytotoxicity in HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells while being much less toxic in dark and to MCF-10A normal cells.
Monitoring protein synthesis in single live cancer cells
Authors: Tu Chengyi , Santo Loredana , Mishima Yuko , Raje Noopur , Smilansky Zeev , Zoldan Janet
Published: February 2016

Microfluidic delivery of fluorescent tRNAs into hard-to-transfect cancer cells to map the protein synthesis activity in single live cells.
LabDisk for SAXS: a centrifugal microfluidic sample preparation platform for small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Schwemmer Frank , Blanchet Clement E. , Spilotros Alessandro , Kosse Dominique , Zehnle Steffen , Mertens Haydyn D. T. , Graewert Melissa A. , Rössle Manfred , Paust Nils , Svergun Dmitri I. , von Stetten Felix , Zengerle Roland , Mark Daniel
Published: February 2016

We present a centrifugal microfluidic LabDisk for protein structure analysis via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) on synchrotron beamlines.
Exploiting the co-reliance of tumours upon transport of amino acids and lactate: Gln and Tyr conjugates of MCT1 inhibitors
Authors: Nair Reji N. , Mishra Jitendra K. , Li Fangzheng , Tortosa Mariola , Yang Chunying , Doherty Joanne R. , Cameron Michael , Cleveland John L. , Roush William R. , Bannister Thomas D.
Published: February 2016

Gln and Tyr conjugates of MCT inhibitors were designed and shown to be highly cytotoxic to a human cancer cell line expressing the transporters Asct2, LAT1, and MCT1/2.
Diffusion in nanoporous materials: fundamental principles, insights and challenges
Authors: Kärger Jörg , Ruthven Douglas M.
Published: February 2016

The increasing complexity of nanoporous catalysts and adsorbents presents a challenge to both the experimental measurement and theoretical modeling of transport behavior.
Carboxylated nanodiamonds inhibit γ-irradiation damage of human red blood cells
Authors: Santacruz-Gomez K. , Silva-Campa E. , Melendrez-Amavizca R. , Teran Arce F. , Mata-Haro V. , Landon P. B. , Zhang C. , Pedroza-Montero M. , Lal R.
Published: February 2016

Nanodiamonds when carboxylated (cNDs) act as reducing agents and hence could limit oxidative damage in biological systems.
Few-layered MoS2 nanosheets wrapped ultrafine TiO2 nanobelts with enhanced photocatalytic property
Authors: Li Haidong , Wang Yana , Chen Guohui , Sang Yuanhua , Jiang Huaidong , He Jiating , Li Xu , Liu Hong
Published: February 2016

A heterostructured photocatalyst comprised of few-layered MoS2 nanosheets coated on a TiO2 nanobelts surface was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal treatment.
DNA–inorganic hybrid nanovaccine for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Guizhi , Liu Yijing , Yang Xiangyu , Kim Young-Hwa , Zhang Huimin , Jia Rui , Liao Hsien-Shun , Jin Albert , Lin Jing , Aronova Maria , Leapman Richard , Nie Zhihong , Niu Gang , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2016

Cancer evolves to evade or compromise the surveillance of the immune system, and nanoimmunotherapeutics were developed to reactivate the immune system in order to inhibit cancer development.
A highly efficient potassium-treated Au–Cu/Al2O3catalyst for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide
Authors: Miao Yu-Xin , Shi Lei , Sun Qiang , Li Wen-Cui
Published: February 2016

A novel potassium-treated Au–Cu bimetallic nanoparticles as a highly active and selective catalyst for CO-PROX.
Amorphous apatite thin film formation on a biodegradable Mg alloy for bone regeneration: strategy, characterization, biodegradation, and in vitro cell study
Authors: Mousa Hamouda M. , Hussein Kamal H. , Raslan Ahmed A. , Lee Joshua , Woo Heung M. , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: February 2016

Bioactive films with a nanoplate structure were prepared on the surface of a biodegradable AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloy via anodization in simulated body fluid (SBF) as an electrolyte to control Mg biodegradability and improve surface bioactivity.
Palladium-catalyzed C-3 desulfitative arylation of indolizines with sodium arylsulfinates and arylsulfonyl hydrazides
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Jia Huali , Li Zhiwei , Zhang Hui , Zhao Baoli
Published: February 2016

Derivatized indolizines were efficiently prepared by direct C-3 arylation of indolizines using sodium arylsulfinates and arylsulfonyl hydrazides in good yields.
Electron transfer amongst flavo- and hemo-proteins: diffusible species effect the relay processes, not protein–protein binding
Authors: Manoj Kelath Murali , Gade Sudeep K. , Venkatachalam Avanthika , Gideon Daniel A.
Published: February 2016

Reductase reduces cytochrome cviarelays of highly mobile diffusible agents; not by direct binding and inter-protein long-distance electron tunnelling.
Magnetic structure of (C5H12N)CuBr3: origin of the uniform Heisenberg chain behavior and the magnetic anisotropy of the Cu2+(S = 1/2) ions
Authors: Lee Changhoon , Hong Jisook , Son Won-joon , Kan Erjun , Shim Ji Hoon , Whangbo Myung-Hwan
Published: February 2016

The AFM chain behavior observed for (pipH)CuBr3is not caused by the CuBr3chains, but by the interchain exchanges leading to two-leg spin ladders. The Cu2+ions have easy-axis anisotropy, and this arises largely from the SOC of the Br−ligands.
Immunomodulatory properties of shellfish derivatives associated with human health
Authors: Natarajan Sithranga Boopathy , Kim Yon-Suk , Hwang Jin-Woo , Park Pyo-Jam
Published: February 2016

Some vital components of marine shellfish are documented as an important source for both nutritional and pharmacological applications.
Size effects of alkylimidazolium cations on the interfacial properties and CO2 uptake capacity in layered organic–inorganic imidazolium–TiO2 hybrids
Authors: Liu He , Zhang Haitao , Shen Peng , Zhao Guoying , Zhang Suojiang
Published: February 2016

Interfacial properties of layered TiO2–ILs hybrids could be tuned by the alkyl chain length in imidazolium cations, which can in turn affect the performance of CO2 uptake.
A polymer/metal core–shell nanofiber membrane by electrospinning with an electric field, and its application for catalyst support
Authors: Jiang Chenglin , Nie Jun , Ma Guiping
Published: February 2016

PVP/Ag core–shell nanofibers are prepared via electrospinning; electric field induces phase separation, and leads Ag migrate; the nanofiber exhibits a great potential in the field of catalysis.
Catalytic discrimination between formyl groups in regio- and stereoselective intramolecular cross-aldol reactions
Authors: Baba Tomonori , Yamamoto Junya , Hayashi Kazuhiro , Sato Makoto , Yamanaka Masahiro , Kawabata Takeo , Furuta Takumi
Published: February 2016

Catalytic discrimination between inequivalent formyl groups was achieved by virtue of the mild reactivity of an aniline-type acid–base catalyst for the regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective intramolecular cross-aldol reactions.
Tuning ESIPT fluorophores into dual emitters
Authors: Azarias Cloé , Budzák Šimon , Laurent Adèle D. , Ulrich Gilles , Jacquemin Denis
Published: February 2016

Using first-principle approaches, we show how ESIPT can be controlled by fine-tuning of substituents, hence leading to new dual emitters.
Nanoemulsions: formation, properties and applications
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Eral H. Burak , Hatton T. Alan , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: February 2016

Nanoemulsions are kinetically stable liquid-in-liquid dispersions with droplet sizes on the order of 100 nm.
An electrochemical sensor for nitrobenzene using π-conjugated polymer-embedded nanosilver
Authors: Kariuki Victor M. , Fasih-Ahmad Sohaib A. , Osonga Francis J. , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: February 2016

A novel electrochemical sensing platform for nitrobenzene has been developed using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in the poly(amic) acid (PAA) polymer matrix (PAA–AgNPs).
Surface plasmon resonance sensor for theophylline using a water-compatible molecularly imprinted film
Authors: Jing Lijing , Zhang Qingwen , Wang Yang , Liu Xuehui , Wei Tianxin
Published: February 2016

A water-compatible theophylline-imprinted SPR sensor synthesized by visible light-initiated polymerization in the aqueous phase was developed for the sensitive and selective determination of theophylline in aqueous solutions.
Silver nanoclusters as fluorescent nanosensors for selective and sensitive nitrite detection
Authors: Chen Chen , Yuan Zhiqin , Chang Huan-Tsung , Lu Fengniu , Li Zenghe , Lu Chao
Published: February 2016

Selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of nitrite through nitrite/H2O2 induced aggregation of hyperbranched polyethyleneimine protected silver nanoclusters.
Surface-directed modulation of supramolecular gel properties
Authors: Angelerou Maria Galini Faidra , Sabri Akmal , Creasey Rhiannon , Angelerou Polyxeni , Marlow Maria , Zelzer Mischa
Published: February 2016

Surface properties directly affect fibre architecture and stiffness of self-assembled cytidine based gel films.
Selective, non-covalent conjugation of synthetic peptides with recombinant proteins mediated by host–guest chemistry
Authors: Gubeli R. J. , Sonzini S. , Podmore A. , Ravn P. , Scherman O. A. , van der Walle C. F.
Published: February 2016

A novel and versatile supramolecular chemistry approach was presented for the selective conjugation of recombinant protein domains with synthetically derived peptidesviaa cucurbit[8]uril.
Facile access to thermoresponsive filomicelles with tuneable cores
Authors: Truong Nghia P. , Quinn John F. , Anastasaki Athina , Haddleton David M. , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: February 2016

Thermoresponsive nanoworms with tuneable cores prepared via aqueous RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerizations and temperature-induced morphological transformation (TIMT) technique.
Pharmaceutical nanocrystals confined in porous host systems – interfacial effects and amorphous interphases
Authors: Sonnenberger N. , Anders N. , Golitsyn Y. , Steinhart M. , Enke D. , Saalwächter K. , Beiner M.
Published: February 2016

An amorphous acetaminophen nanolayer is shown to determine the surface energy of acetaminophen nanocrystals grown in controlled porous glasses.
Supramolecular pathway selection of perylenediimides mediated by chemical fuels
Authors: Leira-Iglesias Jorge , Sorrenti Alessandro , Sato Akihiro , Dunne Peter A. , Hermans Thomas M.
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate supramolecular pathway selection of a perylenediimide derivative in aqueous solution using chemically fueled redox reactions to control assembly/disassembly cycles.
Mode specificity for the dissociative chemisorption of H2O on Cu(111): a quantum dynamics study on an accurately fitted potential energy surface
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Zhang Zhaojun , Fu Bina , Yang Xueming , Zhang Dong H.
Published: February 2016

The mode-specific dynamics for the dissociative chemisorption of H2O on Cu(111) is first investigated by seven-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations, based on an accurately fitted potential energy surface (PES) recently developed by neural network fitting to DFT energy points.
Toward high permeability, selectivity and controllability of water desalination with FePc nanopores
Authors: Deng Qingming , Pan Jun , Yin Xiaohui , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhao Lina , Kang Seung-gu , Jimenez-Cruz Camilo A. , Zhou Ruhong , Li Jingyuan
Published: February 2016

Efficient and controllable water desalination with a nanoporous 2D Fe phthalocyanine (FePc) membrane was demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations.
Hydroxypyridinones with enhanced iron chelating properties. Synthesis, characterization and in vivo tests of 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-4(1H)-one
Authors: Lachowicz J. I. , Nurchi V. M. , Crisponi G. , Jaraquemada-Pelaez M. G. , Arca M. , Pintus A. , Santos M. A. , Quintanova C. , Gano L. , Szewczuk Z. , Zoroddu M. A. , Peana M. , Domínguez-Martín A. , Choquesillo-Lazarte D.
Published: February 2016

an tautomeric changes positively influence coordinating ability?
Different structural preference of Ag(i) and Au(i) in neutral and cationic luminescent heteropolynuclear platinum(ii) complexes: Z (U)-shaped Pt2M2 type vs. trinuclear PtM2 type
Authors: Nishihara Kazuki , Ueda Misa , Higashitani Ami , Nakao Yoshihide , Arikawa Yasuhiro , Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Sakuda Eri , Umakoshi Keisuke
Published: February 2016

The structural preference and photophysical properties of heteropolynuclear Pt(ii) complexes are reported.
Anionic and zwitterionic carboranyl N-heterocyclic carbene Au(i) complexes
Authors: Fisher Steven P. , El-Hellani Ahmad , Tham Fook S. , Lavallo Vincent
Published: February 2016

The syntheses of the first carboranyl N-heterocyclic carbene complexes with transition metals are reported.
Flexibility and disorder in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Bennett Thomas D. , H. Fuchs Alain , Cheetham Anthony K. , Coudert François-Xavier
Published: February 2016

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions entitled ‘Flexibility and Disorder in Metal–Organic Frameworks’.
High temperature 35Cl nuclear magnetic resonance study of the LiCl–KCl system and the effect of CeCl3 dissolution
Authors: Zhang H. , Farnan I.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the dynamics of the LiCl–KCl system over a range of temperatures in order to understand the local structure surrounding chlorine, which is the common ion in these systems, during molten salt pyro-processing. Chlorine-35 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is sensitive to the local environments of the resonant nuclei and their motion on a diffusive timescale. Thus, it is a good probe of the atomic scale processes controlling the viscosities, diffusivities and conductivities of these molten salts. The average isotropic chemical shifts (35Clδ) and spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of 35Cl in (Li,K)Cl salt mixtures have been obtained over a compositional range of 0–100 mol% KCl with an interval of 10 mol% using high temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy from room temperature up to 890 °C. The 35Clδ in the two end member salts are consistent with the cation–anion radius ratio as previously measured on the solid halides and the average radius ratio of cation to anion, can be used to explain the variation of 35Clδ with composition. The quadrupolar interaction is found to be responsible for the spin-lattice relaxation of the 35Cl, and the activation energies for T1 relaxation have been obtained for all compositions. The measured T1 (35Cl) activation energies do not vary linearly with composition and peak at 50% KCl, which also coincides with the Chemla point for this system. They also are in good agreement with the values from equivalent conductivity measurements. To investigate the response of the system to solutes, 8 wt% of CeCl3 was added to the pure LiCl as a surrogate actinide. The shift induced was 120 ppm and the activation energy for the T1 (35Cl) increased by a factor of four. This is a promising preliminary result for probing the effect of actinide dissolution on the dynamics of these pyro-processing salts.
Effect of C8mimPF6 on miniemulsion polymerization for application in new latex coating products
Authors: Hu Binjie , Kong Yiyang , Zheng Rongmeihui , Dong Jie , Choy Kwang-Leong , Zhao Huanhuan
Published: February 2016

C8mimPF6, as a type of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) with non-volatility and a low melting point, may replace conventional coalescing agents in latex coatings, thus preventing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions caused by coalescing agents. In this study, systematic investigations on the effect of various factors including initiator type, initiator concentration, temperature and C8mimPF6 concentration on the conversion of latex and droplet/particle size of a miniemulsion during polymerization have been conducted. The presence of C8mimPF6 has shown to have a marked effect on the reaction rate. Such an effect strongly depends on the type of initiator being used. For polymerization initiated by 2,2-azobis (isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), C8mimPF6 had a promoting effect on the reaction rate at low concentrations, but this effect might be reversed upon certain C8mimPF6 concentrations, e.g. 10 wt%. While initiated by H2O2/Vc, this promoting effect faded even at low C8mimPF6 concentrations. The different limiting factors, which determine the reaction rate with different types of initiator, may contribute to the results. For reactions initiated by hydrophobic AIBN, the reaction was dominated by kinetics. The presence of C8mimPF6 may cause an enhanced chain propagation rate and reduced chain termination rate, which may further contribute to the increase in reaction rate at lower concentrations of C8mimPF6. With hydrophilic H2O2/Vc, the resistance for the transfer of radicals into a droplet/particle might be increased significantly with increasing C8mimPF6 concentration due to a tighter interfacial structure at lower concentrations of C8mimPF6. Thus, such transfer of radicals may become a limiting step whilst the presence of C8mimPF6 increases the transfer resistance on radicals resulting in a decrease in reaction rate. The reaction temperature, which is related to the decomposition temperature of the initiator being used, was another factor affecting the conversion of latex and the size of latex particles. A higher temperature e.g. 50 °C promotes the coalescence of droplets/particles, and hence produces larger latex particles. In the presence of C8mimPF6, the reaction temperature could be significantly reduced to as low as 40 °C, which prevents phase separation. The final particle size depends on the nucleation mechanism as well as the coalescence of droplets/particles during polymerization.
Metabolism of glycerophospholipid, bile acid and retinol is correlated with the early outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Zhou Chao , Jia Hong-mei , Liu Yue-tao , Yu Meng , Chang Xing , Ba Yuan-ming , Zou Zhong-mei
Published: February 2016

This study first reports the metabolic variations at the early stage of the liver injury related to autoimmune hepatitis.
Improvement of the pharmacological properties of amidated kyotorphin by means of iodination
Authors: Oliveira Maria Cristina , Gano Lurdes , Santos Isabel , Correia João D. G. , Serrano Isa D. , Santos Sónia Sá , Ribeiro Marta , Perazzo Juliana , Tavares Isaura , Heras Montserrat , Bardaji Eduard , Castanho Miguel A.
Published: February 2016

Iodination resulted in a slow release-like process that converted KTP, a drug rapidly cleared and having a fast transient effect, into a pro drug having delayed and prolonged action.
Synthesis of nitrogen-doping carbon dots with different photoluminescence properties by controlling the surface states
Authors: Yuan Yun Huan , Liu Ze Xi , Li Rong Sheng , Zou Hong Yan , Lin Min , Liu Hui , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: February 2016

We used a simple hydrothermal route to obtain EDE N-CDs or EIE N-CDs. The fluorescence of the as-prepared CDs could be quenched by cellular Hg2+ owing to the electrons transfer from CDs to Hg2+.
Modifying the phenyl group of PUGNAc: reactivity tuning to deliver selective inhibitors for N-acetyl-d-glucosaminidases
Authors: Hattie Mitchell , Cekic Nevena , Debowski Aleksandra W. , Vocadlo David J. , Stubbs Keith A.
Published: February 2016

The synthesis of analogues of the potentN-acetylhexosamindase inhibitor PUGNAc are described and were found to vary in both potency and selectivity against a set of biologically importantN-acetyl-d-glucosaminidases.
Origins of the ANRORC reactivity in nitroimidazole derivatives
Authors: Gallardo-Fuentes Sebastián , Contreras Renato , Ormazábal-Toledo Rodrigo
Published: February 2016

Highlighting the key role of proton transfer along the PES: unraveling the mechanism of ANRORC reactions in 1,4-dinitro-1H-imidazole derivatives.
Impact of van der Waal’s interaction in the hybrid bilayer of silicene/SiC
Authors: Nigam Sandeep , Majumder Chiranjib , Pandey Ravindra
Published: February 2016

DFT calculations find a noticeable interlayer van der Waal interaction in a silicene/SiC hybrid bilayer. The interaction leads to curvature in the planar SiC sheet and opens the band gap of the silicene sheet.
Ultrahigh specific surface area porous carbon nanospheres and its composite with polyaniline: preparation and application for supercapacitors
Authors: Ning Xutao , Zhong Wenbin , Wan Long
Published: February 2016

Porous carbon nanospheres (PCNSs) with an ultrahigh specific surface were prepared by carbonizing polypyrrole nanospheres and subsequent active treatment. Hierarchical composite (PCNSs/PANI) were further synthesized via in situ polymerization.
Balancing intermediate state decay rates for efficient Pr3+ visible-to-UVC upconversion: the case of β-Y2Si2O7:Pr3+
Authors: Cates Ezra L. , Li Feifei
Published: February 2016

The optical properties of β-Y2Si2O7:Pr3+ were studied. Efficient visible-to-UVC upconversion was observed and explained based on intermediate state decay behavior.
In situ fabrication of highly crystalline CdS decorated Bi2S3 nanowires (nano-heterostructure) for visible light photocatalyst application
Authors: Panmand Rajendra P. , Sethi Yogesh A. , Deokar Rajashree S. , Late Datta J. , Gholap Haribhau M. , Baeg Jin-Ook , Kale Bharat B.
Published: February 2016

Herein, we have demonstrated the in situ synthesis of the orthorhombic Bi2S3 nanowires decorated with hexagonal CdS nanoparticles by facile solvothermal method. The heterostructures have been used as photocatalyst for solar hydrogen production.
Europium-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles cause the necrosis of primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells through lysosome damage
Authors: Ge Kun , Sun Wentong , Zhang Shaohan , Wang Shuxian , Jia Guang , Zhang Cuimiao , Zhang Jinchao
Published: February 2016

Applications of europium-doped NaYF4 (NaYF4:Eu3+) nanoparticles in biomedical fields will inevitably increase their exposure to humans, therefore, the assessment of toxicities must be taken into consideration.
Interfacial self-assembly of nanoporous C60 thin films
Authors: Tisserant Jean-Nicolas , Reissner Patrick A. , Jenatsch Sandra , Beyer Hannes , Hany Roland , Stemmer Andreas
Published: February 2016

Self-assembled stabilized nanoporous C60 films offer an enhanced active interfacial area.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of quinoline derivatives via tandem Knoevenagel condensation, amination and cyclization
Authors: Dhiman Shiv , Saini Hitesh Kumar , Nandwana Nitesh Kumar , Kumar Dalip , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2016

A novel regioselective synthesis of 2-aminoquinolines and 2-arylquinoline-3-carbonitriles is described via copper-mediated tandem reaction.