bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using a ruthenium quaterpyridine complex
Authors: Rousset E. , Chartrand D. , Ciofini I. , Marvaud V. , Hanan G. S.
Published: April 2015

The ruthenium tris-quaterpyridine complex, obtained in quantitative yield, is an excellent photosensitiser for photocatalytic hydrogen production, especially under red-light irradiation.
Synthesis, characterization, DNA/BSA interactions and anticancer activity of achiral and chiral copper complexes
Authors: Zhou Xue-Quan , Sun Qian , Jiang Lin , Li Si-Tong , Gu Wen , Tian Jin-Lei , Liu Xin , Yan Shi-Ping
Published: April 2015

Six copper(ii) complexes containing a tridentate polypyridyl ligand showed significant DNA binding/cleavage activity and remarkable anticancer potency with low IC50values.
16-Electron pentadienyl- and cyclopentadienyl-ruthenium half-sandwich complexes with bis(imidazol-2-imine) ligands and their use in catalytic transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Glöge Thomas , Jess Kristof , Bannenberg Thomas , Jones Peter G. , Langenscheidt-Dabringhausen Nadine , Salzer Albrecht , Tamm Matthias
Published: April 2015

Ligand exchange from “protonated open ruthenocene” afforded 16-electron ruthenium half-sandwich complexes as efficient transfer hydrogenation catalysts.
Programmed emulsions for sodium reduction in emulsion based foods
Authors: Chiu Natalie , Hewson Louise , Fisk Ian , Wolf Bettina
Published: April 2015

In this research a microstructure approach to reduce sodium levels in emulsion based foods is presented.
Minute-made and low carbon fingerprint microwave synthesis of high quality templated mesoporous silica
Authors: Chaignon J. , Bouizi Y. , Davin L. , Calin N. , Albela B. , Bonneviot L.
Published: April 2015

Microwave heat activation allows searing in a few minutes high quality MCM-41 like mesoporous silicas with no structural expansion up to 190 °C likely through a flake-by-flake assembly of the pore-wall at the micelle palisade.
Tandem Prins/Wagner/Ritter process for the stereoselective synthesis of (3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octanyl)amide and (1-(5-aryltetrahydrofuran-3-yl)cyclobutyl)amide derivatives
Authors: Subba Reddy B. V. , Muralikrishna K. , Yadav J. S. , Babu N. Jagdeesh , Sirisha K. , Sarma A. V. S.
Published: April 2015

A novel synthesis of 4-aryl-(3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octan-1-yl)amide and (1-(5-aryltetrahydrofuran-3-yl)cyclobutyl)amide derivatives was achieved through a sequential Prins/Wagner/Ritter process.
2-Azanorbornane – a versatile chiral aza-Diels–Alder cycloadduct: preparation, applications in stereoselective synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Wojaczyńska Elżbieta , Wojaczyński Jacek , Kleniewska Karolina , Dorsz Mateusz , Olszewski Tomasz K.
Published: April 2015

The review presents the achievements in the field of preparation of chiral 2-azanorbornyl derivatives and their application in various stereoselective reactions as well as in biomimetic studies.
A facile route to diverse assemblies by host–guest recognition
Authors: Zhou Xing , Han Songling , Zhang Qixiong , Dou Yin , Guo Jiawei , Che Ling , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Jianxiang
Published: April 2015

We report a host–guest strategy that can simultaneously realize assembly and therapeutic loading, affording superstructures with tunable size and multiple morphologies.
Expedient and efficient one pot synthesis of trifluoroethyl ethers from metal free 2,4,6-tris-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-[1,3,5] triazene
Authors: Mangawa Shrawan Kumar , Sharma Chiranjeev , kumar Singh Ashawani , Awasthi Satish K.
Published: April 2015

An efficient synthesis of fluorinated alkyl and aryl ethers was achieved by the use of s-triazene derived fluorinated reagent 2,4,6-tris-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-[1,3,5] triazene (TriTFET).
CuS–Bi2S3 hierarchical architectures: controlled synthesis and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance for dye degradation
Authors: Chen Lang , He Jie , Yuan Qing , Zhang Yan-Wen , Wang Fu , Au Chak-Tong , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: April 2015

Novel CuS–Bi2S3 heterojunctions were fabricated by a one-step solvothermal method using glycol as solvent and l-lysine as structure-directing reagent. The composites showed enhanced photocatalytic activity towards dye degradation under visible light.
Metal–organic framework in anl-arginine copper(ii) ion polymer: structure, properties, theoretical studies and microbiological activity
Authors: Wojciechowska Agnieszka , Gągor Anna , Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Jarząb Anna , Dylong Agnieszka , Duczmal Marek
Published: April 2015

A novel 1D polymeric copper(ii) complex of formula {[Cu(l-Arg)2(μ-4,4′-bpy)]Cl2·3H2O∞} was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance and NIR-vis-UV spectroscopy, and its microbiological properties were analyzed.
Direct synthesis of cucurbit[5]uril-anchored polyacrylic acid microspheres and potential applications in selective sorption
Authors: Xiao Bo , Fan Ying , Gao Rui-han , Chen Peng , Zhang Jian-xin , Zhou Qing-di , Xue Sai-Feng , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Tao Zhu
Published: April 2015

A one-pot strategy was employed to synthesize cucurbit[5]uril-anchored polymers which show high selective sorption for methanol.
Recent advances in electrochemical detection of toxic Cr(vi)
Authors: Jin Wei , Yan Kai
Published: April 2015

The recent achievements and future directions in electrochemical quantification of toxic hexavalent chromium were outlined.
Novel field emission structure of CuO/Cu2O composite nanowires based on copper through silicon via technology
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Liang , Tsai Jia-Yu , Hsueh Ting-Jen
Published: April 2015

Novel field emission structure of CuO/Cu2O composite nanowires based on copper through silicon via technology.
Water steam effect during high CO2 chemisorption in lithium cuprate (Li2CuO2) at moderate temperatures: experimental and theoretical evidence
Authors: Lara-García Hugo A. , Alcántar-Vázquez Brenda , Duan Yuhua , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: April 2015

Li2CuO2 is able to chemisorb high quantities of CO2 in the presence of water steam at low temperatures.
Facile synthesis of sheet-like N–TiO2/g-C3N4heterojunctions with highly enhanced and stable visible-light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Li Wei , Li Cheng , Chen Bo , Jiao Xiuling , Chen Dairong
Published: April 2015

Sheet-like N–TiO2/g-C3N4heterojunctions with well-controlled structures as high-efficiency visible-light photocatalysts were synthesized by direct co-calcination of preformed N–TiO2nanoparticles and g-C3N4nanosheets.
[Fe(bipy)Cl4][bipy.H] hosted by Al-MCM-41: an efficient dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine (CR) decontamination nano-reactor
Authors: Khorshidi Alireza , Heidari Sirous
Published: April 2015

Encapsulation of [Fe(bipy)Cl4][bipy.H] (1) (where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine) in the Al-MCM-41 molecular sieve by using a “ship in a bottle synthesis” approach was achieved and the product was used as a nano-reactor in selective oxidation reactions.
Flame retardancy of clay–sodium silicate composite coatings on wood for construction purposes
Authors: Kumar Sathasivam Pratheep , Takamori Susumu , Araki Hiroshi , Kuroda Seiji
Published: April 2015

Composites of clay minerals mixed with sodium silicate as new inorganic flame retardants for wood have been investigated.
A cosolvency effect on tunable thermosensitive core–shell nanoparticle gels
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Bae Young Chan
Published: April 2015

Schematic depiction of a core–shell structure composed of the PMMA core and the PHEMA shell, and the influence of three co-solvents on the volume transition temperature of the core–shell gels in 1-propanol solution.
A design path for the hierarchical self-assembly of patchy colloidal particles
Authors: Edlund E. , Lindgren O. , Nilsson Jacobi M.
Published: April 2015

Patchy colloidal particles are promising candidates for building blocks in directed self-assembly.
Two dimensional nanosheets as conductive, flexible elements in biomaterials
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Yu Jingxue , Chang Haixin
Published: April 2015

Two dimensional nanosheets have great potential as conductive and/or flexible elements in biomaterials.
Highly conductive graphene-coated silk fabricated via a repeated coating-reduction approach
Authors: Lu Zhisong , Mao Cuiping , Zhang Huihui
Published: April 2015

A repeated coating-reduction approach was developed to directly immobilize graphene nanosheets on silk for high conductivity. The as-prepared highly conductive graphene-coated silk fabrics (1.5 kΩ sq−1) and fibers (3595 S m−1) are promising as the functional supporting matrix and conducting fabrics/wires in future wearable electronics.
Experimental evaluation of NRZ and duobinary up to 48 Gbit/s for electrical backplanes
Authors: Ban Y. , Keulenaer T.D. , Torfs G. , Sinsky J.H. , Kozicki B. , Bauwelinck J.
Published: April 2015

Transmission beyond 40 Gbit/s across a commercial Megtron 6, 11.5‐inch electrical backplane is explored, and a record error‐free serial electrical duobinary transmission of up to 48 Gbit/s including backplane connectors is demonstrated. Compared with non‐return‐to‐zero (NRZ), the equalised duobinary transmission over the backplane demonstrates improved performance due to its higher bandwidth efficiency, and opens possibilities to increase the serial speed of backplane channels. Bit error rates are presented at different data rates and over different backplane channel lengths.
Compact 60 GHz LTCC balun bandpass filter with two transmission zeroes
Authors: Zhang Gang , Wang Jianpeng , Pan Jiebin , Gu Hui
Published: April 2015

A new balun–bandpass filter with a quasi‐elliptic response for 60 GHz wireless communication systems is proposed. It is designed in the form of a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and fabricated with the standard low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Both simulated and experimental results are provided, which have good agreement. The results indicate that the proposed balun filter has a good balance performance with <1.1 dB amplitude imbalance and better than 3.4° phase imbalance, compact size, as well as high selectivity.
Phase and amplitude calibration of dual‐mask spatial light modulator for high‐resolution femtosecond pulse shaping
Authors: Döpke B. , Balzer J.C. , Hofmann M.R.
Published: April 2015

A new calibration method for dual‐mask liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLMs) is presented, which can be applied while the SLM is in the setup of a pulse shaper optimised for semiconductor laser sources. An evolutionary algorithm is used to retrieve the phase retardances from the transmitted spectral intensity.
Islanding detection method for grid connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Wang Meng Hui , Huang Mei‐Ling , Liou Kang‐Jian
Published: April 2015

The detection of islanding effect is one of the important issues for photovoltaic (PV) power system since islanding is dangerous to utility equipment and workers, and result in severe injuries and death. The novelty of this study is combining extension neural networks and Chaos synchronisation (CS) on islanding detection of grid connected PV systems based on non‐autonomous Chua's circuit. Combining CS and extension neural network type‐2 (ENN‐2), this research is to propose a novel detection method at detecting and distinguishing the occurrence of islanding effect based on non‐autonomous Chua's circuit. Simulation and experimental designs through powersim (PSIM) were applied to mimic PV power system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that the accuracy of ENN‐2 achieves 98.4% on detecting the islanding effect for PV power system.
Coherence and population dynamics of chlorophyll excitations in FCP complex: Two-dimensional spectroscopy study
Authors: Butkus Vytautas , Gelzinis Andrius , Augulis Ramūnas , Gall Andrew , Büchel Claudia , Robert Bruno , Zigmantas Donatas , Valkunas Leonas , Abramavicius Darius
Published: April 2015

Energy transfer processes and coherent phenomena in the fucoxanthin–chlorophyll protein complex, which is responsible for the light harvesting function in marine algae diatoms, were investigated at 77 K by using two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy. Experiments performed on femtosecond and picosecond timescales led to separation of spectral dynamics, witnessing evolutions of coherence and population states of the system in the spectral region of Qy transitions of chlorophylls a and c. Analysis of the coherence dynamics allowed us to identify chlorophyll (Chl) a and fucoxanthin intramolecular vibrations dominating over the first few picoseconds. Closer inspection of the spectral region of the Qy transition of Chl c revealed previously not identified, mutually non-interacting chlorophyll c states participating in femtosecond or picosecond energy transfer to the Chl a molecules. Consideration of separated coherent and incoherent dynamics allowed us to hypothesize the vibrations-assisted coherent energy transfer between Chl c and Chl a and the overall spatial arrangement of chlorophyll molecules.
Through-silicon via-induced strain distribution in silicon interposer
Authors: Vianne B. , Richard M.-I. , Escoubas S. , Labat S. , Schülli T. , Chahine G. , Fiori V. , Thomas O.
Published: April 2015

Strain in silicon induced by Through-Silicon Via (TSV) integration is of particular interest in the frame of the integration of active devices in silicon interposer. Nano-focused X-ray beam diffraction experiments were conducted using synchrotron radiation to investigate the thermally induced strain field in silicon around copper filled TSVs. Measurements were performed on thinned samples at room temperature and during in situ annealing at 400 °C. In order to correlate the 2D strain maps with finite elements analysis, an analytical model was developed, which takes into account beam absorption in the sample for a given diffraction geometry. The strain field along the [335] direction is found to be in the 10−5 range at room temperature and around 10−4 at 400 °C. Simulations support the expected plastification in some regions of the TSV during the annealing step.
Interfacial free energy of the NaCl crystal-melt interface from capillary wave fluctuations
Authors: Benet Jorge , MacDowell Luis G. , Sanz Eduardo
Published: April 2015

In this work we study, by means of molecular dynamics simulations, the solid–liquid interface of NaCl under coexistence conditions. By analysing capillary waves, we obtain the stiffness for different orientations of the solid and calculate the interfacial free energy by expanding the dependency of the interfacial free energy with the solid orientation in terms of cubic harmonics. We obtain an average value for the solid–fluid interfacial free energy of 89 ± 6 mN m−1 that is consistent with previous results based on the measure of nucleation free energy barriers [Valeriani et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 194501 (2005)]. We analyse the influence of the simulation setup on interfacial properties and find that facets prepared as an elongated rectangular stripe give the same results as those prepared as squares for all cases but the 111 face. For some crystal orientations, we observe at small wave-vectors a behaviour not consistent with capillary wave theory and show that this behavior does not depend on the simulation setup.
A unified construction for the algebro-geometric quasiperiodic solutions of the Lotka-Volterra and relativistic Lotka-Volterra hierarchy
Authors: Zhao Peng , Fan Engui
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a new type of integrable differential-difference hierarchy, namely, the generalized relativistic Lotka-Volterra (GRLV) hierarchy, is introduced. This hierarchy is closely related to Lotka-Volterra lattice and relativistic Lotka-Volterra lattice, which allows us to provide a unified and effective way to obtain some exact solutions for both the Lotka-Volterra hierarchy and the relativistic Lotka-Volterra hierarchy. In particular, we shall construct algebro-geometric quasiperiodic solutions for the LV hierarchy and the RLV hierarchy in a unified manner on the basis of the finite gap integration theory.
Magnetic flux and heat losses by diffusive, advective, and Nernst effects in magnetized liner inertial fusion-like plasma
Authors: Velikovich A. L. , Giuliani J. L. , Zalesak S. T.
Published: April 2015

The magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) approach to inertial confinement fusion [Slutz et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010); Cuneo et al., IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 40, 3222 (2012)] involves subsonic/isobaric compression and heating of a deuterium-tritium plasma with frozen-in magnetic flux by a heavy cylindrical liner. The losses of heat and magnetic flux from the plasma to the liner are thereby determined by plasma advection and gradient-driven transport processes, such as thermal conductivity, magnetic field diffusion, and thermomagnetic effects. Theoretical analysis based on obtaining exact self-similar solutions of the classical collisional Braginskii's plasma transport equations in one dimension demonstrates that the heat loss from the hot compressed magnetized plasma to the cold liner is dominated by transverse heat conduction and advection, and the corresponding loss of magnetic flux is dominated by advection and the Nernst effect. For a large electron Hall parameter (ωeτe≫1), the effective diffusion coefficients determining the losses of heat and magnetic flux to the liner wall are both shown to decrease with ωeτe as does the Bohm diffusion coefficient cT/(16eB), which is commonly associated with low collisionality and two-dimensional transport. We demonstrate how this family of exact solutions can be used for verification of codes that model the MagLIF plasma dynamics.
Ion energy-angle distribution functions at the plasma-material interface in oblique magnetic fields
Authors: Khaziev Rinat , Curreli Davide
Published: April 2015

The ion energy-angle distribution (IEAD) at the wall of a magnetized plasma is of fundamental importance for the determination of the material processes occurring at the plasma-material interface, comprising secondary emissions and material sputtering. Here, we present a numerical characterization of the IEAD at the wall of a weakly collisional magnetized plasma with the magnetic field inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to the wall. The analysis has been done using two different techniques: (1) a fluid-Monte Carlo method, and (2) particle-in-cell simulations, the former offering a fast but approximate method for the determination of the IEADs, the latter giving a computationally intensive but self-consistent treatment of the plasma behavior from the quasi-neutral region to the material boundary. The two models predict similar IEADs, whose similarities and differences are discussed. Data are presented for magnetic fields inclined at angles from normal to grazing incidence (0°–85°). We show the scaling factors of the average and peak ion energy and trends of the pitch angle at the wall as a function of the magnetic angle, for use in the correlation of fluid plasma models to material models.
Analysis of signal-to-noise ratio impact in heat assisted magnetic recording under insufficient head field
Authors: Li Hai , Johnson Brad , Morelli Michael , Gibbons Matt , Zhu Jian-Gang (Jimmy)
Published: April 2015

In this work, we present a systematic modeling analysis of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) impact on recording under insufficient head field for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). A typical head design in the absence of a medium soft underlayer is utilized in the modeling. The study shows that sufficient head field amplitude is critical for realization of expected HAMR recording performance. The strong correlation between recording time window and medium signal-to-noise ratio provides insightful understanding to medium and recording optimization when head field is not sufficiently high. The analysis is also performed with the inclusion of grain-to-grain Curie temperature (Tc) variation in the medium.
Gate-tunable high mobility remote-doped InSb/In1−xAlxSb quantum well heterostructures
Authors: Yi Wei , Kiselev Andrey A. , Thorp Jacob , Noah Ramsey , Nguyen Binh-Minh , Bui Steven , Rajavel Rajesh D. , Hussain Tahir , Gyure Mark F. , Kratz Philip , Qian Qi , Manfra Michael J. , Pribiag Vlad S. , Kouwenhoven Leo P. , Marcus Charles M. , Sokolich Marko
Published: April 2015

Gate-tunable high-mobility InSb/In1−xAlxSb quantum wells (QWs) grown on GaAs substrates are reported. The QW two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel mobility in excess of 200 000 cm2/V s is measured at T = 1.8 K. In asymmetrically remote-doped samples with an HfO2 gate dielectric formed by atomic layer deposition, parallel conduction is eliminated and complete 2DEG channel depletion is reached with minimal hysteresis in gate bias response of the 2DEG electron density. The integer quantum Hall effect with Landau level filling factor down to 1 is observed. A high-transparency non-alloyed Ohmic contact to the 2DEG with contact resistance below 1 Ω·mm is achieved at 1.8 K.
Thermodynamic and morphological analysis of large silicon self-interstitial clusters using atomistic simulations
Authors: Chuang Claire Y. , Sattler Andreas , Sinno Talid
Published: April 2015

We study computationally the formation of thermodynamics and morphology of silicon self-interstitial clusters using a suite of methods driven by a recent parameterization of the Tersoff empirical potential. Formation free energies and cluster capture zones are computed across a wide range of cluster sizes (2 < Ni < 150) and temperatures (0.65 < T/Tm < 1). Self-interstitial clusters above a critical size (Ni ∼ 25) are found to exhibit complex morphological behavior in which clusters can assume either a variety of disordered, three-dimensional configurations, or one of two macroscopically distinct planar configurations. The latter correspond to the well-known Frank and perfect dislocation loops observed experimentally in ion-implanted silicon. The relative importance of the different cluster morphologies is a function of cluster size and temperature and is dictated by a balance between energetic and entropic forces. The competition between these thermodynamic forces produces a sharp transition between the three-dimensional and planar configurations, and represents a type of order-disorder transition. By contrast, the smaller state space available to smaller clusters restricts the diversity of possible structures and inhibits this morphological transition.
Mapping of variable range hopping on non-universal and staircase percolation in granular metal composites
Authors: Balberg I. , Jedrzejewski J.
Published: April 2015

The present letter is aimed at showing that the non-universal percolation behavior in composite materials can be applied usefully for the experimental determination of the optimal variable range hopping (VRH) distance. This is done by analyzing the most detailed experimental data available in the literature for granular metal composites (GMCs) and by redefining the dielectric regime in view of our recently proposed percolation-tunneling staircase model. The present results suggest that the VRH cotunneling process via virtual states dominates the transport in GMCs, an issue that evoked a long intensive controversy that is still on going.
A two-step route to planar perovskite cells exhibiting reduced hysteresis
Authors: Ip Alexander H. , Quan Li Na , Adachi Michael M. , McDowell Jeffrey J. , Xu Jixian , Kim Dong Ha , Sargent Edward H.
Published: April 2015

A simple two-step method was used to produce efficient planar organolead halide perovskite solar cells. Films produced using solely iodine containing precursors resulted in poor morphology and failed devices, whereas addition of chlorine to the process greatly improved morphology and resulted in dense, uniform perovskite films. This process was used to produce perovskite solar cells with a fullerene-based passivation layer. The hysteresis effect, to which planar perovskite devices are otherwise prone, was greatly suppressed through the use of this interface modifier. The combined techniques resulted in perovskite solar cells having a stable efficiency exceeding 11%. This straightforward fabrication procedure holds promise in development of various optoelectronic applications of planar perovskite films.
Characteristics of multi-mode resonances in T-shape air slots
Authors: Song Myeong-Seong , Lee In-Seong , Sohn Ik-Bu , Kang Chul , Kee Chul-Sik , Yang Jin-Kyu , Lee Joong Wook
Published: April 2015

We investigate the characteristics of multi-mode resonances in T-shape air slots at terahertz frequencies. Our results show that the multimode resonance is caused by the structural complexity of the T-shape air slot resonators. Each resonance mode corresponds to a distribution of electric charges determined by the structural dimensions. Understanding the characteristics of multimode resonance may be useful for achieving versatile and custom-designed optical devices and realizing a wide variety of platforms with a high sensitivity for sensing biological materials.
Facile Refluxing Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Chaopanich Pakvipar , Siriphannon Punnama
Published: April 2015

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from an aqueous mixture of Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 by a facile single-step refluxing method using polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as a template. The effects of reaction times, pH, and PSS concentration on the HAp formation were investigated. It was found that the crystalline HAp was obtained under all conditions after refluxing the precursors for 3 and 6 h. The longer refluxing time, the greater the crystallinity and the larger the crystallite size of the HAp nanoparticles. The HAp with poor crystallinity was obtained at pH 8.5; however, the well-crystallized HAp was obtained when reaction pH was increased to 9.5 and 10.5. In addition, the X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the presence of PSS template caused the reduction of HAp crystallite size along the (002) plane from 52.6 nm of non-template HAp to 43.4 nm and 41.4 nm of HAp with 0.05 and 0.2 wt-% PSS template, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images of the synthesized HAp revealed the rod-shaped crystals of all samples. The synthesized HAp nanoparticles were modified by l-aspartic acid (Asp) and l-arginine (Arg), having negative and positive charges, respectively. It was found that the zeta potential of HAp was significantly changed from +5.46 to –24.70 mV after modification with Asp, whereas it was +4.72 mV in the Arg-modified HAp. These results suggested that the negatively charged amino acid was preferentially adsorbed onto the synthesized HAp surface.
Nutritional supplementation and artificial reproductive technique (ART) outcomes
Authors: Kermack A. J. , Macklon N. S.
Published: April 2015

Approximately one in six couples suffer from subfertility, and many seek treatment with artificial reproductive technologies (ART). Despite improvements in laboratory techniques and ovarian stimulation, ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle remain at ~25%. Couples wanting to improve their chances may turn to adjuvant therapies, such as nutritional supplements. There is growing evidence that periconceptional nutritional status is a key determinant of fertility and long-term health of the offspring, and a lucrative market has developed to meet the demand based on these benefits. However, the practice of routine dietary supplementation before and during IVF treatment has not been subject to well-powered prospective randomised trials. In this article, the potential roles of specific nutritional supplements in the context of improving IVF outcomes are reviewed and an assessment is made of the evidence base supporting their clinical use in this context. Finally, current research needs in the field are outlined.
The relative impacts of grazing, fire and invasion by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) on the floristic composition of a rangeland savanna ecosystem
Authors: Fensham Roderick J. , Wang Jian , Kilgour Cameron
Published: April 2015

The relative impacts of grazing, fire and invasion by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) on floristic diversity and composition were evaluated for a Eucalyptus savanna ecosystem used for rangeland pastoralism in north-eastern Australia. Floristic data from a 10-year fire and livestock grazing experiment spanning periods of drought and above-average rainfall and multi-scaled data from varying levels of invasion by buffel grass were analysed. These original data were supplemented by the results of other studies. Light grazing by cattle had no discernible impacts on plant diversity and composition and burning resulted in a short-term pulse of annual forb abundance. Minor variations in edaphic properties had a substantial influence on floristic composition. Large perennial grasses increased in abundance with rainfall and annual forbs were abundant after rainfall events during drought. Species richness was diminished substantially at scales up to 1000 m2 by buffel grass and native perennial grasses showed the greatest declines. Land clearing, which facilitates invasion by buffel grass, has been greatly reduced by legislative controls but after nearly half of the savanna ecosystem has been cleared. The study suggests that livestock grazing with light to moderate stocking rates and burning are compatible with the conservation of floristic diversity in savannas but the invasion of buffel grass will continue to diminish diversity and represents a threat for the future. Land clearing exacerbates the spread of buffel grass and the control of this practice is an important contribution to the conservation of savannas.
Glucocorticoid receptor regulates accurate chromosome segregation and is associated with malignancy
Authors: Matthews Laura C. , Berry Andrew A. , Morgan David J. , Poolman Toryn M. , Bauer Kerstin , Kramer Frederike , Spiller David G. , Richardson Rachel V. , Chapman Karen E. , Farrow Stuart N. , Norman Michael R. , Williamson Andrew J. K. , Whetton Anthony D. , Taylor Stephen S. , Tuckermann Jan P. , White Michael R. H. , Ray David W.
Published: April 2015

Significance

We have discovered a role for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in coordinating cell division. We find enrichment of GR to mitotic spindles and demonstrate that GR knockdown causes accumulation of mitotic defects, including delayed anaphase, ternary chromosome segregation, and death in mitosis. Mitotic GR function requires the ligand-binding domain but not ligand binding, revealing a nontranscriptional and ligand-independent mechanism of action. Analysis of GR haploinsufficient cells and tissues reveals increased aneuploidy and DNA damage, and mice show an increased incidence of tumors in vivo, with further GR loss within those incident tumors. We also identify reduced GR expression in several common human cancers, thereby implicating GR as a novel tumor suppressor gene.
Compromised peroxisomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a vicious cycle inducing a higher fibrotic response via TGF-β signaling
Authors: Oruqaj Gani , Karnati Srikanth , Vijayan Vijith , Kotarkonda Lakshmi Kanth , Boateng Eistine , Zhang Wenming , Ruppert Clemens , Günther Andreas , Shi Wei , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline
Published: April 2015

Significance

This study enhances the knowledge on the molecular pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To date, there is no information available on the role of peroxisomes in lung fibrosis. In our study we demonstrate that peroxisomal biogenesis and metabolism is compromised in tissue samples as well as in fibroblasts of IPF patients and in bleomycin-induced fibrosis mouse model. Moreover, RNAi-mediated knockdown of peroxisomal biogenesis leads to a profibrotic response in control and IPF fibroblasts suggesting that the reduction of peroxisomal function in IPF would contribute to the profibrotic phenotype of this devastating disease. Our work opens a new field of research in the area of lung fibrosis and might lead to novel treatment strategies against IPF by modulating the peroxisomal compartment.
Metallic lead nanospheres discovered in ancient zircons
Authors: Kusiak Monika A. , Dunkley Daniel J. , Wirth Richard , Whitehouse Martin J. , Wilde Simon A. , Marquardt Katharina
Published: April 2015

Significance

Metallic lead nanospheres have been discovered in ancient (>3.4 Ga) zircon grains from an Archean (2.5 Ga) high-grade metamorphic terrain in East Antarctica. Native Pb is present as 5–30 nm nanospheres, commonly in association with an amorphous silica-rich phase, along with titanium and aluminium-bearing phases. Together, these phases form nanoinclusions generated during the recovery of crystallinity in radiation-damaged zircon under high-grade metamorphic conditions. Once formed, the entrapment of nanospheres in annealed zircon effectively arrests Pb loss, explaining why zircon that has experienced such extreme conditions is not completely reset to its metamorphic age. The heterogeneous distribution of Pb can, however, affect isotopic measurement by microbeam techniques, leading to spurious age estimates. Metallic Pb is extremely rare in nature and has never previously been observed in high temperature rocks.
Cortical activity is more stable when sensory stimuli are consciously perceived
Authors: Schurger Aaron , Sarigiannidis Ioannis , Naccache Lionel , Sitt Jacobo D. , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: April 2015

Significance

Recently, a reduction in the variability of neural activity across trials has been proposed as a general property of sensory perception. However, in order for this increased reliability in the neuronal response to be relevant for perception it must be present at the single-trial level. Here we show that the within-trial stability of the activity evoked by a threshold-level visual stimulus is a reliable and specific indicator of whether or not the stimulus was reported as “seen.” This within-trial difference in stability coincides in time with a difference in variability across trials. We also show that the same neural stability can be used to discriminate the conscious state of brain-injured patients. These findings validate the relevance of transient neural stability for conscious perception.
Control of bacterial exoelectrogenesis by c-AMP-GMP
Authors: Nelson James W. , Sudarsan Narasimhan , Phillips Grace E. , Stav Shira , Lünse Christina E. , McCown Phillip J. , Breaker Ronald R.
Published: April 2015

Significance

The cyclic dinucleotides c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP are responsible for controlling broad changes in cell phenotypes during the life cycles of many bacterial species. To date, riboswitches that sense c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP have been discovered. The genomic locations of riboswitches reveal numerous genes that are controlled by these signaling compounds and thereby reveal the biological processes that are regulated. Herein, we report that a subset of conserved noncoding RNA domains previously annotated as c-di-GMP-I riboswitches in fact bind the newly discovered second messenger c-AMP-GMP. These riboswitches control many genes involved in the utilization of extracellular iron(III) oxide as an electron sink by various
Geobacter
species. Our findings reveal additional roles for this recently discovered signaling molecule.
Adaptive evolution toward larger size in mammals
Authors: Baker Joanna , Meade Andrew , Pagel Mark , Venditti Chris
Published: April 2015

Significance

There is a long-held notion that bigger body sizes are intrinsically advantageous. We demonstrate an overwhelming tendency for rapid morphological change to lead to larger body size in 10 of the 11 largest mammal orders, suggesting that mammals have consistently evolved toward larger size, most likely as a response to selection pressure. These results are the first evidence, to our knowledge, from extant taxa that are compatible with the pattern of increasing body size through time observed in the mammalian fossil record. By accommodating variation in the rate of evolution into studies of size change, we demonstrate that it is possible to detect and reconstruct accurate historical evolutionary processes by taking advantage of the wealth of data available from extant species.
Time-dependent sequestration of RVE8 by LNK proteins shapes the diurnal oscillation of anthocyanin biosynthesis
Authors: Pérez-García Pablo , Ma Yuan , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Mas Paloma
Published: April 2015

Significance

The circadian clock plays a crucial role controlling a wide variety of physiologic and metabolic processes in plants. However, the components and mechanisms involved in such regulation remain to be fully elucidated. Here we show that a protein complex composed of the clock components REVEILLE8/LHY-CCA1-LIKE5 (RVE8/LCL5) and the NIGHT LIGHT–INDUCIBLE AND CLOCK-REGULATED (LNK) proteins has a dual regulatory function. The complex acts as a repressor of the clock-controlled anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway at midday but it switches to an activating function in the control of evening-expressed clock genes. The interaction with LNKs impedes RVE8 binding to the promoters of the anthocyanin genes but not to the clock genes, which provides a mechanism by which LNKs antagonize RVE8 function to repress anthocyanin accumulation.
Cities, traffic, and CO
2
: A multidecadal assessment of trends, drivers, and scaling relationships
Authors: Gately Conor K. , Hutyra Lucy R. , Sue Wing Ian
Published: April 2015

Significance

We use roadway-level traffic data to construct a 33-year, high-resolution inventory of annual on-road CO
2
emissions for the United States that differs markedly from other emissions estimates. We find a highly nonlinear relationship between population density and emissions, and identify large biases in regional estimates of CO
2
from inventories that rely on population as a linear predictor of vehicle activity. Geographic differences in the density–emissions relationship suggest that “smart growth” policies to increase urban residential densities will have significantly different effects on emissions depending on local conditions, and may be most effective at low densities. Our results highlight the importance of cities as sources of CO
2
and the need for improved fine-scale inventories for monitoring and reporting of emissions.
Virus decomposition provides an important contribution to benthic deep-sea ecosystem functioning
Authors: Dell’Anno Antonio , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Danovaro Roberto
Published: April 2015

Significance

Viruses proliferate at the expense of their hosts. After cell death the released viruses can infect other hosts or undergo decomposition processes. Here we show, for the first time to our knowledge, that in deep-sea ecosystems, the largest biome of the biosphere, approximately 25% of viruses released by lysed prokaryotic cells are decomposed at fast rates. We show that, given the huge viral biomass of the ocean seafloor and the high rates of this process, virus decomposition provides a major source of labile organic compounds able to sustain the microbial food webs and nutrient cycling at a global scale. These findings provide new insights that will enable a better understanding of the functioning of the global oceans.
Effective and lesion-free cutaneous influenza vaccination
Authors: Wang Ji , Li Bo , Wu Mei X.
Published: April 2015

Significance

Skin is more potent than muscle for vaccination, but it is not yet a common site for immunization, in part owing to relatively high rates of pain and skin irritation and difficulty of administration. We resolve this dilemma by delivering vaccines into many micropores in the skin, which constrains vaccine-induced inflammation, leading to fast healing and lesion-free. Moreover, combination of microfractional vaccine delivery with nonablative fractional laser (NAFL), not only significantly augmented vaccine efficiency but also broadened cross-protection against homologous and heterologous influenza viral infections. Cross-protective immunity is pivotal for influenza vaccines because mismatches occur frequently between vaccine viral strains and circulating viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first strategy for lesion-free efficient cutaneous vaccination.
Homologous ligands accommodated by discrete conformations of a buried cavity
Authors: Merski Matthew , Fischer Marcus , Balius Trent E. , Eidam Oliv , Shoichet Brian K.
Published: April 2015

Significance

Many medicinal chemistry programs change ligands incrementally to explore protein binding and to optimize binding affinity. How a protein accommodates such a growing ligand series has received remarkably little structural attention. Here we investigate eight congeneric ligands that grow by single-methylene additions, determining their protein-bound structures by X-ray crystallography, to investigate how a protein accommodates these changes. Rather than changing conformation smoothly to complement the ever-larger ligands, the protein site adopts a few discrete conformations as it expands. Inspection of the few other homologous series in the Protein Data Bank suggests that such discrete conformational adaptations to ligand binding are common, and may be an important consideration in ligand design.
Studies on formation, control and application of biofilm formed by food related microorganisms
Authors: Furukawa Soichi
Published: April 2015

Biofilms are sessile microbial aggregates on the interfaces, and they were usually considered as microbial contamination sources in medical care and various industries. We studied the control and application of biofilms formed by food-related microorganisms, and mechanism of the biofilm formation was also investigated. We studied the biofilm formation in mixed cultures using various combinations of two strains of food-related microorganisms. There were various microorganisms that showed decreased or increased biofilm formation in the mixed culture in comparison with that in a single culture. Biofilm formed by lactic acid bacteria and yeast isolated from traditional fermented food, Fukuyama pot vinegar, exhibited unique feature in that structure and formation mechanism, and expected to be used as an immobilized microorganism in fermentation production. Here our studies on the control and application of biofilms and the mechanisms of its formation were described.
De novotranscriptome sequencing to identify the sex-determination genes inHyriopsis schlegelii
Authors: Shi Jianwu , Hong Yijiang , Sheng Junqing , Peng Kou , Wang Junhua
Published: April 2015

This study presents the first analysis of expressed transcripts in the spermary and ovary of Hyriopsis schlegelii (H. schlegelii). A total of 132,055 unigenes were obtained and 31,781 of these genes were annotated. In addition, 19,511 upregulated and 25,911 downregulated unigenes were identified in the spermary. Ten sex-determination genes were selected and further analyzed by real-time PCR. In addition, mammalian genes reported to govern sex-determination pathways, including Sry, Dmrt1, Dmrt2, Sox9, GATA4, and WT1 in males and Wnt4, Rspo1, Foxl2, and β-catenin in females, were also identified in H. schlegelii. These results suggest that H. schlegelii and mammals use similar gene regulatory mechanisms to control sex determination. Moreover, genes associated with dosage compensation mechanisms, such as Msl1, Msl2, and Msl3, and hermaphrodite phenotypes, such as Tra-1, Tra-2α, Tra-2β, Fem1A, Fem1B, and Fem1C, were also identified in H. schlegelii. The identification of these genes indicates that diverse regulatory mechanisms regulate sexual polymorphism in H. schlegelii.
New acylated anthocyanins from purple yam and their antioxidant activity
Authors: Moriya Chiemi , Hosoya Takahiro , Agawa Sayuri , Sugiyama Yasumasa , Kozone Ikuko , Shin-ya Kazuo , Terahara Norihiko , Kumazawa Shigenori
Published: April 2015

Purple yam (Dioscorea alata L.), which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, is characterized by its color and viscosity. Previous studies have shown that purple yams contain a variety of acylated anthocyanins that exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity than the corresponding nonacylated compounds. In this study, the pigments found in purple yams from the Philippines (D. alata) were isolated and evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity. Four new acylated anthocyanins, alanins (1–4) were isolated from the MeOH extracts of purple yam, which were subsequently determined to be cyanidin (1, 2, and 4) and peonidin (3) type compounds, along with four known anthocyanins (5–8). The structures of 1–4 were determined by spectroscopic methods, including NMR and MS analyses. The antioxidant activities of anthocyanins 1–8 were investigated using oxygen radical absorbing capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays.
An anti-silencer– and SATB1-dependent chromatin hub regulates Rag1 and Rag2 gene expression during thymocyte development
Authors: Hao Bingtao , Naik Abani Kanta , Watanabe Akiko , Tanaka Hirokazu , Chen Liang , Richards Hunter W. , Kondo Motonari , Taniuchi Ichiro , Kohwi Yoshinori , Kohwi-Shigematsu Terumi , Krangel Michael S.
Published: April 2015

Rag1 and Rag2 gene expression in CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes depends on the activity of a distant anti-silencer element (ASE) that counteracts the activity of an intergenic silencer. However, the mechanistic basis for ASE activity is unknown. Here, we show that the ASE physically interacts with the distant Rag1 and Rag2 gene promoters in DP thymocytes, bringing the two promoters together to form an active chromatin hub. Moreover, we show that the ASE functions as a classical enhancer that can potently activate these promoters in the absence of the silencer or other locus elements. In thymocytes lacking the chromatin organizer SATB1, we identified a partial defect in Tcra gene rearrangement that was associated with reduced expression of Rag1 and Rag2 at the DP stage. SATB1 binds to the ASE and Rag promoters, facilitating inclusion of Rag2 in the chromatin hub and the loading of RNA polymerase II to both the Rag1 and Rag2 promoters. Our results provide a novel framework for understanding ASE function and demonstrate a novel role for SATB1 as a regulator of Rag locus organization and gene expression in DP thymocytes.
Concussion Care Manual
Authors: Brody David L
Published: April 2015

This manual, based on the experience of the director of the concussion clinic at Washington University in St Louis, provides specific step-by-step guidance for managing a variety of problems related to complex concussions, including making an accurate diagnosis, general treatment strategies, headaches, sleep disruption, attention deficit, mood instability, anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress, personality change, balance problems, dizziness, fatigue etc. Furthermore, there are specific sections on returning to work, driving, school, and contact sports. Finally, the manual includes information on special topics, such as concussion in adolescents, children, contact sport athletes, military personnel, and patients involved in medico-legal matters. It also includes information on how to set up a specialty concussion clinic, and an extensive list of resources related to concussion.