bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined local and systemic immunization is essential for durable T-cell mediated heterosubtypic immunity against influenza A virus
Authors: Uddback Ida E. M. , Pedersen Line M. I. , Pedersen Sara R. , Steffensen Maria A. , Holst Peter J. , Thomsen Allan R. , Christensen Jan P.
Published: February 2016

The threat from unpredictable influenza virus pandemics necessitates the development of a new type of influenza vaccine. Since the internal proteins are highly conserved, induction of T cells targeting these antigens may provide the solution. Indeed, adenoviral (Ad) vectors expressing flu nucleoprotein have previously been found to induce short-term protection in mice. In this study we confirm that systemic (subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization rapidly induced heterosubtypic protection predominantly mediated by CD8 T cells, but within three months clinical protection completely disappeared. Local (intranasal (i.n.)) immunization elicited delayed, but more lasting protection despite relatively inefficient immunization. However, by far, the most robust protection was induced by simultaneous, combined (i.n. + s.c.) vaccination, and, notably, in this case clinical protection lasted at least 8 months without showing any evidence of fading. Interestingly, the superior ability of the latter group to resist reinfection correlated with a higher number of antigen-specific CD8 T cells in the spleen. Thus, detailed analysis of the underlying CD8 T cell responses highlights the importance of T cells already positioned in the lungs prior to challenge, but at the same time underscores an important back-up role for circulating antigen-specific cells with the capacity to expand and infiltrate the infected lungs.
A rapid and high-throughput microplate spectrophotometric method for field measurement of nitrate in seawater and freshwater
Authors: Wu Jiapeng , Hong Yiguo , Guan Fengjie , Wang Yan , Tan Yehui , Yue Weizhong , Wu Meilin , Bin Liying , Wang Jiaping , Wen Jiali
Published: February 2016

The well-known zinc-cadmium reduction method is frequently used for determination of nitrate. However, this method is seldom to be applied on field research of nitrate due to the long time consuming and large sample volume demand. Here, we reported a modified zinc-cadmium reduction method (MZCRM) for measurement of nitrate at natural-abundance level in both seawater and freshwater. The main improvements of MZCRM include using small volume disposable tubes for reaction, a vortex apparatus for shaking to increase reduction rate and a microplate reader for high-throughput spectrophotometric measurements. Considering salt effect, two salinity sections (5~10 psu and 20~35 psu) were set up for more accurate determination of nitrate in low and high salinity condition respectively. Under optimized experimental conditions, the reduction rates were stabilized on 72% and 63% on the salinity of 5 and 20 psu respectively. The lowest detection limit for nitrate was 0.5 μM and was linear up to 100 μM (RSDs was 4.8%). Environmental samples assay demonstrated that MZCRM was well consistent with conventional zinc-cadmium reduction method. In total, this modified method improved accuracy and efficiency of operations greatly and would be realized a rapid and high-throughput determination of nitrate in field analysis of nitrate with low cost.
Immunoglobulin G Expression in Human Sperm and Possible Functional Significance
Authors: Yan Meiling , Zhang Xiaoyu , Pu Qinxue , Huang Tao , Xie Qingdong , Wang Yan , Li Jing , Wang Yun , Gu Huan , Huang Tianhua , Li Zhiling , Gu Jiang
Published: February 2016

Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the major molecule of the immune system, which was traditionally thought to be produced by differentiated B-lymphocytes, had recently been found in non-immune cells including spermatozoa of rabbit testis. To study if human sperms could produce IgG that might play a role in fertilization, we employed immunofluorescent staining, Western blot, in situ hybridization, RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and immunoelectron microscope and found that human sperms were capable of synthesizing IgG. IgG protein and mRNA were detected in the cytoplasm, mainly the neck region of the sperm and IgG immunoreactivity was found to cover the entire sperm cell. The essential enzymes necessary for IgG synthesis and class switching, RAG1 (recombination activating gene 1), RAG2 (recombination activating gene 2) and AID (activation-induced cytidine deaminase), were also detected in the sperm cells. Furthermore, we found that anti-IgG antibody could inhibit sperm from penetrating Zona-free hamster egg with statistical significance. These discoveries suggested that immunoglobulin G could be produced by human sperms and it might play a role during fertilization.
Subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection of chicken dendritic cells induces apoptosis via the aberrant expression of microRNAs
Authors: Liu Di , Dai Manman , Zhang Xu , Cao Weisheng , Liao Ming
Published: February 2016

Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) is an oncogenic retrovirus that causes immunosuppression and enhances susceptibility to secondary infection. The innate immune system is the first line of defense in preventing bacterial and viral infections and dendritic cells (DCs) play important roles in innate immunity. Because bone marrow is an organ that is susceptible to ALV-J, the virus may influence the generation of bone marrow-derived DCs. In this study, DCs cultured in vitro were used to investigate the effects of ALV infection. The results revealed that ALV-J could infect these cells during the early stages of differentiation and infection of DCs with ALV-J resulted in apoptosis. miRNA sequencing data of uninfected and infected DCs revealed 122 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 115 demonstrating upregulation after ALV-J infection and the other 7 showing significant downregulation. The miRNAs that exhibited the highest levels of upregulation may suppress nutrient processing and metabolic function. These results indicated that ALV-J infection of chicken DCs could induce apoptosis via aberrant microRNA expression. These results provide a solid foundation for the further study of epigenetic influences on ALV-J-induced immunosuppression.
Nonvolatile modulation of electronic structure and correlative magnetism of L10-FePt films using significant strain induced by shape memory substrates
Authors: Feng Chun , Zhao Jiancheng , Yang Feng , Gong Kui , Hao Shijie , Cao Yi , Hu Chen , Zhang Jingyan , Wang Zhongqiang , Chen Lei , Li Sirui , Sun Li , Cui Lishan , Yu Guanghua
Published: February 2016

Tuning the lattice strain (εL) is a novel approach to manipulate the magnetic, electronic and transport properties of spintronic materials. Achievable εL in thin film samples induced by traditional ferroelectric or flexible substrates is usually volatile and well below 1%. Such limits in the tuning capability cannot meet the requirements for nonvolatile applications of spintronic materials. This study answers to the challenge of introducing significant amount of elastic strain in deposited thin films so that noticeable tuning of the spintronic characteristics can be realized. Based on subtle elastic strain engineering of depositing L10-FePt films on pre-stretched NiTi(Nb) shape memory alloy substrates, steerable and nonvolatile lattice strain up to 2.18% has been achieved in the L10-FePt films by thermally controlling the shape memory effect of the substrates. Introduced strains at this level significantly modify the electronic density of state, orbital overlap and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength in the FePt film, leading to nonvolatile modulation of magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal characteristics. This finding not only opens an efficient avenue for the nonvolatile tuning of SOC based magnetism and spintronic effects, but also helps to clarify the physical nature of pure strain effect.
Study design requirements for RNA sequencing-based breast cancer diagnostics
Authors: Mer Arvind Singh , Klevebring Daniel , Grönberg Henrik , Rantalainen Mattias
Published: February 2016

Sequencing-based molecular characterization of tumors provides information required for individualized cancer treatment. There are well-defined molecular subtypes of breast cancer that provide improved prognostication compared to routine biomarkers. However, molecular subtyping is not yet implemented in routine breast cancer care. Clinical translation is dependent on subtype prediction models providing high sensitivity and specificity. In this study we evaluate sample size and RNA-sequencing read requirements for breast cancer subtyping to facilitate rational design of translational studies. We applied subsampling to ascertain the effect of training sample size and the number of RNA sequencing reads on classification accuracy of molecular subtype and routine biomarker prediction models (unsupervised and supervised). Subtype classification accuracy improved with increasing sample size up to N = 750 (accuracy = 0.93), although with a modest improvement beyond N = 350 (accuracy = 0.92). Prediction of routine biomarkers achieved accuracy of 0.94 (ER) and 0.92 (Her2) at N = 200. Subtype classification improved with RNA-sequencing library size up to 5 million reads. Development of molecular subtyping models for cancer diagnostics requires well-designed studies. Sample size and the number of RNA sequencing reads directly influence accuracy of molecular subtyping. Results in this study provide key information for rational design of translational studies aiming to bring sequencing-based diagnostics to the clinic.
Corticotropin releasing factor excites neurons of posterior hypothalamic nucleus to produce tachycardia in rats
Authors: Gao He-Ren , Zhuang Qian-Xing , Li Bin , Li Hong-Zhao , Chen Zhang-Peng , Wang Jian-Jun , Zhu Jing-Ning
Published: February 2016

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), a peptide hormone involved in the stress response, holds a key position in cardiovascular regulation. Here, we report that the central effect of CRF on cardiovascular activities is mediated by the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PH), an important structure responsible for stress-induced cardiovascular changes. Our present results demonstrate that CRF directly excites PH neurons via two CRF receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2 and consequently increases heart rate (HR) rather than the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Bilateral vagotomy does not influence the tachycardia response to microinjection of CRF into the PH, while β adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol almost totally abolishes the tachycardia. Furthermore, microinjecting CRF into the PH primarily increases neuronal activity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVMM), but does not influence that of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNV). These findings suggest that the PH is a critical target for central CRF system in regulation of cardiac activity and the PH-RVLM/RVMM-cardiac sympathetic nerve pathways, rather than PH-DMNV-vagus pathway, may contribute to the CRF-induced tachycardia.
Modulation of IL-1β reprogrammes the tumor microenvironment to interrupt oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Wu Tong , Hong Yun , Jia Lihua , Wu Jie , Xia Juan , Wang Juan , Hu Qinchao , Cheng Bin
Published: February 2016

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development is a multistage process includes the normal, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stages. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an integral part of malignant transformation. Exploring certain key node genes in TME for future intervention in dysplasia to interrupt oral carcinogenesis was the primary goal of this research. To achieve this goal, systems biology approaches were first applied to the epithelia and fibroblasts collected at sequential stages in a 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) - induced rat oral carcinogenesis model. Through bioinformatics network construction, IL-1β was identified as one of the key node genes in TME during carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining of human and rat samples demonstrated that IL-1β expression patterns were parallel to the stages of malignant transformation. Silencing IL-1β with lentivirus-delivered shRNA significantly inhibited oral squamous cell carcinoma cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that IL-1β may be a chemoprevention target in TME during oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, we targeted IL-1 in the TME by oral mucosal injection of an IL-1 receptor antagonist in 4NQO rats. The results demonstrated that targeting IL-1 could interrupt oral carcinogenesis by reprogramming the TME.
Sustainable biorefining in wastewater by engineered extreme alkaliphile Bacillus marmarensis
Authors: Wernick David G. , Pontrelli Sammy P. , Pollock Alexander W. , Liao James C.
Published: February 2016

Contamination susceptibility, water usage and inability to utilize 5-carbon sugars and disaccharides are among the major obstacles in industrialization of sustainable biorefining. Extremophilic thermophiles and acidophiles are being researched to combat these problems, but organisms which answer all the above problems have yet to emerge. Here, we present engineering of the unexplored, extreme alkaliphile Bacillus marmarensis as a platform for new bioprocesses which meet all these challenges. With a newly developed transformation protocol and genetic tools, along with optimized RBSs and antisense RNA, we engineered B. marmarensis to produce ethanol at titers of 38 g/l and 65% yields from glucose in unsterilized media. Furthermore, ethanol titers and yields of 12 g/l and 50%, respectively, were produced from cellobiose and xylose in unsterilized seawater and algal-contaminated wastewater. As such, B. marmarensis presents a promising approach for the contamination-resistant biorefining of a wide range of carbohydrates in unsterilized, non-potable seawater.
Corneal Power, Anterior Segment Length and Lens Power in 14-year-old Chinese Children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study
Authors: Li Shi-Ming , Iribarren Rafael , Kang Meng-Tian , Li He , Li Si-Yuan , Liu Luo-Ru , Sun Yun-Yun , Meng Bo , Zhan Si-Yan , Rozema Jos J. , Wang Ningli
Published: February 2016

To analyze the components of young Chinese eyes with special attention to differences in corneal power, anterior segment length and lens power. Cycloplegic refractions and ocular biometry with LENSTAR were used to calculate lens power with Bennett’s method. Mean refraction and mean values for the ocular components of five different refractive groups were studied with ANOVA and post-hoc Scheffé tests. There were 1889 subjects included with full data of refraction and ocular components. As expected, mean axial length was significantly longer in myopic eyes compared to emmetropes. Girls had steeper corneas, more powerful lenses and shorter eyes than boys. Lens power was lower in boys and also lower in myopic eyes. Lens thickness was the same for both genders but was lower in myopic eyes. Although cornea was steeper in myopic eyes in the whole sample, this was a gender effect (more girls in the myopic group) as this difference disappeared when the analysis was split by gender. Anterior segment length was longer in myopic eyes. In conclusion, myopic eyes have lower lens power and longer anterior segment length, that partially compensate their longer axial length. When analyzed by gender, the corneal power is not greater in low and moderate myopic eyes.
Clinical significance of different virus load of human bocavirus in patients with lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Jiang Wujun , Yin Fang , Zhou Weifang , Yan Yongdong , Ji Wei
Published: February 2016

To assess the impact of human bocavirus (HBoV) virus load on epidemiologic and clinical characteristics in children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Clinical records of a total of 654 patients with HBoV infection during January 2013 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with high HBoV virus load infection had a similar age distribution with the total HBoV infection, which had a peak age group of 6–24 months. Patients with high virus load are significantly younger (P < 0.01) than those with low load. The patients who had wheeze and tachypnea/dyspnea at presentation were more strongly affiliated with the patients with high virus load (both P < 0.01). Co-infection was found significantly more frequently among patients with low virus load than those with high virus load (57.0% vs 38.9%; P < 0.01). High virus load was a significant predictor of severe LRTI (P < 0.05). HBoV infections are found in an important proportion of the hospitalized children with respiratory illnesses (8.85% in our series). A high HBoV virus load could be an etiologic agent for LRTI, which may lead to more severe lower respiratory tract symptom and severe disease.
mTOR masters monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice with allografts or tumors
Authors: Wu Tingting , Zhao Yang , Wang Hao , Li yang , Shao Lijuan , Wang Ruoyu , Lu Jun , Yang Zhongzhou , Wang Junjie , Zhao Yong
Published: February 2016

CD11b+ Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play critical roles in controlling the processes of tumors, infections, autoimmunity and graft rejection. Immunosuppressive drug rapamycin (RPM), targeting on the key cellular metabolism molecule mTOR, is currently used in clinics to treat patients with allo-grafts, autoimmune diseases and tumors. However, the effect of RPM on MDSCs has not been studied. RPM significantly decreases the cell number and the immunosuppressive ability on T cells of CD11b+ Ly6Chigh monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) in both allo-grafts-transplanted and tumor-bearing mice respectively. Mice with a myeloid-specific deletion of mTOR have poor M-MDSCs after grafting with allo-skin tissue or a tumor. Grafting of allo-skin or tumors significantly activates glycolysis pathways in myeloid precursor cells in bone marrow, which is inhibited by RPM or mTOR deletion. 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), an inhibitor of the glycolytic pathway, inhibits M-MDSC differentiation from precursors, while enhancing glycolysis by metformin significantly rescues the RPM-caused deficiency of M-MDSCs. Therefore, we offer evidence supporting that mTOR is an intrinsic factor essential for the differentiation and immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs and that these metabolism-relevant medicines may impact MDSCs-mediated immunosuppression or immune tolerance induction, which is of considerable clinical importance in treating graft rejection, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Using national movement databases to help inform responses to swine disease outbreaks in Scotland: the impact of uncertainty around incursion time
Authors: Porphyre Thibaud , Boden Lisa A. , Correia-Gomes Carla , Auty Harriet K. , Gunn George J. , Woolhouse Mark E. J.
Published: February 2016

Modelling is an important component of contingency planning and control of disease outbreaks. Dynamic network models are considered more useful than static models because they capture important dynamic patterns of farm behaviour as evidenced through animal movements. This study evaluates the usefulness of a dynamic network model of swine fever to predict pre-detection spread via movements of pigs, when there may be considerable uncertainty surrounding the time of incursion of infection. It explores the utility and limitations of animal movement data to inform such models and as such, provides some insight into the impact of improving traceability through real-time animal movement reporting and the use of electronic animal movement databases. The study concludes that the type of premises and uncertainty of the time of disease incursion will affect model accuracy and highlights the need for improvements in these areas.
Electrochemical Energy Storage Application and Degradation Analysis of Carbon-Coated Hierarchical NiCo2S4 Core-Shell Nanowire Arrays Grown Directly on Graphene/Nickel Foam
Authors: Zou Rujia , Yuen Muk Fung , Yu Li , Hu Junqing , Lee Chun-Sing , Zhang Wenjun
Published: February 2016

We developed a new electrode comprising thin carbon layer coated hierarchical NiCo2S4 core-shell nanowire arrays (NiCo2S4@C CSNAs) on graphene/Ni foam (Ni@G) substrates. The electrode showed outstanding electrochemical characteristics including a high specific capacitance of 253 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1, high rate capability of 163 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1 (~64.4% of that at 3 A g−1) and long-term cycling stability with a capacity retention of 93.9% after 5000 cycles. Comparative studies on the degradation of hierarchical NiCo2S4 CSNA electrodes with and without carbon coatings revealed that the morphology pulverization, structural separation at core/shell interface and irretrievably chemical composition change of NiCo2S4 CSNAs electrode are major factors that deteriorate the electrochemical performance of the electrodes without carbon coating. The favorable roles of carbon coatings on hierarchical NiCo2S4 CSNAs were further clarified: (1) serving as a physical buffering layer that suppresses the structural breakdown; (2) retarding the chemical composition conversion of the NiCo2S4 CSNAs; and (3) providing extra path for charge transition in addition to the NiCo2S4 core nanowires. Understanding of the degradation mechanisms and the significance of the surface carbon coatings would provide useful guidelines for the design of new electrode materials for high-performance electrochemical devices.
Facile Synthesis of Core/Shell-like NiCo2O4-Decorated MWCNTs and its Excellent Electrocatalytic Activity for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Ko Tae-Hoon , Devarayan Kesavan , Seo Min-Kang , Kim Hak-Yong , Kim Byoung-Suhk
Published: February 2016

The design and development of an economic and highly active non-precious electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation is challenging due to expensiveness of the precursors as well as processes and non-ecofriendliness. In this study, a facile preparation of core-shell-like NiCo2O4 decorated MWCNTs based on a dry synthesis technique was proposed. The synthesized NiCo2O4/MWCNTs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and selected area energy dispersive spectrum. The bimetal oxide nanoparticles with an average size of 6 ± 2 nm were homogeneously distributed onto the surface of the MWCNTs to form a core-shell-like nanostructure. The NiCo2O4/MWCNTs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol in an alkaline solution. The NiCo2O4/MWCNTs exhibited remarkably higher current density of 327 mA/cm2 and a lower onset potential of 0.128 V in 1.0 M KOH with as high as 5.0 M methanol. The impressive electrocatalytic activity of the NiCo2O4/MWCNTs is promising for development of direct methanol fuel cell based on non-Pt catalysts.
Targeting miR-155 to Treat Experimental Scleroderma
Authors: Yan Qingran , Chen Jie , Li Wei , Bao Chunde , Fu Qiong
Published: February 2016

Scleroderma is a refractory autoimmune skin fibrotic disorder. Alterations of microRNAs in lesional skin could be a new approach to treating the disease. Here, we found that expression of miR-155 was up regulated in lesional skin tissue from patients with either systemic or localized scleroderma and correlated with fibrosis area. Then we demonstrated the potential of miR-155 as a therapeutic target in pre-clinical scleroderma models. MiR-155−/− mice were resistant to bleomycin induced skin fibrosis. Moreover, topical antagomiR-155 could effectively treat mice primed with subcutaneous bleomycin. In primary skin fibroblast, miR-155 silencing could inhibit collagen synthesis function, as well as signaling intensity of two pro-fibrotic pathways, Wnt/β-catenin and Akt, simultaneously. We further showed that miR-155 could regulate the two pathways via directly targeting casein kinase 1α (CK1α) and Src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1), as previous reports. Mice with miR-155 knockout or topical antagomir-155 treatment showed inhibited Wnt/β-catenin and Akt signaling in skin upon bleomycin challenge. Together, our data suggest the potential of miR-155 silencing as a promising treatment for dermal fibrosis, especially in topical applications.
Nanospherical like reduced graphene oxide decorated TiO2 nanoparticles: an advanced catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Dejian , Zou Liling , Li Shunxing , Zheng Fengying
Published: February 2016

Modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) for H2 generation is a grand challenge due to its high chemical inertness, large bandgap, narrow light-response range and rapid recombination of electrons and holes. Herein, we report a simple process to prepare nanospherical like reduced graphene oxide (NS-rGO) decorated TiO2 nanoparticles (NS-rGO/TiO2) as photocatalysts. This modified TiO2 sample exhibits remarkably significant improvement on visible light absorption, narrow band gap and efficient charge collection and separation. The photocatalytic H2 production rate of NS-rGO/TiO2 is high as 13996 μmol g−1 h−1, which exceeds that obtained on TiO2 alone and TiO2 with parallel graphene sheets by 3.45 and 3.05 times, respectively. This improvement is due to the presence of NS-rGO as an electron collector and transporter. The geometry of NS-rGO should be effective in the design of a graphene/TiO2 composite for photocatalytic applications.
Ru(bpy)32+/nanoporous silver-based electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for alpha fetoprotein enhanced by gold nanoparticles decorated black carbon intercalated reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Zhu Wenjuan , Lv Xiaohui , Wang Qi , Ma Hongmin , Wu Dan , Yan Tao , Hu Lihua , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: February 2016

A highly sensitive sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was proposed for the quantitative determination of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) using gold nanoparticles decorated black carbon intercalated reduced graphene oxide (Au-rGO@CB) as sensing platform and nanoporous silver (NPS) loaded Ru(bpy)32+ as labels. In this work, intercalation of CB inhibited the accumulation of rGO and Au-rGO@CB was firstly used to immobilize primary antibody (Ab1) in ECL system. NPS prepared by the dealloying of binary alloy has high pore volume and surface areas, which was used to load amount of secondary antibodies (Ab2) and Ru(bpy)32+, which could greatly enhance the ECL intensity. Under optimal conditions, the designed immunosensor exhibited wider linear range from 0.0001 to 30 ng/mL with a relative lower detection limit of 33 fg/mL for AFP detection. Overall, the designed immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity, good repeatability and stability. This proposed method provided a potential application for clinical monitoring of AFP.
Quantitative carbon detector for enhanced detection of molecules in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, flavors, and fuels
Authors: Beach Connor A. , Krumm Christoph , Spanjers Charles S. , Maduskar Saurabh , Jones Andrew J. , Dauenhauer Paul J.
Published: February 2016

Analysis of trace compounds, such as pesticides and other contaminants, within consumer products, fuels, and the environment requires quantification of increasingly complex mixtures of difficult-to-quantify compounds.
Graphene oxide–polyaniline nanocomposite as a potential sorbent for dispersive solid-phase extraction and determination of selected pharmaceutical and personal care products in wastewater samples using HPLC with a diode-array detector
Authors: Rashvand Masoumeh , Vosough Maryam
Published: February 2016

A graphene oxide–polyaniline nanocomposite was proposed for the dispersive solid-phase extraction of six pharmaceutical and personal care products in wastewater matrices.
A novel voltammetric sensor employing zinc oxide nanoparticles and a new ferrocene-derivative modified carbon paste electrode for determination of captopril in drug samples
Authors: Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Ahanjan Kimia , Taghavi Mehdi , Ghaemy Mousa
Published: February 2016

A novel ferrocene-derivative (1,l′-bis(2-phenylethan-1-ol)ferrocene) as a catalyst for the voltammetric determination of captopril in pharmaceutical and biological compound analysis.
Insight into the crystallization of amorphous imine-linked polymer networks to 2D covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Smith Brian J. , Overholts Anna C. , Hwang Nicky , Dichtel William R.
Published: February 2016

The growth mechanism of 2D imine-linked COF involves the rapid formation of an amorphous polymer, which subsequently crystallizes.
Copper-mediated aerobic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of arylboronic acids with difluoromethyl phenyl sulfone
Authors: Li Xinjin , Zhao Jingwei , Hu Mingyou , Chen Dingben , Ni Chuanfa , Wang Limin , Hu Jinbo
Published: February 2016

The “PhSO2CF2Cu” reagent (from PhSO2CF2H) reacts with arylboronic acids, which represents a convenient method for the introduction of the CF2 moiety into aromatics.
The one-pot multienzyme (OPME) synthesis of human blood group H antigens and a human milk oligosaccharide (HMOS) with highly active Thermosynechococcus elongatus α1–2-fucosyltransferase
Authors: Zhao Chao , Wu Yijing , Yu Hai , Shah Ishita M. , Li Yanhong , Zeng Jie , Liu Bin , Mills David A. , Chen Xi
Published: February 2016

LNFP I and human blood H group antigens were synthesized efficientlyviaone-pot multienzyme (OPME) fucosylation with a bacterial α1–2-fucosyltransferase.
Absorption intensity changes and frequency shifts of fundamental and first overtone bands for OH stretching vibration of methanol upon methanol–pyridine complex formation in CCl4: analysis by NIR/IR spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Futami Yoshisuke , Ozaki Yasushi , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: February 2016

The first overtone of the OH stretching mode of the OH–N hydrogen bond of the methanol–pyridine complex was observed.
Aminophenol isomers unraveled by conformer-specific far-IR action spectroscopy
Authors: Yatsyna Vasyl , Bakker Daniël J. , Feifel Raimund , Rijs Anouk M. , Zhaunerchyk Vitali
Published: February 2016

Far-infrared action spectroscopy of aminophenol in the gas-phase revealed isomer- and conformer-specific vibrational signatures and provided the heights of NH2 inversion barrier.
Proton conductivity and phase transitions in 1,2,3-triazole
Authors: Pulst Martin , Balko Jens , Golitsyn Yury , Reichert Detlef , Busse Karsten , Kressler Jörg
Published: February 2016

The contributions of proton hopping and vehicle mechanism to the intrinsic proton conductivity was investigated in crystalline and liquid 1,2,3-triazole.
Spectroscopic properties and location of the Ce3+ energy levels in Y3Al2Ga3O12 and Y3Ga5O12 at ambient and high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Mahlik S. , Lazarowska A. , Ueda J. , Tanabe S. , Grinberg M.
Published: February 2016

In this study, we present optical properties and location of the Ce3+ energy levels in Y3Al2Ga3O12 (YAGG) and Y3Ga5O12 (YGG) ceramics at ambient and high hydrostatic pressure.
Cyanophenyl vs. pyridine substituent: impact on the adlayer structure and formation on HOPG and Au(111)
Authors: Dai Y. , Eggers B. , Metzler M. , Künzel D. , Groß A. , Jacob T. , Ziener U.
Published: February 2016

Replacing pyridine by benzonitrile in an oligopyridine leads to new intermolecular interactions and accelerated phase transition in a two-dimensional self-assembly.
Transition metal-catalyzed couplings of alkynes to 1,3-enynes: modern methods and synthetic applications
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Masters James T.
Published: February 2016

Methods for the selective coupling of alkynes to 1,3-enynes are discussed, as are applications of these processes in organic synthesis.
The conversion of CO2 to methanol on orthorhombic β-Mo2C and Cu/β-Mo2C catalysts: mechanism for admetal induced change in the selectivity and activity
Authors: Posada-Pérez Sergio , Ramírez Pedro J. , Gutiérrez Ramón A. , Stacchiola Dario J. , Viñes Francesc , Liu Ping , Illas Francesc , Rodriguez José A.
Published: February 2016

Cu clusters supported on β-Mo2C improve the selectivity towards methanol decreasing the amount of methane.
Synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations, and electrochemical comparison of novel iron(ii) complexes with thione and selone ligands
Authors: Stadelman Bradley S. , Kimani Martin M. , Bayse Craig A. , McMillen Colin D. , Brumaghim Julia L.
Published: February 2016

Characterization of Fe(ii)–thone and –selone complexes revealed that these ligands oxidize before Fe(ii), suggesting an iron-binding mechanism for similar antioxidants.
A zwitterionic 1D/2D polymer co-crystal and its polymorphic sub-components: a highly selective sensing platform for HIV ds-DNA sequences
Authors: Zhao Hai-Qing , Yang Shui-Ping , Ding Ni-Ni , Qin Liang , Qiu Gui-Hua , Chen Jin-Xiang , Zhang Wen-Hua , Chen Wen-Hua , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: February 2016

Polymorphic compounds {[Cu(dcbb)2(H2O)2]·10H2O}n (2, 1D chain), [Cu(dcbb)2]n (3, 2D layer) and their co-crystal {[Cu(dcbb)2(H2O)][Cu(dcbb)2]2}n (4) have been prepared from the reaction of [Na(dcbb)(H2O)]n (1) with Cu(NO3)2·3H2O at different temperatures.
Two in one: switchable ion conductivity and white light emission integrated in an iodoplumbate-based twin chain hybrid crystal
Authors: Duan Hai-Bao , Yu Shan-Shan , Tong Yuan-Bo , Zhou Hong , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: February 2016

A [Pb2I6]∝ twin chain hybrid crystal shows novel switchable ion conductivity arising from the structural phase transition and color-tunable photoluminescence attributed to the broadband semiconductor emission of twin chain.
New Eu3+-activated perovskite La0.5Na0.5TiO3phosphors in glass for warm white light emitting diodes
Authors: Zhong Jiasong , Chen Daqin , Zhou Yang , Wan Zhongyi , Ding Mingye , Bai Wangfeng , Ji Zhenguo
Published: February 2016

A novel perovskite La0.5Na0.5TiO3:Eu3+red-emitting phosphor and the related phosphor-in-glass (PiG) inorganic color converter for high-power warm w-LEDs were fabricated.
A morphology, porosity and surface conductive layer optimized MnCo2O4 microsphere for compatible superior Li+ ion/air rechargeable battery electrode materials
Authors: Yun Young Jun , Kim Jin Kyu , Ju Ji Young , Unithrattil Sanjith , Lee Sun Sook , Kang Yongku , Jung Ha-Kyun , Park Jin-Seong , Im Won Bin , Choi Sungho
Published: February 2016

A porosity and morphology controlled MnCo2O4 microsphere for superior rechargeable Li+ battery electrodes.
Bioavailability, rheology and sensory evaluation of fat-free yogurt enriched with VD3encapsulated in re-assembled casein micelles
Authors: Levinson Yonatan , Ish-Shalom Sophia , Segal Elena , Livney Yoav D.
Published: February 2016

Vitamin D3(VD3) deficiency is a global problem. Nonfat yoghurt enriched with VD3within reformed casein micelles has been clinically studied. Similarly high bioavailability was found, but better texture and taste compared to Tween 80.
Formation of whey protein–polyphenol meso-structures as a natural means of creating functional particles
Authors: Schneider Margaret , Esposito Debora , Lila Mary Ann , Foegeding E. Allen
Published: February 2016

Whey proteins provide structure and nutritional properties in food, while berry juices are thought to have biological activity that can impart anti-inflammatory health effects.
Easy and eco-friendly synthesis of ordered mesoporous carbons by self-assembly of tannin with a block copolymer
Authors: Braghiroli F. L. , Fierro V. , Parmentier J. , Pasc A. , Celzard A.
Published: February 2016

Synthesis of ordered mesoporous carbons from tannin with ordered mesostructure and good thermal stability.
Synthesis of high-quality graphene sheets in task-specific ionic liquids and their photocatalytic performance
Authors: Yu Youyi , Han Zhen , Zhang Yongbo , Dong Bing , Kong Aiguo , Shan Yongkui
Published: February 2016

Oxidation of peroxydisulfate anions and intercalation of imidazole cations facilitate sufficient exfoliation of expanded graphite in ionic liquids.
The interaction of a β-fused isoindoline–porphyrin conjugate with nucleic acids
Authors: Mandoj Federica , D'Urso Alessandro , Nardis Sara , Monti Donato , Stefanelli Manuela , Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Randazzo Rosalba , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: February 2016

The intercalation of a diiminoisoindoline–porphyrin conjugate into the poly(dG–dC) double helix occurs by inducing the fast formation of the helix with temperature.
Cellulose conjugated FITC-labelled mesoporous silica nanoparticles: intracellular accumulation and stimuli responsive doxorubicin release
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Zahid Fouzia , Duan Ruixue , Asif Muhammad , Zhang Tianchi , Zhang Zhenyu , Cheng Yong , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: February 2016

Novel cellulose conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (CLS-MSPs) for stimuli responsive intracellular doxorubicin (DOX) delivery were designed.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiopure hydroxy sulfoxides derived from substituted arenes
Authors: Boyd Derek R. , Sharma Narain D. , Malone John F. , Ljubez Vera , Murphy Deirdre , Shepherd Steven D. , Allen Christopher C. R.
Published: February 2016

Enantiopure β-hydroxy sulfoxides, phenol sulfoxides and catechol sulfoxides were obtained by chemoenzymatic synthesis and evaluated as chiral synthons and ligands.
Chemoselective and stereoselective lithium carbenoid mediated cyclopropanation of acyclic allylic alcohols
Authors: Durán-Peña M. J. , Flores-Giubi M. E. , Botubol-Ares J. M. , Harwood L. M. , Collado I. G. , Macías-Sánchez A. J. , Hernández-Galán R.
Published: February 2016

A new method for the chemo- and stereoselective conversion of acyclic allylic alcohols into the corresponding substituted cyclopropane derivatives has been developed using lithium carbenoids.
Shape-switching self-assembly of new diblock copolymers with UCST-type and LCST-type segments in water
Authors: Yoshimitsu H. , Korchagina E. , Kanazawa A. , Kanaoka S. , Winnik F. M. , Aoshima S.
Published: February 2016

Novel dual thermosensitive diblock copolymers with an imidazolium salt and oxyethylene side-chains which self-assemble into micelles and vesicles in water depending on the temperature are precisely synthesized.
Recent developments of iron pincer complexes for catalytic applications
Authors: Bauer Gerald , Hu Xile
Published: February 2016

Iron pincer complexes exhibit excellent activity in homogeneous catalysis.
Visibly vapor-responsive structurally colored carbon fibers prepared by an electrophoretic deposition method
Authors: Yuan Xiaofei , Liu Zhifu , Shang Shenglong , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Jin Wusong
Published: February 2016

A new type of photonic crystal carbon fiber exhibits tunable structural colors upon exposure to organic vapors.
Manganese(iii)salophen supported on a silica containing triazine dendrimer: an efficient catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with sodium periodate
Authors: Fardjahromi Mahsa Asadniaye , Moghadam Majid , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj
Published: February 2016

Mn(iii) salophen supported on a nanosilica triazine dendrimer was synthesized and used for epoxidation of alkenes with sodium periodate.
A study on the co-reaction of benzoxazine and triazine through a triazine-containing benzoxazine
Authors: Lin Ching Hsuan , Chou Yu-Chun , Wang Meng Wei , Jeng Ru Jong
Published: February 2016

To study the co-reaction of benzoxazine and triazine, a triazine-containing benzoxazine (P-tta) was prepared through nucleophilic substitution of 4-(2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-3(4H)-yl)phenol (P-ap) with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine.
Simple preparation of Cu6Sn5/Sn composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Han QiGang , Yi Zheng , Cheng Yong , Wu Yaoming , Wang LiMin
Published: February 2016

Cu6Sn5/Sn composites are directly fabricated by a high energy mechanical milling technique and subsequent heat treatment.
Towards the development of eco-friendly disposable polymers: ZnO-initiated thermal and hydrolytic degradation in poly(l-lactide)/ZnO nanocomposites
Authors: Lizundia E. , Ruiz-Rubio L. , Vilas J. L. , León L. M.
Published: February 2016

Schematic representation showing catalytic reaction in poly(l-lactide)/ZnO nanocomposites.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective detection of cysteine over homocysteine and glutathione in living cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Hang Yandi , Qu Weisong , Yan Yongchao , Zhao Ping , Hua Jianli
Published: February 2016

A new fluorescent probe (DPP-AC) based on diketopyrrolopyrrole with an acrylate group was designed and synthesized for the sensitive and selective detection of biological thiols.
Quantum dot cluster (QDC)-loaded phospholipid micelles as a FRET probe for phospholipase A2 detection
Authors: Li Junling , Zhang Yonghua , Ai Junjie , Gao Qiang , Qi Honglan , Zhang Chengxiao , Cheng Zhiliang
Published: February 2016

The quantum dot cluster-loaded phospholipid micelles for sensitive detection of PLA2.
Surface passivation of titanium dioxide via an electropolymerization method to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Khoshroo Alireza , Taghavinia Nima , Hosseinzadeh Laleh
Published: February 2016

We introduce an electrochemical method for insulating and passivation open areas of a nanoporous TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells, which can effectively decrease the recombination rate of electrons.
Fabrication of ordered Si nanopillar arrays for ultralow reflectivity
Authors: Teng Fei , Li Ning , Liu Lingxiao , Xu Daren , Xiao Dongyang , Lu Nan
Published: February 2016

Ordered silicon nanopillar arrays with the aspect ratio of 29 : 1 suppressed the reflectivity of silicon wafer lower than 0.1%.
High-frequency fabrication of discrete and dispersible hollow carbon spheres with hierarchical porous shells by using secondary-crosslinking pyrolysis
Authors: Hong Min , Chen Jiafu , Zhang Minxin , Huang Xin , Xu Qun
Published: February 2016

Discrete, uniform HCSs with hierarchical porous shell are fabricated by “secondary-crosslinking pyrolysis”, showing high specific capacitance of 192 F g−1.
A “pillared” process to construct graphitic carbon nitride based functionalized mesoporous materials
Authors: Wang Zhonghao , Chen Long , Du Xiaorui , Zou Guojun , Wang Xiaolai
Published: February 2016

Graphitic carbon nitride based mesoporous materials were constructed via a novel “pillared” way, which can expand the “tool box” available to synthesize multi-functional porous materials.
Facile preparation of semimetallic WP2 as a novel photocatalyst with high photoactivity
Authors: Pi Mingyu , Wu Tianli , Zhang Dingke , Chen Shijian , Wang Shuxia
Published: February 2016

Searching for inexpensive and earth-abundant photocatalysts with high activities has attracted considerable research in recent years. Semimetallic tungsten diphosphide (WP2) micro-particles are explored as a novel photocatalyst at the first time.
Determination of six anti-Parkinson drugs using cyclodextrin-capillary electrophoresis method: application to pharmaceutical dosage forms
Authors: Zeid Abdallah M. , Nasr Jenny Jeehan M. , Belal Fathalla F. , Kitagawa Shinya , Kaji Noritada , Baba Yoshinobu , Walash Mohamed I.
Published: February 2016

Addition of β-cyclodextrin to the background electrolyte improves the separation efficiency of multi-component mixtures through inclusion complex formation.
Synthetic routes to benzosuberone-based fused- and spiro-heterocyclic ring systems
Authors: Farghaly Thoraya A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Dawood Kamal M. , Shaaban Mohamed R.
Published: February 2016

Benzosuberones are an important class of medicinal and pharmaceutical compounds and have recently attracted considerable attention. The present review highlights the progress in the synthesis of benzosuberones and their fused and spiro ring systems up to 2015.
Understanding the mechanism of replacement of citrate from the surface of gold nanoparticles by amino acids: a theoretical and experimental investigation and their biological application
Authors: Rani Monika , Moudgil Lovika , Singh Baljinder , Kaushal Akshey , Mittal Anu , Saini G. S. S. , Tripathi S. K. , Singh Gurinder , Kaura Aman
Published: February 2016

The present study explores the physicochemical aspects needed for the appropriate in vitro synthesis and surface modification behavior of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of amino acids (AA).
Formation of tungsten trioxide with hierarchical architectures arranged by tiny nanorods for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yang Jiaqin , Xu Lirong , Yan Shina , Zheng Wenjun
Published: February 2016

WO3 with hierarchical flower-like architectures has been obtained by calcination of WO3·0.33H2O, which is initially prepared via a hydrothermal method with formic acid as a structure directing agent.
A turn on fluorescent sensor based on lanthanide coordination polymer nanoparticles for the detection of mercury(ii) in biological fluids
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Chengjuan , Tan Hongliang , Tang Gonge , Gao Jie , Chen Chia-Hung
Published: February 2016

Im-quenched fluorescence of Eu/IPA CPNPs can be recovered upon the addition of Hg2+ through the formation of a Hg/Im complex.
Solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes based on crosslinked polybenzimidazole
Authors: Chen Dongju , Yu Shanshan , Yang Mei , Li Dandan , Li Xianfeng
Published: February 2016

Highly stable solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes based on crosslinked polybenzimidazole were designed and fabricated.
Room-temperature synthesis of silica supported silver nanoparticles in basic ethanol solution and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Cai Yuncheng , Tan Fatang , Qiao Xueliang , Wang Wei , Chen Jianguo , Qiu Xiaolin
Published: February 2016

A facile and environmentally friendly route was developed to synthesize silica supported silver nanoparticles through the reduction of Ag+ ions in basic ethanol solution without adding any other reducing agents or surfactants at room temperature.
Synthesis and characterization of a multifunctional nanocatalyst based on a novel type of binary-metal-oxide-coated Fe3O4–Au nanoparticle
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Chao , Wang Qianli , Xu Yuanmei , Zhang Mingyu
Published: February 2016

A novel type of binary-metal-oxide-coated Au nanocatalyst, including a mixed oxide layer, a moveable magnetic Fe3O4 core and some Au NPs of 2–5 nm, has been synthesized successfully by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method.
DFT studies on the mechanism of palladium catalyzed arylthiolation of unactive arene to diaryl sulfide
Authors: Zhou Ya-ping , Wang Mei-yan , Fang Sheng , Chen Yu , Liu Jing-yao
Published: February 2016

The cleavage of S–N bond prefers to take place via concerted σ-bond metathesis rather than oxidative addition proposed in experiment.
Optical sensitivity of mussel protein-coated double-walled carbon nanotubes on the iron–DOPA conjugation bond
Authors: Ko Yong-Il , Kang Cheon-Soo , Shin Eun-Ae , Jung Yong Chae , Muramatsu Hiroyuki , Hayashi Takuya , Kim Yoong Ahm , Dresselhaus Mildred S.
Published: February 2016

The optical properties of semiconducting carbon nanotubes respond sensitively to external conditions.
Mechanochemically synthesized m-BiVO4 nanoparticles for visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Luo Q. , Zhang L. , Chen X. , Tan O. K. , Leong K. C.
Published: February 2016

Mechanochemical high energy ball milling approach was used to synthesize monoclinic BiVO4 (m-BiVO4) nanoparticles in an attempt to simultaneously reduce the particle size and improve the throughput for practical photocatalytic applications.
Efficient metal-free photochemical borylation of aryl halides under batch and continuous-flow conditions
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhang Shuai , He Pei , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2016

A metal-free C–B bond forming reaction of aryl halides under batch and continuous-flow conditions is described.
Investigation of morphological degradation of P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction films exposed to long-term host solvent vapor
Authors: Wang Weijia , Guo Shuai , Herzig Eva M. , Sarkar Kuhu , Schindler Markus , Magerl David , Philipp Martine , Perlich Jan , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: February 2016

A solvent atmosphere results in the degradation of P3HT:PCBM solar cells due to the formation of large PCBM crystallites.