bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual transcriptome sequencing reveals resistance of TLR4 ligand-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages to inflammation mediated by the BET inhibitor JQ1
Authors: Das Amitabh , Chai Jin Choul , Yang Chul-su , Lee Young Seek , Das Nando Dulal , Jung Kyoung Hwa , Chai Young Gyu
Published: November 2015

Persistent macrophage activation is associated with the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes, cytokines and chemokines, which may initiate or amplify inflammatory disorders. A novel synthetic BET inhibitor, JQ1, was proven to exert immunosuppressive activities in macrophages. However, a genome-wide search for JQ1 molecular targets has not been undertaken. The present study aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory function and underlying genes that are targeted by JQ1 in LPS-stimulated primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using global transcriptomic RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. Among the annotated genes, transcriptional sequencing of BMDMs that were treated with JQ1 revealed a selective effect on LPS-induced gene expression in which the induction of cytokines/chemokines, interferon-stimulated genes and prominent (transcription factors) TFs was suppressed. Additionally, we found that JQ1 reduced the expression of previously unidentified genes that are important in inflammation. Importantly, these inflammatory genes were not affected by JQ1 treatment alone. Furthermore, we confirmed that JQ1 reduced cytokines/chemokines in the supernatants of LPS treated BMDMs. Moreover, the biological pathways and gene ontology of the differentially expressed genes were determined in the JQ1 treatment of BMDMs. These unprecedented results suggest that the BET inhibitor JQ1 is a candidate for the prevention or therapeutic treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Correlation between band gap, dielectric constant, Young’s modulus and melting temperature of GaN nanocrystals and their size and shape dependences
Authors: Lu Haiming , Meng Xiangkang
Published: November 2015

With structural miniaturization down to the nanoscale, the detectable parameters of materials no longer remain constant but become tunable. For GaN nanocrystals example, the band gap increases while the dielectric constant, Young’s modulus and melting temperature decrease with decreasing the solid size. Herein, we developed the models to describe the size and shape dependences of these seemingly uncorrelated parameters for GaN nanocrystals, based on our established thermodynamic model for cohesive energy of metallic nanocrystals. Consistency between our theoretical predictions and the corresponding experimental or simulated results confirms the accuracy of the developed models and indicates the essentiality of cohesive energy in describing the effects of size and shape on the physicochemical properties of different low-dimensional systems.
Graphene Based Waveguide Polarizers: In-Depth Physical Analysis and Relevant Parameters
Authors: de Oliveira Rafael E. P. , de Matos Christiano J. S.
Published: November 2015

Optical polarizing devices exploiting graphene embedded in waveguides have been demonstrated in the literature recently and both the TE- and TM-pass behaviors were reported. The determination of the passing polarization is usually attributed to graphene’s Fermi level (and, therefore, doping level), with, however, no direct confirmation of this assumption provided. Here we show, through numerical simulation, that rather than graphene’s Fermi level, the passing polarization is determined by waveguide parameters, such as the superstrate refractive index and the waveguide’s height. The results provide a consistent explanation for experimental results reported in the literature. In addition, we show that with an accurate graphene modeling, a waveguide cannot be switched between TE pass and TM pass via Fermi level tuning. Therefore, the usually overlooked contribution of the waveguide design is shown to be essential for the development of optimized TE- or TM-pass polarizers, which we show to be due to the control it provides on the fraction of the electric field that is tangential to graphene.
Role of P38 MAPK on MMP Activity in Photothrombotic Stroke Mice as Measured using an Ultrafast MMP Activatable Probe
Authors: Chang Di , Wang Yuan-Cheng , Bai Ying-Ying , Lu Chun-Qiang , Xu Ting-Ting , Zhu Lei , Ju Shenghong
Published: November 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exert a dual effect in ischemic stroke and thus represent an ideal target for detection and therapy. However, to date, all clinical trials of MMP inhibitors have failed and alternative drug candidates and therapeutic targets are urgently required. Nonetheless, further investigations are limited by the lack of non-invasive imaging techniques. Here, we report a novel, fast and ultrasensitive MMP activatable optical imaging probe for the dynamic visualization of MMP activity in photothrombotic stroke mice. This probe provides a significant signal enhancement in as little as 15 min, with the highest signal intensity occurring at 1 h post-injection and shows high sensitivity in measuring MMP activity alterations, which makes it specifically suitable for the real-time visualization of MMP activity and drug discovery in preclinical research. Moreover, using this probe, we successfully demonstrate that the regulation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway is capable of modulating MMP activity after stroke, revealing a novel regulatory mechanism of postischemic brain damage and overcoming the limitations of traditional therapeutic strategies associated with MMP inhibitors by using a non-invasive molecular imaging method.
CMV promoter mutants with a reduced propensity to productivity loss in CHO cells
Authors: Moritz Benjamin , Becker Peter B. , Göpfert Ulrich
Published: November 2015

The major immediate-early promoter and enhancer of the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV-MIE) is one of the most potent DNA elements driving recombinant gene expression in mammalian cells. Therefore, it is widely employed not only in research but also in large-scale industrial applications, e.g. for the production of therapeutic antibodies in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). As we have reported previously, multi-site methylation of hCMV-MIE is linked to productivity loss in permanently transfected CHO cells lines. In particular, the cytosine located 179 bp upstream of the transcription start site (C-179) is frequently methylated. Therefore, our objective was to study whether mutation of C-179 and other cytosines within hCMV-MIE might lessen the instability of transgene expression. We discovered that the single mutation of C-179 to G can significantly stabilise the production of recombinant protein under control of hCMV-MIE in permanently transfected CHO cells.
Crystallization pathways of liquid-bcc transition for a model iron by fast quenching
Authors: Pan Shao-Peng , Feng Shi-Dong , Qiao Jun-Wei , Wang Wei-Min , Qin Jing-Yu
Published: November 2015

We report simulations on the local structural evolution in the liquid-bcc transition of a model iron. Fourteen main Voronoi polyhedra are chosen as the representatives of short-range orders (SROs) and their transformations during crystallization are also investigated. Thus, the crystallization pathways for the main SROs are drawn. Our results also show that the transformations between two SROs in the crystallization pathways can be classified into two categories, first the enlargement of coordination number, second the transformation of local symmetry from five-fold to four-fold. The former reduces the potential energy while the latter increases it. It is found that the potential energy cannot decease monotonously whatever crystallization pathway is chosen to transform the icosahedral SRO to bcc SRO. Therefore, the latter transformation might provide the energy barrier of crystallization. We propose two transformation styles among SROs. All the transformations in the crystallization pathways can be achieved according to the styles. Moreover, the two transformation styles indicates that the bcc structure is more similar to liquid than other crystals. That might be the reason why the first phase nucleated during a rapid cooling process should be bcc crystal.
Combined Mapping of Multiple clUsteriNg ALgorithms (COMMUNAL): A Robust Method for Selection of Cluster Number, K
Authors: Sweeney Timothy E. , Chen Albert C. , Gevaert Olivier
Published: November 2015

In order to discover new subsets (clusters) of a data set, researchers often use algorithms that perform unsupervised clustering, namely, the algorithmic separation of a dataset into some number of distinct clusters. Deciding whether a particular separation (or number of clusters, K) is correct is a sort of ‘dark art’, with multiple techniques available for assessing the validity of unsupervised clustering algorithms. Here, we present a new technique for unsupervised clustering that uses multiple clustering algorithms, multiple validity metrics and progressively bigger subsets of the data to produce an intuitive 3D map of cluster stability that can help determine the optimal number of clusters in a data set, a technique we call COmbined Mapping of Multiple clUsteriNg ALgorithms (COMMUNAL). COMMUNAL locally optimizes algorithms and validity measures for the data being used. We show its application to simulated data with a known K and then apply this technique to several well-known cancer gene expression datasets, showing that COMMUNAL provides new insights into clustering behavior and stability in all tested cases. COMMUNAL is shown to be a useful tool for determining K in complex biological datasets and is freely available as a package for R.
Cellular miR-130b inhibits replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Liwei , Gao Fei , Jiang Yifeng , Yu Lingxue , Zhou Yanjun , Zheng Hao , Tong Wu , Yang Shen , Xia Tianqi , Qu Zehui , Tong Guangzhi
Published: November 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can impact viral infections by binding to sequences with partial complementarity on viral RNA transcripts, usually resulting in the repression of virus replication. In the present study, we identified a potential binding site for miR-130 in the 5′ untranslated region (bps 155-162) of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) genome. We found that the delivery of multiple miR-130 family mimics, especially miR-130b, resulted in inhibition of PRRSV replication in vitro. miR-130 was effective in inhibiting the replication of multiple type 2 PRRSV strains, but not against vSHE, a classical type 1 strain. miR-130 over-expression did not induce IFN-α or TNF-α expression in either uninfected or PRRSV-infected porcine alveolar macrophages. Results from luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-130 directly targeted the PRRSV 5′ UTR. Intranasal inoculation of piglets with miR-130b exhibited antiviral activity in vivo and partially protected piglets from an otherwise lethal challenge with HP-PRRSV strain vJX143. Overall, these results demonstrate the importance of the miR-130 family in modulating PRRSV replication and also provide a scientific basis for using cellular miRNAs in anti-PRRSV therapies.
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) Optimal Manufacturing
Authors: Shahinpoor Mohsen
Published: November 2015

This chapter presents a brief description of various methodologies, techniques and experimental procedures for manufacturing ionic polymeric metal composites (IPMCs) and ionic polymeric conductor composites as biomimetic robotic multi-functional smart materials, actuators, energy harvesters, sensors and artificial muscles. IPMCs may also be manufactured as a membrane electrode assembly for hydrogen fuel cells. Furthermore, a number of issues such as IPMC actuators force optimization using the Taguchi design of experiment technique, the effects of different cations on the electromechanical performance of IPMCs, electrode and particle size and distribution control, manufacturing cost minimization approaches, scaling and three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing of IPMC fabrication issues and heterogeneous composites by physical loading techniques are also reviewed and discussed. Plating IPMCs with graphene or using ionic liquids as a polarizing liquid within the macromolecular network of IPMCs, as well as using XR-Resin to make complex molds for 3D IPMCs, are also discussed. The performance of those IPMCs produced by different manufacturing techniques are presented and compared.
Graphene-based Ionic Polymer Actuators
Authors: Oh Il-Kwon , Jeon Jin-Han
Published: November 2015

Recently, two-dimensional graphene and its derivatives have received enormous interest for use in next-generation actuators due to their extraordinary electro-chemo-mechanical properties and facile preparation and functionalization. In particular, strong emphasis has been put on investigating high-performance ionic polymer actuators based on graphene materials to overcome problems such as low actuation performance, low durability, and high cost of fabrication. Nevertheless, the above issues still need to be resolved, and thus more advanced actuating materials have to be newly developed. Here, we address more recently developed graphene-based ionic polymer actuators, including promising graphene-based electrodes and graphene-reinforced nanocomposites, and highlight their remarkable material properties and high actuation performance, along with the significant roles of graphene. Specifically, the highly durable ionic polymer actuators are developed by employing crack-free and hydrophobic graphene papers as highly conductive, large-scale, flexible, and liquid impermeable electrodes. Moreover, we investigate high-performing graphene-reinforced nanocomposites, such as graphene–Nafion nanocomposites and graphene oxide–chitosan bio-nanocomposites, as promising ionic polymer membranes that possess significantly enhanced ion transport properties and electro-mechanical performance due to minute loading of functionalized graphene derivatives. These efforts will greatly contribute to high-performance ionic polymer actuators for practical applications in sensor/actuator integrated systems, biomimetic robots, active biomedical devices, human-friendly applications, soft haptic feedback systems, and next-generation soft electronics.
What Happens at the Ionomer–Electrode Interfaces and How it Influences Sensing and Actuation in Ionic Polymer Metal Composites
Authors: Cha Youngsu , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: November 2015

The process of metal electrode deposition used in the fabrication of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) results in the formation of a highly heterogeneous layer at the ionomer–electrode interfaces, whose conductive and dielectric properties may significantly differ from both the ionomer and the metal. Charge redistribution in the vicinity of such layers is often considered to be a determinant of IPMC charge dynamics and, thus, a key contributing factor to both actuation and sensing. In this chapter, we propose a refined modeling framework to understand what happens at these interfaces and predict the mechanics and electrochemistry of IPMCs. We describe the kinematics of an IPMC in terms of its mechanical deformation, the concentration of mobile counterions neutralizing the ionomer, and the electric potential. The chemoelectromechanical constitutive behavior is obtained from a Helmholtz free energy density, which accounts for mechanical stretching, ion mixing, and electric polarization. We demonstrate the approach in the analysis of three representative instances, namely: electrical response of IPMCs with fully covered electrodes at blocked null deformations; sensing dynamics of IPMCs with partially covered electrodes; and static actuation of IPMCs with perfect electrodes.
Modeling Ionic Polymer Metal Composites with COMSOL: Step-by-Step Guide
Authors: Pugal David , Stalbaum Tyler , Palmre Viljar , Kim Kwang J.
Published: November 2015

Considerable effort has been put into modeling the physics of the electromechanical transduction phenomenon of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). A broad way to categorize the existing models is by how the underlying physics is described. The first category is made up of rather empirical current-displacement relation models, often based on the electric circuit equivalent description. The second category of the models explicitly considers the ionic flux inside the material. In this chapter, we consider the latter, namely physics-based IPMC electromechanical and mechanoelectrical transduction models. Although the basic equations of the physics-based models of IPMCs have been established, it can take a significant amount of time and effort to implement them for calculations. Furthermore, freely available basic models of IPMCs would greatly benefit researchers and engineers by being a basis for developing more complicated models according to the research or design needs. To make the fundamental models of IPMCs more applicable in system and application designs, an explicit foundation of how to implement the equations is needed. Therefore, the FEM-based implementation of the model with all necessary boundary conditions is presented—this is called the modeling framework of IPMCs. Step-by-step guidelines of how to implement a basic model of IPMCs in COMSOL Multiphysics® modeling software are provided. COMSOL Multiphysics® is a registered trademark of COMSOL AB. The underlying equations and boundary conditions for the electromechanical and mechanoelectrical transduction model implementations are explicitly described first. Thereafter, sample models with illustrations are introduced followed by a brief analysis of modeling results.
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites with Electrochemically Active Electrodes
Authors: Johanson Urmas , Punning Andres , Aabloo Alvo
Published: November 2015

The vast majority of the aqueous ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) materials are fabricated with electrodes made of precious metals—gold or platinum. At first glance this may seem unreasonable, since there are several well-known metal plating methods using the substantially cheaper metals—copper or silver. In point of fact, an IPMC is a complicated electrochemical system in which the occurrence of the electrochemical processes depends on the applied voltage. In aqueous-based IPMCs, the electrolysis of water occurs at higher voltages. Due to the various electrochemical factors, the presence of a non-precious metal in an IPMC changes its behaviour drastically. On the one hand, it opens up new possibilities for better actuation. On the other hand, in the presence of non-precious metals, the unwanted side-reactions (e.g. the corrosion of electrodes) already occur at very low voltages. This chapter highlights the electrochemical aspect of IPMCs with electrodes made of precious metals as well as copper, silver, and nickel.
Electromechanical Distributed Modeling of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites
Authors: Vunder Veiko , Punning Andres , Aabloo Alvo
Published: November 2015

The electromechanical bending response of an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) is caused by migration of ions between different layers of the laminate. There are a lot of studies in which the underlying fundamental processes of IPMC actuators are explained using physics-based white-box modeling. From the engineering aspect, the alternative approach—semi-physical gray-box electromechanical modeling—is more reasonable. It may embody the knowledge on the low-level processes, but also relies on some basic functions, whose parameters are determined from simple measurements. Combining the electrical circuits and mechanical viscoelastic models allows straightforward electromechanical modeling of the IPMC actuators and sensors. The current chapter tries to justify the diversity of the gray-box models, discussing their design principles and evolution from simple lumped models up to of the sophisticated distributed models of IPMCs.
Modeling for Engineering Design of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Devices: From a Continuum Electromechanical Model to its Lumped-parameter Representation
Authors: Costa Branco P. J. , Dente J. A.
Published: November 2015

This chapter presents the main issues related to the use of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) in electromechanical systems. The set of core topics covered are: continuum electromechanical modeling of the IPMC material; its application to a new category of electromechanical devices, as well as the proposal of new topologies; and modification of the IPMC physical properties for the improvement of its electromechanical performance. The chapter also provides insight into a set of topics that is not always advantageous for the use of the IPMC materials in electromechanical systems and has been “many, many times ignored” in most published research. The set of less favorable aspects for the IPMC materials certainly indicates what challenges still exist in this area and need to be resolved in order to further enhance the ionic electroactive materials as IPMCs.
Electric Energy Storage using Ionic Polymer Metal Composites: Towards a Flexible Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Capacitor for Low-power Devices
Authors: Lourenço L. , Costa Branco P. J.
Published: November 2015

This chapter presents a mechanism that it is still very little studied as a flexible storage device for electrical energy: the ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) electroactive polymer material. The advantages of such materials compared to conventional storage devices motivated this research, including in terms of flexibility, robustness, and the achieved small size and weight for the same capacitance values. These characteristics appoint IPMC devices as ideal candidates to replace usual capacitors in various applications. This chapter evaluates IPMCs as electrical energy storing devices. Experiments were undertaken with IPMCs that have different thicknesses, surface areas, and diverse solute concentrations. In particular, two specific issues are analyzed: (1) IPMC characterization in terms of electric energy storage (energy density, charging–discharging times, and maintenance time of the electric charge); and (2) analysis of the usage of parallel IPMC topologies to increase device capacitance.
Modeling of Environment-dependent Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuation and Sensing Dynamics
Authors: Lei Hong , Tan Xiaobo
Published: November 2015

Like many other smart materials, ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) demonstrate strong environment dependence. In particular, temperature and humidity have significant impacts on the IPMC behaviors through their influence on the electrical/mechanical properties of the material and ion/solvent transport inside the polymer. Without properly accounting for their influence, it will be difficult to obtain a precise model for interpreting the results from an IPMC sensor output or controlling an IPMC actuator. In this chapter, we first present systematic studies on temperature-dependent IPMC sensing dynamics, which is modeled with a transfer function with temperature-dependent coefficients. By fitting the values of the coefficients with the empirical frequency response of the sensor at a set of test temperatures, we capture the temperature dependence of the coefficients with polynomial functions, which can be used to predict the sensing dynamics at other temperatures. A similar approach is further applied to the modeling and open-loop control of temperature-dependent IPMC actuators. In addition, we characterize and model the influence of environmental humidity on an IPMC sensor operating in air from a physical perspective. A physics-based model is used with humidity-dependent physical parameters.
Precision Feedback and Feedforward Control of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuators
Authors: Carrico James D. , Fleming Maxwell , Tsugawa Marissa A. , Leang Kam K.
Published: November 2015

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs), a type of electroactive polymer, are quickly gaining attention for use in many applications, including soft bio-inspired actuators and sensors. Some noteworthy advantages of IPMCs include their low driving voltage (<5 V) and the ability to be operated in aqueous environments. There are, however, drawbacks to IPMC actuators, including dynamics effects, the back-relaxation effect, and time-varying behaviors. These effects can limit the performance of IPMC-based actuators. This chapter focuses on feedback and feedforward control approaches for the precision control of IPMC actuators. In particular, a model-based feedforward controller is described to compensate for dynamic effects. Repetitive control (RC) is introduced for tracking period trajectories, and a method that exploits sectored IPMCs with an integrated feedback and feedforward controller is described to mitigate back-relaxation behavior. This chapter also discusses basic IPMC manufacturing techniques and methods for sensing displacement for sensor-based feedback control.
Design, Test, and Micromanipulation using an Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Microgripper
Authors: Deole Ujwal , Simpson Justin , Lumia Ron
Published: November 2015

The goal of this work is to develop a microgripper using an electroactive ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) as an actuator to grasp and manipulate micro-sized flexible and rigid objects. We derive a theoretical force model for the microgripper that estimates that an IPMC finger exerts a force of 85 μN when grasping a solder ball of 15 mg, and experimentally verify the result. We also show empirically that the relationship between load carry capability and the length of microgripper fingers is linear. We show how flexible objects (hydrogels in this case) are grasped with this IPMC microgripper. Finally, a microgripper finger that is simultaneously an actuator and a sensor is described, along with performance measurements.
Phenomenon of Spatially Growing Wave of a Snake-like Robot: Natural Generation of Bio-mimetic Swimming Motion
Authors: Takagi Kentaro , Nakabo Yoshihiro , Luo Zhi-Wei , Mukai Toshiharu , Asaka Kinji
Published: November 2015

In the swimming of an underwater snake robot made of an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC), the bending wave of the snake robot grows from the head to the tail even if a uniform moment (or voltage) with constant amplitude is applied. This interesting phenomenon is also observed in the swimming of living fish and is thought to contribute to energy-efficient swimming. The phenomenon observed in the swimming of the robot may suggest a hypothesis such that living fish utilize the elasticity of their musculoskeletal systems when they swim. That is to say, the growing wave phenomenon of living fish may be generated unintentionally and naturally. This chapter introduces a modelling and analytical solution to the bending deformation of a beam-shaped IPMC robot. The obtained analytical solution can simulate the envelope of the deformation shape, which increases from the head to the tail. In the experiment, the growing wave phenomenon of the robot is measured by a video camera. From the captured deformation data, the parameters of the analytical model are estimated. Finally it is shown that the deformation shape of the analytical model well predicts the experimental deformation.
Bioinspired multi-block molecules
Authors: Muraoka Takahiro , Kinbara Kazushi
Published: November 2015

Elaborately designed synthetic multiblock molecules and copolymers are able to undergo folding like biological macromolecules and form controlled and compartmentalized self-assemblies that exert characteristic functions in solution, the crystalline state, and membranous media.
A light sensitive self-assembled nanogel as a tecton for protein patterning materials
Authors: Nishimura Tomoki , Takara Masahiro , Mukai Sada-atsu , Sawada Shin-ichi , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: November 2015

A light-sensitiveortho-nitrobenzyl unit on the hydroxyl group of pullulan. The use of light-sensitive components makes it possible to create patterned nanogels that can immobilize proteins.
NHPI and palladium cocatalyzed aerobic oxidative acylation of arenes through a radical process
Authors: Liang Yu-Feng , Wang Xiaoyang , Tang Conghui , Shen Tao , Liu Jianzhong , Jiao Ning
Published: November 2015

Molecular oxygen, the most environmentally friendly oxidant, was used as the terminal oxidant for palladium-catalyzed radical oxidative acylation of arenes.
Requirements of first-principles calculations of X-ray absorption spectra of liquid water
Authors: Fransson Thomas , Zhovtobriukh Iurii , Coriani Sonia , Wikfeldt Kjartan T. , Norman Patrick , Pettersson Lars G. M.
Published: November 2015

Transition-potential and time-dependent density functional theory XAS calculations are presented for water and ice, showing excellent agreement between TDDFT results and experimental spectra.
An EPR study of ampullosporin A, a medium-length peptaibiotic, in bicelles and vesicles
Authors: Bortolus Marco , Dalzini Annalisa , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio , Gobbo Marina , Maniero Anna Lisa
Published: November 2015

EPR/CD spectroscopies reveal that the peptaibol ampullosporin A changes the orientation and conformation depending on its concentration and bilayer thickness.
Low field photo-CIDNP in the intramolecular electron transfer of naproxen–pyrrolidine dyads
Authors: Magin I. M. , Polyakov N. E. , Kruppa A. I. , Purtov P. A. , Leshina T. V. , Kiryutin A. S. , Miranda M. A. , Nuin E. , Marin M. L.
Published: November 2015

Low field dyad 1H CIDNP in low and high solvent polarity.
Exploring the charging mechanisms in non-aqueous multiphase surfactant solutions, emulsions and colloidal systems via conductivity behaviors predicted with eyring's rate process theory
Authors: Hao Tian
Published: November 2015

The schematic diagram shows charge separation induced and stabilized by an electric field and inverse micelles charged in the end.
Graphene oxide/carbon dot composite: a new photoelectrode material for photocurrent response enhancement
Authors: Yang Ze , Xiao Juan , Wan Jia-Yun , Liu Zhong-Guo , Cao Ting-Ting , Zhang Wen-Jie , Wang Hang-Xing
Published: November 2015

As a novel all carbon-based photoelectrode consisting of p-type graphene oxide and n-type nitrogen, sulfur co-doped carbon dot exhibits a high photocurrent response activity.
STM investigation of structural isomers: alkyl chain position induced self-assembly at the liquid/solid interface
Authors: Hu Yi , Miao Kai , Zha Bao , Xu Li , Miao Xinrui , Deng Wenli
Published: November 2015

The results are of significance to the alkyl chain position induced assembly configurations and the surface research studies of structural isomers.
Proton triggered emission and selective sensing of picric acid by the fluorescent aggregates of 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-bis-(2-pyridyl)-quinoxaline
Authors: Mazumdar Prativa , Maity Samir , Shyamal Milan , Das Debasish , Sahoo Gobinda Prasad , Misra Ajay
Published: November 2015

Proton triggered emission and selective sensing of picric acid by aggregates of 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-bis-(2-pyridyl)-quinoxaline.
Structural motifs of 2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethylamine conformers
Authors: Mayorkas Nitzan , Sachs Hanan , Schütz Markus , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki , Dopfer Otto , Bar Ilana
Published: November 2015

Vibronic and vibrational spectra of 2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethylamine (2-FPEA) conformers were measured in a molecular beam by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI), ultraviolet–ultraviolet hole burning (UV–UV HB) spectroscopy, and ionization-loss stimulated Raman spectroscopy (ILSRS).
Crystal phase-controlled synthesis, properties and applications of noble metal nanomaterials
Authors: Fan Zhanxi , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2015

In this review, the recent progress of crystal phase-controlled synthesis, properties and applications of noble metal nanomaterials is systematically introduced.
Correction: Recent progress of abrasion-resistant materials: learning from nature
Authors: Meng Jingxin , Zhang Pengchao , Wang Shutao
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘Recent progress of abrasion-resistant materials: learning from nature’ by Jingxin Meng et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00459d.
Pd/C catalysts based on synthetic carbons with bi- and tri-modal pore-size distribution: applications in flow chemistry
Authors: Fan X. , Sans V. , Sharma S. K. , Plucinski P. K. , Zaikovskii V. A. , Wilson K. , Tennison S. R. , Kozynchenko A. , Lapkin A. A.
Published: November 2015

Synthetic carbons with hierarchical mesopores are promising for developing new catalysts for intensified continuous-flow catalysis in structured reactors.
Poisoning of vanadia based SCR catalysts by potassium: influence of catalyst composition and potassium mobility
Authors: Olsen Brian K. , Kügler Frauke , Castellino Francesco , Jensen Anker D.
Published: November 2015

A novel experimental protocol, involving two-layer pellets, shows that potassium bound in KCl has a much higher mobility in SCR catalysts compared to that bound in K2SO4.
Hydrangea-like NiCo2S4 hollow microspheres as an advanced bifunctional electrocatalyst for aqueous metal/air batteries
Authors: Wang Mengran , Lai Yanqing , Fang Jing , Qin Furong , Zhang Zhian , Li Jie , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2015

Hydrangea-like NiCo2S4 hollow microspheres are proposed as an advanced electrocatalyst for both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.
Group 13 metal complexes containing the bis-(4-methylbenzoxazol-2-yl)-methanide ligand
Authors: Dauer David-R. , Flügge Melchior , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: November 2015

On the basis of the deprotonated bis-(4-methylbenzoxazol-2-yl)-methane ligand 1 a series of group 13 metal complexes was synthesised and fully characterised. A detailed comparison of solid state structures demonstrates clearly the similarity of methanide and the omnipresent nacnac ligand.
Oxidation catalysis via visible-light water activation of a [Ru(bpy)3]2+ chromophore BSA–metallocorrole couple
Authors: Herrero Christian , Quaranta Annamaria , Ricoux Rémy , Trehoux Alexandre , Mahammed Atif , Gross Zeev , Banse Frédéric , Mahy Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2015

Light induced enantioselective oxidation of thioanisole with water as the oxygen atom source is catalyzed by a Mn-corrole–BSA artificial metalloenzyme in the presence of a photoactivable ruthenium complex.
A luminescent europium(iii)–platinum(ii) heterometallic complex as a theranostic agent: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Chandra Anirban , Singh Khushbu , Singh Swati , Sivakumar Sri , Patra Ashis K.
Published: November 2015

We present a luminescent heterometallic multifunctional theranostic Eu–Pt2 complex, [{cis-PtCl2(DMSO)}2Eu(L)(H2O)], possessing two cytotoxic Pt-centers with four DNA-binding sites, which shows intracellular Eu-based red luminescence sensitized by platinum based MLCT excited states.
Conductance and capacitance of bilayer protective oxides for silicon water splitting anodes
Authors: Scheuermann A. G. , Kemp K. W. , Tang K. , Lu D. Q. , Satterthwaite P. F. , Ito T. , Chidsey C. E. D. , McIntyre P. C.
Published: November 2015

State-of-the-art silicon water splitting photoelectrochemical cells employ oxide protection layers that exhibit electrical conductance in between that of dielectric insulators and electronic conductors, optimizing both built-in field and conductivity.
Large area magnetic micropallet arrays for cell colony sorting
Authors: Cox-Muranami Wesley A. , Nelson Edward L. , Li G. P. , Bachman Mark
Published: November 2015

Large area magnetic micropallets with ferromagnetic cores were fabricated on translucent gold thin films enabling consistent laser release of individual cell colonies via vapor bubble formation beneath the pallets.
1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives as potential antitumor agents: discovery, optimization and biological activity valuation
Authors: Luo Yin , Liu Zhi-Jun , Chen Guo , Shi Jing , Li Jing-Ran , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: November 2015

New 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their FAK inhibitory activity and anticancer activity. The most active compound5hwas studied by docking simulation to explore the binding model.
Mechanisms of resistance to membrane-disrupting antibiotics in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Steinbuch Kfir B. , Fridman Micha
Published: November 2015

A diverse repertoire of mechanisms has evolved to confer resistance to bacterial membrane disrupting antimicrobial cationic amphiphiles.
Novel indole–flutimide heterocycles with activity against influenza PA endonuclease and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Zoidis Grigoris , Giannakopoulou Erofili , Stevaert Annelies , Frakolaki Efseveia , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Fytas George , Mavromara Penelope , Mikros Emmanuel , Bartenschlager Ralf , Vassilaki Niki , Naesens Lieve
Published: November 2015

Structure-based design and synthesis of novel indole–flutimide derivatives with antiviral activity.
Demonstration of the dynamic mass redistribution label-free technology as a useful cell-based pharmacological assay for endogenously expressed GABAA receptors
Authors: Klein Anders B. , Nittegaard-Nielsen Mia , Christensen Julie T. , Al-Khawaja Anas , Wellendorph Petrine
Published: November 2015

Within the continuous quest for the discovery of pharmacologically interesting compounds, the development of new and superior drug screening assays is desired.
EPR spectroscopy study of di-o-quinone bridged by π-extended TTF: redox behavior and binding modes as a ligand
Authors: Chalkov Nikolay O. , Cherkasov Vladimir K. , Abakumov Gleb A. , Starikov Andrey G. , Kuropatov Viacheslav A.
Published: November 2015

Chemical reduction of an acceptor–donor–acceptor bis-chelating system: an EPR and UV-vis study.
Stereocontrol within polyketide assembly lines
Authors: Keatinge-Clay Adrian T.
Published: November 2015

The current structural and functional data on modular polyketide synthase enzymes and their relatives has enabled the construction of physical models for how KS, KR, DH, and ER set stereocenters.
Detection and quantitative analysis of two independent binding modes of a small ligand responsible for DC-SIGN clustering
Authors: Guzzi C. , Alfarano P. , Sutkeviciute I. , Sattin S. , Ribeiro-Viana R. , Fieschi F. , Bernardi A. , Weiser J. , Rojo J. , Angulo J. , Nieto P. M.
Published: November 2015

Multiple binding modes at the same binding site can explain the higher binding affinity of a pseudotrimannotrioside compared to a pseudomannobioside.
Iodine-catalyzed thiolation of electron-rich aromatics using sulfonyl hydrazides as sulfenylation reagents
Authors: Zhao Xia , Li Tianjiao , Zhang Lipeng , Lu Kui
Published: November 2015

Iodine-catalyzed thiolation of electron-rich aromatics, including substituted anisole, thioanisole, phenol, toluene, and naphthalene, using sulfonyl hydrazides as sulfenylation reagents was carried out.
Preparation of anti-corrosion superhydrophobic coatings by an Fe-based micro/nano composite electro-brush plating and blackening process
Authors: Wei Yan , Hongtao Liu , Wei Zhu
Published: November 2015

A method using Fe-based micro/nano composite electro-brush plating and subsequent modification with stearic acid was established for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces on A3 steel plates.
A highly stable Pd/SiO2/cordierite monolith catalyst for 2-ethyl-anthraquinone hydrogenation
Authors: Li Xiaotong , Su Hongjiu , Ren Gaoyuan , Wang Shudong
Published: November 2015

Pd/SiO2/cordierite monolith catalysts show superior stability in a 1000 h test for anthraquinone hydrogenation.
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based on an amide column for the high-throughput quantification of metformin in rat plasma
Authors: Shi Rong , Xu Xining , Wu Jiasheng , Wang Tianming , Li Yuanyuan , Ma Bingliang , Ma Yueming
Published: November 2015

A simple, highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and high-throughput Amide-HILIC-MS/MS assay to quantify metformin in rat plasma was established and successfully applied for sample analysis to support pharmacokinetic studies.
Biogenic nano-particulate iron-sulfide produced through sulfate and Fe(iii)-(hydr)oxide reductions was enhanced by pyruvate as the electron donor
Authors: Zhou Chen , Liu Zhuolin , Pataranutaporn Pat , Vannela Raveender , Hayes Kim F. , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: November 2015

In nature, the formation of iron sulfide solids is mainly attributed to reductions of sulfate and ferric minerals by microorganisms such asDesulfovibrio vulgaris.
Enhancement of volatile fatty acid production using semi-continuous anaerobic food waste fermentation without pH control
Authors: Wu Qinglian , Guo Wanqian , Yang Shanshan , Luo Haichao , Peng Simai , Ren Nanqi
Published: November 2015

This study proposed a cost-effective and high-yield volatile fatty acid (VFA) production strategy using anaerobic food waste (FW) fermentation without pH control, which could be recommended for practical scale VFA production and FW treatment.
Fabrication of rod-like nanocapsules based on polylactide and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine for a drug delivery system
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Zhang Lei , Shen Jiali , Li Xiaojie , Chen Mingqing , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: November 2015

Rod-like nanocapsules were facilely fabricated based on a bio-based polymer via DOPA adhesion. The nanocapsules showed high drug-loading efficacies and controlled drug release depending on different pH buffer solutions.
A novel probe based on phenylboronic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes for ultrasensitive carbohydrate determination in biofluids and semi-solid biotissues
Authors: Chen Guosheng , Qiu Junlang , Xu Jianqiao , Fang Xu'an , Liu Yan , Liu Shuqin , Wei Songbo , Jiang Ruifen , Luan Tiangang , Zeng Feng , Zhu Fang , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: November 2015

An ultrasensitive SPME probe based on phenylboronic acid functionalized CNTs is applied for directin vitroorin vivorecognition of carbohydrates in biofluids as well as semi-solid biotissues.
High-energy density nanofiber-based solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Lawrence Daniel W. , Tran Chau , Mallajoysula Arun T. , Doorn Stephen K. , Mohite Aditya , Gupta Gautam , Kalra Vibha
Published: November 2015

We have developed binder-free solid-state electric double layer supercapacitors using freestanding porous carbon nanofiber electrodes fabricated using electrospinning and silica-based ionic liquid gel electrolytes.
Role of Pd nanoparticles in gas sensing behaviour of Pd@In2O3 yolk–shell nanoreactors
Authors: Rai Prabhakar , Yoon Ji-Wook , Kwak Chang-Hoon , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: November 2015

In this work, the role of Pd NPs in the gas sensing behavior of In2O3 in Pd@In2O3 yolk–shell NPs has been investigated.
Acid-protected Eu(iii) coordination nanoparticles covered with polystyrene
Authors: Onodera Hiromitsu , Kitagawa Yuichi , Nakanishi Takayuki , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: November 2015

Acid-protected Eu(iii) coordination nanoparticles composed of Eu(iii) complexes, joint ligands, terminate ligands and a protection layer are reported.
An AIE and ESIPT based kinetically resolved fluorescent probe for biothiols
Authors: Cui Lei , Baek Yeonju , Lee Songyi , Kwon Nahyun , Yoon Juyoung
Published: November 2015

A new fluorescent probe based on AIE and ESIPT was developed. With the aid of different reactivity, a kinetically resolved method was successfully applied to distinguish different biothiols both in solution and cells.
Immature myeloid Gr-1+ CD11b+ cells from lipopolysaccharide-immunosuppressed mice acquire inhibitory activity in the bone marrow and migrate to lymph nodes to exert their suppressive function
Authors: Landoni Veronica I. , Martire-Greco Daiana , Rodriguez-Rodrigues Nahuel , Chiarella Paula , Schierloh Pablo , Isturiz Martin A. , Fernández Gabriela C.
Published: November 2015

Secondary infections due to post-sepsis immunosuppression are a major cause of death in patients with sepsis. Repetitive inoculation of increasing doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into mice mimics the immunosuppression associated with sepsis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs, Gr-1+ CD11b+) are considered a major component of the immunosuppressive network, interfering with T-cell responses in many pathological conditions. We used LPS-immunosuppressed (IS) mice to address whether MDSCs acquired their suppressive ability in the bone marrow (BM) and whether they could migrate to lymph nodes (LNs) to exert their suppressive function. Our results showed that Gr-1+ CD11b+ cells of IS mice already had the potential to inhibit T-cell proliferation in the BM. Moreover, soluble factors present in the BM from IS mice were responsible for inducing this inhibitory ability in control BM cells. In addition, migration of Gr-1+ CD11b+ to LNs in vivo was maximal when cells obtained from the BM of IS mice were inoculated into an IS context. In this regard, we found chemoattractant activity in cell-free LN extracts (LNEs) from IS mice and an increased expression of the LN-homing chemokine receptor C–C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) in IS BM Gr-1+ CD11b+ cells. These results indicate that Gr-1+ CD11b+ cells found in BM from IS mice acquire their suppressive activity in the same niche where they are generated, and migrate to LNs to exert their inhibitory role. A better understanding of MDSC generation and/or regulation of factors able to induce their inhibitory function may provide new and more effective tools for the treatment of sepsis-associated immunosuppression.
SPECTRON, a neutron noise measurement system in frequency domain
Authors: de Izarra G. , Jammes C. , Geslot B. , Di Salvo J. , Destouches C.
Published: November 2015

This paper is dedicated to the presentation and validation of SPECTRON, a novel neutron noise measurement system developed at CEA Cadarache. The device is designed for the measurement of the βeff parameter (effective fraction of delayed neutrons) of experimental nuclear reactors using the Cohn-α method. An integrated electronic system is used to record the current from fission chambers. Spectra computed from measurement data are processed by a dedicated software in order to estimate the reactor transfer function and then the effective fraction of delayed neutrons as well as the prompt neutron generation time. After a review of the pile noise measurement method in current mode, the SPECTRON architecture is presented. Then, the validation procedure is described and experimental results are shown, supporting the proper functioning of this new measurement system. It is shown that every technical requirement needed for correct measurement of neutron noise is fulfilled. Measurements performed at MINERVE and EOLE, two experimental nuclear reactors at CEA Cadarache, in real conditions allowed us to validate SPECTRON.
Rotational analysis of bands of the Ã – X̃ transition of the C3Ar van der Waals complex
Authors: Merer Anthony J. , Hsu Yen-Chu , Chen Yi-Ren , Wang Yi-Jen
Published: November 2015

Rotational analyses have been carried out for four of the strongest bands of the Ã−X̃ transition of the C3Ar van der Waals complex, at 393 and 399 nm. These bands lie near the 02−0-000 and 04−0-000 bands of the Ã1Πu−X̃1Σ+g transition of C3 and form two close pairs, each consisting of a type A and a type C band of an asymmetric top, about 4 cm−1 apart. Only K″ = even lines are found, showing that the complex has two equivalent carbon atoms (I = 0), and must be T-shaped, or nearly so. Strong a- and b-axis electronic-rotational (Coriolis) coupling occurs between the upper states of a pair, since they correlate with a 1Πu vibronic state of C3, where the degeneracy is lifted in the lower symmetry of the complex. Least squares rotational fits, including the coupling, have given the rotational constants for both electronic states: the van der Waals bond lengths are 3.81 and 3.755 Å, respectively, in the ground and excited electronic states. For the ground state our new quantum chemical calculations, using the Multi-Channel Time-Dependent Hartree method, indicate that the C3 unit is non-linear, and that the complex does not have a rigid-molecule structure, existing instead as a superposition of arrowhead (↑) and distorted Y-shaped (Y) structures.