bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controls and constrains of the membrane disrupting action of Aurein 1.2
Authors: Shahmiri Mahdi , Enciso Marta , Mechler Adam
Published: November 2015

Aurein 1.2 is a 13 residue antimicrobial peptide secreted by the Australian tree frog Litoria Aurea. It is a surface-acting membrane disrupting peptide that permeabilizes bacterial membranes via the carpet mechanism; the molecular details of this process are mostly unknown. Here the mechanism of action of Aurein 1.2 was investigated with an emphasis on the role of membrane charge and C-terminal amidation of the peptide. Using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) fingerprinting it was found that the membrane charge correlates with membrane affinity of the peptide, however the binding and the membrane disrupting processes are not charge driven; increased membrane charge reduces the membrane disrupting activity. Coarse grain simulations revealed that phenylalanine residues act as membrane anchors. Accordingly Aurein 1.2 has the ability to bind to any membrane. Furthermore, bundling precludes membrane disruption in case of wild type peptides, while non C-terminal amidated peptides form random aggregates leading to detachment from the membrane. Hence C-terminal amidation is crucial for Aurein 1.2 action. Our results suggest that Aurein 1.2 acts via aggregation driven membrane penetration. The concomitant change in the tension of the outer leaflet imposes a spontaneous curvature on the membrane, leading to disintegration.
Simultaneous measurement of electroencephalography and near-infrared spectroscopy during voluntary motor preparation
Authors: Zama Takuro , Shimada Sotaro
Published: November 2015

We investigated the relationship between electrophysiological activity and haemodynamic response during motor preparation by simultaneous recording of electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). It is still unknown how exactly EEG signals correlate with the haemodynamic response, although the activation in the premotor area during motor preparation has been captured by EEG and haemodynamic approaches separately. We conducted EEG-NIRS simultaneous recordings over the sensorimotor area with a self-paced button press task. Participants were instructed to press a button at their own pace after a cue was shown. The result showed that the readiness potential (RP), a negative slow potential shift occurring during motor preparation, on C3 in the extended 10–20 system occurred about 1000 ms before the movement onset. An increase in concentration of oxyhaemoglobin (oxyHb) in the premotor cortex during motor preparation was also confirmed by NIRS, which resulted in a significant correlation between the amplitude of the RP and the change in oxyHb concentration (Pearson’s correlation r2 = 0.235, p = 0.03). We show that EEG-NIRS simultaneous recording can demonstrate the correlation between the RP and haemodynamic response in the premotor cortex contralateral to the performing hand.
Detection of early blight and late blight diseases on tomato leaves using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Xie Chuanqi , Shao Yongni , Li Xiaoli , He Yong
Published: November 2015

This study investigated the potential of using hyperspectral imaging for detecting different diseases on tomato leaves. One hundred and twenty healthy, one hundred and twenty early blight and seventy late blight diseased leaves were selected to obtain hyperspectral images covering spectral wavelengths from 380 to 1023 nm. An extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier model was established based on full wavelengths. Successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used to identify the most important wavelengths. Based on the five selected wavelengths (442, 508, 573, 696 and 715 nm), an ELM model was re-established. Then, eight texture features (mean, variance, homogeneity, contrast, dissimilarity, entropy, second moment and correlation) based on gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) at the five effective wavelengths were extracted to establish detection models. Among the models which were established based on spectral information, all performed excellently with the overall classification accuracy ranging from 97.1% to 100% in testing sets. Among the eight texture features, dissimilarity, second moment and entropy carried most of the effective information with the classification accuracy of 71.8%, 70.9% and 69.9% in the ELM models. The results demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging has the potential as a non-invasive method to identify early blight and late blight diseases on tomato leaves.
Investigation of Pathogenic Genes in Chinese sporadic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Zhongshan , Ren Xianguo , Dong Ming , Li Jinxin , Shi Xingjuan , Zhang Yu , Xie Wei , Sun Zhongsheng , Liu Xiangdong , Dai Qiming
Published: November 2015

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a cardiovascular disease with high heterogeneity. Limited knowledge concerning the genetic background of nearly 40% HCM cases indicates there is a clear need for further investigation to explore the genetic pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we undertook a whole exome sequencing (WES) approach to identify novel candidate genes and mutations associated with HCM. The cohort consisted of 74 unrelated patients with sporadic HCM (sHCM) previously determined to be negative for mutations in eight sarcomere genes. The results showed that 7 of 74 patients (9.5%) had damaging mutations in 43 known HCM disease genes. Furthermore, after analysis combining the Transmission and De novo Association (TADA) program and the ToppGene program, 10 putative genes gained priority. A thorough review of public databases and related literature revealed that there is strong supporting evidence for most of the genes playing roles in various aspects of heart development. Findings from recent studies suggest that the putative and known disease genes converge on three functional pathways: sarcomere function, calcium signaling and metabolism pathway. This study illustrates the benefit of WES, in combination with rare variant analysis tools, in providing valuable insight into the genetic etiology of a heterogeneous sporadic disease.
Desolvation-Driven 100-Fold Slow-down of Tunneling Relaxation Rate in Co(II)-Dy(III) Single-Molecule Magnets through a Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Process
Authors: Liu Jun-Liang , Wu Jie-Yi , Huang Guo-Zhang , Chen Yan-Cong , Jia Jian-Hua , Ungur Liviu , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Chen Xiao-Ming , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: November 2015

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are regarded as a class of promising materials for spintronic and ultrahigh-density storage devices. Tuning the magnetic dynamics of single-molecule magnets is a crucial challenge for chemists. Lanthanide ions are not only highly magnetically anisotropic but also highly sensitive to the changes in the coordination environments. We developed a feasible approach to understand parts of the magneto-structure correlations and propose to regulate the relaxation behaviors via rational design. A series of Co(II)-Dy(III)-Co(II) complexes were obtained using in situ synthesis; in this system of complexes, the relaxation dynamics can be greatly improved, accompanied with desolvation, via single-crystal to single-crystal transformation. The effective energy barrier can be increased from 293 cm−1 (422 K) to 416 cm−1 (600 K) and the tunneling relaxation time can be grown from 8.5 × 10−4 s to 7.4 × 10−2 s. These remarkable improvements are due to the change in the coordination environments of Dy(III) and Co(II). Ab initio calculations were performed to better understand the magnetic dynamics.
Long-term maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells by automated cell culture system
Authors: Konagaya Shuhei , Ando Takeshi , Yamauchi Toshiaki , Suemori Hirofumi , Iwata Hiroo
Published: November 2015

Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are regarded as new sources for cell replacement therapy. These cells can unlimitedly expand under undifferentiated conditions and be differentiated into multiple cell types. Automated culture systems enable the large-scale production of cells. In addition to reducing the time and effort of researchers, an automated culture system improves the reproducibility of cell cultures. In the present study, we newly designed a fully automated cell culture system for human iPS maintenance. Using an automated culture system, hiPS cells maintained their undifferentiated state for 60 days. Automatically prepared hiPS cells had a potency of differentiation into three germ layer cells including dopaminergic neurons and pancreatic cells.
Global analysis of the effect of local climate on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles
Authors: Santidrián Tomillo Pilar , Saba Vincent S. , Lombard Claudia D. , Valiulis Jennifer M. , Robinson Nathan J. , Paladino Frank V. , Spotila James R. , Fernández Carlos , Rivas Marga L. , Tucek Jenny , Nel Ronel , Oro Daniel
Published: November 2015

The most recent climate change projections show a global increase in temperatures along with precipitation changes throughout the 21st century. However, regional projections do not always match global projections and species with global distributions may exhibit varying regional susceptibility to climate change. Here we show the effect of local climatic conditions on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) at four nesting sites encompassing the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We found a heterogeneous effect of climate. Hatchling output increased with long-term precipitation in areas with dry climatic conditions (Playa Grande, Pacific Ocean and Sandy Point, Caribbean Sea), but the effect varied in areas where precipitation was high (Pacuare, Caribbean Sea) and was not detected at the temperate site (Maputaland, Indian Ocean). High air temperature reduced hatchling output only at the area experiencing seasonal droughts (Playa Grande). Climatic projections showed a drastic increase in air temperature and a mild decrease in precipitation at all sites by 2100. The most unfavorable conditions were projected for Sandy Point where hatching success has already declined over time along with precipitation levels. The heterogeneous effect of climate may lead to local extinctions of leatherback turtles in some areas but survival in others by 2100.
Spatiotemporal quantification of subcellular ATP levels in a single HeLa cell during changes in morphology
Authors: Suzuki Rika , Hotta Kohji , Oka Kotaro
Published: November 2015

The quantitative relationship between change in cell shape and ATP consumption is an unsolved problem in cell biology. In this study, a simultaneous imaging and image processing analysis allowed us to observe and quantify these relationships under physiological conditions, for the first time. We focused on two marginal regions of cells: the microtubule-rich ‘lamella’ and the actin-rich ‘peripheral structure’. Simultaneous imaging and correlation analysis revealed that microtubule dynamics cause lamellar shape change accompanying an increase in ATP level. Also, image processing and spatiotemporal quantification enabled to visualize a chronological change of the relationships between the protrusion length and ATP levels and it suggested they are influencing each other. Furthermore, inhibition of microtubule dynamics diminished motility in the peripheral structure and the range of fluctuation of ATP level in the lamella. This work clearly demonstrates that cellular motility and morphology are regulated by ATP-related cooperative function between microtubule and actin dynamics.
History and origin of the HIV-1 subtype C epidemic in South Africa and the greater southern African region
Authors: Wilkinson Eduan , Engelbrecht Susan , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: November 2015

HIV has spread at an alarming rate in South Africa, making it the country with the highest number of HIV infections. Several studies have investigated the histories of HIV-1 subtype C epidemics but none have done so in the context of social and political transformation in southern Africa. There is a need to understand how these processes affects epidemics, as socio-political transformation is a common and on-going process in Africa. Here, we genotyped strains from the start of the epidemic and applied phylodynamic techniques to determine the history of the southern Africa and South African epidemic from longitudinal sampled data. The southern African epidemic’s estimated dates of origin was placed around 1960 (95% HPD 1956–64), while dynamic reconstruction revealed strong growth during the 1970s and 80s. The South African epidemic has a similar origin, caused by multiple introductions from neighbouring countries and grew exponentially during the 1980s and 90s, coinciding with socio-political changes in South Africa. These findings provide an indication as to when the epidemic started and how it has grown, while the inclusion of sequence data from the start of the epidemic provided better estimates. The epidemic have stabilized in recent years with the expansion of antiretroviral therapy.
Deciphering H3K4me3 broad domains associated with gene-regulatory networks and conserved epigenomic landscapes in the human brain
Authors: Dincer A , Gavin D P , Xu K , Zhang B , Dudley J T , Schadt E E , Akbarian S
Published: November 2015

Regulators of the histone H3-trimethyl lysine-4 (H3K4me3) mark are significantly associated with the genetic risk architecture of common neurodevelopmental disease, including schizophrenia and autism. Typical H3K4me3 is primarily localized in the form of sharp peaks, extending in neuronal chromatin on average only across 500–1500 base pairs mostly in close proximity to annotated transcription start sites. Here, through integrative computational analysis of epigenomic and transcriptomic data based on next-generation sequencing, we investigated H3K4me3 landscapes of sorted neuronal and non-neuronal nuclei in human postmortem, non-human primate and mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC), and blood. To explore whether H3K4me3 peak signals could also extend across much broader domains, we examined broadest domain cell-type-specific H3K4me3 peaks in an unbiased manner with an innovative approach on 41+12 ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data sets. In PFC neurons, broadest H3K4me3 distribution ranged from 3.9 to 12 kb, with extremely broad peaks (~10 kb or broader) related to synaptic function and GABAergic signaling (DLX1, ELFN1, GAD1, IGSF9B and LINC00966). Broadest neuronal peaks showed distinct motif signatures and were centrally positioned in prefrontal gene-regulatory Bayesian networks and sensitive to defective neurodevelopment. Approximately 120 of the broadest H3K4me3 peaks in human PFC neurons, including many genes related to glutamatergic and dopaminergic signaling, were fully conserved in chimpanzee, macaque and mouse cortical neurons. Exploration of spread and breadth of lysine methylation markings could provide novel insights into epigenetic mechanism involved in neuropsychiatric disease and neuronal genome evolution.
Impulsive alcohol-related risk-behavior and emotional dysregulation among individuals with a serotonin 2B receptor stop codon
Authors: Tikkanen R , Tiihonen J , Rautiainen M R , Paunio T , Bevilacqua L , Panarsky R , Goldman D , Virkkunen M
Published: November 2015

A relatively common stop codon (Q20*) was identified in the serotonin 2B receptor gene (HTR2B) in a Finnish founder population in 2010 and it was associated with impulsivity. Here we examine the phenotype of HTR2B Q20* carriers in a setting comprising 14 heterozygous HTR2B Q20* carriers and 156 healthy controls without the HTR2B Q20*. The tridimensional personality questionnaire, Brown–Goodwin lifetime aggression scale, the Michigan alcoholism screening test and lifetime drinking history were used to measure personality traits, impulsive and aggressive behavior, both while sober and under the influence of alcohol, and alcohol consumption. Regression analyses showed that among the HTR2B Q20* carriers, temperamental traits resembled a passive-dependent personality profile, and the presence of the HTR2B Q20* predicted impulsive and aggressive behaviors particularly under the influence of alcohol. Results present examples of how one gene may contribute to personality structure and behaviors in a founder population and how personality may translate into behavior.
MALDI MS analysis, disk diffusion and optical density measurements for the antimicrobial effect of zinc oxide nanorods integrated in graphene oxide nanostructures
Authors: Bhaisare Mukesh Lavkush , Wu Bo-Sgum , Wu Mon-Chun , Khan M. Shahnawaz , Tseng Mei-Hwei , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: November 2015

Graphene oxide–zinc oxide hybrid nanostructures were synthesized and they demonstrated significant and promising antimicrobial activity on pathogenic bacteria.
Palladium-catalyzed C–H bond carboxylation of acetanilides: an efficient usage of N,N-dimethyloxamic acid as the carboxylate source
Authors: Wu Yinuo , Jiang Cheng , Wu Deyan , Gu Qiong , Luo Zhang-Yi , Luo Hai-Bin
Published: November 2015

A palladium-catalyzed carboxylation of acetanilide and N,N-dimethyloxamic acid for the synthesis of N-acyl-anthranilic acids is described. N,N-Dimethyloxamic acid can act as an effective carboxylation precursor with K2S2O8 as the oxidant and Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst.
One-pot sequential 1,2-addition, Pd-catalysed cross-coupling of organolithium reagents with Weinreb amides
Authors: Giannerini M. , Vila C. , Hornillos V. , Feringa B. L.
Published: November 2015

An efficient sequential 1,2-addition/cross-coupling of Weinreb amides with two organolithium reagents is reported. This synthetic approach allows access to a wide variety of functionalized ketones in a modular way and in excellent yields.
Planar chiral desymmetrization of a two-layered cyclophane and control of dynamic helicity through the arrangement of two nonstereogenic centers
Authors: Katoono Ryo , Suzuki Takanori
Published: November 2015

Dynamic helicity generated in a configurationally stable cyclophane is controlled through the arrangement of two nonstereogenic centers with different dimensions.
Prediction of the Chapman–Jouguet chemical equilibrium state in a detonation wave from first principles based reactive molecular dynamics
Authors: Guo Dezhou , Zybin Sergey V. , An Qi , Goddard III William A. , Huang Fenglei
Published: November 2015

This Rx2CJ first principle based protocol for predicting the CJ state provides the matching point between atomistic reaction dynamic simulations and the macroscopic properties of detonation, and can be used as a measure of performance for in silico synthesis and characterization of new materials.
Hierarchical NiMoO4nanowire arrays supported on macroporous graphene foam as binder-free 3D anodes for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Songmei , Wu Xiaoyu , Liu Jianhua , Tian Wenming
Published: November 2015

Novel three-dimensional (3D) NiMoO4nanowire arrays (NWAs) grown directly onto the surface of macroporous graphene foams (GF) with robust adhesion were synthesizedviaa facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and subsequent hydrothermal route.
Competitive lithium solvation of linear and cyclic carbonates from quantum chemistry
Authors: Borodin Oleg , Olguin Marco , Ganesh P. , Kent Paul R. C. , Allen Joshua L. , Henderson Wesley A.
Published: November 2015

The composition of the lithium cation (Li+) solvation shell in mixed linear and cyclic carbonate-based electrolytes has been re-examined using Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics and Li+(EC)n(DMC)m cluster calculations.
Surface-functionalized monolayered nanodots of a transition metal oxide and their properties
Authors: Honda Masashi , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: November 2015

Transition metal oxide monolayers with controlled lateral size, surface chemistry, and properties are obtained in a nonpolar organic medium.
Neutron diffraction and multinuclear solid state NMR investigation into the structures of oxide ion conducting La9.6Si6O26.4 and La8Sr2Si6O26, and their hydrated phases
Authors: Corrie Ben J. , Shin J. Felix , Hull Steve , Knight Kevin S. , Vlachou Maria C. , Hanna John V. , Slater Peter R.
Published: November 2015

High levels of water are shown to be accommodated by apatite-type La9.6Si6O26.4 with an accompanying expansion of the channels. The location of the resulting oxide ion interstitials.
Unprecedented flexibility of the 1,1′-bis(o-carborane) ligand: catalytically-active species stabilised by B-agostic B–H⇀Ru interactions
Authors: Riley Laura E. , Chan Antony P. Y. , Taylor James , Man Wing Y. , Ellis David , Rosair Georgina M. , Welch Alan J. , Sivaev Igor B.
Published: November 2015

The compound (p-cymene)Ru[(C2B10H10)2], an effective Lewis acid catalyst, is the precursor to a number of products in which the 1,1′-bis(o-carborane) unit displays an unprecedented range of ligating modes.
An intense NIR emission from Ca14Al10Zn6O35:Mn4+,Yb3+via energy transfer for solar spectral converters
Authors: Lü Wei , Jiao Mengmeng , Shao Baiqi , Zhao Lingfei , Feng Yang , You Hongpeng
Published: November 2015

We introduce non-rare-earth ion Mn4+to transfer energy to Yb3+, which can exhibit strong near-infrared luminescence.
Co5In(BTC)4[B2O4(OH)]2: the first MOF material constructed by borate polyanions and carboxylate mixed ligands
Authors: Li Sa-Ying , Liu Zhi-Hong
Published: November 2015

A novel heterometallic organic–inorganic hybrid MOF material, Co5In(BTC)4[B2O4(OH)]2, has been synthesized under ionothermal conditions. Its structure is characterized as a 3D open framework constructed by the Co2.5In0.5[B2O4(OH)] cluster and the 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate ligand.
Molecular structure, morphology and growth mechanisms and rates of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) derived humins
Authors: Tsilomelekis George , Orella Michael J. , Lin Zhexi , Cheng Ziwei , Zheng Weiqing , Nikolakis Vladimiros , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: November 2015

Coupling ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering to understand the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) derived humins.
V(iv), Fe(ii), Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes bearing 2,2,2-tris(pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl methanesulfonate: application as catalysts for the cyclooctane oxidation
Authors: Silva Telma F. S. , Rocha Bruno G. M. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: November 2015

New water-soluble scorpionate complexes were synthesized and applied as selective catalysts for cyclooctane oxidation in presence of basic or acid additives.
Hierarchically porous Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2as a high capacity and high rate capability positive electrode material
Authors: Duraisamy Shanmughasundaram , Penki Tirupathi Rao , Nookala Munichandraiah
Published: November 2015

Lithium-rich manganese oxide with dual porosity as the cathode material for the next generation high energy density Li-ion batteries.
The effect of magnetic coupling on magneto-caloric behaviour in two 3D Gd(iii)–glycolate coordination polymers
Authors: Qiu Jiang-Zhen , Chen Yan-Cong , Wang Long-Fei , Li Quan-wen , Orendáč Martin , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: November 2015

Two 3D Gd(iii)-based coordination polymers, [Gd(glc)(Hglc)(H2O)]n·nH2O (1) and [Gd(Hglc)3]n (2) are reported. The MCE measurements indicate the weaker magnetic coupling in 2 produce a higher MCE than 1, especially at moderate fields (−ΔSm,max = 41.1 J kg−1 K−1 and 24.8 J kg−1 K−1 for 1 and 2 respectively at ΔH = 3 T).
Iridium(iii)- and rhodium(iii)-catalyzed coupling of anilines with α-diazoesters via chelation-assisted C–H activation
Authors: Tang Guo-Dong , Pan Cheng-Ling , Li Xingwei
Published: November 2015

Ir(iii) catalysts can catalyze the efficient synthesis of indoles via C–H activation of anilines in the coupling with α-diazo β-ketoesters.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel podophyllotoxin derivatives bearing 4β-disulfide/trisulfide bond as cytotoxic agents
Authors: Zhu Shi-Jun , Ying Hua-Zhou , Wu Yan , Qiu Ni , Liu Tao , Yang Bo , Dong Xiao-Wu , Hu Yong-Zhou
Published: November 2015

A novel series of podophyllotoxin derivatives bearing 4β-disulfide/trisulfide were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against KB cells and KB/VCR cells.
A mononuclear diketone-based oxido-vanadium(iv) complex: structure, DNA and BSA binding, molecular docking and anticancer activities against MCF-7, HPG-2, and HT-29 cell lines
Authors: Mohamadi Maryam , Yousef Ebrahimipour S. , Torkzadeh-Mahani Masoud , Foro Sabine , Akbari Alireza
Published: November 2015

A mononuclear oxido-vanadium(iv) complex, [VO(L)2], has been synthesized and its interactions with DNA and BSA have been investigated experimentally and theoretically.
Using a peptide segment to covalently conjugate doxorubicin and taxol for the study of drug combination effect
Authors: Ling Ya , Gao Yuan , Shu Chang , Zhou Ying , Zhong Wenying , Xu Bing
Published: November 2015

Doxorubicin (Dox) and Taxol can be covalently bonded to the same peptide segmentviaproper structural modification.
Synthesis and characterization of a CaFe2O4catalyst for oleic acid esterification
Authors: Ong Huei Ruey , Rahman Khan Md Maksudur , Yousuf Abu , Hussain Nor Amalina , Cheng Chin Kui
Published: November 2015

Esterification of free fatty acid (oleic acid) with ethanol over a calcium ferrite catalyst was investigated in the present study.
Polyethylenimine mediated magnetic nanoparticles for combined intracellular imaging, siRNA delivery and anti-tumor therapy
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Zhu Liang , Hou Xuandi , Wang Liang , Yin Shijiao
Published: November 2015

PEI–magnetic γ-Fe2O3nanoparticles (MNPs) were modified with fluorescent FITC for intracellular imaging and were also used for survivin siRNA delivery. The results suggested that the fabricated PEI–MNPs are a promising nanovehicle for efficient anti-tumor therapy.
A well-defined polyelectrolyte and its copolymers by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization: synthesis and applications
Authors: Mumtaz Muhammad , Aissou Karim , Katsigiannopoulos Dimitrios , Brochon Cyril , Cloutet Eric , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: November 2015

Controlled polymerization and self-assembly of novel block copolymer electrolytes.
An acentric 3-D metal–organic framework with threefold interpenetrated diamondoid network: second-harmonic-generation response, potential ferroelectric property and photoluminescence
Authors: Zhou Wei-Wei , Wei Bo , Wang Feng-Wu , Fang Wen-Yan , Liu Dao-Fu , Wei Yi-Jun , Xu Mai , Zhao Xing , Zhao Wang
Published: November 2015

An solvothermally synthesized acentric 3-D Cd(ii) metal–organic framework was found to exhibit a unique threefold-interpenetration diamondoid architecture, second-harmonic-generation efficiency, potential ferroelectric property and photoluminescence.
A microfluidic approach for the synthesis and assembly of multi-scale porous membranes
Authors: Li Minggan , Humayun Mouhita , Hughes Bethany , Kozinski Janusz A. , Hwang Dae Kun
Published: November 2015

Polymeric porous membranes with multiscale pores and heterogeneous functions are synthesized in a one-step fashion using a microfluidic approach.
Evaluation of the fracture behaviors of fluoropolymer binders with the essential work of fracture (EWF)
Authors: He Guansong , Liu Jiahui , Lin Congmei , Liu Shijun
Published: November 2015

The beforehand evaluation of the fracture toughness and behaviors of the polymer binder through EWF can give a reliable feedback to the final fracture toughness of PBX.
Visible detection of explosive nitroaromatics facilitated by a large stokes shift of luminescence using europium and terbium doped yttrium based MOFs
Authors: Singha Debal Kanti , Majee Prakash , Mondal Sudip Kumar , Mahata Partha
Published: November 2015

Two lanthanide doped highly luminescent MOFs have been synthesized and characterized. The MOFs are highly efficient for the detection of trace amount of explosive nitroaromatics by visible colour change.
An efficient magnetic copper ferrite nanoparticle catalysed ligand and solvent free synthesis of N-aryl amide from aldoximes and iodobenzene
Authors: Sarode Sachin A. , Bhojane Jeevan M. , Nagarkar Jayashree M.
Published: November 2015

A one pot dehydration, hydration and coupling reaction protocol for N-substituted amide formation.
Quantitative model for rationalizing solvent effect in noncovalent CH–Aryl interactions
Authors: Emenike Bright U. , Bey Sara N. , Bigelow Brianna C. , Chakravartula Srinivas V. S.
Published: November 2015

Establishing a linear relationship between CH–aryl interaction energies and the properties of the solvating media.
The intriguing poison tolerance of non-precious metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts
Authors: Malko D. , Lopes T. , Symianakis E. , Kucernak A. R.
Published: November 2015

A pyrolysed carbon–nitrogen based oxygen reduction catalyst is unaffected by a wide range of poisons, which deactivate platinum. The catalyst may allow important devices (fuel cells, metal air batteries, sensors,etc) to operate in “dirty” environments.
Crosslinked poly(phenylene oxide)-based nanofiber composite membranes for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Park Andrew M. , Wycisk Ryszard J. , Ren Xiaoming , Turley Forbes E. , Pintauro Peter N.
Published: November 2015

Electrospun dual fiber mats were transformed into an anion exchange membrane and then used in an alkaline fuel cell.
Fully-solution-processed organic solar cells with a highly efficient paper-based light trapping element
Authors: Tang Zheng , Elfwing Anders , Melianas Armantas , Bergqvist Jonas , Bao Qinye , Inganäs Olle
Published: November 2015

We report an efficient paper based light trapping element for fully-solution-processed semi-transparent photovoltaic devices with PEDOT:PSS as both electrodes.
Synthesis of urchin-like rutile titania carbon nanocomposites by iron-facilitated phase transformation of MXene for environmental remediation
Authors: Zou Guodong , Guo Jianxin , Peng Qiuming , Zhou Aiguo , Zhang Qingrui , Liu Baozhong
Published: November 2015

A novel 2D material is prepared byin situphase transformation of layered MXene with the induction of Fe(iii) ion. The urchin-like rutile TiO2–C nanocomposite with a high amount of (110) facets exhibits a high Cr(vi) adsorption ability of ~225 mg g−1, which is the highest value based on a simple adsorption mechanism reported so far
Carbon-coated porous silicon composites as high performance Li-ion battery anode materials: can the production process be cheaper and greener?
Authors: Ren Wenfeng , Wang Yanhong , Zhang Zailei , Tan Qiangqiang , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: November 2015

Porous silicon/carbon composites prepared by the solvothermal reaction show excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Enhanced reactivity of high-index surface platinum hollow nanocrystals
Authors: González Edgar , Merkoçi Florind , Arenal Raúl , Arbiol Jordi , Esteve Joan , Bastús Neus G. , Puntes Víctor
Published: November 2015

A novel synthetic strategy based on the controlled corrosion of silver templates allows us to prepare PtAg@Pt single-crystal hollow NCs with high-index planes at room temperature with enhanced surface reactivity.
Fluoranthene derivatives as blue fluorescent materials for non-doped organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Kumar Deepak , Patil Yogesh , Patil Satish
Published: November 2015

In this study, we report synthesis of symmetrically and non-symmetrically functionalized fluoranthene-based blue fluorescent molecular materials for non-doped electroluminescent devices.
Optical invisibility of cylindrical structures and homogeneity effect on scattering cancellation method
Authors: Danaeifar M. , Granpayeh N. , Booket M.R.
Published: November 2015

Optical cloaking for cylindrical structures with arbitrary cross‐section by using scattering cancellation method is presented. Nano‐strips of silver in a dielectric host are used as a cloaking shell around the cylindrical object with arbitrary cross‐section shapes. In this approach, the homogeneity effect on cloaking efficiency in the cloaking structure with circle cross‐section is studied. The number of silver strips is the criteria of shell homogeneity. By increasing the number of strips for a constant filling factor, their widths become narrower and so the cloaking shell becomes more homogenous. It is shown that the cloaking efficiency is affected by the homogeneity of the cloaking shell and there is an optimum size of embedded particles to achieve required homogeneity in a cloaking structure.
On ambiguity of objective image quality assessment
Authors: Cheon M. , Lee J.‐S.
Published: November 2015

The issue of ambiguity of objective image quality assessment is addressed. The necessity of considering perceptual ambiguity of two objective quality scores is justified first. Then, an approach to obtain an ambiguity interval defining the quality score range is developed within which quality difference is not perceptually distinguishable. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of the developed approach and examine various aspects of the ambiguity of objective quality assessment in viewpoints of the type of image distortion, objective quality metric, image content etc.
First‐order low‐pass negative group delay passive topology
Authors: Ravelo B.
Published: November 2015

An innovative theory on the passive circuits capable to generate low‐pass negative group delay (NGD) behaviour is introduced. An identification method enabling to identify the first‐order NGD simple cells built with resistor‐inductor (RL)‐ and resistor‐capacitor (RC)‐networks is elaborated. The fundamental characteristics as the NGD level and cut‐off frequency are formulated from the low‐pass NGD circuit canonical transfer function. The NGD existence conditions are derived in function of the established topology parameters. Despite the attenuation systematically related to the passive cell nature, low‐pass NGD behaviours with tens ns NGD level and tens MHz bandwidth were obtained with an example of lumped RL‐network‐based L‐topology circuit. Transient analysis was performed to illustrate that the NGD phenomenon enables to exhibit baseband signal advance effect. The proposed NGD topology simplicity promises their potential applications especially in term of signal correction and the modern electronic system improvement.
Static dielectric function with exact exchange contribution in the electron liquid
Authors: Qian Zhixin
Published: November 2015

The exchange contribution, Π1(k, 0), to the static dielectric function in the electron liquid is evaluated exactly. Expression for it is derived analytically in terms of one quadrature. The expression, as presented in Eq. (3) in the Introduction, turns out to be very simple. A fully explicit expression (with no more integral in it) for Π1(k, 0) is further developed in terms of series. Equation (3) is proved to be equal to the expression obtained before under some mathematical assumption by Engel and Vosko [Phys. Rev. B 42, 4940 (1990)], thus in the meanwhile putting the latter on a rigorous basis. The expansions of Π1(k, 0) at the wavevectors of k = 0, k = 2kF, and at limiting large k are derived. The results all verify those obtained by Engel and Vosko.
Sn doped β-Ga2O3 and β-Ga2S3 nanowires with red emission for solar energy spectral shifting
Authors: Zervos M. , Othonos A. , Gianneta V. , Travlos A. , Nassiopoulou A. G.
Published: November 2015

Sn doped β-Ga2O3 nanowires have been grown on Si(001) via the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism at 800 °C over a broad range of compositions. These have a monoclinic β-Ga2O3 crystal structure and minimum resistances for 1–2 at. % Sn but we observe the emergence of tetragonal rutile SnO2 which dominates with increasing content of Sn. All of the nanowires exhibited photoluminescence at 2.7 eV but a red shift of the emission occurred from 2.7 eV to 1.8 eV after post growth processing under H2S above 500 °C. The red emission is related to deep donor to acceptor transitions and the formation of monoclinic β-Ga2S3 and has been exploited for spectral shifting in a Si solar cell resulting into an increase of the power conversion efficiency from 7.2% to 8.3%.
Twist-controlled resonant tunnelling between monolayer and bilayer graphene
Authors: Lane T. L. M. , Wallbank J. R. , Fal'ko V. I.
Published: November 2015

We investigate the current-voltage characteristics of a field-effect tunnelling transistor comprised of both monolayer and bilayer graphene with well-aligned crystallographic axes, separated by three layers of hexagonal boron nitride. Using a self-consistent description of the device's electrostatic configuration, we relate the current to three distinct tunable voltages across the system and hence produce a two-dimensional map of the I-V characteristics in the low energy regime. We show that the use of gates on either side of the heterostructure offers a fine degree of control over the device's rich array of characteristics, as does varying the twist between the graphene electrodes.
Influence of carrier localization on minority carrier lifetime in InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices
Authors: Lin Zhi-Yuan , Liu Shi , Steenbergen Elizabeth H. , Zhang Yong-Hang
Published: November 2015

A long minority carrier lifetime of 12.8 μs in a mid-wavelength infrared InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattice is observed at 15 K using time-resolved photoluminescence technique. The long carrier lifetime is due to carrier localization, which is confirmed by a 3 meV blue shift of the photoluminescence peak energy and the monotonic decrease of lifetime with increasing temperature from 15 K to 50 K, along with an increased photoluminescence linewidth below 40 K. In contrast, no carrier localization is observed in a long-wavelength infrared type-II superlattice at the same temperatures. Modeling results show that carrier localization is stronger in shorter period (9.9 nm) mid-wavelength infrared superlattices as compared to longer period (24.2 nm) long-wavelength infrared superlattices, indicating that the carrier localization originates mainly from InAs/InAsSb interface disorder. Although carrier localization enhances carrier lifetimes, it also adversely affects carrier transport, and thus should be carefully considered in the design and evaluation of InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattice photodetectors.
Controllable-permittivity and low-loss of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3/MgO composites prepared by citrate gel derived core-shell powders
Authors: Zhang Jingji , Ji Ludong , Xu Yu , Gao Yafeng , Bai Wangfeng , Chen Zhi , Wang Jiangying
Published: November 2015

Core-shell Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3(BST)/MgO nano-composites have been synthesized by using an oleic acid modified citrate gel in situ process. The nano-composites exhibit a spherical microstructure consisting of large amounts of small particles with average sizes of 50-100 nm, which results in high F center levels in the composite ceramics. Interestingly, microwave permittivity of the composite can be reduced significantly with increasing volume fraction of MgO, while microwave loss and tunability remain almost unchanged, which is in good agreement with the results of the columnar model.
The effect of surface and interface on Neel transition temperature of low-dimensional antiferromagnetic materials
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhou Zhaofeng , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Ting , Huang Yongli , Sun Changqing
Published: November 2015

Incorporating the bond order-length-strength (BOLS) notion with the Ising premise, we have modeled the size dependence of the Neel transition temperature (TN) of antiferromagnetic nanomaterials. Reproduction of the size trends reveals that surface atomic undercoordination induces bond contraction, and interfacial hetero-coordination induces bond nature alteration. Both surface and interface of nanomaterials modulate the TN by adjusting the atomic cohesive energy. The TN is related to the atomic cohesive/exchange energy that is lowered by the coordination number (CN) imperfection of the undercoordinated atoms near the surface and altered by the changed bond nature of epitaxial interface. A numerical match between predictions and measurements reveals that the TN of antiferromagnetic nanomaterials declines with reduced size and increases with both the strengthening of heterogeneous bond and the increase of the bond number.
Axial- and radial-resolved electron density and excitation temperature of aluminum plasma induced by nanosecond laser: Effect of the ambient gas composition and pressure
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud S. , Hamdan Ahmad , Margot Joëlle
Published: November 2015

The spatial variation of the characteristics of an aluminum plasma induced by a pulsed nanosecond XeCl laser is studied in this paper. The electron density and the excitation temperature are deduced from time- and space- resolved Stark broadening of an ion line and from a Boltzmann diagram, respectively. The influence of the gas pressure (from vacuum up to atmospheric pressure) and compositions (argon, nitrogen and helium) on these characteristics is investigated. It is observed that the highest electron density occurs near the laser spot and decreases by moving away both from the target surface and from the plume center to its edge. The electron density increases with the gas pressure, the highest values being occurred at atmospheric pressure when the ambient gas has the highest mass, i.e. in argon. The excitation temperature is determined from the Boltzmann plot of line intensities of iron impurities present in the aluminum target. The highest temperature is observed close to the laser spot location for argon at atmospheric pressure. It decreases by moving away from the target surface in the axial direction. However, no significant variation of temperature occurs along the radial direction. The differences observed between the axial and radial direction are mainly due to the different plasma kinetics in both directions.
Improved signaling as a result of randomness in synaptic vesicle release
Authors: Zhang Calvin , Peskin Charles S.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Noise is not only a source of disturbance, but it also can be beneficial for neuronal information processing. The release of neurotransmitter vesicles in synapses is an unreliable process, especially in the central nervous system. Here we show that the probabilistic nature of neurotransmitter release directly influences the functional role of a synapse, and that a small probability of release per docked vesicle helps reduce the error in the reconstruction of desired signals from the time series of vesicle release events.
Critical role of
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
ferredoxin-5 in maintaining membrane structure and dark metabolism
Authors: Yang Wenqiang , Wittkopp Tyler M. , Li Xiaobo , Warakanont Jaruswan , Dubini Alexandra , Catalanotti Claudia , Kim Rick G. , Nowack Eva C. M. , Mackinder Luke C. M. , Aksoy Munevver , Page Mark Dudley , D’Adamo Sarah , Saroussi Shai , Heinnickel Mark , Johnson Xenie , Richaud Pierre , Alric Jean , Boehm Marko , Jonikas Martin C. , Benning Christoph , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Posewitz Matthew C. , Grossman Arthur R.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Our results suggest that particular ferredoxins in photosynthetic organisms are tailored to serve as electron carriers that sustain day-time and night-time metabolism and that the chloroplast-localized ferredoxin-5 (FDX5) appears to function in the desaturation of fatty acids required for maintaining the correct ratio of the dominant lipids in the thylakoid membranes and the integration of chloroplast and mitochondrial metabolism, which is absolutely required for growth in the dark. The most important messages from this work are that redox components associated with critical activities in photosynthetic organisms must be tuned to the redox conditions of the cells and the overall carbon budget of photosynthetic cells requires an understanding of metabolic features that accompany the movement of cells between light and dark conditions.
An RNA motif advances transcription by preventing Rho-dependent termination
Authors: Sevostyanova Anastasia , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Transcription factors typically bind to more sites than are functionally affected upon transcription factor inactivation. What, then, determines whether transcription factor binding impacts gene expression? Here we address this question by investigating Rho, the essential transcription termination factor that associates with most newly transcribed RNAs in bacteria, but promotes transcription termination only in a fraction of these transcripts. We uncover a novel RNA element that sequesters Rho in an inactive complex, thereby advancing transcription without affecting Rho binding. Our results indicate that the site of action of transcription factors is defined not only by sequences that mediate their recruitment but also by sequences that antagonize their activity.
The bone-sparing effects of estrogen and WNT16 are independent of each other
Authors: Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Wu Jianyao , Henning Petra , Gustafsson Karin L. , Sjögren Klara , Windahl Sara H. , Koskela Antti , Tuukkanen Juha , Börjesson Anna E. , Lagerquist Marie K. , Lerner Ulf H. , Zhang Fu-Ping , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Poutanen Matti , Ohlsson Claes
Published: November 2015

Significance

Previous studies demonstrate that endogenous wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT)16 is a crucial regulator of cortical bone mass. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that overexpression of WNT16 increases mainly trabecular bone mass. Both estrogen and WNT16 are crucial regulators of bone mass, but the possible interaction between WNT16-signaling and estrogen-signaling is unknown. To determine the possible interaction between WNT16 and estrogen signaling in bone, we developed and used two genetically modified mouse models with either constantly high osteoblastic
Wnt16
expression or no
Wnt16
expression. We demonstrated that the bone-sparing effects of estrogen and WNT16 are independent of each other. As WNT16 signaling in bone does not require normal estrogen action, we propose that WNT16-targeted therapies might be useful for treatment of postmenopausal trabecular bone loss.
Anomalous anisotropic compression behavior of superconducting CrAs under high pressure
Authors: Yu Zhenhai , Wu Wei , Hu Qingyang , Zhao Jinggeng , Li Chunyu , Yang Ke , Cheng Jinguang , Luo Jianlin , Wang Lin , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: November 2015

Significance

We preformed high-pressure structural studies of CrAs to understand the physical mechanism of its pressure-induced superconductivity. It was found that the lattice parameters
a
and
c
both demonstrate a nonmonotonic change, and the lattice parameter
b
undergoes a rapid contraction at ∼0.18–0.35 GPa, which suggests that a pressure-induced isostructural phase transition occurs in CrAs. Above the phase transition pressure, the axial compressibilities of CrAs present remarkable anisotropy. The pressure-related structural changes occurred concurrently with the appearance of bulk superconductivity, shedding light on the structural and related electronic responses to high pressure, which play a key role toward understanding the superconductivity of CrAs.