bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigen exposure in the late light period induces severe symptoms of food allergy in an OVA-allergic mouse model
Authors: Tanabe Kana , Kitagawa Eri , Wada Misaki , Haraguchi Atsushi , Orihara Kanami , Tahara Yu , Nakao Atsuhito , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: September 2015

The mammalian circadian clock controls many physiological processes that include immune responses and allergic reactions. Several studies have investigated the circadian regulation of intestinal permeability and tight junctions known to be affected by cytokines. However, the contribution of circadian clock to food allergy symptoms remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of the circadian clock in determining the severity of food allergies. We prepared an ovalbumin food allergy mouse model and orally administered ovalbumin either late in the light or late in the dark period under light-dark cycle. The light period group showed higher allergic diarrhea and weight loss than the dark period group. The production of type 2 cytokines, IL-13 and IL-5, from the mesenteric lymph nodes and ovalbumin absorption was higher in the light period group than in the dark period group. Compared to the dark period group, the mRNA expression levels of the tight junction proteins were lower in the light period group. We have demonstrated that increased production of type 2 cytokines and intestinal permeability in the light period induced severe food allergy symptoms. Our results suggest that the time of food antigen intake might affect the determination of the severity of food allergy symptoms.
Targeting substrate-site in Jak2 kinase prevents emergence of genetic resistance
Authors: Kesarwani Meenu , Huber Erika , Kincaid Zachary , Evelyn Chris R. , Biesiada Jacek , Rance Mark , Thapa Mahendra B. , Shah Neil P. , Meller Jarek , Zheng Yi , Azam Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Emergence of genetic resistance against kinase inhibitors poses a great challenge for durable therapeutic response. Here, we report a novel mechanism of JAK2 kinase inhibition by fedratinib (TG101348) that prevents emergence of genetic resistance. Using in vitro drug screening, we identified 211 amino-acid substitutions conferring resistance to ruxolitinib (INCB018424) and cross-resistance to the JAK2 inhibitors AZD1480, CYT-387 and lestaurtinib. In contrast, these resistant variants were fully sensitive to fedratinib. Structural modeling, coupled with mutagenesis and biochemical studies, revealed dual binding sites for fedratinib. In vitro binding assays using purified proteins showed strong affinity for the substrate-binding site (Kd = 20 nM) while affinity for the ATP site was poor (Kd = ~8 μM). Our studies demonstrate that mutations affecting the substrate-binding pocket encode a catalytically incompetent kinase, thereby preventing emergence of resistant variants. Most importantly, our data suggest that in order to develop resistance-free kinase inhibitors, the next-generation drug design should target the substrate-binding site.
Unravelling polar lipids dynamics during embryonic development of two sympatric brachyuran crabs (Carcinus maenas and Necora puber) using lipidomics
Authors: Rey Felisa , Alves Eliana , Melo Tânia , Domingues Pedro , Queiroga Henrique , Rosa Rui , Domingues M. Rosário M. , Calado Ricardo
Published: September 2015

Embryogenesis is an important stage of marine invertebrates with bi-phasic life cycles, as it conditions their larval and adult life. Throughout embryogenesis, phospholipids (PL) play a key role as an energy source, as well as constituents of biological membranes. However, the dynamics of PL during embryogenesis in marine invertebrates is still poorly studied. The present work used a lipidomic approach to determine how polar lipid profiles shift during embryogenesis in two sympatric estuarine crabs, Carcinus maenas and Necora puber. The combination of thin layer chromatography, liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry allowed us to achieve an unprecedented resolution on PL classes and molecular species present on newly extruded embryos (stage 1) and those near hatching (stage 3). Embryogenesis proved to be a dynamic process, with four PL classes being recorded in stage 1 embryos (68 molecular species in total) and seven PL classes at stage 3 embryos (98 molecular species in total). The low interspecific difference recorded in the lipidomic profiles of stage 1 embryos appears to indicate the existence of similar maternal investment. The same pattern was recorded for stage 3 embryos revealing a similar catabolism of embryonic resources during incubation for both crab species.
On the thermodynamically stable amorphous phase of polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide
Authors: Yu Liping , Raj Rishi
Published: September 2015

A model for the thermodynamic stability of amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) is presented. It builds upon the reasonably accepted model of SiCO which is conceived as a nanodomain network of graphene. The domains are expected to be filled with SiO2molecules, while the interface with graphene is visualized to contain mixed bonds described as Si bonded to C as well as to O atoms. Normally these SiCO compositions would be expected to crystallize. Instead, calorimetric measurements have shown that the amorphous phase is thermodynamically stable. In this article we employ first-principles calculations to estimate how the interfacial energy of the graphene networks is favorably influenced by having mixed bonds attached to them. We analyze the ways in which this reduction in interfacial energy can stabilize the amorphous phase. The approach highlights how density functional theory computations can be combined with the classical analysis of phase transformations to explain the behavior of a complex material. In addition we discover a two-dimensional lattice structure, with the composition Si2C4O3that is constructed from a single layer of graphene congruent with silicon and oxygen bonds on either side.
Visible-light-accelerated oxygen vacancy migration in strontium titanate
Authors: Li Y. , Lei Y. , Shen B. G. , Sun J. R.
Published: September 2015

Strontium titanate is a model transition metal oxide that exhibits versatile properties of special interest for both fundamental and applied researches. There is evidence that most of the attractive properties of SrTiO3 are closely associated with oxygen vacancies. Tuning the kinetics of oxygen vacancies is then highly desired. Here we reported on a dramatic tuning of the electro-migration of oxygen vacancies by visible light illumination. It is found that, through depressing activation energy for vacancy diffusion, light illumination remarkably accelerates oxygen vacancies even at room temperature. This effect provides a feasible approach towards the modulation of the anionic processes. The principle proved here can be extended to other perovskite oxides, finding a wide application in oxide electronics.
Correction: Corrigendum: Unravelling the origin of the giant Zn deficiency in wurtzite type ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Renaud Adèle , Cario Laurent , Rocquefelte Xavier , Deniard Philippe , Gautron Eric , Faulques Eric , Das Tilak , Cheviré François , Tessier Franck , Jobic Stéphane
Published: September 2015

Owing to its high technological importance for optoelectronics, zinc oxide received much attention. In particular, the role of defects on its physical properties has been extensively studied as well as their thermodynamical stability. In particular, a large concentration of Zn vacancies in ZnO bulk materials is so far considered highly unstable. Here we report that the thermal decomposition of zinc peroxide produces wurtzite-type ZnO nanoparticles with an extraordinary large amount of zinc vacancies (>15%). These Zn vacancies segregate at the surface of the nanoparticles, as confirmed by ab initio calculations, to form a pseudo core-shell structure made of a dense ZnO sphere coated by a Zn free oxo-hydroxide mono layer. In others terms, oxygen terminated surfaces are privileged over zinc-terminated surfaces for passivation reasons what accounts for the Zn off-stoichiometry observed in ultra-fine powdered samples. Such Zn-deficient Zn1-xO nanoparticles exhibit an unprecedented photoluminescence signature suggesting that the core-shell-like edifice drastically influences the electronic structure of ZnO. This nanostructuration could be at the origin of the recent stabilisation of p-type charge carriers in nitrogen-doped ZnO nanoparticles.
The structure of Legionella pneumophila LegK4 type four secretion system (T4SS) effector reveals a novel dimeric eukaryotic-like kinase
Authors: Flayhan Ali , Bergé Célia , Baïlo Nathalie , Doublet Patricia , Bayliss Richard , Terradot Laurent
Published: September 2015

Bacterial pathogens subvert signalling pathways to promote invasion and/or replication into the host. LegK1-4 proteins are eukaryotic-like serine/threonine kinases that are translocated by the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS) of several Legionella pneumophila strains. We present the crystal structures of an active fragment of the LegK4 protein in apo and substrate-bound states. The structure of LegK41–445 reveals a eukaryotic-like kinase domain flanked by a novel cap domain and a four-helix bundle. The protein self-assembles through interactions mediated by helices αF and αG that generate a dimeric interface not previously observed in a protein kinase. The helix αG is displaced compared to previous kinase structures and its role in stabilization of the activation loop is taken on by the dimerisation interface. The apo-form of the protein has an open conformation with a disordered P-loop but a structured activation segment in absence of targeted phosphorylation. The nucleotide-binding site of LegK4 contains an unusual set of residues that mediate non-canonical interactions with AMP-PNP. Nucleotide binding results in limited changes in the active site, suggesting that LegK4 constitutive kinase activity does not depend on phosphorylation of the activation loop but on the stabilizing effects of the dimer.
Quantifying barcodes of dendritic spines using entropy-based metrics
Authors: Viggiano D. , Srivastava D. P. , Speranza L. , Perrone-Capano C. , Bellenchi G. C. , di Porzio U. , Buckley N. J.
Published: September 2015

Spine motility analysis has become the mainstay for investigating synaptic plasticity but is limited in its versatility requiring complex, non automatized instrumentations. We describe an entropy-based method for determining the spatial distribution of dendritic spines that allows successful estimation of spine motility from still images. This method has the potential to extend the applicability of spine motility analysis to ex vivo preparations.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract induces DNA damage by inhibiting topoisomerase II activity in human hepatic cells
Authors: Zhang Zhuhong , Chen Si , Mei Hu , Xuan Jiekun , Guo Xiaoqing , Couch Letha , Dobrovolsky Vasily N. , Guo Lei , Mei Nan
Published: September 2015

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been shown to increase the incidence in liver tumors in mice in a 2-year bioassay conducted by the National Toxicology Program. In this study, the DNA damaging effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract and many of its constituents were evaluated in human hepatic HepG2 cells and the underlying mechanism was determined. A molecular docking study revealed that quercetin, a flavonoid constituent of Ginkgo biloba, showed a higher potential to interact with topoisomerase II (Topo II) than did the other Ginkgo biloba constituents; this in silico prediction was confirmed by using a biochemical assay to study Topo II enzyme inhibition. Moreover, as measured by the Comet assay and the induction of γ-H2A.X, quercetin, followed by keampferol and isorhamnetin, appeared to be the most potent DNA damage inducer in HepG2 cells. In Topo II knockdown cells, DNA damage triggered by Ginkgo biloba leaf extract or quercetin was dramatically decreased, indicating that DNA damage is directly associated with Topo II. DNA damage was also observed when cells were treated with commercially available Ginkgo biloba extract product. Our findings suggest that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract- and quercetin-induced in vitro genotoxicity may be the result of Topo II inhibition.
Extracellular vesicles are rapidly purified from human plasma by PRotein Organic Solvent PRecipitation (PROSPR)
Authors: Gallart-Palau Xavier , Serra Aida , Wong Andrew See Weng , Sandin Sara , Lai Mitchell K. P. , Chen Christopher P. , Kon Oi Lian , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: September 2015

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles mediate intercellular communication and regulate a diverse range of crucial biological processes. Host cells that are damaged, infected or transformed release biomarker-containing EVs into the peripheral circulation, where they can be readily accessed for use in diagnostic or prognostic testing. However, current methods of EV isolation from blood plasma are complex and often require relatively large sample volumes, hence are inefficient for widespread use in clinical settings. Here, we report a novel and inexpensive method of rapidly isolating EVs from small volumes of human blood plasma by PRotein Organic Solvent PRecipitation (PROSPR). PROSPR encompasses a rapid three-step protocol to remove soluble proteins from plasma via precipitation in cold acetone, leaving the lipid-encapsulated EVs behind in suspension. This generates higher purity EVs that can then be obtained from filtration or classical ultracentrifugation methods. We foresee that PROSPR-based purification of EVs will significantly accelerate the discovery of new disease biomarkers and the characterization of EVs with potential for clinical applications.
Germ plasm localisation of the HELICc of Vasa in Drosophila: analysis of domain sufficiency and amino acids critical for localisation
Authors: Wang Szu-Chieh , Hsu Hao-Jen , Lin Gee-way , Wang Ting-Fang , Chang Chun-che , Lin Ming-Der
Published: September 2015

Formation of the germ plasm drives germline specification in Drosophila and some other insects such as aphids. Identification of the DEAD-box protein Vasa (Vas) as a conserved germline marker in flies and aphids suggests that they share common components for assembling the germ plasm. However, to which extent the assembly order is conserved and the correlation between functions and sequences of Vas remain unclear. Ectopic expression of the pea aphid Vas (ApVas1) in Drosophila did not drive its localisation to the germ plasm, but ApVas1 with a replaced C-terminal domain (HELICc) of Drosophila Vas (DmVas) became germ-plasm restricted. We found that HELICc itself, through the interaction with Oskar (Osk), was sufficient for germ-plasm localisation. Similarly, HELICc of the grasshopper Vas could be recruited to the germ plasm in Drosophila. Nonetheless, germ-plasm localisation was not seen in the Drosophila oocytes expressing HELICcs of Vas orthologues from aphids, crickets and mice. We further identified that glutamine (Gln) 527 within HELICc of DmVas was critical for localisation and its corresponding residue could also be detected in grasshopper Vas yet missing in the other three species. This suggests that Gln527 is a direct target of Osk or critical to the maintenance of HELICc conformation.
Mutual positive effects between shrubs in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Tirado Reyes , Bråthen Kari Anne , Pugnaire Francisco I.
Published: September 2015

One-way facilitation in plants has been found in many harsh environments and their role as structural forces governing species composition in plant communities is now well established. However, reciprocal positive effects benefiting two interacting species have seldom been reported and, in recent reviews, conceptually considered merely as facilitation when in fact there is room for adaptive strategies and evolutionary responses. We tested the existence of such reciprocal positive effects in an arid environment in SE Spain using spatial pattern analysis, a species removal experiment and a natural experiment. We found that the spatial association between Maytenus senegalensis and Whitania frutescens, two shrub species of roughly similar size intimately interacting in our community, resulted in mutual benefit for both species. Benefits included improved water relations and nutritional status and protection against browsing and did occur despite simultaneous competition for resources. Our data suggest two-way facilitation or, rather, a facultative mutualism among higher plant species, a process often overlooked which could be a main driver of plant community dynamics allowing for evolutionary processes.
Cdh2 stabilizes FGFR1 and contributes to primed-state pluripotency in mouse epiblast stem cells
Authors: Takehara Toshiyuki , Teramura Takeshi , Onodera Yuta , Frampton John , Fukuda Kanji
Published: September 2015

The cell adhesion molecule Cadherin 2 (Cdh2) plays important roles in somatic cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. Cdh2 is also highly expressed in mouse epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs), but its function in these cells is unknown. To understand the function of Cdh2 in mEpiSCs, we compared the expression of pluripotency-related genes in mEpiSCs and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) after either Cdh2 knockdown or Cdh2 over-expression. Introduction of specific siRNA against Cdh2 led to attenuation of pluripotency-related genes. Pluripotent gene expression was not recovered by over-expression of Cdh1 following Cdh2 knockdown. Western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Cdh2 stabilizes FGFR1 in mEpiSCs. Furthermore, stable transfection of mESCs with Cdh2 cDNA followed by FGF2 supplementation accelerated cell differentiation. Thus, Cdh2 contributes to the establishment and maintenance of FGF signaling-dependent self-renewal in mEpiSCs through stabilization of FGFR1.
Endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29) confers radioresistance through the DNA repair gene, O6-methylguanine DNA-methyltransferase, in breast cancer cells
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Zhang Yu , Zhang Daohai
Published: September 2015

Resistance of cancer cells to radiotherapy is a major clinical problem in cancer treatment. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of cellular resistance to radiotherapy and identification of novel targets are essential for improving treatment efficacy for cancer patients. Our previous studies have demonstrated a significant role of ERp29 in breast cancer cell survival against doxorubicin-induced genotoxic stress. We here reported that ERp29 expression in the triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells significantly increased cell survival against ionizing radiation. Methylation PCR array analysis identified that ERp29 expression increased promoter hypomethylation of the DNA repair gene, O6-methylguanine DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT), by downregulating DNA methyltransferase 1. Knockdown of MGMT in the ERp29-transfected cancer cells increased radiosensitivity, leading to a decreased post-irradiation survival. In addition, radiation treatment in the MGMT-knockdown cells elevated phosphorylation of γ-H2AX and cleavage of caspase 3, indicating that depletion of MGMT facilitates DNA double strands breaks and increases cell apoptosis. Hence, our studies prove a novel function of ERp29\MGMT in cancer cell survival against radiation. Targeting ERp29\MGMT axis may be useful for providing better treatment efficacy in combination with radiotherapy in breast cancer.
Characterization of DNA variants in the human kinome in breast cancer
Authors: Agarwal Divyansh , Qi Yuan , Jiang Tingting , Liu Xiuping , Shi Weiwei , Wali Vikram B. , Turk Benjamin , Ross Jeffrey S , Fraser Symmans W , Pusztai Lajos , Hatzis Christos
Published: September 2015

Kinases play a key role in cancer biology and serve as potential clinically useful targets for designing cancer therapies. We examined nucleic acid variations in the human kinome and several known cancer-related genes in breast cancer. DNA was extracted from fine needle biopsies of 73 primary breast cancers and 19 metastatic lesions. Targeted sequencing of 518 kinases and 68 additional cancer related genes was performed using the SOLiD sequencing platform. We detected 1561 unique, non-synonymous variants in kinase genes in the 92 cases and 74 unique variants in 43 kinases that were predicted to have major functional impact on the protein. Three kinase groups—CMGC, STE and TKL—showed greater mutational load in metastatic compared to primary cancer samples, however, after correction for multiple testing the difference was significant only for the TKL group (P = 0.04). We also observed that a higher proportion of histologic grade 1 and 2 cases had high functional impact variants in the SCYL2 gene compared with grade 3 cases. Our findings indicate that individual breast cancers harbor a substantial number of potentially functionally important nucleotide variations in kinase genes, most of which are present in unique combinations and include both somatic and germline functional variants.
A cross reactive sensor array to probe divalent metal ions
Authors: Mallet A. M. , Davis A. B. , Davis D. R. , Panella J. , Wallace K. J. , Bonizzoni M.
Published: September 2015

A simple sensing ensemble was designed to discriminate structurally similar divalent metal chlorides utilizing multivariate data analysis.
Glycan-based diagnostic devices: current progress, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Wang Sheng-Kai , Cheng Chao-Min
Published: September 2015

The development of glycan-based diagnostic devices is illustrated with recent examples from both carbohydrate recognition and device design aspects.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of hydroxychlorides A3Cu3(OH)Cl8(A = Cs, Rb) with isolated tricopper
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Tang Yingying , Zhang Suyun , Xiang Hongping , Yang Ming , He Zhangzhen
Published: September 2015

A3Cu3(OH)Cl8(A = Cs, Rb) features an isolated triangular building unit of [Cu3(OH)Cl8]3−, displaying ferromagnetic couplingviathe Cu(2)–Cl(5)–Cu(3) route.
pH-Dependent supramolecular self-assemblies of copper(ii) (fluorene-9,9-diyl)dipropanoic acid complexes
Authors: Feng Fu , Song Nan-Nan , Hu Wei-Bing , Tu Hai-Yang , Meng Xiang-Gao , Zhang Ai-Dong
Published: September 2015

Four supramolecular assemblies from 0D, 1D to 2D were obtained by reacting (fluorene-9,9-diyl)dipropanoic acid with cupric ion under media with different pH values of 4.0–8.0.
Time-resolved in situ studies on the formation mechanism of iron oxide nanoparticles using combined fast-XANES and SAXS
Authors: Kabelitz Anke , Guilherme Ana , Joester Maike , Reinholz Uwe , Radtke Martin , Bienert Ralf , Schulz Katrin , Schmack Roman , Kraehnert Ralph , Emmerling Franziska
Published: September 2015

The reaction of iron chlorides with an alkaline reagent is one of the most prominent methods for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles.
Phase stability and lattice dynamics of ammonium azide under hydrostatic compression
Authors: Yedukondalu N. , Vaitheeswaran G. , Anees P. , Valsakumar M. C.
Published: September 2015

We report the phase stability of hydro-nitrogen solids and mechanical and dynamical stability of the thermodynamic ground state of N4H4compounds (AA).
Elucidating the band structure and free charge carrier dynamics of pure and impurities doped CH3NH3PbI3−xClxperovskite thin films
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Yu , Chen Xin , Wang Hai-Yu , Xu Ming , Gao Bing-Rong , Chen Qi-Dai , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: September 2015

CH3NH3PbI3−xClxperovskite material has been commonly used as the free charge generator and reservoir in highly efficient perovskite-based solid-state solar photovoltaic devices.
Hydrogen production by ammonia decomposition using high surface area Mo2N and Co3Mo3N catalysts
Authors: Podila Seetharamulu , Zaman Sharif F. , Driss Hafedh , Alhamed Yahia A. , Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim A. , Petrov Lachezar A.
Published: September 2015

High surface area bulk molybdenum nitride catalysts were synthesized via temperature-programmed ammonolysis of an ammonium heptamolybdate and citric acid (CA) composite.
Highly stable mesoporous NiO–Y2O3–Al2O3catalysts for CO2reforming of methane: effect of Ni embedding and Y2O3promotion
Authors: Huang Xin , Xue Guangxin , Wang Changzhen , Zhao Ning , Sun Nannan , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: September 2015

A series of mesoporous NiO–Y2O3–Al2O3composite oxides with different yttrium contents were synthesized by either a one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) method or impregnation for carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CRM).
Steric effect of the dithiolato linker on the reduction mechanism of [Fe2(CO)6{μ-(XCH2)2CRR′}] hydrogenase models (X = S, Se)
Authors: Trautwein Ralf , Almazahreh Laith R. , Görls Helmar , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: September 2015

Investigations of the electrochemical properties of [Fe2(CO)6{μ-(XCH2)2CRR′}] (X = S, Se; R or R′ = H or Me) showed that the complex with the bulkiest CMe2moiety undergoes reduction with potential inversion.
Iron-catalyzed electrochemical C–H perfluoroalkylation of arenes
Authors: Khrizanforov Mikhail , Strekalova Sofia , Khrizanforova Vera , Grinenko Valeriya , Kholin Kirill , Kadirov Marsil , Burganov Timur , Gubaidullin Aidar , Gryaznova Tatyana , Sinyashin Oleg , Xu Long , Vicic David A. , Budnikova Yulia
Published: September 2015

A new iron-catalyzed reaction for the coupling of perfluoroalkyl iodides with aromatic substrates is described.
The pathway for serial proton supply to the active site of nitrogenase: enhanced density functional modeling of the Grotthuss mechanism
Authors: Dance Ian
Published: September 2015

Proton translocation along a chain of eight waters to the active site of nitrogenase is described in detail, using density functional simulations with a 269 atom system that includes surrounding amino acids.
A highly selective phosphorescence probe for histidine in living bodies
Authors: Gao Quankun , Song Bo , Ye Zhiqiang , Yang Liu , Liu Ruoyang , Yuan Jingli
Published: September 2015

A heterobimetallic ruthenium(ii)–nickel(ii) complex has been developed for phosphorescence imaging of histidine in live cells and bodies.
The hierarchical structure of cubic K0.5La0.5TiO3 layers and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution after surface acidification
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Zhu Guilian , Zhao Wei , Lin Tianquan , Xu Fangfang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: September 2015

A puzzle-like 3D hierarchical structure constructed with K0.5La0.5TiO3 nanosheets was first synthesized. After a modest acidification, the 3D hierarchical structure transforms to a unique core–shell nanostructure, which exhibits remarkably enhanced photocatalytic H2 production.
A cross-cancer differential co-expression network reveals microRNA-regulated oncogenic functional modules
Authors: Lin Chen-Ching , Mitra Ramkrishna , Cheng Feixiong , Zhao Zhongming
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can regulate their target gene expressions at the post-transcriptional level.
Vacuum-depositable thiophene- and benzothiadiazole-based donor materials for organic solar cells
Authors: Jeon Yongjun , Kim Tae-Min , Kim Jang-Joo , Hong Jong-In
Published: September 2015

A bulk heterojunction device based on DT : C70 = 1 : 4 exhibited an efficient power conversion efficiency of 4.13%.
Diiron hexacarbonyl complexes bearing naphthalene-1,8-dithiolate bridge moiety as mimics of the sub-unit of [FeFe]-hydrogenase: synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical investigations
Authors: Qian Guifen , Zhong Wei , Wei Zhenhong , Wang Hailong , Xiao Zhiyin , Long Li , Liu Xiaoming
Published: September 2015

Reducing the formyl group into a hydroxyl group allows the further synthesis of novel diiron complexes with various functionalities.
Pyrrolidine-functionalized fluorine-containing graphene sheets
Authors: Dai Jing , Li Yongjun , Huang Zhong , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2015

Pyrrolidine-functionalized fluorine-containing graphene sheets with high stability were prepared through the functionalization of graphite via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry followed by exfoliation in various solvents.
Carbonized non-woven fabric films as adsorbing interlayers to enhance electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Cao Zhaoxia , Ma Chao , Yin Yanhong , Zhang Jun , Ding Yanmin , Shi Mengjiao , Yang Shuting
Published: September 2015

Carbonized non-woven fabric film (CF) was used as an adsorbing interlayer between the sulfur cathode and the separator for high performance Li–S batteries with long term cycling stabilities.
Lewis acid-promoted [2 + 2] cycloadditions of alkenes with aryl ketenes
Authors: Rigsbee E. M. , Zhou C. , Rasik C. M. , Spitz A. Z. , Nichols A. J. , Brown M. K.
Published: September 2015

A method for the [2 + 2] cycloaddition of aryl ketenes and alkenes is presented.
Preparation and application of amorphous Fe–Ti bimetal oxides for arsenic removal
Authors: Rao Pinhua , Sun Zhaowei , Zhang Wenqi , Yao Wei , Wang Luanjiao , Ding Guoyu
Published: September 2015

A series of Fe–Ti bimetal oxides for As(iii) and As(v) removal were synthesized through a co-precipitation method.
Retracted Article: Spectrin-like domain 2 of DRP2 serves as a novel binding region for the NLS2 and 3 sub-domains of L-periaxin
Authors: Yang Yan , Shi YaWei
Published: September 2015

The NLS1 domain of L-periaxin involved in nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, NLS2 and 3 participated in interaction with spectrin-like domain 2 of DRP2. The binding model of DRP2 and L-periaxin is crucial for understanding the role of L-periaxin in PNS.
Composition-dependent in vitro apatite formation at mesoporous bioactive glass-surfaces quantified by solid-state NMR and powder XRD
Authors: Turdean-Ionescu Claudia , Stevensson Baltzar , Grins Jekabs , Izquierdo-Barba Isabel , García Ana , Arcos Daniel , Vallet-Regí María , Edén Mattias
Published: September 2015

Solid-state NMR and powder XRD are employed to quantify the ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate) and HCA (hydroxy-carbonate apatite) components grown from three mesoporous bioactive glasses with variable compositions.
Evaluation of multilayer coated magnetic nanoparticles as biocompatible curcumin delivery platforms for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Akrami Mohammad , Khoobi Mehdi , Khalilvand-Sedagheh Masoud , Haririan Ismaeil , Bahador Abbas , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Rezaei Shahla , Javar Hamid Akbari , Salehi Fahimeh , Ardestani Sussan Kabudanian , Shafiee Abbas
Published: September 2015

A novel biocompatible multi-layer iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with sustained sensitive release profile, and improved cellular uptake.
Progress in polymeric separators for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhou Ming-Yong , Lin Chun-Er , Zhu Bao-Ku
Published: September 2015

This study reviews the recent developments and the characteristics of polymeric separators used for lithium ion batteries.
Novel photoluminescent chiral liquid crystalline oligomers containing lanthanide ions
Authors: Yao Bing , Cong Yuehua , Zhang Baoyan
Published: September 2015

Chiral liquid crystalline oligomers with lanthanide ions distributed in helical matrixes can emit red or green light.
Graphene-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun fibers as building blocks for high performance nanocomposites
Authors: Ghobadi Sajjad , Sadighikia Sina , Papila Melih , Cebeci Fevzi Çakmak , Gürsel Selmiye Alkan
Published: September 2015

Graphene-containing fibrous structures with a high level of affinity towards a polymer matrix solution have been proved to be promising for high performance macroscopic nanocomposite reinforcement purposes.
One-shot carboxylation of microcrystalline cellulose in the presence of nitroxyl radicals and sodium periodate
Authors: Coseri Sergiu , Biliuta Gabriela , Zemljič Lidija Fras , Srndovic Jasna Stevanic , Larsson Per Tomas , Strnad Simona , Kreže Tatjana , Naderi Ali , Lindström Tom
Published: September 2015

2,3,6-Tricarboxy cellulose has been synthesized in a one-shot reaction, combining two of the most common selective oxidation protocols for cellulose, i.e. nitroxyl mediated reaction and periodate oxidation.
Sulfonated nanohydroxyapatite functionalized with 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate (HAP@AEPH2-SO3H) as a new recyclable and eco-friendly catalyst for rapid one-pot synthesis of 4,4′-(aryl methylene)bis(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol)s
Authors: Zarghani Monireh , Akhlaghinia Batool
Published: September 2015

HAP@AEPH2-SO3H, a new, green, solid acid catalyst, was prepared, characterized and applied for the synthesis of 4,4′-(aryl methylene)bis(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol)s.
Effects of humidity and ultraviolet characteristics on β-Ga2O3 nanowire sensor
Authors: Juan Y. M. , Chang S. J. , Hsueh H. T. , Wang S. H. , Weng W. Y. , Cheng T. C. , Wu C. L.
Published: September 2015

Monoclinic gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a vapor–liquid–solid mechanism by heating a GaN/sapphire template.
RAFT polymerization of an alkoxyamine bearing acrylate, towards a well-defined redox active polyacrylate
Authors: Aqil M. , Aqil A. , Ouhib F. , El Idrissi A. , Detrembleur C. , Jérôme C.
Published: September 2015

A new strategy for the synthesis of a well-defined redox active polymer, a polyacrylate bearing TEMPO, and its grafting onto a gold substrate is described.
Engineered regenerated bacterial cellulose scaffolds for application in in vitro tissue regeneration
Authors: Khan Shaukat , Ul-Islam Mazhar , Ullah Muhammad Wajid , Ikram Muhammad , Subhan Fazli , Kim Yeji , Jang Jae Hyun , Yoon Sik , Park Joong Kon
Published: September 2015

Regenerated bacterial cellulose scaffolds were synthesized through solvent casting and particulate leaching method for application in in vitro tissue regeneration.
Improving the photocurrent of a PBDTTT-CF and PCBM based organic thin film photoconductor by forming a bilayer structure
Authors: Jin Zhiwen , Zhou Qing , Mao Peng , Wang Aiji , Shang Boyang , Wang Yinshu , Li Hui , Wang Jizheng
Published: September 2015

By controlling and adjusting the fabrication process, all-solution-processed bilayer OTFPs exhibits a faster carrier transport which greatly enhanced the photocurrent.
Fe2O3@Au core@shell nanoparticle–graphene nanocomposites as theranostic agents for bioimaging and chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy
Authors: Chen Hongda , Liu Fuyao , Lei Zhen , Ma Lina , Wang Zhenxin
Published: September 2015

Graphene-based magnetic and plasmonic nanocomposites (DOX–rGO–Fe2O3@Au NPs) have been prepared for magnetic-field-assisted drug delivery and chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy.
Selective esterification to produce microalgal biodiesel and enrich polyunsaturated fatty acid using zeolite as a catalyst
Authors: Dong Tao , Yu Xiaochen , Miao Chao , Rasco Barbara , Garcia-Pérez Manuel , Sablani Shyam S. , Chen Shulin
Published: September 2015

A novel integrated process to produce microalgal biodiesel and simultaneously enrich high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) using selective catalyst.
Organic fluorine involved intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the derivatives of imides: NMR evidence corroborated by DFT based theoretical calculations
Authors: Mishra Sandeep Kumar , Suryaprakash N.
Published: September 2015

The rare occurrence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (HBs) of the type N–H⋯F–C is detected in the derivatives of imides in a low polarity solvent by using multi-dimensional and multinuclear NMR experiments.
Improved power loading scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based cognitive radio
Authors: Bepari Dipen , Mitra Debjani
Published: September 2015

A subcarrier power allocation scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based cognitive users has been proposed for spectrum sharing with primary users (PU) allowing secondary users (SU) to coexist in same as well as adjacent frequency bands by underlay and interweave approaches respectively. The SU sum capacity of reliable communication has been maximised under the constraints of total power, each sub‐channel power and PU aggregate interference limits. Based on the quality of channel gains and spectral distance from PU bands, the powers of subcarriers adjacent to PU bands are suitably controlled till the interference constraint of PUs are satisfied. Controlled subcarrier deactivation achieved by augmenting this ‘n‐adjacent’ power redistribution step to traditional OFDM water‐filling gives a powerful tool for efficiently maintaining high SU sum capacity without exceeding PU interference tolerance limit for a wide range of total power budget. Different water levels get assigned for the adjacent and non‐adjacent subcarrier groups. In terms of SU capacity and PU interference, the proposed algorithm outperforms some of the existing schemes having almost same complexity as the proposed one. The improvement is significant when the adjacent subcarriers channel gains are relatively ‘good’ or ‘bad’ compared with the non‐adjacent ones.
Impacts of endophyte infection of ryegrass on rhizosphere metabolome and microbial community
Authors: Wakelin S. , Harrison S. , Mander C. , Dignam B. , Rasmussen S. , Monk S. , Fraser K. , O'Callaghan M.
Published: September 2015

The use of grasses such as ryegrass and fescues infected with endophytic fungi of the Epichloë genus is widespread in New Zealand’s pastoral systems. Each endophyte–cultivar combination represents a distinctive genome–genome association, resulting in unique biological outcomes. The wider influence of these interactions on rhizosphere microbiology are not well characterised. This is important, because there may be opportunities or risks associated with selective disruption of the rhizosphere microbiota. We explored the interaction of two commercially used endophyte fungi, E. festucae var. lolii strains AR1 and AR37, within a genetically uniform breeding line of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Samson 11104) on the rhizosphere metabolome and the composition of the fungal, bacterial, and Pseudomonas communities. There were strong differences in the rhizosphere metabolomes between infested and non-infested ryegrass strains (P = 0.06). These were attributed to shifts in various n-alkane hydrocarbon compounds. The endophyte-associated alteration in rhizosphere metabolome was linked to changes in the total bacterial (P < 0.01) and fungal (P < 0.05) rhizosphere communities. Furthermore, there was varying levels of support for endophyte-specific (AR1 v. AR37) impacts on the bacterial and fungal communities. Pseudomonas bacterial communities were not influenced by endophyte infection of ryegrass (P = 0.834).
Morphological, physiological and yield responses of durum wheat to pre-anthesis water-deficit stress are genotype-dependent
Authors: Liu Haipei , Searle Iain R. , Mather Diane E. , Able Amanda J. , Able Jason A.
Published: September 2015

Durum wheat production in southern Australia is limited when water deficit occurs immediately before and during anthesis. This study was conducted to determine the effect of genotypic variation on various yield, morphological and physiological responses to pre-anthesis water-deficit stress by evaluating 20 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) genotypes over 2 years of glasshouse experiments. Grain number was the major yield component that affected yield under pre-anthesis water-deficit stress. Genotypes with less yield reduction also had less reduction in chlorophyll content, relative water content and leaf water potential, suggesting that durum genotypes tolerant of water-deficit stress maintain a higher photosynthetic rate and leaf water status. Weak to moderate positive correlations of morphological traits, including plant height and fertile tiller number, with grain number and biomass make the evaluation of high-yielding genotypes in rainfed conditions possible. Morphological traits (such as plant height and tiller number) and physiological traits (such as chlorophyll content, relative water content and leaf water potential) could therefore be considered potential indicators for indirect selection of durum wheat with water-deficit stress tolerance under Mediterranean conditions.
Patterns in non-structural carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) during regrowth in summer
Authors: Lee Julia M. , Minnee Elena M. K. , Clark Cameron E. F.
Published: September 2015

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) are capable of producing a large amount of high quality feed during summer. Like many species, grazing management decisions influence their dry matter (DM) production. One of the factors implicated in the grazing-management effect on yield of other forages are plant non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or nitrogen (N) reserves. The aim of this experiment was to characterise the patterns of NSC and N reserve depletion and replenishment for chicory and plantain during a 35-day regrowth cycle in summer, and investigate the impact of residual height on NSC and N reserves. In chicory roots, the NSC concentration tended (P = 0.09) to decline for 7 days post-defoliation before replenishment began and pre-defoliation concentrations were attained by Day 21 of regrowth (310 growing degree-days; GDD). Similarly, the amount of NSC in plantain roots declined for 14 days post-defoliation (P < 0.001), increasing again from Day 21 and with full replenishment to pre-defoliation levels by Day 35 of regrowth (532 GDD). The two residual heights tested (30 and 60 mm) had minimal impact on NSC reserves during regrowth in either chicory or plantain, likely because the majority of NSC reserves are stored in the roots rather than the stubble. In other plant species, a failure to replenish NSC reserves before the next defoliation is one factor associated with reduced DM production. This also appears to be the case with chicory and plantain, with reductions in DM production occurring if swards are defoliated during NSC mobilisation or the early stages of replenishment (i.e. before 21 days of regrowth or 310 GDD in chicory and 35 days of regrowth or 532 GDD in plantain).
Copper amine oxidase-catalysed hydrogen peroxide involves production of nitric oxide in darkness-induced stomatal closure in broad bean
Authors: Huang Ai-Xia , Wang Yong-Shun , She Xiao-Ping , Mu Juan , Zhao Jin-Liang
Published: September 2015

Hydrogen peroxide is an important intermediate in darkness-induced stomatal closure. In the present work, we provide evidence that copper amine oxidase (CuAO) was involved in H2O2 production in darkness-induced stomatal closure in Vicia faba L. Darkness activated CuAO in intercellular washing fluid from leaves. Aminoguanidine (AG) and 2-bromoethylamine (BEA), which were both irreversible inhibitors of CuAO, significantly suppressed darkness-induced stomatal closure and H2O2 generation. The effects of AG and BEA were reversed only by H2O2 but not by other products of CuAO. These results indicate that CuAO participates in darkness-induced stomatal closure through its reaction product, H2O2. Furthermore, darkness-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and cytosolic alkalinisation were obviously inhibited by AG and BEA, and only H2O2, among the products of CuAO, could reverse the effects, implying that the CuAO-catalysed product H2O2 is required for NO production and cytosolic alkalinisation to a large extent in darkness-induced stomatal closure. In addition, butyric acid blocked but methylamine enhanced the ability of H2O2 to reverse the effect of BEA on NO production, suggesting that cytosolic alkalinisation is involved in CuAO-mediated NO generation in darkness-induced stomatal closure.
Home-range size in juveniles of the temperate reef fish, the common triplefin (Forsterygion lapillum)
Authors: Mensink Paul J. , Shima Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2015

An organism’s home range dictates the spatial scale on which important processes occur (e.g. competition and predation) and directly affects the relationship between individual fitness and local habitat quality. Many reef fish species have very restricted home ranges after settlement and, here, we quantify home-range size in juveniles of a widespread and abundant reef fish in New Zealand, the common triplefin (Forsterygion lapillum). We conducted visual observations on 49 juveniles (mean size=35-mm total length) within the Wellington harbour, New Zealand. Home ranges were extremely small, 0.053m2±0.029 (mean±s.d.) and were unaffected by adult density, body size or substrate composition. A regression tree indicated that home-range size sharply decreased ~4.5 juvenilesm–2 and a linear mixed model confirmed that home-range sizes in high-density areas (>4.5 juvenilesm–2) were significantly smaller (34%) than those in low-density areas (after accounting for a significant effect of fish movement on our home-range estimates). Our results suggest that conspecific density may have negative and non-linear effects on home-range size, which could shape the spatial distribution of juveniles within a population, as well as influence individual fitness across local density gradients.
Zoobenthos are minor dietary components of small omnivorous fishes in a shallow eutrophic lake
Authors: Yasuno Natsuru , Chiba Yuki , Fujimoto Yasufumi , Shindo Kentaro , Shimada Tetsuo , Shikano Shuichi , Kikuchi Eisuke
Published: September 2015

We examined whether small omnivorous fishes (smaller than ~100mm long) integrate littoral, pelagic and benthic pathways in a shallow, eutrophic lake (Lake Izunuma, Japan). The surface of the lake was covered by a dense vegetation of floating-leaved macrophytes, and small species dominated the icthyofauna. We determined the δ13C and δ15N ratios of five dominant species of small omnivorous fishes. Using a stable isotope analysis in the R mixing model, we determined the possible contribution of three potential food sources (epiphytic algae, zooplankton and zoobenthos (larval chironomids)) to omnivorous fish tissue compositions. Four omnivorous fishes (Gnathopogon elongatus elongatus, Pseudorasbora parva, Biwia zezera and Tridentiger obscurus) subsisted largely on epiphytic algae and zooplankton, whereas zoobenthos contributed little to their diets. Acheilognathus rhombeus subsisted mostly on epiphytic algae. Thus, in this shallow, eutrophic lake, omnivorous fishes incorporated both littoral and pelagic production into the food web, but rarely benthic production. The dominant benthic chironomid larvae often burrow several centimetres into the sediment, and the low dietary contribution of zoobenthos to small fishes may be due to inefficiency at foraging on buried benthos associated with fish body size.
A quantitative study of morphology in Australian Craspedia (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae)
Authors: Schmidt-Lebuhn Alexander N. , Milner Kirsty V.
Published: September 2015

The first comprehensive quantitative study of morphological characters in all Australian species of the billy button genus Craspedia (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is presented. Homogeneity analysis and pair-wise reclassification tests are used to test species circumscriptions under the genotypic-cluster concept. Although most species are supported, C. aurantia and C. jamesii do not form separate morphological clusters, and C. jamesii is reduced to a variety of C. aurantia. Although our results indicated that C. variabilis may be synonymous with C. glauca, we reserve judgment because of the small number of specimens of the latter species included in the present study. Other species were found to be less problematic; however, additional and more detailed studies will be needed to clarify the circumscription of various species with woolly leaf indumentum, in particular C. canens, C. coolaminica and C. macrocephala. A synopsis of all Australian species of Craspedia is presented, together with a preliminary key.