bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term exposure to microgravity impairs vestibulo-cardiovascular reflex
Authors: Morita Hironobu , Abe Chikara , Tanaka Kunihiko
Published: September 2016

The vestibular system is known to have an important role in controlling blood pressure upon posture transition (vestibulo-cardiovascular reflex, VCR). However, under a different gravitational environment, the sensitivity of the vestibular system may be altered. Thus, the VCR may become less sensitive after spaceflight because of orthostatic intolerance potentially induced by long-term exposure to microgravity. To test this hypothesis in humans, we investigated the ability of the VCR to maintain blood pressure upon head-up tilt before and after a 4–6 months stay on the International Space Station. To detect the functional state of the VCR, galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was applied. As GVS transiently interrupts the vestibular-mediated pressor response, impaired VCR is detected when the head-up tilt-induced blood pressure response does not depend on GVS. During the first 20 s of head-up tilt, a transient blood pressure increase (11.9 ± 1.6 mmHg) was observed at pre-spaceflight but not at 1–4 days after return from spaceflight. The magnitude of VCR recovered to the pre-spaceflight levels within 2 months after return. These results indicate that long-term exposure to microgravity induces VCR impairment, which may be involved in a mechanism of spaceflight-induced orthostatic intolerance.
Chiral Antioxidant-based Gold Nanoclusters Reprogram DNA Epigenetic Patterns
Authors: Ma Yue , Fu Hualin , Zhang Chunlei , Cheng Shangli , Gao Jie , Wang Zhen , Jin Weilin , Conde João , Cui Daxiang
Published: September 2016

Epigenetic modifications sit ‘on top of’ the genome and influence DNA transcription, which can force a significant impact on cellular behavior and phenotype and, consequently human development and disease. Conventional methods for evaluating epigenetic modifications have inherent limitations and, hence, new methods based on nanoscale devices are needed. Here, we found that antioxidant (glutathione) chiral gold nanoclusters induce a decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which is an important epigenetic marker that associates with gene transcription regulation. This epigenetic change was triggered partially through ROS activation and oxidation generated by the treatment with glutathione chiral gold nanoclusters, which may inhibit the activity of TET proteins catalyzing the conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5hmC. In addition, these chiral gold nanoclusters can downregulate TET1 and TET2 mRNA expression. Alteration of TET-5hmC signaling will then affect several downstream targets and be involved in many aspects of cell behavior. We demonstrate for the first time that antioxidant-based chiral gold nanomaterials have a direct effect on epigenetic process of TET-5hmC pathways and reveal critical DNA demethylation patterns.
The hidden hyperbolic geometry of international trade: World Trade Atlas 1870–2013
Authors: García-Pérez Guillermo , Boguñá Marián , Allard Antoine , Serrano M. Ángeles
Published: September 2016

Here, we present the World Trade Atlas 1870–2013, a collection of annual world trade maps in which distance combines economic size and the different dimensions that affect international trade beyond mere geography. Trade distances, based on a gravity model predicting the existence of significant trade channels, are such that the closer countries are in trade space, the greater their chance of becoming connected. The atlas provides us with information regarding the long-term evolution of the international trade system and demonstrates that, in terms of trade, the world is not flat but hyperbolic, as a reflection of its complex architecture. The departure from flatness has been increasing since World War I, meaning that differences in trade distances are growing and trade networks are becoming more hierarchical. Smaller-scale economies are moving away from other countries except for the largest economies; meanwhile those large economies are increasing their chances of becoming connected worldwide. At the same time, Preferential Trade Agreements do not fit in perfectly with natural communities within the trade space and have not necessarily reduced internal trade barriers. We discuss an interpretation in terms of globalization, hierarchization, and localization; three simultaneous forces that shape the international trade system.
Superconducting ferecrystals: turbostratically disordered atomic-scale layered (PbSe)1.14(NbSe2)n thin films
Authors: Grosse Corinna , Alemayehu Matti B. , Falmbigl Matthias , Mogilatenko Anna , Chiatti Olivio , Johnson David C. , Fischer Saskia F.
Published: September 2016

Hybrid electronic heterostructure films of semi- and superconducting layers possess very different properties from their bulk counterparts. Here, we demonstrate superconductivity in ferecrystals: turbostratically disordered atomic-scale layered structures of single-, bi- and trilayers of NbSe2 separated by PbSe layers. The turbostratic (orientation) disorder between individual layers does not destroy superconductivity. Our method of fabricating artificial sequences of atomic-scale 2D layers, structurally independent of their neighbours in the growth direction, opens up new possibilities of stacking arbitrary numbers of hybrid layers which are not available otherwise, because epitaxial strain is avoided. The observation of superconductivity and systematic Tc changes with nanostructure make this synthesis approach of particular interest for realizing hybrid systems in the search of 2D superconductivity and the design of novel electronic heterostructures.
Topical Simvastatin as Host-Directed Therapy against Severity of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Mice
Authors: Parihar Suraj P. , Hartley Mary-Anne , Hurdayal Ramona , Guler Reto , Brombacher Frank
Published: September 2016

We recently demonstrated that statins mediate protection against intracellular pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes in mice. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of simvastatin as a topical or systemic host-directed drug therapy in controlling inflammatory responses in an experimental mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major (LV39). In an ear infection model, topical application of simvastatin directly on established lesions significantly reduced severity of the disease reflected by ear lesion size and ulceration. The host protective effect was further accompanied by decreased parasite burden in the ear and draining lymph nodes in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Pre-treatment of these mice on a low-fat cholesterol diet and systemic simvastatin also reduced footpad swelling, as well as parasite burdens and ulceration/necrosis in the more robust footpad infection model, demonstrating the prophylactic potential of simvastatin for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Mechanistically, following L. major infection, simvastatin-treated primary macrophages responded with significantly reduced cholesterol levels and increased production of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, simvastatin-treated macrophages displayed enhanced phagosome maturation, as revealed by increased LAMP-3 expression in fluorescent microscopy and Western blot analysis. These findings demonstrate that simvastatin treatment enhances host protection against L. major by increasing macrophage phagosome maturation and killing effector functions.
Characterisation of a flavonoid ligand of the fungal protein Alt a 1
Authors: Garrido-Arandia María , Silva-Navas Javier , Ramírez-Castillejo Carmen , Cubells-Baeza Nuria , Gómez-Casado Cristina , Barber Domingo , Pozo Juan C. , Melendi Pablo G. , Pacios Luis F. , Díaz-Perales Araceli
Published: September 2016

Spores of pathogenic fungi are virtually ubiquitous and cause human disease and severe losses in crops. The endophytic fungiAlternariaspecies produce host-selective phytotoxins. Alt a 1 is a strongly allergenic protein found inA. alternatathat causes severe asthma. Despite the well-established pathogenicity of Alt a 1, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action and physiological function remain largely unknown. To gain insight into the role played by this protein in the pathogenicity of the fungus, we studied production of Alt a 1 and its activity in spores. We found that Alt a 1 accumulates inside spores and that its release with a ligand is pH-dependent, with optimum production in the 5.0–6.5 interval. The Alt a 1 ligand was identified as a methylated flavonoid that inhibits plant root growth and detoxifies reactive oxygen species. We also found that Alt a 1 changes its oligomerization state depending on the pH of the surrounding medium and that these changes facilitate the release of the ligand. Based on these results, we propose that release of Alt a 1 should be a pathogenic target in approaches used to block plant defenses and consequently to favor fungal entry into the plant.
Nonlethal predator effects on the turn-over of wild bird flocks
Authors: Voelkl Bernhard , Firth Josh A. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: September 2016

Nonlethal predator effects arise when individuals of a prey species adjust their behaviour due to the presence of predators. Non-lethal predator effects have been shown to affect social group structure and social behaviour as well as individual fitness of the prey. In this experimental study, we used model sparrowhawks to launch attacks on flocks of wild great tits and blue tits whilst monitoring their social dynamics. We show that nonlethal attacks caused instantaneous turn-over and mixing of group composition within foraging flocks. A single experimental ‘attack’ lasting on average less than three seconds, caused the amount of turn-over expected over three hours (2.0–3.8 hours) of undisturbed foraging. This suggests that nonlethal predator effects can greatly alter group composition within populations, with potential implications for social behaviour by increasing the number of potential interaction partners, as well as longer-term consequences for pair formation and emergent effects determined by social structure such as information and disease transmission. We provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, based on in depth monitoring of a social network to comprehensively support the hypothesis that predators influence the social structure of groups, which offers new perspectives on the key drivers of social behaviour in wild populations.
Enhanced dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites filled with nano iron oxide-deposited barium titanate hybrid particles
Authors: Zhang Changhai , Chi Qingguo , Dong Jiufeng , Cui Yang , Wang Xuan , Liu Lizhu , Lei Qingquan
Published: September 2016

We report enhancement of the dielectric permittivity of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) generated by depositing magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles on the surface of barium titanate (BT) to fabricate BT–Fe3O4/PVDF composites. This process introduced an external magnetic field and the influences of external magnetic field on dielectric properties of composites were investigated systematically. The composites subjected to magnetic field treatment for 30 min at 60 °C exhibited the largest dielectric permittivity (385 at 100 Hz) when the BT–Fe3O4 concentration is approximately 33 vol.%. The BT–Fe3O4 suppressed the formation of a conducting path in the composite and induced low dielectric loss (0.3) and low conductivity (4.12 × 10−9 S/cm) in the composite. Series-parallel model suggested that the enhanced dielectric permittivity of BT–Fe3O4/PVDF composites should arise from the ultrahigh permittivity of BT–Fe3O4 hybrid particles. However, the experimental results of the BT–Fe3O4/PVDF composites treated by magnetic field agree with percolation theory, which indicates that the enhanced dielectric properties of the BT–Fe3O4/PVDF composites originate from the interfacial polarization induced by the external magnetic field. This work provides a simple and effective way for preparing nanocomposites with enhanced dielectric properties for use in the electronics industry.
Encoded diffractive optics for full-spectrum computational imaging
Authors: Heide Felix , Fu Qiang , Peng Yifan , Heidrich Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

Diffractive optical elements can be realized as ultra-thin plates that offer significantly reduced footprint and weight compared to refractive elements. However, such elements introduce severe chromatic aberrations and are not variable, unless used in combination with other elements in a larger, reconfigurable optical system. We introduce numerically optimized encoded phase masks in which different optical parameters such as focus or zoom can be accessed through changes in the mechanical alignment of a ultra-thin stack of two or more masks. Our encoded diffractive designs are combined with a new computational approach for self-calibrating imaging (blind deconvolution) that can restore high-quality images several orders of magnitude faster than the state of the art without pre-calibration of the optical system. This co-design of optics and computation enables tunable, full-spectrum imaging using thin diffractive optics.
Molecularly Engineered Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite with Multiple Quantum Well Structure for Multicolored Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Salim Teddy , Chen Bingbing , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: September 2016

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have the potential to be used as a new class of emitters with tunable emission, high color purity and good ease of fabrication. Recent studies have so far been focused on three-dimensional (3D) perovskites, such as CH3NH3PbBr3 and CH3NH3PbI3 for green and infrared emission. Here, we explore a new series of hybrid perovskite emitters with a general formula of (C4H9NH3)2(CH3NH3)n−1PbnI3n+1 (where n = 1, 2, 3), which possesses a multiple quantum well structure. The quantum well thickness of these materials is adjustable through simple molecular engineering which results in a continuously tunable bandgap and emission spectra. Deep saturated red emission was obtained with a peak external quantum efficiency of 2.29% and a maximum luminance of 214 cd/m2. Green and blue LEDs were also demonstrated through halogen substitutions in these hybrid perovskites. We expect these results to open up the way towards high performance perovskite LEDs through molecular-structure engineering of these perovskite emitters.
The Tara Oceans voyage reveals global diversity and distribution patterns of marine planktonic ciliates
Authors: Gimmler Anna , Korn Ralf , de Vargas Colomban , Audic Stéphane , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: September 2016

Illumina reads of the SSU-rDNA-V9 region obtained from the circumglobal Tara Oceans expedition allow the investigation of protistan plankton diversity patterns on a global scale. We analyzed 6,137,350 V9-amplicons from ocean surface waters and the deep chlorophyll maximum, which were taxonomically assigned to the phylum Ciliophora. For open ocean samples global planktonic ciliate diversity is relatively low (ca. 1,300 observed and predicted ciliate OTUs). We found that 17% of all detected ciliate OTUs occurred in all oceanic regions under study. On average, local ciliate OTU richness represented 27% of the global ciliate OTU richness, indicating that a large proportion of ciliates is widely distributed. Yet, more than half of these OTUs shared <90% sequence similarity with reference sequences of described ciliates. While alpha-diversity measures (richness and exp(Shannon H)) are hardly affected by contemporary environmental conditions, species (OTU) turnover and community similarity (β-diversity) across taxonomic groups showed strong correlation to environmental parameters. Logistic regression models predicted significant correlations between the occurrence of specific ciliate genera and individual nutrients, the oceanic carbonate system and temperature. Planktonic ciliates displayed distinct vertical distributions relative to chlorophyll a. In contrast, the Tara Oceans dataset did not reveal any evidence that latitude is structuring ciliate communities.
External cavity-quantum cascade laser infrared spectroscopy for secondary structure analysis of proteins at low concentrations
Authors: Schwaighofer Andreas , Alcaráz Mirta R. , Araman Can , Goicoechea Héctor , Lendl Bernhard
Published: September 2016

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy are analytical techniques employed for the analysis of protein secondary structure. The use of CD spectroscopy is limited to low protein concentrations (<2 mg ml−1), while FTIR spectroscopy is commonly used in a higher concentration range (>5 mg ml−1). Here we introduce a quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based IR transmission setup for analysis of protein and polypeptide secondary structure at concentrations as low as 0.25 mg ml−1 in deuterated buffer solution. We present dynamic QCL-IR spectra of the temperature-induced α-helix to β-sheet transition of poly-L-lysine. The concentration dependence of the α-β transition temperature between 0.25 and 10 mg ml−1 was investigated by QCL-IR, FTIR and CD spectroscopy. By using QCL-IR spectroscopy it is possible to perform IR spectroscopic analysis in the same concentration range as CD spectroscopy, thus enabling a combined analysis of biomolecules secondary structure by CD and IR spectroscopy.
Memory-effect based deconvolution microscopy for super-resolution imaging through scattering media
Authors: Edrei Eitan , Scarcelli Giuliano
Published: September 2016

High-resolution imaging through turbid media is a fundamental challenge of optical sciences that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for its wide range of potential applications. Here, we demonstrate that the resolution of imaging systems looking behind a highly scattering medium can be improved below the diffraction-limit. To achieve this, we demonstrate a novel microscopy technique enabled by the optical memory effect that uses a deconvolution image processing and thus it does not require iterative focusing, scanning or phase retrieval procedures. We show that this newly established ability of direct imaging through turbid media provides fundamental and practical advantages such as three-dimensional refocusing and unambiguous object reconstruction.
Orange protein has a role in phytoene synthase stabilization in sweetpotato
Authors: Park Seyeon , Kim Ho Soo , Jung Young Jun , Kim Sun Ha , Ji Chang Yoon , Wang Zhi , Jeong Jae Cheol , Lee Haeng-Soon , Lee Sang Yeol , Kwak Sang-Soo
Published: September 2016

Carotenoids have essential roles in light-harvesting processes and protecting the photosynthetic machinery from photo-oxidative damage. Phytoene synthase (PSY) and Orange (Or) are key plant proteins for carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation. We previously isolated the sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) Or gene (IbOr), which is involved in carotenoid accumulation and salt stress tolerance. The molecular mechanism underlying IbOr regulation of carotenoid accumulation was unknown. Here, we show that IbOr has an essential role in regulating IbPSY stability via its holdase chaperone activity both in vitro and in vivo. This protection results in carotenoid accumulation and abiotic stress tolerance. IbOr transcript levels increase in sweetpotato stem, root, and calli after exposure to heat stress. IbOr is localized in the nucleus and chloroplasts, but interacts with IbPSY only in chloroplasts. After exposure to heat stress, IbOr predominantly localizes in chloroplasts. IbOr overexpression in transgenic sweetpotato and Arabidopsis conferred enhanced tolerance to heat and oxidative stress. These results indicate that IbOr holdase chaperone activity protects IbPSY stability, which leads to carotenoid accumulation, and confers enhanced heat and oxidative stress tolerance in plants. This study provides evidence that IbOr functions as a molecular chaperone, and suggests a novel mechanism regulating carotenoid accumulation and stress tolerance in plants.
Slowly dispersing neotenic beetles can speciate on a penny coin and generate space-limited diversity in the tropical mountains
Authors: Bray Timothy C. , Bocak Ladislav
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate the controversial origin of a biological species within an area of a few kilometres in the absence of physical barriers. We employed nuclear rRNA/mitochondrial and genome-wide SNP approaches to infer relationships of four species of net-winged beetles characterised by female neoteny. Three species are distributed at low elevations and a single population colonised a 40 km2 highland plateau and established distinct biological species despite incomplete genetic isolation. The speciation process is extreme in the highly localised spatial scale, due to the low dispersal power of neotenics and provides clear support for a microallopatric model based on ecological conditions. In contrast with neutral evolution in a homogenous environment, as demonstrated by the genetic divergence and morphological similarity of two widely distributed low-mountain species, the environmental characteristics of the high-mountain plateau led to the origin of a species adapted to the local mimetic pattern and characterised by morphologically distinct genitalia. We conclude that the low dispersal propensity promotes neutral genetic differentiation in the first stage, but environmental characteristics play an important role the final phase of the speciation process. The unexpected speciation at such an extreme geographic scale points to the in situ origin and uniqueness of the mountain fauna.
An Object-Independent ENZ Metamaterial-Based Wideband Electromagnetic Cloak
Authors: Islam Sikder Sunbeam , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: September 2016

A new, metamaterial-based electromagnetic cloaking operation is proposed in this study. The metamaterial exhibits a sharp transmittance in the C-band of the microwave spectrum with negative effective property of permittivity at that frequency. Two metal arms were placed on an FR-4 substrate to construct a double-split-square shape structure. The size of the resonator was maintained to achieve the effective medium property of the metamaterial. Full wave numerical simulation was performed to extract the reflection and transmission coefficients for the unit cell. Later on, a single layer square-shaped cloak was designed using the proposed metamaterial unit cell. The cloak hides a metal cylinder electromagnetically, where the material exhibits epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) property. Cloaking operation was demonstrated adopting the scattering-reduction technique. The measured result was provided to validate the characteristics of the metamaterial and the cloak. Some object size- and shape-based analyses were performed with the cloak and a common cloaking region was revealed over more than 900 MHz in the C-band for the different objects.
An impedimeric biosensor based on a composite of graphene nanosheets and polyaniline as a suitable platform for prostate cancer sensing
Authors: Tezerjani Marzieh Dehghan , Benvidi Ali , Rezaeinasab Masoud , Jahanbani Shahriar , Moshtaghioun Seyed Mohammad , Youssefi Mostafa , Zarrini Kamran
Published: September 2016

A simple and new electrochemical biosensor was designed based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with polyaniline (PANI) and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite for DNA detection.
The successive projections algorithm for interval selection in partial least squares discriminant analysis
Authors: Douglas de Sousa Fernandes David , Almeida Valber Elias , Pinto Licarion , Véras Germano , Harrop Galvão Roberto Kawakami , Gomes Adriano Araújo , Ugulino Araújo Mário Cesar
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a new interval selection approach for PLS-DA modelling, which is developed as an extension of the recently introduced iSPA-PLS method for multivariate calibration.
UV-Vis spectral fingerprinting and chemometric method applied to the evaluation of Camellia sinensis leaves from different harvests
Authors: Pauli Elis Daiane , Bruns Roy Edward , Scarminio Ieda Spacino
Published: September 2016

UV-Vis spectral fingerprinting was used to discriminateCamellia sinensisleaves of two different harvests and multivariate data analysis was applied to determine the relevant metabolites for separation.
A label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of cancer biomarker α-fetoprotein (AFP) based on hydroxyapatite induced redox current
Authors: Sun Jisan , Tian Dazhi , Guo Qingjun , Zhang Li , Jiang Wentao , Yang Minghui
Published: September 2016

An electrochemical immunosensor for label-free detection of cancer biomarker α-fetoprotein (AFP) was developed based on hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles.
Dual-mode crystal-bound and X-type passivation of quantum dots
Authors: Turo Michael J. , Shen Xiao , Brandon Nazharie K. , Castillo Stephanie , Fall Amadou M. , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Macdonald Janet E.
Published: September 2016

In this work, we present a new way to understand and influence the properties of quantum dots utilizing surface chemistry.
Construction of the carbon–chalcogen (S, Se, Te) bond at the 2,6-positions of BODIPY via Stille cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Palao E. , Slanina T. , Klán P.
Published: September 2016

Novel 2-chalcogen- or 2,6-dichalcogen-BODIPY derivatives were synthesized by a Pd-catalyzed C–heteroatom Stille cross-coupling reaction, overcoming the limitations of SNAr.
Unlocking the observation of different proton populations in fluorinated polymers by solid-state 1H and 19F double resonance NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Goossens P. , Martineau-Corcos C. , Saïdi F. , Martens J. A. , Taulelle F.
Published: September 2016

This new method for observing Nafion proton distributions holds potential for finally unraveling the mystery behind its phenomenal proton conduction.
Water desalination by electrical resonance inside carbon nanotubes
Authors: Feng Jia-wei , Ding Hong-ming , Ma Yu-qiang
Published: September 2016

By using molecular dynamics simulations, we not only design one new type of carbon nanotube-based device for efficient water desalination, but also reveal the underlying mechanism of the ion blockage.
Ligand effects on the optical and chiroptical properties of the thiolated Au18 cluster
Authors: Tlahuice-Flores Alfredo
Published: September 2016

The effect of chiral and achiral ligands protecting the inner Au9 core of the Au18(SR)14 cluster is studied based on density functional theory (DFT) and its corrected long-range interaction (DFT-D) approach.
Tuning electronic structures of the stanene monolayer via defects and transition-metal-embedding: spin–orbit coupling
Authors: Xiong Wenqi , Xia Congxin , Wang Tianxing , Du Juan , Peng Yuting , Zhao Xu , Jia Yu
Published: September 2016

The magnetic moments of a transition metal embedded into single and double vacancies of stanene nanosheets.
Insights into the effect of CO2absorption on the ionic mobility of ionic liquids
Authors: Bhattacharyya Shubhankar , Filippov Andrei , Shah Faiz Ullah
Published: September 2016

Comparative physico-chemical and diffusion NMR studies of two bio-renewable ionic liquids upon CO2absorption.
Support morphology and crystal plane effect of Cu/CeO2 nanomaterial on the physicochemical and catalytic properties for carbonate hydrogenation
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan , Dai Wei-Lin
Published: September 2016

The present work determined the morphology and crystal plane effects of nanoceria on the activity of Cu/CeO2 catalysts in the gas/solid-phase hydrogenation of CO2-derived diethyl carbonate (DEC) to methanol.
General applicability of nanocrystalline Ni2P as a noble-metal-free cocatalyst to boost photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Chen Yubin , Qin Zhixiao
Published: September 2016

The Ni2P cocatalyst can boost hydrogen generation over TiO2, CdS, and C3N4 photocatalysts, which demonstrates its good catalytic property and general applicability.
Clioquinol–ruthenium complex impairs tumour cell invasion by inhibiting cathepsin B activity
Authors: Mitrović Ana , Kljun Jakob , Sosič Izidor , Gobec Stanislav , Turel Iztok , Kos Janko
Published: September 2016

The clioquinol–ruthenium complex [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(Cq)Cl] inhibits cathepsin B and reduces tumour cell invasion at non-cytotoxic concentrations, revealing a specific anti-cancer mechanism not related to a general compound-induced cytotoxicity.
The {Ni10Nb32} aggregate: a perspective on isopolyniobates as ligands
Authors: Liang Zhijie , Zhang Dongdi , Wang Haiying , Ma Pengtao , Yang Zongfei , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: September 2016

A novel 32-niobium cluster [H4Ni10(H2O)8Nb32O102]20− has been synthesized, representing the largest Ni-PONb, and the major species in solution were detected by ESI-MS.
Effects of a nanoceria fuel additive on the physicochemical properties of diesel exhaust particles
Authors: Zhang Junfeng (Jim) , Lee Ki-Bum , He Linchen , Seiffert Joanna , Subramaniam Prasad , Yang Letao , Chen Shu , Maguire Pierce , Mainelis Gediminas , Schwander Stephan , Tetley Teresa , Porter Alexandra , Ryan Mary , Shaffer Milo , Hu Sheng , Gong Jicheng , Chung Kian Fan
Published: September 2016

An additive alters the properties of diesel exhaust particles.
Visualization tool for correlating nanomaterial properties and biological responses in zebrafish
Authors: Karcher Sandra C. , Harper Bryan J. , Harper Stacey L. , Hendren Christine Ogilvie , Wiesner Mark R. , Lowry Gregory V.
Published: September 2016

N4mics facilitates the identification of correlations between nanomaterial characteristics and biological responses.
Experimental and theoretical evidence for competitive interactions of tetracycline and sulfamethazine with reduced graphene oxides
Authors: Song Wencheng , Yang Tongtong , Wang Xiangxue , Sun Yubing , Ai Yuejie , Sheng Guodong , Hayat Tasawar , Wang Xiangke
Published: September 2016

Competitive interactions of common antibiotics (i.e. tetracycline (TC) and sulfamethazine (SMZ)) with reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) were demonstrated by batch experiments, spectroscopic analysis and DFT calculations.
Noble metal-free Bi nanoparticles supported on TiO2with plasmon-enhanced visible light photocatalytic air purification
Authors: Zhao Zaiwang , Zhang Wendong , Lv Xiaoshu , Sun Yanjuan , Dong Fan , Zhang Yuxin
Published: September 2016

A new SPR-based mechanism was firstly proposed for non-noble metal Bi nanoparticles/TiO2heterojunction with plasmon-enhanced visible light photocatalytic air purification.
Membrane patches as ion channel probes for scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Shi Wenqing , Zeng Yuhan , Zhou Lushan , Xiao Yucheng , Cummins Theodore R. , Baker Lane A.
Published: September 2016

We describe dual-barrel ion channel probes (ICPs), which consist of an open barrel and a barrel with a membrane patch directly excised from a donor cell. When incorporated with scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), the open barrel (SICM barrel) serves to measure the distance-dependent ion current for non-invasive imaging and positioning of the probe in the same fashion of traditional SICM. The second barrel with the membrane patch supports ion channels of interest and was used to investigate ion channel activities. To demonstrate robust probe control with the dual-barrel ICP-SICM probe and verify that the two barrels are independently addressable, current–distance characteristics (approach curves) were obtained with the SICM barrel and simultaneous, current–time (I–T) traces were recorded with the ICP barrel. To study the influence that the distance between ligand-gated ion channels (i.e., large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels/BK channels) and the ligand source (i.e., Ca2+ source) has on channel activations, ion channel activities were recorded at two fixed probe–substrate distances (Dps) with the ICP barrel. The two fixed positions were determined from approach curves acquired with the SICM barrel. One position was defined as the “In-control” position, where the probe was in close proximity to the ligand source; the second position was defined as the “Far” position, where the probe was retracted far away from the ligand source. Our results confirm that channel activities increased dramatically with respect to both open channel probability and single channel current when the probe was near the ligand source, as opposed to when the probe was far away from the ligand source.
The effect of minimal dietary changes with raisins in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis: a randomized controlled intervention
Authors: Kaliora Andriana C. , Kokkinos Alexander , Diolintzi Anastacia , Stoupaki Maria , Gioxari Aristea , Kanellos Panagiotis T. , Dedoussis George V. Z. , Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Revenas Constantinos , Ladas Spiros D. , Karathanos Vaios T.
Published: September 2016

Aiming at investigating the potential effect of minimal dietary changes in NAFLD patients with non-significant fibrosis, 55 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Effects of thermal pretreatment and catalyst on biomass gasification efficiency and syngas composition
Authors: Cheah Singfoong , Jablonski Whitney S. , Olstad Jessica L. , Carpenter Daniel L. , Barthelemy Kevin D. , Robichaud David J. , Andrews Joy C. , Black Stuart K. , Oddo Marc D. , Westover Tyler L.
Published: September 2016

During gasification, thermally pretreated biomass and in situ catalyst yield different carbon conversion efficiencies, though they both reduce tar.
New degradation compounds from lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment: routes for formation of potent oligophenolic enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Rasmussen H. , Tanner D. , Sørensen H. R. , Meyer A. S.
Published: September 2016

In this study 26 new oligophenol cellulase inhibitors were discovered from wheat straw pretreatment liquors.
Deferasirox-coated iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential cytotoxic agent
Authors: Taghavi Faezeh , Saljooghi Amir Sh. , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Ramezani Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Two broad strategies for the use of iron chelators in cancer treatment have been explored.
Identification of Gli-mediated transcription inhibitors through synthesis and evaluation of taepeenin D analogues
Authors: Antoniou A. , Chatzopoulou M. , Bantzi M. , Athanassopoulos C. M. , Giannis A. , Pitsinos E. N.
Published: September 2016

Abietic acid derivatives related to taepeenin D were identified as new Hh pathway inhibitors that operate downstream of Smo.
Understanding the molecular basis for the controlled design of ruthenium nanoparticles in microporous aluminophosphates
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Purkis Jamie M. , Perdjon Michal , Wells Peter P. , Raja Robert
Published: September 2016

Highly active ruthenium nanoparticle catalysts for C–H activation of hydrocarbons.
Titanium oxide nanoparticle dispersions in a liquid monomer and solid polymer resins prepared by sputtering
Authors: Porta Matteo , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Yonezawa Tetsu , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Ishida Yohei , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Shishino Yuichi , Hatakeyama Yoshikiyo
Published: September 2016

A transparent nanocomposite resin with titanium oxide nanoparticles was prepared using a sputtering technique.
Photon-induced generation and spatial control of extreme pressure at the nanoscale with a gold bowtie nano-antenna platform
Authors: Boutopoulos Christos , Dagallier Adrien , Sansone Maria , Blanchard-Dionne Andre-Pierre , Lecavalier-Hurtubise Évelyne , Boulais Étienne , Meunier Michel
Published: September 2016

Light-controlled GPa pressure stimulus at the nanoscale with a gold bow-tie nano-antenna platform.
The role of carbon precursor on carbon nanotube chirality in floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Barnard J. S. , Paukner C. , Koziol K. K.
Published: September 2016

We have studied the influence of different carbon precursors (methane, ethanol and toluene) on the type, diameter and chiral angle distributions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown with the floating catalyst technique in a horizontal gas-flow reactor.
Direct alkylthio-functionalization of unsubstituted perylenediimides
Authors: Zink-Lorre Nathalie , Font-Sanchis Enrique , Sastre-Santos Ángela , Fernández-Lázaro Fernando
Published: September 2016

A simple fluoride-mediated reaction allows the synthesis of 1,6-dialkylthioperylenediimides from unsubstituted perylenediimides under very mild conditions.
Tetrazolone as an acid bioisostere: application to marketed drugs containing a carboxylic acid
Authors: Duncton Matthew A. J. , Murray Ryan B. , Park Gary , Singh Rajinder
Published: September 2016

Matched molecular pair analysis was used to evaluate the ability of a tetrazolone group to act as a bioisostere of a carboxylic acid.
Effects of processing and added ingredients on oil diffusion through cocoa butter using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Hao , Shi Xun , Paluri Sravanti , Maleky Farnaz
Published: September 2016

This study investigates the diffusion of oil in different blends of cocoa butter with sugar and lecithin, processed under different crystallization conditions (0 and 250 s−1shearing rate).
Improved and synergistic catalysis of single-pot-synthesized Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles for anodic oxidation of methanol in alkali
Authors: Banik Senjuti , Mahajan Ankita , Chowdhury Sreya Roy , Bhattacharya Swapan Kumar
Published: September 2016

In the search for commercial anode materials for direct methanol fuel cells, Pt, Ni, and PtxNiy alloy NPs have been synthesized via one pot reduction of the respective pure and mixed metal precursors at 60 °C without adding any capping agent.
Effective tumor-targeted delivery of etoposide using chitosan nanoparticles conjugated with folic acid and sulfobetaine methacrylate
Authors: Hua Song , Yu Jiahua , Shang Jun , Zhang Haowen , Du Jie , Zhang Yushuo , Chen Fei , Zhou Yuan , Liu Fenju
Published: September 2016

FA–CS(VP-16)-g-PSBMA nanoparticles were synthesized and showed effective tumor-targeting properties and promising anti-tumor capacity in vivo.
Ag(i), Cu(ii), Co(iii) and Hg(ii) complexes and metal-assisted products derived from 4-methyl-piperidine-carbodithioate: syntheses, structures, thermal analyses, redox behaviour and fluorescence properties
Authors: Nath Paras , Bharty M. K. , Maiti B. , Bharti A. , Butcher R. J. , Wikaira J. L. , Singh N. K.
Published: September 2016

Ag(i), Cu(ii), Co(iii) and Hg(ii) complexes and metal-assisted products derived from 4-methyl piperidine have been synthesized. The Cu(ii) complex is redox reversible and compounds3and5are fluorescent.
Reinforcement effects of nanocarbons on catalyst behaviour and polyethylene properties through in situ polymerization
Authors: Khoshsefat M. , Ahmadjo S. , Mortazavi S. M. M. , Zohuri G. H.
Published: September 2016

MWCNT (multi-walled carbon nanotube), MWCNT-COOH and xGnP (exfoliated graphene nanoplatelet) were used by in-situ polymerization of ethylene in presence of a binuclear complex (BNC4).
Tuned synthesis and characterizational insight into β-cyclodextrin amended hydrous iron-zirconium hybrid oxide: a promising scavenger of fluoride in aqueous solution
Authors: Saha Indranil , Kanrar Sarat , Gupta Kaushik , Show Bibhutibhushan , Nandi Debabrata , Biswas Krishna , Manna Biswaranjan , Chatterjee Debashis , Chand Ghosh Uday
Published: September 2016

Fluoride adsorption on CHIZO takes place with H-bonding inside the core, thus forming an encapsulated moiety.
Metal ions provide structural stability and compactness to tetrameric purothionin
Authors: Das Swagata , Pal Uttam , Chandra Maiti Nakul
Published: September 2016

Metal ions impart structural stability to the purothionin tetramer.
Comparison of titania nanotube-supported cobalt catalysts prepared by impregnation and homogeneous precipitation for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Tiejun , Wu Liangpeng , Li Xinjun
Published: September 2016

Titania nanotube-supported cobalt catalysts were prepared by impregnation (Imp) and homogeneous precipitation (HP). The HP catalyst displays a twofold higher activity as well as superior C5+ selectivity.
A nitrogen and cobalt co-doped titanium dioxide framework as a stable catalyst support for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Dhanasekaran P. , Selvaganesh S. Vinod , Bhat Santoshkumar D.
Published: September 2016

Platinum deposited on a TiON–Co framework improves the oxygen reduction activity in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Enhancement of nonlinear optical properties of graphene oxide-based structures: push–pull models
Authors: Junqueira Georgia Maria A. , Mendonça João Paulo A. , Lima Alessandro Henrique , Quirino Welber G. , Sato Fernando
Published: September 2016

Through DFT calculations and the finite field approach, it is possible to identify some structural and electronic aspects that could lead to enhancement of the nonlinear optical (NLO) molecular properties of graphene oxide and its derivatives.
Recent advances in counter electrodes of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Shixun , Tian Jianjun
Published: September 2016

The recent progress in the development of counter electrodes (CEs) is reviewed, and the key issues for the materials, structures and performance evaluation of CEs are also addressed.
Molecular mechanism on two fluoroquinolones inducing oxidative stress: evidence from copper/zinc superoxide dismutase
Authors: Pan Xingren , Qin Pengfei , Liu Rutao , Li Jianfeng , Zhang Fucui
Published: September 2016

The combination of molecular and cellular analysis suggested that the structural and functional alterations of Cu/Zn-SOD were closely associated with increased risk of oxidative stress initiated by both CPFX and ENFX.
Strongly anisotropic thermal and electrical conductivities of a self-assembled silver nanowire network
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Han Meng , Yuan Pengyu , Xu Shen , Cola Baratunde A. , Wang Xinwei
Published: September 2016

Self-assembled silver nanowire network shows strongly anisotropic electrical and thermal conduction.
Lewis acidic ionic liquids of crown ether complex cations: preparation and applications in organic reactions
Authors: Liang Yatao , Wang Jinyuan , Cheng Chen , Jing Huangwang
Published: September 2016

New Lewis acidic ionic liquids composed of crown ether complex cations were designed, synthesised and characterised by Raman, MS, FT-IR, TGA-DSC and elemental analysis. They have been successfully used in various organic reactions as catalysts.
How well does A-level Mathematics prepare students for the mathematical demands of chemistry degrees?
Authors: Darlington Ellie , Bowyer Jessica
Published: September 2016

332 undergraduate chemistry students were surveyed in order to establish whether they had found A-level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics to be good preparation for their degree. Perceptions of both subjects were found to be positive, with more than 80% of participants describing Mathematics or Further Mathematics as good preparation. In particular, pure mathematics and mechanics topics were found to be the most useful. Additionally, over 90% of participants who had studied at least AS-level Further Mathematics reported that there was an overlap between the material they encountered at A-level and in the first year of undergraduate study. This indicates that prospective undergraduate chemists would significantly benefit from studying A-level Mathematics, and in particular may benefit from specialising in the study of mechanics, something which will only be possible through the study of Further Mathematics after qualifications are reformed in September 2017. Universities should consequently consider revising their entry requirements or recommendations to applicants.
Antibody fragments as nanoparticle targeting ligands: a step in the right direction
Authors: Richards Daniel A. , Maruani Antoine , Chudasama Vijay
Published: September 2016

Recent advances in nanomedicine have shown that dramatic improvements in nanoparticle therapeutics and diagnostics can be achieved through the use of disease specific targeting ligands.
Geminal bis-borane formation by borane Lewis acid induced cyclopropyl rearrangement and its frustrated Lewis pair reaction with carbon dioxide
Authors: Liu Yun-Lin , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Erker Gerhard
Published: September 2016

The borylated tetrahydroborole obtained by the reaction of cyclopropylacetylene with Piers' borane adds carbon dioxide under frustrated Lewis pair conditions.
Fluorinative ring-opening of cyclopropanes by hypervalent iodine reagents. An efficient method for 1,3-oxyfluorination and 1,3-difluorination
Authors: Ilchenko Nadia O. , Hedberg Martin , Szabó Kálmán J.
Published: September 2016

Reaction of 1,1-disubstituted cyclopropanes with hypervalent iodines in the presence of AgBF4 leads to 1,3-difluorination and 1,3-oxyfluorination products.
One-step electrochemical deposition of Ni1−xMoxS ternary sulfides as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Theerthagiri J. , Senthil R. A. , Buraidah M. H. , Madhavan J. , Arof A. K. , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: September 2016

Ni0.95Mo0.05S offers a positive synergistic effect for the electrocatalytic reduction of I3−, which is due to an increase in active catalytic sites and low Rct and achieved a high efficiency of 7.15%.
Inexpensive electrochemical synthesis of nickel iron sulphides on nickel foam: super active and ultra-durable electrocatalysts for alkaline electrolyte membrane water electrolysis
Authors: Ganesan Pandian , Sivanantham Arumugam , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: September 2016

The inexpensive fabrication of nano-honeycomb structured nickel iron sulphides on a nickel foam current collector is described and used as both anode and cathode in the alkaline membrane water electrolysis.
Layered 2D alkyldiammonium lead iodide perovskites: synthesis, characterization, and use in solar cells
Authors: Safdari Majid , Svensson Per H. , Hoang Minh Tam , Oh Ilwhan , Kloo Lars , Gardner James M.
Published: September 2016

The synthetic route and properties of three 2D hybrid organic/inorganic lead iodide perovskite materials are reported.
Film morphology evolution during solvent vapor annealing of highly efficient small molecule donor/acceptor blends
Authors: Engmann Sebastian , Ro Hyun Wook , Herzing Andrew , Snyder Chad R. , Richter Lee J. , Geraghty Paul B. , Jones David J.
Published: September 2016

In-situ X-ray scattering studies of solvent vapor annealing of the active layer in benzodithiophene terthiophene rhodanine (BTR) solar cells reveals the mechanisms for morphology transformation and device improvement.
Niobium carbide nanofibers as a versatile precursor for high power supercapacitor and high energy battery electrodes
Authors: Tolosa Aura , Krüner Benjamin , Fleischmann Simon , Jäckel Nicolas , Zeiger Marco , Aslan Mesut , Grobelsek Ingrid , Presser Volker
Published: September 2016

Electrospun niobium carbide/carbon nanofibers are a facile precursor to derive highly nanoporous carbide-derived carbon for supercapacitor applications, or niobium pentoxide/carbon for battery electrodes.
Distribution of bromine in mixed iodide–bromide organolead perovskites and its impact on photovoltaic performance
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Feng , Fang Hong-Hua , Loi Maria Antonietta , Xie Fang-Yan , Zhao Ni , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: September 2016

The bromine has the role of passivating defect states at grain boundaries and interfaces in mixed halide perovskite solar cells.
Surfactant-free synthesis of a water-soluble PEGylated nanographeneoxide/metal-oxide nanocomposite as engineered antimicrobial weaponry
Authors: Mishra Rahul Kumar , Shalom Yakov , Kumar Vijay Bhooshan , Luong John H. T. , Gedanken Aharon , Banin Ehud
Published: September 2016

ZnCuO NPs deposited on NGO-PEG are non-toxic, exhibit high antimicrobial activity and show excellent dispersal in water, salt-rich and protein-rich solutions.
Electrochemically deposited interlayer between PEDOT:PSS and phosphorescent emitting layer for multilayer solution-processed phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Yu Tiancheng , Xu Jin , Liu Linlin , Ren Zhongjie , Yang Wei , Yan Shouke , Ma Yuguang
Published: September 2016

SimCP2 is deposited directly on PEDOT:PSS. When the ECP interlayer with an optimal thickness is inserted, the luminance of the PhOLED device is increased enhancing the luminous efficiency and external quantum efficiency.