bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin enhances sensitivity to fluorouracil in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway
Authors: Lu Yun-Xin , Chen Dong-Liang , Wang De-Shen , Chen Le-Zong , Mo Hai-Yu , Sheng Hui , Bai Long , Wu Qi-Nian , Yu Hong-En , Xie Dan , Yun Jing-Ping , Zeng Zhao-Lei , Wang Feng , Ju Huai-Qiang , Xu Rui-Hua
Published: October 2016

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-associated death in the world and novel therapeutic alternatives are urgently warranted. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumour activity and underlying mechanisms of melatonin, an indoleamine compound secreted by the pineal gland as well as naturally occurring plant products, in ESCC cells and revealed that melatonin inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of ESCC cells in vitro and suppressed tumour growth in the subcutaneous mice model in vivo. Furthermore, after treatment with melatonin, the expressions of pMEK, pErk, pGSK3β and pAkt were significantly suppressed. In contrast, treatment of the conventional chemotherapeutic drug fluorouracil (5-Fu) resulted in activation of Erk and Akt, which could be reversed by co-treatment with melatonin. Importantly, melatonin effectively enhanced cytotoxicity of 5-Fu to ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results suggested that inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway by melatonin have an important role in sensitization of ESCC cells to 5-Fu. Combined 5-Fu and melatonin treatment may be appreciated as a useful approach for ESCC therapy that warrants further investigation.
Metformin protects against apoptosis and senescence in nucleus pulposus cells and ameliorates disc degeneration in vivo
Authors: Chen Deheng , Xia Dongdong , Pan Zongyou , Xu Daoliang , Zhou Yifei , Wu Yaosen , Cai Ningyu , Tang Qian , Wang Chenggui , Yan Meijun , Zhang Jing Jie , Zhou Kailiang , Wang Quan , Feng Yongzeng , Wang Xiangyang , Xu Huazi , Zhang Xiaolei , Tian Naifeng
Published: October 2016

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a complicated process that involves both cellular apoptosis and senescence. Metformin has been reported to stimulate autophagy, whereas autophagy is shown to protect against apoptosis and senescence. Therefore, we hypothesize that metformin may have therapeutic effect on IDD through autophagy stimulation. The effect of metformin on IDD was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Our study showed that metformin attenuated cellular apoptosis and senescence induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in nucleus pulposus cells. Autophagy, as well as its upstream regulator AMPK, was activated by metformin in nucleus pulposus cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA partially abolished the protective effect of metformin against nucleus pulposus cells’ apoptosis and senescence, indicating that autophagy was involved in the protective effect of metformin on IDD. In addition, metformin was shown to promote the expression of anabolic genes such as Col2a1 and Acan expression while inhibiting the expression of catabolic genes such as Mmp3 and Adamts5 in nucleus pulposus cells. In vivo study illustrated that metformin treatment could ameliorate IDD in a puncture-induced rat model. Thus, our study showed that metformin could protect nucleus pulposus cells against apoptosis and senescence via autophagy stimulation and ameliorate disc degeneration in vivo, revealing its potential to be a therapeutic agent for IDD.
Desferrioxamine reduces ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene-induced osteolysis by restraining inflammatory osteoclastogenesis via heme oxygenase-1
Authors: Kang Hui , Yan Yufei , Jia Peng , Yang Kai , Guo Changjun , Chen Hao , Qi Jin , Qian Niandong , Xu Xing , Wang Fei , Li Changwei , Guo Lei , Deng Lianfu
Published: October 2016

As wear particles-induced osteolysis still remains the leading cause of early implant loosening in endoprosthetic surgery, and promotion of osteoclastogenesis by wear particles has been confirmed to be responsible for osteolysis. Therapeutic agents targeting osteoclasts formation are considered for the treatment of wear particles-induced osteolysis. In the present study, we demonstrated for the first time that desferrioxamine (DFO), a powerful iron chelator, could significantly alleviate osteolysis in an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles-induced mice calvaria osteolysis model. Furthermore, DFO attenuated calvaria osteolysis by restraining enhanced inflammatory osteoclastogenesis induced by UHMWPE particles. Consistent with the in vivo results, we found DFO was also able to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, as evidenced by reduction of osteoclasts formation and suppression of osteoclast specific genes expression. In addition, DFO dampened osteoclasts differentiation and formation at early stage but not at late stage. Mechanistically, the reduction of osteoclastogenesis by DFO was due to increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, as decreased osteoclasts formation induced by DFO was significantly restored after HO-1 was silenced by siRNA, while HO-1 agonist COPP treatment enhanced DFO-induced osteoclastogenesis inhibition. In addition, blocking of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway promoted DFO-induced HO-1 expression, implicating that p38 signaling pathway was involved in DFO-mediated HO-1 expression. Taken together, our results suggested that DFO inhibited UHMWPE particles-induced osteolysis by restraining inflammatory osteoclastogenesis through upregulation of HO-1 via p38MAPK pathway. Thus, DFO might be used as an innovative and safe therapeutic alternative for treating wear particles-induced aseptic loosening.
Increased expression of EHF via gene amplification contributes to the activation of HER family signaling and associates with poor survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Shi Jing , Qu Yiping , Li Xinru , Sui Fang , Yao Demao , Yang Qi , Shi Bingyin , Ji Meiju , Hou Peng
Published: October 2016

The biological function of E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor EHF/ESE-3 in human cancers remains largely unknown, particularly gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the role of EHF in tumorigenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target in gastric cancer. By using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, we investigated the expression and copy number of EHF in a cohort of gastric cancers and control subjects. Specific EHF siRNAs was used to determine the biologic impacts and mechanisms of altered EHF expression in vitro and in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) assays were performed to identify its downstream targets. Our results demonstrated that EHF was significantly upregulated and frequently amplified in gastric cancer tissues as compared with control subjects. Moreover, EHF amplification was positively correlated with its overexpression and significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients. We also found that EHF knockdown notably inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and tumorigenic potential in nude mice and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, we identified EHF as a new HER2 transcription factor and the modulator of HER3 and HER4 in gastric cancer. Collectively, our findings suggest that EHF is a novel functional oncogene in gastric cancer by regulating the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases and may represent a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this cancer.
T cell receptor recognition of CD1b presenting a mycobacterial glycolipid
Authors: Gras Stephanie , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Shahine Adam , Cheng Tan-Yun , Bhati Mugdha , Tan Li Lynn , Halim Hanim , Tuttle Kathryn D. , Gapin Laurent , Le Nours Jérôme , Moody D. Branch , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: October 2016

CD1 proteins present microbial lipids to T cells. Germline-encoded mycolyl lipid-reactive (GEM) T cells with conserved αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize CD1b presenting mycobacterial mycolates. As the molecular basis underpinning TCR recognition of CD1b remains unknown, here we determine the structure of a GEM TCR bound to CD1b presenting glucose-6-O-monomycolate (GMM). The GEM TCR docks centrally above CD1b, whereby the conserved TCR α-chain extensively contacts CD1b and GMM. Through mutagenesis and study of T cells from tuberculosis patients, we identify a consensus CD1b footprint of TCRs present among GEM T cells. Using both the TCR α- and β-chains as tweezers to surround and grip the glucose moiety of GMM, GEM TCRs create a highly specific mechanism for recognizing this mycobacterial glycolipid.
Engineered AAA+ proteases reveal principles of proteolysis at the mitochondrial inner membrane
Authors: Shi Hui , Rampello Anthony J. , Glynn Steven E.
Published: October 2016

The human YME1L protease is a membrane-anchored AAA+ enzyme that controls proteostasis at the inner membrane and intermembrane space of mitochondria. Understanding how YME1L recognizes substrates and catalyses ATP-dependent degradation has been hampered by the presence of an insoluble transmembrane anchor that drives hexamerization of the catalytic domains to form the ATPase active sites. Here, we overcome this limitation by replacing the transmembrane domain with a soluble hexameric coiled coil to produce active YME1L hexamers that can be studied in vitro. We use these engineered proteases to reveal principles of substrate processing by YME1L. Degradation by YME1L requires substrates to present an accessible signal sequence and is not initiated simply by substrate unfolding. The protease is also capable of processively unfolding substrate proteins with substantial thermodynamic stabilities. Lastly, we show that YME1L discriminates between degradation signals by amino acid composition, implying the use of sequence-specific signals in mitochondrial proteostasis.
Delayed electron emission in strong-field driven tunnelling from a metallic nanotip in the multi-electron regime
Authors: Yanagisawa Hirofumi , Schnepp Sascha , Hafner Christian , Hengsberger Matthias , Kim Dong Eon , Kling Matthias F. , Landsman Alexandra , Gallmann Lukas , Osterwalder Jürg
Published: October 2016

Illuminating a nano-sized metallic tip with ultrashort laser pulses leads to the emission of electrons due to multiphoton excitations. As optical fields become stronger, tunnelling emission directly from the Fermi level becomes prevalent. This can generate coherent electron waves in vacuum leading to a variety of attosecond phenomena. Working at high emission currents where multi-electron effects are significant, we were able to characterize the transition from one regime to the other. Specifically, we found that the onset of laser-driven tunnelling emission is heralded by the appearance of a peculiar delayed emission channel. In this channel, the electrons emitted via laser-driven tunnelling emission are driven back into the metal, and some of the electrons reappear in the vacuum with some delay time after undergoing inelastic scattering and cascading processes inside the metal. Our understanding of these processes gives insights on attosecond tunnelling emission from solids and should prove useful in designing new types of pulsed electron sources.
Mechanisms on the morphology variation of hematite crystals by Al substitution: The modification of Fe and O reticular densities
Authors: Li Wei , Liang Xiaoliang , An Pengfei , Feng Xionghan , Tan Wenfeng , Qiu Guohong , Yin Hui , Liu Fan
Published: October 2016

Al substitution in hematite is ubiquitous in soils. With the increase of Al amount, the hematite morphology changes from rhombohedral crystals to disk-shaped ones, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, a series of Al-substituted hematite were synthesized and characterized by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution electron transmission microscopy (HRTEM) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, to investigate the effects of Al3+ substitution on the hematite structure and morphology. EXAFS and Rietveld structural refinement analyses find an increase in face-sharing (along c axis) Fe-Me (Me = Al, Fe) distances, edge-sharing (in a-b plane) Fe-Me (Me = Al, Fe) distances, and O-O average distances. Moreover, the face-sharing Fe-Me distances and O-O distances along c axis increase more significantly. This indicates a more apparent decrease in the reticular densities of Fe and O along the direction of c axis, which facilitates faster crystal growth along c axis and results in the evolution of morphology of Al-substituted hematite to disk-shaped crystals. The above results provide new insights into the morphology changes and environmental geochemistry behaviors of Al-contained hematite in soils, and are benefit for the control of crystal morphologies during its application as environmentally-friendly materials.
NOGO-A/RTN4A and NOGO-B/RTN4B are simultaneously expressed in epithelial, fibroblast and neuronal cells and maintain ER morphology
Authors: Rämö Olli , Kumar Darshan , Gucciardo Erika , Joensuu Merja , Saarekas Maiju , Vihinen Helena , Belevich Ilya , Smolander Olli-Pekka , Qian Kui , Auvinen Petri , Jokitalo Eija
Published: October 2016

Reticulons (RTNs) are a large family of membrane associated proteins with various functions. NOGO-A/RTN4A has a well-known function in limiting neurite outgrowth and restricting the plasticity of the mammalian central nervous system. On the other hand, Reticulon 4 proteins were shown to be involved in forming and maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules. Using comparative transcriptome analysis and qPCR, we show here that NOGO-B/RTN4B and NOGO-A/RTN4A are simultaneously expressed in cultured epithelial, fibroblast and neuronal cells. Electron tomography combined with immunolabelling reveal that both isoforms localize preferably to curved membranes on ER tubules and sheet edges. Morphological analysis of cells with manipulated levels of NOGO-B/RTN4B revealed that it is required for maintenance of normal ER shape; over-expression changes the sheet/tubule balance strongly towards tubules and causes the deformation of the cell shape while depletion of the protein induces formation of large peripheral ER sheets.
Hi-C-constrained physical models of human chromosomes recover functionally-related properties of genome organization
Authors: Di Stefano Marco , Paulsen Jonas , Lien Tonje G. , Hovig Eivind , Micheletti Cristian
Published: October 2016

Combining genome-wide structural models with phenomenological data is at the forefront of efforts to understand the organizational principles regulating the human genome. Here, we use chromosome-chromosome contact data as knowledge-based constraints for large-scale three-dimensional models of the human diploid genome. The resulting models remain minimally entangled and acquire several functional features that are observedin vivoand that were never used as input for the model. We find, for instance, that gene-rich, active regions are drawn towards the nuclear center, while gene poor and lamina associated domains are pushed to the periphery. These and other properties persist upon adding local contact constraints, suggesting their compatibility with non-local constraints for the genome organization. The results show that suitable combinations of data analysis and physical modelling can expose the unexpectedly rich functionally-related properties implicit in chromosome-chromosome contact data. Specific directions are suggested for further developments based on combining experimental data analysis and genomic structural modelling.
Surgical technique for allogeneic uterus transplantation in macaques
Authors: Obara Hideaki , Kisu Iori , Kato Yojiro , Yamada Yohei , Matsubara Kentaro , Emoto Katsura , Adachi Masataka , Matoba Yusuke , Umene Kiyoko , Nogami Yuya , Banno Kouji , Tsuchiya Hideaki , Itagaki Iori , Kawamoto Ikuo , Nakagawa Takahiro , Ishigaki Hirohito , Itoh Yasushi , Ogasawara Kazumasa , Saiki Yoko , Sato Shin-ichi , Nakagawa Kenshi , Shiina Takashi , Aoki Daisuke , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2016

No study has reported an animal model of uterus transplantation (UTx) using cynomolgus macaques. We aimed to establish a surgical technique of allogeneic UTx assuming the recovery of a uterus from a deceased donor in cynomolgus macaques. Four allogeneic UTxs were performed in female cynomolgus macaques. Donor surgeries comprised en bloc recovery of organs with iliac vessels on both sides, and/or abdominal aorta/vena cava after sufficient perfusion from one femoral artery or external iliac artery. Before perfusion, 150 mL of whole blood was obtained from the donor for subsequent blood transfusion to the recipient. Four uterine grafts were orthotopically transplanted to recipients. End-to-side anastomosis was performed to the iliac vessels on one side in case 1 and iliac vessels on both sides in case 2; aorto-aorto/cavo-caval anastomosis was performed in cases 3 and 4. Arterial blood flow of the uterine grafts was determined by intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. ICG angiography results showed sufficient blood flow to all uterine grafts, and anaemia did not progress. Under appropriate immune suppression, all recipients survived for more than 90 days post-transplantation, without any surgical complications. We describe a surgical technique for allogeneic UTx in cynomolgus macaques.
Available sustainable alternatives replace endangered animal horn based on their proteomic analysis and bio-effect evaluation
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Fei , Huang Qiong , Duan Jin-ao , Liu Pei , Shang Erxin , Zhu Dong , Wen Hongmei , Qian Dawei
Published: October 2016

The use of endangered animal products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other ethno-medicines is culturally widespread across many regions of Asia. In the present study, traditional efficacies of seven types of animal horn including antipyretic, sedative and procoagulant activities were evaluated. Shotgun proteomic analysis was performed on material from horns following separation into soluble and insoluble fractions. Over 200 proteins were identified in each sample using nano LC-MS/MS, and these were classified according to their molecular function and cellular component using principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicated that seven horns showed antipyretic, sedative and procoagulant effect. Proteomic analysis showed that YH and WBH were similar to RH in terms of protein profile, and GH was similar to SAH. In addition, YH and GH were similar to RH in their cellular component classification profile. PCA based on the composition of keratin and keratin-associated proteins showed that constituents of WBH and GH were similar to RH and SAH, respectively. This is the first analysis of the protein content of animal horns used in TCM, and it is effective to substitute the horn of endangered animals with sustainable alternatives from domestic animals.
Temperature- and wavelength-insensitive parametric amplification enabled by noncollinear achromatic phase-matching
Authors: Tang Daolong , Ma Jingui , Wang Jing , Zhou Bingjie , Xie Guoqiang , Yuan Peng , Zhu Heyuan , Qian Liejia
Published: October 2016

Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) has been demonstrated to be a promising approach for pushing femtosecond pulses towards ultra-high peak powers. However, the future success of OPCPA strongly relies on the ability to manipulate its phase-matching (PM) configuration. When a high average power pump laser is involved, the thermal effects in nonlinear crystals induce phase-mismatch distortions that pose an inherent limitation on the conversion efficiency. Here, we demonstrate that the noncollinear configuration previously adopted for wavelength-insensitive PM can be employed for temperature-insensitive PM when the noncollinear angle is properly reset. Simultaneous temperature- and wavelength-insensitive PM is realized for the first time by imposing such a temperature-insensitive noncollinear configuration with an angularly dispersed seed signal. Based on the lithium triborate crystal, the proposed noncollinear achromatic PM has a thermal acceptance 6 times larger than that of the conventional wavelength-insensitive noncollinear PM and has a sufficient spectral acceptance to support pulse durations of ~20 fs at 800 nm. These achievements open new possibilities for generating ultra-high peak power lasers with high average power.
Survival of mature T cells depends on signaling through HOIP
Authors: Okamura Kazumi , Kitamura Akiko , Sasaki Yoshiteru , Chung Doo Hyun , Kagami Shoji , Iwai Kazuhiro , Yasutomo Koji
Published: October 2016

T cell development in the thymus is controlled by a multistep process. The NF-κB pathway regulates T cell development as well as T cell activation at multiple differentiation stages. The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) is composed of Sharpin, HOIL-1L and HOIP, and it is crucial for regulating the NF-κB and cell death pathways. However, little is known about the roles of LUBAC in T-cell development and activation. Here, we show that in T-HOIPΔlinear mice lacking the ubiquitin ligase activity of LUBAC, thymic CD4+ or CD8+ T cell numbers were markedly reduced with severe defects in NKT cell development. HOIPΔlinear CD4+ T cells failed to phosphorylate IκBα and JNK through T cell receptor-mediated stimulation. Mature CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in T-HOIPΔlinear mice underwent apoptosis more rapidly than control T cells, and it was accompanied by lower CD127 expression on CD4+CD24low and CD8+CD24low T cells in the thymus. The enforced expression of CD127 in T-HOIPΔlinear thymocytes rescued the development of mature CD8+ T cells. Collectively, our results showed that LUBAC ligase activity is key for the survival of mature T cells, and suggest multiple roles of the NF-κB and cell death pathways in activating or maintaining T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses.
Genome-wide identification of endogenous RNA-directed DNA methylation loci associated with abundant 21-nucleotide siRNAs in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Jian-Hua , Fang Yuan-Yuan , Duan Cheng-Guo , Fang Rong-Xiang , Ding Shou-Wei , Guo Hui-Shan
Published: October 2016

In Arabidopsis, the 24-nucleotide (nt) small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediates RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of transposable elements (TEs). In the present study, we examined genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and siRNA accumulation in Arabidopsis induced by expression of the Cucumber mosaic virus silencing suppressor protein 2b known to directly bind to both the 21/24-nt siRNAs as well as their associated Argonaute proteins. We demonstrated a genome-wide reduction of CHH and CHG methylation in the 2b-transgenic plants. We found that 2b suppressed RdDM not only at the previously annotated loci directed by 24-nt siRNAs but also a new set of loci associated with 21/22-nt siRNAs. Further analysis showed that the reduced methylation of TEs and coding genes targeted by 21/22-nt siRNAs was associated with sequestration of the duplex siRNAs by the 2b protein but not with changes in either siRNA production or transcription. Notably, we detected both the deletion and/or the transposition of multicopy TEs associated with 2b-induced hypomethylation, suggesting potential TE reactivation. We propose that the silencing of many TEs in Arabidopsis is controlled by the 24- and 21-nt endogenous siRNAs analogous to Drosophila TE silencing by PIWI-interacting RNAs and siRNAs.
A simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor for rapid detection of Clostridium tetani based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Du Chunlan , Ni Danni , Ran Qiaosheng , Liu Fei , Jiang Dongneng , Pu Xiaoyun
Published: October 2016

Tetanus is a common disease caused by anaerobic bacteria calledClostridium tetaniin deep tissue infections.
Towards understanding the unusual photoluminescence intensity variation of ultrasmall colloidal PbS quantum dots with the formation of a thin CdS shell
Authors: Ren Fuqiang , Lindley Sarah A. , Zhao Haiguang , Tan Long , Gonfa Belete Atomsa , Pu Ying-Chih , Yang Fan , Liu Xinyu , Vidal François , Zhang Jin Z. , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Ma Dongling
Published: October 2016

We report anomalous size-dependent photoluminescence intensity variation of PbS quantum dots with the formation of a thin CdS shell.
Fast catalytic conversion of recalcitrant cellulose into alkyl levulinates and levulinic acid in the presence of soluble and recoverable sulfonated hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole)s
Authors: Yu Feng , Zhong Ruyi , Chong Hui , Smet Mario , Dehaen Wim , Sels Bert F.
Published: October 2016

Sulfonated hyperbranched polymers were recently reported to efficiently mimic cellulase activity, producing large quantities of glucose from cellulose.
Identification of the catalytically active component of Cu–Zr–O catalyst for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Ishikawa Satoshi , Jones Daniel R. , Iqbal Sarwat , Reece Christian , Morgan David J. , Willock David J. , Miedziak Peter J. , Bartley Jonathan K. , Edwards Jennifer K. , Murayama Toru , Ueda Wataru , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: October 2016

Surface Cu nanoparticles are the active component of Cu–ZrO2 catalysts for the levulinic acid hydrogenation.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: October 2016

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as kanamienamide from the marine cyanobacterium Moorea bouillonii.
In situ generation of nitrilium from nitrile ylide and the subsequent Mumm rearrangement: copper-catalyzed synthesis of unsymmetrical diacylglycine esters
Authors: Chen Jijun , Shao Ying , Ma Liang , Ma Meihua , Wan Xiaobing
Published: October 2016

A novel in situ generation of nitrilium from nitrile ylide and the subsequent Mumm rearrangement of carboxylic acid, nitrile, and diazo compounds gave various unsymmetrical diacylglycine esters.
Efficient and recyclable copper-based MOF-catalyzed N-arylation of N-containing heterocycles with aryliodides
Authors: Li Zihao , Meng Fei , Zhang Jie , Xie Jianwei , Dai Bin
Published: October 2016

Copper-based MOF-199 was used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst to catalyze cross-coupling reactions between N-containing heterocycles and aryliodides with high yields.
Hydrogen bonding-promoted efficient Ru-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis of demanding homoallyl 2-(hydroxymethyl)acrylates
Authors: Feng Liang , Liu Yuehui , Hou Bo , Yuan Zaifeng , Yu Fu-Chao , Yan Tingbin , Qin Qi , Ji Ruigeng , Li Ya-Min , Shen Yuehai , Zuo Zhi-Li
Published: October 2016

An efficient Ru-catalyzed RCM of sterically demanding homoallyl 2-(hydroxymethyl)acrylates was developed. The unusual directing effect of OH⋯Cl hydrogen bonding was disclosed by experimental and computational approaches.
Enantioselective synthesis of spirooxindole benzoquinolizines via organo-catalyzed cascade reactions
Authors: Tan Yu , Feng Er-Lu , Sun Qiang-Sheng , Lin Hua , Sun Xun , Lin Guo-Qiang , Sun Xing-Wen
Published: October 2016

A Michael–Mannich–hemiaminalization–dehydration cascade reaction was developed for the construction of spirooxindole benzoquinolizine derivatives.
Photochemical formation of quinone methides from peptides containing modified tyrosine
Authors: Husak Antonija , Noichl Benjamin P. , Šumanovac Ramljak Tatjana , Sohora Margareta , Škalamera Đani , Budiša Nediljko , Basarić Nikola
Published: October 2016

We have demonstrated that quinone methide (QM) precursors can be introduced in the peptide structure and used as photoswitchable units for peptide modifications.
OFox imidates as versatile glycosyl donors for chemical glycosylation
Authors: Nigudkar Swati S. , Wang Tinghua , Pistorio Salvatore G. , Yasomanee Jagodige P. , Stine Keith J. , Demchenko Alexei V.
Published: October 2016

OFox imidates are versatile glycosyl donors that can be activated under catalytic conditions and provide excellent stereoselectivities and yields.
1,3-Dipolar and Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions on polyester backbones possessing internal electron-deficient alkyne moieties
Authors: Cetin Muge , Esen Cansu , Daglar Ozgun , Luleburgaz Serter , Hizal Gurkan , Durmaz Hakan , Tunca Umit
Published: October 2016

A polyester containing electron deficient internal alkyne units derived from acetylene dicarboxylic acid in the main backbone was employed as a polymeric platform in copper free cycloaddition reactions.
High performance dye anchored counter electrodes with a SPSQ2 sensitizer for dye sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Susmitha K. , Gurulakshmi M. , Naresh Kumar M. , Giribabu L. , Hanumantha Rao G. , Singh Surya Prakash , Narendra Babu S. , Srinivas M. , Raghavender M.
Published: October 2016

High performance counter electrodes (CEs) based on dye anchoring have been developed via a low cost spray gun.
Dynamic tribochemical behavior of TiN/TiCN coated Ti6Al4V in artificial seawater
Authors: Jinlong Li , Huasheng Zhong , Yongxin Wang
Published: October 2016

Seawater media accelerate the initiation of the cracks and induce the formation of the delamination failure of the TiN/TiCN coatings.
Synthesis of dense arrays of multiferroic CoFe2O4–PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 core/shell nanocables
Authors: Sallagoity D. , Elissalde C. , Majimel J. , Maglione M. , Antohe Vlad. A. , Abreu Araujo F. , Pereira de Sá P. M. , Basov S. , Piraux L.
Published: October 2016

A major challenge in the development of efficient magnetoelectric nanocomposites is the adequate control of the interfaces, in order to avoid the formation of undesirable interphases and to ensure an optimal strain mediated coupling.
Preparation of pH-responsive hollow poly(MAA-co-EGDMA) nanocapsules for drug delivery and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Hu He , Zhang Xiaofen , Sun Jin , An Lu , Du Jing , Yang Hong , Li Fenghua , Wu Huixia , Yang Shiping
Published: October 2016

The biocompatible hollow poly(MAA-co-EGDMA) nanocapsules with size of 260 nm shown controlled DOX drug delivery and effective ultrasound imaging.
Morphology evolution, formation mechanism and adsorption properties of hydrochars prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of corn stalk
Authors: Lei Yanqiu , Su Haiquan , Tian Rongkai
Published: October 2016

Hydrochar spheres were formed by the condensation, polymerization and pyrolysis behavior of hemicellulose, amorphous cellulose and soluble lignin.
Palladium(ii)-catalyzed hydroxy-involved enolate-type efficient C–C functionalization of hydroxynaphthoquinones at room temperature
Authors: Wang Nan , Wu Xingsen , Qin Taoyu , Zhou Jianrui , You Qidong , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: October 2016

A simple, mild, efficient and scalable strategy has been developed for synthesizing hydroxynaphthoquinones via a Pd-catalyzed hydroxy-involved enolate-type reaction.
One-pot transition-metal-free cascade synthesis of thieno[2,3-c]coumarins from chromones
Authors: Yang Yuhong , Qi Xueyu , Liu Ruiling , He Qian , Yang Chunhao
Published: October 2016

A one-pot transition-metal-free, base-mediated synthesis of a novel series of functionalized thieno[2,3-c]coumarins has been developed through a cascade reaction from chromones.
Iron(iii) chloride modulated selective 1,2-trans glycosylation based on glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donors and its application in orthogonal glycosylation
Authors: Mukherjee Mana Mohan , Basu Nabamita , Ghosh Rina
Published: October 2016

FeCl3 modulated excellent 1,2-trans selective glycosylations based on trichloroacetimidate glycosyl donors even in the presence of apparently silent C-2 protecting group, along with orthogonal glycosylation reactions are reported.
One-step synthesis and the enhanced xylene-sensing properties of Fe-doped MoO3 nanobelts
Authors: Xu Ruiliang , Zhang Nan , Sun Liang , Chen Chuan , Chen Yu , Li Chuannan , Ruan Shengping
Published: October 2016

Pure and Fe-doped MoO3 nanobelts were synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method and their xylene-sensing properties were investigated.
A new route to naphthyl ketones via copper-mediated intramolecular aerobic oxidative cyclization of alkynes and sulfonylcrotonates
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Xu Kun , Zhang Xu , Li Ting , Zheng Shao-Long , Yu Lin-Tao , Mao Wu-Tao , Chen Chang-Zhong , Wang Li-Ya
Published: October 2016

A copper-mediated intramolecular aerobic oxidative cyclization of alkynes and sulfonylcrotonates to a variety of highly functionalized naphthyl ketones was developed.
Thermochromic multilayer films of WO3/VO2/WO3 sandwich structure with enhanced luminous transmittance and durability
Authors: Long Shiwei , Zhou Huaijuan , Bao Shanhu , Xin Yunchuan , Cao Xun , Jin Ping
Published: October 2016

A novel thermochromic WO3/VO2/WO3 sandwich structure was deliberately designed and deposited by a reactive magnetron sputtering technique.
Nanocasting synthesis of mesoporous SnO2 with a tunable ferromagnetic response through Ni loading
Authors: Fan Junpeng , Zhang Jin , Solsona Pau , Suriñach Santiago , Baró Maria Dolors , Sort Jordi , Pellicer Eva
Published: October 2016

Ni-doped SnO2 mesoporous powders exhibit ferromagnetism at low and room temperatures, which can be tuned by adjusting the Ni loading.
Novel insights into multitargeted potential of N′-(4-benzylpiperidin-1-yl)alkylamine derivatives in the management of Alzheimer's disease associated pathogenesis
Authors: Meena Poonam , Manral Apra , Nemaysh Vishal , Saini Vikas , Siraj Fouzia , Luthra Pratibha Mehta , Tiwari Manisha
Published: October 2016

In this work we investigate some of the key mechanisms behind the multitargeted potential ofN′-(4-benzylpiperidin-1-yl)alkylamine derivatives and their characterization for anti-Alzheimer effects.
Co-delivery of doxorubicin and the traditional Chinese medicine quercetin using biotin–PEG2000–DSPE modified liposomes for the treatment of multidrug resistant breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiulong , Luo Yue , Zhao Xiufeng , Li Xiaowei , Li Kexin , Chen Dawei , Qiao Mingxi , Hu Haiyang , Zhao Xiuli
Published: October 2016

At present, multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer therapy is an international problem, which is caused mostly by the overexpressed P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump.
Chemoselective oxidation of aryl organoboron systems enabled by boronic acid-selective phase transfer
Authors: Molloy John J. , Clohessy Thomas A. , Irving Craig , Anderson Niall A. , Lloyd-Jones Guy C. , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: October 2016

Chemoselective boronate formation and phase transfer allows chemoselective Brown oxidation of boronic acids in the presence of boronic esters.
Formation and migration of hydride ions in BaTiO3−xHx oxyhydride
Authors: Liu Xin , Bjørheim Tor Svendsen , Haugsrud Reidar
Published: October 2016

The formation, stability and migration of hydride ions in BaTiO3−xHx oxyhydride are revealed by first principle calculations.
Graphene oxide modified hydrate salt hydrogels: form-stable phase change materials for smart thermal management
Authors: Liu Yushi , Yang Yingzi , Li Shuangxin
Published: October 2016

The adjustment of phase transition behaviors based on the special interaction of GO and PAAAM with hydrate salt PCM.
An epitope imprinted polymer with affinity for kininogen fragments prepared by metal coordination interaction for cancer biomarker analysis
Authors: Tang An-na , Duan Lanping , Liu Meijiao , Dong Xiangchao
Published: October 2016

A MIP with affinity for kininogen fragments was synthesized by epitope imprinting for biomarker analysis in serum.
DNA-fragmentation is a source of bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bhongir Ravi K.V. , Kasetty Gopinath , Papareddy Praveen , Mörgelin Matthias , Herwald Heiko , Egesten Arne
Published: October 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection is common in cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease also characterized by abundant extracellular DNA (eDNA) in the airways. The eDNA is mainly derived from neutrophils accumulating in the airways and contributes to a high sputum viscosity. The altered environment in the lower airways also paves the way for chronic P. aeruginosa infection. Here, we show that mice with P. aeruginosa airway infection have increased survival and decreased bacterial load after topical treatment with DNase. Furthermore, DNA from the sputum of CF patients showed increased bactericidal activity after treatment with DNase ex vivo. Both degraded DNA of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and genomic DNA degraded by serum, acquired bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa. In vitro, small synthetic DNA-fragments (<100 base pairs) but not large fragments nor genomic DNA, were bactericidal against Gram-negative but not Gram-positive bacteria. The addition of divalent cations reduced bacterial killing, suggesting that chelation of divalent cations by DNA results in destabilization of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) envelope. This is a novel antibacterial strategy where fragmentation of eDNA and DNA-fragments can be used to treat P. aeruginosa airway infection.
The Effects of Phonotactic Probability and Neighborhood Density on Adults' Word Learning in Noisy Conditions
Authors: Han Min Kyung , Storkel Holly L. , Lee Jaehoon , Cox Casey
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Noisy conditions make auditory processing difficult. This study explores whether noisy conditions influence the effects of phonotactic probability (the likelihood of occurrence of a sound sequence) and neighborhood density (phonological similarity among words) on adults' word learning.

Method

Fifty-eight adults learned nonwords varying in phonotactic probability and neighborhood density in either an unfavorable (0-dB signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) or a favorable (+8-dB SNR) listening condition. Word learning was assessed using a picture naming task by scoring the proportion of phonemes named correctly.

Results

The unfavorable 0-dB SNR condition showed a significant interaction between phonotactic probability and neighborhood density in the absence of main effects. In particular, adults learned more words when phonotactic probability and neighborhood density were both low or both high. The +8-dB SNR condition did not show this interaction. These results are inconsistent with those from a prior adult word learning study conducted under quiet listening conditions that showed main effects of word characteristics.

Conclusions

As the listening condition worsens, adult word learning benefits from a convergence of phonotactic probability and neighborhood density. Clinical implications are discussed for potential populations who experience difficulty with auditory perception or processing, making them more vulnerable to noise.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Estimates of Daily Voice Use in Adults With Normal and Disordered Voices
Authors: Mehta Daryush D. , Cheyne Harold A. , Wehner Asa , Heaton James T. , Hillman Robert E.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Accurate estimation of daily patterns of vocal behavior is essential to understanding the role of voice use in voice disorders. Given that clinicians currently rely on patient self-report to assess daily vocal behaviors, this study sought to assess the accuracy with which adults with and without voice disorders can estimate their amount of daily voice use in terms of phonation time.

Method

Eighteen subjects (6 patients, 6 matched members of a control group without voice disorders, 6 low voice users) wore the accelerometer-based Ambulatory Phonation Monitor (APM; model 3200, KayPENTAX, Montvale, NJ) for at least 5 workdays. Subjects were instructed to provide hourly self-reports of time spent talking using a visual analog scale. Spearman correlation coefficients and errors between self-reported and APM-based estimates of phonation time revealed subject- and group-specific characteristics.

Results

A majority of subjects exhibited a significant bias toward overestimating their phonation times, with an average absolute error of 113%. Correlation coefficients between self-reported and APM-based estimates of phonation time ranged from statistically nonsignificant to .91, reflecting large intersubject variability.

Conclusions

Subjects in all 3 groups were moderately accurate at estimating their hourly voice use, with a consistent bias toward overestimation. The results support the potential role that ambulatory monitoring could play in improving the clinical assessment of voice disorders.
UWB 90° phase shifter based on broadside coupler and T‐shaped stub
Authors: Wang Jun , Shen Zhongxiang , Zhao Lei
Published: October 2016

An UWB 90° phase shifter based on broadside coupler and T‐shaped stub is proposed. Its operation mechanism is explained by the equivalent circuit. The measured results exhibit that the bandwidth is 126.7% with phase deviation within ±6°, and the insertion loss is <1.8 dB over the frequency band from 2.2 to 9.8 GHz. Comparison shows that the proposed design not only achieves the widest bandwidth, but also has low insertion loss and small phase difference. This design is a good candidate for UWB applications due to its low cost, planar structure, and convenient installation.
Modelling, simulation and experimental investigation of a new two input, series‐parallel switched capacitor converter
Authors: Abraham Chikku , Jose Babita Roslind , Mathew Jimson , Evzelman Michael
Published: October 2016

A new series‐parallel switched capacitor converter topology capable of operating off two independent input sources and generating target output voltage in buck or boost mode is presented. Operation principle, conversion ratios, modelling considerations in different operation modes and extensive loss analysis are derived. The converter is robust and may be operated off one or two input sources, having the ability to change conversion ratio over a wide range. The proposed model assumes that the conduction losses are proportional to the average current flowing through each of the charge pump capacitor in a switching phase. Capacitor current instantaneous waveform in the complete charge, partial charge and no charge modes are captured in simulation and experiment. Model predicted equivalent resistance, output voltage and instantaneous capacitor current waveform concur excellent with simulated and experimental values, rendering the new converter as an excellent candidate for two and single input source applications.
Accurate dissociation energies of two isomers of the 1-naphthol⋅cyclopropane complex
Authors: Maity Surajit , Knochenmuss Richard , Holzer Christof , Féraud Géraldine , Frey Jann , Klopper Wim , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: October 2016

The 1-naphthol⋅cyclopropane intermolecular complex is formed in a supersonic jet and investigated by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) spectroscopy, UV holeburning, and stimulated emission pumping (SEP)-R2PI spectroscopy. Two very different structure types are inferred from the vibronic spectra and calculations. In the “edge” isomer, the OH group of 1-naphthol is directed towards a C—C bond of cyclopropane, the two ring planes are perpendicular. In the “face” isomer, the cyclopropane is adsorbed on one of the π-aromatic faces of the 1-naphthol moiety, the ring planes are nearly parallel. Accurate ground-state intermolecular dissociation energies D0 were measured with the SEP-R2PI technique. The D0(S0) of the edge isomer is bracketed as 15.35 ± 0.03 kJ/mol, while that of the face isomer is 16.96 ± 0.12 kJ/mol. The corresponding excited-state dissociation energies D0(S1) were evaluated using the respective electronic spectral shifts. Despite the D0(S0) difference of 1.6 kJ/mol, both isomers are observed in the jet in similar concentrations, so they must be separated by substantial potential energy barriers. Intermolecular binding energies, De, and dissociation energies, D0, calculated with correlated wave function methods and two dispersion-corrected density-functional methods are evaluated in the context of these results. The density functional calculations suggest that the face isomer is bound solely by dispersion interactions. Binding of the edge isomer is also dominated by dispersion, which makes up two thirds of the total binding energy.
Minimax rational approximation of the Fermi-Dirac distribution
Authors: Moussa Jonathan E.
Published: October 2016

Accurate rational approximations of the Fermi-Dirac distribution are a useful component in many numerical algorithms for electronic structure calculations. The best known approximations use O(log(βΔ)log(ϵ−1)) poles to achieve an error tolerance ϵ at temperature β−1 over an energy interval Δ. We apply minimax approximation to reduce the number of poles by a factor of four and replace Δ with Δocc, the occupied energy interval. This is particularly beneficial when Δ ≫ Δocc, such as in electronic structure calculations that use a large basis set.
Dynamic stochastic optimal power flow of wind power and the electric vehicle integrated power system considering temporal-spatial characteristics
Authors: Sun Guoqiang , Li Yichi , Chen Shuang , Wei Zhinong , Chen Sheng , Zang Haixiang
Published: October 2016

The intermittent volatility of wind power integrated into the grid poses a great threat to the stable operation of power systems on the supply side. Conversely, large-scale charging of electric vehicles (EVs) also brings new challenges to dispatch on the demand side. In response, the randomness and temporal-spatial correlations of stochastic wind power generation are considered in this paper. Additionally, the EV charging infrastructure is studied. A dynamic stochastic optimal power flow (DSOPF) for wind farms and EVs integrated power system based on the chance-constrained programming model is proposed. An optimal dispatch scheme is obtained by solving the dynamic optimal power flow. After that, dynamic probabilistic power flow based on cumulants is performed under the scheme to obtain the probability distribution of state variables. The upper and lower bounds of chance constraints are adjusted according to the probability distribution function until they are all satisfied. Illustrative examples demonstrate the effectiveness of DSOPF for firming the variable wind energy, and EV charging is performed on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers systems. On this basis, different EV charging modes and the temporal-spatial correlations are specifically discussed.
Nonlinear effects associated with oblique whistler waves in space plasmas
Authors: Sharma R. P. , Nandal P. , Yadav N. , Uma R.
Published: October 2016

In the present work, we have examined the nonlinear interaction of pump whistler wave and low frequency kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) in three regions viz., solar wind, earth's radiation belt, and magnetopause. The modification in the background density leads to the introduction of nonlinearity. The nonlinear ponderomotive force is responsible for this change in density. Low frequency kinetic Alfvén wave is excited by the nonlinear ponderomotive force of pump whistler wave. A set of dimensionless equations characterizing the dynamics of whistler wave and low frequency KAW perturbed by whistler wave were developed. The coupled equations were then simulated numerically. The nonlinear effects related with the whistler wave were studied. The resulting localized structures and the magnetic turbulent spectra in various regions have been investigated.