bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homologues of xenobiotic metabolizing N-acetyltransferases in plant-associated fungi: Novel functions for an old enzyme family
Authors: Karagianni Eleni P. , Kontomina Evanthia , Davis Britton , Kotseli Barbara , Tsirka Theodora , Garefalaki Vasiliki , Sim Edith , Glenn Anthony E. , Boukouvala Sotiria
Published: August 2015

Plant-pathogenic fungi and their hosts engage in chemical warfare, attacking each other with toxic products of secondary metabolism and defending themselves via an arsenal of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. One such enzyme is homologous to arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and has been identified in Fusarium infecting cereal plants as responsible for detoxification of host defence compound 2-benzoxazolinone. Here we investigate functional diversification of NAT enzymes in crop-compromising species of Fusarium and Aspergillus, identifying three groups of homologues: Isoenzymes of the first group are found in all species and catalyse reactions with acetyl-CoA or propionyl-CoA. The second group is restricted to the plant pathogens and is active with malonyl-CoA in Fusarium species infecting cereals. The third group generates minimal activity with acyl-CoA compounds that bind non-selectively to the proteins. We propose that fungal NAT isoenzymes may have evolved to perform diverse functions, potentially relevant to pathogen fitness, acetyl-CoA/propionyl-CoA intracellular balance and secondary metabolism.
Differences in the regeneration traits of Potamogeton crispus turions from macrophyte- and phytoplankton-dominated lakes
Authors: Xie Dong , Zhou Hengjie , Zhu Hong , Ji Haiting , Li Ning , An Shuqing
Published: August 2015

Potamogeton crispus is widely used in submerged macrophyte restoration in China. Turions are an important means of reproduction in this species. To compare the regeneration abilities of P. crispus turions in macrophyte- and phytoplankton-dominated lakes, we collected P. crispus turions from a macrophyte-dominated lake (Liangzi Lake) and a phytoplankton-dominated lake (Taihu Lake). Both lakes are important lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Our field survey revealed that the turions from the phytoplankton-dominated lake had smaller sizes and higher concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) than did those from the macrophyte-dominated lake. Rapid sprouting of the turions from the phytoplankton-dominated lake in 32 days was observed under experimental conditions, although the sprout sizes (heights and biomass) were smaller than those from the macrophyte-dominated lake. Compared with sprouted turions from macrophyte-dominated lake, the sprouted turions from the phytoplankton-dominated lake accumulated higher soluble sugar (SS) but lower starch and free amino acid (FAA) concentrations. A 12-day interval sprout removal treatment significantly stimulated the re-sprouting of turions from both lakes, but scale-leaf-removal treatments had no effect. This study provides evidence that the regeneration strategies of P. crispus turions differ in macrophyte- and phytoplankton-dominated lakes.
Inhibition of miR-29 has a significant lipid-lowering benefit through suppression of lipogenic programs in liver
Authors: Kurtz C. Lisa , Fannin Emily E. , Toth Cynthia L. , Pearson Daniel S. , Vickers Kasey C. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: August 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators and potential therapeutic targets of metabolic disease. In this study we show by in vivo administration of locked nucleic acid (LNA) inhibitors that suppression of endogenous miR-29 lowers plasma cholesterol levels by ~40%, commensurate with the effect of statins and reduces fatty acid content in the liver by ~20%. Whole transcriptome sequencing of the liver reveals 883 genes dysregulated (612 down, 271 up) by inhibition of miR-29. The set of 612 down-regulated genes are most significantly over-represented in lipid synthesis pathways. Among the up-regulated genes are the anti-lipogenic deacetylase sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and the anti-lipogenic transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), the latter of which we demonstrate is a direct target of miR-29. In vitro radiolabeled acetate incorporation assays confirm that pharmacologic inhibition of miR-29 significantly reduces de novo cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. Our findings indicate that miR-29 controls hepatic lipogenic programs, likely in part through regulation of Ahr and Sirt1 and therefore may represent a candidate therapeutic target for metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia.
Deacetylation of α-tubulin and cortactin is required for HDAC6 to trigger ciliary disassembly
Authors: Ran Jie , Yang Yunfan , Li Dengwen , Liu Min , Zhou Jun
Published: August 2015

Cilia play important roles in sensing extracellular signals and directing fluid flow. Ciliary dysfunction is associated with a variety of diseases known as ciliopathies. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has recently emerged as a major driver of ciliary disassembly, but little is known about the downstream players. Here we provide the first evidence that HDAC6-mediated deacetylation of α-tubulin and cortactin is critical for its induction of ciliary disassembly. HDAC6 is localized in the cytoplasm and enriched at the centrosome and basal body. Overexpression of HDAC6 decreases the levels of acetylated α-tubulin and cortactin without affecting the expression or localization of known ciliary regulators. We also find that overexpression of α-tubulin or cortactin or their acetylation-deficient mutants enhances the ability of HDAC6 to induce ciliary disassembly. In addition, acetylation-mimicking mutants of α-tubulin and cortactin counteract HDAC6-induced ciliary disassembly. Furthermore, HDAC6 stimulates actin polymerization and inhibition of actin polymerization abolishes the activity of HDAC6 to trigger ciliary disassembly. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the ciliary role of HDAC6 and underscore the importance of reversible acetylation in regulating ciliary homeostasis.
Quantitative and qualitative characterization of expanded CD4+ T cell clones in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Shoda Hirofumi , Kochi Yuta , Yasui Tetsuro , Kadono Yuho , Tanaka Sakae , Fujio Keishi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: August 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune destructive arthritis associated with CD4+ T cell-mediated immunity. Although expanded CD4+ T cell clones (ECs) has already been confirmed, the detailed characteristics of ECs have not been elucidated in RA. Using combination of a single-cell analysis and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in TCR repertoire analysis, we here revealed the detailed nature of ECs by examining peripheral blood (PB) from 5 RA patients and synovium from 1 RA patient. When we intensively investigated the single-cell transcriptome of the most expanded clones in memory CD4+ T cells (memory-mECs) in RA-PB, senescence-related transcripts were up-regulated, indicating circulating ECs were constantly stimulated. Tracking of the transcriptome shift within the same memory-mECs between PB and the synovium revealed the augmentations in senescence-related gene expression and the up-regulation of synovium-homing chemokine receptors in the synovium. Our in-depth characterization of ECs in RA successfully demonstrated the presence of the specific immunological selection pressure, which determines the phenotype of ECs. Moreover, transcriptome tracking added novel aspects to the underlying sequential immune processes. Our approach may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of RA.
Herpes virus entry mediator licenses Listeria infection induced immunopathology through control of type I interferon
Authors: Lv Mengjie , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Yuejiao , Zhu Mingzhao
Published: August 2015

Apoptosis of the splenic lymphocytes is often induced during the acute phase of Listeria infection in mice. However, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we found that herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays an important role for Listeria infection induced lymphocyte apoptosis. Mechanistically, HVEM is not directly involved in listeriolysin O (LLO) induced lymphocyte apoptosis or interferon beta induced T cell activation per se. Interestingly, HVEM is partially required for Listeria induced interferon (IFN)-I production in the spleen, particularly in macrophages. Consequently, the bystander activation of lymphocytes is significantly lower in HVEM deficient mice than that in wild-type (WT) mice upon Listeria infection. Thus, our results have revealed a novel role of HVEM on the regulation of IFN-I and immunopathology during Listeria infection.
Stabilization of weak ferromagnetism by strong magnetic response to epitaxial strain in multiferroic BiFeO3
Authors: Dixit Hemant , Hee Lee Jun , Krogel Jaron T. , Okamoto Satoshi , Cooper Valentino R.
Published: August 2015

Multiferroic BiFeO3 exhibits excellent magnetoelectric coupling critical for magnetic information processing with minimal power consumption. However, the degenerate nature of the easy spin axis in the (111) plane presents roadblocks for real world applications. Here, we explore the stabilization and switchability of the weak ferromagnetic moments under applied epitaxial strain using a combination of first-principles calculations and group-theoretic analyses. We demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic moment vector can be stabilized along unique crystallographic directions ([110] and [–110]) under compressive and tensile strains. A direct coupling between the anisotropic antiferrodistortive rotations and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moria interactions drives the stabilization of the weak ferromagnetism. Furthermore, energetically competing C- and G-type magnetic orderings are observed at high compressive strains, suggesting that it may be possible to switch the weak ferromagnetism “on” and “off” under the application of strain. These findings emphasize the importance of strain and antiferrodistortive rotations as routes to enhancing induced weak ferromagnetism in multiferroic oxides.
Contribution of rotational diffusivity towards the transport of antigens in heterogeneous immunosensors
Authors: Rath Dharitri , Panda Siddhartha
Published: August 2015

Quantification of rotational diffusivities of biomarkers and their contribution to the overall transport using time resolved fluorescence anisotropy method would enable higher capture efficiency in heterogeneous immunosensors.
Simultaneous quantification of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shigella boydii using a visual-antibody-macroarray
Authors: Wu Man , Li Haolin , Jiang Yinghui , Song Chunmei , Guo Huiqin , Wu Shuyan , Liu Cheng , Li Jianwu , Zeng Haijuan , Zhai Xuzhao , Zhang Weisheng , Fan Enguo , Liu Qing
Published: August 2015

The rapid and convenient quantification of pathogenic microorganisms using a biochip visual-antibody-macroarray (VAMA) is presented.
Label-free detection of missense mutations and methylation differences in the p53 gene using optically diffracting hydrogels
Authors: MacConaghy Kelsey I. , Chadly Duncan M. , Stoykovich Mark P. , Kaar Joel L.
Published: August 2015

A novel approach for the optical detection of DNA was developedviapolymerization of a photonic crystal within DNA-responsive hydrogel films, allowing for screening of genetic and epigenetic modifications.
Light-responsive peptide [2]rotaxanes as gatekeepers of mechanised nanocontainers
Authors: Martinez-Cuezva A. , Valero-Moya S. , Alajarin M. , Berna J.
Published: August 2015

Novel mechanized silica nanoparticles incorporating a peptide-based molecular shuttle as a photo-responsive interlocked gatekeeper of nanocontainers are described including the uptake and delivery studies of a model cargo.
The effect of terminal dimethyl and diethyl substituents on the J-aggregate-like molecular arrangement of bisazomethine dye molecules
Authors: Jindo Takumi , Kim Byung-Soon , Sasaki Naho , Shinohara Yohei , Son Young-A , Kim Sung-Hoon , Matsumoto Shinya
Published: August 2015

The terminal dimethyl and diethyl substituents of the bisazomethine derivatives were found to affect the formation of J-aggregate-like 2-D molecular arrangements.
The role of surface chemistry in crystal morphology and its associated properties
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Thipparaboina Rajesh , Sreedhar Bojja , Shastri Nalini R.
Published: August 2015

Enhanced surface polarity in Fel-1 (re-crystallized from acetonitrile) resulted in enhanced dissolution efficiency and a better pharmacokinetic profile.
Control of layer stacking in CVD graphene under quasi-static condition
Authors: Subhedar Kiran M. , Sharma Indu , Dhakate Sanjay R.
Published: August 2015

The contrast nature of layer stacking for the samples grown with different geometries of the reaction site suggests its different underlying growth mechanisms, originating from the process which supplies the extra carbon flux, needed for the growth of second layer.
Ultrafast excited state hydrogen atom transfer in salicylideneaniline driven by changes in aromaticity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Arzaluz Luis , Cortés-Guzmán Fernando , Rocha-Rinza Tomás , Peón Jorge
Published: August 2015

Quantum chemical topology shows that (i) the ultrafast excited state intramolecular proton transfer in salicylideneaniline occurs after considerable loss in aromaticity upon photoexcitation and (ii) the transferred species has a charge intermediate between that in a bare proton and a neutral hydrogen atom.
In situ ATR-FTIR study of H2O and D2O adsorption on TiO2 under UV irradiation
Authors: Belhadj Hamza , Hakki Amer , Robertson Peter K. J. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: August 2015

The adsorption of water and deuterium oxide on TiO2 surfaces was investigated in the dark as well as under UV(A) irradiation using in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy under oxygen and oxygen free conditions.
State-of-the-art strategies for targeting protein–protein interactions by small-molecule inhibitors
Authors: Sheng Chunquan , Dong Guoqiang , Miao Zhenyuan , Zhang Wannian , Wang Wei
Published: August 2015

This review summarizes the state-of-the-art strategies for the design and development of small-molecule inhibitors by targeting challenging protein–protein interactions.
The surface plasmon resonance effect on the enhancement of photodegradation activity by Au/ZnSn(OH)6 nanocubes
Authors: Wu Jyh Ming , Chen Yu Nong
Published: August 2015

This is the first report on the photocatalytic activity with a combination of the surface plasmon resonance effect through Au/ZnSn(OH)6 nanocubes. The nanocubes have been used for preparing hybrid coating screens, which exhibited excellent mechanical desirable durability and extended their feasible application in our daily lives.
Correction: Perfluoropropenyl-containing phosphines from HFC replacements
Authors: Brisdon Alan K. , Ghaba Hana Ali , Beutel Bernd , Ejgandi Amina , Addaraidi Arij , Pritchard Robin G.
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Perfluoropropenyl-containing phosphines from HFC replacements’ by Alan K. Brisdon et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5dt02043c.
Influence of biochar on sorption, leaching and dissipation of bisphenol A and 17α-ethynylestradiol in soil
Authors: Xu Nan , Zhang Bo , Tan Guangcai , Li Jie , Wang Hongyuan
Published: August 2015

Biochar amendment significantly enhanced the sorption of BPA and EE2 in soil to reduce their mobility and environmental risks.
A digital microfluidic device with integrated nanostructured microelectrodes for electrochemical immunoassays
Authors: Rackus Darius G. , Dryden Michael D. M. , Lamanna Julian , Zaragoza Alexandre , Lam Brian , Kelley Shana O. , Wheeler Aaron R.
Published: August 2015

Nanostructured microelectrodes (NMEs) combined with digital microfluidics (DMF) for automated electroimmunoassays.
A microfluidic device for rapid quantification of cell-free DNA in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Yang Jun , Selvaganapathy P. Ravi , Gould Travis J. , Dwivedi Dhruva J. , Liu Dingsheng , Fox-Robichaud Alison E. , Liaw Patricia C.
Published: August 2015

Microfluidic chip for rapid, reagent-free quantification of cell-free DNA in blood for severe sepsis prognostics.
HOXC10 up-regulation contributes to human thyroid cancer and indicates poor survival outcome
Authors: Feng Xiaoyun , Li Tuo , Liu Zhimin , Shi Yongquan , Peng Yongde
Published: August 2015

The association of HOXC10 expression with clinical characteristics and survival time.
Oxidative α,ω-diyne coupling as an approach towards novel peptidic macrocycles
Authors: Verlinden S. , Geudens N. , Martins J. C. , Tourwé D. , Ballet S. , Verniest G.
Published: August 2015

The Glaser–Hay diyne coupling proved to be an efficient cyclisation approach towards diyne containing peptidic macrocycles.
Isolation and structural determination of non-racemic tertiary cathinone derivatives
Authors: Zhou M.-J. , Bouazzaoui S. , Jones L. E. , Goodrich P. , Bell S. E. J. , Sheldrake G. N. , Horton P. N. , Coles S. J. , Fletcher N. C.
Published: August 2015

In this paper the dynamic resolution of racemic tertiary cathinones is demonstrated through co-crystallization with enantiopure aromatic tartaric acids.
Aggregation-induced emission behavior of a pH-controlled molecular shuttle based on a tetraphenylethene moiety
Authors: Han Xie , Cao Meijiao , Xu Zhiqiang , Wu Di , Chen Zhao , Wu Anxin , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun
Published: August 2015

A TPE-based molecular shuttle having amide and amine units has been synthesized. The shuttling motion of the macrocycle component can adjust its AIE behaviour.
Successive Cu/Pd transmetalation relay catalysis in stereoselective synthesis of tetraarylethenes
Authors: Song Chuanling , Sun Yihua , Wang Jianwu , Chen Hui , Yao Jiannian , Tung Chen-Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: August 2015

A new and efficient strategy for the synthesis of tetraaryl-substituted olefins with two cis furans based on a Cu/Pd catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction of cyclopropene with internal alkyne was developed. These novel tetraarylethenes were fully characterized and proved to be good AIE luminogens.
Osteogenic differentiation of stem cells on mesoporous silica nanofibers
Authors: Sundaramurthi Dhakshinamoorthy , Jaidev L. R. , Ramana Lakshmi Narashimhan , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: August 2015

Mesoporous silica nanofibers promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.
A hybrid modeling approach for optimization of PMAA–chitosan–PEG nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Rostamizadeh Kobra , Rezaei Somayeh , Abdouss Majid , Sadighian Somayeh , Arish Saeed
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to develop pH sensitive polymethacrylic acid–chitosan–polyethylene glycol (PCP) nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery.
Anticancer effect of rosiglitazone in rats treated with N-nitrosodiethylamine via inhibition of DNA synthesis: an implication for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Anwar Firoz , Mushtaq Gohar , Kazmi Imran , Afzal Muhammad , Khan Ruqaiyah , Al-Abbasi Fahad A. , Ahmad Aftab , Kumar Vikas
Published: August 2015

Rosiglitazone, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligand, is a clinically tested drug used in the treatment of diabetes.
Application of an ionic-liquid combined with ultrasonic-assisted dispersion ofgold nanoparticles for micro-solid phase extraction of unmetabolized pyridoxine and folic acid in biological fluids prior to high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zare Fahimeh , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Daneshfar Ali
Published: August 2015

A facile and efficient protocol was suggested for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and their subsequent transfer to aqueous solution using 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, following vigorous shaking with ultrasonic waves.
Enhanced properties of fiberglass-reinforced photocurable resin pile by introducing different fiberglass surface treatments and their biological evolution
Authors: Liu Mei , Chen Jianshan , Hu Xiaokun , Du Yueming , Xia Yang , Gu Ning , Zhang Feimin
Published: August 2015

The properties of fiberglass-reinforced photocurable resin piles are enhanced by introducing different fiberglass surface treatments, which shows good cell compatibility.
Novel thermothickening lubricant with elastomeric nano-particles
Authors: He Gu , Wang Xiang , Zhou Mengnan , Zhang Xiaohong , Qiao Jinliang
Published: August 2015

Modified silicone oil with crosslinked silicon elastomeric nano-particles exhibits excellent viscosity–temperature characteristics.
Toxicity of layered semiconductor chalcogenides: beware of interferences
Authors: Latiff Naziah , Teo Wei Zhe , Sofer Zdenek , Huber Štěpán , Fisher Adrian C. , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2015

Layered semiconductor chalcogenides GaSe and GeS are new 2D materials with promising properties for solar energy conversion, field effect transistors and more. However, little is known about their toxicity effects, and we address this issue herein.
Preparation of cubane-1,4-dicarboxylate–Zn–Al layered double hydroxide nanohybrid: comparison of structural and optical properties between experimental and calculated results
Authors: Rad Farzad Arjomandi , Rezvani Zolfaghar
Published: August 2015

In this work, we report the preparation of cubane-1,4-dicarboxylate–Zn2Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanohybrid and understanding of the structural and electronic properties of nanohybrid by periodic density functional theory.
Adsorption characteristics and behavior of a graphene oxide–Al13 composite for cadmium ion removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Yan Lu , Zhao Qian , Jiang Tingshun , Liu Xiufang , Li Yingying , Fang Weibing , Yin Hengbo
Published: August 2015

Graphene oxide–Al13 (GO–Al13) composites were synthesized by a hydrolysis method on the basis of graphite oxide and were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM.
Nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon sphere with short channel as an efficient metal-free catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Jinlei , Li Zelong , Tong Jinhui , Xia Chungu , Li Fuwei
Published: August 2015

N-OMCS has been fabricated by an aqueous self-assembly method. The formation of the mesoporous structure with short channel facilitates the mass transfer in ORR. The N-OMCS-1.5-900 shows excellent catalytic activity and durability in alkaline media.
Enhancing visible-light photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4by doping phosphorus and coupling with CeO2for the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhou Xiaosong , Ma Lin , Xu Xuyao
Published: August 2015

The efficient charge transfer at the interface of CeO2/P-C3N4composite catalyst due to the synergistic effect between P-C3N4and CeO2, which leads to an effective photogenerated electrons–hole pairs separation.
Synthesis and characterization of flurbiprofen axetil-loaded electrospun MgAl-LDHs/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite nanofibers
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Zhu Tonghe , Wang Jihu , Chen Sihao , Li Wenyao
Published: August 2015

A model drug FA was intercalated into the interlayers of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and the particles were dispersed into the PLGA nanofibers to form a carrier for drug sustained release.
Ionic liquids as buffer additives in ionic liquid-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation of mixtures of low and high molecular weight proteins
Authors: Hasan Farhana , Vidanapathirana Punprabhashi , Das Susmita , Fernand Vivian E. , Siraj Noureen , Losso Jack N. , Warner Isiah M.
Published: August 2015

Three novel ionic liquids (ILs) [CnPBr] (n= 4, 6, 8) have been synthesized and were used as buffer additives in IL-PAGE separation of mixture of acidic proteins.
Stem cell differentiation on conducting polyaniline
Authors: Humpolíček P. , Radaszkiewicz K. A. , Kašpárková V. , Stejskal J. , Trchová M. , Kuceková Z. , Vičarová H. , Pacherník J. , Lehocký M. , Minařík A.
Published: August 2015

Cardiomyogenesis and neurogenesis were tested on polyaniline films. Polyaniline in pristine forms without any further modification can be applied in a variety of biomedical fields.
Effect of LiCl presence on the hydrogen storage performance of the Mg(NH2)2–2LiH composite
Authors: Gamba N. S. , Arneodo Larochette P. , Gennari F. C.
Published: August 2015

The decrease in the dehydrogenation kinetics and hydrogen storage capacity during Mg(NH2)2–2LiH cycling is related with the Li4(NH2)3Cl formation and the incomplete Li2Mg2(NH2)3 rehydrogenation.
Biobased copolyesters from renewable resources: synthesis and crystallization kinetics of poly(propylene sebacate-co-isosorbide sebacate)
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Wei Zhiyong , Yu Yang , Wang Yanshai , Li Yang
Published: August 2015

The thermal properties and crystallization kinetics of a novel bio-based poly(propylene sebacate-co-isosorbide sebacate) copolyesters are explored.
Copper catalyzed direct tert-butyl sulfonylation of alkynes with t-butylsulfinamide leading to (E)-vinyl sulfones
Authors: Liu Zhidong , Chen Xiaolan , Chen Jianyu , Qu Lingbo , Xia Yingya , Wu Haitao , Ma Huili , Zhu Shaohua , Zhao Yufen
Published: August 2015

The first copper-catalyzed tert-butyl sulfonylation reaction of alkynes with t-butylsulfinamide for the construction of (E)-vinyl sulfones has been developed.
Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate with a Sn cathode and an IrxSnyRuzO2/Ti anode
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lv Weixin , Li Guanghua , Mezaal Mohammed Adnan , Lei Lixu
Published: August 2015

The energy efficiency for reduction of CO2 to formate is 35.6% when a Pt electrode is used as the anode, and it can increase to 42.1% when an IrxSnyRuzO2/Ti electrode with lower overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction is used as the anode.
A T-shaped Ni[κ2-(CF2)4–] NHC complex: unusual Csp3–F and M–CFbond functionalization reactions
Authors: Andrella Nicholas O. , Sicard Alexandre J. , Gorelsky Serge I. , Korobkov Ilia , Baker R. Tom
Published: August 2015

The reactivity of this T-shaped perfluoronickelacyclopentane–NHC complex with Lewis- and Brønsted acids is enhancedvs.4-coordinate variants by its low coordination number.
Structural basis of head to head polyketide fusion by CorB
Authors: Zocher Georg , Vilstrup Joachim , Heine Daniel , Hallab Asis , Goralski Emilie , Hertweck Christian , Stahl Mark , Schäberle Till F. , Stehle Thilo
Published: August 2015

Corallopyronin A is a polyketide derived from the myxobacterium Corallococcus coralloides with potent antibiotic features.
Celebrating Soft Matter's 10th Anniversary: Cell division: a source of active stress in cellular monolayers
Authors: Doostmohammadi Amin , Thampi Sumesh P. , Saw Thuan B. , Lim Chwee T. , Ladoux Benoit , Yeomans Julia M.
Published: August 2015

The emergence of meso-scale turbulence by division-induced active stresses in cellular monolayers.
Mechanical properties of organic–inorganic halide perovskites, CH3NH3PbX3(X = I, Br and Cl), by nanoindentation
Authors: Sun Shijing , Fang Yanan , Kieslich Gregor , White Tim J. , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: August 2015

Trends in the Young's Modulus and Hardness for the hybrid perovskites CH3NH3PbX3(X = I, Br and Cl) are assessed in relation to the underlying chemical bonding.
Si nanoparticles adhering to a nitrogen-rich porous carbon framework and its application as a lithium-ion battery anode material
Authors: Shi Lu , Wang Weikun , Wang Anbang , Yuan Keguo , Jin Zhaoqing , Yang Yusheng
Published: August 2015

A novel Si/nitrogen-rich porous carbon composite was prepared by simply using gelatin as nitrogen-rich carbon precursor and nano-CaCO3 as template.
Structure and thermoelectric properties of the n-type clathrate Ba8Cu5.1Ge40.2Sn0.7
Authors: Xu Jingtao , Wu Jiazhen , Shao Hezhu , Heguri Satoshi , Tanabe Yoichi , Liu Yongfu , Liu Guo-Qiang , Jiang Jun , Jiang Haochuan , Tanigaki Katsumi
Published: August 2015

We study type I clathrate Ba8Cu5.1Ge40.2Sn0.7 single crystals (space group Pm3̄n, no. 223, a = 10.7151(3)) grown using a Sn flux method, and the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of single crystals reaches a maximum value of 0.6 at 773 K.
A high density pyrazolo-triazine explosive (PTX)
Authors: Schulze M. C. , Scott B. L. , Chavez D. E.
Published: August 2015

The fused-ring heterocycle 4-amino-3,7,8-trinitropyrazolo-[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine (PTX) has promising explosive properties.
Narrow band gap conjugated polyelectrolytes for photothermal killing of bacteria
Authors: Feng Guangxue , Mai Cheng-Kang , Zhan Ruoyu , Bazan Guillermo C. , Liu Bin
Published: August 2015

We report the demonstration of antimicrobial conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with high NIR absorbance for selective and efficient photothermal killing of bacteria over mammalian cells.
Spatially defined stem cell-laden hydrogel islands for directing endothelial tubulogenesis
Authors: Abdeen Amr A. , Lee Junmin , Mo Samuel H. , Kilian Kristopher A.
Published: August 2015

Patterning of encapsulated MSCs for the spatio-temporal guidance of angiogenesis for modelling and design of therapeutic biomaterials.
Escherichia coli ClpB is a non-processive polypeptide translocase
Authors: Li Tao , Weaver Clarissa L. , Lin Jiabei , Duran Elizabeth C. , Miller Justin M. , Lucius Aaron L.
Published: August 2015

Escherichia coli caseinolytic protease (Clp)B is a hexameric AAA+ [expanded superfamily of AAA (ATPase associated with various cellular activities)] enzyme that has the unique ability to catalyse protein disaggregation. Such enzymes are essential for proteome maintenance. Based on structural comparisons to homologous enzymes involved in ATP-dependent proteolysis and clever protein engineering strategies, it has been reported that ClpB translocates polypeptide through its axial channel. Using single-turnover fluorescence and anisotropy experiments we show that ClpB is a non-processive polypeptide translocase that catalyses disaggregation by taking one or two translocation steps followed by rapid dissociation. Using single-turnover FRET experiments we show that ClpB containing the IGL loop from ClpA does not translocate substrate through its axial channel and into ClpP for proteolytic degradation. Rather, ClpB containing the IGL loop dysregulates ClpP leading to non-specific proteolysis reminiscent of ADEP (acyldepsipeptide) dysregulation. Our results support a molecular mechanism where ClpB catalyses protein disaggregation by tugging and releasing exposed tails or loops.
The NHERF2 sequence adjacent and upstream of the ERM-binding domain affects NHERF2–ezrin binding and dexamethasone stimulated NHE3 activity
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Sarker Rafiquel , Singh Varsha , Sarker Prateeti , Yin Jianyi , Chen Tian-E , Chaerkady Raghothama , Li Xuhang , Tse C. Ming , Donowitz Mark
Published: August 2015

In the brush border of intestinal and kidney epithelial cells, scaffolding proteins ezrin, Na+-H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)1 and NHERF2 play important roles in linking transmembrane proteins to the cytoskeleton and assembling signalling regulatory complexes. The last 30 carboxyl residues of NHERF1 and NHERF2 form the EBDs [ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM)-binding domain]. The current study found that NHERF1/2 contain an ERM-binding regulatory sequence (EBRS), which facilitates the interaction between the EBD and ezrin. The EBRSs are located within 24 and 19 residues immediately upstream of EBDs for NHERF1 and NHERF2 respectively. In OK (opossum kidney) epithelial cells, EBRSs are necessary along with the EBD to distribute NHERF1 and NHERF2 exclusively to the apical domain. Furthermore, phosphorylation of Ser303 located in the EBRS of NHERF2, decreases the binding affinity for ezrin, dislocates apical NHERF2 into the cytosol and increases the NHERF2 microvillar mobility rate. Moreover, increased phosphorylation of Ser303 was functionally significant preventing acute stimulation of NHE3 (Na+-H+ exchanger 3) activity by dexamethasone.
Structural and biochemical studies reveal UbiG/Coq3 as a class of novel membrane-binding proteins
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Wu Bo , Zhang Xu , Fan Xiaojiao , Niu Liwen , Li Xu , Wang Junfeng , Teng Maikun
Published: August 2015

UbiG and Coq3 (orthologue in eukaryotes) are SAM-MTases (S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases) that catalyse both O-methylation steps in CoQ biosynthesis from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. However, the detailed molecular mechanism by which they function remains elusive. In the present paper, we report that UbiG/Coq3 defines a novel class of membrane-binding proteins. Escherichia coli UbiG binds specifically to liposomes containing PG (phosphatidylglycerol) or CL (cardiolipin, or diphosphatidylglycerol), two major lipid components of the E. coli plasma membrane, whereas human and yeast Coq3 display a strong preference for liposomes enriched with CL, a signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane. The crystal structure of UbiG from E. coli was determined at 2.1 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. The structure exhibits a typical Class I SAM-MTase fold with several variations, including a unique insertion between strand β5 and helix α10. This insertion is highly conserved and is required for membrane binding. Mutation of the key residues renders UbiG unable to efficiently bind liposome in vitro and the mutant fails to rescue the phenotype of ΔubiG strain in vivo. Taken together, our results shed light on a novel biochemical function of the UbiG/Coq3 protein.
Functional dissection of proliferating-cell nuclear antigens (1 and 2) in human malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparum:possible involvement in DNA replication and DNA damage response
Authors: Mitra Pallabi , Banu Khadija , Deshmukh Abhijit S. , Subbarao Naidu , Dhar Suman Kumar
Published: August 2015

Eukaryotic PCNAs (proliferating-cell nuclear antigens) play diverse roles in nucleic acid metabolism in addition to DNA replication. Plasmodium falciparum, which causes human malaria, harbours two PCNA homologues: PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2. The functional role of two distinct PCNAs in the parasite still eludes us. In the present study, we show that, whereas both PfPCNAs share structural and biochemical properties, only PfPCNA1 functionally complements the ScPCNA mutant and forms distinct replication foci in the parasite, which PfPCNA2 fails to do. Although PfPCNA1 appears to be the primary replicative PCNA, both PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2 participate in an active DDR (DNA-damage-response) pathway with significant accumulation in the parasite upon DNA damage induction. Interestingly, PfPCNA genes were found to be regulated not at the transcription level, but presumably at the protein stability level upon DNA damage. Such regulation of PCNA has not been shown in eukaryotes before. Moreover, overexpression of PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2 in the parasite confers a survival edge on the parasite in a genotoxic environment. This is the first evidence of a PfPCNA-mediated DDR in the parasite and gives new insights and rationale for the presence of two PCNAs as a parasite survival strategy and its probable success.
TOR signalling in plants
Authors: Rexin Daniel , Meyer Christian , Robaglia Christophe , Veit Bruce
Published: August 2015

Although the eukaryotic TOR (target of rapamycin) kinase signalling pathway has emerged as a key player for integrating nutrient-, energy- and stress-related cues with growth and metabolic outputs, relatively little is known of how this ancient regulatory mechanism has been adapted in higher plants. Drawing comparisons with the substantial knowledge base around TOR kinase signalling in fungal and animal systems, functional aspects of this pathway in plants are reviewed. Both conserved and divergent elements are discussed in relation to unique aspects associated with an autotrophic mode of nutrition and adaptive strategies for multicellular development exhibited by plants.
Double-stranded RNA evokes exacerbation in a mouse model of corticosteroid refractory asthma
Authors: De Alba Jorge , Otal Raquel , Calama Elena , Domenech Anna , Prats Neus , Gozzard Neil , Miralpeix Montserrat
Published: August 2015

RNA viruses are a major cause of respiratory infections and are known to exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. Our aim was to test the ability of poly(I:C) (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid), a viral surrogate, to elicit exacerbation in a model of severe asthma driven by HDM (house dust mite) in FCA (Freund's complete adjuvant). Poly(I:C) was administered intranasally around the HDM challenge in FCA–HDM-sensitized animals. Changes in AHR (airway hyperresponsiveness), BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) inflammatory infiltrate, HDM-specific immunoglobulins and cytokine/chemokine release were evaluated at different points after the challenge. The effect of oral dexamethasone was also assessed. Exacerbation was achieved when poly(I:C) was administered 24 h before the HDM challenge and was characterized by enhanced AHR and an increase in the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes in the BALF. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines were also elevated at different time points after the challenge. Peribronchial and alveolar inflammation in lung tissue were also augmented. AHR and inflammatory infiltration showed reduced sensitivity to dexamethasone treatment. We have set up a model that mimics key aspects of viral exacerbation in a corticosteroid-refractory asthmatic phenotype which could be used to evaluate new therapies for this condition.
Qualitative analysis for coverage probability and energy efficiency in cognitive‐femtocell networks under macrocell infrastructure
Authors: Ghosh J. , Dhar Roy S.
Published: August 2015

The network coverage and energy efficiency issues in heterogeneous cognitive‐femtocell networks over the macrocell network is studied. Cognitive functions in wireless network nodes are serviceable with the macrocell infrastructure to achieve a balance between two desirable but incompatible features: coverage and energy efficiency. There are two basic but related aspects of cognitive radios (CRs) in the context of wireless communications: optimum CRs for energy efficiency and the act of the functioning of CRs with energy efficiency. To fully utilise the cognitive capability, a dual‐tier network architecture is assumed where both the macrocell and the femtocell have a bearing on the cognitive capability. Owing to the salient features of femtocells, they can improve the coverage and enhance the spectrum efficiency by reutilising the frequency spectrum allocated to the macrocell, although, the resulting intercell interference accompanied by the same frequency coverage cannot be underestimated. The effectiveness of the scheme is verified by extensive Matlab simulation.
Compact and information loss‐bounded estimation of Gaussian mixture model for 3D spatial representation
Authors: Kim J.W. , Lee B.H.
Published: August 2015

A new Gaussian mixture model (GMM) estimation technique is presented for three‐dimensional (3D) spatial representation. The GMM generated by the proposed technique is compact with bounded information loss as a result of using robust estimators and the Kullback‐Leibler divergence‐based Gaussian mixture reduction method. In addition, the proposed technique is not only robust to outliers, but quite close to invariant under similarity transformation. Experiments have demonstrate that the compactness and the consistency of the GMM are improved compared with existing 3D spatial representation models.
Sharp roll‐off lowpass filter using interdigital DGS slot
Authors: Liu Shuai , Xu Jun , Xu Zhitao
Published: August 2015

A novel lowpass filter (LPF) with a sharp roll‐off and a wide stopband is presented. The proposed LPF is based on a dual‐plane structure with an interdigital shape defected ground structure (DGS). The DGS exhibits a sharp roll‐off and three transmission zeros. By tuning the length of the fingers, the resonant frequency can be easily changed. Based on the proposed DGS, a LPF has been designed, fabricated and measured. The transition band is from 3.11 (fc) to 3.23 GHz with −3.02 and −22.5 dB, respectively. The stopband with rejection better than 25 dB can be extended to 3.4 fc.
Compact dual‐mode dual‐band bandpass filter with wide stopband for WLAN applications
Authors: Xu Li‐Jie , Zhang Gang , Tang Yi‐Ming , Bo Ya‐Ming
Published: August 2015

A compact dual‐mode dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) for WLAN applications is presented. On the basis of a primary passband formed by a ring resonator, a second passband is introduced by taking advantage of its tightly coupled input and output structures. Therefore, a dual‐band performance is achieved without increasing the overall circuit size. Shorting vias and spurlines are adopted separately to realise the dual‐mode excitation of each passband. Finally, a compact dual‐mode BPF centred at 2.4 and 5.2 GHz is designed and fabricated, along with four transmission zeros, leading to sharp skirts and a wide stopband. Experimental results reveal good agreement with simulation results.
24‐wavelength distributed Bragg reflector laser array with surface gratings
Authors: Brox O. , Fricke J. , Klehr A. , Maaßdorf A. , Matalla M. , Wenzel H. , Erbert G.
Published: August 2015

A small footprint diode laser array of 24 individually addressable distributed Bragg reflector lasers is presented. Third‐order gratings etched into the surface of an AlGaAs vertical waveguide structure act as Bragg reflectors. The ridge waveguides have an 87 µm‐wide spacing and the emission wavelengths are spread on a 0.5 nm‐wide grid around a centre wavelength of 905 nm. All 24 lasers on the array emit single mode with side mode suppression ratios > 50 dB and output powers >17 mW at 40 mA pump current.
ACK based partial random selection encoding for uplink distributed LDPC network codes
Authors: Emran A. , Elsabrouty M. , Muta O. , Furukawa H.
Published: August 2015

An ACK based partial random selection (ACK‐PRS) encoding algorithm for the uplink distributed low‐density parity check network code of the generalised adaptive network coded cooperation is proposed. The proposed algorithm achieves good error correction performance and high system throughput, while maintaining the low complexity of the random selection algorithm. This good performance is achieved by a minor increase in the down link signalling. Simulation results for 5 and 20 uplink users verify the good performance of the proposed ACK‐PRS.
Electromagnetic interference shielding based on highly flexible and conductive graphene laminate
Authors: Aqeeli M. , Leng T. , Huang X. , Chen J.C. , Chang K.H. , Alburaikan A. , Hu Z.
Published: August 2015

The potential of highly flexible and conductive graphene laminate is extended to the application of electromagnetic interference shielding. Graphene nanoflake‐based conductive ink is printed on paper, and compressed to form a graphene laminate with a conductivity of 0.43 × 105 S/m. The shielding effectiveness is experimentally measured to be above 32 dB between 12 and 18 GHz, even though the thickness of the graphene laminate is only 7.7 µm. It is demonstrated that graphene has great potential in offering lightweight, low‐cost, flexible and environmentally‐friendly shielding materials.
Terahertz emission based on large‐area photoconductive emitters illuminated via beam interference
Authors: Krauß N. , Haas M. , Winnerl S. , Helm M. , Dekorsy T.
Published: August 2015

The use of beam interference in combination with a large‐area photoconductive emitter for the generation of pulsed terahertz (THz) radiation is presented. An interference pattern with a period twice that of the THz emitter is generated with a transmission phase grating, placed directly in front of the photoconductive emitter. This way, efficient THz generation is achieved with a single metallisation layer and a single lithography step in the fabrication technology of the THz emitter.
Performance estimation of finite‐length repeat–accumulate codes
Authors: Noor‐A‐Rahim Md. , Zhang Nan , Wang Siyi
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the authors study the performance of finite‐length repeat–accumulate (RA) codes in the waterfall region. Utilising density evolution technique, the authors present estimation algorithms to predict the error performance of finite‐length RA codes over binary memoryless channels. Through comparison with numerical results, the authors show that the finite‐length performance of RA codes can be closely estimated by using authors’ proposed approach.
Grid connection of wave energy converter in heaving mode operation by supercapacitor storage technology
Authors: Brando Gianluca , Dannier Adolfo , Del Pizzo Andrea , Di Noia Luigi Pio , Pisani Cosimo
Published: August 2015

European energy policy guidelines recognise renewable energy sources the main mean to contrast the rapid fossil fuels depletion and the related global warming. Marine energy source represents an attractive and inexhaustible reservoir from which to draw. One of the major difficulties in integrating sea wave generation systems or equivalently wave energy converters (WECs) with existing electrical systems is the management of their generation intermittency. This is essentially due to the inherent nature of the sea wave source. Energy storage represents an effective enabling technology for mitigating such an effect. To this aim, this study proposes an efficient control strategy for embedded floating buoy generation systems with energy storage technologies in order to regularise the injected grid power while minimising the contractual power established by the distribution system operator. The control strategy has been tested numerically on a grid connected DC microgrid formed by a DC bus at which a floating buoy generation system is interfaced with an energy storage system, supercapacitors‐based, having the purpose of smoothing the natural power fluctuations of the WEC.
Scenario analysis of regional carbon reduction targets in China: A case study of Beijing
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Liu Tongfan
Published: August 2015

We address the problem of setting realistic regional carbon reduction targets in China. Scenario analysis, combined with a regional carbon emission model, was used to evaluate whether the current government goals are realistic. We first set reasonable scenarios for factors in the model that have important effects on carbon emissions, and then forecast the carbon emissions for a given region. Reasonable regional carbon reduction goals were obtained based on these forecasts. In Beijing, eleven kinds of development scenarios were considered, and their effects on carbon reduction goals were analyzed. Results showed that future CO2 emissions in Beijing will rise markedly, whereas carbon intensity will reduce gradually, causing the rate of carbon reduction to slow over the long term. We found that an 18% reduction in carbon intensity for Beijing during the 12th Five-Year Plan is a reasonable goal, whereas a 45%–50% reduction from 2005 to 2020 is also realistic. Moreover, the carbon intensity in Beijing could be reduced by 12%–16% during the 13th Five-Year Plan and by a further 12% during the 14th Five-Year Plan. Rapid economic growth, stable urban development, and a rising proportion of tertiary industries in Beijing all contribute to achieving its carbon reduction target.
Solvent effects in time-dependent self-consistent field methods. II. Variational formulations and analytical gradients
Authors: Bjorgaard J. A. , Velizhanin K. A. , Tretiak S.
Published: August 2015

This study describes variational energy expressions and analytical excited state energy gradients for time-dependent self-consistent field methods with polarizable solvent effects. Linear response, vertical excitation, and state-specific solvent models are examined. Enforcing a variational ground state energy expression in the state-specific model is found to reduce it to the vertical excitation model. Variational excited state energy expressions are then provided for the linear response and vertical excitation models and analytical gradients are formulated. Using semiempirical model chemistry, the variational expressions are verified by numerical and analytical differentiation with respect to a static external electric field. Analytical gradients are further tested by performing microcanonical excited state molecular dynamics with p-nitroaniline.