bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abrogation of epithelial BMP2 and BMP4 causes Amelogenesis Imperfecta by reducing MMP20 and KLK4 expression
Authors: Xie Xiaohua , Liu Chao , Zhang Hua , Jani Priyam H. , Lu Yongbo , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Bin , Qin Chunlin
Published: May 2016

Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) can be caused by the deficiencies of enamel matrix proteins, molecules responsible for the transportation and secretion of enamel matrix components and proteases processing enamel matrix proteins. In the present study, we discovered the double deletion of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) in the dental epithelium by K14-cre resulted in hypoplastic enamel and reduced density in X-ray radiography as well as shortened enamel rods under scanning electron microscopy. Such enamel phenotype was consistent with the diagnosis of hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. Histological and molecular analyses revealed that the removal of matrix proteins in the mutant enamel was drastically delayed, which was coincided with the greatly reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) and kallikrein 4 (KLK4). Although the expression of multiple enamel matrix proteins was down-regulated in the mutant ameloblasts, the cleavage of ameloblastin was drastically impaired. Therefore, we attributed the AI primarily to the reduction of MMP20 and KLK4. Further investigation found that BMP/Smad4 signaling pathway was down-regulated in the K14-cre;Bmp2f/f;Bmp4f/fameloblasts, suggesting that the reduced MMP20 and KLK4 expression may be due to the attenuated epithelial BMP/Smad4 signaling.
A potential adjuvant chemotherapeutics, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibits renal tubular epithelial cells apoptosis via enhancing BMP-7 epigenetically through targeting HDAC2
Authors: Ma Taotao , Huang Cheng , Meng Xiaoming , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Yilong , Ji Shuai , Li Jun , Ye Min , Liang Hong
Published: May 2016

Cisplatin, a highly effective and widely used chemotherapeutic agent, has a major limitation for its nephrotoxicity. We recently identified a novel strategy for attenuating its nephrotoxicity in chemotherapy by an effective adjuvant via epigenetic modification through targeting HDAC2. Molecular docking and SPR assay firstly reported that 18βGA, major metabolite of GA, could directly bind to HDAC2 and inhibit the activity of HDAC2. The effects and mechanisms of GA and 18βGA were assessed in CP-induced AKI in C57BL/6 mice, and in CP-treated HK-2 and mTEC cells lines. TUNEL and FCM results confirmed that GA and 18βGA could inhibit apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by CP in vivo and in vitro. Western blot and immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the expression of BMP-7 was clearly induced by 18βGA in AKI models while siRNA BMP-7 could reduce the inhibitory effect of 18βGA on apoptosis. Results of current study indicated that 18βGA inhibited apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells via enhancing the level of BMP-7 epigenetically through targeting HDAC2, therefore protecting against CP-induced AKI. These available evidence, which led to an improved understanding of molecular recognition, suggested that 18βGA could serve as a potential clinical adjuvant in chemotherapy.
Highly Visible Light Responsive, Narrow Band gap TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified by Elemental Red Phosphorus for Photocatalysis and Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Ansari Sajid Ali , Cho Moo Hwan
Published: May 2016

This paper reports that the introduction of elemental red phosphorus (RP) into TiO2 can shift the light absorption ability from the UV to the visible region, and confirmed that the optimal RP loading and milling time can effectively improve the visible light driven-photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The resulting RP-TiO2 nanohybrids were characterized systematically by a range of techniques and the photocatalytic ability of the RP-TiO2 photocatalysts was assessed further by the photodegradation of a model Rhodamine B pollutant under visible light irradiation. The results suggest that the RP-TiO2 has superior photodegradation ability for model contaminant decomposition compared to other well-known photocatalysts, such as TiO2 and other reference materials. Furthermore, as a photoelectrode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry, and linear scan voltammetry were also performed in the dark and under visible light irradiation. These photoelectrochemical performances of RP-TiO2 under visible light irradiation revealed more efficient photoexcited electron-hole separation and rapid charge transfer than under the dark condition, and thus improved photocatalytic activity. These findings show that the use of earth abundant and inexpensive red phosphorus instead of expensive plasmonic metals for inducing visible light responsive characteristics in TiO2 is an effective strategy for the efficient energy conversion of visible light.
Evolution of cooperation by the introduction of the probabilistic peer-punishment based on the difference of payoff
Authors: Ohdaira Tetsushi
Published: May 2016

There are two types of costly punishment, i.e. peer-punishment and pool-punishment. While peer-punishment applies direct face to face punishment, pool-punishment is based on multi-point, collective interaction among group members. Regarding those two types of costly punishment, peer-punishment is especially considered to have the flaws that it lowers the average payoff of all players as well as pool-punishment does and facilitates antisocial behaviour like retaliation of a defector on a cooperator. Here, this study proposes the new peer-punishment that punishment to an opponent player works at high probability when an opponent one is uncooperative and the difference of payoff between a player and an opponent one becomes large in order to prevent such antisocial behaviour. It is natural to think that players of high payoff do not expect to punish others of lower payoff because they do not have any complaints regarding their economic wealth. The author shows that the introduction of the proposed peer-punishment increases both the number of cooperative players and the average payoff of all players in various types of topology of connections between players.
Dysfunctional counting of mental time in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Honma Motoyasu , Kuroda Takeshi , Futamura Akinori , Shiromaru Azusa , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: May 2016

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often underestimate time intervals, however it remains unclear why they underestimate rather than overestimate them. The current study examined time underestimation and counting in patients with PD, in relation to dopamine transporter (DaT) located on presynaptic nerve endings in the striatum. Nineteen non-dementia patients with PD and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls performed two time estimation tasks to produce or reproduce time intervals with counting in the head, to examine dysfunctional time counting processing. They also performed tapping tasks to measure cycles of counting with 1 s interval with time estimation. Compared to controls, patients underestimated time intervals above 10 s on time production not reproduction tasks and the underestimation correlated with fast counting on the tapping task. Furthermore, striatal DaT protein levels strongly correlated with underestimation of time intervals. These findings suggest that distortion of time intervals is guided by cumulative output of fast cycle counting and that this is linked with striatal DaT protein deficit.
Synthesis of Fe16N2 compound Free-Standing Foils with 20 MGOe Magnetic Energy Product by Nitrogen Ion-Implantation
Authors: Jiang Yanfeng , Mehedi Md Al , Fu Engang , Wang Yongqiang , Allard Lawrence F. , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2016

Rare-earth-free magnets are highly demanded by clean and renewable energy industries because of the supply constraints and environmental issues. A promising permanent magnet should possess high remanent magnetic flux density (Br), large coercivity (Hc) and hence large maximum magnetic energy product ((BH)max). Fe16N2 has been emerging as one of promising candidates because of the redundancy of Fe and N on the earth, its large magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Ku > 1.0 × 107 erg/cc) and large saturation magnetization (4πMs > 2.4 T). However, there is no report on the formation of Fe16N2 magnet with high Br and large Hc in bulk format before. In this paper, we successfully synthesize free-standing Fe16N2 foils with a coercivity of up to 1910 Oe and a magnetic energy product of up to 20 MGOe at room temperature. Nitrogen ion implantation is used as an alternative nitriding approach with the benefit of tunable implantation energy and fluence. An integrated synthesis technique is developed, including a direct foil-substrate bonding step, an ion implantation step and a two-step post-annealing process. With the tunable capability of the ion implantation fluence and energy, a microstructure with grain size 25–30 nm is constructed on the FeN foil sample with the implantation fluence of 5 × 1017/cm2.
Endotoxemia-induced cytokine-mediated responses of hippocampal astrocytes transmitted by cells of the brain–immune interface
Authors: Hasegawa-Ishii Sanae , Inaba Muneo , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Unno Keiko , Wakabayashi Keiji , Shimada Atsuyoshi
Published: May 2016

Systemic inflammation shifts the brain microenvironment towards a proinflammatory state. However, how peripheral inflammation mediates changes in the brain remains to be clarified. We aimed to identify hippocampal cells and cytokines that respond to endotoxemia. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline, and examined 1, 4, and 24 h after injection. Tissue cytokine concentrations in the spleens and hippocampi were determined by multiplex assays. Another group of mice were studied immunohistologically. Fourteen cytokines showed an increased concentration in the spleen, and 10 showed an increase in the hippocampus after LPS injection. Cytokines increased at 4 h (CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL2, and interleukin-6) were expressed by leptomeningeal stromal cells, choroid plexus stromal cells, choroid plexus epithelial cells, and hippocampal vascular endothelial cells, all of which were located at the brain–immune interface. Receptors for these cytokines were expressed by astrocytic endfeet. Cytokines increased at 24 h (CCL11, CXCL10, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) were expressed by astrocytes. Cells of the brain–immune interface therefore respond to endotoxemia with cytokine signals earlier than hippocampal parenchymal cells. In the parenchyma, astrocytes play a key role in responding to signals by using endfeet located in close apposition to the interface cells via cytokine receptors.
Synthesis of Self-Assembled Multifunctional Nanocomposite Catalysts with Highly Stabilized Reactivity and Magnetic Recyclability
Authors: Yu Xu , Cheng Gong , Zheng Si-Yang
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a multifunctional Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI-Au/Ag@PDA nanocomposite catalyst with highly stabilized reactivity and magnetic recyclability was synthesized by a self-assembled method. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with a thin layer of the SiO2 to obtain a negatively charged surface. Then positively charged poly(ethyleneimine) polymer (PEI) was self-assembled onto the Fe3O4@SiO2 by electrostatic interaction. Next, negatively charged glutathione capped gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs) were electrostatically self-assembled onto the Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI. After that, silver was grown on the surface of the nanocomposite due to the reduction of the dopamine in the alkaline solution. An about 5 nm thick layer of polydopamine (PDA) was observed to form the Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI-Au/Ag@PDA nanocomposite. The Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI-Au/Ag@PDA nanocomposite was carefully characterized by the SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XRD and so on. The Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI-Au/Ag@PDA nanocomposite shows a high saturation magnetization (Ms) of 48.9 emu/g, which allows it to be attracted rapidly to a magnet. The Fe3O4@SiO2@PEI-Au/Ag@PDA nanocomposite was used to catalyze the reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) to p-aminophenol (4-AP) as a model system. The reaction kinetic constant k was measured to be about 0.56 min−1 (R2 = 0.974). Furthermore, the as-prepared catalyst can be easily recovered and reused for 8 times, which didn’t show much decrease of the catalytic capability.
Anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in Chinese patients: a prospective study of 2,404 patients
Authors: Shao Tanglei , Qiu Weihua , Yang Weiping
Published: May 2016

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) shows some anatomical variations that can potentially compromise the safety of thyroid surgery. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify the anatomical variations of the RLN in Chinese patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Between January 2007 and December 2013, 2,404 Chinese patients were hospitalized for thyroid surgery with dissecting of the RLN unilaterally or bilaterally. The patients consisted of 510 men and 1,894 women, with a median age of 45.0 years. Overall 3,275 RLNs, including 1,576 left- and 1,699 right-side nerves, were dissected. The anatomical variations were identified in 690 RLNs, including 305 left- and 385 right-side nerves. We identified as many as seven RLN anatomical variations in Chinese patients. These findings indicate that anatomical variations of the RLN are common and the identification of these anatomical variations of the RLN can help to minimize the risk of post-operative RLN paralysis.
Membrane-association of mRNA decapping factors is independent of stress in budding yeast
Authors: Huch Susanne , Gommlich Jessie , Muppavarapu Mridula , Beckham Carla , Nissan Tracy
Published: May 2016

Recent evidence has suggested that the degradation of mRNA occurs on translating ribosomes or alternatively within RNA granules called P bodies, which are aggregates whose core constituents are mRNA decay proteins and RNA. In this study, we examined the mRNA decapping proteins, Dcp1, Dcp2 and Dhh1, using subcellular fractionation. We found that decapping factors co-sediment in the polysome fraction of a sucrose gradient and do not alter their behaviour with stress, inhibition of translation or inhibition of the P body formation. Importantly, their localisation to the polysome fraction is independent of the RNA, suggesting that these factors may be constitutively localised to the polysome. Conversely, polysomal and post-polysomal sedimentation of the decapping proteins was abolished with the addition of a detergent, which shifts the factors to the non-translating RNP fraction and is consistent with membrane association. Using a membrane flotation assay, we observed the mRNA decapping factors in the lower density fractions at the buoyant density of membrane-associated proteins. These observations provide further evidence that mRNA decapping factors interact with subcellular membranes and we suggest a model in which the mRNA decapping factors interact with membranes to facilitate regulation of mRNA degradation.
A novel quasi-solid state electrolyte with highly effective polysulfide diffusion inhibition for lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhong Hai , Wang Chunhua , Xu Zhibin , Ding Fei , Liu Xinjiang
Published: May 2016

Polymer solid state electrolytes are actively sought for their potential application in energy storage devices, particularly lithium metal rechargeable batteries. Herein, we report a polymer with high concentration salts as a quasi-solid state electrolyte used for lithium-sulfur cells, which shows an ionic conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature. The cycling performance of Li-S battery with this electrolyte shows a long cycle life (300 cycles) and high coulombic efficiency (>98%), without any consuming additives in the electrolyte. Moreover, it also shows a remarkably decreased self-discharge (only 0.2%) after storage for two weeks at room temperature. The reason can be attributed to that the electrolyte can suppress polysulfide anions diffusion, due to the high ratio oxygen atoms with negative charges which induce an electrical repulsion to the polysulfide anions, and their relatively long chains which can provide additional steric hindrance. Thus, the polysulfide anions can be located around carbon particles, which result in remarkably improved overall electrochemical performance, and also the electrolyte have a function of suppress the formation of lithium dendrites on the lithium anode surface.
Using resilience to predict the effects of disturbance
Authors: Nattrass Stuart , Lusseau David
Published: May 2016

Animal behaviour emerges from a complex interaction between an individual’s needs, life history strategies and the varying local environment. This environment is increasingly disturbed as human activity encroaches on previously unexposed regions. This disturbance can have different effects on individual animals or populations depending on their behavioural strategies. Here, we examine a means of predicting the resilience of individuals or populations to unanticipated disturbances, and we find that resilience that can be estimated from routinely collected behavioural observations is a good predictor of how rapidly an individual’s expected behaviour is returned to following a perturbation, and correlates strongly with how much population abundance changes following a disturbance.
Comparison of size modulation and conventional standard automated perimetry with the 24-2 test protocol in glaucoma patients
Authors: Hirasawa Kazunori , Shoji Nobuyuki , Kasahara Masayuki , Matsumura Kazuhiro , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: May 2016

This prospective randomized study compared test results of size modulation standard automated perimetry (SM-SAP) performed with the Octopus 600 and conventional SAP (C-SAP) performed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) in glaucoma patients. Eighty-eight eyes of 88 glaucoma patients underwent SM-SAP and C-SAP tests with the Octopus 600 24-2 Dynamic and HFA 24-2 SITA-Standard, respectively. Fovea threshold, mean defect and square loss variance of SM-SAP were significantly correlated with the corresponding C-SAP indices (P < 0.001). The false-positive rate was slightly lower and false-negative rate slightly higher, with SM-SAP than C-SAP (P = 0.002). Point-wise threshold values obtained with SM-SAP were moderately to strongly correlated with those obtained with C-SAP (P < 0.001). The correlation coefficients of the central zone were significantly lower than those of the middle to peripheral zone (P = 0.031). The size and depth of the visual field (VF) defect were smaller (P = 0.039) and greater (P = 0.043), respectively, on SM-SAP than on C-SAP. Although small differences were observed in VF sensitivity in the central zone, the defect size and depth and the reliability indices between SM-SAP and C-SAP, global indices of the two testing modalities were well correlated.
Real-time locating and speed measurement of fibre fuse using optical frequency-domain reflectometry
Authors: Jiang Shoulin , Ma Lin , Fan Xinyu , Wang Bin , He Zuyuan
Published: May 2016

We propose and experimentally demonstrate real-time locating and speed measurement of fibre fuse by analysing the Doppler shift of reflected light using optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR). Our method can detect the start of a fibre fuse within 200 ms which is equivalent to a propagation distance of about 10 cm in standard single-mode fibre. We successfully measured instantaneous speed of propagating fibre fuses and observed their subtle fluctuation owing to the laser power instability. The resolution achieved for speed measurement in our demonstration is 1 × 10−3 m/s. We studied the fibre fuse propagation speed dependence on the launched power in different fibres. Our method is promising for both real time fibre fuse monitoring and future studies on its propagation and termination.
Notch signaling indirectly promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy via regulation of BMP signaling and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Shang Xifu , Wang Jinwu , Luo Zhengliang , Wang Yongjun , Morandi Massimo M. , Marymont John V. , Hilton Matthew J. , Dong Yufeng
Published: May 2016

Cell cycle regulation is critical for chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophy. Recently we identified the Notch signaling pathway as an important regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation during mouse cartilage development. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we assessed the role for Notch signaling regulation of the cell cycle during chondrocyte differentiation. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that over-expression of the Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD) significantly induced the expression of p57, a cell cycle inhibitor, in chondrocytes. Flow cytometric analyses further confirmed that over-expression of NICD in chondrocytes enhances the G0/G1 cell cycle transition and cell cycle arrest. In contrast, treatment of chondrocytes with the Notch inhibitor, DAPT, decreased both endogenous and BMP2-induced SMAD 1/5/8 phosphorylation and knockdown of SMAD 1/5/8 impaired NICD-induced chondrocyte differentiation and p57 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation using p-SMAD 1/5/8 and NICD antibodies further showed a strong interaction of these proteins during chondrocyte maturation. Finally, RT-PCR and Western blot results revealed a significant reduction in the expression of the SMAD-related phosphatase, PPM1A, following NICD over-expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Notch signaling induces cell cycle arrest and thereby initiates chondrocyte hypertrophy via BMP/SMAD-mediated up-regulation of p57.
Sensing hydrocarbons with interband cascade lasers and substrate-integrated hollow waveguides
Authors: José Gomes da Silva Igor , Tütüncü Erhan , Nägele Markus , Fuchs Peter , Fischer Marc , Raimundo Ivo M. , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: May 2016

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is an excellent analytical technique for gas sensing applications.
Determination of twenty organophosphorus pesticides in blood serum by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chang Chunxin , Luo Jia , Chen Minjian , Wu Keqin , Dong Tianyu , He Xiaowei , Zhou Kun , Wang Li , Chen Daozhen , Zhou Zuomin , Wang Xinru , Xia Yankai
Published: May 2016

A method for the quantification of 20 OP pesticides in human blood serum simultaneously was developed.
Glassy carbon electrode modified with an ordered mesoporous carbon/Ag nanoparticle nanocomposite for the selective detection of iodate
Authors: Heidari Hassan , Habibi Biuck , Vaigan Fatemeh Bonyadi
Published: May 2016

Schematic representation of the nanocomposite modified electrode: electroreduction of iodate and its amperometric response.
Observation of phase-retention behavior of the HC(NH2)2PbI3 black perovskite polymorph upon mesoporous TiO2 scaffolds
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Kwun Joonsuh , Garces Hector F. , Pang Shuping , Padture Nitin P.
Published: May 2016

The undesirable α → δ phase transition, which occurs in planar films of an α-HC(NH2)2PbI3 perovskite, is retarded when α-HC(NH2)2PbI3 is deposited upon mesoporous TiO2 scaffolds.
A Pt/Al2O3-supported metal–organic framework film as the size-selective core–shell hydrogenation catalyst
Authors: Aguado Sonia , El-Jamal Sawsan , Meunier Frederic , Canivet Jerome , Farrusseng David
Published: May 2016

The substituted imidazolate-based MOF (SIM-1) easily forms a homogeneous layer at the surface of millimetric platinum-loaded alumina beads. This new core–shell SIM-1@Pt/Al2O3 catalyst shows the fine molecular sieving effect for the Pt-catalyzed hydrogenation of carbon–carbon double bonds.
A divergent synthetic approach to diverse molecular scaffolds: assessment of lead-likeness using LLAMA, an open-access computational tool
Authors: Colomer Ignacio , Empson Christopher J. , Craven Philip , Owen Zachary , Doveston Richard G. , Churcher Ian , Marsden Stephen P. , Nelson Adam
Published: May 2016

LLAMA was used to assess the lead-likeness of scaffolds prepared via complementary cyclisations of hex-2-ene-1,6-diamine derivatives.
How does the motion of the surrounding molecules depend on the shape of a folding molecular motor?
Authors: Ciobotarescu Simona , Hurduc Nicolae , Teboul Victor
Published: May 2016

A simplified model of the DR1 molecule is used to realize a systematic study of the surrounding molecules motions dependence on the motor's length and width.
Achieving high resolution and optimizing sensitivity in spatial frequency encoding NMR spectroscopy: from theory to practice
Authors: Plainchont Bertrand , Pitoux Daisy , Hamdoun Ghanem , Ouvrard Jean-Michel , Merlet Denis , Farjon Jonathan , Giraud Nicolas
Published: May 2016

A detailed analysis of NMR spectra based on spatial frequency encoding is presented.
Phase behavior of lysozyme solutions in the liquid–liquid phase coexistence region at high hydrostatic pressures
Authors: Schulze Julian , Möller Johannes , Weine Jonathan , Julius Karin , König Nico , Nase Julia , Paulus Michael , Tolan Metin , Winter Roland
Published: May 2016

Dense protein solutions exhibit a reentrant liquid–liquid phase separation region at high pressures.
CO adsorption on the GaPd(1̄1̄1̄) surface: a comparative DFT study using different functionals
Authors: Alarcón Villaseca S. , Levchenko S. V. , Armbrüster M.
Published: May 2016

CO adsorption on the polar (1̄1̄1̄) surface of the intermetallic compound GaPd is examined withinab initiomethods using an all-electron full-potential electronic structure approach.
Comment on “Is the regulation of the electronic properties of organic molecules by polynuclear superhalogens more effective than that by mononuclear superhalogens? A high-level ab initio case study” by M.-M. Li, J.-F. Li, H.-C. Bai, Y.-Y. Sun, J.-L. Li and B. Yin, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 20338
Authors: Díaz-Tinoco Manuel , Ortiz J. V.
Published: May 2016

The Outer Valence Green Function (OVGF) and coupled-cluster singles and doubles plus approximate triples, or CCSD(T), methods yield similar results for the vertical detachment energies of superhalides.
Configuration-averaged 4f orbitals in ab initio calculations of low-lying crystal field levels in lanthanide(iii) complexes
Authors: Van den Heuvel Willem , Calvello Simone , Soncini Alessandro
Published: May 2016

We propose an ab initio method that simplifies the CASSCF/RASSI–SO approach for crystal field levels and magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes.
Endohedral charge-transfer complex Ca@B37−: stabilization of a B373−borospherene trianion by metal-encapsulation
Authors: Chen Qiang , Li Hai-Ru , Tian Wen-Juan , Lu Hai-Gang , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian
Published: May 2016

First-principles theory investigations present the possibility of an endohedralCsCa@B37−which contains a 3D aromatic fullerene-likeCsB373−trianion composed of interwoven double chains.
Omics approaches to probe markers of disease resistance in animal sciences
Authors: Guillemin N. , Horvatić A. , Kuleš J. , Galan A. , Mrljak Vladimir , Bhide M.
Published: May 2016

Disease pathways can be explained into a list of biomarkers at different scales to develop applications.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazoline nucleus based homoleptic Ru(iii) compounds
Authors: Mehta Jugal V. , Gajera Sanjay B. , Patel Mohan N.
Published: May 2016

Biological applications of homoleptic Ru(iii) compounds towards molecular docking, DNA-binding and DNA cleavage.
Site-directed spin labeling of proteins for distance measurements in vitro and in cells
Authors: Roser P. , Schmidt M. J. , Drescher M. , Summerer D.
Published: May 2016

We here review strategies for site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) of proteins and discuss their potential for EPR distance measurements to study protein functionin vitroand in cells.
Boron difluoride formazanate copolymers with 9,9-di-n-hexylfluorene prepared by copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition chemistry
Authors: Barbon Stephanie M. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: May 2016

The synthesis and characterization of copolymers with promising light-harvesting properties and closely related model compounds based on boron difluoride formazanate and 9,9-di-n-hexylfluorene units are described.
Synthesis of a fluorinated graphene oxide–silica nanohybrid: improving oxygen affinity
Authors: Maio A. , Giallombardo D. , Scaffaro R. , Palumbo Piccionello A. , Pibiri I.
Published: May 2016

An easy method to selectively introduce specific fluorotails into a graphene oxide–silica nanohybrid. Fluoro-functionalization increases the oxygen exchange at saturation.
Dipicolylamine coupled rhodamine dyes: new clefts for highly selective naked eye sensing of Cu2+and CN−ions
Authors: Ghosh Kumaresh , Tarafdar Debojyoti , Majumdar Anupam , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Samadder Asmita , Khuda-Bukhsh Anisur Rahman
Published: May 2016

The dipicolylamine (DPA) motif has been utilized in devising rhodamine labeled compounds1and2for Cu2+ions.
Boronic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and their application for selective enrichment of glycoproteins
Authors: Wang Jiewen , He Xiwen , Chen Langxing , Zhang Yukui
Published: May 2016

A facile and efficient approach to synthesize boronate affinity ligand-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for specific enrichment of glycoproteins via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) has been developed.
The effect of POPC acyl chains packing by aromatic amino acid methyl esters investigated by ATR-FTIR combined with QM calculations
Authors: Peng Bo , Ding Xiao-Yan , Sun Chao , Liu Wei , Zhang John Z. H. , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2016

​The packing of POPC acyl chains can be influenced by aromatic amino acid methyl esters significantly, thus the HCCH motif is packed closed to the other one of an adjacent acyl chain with enhancement by dispersion interactions.
Influence of support on the performance of copper catalysts for the effective hydrogenation of ethylene carbonate to synthesize ethylene glycol and methanol
Authors: Li Fengjiao , Wang Liguo , Han Xiao , He Peng , Cao Yan , Li Huiquan
Published: May 2016

Cu/SBA-15 was successfully prepared by ammonia evaporation method and exhibited a high activity for the hydrogenation of ethylene carbonate to co-produce ethylene glycol and methanol.
Computational study of the structure, UV-vis absorption spectra and conductivity of biphenylene-based polymers and their boron nitride analogues
Authors: Karaush Nataliya N. , Bondarchuk Sergey V. , Baryshnikov Gleb V. , Minaeva Valentina A. , Sun Wen-Hua , Minaev Boris F.
Published: May 2016

We calculated electronic and spectral properties of the 1D and 2D carbon and boron nitride materials composed of four-, six- and eight-membered rings by the DFT approach, including the band structure analysis.
Photonic band gaps and plasmonic behavior of Ag inverse opals with different Ag filling fractions prepared by electrochemical etching
Authors: Ling Cheng , Fu Ming , Sun Haiyan , Li Caixia , Long Jie , He Dawei , Wang Yongsheng
Published: May 2016

Ag inverse opals with a low filling fraction exhibited both a PBG and SPPs were presented.
A minimalist furan–maleimide AB-type monomer and its thermally reversible Diels–Alder polymerization
Authors: Lacerda Talita M. , Carvalho Antonio J. F. , Gandini Alessandro
Published: May 2016

An original approach to prepare and polymerize the shortest Diels–Alder AB monomer.
Controlled growth of a nanoplatelet-structured copper sulfide thin film as a highly efficient counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Venkata-Haritha Mallineni , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , Young-Seok Lee , Kim Hee-Je
Published: May 2016

0.6 M acetic acid in CuS CE preparation shows the higher PCE of 5.15% in QDSSC than the Pt (1.25%).
Enhanced dissolution and oral bioavailability of lurasidone hydrochloride nanosuspensions prepared by antisolvent precipitation–ultrasonication method
Authors: Lu Shan , Yu Pan-pan , He Jian-Hua , Zhang Shuang-shuang , Xia Yu-Long , Zhang Wen-Li , Liu Jian-Ping
Published: May 2016

Lurasidone hydrochloride nanosuspensions exhibited a significant improvement in the bioavailability, which was correlated with the increased solubility andin vitrodissolution resulting from the smaller particle size of lurasidone hydrochloride.
Infrared ray assisted microwave synthesis: a convenient method for large-scale production of graphitic carbon nitride with outstanding nitrogen photofixation ability
Authors: Li Shijun , Chen Xin , Hu Shaozheng , Li Qiang , Bai Jin , Wang Fei
Published: May 2016

A convenient infrared ray assisted microwave method for synthesizing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with outstanding nitrogen photofixation ability under visible light is reported.
A new approach for the synthesis of sulfur-bridged polysiloxanes via thiol–ene “click” reaction and their post-functionalization to obtain luminescent materials
Authors: Zuo Yujing , Gou Zhiming , Cao Jinfeng , Li Xiaoxiao , Feng Shengyu
Published: May 2016

A novel polymerization method for preparing well defined sulfur containing siloxane polymers.
Intravenous administration of trans-resveratrol-loaded TPGS-coated solid lipid nanoparticles for prolonged systemic circulation, passive brain targeting and improved in vitro cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cell lines
Authors: Vijayakumar Mahalingam Rajamanickam , Kumari Lakshmi , Patel Krishna Kumar , Vuddanda Parameswara Rao , Vajanthri Kiran Yellappa , Mahto Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Sanjay
Published: May 2016

trans-Resveratrol (RSV), a natural molecule isolated from red wine, is widely known for several therapeutic potentials.
A universal strategy to prepare porous graphene films: binder-free anodes for high-rate lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaoting , Zhou Jisheng , Liu Chengcheng , Chen Xiaohong , Song Huaihe
Published: May 2016

A porous graphene film with controllable pore size is developed for high-rate lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.
Quickly promoting angiogenesis by using a DFO-loaded photo-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel for diabetic skin regeneration
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Lei , Wicks Joshua , Ling Christopher , Zhao Xin , Yan Yufei , Qi Jin , Cui Wenguo , Deng Lianfu
Published: May 2016

A desferrioxamine (DFO)-loaded photo-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel was used to reconstruct vessel network and prompt skin regeneration in diabetic wounds.
Porous silicon carbide derived from apple fruit with high electromagnetic absorption performance
Authors: Liu Chenyu , Yu Dawei , Kirk Donald W. , Xu Yongjun
Published: May 2016

A method for the synthesis of porous SiC with excellent electromagnetic absorption performance which incorporates the natural porous structure of apple was reported.
Influence of carbon black with different concentration on dynamic properties and heat buildup of semi‐efficient natural rubber composites
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhang Zhiyi , Zhao Guizhe , Liu Yaqing
Published: May 2016

High abrasion furnace black (HAF) filler has long been recognised as reinforcing filler, but the impact of concentration on dynamic mechanics performance and heat buildup of vulcanisates is rarely reported. Therefore, natural rubber (NR) composites filled by N330 with different concentration were prepared. Payne effect and heat buildup of HAF/NR composites increases with an increase of HAF loadings during to that filler network structure become stronger with an increase of HAF loadings. Moreover, tensile strength, tear strength as well as modulus increase with an increase of HAF loadings is attributed to better dispersion and improved interfacial interaction between HAF and NR matrices. The results reveal that composites with 60 per hundreds of rubber (phr) of HAF exhibit better overall mechanical properties and lower heat buildup.
Psychoacoustic Characteristics of Tinnitus versus Temporal Resolution in Subjects with Normal Hearing Sensitivity
Authors: Ibraheem Ola , Hassaan Mohammad
Published: May 2016

Introduction Cochlear or neural mechanisms of tinnitus generation may affect auditory temporal resolution in tinnitus patients even with normal audiometry. Thus, studying the correlation between tinnitus characteristics and auditory temporal resolution in subjects with tinnitus may help in proper modification of tinnitus management strategy.

Objective This study aims to examine the relationship between the psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and the auditory temporal resolution in subjects with normal audiometry.

Methods Two normal hearing groups with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years were involved: control group of 15 adults (30 ears) without tinnitus and study group of 15 adults (24 ears) with tinnitus. Subjective scaling of annoyance and sleep disturbance caused by tinnitus, basic audiological evaluation, tinnitus psychoacoustic measures and Gaps in Noise test were performed. Data from both groups were compared using independent sample t-test. Psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and Gaps in Noise test parameters of the tinnitus group were correlated with Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results Significantly higher hearing threshold, higher approximate threshold and lower correct Gaps in Noise scores were observed in tinnitus ears. There was no significant correlation between psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and Gaps in Noise test parameters of the tinnitus group.

Conclusion Auditory temporal resolution impairment was found in tinnitus patients, which could be attributed to cochlear impairment or altered neural firing within the auditory pathway. It is recommended to include temporal resolution testing in the tinnitus evaluation battery to provide a proper management planning.
Interface conductance modal analysis of lattice matched InGaAs/InP
Authors: Gordiz Kiarash , Henry Asegun
Published: May 2016

We studied the heat conduction at InGaAs/InP interfaces and found that the total value of interface conductance was quite high ∼830 MW m−2 K−1. The modal contributions to the thermal interface conductance (TIC) were then investigated to determine the mode responsible. Using the recently developed interface conductance modal analysis method, we showed that more than 70% of the TIC arises from extended modes in the system. The lattice dynamics calculations across the interface revealed that, unlike any other interfaces previously studied, the different classes of vibration around the interface of InGaAs/InP naturally segregate into distinct regions with respect to frequency. In addition, interestingly, the entire region of frequency overlap between the sides of the interface is occupied by extended modes, whereby the two materials vibrate together with a single frequency. We also mapped the correlations between modes, which showed that the contribution by extended modes to the TIC primarily arises from coupling to the modes that have the same frequencies of vibration (i.e., autocorrelations). Moreover, interfacial modes despite their low population still contribute more than 6% to interfacial thermal transport. The analysis sheds light on the nature of heat conduction by different classes of vibration that exist in interfacial systems, which has technological relevance to applications such as thermophotovoltaics and optoelectronics.
Phonon transport in amorphous carbon using Green–Kubo modal analysis
Authors: Lv Wei , Henry Asegun
Published: May 2016

Amorphous carbon (a-C) is an important material often used in microelectronics. Using a recently developed approach, termed Green–Kubo modal analysis, we were able to calculate the thermal conductivity of a-C, which yielded excellent agreement with experiments, by employing a simple correction to the specific heat. The results show that the heat capacity substantially limits the thermal conductivity of a-C at room temperature and it is dominated by contributions from diffusons between 10 and 40 THz. Furthermore, the phonon relaxation times in a-C do not vary significantly with increasing temperature, which is quite unusual by comparison with the behavior observed for other materials.
Multiphase ferrofluid flows for micro-particle focusing and separation
Authors: Zhou Ran , Wang Cheng
Published: May 2016

Ferrofluids have demonstrated great potential for a variety of manipulations of diamagnetic (or non-magnetic) micro-particles/cells in microfluidics, including sorting, focusing, and enriching. By utilizing size dependent magnetophoresis velocity, most of the existing techniques employ single phase ferrofluids to push the particles towards the channel walls. In this work, we demonstrate a novel strategy for focusing and separating diamagnetic micro-particles by using the laminar fluid interface of two co-flowing fluids—a ferrofluid and a non-magnetic fluid. Next to the microfluidic channel, microscale magnets are fabricated to generate strong localized magnetic field gradients and forces. Due to the magnetic force, diamagnetic particles suspended in the ferrofluid phase migrate across the ferrofluid stream at the size-dependent velocities. Because of the low Reynolds number and high Péclet number associated with the flow, the fluid interface is sharp and stable. When the micro-particles migrate to the interface, they are accumulated near the interface, resulting in effective focusing and separation of particles. We investigated several factors that affect the focusing and separation efficiency, including susceptibility of the ferrofluid, distance between the microfluidic channel and microscale magnet, and width of the microfluidic channel. This concept can be extended to multiple fluid interfaces. For example, a complete separation of micro-particles was demonstrated by using a three-stream multiphase flow configuration.
Size-controllable micro-bubble generation using a nanoimprinted plasmonic nanopillar array absorber in the near-infrared region
Authors: Yang Sheng-Chieh , Fischer Wolf-Joachim , Yang Tsung-Lin
Published: May 2016

Size-controllable micro-bubble generation from thermoplasmonic effect is of great interest in many fields. In this study, photothermal bubble generation is demonstrated by using a near-infrared plasmonic absorber. A plasmonic nanopillar array is fabricated using a simple and low-cost soft thermal nanoimprint lithography process. Under near-infrared illumination, the plasmonic absorber becomes a highly efficient nanosource of heat because of enhanced light absorption at the localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength. The plasmonic substrate is able to generate size-tunable bubbles, depending on the illumination power and exposure time. The results of finite-difference time-domain simulations exhibit close agreement with the experimental observations. This study could provide alternative chemical synthesis approaches in solvothermal chemistry and sol-gel chemistry.
Large electron concentration modulation using capacitance enhancement in SrTiO3/SmTiO3 Fin-field effect transistors
Authors: Verma Amit , Nomoto Kazuki , Hwang Wan Sik , Raghavan Santosh , Stemmer Susanne , Jena Debdeep
Published: May 2016

Solid-state modulation of 2-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) with extreme (∼3.3 × 1014 cm−2) densities corresponding to 1/2 electron per interface unit cell at complex oxide heterointerfaces (such as SrTiO3/GdTiO3 or SrTiO3/SmTiO3) is challenging because it requires enormous gate capacitances. One way to achieve large gate capacitances is by geometrical capacitance enhancement in fin structures. In this work, we fabricate both Au-gated planar field effect transistors (FETs) and Fin-FETs with varying fin-widths on 60 nm SrTiO3/5 nm SmTiO3 thin films grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy. We find that the FinFETs exhibit higher gate capacitance compared to planar FETs. By scaling down the SrTiO3/SmTiO3 fin widths, we demonstrate further gate capacitance enhancement, almost twice compared to the planar FETs. In the FinFETs with narrowest fin-widths, we demonstrate a record 2DEG electron concentration modulation of ∼2.4 × 1014 cm−2.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) of magnetic sublattices in Sc-substituted barium hexaferrite
Authors: Díaz-Pardo Rebeca , Bierlich Silvia , Töpfer Jörg , Monjaras Raúl Valenzuela
Published: May 2016

The partial substitution of Fe3+ by Sc3+ in barium hexaferrite has shown to be an effective method to tailor anisotropy for many novel microwave applications. Some basic studies have revealed that this substitution leads to unusual interactions among the magnetic sublattices of the ferrite. In order to investigate these interactions, samples with formula BaScxFe12-xO19 (1 ≤x ≤ 2) were prepared by sintering (1300°C, 6h). After structural characterization by x-ray diffraction, their ferromagnetic resonance spectra were measured in the X-band (9.4 GHz), in the 100-500 K temperature range. For x = 2, a single, broad resonance peak was observed at the low temperatures (103 K), exhibiting a progressive splitting into two peaks for increasing T, to finally coalesce again into a single (paramagnetic) narrow peak at 473 K. These results are interpreted in terms of a substitution of Fe3+ by Sc3+ ions in the 4fvi and 2b sublattices; the diamagnetic cations disrupt the superexchange interactions and produce a splitting of the 12k sublattice (which interacts directly with the 4fvi sublattice) into two sublattices with different canting angles, and different thermal dependence. As a result, the fraction of the 12k sublattices that are nearest neighbours of substituted 4fvi sites can behave as an independent sublattice for some temperature ranges. A similar behavior is observed for all the compositions with varying degrees of amplitude, but it is more evident for x = 2. A deconvolution of peaks has been attempted, in order to shed more light into this behavior.
Deforestation in Australia: drivers, trends and policy responses
Authors: Evans Megan C.
Published: May 2016

Australia’s terrestrial environment has been dramatically modified since European colonisation. Deforestation – the clearing and modification of native forest for agricultural, urban and industrial development – remains a significant threat to Australia’s biodiversity. Substantial policy reform over the last 40 years has delivered a range of policy instruments aimed to control deforestation across all Australian States and Territories. Despite these policy efforts – as well as strong governance and high institutional capacity – deforestation rates in Australia were nonetheless globally significant at the turn of this century. Legislation introduced in Queensland and New South Wales during the mid-2000s was at the time seen to have effectively ended broad-scale clearing; however, recent policy changes have raised concerns that Australia may again become a global hotspot for deforestation. Here, I describe the deforestation trends, drivers and policy responses in Australia over the last four decades. Using satellite imagery of forest cover and deforestation events across Australia between 1972 and 2014, I present a comprehensive analysis of deforestation rates at a fine resolution. I discuss trends in deforestation with reference to the institutional, macroeconomic and environmental conditions that are associated with human-induced forest loss in Australia. I provide a detailed history and critique of the native vegetation policies introduced across Australia over the last 40 years, including recent legislative amendments and reviews. Finally, I comment on future prospects for curbing deforestation in Australia, including the role of incentive-based policies such as carbon farming, private land conservation and biodiversity offsets. Despite being a highly active policy space, very little is known of the effectiveness of policy responses to deforestation in Australia, and whether the recent shift away from ‘command and control’ policies will necessarily lead to better outcomes. My analysis demonstrates the need for an effective policy mix to curb deforestation in Australia, including a greater focus on monitoring, evaluation and policy learning.