bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-EM and the elucidation of new macromolecular structures: Random Conical Tilt revisited
Authors: Sorzano C. O. S. , Alcorlo M. , de la Rosa-Trevín J. M. , Melero R. , Foche I. , Zaldívar-Peraza A. , del Cano L. , Vargas J. , Abrishami V. , Otón J. , Marabini R. , Carazo J. M.
Published: September 2015

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) of macromolecular complexes is a fundamental structural biology technique which is expanding at a very fast pace. Key to its success in elucidating the three-dimensional structure of a macromolecular complex, especially of small and non-symmetric ones, is the ability to start from a low resolution map, which is subsequently refined with the actual images collected at the microscope. There are several methods to produce this first structure. Among them, Random Conical Tilt (RCT) plays a prominent role due to its unbiased nature (it can create an initial model based on experimental measurements). In this article, we revise the fundamental mathematical expressions supporting RCT, providing new expressions handling all key geometrical parameters without the need of intermediate operations, leading to improved automation and overall reliability, essential for the success of cryo-EM when analyzing new complexes. We show that the here proposed RCT workflow based on the new formulation performs very well in practical cases, requiring very few image pairs (as low as 13 image pairs in one of our examples) to obtain relevant 3D maps.
Tumour-promoting role of SOCS1 in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Tobelaim William S. , Beaurivage Claudia , Champagne Audrey , Pomerleau Véronique , Simoneau Aline , Chababi Walid , Yeganeh Mehdi , Thibault Philippe , Klinck Roscoe , Carrier Julie C. , Ferbeyre Gerardo , Ilangumaran Subburaj , Saucier Caroline
Published: September 2015

The SOCS1 (Suppressor Of Cytokine Signalling 1) protein is considered a tumour suppressor. Notably, the SOCS1 gene is frequently silenced in cancer by hypermethylation of its promoter. Besides blocking inflammation, SOCS1 tumour suppressor activity involves Met receptor inhibition and enhancement of p53 tumour suppressor activity. However, the role of SOCS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains understudied and controversial. Here, we investigated SOCS1 relevance for CRC by querying gene expression datasets of human CRC specimens from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and by SOCS1 gain/loss-of-function analyses in murine and human colon carcinoma cells. Our results show that SOCS1 mRNA levels in tumours were more often elevated than reduced with respect to matched adjacent normal tissue of CRC specimens (n = 41). The analysis of TCGA dataset of 431 CRC patients revealed no correlation between SOCS1 expression and overall survival. Overexpression of SOCS1 in CRC cells triggered cell growth enhancement, anchorage-independent growth and resistance to death stimuli, whereas knockdown of SOCS1 reduced these oncogenic features. Moreover, SOCS1 overexpression in mouse CT26 cells increased tumourigenesis in vivo. Biochemical analyses showed that SOCS1 pro-oncogenic activity correlated with the down-modulation of STAT1 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that SOCS1 may work as an oncogene in CRC.
Effect of anthropogenic sulphate aerosol in China on the drought in the western-to-central US
Authors: Yeh Sang-Wook , Park Rokjin J. , Kim Minjoong J. , Jeong Jaein I. , Song Chang-Keun
Published: September 2015

In recent decades, droughts have occurred in the western-to-central United States (US), significantly affecting food production, water supplies, ecosystem health and the propagation of vector-borne diseases. Previous studies have suggested natural sea surface temperature (SST) forcing in the Pacific as the main driver of precipitation deficits in the US. Here, we show that the aerosol forcing in China, which has been known to alter the regional hydrological cycle in East Asia, may also contribute to reducing the precipitation in the western-to-central US through atmospheric teleconnections across the Pacific. Our model experiments show some indications that both the SST forcing and the increase in regional sulphate forcing in China play a similar role in modulating the western-to-central US precipitation, especially its long-term variation. This result indicates that regional air quality regulations in China have important implications for hydrological cycles in East Asia, as well as in the US.
Efficient single photon source based on μ-fibre-coupled tunable microcavity
Authors: Lee Chang-Min , Lim Hee-Jin , Schneider Christian , Maier Sebastian , Höfling Sven , Kamp Martin , Lee Yong-Hee
Published: September 2015

Efficient and fast on-demand single photon sources have been sought after as critical components of quantum information science. We report an efficient and tunable single photon source based on an InAs quantum dot (QD) embedded in a photonic crystal cavity coupled with a highly curved μ-fibre. Exploiting evanescent coupling between the μ-fibre and the cavity, a high collection efficiency of 23% and Purcell-enhanced spontaneous emissions are observed. In our scheme, the spectral position of a resonance can be tuned by as much as 1.5 nm by adjusting the contact position of the μ-fibre, which increases the spectral coupling probability between the QD and the cavity mode. Taking advantage of the high photon count rate and the tunability, the collection efficiencies and the decay rates are systematically investigated as a function of the QD–cavity detuning.
Genome-wide homozygosity signature and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Sud Amit , Cooke Rosie , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Houlston Richard S.
Published: September 2015

Recent studies have reported that regions of homozygosity (ROH) in the genome are detectable in outbred populations and can be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. To examine whether homozygosity is associated with an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) we analysed 589 HL cases and 5,199 controls genotyped for 484,072 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Across the genome the cumulative distribution of ROH was not significantly different between cases and controls. Seven ROH at 4q22.3, 4q32.2, 7p12.3–14.1, 7p22.2, 10p11.22–23, 19q13.12-2 and 19p13.2 were associated with HL risk at P < 0.01. Intriguingly 4q22.3 harbours an ROH to which the nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit (NFKB1) maps (P = 0.002). The ROH at 19q13.12-2 has previously been implicated in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Aside from these observations which require validation, it is unlikely that levels of measured homozygosity caused by autozygosity, uniparental isodisomy or hemizygosity play a major role in defining HL risk in predominantly outbred populations.
Information complementarity: A new paradigm for decoding quantum incompatibility
Authors: Zhu Huangjun
Published: September 2015

The existence of observables that are incompatible or not jointly measurable is a characteristic feature of quantum mechanics, which lies at the root of a number of nonclassical phenomena, such as uncertainty relations, wave—particle dual behavior, Bell-inequality violation and contextuality. However, no intuitive criterion is available for determining the compatibility of even two (generalized) observables, despite the overarching importance of this problem and intensive efforts of many researchers. Here we introduce an information theoretic paradigm together with an intuitive geometric picture for decoding incompatible observables, starting from two simple ideas: Every observable can only provide limited information and information is monotonic under data processing. By virtue of quantum estimation theory, we introduce a family of universal criteria for detecting incompatible observables and a natural measure of incompatibility, which are applicable to arbitrary number of arbitrary observables. Based on this framework, we derive a family of universal measurement uncertainty relations, provide a simple information theoretic explanation of quantitative wave—particle duality and offer new perspectives for understanding Bell nonlocality, contextuality and quantum precision limit.
Metformin Increases Sensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine by Reducing CD133+ Cell Populations and Suppressing ERK/P70S6K Signaling
Authors: Chai Xinqun , Chu Hongpeng , Yang Xuan , Meng Yuanpu , Shi Pengfei , Gou Shanmiao
Published: September 2015

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains dismal, with little advance in chemotherapy because of its high frequency of chemoresistance. Metformin is widely used to treat type II diabetes and was shown recently to inhibit pancreatic cancer stem cell proliferation. In the present study, we investigated the role of metformin in chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine and its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms. Metformin increases sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. The mechanism involves, at least in part, the inhibition of CD133+ cells proliferation and suppression of P70S6K signaling activation via inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Studies of primary tumor samples revealed a relationship between P70S6K signaling activation and the malignancy of pancreatic cancer. Analysis of clinical data revealed a trend of the benefit of metformin for pancreatic cancer patients with diabetes. The results suggested that metformin has a potential clinical use in overcoming chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer.
Dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids from weaning limits brain biochemistry and behavioural changes elicited by prenatal exposure to maternal inflammation in the mouse model
Authors: Li Q , Leung Y O , Zhou I , Ho L C , Kong W , Basil P , Wei R , Lam S , Zhang X , Law A C K , Chua S E , Sham P C , Wu E X , McAlonan G M
Published: September 2015

Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) increases the risk of schizophrenia and autism in the offspring. The MIA rodent model provides a valuable tool to directly test the postnatal consequences of exposure to an early inflammatory insult; and examine novel preventative strategies. Here we tested the hypotheses that behavioural differences in the MIA mouse model are accompanied by in vivo and ex vivo alterations in brain biochemistry; and that these can be prevented by a post-weaning diet enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The viral analogue PolyI:C (POL) or saline (SAL) was administered to pregnant mice on gestation day 9. Half the resulting male offspring (POL=21; SAL=17) were weaned onto a conventional lab diet (n-6 PUFA); half were weaned onto n-3 PUFA-enriched diet. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy measures were acquired prior to behavioural tests; glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels were measured ex vivo. The main findings were: (i) Adult MIA-exposed mice fed a standard diet had greater N-acetylaspartate/creatine (Cr) and lower myo-inositol/Cr levels in the cingulate cortex in vivo. (ii) The extent of these metabolite differences was correlated with impairment in prepulse inhibition. (iii) MIA-exposed mice on the control diet also had higher levels of anxiety and altered levels of GAD67ex vivo. (iv) An n-3 PUFA diet prevented all the in vivo and ex vivo effects of MIA observed. Thus, n-3 PUFA dietary enrichment from early life may offer a relatively safe and non-toxic approach to limit the otherwise persistent behavioural and biochemical consequences of prenatal exposure to inflammation. This result may have translational importance.
Impact of 5-HTTLPR on hippocampal subregional activation in older adults
Authors: Garrett A , Gupta S , Reiss A L , Waring J , Sudheimer K , Anker L , Sosa N , Hallmayer J F , O’Hara R
Published: September 2015

Studies have shown that a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) impacts performance on memory-related tasks and the hippocampal structures that subserve these tasks. The short (s) allele of 5-HTTLPR has been linked to greater susceptibility for impaired memory and smaller hippocampal volume compared to the long allele (l). However, previous studies have not examined the associations between 5-HTTLPR allele and activation in subregions of the hippocampus. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure activation in hippocampal and temporal lobe subregions in 36 elderly non-clinical participants performing a face–name encoding and recognition task. Although there were no significant differences in task performance between s allele carriers and l homozygotes, right CA1 and right parahippocampal activation during recognition errors was significantly greater in individuals bearing the s allele. In an exploratory analysis, we determined that these effects were more pronounced in s allele carriers with the apolipoprotein ɛ4 allele. Our results suggest that older individuals with the s allele inefficiently allocate neural resources while making errors in recognizing face–name associations, which could negatively impact memory performance during more challenging tasks.
Predictors of placebo response in pharmacological and dietary supplement treatment trials in pediatric autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: Masi A , Lampit A , Glozier N , Hickie I B , Guastella A J
Published: September 2015

Large placebo responses in many clinical trials limit our capacity to identify effective therapeutics. Although it is often assumed that core behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) rarely remit spontaneously, there has been limited investigation of the size of the placebo response in relevant clinical trials. These trials also rely on caregiver and clinical observer reports as outcome measures. The objectives of this meta-analysis are to identify the pooled placebo response and the predictors of placebo response in pharmacological and dietary supplement treatment trials for participants with a diagnosis of ASD. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in pediatric ASD, conducted between 1980 and August 2014, were identified through a search of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and clinicaltrials.gov. RCTs of at least 14 days duration, comparing the treatment response for an oral active agent and placebo using at least one of the common outcome measures, were included. Analysis of 25 data sets (1315 participants) revealed a moderate effect size for overall placebo response (Hedges’ g=0.45, 95% confidence interval (0.34–0.56), P<0.001). Five factors were associated with an increase in response to placebo, namely: an increased response to the active intervention; outcome ratings by clinicians (as compared with caregivers); trials of pharmacological and adjunctive interventions; and trials located in Iran. There is a clear need for the identification of objective measures of change in clinical trials for ASD, such as evaluation of biological activity or markers, and for consideration of how best to deal with placebo response effects in trial design and analyses.
Long-term consequences of chronic fluoxetine exposure on the expression of myelination-related genes in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Kroeze Y , Peeters D , Boulle F , van den Hove D L A , van Bokhoven H , Zhou H , Homberg J R
Published: September 2015

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine is widely prescribed for the treatment of symptoms related to a variety of psychiatric disorders. After chronic SSRI treatment, some symptoms remediate on the long term, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet well understood. Here we studied the long-term consequences (40 days after treatment) of chronic fluoxetine exposure on genome-wide gene expression. During the treatment period, we measured body weight; and 1 week after treatment, cessation behavior in an SSRI-sensitive anxiety test was assessed. Gene expression was assessed in hippocampal tissue of adult rats using transcriptome analysis and several differentially expressed genes were validated in independent samples. Gene ontology analysis showed that upregulated genes induced by chronic fluoxetine exposure were significantly enriched for genes involved in myelination. We also investigated the expression of myelination-related genes in adult rats exposed to fluoxetine at early life and found two myelination-related genes (Transferrin (Tf) and Ciliary neurotrophic factor (Cntf)) that were downregulated by chronic fluoxetine exposure. Cntf, a neurotrophic factor involved in myelination, showed regulation in opposite direction in the adult versus neonatally fluoxetine-exposed groups. Expression of myelination-related genes correlated negatively with anxiety-like behavior in both adult and neonatally fluoxetine-exposed rats. In conclusion, our data reveal that chronic fluoxetine exposure causes on the long-term changes in expression of genes involved in myelination, a process that shapes brain connectivity and contributes to symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
Early-life serotonin dysregulation affects the migration and positioning of cortical interneuron subtypes
Authors: Frazer S , Otomo K , Dayer A
Published: September 2015

Early-life deficiency of the serotonin transporter (SERT) gives rise to a wide range of psychiatric-relevant phenotypes; however, the molecular and cellular targets of serotonin dyregulation during neural circuit formation remain to be identified. Interestingly, migrating cortical interneurons (INs) derived from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) have been shown to be more responsive to serotonin-mediated signalling compared with INs derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). Here we investigated the impact of early-life SERT deficiency on the migration and positioning of CGE-derived cortical INs in SERT-ko mice and in mice exposed to the SERT inhibitor fluoxetine during the late embryonic period. Using confocal time-lapse imaging and microarray-based expression analysis we found that genetic and pharmacological SERT deficiency significantly increased the migratory speed of CGE-derived INs and affected transcriptional programmes regulating neuronal migration. Postnatal studies revealed that SERT deficiency altered the cortical laminar distribution of subtypes of CGE-derived INs but not MGE-derived INs. More specifically, we found that the distribution of vasointestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing INs in layer 2/3 was abnormal in both genetic and pharmacological SERT-deficiency models. Collectively, these data indicate that early-life SERT deficiency has an impact on the migration and molecular programmes of CGE-derived INs, thus leading to specific alterations in the positioning of VIP-expressing INs. These data add to the growing evidence that early-life serotonin dysregulation affects cortical microcircuit formation and contributes to the emergence of psychiatric-relevant phenotypes.
Determination of phenolic acids in Prunella vulgaris L.: a safe and green extraction method using alcohol-based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Xia Bohou , Yan Dong , Bai Yubing , Xie Jiachi , Cao Yi , Liao Duanfang , Lin Limei
Published: September 2015

The extraction of natural products with available green and safe solvents is rather limited.
Lanthanide luminescent logic gate mimics in soft matter: [H+] and [F−] dual-input device in a polymer gel with potential for selective component release
Authors: Bradberry Samuel J. , Byrne Joseph P. , McCoy Colin P. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: September 2015

Non-covalent incorporation of responsive luminescent lanthanide into a polymer gel produces three-output logic circuit with significant naked-eye colour changes.
TfOH-catalyzed domino cycloisomerization/hydrolytic defluorination of 2,3-allenyl perfluoroalkyl ketones
Authors: Xue Can , Huang Xin , Wu Shangze , Zhou Jing , Dai Jianxin , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: September 2015

A unique TfOH-catalyzed domino cycloisomerization/hydrolytic defluorination reaction of easily availablen-perfluoroalkyl allenones in the presence of H2O providing furanyl perfluoroalkyl ketones has been developed.
Low charge overpotentials in lithium–oxygen batteries based on tetraglyme electrolytes with a limited amount of water
Authors: Wu Shichao , Tang Jing , Li Fujun , Liu Xizheng , Zhou Haoshen
Published: September 2015

A superior Li–O2 battery with a charge potential of as low as 3.20 V was constructed by applying water containing tetraglyme based electrolytes and the electrolytic manganese dioxide and Ru supported on Super P as cathodes.
Nanoparticles made of π-conjugated compounds targeted for chemical and biological applications
Authors: Xu Xinjun , Liu Ronghua , Li Lidong
Published: September 2015

This feature article summarizes the recent applications of nanoparticles made of π-conjugated compounds in bio/chemo-sensing, disease therapy, and photoacoustic imaging.
Complete hydrogen release from aqueous ammonia-borane over a platinum-loaded titanium dioxide photocatalyst
Authors: Kamegawa Takashi , Nakaue Takayuki
Published: September 2015

Complete H2 release from ammonia-borane in water was achieved by using Pt/TiO2via two consecutive reaction steps.
An amorphous CoSe film behaves as an active and stable full water-splitting electrocatalyst under strongly alkaline conditions
Authors: Liu Tingting , Liu Qian , Asiri Abdullah M. , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2015

An amorphous CoSe film electrodeposited on a Ti mesh (a-CoSe/Ti) acts as an efficient water-splitting catalyst in strongly basic media, with the need for overpotentials of 292 and 121 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 for OER and HER, respectively.
DFT-based ab initio MD simulation of the ionic conduction in doped ZrO2systems under epitaxial strain
Authors: Oka M. , Kamisaka H. , Fukumura T. , Hasegawa T.
Published: September 2015

Valence distribution and trajectory of oxygen ions in calculated stable structures, which imply oxygen sublattice formation induced by strain and further deformation by oxygen vacancies.
A novel class of compounds—superalkalides: M+(en)3M3′O− (M, M′ = Li, Na, and K; en = ethylenediamine)—with excellent nonlinear optical properties and high stabilities
Authors: Mai Jinmei , Gong Shida , Li Nan , Luo Qiong , Li Zhiru
Published: September 2015

A novel class of inorganic salts wherein the superalkali occupies the anionic site, termed superalkalides, M+(en)3M3′O− (M, M′ = Li, Na, and K) have been designed and predicted to be candidates for NLO materials.
Dioxygen activation in the Cu–amyloid β complex
Authors: Mirats Andrea , Alí-Torres Jorge , Rodríguez-Santiago Luis , Sodupe Mariona , La Penna Giovanni
Published: September 2015

Amyloid peptides bind copper enhancing its catalytic role in ROS production.
Interaction of NBD-labelled fatty amines with liquid-ordered membranes: a combined molecular dynamics simulation and fluorescence spectroscopy study
Authors: Filipe Hugo A. L. , Bowman David , Palmeira Tiago , Cardoso Renato M. S. , Loura Luís M. S. , Moreno Maria João
Published: September 2015

The NBD fluorophore of NBD-Cnis located more externally in liquid-ordered membranes. Perfect hydrophobic matching is met for myristic and palmitic chains.
Mechanism of action of ethylene sulfite and vinylene carbonate electrolyte additives in LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2/graphite pouch cells: electrochemical, GC-MS and XPS analysis
Authors: Madec L. , Petibon R. , Tasaki K. , Xia J. , Sun J.-P. , Hill I. G. , Dahn J. R.
Published: September 2015

The SEI films formation/composition were dominated by VC resulting in better electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC)/graphite pouch cells.
Triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion followed by FRET for the red light activation of a photodissociative ruthenium complex in liposomes
Authors: Askes Sven H. C. , Kloz Miroslav , Bruylants Gilles , Kennis John T. M. , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: September 2015

Three molecules in a single lipid bilayer to trigger high-energy photochemistry with low-energy photons.
A hybrid density functional study on the visible light photocatalytic activity of (Mo,Cr)–N codoped KNbO3
Authors: Wang Guangzhao , Chen Hong , Li Yang , Kuang Anlong , Yuan Hongkuan , Wu Gang
Published: September 2015

To improve the photocatalytic performance of KNbO3 for the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, the electronic structure of KNbO3 should be modified to have a suitable bandgap with band edge positions straddling the water redox level so as to sufficiently absorb visible light.
A soluble cryogenic thermometer with high sensitivity based on excited-state configuration transformations
Authors: Chen Jianwei , Wu Yishi , Wang Xuedong , Yu Zhenyi , Tian He , Yao Jiannian , Fu Hongbing
Published: September 2015

The mechanism for the dual emission of FIPAC was investigated in detail and the dual emission character of the FIPAC solution system was further applied as a cryogenic thermometer.
Self-catalytic polymerization of a water-soluble selenium/polypyrrole nanocomposite and its nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Ke Rui , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhang Shengyi , Li Shengli , Mao Changjie , Niu Helin , Song Jiming , Tian Yupeng
Published: September 2015

A water-soluble Se/PPy nanocomposite was synthesized by a single step and eco-friendly method, and its nonlinear optical properties were studied by Z-scan tests.
Linkage-specific conformational ensembles of non-canonical polyubiquitin chains
Authors: Castañeda Carlos A. , Chaturvedi Apurva , Camara Christina M. , Curtis Joseph E. , Krueger Susan , Fushman David
Published: September 2015

Ensemble analysis using NMR and SANS revealed conformational heterogeneity of polyubiquitin chains, suggesting unique as well as overlapping functions.
A first-principles study of orthorhombic CN as a potential superhard material
Authors: Tang Xiao , Hao Jian , Li Yinwei
Published: September 2015

First-principles strain–stress calculations reveal that Pnnm-CN is a superhard material.
Deducing CO2motion, adsorption locations and binding strengths in a flexible metal–organic framework without open metal sites
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lucier Bryan E. G. , Huang Yining
Published: September 2015

Microporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have high surface areas and porosities, and are well-suited for CO2capture. Several important details regarding CO2capture in the flexible MIL-53 MOF are revealed from variable-temperature solid-state NMR experiments.
Ultrasonically treated liquid interfaces for progress in cleaning and separation processes
Authors: Radziuk Darya , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: September 2015

Cleaning and separation processes of liquids can be advanced by acoustic cavitation through bubbles with unique physico-chemical properties.
A facile electrochemical approach to fabricate a nanoporous gold film electrode and its electrocatalytic activity towards dissolved oxygen reduction
Authors: Sukeri Anandhakumar , Saravia Lucas Patricio Hernández , Bertotti Mauro
Published: September 2015

NPGF electrode was fabricated in absence of alloys, templates & chemical reducing agents and its electrocatalytic activity towards DO reduction was achieved at very low overpotential with enhanced sensitivity.
Nickel sulfides for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution under alkaline conditions: a case study of crystalline NiS, NiS2, and Ni3S2 nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang Nan , Tang Qing , Sheng Meili , You Bo , Jiang De-en , Sun Yujie
Published: September 2015

Electrocatalytic water splitting to produce H2 plays an important role in the capture, conversion, and storage of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and wind power.
Dynamic evolution of specific catalytic sites on Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Barron Hector , Opletal George , Tilley Richard D. , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: September 2015

Different types of surface defects are needed for specific types of catalytic reactions, and can be promoted or suppressed by varying the temperature and rates during the early stages of growth.
Nitronyl nitroxide based 2p–3d–4f chains with the magnetocaloric effect and slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Wang Xiufeng , Li Cun , Sun Juan , Li Licun
Published: September 2015

Rare nitronyl nitroxide based 2p–3d–4f chains are achieved. The Gd derivative shows the magnetocaloric effect and the Tb complex exhibits slow magnetic relaxation.
Hydroalumination of alkynyl-aminophosphines as a promising tool for the synthesis of unusual phosphines: P–N bond activation, a transient phosphaallene, a zwitterionic AlP2C2heterocycle and a masked Al/P-based frustrated Lewis pair
Authors: Klöcker Hans , Layh Marcus , Hepp Alexander , Uhl Werner
Published: September 2015

Hydroalumination of alkynyl-aminophosphines afforded an AlP2C2heterocycleviaP–N bond activation and a transient phosphaallene.
X-ray structure of a Ni(ii)–tri-phenoxyl radical complex
Authors: Benisvy Laurent , Zats Galina M. , Fleker Ohad , Yufit Dmitry S. , Orio Maylis , Romanenko Galina , Ovcharenko Victor
Published: September 2015

The diimino-diphenolato neutral square-planar Ni(ii) complex, NiL2, is readily oxidised with 2 equiv. of Ag[SbF6], to produce an unprecedented octahedral Ni(ii) tris(phenoxyl) radical complex, [Ni(L˙)3][SbF6]2. This study reveals, for the first time, the X-ray structure of a metal–tri-phenoxyl radical complex.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of four 3d–4f butterfly single-molecule magnets
Authors: Zou Hua-Hong , Sheng Liang-Bing , Liang Fu-Pei , Chen Zi-Lu , Zhang Yi-Quan
Published: September 2015

Experimental and theoretical investigations of four 3d–4f defect-dicubane single-molecule magnets.
Design and fabrication of bioelectrodes for microbial bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Xie Xing , Criddle Craig , Cui Yi
Published: September 2015

Schematic of microbial bioelectrodes with different configurations.
La5Ti2Cu1−xAgxS5O7photocathodes operating at positive potentials during photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution under irradiation of up to 710 nm
Authors: Hisatomi Takashi , Okamura Shintaro , Liu Jingyuan , Shinohara Yuki , Ueda Koichiro , Higashi Tomohiro , Katayama Masao , Minegishi Tsutomu , Domen Kazunari
Published: September 2015

Photoelectrodes of Al-doped La5Ti2Cu1−xAgxS5O7powder generate a photocathodic current attributable to the hydrogen evolution reaction at +0.7 Vvs.RHE.
Silver nanoparticle toxicity and association with the alga Euglena gracilis
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Schirmer Kristin , Bernard Laetitia , Sigg Laura , Pillai Smitha , Behra Renata
Published: September 2015

AgNPs are not internalized by the algaEuglena gracilisbut adsorb onto the pellicle.
Path to plastics composed of ligninsulphonates (lignosulfonates)
Authors: Wang Yun-Yan , Chen Yi-ru , Sarkanen Simo
Published: September 2015

In tensile behaviour, polymeric materials containing only methylated ball-milled lignin surpass polystyrene, while 85% w/w ligninsulphonate blends approach polyethylene.
Reliable diagnosis of murine type 1 diabetes using a panel of autoantigens and “antigen surrogates” mounted onto a liquid array
Authors: Doran Todd M. , Morimoto Jumpei , Simanski Scott , McEnaney Patrick J. , Kodadek Thomas
Published: September 2015

A flow cytometer is used to measure autoantibody binding to antigens and antigen surrogates displayed on a multiplexed liquid array. Collectively, these biomarkers predict diabetes in NOD mice with high specificity.
Photoluminescence properties of BaSiF6:Eu3+,Eu3+/K+and Eu3+/Tb3+co-doped phosphors
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yuan Long , Huang Keke , Du Yanyan , Feng Shouhua
Published: September 2015

An investigation into rare-earth down-converting luminescence properties of hexafluorosilicates as host materials, a case for BaSiF6.
Increased duplex stabilization in porphyrin-LNA zipper arrays with structure dependent exciton coupling
Authors: Singleton Daniel G. , Hussain Rohanah , Siligardi Giuliano , Kumar Pawan , Hrdlicka Patrick J. , Berova Nina , Stulz Eugen
Published: September 2015

LNA-porphyrin building blocks were used to create stable zipper-porphyrin DNA arrays, which were analysed in detail with CD spectroscopy and thermodynamic studies.
Novel sirtuin inhibitory warheads derived from the Nε-acetyl-lysine analog l-2-amino-7-carboxamidoheptanoic acid
Authors: He Yanhua , Yan Lingling , Zang Wenwen , Zheng Weiping
Published: September 2015

Potent sirtuin inhibitory warheads respectively against SIRT1/2/3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 were identified in the current study among the carboxamide NH2-alkylated analogs of our lead sirtuin inhibitory warhead l-2-amino-7-carboxamidoheptanoic acid.
Constructing semi-fluorinated PDEAEMA-b-PBTFVBP-b-PDEAEMA amphiphilic triblock copolymer via successive thermal step-growth cycloaddition polymerization and ATRP
Authors: Feng Chun , Zhu Chao , Yao Wenqiang , Lu Guolin , Li Yongjun , Lv Xuliang , Jia Mingchun , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2015

Amphiphilic triblock copolymers containing semi-fluorinated PBTFVBP and hydrophilic PDEAEMA segments were synthesized by the site transformation strategy.
A throughway to functional poly(disubstituted acetylenes): a combination of the activated ester strategy with click reaction
Authors: Wang Xiao , Hu Han , Wang Wenjie , Qin Anjun , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2015

We report a facile and efficient synthetic route to functional poly(disubstituted acetylenes) by the combination of the activated ester strategy with alkyne–azide click reaction.
Realization of controllable graphene p–n junctions through gate dielectric engineering
Authors: Wang J. X. , Huang Q. Q. , Wu C. L. , Wei Z. J. , Xuan N. N. , Sun Z. Z. , Fu Y. Y. , Huang R.
Published: September 2015

A novel step-dielectric design to modulate the doping profile in monolayer graphene is proposed, and junction formation with appreciable abruptness and excellent controllability are verified.
Fabrication of calcium oxalate with novel hierarchical structures mediated by amphiphilic phosphoproteins and its adsorptive removal of Congo red from aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Xifang , Mao Huiyuan , Guo Rong
Published: September 2015

Here, we developed a facile and green method to fabricate porous double cashew-shaped calcium oxalate (CaOx) in the presence of amphiphilic phosphoproteins. The obtained CaOx exhibits high efficient and selective adsorption of Congo red.
Carboxymethyl gum katira: synthesis, characterization and evaluation for nanoparticulate drug delivery
Authors: Minkal  , Ahuja Munish , Bhatt D. C.
Published: September 2015

In the present study a carboxymethyl derivative of gum katira was synthesized and explored for drug delivery applications.
Studies on varying n-alkanethiol chain lengths on a gold coated surface and their effect on antibody–antigen binding efficiency
Authors: Bhadra P. , Shajahan M. S. , Bhattacharya E. , Chadha A.
Published: September 2015

Antibody immobilization efficiency varied with the SAM of n-alkanethiols. However, this did not necessarily result in a corresponding increase in antigen binding.
Study on the catalytic prepolymerization of an acetylene-functional benzoxazine and the thermal degradation of its cured product
Authors: Xu Yi , Ran Qichao , Li Chao , Zhu Rongqi , Gu Yi
Published: September 2015

The network structures of Polypre(Ph-apa-ca) and Poly(Ph-apa).
Performance comparison of activated carbon and ferric oxide-hydroxide–activated carbon nanocomposite as vanadium(v) ion adsorbents
Authors: Sharififard Hakimeh , Soleimani Mansooreh
Published: September 2015

Recently, a great deal of attention has been paid to water treatment using nanoparticles such as ferric nanoparticles. In this work, a ferric oxide-hydroxide–activated carbon nanocomposite has been used as new adsorbent for vanadium(v) ion.
Naturally occurring Batatasins and their derivatives as α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Hu Wei-ping , Cao Guo-dong , Zhu Jin-hua , Li Jia-zhong , Liu Xiu-hua
Published: September 2015

Naturally occurred Batatasins and derivatives displayed remarkable inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, which provide promising chemical scaffolds for antidiabetic drug development.
Mo doped porous Ni–Cu alloy as cathode for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution
Authors: Yu Linping , Lei Ting , Nan Bo , Kang Jiangang , Jiang Yao , He Yuehui , Liu C. T.
Published: September 2015

Molybdenum doped porous Ni–Cu cathodes are conveniently prepared by powder metallurgy in this work.
Dynamics of the thumb-finger regions in a GH11 xylanase Bacillus circulans: comparison between the Michaelis and covalent intermediate
Authors: Mhlongo Ndumiso N. , Ebrahim Mahasin , Skelton Adam A. , Kruger Hendrik G. , Williams Ian H. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: September 2015

The structure and dynamics of B. circulans β-1,4-xylanase (BCX) were comparatively studied utilizing molecular dynamics.
Highly efficient red phosphor Cs2GeF6:Mn4+ for warm white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Zhengliang , Zhou Yayun , Liu Yong , Zhou Qiang , Luo Lijun , Tan Huiying , Zhang Qiuhan , Chen Guo , Peng Jinhui
Published: September 2015

Red phosphor Cs2GeF6:Mn4+ synthesized by the cation exchange method exhibits an intense red emission with a high colour-purity. The warm WLED fabricated with this phosphor emits an intense white light under 20 mA current excitation.
Thin water films and magnesium hydroxide fiber growth
Authors: Gheisi Amir , Sternig Andreas , Redhammer Günther J. , Diwald Oliver
Published: September 2015

On oxide nanostructures thin water films act as reactant and provide a reaction medium for hydroxide fiber growth.
Expedient, catalyst-free, three-component synthesis of fused tetrahydropyridines in water
Authors: Vinoth Perumal , Prasad P. S. Ram , Vivekanand Thavaraj , Maheswari C. Uma , Nagarajan Subbiah , Menéndez J. Carlos , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: September 2015

An expedient, three-component synthesis of oxazolo[3,2-a]pyridines and pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]oxazines was achieved under catalyst-free conditions in water.
Biogeochemical cycles for combining chemical knowledge and ESD issues in Greek secondary schools part I: designing the didactic materials
Authors: Koutalidi Sophia , Scoullos Michael
Published: September 2015

Biogeochemical cycles support all anthropogenic activities and are affected by them, therefore they are intricately interlinked with global environmental and socioeconomic issues. Elements of these cycles that are already included in the science/chemical curriculum and textbooks intended for formal education in Greek secondary schools were thoroughly reviewed and on the basis of the gaps and needs identified new didactic materials were produced. The didactic materials were designed in order to enhance the comprehension of the biogeochemical cycles (of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur) and include educational content and guidance to achieve ESD goals including strengthening of students' environmentally-friendly attitudes and commitment towards sustainability. These materials clarify the function of the cycles supplementing chemical knowledge and scientific information relevant to the real world phenomena and conditions (e.g.climate change, ocean acidification, eutrophication) that learners could experience, connecting them with sustainable development issues (sustainable consumption and production, renewable energies,etc.). The materials were assessed as successful by educators and students through experimental implementation in 16 Greek secondary schools. The present article (Part I of the research) focuses on the aim, content and design of the didactic materials while in Part II, assessment of their impact on the knowledge and attitudes of students is presented.
Biofunctionalization of titanium implant with chitosan/siRNA complex through loading-controllable and time-saving cathodic electrodeposition
Authors: Song Wen , Zhao Lingzhou , Fang Kaixiu , Chang Bei , Zhang Yumei
Published: September 2015

For the first time, siRNA has been cathodically electrodeposited on a titanium surface for efficient target gene silencing.
Preparation of an rhBMP-2 loaded mesoporous bioactive glass/calcium phosphate cement porous composite scaffold for rapid bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Li Nan , Jiang Chuan , Zhang Xingdi , Gu Xinfeng , Zhang Jingwei , Yuan Yuan , Liu Changsheng , Shi Jianlin , Wang Jinwu , Li Yongsheng
Published: September 2015

An rhBMP-2/MBG/CPC scaffold is beneficial for rapid bone tissue regeneration in the early stage.
Polydopamine-induced nanocomposite Ag/CaP coatings on the surface of titania nanotubes for antibacterial and osteointegration functions
Authors: Li Ming , Liu Qian , Jia Zhaojun , Xu Xuchen , Shi Yuying , Cheng Yan , Zheng Yufeng
Published: September 2015

A mussel-inspired novel nano silver/calcium phosphate (CaP) composite coating was prepared on anodized Ti, with its surface maintaining preferable biological performance and possessing long-term antibacterial ability.
Rare earth-free high color rendering white light-emitting diodes using CsVO3 with highest quantum efficiency for vanadate phosphors
Authors: Nakajima Tomohiko , Isobe Masahiko , Uzawa Yuko , Tsuchiya Tetsuo
Published: September 2015

Internal quantum efficiency of CsVO3 was considerably enhanced up to 95.8%, and a rare earth free white LED that had a very high color rendering index of 91.1 was realized by using CsVO3 and a deep red phosphor Mg2TiO4:Mn4+.
Colossal permittivity properties of Zn,Nb co-doped TiO2with different phase structures
Authors: Wei Xianhua , Jie Wenjing , Yang Zhibin , Zheng Fengang , Zeng Huizhong , Liu Yun , Hao Jianhua
Published: September 2015

Colossal permittivity properties of Zn,Nb co-doped TiO2ceramics and pulsed-laser-deposited thin-films with different phase structures are studied.
Measurement of leakage signal in radio frequency or microwave systems
Authors: Sittakul Vitawat , Pasakawee Sarinya
Published: September 2015

This study proposes a setup configuration for leakage signal measurement in a radio frequency or microwave system. The leakage signal usually influences on such a system and basically is defined as a source of uncertainties. In this configuration, a programmable attenuator is used as the device under test (DUT) in the system to fully study the leakage signal effects. The DUT is initially characterised in terms of phase as a function of attenuation before used to represent any electronic device with a specific insertion loss and frequency. Then, the amplitude and phase of the leakage signal are found and compared with the mathematical model to confirm the obtained results. Finally, the maximum amplitude deviation of the leakage signal is found and used to calculate as a limit of leakage error.
Assessment of Bite Force in Patients Treated with 2.0-mm Traditional Miniplates versus 2.0-mm Locking Plates for Mandibular Fracture
Authors: Rastogi Sanjay , Reddy MahendraParvath , Swarup AzeezGaurav , Swarup Divya , Choudhury Rupshikha
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study is to analyze the difference in bite forces in patients treated for mandibular fractures with 2.0 mm conventional and locking titanium plating system. A randomized study was performed for the treatment of fractures of mandible. In this study, 20 adult patients with isolated mandibular fracture were included. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups, that is, Group I-2.0 mm nonlocking (traditional) and Group II-2.0 mm locking plates. Bite force was evaluated at 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks. Comparison of all the assessed parameters between both the groups depicted no significant difference in terms of pain, swelling including the incidence of infection, paresthesia, and hardware failure. Although same was true in case of bite force between both the groups at various time intervals, there was statistically significant increase in the bite force within the group comprising patients in whom locking plates was used between 1st and 3rd weeks follow-up period and highly significant increase in bite force between 1st and 6th weeks of follow-up period. The rapid improvement of bite force values when locking plates were used implies that the locking plate can be used in preference to conventional plates to achieve early mobilization with assured stability in the treatment of mandibular fractures.
Feed non-starch polysaccharides for monogastric animals: classification and function
Authors: Choct M.
Published: September 2015

This review outlines the importance of understanding the true fibre content, which is the sum of non-starch polysaccharides and lignin, of feed in order for animal nutritionists to improve the precision of feed formulation in the future. The continuing use of crude fibre in feed formulation means that up to a quarter of the feed components, mainly non-starch polysaccharides and oligosaccharides that are lost during acid and alkali extractions, are ignored for ingredients such as soybean meal. Furthermore, the values for acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre are not used for feed formulation. They also do not represent unique classes of chemically defined molecules. In some cases, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre values do not cover a large proportion of soluble fibre, for example, in leguminous crops that contain a high level of pectic polysaccharides. Non-starch polysaccharides and their associated lignin content represent the true fibre levels in ingredients and this is the basis from which structural and physicochemical elucidation of fibre can be attained. Only with such understanding will nutritional strategies be applied to target specific fractions/types of fibre in ingredients to produce desired nutritional and health outcomes in pigs and poultry. In this context, an example is given to illustrate how gut microbiota of animals can be manipulated to enhance production performance and immunity.
Multiple herbicide-resistant wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) populations dominate Western Australian cropping fields
Authors: Owen Mechelle J. , Martinez Neree J. , Powles Stephen B.
Published: September 2015

Raphanus raphanistrum is a problematic weed, which has become increasingly difficult to control in Australian cropping regions. In 2010, a random survey was conducted across 14 million ha of the Western Australian grain belt to establish the frequency of herbicide resistance in R. raphanistrum and to monitor the change in resistance levels by comparing results with a previous survey in 2003. Screening R. raphanistrum populations with herbicides commonly used to control this weed revealed that most populations (84%) contained individual plants resistant to the acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide chlorsulfuron, whereas 49% of populations also had plants resistant to the imidazolinone herbicides. Resistance to other mode of action herbicides (2,4-D (76%) and diflufenican (49%)) was also common. Glyphosate, atrazine and pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil remained effective on most R. raphanistrum populations. These results demonstrate that resistance to some herbicides has increased significantly since 2003 when the values were 54% for chlorsulfuron and 60% for 2,4-D; therefore, a wide range of weed management options that target all phases of the cropping program are needed to sustain these cropping systems in the future.
Predicting the birth of a spoken word
Authors: Roy Brandon C. , Frank Michael C. , DeCamp Philip , Miller Matthew , Roy Deb
Published: September 2015

Significance

The emergence of productive language is a critical milestone in a child’s life. Laboratory studies have identified many individual factors that contribute to word learning, and larger scale studies show correlations between aspects of the home environment and language outcomes. To date, no study has compared across many factors involved in word learning. We introduce a new ultradense set of recordings that capture a single child’s daily experience during the emergence of language. We show that words used in distinctive spatial, temporal, and linguistic contexts are produced earlier, suggesting they are easier to learn. These findings support the importance of multimodal context in word learning for one child and provide new methods for quantifying the quality of children’s language input.