bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium butyrate alleviates adipocyte inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Wang Xukai , He Gang , Peng Yan , Zhong Weitian , Wang Yan , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2015

Insulin resistance (IR) is a common feature of Type II diabetes, metabolic disorders, hypertension and other vascular diseases. Recent studies showed that obesity-induced inflammation may be critical for IR. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) on obesity-induced inflammation, the db/db mice were intraperitoneally injected with NaB for 6 weeks. Glucose control was evaluated by glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Adipose tissue was harvested for gene expression analysis. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with Tnf-α to mimic the inflammatory state and gene expression was detected by realtime PCR and Western blotting. Our results showed that NaB treatment improved glucose control in db/db mice as determined by GTT and ITT tests. Gene expression analysis showed that NaB inhibited cytokines and immunological markers including CD68, Interferon-γ and Mcp in adipose tissues in db/db mice. Moreover, NaB inhibited cytokine releasing in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with TNF-α. Further analysis of inflammation pathway showed that NLRP3 was activated in db/db mice, which was efficiently inhibited by NaB treatment. Our data suggest that inhibition of obesity-induced inflammation alleviates IR and NaB might be a potential anti-inflammatory agent for obesity.
Adaptation of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor to sense microbiota-derived indoles
Authors: Hubbard Troy D. , Murray Iain A. , Bisson William H. , Lahoti Tejas S. , Gowda Krishne , Amin Shantu G. , Patterson Andrew D. , Perdew Gary H.
Published: August 2015

Ligand activation of the aryl hydrocarbon (AHR) has profound effects upon the immunological status of the gastrointestinal tract, establishing and maintaining signaling networks, which facilitate host-microbe homeostasis at the mucosal interface. However, the identity of the ligand(s) responsible for such AHR-mediated activation within the gut remains to be firmly established. Here, we combine in vitro ligand binding, quantitative gene expression, protein-DNA interaction and ligand structure activity analyses together with in silico modeling of the AHR ligand binding domain to identify indole, a microbial tryptophan metabolite, as a human-AHR selective agonist. Human AHR, acting as a host indole receptor may exhibit a unique bimolecular (2:1) binding stoichiometry not observed with typical AHR ligands. Such bimolecular indole-mediated activation of the human AHR within the gastrointestinal tract may provide a foundation for inter-kingdom signaling between the enteric microflora and the immune system to promote commensalism within the gut.
Molecular architecture of silk fibroin of Indian golden silkmoth, Antheraea assama
Authors: Gupta K Adarsh , Mita Kazuei , Arunkumar Kallare P. , Nagaraju Javaregowda
Published: August 2015

The golden silk spun by Indian golden silkmothAntheraea assama,is regarded for its shimmering golden luster, tenacity and value as biomaterial. This report describes the gene coding for golden silk H-fibroin (AaFhc), its expression, full-length sequence and structurally important motifs discerning the underlying genetic and biochemical factors responsible for its much sought-after properties. The coding region, with biased isocodons, encodes highly repetitious crystalline core, flanked by a pair of 5′ and 3′ non-repetitious ends.AaFhcmRNA expression is strictly territorial, confined to the posterior silk gland, encoding a protein of size 230 kDa, which makes homodimers making the elementary structural units of the fibrous core of the golden silk. Characteristic polyalanine repeats that make tight β-sheet crystals alternate with non-polyalanine repeats that make less orderly antiparallel β-sheets, β-turns and partial α-helices. Phylogenetic analysis of the conserved N-terminal amorphous motif and the comparative analysis of the crystalline region with other saturniid H-fibroins reveal that AaFhc has longer, numerous and relatively uniform repeat motifs with lower serine content that assume tighter β-crystals and denser packing, which are speculated to be responsible for its acclaimed properties of higher tensile strength and higher refractive index responsible for golden luster.
Protease recognition sites in Bet v 1a are cryptic, explaining its slow processing relevant to its allergenicity
Authors: Freier Regina , Dall Elfriede , Brandstetter Hans
Published: August 2015

Despite a high similarity with homologous protein families, only few proteins trigger an allergic immune response with characteristic TH2 polarization. This puzzling observation is illustrated by the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a and its hypoallergenic protein isoforms, e.g., Bet v 1d. Given the key role of proteolytic processing in antigen presentation and T cell polarization, we investigated the recognition of Bet v 1 isoforms by the relevant protease cathepsin S. We found that at moderately acidic pH values Bet v 1a bound to cathepsin S with significantly lower affinity and was more slowly cleaved than its hypoallergenic isoform Bet v 1d. Only at pH values ≤4.5 the known proteolytic cleavage sites in Bet v 1a became accessible, resulting in a strong increase in affinity towards cathepsin S. Antigen processing and class II MHC loading occurs at moderately acidic compartments where processing of Bet v 1a and Bet v 1d differs distinctly. This difference translates into low and high density class II MHC loading and subsequently in TH2 and TH1 polarization, respectively.
Identification of a DYRK1A Inhibitor that Induces Degradation of the Target Kinase using Co-chaperone CDC37 fused with Luciferase nanoKAZ
Authors: Sonamoto Rie , Kii Isao , Koike Yuka , Sumida Yuto , Kato-Sumida Tomoe , Okuno Yukiko , Hosoya Takamitsu , Hagiwara Masatoshi
Published: August 2015

The protein kinase family includes attractive targets for drug development. Methods for screening of kinase inhibitors remain largely limited to in vitro catalytic assays. It has been shown that ATP-competitive inhibitors antagonize interaction between the target kinase and kinase-specific co-chaperone CDC37 in living cells. Here we show a cell-based method to screen kinase inhibitors using fusion protein of CDC37 with a mutated catalytic 19-kDa component of Oplophorus luciferase, nanoKAZ (CDC37-nanoKAZ). A dual-specificity kinase DYRK1A, an importance of which has been highlighted in Alzheimer’s disease, was targeted in this study. We established 293T cells stably expressing CDC37-nanoKAZ and analyzed interaction between CDC37-nanoKAZ and DYRK1A. We revealed that DYRK1A interacted with CDC37-nanoKAZ. Importantly, point mutations that affect autophosphorylation strengthened the interaction, thus improving signal/noise ratio of the interaction relative to non-specific binding of CDC37-nanoKAZ. This high signal/noise ratio enabled screening of chemical library that resulted in identification of a potent inhibitor of DYRK1A, named CaNDY. CaNDY induced selective degradation of DYRK1A and inhibited catalytic activity of recombinant DYRK1A with IC50 value of 7.9 nM by competing with ATP. This method based on a mutant target kinase and a bioluminescence-eliciting co-chaperone CDC37 could be applicable to evaluation and development of inhibitors targeting other kinases.
Innate positive chemotaxis to pollen from crops and banker plants in predaceous biological control agents: towards new field lures?
Authors: Li Shu , Tan Xiaoling , Desneux Nicolas , Benelli Giovanni , Zhao Jing , Li Xinhai , Zhang Fan , Gao Xiwu , Wang Su
Published: August 2015

Predator-prey interactions form the core of biological control of arthropod pests. Which tools can be used to monitor and collect carnivorous arthropods in natural habitats and targeted crops? Eco-friendly and effective field lures are urgently needed. In this research, we carried out olfactometer experiments assess innate positive chemotaxis to pollen of seven crop and banker plant by two important predatory biological control agents: the coccinellid Propylea japonica (Thunberg) and the anthocorid Orius sauteri (Poppius). We compared the attractiveness of pollens from crops and banker plants to that of common prey homogenates (aphids and thrips, respectively). Attractiveness of the tested odor sources was checked via field trapping experiments conducted in organic apple orchards and by release-recapture assays in organic greenhouse tomato crops. Maize and canola pollen were attractive to both P. japonica and O. sauteri, in laboratory and field assays. P. japonica was highly attracted by balm mint pollen, whereas O. sauteri was attracted by alfalfa pollen. Our results encourage the use of pollen from crops and banker plants as low-cost and eco-friendly attractors to enhance the monitoring and attraction of arthropod predators in biological control programs.
Density-dependent adjustment of inducible defenses
Authors: Tollrian Ralph , Duggen Sonja , Weiss Linda C. , Laforsch Christian , Kopp Michael
Published: August 2015

Predation is a major factor driving evolution and organisms have evolved adaptations increasing their survival chances. However, most defenses incur trade-offs between benefits and costs. Many organisms save costs by employing inducible defenses as responses to fluctuating predation risk. The level of defense often increases with predator densities. However, individual predation risk should not only depend on predator density but also on the density of conspecifics. If the predator has a saturating functional response one would predict a negative correlation between prey density and individual predation risk and hence defense expression. Here, we tested this hypothesis using six model systems, covering a taxonomic range from protozoa to rotifers and crustaceans. In all six systems, we found that the level of defense expression increased with predator density but decreased with prey density. In one of our systems, i.e. in Daphnia, we further show that the response to prey density is triggered by a chemical cue released by conspecifics and congeners. Our results indicate that organisms adjust the degree of defense to the acute predation risk, rather than merely to predators’ densities. Our study suggests that density-dependent defense expression reflects accurate predation-risk assessment and is a general principle in many inducible-defense systems.
Self-assembled Messenger RNA Nanoparticles (mRNA-NPs) for Efficient Gene Expression
Authors: Kim Hyejin , Park Yongkuk , Lee Jong Bum
Published: August 2015

Although mRNA has several advantages over plasmid DNA when delivered into cells for gene expression, mRNA transfection is a very rare occurrence in gene delivery. This is mainly because of the labile nature of RNA, resulting in a low expression level of the desired protein. In this study, self-assembled mRNA nanoparticles (mRNA-NPs) packed with multiple repeats of mRNA were synthesized to achieve efficient gene expression. This approach required only a one-step process to synthesize particles with a minimal amount of plasmid DNA to produce the RNA transcripts via rolling circle transcription. Moreover, there are no concerns for cytotoxicity which can be caused by chemical condensates because mRNA-NPs are made entirely of mRNA. An examination of the cells transfected with the mRNA-NPs encoding the green fluorescence protein (GFP) confirmed that the mRNA-NPs can be used as a novel platform for effective gene delivery.
The electronic properties of impurities (N, C, F, Cl and S) in Ag3PO4: A hybrid functional method study
Authors: Huang Yang , Ma Tai , Chen Qing-yuan , Cao Chao , He Yao
Published: August 2015

The transition energies and formation energies of N, C, F, Cl and S as substitutional dopants in Ag3PO4 are studied using first-principles calculations based on the hybrid Hartree-Fock density functional, which correctly reproduces the band gap and thus provides the accurate defect states. Our results show that NO and CO act as deep acceptors, FO, ClO and SP act as shallow donors. NO and CO have high formation energies under O-poor condition therefore they are not suitable for p-type doping Ag3PO4. Though FO, ClO and SP have shallow transition energies, they have high formation energies, thus FO, ClO and SP may be compensated by the intrinsic defects (such as Ag vacancy) and they are not possible lead to n-type conductivity in Ag3PO4.
Detection and Differentiation of Threonine- and Tyrosine-Monophosphorylated Forms of ERK1/2 by Capillary Isoelectric Focusing-Immunoassay
Authors: Kraus Inga , Besong Agbo Daniela , Otto Markus , Wiltfang Jens , Klafki Hans
Published: August 2015

The extracellular signal regulated kinases ERK1/2 play important roles in the regulation of diverse cellular functions and have been implicated in several human diseases. In addition to the fully activated, diphosphorylated ERK1/2 protein, monophosphorylated forms of ERK1/2 have been observed, which may have distinct biological functions. We report here on the highly sensitive detection and differentiation of unphosphorylated, threonine-phosphorylated (pT), tyrosine-phosphorylated (pY) and diphosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2 by capillary isoelectric focusing followed by immunological detection (CIEF-immunoassay). Eight different phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of ERK1/2 were resolved according to charge. The unequivocal identification and differentiation of ERK1 and ERK2 forms monophosphorylated at either threonine or tyrosine was achieved by competitive blocking with specific phospho-peptides and different phosphorylation-sensitive antibodies. The suitability of the additional pT-ERK1/2 and pY-ERK1/2 differentiation for the time-resolved in-depth study of phospho-form distribution in response to specific stimuli is demonstrated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and monocytic THP-1 cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
GRK5 polymorphisms and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Lijun , Liu Minjie , Zhang Yanqun , Han Xia , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2015

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a serious yet common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Previous study have identified multiple genetic susceptibility loci for POAF susceptibility after CABG, although some studies are under-powered. However, none of these studies have been conducted among Asians. In current study, we aim to systematically evaluated the previous positive findings for POAF susceptibility after CABG among Chinese population, using a large population-based, two-stage, case-cohort study. From a discovery cohort of 1,348 patients, a total of nine independent loci were evaluated. Six significant SNPs were then assessed in a separately collected validation cohort of 2,000 patients. After adjustment for clinical predictors of POAF, two variants in GRK5 gene (rs4752292 and rs11198893) were replicated with significance were replicated in the validation cohort. The ORs for each additional copy of minor allele were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.15–1.50, P = 5.82 × 10−5) and 1.47 (95% CI: 1.28–1.69, P = 1.16 × 10−7), respectively. In this two-stage independently collected cardiac surgery cohorts, genetic variations in the GRK5 gene are independently associated with POAF risk in patients who undergo CABG surgery in Asians.
Improved canine exome designs, featuring ncRNAs and increased coverage of protein coding genes
Authors: Broeckx Bart J.G. , Hitte Christophe , Coopman Frank , Verhoeven Geert E.C. , De Keulenaer Sarah , De Meester Ellen , Derrien Thomas , Alfoldi Jessica , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Bosmans Tim , Gielen Ingrid , Van Bree Henri , Van Ryssen Bernadette , Saunders Jimmy H. , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Deforce Dieter
Published: August 2015

By limiting sequencing to those sequences transcribed as mRNA, whole exome sequencing is a cost-efficient technique often used in disease-association studies. We developed two target enrichment designs based on the recently released annotation of the canine genome: the exome-plus design and the exome-CDS design. The exome-plus design combines the exons of the CanFam 3.1 Ensembl annotation, more recently discovered protein-coding exons and a variety of non-coding RNA regions (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and antisense transcripts), leading to a total size of ≈152 Mb. The exome-CDS was designed as a subset of the exome-plus by omitting all 3’ and 5’ untranslated regions. This reduced the size of the exome-CDS to ≈71 Mb. To test the capturing performance, four exome-plus captures were sequenced on a NextSeq 500 with each capture containing four pre-capture pooled, barcoded samples. At an average sequencing depth of 68.3x, 80% of the regions and well over 90% of the targeted base pairs were completely covered at least 5 times with high reproducibility. Based on the performance of the exome-plus, we estimated the performance of the exome-CDS. Overall, these designs provide flexible solutions for a variety of research questions and are likely to be reliable tools in disease studies.
A highly selective fluorescent probe for in vitro and in vivo detection of Hg2+
Authors: Zhou Quan , Wu Zeming , Huang Xiaohua , Zhong Fenfen , Cai Qingyun
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a simple fluorescent probe, rhodamine B derivatives (RS), was designed and prepared for sensitive detection of Hg2+ in CH3CN/H2O (5/5, v/v).
Novel bamboo leaf shaped CuO nanorod@hollow carbon fibers derived from plant biomass for efficient and nonenzymatic glucose detection
Authors: Li Mian , Zhao Zheng , Liu Xiaotian , Xiong Yueping , Han Ce , Zhang Yufan , Bo Xiangjie , Guo Liping
Published: August 2015

Bamboo leaf shaped CuO nanorod@hollow carbon fibers have been simply prepared for nonenzymatic glucose detection with superior detection effects.
Glutathione-stabilized palladium nanozyme for colorimetric assay of silver(i) ions
Authors: Fu Yan , Zhang Haixiang , Dai Shengdong , Zhi Xing , Zhang Jinli , Li Wei
Published: August 2015

A glutathione-capped Pd nanozyme is employed to explore colorimetric detection of Ag+in aqueous solution with high sensitivity.
Extraction, purification and characterization of the crystallin protein of cataractous eye lens nucleus
Authors: Sher Muhammad , Hameed Ayesha , Noreen Sobia , Fayyaz-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study is to separate and identify the crystallin protein present in the nucleus of a human cataractous eye lens.
Toward live-cell imaging of dopamine neurotransmission with fluorescent neurotransmitter analogues
Authors: Lin Hui-Jen , Lu Hsueh-Han , Liu Kuan-Miao , Chau Chi-Min , Hsieh You-Zung , Li Yaw-Kuen , Liau Ian
Published: August 2015

We report a novel ‘fluorescent dopamine’ that possesses essential features of natural dopamine.
Non-covalent phosphorylcholine coating reduces protein adsorption and phagocytic uptake of microparticles
Authors: Garapaty Anusha , Champion Julie A.
Published: August 2015

Phosphorylcholine co-polymer was assembled on model polystyrene microparticles through a simple, widely-applicable ethanol coating process. The coating rendered particles resistant to protein adsorption and phagocytosis by macrophages, making it useful for a range of biological applications.
Distinct reactivities on segmented selenium nanorods
Authors: Liu Ming-Han , Chen Yun-Wen , Kuo Jer-Lai , Chris Wang C. R.
Published: August 2015

Symmetry-breaking segmented selenium nanorods (SBS-SeNRs) exhibit dual thiolated-silane adsorptions, i.e., physical adsorption on t-Se and chemical adsorption on tq-Se. The passivation by chemical adsorption (red lines) endows SBS-SeNRs with distinct reactivties on its surface, leading to a capability of selective transformations such as Se removal and Au deposition.
Shape-controlled synthesis of mesoporous iron phosphate materials with crystallized frameworks
Authors: Pramanik Malay , Imura Masataka , Lin Jianjian , Kim Jeonghun , Kim Jung Ho , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2015

Herein, we report the preparation of crystalline mesoporous iron phosphate (FePO4, hereafter abbreviated as FeP) materials with 2D-plates and 1D-rods in the presence of an amphiphilic block copolymer (F127), iron nitrate, and phosphoric acid.
A tubular perovskite solar cell: improvement of charge separation at the perovskite/HTM interface
Authors: Zong Xueping , Sun Zhe , Wang Hui , Wang Jiang , Liang Mao , Xue Song
Published: August 2015

A tubular CH3NH3PbI3 layer in a perovskite device is shown to promote charge separation and slow down interfacial recombination simultaneously.
Few-layer, large-area, 2D covalent organic framework semiconductor thin films
Authors: Feldblyum Jeremy I. , McCreery Clara H. , Andrews Sean C. , Kurosawa Tadanori , Santos Elton J. G. , Duong Vincent , Fang Lei , Ayzner Alexander L. , Bao Zhenan
Published: August 2015

A method to form thin films of a semiconducting covalent organic framework is disclosed. Thin film formation allows facile transfer to device-relevant substrates, enabling the first demonstration of a COF-based field-effect transistor.
A ferrocene-switched electrochemiluminescence “off–on” strategy for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I based on target transduction and a DNA walking machine
Authors: Xu Ziqi , Dong Yongwang , Li Jiyang , Yuan Ruo
Published: August 2015

A ferrocene-switched electrochemiluminescence “off–on” sensor is proposed on the basis of target transduction and a DNA walking machine for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I.
A sulfonated polyaniline with high density and high rate Na-storage performances as a flexible organic cathode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Wei , Gu Tiantian , Wang Kangli , Cheng Shijie , Jiang Kai
Published: August 2015

A novel Na-rich polymer with remarkable electrochemical performances is developed by grafting the electron-withdrawing –SO3Na group onto polyaniline chains.
Well-defined star-shaped donor–acceptor conjugated molecules for organic resistive memory devices
Authors: Wu Hung-Chin , Zhang Jicheng , Bo Zhishan , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: August 2015

Solution processable star-shaped donor–acceptor conjugated molecules are explored for the first time as charge storage materials for resistor-type memory devices with a triphenylamine (donor) core, and three 1.8-naphthalimide (acceptors) end-groups.
The strikingly different miscibility of n-octanol in highly-confined and quasi-confined water
Authors: Phukon Aparajita , Sahu Kalyanasis
Published: August 2015

n-Octanol, a water-immiscible alcohol, is found to be significantly miscible with highly-confined water, but immiscible with quasi-confined water.
An atom-scale interfacial coordination strategy to prepare hierarchically porous Fe3O4–graphene frameworks and their application in charge and size selective dye removal
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Hu Guowen , Chen Fengjuan , Liu Jian , Liu Weisheng , Zhang Haoli , Wang Baodui
Published: August 2015

A novel atom-scale interfacial coordination assisted synthesis method for the textural engineering of three-dimensional (3D) Fe3O4–graphene oxide frameworks with hierarchical macro- and meso-porous structures is developed.
Quantum dot/methylene blue FRET mediated NIR fluorescent nanomicelles with large Stokes shift for bioimaging
Authors: Li Li , Liu Jianbo , Yang Xiaohai , Peng Zhihong , Liu Wei , Xu Jianguo , Tang Jinlu , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin
Published: August 2015

We present a novel large Stokes shifting NIR fluorescent nanomicelle through the encapsulation of a quantum dot/methylene blue FRET pair, which is employed as an excellent contrast reagent for NIR fluorescence bioimaging.
Substrate effects on the monovacancies of silicene: studied from first principle methods
Authors: Li Rui , Han Yang , Dong Jinming
Published: August 2015

The geometrical structures and electronic properties of defective silicene with monovacancies (MVs), placed on two different substrates, a h-BN sheet and an Ag(111) surface, have been investigated using the first-principles method.
Two phosphonium ionic liquids with high Li+ transport number
Authors: Martins Vitor L. , Sanchez-Ramirez Nédher , Ribeiro Mauro C. C. , Torresi Roberto M.
Published: August 2015

This work presents the physicochemical characterization of two ionic liquids (ILs) with small phosphonium cations, triethylpenthylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([P2225][Tf2N]) and (2-methoxyethyl)trimethylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([P222(201)][Tf2N]), and their mixtures with Li+.
Parameter-free continuous drift–diffusion models of amorphous organic semiconductors
Authors: Kordt Pascal , Stodtmann Sven , Badinski Alexander , Al Helwi Mustapha , Lennartz Christian , Andrienko Denis
Published: August 2015

Current–voltage characteristics of an organic semiconducting film via a direct parametrization of drift–diffusion equations by atomistic simulations.
Kinetics and mechanisms of reactions between H2O2and copper and copper oxides
Authors: Björkbacka Åsa , Yang Miao , Gasparrini Claudia , Leygraf Christofer , Jonsson Mats
Published: August 2015

H2O2consumption and HO˙ formation were studied in the presence of copper and copper oxides.
Diazoalkane complexes of ruthenium with tris(pyrazolyl)borate and bis(pyrazolyl)acetate ligands
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Bortoluzzi Marco , Castro Jesús , Marzaro Lidia
Published: August 2015

The preparation of diazoalkane complexes of ruthenium stabilised by scorpionate ligands is described.
Insights into the formation of chiral second sphere coordination complexes with aromatic tris amines: combined single crystal X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling analyses
Authors: Yu Hong-Cui , Li Lei , Gao Ji , Tong Jian , Zheng Wenxu , Cametti Massimo , Famulari Antonino , Meille Stefano Valdo , Guo Fang , Martí-Rujas Javier
Published: August 2015

Bulky methyl groups on the central aromatic ring in chiral isostructural second sphere coordination adducts are crucial for the induction of chirality.
Induction of E/Z isomerization in a pendant metal-bound azobenzene: a synthetic, spectroscopic and theoretical study
Authors: Hasheminasab A. , Wang L. , Dawadi M. B. , Bass J. , Herrick R. S. , Rack J. J. , Ziegler C. J.
Published: August 2015

Re(CO)3 conjugates 1 and 2 that incorporate azobenzenes can be readily generated via one-pot reactions using Schiff base reaction forming conditions. Excitation of the MLCT bands in 1 and 2 results in isomerization of the azobenzene moiety, and this process has been investigated.
Activation of A–H bonds (A = B, C, N, O, Si) by using monovalent phosphorus complexes [RP→M]
Authors: Mathey Francois , Duan Zheng
Published: August 2015

The insertion of electrophilic terminal phosphinidene complexes [RP–M] into A–H bonds (A = B, C, N, O, Si) has been reviewed and some new mechanistic proposals have been made.
Reduction of dichloro(diaza-phospha)stibanes – isolation of a donor-stabilized distibenium dication
Authors: Hinz Alexander , Rothe Julia , Schulz Axel , Villinger Alexander
Published: August 2015

A bulky NPN-substituted dichlorostibane was reduced with KC8to afford a distibenium compound with a [Sb2]2+ion which can be regarded as a dimerization product of a stiba-phospha-diazanediyl singlet biradicaloid. The intermediate formation of this singlet stiba-phospha-diazanediyl was proven by trapping experiments.
Structural classification of metal complexes with three-coordinate centres
Authors: Davis Timothy L. , Watts Joshua L. , Brown Kenneth J. , Hewage Jeewantha S. , Treleven Alexander R. , Lindeman Sergey V. , Gardinier James R.
Published: August 2015

A classification system was developed to account for all known and yet-to-be-discovered three-coordinate geometries.
The synthesis and analysis of advanced lignin model polymers
Authors: Lancefield C. S. , Westwood N. J.
Published: August 2015

Advanced lignin model polymers have been synthesised to aid in the development of new methods for lignin valorisation.
Capabilities of fast data acquisition with microsecond time resolution in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and identification of signal artifacts from millisecond dwell times during detection of single gold nanoparticles
Authors: Strenge I. , Engelhard C.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a home-built DAQ featuring microsecond time resolution is used to demonstrate advantages of fast data acquisition and to uncover potential artifacts in single-particle ICP-MS.
Fully automated chromatographic purification of Sr and Ca for isotopic analysis
Authors: Romaniello S. J. , Field M. P. , Smith H. B. , Gordon G. W. , Kim M. H. , Anbar A. D.
Published: August 2015

Demonstration of a commercially-available, fully-automated, offline chromatography method capable of simultaneously purifying both Ca and Sr for stable and radiogenic isotope analysis.
Intrinsically disordered amphiphilic peptides as potential targets in drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Vincenzi Marian , Accardo Antonella , Costantini Susan , Scala Stefania , Portella Luigi , Trotta Annamaria , Ronga Luisa , Guillon Jean , Leone Marilisa , Colonna Giovanni , Rossi Filomena , Tesauro Diego
Published: August 2015

Intrinsically disordered proteins/peptides play a crucial role in many physiological and pathological events and may assume a precise conformation upon binding to a specific target.
Linear-selective cross-coupling polymerization of branched oligothiophene by deprotonative metalation and cross-coupling
Authors: Murakami Kohei , Tanaka Shota , Mori Atsunori
Published: August 2015

Brominated oligothiophene with a branched structure was subjected to deprotonative metalation with TMPMgCl·LiCl and the thus formed metalated species polymerized with Ni(ii) catalyst to proceed in a linear selective manner through α-α conjugation.
Chemoselective and fast decarboxylative allylation by photoredox catalysis under mild conditions
Authors: Hu Chenchen , Chen Yiyun
Published: August 2015

A chemoselective and fast decarboxylative allylation is developed by photoredox catalysis to build C(sp3)–allyl bonds under mild conditions.
Porous ZnO/Co3O4 heteronanostructures derived from nano coordination polymers for enhanced gas sorption and visible light photocatalytic applications
Authors: Rakibuddin Md. , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar
Published: August 2015

Porous ZnO/Co3O4 heteronanostructures are successfully fabricated by a one-step solid state conversion of a novel [(Zn)x–(Co)7−x(BDC)(DHS)]·nH2O (x = 1, 3, 4, 6)] nano coordination polymers (NCPs).
Electrospun hollow ZnO/NiO heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Jianing , Zhao Fei , Zhang Li , Zhang Mingyue , Jiang Haifeng , Li Shu , Li Junfeng
Published: August 2015

ZnO/NiO hollow nanofibers with excellent photocatalytic activity were fabricated via the electrospinning and using PES as template. The formation and the photocatalytic mechanisms of ZnO/NiO hollow nanofibers were studied.
Supercritical CO2 synthesized TiO2 nanowires covalently linked with core–shell CdS–ZnS quantum dots: enhanced photocatalysis and stability
Authors: Mumin Md Abdul , Moula Golam , Charpentier Paul A.
Published: August 2015

The novel fabrication of CdS–ZnS QDs linked with TiO2 photocatalyst is demonstrated. Results show that core–shell structure, covalent linking, and catalyst loading play a key role to enhance the photocatalytic activity.
Effect of nanoporous structure and polymer brushes on the ionic conductivity of poly(methacrylic acid)/anode aluminum oxide hybrid membranes
Authors: Chen Feng , Jiang Xiaoping , Kuang Tairong , Chang Lingqian , Fu Dajiong , Yang Zhaogang , Yang Jintao , Fan Ping , Fei Zhengdong , Zhong Mingqiang
Published: August 2015

Anode aluminum oxide (AAO) porous materials have been widely used in ionic translocation for many biological and chemical studies.
The influence of pH on the stability of antazoline: kinetic analysis
Authors: Bērziņš Kārlis , Grante Ilze , Nakurte Ilva , Actiņš Andris
Published: August 2015

Degradation of the drug antazoline was studied in aqueous solutions by means of pH-rate profiling (pH 0–7.4).
Effects of Ar/H2 annealing on the microstructure and magnetic properties of CoO nanoparticles
Authors: He Xuemin , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Xing , Qiao Wen , Song Xueyin , Yan Shiming , Zhong Wei , Du Youwei
Published: August 2015

Hysteresis loops and ZFC/FC curves of the Co/CoO composite nanoparticles.
Improved high-temperature hydrothermal stability of Cu-SSZ-13 by an ammonium hexafluorosilicate treatment
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Hongning , Chen Ruoyu
Published: August 2015

Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts were treated with ammonium hexafluorosilicate (AHFS) to improve their hydrothermal stabilities.
Topology-directed design and synthesis of carbazole-based conjugated microporous networks for gas storage
Authors: Qiao Shanlin , Huang Wei , Wei Huan , Wang Ting , Yang Renqiang
Published: August 2015

By varying only one chemical bond of the building blocks, the CMPs P-TPATCz and P-CzPTCz showed a sharp difference.
Influence of benzene ring number attached on non-conjugated 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene derivatives for solid-state polymerization
Authors: Huang Lili , Peng Kai , Pei Tong , Xia Jiangbin
Published: August 2015

We chose the three-atom linker EDOT–CH2–N(R)–CH2–EDOT as a large platform to determine boundary conditions through the introduction of a rigid or bulky moiety and to accurately control the SSP behavior.
Precisely designed perylene bisimide-substituted polyethylene with a high glass transition temperature and an ordered architecture
Authors: Song Wei , Wu Jianhua , Yang Guangda , Han Huijing , Xie Meiran , Liao Xiaojuan
Published: August 2015

A polyethylene with a precise repeat of perylene bisimide branches was synthesized by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization and hydrogenation of the as-synthesized polymer, and displayed good thermal stability and an ordered architecture.
Synthesis, DNA binding profile and DNA cleavage pathway of divalent metal complexes
Authors: Chitrapriya Nataraj , Shin Jong Heon , Hwang In Hong , Kim Youngmee , Kim Cheal , Kim Seog K.
Published: August 2015

Divalent metal complexes of dipyridylamine ligand with an anthracene moiety induced considerable oxidative DNA cleavage in the presence hydrogen peroxide and dioxygen.
Chain growth polymerization mechanism in polyurethane-forming reactions
Authors: Ghoreishi R. , Suppes G. J.
Published: August 2015

A new approach simulates alcohol–isocyanate reactions in polyurethane systems: catalytic mechanisms dominate the kinetics and chain growth mechanisms overwhelm step growth.
Three new indolyl diketopiperazine metabolites from the antarctic soil-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 05705
Authors: Wang Junfeng , He Weijun , Qin Xiaochu , Wei Xiaoyi , Tian Xinpeng , Liao Li , Liao Shengrong , Yang Bin , Tu Zhengchao , Chen Bo , Wang Fazuo , Zhou Xiaojiang , Liu Yonghong
Published: August 2015

Three new indolyl diketopiperazine derivatives, penillines A and B (1 and 3), isopenilline A (2), were isolated from the antarctic soil-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 05705. A possible biogenesis pathway for compounds (1–7) was proposed.
Stabilization of Ni conductive filaments using NH3 plasma treatment for electrochemical metallization memory
Authors: Park Jingyu , Jeon Heeyoung , Kim Hyunjung , Jang Woochool , Song Hyoseok , Kim Honggi , Lee Kunyoung , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: August 2015

In this study, NH3 plasma treatment was utilized to enhance the resistive switching (RS) properties.
Temperature-induced work function changes in Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 thin films
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Lei , Ren Wei , Wang Heyong , Xu Jinbao , Luo Jianmin , Bian Liang , Chang Aimin
Published: August 2015

The variations of work functions in Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 (MCN) thin films are investigated in the temperature range from 30 to 80 °C.
Hierarchically porous polystyrene membranes fabricated via a CO2-expanded liquid selective swelling and in situ hyper-cross-linking method
Authors: Wang Haozong , Bai Hua , Li Lei
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a novel, etching-free and versatile preparation methodology, using commercially available polystyrene and a CO2-expanded liquid selective swelling process combined with a hyper-cross-linking reaction.
Antibiofilm activity of tert-BuOH functionalized ionic liquids with methylsulfonate counteranions
Authors: Navale Govinda R. , Dharne Mahesh S. , Shinde Sandip S.
Published: August 2015

Thetert-BuOH functionalized and dodecyl alkyl chain bearing imidazolium ionic liquid [C12-tOHim][OMs] significantly prevented biofilm formation ofS. epidermidisand showed potential antimicrobial activity.
Efficient CO2 capture by metallo-supramolecular polymers as fillers to fabricate a polymeric blend membrane
Authors: Dong Liangliang , Sun Yuping , Zhang Chunfang , Han Dan , Bai Yunxiang , Chen Mingqing
Published: August 2015

Novel fillers based on metallo-supramolecular polymers were incorporated into PEBA2533 to obtain blend membranes, showing excellent CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity.
Adsorptions of Cd(ii) and methylene blue from aqueous solution by silica hybrid hollow spheres
Authors: Hu Jing , Liu Liqin , Xiao Zuobing
Published: August 2015

Silica hybrid hollow spheres prepared via one step method can be used as adsorbents for Cd(ii) and methylene blue.
Air-stable PbS quantum dots synthesized with slow reaction kinetics via a PbBr2 precursor
Authors: Yuan Lin , Patterson Robert , Cao Wenkai , Zhang Zewen , Zhang Zhilong , Stride John A. , Reece Peter , Conibeer Gavin , Huang Shujuan
Published: August 2015

High resolution of EDX image shows the bromine located on same position of PbS quantum dot.
Main chain photoresponsive liquid crystalline polymer synthesized through hydrosilylation
Authors: Samui Asit B. , Pandey Someshwarnath , Mishra Sarada P.
Published: August 2015

Siloxane based dihydride was reacted with diallyl siloxane for designing a fast photoresponsive LC polymer system having LC phase around room temperature. The nematic LC system with fast trans–cis isomerization behaviour was observed.
Preparation of dipyrrins from F-BODIPYs by treatment with methanesulfonic acids
Authors: Urieta J. , Maroto B. L. , Moreno F. , Agarrabeitia A. R. , Ortiz M. J. , de la Moya S.
Published: August 2015

Compatible with highly reactive functionalities workable with strongly electron-poor starting products.
In vivo study and thermodynamic investigation of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), for the treatment of bone resorption disorders
Authors: Cawthray J. F. , Weekes D. M. , Sivak O. , Creagh A. L. , Ibrahim F. , Iafrate M. , Haynes C. A. , Wasan K. M. , Orvig C.
Published: August 2015

Lanthanum could act as a preventative measure against bone resorption disorders; two compounds are thoroughly investigated both in vivo and ex vivo as potential oral drug candidates.
Investigating hydrogel formation using in situ variable-temperature scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Barker Emily C. , Goh Ching Yong , Jones Franca , Mocerino Mauro , Skelton Brian W. , Becker Thomas , Ogden Mark I.
Published: August 2015

The assembly and disassembly of fibres formed by a low molecular weight hydrogelator are imaged at high resolution.
Supercoiling transformation of chemical gels
Authors: Asai Makoto , Katashima Takuya , Sakai Takamasa , Shibayama Mitsuhiro
Published: August 2015

The swelling/deswelling behavior of chemical gels has been an unsolved problem disputed over for a long time. We directly observed the confirmation changes of network strands of chemical gels and examined the Obukhov–Rubinstein–Colby model. Furthermore, we succeeded in observing “supercoiling” and clarified the physical picture for the first time.
Highly conducting reduced graphene synthesis via low temperature chemically assisted exfoliation and energy storage application
Authors: Singh Chanderpratap , Mishra Ashish Kumar , Paul Amit
Published: August 2015

An economical and simple low temperature chemically assisted reduced graphene synthesis has been reported and the obtained graphene exhibits very high electrical conductivity (1.6 × 103 S cm−1).
Scalable fabrication of micro-sized bulk porous Si from Fe–Si alloy as a high performance anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: He Wei , Tian Huajun , Xin Fengxia , Han Weiqiang
Published: August 2015

We presented a facile and large-scale approach for preparing micro-sized porous silicon by acid etching the abundant and inexpensive metallurgical Fe–Si alloy as a high-performance anode in LIBs.
Development of a glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor-releasing artificial dura for neural tissue engineering applications
Authors: Mohtaram N. K. , Ko J. , Agbay A. , Rattray D. , Neill P. O. , Rajwani A. , Vasandani R. , Thu H. L. , Jun M. B. G. , Willerth S. M.
Published: August 2015

Develop a scaffold consisting of aligned, drug releasing nanofiber to serve as a replacement for damaged dura mater.
Comparison of local distortions in Ba8Ga16X30 (X = Si, Ge, Sn): an EXAFS study
Authors: Keiber Trevor , Nast Patrick , Medling Scott , Bridges Frank , Suekuni Koichiro , Avila Marcos A. , Takabatake Toshiro
Published: August 2015

We report an extended X-ray fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of the type-I clathrates Ba8Ga16X30 (X = Si, Sn) and compare the results with the results of previous studies on X = Ge. The environment about Ba is the most disordered for X=Sn.
Composition dependence of colossal permittivity in (Sm0.5Ta0.5)xTi1−xO2ceramics
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Wu Jiagang , Wu Wenjuan
Published: August 2015

In this study, colossal permittivity (CP) (104–105) is attained in the (Sm0.5Ta0.5)xTi1−xO2ceramics, and their dielectric loss can be further decreased by doping oxides and optimizing the sintering temperatures.
New solid-state Eu(iii)-containing metallo-supramolecular polymers: morphology control and optical wave-guiding properties
Authors: Duerrbeck Andre , Gorelik Sergey , Hobley Jonathan , Yong Anna Marie , Subramanian Gomathy Sandhya , Hor Andy , Long Nicholas
Published: August 2015

Preparation, photophysical studies, and optical wave-guiding properties of morphology controllable Eu(iii) containing coordination polymers in the solid state.
Strong blue emissive nanofibers constructed from benzothizole modified tert-butyl carbazole derivative for the detection of volatile acid vapors
Authors: Sun Jiabao , Xue Pengchong , Sun Jingbo , Gong Peng , Wang Panpan , Lu Ran
Published: August 2015

Luminescent nanofibers were fabricated from nontraditional π-gelators and used as fluorescence sensors for detecting acid vapors.
The effect of regioisomerism on the crystal packing and device performance of desymmetrized anthradithiophenes
Authors: Hallani Rawad K. , Thorley Karl J. , Hailey Anna K. , Parkin Sean R. , Loo Yueh-Lin , Anthony John E.
Published: August 2015

Chromatographic separation of asymmetric anthradithiophene isomers allows determination of the impact of sulfur orientation on crystal packing and device performance.
Review: Are we stumbling in our quest to find the best predictor? Over‐optimism in sensor‐based models for predicting falls in older adults
Authors: Shany Tal , Wang Kejia , Liu Ying , Lovell Nigel H. , Redmond Stephen J.
Published: August 2015

The field of fall risk testing using wearable sensors is bustling with activity. In this Letter, the authors review publications which incorporated features extracted from sensor signals into statistical models intended to estimate fall risk or predict falls in older people. A review of these studies raises concerns that this body of literature is presenting over‐optimistic results in light of small sample sizes, questionable modelling decisions and problematic validation methodologies (e.g. inherent problems with the overly‐popular cross‐validation technique, lack of external validation). There seem to be substantial issues in the feature selection process, whereby researchers select features before modelling begins based on their relation to the target, and either perform no validation or test the models on the same data used for their training. This, together with potential issues related to the large number of features and their correlations, inevitably leads to models with inflated accuracy that are unlikely to maintain their reported performance during everyday use in relevant populations. Indeed, the availability of rich sensor data and many analytical options provides intellectual and creative freedom for researchers, but should be treated with caution, and such pitfalls must be avoided if we desire to create generalisable prognostic tools of any clinical value.
Topomorphological approach to automatic posture recognition in ballet dance
Authors: Saha Sriparna , Konar Amit
Published: August 2015

The proposed system aims at automatic identification of an unknown dance posture referring to the 20 primitive postures of ballet, simultaneously measuring the proximity of an unknown dance posture to a known primitive. A simple and novel six stage algorithm achieves the desired objective. Skin colour segmentation is performed on the dance postures, the output of which is dilated and is processed to generate skeletons of the original postures. The stick figure diagrams laden with minor irregularities are transubstantiated to generate their affirming minimised skeletons. Each of the 20 postures based on their corresponding Euler number are categorised into five groups. Simultaneously the line integral plots of the dance primitives are determined by performing Radon transform on the minimised skeletons. The line integral plots of the fundamental postures along with their Euler number populate the initial database. The group of an unknown posture is determined based on its Euler number, while successively the unknown posture's line integral plot is compared with the line integral plots of the postures belonging to that group. An empirically determined threshold finally decides on the correctness of the performed posture. While recognising unknown postures, the proposed system registers an overall accuracy of 91.35%.
Benchmarking of wildland fire colour segmentation algorithms
Authors: Toulouse Tom , Rossi Lucile , Akhloufi Moulay , Celik Turgay , Maldague Xavier
Published: August 2015

Recently, computer vision‐based methods have started to replace conventional sensor‐based fire detection technologies. In general, visible band image sequences are used to automatically detect suspicious fire events in indoor or outdoor environments. There are several methods which aim to achieve automatic fire detection on visible band images, however, it is difficult to identify which method is the best performing as there is no fire image dataset which can be used to test the different methods. This study presents a benchmarking of state of the art wildland fire colour segmentation algorithms using a new fire dataset introduced for the first time. The dataset contains images of wildland fire in different contexts (fuel, background, luminosity, smoke etc.). All images of the dataset are characterised according to the principal colour of the fire, the luminosity, and the presence of smoke in the fire area. With this characterisation, it has been possible to determine on which kind of images each algorithm is efficient. Also a new probabilistic fire segmentation algorithm is introduced and compared to the other techniques. Benchmarking is performed in order to assess performances of 12 algorithms that can be used for the segmentation of wildland fire images.