bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Priming and Cognitive Training: Immediate and Far Transfer to Academic Skills in Children
Authors: Wexler Bruce E , Iseli Markus , Leon Seth , Zaggle William , Rush Cynthia , Goodman Annette , Esat Imal A. , Bo Emily
Published: September 2016

Cognitive operations are supported by dynamically reconfiguring neural systems that integrate processing components widely distributed throughout the brain. The inter-neuronal connections that constitute these systems are powerfully shaped by environmental input. We evaluated the ability of computer-presented brain training games done in school to harness this neuroplastic potential and improve learning in an overall study sample of 583 second-grade children. Doing a 5-minute brain-training game immediately before math or reading curricular content games increased performance on the curricular content games. Doing three 20-minute brain training sessions per week for four months increased gains on school-administered math and reading achievement tests compared to control classes tested at the same times without intervening brain training. These results provide evidence of cognitive priming with immediate effects on learning, and longer-term brain training with far-transfer or generalized effects on academic achievement.
Broadband metasurface holograms: toward complete phase and amplitude engineering
Authors: Wang Qiu , Zhang Xueqian , Xu Yuehong , Gu Jianqiang , Li Yanfeng , Tian Zhen , Singh Ranjan , Zhang Shuang , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: September 2016

As a revolutionary three-dimensional imaging technique, holography has attracted wide attention for its ability to photographically record a light field. However, traditional phase-only or amplitude-only modulation holograms have limited image quality and resolution to reappear both amplitude and phase information required of the objects. Recent advances in metasurfaces have shown tremendous opportunities for using a planar design of artificial meta-atoms to shape the wave front of light by optimal control of both its phase and amplitude. Inspired by the concept of designer metasurfaces, we demonstrate a novel amplitude-phase modulation hologram with simultaneous five-level amplitude modulation and eight-level phase modulation. Such a design approach seeks to turn the perceived disadvantages of the traditional phase or amplitude holograms, and thus enable enhanced performance in resolution, homogeneity of amplitude distribution, precision, and signal-to-noise ratio. In particular, the unique holographic approach exhibits broadband characteristics. The method introduced here delivers more degrees of freedom, and allows for encoding highly complex information into designer metasurfaces, thus having the potential to drive next-generation technological breakthroughs in holography.
Evolving serodiagnostics by rationally designed peptide arrays: the Burkholderia paradigm in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Peri Claudio , Gori Alessandro , Gagni Paola , Sola Laura , Girelli Daniela , Sottotetti Samantha , Cariani Lisa , Chiari Marcella , Cretich Marina , Colombo Giorgio
Published: September 2016

Efficient diagnosis of emerging and novel bacterial infections is fundamental to guide decisions on therapeutic treatments. Here, we engineered a novel rational strategy to design peptide microarray platforms, which combines structural and genomic analyses to predict the binding interfaces between diverse protein antigens and antibodies against Burkholderia cepacia complex infections present in the sera of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. The predicted binding interfaces on the antigens are synthesized in the form of isolated peptides and chemically optimized for controlled orientation on the surface. Our platform displays multiple Burkholderia-related epitopes and is shown to diagnose infected individuals even in presence of superinfections caused by other prevalent CF pathogens, with limited cost and time requirements. Moreover, our data point out that the specific patterns determined by combined probe responses might provide a characterization of Burkholderia infections even at the subtype level (genomovars). The method is general and immediately applicable to other bacteria.
Unidirectional perfect absorber
Authors: Jin L. , Wang P. , Song Z.
Published: September 2016

This study proposes a unidirectional perfect absorber (UPA), which we realized with a two-arm Aharonov-Bohm interferometer, that consists of a dissipative resonator side-coupled to a uniform resonator array. The UPA has reflection-less full absorption on one direction, and reflectionless full transmission on the other, with an appropriate magnetic flux and coupling, detuning, and loss of the side-coupled resonator. The magnetic flux controls the transmission, the left transmission is larger for magnetic flux less than one-half flux quantum; and the right transmission is larger for magnetic flux between one-half and one flux quantum. Besides, a perfect absorber (PA) can be realized based on the UPA, in which light waves from both sides, with arbitrary superposition of the ampli- tude and phase, are perfectly absorbed. The UPA is expected to be useful in the design of novel optical devices.
Exosomes derived from human adipose mensenchymal stem cells accelerates cutaneous wound healing via optimizing the characteristics of fibroblasts
Authors: Hu Li , Wang Juan , Zhou Xin , Xiong Zehuan , Zhao Jiajia , Yu Ran , Huang Fang , Zhang Handong , Chen Lili
Published: September 2016

Prolonged healing and scar formation are two major challenges in the treatment of soft tissue trauma. Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) play an important role in tissue regeneration, and recent studies have suggested that exosomes secreted by stem cells may contribute to paracrine signaling. In this study, we investigated the roles of ASCs-derived exosomes (ASCs-Exos) in cutaneous wound healing. We found that ASCs-Exos could be taken up and internalized by fibroblasts to stimulate cell migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, with increased genes expression of N-cadherin, cyclin-1, PCNA and collagen I, III. In vivo tracing experiments demonstrated that ASCs-Exos can be recruited to soft tissue wound area in a mouse skin incision model and significantly accelerated cutaneous wound healing. Histological analysis showed increased collagen I and III production by systemic administration of exosomes in the early stage of wound healing, while in the late stage, exosomes might inhibit collagen expression to reduce scar formation. Collectively, our findings indicate that ASCs-Exos can facilitate cutaneous wound healing via optimizing the characteristics of fibroblasts. Our results provide a new perspective and therapeutic strategy for the use of ASCs-Exos in soft tissue repair.
Akting up in the GABA hypothesis of schizophrenia: Akt1 deficiency modulates GABAergic functions and hippocampus-dependent functions
Authors: Chang Chia-Yuan , Chen Yi-Wen , Wang Tsu-Wei , Lai Wen-Sung
Published: September 2016

Accumulating evidence implies that both AKT1 and GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subunit genes are involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis. Activated Akt promotes GABAergic neuron differentiation and increases GABAAR expression on the plasma membrane. To elucidate the role of Akt1 in modulating GABAergic functions and schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits, a set of 6 in vitro and in vivo experiments was conducted. First, an Akt1/2 inhibitor was applied to evaluate its effect on GABAergic neuron-like cell formation from P19 cells. Inhibiting Akt resulted in a reduction in parvalbumin-positive neuron-like cells. In Akt1−/− and wild-type mice, seizures induced using pentylenetetrazol (a GABAAR antagonist) were measured, and GABAAR expression and GABAergic interneuron abundance in the brain were examined. Female Akt1−/− mice, but not male Akt1−/− mice, exhibited less pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsive activity than their corresponding wild-type controls. Reduced parvalbumin-positive interneuron abundance and GABAAR subunit expression, especially in the hippocampus, were also observed in female Akt1−/− mice compared to female wild-type mice. Neuromorphometric analyses revealed significantly reduced neurite complexity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Additionally, female Akt1−/− mice displayed increased hippocampal oscillation power and impaired spatial memory compared to female wild-type mice. Our findings suggest that Akt1 deficiency modulates GABAergic interneurons and GABAAR expression, contributing to hippocampus-dependent cognitive functional impairment.
Molecular evolutionary dynamics of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases across kingdoms: Special focus on mycobacterial P450s
Authors: Parvez Mohammad , Qhanya Lehlohonolo Benedict , Mthakathi Ntsane Trevor , Kgosiemang Ipeleng Kopano Rosinah , Bamal Hans Denis , Pagadala Nataraj Sekhar , Xie Ting , Yang Haoran , Chen Hengye , Theron Chrispian William , Monyaki Richie , Raselemane Seiso Caiphus , Salewe Vuyani , Mongale Bogadi Lorato , Matowane Retshedisitswe Godfrey , Abdalla Sara Mohamed Hasaan , Booi Wool Isaac , van Wyk Mari , Olivier Dedré , Boucher Charlotte E. , Nelson David R. , Tuszynski Jack A. , Blackburn Jonathan Michael , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Mashele Samson Sitheni , Chen Wanping , Syed Khajamohiddin
Published: September 2016

Since the initial identification of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s), great progress has been made in understanding their structure-function relationship, diversity and application in producing compounds beneficial to humans. However, the molecular evolution of P450s in terms of their dynamics both at protein and DNA levels and functional conservation across kingdoms still needs investigation. In this study, we analyzed 17 598 P450s belonging to 113 P450 families (bacteria −42; fungi −19; plant −28; animal −22; plant and animal −1 and common P450 family −1) and found highly conserved and rapidly evolving P450 families. Results suggested that bacterial P450s, particularly P450s belonging to mycobacteria, are highly conserved both at protein and DNA levels. Mycobacteria possess the highest P450 diversity percentage compared to other microbes and have a high coverage of P450s (≥1%) in their genomes, as found in fungi and plants. Phylogenetic and functional analyses revealed the functional conservation of P450s despite belonging to different biological kingdoms, suggesting the adherence of P450s to their innate function such as their involvement in either generation or oxidation of steroids and structurally related molecules, fatty acids and terpenoids. This study’s results offer new understanding of the dynamic structural nature of P450s.
A Fully Integrated and Miniaturized Heavy-metal-detection Sensor Based on Micro-patterned Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Xuan Xing , Hossain Md. Faruk , Park Jae Yeong
Published: September 2016

For this paper, a fully integrated and highly miniaturized electrochemical sensor was designed and fabricated on a silicon substrate. A solvothermal-assisted reduced graphene oxide named “TRGO” was then successfully micro-patterned using a lithography technique, followed by the electrodeposition of bismuth (Bi) on the surface of the micro-patterned TRGO for the electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions. The fully integrated electrochemical micro-sensor was then measured and evaluated for the detection of cadmium and lead-heavy metal ions in an acetic-acid buffered solution using the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) technique. The fabricated micro-sensor exhibited a linear detection range of 1.0 μg L−1to 120.0 μg L−1for both of the metal ions, and detection limits of 0.4 μg L−1and 1.0 μg L−1were recorded for the lead and cadmium (S/N = 3), respectively. Drinking-water samples were used for the practical assessment of the fabricated micro-sensor, and it showed an acceptable detection performance regarding the metal ions.
Quantitative high-throughput population dynamics in continuous-culture by automated microscopy
Authors: Merritt Jason , Kuehn Seppe
Published: September 2016

We present a high-throughput method to measure abundance dynamics in microbial communities sustained in continuous-culture. Our method uses custom epi-fluorescence microscopes to automatically image single cells drawn from a continuously-cultured population while precisely controlling culture conditions. For clonal populations of Escherichia coli our instrument reveals history-dependent resilience and growth rate dependent aggregation.
Plasmodium falciparum Choline Kinase Inhibition Leads to a Major Decrease in Phosphatidylethanolamine Causing Parasite Death
Authors: Serrán-Aguilera Lucía , Denton Helen , Rubio-Ruiz Belén , López-Gutiérrez Borja , Entrena Antonio , Izquierdo Luis , Smith Terry K. , Conejo-García Ana , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramon
Published: September 2016

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by different species of the protozoan parasitePlasmodium, withP. falciparumbeing the deadliest. Increasing parasitic resistance to existing antimalarials makes the necessity of novel avenues to treat this disease an urgent priority. The enzymes responsible for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are attractive drug targets to treat malaria as their selective inhibition leads to an arrest of the parasite’s growth and cures malaria in a mouse model. We present here a detailed study that reveals a mode of action for twoP. falciparumcholine kinase inhibitors bothin vitroandin vivo. The compounds present distinct binding modes to the choline/ethanolamine-binding site ofP. falciparumcholine kinase, reflecting different types of inhibition. Strikingly, these compounds primarily inhibit the ethanolamine kinase activity of theP. falciparumcholine kinase, leading to a severe decrease in the phosphatidylethanolamine levels withinP. falciparum,which explains the resulting growth phenotype and the parasites death. These studies provide an understanding of the mode of action, and act as a springboard for continued antimalarial development efforts selectively targetingP. falciparumcholine kinase.
Pirfenidone in patients with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis
Authors: Li Ting , Guo Li , Chen Zhiwei , Gu Liyang , Sun Fangfang , Tan Xiaoming , Chen Sheng , Wang Xiaodong , Ye Shuang
Published: September 2016

To evaluate the efficacy of pirfenidone in patients with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) related to clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM), we conducted an open-label, prospective study with matched retrospective controls. Thirty patients diagnosed with CADM-RPILD with a disease duration <6 months at Renji Hospital South Campus from June 2014 to November 2015 were prospectively enrolled and treated with pirfenidone at a target dose of 1800 mg/d in addition to conventional treatment, such as a glucocorticoid and/or other immunosuppressants. Matched patients without pirfenidone treatment (n = 27) were retrospectively selected as controls between October 2012 and September 2015. We found that the pirfenidone add-on group displayed a trend of lower mortality compared with the control group (36.7% vs 51.9%, p = 0.2226). Furthermore, the subgroup analysis indicated that the pirfenidone add-on had no impact on the survival of acute ILD patients (disease duration <3 months) (50% vs 50%, p = 0.3862); while for subacute ILD patients (disease duration 3–6 months), the pirfenidone add-on (n = 10) had a significantly higher survival rate compared with the control subgroup (n = 9) (90% vs 44.4%, p = 0.0450). Our data indicated that the pirfenidone add-on may improve the prognosis of patients with subacute ILD related to CADM.
Soil bacteria as sources of virulence signal providers promoting plant infection by Phytophthora pathogens
Authors: Kong Ping , Hong Chuanxue
Published: September 2016

Phytophthora species are known as “plant destroyers” capable of initiating single zoospore infection in the presence of a quorum of chemical signals from the same or closely related species of oomycetes. Since the natural oomycete population is too low to reach a quorum necessary to initiate a disease epidemic, creation of the quorum is reliant on alternate sources. Here, we show that a soil bacterial isolate, Bacillus megaterium Sb5, promotes plant infection by Phytophthora species. In the presence of Sb5 exudates, colonization of rhododendron leaf discs by 12 Phytophthora species/isolates was significantly enhanced, single zoospores of P. nicotianae infected annual vinca and P. sojae race 25 successfully attacked a non-host plant, Nicotiana benthamiana as well as resistant soybean cultivars with RPS1a or RPS3a. Sb5 exudates, most notably the fractions larger than 3 kDa, promoted plant infection by improving zoospore swimming, germination and plant attachment. Sb5 exudates also stimulated infection hypha growth and upregulated effector gene expression. These results suggest that environmental bacteria are important sources of virulence signal providers that promote plant infection by Phytophthora species, advancing our understanding of biotic factors in the environmental component of the Phytophthora disease triangle and of communal infection of plant pathogens.
Multishelled NiO Hollow Microspheres for High-performance Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density and Robust Cycle Life
Authors: Qi Xinhong , Zheng Wenji , Li Xiangcun , He Gaohong
Published: September 2016

Multishelled NiO hollow microspheres for high-performance supercapacitors have been prepared and the formation mechanism has been investigated. By using resin microspheres to absorb Ni2+ and subsequent proper calcinations, the shell numbers, shell spacing and exterior shell structure were facilely controlled via varying synthetic parameters. Particularly, the exterior shell structure that accurately associated with the ion transfer is finely controlled by forming a single shell or closed exterior double-shells. Among multishelled NiO hollow microspheres, the triple-shelled NiO with an outer single-shelled microspheres show a remarkable capacity of 1280 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and still keep a high value of 704 F g−1 even at 20 A g−1. The outstanding performances are attributed to its fast ion/electron transfer, high specific surface area and large shell space. The specific capacitance gradually increases to 108% of its initial value after 2500 cycles, demonstrating its high stability. Importantly, the 3S-NiO-HMS//RGO@Fe3O4 asymmetric supercapacitor shows an ultrahigh energy density of 51.0 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1, and 78.8% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, multishelled NiO can be transferred into multishelled Ni microspheres with high-efficient H2 generation rate of 598.5 mL H2 min−1 g−1Ni for catalytic hydrolysis of NH3BH3 (AB).
The effect of manual therapy on pulmonary function in healthy adults
Authors: Wall Bradley A. , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Losco Barrett , Hebert Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2016

Manual therapy is suggested as a potentially therapeutic intervention that may improve pulmonary function. However, this form of therapy is largely based on clinical observations and hypothetical models rather than mechanistic knowledge. This study examined the influence of a single session of manual therapy applied to the thoracic spine and thorax on dynamic pulmonary function over an extended time frame in healthy adults. 21 healthy individuals (14 males) aged 19–35 (mean [SD] age = 23 [3.9], BMI [SD] = 22.97 [2.41]) completed one experimental testing session consisting of five pulmonary function tests and the delivery of a manual therapy intervention. Pulmonary function was measured at baseline and 1 minute, 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes following the intervention. Baseline mean (SD) forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were 5.55(1.23 L), 4.64(0.92 L) and 165.7(40.0L min−1) respectively. The mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.84(0.07). There were no statistically significant changes in any of the pulmonary function measures following the manual therapy intervention. Our findings do not support the use of manual therapy to provide a short-term benefit in respiratory function to healthy adults.
Possible Evidence for a New Form of Liquid Buried in the Surface Tension of Supercooled Water
Authors: Rogers T. Ryan , Leong Kai-Yang , Wang Feng
Published: September 2016

Contrary to the historical data, several recent experiments indicate that the surface tension of supercooled water follows a smooth extrapolation of the IAPWS equation in the supercooled regime. It can be seen, however, that a small deviation from the IAPWS equation is present in the recent experimental measurements. It is shown with simulations using the WAIL water potential that the small deviation in the experimental data is consistent with the tail of an exponential growth in surface tension as temperature decreases. The emergence temperature, Te, of a substantial deviation from the IAPWS equation is shown to be 227 K for the WAIL water and 235 K for real water. Since the 227 K Te is close to the Widom line in WAIL water, we argue that real water at 235 K approaches a similar crossover line at one atmospheric pressure.
Emerging integrated nanoclay-facilitated drug delivery system for papillary thyroid cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Yi , Long Mei , Huang Peng , Yang Huaming , Chang Shi , Hu Yuehua , Tang Aidong , Mao Linfeng
Published: September 2016

Nanoclay can be incorporated into emerging dual functional drug delivery systems (DDSs) to promote efficiency in drug delivery and reduce the toxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) used for thyroid cancer treatment. This paper reports the expansion of the basal spacing of kaolinite nanoclay was expanded from 0.72 nm to 0.85 nm, which could provide sufficiently spacious site for hosting doxorubicin molecules and controlling the diffusion rate. A targeted design for papillary thyroid cancer cells was achieved by introducing KI, which is consumed by the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). As indicated by MTT assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy and bio-TEM observations, methoxy-intercalated kaolinite (KaolinMeOH) exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against papillary thyroid cancer cells. By contrast, DOX-KaolinMeOHshowed dose-dependent therapeutic effectsin vitro, and KI@DOX-KaolinMeOHwas found to act as a powerful targeted therapeutic drug. Furthermore, active and passive targeting strategies played a role in the accumulation of the drug molecules, as verified by anin vivobio-distribution analysis.
Nano spin-diodes using FePt-NDs with huge on/off current ratio at room temperature
Authors: Makihara Katsunori , Kato Takeshi , Kabeya Yuuki , Mitsuyuki Yusuke , Ohta Akio , Oshima Daiki , Iwata Satoshi , Darma Yudi , Ikeda Mitsuhisa , Miyazaki Seiichi
Published: September 2016

Spin transistors have attracted tremendous interest as new functional devices. However, few studies have investigated enhancements of the ON/OFF current ratio as a function of the electron spin behavior. Here, we found a significantly high spin-dependent current ratio—more than 102 at 1.5 V—when changing the relative direction of the magnetizations between FePt nanodots (NDs) and the CoPtCr-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) probe at room temperature. This means that ON and OFF states were achieved by switching the magnetization of the FePt NDs, which can be regarded as spin-diodes. The FePt magnetic NDs were fabricated by exposing a bi-layer metal stack to a remote H2 plasma (H2-RP) on ~1.7 nm SiO2/Si(100) substrates. The ultrathin bi-layers with a uniform surface coverage are changed drastically to NDs with an areal density as high as ~5 × 1011 cm−2. The FePt NDs exhibit a large perpendicular anisotropy with an out-of-plane coercivity of ~4.8 kOe, reflecting the magneto-crystalline anisotropy of (001) oriented L10 phase FePt. We also designed and fabricated double-stacked FePt-NDs with low and high coercivities sandwiched between an ultra-thin Si-oxide interlayer, and confirmed a high ON/OFF current ratio when switching the relative magnetization directions of the low and high coercivity FePt NDs.
Förster resonance energy transfer to impart signal-on and -off capabilities in a single microRNA biosensor
Authors: Larkey Nicholas E. , Zhang Lulu , Lansing Shan S. , Tran Victoria , Seewaldt Victoria L. , Burrows Sean M.
Published: September 2016

The influence of spacer molecules and different dye pairs on the signal-on/off analytical metrics of a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer based microRNA biosensor.
A permeation cup method for screening packaging materials for fragrance preservation in Chinese medicine
Authors: Li Xianghui , Li Ling , Song Yunlong , Li Huiliang , Zhu Zhenyu , Chai Yifeng
Published: September 2016

Barrier properties of common plastic packaging materials were efficiently evaluated using a permeation cup method with GC-MS, in order to prevent loss of volatile components in typical Chinese herbal medicines.
Cu-Catalyzed hydrophosphorylative ring opening of propargyl epoxides: highly selective access to 4-phosphoryl 2,3-allenols
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Yang Jianlin , Zhao Haipeng , Feng Yu , Zhang Lixiong , Han Li-Biao
Published: September 2016

A CuI-catalyzed cross-coupling of propargyl epoxides with P(O)H compounds to produce 4-phosphoryl 2,3-allenols with excellent selectivity under mild conditions is disclosed.
PicoGreen: a better amyloid probe than Thioflavin-T
Authors: Mora Aruna K. , Singh Prabhat K. , Patro Birija S. , Nath Sukhendu
Published: September 2016

PicoGreen, an ultrafast molecular rotor, binds strongly with amyloid fibrils and shows much higher sensitivity than Thioflavin-T, a gold standard fluorescence amyloid probe.
When CMRP met alkyl vinyl ketone: visible light induced living radical polymerization (LRP) of ethyl vinyl ketone (EVK)
Authors: Zhao Yaguang , Liu Xu , Liu Yuchu , Wu Zhenqiang , Zhao Xianyuan , Fu Xuefeng
Published: September 2016

Photo responsive polyethyl vinyl ketone (PEVK) and various block copolymers were prepared through the visible light induced cobalt mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) process.
Superior electrochemical performance of N-doped nanocrystalline FeF3/C with a single-step solid-state process
Authors: Lee Jangwook , Kang Byoungwoo
Published: September 2016

The electrochemical activity of FeF3 is significantly improved by reducing the strong ionic character of Fe–F with the replacement of some F with N atoms. The N-doped nanocrystalline FeF3/C achieves the best electrochemical performance among FeF3 compounds.
The potential of a graphene-supported porous-organic polymer (POP) for CO2 electrocatalytic reduction
Authors: Soliman Ahmed B. , Haikal Rana R. , Hassan Youssef S. , Alkordi Mohamed H.
Published: September 2016

A composite of porous-organic polymer and graphene demonstrates electrocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction in aqueous medium.
Conformation controlled turn on–turn off phosphorescence in a metal-free biluminophore: thriving the paradox that exists for organic compounds
Authors: Joshi Ritika , Meitei Oinam Romesh , Jadhao Manojkumar , Kumar Himank , Ghosh Sujit Kumar
Published: September 2016

The dual state intense emission, both fluorescence and phosphorescence, of CBIQD by way of conformational regulation–deregulation.
Carrier transport behaviors depending on the two orthogonally directional energy bands in the ZnO nanofilm affected by oxygen plasma
Authors: Park Cheolmin , Lee Seung-Mo , Chang Won Seok
Published: September 2016

Carrier transport behaviors in the ZnO nanofilm depend on the two orthogonally directional energy band structures (surface band bending in the surface layer and localized energy bending at the grain boundary).
Direct observation of magnetic vortex behavior in an ordered La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 dot arrays
Authors: Li Zhenghua , Dong Dapeng , Liu Dedi , Liu Jia , Liu Dongping , Li Xiang
Published: September 2016

Directly observing the magnetic domain behavior in patterned nanostructures is crucial to the investigation into advanced spin-based devices.
Synthesis and applications of porous non-silica metal oxide submicrospheres
Authors: Boyjoo Yash , Wang Meiwen , Pareek Vishnu K. , Liu Jian , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: September 2016

A variety of metal oxide particles of spherical morphology from nano to micrometer size have been reviewed with a special emphasis on the appraisal of synthetic strategies and applications in biomedical, environmental and energy-related areas.
Computing organic stereoselectivity – from concepts to quantitative calculations and predictions
Authors: Peng Qian , Duarte Fernanda , Paton Robert S.
Published: September 2016

This tutorial review outlines the theory and practice of computational modeling applied to understanding and predicting stereoselectivity.
Factors controlling nanosized Ni–Al2O3 catalysts synthesized by solution combustion for slurry-phase CO methanation: the ratio of reducing valences to oxidizing valences in redox systems
Authors: Gao Yuan , Meng Fanhui , Li Xin , Wen John Z. , Li Zhong
Published: September 2016

The ratio of urea to nitrates was investigated with regard to the precursor solution, combustion process, and Ni-Al2O3 catalyst structures and activity.
Crystal structure, thermal expansion and electrical conductivity of LaCoxNiyMozO3
Authors: Øygarden V. , Grande T.
Published: September 2016

The effect of Mo-substitution on the crystal structure, thermal expansion and electrical properties is investigated for the LaCoxNiyMozO3 system.
A Gibeon meteorite yields a high-performance water oxidation electrocatalyst
Authors: Le Formal Florian , Guijarro Néstor , Bourée Wiktor S. , Gopakumar Aswin , Prévot Mathieu S. , Daubry Albert , Lombardo Loris , Sornay Charlotte , Voit Julie , Magrez Arnaud , Dyson Paul J. , Sivula Kevin
Published: September 2016

A natural material of extra-terrestrial origin yields a high-performance electrocatalyst for alkaline water oxidation.
Statistical analysis of the photodegradation of imazethapyr on the surface of extracted soybean (Glycine max) and corn (Zea mays) epicuticular waxes
Authors: Anderson Scott C. , Christiansen Amy , Peterson Alexa , Beukelman Logan , Nienow Amanda M.
Published: September 2016

The photodegradation of the herbicide imazethapyr on epicuticular waxes of young soybean and corn crops depends on growing conditions of the plants.
Isothermal titration microcalorimetry to determine the thermodynamics of metal ion removal by magnetic nanoparticle sorbents
Authors: Huang Yuxiong , Keller Arturo A.
Published: September 2016

Applying ITC to determine key thermodynamic parameters needed to model the sorption of metal ions by magnetic nanoparticles sorbents.
Effect of tomato juice consumption on the plasmatic lipid profile, hepatic HMGCR activity, and fecal short chain fatty acid content of rats
Authors: Periago María Jesús , Martín-Pozuelo Gala , González-Barrio Rocío , Santaella Marina , Gómez Victoria , Vázquez Nuria , Navarro-González Inmaculada , García-Alonso Javier
Published: September 2016

The plausible mechanisms of the hypocholesterolemic effect of tomato juice have been studied evaluating the activity of HMGCR in liver and the propionic acid formation in feces.
3-Aminothiophenecarboxylic acid (3-Atc)-induced folding in peptides
Authors: Ingole Tukaram S. , Kotmale Amol S. , Gawade Rupesh L. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: September 2016

This article demonstrates the consequences of incorporating a constrained β-amino acid into a peptide chain and its effect on conformation of oligomers.
Colorimetric analysis of painting materials using polymer-supported polydiacetylene films
Authors: Trachtenberg Alexander , Malka Orit , Kootery Kaviya Parambath , Beglaryan Stella , Malferrari Danilo , Galletti Paola , Prati Silvia , Mazzeo Rocco , Tagliavini Emilio , Jelinek Raz
Published: September 2016

Polydiacetylenes, exhibiting different headgroups, distinguish among different painting materials.
Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of ruthenium complexes with photochromic triarylamine–dithienylethene–acetylide ligands
Authors: Zhang Dao-Bin , Wang Jin-Yun , Jacquemin Denis , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: September 2016

The charge delocalization along the molecular backbone shows a progressive increase following stepwise photocyclization in the inorganic–organic mixed-valence system.
Improving visible light photocatalytic activity of NaNbO3: a DFT based investigation
Authors: Modak Brindaban , Modak Pampa , Ghosh Swapan K.
Published: September 2016

The unique characteristics of the (W, N) dopant pair is that it reduces the band gap of NaNbO3 mainly by elevation of valence band maxima, which is very much crucial for photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution through water splitting.
Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw
Authors: Zhou J. , Yan B. H. , Wang Y. , Yong X. Y. , Yang Z. H. , Jia H. H. , Jiang M. , Wei P.
Published: September 2016

Steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw.
Graphene oxide/polysulfone hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes for gas separation
Authors: Zahri K. , Wong K. C. , Goh P. S. , Ismail A. F.
Published: September 2016

The application of graphene oxide as a nano-filler in polysulfone asymmetric hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes for CO2 removal.
Understanding the role of post-CCVD synthetic impurities, functional groups and functionalization-based oxidation debris on the behaviour of carbon nanotubes as a catalyst support in cyclohexene hydrogenation over Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Puskas R. , Sápi A. , Kukovecz Á. , Kónya Z.
Published: September 2016

Tuning of the surface modification has a striking effect on the physical and chemical properties of CNTs in surface chemical processes.
3D hierarchical CuO/Co3O4 core–shell nanowire array on copper foam for on-demand hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 solution
Authors: Xie Lisi , Wang Kunyang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2016

A 3D hierarchical CuO/Co3O4 core–shell nanowire array works as a robust and highly active catalyst toward the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of NaBH4 for on-demand hydrogen generation in alkaline solutions.
Synthesis and characterization of phenol–furfural resins using lignin modified by a low transition temperature mixture
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Ju , Fu Yan , Chang Jie
Published: September 2016

An efficient and green method for the modification of lignin by a low transition temperature mixture was used in the synthesis of phenol–furfural resins.
High-performance dielectric ionic ladderphane-derived triblock copolymer with a unique self-assembled nanostructure
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhou Dandan , Wang Cuifang , Liao Xiaojuan , Xie Meiran , Sun Ruyi
Published: September 2016

Ionic poly(bisnorbornene)-based ladderphane can self-assemble into a tree ring-like nanostructure, and exhibits a high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, narrow hysteresis loop, and good energy density.
Structural evolution of palladium nanoparticles and their electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution
Authors: Wen Changna , Li Zhaopeng , Cao Caiyun , Wang Yiqian , Guo Peizhi , Zhao X. S.
Published: September 2016

Palladium nanoparticles with smaller particle size exhibit better electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation.
The mechanical design of graphene nanodiodes and nanotransistors: geometry, temperature and strain effects
Authors: Sadeghzadeh S. , Rezapour Navid
Published: September 2016

Laminating one or several layers of graphene on a substrate and making a bridge of small dimensions and measuring the changes in the electrical properties obtained from this connection has raised the hopes of miniaturizing the electronic devices.
Dissolution of brass alloys naturally aged in neutral solutions – an electrochemical and surface analytical study
Authors: Cocco Federica , Fantauzzi Marzia , Elsener Bernhard , Rossi Antonella
Published: September 2016

Combining electrochemical and surface analytical information promotes the understanding of the dissolution mechanism of complex systems such as brass alloys.
Enhanced tribological properties in core–shell structured SiO2@GO hybrid fillers for epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Hong Jing , Liu Changhua , Deng Xi , Jiang Ting , Gan Lin , Huang Jin
Published: September 2016

SiO2 coated with graphene oxide (GO) hybrids (SiO2@GO) were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly and introduced into an epoxy polymer (EP) matrix to prepare epoxy composites by a solvent-free curing process.
A functional oligonucleotide probe from an encapsulated silver nanocluster assembled by rolling circle amplification and its application in label-free sensors
Authors: Guo Yuna , Wang Yu , Liu Su , Yu Jinghua , Pei Qianqian , Leng Xueqi , Huang Jiadong
Published: September 2016

A novel label-free, low cost electrochemical biosensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of E. coli has been developed based on rolling circle amplification coupled silver nanoclusters as effective electrochemical probe.
Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of protodioscin in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Guo Changrun , Li Can , Yu Yue , Chen Wei , Ma Teng , Zhou Zhangjin
Published: September 2016

Protodioscin attenuated hyperglycaemia and dyslipidemia in diabetic rats by improving the insulin sensitivity and increasing adiponectin concentrations.
Ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of wet β-cyclodextrin: effect of the operative pressure and of water molecules in the β-cyclodextrin cavity
Authors: Galia Alessandro , Scialdone Onofrio , Spanò Tiziana , Valenti Maria Grazia , Grignard Bruno , Lecomte Philippe , Monflier Eric , Tilloy Sébastien , Rousseau Cyril
Published: September 2016

Wet β-cyclodextrin under pressure behaves similarly to lipase enzymes in the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in bulk.
A quick, mild and efficient bromination using a CFBSA/KBr system
Authors: Jiang Pan-Pan , Yang Xian-Jin
Published: September 2016

A quick, mild and efficient oxidative bromination by using CFBSA/KBr system has been developed. It was successfully applied into four different types of compounds including, 1,3-diketones and β-keto esters, aromatic amines, phenols and heteroarenes.
Template-induced in situ dispersion of enhanced basic-sites on sponge-like mesoporous silica and its improved catalytic property
Authors: Yang Fu , Wang Bangbang , Zhou Shijian , Yang Xiaoning , Kong Yan
Published: September 2016

Well-dispersed and enhanced CaO solid base were directly formed on sponge-like mesoporous silica, improved activity occurred at a lower reaction temperature.
Effect of fluorination and symmetry on the properties of polymeric photovoltaic materials based on an asymmetric building block
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Tang Ailing , Chen Yu , Mahmood Asif , Hou Jianhui , Wei Zhixiang , Zhou Erjun
Published: September 2016

Introducing fluorine on benzothiadiazole unit significantly influenced the properties of DTPa and BTs based conjugated polymers by tuning the energy levels and symmetry of the building blocks.
Hierarchical Ru- and RuO2-foams as high performance electrocatalysts for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Kwak Kyung-Hwan , Kim Dong Wook , Kang Yongku , Suk Jungdon
Published: September 2016

Hierarchical Ru- and RuO2-foams show excellent cyclability and good oxygen efficiency when used as catalyst cathode material for lithium–oxygen batteries.
A lightweight multifunctional interlayer of sulfur–nitrogen dual-doped graphene for ultrafast, long-life lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Lu , Yang Zhi , Nie Huagui , Gu Cancan , Hua Wuxing , Xu Xiangju , Chen Xi'an , Chen Ying , Huang Shaoming
Published: September 2016

A lightweight multifunctional SNGE interlayer was developed, which enabled the PCNT–S cathode to deliver a high reversible specific capacity and extraordinarily excellent cycling stability at ultrahigh rates.
Visualization of size-dependent tumour retention of PEGylated nanographene oxide via SPECT imaging
Authors: Cao Tianye , You Peihong , Zhou Xiaobao , Luo Jianmin , Xu Xiaoping , Zhou Zhiguo , Yang Shiping , Zhang Yingjian , Yang Hong , Wang Mingwei
Published: September 2016

Sub-50 nm usNGO–PEG was confirmed to be the favorable size for faster and higher cellular uptake and efficient tumor accumulation than over-50 nm NGO–PEG.
Magnetism in 3d transition metal doped SnO
Authors: Albar A. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: September 2016

Using first principles calculations, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of 3d transition metal doped SnO.
HCN2 ion channels: basic science opens up possibilities for therapeutic intervention in neuropathic pain
Authors: Tsantoulas Christoforos , Mooney Elizabeth R. , McNaughton Peter A.
Published: September 2016

Nociception — the ability to detect painful stimuli — is an invaluable sense that warns against present or imminent damage. In patients with chronic pain, however, this warning signal persists in the absence of any genuine threat and affects all aspects of everyday life. Neuropathic pain, a form of chronic pain caused by damage to sensory nerves themselves, is dishearteningly refractory to drugs that may work in other types of pain and is a major unmet medical need begging for novel analgesics. Hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-modulated ion channels are best known for their fundamental pacemaker role in the heart; here, we review data demonstrating that the HCN2 isoform acts in an analogous way as a ‘pacemaker for pain’, in that its activity in nociceptive neurons is critical for the maintenance of electrical activity and for the sensation of chronic pain in pathological pain states. Pharmacological block or genetic deletion of HCN2 in sensory neurons provides robust pain relief in a variety of animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, without any effect on normal sensation of acute pain. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of neuropathic pain pathogenesis, and we outline possible future opportunities for the development of efficacious and safe pharmacotherapies in a range of chronic pain syndromes.
Molecular regulation of insulin granule biogenesis and exocytosis
Authors: Röder Pia V. , Wong Xiuming , Hong Wanjin , Han Weiping
Published: September 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in early disease stages but a relative insulin insufficiency in later stages. Insulin, a peptide hormone, is produced in and secreted from pancreatic β-cells following elevated blood glucose levels. Upon its release, insulin induces the removal of excessive exogenous glucose from the bloodstream primarily by stimulating glucose uptake into insulin-dependent tissues as well as promoting hepatic glycogenesis. Given the increasing prevalence of T2DM worldwide, elucidating the underlying mechanisms and identifying the various players involved in the synthesis and exocytosis of insulin from β-cells is of utmost importance. This review summarizes our current understanding of the route insulin takes through the cell after its synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum as well as our knowledge of the highly elaborate network that controls insulin release from the β-cell. This network harbors potential targets for anti-diabetic drugs and is regulated by signaling cascades from several endocrine systems.
Examining the Language Phenotype in Children With Typical Development, Specific Language Impairment, and Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Haebig Eileen , Sterling Audra , Hoover Jill
Published: September 2016

Purpose

One aspect of morphosyntax, finiteness marking, was compared in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), specific language impairment (SLI), and typical development matched on mean length of utterance (MLU).

Method

Nineteen children with typical development (mean age = 3.3 years), 20 children with SLI (mean age = 4.9 years), and 17 boys with FXS (mean age = 11.9 years) completed the Test of Early Grammatical Impairment (TEGI; Rice & Wexler, 2001), and other cognitive and language assessments. Quantitative comparisons on finiteness marking and qualitative comparisons of unscorable (i.e., nontarget) TEGI responses were conducted.

Results

Children with typical development and FXS performed better on finiteness marking than children with SLI. Although unscorable responses were infrequent, boys with FXS produced more unscorable responses than children with typical development and SLI.

Conclusions

Although boys with FXS have language deficits, they performed similarly to MLU-matched typically developing children on finiteness marking. This language profile differs from children with SLI, who present with a delay-within-a-delay profile with finiteness marking delays that exceed delays in MLU. Unscorable responses produced by the boys with FXS may reflect pragmatic deficits, which are prominent in this population. Assessment procedures should be carefully considered when examining language in boys with FXS.
Wafer‐level vacuum encapsulated breath‐mode ring resonator fabricated in a commercial MEMS process
Authors: Xereas G. , Chodavarapu V.P.
Published: September 2016

The development of wafer‐level vacuum‐encapsulated low‐voltage and high quality factor (Q) ring resonator is presented. The resonator is fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) integrated design for inertial sensors process introduced by Teledyne DALSA Semiconductor Inc.. The resonator is designed to be operational with 5 V DC polarisation voltage in the breath mode of vibration at a resonance frequency of 10 MHz. The measured Q of the ring resonator exceeded 84,000.
Energy efficient medium access scheme for visible light communication system based on IEEE 802.15.7 with unsaturated traffic
Authors: Liu Heting , Zhang Lin , Jiang Ming
Published: September 2016

Visible light communication (VLC) networks can provide high‐rate transmissions with advantages such as high security, low power consumption and so on. Multiple users get access to the VLC network according to the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) mechanism defined by IEEE 802.15.7 media access control layer specifications. In this study, the authors propose an energy efficient medium access scheme to improve the performance of IEEE 802.15.7 CSMA/CA mechanism under unsaturated traffic conditions. Aiming at reducing the power consumed on unnecessary waiting and at improving the channel utilisation efficiency, they first apply a successive transmission scheme on the node, which has completed one successful transmission and gets the chance of transmitting the next packet without backoff delay period according to the network condition. Then, a dynamic contention window is exploited to mitigate the collisions, where they derive the optimal minimum contention window based on throughput analysis. The power consumption can be reduced with improved throughput, when both the traffic load and the number of nodes in the network are taken into account. Simulation results demonstrate that the authors’ proposed scheme outperforms the IEEE 802.15.7 CSMA/CA scheme with respect to the average power consumption, system throughput and packet dropping probability.