bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay of autophagy and β-Catenin signaling regulates differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kühn K , Cott C , Bohler S , Aigal S , Zheng S , Villringer S , Imberty A , Claudinon J , Römer W
Published: September 2015

The major feature of leukemic cells is an arrest of differentiation accompanied by highly active proliferation. In many subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia, these features are mediated by the aberrant Wnt/β-Catenin pathway. In our study, we established the lectin LecB as inducer of the differentiation of the acute myeloid leukemia cell line THP-1 and used it for the investigation of the involved processes. During differentiation, functional autophagy and low β-Catenin levels were essential. Corresponding to this, a high β-Catenin level stabilized proliferation and inhibited autophagy, resulting in low differentiation ability. Initiated by LecB, β-Catenin was degraded, autophagy became active and differentiation took place within hours. Remarkably, the reduction of β-Catenin sensitized THP-1 cells to the autophagy-stimulating mTOR inhibitors. As downmodulation of E-Cadherin was sufficient to significantly reduce LecB-mediated differentiation, we propose E-Cadherin as a crucial interaction partner in this signaling pathway. Upon LecB treatment, E-Cadherin colocalized with β-Catenin and thereby prevented the induction of β-Catenin target protein expression and proliferation. That way, our study provides for the first time a link between E-Cadherin, the aberrant Wnt/β-Catenin signaling, autophagy and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia. Importantly, LecB was a valuable tool to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia pathogenesis and may help to identify novel therapy approaches.
Helicobacter pylori VacA induces apoptosis by accumulation of connexin 43 in autophagic vesicles via a Rac1/ERK-dependent pathway
Authors: Yahiro K , Akazawa Y , Nakano M , Suzuki H , Hisatune J , Isomoto H , Sap J , Noda M , Moss J , Hirayama T
Published: September 2015

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) produces vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA), a potent protein toxin, which is associated with gastric inflammation and ulceration. Recent studies demonstrated that connexins (Cxs), which are responsible for intracellular communication at gap junctions (GJs) as well as cell homeostasis, participate in VacA-induced cell death. We now demonstrate in AZ-521 cells that VacA increased cytoplasmic Cx43, accompanied by LC3-II generation in a time- and dose-dependent manner without induction of Cx43 mRNA expression. Inhibition of VacA-induced Rac1 activity prevented ERK phosphorylation and the increase in Cx43. Suppression of ERK activity and addition of N-acetyl-cysteine inhibited VacA-dependent increase in Cx43 and LC3-II. DIDS, an anion-selective inhibitor, suppressed VacA-dependent increase in Cx43, suggesting that VacA channel activity was involved in this pathway. By confocal microscopy, Cx43 increased by VacA was predominately localized in cholesterol-rich, detergent-resistant membranes including GJs, and a fraction of Cx43 was incorporated in endocytotic vesicles and autophagolysosomes. Accumulation of Cx43 was also observed in gastric mucosa from H. pylori-infected patients compared with healthy controls, suggesting that the pathogen caused a similar effect in vivo. Our findings show that VacA-mediated effects on autophagy inhibits turnover of Cx43, resulting in increased levels in the cytoplasm, leading eventually to apoptotic cell death.
Two classes of regulatory subunits coassemble in the same BK channel and independently regulate gating
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Vivian , Xia Xiao-Ming , Lingle Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

High resolution proteomics increasingly reveals that most native ion channels are assembled in macromolecular complexes. However, whether different partners have additive or cooperative functional effects, or whether some combinations of proteins may preclude assembly of others are largely unexplored topics. The large conductance Ca2+-and-voltage activated potassium channel (BK) is well-suited to discern nuanced differences in regulation arising from combinations of subunits. Here we examine whether assembly of two different classes of regulatory proteins, β and γ, in BK channels is exclusive or independent. Our results show that both γ1 and up to four β2-subunits can coexist in the same functional BK complex, with the gating shift caused by β2-subunits largely additive with that produced by the γ1-subunit(s). The multiplicity of β:γ combinations that can participate in a BK complex therefore allow a range of BK channels with distinct functional properties tuned by the specific stoichiometry of the contributing subunits.
Proteomics of the organohalide-respiring Epsilonproteobacterium Sulfurospirillum multivorans adapted to tetrachloroethene and other energy substrates
Authors: Goris Tobias , Schiffmann Christian L. , Gadkari Jennifer , Schubert Torsten , Seifert Jana , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Diekert Gabriele
Published: September 2015

Organohalide respiration is an environmentally important but poorly characterized type of anaerobic respiration. We compared the global proteome of the versatile organohalide-respiring Epsilonproteobacterium Sulfurospirillum multivorans grown with different electron acceptors (fumarate, nitrate, or tetrachloroethene [PCE]). The most significant differences in protein abundance were found for gene products of the organohalide respiration region. This genomic region encodes the corrinoid and FeS cluster containing PCE reductive dehalogenase PceA and other proteins putatively involved in PCE metabolism such as those involved in corrinoid biosynthesis. The latter gene products as well as PceA and a putative quinol dehydrogenase were almost exclusively detected in cells grown with PCE. This finding suggests an electron flow from the electron donor such as formate or pyruvate via the quinone pool and a quinol dehydrogenase to PceA and the terminal electron acceptor PCE. Two putative accessory proteins, an IscU-like protein and a peroxidase-like protein, were detected with PCE only and might be involved in PceA maturation. The proteome of cells grown with pyruvate instead of formate as electron donor indicates a route of electrons from reduced ferredoxin via an Epsilonproteobacterial complex I and the quinone pool to PCE.
Correction: Corrigendum: Sestrin2 inhibits mTORC1 through modulation of GATOR complexes
Authors: Sig Kim Jeong , Ro Seung-Hyun , Kim Myungjin , Park Hwan-Woo , Semple Ian A. , Park Haeli , Cho Uhn-Soo , Wang Wei , Guan Kun-Liang , Karin Michael , Hee Lee Jun
Published: September 2015

Sestrins are stress-inducible metabolic regulators that suppress a wide range of age- and obesity-associated pathologies, many of which are due to mTORC1 overactivation. Upon various stresses, the Sestrins inhibit mTORC1 activity through an indirect mechanism that is still unclear. GATORs are recently identified protein complexes that regulate the activity of RagB, a small GTPase essential for mTORC1 activation. GATOR1 is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for RagB whereas GATOR2 functions as an inhibitor of GATOR1. However, how the GATORs are physiologically regulated is unknown. Here we show that Sestrin2 binds to GATOR2, and liberates GATOR1 from GATOR2-mediated inhibition. Released GATOR1 subsequently binds to and inactivates RagB, ultimately resulting in mTORC1 suppression. Consistent with this biochemical mechanism, genetic ablation of GATOR1 nullifies the mTORC1-inhibiting effect of Sestrin2 in both cell culture and Drosophila models. Collectively, we elucidate a new signaling cascade composed of Sestrin2-GATOR2-GATOR1-RagB that mediates stress-dependent suppression of mTORC1 activity.
Gene expression profiling of pre-eclamptic placentae by RNA sequencing
Authors: Kaartokallio Tea , Cervera Alejandra , Kyllönen Anjuska , Laivuori Krista , Kere Juha , Laivuori Hannele ,   The FINNPEC Core Investigator Group, Laivuori Hannele , Heinonen Seppo , Kajantie Eero , Kere Juha , Kivinen Katja , Pouta Anneli
Published: September 2015

Pre-eclampsia is a common and complex pregnancy disorder that often involves impaired placental development. In order to identify altered gene expression in pre-eclamptic placenta, we sequenced placental transcriptomes of nine pre-eclamptic and nine healthy pregnant women in pools of three. The differential gene expression was tested both by including all the pools in the analysis and by excluding some of the pools based on phenotypic characteristics. From these analyses, we identified altogether 53 differently expressed genes, a subset of which was validated by qPCR in 20 cases and 19 controls. Furthermore, we conducted pathway and functional analyses which revealed disturbed vascular function and immunological balance in pre-eclamptic placenta. Some of the genes identified in our study have been reported by numerous microarray studies (BHLHE40, FSTL3, HK2, HTRA4, LEP, PVRL4, SASH1, SIGLEC6), but many have been implicated in only few studies or have not previously been linked to pre-eclampsia (ARMS2, BTNL9, CCSAP, DIO2, FER1L4, HPSE, LOC100129345, LYN, MYO7B, NCMAP, NDRG1, NRIP1, PLIN2, SBSPON, SERPINB9, SH3BP5, TET3, TPBG, ZNF175). Several of the molecules produced by these genes may have a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and some could qualify as biomarkers for prediction or detection of this pregnancy complication.
Correction: Corrigendum: Microrobotic tentacles with spiral bending capability based on shape-engineered elastomeric microtubes
Authors: Paek Jungwook , Cho Inho , Kim Jaeyoun
Published: September 2015

Microscale soft-robots hold great promise as safe handlers of delicate micro-objects but their wider adoption requires micro-actuators with greater efficiency and ease-of-fabrication. Here we present an elastomeric microtube-based pneumatic actuator that can be extended into a microrobotic tentacle. We establish a new, direct peeling-based technique for building long and thin, highly deformable microtubes and a semi-analytical model for their shape-engineering. Using them in combination, we amplify the microtube’s pneumatically-driven bending into multi-turn inward spiraling. The resulting micro-tentacle exhibit spiraling with the final radius as small as ~185 μm and grabbing force of ~0.78 mN, rendering itself ideal for non-damaging manipulation of soft, fragile micro-objects. This spiraling tentacle-based grabbing modality, the direct peeling-enabled elastomeric microtube fabrication technique, and the concept of microtube shape-engineering are all unprecedented and will enrich the field of soft-robotics.
Erratum: Prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli isolated from Zambian dairy cattle across different production systems
Authors: Mainda Geoffrey , Bessell Paul R. , Muma John B. , McAteer Sean P. , Chase-Topping Margo E. , Gibbons James , Stevens Mark P. , Gally David L. , deC. Bronsvoort Barend M.
Published: September 2015

This study focused on the use of antibiotics on small, medium and commercial-sized dairy farms in the central region of Zambia and its relationship to antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. A stratified random sample of 104 farms was studied, representing approximately 20% of all dairy farms in the region. On each farm, faecal samples were collected from a random sample of animals and a standardised questionnaire on the usage of antibiotics was completed. An E. coli isolate was obtained from 98.67% (371/376) of the sampled animals and tested for resistance to six classes of antibiotics. The estimated prevalence of resistance across the different farming systems was: tetracycline (10.61; 95%CI: 7.40–13.82), ampicillin (6.02; 95%CI: 3.31–8.73), sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim (4.49; 95%CI: 2.42–6.56), cefpodoxime (1.91; 95%CI: 0.46–3.36), gentamicin (0.89; 95%CI: 0.06–1.84) and ciprofloxacin (0%). Univariate analyses indicated certain diseases, exotic breeds, location, farm size and certain management practices as risk factors for detection of resistance, whereas multivariate analyses showed an association with lumpy skin disease and a protective effect for older animals (>25 months). This study has provided novel insights into the drivers of antibiotic use and their association with antibiotic resistance in an under-studied region of Southern Africa.
Organization and evolution of Gorilla centromeric DNA from old strategies to new approaches
Authors: Catacchio C. R. , Ragone R. , Chiatante G. , Ventura M.
Published: September 2015

The centromere/kinetochore interaction is responsible for the pairing and segregation of replicated chromosomes in eukaryotes. Centromere DNA is portrayed as scarcely conserved, repetitive in nature, quickly evolving and protein-binding competent. Among primates, the major class of centromeric DNA is the pancentromeric α-satellite, made of arrays of 171 bp monomers, repeated in a head-to-tail pattern. α-satellite sequences can either form tandem heterogeneous monomeric arrays or assemble in higher-order repeats (HORs). Gorilla centromere DNA has barely been characterized and data are mainly based on hybridizations of human alphoid sequences. We isolated and finely characterized gorilla α-satellite sequences and revealed relevant structure and chromosomal distribution similarities with other great apes as well as gorilla-specific features, such as the uniquely octameric structure of the suprachromosomal family-2 (SF2). We demonstrated for the first time the orthologous localization of alphoid suprachromosomal families-1 and −2 (SF1 and SF2) between human and gorilla in contrast to chimpanzee centromeres. Finally, the discovery of a new 189 bp monomer type in gorilla centromeres unravels clues to the role of the centromere protein B, paving the way to solve the significance of the centromere DNA’s essential repetitive nature in association with its function and the peculiar evolution of the α-satellite sequence.
A psittacosaurid-like basal neoceratopsian from the Upper Cretaceous of central China and its implications for basal ceratopsian evolution
Authors: Zheng Wenjie , Jin Xingsheng , Xu Xing
Published: September 2015

Psittacosauridae (parrot-beaked dinosaurs) represents the first major radiation of ceratopsians (horned dinosaurs). However, psittacosaurids are divergent from the general morphology found in other ceratopsians and this has resulted in their uncertain systematic position among ceratopsians. Here we describe a new basal neoceratopsian dinosaur, Mosaiceratops azumai gen. et sp. nov. based on a partial semi-articulated skeleton recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Xiaguan Formation of Neixiang County, Henan Province, China. Although our phylogenetic analysis supports this taxon as the most basal neoceratopsian, Mosaiceratops exhibits many features previously considered unique to the Psittacosauridae among the basal Ceratopsia. These include a relatively highly positioned external naris, a proportionally large premaxilla, the nasal extending ventral to the external naris, slender postorbital and temporal bars, a large notch between the basal tubera and the edentulous premaxilla. Thus, the discovery of Mosaiceratops reduces the morphological disparity between the Psittacosauridae and other basal ceratopsians. Character optimization suggests that basal neoceratopsians have re-evolved premaxillary teeth; a major reversal previously unknown in any dinosaur clade. The new specimen also highlights the mosaic nature of evolution among early ceratopsians and supports the phylogenetic hypothesis that the Psittacosauridae is a relatively derived clade, rather than the most basal group of the Ceratopsia.
Marble Algorithm: a solution to estimating ecological niches from presence-only records
Authors: Qiao Huijie , Lin Congtian , Jiang Zhigang , Ji Liqiang
Published: September 2015

We describe an algorithm that helps to predict potential distributional areas for species using presence-only records. The Marble Algorithm is a density-based clustering program based on Hutchinson’s concept of ecological niches as multidimensional hypervolumes in environmental space. The algorithm characterizes this niche space using the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. When MA is provided with a set of occurrence points in environmental space, the algorithm determines two parameters that allow the points to be grouped into several clusters. These clusters are used as reference sets describing the ecological niche, which can then be mapped onto geographic space and used as the potential distribution of the species. We used both virtual species and ten empirical datasets to compare MA with other distribution-modeling tools, including Bioclimate Analysis and Prediction System, Environmental Niche Factor Analysis, the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production, Maximum Entropy Modeling, Artificial Neural Networks, Climate Space Models, Classification Tree Analysis, Generalised Additive Models, Generalised Boosted Models, Generalised Linear Models, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines and Random Forests. Results indicate that MA predicts potential distributional areas with high accuracy, moderate robustness and above-average transferability on all datasets, particularly when dealing with small numbers of occurrences.
Earliest evidence of pollution by heavy metals in archaeological sites
Authors: Monge Guadalupe , Jimenez-Espejo Francisco J. , García-Alix Antonio , Martínez-Ruiz Francisca , Mattielli Nadine , Finlayson Clive , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Sánchez Miguel Cortés , de Castro Jose María Bermúdez , Blasco Ruth , Rosell Jordi , Carrión José , Rodríguez-Vidal Joaquín , Finlayson Geraldine
Published: September 2015

Homospecies were exposed to a new biogeochemical environment when they began to occupy caves. Here we report the first evidence of palaeopollution through geochemical analyses of heavy metals in four renowned archaeological caves of the Iberian Peninsula spanning the last million years of human evolution. Heavy metal contents reached high values due to natural (guano deposition) and anthropogenic factors (e.g. combustion) in restricted cave environments. The earliest anthropogenic pollution evidence is related to Neanderthal hearths from Gorham's Cave (Gibraltar), being one of the first milestones in the so-called “Anthropocene”. According to its heavy metal concentration, these sediments meet the present-day standards of “contaminated soil”. Together with the former, the Gibraltar Vanguard Cave, shows Zn and Cu pollution ubiquitous across highly anthropic levels pointing to these elements as potential proxies for human activities. Pb concentrations in Magdalenian and Bronze age levels at El Pirulejo site can be similarly interpreted. Despite these high pollution levels, the contaminated soils might not have posed a major threat toHomopopulations. Altogether, the data presented here indicate a long-term exposure ofHomoto these elements, via fires, fumes and their ashes, which could have played certain role in environmental-pollution tolerance, a hitherto neglected influence.
Long term prevention of disturbance induces the collapse of a dominant species without altering ecosystem function
Authors: Yu Qiang , Wu Honghui , Wang Zhengwen , Flynn Dan F. B. , Yang Hao , Lü Fumei , Smith Melinda , Han Xingguo
Published: September 2015

Limitation of disturbances, such as grazing and fire, is a key tool for nature reserve management and ecological restoration. While the role of these disturbances in shaping ecosystem structure and functioning has been intensively studied, less is known about the consequences of long-term prevention of grazing and fire. Based on a 31-year study, we show that relative biomass of the dominant grass, Leymus chinensis, of grasslands in northern China declined dramatically, but only after 21 years of exclusion of fire and grazing. However, aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) did not decline accordingly due to compensatory responses of several subdominant grass species. The decline in dominance of L. chinensis was not related to gradually changing climate during the same period, whereas experimentally imposed litter removal (simulating fire), mowing (simulating grazing), fire and moderate grazing enhanced dominance of L. chinensis significantly. Thus, our findings show that disturbances can be critical to maintain the dominance of key grass species in semiarid grassland, but that the collapse of a dominant species does not necessarily result in significant change in ANPP if there are species in the community capable of compensating for loss of a dominant.
A reliable and sensitive LCMS-IT-TOF method coupled with accelerated solvent extraction for the identification and quantitation of six typical heterocyclic aromatic amines in cooked meat products
Authors: Ouyang Yun-fu , Li Hai-bo , Tang Hong-bing , Jin Yi , Li Gui-ying
Published: September 2015

A liquid chromatography-ion trap-time of flight tandem mass spectrometric assay coupled with accelerated solvent extraction was developed to identify and quantify six heterocyclic aromatic amines.
Nanogold based lateral flow assay for the detection of Salmonella typhi in environmental water samples
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Sharma Shivesh , Nara Seema
Published: September 2015

Background: Salmonella infection is one of the leading causes of water and food borne diseases and is the cause of approximately 3.5–18 million deaths per year worldwide.
Diversity-oriented heterocyclic synthesis using divergent reactivity of N-substituted iso(thio)cyanates
Authors: Vincent-Rocan Jean-François , Derasp Joshua S. , Beauchemin André M.
Published: September 2015

Reactions involving N-substituted isocyanates and isothiocyanates are compared: divergent reactivity is observed in cascade reactions.
Nanofibrous microspheres via emulsion gelation and carbonization
Authors: Liu Xia , Ahmed Adham , Wang Zhenxin , Zhang Haifei
Published: September 2015

Nanofibrous hydrogel microspheres are formed by pH gelation in emulsion droplets, which can then be freeze-dried and carbonized to produce nanofibrous carbon microspheres, showing high performance as electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Imidazole tailored deep eutectic solvents for CO2 capture enhanced by hydrogen bonds
Authors: Cao Lingdi , Huang Junhua , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang , Gao Jubao , Zeng Shaojuan
Published: September 2015

Hydrogen bonds enhance the CO2 uptake in novel imidazolium tailored deep eutectic solvents.
Exploring the nature of the liquid–liquid transition in silicon: a non-activated transformation
Authors: Lü Y. J. , Zhang X. X. , Chen M. , Jiang Jian-Zhong
Published: September 2015

The dynamics of the HDL–LDL transformation in silicon shows that this process is actually a continuous transition.
MoS2 decoration by Mo-atoms and the MoS2–Mo–graphene heterostructure: a theoretical study
Authors: Kvashnin D. G. , Sorokin P. B. , Seifert G. , Chernozatonskii L. A.
Published: September 2015

Here we propose a completely new covalent heterostructure based on graphene and self-decorated MoS2 monolayers.
Serpentine diffusion trajectories and the Ouzo effect in partially miscible ternary liquid mixtures
Authors: Krishna Rajamani
Published: September 2015

Equilibration trajectories when two homogeneous mixtures of different compositions brought into contact with each other often follow curvilinear paths that may penetrate into meta-stable regions.
Quantitative evaluation of positive ϕ angle propensity in flexible regions of proteins from three-bond J couplings
Authors: Lee Jung Ho , Ying Jinfa , Bax Ad
Published: September 2015

3JC′Hαcouplings in disordered proteins allow quantitative evaluation of the fraction of time each residue adopts a positiveϕbackbone angle.
Energetic and topological determinants of a phosphorylation-induced disorder-to-order protein conformational switch
Authors: Gopi Soundhararajan , Rajasekaran Nandakumar , Singh Animesh , Ranu Sayan , Naganathan Athi N.
Published: September 2015

Using a structure-based statistical mechanical model we dissect the folding-function landscape of 4E-BP2, a protein that undergoes a dramatic conformational change upon a post-translational modification.
Detection of correlated conformational fluctuations in intrinsically disordered proteins through paramagnetic relaxation interference
Authors: Kurzbach D. , Vanas A. , Flamm A. G. , Tarnoczi N. , Kontaxis G. , Maltar-Strmečki N. , Widder K. , Hinderberger D. , Konrat R.
Published: September 2015

NMR-based paramagnetic relaxation interference (PRI) allows for direct observation of concerted motions and cooperatively folded sub-states in IDPs, via cross correlated relaxation.
The atomic and electronic structure of nitrogen- and boron-doped phosphorene
Authors: Boukhvalov Danil W.
Published: September 2015

First principles modeling of nitrogen- and boron-doped phosphorene demonstrates the tendency toward the formation of highly ordered anisotropic structures.
In vivo delivery, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Arami Hamed , Khandhar Amit , Liggitt Denny , Krishnan Kannan M.
Published: September 2015

This review discusses the physiochemical parameters, hindering translation of iron oxide nanoparticles to clinics, using most recentin vivobiodistribution, clearance and toxicity studies.
The graphitic carbon strengthened synergetic effect between Pt and FeNi in CO preferential oxidation in excess hydrogen at low temperature
Authors: Chen Limin , Bao Yunfeng , Sun Yuhai , Ma Ding , Ye Daiqi , Huang Bichun
Published: September 2015

The extremely good catalytic performance of a PtFeNi/CNTs catalyst at low temperature with relatively low Pt loading is due to the graphitic carbon strengthened synergetic effect between Pt and FeNi.
In situ-created Mn(iii) complexes active for liquid-phase oxidation of alkylaromatics to aromatic ketones with molecular oxygen
Authors: Kuwahara Yasutaka , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: September 2015

Mn(OH)x supported on oxides in situ transforms into a monomeric Mn(iii) species coordinated with the PhCOO− ligand, which efficiently oxidizes alkylaromatics with O2.
Stepwise assembly of mixed-metal coordination cages containing both kinetically inert and kinetically labile metal ions: introduction of metal-centred redox and photophysical activity at specific sites
Authors: Wragg Ashley B. , Metherell Alexander J. , Cullen William , Ward Michael D.
Published: September 2015

Heterometallic coordination cages containing Ru or Os at half of the sites, and Co or Cd at the other half, have been prepared in a stepwise manner.
Reduction of Eu3+ due to a change of the topological structure of the BO3 unit in borate glass
Authors: Zhang Su , Pang Ran , Li Da , Fu Jipeng , Jia Yonglei , Li Haifeng , Sun Wenzhi , Jiang Lihong , Li Chengyu
Published: September 2015

A reduction of Eu3+ into Eu2+ is observed in a borate glass matrix prepared under air conditions without any reductant. The remarkable reduction process is due to the changing of the topological structure of the BO3 triangle.
Suzuki–Miyaura C–C coupling reactions catalysed by a homogeneous and nanosilica supported palladium(ii) N-heterocyclic carbene complex derived from 3,5-di(1-imidazolyl)pyridine
Authors: Pahlevanneshan Zari , Moghadam Majid , Mirkhani Valiollah , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj , Rezaei Saghar
Published: September 2015

Suzuki–Miyaura C–C coupling reactions catalysed by a new palladium(ii) NHC complex under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions have been reported.
Importance of topology for glycocluster binding to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia ambifaria bacterial lectins
Authors: Ligeour Caroline , Dupin Lucie , Angeli Anthony , Vergoten Gérard , Vidal Sébastien , Meyer Albert , Souteyrand Eliane , Vasseur Jean-Jacques , Chevolot Yann , Morvan François
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia ambifaria are two opportunistic bacteria and major infectious agents involved in infection of cystic fibrosis patients.
An efficient transformation of furano-hydroxychalcones to furanoflavones via base mediated intramolecular tandem O-arylation and C–O bond cleavage: a new approach for the synthesis of furanoflavones
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: September 2015

An efficient transformation of furano-hydroxychalcones to furanoflavonesviaan intramolecular tandemO-arylation followed by C–O bond cleavage is described.
Halogenated quinolines discovered through reductive amination with potent eradication activities against MRSA, MRSE and VRE biofilms
Authors: Basak Akash , Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Huigens III Robert W.
Published: September 2015

We report the discovery of potent biofilm-eradicating agents identified through a reductive amination reaction on the halogenated quinoline (HQ) scaffold.
Shape-controlled synthesis of MnCO3nanostructures and their applications in supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Ning , Ma Jianmin , Li Qian , Li Jia , Ng Dickon H. L.
Published: September 2015

A one step co-precipitation method has been developed for synthesizing shape-controlled monodispersed MnCO3nanostructures for supercapacitor application.
High performance (1 − x)LiMnPO4·xLi3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode materials prepared by a sol–gel method
Authors: Li Shanshan , Su Zhi , Wang Xinyu
Published: September 2015

A series of (1 − x)LiMnPO4·xLi3V2(PO4)3/C (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1) composite nanoparticles are synthesized as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries by the sol–gel method, using N,N-dimethyl formamide as a dispersing agent.
A novel high performance bismaleimide/diallyl bisphenol A (BMI/DBA)–epoxy interpenetrating network resin for rigid riser application
Authors: Jena R. K. , Yue C. Y. , Sk M. M. , Ghosh K.
Published: September 2015

A new class of interpenetrating network (IPN) resin system was developed by mixing tetrafunctional epoxy resin (TGDDM) with diallyl bisphenol A (DBA) modified bismaleimide (BMI) for rigid riser applications at high temperatures of more than 280 °C.
Hydrophobic and flexible cellulose aerogel as an efficient, green and reusable oil sorbent
Authors: Lin Runjun , Li Ang , Zheng Tingting , Lu Lingbin , Cao Yang
Published: September 2015

We have developed a low-cost, highly absorbent but degradable, green cellulose aerogel. Furthermore, hydrophobic modification was performed efficiently using cold plasma technology.
Imidazolium-supported benzotriazole: an efficient and recoverable activating reagent for amide, ester and thioester bond formation in water
Authors: Shakoor S. M. Abdul , Choudhary Sunita , Bajaj Kiran , Muthyala Manoj Kumar , Kumar Anil , Sakhuja Rajeev
Published: September 2015

An efficient and recyclable imidazolium-supported benzotriazole reagent (Im-CH2-BtH) as a novel synthetic auxiliary has been synthesized and explored for its carboxyl group activating capability for the synthesis of amides, esters and thioesters in water.
Molecular structure of self-healing polyampholyte hydrogels analyzed from tensile behaviors
Authors: Sun Tao Lin , Luo Feng , Kurokawa Takayuki , Karobi Sadia Nazneen , Nakajima Tasuku , Gong Jian Ping
Published: September 2015

We established a method to reveal the molecular structure of self-healing, viscoelastic gels from their tensile behaviors.
Directed self assembly of block copolymers using chemical patterns with sidewall guiding lines, backfilled with random copolymer brushes
Authors: Pandav Gunja , Durand William J. , Ellison Christopher J. , Willson C. Grant , Ganesan Venkat
Published: September 2015

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers on chemical patterns with sidewall guiding lines is examined as a function of backfill brush properties, block copolymer film thickness, pattern size, and sidewall interaction strength.
Mechanism for the stabilization of protein clusters above the solubility curve
Authors: Lutsko James F. , Nicolis Grégoire
Published: September 2015

The initial (broken lines) and final (full lines) stable structure of a dense protein-dimer droplet: the black curves show the density of the dimer droplet as a function of distance from the droplet center and the red curves are for the monomer species.
Reaction kinetics of the electrochemical oxidation of CO and syngas fuels on a Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δperovskite anode
Authors: Ammal Salai Cheettu , Heyden Andreas
Published: September 2015

Concurrent simulation of chemical and electro-chemical processes on Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δpredicted a higher activity for CO/syngas fuels for a surface with higher Mo content.
Taking steps forward in understanding the electrochemical behavior of Na2Ti3O7
Authors: Nava-Avendaño J. , Morales-García A. , Ponrouch A. , Rousse G. , Frontera C. , Senguttuvan P. , Tarascon J.-M. , Dompablo M. E. Arroyo-de , Palacín M. R.
Published: September 2015

A combination of experiments and calculations allows grasping more information on the capacity fading upon cycling of the Na2Ti3O7 electrode material in Na batteries.
A high-capacity Li[Ni0.8Co0.06Mn0.14]O2positive electrode with a dual concentration gradient for next-generation lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Park Kang-Joon , Lim Byung-Beom , Choi Moon-Ho , Jung Hun-Gi , Sun Yang-Kook , Haro Marta , Vicente Nuria , Bisquert Juan , Garcia-Belmonte Germà
Published: September 2015

The high stability of the outer surface composition in dual concentration gradient Li[Ni0.64Co0.06Mn0.30]O2is responsible for reduced resistances by decreasing the electrolyte reaction.
A novel quasi-cubic CuFe2O4–Fe2O3 catalyst prepared at low temperature for enhanced oxidation of bisphenol A via peroxymonosulfate activation
Authors: Oh Wen-Da , Dong Zhili , Hu Zhong-Ting , Lim Teik-Thye
Published: September 2015

A facile eco-friendly co-precipitation synthesis at low temperature was employed to fabricate CuFe2O4–Fe2O3 for the oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA) via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation.
Dynamic crossover in deeply cooled water confined in MCM-41 at 4 kbar and its relation to the liquid-liquid transition hypothesis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Le Peisi , Ito Kanae , Leão Juscelino B. , Tyagi Madhusudan , Chen Sow-Hsin
Published: September 2015

With quasi-elastic neutron scattering, we study the single-particle dynamics of the water confined in a hydrophilic silica material, MCM-41, at 4 kbar. A dynamic crossover phenomenon is observed at 219 K. We compare this dynamic crossover with the one observed at ambient pressure and find that (a) above the crossover temperature, the temperature dependence of the characteristic relaxation time at ambient pressure exhibits a more evident super-Arrhenius behavior than that at 4 kbar. Especially, at temperatures below about 230 K, the relaxation time at 4 kbar is even smaller than that at ambient pressure. This feature is different from many other liquids. (b) Below the crossover temperature, the Arrhenius behavior found at ambient pressure has a larger activation energy compared to the one found at 4 kbar. We ascribe the former to the difference between the local structure of the low-density liquid (LDL) phase and that of the high-density liquid (HDL) phase, and the latter to the difference between the strength of the hydrogen bond of the LDL and that of the HDL. Therefore, we conclude that the phenomena observed in this paper are consistent with the LDL-to-HDL liquid-liquid transition hypothesis.
Device engineering of perovskite solar cells to achieve near ideal efficiency
Authors: Agarwal Sumanshu , Nair Pradeep R.
Published: September 2015

Despite the exciting recent research on perovskite based solar cells, the design space for further optimization and the practical limits of efficiency are not well known in the community. In this letter, we address these aspects through theoretical calculations and detailed numerical simulations. Here, we first provide the detailed balance limit efficiency in the presence of radiative and Auger recombination. Then, using coupled optical and carrier transport simulations, we identify the physical mechanisms that contribute towards bias dependent carrier collection, and hence low fill factors of current perovskite based solar cells. Our detailed simulations indicate that it is indeed possible to achieve efficiencies and fill factors greater than 25% and 85%, respectively, with near ideal super-position characteristics even in the presence of Auger recombination.
Explicit analytical modeling of the low frequency a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction capacitance: Analysis and application to silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Maslova O. , Brézard-Oudot A. , Gueunier-Farret M.-E. , Alvarez J. , Kleider J.-P.
Published: September 2015

We develop a fully analytical model in order to describe the temperature dependence of the low frequency capacitance of heterojunctions between hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and crystalline silicon (c-Si). We demonstrate that the slope of the capacitance-temperature (C-T) curve is strongly enhanced if the c-Si surface is under strong inversion conditions compared to the usually assumed depletion layer capacitance. We have extended our analytical model to integrate a very thin undoped (i) a-Si:H layer at the interface and the finite thickness of the doped a-Si:H layer that are used in high efficiency solar cells for the passivation of interface defects and to limit short circuit current losses. Finally, using our calculations, we analyze experimental data on high efficiency silicon heterojunction solar cells. The transition from the strong inversion limited behavior to the depletion layer behavior is discussed in terms of band offsets, density of states in a-Si:H, and work function of the indium tin oxide (ITO) front electrode. In particular, it is evidenced that strong inversion conditions prevail at the c-Si surface at high temperatures down to 250 K, which can only be reproduced if the ITO work function is larger than 4.7 eV.
Interacting He and Ar atoms: Revised theoretical interaction potential, dipole moment, and collision-induced absorption spectra
Authors: Meyer Wilfried , Frommhold Lothar
Published: September 2015

Coupled cluster quantum chemical calculations of the potential energy surface and the induced dipole surface are reported for the He–Ar van der Waals collisional complex. Spectroscopic parameters are derived from global analytical fits while an accurate value for the long-range dipole coefficient D7 is obtained by perturbation methods. Collision-induced absorption spectra are computed quantum mechanically and compared with existing measurements.
In-situ measurement of oxygen concentration under high pressure and the application to oxygen permeation through polymer films
Authors: Sterr Julia , Rötzer Katharina , Weck Kathrin , Wirth Andreas Leonhard Karl , Fleckenstein Benedikt Stefan , Langowski Horst-Christian
Published: September 2015

Up until now, gas permeation through polymers under high pressure has not been able to be measured continuously. The combination of a special high pressure cell and a commercially available fluorescence-based oxygen measurement system allows in-situ monitoring of oxygen permeation through a polymer sample under pressure in an aqueous environment. The principle of the oxygen sensor is based on dynamic fluorescence quenching and measurement of the fluorescence decay time. It was observed that the decay time increases non-linearly with the applied pressure, and hence, the displayed oxygen concentration has to be corrected. This deviation between the measured and the real concentration depends not only on the pressure but also on the absolute oxygen concentration in the water. To obtain a calibration curve, tests were performed in the pressure range between 1 and 2000 bars and initial oxygen concentrations in the range between 40 and 280 μmol/l. The polynomial calibration curve was of the fourth order, describing the raw data with a coefficient of determination R2 > 0.99. The effective oxygen permeation through polymeric samples can be calculated with this function. A pressure hysteresis test was undertaken but no hysteresis was found. No temperature dependence of the oxygen sensor signal was observed in the range between 20 °C and 30 °C. This study presents for the first time data showing the oxygen permeation rates through a polyethylene film in the pressure range between 1 and 2000 bars at 23 °C.
Suppressed thermal conductivity of ultrathin carbon nanotube(2, 1) upon hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhu Liyan , Chen Guibin
Published: September 2015

Non-equilibrium molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the thermal conductivity of ultrathin carbon nanotube (CNT)(2, 1) is significantly suppressed upon hydrogenation. The addition of hydrogen atoms to two-coordinated carbon atoms lowers the participation ratios of phonon modes, thus indicating that the spatial distribution of phonons becomes localized. Furthermore, the phonon lifetimes are remarkably shortened in hydrogenated CNT(2, 1) (HCNT(2, 1)) compared with those of bare CNT(2, 1). The lowered participation ratios and lifetimes of phonon modes are responsible for the significant reduction of thermal conductivity in HCNT(2, 1). Our study is also helpful for understanding the weakened thermal transport abilities in carbon polymers, namely, the cross links formed between individual polymer chains will hinder the thermal conduction along polymers, even though the single straight carbon polymer has a high and divergent thermal conductivity.
Generation of concatenated long high-density plasma channels in air by a single femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Papeer J. , Bruch R. , Dekel E. , Pollak O. , Botton M. , Henis Z. , Zigler A.
Published: September 2015

We experimentally demonstrate a stable and reproducible generation of long concatenated high-density plasma channels in air by a single femtosecond laser pulse. Each segment of the plasma channel is created by a plasma filament left in the wake of the same single high power laser pulse. Our method enables a control of a few millimeters over the position of each segment as well as exact temporal synchronization between them. The combined plasma channel can extend up to several meters long. The plasma density along the entire concatenated plasma channels is measured to be above 1015 cm−3. The demonstrated approach can be further extrapolated to a higher number of filament segments, thus to much longer high-density plasma channels.
Communication: A new class of non-empirical explicit density functionals on the third rung of Jacob’s ladder
Authors: de Silva Piotr , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: September 2015

We construct an orbital-free non-empirical meta-generalized gradient approximation (GGA) functional, which depends explicitly on density through the density overlap regions indicator [P. de Silva and C. Corminboeuf, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 10, 3745 (2014)]. The functional does not depend on either the kinetic energy density or the density Laplacian; therefore, it opens a new class of meta-GGA functionals. By construction, our meta-GGA yields exact exchange and correlation energy for the hydrogen atom and recovers the second order gradient expansion for exchange in the slowly varying limit. We show that for molecular systems, overall performance is better than non-empirical GGAs. For atomization energies, performance is on par with revTPSS, without any dependence on Kohn-Sham orbitals.
Characterization of Resistance to the Cereal Cyst Nematode in the Soft White Winter Wheat ‘Madsen’
Authors: Wu Longfei , Cui Lei , Li Honglian , Sun Lei , Gao Xiu , Qiu Dan , Sun Yanling , Wang Xiaoming , Murray T. D. , Li Hongjie
Published: September 2015

The cereal cyst nematode (CCN) has a significant negative impact on production of wheat in China. The presence of pathotypes of both Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi makes it necessary to identify genetic resources with a wide spectrum of resistance. Results of this study confirmed that the soft white winter wheat ‘Madsen’ was resistant to many different populations of both H. filipjevi and H. avenae in both naturally infested fields and artificial inoculation tests in China. Fewer juvenile nematodes penetrated roots of Madsen than susceptible ‘Wenmai 19’ in the early stages of the interaction between the nematodes and plant. Testing wheat cultivars in the pedigree of Madsen demonstrated that the CCN resistance of Madsen was inherited from ‘VPM1’ via the line ‘VPM1/Moisson 951’. Presence of a 2NS chromosome segment from Aegilops ventricosa was detected in Madsen using a Vrga1D-specific marker. However, it appears that gene Pm4b for resistance to powdery mildew (caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) was not transferred from VPM1 into Madsen because these cultivars had different reaction patterns against 20 B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolates from China. Madsen serves as an effective source of host resistance from damage caused by CCN.
Components of a Rice-Oilseed Rape Production System Augmented with Trichoderma sp. Tri-1 Control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Oilseed Rape
Authors: Hu Xiaojia , Roberts Daniel P. , Xie Lihua , Maul Jude E. , Yu Changbing , Li Yinshui , Zhang Yinbo , Qin Lu , Liao Xing
Published: September 2015

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes serious yield losses on many crops throughout the world. A multicomponent treatment that consisted of the residual rice straw remaining after rice harvest and Trichoderma sp. Tri-1 (Tri-1) formulated with the oilseed rape seedcake fertilizer was used in field soil infested with S. sclerotiorum. This treatment resulted in oilseed rape seed yield that was significantly greater than the nontreated control or when the fungicide carbendizem was used in the presence of this pathogen in field trials. Yield data suggested that the rice straw, oilseed rape seedcake, and Tri-1 components of this treatment all contributed incrementally. Similar treatment results were obtained regarding reduction in disease incidence. Slight improvements in yield and disease incidence were detected when this multicomponent treatment was combined with a fungicide spray. Inhibition of sclerotial germination by this multicomponent treatment trended greater than the nontreated control at 90, 120, and 150 days in field studies but was not significantly different from this control. This multicomponent treatment resulted in increased yield relative to the nontreated control in the absence of pathogen in a greenhouse pot study, while the straw alone and the straw plus oilseed rape seedcake treatments did not; suggesting that Tri-1 was capable of promoting growth. Experiments reported here indicate that a treatment containing components of a rice-oilseed rape production system augmented with Tri-1 can control S. sclerotiorum on oilseed rape, be used in integrated strategies containing fungicide sprays for control of this pathogen, and promote plant growth.
The panacea of culture: the changing fortunes and careers of China’sDongbapriests
Authors: Xie Zheng , Altman Yochanan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– On the background of China’s turn to a market economy and a consumer-driven society, the purpose of this paper is to recount the fortunes of the age-old religion of the Naxi people and their farmer-priests, thedongba.

Design/methodology/approach

– Detailed ethnography, including participant observation, the collection of life histories and interviews.

Findings

– The might of the tourist industry dominates the changes in the profession of thedongbapriests, from a faith-based practice to a tourist-driven service; aided by a confluence of interests of relevant stakeholders: the Chinese state, the provincial governments, the Naxi elite. At the core is the transformation, in Chinese terms, from a superstitious religion to culture heritage.

Research limitations/implications

– Like all case studies and common to ethnographic-based research, the small scale of the research poses questions of generalizability.

Practical implications

– Shedding light on a little known aspect of the world’s largest economy is of high relevance to business and management scholars.

Social implications

– The transformation of thedongbademonstrates how major societal changes that happen within a couple of decades affect a society and its economy and a central career track within it.

Originality/value

– The case study testifies to the encounter of a major modern industry: tourism, with an archaic religion in a remote corner of China, and the transformation of the latter as result.