bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White-nose syndrome without borders: Pseudogymnoascus destructans infection tolerated in Europe and Palearctic Asia but not in North America
Authors: Zukal Jan , Bandouchova Hana , Brichta Jiri , Cmokova Adela , Jaron Kamil S. , Kolarik Miroslav , Kovacova Veronika , Kubátová Alena , Nováková Alena , Orlov Oleg , Pikula Jiri , Presetnik Primož , Šuba Jurģis , Zahradníková Alexandra , Martínková Natália
Published: January 2016

A striking feature of white-nose syndrome, a fungal infection of hibernating bats, is the difference in infection outcome between North America and Europe. Here we show high WNS prevalence both in Europe and on the West Siberian Plain in Asia. Palearctic bat communities tolerate similar fungal loads of Pseudogymnoascus destructans infection as their Nearctic counterparts and histopathology indicates equal focal skin tissue invasiveness pathognomonic for WNS lesions. Fungal load positively correlates with disease intensity and it reaches highest values at intermediate latitudes. Prevalence and fungal load dynamics in Palearctic bats remained persistent and high between 2012 and 2014. Dominant haplotypes of five genes are widespread in North America, Europe and Asia, expanding the source region of white-nose syndrome to non-European hibernacula. Our data provides evidence for both endemicity and tolerance to this persistent virulent fungus in the Palearctic, suggesting that host-pathogen interaction equilibrium has been established.
Crim1 has cell-autonomous and paracrine roles during embryonic heart development
Authors: Iyer Swati , Chou Fang Yu , Wang Richard , Chiu Han Sheng , Raju Vinay K. Sundar , Little Melissa H. , Thomas Walter G. , Piper Michael , Pennisi David J.
Published: January 2016

The epicardium has a critical role during embryonic development, contributing epicardium-derived lineages to the heart, as well as providing regulatory and trophic signals necessary for myocardial development. Crim1 is a unique trans-membrane protein expressed by epicardial and epicardially-derived cells but its role in cardiogenesis is unknown. Using knockout mouse models, we observe that loss of Crim1 leads to congenital heart defects including epicardial defects and hypoplastic ventricular compact myocardium. Epicardium-restricted deletion of Crim1 results in increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion of the myocardium in vivo, and an increased migration of primary epicardial cells. Furthermore, Crim1 appears to be necessary for the proliferation of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) and for their subsequent differentiation into cardiac fibroblasts. It is also required for normal levels of cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis, consistent with a role in regulating epicardium-derived trophic factors that act on the myocardium. Mechanistically, Crim1 may also modulate key developmentally expressed growth factors such as TGFβs, as changes in the downstream effectors phospho-SMAD2 and phospho-ERK1/2 are observed in the absence of Crim1. Collectively, our data demonstrates that Crim1 is essential for cell-autonomous and paracrine aspects of heart development.
Weyl Mott Insulator
Authors: Morimoto Takahiro , Nagaosa Naoto
Published: January 2016

Relativistic Weyl fermion (WF) often appears in the band structure of three dimensional magnetic materials and acts as a source or sink of the Berry curvature, i.e., the (anti-)monopole. It has been believed that the WFs are stable due to their topological indices except when two Weyl fermions of opposite chiralities annihilate pairwise. Here, we theoretically show for a model including the electron-electron interaction that the Mott gap opens for each WF without violating the topological stability, leading to a topological Mott insulator dubbed Weyl Mott insulator (WMI). This WMI is characterized by several novel features such as (i) energy gaps in the angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES) and the optical conductivity, (ii) the nonvanishing Hall conductance and (iii) the Fermi arc on the surface with the penetration depth diverging as approaching to the momentum at which the Weyl point is projected. Experimental detection of the WMI by distinguishing from conventional Mott insulators is discussed with possible relevance to pyrochlore iridates.
One-dimensional Growth of Zinc Crystals on a Liquid Surface
Authors: Lu Chenxi , Cheng Yi , Pan Qifa , Tao Xiangming , Yang Bo , Ye Gaoxiang
Published: January 2016

The catalyst-free growth of nanocrystals on various substrates at room temperature has been a long-standing goal in the development of material science. We report the growth of one-dimensional zinc nanocrystals on silicone oil surfaces by thermal evaporation method at room temperature (20 ± 2 °C). Uniform zinc nanorods with tunable size can be obtained. The typical length and width of the nanorods are 250–500 nm and 20–40 nm, respectively. The growth mechanism can be attributed to the effect of the liquid substrate and the preferential growth direction of the crystals. This result provides a novel and simple way to fabricate the precursors (zinc crystals) for preparation of Zn-based semiconductors and other metallic crystals on liquid substrates.
A profile of volatile organic compounds in exhaled air as a potential non-invasive biomarker for liver cirrhosis
Authors: Pijls Kirsten E. , Smolinska Agnieszka , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E. , Dallinga Jan W. , Masclee Ad A. M. , Koek Ger H. , van Schooten Frederik-Jan
Published: January 2016

Early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis may prevent progression and development of complications. Liver biopsy is the current standard, but is invasive and associated with morbidity. We aimed to identify exhaled volatiles within a heterogeneous group of chronic liver disease (CLD) patients that discriminates those with compensated cirrhosis (CIR) from those without cirrhosis and compare this with serological markers. Breath samples were collected from 87 CLD and 34 CIR patients. Volatiles in exhaled air were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Discriminant Analysis was performed to identify the optimal panel of serological markers and VOCs for classifying our patients using a random training set of 27 CIR and 27 CLD patients. Two randomly selected independent internal validation sets and permutation test were used to validate the model. 5 serological markers were found to distinguish CIR and CLD patients with a sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.84. A set of 11 volatiles discriminated CIR from CLD patients with sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.87. Combining both did not further improve accuracy. A specific exhaled volatile profile can predict the presence of compensated cirrhosis among CLD patients with a higher accuracy than serological markers and can aid in reducing liver biopsies.
Optimizing the Intralayer and Interlayer Compatibility for High-Efficiency Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Diodes
Authors: Duan Chunbo , Fan Chaochao , Wei Ying , Han Fuquan , Huang Wei , Xu Hui
Published: January 2016

A series of phosphine oxide hosts, 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphoryl) dibenzothiophene (DBTDPO) and 4- diphenylphosphoryldibenzothiophene (DBTSPO) and electron transporting materials (ETM), 2-(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzothiophene sulfone (2DBSOSPO), 3-(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzothiophene sulfone (3DBSOSPO) and 4-(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzothiophene sulfone (4DBSOSPO) were developed to support blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) devices with high performance through optimizing intralayer and interlayer compatibility of emissive layers. On the basis of the triplet energy of ~3.0 eV for the hosts and ETMs, excitons can be effectively confined on DMAC-DPS. Compared to DBTSPO, DBTDPO can support the excellent distribution uniformity to blue TADF dye bis[4-(9,9-dimethyl–9,10-dihydroacridine) phenyl] sulfone (DMAC-DPS), owing to their configuration similarity; while 3DBSOSPO and 4DBSOSPO are superior in compatibility with the hosts due to the similar molecular polarity or configuration. Through adjusting the molecular configuration, the electrical performance of ETMs can be feasibly tuned, including the excellent electron mobility (μe) by the order of 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1. As the result, DBTDPO and 4DBSOSPO endowed their four-layer blue TADF devices with the maximum current efficiency of 33.5 cd A−1 and the maximum external quantum efficiency more than 17%, which are impressive among the best blue TADF devices. It is showed that intralayer compatibility determines the maximum efficiencies, while interlayer compatibility influences efficiency stability.
E. coli metabolic protein aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase-E binds to the ribosome: a unique moonlighting action revealed
Authors: Shasmal Manidip , Dey Sandip , Shaikh Tanvir R. , Bhakta Sayan , Sengupta Jayati
Published: January 2016

It is becoming increasingly evident that a high degree of regulation is involved in the protein synthesis machinery entailing more interacting regulatory factors. A multitude of proteins have been identified recently which show regulatory function upon binding to the ribosome. Here, we identify tight association of a metabolic protein aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase E (AdhE) with the E. coli 70S ribosome isolated from cell extract under low salt wash conditions. Cryo-EM reconstruction of the ribosome sample allows us to localize its position on the head of the small subunit, near the mRNA entrance. Our study demonstrates substantial RNA unwinding activity of AdhE which can account for the ability of ribosome to translate through downstream of at least certain mRNA helices. Thus far, in E. coli, no ribosome-associated factor has been identified that shows downstream mRNA helicase activity. Additionally, the cryo-EM map reveals interaction of another extracellular protein, outer membrane protein C (OmpC), with the ribosome at the peripheral solvent side of the 50S subunit. Our result also provides important insight into plausible functional role of OmpC upon ribosome binding. Visualization of the ribosome purified directly from the cell lysate unveils for the first time interactions of additional regulatory proteins with the ribosome.
Allosteric Pathways in the PPARγ-RXRα nuclear receptor complex
Authors: Ricci Clarisse G. , Silveira Rodrigo L. , Rivalta Ivan , Batista Victor S. , Skaf Munir S.
Published: January 2016

Understanding the nature of allostery in DNA-nuclear receptor (NR) complexes is of fundamental importance for drug development since NRs regulate the transcription of a myriad of genes in humans and other metazoans. Here, we investigate allostery in the peroxisome proliferator-activated/retinoid X receptor heterodimer. This important NR complex is a target for antidiabetic drugs since it binds to DNA and functions as a transcription factor essential for insulin sensitization and lipid metabolism. We find evidence of interdependent motions of Ω-loops and PPARγ-DNA binding domain with contacts susceptible to conformational changes and mutations, critical for regulating transcriptional functions in response to sequence-dependent DNA dynamics. Statistical network analysis of the correlated motions, observed in molecular dynamics simulations, shows preferential allosteric pathways with convergence centers comprised of polar amino acid residues. These findings are particularly relevant for the design of allosteric modulators of ligand-dependent transcription factors.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Charge Transport in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskites Predicted from First-Principles
Authors: Zhao Tianqi , Shi Wen , Xi Jinyang , Wang Dong , Shuai Zhigang
Published: January 2016

Both intrinsic and extrinsic charge transport properties of methylammonium lead triiodide perovskites are investigated from first-principles. The weak electron-phonon couplings are revealed, with the largest deformation potential (~ 5 eV) comparable to that of single layer graphene. The intrinsic mobility limited by the acoustic phonon scattering is as high as a few thousands cm2 V−1 s−1 with the hole mobility larger than the electron mobility. At the impurity density of 1018 cm−3, the charged impurity scattering starts to dominate and lowers the electron mobility to 101 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the hole mobility to 72.2 cm2 V−1 s−1. The high intrinsic mobility warrants the long and balanced diffusion length of charge carriers. With the control of impurities or defects as well as charge traps in these perovskites, enhanced efficiencies of solar cells with simplified device structures are promised.
A Facile and Low-Cost Method to Enhance the Internal Quantum Yield and External Light-Extraction Efficiency for Flexible Light-Emitting Carbon-Dot Films
Authors: Jiang Z. C. , Lin T. N. , Lin H. T. , Talite M. J. , Tzeng T. T. , Hsu C. L. , Chiu K. P. , Lin C. A. J. , Shen J. L. , Yuan C. T.
Published: January 2016

Solution-processed, non-toxic carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention due to their unique photoluminescence (PL) properties. They are promising emissive layers for flexible light-emitting devices. To this end, the CDs in pristine aqueous solutions need to be transferred to form solid-state thin films without sacrificing their original PL characteristics. Unfortunately, solid-state PL quenching induced by extra non-radiative (NR) energy transfer among CDs would significantly hinder their practical applications in optoelectronics. Here, a facile, low-cost and effective method has been utilized to fabricate high-performance CD/polymer light-emitting flexible films with submicron-structured patterns. The patterned polymers can serve as a solid matrix to disperse and passivate CDs, thus achieving high internal quantum yields of 61%. In addition, they can act as an out-coupler to mitigate the waveguide-mode losses, approximately doubling the external light-extraction efficiency. Such CD/polymer composites also exhibit good photo-stability and thus can be used as eco-friendly, low-cost phosphors for solid-state lighting.
A novel NF-κB/YY1/microRNA-10a regulatory circuit in fibroblast-like synoviocytes regulates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mu Nan , Gu Jintao , Huang Tonglie , Zhang Cun , Shu Zhen , Li Meng , Hao Qiang , Li Weina , Zhang Wangqian , Zhao Jinkang , Zhang Yong , Huang Luyu , Wang Shuning , Jin Xiaohang , Xue Xiaochang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yingqi
Published: January 2016

The main etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is overexpressed inflammatory cytokines and tissue injury mediated by persistent NF-κB activation. MicroRNAs widely participate in the regulation of target gene expression and play important roles in various diseases. Here, we explored the mechanisms of microRNAs in RA. We found that microRNA (miR)-10a was downregulated in the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of RA patients compared with osteoarthritis (OA) controls and this downregulation could be triggered by TNF-α and IL-1β in an NF-κB-dependent manner through promoting the expression of the YingYang 1 (YY1) transcription factor. Downregulated miR-10a could accelerate IκB degradation and NF-κB activation by targeting IRAK4, TAK1 and BTRC. This miR-10a-mediated NF-κB activation then significantly promoted the production of various inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13. In addition, transfection of a miR-10a inhibitor accelerated the proliferation and migration of FLSs. Collectively, our data demonstrates the existence of a novel NF-κB/YY1/miR-10a/NF-κB regulatory circuit that promotes the excessive secretion of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cytokines and the proliferation and migration of RA FLSs. Thus, miR-10a acts as a switch to control this regulatory circuit and may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for RA treatment.
Group A Streptococcus exploits human plasminogen for bacterial translocation across epithelial barrier via tricellular tight junctions
Authors: Sumitomo Tomoko , Nakata Masanobu , Higashino Miharu , Yamaguchi Masaya , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: January 2016

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human-specific pathogen responsible for local suppurative and life-threatening invasive systemic diseases. Interaction of GAS with human plasminogen (PLG) is a salient characteristic for promoting their systemic dissemination. In the present study, a serotype M28 strain was found predominantly localized in tricellular tight junctions of epithelial cells cultured in the presence of PLG. Several lines of evidence indicated that interaction of PLG with tricellulin, a major component of tricellular tight junctions, is crucial for bacterial localization. A site-directed mutagenesis approach revealed that lysine residues at positions 217 and 252 within the extracellular loop of tricellulin play important roles in PLG-binding activity. Additionally, we demonstrated that PLG functions as a molecular bridge between tricellulin and streptococcal surface enolase (SEN). The wild type strain efficiently translocated across the epithelial monolayer, accompanied by cleavage of transmembrane junctional proteins. In contrast, amino acid substitutions in the PLG-binding motif of SEN markedly compromised those activities. Notably, the interaction of PLG with SEN was dependent on PLG species specificity, which influenced the efficiency of bacterial penetration. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism by which GAS exploits host PLG for acceleration of bacterial invasion into deeper tissues via tricellular tight junctions.
Analyses of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA profiling using RNA sequencing during the pre-implantation phases in pig endometrium
Authors: Wang Yueying , Xue Songyi , Liu Xiaoran , Liu Huan , Hu Tao , Qiu Xiaotian , Zhang Jinlong , Lei Minggang
Published: January 2016

Establishment of implantation in pig is accompanied by a coordinated interaction between the maternal uterine endometrium and conceptus development. We investigated the expression profiles of endometrial tissue on Days 9, 12 and 15 of pregnancy and on Day 12 of non-pregnancy in Yorkshire and performed a comprehensive analysis of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in endometrial tissue samples by using RNA sequencing. As a result, 2805 novel lncRNAs, 2,376 (301 lncRNA and 2075 mRNA) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2149 novel transcripts were obtained by pairwise comparison. In agreement with previous reports, lncRNAs shared similar characteristics, such as shorter in length, lower in exon number, lower at expression level and less conserved than protein coding transcripts. Bioinformatics analysis showed that DEGs were involved in protein binding, cellular process, immune system process and enriched in focal adhesion, Jak-STAT, FoxO and MAPK signaling pathway. We also found that lncRNAs TCONS_01729386 and TCONS_01325501 may play a vital role in embryo pre-implantation. Furthermore, the expression of FGF7, NMB, COL5A3, S100A8 and PPP1R3D genes were significantly up-regulated at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy (Day 12 of pregnancy). Our results first identified the characterization and expression profile of lncRNAs in pig endometrium during pre-implantation phases.
Six3 regulates optic nerve development via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Samuel Anat , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Azar Tehila T. , Ben-Moshe Livne Zohar , Kim Seok-Hyung , Inbal Adi
Published: January 2016

Malformations of the optic nerve lead to reduced vision or even blindness. During optic nerve development, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons navigate across the retina, exit the eye to the optic stalk (OS) and cross the diencephalon midline at the optic chiasm en route to their brain targets. Many signalling molecules have been implicated in guiding various steps of optic nerve pathfinding, however much less is known about transcription factors regulating this process. Here we show that in zebrafish, reduced function of transcription factor Six3 results in optic nerve hypoplasia and a wide repertoire of RGC axon pathfinding errors. These abnormalities are caused by multiple mechanisms, including abnormal eye and OS patterning and morphogenesis, abnormal expression of signalling molecules both in RGCs and in their environment and anatomical deficiency in the diencephalic preoptic area, where the optic chiasm normally forms. Our findings reveal new roles for Six3 in eye development and are consistent with known phenotypes of reduced SIX3 function in humans. Hence, the new zebrafish model for Six3 loss of function furthers our understanding of the mechanisms governing optic nerve development and Six3-mediated eye and forebrain malformations.
Erratum: Investigation of the fatty acid transporter-encoding genes SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 in autism
Authors: Maekawa Motoko , Iwayama Yoshimi , Ohnishi Tetsuo , Toyoshima Manabu , Shimamoto Chie , Hisano Yasuko , Toyota Tomoko , Balan Shabeesh , Matsuzaki Hideo , Iwata Yasuhide , Takagai Shu , Yamada Kohei , Ota Motonori , Fukuchi Satoshi , Okada Yohei , Akamatsu Wado , Tsujii Masatsugu , Kojima Nobuhiko , Owada Yuji , Okano Hideyuki , Mori Norio , Yoshikawa Takeo
Published: January 2016

The solute carrier 27A (SLC27A) gene family encodes fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) and includes 6 members. During fetal and postnatal periods of development, the growing brain requires a reliable supply of fatty acids. Because autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are now recognized as disorders caused by impaired early brain development, it is possible that functional abnormalities of SLC27A genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Here, we confirmed the expression of SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 in human neural stem cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which suggested their involvement in the developmental stage of the central nervous system. Additionally, we resequenced the SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 genes using 267 ASD patient and 1140 control samples and detected 47 (44 novel and 29 nonsynonymous) and 30 (17 novel and 14 nonsynonymous) variants for the SLC27A3 and SLC27A4, respectively, revealing that they are highly polymorphic with multiple rare variants. The SLC27A4 Ser209 allele was more frequently represented in ASD samples. Furthermore, we showed that a SLC27A4 Ser209 mutant resulted in significantly higher fluorescently-labeled fatty acid uptake into bEnd3 cells, a mouse brain capillary-derived endothelial cell line, compared with SLC27A4 Gly209, suggesting that the functional change may contribute to ASD pathophysiology.
Ratiometric fluorescence sensor arrays based on quantum dots for detection of proteins
Authors: Chang Ning , Lu Yuexiang , Mao Jinpeng , Yang Jiaoe , Li Mengnan , Zhang Sichun , Liu Yueying
Published: January 2016

Optical cross-reactive sensor arrays have recently been demonstrated as a powerful tool for high-throughput protein analysis.
Sensitive determination of lead by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry on silver-based coordination complex modified electrodes
Authors: Wang Yangjuan , Peng Yuanping , Chen Yifu , Du Kejing , Li Yijun , He Xiwen
Published: January 2016

A silver-based coordination complex was synthesized from melamine (MA), terephthalic acid (TPA) and silver nitrate for the determination of Pb2+ at the trace level by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV).
Brønsted acid-catalysed conjugate addition of photochemically generated α-amino radicals to alkenylpyridines
Authors: Hepburn Hamish B. , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: January 2016

The conjugate addition of α-amino radicals to alkenylpyridines is accomplished by the synergistic merger of Brønsted acid and photoredox catalysis.
Monte Carlo simulations of the static friction between two grafted polymer brushes
Authors: Mendonça Ana C. F. , Goujon Florent , Malfreyt Patrice , Tildesley Dominic J.
Published: January 2016

A configurational bias Monte Carlo method has been developed to calculate the static friction between two grafted polymer brushes.
Doxorubicin-conjugated CuS nanoparticles for efficient synergistic therapy triggered by near-infrared light
Authors: Bi Huiting , Dai Yunlu , Lv Ruichan , Zhong Chongna , He Fei , Gai Shili , Gulzar Arif , Yang Guixin , Yang Piaoping
Published: January 2016

A CuS–DOX NP drug delivery system was synthesized by conjugating carboxyl-functionalized copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) and DOX through hydrazone bonds. The platform exhibits high in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer efficacy due to the combined chemo- and photothermal therapeutic effect upon 808 nm laser irradiation.
Role(s) of TMA in polymerization
Authors: Ehm C. , Cipullo R. , Budzelaar P. H. M. , Busico V.
Published: January 2016

A new TMA-metallocene binding mode is presented and its role in entropy compensation in insertion chemistry discussed.
Coordination numbers and physical properties in molten salts and their mixtures
Authors: Corradini Dario , Madden Paul A. , Salanne Mathieu
Published: January 2016

Mixtures of trivalent metal halides with alkali halides are involved in many technologies but, from a more fundamental and general perspective, are worthy of study as interesting systems in which to examine the relationship between atomic-scale structure and physical properties. Here we examine the relationship between the viscosity and local and longer range structural measures in such mixtures where the trivalent metal cations span a significant size range and exhibit different behaviours in the dependence of their viscosity on the mixture composition. We characterise the structure and dynamics of the first coordination shell and the relationship between its structural relaxation time and the shear relaxation time of the mixture (the Maxwell relaxation time). We are then led to an examination of the structure of the networks which progressively form between the trivalent metal cations as their concentration increases in the mixtures. Here we find significant differences between small and larger cations, sufficient to explain the different behaviour of their viscosities. We draw attention to the similarities and differences of these networks with those which form in highly viscous, glass-forming materials like BeF2:LiF.
Few layered Co(OH)2ultrathin nanosheet-based polyurethane nanocomposites with reduced fire hazard: from eco-friendly flame retardance to sustainable recycling
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Kong Qinghong , Yang Lingwei , Wang De-Yi
Published: January 2016

Huge consumption of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) results in two serious challenges for our society: fire hazards and environment pollution.
A combined X-ray spectroscopic study on the multicolored pattern formation in gels containing FeCl3 and K3[Fe(CN)6]
Authors: Hayashi Hisashi , Abe Hitoshi
Published: January 2016

We examined the potential of the combined use of time-resolved XRF and position-dependent XANES, for the study of intricate reaction–diffusion processes of inorganic compounds in gel media.
Sample pre-concentration with high enrichment factors at a fixed location in paper-based microfluidic devices
Authors: Yeh Shih-Hao , Chou Kuang-Hua , Yang Ruey-Jen
Published: January 2016

The focused plug is in motion and dispersed in depletion zone while the enrichment zone shows a stationary focused plug.
An investigation of electrochemical contact processes for silver-wire|glassy carbon and silver-coated cotton textile|glassy carbon
Authors: Gorle Demudu Babu , Karuppusamy Sembanadar , Kulandainathan M. Anbu , He Daping , Marken Frank
Published: January 2016

Silver-coated cotton textile discs in contact to glassy carbon exhibit environment dependent electrochemical contact reactivity.
Potential of templated mesoporous aluminas as supports for HDS CoMo catalysts
Authors: Miño Andres , Lancelot Christine , Blanchard Pascal , Lamonier Carole , Rouleau Loïc , Roy-Auberger Magalie , Royer Sébastien , Payen Edmond
Published: January 2016

Activities in thiophene hydrodesulfurization were increased by a factor three when using aluminas, as support for CoMo catalysts, prepared using an optimized sol–gel method.
Mussel-inspired one-pot synthesis of transition metal and nitrogen co-doped carbon (M/N–C) as efficient oxygen catalysts for Zn-air batteries
Authors: Li Bing , Chen Ye , Ge Xiaoming , Chai Jianwei , Zhang Xiao , Hor T. S. Andy , Du Guojun , Liu Zhaolin , Zhang Hua , Zong Yun
Published: January 2016

Transition metal and nitrogen co-doped nanostructured carbons, synthesized via a simple and scalable room temperature approach inspired by mussels, have enabled robust cycling of Zn-air batteries.
Synthesis and LCST-type phase behavior of water-soluble polypeptide with Y-shaped and charged side-chains
Authors: Xu Yanzhi , Zhu Mengxiang , Li Minjie , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu
Published: January 2016

Water-soluble thermoresponsive polypeptides with LCST-type phase behaviors bearing Y-shaped and charged side-chains have been reported for the first time by a multi-step synthetic route.
Mesoporous transition metal dichalcogenide ME2 (M = Mo, W; E = S, Se) with 2-D layered crystallinity as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lee Yoon Yun , Park Gwi Ok , Choi Yun Seok , Shon Jeong Kuk , Yoon Jeongbae , Kim Kyoung Ho , Yoon Won-Sub , Kim Hansu , Kim Ji Man
Published: January 2016

Mesoporous transition metal dichalcogenides with 2D layered crystallinity, synthesized through a melting-infiltration assisted nano-replication, exhibit excellent electrochemical performances for lithium-storage.
Experimental and theoretical studies of 4,6-diamino-2-mercaptopyrimidine as a copper inhibitor in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Mo Shi , Jia Jing , Feng Ji , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: January 2016

4,6-Diamino-2-mercaptopyrimidine can be adsorbed on copper surface and exhibits a high corrosion inhibition efficiency in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution.
Imidazolines containing single-, twin- and triple-tailed hydrophobes and hydrophilic pendants (CH2CH2NH)nH as inhibitors of mild steel corrosion in CO2–0.5 M NaCl
Authors: Mazumder Mohammad A. J. , Nazal Mazen K. , Faiz Mohamed , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: January 2016

The study assesses the effects of single-, twin- and triple-tailed imidazolines andN-pendants on the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in CO2–saturated-0.5 M NaCI.
Roles of DMSO-type ruthenium complexes in disaggregation of prion neuropeptide PrP106–126
Authors: Zhu Dengsen , Zhao Cong , Wang Xuesong , Wang Wenji , Wang Baohuai , Du Weihong
Published: January 2016

DMSO-type ruthenium complexes with aromatic ligands disaggregate the mature PrP106–126 fibrilsviametal coordination and hydrophobic interaction.
Absorbance response of a graphene oxide coated U-bent optical fiber sensor for aqueous ethanol detection
Authors: Gao S. S. , Qiu H. W. , Zhang C. , Jiang S. Z. , Li Z. , Liu X. Y. , Yue W. W. , Yang C. , Huo Y. Y. , Feng D. J. , Li H. S.
Published: January 2016

In this work, the dynamic change of the absorbance for aqueous ethanol detection based on a graphene oxide coated U-bent optical fiber sensor was investigated.
An immobilization multienzyme microfluidic chip for acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay by fluorescence method
Authors: Tang Yulan , Liu Sufang , Pi Rongbiao , Cheng Zhiyi
Published: January 2016

A bi-enzyme immobilized microfluidic device was developed for the rapid enzyme inhibition assay by fluorescence detection.
A simple UV-ozone surface treatment to enhance photocatalytic performance of TiO2 loaded polymer nanofiber membranes
Authors: Dilpazir S. , Usman M. , Rasul S. , Arshad S. N.
Published: January 2016

UV-ozone treated electrospun nanofiber membranes for increased photocatalytic activity.
Cost-effective solar concentrators based on red fluorescent Zn(ii)–salicylaldiminato complex
Authors: Minei Pierpaolo , Fanizza Elisabetta , Rodríguez Antonio M. , Muñoz-García Ana B. , Cimino Paola , Pavone Michele , Pucci Andrea
Published: January 2016

A red light and concentrated zinc complex embedded in PMMA yields a cost-effective and efficient luminescent solar concentrator.
Fabrication of La2NiO4nanoparticles as an efficient bifunctional cathode catalyst for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Wei Zhongshan , Cui Yanhui , Huang Kevin , Ouyang Jue , Wu Junwei , Baker Andrew P. , Zhang Xinhe
Published: January 2016

LNO nanoparticles synthesizedviaa hydrothermal process are a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for Li–O2batteries. The battery's discharge capacity of 14310.9 mA h g−1at a current density of 0.16 mA cm−2, is higher than that of Pechini-LNO particles and pure SP.
Development of a new version of homogenous liquid–liquid extraction based on an acid–base reaction: application for extraction and preconcentration of aryloxyphenoxy-propionate pesticides from fruit juice and vegetable samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Feriduni Behruz , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a new version of HLLE based on an acid–base reaction combined with DLLME followed by GC-FID has been developed for the extraction and determination of aryloxyphenoxy-propionate pesticides in fruit juice and vegetable samples.
Hybrid core–shell nanostructured electrodes made of polypyrrole nanotubes coated with Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes for high energy-density supercapacitors
Authors: Wolfart Franciele , Dubal Deepak P. , Vidotti Marcio , Gómez-Romero Pedro
Published: January 2016

SEM image of Ni(OH)2@PPy-NTs core–shell nanostructure and galvanostatic charge/discharge curves of PPy-NTs, Ni(OH)2 and Ni(OH)2@PPy-NTs nanostructures.
Size-controllable synthesis of amorphous GeOx hollow spheres and their lithium-storage electrochemical properties
Authors: Ma Qiuyang , Ye Ming , Zeng Peiyuan , Wang Xiaoxiao , Geng Baoyou , Fang Zhen
Published: January 2016

Size controllable synthesis of GeOx hollow spheres was achieved using a solvothermal reaction. The GeOx hollow spheres exhibit excellent lithium storage properties.
In-depth investigation on quantitative characterization of pyrolysis oil by 31P NMR
Authors: Ben Haoxi , Ferrell III Jack R.
Published: January 2016

The investigation on time-dependent changes when using 31P NMR to analyze pyrolysis bio-oils has been accomplished and the proposed application of this method is essential to achieve reliable quantitative data.
Dual step irradiation process for in situ generation and patterning of silver nanoparticles in a photocured film
Authors: Roppolo I. , Doriguzzi Bozzo A. , Castellino M. , Chiappone A. , Perrone D. , Bejtka K. , Bocchini S. , Sangermano M. , Chiolerio A.
Published: January 2016

Novel dual step irradiation process for the in situ generation and patterning of silver nanoparticles in a photocured matrix was developed.
Structural transition of ETS1 from an auto-inhibited to functional state upon association with the p16INK4anative and mutated promoter region
Authors: Muthu Kannan , Panneerselvam Manivel , Topno Nishith Saurav , Ramadas Krishna
Published: January 2016

Detailed elucidation of structural changes invoked on transcriptional factors and their target genes upon their association is pivotal for understanding the genetic level regulations imposed in several diseases including ovarian cancer.
Nano-fluid loss agent based on an acrylamide based copolymer “grafted” on a modified silica surface
Authors: An Yuxiu , Jiang Guancheng , Qi Yourong , Ge Qingying , Zhang Lingyu
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the nano copolymer of acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and modified nano-silica (M-SiO2) was synthesized by free radical polymerization in a water solution.
In situ growth of MnO2 nanosheets on activated carbon fibers: a low-cost electrode for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Kai , Wang Yu , Tang Joel A. , Qiu Hailong , Meng Xing , Gao Zhongmin , Chen Gang , Wei Yingjin , Gao Yu
Published: January 2016

MnO2 nanosheets were successfully grown in situ on the surface of activated carbon fibers (ACFs) via a facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal method.
Variations of lignin–lignin and lignin–carbohydrate linkages from young Neosinocalamus affinis bamboo culms
Authors: Zhang Bing , Fu Gen-Que , Niu Ya-Shuai , Peng Feng , Yao Chun-Li , Sun Run-Cang
Published: January 2016

Three lignin–carbohydrate complex (LCC) preparations were isolated to elucidate the variations of chemical linkages during growth in the early development stages of Neosinocalamus affinis bamboo culms.
Development of novel bistolane-based liquid crystalline molecules with an alkylsulfanyl group for highly birefringent materials
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Kang Sungmin , Tsuji Hideto , Watanabe Junji , Konishi Gen-ichi
Published: January 2016

We designed novel bistolane-based alkylsulfanyl derivatives with well-defined nematic liquid crystalline and high birefringence.
Polypyrrole-coated flower-like Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs@PPy) with enhanced stability and heat conversion efficiency for cancer photothermal therapy
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Dan-Dan , Zhao Liang , Lin Min , Sun Hai-Zhu , Sun Hong-Chen , Yang Bai
Published: January 2016

Novel kind of polypyrrole-coated flower-like Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs@PPy) was synthesized to show a photothermal conversion efficiency (η) of 96.0% at 808 nm.
Efficient oxygen electroreduction over ordered mesoporous Co–N-doped carbon derived from cobalt porphyrin
Authors: Li C. , Han Z. , Yu Y. , Zhang Y. , Dong B. , Kong A. , Shan Y.
Published: January 2016

High-performance self-supported Co–N-doped carbon electrocatalyst for ORR with comparable activity to Pt/C in both acidic and alkaline media was prepared.
Pillared clay-supported gold catalysts for CO oxidation
Authors: Liu Ling , Gao Ying , Zhao Pingying , Wang Xuewen , Feng Gang , Zhang Rongbin
Published: January 2016

Gold supported on various bentonites was prepared using hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods.
Preparation and characterization of novel multi-branched polymers in situ cured from benzoxazine/epoxy resin/primary amines blends
Authors: Wang Hongyuan , Yang Po , Zhu Rongqi , Gu Yi
Published: January 2016

Novel high-performance multi-branched copolymers were prepared in situ from benzoxazine, epoxy resin and primary amines through controlling the curing reactions.
Understanding the self-assembly of TCNQ on Cu(111): a combined study based on scanning tunnelling microscopy experiments and density functional theory simulations
Authors: Stradi Daniele , Borca Bogdana , Barja Sara , Garnica Manuela , Díaz Cristina , Rodríguez-García Josefa M. , Alcamí Manuel , Vázquez de Parga Amadeo L. , Miranda Rodolfo , Martín Fernando
Published: January 2016

Two polymorphic structures of TCNQ on Cu(111) can be formed by varying the deposition conditions.
Fluorine shifts from sulfur to metal in difluorosulfane complexes of cyclopentadienyl iron carbonyl: incompatibility of sulfur–fluorine bonds with iron–iron bonds
Authors: Jiang Huaiyu , Li Nan , Bruce King R.
Published: January 2016

Density functional theory studies on Cp2Fe2(SF2)m(CO)n(m= 1,n= 4, 3, 2;m= 2,n= 3, 2) show that none of the low-energy such structures have short enough Fe–Fe distances suggesting a direct iron–iron bond. Instead fluorine transfer from an SF2group is observed.
TiO2–multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: hydrothermal synthesis and temporally-dependent optical properties
Authors: Wang Aijian , Wang Yun , Yu Wang , Huang Zhipeng , Fang Yu , Long Lingliang , Song Yinglin , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Long , Shao Jianda , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2016

MWCNTs/TiO2 nanocomposites have been prepared by a hydrothermal method and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, and an enhanced optical nonlinearity was observed for M1.00 due to a combination of mechanisms.
Highly photoluminescent pH-independent nitrogen-doped carbon dots for sensitive and selective sensing of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Yuan Huan , Yu Jie , Feng Suling , Gong Yijun
Published: January 2016

Highly photoluminescent pH-independent nitrogen-doped carbon dots prepared from maleic acid and ethylenediamine exhibit highly sensitive and selective sensing of p-nitrophenol.
Synthesis of porous Cu7.2S4 sub-microspheres by an ion exchange method for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhou Kaiyuan , Liang Jicai , Liu Jiaang , Sun Peng , Bu Jianguo , Zhang Wanxi , Chen Guangyi
Published: January 2016

The porous Cu7.2S4 sub-microspheres were synthesized by an ion exchange reaction and their electrochemical supercapacitor properties were investigated in 6 M aqueous KOH solution.
An efficient composite magnetocaloric material with a tunable temperature transition in K-deficient manganites
Authors: Skini R. , Khlifi M. , Hlil E. K.
Published: January 2016

This paper reports on a magnetic material with high steady relative cooling power (RCP) over a temperature range from 325 to 275 K induced by potassium-deficiency in polycrystalline samples of La0.8K0.2−x□xMnO3(x= 0, 0.1 and 0.2).
From reverse worms to reverse vesicles formed by mixed zwitterionic and non-ionic surfactants in cyclohexane
Authors: Yang Ge , Zhao Jianxi
Published: January 2016

SB-12 with C12E4 forms reverse wormlike micelles or reverse vesicles in cyclohexane depending on the ratio of C12E4 to SB-12.
Catalase-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles mediate growth of gold nanoparticles for plasmonic biosensing of attomolar microRNA with the naked eye
Authors: Chen Feng , Lin Manli , Zhao Yue , Zhao Yongxi
Published: January 2016

A plasmonic biosensor for specific detection of attomolar microRNA with the naked eye was developed based on catalase/streptavidin-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles and hairpin capture probe-coated magnetic beads.
W18O49nanowire composites as novel barrier layers for Li–S batteries based on high loading of commercial micro-sized sulfur
Authors: Zhang Weikun , Lin Chong , Cong Shan , Hou Junyu , Liu Bin , Geng Fengxia , Jin Jian , Wu Minghong , Zhao Zhigang
Published: January 2016

A novel barrier layer material, nonstoichiometric W18O49nanowire is reported to alleviate the undesirable shuttle effect, thereby largely boosting the specific capacity and cyclability of Li–S batteries.
Influence of trehalose on human islet amyloid polypeptide fibrillation and aggregation
Authors: Chen Cong-Heng , Yao Ting , Zhang Qiang , He Yan-Ming , Xu Li-Hui , Zheng Min , Zhou Guang-Rong , Zhang Yuan , Yang Hong-Jie , Zhou Ping
Published: January 2016

A lower dose of trehalose inhibits or delays, while higher dose of trehalose promotes the hIAPP fibrillation and aggregation.
Highly uniform indicator-mediated SERS sensor platform for the detection of Zn2+
Authors: Jin Liangliang , She Guangwei , Mu Lixuan , Shi Wensheng
Published: January 2016

An indicator-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor platform with highly uniform SERS sensitivity was fabricated by modifying 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPY) molecules as an indicator onto the surface of Ag nanoparticles that were anchored onto a silicon wafer.
Reductively PEGylated carbon nanomaterials and their use to nucleate 3D protein crystals: a comparison of dimensionality
Authors: Leese Hannah S. , Govada Lata , Saridakis Emmanuel , Khurshid Sahir , Menzel Robert , Morishita Takuya , Clancy Adam J. , White Edward. R. , Chayen Naomi E. , Shaffer Milo S. P.
Published: January 2016

Reductive grafting with mPEG is effective on a wide range of carbon nanomaterials. However, 2D forms are most effective as protein nucleants.
A single cation or anion dendrimer-based liquid electrolyte
Authors: Sen Sudeshna , Jayappa Rudresha B. , Zhu Haijin , Forsyth Maria , Bhattacharyya Aninda J.
Published: January 2016

The proposed dendrimer based liquid electrolyte is a single-ion conductor where ion transport is altered by the nature of the chemical functionalities leading to large variations in anion diffusion and hence ionic transference number.
Dynamic helical cyclophanes with two quadruply-bridged planes arranged in an “obverse and/or reverse” relation
Authors: Katoono Ryo , Kawai Shunsuke , Suzuki Takanori
Published: January 2016

We describe the design of two types of cyclophanes that generate dynamic helicity through the twisting of two planes in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to give (M)- or (P)-helicity.
An electrochemical method to enhance the performance of metal oxides for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Wang Gongming , Yang Yi , Ling Yichuan , Wang Hanyu , Lu Xihong , Pu Ying-Chih , Zhang Jin Z. , Tong Yexiang , Li Yat
Published: January 2016

Oxygen-deficient metal oxides prepared by electrochemical method show substantially enhanced photoactivity due to improved efficiency of charge separation and injection.
Materials design at the interface of nanoparticles and innate immunity
Authors: Szeto Gregory L. , Lavik Erin B.
Published: January 2016

Engineered nanoparticle platforms have been developed intensely in recent years, yielding significantly broadened applications from interrogating novel biology to new therapies. Using these platforms requires improved understanding of design rules to improve our ability to control nanoparticle-immune system interactions.
Incineration of organic solar cells: efficient end of life management by quantitative silver recovery
Authors: Søndergaard Roar R. , Zimmermann Yannick-Serge , Espinosa Nieves , Lenz Markus , Krebs Frederik
Published: January 2016

Silver from the electrodes of 1 m2 organic solar cells was quantitatively recovered by acid extraction from incineration ashes.
Research highlights: engineering nanomaterial-based technologies for environmental applications
Authors: Louie Stacey M. , Pettibone John M.
Published: January 2016

We highlight recent articles that demonstrate improvements upon nanomaterial-based technologies for contaminant removal in water treatment systems.
Introduction for the Emergent Polyoxometalates and Soft-oxometalates thematic issue
Authors: Crans Debbie C. , Roy Soumyajit
Published: January 2016

New advances in polyoxometalate-containing systems are presented, with emphasis on those for which non-covalent organization creates new structures with new properties.
Synthesis of α,ω-polyfluorinated α-amino acid derivatives and δ,δ-difluoronorvaline
Authors: Ulbrich Dirk , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Haufe Günter
Published: January 2016

Intending to synthesize ω,ω-difluoroalkyl amino acid derivatives by oxidative desulfurization–fluorination reactions of suitable arylthio-2-phthalimido butanoates and pentanoates, in addition to small amounts of the target products, mainly α,ω-polyfluorinated amino acid derivatives were formed by additional sulfur-assisted α-fluorination.
Towards the mechanism of electrochemical activity and self-healing of 1 wt% PTSA doped polyaniline in alkyd composite polymer coating: combined AFM-based studies
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Hui , Fielden Matthew , Pan Jinshan , Ecco Luiz , Schellbach Carsten , Delmas Grégory , Claesson Per Martin
Published: January 2016

The mechanisms of electrochemical activity and the self-healing properties of a composite alkyd coating with 1 wt% PTSA doped polyaniline were investigated.
Dealloyed PdAg core Pt monolayer shell electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yang Hai-Fang , Feng Yuan-Yuan , Du Li-Xia , Liu Zeng-Hua , Kong De-Sheng
Published: January 2016

A core–shell nanostructure with dealloyed PdAg nanoparticles as the core and a Pt monolayer as the shell shows much higher catalytic properties for oxygen reduction reaction as compared with its counterpart with alloyed PdAg as the core.
Water-soluble allyl sulfones for dual site-specific labelling of proteins and cyclic peptides
Authors: Wang Tao , Riegger Andreas , Lamla Markus , Wiese Sebastian , Oeckl Patrick , Otto Markus , Wu Yuzhou , Fischer Stephan , Barth Holger , Kuan Seah Ling , Weil Tanja
Published: January 2016

Allyl sulfones as efficient disulfide rebridging agents for site-specific protein modifications with up to two additional functionalities in water.
Superior sodium-ion storage performance of Co3O4@nitrogen-doped carbon: derived from a metal–organic framework
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Caiyun , Wang Yijing , Liu Huakun , Huang Zhenguo
Published: January 2016

Nitrogen-doped carbon coated Co3O4 nanoparticles (Co3O4@NC) with high Na-ion storage capacity and unprecedented long-life cycling stability are reported in this paper.
Guest–host modulation of multi-metallic (oxy)hydroxides for superb water oxidation
Authors: Tang Cheng , Wang Hao-Fan , Wang Han-Sen , Wei Fei , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2016

Guest metal substitution into the host oxyhydroxides (Fe into Ni or Ni into Fe) substantially enhanced the oxygen evolution activity with a decrease in both the Tafel slope and overpotential.