bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously measuring multiple protein interactions and their correlations in a cell by Protein-interactome Footprinting
Authors: Luo Si-Wei , Liang Zhi , Wu Jia-Rui
Published: March 2017

Quantitatively detecting correlations of multiple protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in vivo is a big challenge. Here we introduce a novel method, termed Protein-interactome Footprinting (PiF), to simultaneously measure multiple PPIs in one cell. The principle of PiF is that each target physical PPI in the interactome is simultaneously transcoded into a specific DNA sequence based on dimerization of the target proteins fused with DNA-binding domains. The interaction intensity of each target protein is quantified as the copy number of the specific DNA sequences bound by each fusion protein dimers. Using PiF, we quantitatively reveal dynamic patterns of PPIs and their correlation network in E. coli two-component systems.
Configurational Molecular Glue: One Optically Active Polymer Attracts Two Oppositely Configured Optically Active Polymers
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Noda Soma , Kimura Takayuki , Sobue Tadashi , Arakawa Yuki
Published: March 2017

D-configured poly(D-lactic acid) (D-PLA) and poly(D-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid) (D-P2H3MB) crystallized separately into their homo-crystallites when crystallized by precipitation or solvent evaporation, whereas incorporation of L-configured poly(L-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) (L-P2HB) in D-configured D-PLA and D-P2H3MB induced co-crystallization or ternary stereocomplex formation between D-configured D-PLA and D-P2H3MB and L-configured L-P2HB. However, incorporation of D-configured poly(D-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) (D-P2HB) in D-configured D-PLA and D-P2H3MB did not cause co-crystallization between D-configured D-PLA and D-P2H3MB and D-configured D-P2HB but separate crystallization of each polymer occurred. These findings strongly suggest that an optically active polymer (L-configured or D-configured polymer) like unsubstituted or substituted optically active poly(lactic acid)s can act as “a configurational or helical molecular glue” for two oppositely configured optically active polymers (two D-configured polymers or two L-configured polymers) to allow their co-crystallization. The increased degree of freedom in polymer combination is expected to assist to pave the way for designing polymeric composites having a wide variety of physical properties, biodegradation rate and behavior in the case of biodegradable polymers.
Strong coupling of diffraction coupled plasmons and optical waveguide modes in gold stripe-dielectric nanostructures at telecom wavelengths
Authors: Thomas Philip A. , Auton Gregory H. , Kundys Dmytro , Grigorenko Alexander N. , Kravets Vasyl G.
Published: March 2017

We propose a hybrid plasmonic device consisting of a planar dielectric waveguide covering a gold nanostripe array fabricated on a gold film and investigate its guiding properties at telecom wavelengths. The fundamental modes of a hybrid device and their dependence on the key geometric parameters are studied. A communication length of 250 μm was achieved for both the TM and TE guided modes at telecom wavelengths. Due to the difference between the TM and TE light propagation associated with the diffractive plasmon excitation, our waveguides provide polarization separation. Our results suggest a practical way of fabricating metal-nanostripes-dielectric waveguides that can be used as essential elements in optoelectronic circuits.
Identification of cardiac hemo-vascular precursors and their requirement of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 for heart development
Authors: Hu Yan , Belyea Brian C. , Li Minghong , Göthert Joachim R. , Gomez R. Ariel , Sequeira-Lopez Maria Luisa S.
Published: March 2017

The cardiac endothelium plays a crucial role in the development of a functional heart. However, the precise identification of the endocardial precursors and the mechanisms they require for their role in heart morphogenesis are not well understood. Using in vivo and in vitro cell fate tracing concomitant with specific cell ablation and embryonic heart transplantation studies, we identified a unique set of precursors which possess hemogenic functions and express the stem cell leukemia (SCL) gene driven by its 5′ enhancer. These hemo-vascular precursors give rise to the endocardium, atrioventricular cushions and coronary vascular endothelium. Furthermore, deletion of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) in these precursors leads to ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, a poorly understood condition leading to heart failure and early mortality. Thus, we identified a distinctive population of hemo-vascular precursors which require S1P1 to exert their functions and are essential for cardiac morphogenesis.
Hyperspectral imaging using the single-pixel Fourier transform technique
Authors: Jin Senlin , Hui Wangwei , Wang Yunlong , Huang Kaicheng , Shi Qiushuai , Ying Cuifeng , Liu Dongqi , Ye Qing , Zhou Wenyuan , Tian Jianguo
Published: March 2017

Hyperspectral imaging technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fields of food analysis, medicine and biotechnology. To improve the speed of operation and increase the light throughput in a compact equipment structure, a Fourier transform hyperspectral imaging system based on a single-pixel technique is proposed in this study. Compared with current imaging spectrometry approaches, the proposed system has a wider spectral range (400–1100 nm), a better spectral resolution (1 nm) and requires fewer measurement data (a sample rate of 6.25%). The performance of this system was verified by its application to the non-destructive testing of potatoes.
First order reversal curves and intrinsic parameter determination for magnetic materials; limitations of hysteron-based approaches in correlated systems
Authors: Ruta Sergiu , Hovorka Ondrej , Huang Pin-Wei , Wang Kangkang , Ju Ganping , Chantrell Roy
Published: March 2017

The generic problem of extracting information on intrinsic particle properties from the whole class of interacting magnetic fine particle systems is a long standing and difficult inverse problem. As an example, the Switching Field Distribution (SFD) is an important quantity in the characterization of magnetic systems, and its determination in many technological applications, such as recording media, is especially challenging. Techniques such as the first order reversal curve (FORC) methods, were developed to extract the SFD from macroscopic measurements. However, all methods rely on separating the contributions to the measurements of the intrinsic SFD and the extrinsic effects of magnetostatic and exchange interactions. We investigate the underlying physics of the FORC method by applying it to the output predictions of a kinetic Monte-Carlo model with known input parameters. We show that the FORC method is valid only in cases of weak spatial correlation of the magnetisation and suggest a more general approach.
Veratridine produces distinct calcium response profiles in mouse Dorsal Root Ganglia neurons
Authors: Mohammed Zainab A. , Doran Ciara , Grundy David , Nassar Mohammed A.
Published: March 2017

Nociceptors are a subpopulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons that detect noxious stimuli and signal pain. Veratridine (VTD) is a voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) modifier that is used as an “agonist” in functional screens for VGSC blockers. However, there is very little information on VTD response profiles in DRG neurons and how they relate to neuronal subtypes. Here we characterised VTD-induced calcium responses in cultured mouse DRG neurons. Our data shows that the heterogeneity of VTD responses reflects distinct subpopulations of sensory neurons. About 70% of DRG neurons respond to 30–100 μM VTD. We classified VTD responses into four profiles based upon their response shape. VTD response profiles differed in their frequency of occurrence and correlated with neuronal size. Furthermore, VTD response profiles correlated with responses to the algesic markers capsaicin, AITC and α, β-methylene ATP. Since VTD response profiles integrate the action of several classes of ion channels and exchangers, they could act as functional “reporters” for the constellation of ion channels/exchangers expressed in each sensory neuron. Therefore our findings are relevant to studies and screens using VTD to activate DRG neurons.
Characterization of the Soluble NSF Attachment Protein gene family identifies two members involved in additive resistance to a plant pathogen
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Liu Shiming , Bekal Sadia , Zhou Zhou , Colantonio Vincent , Lambert Kris , Barakat Abdelali , Meksem Khalid
Published: March 2017

Proteins with Tetratricopeptide-repeat (TPR) domains are encoded by large gene families and distributed in all plant lineages. In this study, the Soluble NSF-Attachment Protein (SNAP) subfamily of TPR containing proteins is characterized. In soybean, five members constitute the SNAP gene family: GmSNAP18, GmSNAP11, GmSNAP14, GmSNAP02, and GmSNAP09. Recently, GmSNAP18 has been reported to mediate resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Using a population of recombinant inbred lines from resistant and susceptible parents, the divergence of the SNAP gene family is analysed over time. Phylogenetic analysis of SNAP genes from 22 diverse plant species showed that SNAPs were distributed in six monophyletic clades corresponding to the major plant lineages. Conservation of the four TPR motifs in all species, including ancestral lineages, supports the hypothesis that SNAPs were duplicated and derived from a common ancestor and unique gene still present in chlorophytic algae. Syntenic analysis of regions harbouring GmSNAP genes in soybean reveals that this family expanded from segmental and tandem duplications following a tetraploidization event. qRT-PCR analysis of GmSNAPs indicates a co-regulation following SCN infection. Finally, genetic analysis demonstrates that GmSNAP11 contributes to an additive resistance to SCN. Thus, GmSNAP11 is identified as a novel minor gene conferring resistance to SCN.
Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes of “Scorpionate” Bis-pyrazolyl Carboxylate Ligand with Auxiliary Phosphine as Potential Anticancer Agents: An Insight into Cytotoxic Mode
Authors: Khan Rais Ahmad , Usman Mohammad , Dhivya Rajakumar , Balaji Perumalsamy , Alsalme Ali , AlLohedan Hamad , Arjmand Farukh , AlFarhan Khalid , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Claudio , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: March 2017

New copper(I) complexes [CuCl(PPh3)(L)] (1:L = LA = 4-carboxyphenyl)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane; (2:L = LB = 3-carboxyphenyl)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane) were prepared and characterised by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, UV–Vis, and ESI-MS. The molecular structures of complexes1and2were analyzed by theoretical B3LYP/DFT method. Furthermore,in vitroDNA binding studies were carried out to check the ability of complexes1and2to interact with native calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) using absorption titration, fluorescence quenching and circular dichroism, which is indicative of more avid binding of the complex1. Moreover, DNA mobility assay was also conducted to study the concentration-dependent cleavage pattern of pBR322 DNA by complex1, and the role of ROS species to have a mechanistic insight on the cleavage pattern, which ascertained substantial roles by both hydrolytic and oxidative pathways. Additionally, we analyzed the potential of the interaction of complex1with DNA and enzyme (Topo I and II) with the aid of molecular modeling. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity of complex1was tested against HepG2 cancer cell lines. Thus, the potential of the complex1is promising though furtherin vivoinvestigations may be required before subjecting it to clinical trials.
The co-evolution of networks and prisoner’s dilemma game by considering sensitivity and visibility
Authors: Li Dandan , Ma Jing , Han Dun , Sun Mei , Tian Lixin , Stanley H. Eugene
Published: March 2017

Strategies adopted by individuals in a social network significantly impact the network, and they strongly affect relationships between individuals in the network. Links between individuals also heavily influence their levels of cooperation. Taking into account the evolution of each individual’s connection, we explore how sensitivity and visibility affect the prisoner’s dilemma game. The so-called ‘sensitivity’ and ‘visibility’ respectively present one’s self-protection consciousness and the ability of gaining information. We find that at moderate levels of player sensitivity cooperative behavior increases, but that at high levels it is inhibited. We also find that the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals at the end of the game is higher when sensitivity and visibility are increased, but that the successful-defection-payoff has less impact on the weight of individuals and on the relationship between the heterogeneity of the weight of individuals and the density of cooperators. This framework can be used to clarify the interaction mechanism between the micro-level of individual behavior and the macro-level of individual co-evolutionary processes.
The cellular protein hnRNP A2/B1 enhances HIV-1 transcription by unfolding LTR promoter G-quadruplexes
Authors: Scalabrin Matteo , Frasson Ilaria , Ruggiero Emanuela , Perrone Rosalba , Tosoni Elena , Lago Sara , Tassinari Martina , Palù Giorgio , Richter Sara N.
Published: March 2017

G-quadruplexes are four-stranded conformations of nucleic acids that act as cellular epigenetic regulators. A dynamic G-quadruplex forming region in the HIV-1 LTR promoter represses HIV-1 transcription when in the folded conformation. This activity is enhanced by nucleolin, which induces and stabilizes the HIV-1 LTR G-quadruplexes. In this work by a combined pull-down/mass spectrometry approach, we consistently found hnRNP A2/B1 as an additional LTR-G-quadruplex interacting protein. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed G-quadruplex specificity over linear sequences and fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis indicated that hnRNP A2/B1 is able to efficiently unfold the LTR G-quadruplexes. Evaluation of the thermal stability of the LTR G-quadruplexes in different-length oligonucleotides showed that the protein is fit to be most active in the LTR full-length environment. When hnRNP A2/B1 was silenced in cells, LTR activity decreased, indicating that the protein acts as a HIV-1 transcription activator. Our data highlight a tightly regulated control of transcription based on G-quadruplex folding/unfolding, which depends on interacting cellular proteins. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the viral transcription mechanism and may pave the way to the development of drugs effective against the integrated HIV-1, present both in actively and latently infected cells.
Self-Phase-Matched Second-Harmonic and White-Light Generation in a Biaxial Zinc Tungstate Single Crystal
Authors: Osewski Pawel , Belardini Alessandro , Petronijevic Emilija , Centini Marco , Leahu Grigore , Diduszko Ryszard , Pawlak Dorota A. , Sibilia Concita
Published: March 2017

Second-order nonlinear optical materials are used to generate new frequencies by exploiting second-harmonic generation (SHG), a phenomenon where a nonlinear material generates light at double the optical frequency of the input beam. Maximum SHG is achieved when the pump and the generated waves are in phase, for example through birefringence in uniaxial crystals. However, applying these materials usually requires a complicated cutting procedure to yield a crystal with a particular orientation. Here we demonstrate the first example of phase matching under the normal incidence of SHG in a biaxial monoclinic single crystal of zinc tungstate. The crystal was grown by the micro-pulling-down method with the (102) plane perpendicular to the growth direction. Additionally, at the same time white light was generated as a result of stimulated Raman scattering and multiphoton luminescence induced by higher-order effects such as three-photon luminescence enhanced by cascaded third-harmonic generation. The annealed crystal offers SHG intensities approximately four times larger than the as grown one; optimized growth and annealing conditions may lead to much higher SHG intensities.
Correction: Corrigendum: Long term outcome of Aldosteronism after target treatments
Authors: Wu Vin-Cent , Wang Shuo-Meng , Chang Chia-Hui , Hu Ya-Hui , Lin Lian-Yu , Lin Yen-Hung , Chueh Shih-Chieh Jeff , Chen Likwang , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 32103; published online: 02 September 2016; updated: 24 March 2017 The original version of this Article contained an error in the Abstract. “While need for receptor antagonist (MRA) MRA after diagnosis suggests that a defined daily dose (DDD) of MRA between 12.5and 50 mg may alleviate risk of death in a U-shape pattern”.
The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid inhibits NKG2D expression in natural killer cells through suppression of STAT3 and HDAC3
Authors: Ni Lulu , Wang Lixin , Yao Chao , Ni Zhongya , Liu Fei , Gong Chenyuan , Zhu Xiaowen , Yan Xuewei , Watowich Stephanie S. , Lee Dean A. , Zhu Shiguo
Published: March 2017

NKG2D is a major activating receptor of NK cells and plays a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance. NKG2D expression in NK cells is inhibited by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and enhanced by the narrow-spectrum HDAC inhibitor entinostat. We previously demonstrated that entinostat enhanced NKG2D transcription by increasing acetylation of Histones H3 and H4. However, the mechanism by which VPA reduces NKG2D expression in NK cells is not known. We have also shown that NKG2D transcription is regulated by STAT3 phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated regulation of NKG2D expression in NK cells by VPA and entinostat by assessing protein expression, phosphorylation, and interaction of HDACs and STAT3. We find that VPA selectively inhibits STAT3 tyrosine705 phosphorylation, but entinostat does not. STAT3 complexes with HDAC3, and HDAC3 inhibition represses STAT3 phosphorylation and therefore NKG2D expression. NK cells from STAT3 wild-type mice downregulate NKG2D in response to VPA, but not NK cells from STAT3 knockout mice. These results show that VPA is a potent inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation and demonstrate that histone acetylation and STAT3 tyrosine705 phosphorylation cooperate in regulating NKG2D expression in NK cells.
The role of CREB3L4 in the proliferation of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Park Joo-Man , Kim Mi-Young , Ahn Yong-Ho
Published: March 2017

The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is growing rapidly throughout the world, in probable association with the adoption of western style diets. Thus, understanding the molecular pathways triggering the development of PC is crucial for both its prevention and treatment. Here, we investigated the role of the metabolism-associated protein, CREB3L4, in the proliferation of PC cells. CREB3L4 was upregulated by the synthetic androgen, R1881, in LNCaP PC cells (an androgen-dependent cell line). Knockdown of CREB3L4 resulted in decreased androgen-dependent PC cell growth. LNCaP cells transfected with siCREB3L4 underwent G2/M arrest, with upregulation of the proteins cyclin B1, phospho-CDK1, p21Waf1/Cip1, and INCA1, and downregulation of cyclin D1. Moreover, depletion of CREB3L4 resulted in significantly decreased expression of a subset of androgen-receptor (AR) target genes, including PSA, FKBP5, HPGD, KLK2, and KLK4. We also demonstrated that CREB3L4 directly interacts with the AR, and increases the binding of AR to androgen response elements (AREs). We also identified a role for the unfolded protein response (and its surrogate, IRE1α), in activating CREB3L4. Cumulatively, we postulate that CREB3L4 expression is mediated by an AR-IRE1α axis, but is also directly regulated by AR-to-ARE binding. Thus, our study demonstrates that CREB3L4 plays a key role in PC cell proliferation, which is promoted by both AR and IRE1α.
Urease
Authors: Mazzei L. , Musiani F. , Ciurli S.
Published: March 2017

Although the discovery of urease as the first enzyme for which nickel is essential for activity dates back to 1975, the rationale for Ni selection for the active site of this hydrolase has been only recently unraveled. The past 20 years have indeed witnessed impressive achievements in the understanding of the biological chemistry of Ni in urease, and in this chapter we aim to describe and discuss the recent advances in the comprehension of the specific role of this metal in the catalysis of urea hydrolysis. In particular, the structural features of the enzyme bound to several small molecules have shed light on the catalytic and inhibition mechanisms. The urease activation process, involving insertion of Ni into the urease active site through the action of the accessory proteins UreE, UreD, UreF, and UreG, is also dissected and analyzed.
One-Carbon Chemistry of Nickel-Containing Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase and Acetyl-CoA Synthase
Authors: Kung Yan , Drennan Catherine L.
Published: March 2017

Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) and acetyl coenzyme A synthase (ACS) are environmentally important enzymes that use unprecedented nickel-containing metalloclusters to perform one-carbon chemistry using organometallic intermediates. Structural and biochemical advances have revealed the protein architectures of CODH and ACS, and in recent years the atomic compositions and geometries of their active site metalloclusters have also been resolved, leading to detailed mechanistic proposals. Here, we provide an overview of the many significant studies that have illuminated the structure and function of CODH and ACS over the last few decades while also identifying some of the critical unresolved questions that still remain.
Uniform TiO2 nanoparticles induce apoptosis in epithelial cell lines in a size-dependent manner
Authors: Sun Qingqing , Ishii Takayuki , Kanehira Koki , Sato Takeshi , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: March 2017

The size of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is a vital parameter that determines their cytotoxicity.
Evaporation induced nanoparticle – binder interaction in electrode film formation
Authors: Liu Zhixiao , Wood David L. , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: March 2017

Low drying temperature and longer chain binders are preferred to produce electrode films with good electrical conductivity and mechanical stability.
Preparation of polyamine grafted bentonite by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for efficient adsorption of Orange I from aqueous solution
Authors: Guo Wenjuan , Sun Na , Du Yankai , Wang Luyan , Pei Meishan
Published: March 2017

A poly(glycidyl methacrylate) grafted bentonite was modified with tetraethylenepentamine to form Bent–PGMA–TEPA which is a good novel adsorbent for OI.
Isoliquiritigenin attenuates MiR-21 expression via induction of PIAS3 in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ning Shilong , Ma Xiao , Zhu Dongmei , Shen Zhaoxia , Liu Jiao , Liu Yun , Chen Juan , Li Zhong
Published: March 2017

Activated STAT3 triggered miR-21 transcriptionviabinding to its promoter. ISL induced PIAS3 expression, a specific inhibitor of activated STAT3, leading to inhibition of STAT3 signaling and subsequent miR-21 transcription in breast cancer cells.
Si-centered capped trigonal prism ordering in liquid Pd82Si18 alloy study by first-principles calculations
Authors: Dong F. , Yue G. Q. , Guo Y. R. , Qiao C. , Wang Z. Y. , Zheng Y. X. , Zhang R. J. , Sun Y. , Su W. S. , Kramer M. J. , Wang S. Y. , Wang C. Z. , Ho K. M. , Chen L. Y.
Published: March 2017

Distribution of trigonal prism capped with three half-octahedra (orange clusters), archimedean anti-prism (green ones) and icosahedron (blue ones) clusters in Pd82Si18 at different temperature (a) 900 K, (b) 1216 K. (c) Connection way of different clusters, and pink ones are the sharing atoms.
High rate performance SnO2based three-dimensional graphene composite electrode for lithium-ion battery applications
Authors: Zuo Shi-yong , Wu Zhi-guo , Li Shuan-kui , Yan De , Liu Yan-hua , Wang Feng-yi , Zhuo Ren-fu , Geng Bai-song , Wang Jun , Yan Peng-xun
Published: March 2017

A composite of SnO2and three-dimensional graphene (SnO2/3DG) was fabricated using a hydrothermal method, with polystyrene balls (PS) as templates, and was found to have excellent electrochemical performance..
Efficient strategy toward saturated N,P-heterocycles. Synthesis of l,2-azaphospholidines and extension to the preparation of azaphosphacane and azaphosphanane higher homologues
Authors: Boufroura H. , Abdelli A. , Bourdreux F. , Gaucher A. , Clavier G. , Efrit M. L. , M'rabet H. , Prim D.
Published: March 2017

Synthesis of l,2-azaphospholidines and extension to azaphosphacane and azaphosphanane higher homologues.
Investigating allosteric effects on the functional dynamics of β2-adrenergic ternary complexes with enhanced-sampling simulations
Authors: Saleh Noureldin , Saladino Giorgio , Gervasio Francesco Luigi , Clark Timothy
Published: March 2017

We propose an experimentally testable extended ternary complex model, where direction of the cooperative effect between ligand and intracellular binding partner (positive or negative) and its magnitude are predicted to be a characteristic of the ligand signaling bias.
Unprecedented highly efficient capture of glycopeptides by Fe3O4@Mg-MOF-74 core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Jiaxi , Ling Yun , Chen Zhenxia , Gao Mingxia , Zhang Xiangmin , Zhou Yaming
Published: March 2017

The synthesized Fe3O4@Mg-MOF-74 core–shell nanoparticles show effective and selective enrichment of 441 N-glycosylation sites of 418 glycopeptides from 125 glycoproteins in 1 μL of human serum.
Extended timescale 2D IR probes of proteins: p-cyanoselenophenylalanine
Authors: Ramos S. , Scott K. J. , Horness R. E. , Le Sueur A. L. , Thielges M. C.
Published: March 2017

The cyano vibration of cyano-seleno-phenylalanine has a long lifetime with high sensitivity to hydrogen bonding that makes it a promising new probe to advance 2D infrared studies of protein dynamics on longer timescales.
Impact of graphyne on structural and dynamical properties of calmodulin
Authors: Feng Mei , Bell David R. , Luo Judong , Zhou Ruhong
Published: March 2017

Carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphyne, graphene, and carbon nanotubes have attracted considerable attention for their applications, but questions remain regarding their biosafety through potential adverse interactions with important biomolecules.
Local structure and composition of PtRh nanoparticles produced through cathodic corrosion
Authors: Hersbach Thomas J. P. , Kortlever Ruud , Lehtimäki Matti , Krtil Petr , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: March 2017

When preparing alloy nanoparticles through cathodic corrosion, the different corrosion behavior of the alloy components may produce both crystalline and amorphous particles.
Mastering the non-equilibrium assembly and operation of molecular machines
Authors: Pezzato Cristian , Cheng Chuyang , Stoddart J. Fraser , Astumian R. Dean
Published: March 2017

External fluctuations can drive formation of a non-equilibrium steady state.
Bifunctionality of the pyrone functional group in oxidized carbon nanotubes towards oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Rocha I. M. , Soares O. S. G. P. , Figueiredo J. L. , Freire C. , Pereira M. F. R.
Published: March 2017

Oxidised carbon nanotubes were subjected to a controlled treatment at different temperatures under nitrogen.
Catalytic application of layered double hydroxide-derived catalysts for the conversion of biomass-derived molecules
Authors: Yan Kai , Liu Yuqian , Lu Yiran , Chai Jiajue , Sun Lianpeng
Published: March 2017

Layered double hydroxide and its derived metal oxides in the transformations of biomass-derived molecules.
Adsorption of B(α)P on carbon nanopowder affects accumulation and toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Della Torre Camilla , Parolini Marco , Del Giacco Luca , Ghilardi Anna , Ascagni Miriam , Santo Nadia , Maggioni Daniela , Magni Stefano , Madaschi Laura , Prosperi Laura , La Porta Caterina , Binelli Andrea
Published: March 2017

The interactions of nanomaterials with contaminants represent great concern for the environment and human health.
Frequency tuning allows flow direction control in microfluidic networks with passive features
Authors: Jain Rahil , Lutz Barry
Published: March 2017

A bidirectional pump created by rectifying oscillating flow driven at engineered fluidic series and parallel resonance frequencies.
Recognition-mediated particle detection under microfluidic flow with waveguide-coupled 2D photonic crystals: towards integrated photonic virus detectors
Authors: Baker James E. , Sriram Rashmi , Miller Benjamin L.
Published: March 2017

Recognition-mediated high-sensitivity particle detection is a critical prerequisite to the development of effective integrated photonic virus sensors. Here, we demonstrate that 2D slab-PhC structures are able to fill this role.
In situ construction of Z-scheme g-C3N4/Mg1.1Al0.3Fe0.2O1.7 nanorod heterostructures with high N2 photofixation ability under visible light
Authors: Wang Yanjuan , Wei Wenshi , Li Mengyan , Hu Shaozheng , Zhang Jian , Feng Ruijiang
Published: March 2017

By tuning the metal ratio, a Z-scheme g-C3N4/MgAlFeO nanorod composite was prepared in situ.
Femtosecond laser directed fabrication of optical diffusers
Authors: Alqurashi Tawfiq , Penchev Pavel , Yetisen Ali K. , Sabouri Aydin , Ameen Rayan M. , Dimov Stefan , Butt Haider
Published: March 2017

Production of optical diffusers via femtosecond laser based texturing of glass.
A durable thin-film nanofibrous composite nanofiltration membrane prepared by interfacial polymerization on a double-layer nanofibrous scaffold
Authors: Yang Yin , Li Xiong , Shen Lingdi , Wang Xuefen , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: March 2017

PPA–PAN–AA/PAN nanofibrous composite membranes with interfacial polymerization between PIP and TMC based on a PAN–AA/PAN double-layer nanofibrous substrate.
Emission enhancement of GFP chromophore in aggregated state via combination of self-restricted effect and supramolecular host–guest complexation
Authors: Ge Shanshan , Deng Hongping , Su Yue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: March 2017

The emission response of GFP chromophore in aggregated state is greatly enhanced more than 100-fold due to the inhibition of conformational motion and the reduction of strong π–π interaction.
Electrostatic polypyridine–ruthenium(ii)⋯decatungstate dyads: structures, characterizations and photodegradation of dye
Authors: Wang Shugai , Xing Songzhu , Shi Zhuolin , He Jiachen , Han Qiuxia , Li Mingxue
Published: March 2017

Two photoinduced electron-transfer hybrids, [Ru(bpy)2(CH3CN)2]2[W10O32]·2CH3CN (RuW-1) and [Ru(bpy)3]2[W10O32] (RuW-2), displayed high activity in the photodegradation of RhB.
Electrospun poly(acrylic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous adsorbents for Cu(ii) removal from industrial plating wastewater
Authors: Park Jeong-Ann , Kang Jin-Kyu , Lee Seung-Chan , Kim Song-Bae
Published: March 2017

Nanofibrous adsorbents were fabricated by electrospinning with a blend solution of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers and used for copper (Cu(ii)) removal from industrial plating wastewater.
A series of lanthanide glutarates: lanthanide contraction effect on crystal frameworks of lanthanide glutarates
Authors: Tan Xiao-Feng , Zhou Jian , Zou Hua-Hong , Fu Lianshe , Tang Qiuling , Wang Peng
Published: March 2017

Although some 3-D lanthanide glutarates have been reported, they exhibit a very robust structural type, whose structure is not changed by different Ln3+ions, but compound3shows a new structural type.
Theoretical exploration on the electronic and magnetic properties of (FeCp)n– (n = 1, 2) ligand-functionalized graphene
Authors: Zhang Xiuyun , Bao Zujian , Xu Wenxian , Liu Lili , Liu Yongjun
Published: March 2017

The spin density plots of (FeCp)2@Gi(i= 1–5).
The positive effect of water on photo-induced step transfer-addition & radical-termination (START) polymerization
Authors: Xu Tianchi , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2017

In photo-induced Step Transfer-Addition & Radical-Termination (START) polymerization, the addition of water greatly enhanced the overall polymerization efficiency and inhibited the function loss (C–I).
Nanoarchitectures by hierarchical self-assembly of ursolic acid: entrapment and release of fluorophores including anticancer drug doxorubicin
Authors: Bag Braja Gopal , Das Subhajit , Hasan Sk Nurul , Chandan Barai Abir
Published: March 2017

Ursolic acid, a naturally occurring 6-6-6-6-6 monohydroxy triterpenic acid, extractable from the leaves ofPlumeria rubra, spontaneously self-assemble in aqueous liquids yielding nanoarchitectures capable of entrapping guest molecules including anticancer drug.
Synthesis of methylated quercetin analogues for enhancement of radical-scavenging activity
Authors: Imai Kohei , Nakanishi Ikuo , Ohkubo Kei , Ohba Yusuke , Arai Takuya , Mizuno Mirei , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Matsumoto Ken-ichiro , Fukuhara Kiyoshi
Published: March 2017

Methylation of the catechol moiety of quercetin resulted in the enhancement of its radical-scavenging activity.
Quantitative first principles calculations of protein circular dichroism in the near-ultraviolet
Authors: Li Zhuo , Hirst Jonathan D.
Published: March 2017

Including the vibrational structure of the electronic transitions of aromatic groups allows quantitative calculation of protein near-UV circular dichroism.
Chemical synthesis of a homoserine-mutant of the antibacterial, head-to-tail cyclized protein AS-48 by α-ketoacid–hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation
Authors: Rohrbacher Florian , Zwicky André , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2017

The development of ligation conditions suitable for highly hydrophobic peptide segments allowed the first chemical synthesis of the head-to-tail cyclized protein AS-48.
Emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials for electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chen Yunxu , Yang Kena , Jiang Bei , Li Jiaxu , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: March 2017

Various strategies for improving the catalytic performance of two dimensional nanomaterials for HER.
Does Rare Vocabulary Use Distinguish Giftedness From Typical Development? A Study of School-Age African American Narrators
Authors: Mills Monique T. , Mahurin-Smith Jamie , Steele Sara C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine rare vocabulary produced in the spoken narratives of school-age African American children.

Method

Forty-three children from general and gifted classrooms produced 2 narratives: a personal story and a fictional story that was based on the wordless book
Frog, Where Are You?
(Mayer, 1969). The Wordlist for Expressive Rare Vocabulary Evaluation (Mahurin-Smith, DeThorne, & Petrill, 2015) was used to tally number and type of uncommon words produced in these narratives. The authors used
t
tests and logistic regressions to explore classroom- and narrative-type differences in rare vocabulary production. Correlational analysis determined the relationship between dialect variation and rare vocabulary production.

Results

Findings indicated that tallies of rare-word types were higher in fictional narratives, whereas rare-word density—a measure that controls for narrative length—was greater in personal narratives. Rare-word density distinguished children in general classrooms from those in gifted classrooms. There was no correlation between dialect variation and rare-word density.

Conclusion

Examining school-age African American children's facility with rare vocabulary production appears to be a dialect-neutral way to measure their narrative language and to distinguish gifted children from typically developing children.
Coumaryl Triflate, a Versatile Building Block for the Modification of Coumarins and for Fluorescence Labeling
Authors: Kazmaier Uli , Doroshenko Tamara , Bauer Kevin , Filbrich Isabel , Grueter Andreas , Jung Gregor , Ullrich Angelika
Published: March 2017

Coumaryl triflate can be used for a wide range of substitution reactions, either under Pd-catalyzed conditions or via direct nucleophilic substitutions, and is therefore an ideal substrate for the fluorescence labeling of functionalized compounds, such as amino acids.
Acute Sensory Neuronopathy following Enterovirus Infection in a 3-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Chiu Chih-Chin , Yang Chen-Ya , Yang Tsui-Fen , Lin Kon-Ping , Huang Shou-Hsien , Wang Jia-Chi
Published: March 2017

Acute sensory neuronopathy (SNN) is a rapidly developing peripheral nervous system disease that primarily affects sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion or trigeminal ganglion, leading to the impairment of sensory axons. SNN is notably uncommon in childhood; only three cases of childhood or adolescent SNN have been reported to date. Moreover, SSN has never been reported in association with enterovirus infection. Here, we report the case of a 3-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with enterovirus infection based on the presentation of fevers, rashes on all extremities, and ulceration over the posterior pharynx. Nine days later, she presented with ataxic and wide-based gait and dysmetria affecting the extremities, with an absence of sensory nerve action potentials in the upper and lower limbs. The patient was diagnosed with acute SNN based on the criteria developed by Camdessanché et al in 2009. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case of SNN reported to date. In addition, this case reveals that enterovirus infection can be associated with acute SNN in children in rare cases. Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, comprehensive knowledge of the patient's history, and careful characterization of abnormal findings in electrodiagnostic studies.
Platelet-Derived NO in Subjects Affected by Type 2 Diabetes with and without Complications: Is there any Relationship with their Offspring?
Authors: Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Vignini Arianna , Salvolini Eleonora , Nanetti Laura , Mazzanti Laura , Anna Rabini Rosa
Published: March 2017

Macro- and microvascular complications are currently the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Aim of this study was to determine if type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy and coronary artery disease showed altered platelet-derived nitric oxide (NO) production, compared with diabetic subjects without complications, and if this alteration is also present in their diabetic offspring.

In this case-control observational study, platelet NO and peroxynitrite content was determined on plasma from 60 male adult type 2 diabetic patients and 60 male offspring type 2 diabetic patients. Plasmatic levels of homocysteine were also determined in the same individuals. Moreover, Western blot analysis of platelet lysates was performed with specific monoclonal antibody for endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase.

Our study showed a lower piastrinic production of NO in the group of parents without complications (ADH), compared with the group of offspring without complications (YDH) and with the groups of parents with complications. Furthermore, we observed a lower synthesis of peroxynitrite in platelets from the ADH group than in the groups of patients with complications, and in the YDH group compared with all other groups. Subjects from YDH group also showed lower iNOS expression, compared with all other groups.

Our data suggest that alterations in nitric oxide metabolism may represent potential risk factors in type 2 diabetes complications, such as nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases, leading to development of new therapeutic strategies in order to delay and prevent the onset of such complications.
UVB-emitting InAlGaN multiple quantum well synthesized using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kong W. , Roberts A. T. , Jiao W. Y. , Fournelle J. , Kim T. H. , Losurdo M. , Everitt H. O. , Brown A. S.
Published: March 2017

A high Al-content (y > 0.4) multi-quantum-well (MQW) structure with a quaternary InxAlyGa(1-x-y)N active layer was synthesized using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The MQW structure exhibits strong carrier confinement and room temperature ultraviolet-B (UVB) photoluminescence an order of magnitude stronger than that of a reference InxAlyGa(1-x-y)N thin film with comparable composition and thickness. The samples were characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. Numerical simulations suggest that the UVB emission efficiency is limited by dislocation-related non-radiative recombination centers in the MQW and at the MQW - buffer interface. Emission efficiency can be significantly improved by reducing the dislocation density from 109cm−2 to 107cm−2 and by optimizing the width and depth of the quantum wells.
Ion-impact secondary emission in negative corona with photoionization
Authors: Lu B. X. , Sun H. Y.
Published: March 2017

A corona discharge measurement system and simulation model are presented to investigate the effects of photoionization and ion-impact secondary emission process in negative corona discharge. The simulation results obtained is shown good agreement with experimental observations. Distribution of electron density along the symmetry axis at three critical moments is shown and the role of photoionization in negative corona discharge is clearly explained. Moreover, the current pulses are also presented under different secondary emission coefficients and the effect of the secondary emission coefficient is discussed.
Microstructure and coercivity in La-coated Nd2Fe14B thin films
Authors: Itakura M. , Fukuda J. , Koike K. , Ishikawa H. , Ogawa D. , Kato H.
Published: March 2017

We investigated La-coated Nd2Fe14B thin film magnets by scanning/transmission electron microscopy to clarify the coercivity enhancement mechanism in Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. The coercivity of La-coated film magnets was increased from 8.5 to 15 kOe by post-annealing. The fcc-LaOx layer was epitaxially grown on [001]-oriented Nd2Fe14B fine grains with a crystallographic orientation relation of Nd2Fe14B (001)[110] || LaOx (111)[112¯], both in the as-deposited and post-annealed films. STEM-EDS elemental analysis revealed that the only difference caused by post-annealing was the O content in the LaOx layer, which increased from 15 to 35 at.%. These results suggest that the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the Nd ions, which were reduced at the surface of Nd2Fe14B, would be recovered by the presence of O, leading to a remarkable increase in the coercivity.
Frequency stability improvement for piezoresistive micromechanical oscillators via synchronization
Authors: Pu Dong , Huan Ronghua , Wei Xueyong
Published: March 2017

Synchronization phenomenon first discovered in Huygens’ clock shows that the rhythms of oscillating objects can be adjusted via an interaction. Here we show that the frequency stability of a piezoresistive micromechanical oscillator can be enhanced via synchronization. The micromechanical clamped-clamped beam oscillator is built up using the electrostatic driving and piezoresistive sensing technique and the synchronization phenomenon is observed after coupling it to an external oscillator. An enhancement of frequency stability is obtained in the synchronization state. The influences of the synchronizing perturbation intensity and frequency detuning applied on the oscillator are studied experimentally. A theoretical analysis of phase noise leads to an analytical formula for predicting Allan deviation of the frequency output of the piezoresistive oscillator, which successfully explains the experimental observations and the mechanism of frequency stability enhancement via synchronization.
Ca doping in BaTiO3 crystal: Effect on the Raman spectra and vibrational modes
Authors: Ouni Inès Bejaoui , Chapron David , Aroui Hassen , Fontana Marc D.
Published: March 2017

Polarized Raman measurements were carried out in a 3% Ca- doped BaTiO3 (BCT) single crystal and compared with those in undoped BaTiO3 (BT) in order to study the effect of Ca2+ incorporation into the BT lattice. Spectra recorded at room temperature in BCT show peaks unexpected by the Raman selection rules in BT, proving an off-centering of Ca with respect to the Ba site in BT. Main phonon lines A1 polarized along the ferroelectric c axis are notably shifted to lower frequency by Ca doping, while the phonons E in the plane normal to c are nearly unaffected. In addition, the modes A1 are highly anharmonic, even more than in BT, as revealed by the temperature dependences of their frequency and damping which are analyzed in terms of 3rd and 4th order anharmonic potential.
An atomistic study of Y segregation at a {101¯1}–{101¯2} double twin in Mg
Authors: Miyazawa Naoki , Suzuki Shunya , Mabuchi Mamoru , Chino Yasumasa
Published: March 2017

Segregation at a triple junction of grain boundaries has not been explained much because the structure of a triple junction is very complicated. The present paper describes Monte Carlo simulations by which Y segregation was investigated at a triple junction of a {101¯1}–{101¯2} double twin in Mg. Y atoms segregated at the extension sites in the {101¯1} and {101¯2} twin boundaries. However, they were not necessarily more segregated at the triple junction of the double twin, although the free volumes at the extension sites of the triple junction were larger on average than those of the other boundaries. Thus, the Y segregation behavior at the triple junction cannot be explained only by the free volume. The anisotropic factor of the atomic Voronoi polyhedron was developed to explain the Y segregation behavior at the triple junction. In addition, the shortest interatomic distance and coordination number affected Y segregation at the triple junction. Also, segregation at the triple junction strongly depended on the Y concentration, which resulted from variations in the local atomic configuration. Thus, the Y segregation behavior at the triple junction was complicated, in contrast to those at twin boundaries, even when the size effect was predominant.
Microscopic derivation of particle-based coarse-grained dynamics: Exact expression for memory function
Authors: Izvekov Sergei
Published: March 2017

We consider the generalized Langevin equations of motion describing exactly the particle-based coarse-grained dynamics in the classical microscopic ensemble that were derived recently within the Mori-Zwanzig formalism based on new projection operators [S. Izvekov, J. Chem. Phys. 138(13), 134106 (2013)]. The fundamental difference between the new family of projection operators and the standard Zwanzig projection operator used in the past to derive the coarse-grained equations of motion is that the new operators average out the explicit irrelevant trajectories leading to the possibility of solving the projected dynamics exactly. We clarify the definition of the projection operators and revisit the formalism to compute the projected dynamics exactly for the microscopic system in equilibrium. The resulting expression for the projected force is in the form of a “generalized additive fluctuating force” describing the departure of the generalized microscopic force associated with the coarse-grained coordinate from its projection. Starting with this key expression, we formulate a new exact formula for the memory function in terms of microscopic and coarse-grained conservative forces. We conclude by studying two independent limiting cases of practical importance: the Markov limit (vanishing correlations of projected force) and the limit of weak dependence of the memory function on the particle momenta. We present computationally affordable expressions which can be efficiently evaluated from standard molecular dynamics simulations.