bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-traditional stable isotope behaviors in immiscible silica-melts in a mafic magma chamber
Authors: Zhu Dan , Bao Huiming , Liu Yun
Published: December 2015

Non-traditional stable isotopes have increasingly been applied to studies of igneous processes including planetary differentiation. Equilibrium isotope fractionation of these elements in silicates is expected to be negligible at magmatic temperatures (δ57Fe difference often less than 0.2 per mil). However, an increasing number of data has revealed a puzzling observation, e.g., the δ57Fe for silicic magmas ranges from 0‰ up to 0.6‰, with the most positive δ57Fe almost exclusively found in A-type granitoids. Several interpretations have been proposed by different research groups, but these have so far failed to explain some aspects of the observations. Here we propose a dynamic, diffusion-induced isotope fractionation model that assumes Si-melts are growing and ascending immiscibly in a Fe-rich bulk magma chamber. Our model offers predictions on the behavior of non-traditional stable isotope such as Fe, Mg, Si and Li that are consistent with observations from many A-type granitoids, especially those associated with layered intrusions. Diffusion-induced isotope fractionation may be more commonly preserved in magmatic rocks than was originally predicted.
Inhibition of Lysyl Oxidases Improves Drug Diffusion and Increases Efficacy of Cytotoxic Treatment in 3D Tumor Models
Authors: Schütze Friedrich , Röhrig Florian , Vorlová Sandra , Gätzner Sabine , Kuhn Anja , Ergün Süleyman , Henke Erik
Published: December 2015

Tumors are characterized by a rigid, highly cross-linked extracellular matrix (ECM), which impedes homogeneous drug distribution and potentially protects malignant cells from exposure to therapeutics. Lysyl oxidases are major contributors to tissue stiffness and the elevated expression of these enzymes observed in most cancers might influence drug distribution and efficacy. We examined the effect of lysyl oxidases on drug distribution and efficacy in 3Din vitroassay systems. In our experiments elevated lysyl oxidase activity was responsible for reduced drug diffusion under hypoxic conditions and consequently impaired cytotoxicity of various chemotherapeutics. This effect was only observed in 3D settings but not in 2D-cell culture, confirming that lysyl oxidases affect drug efficacy by modification of the ECM and do not confer a direct desensitizing effect. Both drug diffusion and efficacy were strongly enhanced by inhibition of lysyl oxidases. The results from thein vitroexperiments correlated with tumor drug distributionin vivoand predicted response to therapeutics in murine tumor models. Our results demonstrate that lysyl oxidase activity modulates the physical barrier function of ECM for small molecule drugs influencing their therapeutic efficacy. Targeting this process has the potential to significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of malignant diseases.
Effects of Long-term Conservation Tillage on Soil Nutrients in Sloping Fields in Regions Characterized by Water and Wind Erosion
Authors: Tan Chunjian , Cao Xue , Yuan Shuai , Wang Weiyu , Feng Yongzhong , Qiao Bo
Published: December 2015

Conservation tillage is commonly used in regions affected by water and wind erosion. To understand the effects of conservation tillage on soil nutrients and yield, a long-term experiment was set up in a region affected by water and wind erosion on the Loess Plateau. The treatments used were traditional tillage (CK), no tillage (NT), straw mulching (SM), plastic-film mulching (PM), ridging and plastic-film mulching (RPM) and intercropping (In). Our results demonstrate that the available nutrients in soils subjected to non-traditional tillage treatments decreased during the first several years and then remained stable over the last several years of the experiment. The soil organic matter and total nitrogen content increased gradually over 6 years in all treatments except CK. The nutrient content of soils subjected to conservative tillage methods, such as NT and SM, were significantly higher than those in soils under the CK treatment. Straw mulching and film mulching effectively reduced an observed decrease in soybean yield. Over the final 6 years of the experiment, soybean yields followed the trend RPM > PM > SM > NT > CK > In. This trend has implications for controlling soil erosion and preventing non-point source pollution in sloping fields by sacrificing some food production.
Suppression on plant-parasitic nematodes using a soil fumigation strategy based on ammonium bicarbonate and its effects on the nematode community
Authors: Su Lanxi , Ruan Yunze , Yang Xiujuan , Wang Kang , Li Rong , Shen Qirong
Published: December 2015

Banana production is severely hindered by plant-parasitic nematodes in acidic, sandy soil. This study investigated the possibility of applying a novel fumigation agent based on ammonium bicarbonate as a strategy for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes under sealed conditions. Moreover, its effects on the nematode community in pot and field experiments were also measured using morphology and feeding-habit based classification and the PCR-DGGE method. Results showed that a mixture (LAB) of lime (L) and ammonium bicarbonate (AB) in suitable additive amounts (0.857 g kg−1 of L and 0.428 g kg−1 of AB) showed stronger nematicidal ability than did the use of AB alone or the use of ammonium hydroxide (AH) and calcium cyanamide (CC) with an equal nitrogen amount. The nematode community was altered by the different fumigants and LAB showed an excellent plant-parasitic nematicidal ability, especially for Meloidogyne and Rotylenchulus, as revealed by morphology and feeding-habit based classification and for Meloidogyne, as revealed by the PCR-DGGE method. Fungivores and omnivore-predators were more sensitive to the direct effects of the chemicals than bacterivores. This study explored a novel fumigation agent for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes based on LAB and provides a potential strategy to ensure the worldwide development of the banana industry.
Isolation and characterization of two novel halotolerant Catechol 2, 3-dioxygenases from a halophilic bacterial consortium
Authors: Guo Guang , Fang Tingting , Wang Chongyang , Huang Yong , Tian Fang , Cui Qijia , Wang Hui
Published: December 2015

Study of enzymes in halophiles will help to understand the mechanism of aromatic hydrocarbons degradation in saline environment. In this study, two novel catechol 2,3-dioxygenases (C23O1 and C23O2) were cloned and overexpressed from a halophilic bacterial consortium enriched from an oil-contaminated saline soil. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the novel C23Os and their relatives formed a new branch in subfamily I.2.A of extradiol dioxygenases and the sequence differences were further analyzed by amino acid sequence alignment. Two enzymes with the halotolerant feature were active over a range of 0–30% salinity and they performed more stable at high salinity than in the absence of salt. Surface electrostatic potential and amino acids composition calculation suggested high acidic residues content, accounting for their tolerance to high salinity. Moreover, two enzymes were further characterized. The enzymes activity both increased in the presence of Fe3+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ and showed no significant inhibition by other tested metal ions. The optimal temperatures for the C23Os were 40 °C and 60 °C and their best substrates were catechol and 4-methylcatechol respectively. As the firstly isolated and characterized catechol dioxygenases from halophiles, the two halotolerant C23Os presented novel characteristics suggesting their potential application in aromatic hydrocarbons biodegradation.
Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption in vitro and in vivo by a prenylflavonoid xanthohumol from hops
Authors: Li Jing , Zeng Li , Xie Juan , Yue Zhiying , Deng Huayun , Ma Xueyun , Zheng Chunbing , Wu Xiushan , Luo Jian , Liu Mingyao
Published: December 2015

Excessive RANKL signaling leads to superfluous osteoclast formation and bone resorption, is widespread in the pathologic bone loss and destruction. Therefore, targeting RANKL or its signaling pathway has been a promising and successful strategy for this osteoclast-related diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of xanthohumol (XN), an abundant prenylflavonoid from hops plant, on osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast resorption and RANKL-induced signaling pathway using both in vitro and in vivo assay systems. In mouse and human, XN inhibited osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast formation at the early stage. Furthermore, XN inhibited osteoclast actin-ring formation and bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. In ovariectomized-induced bone loss mouse model and RANKL-injection-induced bone resorption model, we found that administration of XN markedly inhibited bone loss and resorption by suppressing osteoclast activity. At the molecular level, XN disrupted the association of RANK and TRAF6, resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB and Ca2+/NFATc1 signaling pathway during osteoclastogenesis. As a results, XN suppressed the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes, including CtsK, Nfatc1, Trap, Ctr. Therefore, our data demonstrated that XN inhibits osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption through RANK/TRAF6 signaling pathways. XN could be a promising drug candidate in the treatment of osteoclast-related diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Patterns of relative magnitudes of soil energy channels and their relationships with environmental factors in different ecosystems in Romania
Authors: Ciobanu Marcel , Popovici Iuliana , Zhao Jie , Stoica Ilie-Adrian
Published: December 2015

The percentage compositions of soil herbivorous, bacterivorous and fungivorous nematodes in forests, grasslands and scrubs in Romania was analysed. Percentages of nematode abundance, biomass and metabolic footprint methods were used to evaluate the patterns and relative size of herbivory, bacterial- and fungal-mediated channels in organic and mineral soil horizons. Patterns and magnitudes of herbivore, bacterivore and fungivore energy pathways differed for a given ecosystem type and soil depth according to the method used. The relevance of herbivore energy channel increased with soil depth due to higher contribution of root-feeders. Ectoparasites, sedentary parasites and epidermal cell and root hair feeders were the most important contributors to the total biomass and metabolic footprints of herbivores. Metabolic footprint method revealed the general dominance of bacterial-based energy channel in all five types of ecosystems. The influence of altitude and climatic factors on percentages of abundance, biomass and metabolic footprints of herbivores, bacterivores and fungivores decreased with soil depth, whereas the influence of humus content, cation-exchange capacity and base saturation increased. Vegetation, altitude, climate and soil physico-chemical characteristics are important factors that influenced the abundance, biomass and metabolic footprints of herbivores, bacterivores and fungivores.
Multilayered Graphene Nano-Film for Controlled Protein Delivery by Desired Electro-Stimuli
Authors: Choi Moonhyun , Kim Kyung-Geun , Heo Jiwoong , Jeong Hyejoong , Kim Sung Yeol , Hong Jinkee
Published: December 2015

Recent research has highlighted the potential use of “smart” films, such as graphene sheets, that would allow for the controlled release of a variety of therapeutic drugs. Taking full advantage of these versatile conducting sheets, we investigated the novel concept of applying graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) materials as both barrier and conducting layers that afford controlled entrapment and release of any molecules of interest. We fabricated multilayered nanofilm architectures using a hydrolytically degradable cationic poly(β-amino ester) (PAE), a model protein antigen, ovalbumin (OVA) as a building block along with the GO and rGO. We successfully showed that these multilayer films are capable of blocking the initial burst release of OVA and they can be triggered to precisely control the release upon the application of electrochemical potential. This new drug delivery platform will find its usefulness in various transdermal drug delivery devices where on-demand control of drug release from the surface is necessary.
The standalone aminopeptidase PepN catalyzes the maturation of blasticidin S from leucylblasticidin S
Authors: Yu Guiyang , Li Li , Liu Xiangyang , Liu Guang , Deng Zixin , Zabriskie Mark T. , Jiang Ming , He Xinyi
Published: December 2015

The peptidyl nucleoside blasticidin S (BS) isolated from Streptomyces griseochromogenes was the first non-mercurial fungicide used on a large scale to prevent rice blast. In the biosynthesis of BS, leucylblasticidin S (LBS) was suggested as the penultimate metabolite with 20-fold less inhibitory activity than the final product BS. Incomplete conversion of LBS to BS at a variable efficiency ranging from 10% to 90% was observed either in the native strain S. griseochromogenes or a heterologous producer Streptomyces lividans WJ2. In this study, we determined that maturation of BS from LBS is not a spontaneous process but is governed by a standalone peptidase PepN, which hydrolyzes LBS in a pH-sensitive way with most appropriate of pH 7~8 but is inactive when the pH is below 5 or above 10. PepN1 and PepN2, two neighboring PepN homologs from Streptomyces lividans were purified in E. coli but displayed ca.100-fold difference in LBS hydrolytic activity. Overexpression of pepN1 in WJ2 enhanced BS yield by 100% and lowered the ratio of LBS to BS from 2:1 to 2:3. This work presents the expansion of the biological role for PepN in antibiotic maturation and the first report of hydrolysis of beta amide linkage by this conserved enzyme.
Lactic acid is a sperm motility inactivation factor in the sperm storage tubules
Authors: Matsuzaki Mei , Mizushima Shusei , Hiyama Gen , Hirohashi Noritaka , Shiba Kogiku , Inaba Kazuo , Suzuki Tomohiro , Dohra Hideo , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Sato Yoshikatsu , Kohsaka Tetsuya , Ichikawa Yoshinobu , Atsumi Yusuke , Yoshimura Takashi , Sasanami Tomohiro
Published: December 2015

Although successful fertilization depends on timely encounters between sperm and egg, the decoupling of mating and fertilization often confers reproductive advantages to internally fertilizing animals. In several vertebrate groups, postcopulatory sperm viability is prolonged by storage in specialized organs within the female reproductive tract. In birds, ejaculated sperm can be stored in a quiescent state within oviductal sperm storage tubules (SSTs), thereby retaining fertilizability for up to 15 weeks at body temperature (41 °C); however, the mechanism by which motile sperm become quiescent within SSTs is unknown. Here, we show that low oxygen and high lactic acid concentrations are established in quail SSTs. Flagellar quiescence was induced by lactic acid in the concentration range found in SSTs through flagellar dynein ATPase inactivation following cytoplasmic acidification (<pH 6.0). The long-term preservation of sperm morphology under hypoxic and high temperature conditions indicates that a combination of these factors enables sperm cells to survive during the ovulation cycles. Our findings suggested a novel physiological role for lactic acid in promoting sperm quiescence in SSTs and opened up a new opportunity for technological improvement in prolonging sperm longevity at ambient or body temperature.
Fisetin and luteolin protect human retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death and regulate inflammation
Authors: Hytti Maria , Piippo Niina , Korhonen Eveliina , Honkakoski Paavo , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu
Published: December 2015

Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a clinical hallmark of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among aged people in the Western world. Both inflammation and oxidative stress are known to play vital roles in the development of this disease. Here, we assess the ability of fisetin and luteolin, to protect ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death and to decrease intracellular inflammation. We also compare the growth and reactivity of human ARPE-19 cells in serum-free and serum-containing conditions. The absence of serum in the culture medium did not prevent ARPE-19 cells from reaching full confluency but caused an increased sensitivity to oxidative stress-induced cell death. Both fisetin and luteolin protected ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. They also significantly decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the culture medium. The decrease in inflammation was associated with reduced activation of MAPKs and CREB, but was not linked to NF- κB or SIRT1. The ability of fisetin and luteolin to protect and repair stressed RPE cells even after the oxidative insult make them attractive in the search for treatments for AMD.
Evidence for transcriptional interference in a dual-luciferase reporter system
Authors: Wu Guo-Qing , Wang Xiao , Zhou Hong-Ying , Chai Ke-Qun , Xue Qian , Zheng Ai-Hong , Zhu Xiu-Ming , Xiao Jian-Yong , Ying Xu-Hua , Wang Fu-Wei , Rui Tao , Xu Li-Yun , Zhang Yong-Kui , Liao Yi-Ji , Xie Dan , Lu Li-Qin , Huang Dong-Sheng
Published: December 2015

The dual-luciferase reporter assay is widely used for microRNA target identification and the functional validation of predicted targets. To determine whether curcumin regulates expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) by targeting its 3′untranslated region (3′UTR), two luciferase reporter systems containing exactly the same sequence of the EZH2 3′UTR were used to perform dual-luciferase reporter assays. Surprisingly, there were certain discrepancies between the luciferase activities derived from these two reporter constructs. We normalized luciferase activity to an internal control to determine the amount of the reporter construct successfully transfected into cells, induced a transcriptional block with flavopiridol, quantified renilla luciferase mRNA levels and compared the absolute luciferase activity among the different groups. The results suggested that curcumin promoted the transcription of the luciferase genes located downstream of the simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40) early enhancer/promoter, but not those located downstream of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early or the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) promoters. These results explain the discrepancies between the two luciferase reporter systems. The current study underscores the importance of taking caution when interpreting the results of dual-luciferase reporter assays and provides strategies to overcome the potential pitfall accompanying dual-luciferase reporter systems.
Role of emotional processing in depressive responses to sex-hormone manipulation: a pharmacological fMRI study
Authors: Henningsson S , Madsen K H , Pinborg A , Heede M , Knudsen G M , Siebner H R , Frokjaer V G
Published: December 2015

Sex-hormone fluctuations may increase risk for developing depressive symptoms and alter emotional processing as supported by observations in menopausal and pre- to postpartum transition. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we used blood−oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate if sex-steroid hormone manipulation with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) influences emotional processing. Fifty-six healthy women were investigated twice: at baseline (follicular phase of menstrual cycle) and 16±3 days post intervention. At both sessions, fMRI-scans during exposure to faces expressing fear, anger, happiness or no emotion, depressive symptom scores and estradiol levels were acquired. The fMRI analyses focused on regions of interest for emotional processing. As expected, GnRHa initially increased and subsequently reduced estradiol to menopausal levels, which was accompanied by an increase in subclinical depressive symptoms relative to placebo. Women who displayed larger GnRHa-induced increase in depressive symptoms had a larger increase in both negative and positive emotion-elicited activity in the anterior insula. When considering the post-GnRHa scan only, depressive responses were associated with emotion-elicited activity in the anterior insula and amygdala. The effect on regional activity in anterior insula was not associated with the estradiol net decline, only by the GnRHa-induced changes in mood. Our data implicate enhanced insula recruitment during emotional processing in the emergence of depressive symptoms following sex-hormone fluctuations. This may correspond to the emotional hypersensitivity frequently experienced by women postpartum.
Cryogenic zone compression GC-HRTOFMS for the measurement of PCB-153 and DDE in 20 μL serum samples
Authors: L'Homme B. , Focant J.-F.
Published: December 2015

Human exposure to POPs is of concern and typical biomonitoring studies require large amounts of blood (5–75 mL) from participants. As a proof of concept, we developed a miniaturized method based on MEPS and CZC applied to GC-HRTOFMS for the measurement of markers of exposure (PCB-153, DDE) in 20 μL human serum samples.
A rapid and highly sensitive method for simultaneous determination of bioactive constituents in leaf extracts of six Ocimum species using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-hybrid linear ion trap triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Pandey Renu , Chandra Preeti , Kumar Brijesh , Dutt Bhupender , Sharma Kulwant Rai
Published: December 2015

Ocimum species have tremendous value in pharmaceutical, perfumery, food processing and cosmetic industries, also in traditional rituals and medicines.
Enhancing the carbon capture capacities of a rigid ultra-microporous MOF through gate-opening at low CO2pressures assisted by swiveling oxalate pillars
Authors: Banerjee Aparna , Nandi Shyamapada , Nasa Parveen , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: December 2015

Up to 40% (@273 K) enhancement in CO2capacities in a rigid ZnAtzOx frameworkvia‘swivelling’ oxalate assisted gate-opening.
Bayberry-like ZnO/MFI zeolite as high performance methanol-to-aromatics catalyst
Authors: Wang Ning , Qian Weizhong , Shen Kui , Su Chang , Wei Fei
Published: December 2015

A unique bayberry-shaped MFI zeolite structure with a zeolite shell (1–1.5 μm in thickness) and numerous zeolite nanowires (500–800 nm in length) vertically grown on two sides of the shell is prepared. The catalytic efficiency is significantly higher than that of the conventional ZnO/MFI zeolite.
A new chiral Fe(iii)–salen grafted mesoporous catalyst for enantioselective asymmetric ring opening of racemic epoxides at room temperature under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Roy Susmita , Bhanja Piyali , Safikul Islam Sk. , Bhaumik Asim , Manirul Islam Sk.
Published: December 2015

A new heterogeneous chiral Fe(iii)–salen grafted mesoporous catalyst has been synthesized for the enantioselective (ee > 99%) ARO reaction of racemic epoxides with aromatic amine under solvent-free conditions.
Deep traps can reduce memory effects of shallower ones in scintillators
Authors: Moretti Federico , Patton Gaël , Belsky Andrei , Petrosyan Ashot G. , Dujardin Christophe
Published: December 2015

We propose a new strategy to reduce the X-ray induced luminescence sensitization in scintillators by the addition of suitably designed high concentration deep traps for free charge carriers.
Insights into structural and dynamical features of water at halloysite interfaces probed by DFT and classical molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Presti Davide , Pedone Alfonso , Mancini Giordano , Duce Celia , Tiné Maria Rosaria , Barone Vincenzo
Published: December 2015

Density functional theory calculations and classical molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the structure and dynamics of water molecules on kaolinite surfaces and confined in the interlayer of a halloysite model of nanometric dimension.
First-principles anharmonic quantum calculations for peptide spectroscopy: VSCF calculations and comparison with experiments
Authors: Roy Tapta Kanchan , Sharma Rahul , Gerber R. Benny
Published: December 2015

First-principles quantum calculations for anharmonic vibrational spectroscopy of three protected dipeptides are carried out and compared with experimental data.
Molecular signatures in femtosecond laser-induced organic plasmas: comparison with nanosecond laser ablation
Authors: Serrano Jorge , Moros Javier , Javier Laserna J.
Published: December 2015

During the last few years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has evolved significantly in the molecular sensing area through the optical monitoring of emissions from organic plasmas.
Positional recurrence maps, a powerful tool to de-correlate static and dynamical disorder in distribution maps from molecular dynamics simulations: the case of Nd2NiO4+d
Authors: Piovano A. , Perrichon A. , Boehm M. , Johnson M. R. , Paulus W.
Published: December 2015

In order to investigate the on-site motion of the diffusive species in crystalline solids, we have implemented a code to perform a time-summation of displacements of specific atoms, involving symmetry and adapted projections.
Helium stability and its interaction with H in α-Al2O3: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Guikai , Xiang Xin , Yang Feilong , Peng Xuexing , Tang Tao , Shi Yan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: December 2015

Forms of H and He-related defects in α-Al2O3are Hei, Hi+, [Hei–H+]+, [HeAl3−–H+]2−and [HO+–Hei]+.
Synthesis and decomposition of Li3Na(NH2)4 and investigations of Li–Na–N–H based systems for hydrogen storage
Authors: Jepsen Lars H. , Wang Peikun , Wu Guotao , Xiong Zhitao , Besenbacher Flemming , Chen Ping , Jensen Torben R.
Published: December 2015

Li3Na(NH2)4 melts at 234 °C and improves the kinetics for H2 release from Li–Na–N–H based composites.
Preparation of colloidal solution of silica encapsulating cyanobiphenyl unit-capped ZnO QD emitting in the blue region
Authors: Neaime C. , Amela-Cortes M. , Grasset F. , Zakhour M. , Molard Y.
Published: December 2015

The encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles (5 nm) coated by cyanobiphenyl units by the sol–gel technique leads to spherical ZnO@SiO2 nanoparticles displaying blue emission under UV excitation.
Intraprotein transmethylation via a CH3–Co(iii) species in myoglobin reconstituted with a cobalt corrinoid complex
Authors: Morita Yoshitsugu , Oohora Koji , Sawada Akiyoshi , Doitomi Kazuki , Ohbayashi Jun , Kamachi Takashi , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Hisaeda Yoshio , Hayashi Takashi
Published: December 2015

A cobalt corrinoid complex bound in the myoglobin heme pocket demonstrates the formation of a CH3–Co(iii) bond and subsequent transmethylation.
Preparation of α1- and α2-isomers of mono-Ru-substituted Dawson-type phosphotungstates with an aqua ligand and comparison of their redox potentials, catalytic activities, and thermal stabilities with Keggin-type derivatives
Authors: Nishiki Kensuke , Umehara Naoya , Kadota Yusuke , López Xavier , Poblet Josep M. , Mezui Charyle Ayingone , Teillout Anne-Lucie , Mbomekalle Israël M. , de Oliveira Pedro , Miyamoto Mayumi , Sano Tsuneji , Sadakane Masahiro
Published: December 2015

Synthesis of both α1- and α2-isomers of mono-Ru-substituted Dawson-type heteropolytungstates.
Correction: Reusable manganese compounds containing pyrazole-based ligands for olefin epoxidation reactions
Authors: Manrique Ester , Poater Albert , Fontrodona Xavier , Solà Miquel , Rodríguez Montserrat , Romero Isabel
Published: December 2015

Correction for ‘Reusable manganese compounds containing pyrazole-based ligands for olefin epoxidation reactions’ by Ester Manrique et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 17529–17543.
Have vehicle emissions of primary NO2 peaked?
Authors: Carslaw David C. , Murrells Tim P. , Andersson Jon , Keenan Matthew
Published: December 2015

Reducing ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) remains a key challenge across many European urban areas, particularly close to roads. This challenge mostly relates to the lack of reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from diesel road vehicles relative to the reductions expected through increasingly stringent vehicle emissions legislation. However, a key component of near-road concentrations of NO2 derives from directly emitted (primary) NO2 from diesel vehicles. It is well-established that the proportion of NO2 (i.e. the NO2/NOx ratio) in vehicle exhaust has increased over the past decade as a result of vehicle after-treatment technologies that oxidise carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and generate NO2 to aid the emissions control of diesel particulate. In this work we bring together an analysis of ambient NOx and NO2 measurements with comprehensive vehicle emission remote sensing data obtained in London to better understand recent trends in the NO2/NOx ratio from road vehicles. We show that there is evidence that NO2 concentrations have decreased since around 2010 despite less evidence of a reduction in total NOx. The decrease is shown to be driven by relatively large reductions in the amount of NO2 directly emitted by vehicles; from around 25 vol% in 2010 to 15 vol% in 2014 in inner London, for example. The analysis of NOx and NO2 vehicle emission remote sensing data shows that these reductions have been mostly driven by reduced NO2/NOx emission ratios from heavy duty vehicles and buses rather than light duty vehicles. However, there is also evidence from the analysis of Euro 4 and 5 diesel passenger cars that as vehicles age the NO2/NOx ratio decreases. For example the NO2/NOx ratio decreased from 29.5 ± 2.0% in Euro 5 diesel cars up to one year old to 22.7 ± 2.5% for four-year old vehicles. At some roadside locations the reductions in primary NO2 have had a large effect on reducing both the annual mean and number of hourly exceedances of the European Limit Values of NO2.
Modeling type 2 diabetes-like hyperglycemia in C. elegans on a microdevice
Authors: Zhu Guoli , Yin Fangchao , Wang Li , Wei Wenbo , Jiang Lei , Qin Jianhua
Published: December 2015

A microdevice to model type 2 diabetes-like hyperglycemia inC. elegansand examine several aspects of this disease inC. elegans.
Magnetic bead-based AuNP labelling combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for sensitively and specifically counting cancer cells
Authors: Yang WeiJuan , Xi Zhiming , Zeng Xiaoxue , Fang Ling , Jiang Wenjing , Wu Yongning , Xu LiangJun , Fu FengFu
Published: December 2015

A novel method for sensitively and specifically counting cancer cells using a MB-based AuNP–aptamer labelling technique and ICP-MS detection is presented in this study.
Optofluidic FRET lasers using aqueous quantum dots as donors
Authors: Chen Qiushu , Kiraz Alper , Fan Xudong
Published: December 2015

Optofluidic FRET lasers using aqueous quantum dots as donors.
Lysyl oxidase promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Zhu Yong , Tan Jiuting , Meng Xiaoxiao , Xie Hui , Wang Ruilan
Published: December 2015

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase that plays a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis.
Discrimination between bacterial species by ratiometric analysis of their carbohydrate binding profile
Authors: Otten Lucienne , Fullam Elizabeth , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: December 2015

‘Barcoding’ how bacteria bind to simple sugar-surfaces using a training algorithm is used as a powerful identification tool.
Preparation of polyoxometalate stabilized gold nanoparticles and composite assembly with graphene oxide: enhanced electrocatalytic performance
Authors: Suo Lin , Gao Wenmei , Du Yu , Wang Ruiqiang , Wu Lixin , Bi Lihua
Published: December 2015

P5W30 stabilized Au nanoparticles and graphene oxide were fabricated to form composite films exhibiting good electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 reduction.
Carbocatalysis: N-doped reduced graphene oxide catalyzed esterification of fatty acids with long chain alcohols
Authors: Porwal Jyoti , Karanwal Neha , Kaul Savita , Jain Suman L.
Published: December 2015

Nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) was found to be an efficient metal free and heterogeneous catalyst for the esterification of different fatty compounds includingBischofia javanicaandToona ciliatafatty acids with long chain alcohols.
Simultaneous catalytic degradation/reduction of multiple organic compounds by modifiable p(methacrylic acid-co-acrylonitrile)–M (M: Cu, Co) microgel catalyst composites
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , Demirci Sahin , Siddiq Mohammad , Aktas Nahit , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: December 2015

The reactants easily diffuse into a microgel network, adsorb at the surface of catalyst nanoparticles and reduce in the presence of reducing agents.
A rapid, facile and green synthesis of Ag@AgCl nanoparticles for the effective reduction of 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine
Authors: Devi Th. Babita , Ahmaruzzaman Md. , Begum Shamima
Published: December 2015

In this study, we have developed a green and single-step process for the fabrication of Ag@AgCl nanoparticles (NPs) using the leaf extract ofMomordica charantia.
Intracellular degradation of chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes using a long-term primary microglial culture model
Authors: Bussy Cyrill , Hadad Caroline , Prato Maurizio , Bianco Alberto , Kostarelos Kostas
Published: December 2015

Long-term (up to 90 day) monitoring of internalised carbon nanotubes in a primary microglia cell culture model allowed detection of their intracellular degradation.
Targeted silver nanoparticles for ratiometric cell phenotyping
Authors: Willmore Anne-Mari A. , Simón-Gracia Lorena , Toome Kadri , Paiste Päärn , Kotamraju Venkata Ramana , Mölder Tarmo , Sugahara Kazuki N. , Ruoslahti Erkki , Braun Gary B. , Teesalu Tambet
Published: December 2015

Cancer cells can be phenotyped by incubating with isotopically barcoded, peptide-AgNPs followed by ICP-MS analysis. The AgNPs bind the cells based on the expression of accessible homing peptide receptors.
Multicomponent reactions of methyl substituted all-cis tetrafluorocyclohexane aldehydes
Authors: Bykova Tetiana , Al-Maharik Nawaf , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , O'Hagan David
Published: December 2015

Syntheses of all-cis tetrafluorocyclohexyl aldehydes are demonstrated with a methyl blocking group to allow their use in Ugi multicomponent reactions.
Synthesis of poly(N-acryloylmorpholine) macromonomers using RAFT and their copolymerization with methacrylic acid for the design of graft copolymer additives for concrete
Authors: Boursier T. , Georges S. , Mosquet M. , Rinaldi D. , D'Agosto F.
Published: December 2015

Methacrylate end-capped poly(N-acryloylmorpholine) macromonomers (PNAM-MA) of number-average molar mass of about 2400 g mol−1 have been synthesized by post-modification of PNAM chains obtained by RAFT.
Enhancing transparent thin-film transistor device performances by using a Ti-doped GaZnO channel layer
Authors: Liu Wei-Sheng , Wang Yu-Ming
Published: December 2015

This study improved the device performances of a thin-film transistor by adopting an n-type Ti-doped GaZnO (GTZO) channel layer with high surface flatness fabricated under modified oxygen/Ar ratios during sputtering deposition.
Targeting bacterial biofilms via surface engineering of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Giri Karuna , Rivas Yepes Laura , Duncan Bradley , Kolumam Parameswaran Praveen , Yan Bo , Jiang Ying , Bilska Marcela , Moyano Daniel F. , Thompson Michael A. , Rotello Vincent M. , Prakash Y. S.
Published: December 2015

Bacterial biofilms are associated with persistent infections and antibiotics resistance which substantially complicate patient care. Surface engineering of nanoparticles represents a novel and unconventional approach to disrupt biofilms and target bacterial pathogens.
Performance of hybrid nanostructured conductive cotton materials as wearable devices: an overview of materials, fabrication, properties and applications
Authors: Hansora D. P. , Shimpi N. G. , Mishra S.
Published: December 2015

Recent advances and overview of hybrid nanostructured cotton materials will boost an essential encouragement for the development of next generation smart textiles and flexible devices which could be worn by human beings.
Fabrication of three dimensional layered vertically aligned carbon nanotube structures and their potential applications
Authors: Beard J. D. , Evans K. E. , Ghita O. R.
Published: December 2015

Repeated deposition of catalyst and nanotube growth allows fabrication of multilayer nanotube forests, which can be patterned using shadow masks, with application to nanoelectronic devices, nanocomposite structures and additive manufacture.
Carbon nanotube reinforced polylactide/basalt fiber composites containing aluminium hypophosphite: thermal degradation, flame retardancy and mechanical properties
Authors: Yang Wei , Jia Zhongjing , Chen Yani , Zhang Yunran , Si Jingyu , Lu Hongdian , Yang Benhong
Published: December 2015

Modified carbon nanotube reinforced polylactide/basalt fiber composites containing aluminium hypophosphite were prepared via melt blending method. The composites showed excellent thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties.
Nanostructured nickel sulfides: phase evolution, characterization and electrocatalytic properties for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Pan Yuan , Chen Yinjuan , Li Xiao , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured nickel sulfides with different phases were synthesized and their electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution was investigated. β NiS exhibits the best catalytic activity among all the nickel sulfide catalysts.
Strong, flexible and thermal-resistant CNT/polyarylacetylene nanocomposite films
Authors: Cai Wenfu , Li Min , Wang Shaokai , Gu Yizhuo , Li Qingwen , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: December 2015

A new nanocomposite with excellent tensile strength, flexibility and heat-resistance.
A highly porous, light weight 3D sponge like graphene aerogel for electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Singh Sweta , Tripathi Prashant , Bhatnagar Ashish , Prakash Patel Ch. Ravi , Singh Avanish Pratap , Dhawan S. K. , Gupta Bipin Kumar , Srivastava O. N.
Published: December 2015

Facile synthesis of a highly porous, light weight 3D sponge like graphene aerogel derived from graphene oxide for microwave shielding applications.
A chitosan–Pt nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes-doped phosphomolybdate nanocomposite as a platform for the sensitive detection of nitrite in tap water
Authors: Bai Zhenyuan , Zhou Chunlei , Gao Ning , Pang Haijun , Ma Huiyuan
Published: December 2015

A polyoxometalate-based composite film decorated with CNTs and Pt–CHIT NPs was constructed on an electrode using the LBL self-assembly method. It acted as an electrochemical nitrite sensor with greatly enhanced electron transfer ability and sensing performance.
Cyclic RGD targeting cisplatin micelles for near-infrared imaging-guided chemotherapy
Authors: Guan Xingang , Hu Xiuli , Liu Shi , Sun Xin , Gai Xiaodong
Published: December 2015

Nowadays imaging-guided chemotherapy is of great importance for developing highly efficient nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
Impact of high pressure on the progress of polymerization of DGEBA cured with different amine hardeners: dielectric and DSC studies
Authors: Tarnacka M. , Wikarek M. , Pawlus S. , Kaminski K. , Paluch M.
Published: December 2015

A novel method of dielectric data analysis to extract information on the progress of the curing reaction is proposed.
Label-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LA-LDI-MS): use of pyrene aldehyde for detection of biogenic amines, amino acids and peptides
Authors: Mandal Arundhoti , Das Amit K. , Basak Amit
Published: December 2015

Label-assisted laser desorption/ionization (LA-LDI) technique has recently been applied to the detection of biologically important small molecules through a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometric measurement.
The effect of architecture/composition on the pH sensitive micelle properties and in vivo study of curcuminin-loaded micelles containing sulfobetaines
Authors: Wu Zhengzhong , Cai Mengtan , Xie Xiaoxiong , He Liu , Huang Lei , Chen Yuanwei , Luo Xianglin
Published: December 2015

The polymeric architecture greatly influences the properties of polymer drug carriers.
Catalytic dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane to produce vinyl chloride over N-doped coconut activated carbon
Authors: Zhao Wei , Sun Mengxia , Zhang Haiyang , Dong Yanzhao , Li Xiaoyan , Li Wei , Zhang Jinli
Published: December 2015

Pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen dopants in the N-AC catalyst can adsorb EDC and increase the activity for EDC dehydrochlorination.
Upconversion luminescence of cerium-stabilized high temperature phase zirconia phosphors with a high Er3+ doping concentration
Authors: Cao Lili , Zhou Yongqiang , Xiang Weidong , Yin Dewu , Liang Xiaojuan , Gu Guorui , Li Jinsong
Published: December 2015

As the Er3+ concentration increases, the luminescence can be tuned from green to red and the red emission intensity reaches its maximum with an Er3+ concentration as high as 10 mol%.
Pure phase orthorhombic MgTi2O5 photocatalyst for H2 production
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhang Kaifu , Zhou Wei , Jiang Baojiang , Pan Kai , Qu Yang , Wang Guofeng
Published: December 2015

An undesirable phase transformation was overcome and pure phase MgTi2O5 nanocrystals with excellent photocatalytic H2 production efficiency were facilely prepared.
A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for monitoring the caspofungin trough plasma concentration and its association with caspofungin efficacy in intensive-care-unit patients
Authors: Yang Qianting , Wang Taotao , Xie Jiao , Chen Lu , Wang Yan , Cheng Xiaoliang , Dong Haiyan , Dong Weihua , Wei Youxia , Wang Xue , Dong Yalin
Published: December 2015

LC-MS/MS method for monitoring the caspofungin trough plasma concentration and its association efficacy in intensive-care-unit patients.
Regulating the polymorphism behaviour and crystal transformation of poly(butylene adipate) by incorporating butylene fumarate units into the crystal lattice
Authors: Wang Chun-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Can , Song Yun-Yang , Zhou Qiong , Ye Hai-Mu
Published: December 2015

Copolymerized butylene fumarate units benefit the formation of β-form poly(butylene adipate) at high temperature by cocrystallizing into the crystal lattice.
Corrosion and tribocorrosion performance of multilayer diamond-like carbon film in NaCl solution
Authors: Cui Mingjun , Pu Jibin , Liang Jun , Wang Liping , Zhang Guangan , Xue Qunji
Published: December 2015

The anticorrosion and tribocorrosion properties of a multilayer diamond-like carbon (DLC) film were systematically investigated in NaCl solution.
Organometallic polymers for electrode decoration in sensing applications
Authors: Feng Xueling , Zhang Kaihuan , Hempenius Mark A. , Vancso G. Julius
Published: December 2015

Macromolecules containing metals combine the processing advantages of polymers with the functionality offered by the metal centers. The developments in the area of electrochemical chemo/biosensors based on organometallic polymers are reviewed.
Active layer thickness across the crack plane and fracture energy consumption in polymer nanocomposites: adhesion against tear strength
Authors: Ghasemirad S. , Mohammadi N.
Published: December 2015

The active layer thickness of the nanocomposites in tear strength tests was 2 orders of magnitude higher than in adhesion tests.
A Z-scheme visible-light-driven Ag/Ag3PO4/Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst: synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lin Xue , Hou Jing , Jiang Shanshan , Lin Zhe , Wang Miao , Che Guangbo
Published: December 2015

A novel Z-scheme Ag/Ag3PO4/Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. Ag/Ag3PO4/Bi2MoO6 hybrid photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis and spectral characterization of bimetallic metallomacrocyclic structures [MII2-μ2-bis-{(κ2S,S-S2CN(R)C6H4)2O}] (M = Ni/Zn/Cd): density functional theory and host–guest reactivity studies
Authors: Kadu Rahul , Pillai Vineeta , V. Amrit , Singh Vinay K.
Published: December 2015

Compounds displayed the ability to form 1 : 1 host–guest inclusion complexes with bidentate guests and to form metal sulphides on thermal degradation.
Study on the accelerated Gutknecht self-cyclocondensation of amino-sugars under atmospheric pressure chemical ionization conditions
Authors: Wang Hao-Yang , Zhang Jun-Ting , Sun Shi-Hao , Zhang Shu-Sheng , Zhang Fang , Zhu Hui , Guo Yin-Long
Published: December 2015

An unexpected catalyst-free gas phase Gutknecht self-cyclocondensation of d-glucosamine hydrochloride to 2,5-deoxyfructosazine under APCI conditions.
Isothermal melt crystallization kinetics, melting behavior, and spherulitic morphology of novel biobased poly(hexylene oxalate)
Authors: Yan Rui , Qiu Zhaobin
Published: December 2015

Banded spherulites were observed for novel biobased poly(hexylene oxalate) in a wide crystallization temperature range.
A novel sensor based on electropolymerized substituted-phenols for pH detection in unbuffered systems
Authors: Dai Chencheng , Crawford Lynne P. , Song Peng , Fisher Adrian C. , Lawrence Nathan S.
Published: December 2015

Polymeric waves associated with the electrochemical oxidation of salicylaldehyde and its derivatives exhibit Nernstian responses to pH variations in both buffered and unbuffered media.
An array of leaf-like Co3Ni microstructures with ferromagnetic properties, superhydrophobic properties and high catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Authors: Zeng Tao , Liao Jinyun , Li Hao , Feng Kejun , Li Liling
Published: December 2015

A Cu foil supported array of leaf-like Co3Ni microstructures simultaneously exhibited ferromagnetic properties, superhydrophobic properties, as well as high catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.
Investigating linear and nonlinear viscoelastic behaviour and microstructures of gelatin-multiwalled carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Yang Zhi , Chaieb Sahraoui , Hemar Yacine , de Campo Liliana , Rehm Christine , McGillivray Duncan J.
Published: December 2015

The linear and nonlinear rheology of physically-crosslinked-gelatin gel-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT), chemically-crosslinked-gelatin gel-MWNT, and chemically–physically-crosslinked-gelatin gel-MWNT composites, are investigated.
Block-shaped pure and doped Li4Ti5O12 containing a high content of a Li2TiO3 dual phase: an anode with excellent cycle life for high rate performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Masoud Emad M. , Indris Sylvio
Published: December 2015

A pure lithium titanate composite sample is a promising anode for high rate performance lithium ion batteries.
Investigation of alkali metal polyfluorides by matrix-isolation spectroscopy
Authors: Redeker F. A. , Beckers H. , Riedel S.
Published: December 2015

From CsF crystals to molecular polyfluorides.
Wavelength dependent UV-Vis photodetectors from SnS2 flakes
Authors: Fan Chao , Li Yan , Lu Fangyuan , Deng Hui-Xiong , Wei Zhongming , Li Jingbo
Published: December 2015

Photodetectors based on thin SnS2 flakes, which were grown via a facile path, were fabricated using photo-lithography. These devices showed obvious wavelength dependent photo-responsive characteristics, as the illuminating wavelength varied in the UV-Vis range.
Online quantitative mass spectrometry for the rapid adaptive optimisation of automated flow reactors
Authors: Holmes Nicholas , Akien Geoffrey R. , Savage Robert J. D. , Stanetty Christian , Baxendale Ian R. , Blacker A. John , Taylor Brian A. , Woodward Robert L. , Meadows Rebecca E. , Bourne Richard A.
Published: December 2015

An automated continuous reactor for the synthesis of organic compounds, which uses online mass spectrometry (MS) for reaction monitoring and product quantification, is presented.
Ordered mesoporous Ag-doped TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposite based highly sensitive and selective VOC sensors
Authors: Tomer Vijay K. , Duhan Surender
Published: December 2015

Highly ordered Ag-(TiO2/SnO2) nanocomposites synthesized as a result of negative replication of mesoporous SBA-15 frameworks show excellent ethanol sensing properties.