bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A gonogenic stimulated transition of mouse embryonic stem cells with enhanced control of diverse differentiation pathways
Authors: Moshfegh Cameron , Aires Lina , Kisielow Malgorzata , Vogel Viola
Published: May 2016

Embryonic stem (ES) cells share markers with undifferentiated primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we discovered that a cellular state with some molecular markers of male gonocyte induction, including a G1/S phase arrest and upregulation of specific genes such as Nanos2, Tdrd1, Ddx4, Zbtb16 and Plk1s1, can be chemically induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro, which we termed gonogenic stimulated transition (GoST). After longer culture of the resulting GoST cells without chemical stimulation, several molecular markers typical for early gonocytes were detected including the early gonocyte marker Tex101. Motivated by previous studies that found multipotency in cell lines derived from neonatal male germ cells in vitro, we then compared the differentiation potential of GoST cells to that of ES cells in vitro. Interestingly, GoST cells showed equal neurogenic, but enhanced cardiogenic and hepatogenic differentiation compared to ES cells in vitro. This work shows for the first time that some important molecular markers of the first developmental sexual differentiation program can be induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro and defines a novel concept to generate cells with enhanced multipotency.
Improved metagenome assemblies and taxonomic binning using long-read circular consensus sequence data
Authors: Frank J. A. , Pan Y. , Tooming-Klunderud A. , Eijsink V. G. H. , McHardy A. C. , Nederbragt A. J. , Pope P. B.
Published: May 2016

DNA assembly is a core methodological step in metagenomic pipelines used to study the structure and function within microbial communities. Here we investigate the utility of Pacific Biosciences long and high accuracy circular consensus sequencing (CCS) reads for metagenomic projects. We compared the application and performance of both PacBio CCS and Illumina HiSeq data with assembly and taxonomic binning algorithms using metagenomic samples representing a complex microbial community. Eight SMRT cells produced approximately 94 Mb of CCS reads from a biogas reactor microbiome sample that averaged 1319 nt in length and 99.7% accuracy. CCS data assembly generated a comparative number of large contigs greater than 1 kb, to those assembled from a ~190x larger HiSeq dataset (~18 Gb) produced from the same sample (i.e approximately 62% of total contigs). Hybrid assemblies using PacBio CCS and HiSeq contigs produced improvements in assembly statistics, including an increase in the average contig length and number of large contigs. The incorporation of CCS data produced significant enhancements in taxonomic binning and genome reconstruction of two dominant phylotypes, which assembled and binned poorly using HiSeq data alone. Collectively these results illustrate the value of PacBio CCS reads in certain metagenomics applications.
Mechanical interlocking of cotton fibers on slightly textured surfaces of metallic cylinders
Authors: Zhang Youqiang , Tian Yu , Meng Yonggang
Published: May 2016

Mechanical interlocking is widely applied in industry and general lives of human beings. In this work, we realized the control of locking or sliding states of cotton fibers on the metal surfaces with slightly different textures through traditional machining. Three types of sliding states, i.e., locking, one-way sliding and two-way sliding have been achieved. It is found that the locking or sliding of the cotton fibers on the metallic cylinder depends on the friction coefficient and the ratio of cotton fiber diameter, 2r, to the height of the rough peaks, h, of metal surfaces. When the critical ratio h/r exceeds 1, the cotton fibers could tightly attach to the metallic surface through mechanical interlocking. This work provided a convenient and universal method for the control of interlocking or sliding of fiber-based materials on textured surfaces.
Automatic Three-dimensional Detection of Photoreceptor Ellipsoid Zone Disruption Caused by Trauma in the OCT
Authors: Zhu Weifang , Chen Haoyu , Zhao Heming , Tian Bei , Wang Lirong , Shi Fei , Xiang Dehui , Luo Xiaohong , Gao Enting , Zhang Li , Yin Yilong , Chen Xinjian
Published: May 2016

Detection and assessment of the integrity of the photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) are important because it is critical for visual acuity in retina trauma and other diseases. We have proposed and validated a framework that can automatically analyse the 3D integrity of the EZ in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The images are first filtered and automatically segmented into 10 layers, of which EZ is located in the 7th layer. For each voxel of the EZ, 57 features are extracted and a principle component analysis is performed to optimize the features. An Adaboost classifier is trained to classify each voxel of the EZ as disrupted or non-disrupted. Finally, blood vessel silhouettes and isolated points are excluded. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the proposed framework was tested on 15 eyes with retinal trauma and 15 normal eyes. For the eyes with retinal trauma, the sensitivity (SEN) was 85.69% ± 9.59%, the specificity (SPE) was 85.91% ± 5.48%, and the balanced accuracy rate (BAR) was 85.80% ± 6.16%. For the normal eyes, the SPE was 99.03% ± 0.73%, and the SEN and BAR levels were not relevant. Our framework has the potential to become a useful tool for studying retina trauma and other conditions involving EZ integrity.
Microfluidic platform combining droplets and magnetic tweezers: application to HER2 expression in cancer diagnosis
Authors: Ferraro Davide , Champ Jérôme , Teste Bruno , Serra Marco , Malaquin Laurent , Viovy Jean-Louis , de Cremoux Patricia , Descroix Stephanie
Published: May 2016

The development of precision medicine, together with the multiplication of targeted therapies and associated molecular biomarkers, call for major progress in genetic analysis methods, allowing increased multiplexing and the implementation of more complex decision trees, without cost increase or loss of robustness. We present a platform combining droplet microfluidics and magnetic tweezers, performing RNA purification, reverse transcription and amplification in a fully automated and programmable way, in droplets of 250nL directly sampled from a microtiter-plate. This platform decreases sample consumption about 100 fold as compared to current robotized platforms and it reduces human manipulations and contamination risk. The platform’s performance was first evaluated on cell lines, showing robust operation on RNA quantities corresponding to less than one cell and then clinically validated with a cohort of 21 breast cancer samples, for the determination of their HER2 expression status, in a blind comparison with an established routine clinical analysis.
How was the proton transfer process in bis-3, 6-(2- benzoxazolyl)-pyrocatechol, single or double proton transfer?
Authors: Zhang Yongjia , Sun Mengtao , Li Yongqing
Published: May 2016

A theoretical analysis of proton transfer process for the symmetric systems with two intramolecular hydrogen bonds, bis-3,6-(2-benzoxazolyl)-pyrocatechol(BBPC) in hexane solvent, has been researched. In this study, we utilized ωB97X-D/ 6-311 + g (d,p) and B3LYP/6-31 + G(d) two procedures calculating the foremost bond length and bond angle, respectively. Our calculations demonstrate the two intramolecular hydrogen bonds were strengthened in S1 state, thus the proton transfer reaction can be facilitated. Furthermore, the calculated IR vibrational spectra confirmed hydrogen bonds were enhanced in S1 state. We found three local minima A B and C from the potential energy surfaces (PESs) on the S1 state, and the energy of B point and C point are identical. A new ESIPT mechanism has been proposed that was not equal to the previous conclusions. The new ESIPT mechanism elucidates that single proton transfer more likely occurs in the symmetric BBPC molecule in comparison with the double proton transfer reaction. And the frontier molecular orbitals(MOs) further illustrate the trend of ESIPT reaction.
Vaspin regulates the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 through the PI3K-Akt/miR-34c loop
Authors: Liu Yuan , Xu Feng , Pei Hong-Xia , Zhu Xiao , Lin Xiao , Song Cheng-Yuan , Liang Qiu-Hua , Liao Er-Yuan , Yuan Ling-Qing
Published: May 2016

Vaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor) is a newly discovered adipokine that widely participates in diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian syndrome and other disorders of metabolism. However, the effect of vaspin on the regulation of osteogenesis and the mechanism responsible are still unclear. Here, we found that vaspin can attenuate the osteogenic differentiation of the preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 in a dose-dependent way; also, during this process, the expression of miRNA-34c (miR-34c) was significantly increased. Down-regulation of the expression of miR-34c in MC3T3-E1 diminished the osteogenic inhibitory effect of vaspin, while the up-regulation of miR-34c increased this effect through its target gene Runx2. Meanwhile, we found that vaspin could also activate the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Blocking the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway with specific inhibitors could decrease the osteogenic inhibitory effect of vaspin as well as the expression level of miR-34c. Furthermore, knock-down of miR-34c could promote the activation of Akt, which was probably realised by targeting c-met expression. Thus, PI3K-Akt and miR-34c constituted a modulation loop and controlled the expression of each other. Taken together, our study showed that vaspin could inhibit the osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and the PI3K-Akt/miR-34c loop might be the underlying mechanism.
Depth profiles of the interfacial strains of Si0.7Ge0.3/Si using three-beam Bragg-surface diffraction
Authors: Zheng Yan-Zong , Soo Yun-Liang , Chang Shih-Lin
Published: May 2016

Interfacial strains are important factors affecting the structural and physical properties of crystalline multilayers and heterojunctions, and the performance of the devices made of multilayers used, for example, in nanowires, optoelectronic components, and many other applications. Currently existing strain measurement methods, such as grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD), cross-section transmission electron microscope, TEM, and coherent diffractive imaging, CDI, are limited by either the nanometer spatial resolution, penetration depth, or a destructive nature. Here we report a new non-destructive method of direct mapping the interfacial strain of [001] Si0.7Ge0.3/Si along the depth up to ~287 nm below the interface using three-beam Bragg-surface X-ray diffraction (BSD), where one wide-angle symmetric Bragg reflection and a surface reflection are simultaneously involved. Our method combining with the dynamical diffraction theory simulation can uniquely provide unit cell dimensions layer by layer, and is applicable to thicker samples.
FGFR3b Extracellular Loop Mutation Lacks Tumorigenicity In Vivo but Collaborates with p53/pRB Deficiency to Induce High-grade Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Haiping , He Feng , Mendelsohn Cathy L. , Tang Moon-shong , Huang Chuanshu , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: May 2016

Missense mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) occur in up to 80% of low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (LGP-UCB) suggesting that these mutations are tumor drivers, although direct experimental evidence is lacking. Here we show that forced expression of FGFR3b-S249C, the most prevalent FGFR3 mutation in human LGP-UCB, in cultured urothelial cells resulted in slightly reduced surface translocation than wild-type FGFR3b, but nearly twice as much proliferation. When we expressed a mouse equivalent of this mutant (FGFR3b-S243C) in urothelia of adult transgenic mice in a tissue-specific and inducible manner, we observed significant activation of AKT and MAPK pathways. This was, however, not accompanied by urothelial proliferation or tumorigenesis over 12 months, due to compensatory tumor barriers in p16-pRB and p19-p53-p21 axes. Indeed, expressing FGFR3b-S249C in cultured human urothelial cells expressing SV40T, which functionally inactivates pRB/p53, markedly accelerated proliferation and cell-cycle progression. Furthermore, expressing FGFR3b-S243C in transgenic mouse urothelium expressing SV40T converted carcinoma-in-situ to high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma. Together, our study provides new experimental evidence indicating that the FGFR3 mutations have very limited urothelial tumorigenicity and that these mutations must collaborate with other genetic events to drive urothelial tumorigenesis.
Artificial cloud test confirms volcanic ash detection using infrared spectral imaging
Authors: Prata A. J. , Dezitter F. , Davies I. , Weber K. , Birnfeld M. , Moriano D. , Bernardo C. , Vogel A. , Prata G. S. , Mather T. A. , Thomas H. E. , Cammas J. , Weber M.
Published: May 2016

Airborne volcanic ash particles are a known hazard to aviation. Currently, there are no means available to detect ash in flight as the particles are too fine (radii < 30 μm) for on-board radar detection and, even in good visibility, ash clouds are difficult or impossible to detect by eye. The economic cost and societal impact of the April/May 2010 Icelandic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull generated renewed interest in finding ways to identify airborne volcanic ash in order to keep airspace open and avoid aircraft groundings. We have designed and built a bi-spectral, fast-sampling, uncooled infrared camera device (AVOID) to examine its ability to detect volcanic ash from commercial jet aircraft at distances of more than 50 km ahead. Here we report results of an experiment conducted over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of France, confirming the ability of the device to detect and quantify volcanic ash in an artificial ash cloud created by dispersal of volcanic ash from a second aircraft. A third aircraft was used to measure the ash in situ using optical particle counters. The cloud was composed of very fine ash (mean radii ~10 μm) collected from Iceland immediately after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption and had a vertical thickness of ~200 m, a width of ~2 km and length of between 2 and 12 km. Concentrations of ~200 μg m−3 were identified by AVOID at distances from ~20 km to ~70 km. For the first time, airborne remote detection of volcanic ash has been successfully demonstrated from a long-range flight test aircraft.
Orientation-and polarization-dependent optical properties of the single Ag nanowire/glass substrate system excited by the evanescent wave
Authors: Yang Mu , Cai Wei , Wang Yingjie , Sun Mengtao , Shang Guangyi
Published: May 2016

As an important plasmon one-dimensional material, orientation- and polarization-dependent properties of single Ag nanowires/glass substrate system are investigated by a powerful platform consisting of evanescent wave excitation, near-/far-field detection and a micromanipulator. In the case of the nanowire perpendicular or parallel to the incident plane and p- ors-polarized evanescent excitation respectively, optical properties of the nanowire is measured both in far-field and near-field. For the perpendicular situation, scattering light from the nanowire shows strong dependence on the polarization of incident light and period patterns along the nanowire are observed both in the near- and far-field. The chain of dipole model is used to explain the origin of this pattern. The discrepancy of the period patterns observed in the near- and far-field is due to the different resolution of the near- and far-field detection. For the parallel case, light intensity from the output end also depends on the incident polarization. Both experimental and calculation results show that the polarization dependence effect results from the surface plasmon excitation. These results on the orientation- and polarization-dependent properties of the Ag nanowires detected by the combination of near- and far-field methods would be helpful to understand interactions of one-dimensional plasmonic nanostructures with light.
Solvent and Intermediate Phase as Boosters for the Perovskite Transformation and Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Hwang Taehyun , Lee Sangheon , Lee Byungho , Kim Jaewon , Jang Gil Su , Nam Seunghoon , Park Byungwoo
Published: May 2016

High power conversion efficiency and device stabilization are two major challenges for CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells to be commercialized. Herein, we demonstrate a diffusion-engineered perovskite synthesis method using MAI/ethanol dipping, and compared it to the conventional synthesis method from MAI/iso-propanol. Diffusion of MAI/C2H5OH into the PbCl2 film was observed to be more favorable than that of MAI/C3H7OH. Facile perovskite conversion from ethanol and highly-crystalline MAPbI3 with minimized impurities boosted the efficiency from 5.86% to 9.51%. Additionally, we further identified the intermediates and thereby the reaction mechanisms of PbCl2 converting into MAPbI3. Through straightforward engineering to enhance the surface morphology as well as the crystallinity of the perovskite with even faster conversion, an initial power conversion efficiency of 11.23% was obtained, in addition to superior stability after 30 days under an ambient condition.
Anomalous bond length behavior and a new solid phase of bromine under pressure
Authors: Wu Min , Tse John S. , Pan Yuanming
Published: May 2016

The behavior of diatomic molecular solids under pressure have attracted great interest and been extensively studied. Under ambient pressure, the structure of bromine is known to be a molecular phase (phase I). With increasing pressure, it transforms into an incommensurate phase (phase V) before eventually to a monoatomic phase (phase II). However, between phases I and V, the interatomic distance was found to first increase with pressure and then decreased abruptly. This anomalous bond length behavior is accompanied by the splitting of the Raman bands. These phenomena have not been resolved. Here we suggest a new solid phase that explains the Raman spectra. Furthermore, the anomalous bond length behavior is found to be the result of subtle second neighbor intermolecular interactions and is an intrinsic property of bromine in molecular phases.
N-hypermannose glycosylation disruption enhances recombinant protein production by regulating secretory pathway and cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tang Hongting , Wang Shenghuan , Wang Jiajing , Song Meihui , Xu Mengyang , Zhang Mengying , Shen Yu , Hou Jin , Bao Xiaoming
Published: May 2016

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a robust host for heterologous protein expression. The efficient expression of cellulases in S. cerevisiae is important for the consolidated bioprocess that directly converts lignocellulose into valuable products. However, heterologous proteins are often N-hyperglycosylated in S. cerevisiae, which may affect protein activity. In this study, the expression of three heterologous proteins, β-glucosidase, endoglucanase and cellobiohydrolase, was found to be N-hyperglycosylated in S. cerevisiae. To block the formation of hypermannose glycan, these proteins were expressed in strains with deletions in key Golgi mannosyltransferases (Och1p, Mnn9p and Mnn1p), respectively. Their extracellular activities improved markedly in the OCH1 and MNN9 deletion strains. Interestingly, truncation of the N-hypermannose glycan did not increase the specific activity of these proteins, but improved the secretion yield. Further analysis showed OCH1 and MNN9 deletion up-regulated genes in the secretory pathway, such as protein folding and vesicular trafficking, but did not induce the unfolded protein response. The cell wall integrity was also affected by OCH1 and MNN9 deletion, which contributed to the release of secretory protein extracellularly. This study demonstrated that mannosyltransferases disruption improved protein secretion through up-regulating secretory pathway and affecting cell wall integrity and provided new insights into glycosylation engineering for protein secretion.
A spin dynamics approach to solitonics
Authors: Koumpouras Konstantinos , Bergman Anders , Eriksson Olle , Yudin Dmitry
Published: May 2016

In magnetic materials a variety of non-collinear ground state configurations may emerge as a result of competition among exchange, anisotropy and dipole-dipole interaction, yielding magnetic states far more complex than those of homogenous ferromagnets. Of particular interest in this study are particle-like configurations. These particle-like states, e.g., magnetic solitons, skyrmions, or domain walls, form a spatially localised clot of magnetic energy. In this paper we address topologically protected magnetic solitons and explore concepts that potentially might be relevant for logical operations and/or information storage in the rapidly advancing filed of solitonics (and skyrmionics). An ability to easily create, address and manipulate such structures is among the prerequisite forming a basis of “-onics technology” and is investigated in detail here using numerical and analytical tools.
Significant discharge of CO2 from hydrothermalism associated with the submarine volcano of El Hierro Island
Authors: Santana-Casiano J. M. , Fraile-Nuez E. , González-Dávila M. , Baker E. T. , Resing J. A. , Walker S. L.
Published: May 2016

The residual hydrothermalism associated with submarine volcanoes, following an eruption event, plays an important role in the supply of CO2 to the ocean. The emitted CO2 increases the acidity of seawater. The submarine volcano of El Hierro, in its degasification stage, provided an excellent opportunity to study the effect of volcanic CO2 on the seawater carbonate system, the global carbon flux and local ocean acidification. A detailed survey of the volcanic edifice was carried out using seven CTD-pH-ORP tow-yo studies, localizing the redox and acidic changes, which were used to obtain surface maps of anomalies. In order to investigate the temporal variability of the system, two CTD-pH-ORP yo-yo studies were conducted that included discrete sampling for carbonate system parameters. Meridional tow-yos were used to calculate the amount of volcanic CO2 added to the water column for each surveyed section. The inputs of CO2 along multiple sections combined with measurements of oceanic currents produced an estimated volcanic CO2 flux = 6.0 105 ± 1.1 105 kg d−1 which is ~0.1% of global volcanic CO2 flux. Finally, the CO2 emitted by El Hierro increases the acidity above the volcano by ~20%.
Notch2 as a promising prognostic biomarker for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Cong , Li Qingbao , Liu Fang , Chen Xuan , Liu Bowen , Nesa Effat Un , Guan Shanghui , Han Lihui , Tan Bingxu , Wang Nana , Wang Xintong , Song Qingxu , Jia Yibin , Wang Jianbo , Lu Ming , Cheng Yufeng
Published: May 2016

We aimed to examine Notch2 expression in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients and to evaluate its prognostic potential. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were utilized to investigate the Notch2 expression status and prognostic value. Furtherly, CCK8 and clonogenic assays were conducted to determine if Notch2 inhibition by shRNA could lead to a decrease in the proliferation and survival of ESCC cells. A notably higher Notch2 expression level was found in ESCC tissues at the mRNA (P < 0.0001) and protein levels (IHC: P = 0.004; western blot: P = 0.021). Log-rank analysis demonstrated that Notch2 overexpression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (29.1% vs. 49.1%; P = 0.013) and progression-free survival (PFS) (15.3% vs. 34.4%; P = 0.006) rates in ESCC patients. The multivariate analysis revealed Notch2 as an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS (P = 0.002 and 0.006, resp.). Besides, in vitro assays showed that OD450 values and colony formations were significantly reduced in Notch2-shRNA group (all P < 0.0001). In conclusion, these results show that Notch2 is up-regulated in ESCC tissues and could serve as a promising biomarker for identifying individuals with poor prognostic potential.
Pd/Fe3O4supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide for room-temperature isocyanide insertion reactions
Authors: Singh Karandeep , Singh Ajay K. , Singh Devendra , Singh Rakhi , Sharma Siddharth
Published: May 2016

A versatile Pd/Fe3O4supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) catalyst was developed to carry out the synthesis of quinazolinones and phenanthridines under extremely mild conditions through isocyanide insertion cascades.
Consumption of dairy yogurt with the polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan from the peel of the Korean citrus hallabong enhances immune function and attenuates the inflammatory response
Authors: Lee Mi-Hyang , Kim Minjoo , Kim Minkyung , Kwak Jung Hyun , Chang Dong Hoon , Yu Won Kyu , Lee Sang-Hyun , Lee Jong Ho
Published: May 2016

The daily consumption of dairy yogurt supplemented with rhamnogalacturonan enhanced NK cell function and attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
Patterned porous silicon photonic crystals with modular surface chemistry for spatial control of neural stem cell differentiation
Authors: Huang Tiffany H. , Pei Yi , Zhang Douglas , Li Yanfen , Kilian Kristopher A.
Published: May 2016

Patterned gold and photonic crystals with modular surface chemistry direct neural stem cell diffrentiation.
Enhanced hydrogen and methane storage of hybrid mesoporous organosilicas
Authors: Kalantzopoulos Georgios N. , Antoniou Myrsini K. , Enotiadis Apostolos , Dimos Konstantinos , Maccallini Enrico , Policicchio Alfonso , Colavita Elio , Agostino Raffaele G.
Published: May 2016

In this study, hybrid mesoporous organosilicas (HMOs) were synthesized by using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the silica source and 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene (BTB) in various ratios of BTB to TEOS.
Spectral quantitative analysis of complex samples based on the extreme learning machine
Authors: Bian Xi-Hui , Li Shu-Juan , Fan Meng-Ran , Guo Yu-Gao , Chang Na , Wang Jiang-Jiang
Published: May 2016

A novel algorithm called the extreme learning machine is introduced for the spectral quantitative analysis of complex samples, which enhances predictive performance.
Simple and sensitive detection of uracil–DNA glycosylase activity using dsDNA-templated copper nanoclusters as fluorescent probes
Authors: Cao Manman , Jin Yan , Li Baoxin
Published: May 2016

DNA-templated copper nanoclusters were used as a fluorescent nano-dye for the uracil–DNA glycosylase (UDG) assay. The proposed method is simple and sensitive.
Rapid detection and identification of bacterial meningitis pathogens in ex vivo clinical samples by SERS method and principal component analysis
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Witkowska Evelin , Kowalska Aneta , Skoczyńska Anna , Ronkiewicz Patrycja , Szymborski Tomasz , Waluk Jacek
Published: May 2016

Three pathogens,N. meningitidis,H. influenzae, andS. pneumoniae, have been successfully detected and identified in clinical cerebrospinal fluids using SERS method.
A sensitive flow-injection analysis method with iminodiacetate chelation and spectrophotometric detection for on board determination of trace dissolved aluminum in seawater
Authors: Zhou Tingjin , Huang Yongming , Yuan Dongxing , Feng Sichao , Zhu Yong , Ma Jian
Published: May 2016

A flexible, flow injection analysis method for shipboard use was developed for the on-line determination of trace dissolved aluminum (dAl) in seawater.
Nanoscale heterogeneity in thermoelectrics: the occurrence of phase separation in Fe-doped Ca3Co4O9
Authors: Xu Wei , Butt Sajid , Zhu Yingcai , Zhou Jing , Liu Yong , Yu Meijuan , Marcelli Augusto , Lan Jinle , Lin Yuan-Hua , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: May 2016

The thermoelectricity of Fe doped Ca3Co4O9 is tuned by nanoscale structural heterogeneity, as unveiled by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory.
Electron dominated thermoelectric response in MNiSn (M: Ti, Zr, Hf) half-Heusler alloys
Authors: Gandi Appala Naidu , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: May 2016

We solve the transport equations of the electrons and phonons to understand the thermoelectric behaviour of the technologically important half-Heusler alloys MNiSn (M: Ti, Zr, Hf).
Probing the molecular character of periodic mesoporous organosilicates via photoluminescence of Lewis acid–base adducts
Authors: Thiel Indre , Fedorov Alexey , Verel Rene , Yakunin Sergii , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Copéret Christophe
Published: May 2016

Photoluminescence decay was used as a structure-sensitive method to compare the distribution of emitting sites in periodic mesoporous organosilicates (PMOs) to their respective molecular analogs.
The promoter effect of potassium in CuO/CeO2 systems supported on carbon nanotubes and graphene for the CO-PROX reaction
Authors: Dongil A. B. , Bachiller-Baeza B. , Castillejos E. , Escalona N. , Guerrero-Ruiz A. , Rodríguez-Ramos I.
Published: May 2016

Improved performance of catalysts promoted with K was obtained in the CO-PROX reaction.
Support effect for nanosized Au catalysts in hydrogen production from formic acid decomposition
Authors: Zacharska Monika , Chuvilin Andrey L. , Kriventsov Vladimir V. , Beloshapkin Sergey , Estrada Miguel , Simakov Andrey , Bulushev Dmitri A.
Published: May 2016

Au catalysts with the same particle sizes demonstrate the following order of activity in formic acid decomposition: Au/Al2O3 > Au/ZrO2 ∼ Au/CeO2 > Au/La2O3 > Au/MgO.
Chemical functionalization of N-doped carbon nanotubes: a powerful approach to cast light on the electrochemical role of specific N-functionalities in the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Tuci Giulia , Zafferoni Claudio , Rossin Andrea , Luconi Lapo , Milella Antonella , Ceppatelli Matteo , Innocenti Massimo , Liu Yuefeng , Pham-Huu Cuong , Giambastiani Giuliano
Published: May 2016

Two different synthetic approaches to carbon nanotube N-decoration/doping are used to foster the hypothesis of a unique N-configuration (N-pyridinic) at work in the ORR.
Ultra-fast mechanochemical synthesis of boron phosphides, BP and B12P2
Authors: Mukhanov Vladimir A. , Vrel Dominique , Sokolov Petr S. , Le Godec Yann , Solozhenko Vladimir L.
Published: May 2016

Here we propose a new approach to the synthesis of single-phase boron phosphides (BP and B12P2) by mechanochemical reactions between boron phosphate and magnesium/magnesium diboride in the presence of an inert diluent (sodium chloride).
Well-defined coinage metal transfer agents for the synthesis of NHC-based nickel, rhodium and palladium macrocycles
Authors: Andrew Rhiann E. , Storey Caroline M. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: May 2016

Silver(i) and copper(i) complexes of a macrocyclic NHC-based pincer ligand, bearing a central lutidine donor and a dodecamethylene spacer, have been prepared and evaluated under equivalent conditions in transmetallation reactions.
Two novel selenidostannates from mixed structure-directing systems: the large ten-membered ring of [Sn3Se4] semicubes and the 3D [Sn4Se9]n2n−with multi-channels
Authors: Du Cheng-Feng , Shen Nan-Nan , Li Jian-Rong , Hao Min-Ting , Wang Zi , Cheng Chu-Chu , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: May 2016

A lamellar [Sn3Se7]n2n−with large ten-membered ring of [Sn3Se4] semicubes and the first 3D [Sn4Se9]n2n−with ternary cations are presented.
Electrochemical transformation of individual nanoparticles revealed by coupling microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Brasiliense Vitor , Berto Pascal , Combellas Catherine , Kuszelewicz Robert , Tessier Gilles , Kanoufi Frédéric
Published: May 2016

Although extremely sensitive, electrical measurements are essentially unable to discriminate complex chemical events involving individual nanoparticles. The coupling of electrochemistry to dark field imaging and spectroscopy allows the triggering of the electrodissolution of an ensemble of Ag nanoparticles (by electrochemistry) and the inference of both oxidation and dissolution processes (by spectroscopy) at the level of a single nanoparticle. Besides the inspection of the dissolution process from optical scattering intensity, adding optical spectroscopy reveals chemical changes through drastic spectral changes. The behaviours of single NPs and NP agglomerates are differentiated: in the presence of thiocyanate ions, the transformation of Ag single nanoparticles to AgSCN is investigated in the context of plasmonic coupling with the electrode; tentative interpretations for optically unresolved groups of nanoparticles are proposed.
Extruded whole grain diets based on brown, soaked and germinated rice. Effects on cecum health, calcium absorption and bone parameters of growing Wistar rats. Part I
Authors: Albarracín Micaela , Weisstaub Adriana R. , Zuleta Angela , Drago Silvina R.
Published: May 2016

The influence of diets with whole rice processed ingredients on cecum health, calcium absorption and bone parameters was studied using an animal model.
Purification of indium by solvent extraction with undiluted ionic liquids
Authors: Deferm Clio , Van de Voorde Michiel , Luyten Jan , Oosterhof Harald , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: May 2016

The ionic liquids Cyphos IL 101 and Aliquat 336 are environmentally friendly extractants for purification of indium. Precipitation stripping with NaOH was used to recover indium after extraction.
Halofuginone reduces the inflammatory responses of DSS-induced colitis through metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Liu Jing , Xiao Hai-Tao , Wang Hong-Sheng , Mu Huai-Xue , Zhao Ling , Du Jun , Yang Depo , Wang Dongmei , Bian Zhao-Xiang , Lin Shu-Hai
Published: May 2016

Halofuginone inhibits both HIF-1alpha and incomplete FAO to reduce the inflammatory response in DSS-induced colitis.
An electrode design rule for high performance top-illuminated organic photovoltaics
Authors: Tyler Martin S. , Nadeem Immad M. , Hatton Ross A.
Published: May 2016

We show that for organic photovoltaics supported on a low workfunction reflective electron-extracting electrode, a hole-blocking layer is not required.
High-speed, solution-coatable memory based on Cu–SiO2 core–shell nanowires
Authors: Flowers Patrick F. , Catenacci Matthew J. , Wiley Benjamin J.
Published: May 2016

This high speed Cu–SiO2 nanowire-based memory achieves a 10-fold increase in the number of read/write cycles, as well as a 1000-fold increase in speed compared to the next best solution-coatable non-volatile memory.
Design and synthesis of unsymmetric macrocyclic hexaoxazole compounds with an ability to induce distinct G-quadruplex topologies in telomeric DNA
Authors: Sakuma Mai , Ma Yue , Tsushima Yamato , Iida Keisuke , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: May 2016

New macrocyclic hexaoxazole compounds bearing two side chains on an unsymmetrical macrocyclic ring system,i.e., 4,2-L2H2-6OTD (2) and 5,1-L2H2-6OTD (3), were designed as candidate G-quadruplex (G4) ligands and synthesized.
Methods for production of uniform small-sized polymersome with rigid membrane
Authors: Men Yongjun , Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng , van Hest Jan C. M. , Wilson Daniela A.
Published: May 2016

We report a facile methodology for the formation of uniform small-sized poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polystyrene (PEG-b-PS) polymersomes, via extrusion and sonication methods by using organic solvent as plasticizing agent.
Sequential delivery of BMP-7 and IGF-I to enhance the osteoinductive property of deproteinized bovine bone
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Zuolin
Published: May 2016

Calcium phosphate coated deproteinized bovine bone with sequential delivery of BMP-7 and IGF-I has osteoinductive property to promote bone regeneration.
Aptasensor for the simple detection of ochratoxin A based on side-by-side assembly of gold nanorods
Authors: Xu Xia , Xu Chengnan , Ying Yibin
Published: May 2016

A new aptasensor based on the side-by-side assembly of gold nanorods (GNRs) was studied for the one-step determination of ochratoxin A (OTA).
Titanium oxide nanoparticle increases shallow traps to suppress space charge accumulation in polypropylene dielectrics
Authors: Zhou Yao , Hu Jun , Dang Bin , He Jinliang
Published: May 2016

Introduction of surface modified nano-TiO2increases shallow traps and enhances charge carrier mobility so as to suppress space charge accumulation.
HDACI regulates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reverse MCF-7/PTX resistance by inhibiting SET
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Zheng Xiaowei , Meng Ti , You Haisheng , Dong Yalin , Xing Jianfeng , Chen Siying
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of chemoresistance greatly restricts the efficacy of antitumor drugs, and so novel agents are urgently needed to abrogate resistant phenotypes.
Synthesis of fern-like Ag/AgCl/CaTiO3plasmonic photocatalysts and their enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Wang Ying , Niu Cheng-Gang , Wang Liang , Wang Yin , Zhang Xue-Gang , Zeng Guang-Ming
Published: May 2016

A novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst Ag/AgCl/CaTiO3was successfully synthesizedviaa simple ultrasonic assisted precipitation–photoreduction process.
Highly sensitive and selective CO gas sensor based on a hydrophobic SnO2/CuO bilayer
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Sanger Amit , Kumar Ashwani , Chandra Ramesh
Published: May 2016

CO gas sensing mechanism of SnO2/CuO bilayer sensor.
Epitaxial growth of Pd nanoparticles on molybdenum disulfide by sonochemistry and its effects on electrocatalysis
Authors: Lee Eunjik , Kwon Young-Uk
Published: May 2016

We report the epitaxial growth of Pd nanoparticles on MoS2 surface and their electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Drastic enhancement on Fenton oxidation of organic contaminants by accelerating Fe(iii)/Fe(ii) cycle with l-cysteine
Authors: Luo Lianshun , Yao Yuyuan , Gong Fei , Huang Zhenfu , Lu Wangyang , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Li
Published: May 2016

The introduction of l-cysteine to the Fenton system improved the oxidation efficiency dramatically by accelerating the transformation from Fe(iii) to Fe(ii) and significantly promoted the generation of ˙OH.
Effect of glycyrrhizic acid on the oral absorption of paeoniflorin in rats in vivo
Authors: Sun Yuming , Yang Yang , Li Xiaohui , Chang Mingming , Li Dong , Pu Tingting , Ding Xue , Wang Qing , Wang Yulin
Published: May 2016

The effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GL) on the absorption of paeoniflorin (PF) was GL dosage dependent in rats. The Cmax of PF decreased significantly when GL at the dosage of 300 mg kg−1 BW, while it increased with the increase of the dosage of GL.
Synthesis of flame-retarding oligo(carbonate-ether) diols via double metal cyanide complex-catalyzed copolymerization of PO and CO2 using bisphenol A as a chain transfer agent
Authors: Ma Kai , Bai Qing , Zhang Li , Liu Binyuan
Published: May 2016

Flame-retarding oligo(carbonate-ether) diols are efficiently prepared from Zn–Co–DMC-catalyzed copolymerization of PO and CO2 using bisphenol A as a chain transfer agent in a controlled way. The resulting polyurethane demonstrates a self-extinguishing nature.
Au–polymer hybrid microgels easily prepared by thermo-induced self-crosslinking and in situ reduction
Authors: Wu Zhen , Chen Xiang , Li Jiao-Yang , Pan Cai-Yuan , Hong Chun-Yan
Published: May 2016

Au–polymer hybrid microgels were prepared through thermo-induced self-crosslinking and in situ reduction of a gold precursor.
Facile design of plant-oil-infused fine surface asperity for transparent blood-repelling endoscope lens
Authors: Nishioka Sachiko , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Manabe Kengo , Matsubayashi Takeshi , Suwabe Ken , Tsukada Kosuke , Shiratori Seimei
Published: May 2016

Minimally invasive medical operations, especially endoscope operations, have attracted much attention and play a major role in modern medicine.
Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Beauveria bassiana and its larvicidal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effect on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells
Authors: Prabakaran Kaliyappan , Ragavendran Chinnasamy , Natarajan Devarajan
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with the synthesis, characterization and biological activities (mosquitocidal, antibacterial and cytotoxicity of cancer cells) of silver nanoparticles from the native entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana.
Monte Carlo simulation of the dispersion polymerization of styrene
Authors: Mahjub Alireza
Published: May 2016

The Monte Carlo kinetic simulation method was performed to simulate the entire process of the dispersion polymerization of styrene stabilized by polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) in ethanol.
Enhancement of photocatalytic activity in Tb/Eu co-doped Bi2MoO6: the synergistic effect of Tb–Eu redox cycles
Authors: Li Hongda , Li Wenjun , Gu Shaonan , Wang Fangzhi , Zhou Hualei , Liu Xintong , Ren Chaojun
Published: May 2016

Tb/Eu co-doped Bi2MoO6 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, and the synergistic effect of Tb–Eu redox cycles for facilitating charge separation and restraining recombination was confirmed.
3D Au–SiO2 nanohybrids as a potential scaffold coating material for neuroengineering
Authors: Kundu Paromita , Belu Andreea , Neumann Elmar , Mayer Dirk , Offenhäusser Andreas
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate 3D Au–SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles render micro/nanotopography and provide a high density of stable adhesion cue domains facilitating strong adhesion, viability and guidance of the neurons.
A fully automated portable gas chromatography system for sensitive and rapid quantification of volatile organic compounds in water
Authors: Zhou Menglian , Lee Jiwon , Zhu Hongbo , Nidetz Robert , Kurabayashi Katsuo , Fan Xudong
Published: May 2016

We present an automated portable GC system for the rapid and sensitive detection of VOCs in water.
Facile synthesis of supported RuO2·xH2O nanoparticles on Co–Al hydrotalcite for the catalytic oxidation of alcohol: effect of temperature pretreatment
Authors: Zhang Na , Du Yiyun , Yin Min , Guan Chaoyang , Feng Junting , Li Dianqing
Published: May 2016

RuO2·xH2O/CoAl-LDH synthesized by the co-precipitation method was pretreated by different temperature which showed the highest activity at 200 °C.
The Si2H radical supported by two N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Arz Marius I. , Schnakenburg Gregor , Meyer Andreas , Schiemann Olav , Filippou Alexander C.
Published: May 2016

A comprehensive experimental and quantum chemical study of the open-shell mixed valent disilicon(0,I) hydride Si2(H)(Idipp)2 (Idipp = C[N(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)CH]2) is reported.
Ultra-small B2O3 nanocrystals grown in situ on highly porous carbon microtubes for lithium–iodine and lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Su Zhong , Tong Chuan-Jia , He De-Qing , Lai Chao , Liu Li-Min , Wang Chao , Xi Kai
Published: May 2016

B2O3-modified carbon microtubes, which possess a highly porous structure and well-dispersed ultra-small B2O3 nanocrystals (ca. <5 nm) in the tube wall, are successfully fabricated for lithium–iodine and lithium–sulfur batteries.
Thermoelectric properties of bromine filled CoSb3 skutterudite
Authors: Ortiz Brenden R. , Crawford Caitlin M. , McKinney Robert W. , Parilla Philip A. , Toberer Eric S.
Published: May 2016

Bromine incorporation into the skutterudite structure simultaneously lowers the thermal conductivity, tunes the carrier concentration, and preserves the high mobility of the native compound.
Nanostrontium ranelate incorporated injectable hydrogel enhanced matrix production supporting chondrogenesis in vitro
Authors: Deepthi S. , Abdul Gafoor Amna A. , Sivashanmugam A. , Nair Shantikumar V. , Jayakumar R.
Published: May 2016

An injectable strontium ranelate nanoparticle-loaded composite gel provides a required environment for chondrogenesis, supplemented with the controlled release of strontium ranelate.
Associating MIMO beamforming with security codes to achieve unconditional communication security
Authors: Tang Jie , Wen Hong , Hu Lin , Song Huanhuan , Zhang Gaoyuan , Pan Fei , Liang Hongbin
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the framework of associating multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) beamforming with secure code to achieve unconditional secure communications in the wireless passive eavesdropping environment. The schemes are based on a two‐step method under Wyner's wiretap channel model. First, with MIMO transmit beamforming, one can utilise the spatial degree of freedom to cripple eavesdroppers’ interceptions even when he does not know the eavesdropper's channel state information. Consequently, by taking the threshold characteristics of the secure code, the legitimate receivers will continue to extend an average bit error rate advantage over eavesdroppers when they share similar conditions (background noise power and channel gains). By this way, the proposed system could achieve almost zero information obtained by the eavesdroppers while still keeping rather lower error transmissions for the main channel. A profound theoretical analysis for the MIMO advantage channel and the exact closed‐form expressions of secrecy outage probability for the secure code joint system are presented. The authors launch extensive experiments to verify the proposed security systems and demonstrate its feasibility and implement ability.
Data‐driven policy iteration algorithm for optimal control of continuous‐time Itô stochastic systems with Markovian jumps
Authors: Song Jun , He Shuping , Liu Fei , Niu Yugang , Ding Zhengtao
Published: May 2016

This studies the infinite horizon optimal control problem for a class of continuous‐time systems subjected to multiplicative noises and Markovian jumps by using a data‐driven policy iteration algorithm. The optimal control problem is equivalent to solve a stochastic coupled algebraic Riccatic equation (CARE). An off‐line iteration algorithm is first established to converge the solutions of the stochastic CARE, which is generalised from an implicit iterative algorithm. By applying subsystems transformation (ST) technique, the off‐line iterative algorithm is decoupled into N parallel Kleinman's iterative equations. To learn the solution of the stochastic CARE from N decomposed linear subsystems data, an ST‐based data‐driven policy iteration algorithm is proposed and the convergence is proved. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed two iterative algorithms.
Robust facial landmark detection using mixture of discriminative visibility‐aware models
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Zhou Xiangdong , Li Yuanqian , Shao Xiaohu , Zhou Xi
Published: May 2016

Facial landmark detection is a fundamental process included in many face analysis tasks. However, it faces great challenges for the facial images to be detected usually containing large variations, which will deteriorate the detection precision. Among such variations, partial occlusions and pose variations take great effects. In this study, the authors present a mixture of discriminative visibility‐aware models (MDVMs) for facial landmark detection, to improve the generalisation ability of the model to occlusion and pose variation. By adopting different structure constrains for different poses as well as selecting different appearance model for the occluded parts, the MDVMs method can efficiently address the problem of partial occlusion and pose variation. Experiment results demonstrate that their proposed MDVMs method outperforms the well‐known template‐based methods, and can obtain much more accurate and robust facial landmarks detection results under both occlusions and pose variations.
Active power filter equivalent to an infinite feeder for harmonic suppression in radial distribution systems
Authors: Shen Hong , Yang Lili , Sun Xiaofeng , Li Zhichao , Han Ruijing , Chen Zhe
Published: May 2016

This study proposes to install a novel active power filter (IF‐APF) mimicking the character of an infinitely long transmission line at the end of a radial feeder. The proposed IF‐APF eliminates the reflected wave and realises the background harmonic voltage suppression capability throughout the feeder by mimicking the characteristic of an infinite feeder. The proposed IF‐APF shows a better harmonic damping performance than the traditional resistive active power filter (R‐APF). Moreover, the proposed IF‐APF achieves a better harmonic suppression performance than the traditional R‐APF, especially when the characteristic impedance of the feeder changes or there are non‐linear loads. Simulation and experimental results verify the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed IF‐APF.