bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) distribution and trajectories of change
Authors: Telesca Luca , Belluscio Andrea , Criscoli Alessandro , Ardizzone Giandomenico , Apostolaki Eugenia T. , Fraschetti Simonetta , Gristina Michele , Knittweis Leyla , Martin Corinne S. , Pergent Gérard , Alagna Adriana , Badalamenti Fabio , Garofalo Germana , Gerakaris Vasilis , Louise Pace Marie , Pergent-Martini Christine , Salomidi Maria
Published: July 2015

Posidonia oceanica meadows are declining at alarming rates due to climate change and human activities. Although P. oceanica is considered the most important and well-studied seagrass species of the Mediterranean Sea, to date there has been a limited effort to combine all the spatial information available and provide a complete distribution of meadows across the basin. The aim of this work is to provide a fine-scale assessment of (i) the current and historical known distribution of P. oceanica, (ii) the total area of meadows and (iii) the magnitude of regressive phenomena in the last decades. The outcomes showed the current spatial distribution of P. oceanica, covering a known area of 1,224,707 ha and highlighted the lack of relevant data in part of the basin (21,471 linear km of coastline). The estimated regression of meadows amounted to 34% in the last 50 years, showing that this generalised phenomenon had to be mainly ascribed to cumulative effects of multiple local stressors. Our results highlighted the importance of enforcing surveys to assess the status and prioritize areas where cost-effective schemes for threats reduction, capable of reversing present patterns of change and ensuring P. oceanica persistence at Mediterranean scale, could be implemented.
PKCζ Promotes Breast Cancer Invasion by Regulating Expression of E-cadherin and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) via NFκB-p65
Authors: Paul Arindam , Danley Marsha , Saha Biswarup , Tawfik Ossama , Paul Soumen
Published: July 2015

Atypical Protein Kinase C zeta (PKCζ) forms Partitioning-defective (PAR) polarity complex for apico-basal distribution of membrane proteins essential to maintain normal cellular junctional complexes and tissue homeostasis. Consistently, tumor suppressive role of PKCζ has been established for multiple human cancers. However, recent studies also indicate pro-oncogenic function of PKCζ without firm understanding of detailed molecular mechanism. Here we report a possible mechanism of oncogenic PKCζ signaling in the context of breast cancer. We observed that depletion of PKCζ promotes epithelial morphology in mesenchymal-like MDA-MB-231 cells. The induction of epithelial morphology is associated with significant upregulation of adherens junction (AJ) protein E-cadherin and tight junction (TJ) protein Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1). Functionally, depletion of PKCζ significantly inhibits invasion and metastatic progression. Consistently, we observed higher expression and activation of PKCζ signaling in invasive and metastatic breast cancers compared to non-invasive diseases. Mechanistically, an oncogenic PKCζ– NFκB-p65 signaling node might be involved to suppress E-cadherin and ZO-1 expression and ectopic expression of a constitutively active form of NFκB-p65 (S536E-NFκB-p65) significantly rescues invasive potential of PKCζ-depleted breast cancer cells. Thus, our study discovered a PKCζ - NFκB-p65 signaling pathway might be involved to alter cellular junctional dynamics for breast cancer invasive progression.
Nuclear retention of full-length HTT RNA is mediated by splicing factors MBNL1 and U2AF65
Authors: Sun Xin , Li Pan P. , Zhu Shanshan , Cohen Rachael , Marque Leonard O. , Ross Christopher A. , Pulst Stefan M. , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Margolis Russell L. , Rudnicki Dobrila D.
Published: July 2015

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Recent evidence suggests that HD is a consequence of multimodal, non-mutually exclusive mechanisms of pathogenesis that involve both HTT protein- and HTT RNA-triggered mechanisms. Here we provide further evidence for the role of expanded HTT (expHTT) RNA in HD by demonstrating that a fragment of expHTT is cytotoxic in the absence of any translation and that the extent of cytotoxicity is similar to the cytotoxicity of an expHTT protein fragment encoded by a transcript of similar length and with a similar repeat size. In addition, full-length (FL) expHTT is retained in the nucleus. Overexpression of the splicing factor muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) increases nuclear retention of expHTT and decreases the expression of expHTT protein in the cytosol. The splicing and nuclear export factor U2AF65 has the opposite effect, decreasing expHTT nuclear retention and increasing expression of expHTT protein. This suggests that MBNL1 and U2AF65 play a role in nuclear export of expHTT RNA.
Human xylosyltransferases – mediators of arthrofibrosis? New pathomechanistic insights into arthrofibrotic remodeling after knee replacement therapy
Authors: Faust Isabel , Traut Philipp , Nolting Frank , Petschallies Jan , Neumann Elena , Kunisch Elke , Kuhn Joachim , Knabbe Cornelius , Hendig Doris
Published: July 2015

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a common therapeutic option to restore joint functionality in chronic inflammatory joint diseases. Subsequent arthrofibrotic remodeling occurs in 10%, but the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated the association of xylosyltransferases (XT), fibrotic mediators catalyzing glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, leading to arthrofibrosis as well as the feasibility of using serum XT activity as a diagnostic marker. For this purpose, synovial fibroblasts (SF) were isolated from arthrofibrotic and control synovial biopsies. Basal α-smooth muscle actin expression revealed a high fibroblast-myofibroblast transition rate in arthrofibrotic fibroblasts. Fibrotic remodeling marked by enhanced XT activity, α-SMA protein expression as well as xylosyltransferase-I, collagen type III-alpha-1 and ACTA2 mRNA expression was stronger in arthrofibrotic than in control fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Otherwise, no differences between serum levels of XT-I activity or common fibrosis markers (galectin-3 and growth differentiation factor-15 levels (GDF-15)) were found between 95 patients with arthrofibrosis and 132 controls after TKR. In summary, XT-I was initially investigated as a key cellular mediator of arthrofibrosis and a target for therapeutic intervention. However, the blood-synovial-barrier makes arthrofibrotic molecular changes undetectable in serum. Future studies on monitoring or preventing arthrofibrotic remodeling should therefore rely on local instead of systemic parameters.
Brain plasticity in aphasic patients: intra- and inter-hemispheric reorganisation of the whole linguistic network probed by N150 and N350 components
Authors: Spironelli Chiara , Angrilli Alessandro
Published: July 2015

The present study examined linguistic plastic reorganization of language through Evoked Potentials in a group of 17 non-fluent aphasic patients who had suffered left perisylvian focal lesions and showed a good linguistic recovery. Language reorganisation was probed with three linguistic tasks (Phonological, Semantic, Orthographic), the early word recognition potential (N150) and the later phonological-related component (N350). Results showed the typical left-lateralised posterior N150 in healthy controls (source: left Fusiform Gyrus), that was bilateral (Semantic) or right sided (Phonological task) in patients (sources: right Inferior/Middle Temporal and Fusiform Gyri). As regards N350, controls revealed different intra- and inter-hemispheric linguistic activation across linguistic tasks, whereas patients exhibited greater activity in left intact sites, anterior and posterior to the damaged area, in all tasks (sources: Superior Frontal Gyri). A comprehensive neurofunctional model is presented, describing how complete intra- and inter-hemispheric reorganisation of the linguistic networks occurs after aphasic damage in the strategically dominant left perisylvian linguistic centres.
Melting Temperature Mapping Method: A Novel Method for Rapid Identification of Unknown Pathogenic Microorganisms within Three Hours of Sample Collection
Authors: Niimi Hideki , Ueno Tomohiro , Hayashi Shirou , Abe Akihito , Tsurue Takahiro , Mori Masashi , Tabata Homare , Minami Hiroshi , Goto Michihiko , Akiyama Makoto , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Saito Shigeru , Kitajima Isao
Published: July 2015

Acquiring the earliest possible identification of pathogenic microorganisms is critical for selecting the appropriate antimicrobial therapy in infected patients. We herein report the novel “melting temperature (Tm) mapping method” for rapidly identifying the dominant bacteria in a clinical sample from sterile sites. Employing only seven primer sets, more than 100 bacterial species can be identified. In particular, using the Difference Value, it is possible to identify samples suitable for Tm mapping identification. Moreover, this method can be used to rapidly diagnose the absence of bacteria in clinical samples. We tested the Tm mapping method using 200 whole blood samples obtained from patients with suspected sepsis, 85% (171/200) of which matched the culture results based on the detection level. A total of 130 samples were negative according to the Tm mapping method, 98% (128/130) of which were also negative based on the culture method. Meanwhile, 70 samples were positive according to the Tm mapping method and of the 59 suitable for identification, 100% (59/59) exhibited a “match” or “broad match” with the culture or sequencing results. These findings were obtained within three hours of whole blood collection. The Tm mapping method is therefore useful for identifying infectious diseases requiring prompt treatment.
High Pressure Phase-Transformation Induced Texture Evolution and Strengthening in Zirconium Metal: Experiment and Modeling
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Zhang Ruifeng , Weldon David , Vogel Sven C. , Zhang Jianzhong , Brown Donald W. , Wang Yanbin , Reiche Helmut M. , Wang Shanmin , Du Shiyu , Jin Changqing , Zhao Yusheng
Published: July 2015

We studied the phase-transition induced texture changes and strengthening mechanism for zirconium metal under quasi-hydrostatic compression and uni-axial deformation under confined high pressure using the deformation-DIA (D-DIA) apparatus. It is shown that the experimentally obtained texture for ω-phase Zr can be qualitatively described by combining a subset of orientation variants previously proposed in two different models. The determined flow stress for the high-pressure ω-phase is 0.5–1.2 GPa, more than three times higher than that of the α-phase. Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the mechanical and electronic properties of the two Zr polymorphs. We find that the observed strengthening can be attributed to the relatively strong directional bonding in the ω phase, which significantly increases its shear plastic resistance over the α-phase Zr. The present findings provide an alternate route for Zr metal strengthening by high-pressure phase transformation.
Quantitative reflection phase mesoscopy by remote coherence tuning of phase-shift interference patterns
Authors: Arbel Elad , Bilenca Alberto
Published: July 2015

Conventional low-magnification phase-contrast microscopy is an invaluable, yet a qualitative, imaging tool for the interrogation of transparent objects over a mesoscopic millimeter-scale field-of-view in physical and biological settings. Here, we demonstrate that introducing a compact, unbalanced phase-shifting Michelson interferometer into a standard reflected brightfield microscope equipped with low-power infinity-corrected objectives and white light illumination forms a phase mesoscope that retrieves remotely and quantitatively the reflection phase distribution of thin, transparent and weakly scattering samples with high temporal (1.38 nm) and spatial (0.87 nm) axial-displacement sensitivity and micrometer lateral resolution (2.3 μm) across a mesoscopic field-of-view (2.25 × 1.19 mm2). Using the system, we evaluate the etch-depth uniformity of a large-area nanometer-thick glass grating and show quantitative mesoscopic maps of the optical thickness of human cancer cells without any area scanning. Furthermore, we provide proof-of-principle of the utility of the system for the quantitative monitoring of fluid dynamics within a wide region.
Different gap junction-propagated effects on cisplatin transfer result in opposite responses to cisplatin in normal cells versus tumor cells
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tao Liang , Fan Lixia , Peng Yuexia , Yang Kefan , Zhao Yifan , Song Qi , Wang Qin
Published: July 2015

Previous work has shown that gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) enhances cisplatin (Pt) toxicity in testicular tumor cells but decreases it in non-tumor testicular cells. In this study, these different GJIC-propagated effects were demonstrated in tumor versus non-tumor cells from other organ tissues (liver and lung). The downregulation of GJIC by several different manipulations (no cell contact, pharmacological inhibition and siRNA suppression) decreased Pt toxicity in tumor cells but enhanced it in non-tumor cells. The in vivo results using xenograft tumor models were consistent with those from the above-mentioned cells. To better understand the mechanism(s) involved, we studied the effects of GJIC on Pt accumulation in tumor and non-tumor cells from the liver and lung. The intracellular Pt and DNA-Pt adduct contents clearly increased in non-tumor cells but decreased in tumor cells when GJIC was downregulated. Further analysis indicated that the opposite effects of GJIC on Pt accumulation in normal versus tumor cells from the liver were due to its different effects on copper transporter1 and multidrug resistance-associated protein2, membrane transporters attributed to intracellular Pt transfer. Thus, GJIC protects normal organs from cisplatin toxicity while enhancing it in tumor cells via its different effects on intracellular Pt transfer.
Control of Photoluminescence of Carbon Nanodots via Surface Functionalization using Para-substituted Anilines
Authors: Kwon Woosung , Do Sungan , Kim Ji-Hee , Seok Jeong Mun , Rhee Shi-Woo
Published: July 2015

Carbon nanodots (C-dots) are a kind of fluorescent carbon nanomaterials, composed of polyaromatic carbon domains surrounded by amorphous carbon frames and have attracted a great deal of attention because of their interesting properties. There are still, however, challenges ahead such as blue-biased photoluminescence, spectral broadness, undefined energy gaps and etc. In this report, we chemically modify the surface of C-dots with a series of para-substituted anilines to control their photoluminescence. Our surface functionalization endows our C-dots with new energy levels, exhibiting long-wavelength (up to 650 nm) photoluminescence of very narrow spectral widths. The roles of para-substituted anilines and their substituents in developing such energy levels are thoroughly studied by using transient absorption spectroscopy. We finally demonstrate light-emitting devices exploiting our C-dots as a phosphor, converting UV light to a variety of colors with internal quantum yields of ca. 20%.
Comparison of Subjective Refraction under Binocular and Monocular Conditions in Myopic Subjects
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Kamiya Kazutaka , Handa Tomoya , Ando Wakako , Kawamorita Takushi , Igarashi Akihito , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: July 2015

To compare subjective refraction under binocular and monocular conditions and to investigate the clinical factors affecting the difference in spherical refraction between the two conditions. We examined thirty eyes of 30 healthy subjects. Binocular and monocular refraction without cycloplegia was measured through circular polarizing lenses in both eyes, using the Landolt-C chart of the 3D visual function trainer-ORTe. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relations among several pairs of variables and the difference in spherical refraction in binocular and monocular conditions. Subjective spherical refraction in the monocular condition was significantly more myopic than that in the binocular condition (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were seen in subjective cylindrical refraction (p = 0.99). The explanatory variable relevant to the difference in spherical refraction between binocular and monocular conditions was the binocular spherical refraction (p = 0.032, partial regression coefficient B = 0.029) (adjusted R2 = 0.230). No significant correlation was seen with other clinical factors. Subjective spherical refraction in the monocular condition was significantly more myopic than that in the binocular condition. Eyes with higher degrees of myopia are more predisposed to show the large difference in spherical refraction between these two conditions.
One-step biosynthesis of α-ketoisocaproate from l-leucine by an Escherichia coli whole-cell biocatalyst expressing an l-amino acid deaminase from Proteus vulgaris
Authors: Song Yang , Li Jianghua , Shin Hyun-dong , Du Guocheng , Liu Long , Chen Jian
Published: July 2015

This work aimed to develop a whole-cell biotransformation process for the production of α-ketoisocaproate from L-leucine. A recombinant Escherichia coli strain was constructed by expressing an L-amino acid deaminase from Proteus vulgaris. To enhance α-ketoisocaproate production, the reaction conditions were optimized as follows: whole-cell biocatalyst 0.8 g/L, leucine concentration 13.1 g/L, temperature 35 °C, pH 7.5 and reaction time 20 h. Under the above conditions, the α-ketoisocaproate titer reached 12.7 g/L with a leucine conversion rate of 97.8%. In addition, different leucine feeding strategies were examined to increase the α-ketoisocaproate titer. When 13.1 g/L leucine was added at 2-h intervals (from 0 to 22 h, 12 addition times), the α-ketoisocaproate titer reached 69.1 g/L, while the leucine conversion rate decreased to 50.3%. We have developed an effective process for the biotechnological production of α-ketoisocaproate that is more environmentally friendly than the traditional petrochemical synthesis approach.
Comparison of stimulus-evoked cerebral hemodynamics in the awake mouse and under a novel anesthetic regime
Authors: Sharp Paul S. , Shaw Kira , Boorman Luke , Harris Samuel , Kennerley Aneurin J. , Azzouz Mimoun , Berwick Jason
Published: July 2015

Neural activity is closely followed by a localised change in cerebral blood flow, a process termed neurovascular coupling. These hemodynamic changes form the basis of contrast in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and are used as a correlate for neural activity. Anesthesia is widely employed in animal fMRI and neurovascular studies, however anesthetics are known to profoundly affect neural and vascular physiology, particularly in mice. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a novel ‘modular’ anesthesia that combined injectable (fentanyl-fluanisone/midazolam) and volatile (isoflurane) anesthetics in mice. To characterize sensory-evoked cortical hemodynamic responses, we used optical imaging spectroscopy to produce functional maps of changes in tissue oxygenation and blood volume in response to mechanical whisker stimulation. Following fine-tuning of the anesthetic regime, stimulation elicited large and robust hemodynamic responses in the somatosensory cortex, characterized by fast arterial activation, increases in total and oxygenated hemoglobin and decreases in deoxygenated hemoglobin. Overall, the magnitude and speed of evoked hemodynamic responses under anesthesia resembled those in the awake state, indicating that the novel anesthetic combination significantly minimizes the impact of anesthesia. Our findings have broad implications for both neurovascular research and longitudinal fMRI studies that increasingly require the use of genetically engineered mice.
Mechanisms of hypervirulent Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 displacement of endemic strains: an epidemiological model
Authors: Yakob Laith , Riley Thomas V. , Paterson David L. , Marquess John , Magalhaes Ricardo J. Soares , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Clements Archie C.A.
Published: July 2015

Following rapid, global clonal dominance of hypervirulent ribotypes, Clostridium difficile now constitutes the primary infectious cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. Evidence indicates at least three possible mechanisms of hypervirulence that facilitates the successful invasion of these atypical strains: 1) increased infectiousness relative to endemic strains; 2) increased symptomatic disease rate relative to endemic strains; and 3) an ability to outcompete endemic strains in the host’s gut. Stochastic simulations of an infection transmission model demonstrate clear differences between the invasion potentials of C. difficile strains utilising the alternative hypervirulence mechanisms and provide new evidence that favours certain mechanisms (1 and 2) more than others (3). Additionally, simulations illustrate that direct competition between strains (inside the host’s gut) is not a prerequisite for the sudden switching that has been observed in prevailing ribotypes; previously dominant C. difficile strains can be excluded by hypervirulent ribotypes through indirect (exploitative) competition.
Single fluoxetine treatment before but not after stress prevents stress-induced hippocampal long-term depression and spatial memory retrieval impairment in rats
Authors: Han Huili , Dai Chunfang , Dong Zhifang
Published: July 2015

A growing body of evidence has shown that chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a widely prescribed medication for treatment of depression, can affect synaptic plasticity in the adult central nervous system. However, it is not well understood whether acute fluoxetine influences synaptic plasticity, especially on hippocampal CA1 long-term depression (LTD) and if so, whether it subsequently impacts hippocampal-dependent spatial memory. Here, we reported that LTD facilitated by elevated-platform stress in hippocampal slices was completely prevented by fluoxetine administration (10 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before stress. The LTD was not, however, significantly inhibited by fluoxetine administration immediately after stress. Similarly, fluoxetine incubation (10 μM) during electrophysiological recordings also displayed no influence on the stress-facilitated LTD. In addition, behavioral results showed that a single fluoxetine treatment 30 min before but not after acute stress fully reversed the impairment of spatial memory retrieval in the Morris water maze paradigm. Taken together, these results suggest that acute fluoxetine treatment only before, but not after stress, can prevent hippocampal CA1 LTD and spatial memory retrieval impairment caused by behavioral stress in adult animals.
Immune and neurotrophin stimulation by electroconvulsive therapy: is some inflammation needed after all?
Authors: van Buel E M , Patas K , Peters M , Bosker F J , Eisel U L M , Klein H C
Published: July 2015

A low-grade inflammatory response is commonly seen in the peripheral blood of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, especially those with refractory and chronic disease courses. However, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the most drastic intervention reserved for these patients, is closely associated with an enhanced haematogenous as well as neuroinflammatory immune response, as evidenced by both human and animal studies. A related line of experimental evidence further shows that inflammatory stimulation reinforces neurotrophin expression and may even mediate dramatic neurogenic and antidepressant-like effects following exposure to chronic stress. The current review therefore attempts a synthesis of our knowledge on the neurotrophic and immunological aspects of ECT and other electrically based treatments in psychiatry. Perhaps contrary to contemporary views, we conclude that targeted potentiation, rather than suppression, of inflammatory responses may be of therapeutic relevance to chronically depressed patients or a subgroup thereof.
Effects of cortisol administration on craving in heroin addicts
Authors: Walter M , Bentz D , Schicktanz N , Milnik A , Aerni A , Gerhards C , Schwegler K , Vogel M , Blum J , Schmid O , Roozendaal B , Lang U E , Borgwardt S , de Quervain D
Published: July 2015

Heroin dependence is a severe and chronically relapsing substance use disorder with limited treatment options. Stress is known to increase craving and drug-taking behavior, but it is not known whether the stress hormone cortisol mediates these stress effects or whether cortisol may rather reduce craving, for example, by interfering with addiction memory. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cortisol administration on craving in heroin-dependent patients and to determine whether the effects depend on the daily dose of heroin consumption. We used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 29 heroin-dependent patients in a stable heroin-assisted treatment setting. A single oral dose of 20 mg of cortisol or placebo was administered 105 min before the daily heroin administration. The primary outcome measure was cortisol-induced change in craving. Secondary measures included anxiety, anger and withdrawal symptoms. For the visual analog scale for craving, we found a significant interaction (P=0.0027) between study medication and heroin-dose group (that is, daily low, medium or high dose of heroin). Cortisol administration reduced craving in patients receiving a low dose of heroin (before heroin administration:P=0.0019; after heroin administration:P=0.0074), but not in patients receiving a medium or high dose of heroin. In a picture-rating task with drug-related pictures, cortisol administration did not affect the ratings for the picture-characteristic craving in all the three heroin-dose groups. Cortisol also did not significantly affect secondary outcome measures. In conclusion, a single administration of cortisol leads to reduced craving in low-dose heroin addicts. The present findings might have important clinical implications with regard to understanding stress effects and regarding treatment of addiction.
Simultaneous determination of amlodipine besylate and valsartan using a micelle-enhanced first derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric method and application in their co-formulated tablets
Authors: Shalan Sh. , El-Enany N. , Belal F.
Published: July 2015

Fluorescence spectra: (I) A and B are emission and excitation spectra of AML (2 μg mL−1) in methanol while A′ and B′ are spectra of AML in a SDS system. (II) A and B are emission and excitation spectra of VAL (2 μg mL−1) in methanol while A′ and B′ are spectra of VAL in a SDS system.
A comparison of one-dimensional and microscale two-dimensional liquid chromatographic approaches coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry for the analysis of complex samples
Authors: Leonhardt Juri , Teutenberg Thorsten , Tuerk Jochen , Schlüsener Michael P. , Ternes Thomas A. , Schmidt Torsten C.
Published: July 2015

The interest in two-dimensional liquid chromatography separations is growing every year together with the number of open questions on the benefits.
Antifouling membrane integrated renewable gold microelectrode for in situ detection of As(iii)
Authors: Touilloux Romain , Tercier-Waeber Mary-Lou , Bakker Eric
Published: July 2015

Arsenic is of a global concern because of the widespread, chronic poisoning found in a number of countries and affecting large populations. A gel integrated microelectrode sensing approach for arsenic(iii) is shown here to fulfill the requirements for direct measurements of (oxy)anions in freshwaters.
Correction: HPLC separation of casein components on a diol-bonded silica column with MALDI TOF/TOF MS identification
Authors: Pomastowski Paweł , Walczak Justyna , Gawin Marta , Bocian Szymon , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘HPLC separation of casein components on a diol-bonded silica column with MALDI TOF/TOF MS identification’ by Paweł Pomastowski et al., Anal. Methods, 2014, 6, 5236–5244.
Nanoscopic leg irons: harvesting of polymer-stabilized membrane proteins with antibody-functionalized silica nanoparticles
Authors: Zapf Thomas , Zafiu Christian , Zaba Christoph , Tan Cherng-Wen Darren , Hunziker Walter , Sinner Eva-Kathrin
Published: July 2015

Silica-based nanoparticles (SiNPs) are presented to harvest complex membrane proteins, which have been embedded into unilammelar polymersomes via membrane assisted protein synthesis (iMAP).
Modulation of sulfur partial pressure in sulfurization to significantly improve the photoelectrochemical performance over the Cu2ZnSnS4 photocathode
Authors: Zhang Yuanfang , Ouyang Shuxin , Yu Qing , Li Peng , Ye Jinhua
Published: July 2015

We designed a facile method for modulating sulfur pressure in a semi-closed system to enhance the PEC performance of the CZTS photocathode.
Li5Cr7Ti6O25 as a novel negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yi Ting-Feng , Mei Jie , Zhu Yan-Rong , Fang Zi-Kui
Published: July 2015

Novel submicron Li5Cr7Ti6O25, which exhibits excellent rate capability, high cycling stability and fast charge–discharge performance, is constructed using a facile sol–gel method.
Single-crystalline ternary mixed metal oxide 1-dimensional nanostructures of Ir1−x−yRuxVyO2 by vapour phase transport
Authors: Jung Hayoung , Chun Sung Hee , Seok Jeesoo , Kim Yu Lim , Lee Seung Joon , Kim Myung Hwa , Lee Nam-Suk
Published: July 2015

Highly single-crystalline Ir1−x−yRuxVyO2 nanowires were grown from metal oxide precursors on a Si wafer by a vapour transport process.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the conductivity mechanism of nanorod filled polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Cao Dapeng , Liu Jun , Shen Jianxiang , Wu Youping , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2015

We adopted molecular dynamics simulation to study the conductive property of nanorod-filled polymer nanocomposites by focusing on the effects of the interfacial interaction, aspect ratio of the fillers, external shear field, filler–filler interaction and temperature.
The transformation from amorphous iron phosphate to sodium iron phosphate in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yao , Zhou Yirong , Zhang Junxi , Zhang Shiming , Xu Shuojiong
Published: July 2015

The structure transformation of amorphous FePO4 nanoparticles during sodiation/desodiation has been investigated by XRD and HRTEM. The results show that the process of sodiation transforms the amorphous FePO4 into micro-crystalline NaFePO4.
IR spectroscopy of protonated leu-enkephalin and its 18-crown-6 complex embedded in helium droplets
Authors: González Flórez Ana Isabel , Ahn Doo-Sik , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , von Helden Gert
Published: July 2015

Ultracold IR spectra of protonated leu-enkephalin and its 18-crown-6 complex embedded in superfluid helium droplets have been recorded using a free-electron laser as radiation source.
A DFT+U study of A-site and B-site substitution in BaFeO3−δ
Authors: Baiyee Zarah Medina , Chen Chi , Ciucci Francesco
Published: July 2015

A physical insight on the A- and B-site substitution of BaFeO3 with focus on oxygen deficiency and electronic behaviour.
Giant spin thermoelectric effects in all-carbon nanojunctions
Authors: Yang X. F. , Wang H. L. , Chen Y. S. , Kuang Y. W. , Hong X. K. , Liu Y. S. , Feng J. F. , Wang X. F.
Published: July 2015

We investigate the thermospin properties of an all-carbon nanojunction constructed by a graphene nanoflake (GNF) and zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs), bridged by the carbon atomic chains.
Molecular dynamics investigation of separation of hydrogen sulfide from acidic gas mixtures inside metal-doped graphite micropores
Authors: Huang Pei-Hsing
Published: July 2015

Separation of hydrogen sulfide from acidic gas mixtures is demonstrated using metal-doped graphene micropores via a prototype model.
Mechanochemistry of lithium nitride under hydrogen gas
Authors: Li Z. , Zhang J. , Wang S. , Jiang L. , Latroche M. , Du J. , Cuevas F.
Published: July 2015

This article unveils reaction paths and chemical kinetics during mechanochemical hydrogenation of lithium nitride, a key material for hydrogen storage.
The optical properties and quantum chemical calculations of thienyl and furyl derivatives of pyrene
Authors: Idzik Krzysztof R. , Cywiński Piotr J. , Kuznik Wojciech , Frydel Jaroslaw , Licha Tobias , Ratajczyk Tomasz
Published: July 2015

A detailed electrochemical, photophysical and theoretical study is presented for various new thienyl and furyl derivatives of pyrene.
Grain-size dependence of mechanical properties in polycrystalline boron-nitride: a computational study
Authors: Becton Matthew , Wang Xianqiao
Published: July 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the mechanical properties and failure mechanism of polycrystalline boron nitride sheet with various grain sizes.
The role of synergic interaction in transition state formation for the aldol reaction on a metal oxide catalyst: a DFT investigation
Authors: An Wei
Published: July 2015

This contribution highlights an eight-membered ring transition state for the aldol reaction of propanal on O-terminated ZrO2(111) and CeO2(111) surfaces.
Unveiling the relationships among the viscosity equations of glass liquids and colloidal suspensions for obtaining universal equations with the generic free volume concept
Authors: Hao Tian
Published: July 2015

The underlying relationships among viscosity equations of glass liquids and colloidal suspensions are explored with the aid of free volume concept.
Exploring structural and electronic effects in three isomers of tris{bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}borane: towards the combined electrochemical-frustrated Lewis pair activation of H2
Authors: Blagg Robin J. , Lawrence Elliot J. , Resner Katie , Oganesyan Vasily S. , Herrington Thomas J. , Ashley Andrew E. , Wildgoose Gregory G.
Published: July 2015

Three B{C6H3(CF3)2}3 isomers have been studied, ortho-substituents quench FLP H2 cleavage via steric blocking and electron donation to the boron centre.
A Cd(ii) based metal organic framework: a photosensitive current conductor
Authors: Halder Shibashis , Layek Animesh , Ghosh Koushik , Rizzoli Corrado , Ray Partha Pratim , Roy Partha
Published: July 2015

A photoresponsive MOF, [Cd(3-bpd)(SCN)2]n shows 5.56 times enhancement in current conduction in the presence of light in comparison to the dark.
Hard-templating of Prussian blue analogues in mesoporous silica and organosilica
Authors: Wang Pei-Xi , Zamarion Vitor M. , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: July 2015

Prussian blue analogues with a chiral nematic superstructure have been prepared by hard templating inside chiral nematic mesoporous silica.
Electrolysis of liquid ammonia for hydrogen generation
Authors: Little Daniel J. , Smith, III Milton R. , Hamann Thomas W.
Published: July 2015

The mechanism of splitting liquid ammonia is investigated to enable its use for renewable hydrogen storage.
6-Gingerol modulates proinflammatory responses in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated Caco-2 cells and experimental colitis in mice through adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation
Authors: Chang Kuei-Wen , Kuo Cheng-Yi
Published: July 2015

6-Gingerol suppressed up-regulated production of proinflammatory cytokine in DSS-treated Caco-2 cells.
Scratch-resistant sol–gel coatings on pristine polycarbonate
Authors: Le Bail Nicolas , Lionti Krystelle , Benayoun Stéphane , Pavan Sophie , Thompson Leslie , Gervais Christel , Dubois Géraud , Toury Bérangère
Published: July 2015

A novel strategy to enhance scratch resistanceviathe incorporation of ZTP onto silica-based sol–gel coating is proposed.
Highly efficient yellow phosphorescent OLEDs based on two novel bipolar host materials
Authors: Zhang Song , Xu Qiu-Lei , Xia Jing-Cheng , Jing Yi-Ming , Zheng You-Xuan , Zuo Jing-Lin
Published: July 2015

Yellow OLEDs based on bipolar host materials show a maximum current efficiency of 44.4 cd A−1 with low efficiency roll-off.
Enhanced simultaneous removal of malachite green and safranin O by ZnO nanorod-loaded activated carbon: modeling, optimization and adsorption isotherms
Authors: Nasiri Azad F. , Ghaedi M. , Dashtian K. , Hajati S. , Goudarzi A. , Jamshidi M.
Published: July 2015

Highly improved, safe, green and rapid adsorption by loading trace amounts of ZnO nanorods on AC with high uptake capacity.
Enhanced catalytic performance for metathesis reactions over ordered tungsten and aluminum co-doped mesoporous KIT-6 catalysts
Authors: Liu Huan , Tao Kai , Zhang Peipei , Xu Wei , Zhou Shenghu
Published: July 2015

W-Al-KIT-6 (Si/Al = 10) with high dispersion of active W species and moderate acidity shows highest activity and selectivity to propene.
Grafting of lanthanide complexes on silica surfaces dehydroxylated at 200 °C: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Del Rosal Iker , Gerber Iann C. , Poteau Romuald , Maron Laurent
Published: July 2015

The grafting reaction of lanthanide silylamide complexes has been studied, in the framework of the DFT, highlighting the different grafting modes on a silica surface dehydroxylated at 200 °C.
Electrosynthesis and characterization of stable radical-functionalized oligo/polythiophenes
Authors: Almubayedh Somaiah , Chahma M'hamed
Published: July 2015

A stable poly(terthiophene)-bearing-verdazyl radical has been prepared using the electrochemical oxidation of either the parent radical or its precursor.
Supramolecular nanoreactors for intracellular singlet-oxygen sensitization
Authors: Swaminathan Subramani , Fowley Colin , Thapaliya Ek Raj , McCaughan Bridgeen , Tang Sicheng , Fraix Aurore , Captain Burjor , Sortino Salvatore , Callan John F. , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: July 2015

Supramolecular nanocarriers, co-entrapping complementary donors and acceptors in their hydrophobic interior, enable the intracellular generation of singlet oxygen upon NIR excitation.
In situ degradation studies of two-dimensional WSe2–graphene heterostructures
Authors: Wang B. , Eichfield S. M. , Wang D. , Robinson J. A. , Haque M. A.
Published: July 2015

Heterostructures of two-dimensional materials can be vulnerable to thermal degradation due to structural and interfacial defects as well as thermal expansion mismatch, yet a systematic study does not exist in the literature.
Transfer printing of CVD graphene FETs on patterned substrates
Authors: Abhilash T. S. , De Alba R. , Zhelev N. , Craighead H. G. , Parpia J. M.
Published: July 2015

Scalable fabrication of CVD graphene FETs on pre-patterned substrates.
Tunneling holes in microparticles to facilitate the transport of lithium ions for high volumetric density batteries
Authors: Zhu Jian , Ng K. Y. Simon , Deng Da
Published: July 2015

We tried to address the low accessibility issue of microparticles, which have a higher desirable volumetric capacity (mA h cm−3) than that of nanoparticles, by tunneling holes in those microparticles, achieving dramatically improved results.
Jørgensen–Hayashi catalysts supported on poly(ethylene glycol)s as highly efficient and reusable organocatalysts for the enamine-catalyzed asymmetric Michael reaction
Authors: Xia Ai-Bao , Zhang Can , Zhang Yan-Peng , Guo Yan-Jun , Zhang Xiao-Long , Li Zhao-Bo , Xu Dan-Qian
Published: July 2015

A new kind of recyclable and reusable PEG-supported Jørgensen–Hayashi catalyst is synthesized for the first time and proven to be efficient for the enamine-catalyzed asymmetric Michael reaction.
Novel high-k polymers as dielectric layers for organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Li Yao , Wang He , Shi Zuosen , Mei Jingjing , Wang Xuesong , Yan Donghang , Cui Zhanchen
Published: July 2015

The novel high-k polymers are promising candidates for the exploration of low-threshold-voltage organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs).
Correction: Biobased polyesters and other polymers from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid: a tribute to furan excellency
Authors: Sousa Andreia F. , Vilela Carla , Fonseca Ana C. , Matos Marina , Freire Carmen S. R. , Gruter Gert-Jan M. , Coelho Jorge F. J. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘Biobased polyesters and other polymers from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid: a tribute to furan excellency’ by Andreia F. Sousa et al., Polym. Chem., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5py00686d.
Compound Q is finally deciphered
Authors: Bhagi-Damodaran Ambika , Lu Yi
Published: July 2015

The elusive compound Q in methane monooxygenase has been characterised and firmly established as a diamond-core bis-μ-oxo FeIVFeIVcluster.
Self-assembled capsules of poly-N-glycidyl histidine ether–tannic acid for inhibition of biofilm formation in urinary catheters
Authors: Mahata Denial , Mandal Santi M. , Basak Amit , Nando Golok B.
Published: July 2015

A coating made of N-glycidyl-histidine ether–tannic acid complex, a biocompatible polymer, onto a catheter surface inhibits the biofilm formation and helps to control the catheter associated infections caused by biofilm forming MDR pathogens.
Electrical and magnetic properties of the pulsed laser deposited Ca doped LaMnO3 thin films on Si (100) and their electronic structures
Authors: Sultan Khalid , Ikram M. , Gautam Sanjeev , Lee Han-Koo , Chae Keun Hwa , Asokan K.
Published: July 2015

Normalized O K-edge XAS spectra of La1−xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) samples.
Polymorphous transformation of rod-shaped iron oxides and their catalytic properties in selective reduction of NO by NH3
Authors: Wei Xuejiao , Zhou Yan , Li Yong , Shen Wenjie
Published: July 2015

Polymorphous transformation of rod-shaped γ-Fe2O3 was applied to fabricate Fe3O4/Fe2O3 nanorods and their activities in NH3-SCR followed the order γ-Fe2O3 > α-Fe2O3 > Fe3O4.
Study of tribological mechanisms of carbon-based coatings in antiwear additive containing lubricants under high temperature
Authors: Ren Siming , Zheng Shaoxian , Pu Jibin , Lu Zhibin , Zhang Guangan
Published: July 2015

The excellent antiwear performance of a-C/WC coating in PAO + ZDDP achieved by forming tribofilms and tribochemical products.
Electrochemical energy-storage performances of nickel oxide films prepared by a sparking method
Authors: Chuminjak Yaowamarn , Daothong Suphaporn , Reanpang Preeyaporn , Mensing Johannes Philipp , Phokharatkul Ditsayut , Jakmunee Jaroon , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Tuantranont Adisorn , Singjai Pisith
Published: July 2015

The sparking method is a practical and effective preparation technique for porous nickel oxide films, suitable for energy-storage applications.
Functional map of biological and biomimetic materials with hierarchical surface structures
Authors: Guo Hao-Yuan , Li Qunyang , Zhao Hong-Ping , Zhou Kun , Feng Xi-Qiao
Published: July 2015

The properties and functions of both biological and artificial materials with hierarchical surface structures are reviewed to establish the functional map of various hierarchical surface structures.
A ZrN nanocrystalline coating for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell metallic bipolar plates prepared by reactive sputter deposition
Authors: Xu Jiang , Xu Song , Munroe Paul , Xie Zong-Han
Published: July 2015

A ZrN coating with an average grain size of ∼15 nm, was employed to improve the surface performance and durability of 316L stainless steel (SS) used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) environments.
Fabrication and evaluation of protein imprinted polymer based on magnetic halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Xiaohong , Li Hui , Zhou Hui , Zhong Shian
Published: July 2015

A novel protein imprinted polymer, which combined the surface imprinting technology and magnetic halloysite nanotubes (MHNTs), was prepared for selective separation of a template protein.
Amino acid functionalized blue and phosphorous-doped green fluorescent carbon dots as bioimaging probe
Authors: Sarkar Saheli , Das Krishnendu , Ghosh Moumita , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2015

Thermal coupling between citric acid and Na-salt of glycine, l-valine and l-isolucine produced blue emitting carbon dots (CDs) and in presence of NaH2PO4, produced green emitting phosphorous doped CDs (PCDs), which were utilized for cell imaging.
Acid-hybridized expanded perlite as a composite phase-change material in wallboards
Authors: Peng Kang , Zhang Jinyi , Yang Huaming , Ouyang Jing
Published: July 2015

Form-stable composite phase change materials (PCMs) for use in wallboards were prepared by absorbing stearic acid (SA) and lauric acid (LA) eutectic mixtures into the pores of expanded perlite (EP) via vacuum impregnation.
Direct synthesis of β-ketophosphonates and vinyl phosphonates from alkenes or alkynes catalyzed by CuNPs/ZnO
Authors: Gutierrez Victoria , Mascaró Evangelina , Alonso Francisco , Moglie Yanina , Radivoy Gabriel
Published: July 2015

Ligand- and base-free direct synthesis of β-keto- and vinyl phosphonates catalysed by CuNPs/ZnO under air. Selectivity dependent on alkyne nature.
Crumpled graphene: preparation and applications
Authors: El Rouby Waleed M. A.
Published: July 2015

This paper reviews the newest form of graphene (crumpled graphene) for energy storage applications.
Prediction of the stress relaxation property of diene rubber composites by artificial neural network approaches
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Wu Youping , Li Qiangguo , Chan Tung W. , Zhang Liqun , Wu Sizhu
Published: July 2015

An artificial neural network was established to predict the stress relaxation property of diene rubber composites during ozone aging.
Mineral carbonation of a desulfurization residue for CO2 sequestration
Authors: Ding Wenjin , Yang Huaming , Ouyang Jing
Published: July 2015

The feasibility of mineral carbonation of a desulfurization residue for sequestering CO2 was evaluated both through theoretical and experimental approaches.
Changes to amino acid composition of bloodmeal after chemical oxidation
Authors: Hicks T. M. , Verbeek C. J. R. , Lay M. C. , Manley-Harris M.
Published: July 2015

The effect of oxidative decolouring with peracetic acid on the physical and chemical characteristics of bloodmeal proteins was investigated by assessing protein solubility, molecular weight distribution and final amino acid composition.
A multi-scale molecular dynamics simulation of PMAL facilitated delivery of siRNA
Authors: Li Jipeng , Ouyang Yiyun , Kong Xian , Zhu Jingying , Lu Diannan , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2015

PMAL as a novel carrier for the delivery of siRNA into lipid bilayer membranes.
Bifunctional polymeric microspheres for efficient uranium sorption from aqueous solution: synergistic interaction of positive charge and amidoxime group
Authors: Wei Yanqi , Qian Jun , Huang Li , Hua Daoben
Published: July 2015

Polymeric microspheres with a positive charge and amidoxime group are synthesized for uranium capture, and the synergistic interaction leads to highly selective and fast adsorption.
Dielectric hysteresis behaviors of polyvinylidene fluoride-based multilayer dielectrics controlled by confined distribution of conductive particles
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Luo Shanshan , Cao Bo , Shen Jiabin , Guo Shaoyun
Published: July 2015

PVDF-based multilayer dielectrics were fabricated through layer-multiplying extrusion and the dielectric hysteresis behaviors were successfully tailored by confined distribution of conductive particles.
Enhanced performance of InGaN-based light-emitting diodes grown on volcano-shaped patterned sapphire substrates with embedded SiO2
Authors: You Yao-Hong , Chu Fu-Chuan , Hsieh Han-Cheng , Wu Wen-Hsin , Lee Ming-Lun , Kuan Chieh-Hsiung , Lin Ray-Ming
Published: July 2015

This paper describes highly efficient InGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on volcano-shaped patterned sapphire substrates with embedded SiO2 (SVPSS).
Enhancement of dielectric properties and energy storage density in poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) by relaxor ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Luo Hang , Chen Chao , Zhou Kechao , Zhou Xuefan , Wu Zhong , Zhang Dou
Published: July 2015

The dielectric properties and energy storage density of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) were enhanced by the surface-functionalized relaxor ferroelectric ceramic Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3.
Styrene–isoprene and styrene–1,3-pentadiene copolymerisation catalyzed by titanium [OSSO]-type catalysts
Authors: Loria Marianna , Proto Antonio , Capacchione Carmine
Published: July 2015

Titanium [OSSO]-type catalysts promote the copolymerization of styrene with isoprene and 1,3-pentadiene giving copolymers in a wide range of compositions.