bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-homologous DNA increases gene disruption efficiency by altering DNA repair outcomes
Authors: Richardson C. D. , Ray G. J. , Bray N. L. , Corn J. E.
Published: August 2016

The Cas9 endonuclease can be targeted to genomic sequences by programming the sequence of an associated single guide RNA (sgRNA). For unknown reasons, the activity of these Cas9–sgRNA combinations varies widely at different genomic loci and in different cell types. Thus, disrupting genes in polyploid cell lines or when using poorly performing sgRNAs can require extensive downstream screening to identify homozygous clones. Here we find that non-homologous single-stranded DNA greatly stimulates Cas9-mediated gene disruption in the absence of homology-directed repair. This stimulation increases the frequency of clones with homozygous gene disruptions and rescues otherwise ineffective sgRNAs. The molecular outcome of enhanced gene disruption depends upon cellular context, stimulating deletion of genomic sequence or insertion of non-homologous DNA at the edited locus in a cell line specific manner. Non-homologous DNA appears to divert cells towards error-prone instead of error-free repair pathways, dramatically increasing the frequency of gene disruption.
Genetic hierarchy and temporal variegation in the clonal history of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Hirsch Pierre , Zhang Yanyan , Tang Ruoping , Joulin Virginie , Boutroux Hélène , Pronier Elodie , Moatti Hannah , Flandrin Pascale , Marzac Christophe , Bories Dominique , Fava Fanny , Mokrani Hayat , Betems Aline , Lorre Florence , Favier Rémi , Féger Frédéric , Mohty Mohamad , Douay Luc , Legrand Ollivier , Bilhou-Nabera Chrystèle , Louache Fawzia , Delhommeau François
Published: August 2016

In acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) initiating pre-leukaemic lesions can be identified through three major hallmarks: their early occurrence in the clone, their persistence at relapse and their ability to initiate multilineage haematopoietic repopulation and leukaemia in vivo. Here we analyse the clonal composition of a series of AML through these characteristics. We find that not only DNMT3A mutations, but also TET2, ASXL1 mutations, core-binding factor and MLL translocations, as well as del(20q) mostly fulfil these criteria. When not eradicated by AML treatments, pre-leukaemic cells with these lesions can re-initiate the leukaemic process at various stages until relapse, with a time-dependent increase in clonal variegation. Based on the nature, order and association of lesions, we delineate recurrent genetic hierarchies of AML. Our data indicate that first lesions, variegation and treatment selection pressure govern the expansion and adaptive behaviour of the malignant clone, shaping AML in a time-dependent manner.
Phototriggered protein syntheses by using (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methoxycarbonyl-caged aminoacyl tRNAs
Authors: Ohtsuki Takashi , Kanzaki Shigeto , Nishimura Sae , Kunihiro Yoshio , Sisido Masahiko , Watanabe Kazunori
Published: August 2016

The possibility of spatiotemporally photocontrolling translation holds considerable promise for studies on the biological roles of local translation in cells and tissues. Here we report caged aminoacyl-tRNAs (aa-tRNAs) synthesized using a (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methoxycarbonyl (DEACM)-cage compound. DEACM-caged aa-tRNA does not spontaneously deacylate for at least 4 h in neutral aqueous solution, and does not bind to the elongation factor Tu. On irradiation at ∼405 nm at 125 mW cm−2, DEACM-aa-tRNA is converted into active aa-tRNA with a half-life of 19 s. Notably, this rapid uncaging induced by visible light does not impair the translation system. Translation is photoinduced when DEACM-aa-tRNA carrying a CCCG or a CUA anticodon is uncaged in the presence of mRNAs harbouring a CGGG four-base codon or a UAG amber codon, respectively. Protein synthesis is phototriggered in several model systems, including an in vitro translation system, an agarose gel, in liposomes and in mammalian cells.
Immunogenomic engineering of a plug-and-(dis)play hybridoma platform
Authors: Pogson Mark , Parola Cristina , Kelton William J. , Heuberger Paul , Reddy Sai T.
Published: August 2016

Hybridomas, fusions of primary mouse B cells and myelomas, are stable, rapidly-proliferating cell lines widely utilized for antibody screening and production. Antibody specificity of a hybridoma clone is determined by the immunoglobulin sequence of the primary B cell. Here we report a platform for rapid reprogramming of hybridoma antibody specificity by immunogenomic engineering. Here we use CRISPR-Cas9 to generate double-stranded breaks in immunoglobulin loci, enabling deletion of the native variable light chain and replacement of the endogenous variable heavy chain with a fluorescent reporter protein (mRuby). New antibody genes are introduced by Cas9-targeting of mRuby for replacement with a donor construct encoding a light chain and a variable heavy chain, resulting in full-length antibody expression. Since hybridomas surface express and secrete antibodies, reprogrammed cells are isolated using flow cytometry and cell culture supernatant is used for antibody production. Plug-and-(dis)play hybridomas can be reprogrammed with only a single transfection and screening step.
Implementation of ‘matrix support’ (collaborative care) to reduce asthma and COPD referrals and improve primary care management in Brazil: a pilot observational study
Authors: Martins Sonia Maria , Salibe-Filho William , Tonioli Luís Paulo , Pfingesten Luís Eduardo , Braz Patrícia Dias , McDonnell Juliet , Williams Siân , do Carmo Débora , de Sousa Jaime Correia , Pinnock Hilary , Stelmach Rafael
Published: August 2016

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are leading causes of hospitalisation and death in the city of Sao Bernardo do Campo. The municipality had difficulties in sustaining a pulmonology specialist team. Local policy has strengthened the knowledge of the primary care teams to improve the management of these diseases. Our aim is to pilot the implementation of an educational intervention based on collaborative care focused on reducing respiratory-related referrals. We implemented ‘matrix support’: a Brazilian collaborative educational intervention promoting specialist training and support for primary care physicians in three health territories with the highest number of referrals. Clinicians and nurses from primary care attended an 8-h workshop. The backlog of respiratory referrals was prioritised, where Asthma and COPD represented 70% of referral reasons. Initially, pulmonologists held joint consultations with physicians and nurses; as confidence grew, these were replaced by round-table note-based case discussions. The primary outcome was the number of asthma and COPD referrals. Almost all primary healthcare professionals in the three areas (132 of 157–87%) were trained; 360 patients were discussed, including 220 joint consultations. The number of respiratory referrals dropped from 290 (the year before matrix support) to 134 (the year after) (P<0.05). Referrals for asthma/COPD decreased from 13.4 to 5.4 cases per month (P=0.09) and for other lung diseases from 10.8 to 5.3 cases per month (P<0.05). Knowledge scores showed a significant improvement (P<0.001). Matrix-support collaborative care was well-accepted by primary care professionals associated with improved knowledge and reduced respiratory referrals. The initiative attracted specialists to the region overcoming historical recruitment problems.
Changing trend of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China
Authors: Qin Qianqian , Tang Weiming , Ge Lin , Li Dongmin , Mahapatra Tanmay , Wang Liyan , Guo Wei , Cui Yan , Sun Jiangping
Published: August 2016

Dearth of information regarding the trend and correlates of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C (HCV) in a country-wide sample of understudied though high-risk Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) called for a comprehensive serial cross-sectional study. Using a multistage mixed-method strategy, 171,311 MSM from 107 selected cities/counties in 30 provinces of mainland China, were interviewed and tested. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate and Cochran-Armitage trend analyses were conducted using SAS 9.2. During 2009-13, recent (71.5% to 78.6%, p < 0.001) and consistent (40.4% to 48.8%, p < 0.001) condom use as well as condom use during commercial anal sex (46.5% to 55.0%, p < 0.001) were increasing. In contrast, commercial anal sex with male (11.9% to 7.1%, p < 0.001) and drug use (1.9% to 0.8%, p < 0.001) were decreasing over time. HIV prevalence increased gradually (5.5% to 7.3%, p < 0.001), while syphilis (9.0% to 6.3%, p < 0.001) and HCV prevalence (1.5% to 0.7%, p < 0.001) decreased over time. A positive correlation was observed between HIV and syphilis prevalence (r = 0.38). HIV infection was associated with HIV-related knowledge, services and injecting drug use. An increasing trend of HIV prevalence was observed during 2009–13 among MSM in China. While gradual reduction of risk behaviors along with syphilis and HCV prevalence supported expansion of testing and prevention services, increasing HIV burden called for deeper thematic investigations.
Ceramic planar waveguide laser of non-aqueous tape casting fabricated YAG/Yb:YAG/YAG
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Wenxue , Yang Chao , Bai Dongbi , Li Jiang , Ge Lin , Pan Yubai , Zeng Heping
Published: August 2016

Ceramic YAG/Yb:YAG/YAG planar waveguide lasers were realized on continuous-wave and mode-locked operations. The straight waveguide, fabricated by non-aqueous tape casting and solid state reactive sintering, enabled highly efficient diode-pumped waveguide continuous-wave laser with the slope efficiency of 66% and average output power of more than 3 W. The influence of the waveguide structure on the wavelength tunability was also experimentally investiccgated with a dispersive prism. Passively mode-locked operation of the ceramic waveguide laser was achieved by using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM), output 2.95 ps pulses with maximum power of 385 mW at the central wavelength of 1030 nm.
Mfn2 is Required for Mitochondrial Development and Synapse Formation in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/hiPSC Derived Cortical Neurons
Authors: Fang Du , Yan Shijun , Yu Qing , Chen Doris , Yan Shirley ShiDu
Published: August 2016

Mitochondria are essential dynamic organelles for energy production. Mitochondria dynamically change their shapes tightly coupled to fission and fusion. Imbalance of fission and fusion can cause deficits in mitochondrial respiration, morphology and motility. Mfn2 (mitofusin 2), a mitochondrial membrane protein that participates in mitochondrial fusion in mammalian cells, contributes to the maintenance and operation of the mitochondrial network. Due to lack of applicable model systems, the mechanisms and involvement of mitochondria in neurogenesis in human brain cells have not been well explored. Here, by employing the human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiation system, we fully characterized mitochondrial development, neurogenesis and synapse formation in hiPSCs-derived cortical neurons. Differentiation of hiPSCs to cortical neurons with extended period demonstrates mature neurophysiology characterization and functional synaptic network formation. Mitochondrial respiration, morphology and motility in the differentiated neurons also exhibit pronounced development during differentiation. Mfn2 knock-down results in deficits in mitochondrial metabolism and network, neurogenesis and synapse formation, while Mfn2 overexpression enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics and functions and promotes the differentiation and maturation of neurons. Together, our data indicate that Mfn2 is essential for human mitochondrial development in neuronal maturation and differentiation, which will enhance our understanding of the role of Mfn2 in neurogenesis.
Endovascular Electrodes for Electrical Stimulation of Blood Vessels for Vasoconstriction – a Finite Element Simulation Study
Authors: Kezurer Noa , Farah Nairouz , Mandel Yossi
Published: August 2016

Hemorrhagic shock accounts for 30–40 percent of trauma mortality, as bleeding may sometimes be hard to control. Application of short electrical pulses on blood vessels was recently shown to elicit robust vasoconstriction and reduction of blood loss following vascular injury. In this study we present a novel approach for vasoconstriction based on endovascular application of electrical pulses for situations where access to the vessel is limited. In addition to ease of access, we hypothesize that this novel approach will result in a localized and efficient vasoconstriction. Using computer modeling (COMSOL Multiphysics, Electric Currents Module), we studied the effect of endovascular pulsed electrical treatment on abdominal aorta of pigs, and compared the efficiency of different electrodes configurations on the electric field amplitude, homogeneity and locality when applied on a blood vessel wall. Results reveal that the optimal configuration is the endovascular approach where four electrodes are used, spaced 13 mm apart. Furthermore, computer based temperature investigations (bio-heat model, COMSOL Multiphysics) show that the maximum expected temperature rise is of 1.2 degrees; highlighting the safety of the four endovascular electrodes configuration. These results can aid in planning the application of endovascular pulsed electrical treatment as an efficient and safe vasoconstriction approach.
Effect of pristine graphene incorporation on charge storage mechanism of three-dimensional graphene oxide: superior energy and power density retention
Authors: Singh Kiran Pal , Bhattacharjya Dhrubajyoti , Razmjooei Fatemeh , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: August 2016

In the race of gaining higher energy density, carbon’s capacity to retain power density is generally lost due to defect incorporation and resistance increment in carbon electrode. Herein, a relationship between charge carrier density/charge movement and supercapacitance performance is established. For this purpose we have incorporated the most defect-free pristine graphene into defective/sacrificial graphene oxide. A unique co-solvent-based technique is applied to get a homogeneous suspension of single to bi-layer graphene and graphene oxide. This suspension is then transformed into a 3D composite structure of pristine graphene sheets (GSs) and defective N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-RGO), which is the first stable and homogenous 3D composite between GS and RGO to the best of our knowledge. It is found that incorporation of pristine graphene can drastically decrease defect density and thus decrease relaxation time due to improved associations between electrons in GS and ions in electrolyte. Furthermore, N doping is implemented selectively only on RGO and such doping is shown to improve the charge carrier density of the composite, which eventually improves the energy density. After all, the novel 3D composite structure of N-RGO and GS greatly improves energy and power density even at high current density (20 A/g).
Giant and Tunable Anisotropy of Nanoscale Friction in Graphene
Authors: Almeida Clara M. , Prioli Rodrigo , Fragneaud Benjamin , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Paupitz Ricardo , Galvão Douglas S. , De Cicco Marcelo , Menezes Marcos G. , Achete Carlos A. , Capaz Rodrigo B.
Published: August 2016

The nanoscale friction between an atomic force microscopy tip and graphene is investigated using friction force microscopy (FFM). During the tip movement, friction forces are observed to increase and then saturate in a highly anisotropic manner. As a result, the friction forces in graphene are highly dependent on the scanning direction: under some conditions, the energy dissipated along the armchair direction can be 80% higher than along the zigzag direction. In comparison, for highly-oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG), the friction anisotropy between armchair and zigzag directions is only 15%. This giant friction anisotropy in graphene results from anisotropies in the amplitudes of flexural deformations of the graphene sheet driven by the tip movement, not present in HOPG. The effect can be seen as a novel manifestation of the classical phenomenon of Euler buckling at the nanoscale, which provides the non-linear ingredients that amplify friction anisotropy. Simulations based on a novel version of the 2D Tomlinson model (modified to include the effects of flexural deformations), as well as fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, are able to reproduce and explain the experimental observations.
Analysis of Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Gene Expression Signature Reveals Tubulins, Nfe2l2, Nfkb, Cd44 and S100a4 as Treatment Targets
Authors: Lipponen Anssi , Paananen Jussi , Puhakka Noora , Pitkänen Asla
Published: August 2016

We aimed to define the chronically altered gene expression signature of traumatic brain injury (TBI-sig) to discover novel treatments to reverse pathologic gene expression or reinforce the expression of recovery-related genes. Genome-wide RNA-sequencing was performed at 3 months post-TBI induced by lateral fluid-percussion injury in rats. We found 4964 regulated genes in the perilesional cortex and 1966 in the thalamus (FDR < 0.05). TBI-sig was used for a LINCS analysis which identified 11 compounds that showed a strong connectivity with the TBI-sig in neuronal cell lines. Of these, celecoxib and sirolimus were recently reported to have a disease-modifying effect in in vivo animal models of epilepsy. Other compounds revealed by the analysis were BRD-K91844626, BRD-A11009626, NO-ASA, BRD-K55260239, SDZ-NKT-343, STK-661558, BRD-K75971499, ionomycin and desmethylclomipramine. Network analysis of overlapping genes revealed the effects on tubulins (Tubb2a, Tubb3, Tubb4b), Nfe2l2, S100a4, Cd44 and Nfkb2, all of which are linked to TBI-relevant outcomes, including epileptogenesis and tissue repair. Desmethylclomipramine modulated most of the gene targets considered favorable for TBI outcome. Our data demonstrate long-lasting transcriptomics changes after TBI. LINCS analysis predicted that these changes could be modulated by various compounds, some of which are already in clinical use but never tested in TBI.
Magneto-optical micromechanical systems for magnetic field mapping
Authors: Truong Alain , Ortiz Guillermo , Morcrette Mélissa , Dietsch Thomas , Sabon Philippe , Joumard Isabelle , Marty Alain , Joisten Hélène , Dieny Bernard
Published: August 2016

A new method for magnetic field mapping based on the optical response of organized dense arrays of flexible magnetic cantilevers is explored. When subjected to the stray field of a magnetized material, the mobile parts of the cantilevers deviate from their initial positions, which locally changes the light reflectivity on the magneto-optical surface, thus allowing to visualize the field lines. While the final goal is to be able to map and quantify non-uniform fields, calibrating and testing the device can be done with uniform fields. Under a uniform field, the device can be assimilated to a magnetic-field-sensitive diffraction grating, and therefore, can be analyzed by coherent light diffraction. A theoretical model for the diffraction patterns, which accounts for both magnetic and mechanical interactions within each cantilever, is proposed and confronted to the experimental data.
Resolving microbial membership using Abundance and Variability In Taxonomy (‘AVIT )
Authors: Chakrabarti Anirikh , Siddharth Jay , Lauber Christian L. , Membrez Mathieu , Betrisey Bertrand , Loyer Carole , Chou Chieh Jason , Pataky Zoltan , Golay Alain , Parkinson Scott J.
Published: August 2016

Development of NGS has revolutionized the analysis in microbial ecology contributing to our deeper understanding of microbiota in health and disease. However, the quality, quantity and confidence of summarized taxonomic abundances are in need of further scrutiny due to sample dependent and independent effects. In this article we introduce ‘AVIT (Abundance and Variability In Taxonomy), an unbiased method to enrich for assigned members of microbial communities. As opposed to using a priori thresholds, ‘AVIT uses inherent abundance and variability of taxa in a dataset to determine the inclusion or rejection of each taxa for further downstream analysis. Using in-vitro and in-vivo studies, we benchmarked performance and parameterized ‘AVIT to establish a framework for investigating the dynamic range of microbial community membership in clinically relevant scenarios.
Localization-delocalization transition in spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensate
Authors: Li Chunyan , Ye Fangwei , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Konotop Vladimir V. , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2016

We address the impact of the spin-orbit (SO) coupling on the localization-delocalization-transition (LDT) in a spin-orbit coupled Bose-Einstein condensate in a bichromatic potential. We find that SO coupling significantly alters the threshold depth of the one of sublattices above which the lowest eigenstates transform from delocalizated into localized. For some moderate coupling strengths the threshold is strongly reduced, which is explained by the SO coupling-induced band flattening in one of the sub-lattices. We explain why simultaneous Rabi and SO coupling are necessary ingredients for LDT threshold cancellation and show that strong SO coupling drives the system into the state where its evolution becomes similar to the evolution of a one-component system. We also find that defocusing nonlinearity can lead to localization of the states which are delocalized in the linear limit.
The microstructure matters: breaking down the barriers with single crystalline silicon as negative electrode in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Sternad M. , Forster M. , Wilkening M.
Published: August 2016

Silicon-based microelectronics forms a major foundation of our modern society. Small lithium-ion batteries act as the key enablers of its success and have revolutionised portable electronics used in our all everyday’s life. While large-scale LIBs are expected to help establish electric vehicles, on the other end of device size chip-integrated Si-based μ-batteries may revolutionise microelectronics once more. In general, Si is regarded as one of the white hopes since it offers energy densities being ten times higher than conventional anode materials. The use of monocrystalline, wafer-grade Si, however, requires several hurdles to be overcome since it its volume largely expands during lithiation. Here, we will show how 3D patterned Si wafers, prepared by the sophisticated techniques from semiconductor industry, are to be electrochemically activated to overcome these limitations and to leverage their full potential being reflected in stable charge capacities (>1000 mAhg–1) and high Coulomb efficiencies (98.8%).
Dairy Propionibacterium extends the mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via activation of the innate immune system
Authors: Kwon Gayeung , Lee Jiyun , Lim Young-Hee
Published: August 2016

DairyPropionibacterium freudenreichiiis a candidate non-lactic acid probiotic. However, little information is available on the effect ofP. freudenreichiion lifespan extension in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects ofP. freudenreichiion lifespan extension and to elucidate the mechanism ofP. freudenreichii-dependent lifespan extension inCaenorhabditis elegans. The results showed thatP. freudenreichiisignificantly (p < 0.05) extended the lifespan ofC. eleganscompared withEscherichia coliOP50, a standard food for the worm. Analysis of age-related biomarkers showed thatP. freudenreichiiretards ageing. Moreover,P. freudenreichiiincreased resistance against a human pathogen,Salmonella typhimurium, through the activation ofskn-1, which is involved in pathogen resistance inC. elegans. Furthermore,P. freudenreichii-feddaf-16, jnk-1, skn-1ordaf-7loss-of-function mutants showed an extended mean lifespan compared withE. coliOP50-fed worms. However, the increase in lifespan was not observed inpmk-1, sek-1, mek-1, dbl-1, daf-12ordaf-2mutants, which suggests potential roles for these genes inP. freudenreichii-induced longevity inC. elegans. In conclusion,P. freudenreichiiextends the lifespan ofC. elegansvia the p38 MAPK pathway involved in stress response and the TGF-β pathways associated with anti-inflammation processes in the immune system.
Sol narae (Sona) is a Drosophila ADAMTS involved in Wg signaling
Authors: Kim Go-Woon , Won Jong-Hoon , Lee Ok-Kyung , Lee Sang-Soo , Han Jeong-Hoon , Tsogtbaatar Orkhon , Nam Sujin , Kim Yeon , Cho Kyung-Ok
Published: August 2016

ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteases with thrombospondin motif) family consists of secreted proteases, and is shown to cleave extracellular matrix proteins. Their malfunctions result in cancers and disorders in connective tissues. We report here that a Drosophila ADAMTS named Sol narae (Sona) promotes Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signaling. sona loss-of-function mutants are lethal and rare escapers had malformed appendages, indicating that sona is essential for fly development and survival. sona exhibited positive genetic interaction with wntless (wls) that encodes a cargo protein for Wg. Loss of sona decreased the level of extracellular Wg, and also reduced the expression level of Wg effector proteins such as Senseless (Sens), Distalless (Dll) and Vestigial (Vg). Sona and Wg colocalized in Golgi and endosomal vesicles, and were in the same protein complex. Furthermore, co-expression of Wg and Sona generated ectopic wing margin bristles. This study suggests that Sona is involved in Wg signaling by regulating the level of extracellular Wg.
Different oligoarginine modifications alter endocytic pathways and subcellular trafficking of polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Junli , Chau Ying
Published: August 2016

Different length of oligoarginine ligands alter both endocytic pathways and subcellular trafficking of PEG-b-PCL nanoparticles.
The synthesis of substituted phosphathiahelicenes via regioselective bromination of a preformed helical scaffold: a new approach to modular ligands for enantioselective gold-catalysis
Authors: Aillard Paul , Dova Davide , Magné Valentin , Retailleau Pascal , Cauteruccio Silvia , Licandro Emanuela , Voituriez Arnaud , Marinetti Angela
Published: August 2016

New substituted phosphathiahelicenes have been synthesized and used as ligands in gold(i)-catalyzed [4+2] cyclizations of 1,6-enynes (up to 91% ee).
An efficient approach toward formation of polycyclic coumarin derivatives via carbocation-initiated [4+2] cycloaddition and atom-economical photo-irradiated cyclization
Authors: Chen Ling , Cui Yu-Ming , Xu Zheng , Cao Jian , Zheng Zhan-Jiang , Xu Li-Wen
Published: August 2016

Polycyclic coumarin derivatives were easily prepared by carbocation initiated [4+2] cycloaddition of propargyl silyl ethers with ynamides and fluorescent analysis-oriented photo-irradiated cyclization.
A sulfurization-based oligomeric sodium salt as a high-performance organic anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Wu Dabei , Huang Yunhui , Hu Xianluo
Published: August 2016

An attractive sulfurization-based oligomeric sodium salt of Na2PDS exhibits a highly reversible sodium-storage activity.
Helix–helix inversion of an optically-inactive π-conjugated foldamer triggered by concentration changes of a single enantiomeric guest leading to a change in the helical stability
Authors: Liu Lijia , Ousaka Naoki , Horie Miki , Mamiya Fumihiko , Yashima Eiji
Published: August 2016

An optically-inactive foldamer undergoes helicity induction and subsequent helix-inversion with the increasing amount of a single enantiomeric guest.
Controlling molecularity and stability of hydrogen bonded G-quadruplexes by modulating the structure's periphery
Authors: Sutyak Keith B. , Zavalij Peter Y. , Robinson Michael L. , Davis Jeffery T.
Published: August 2016

Identity of 5′-ester controls G-quadruplex structure and stability.
Organocatalyzed nucleophilic addition of pyrazoles to 2H-azirines: asymmetric synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted aziridines and kinetic resolution of racemic 2H-azirines
Authors: An Dong , Guan Xukai , Guan Rui , Jin Lajiao , Zhang Guangliang , Zhang Suoqin
Published: August 2016

An asymmetric nucleophilic addition of pyrazoles to 2H-azirines via organocatalytic kinetic resolution afforded chiral aziridines and azirines simultaneously.
Controlling the crystallisation of oxide materials by solvothermal chemistry: tuning composition, substitution and morphology of functional solids
Authors: Hiley Craig I. , Walton Richard I.
Published: August 2016

Three aspects in the synthesis of oxides under solvothermal conditions are reviewed: materials discovery, substitutional chemistry and crystal habit control.
The growth and thermal properties of Au deposited on Rh(111): formation of an ordered surface alloy
Authors: Óvári László , Berkó András , Vári Gábor , Gubó Richárd , Farkas Arnold Péter , Kónya Zoltán
Published: August 2016

Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) were applied for studying Au deposited on the Rh(111) surface.
The flow patterning capability of localized natural convection
Authors: Huang Ling-Ting , Chao Ling
Published: August 2016

Controlling flow patterns to align materials can have various applications in optics, electronics, and biosciences. We developed a natural-convection-based method to create desirable spatial flow patterns by controlling the locations of heat sources and proposed a flow pattern state diagram which suggests a suitable range of operating conditions for flow patterning.
Discovering the kinetics of thermal decomposition during continuous cooling
Authors: Liavitskaya Tatsiana , Vyazovkin Sergey
Published: August 2016

The kinetics of thermal decomposition upon cooling can differ significantly from the kinetics measured upon heating. Such differences should be expected for multi-step processes whose activation energy varies with reaction progress.
Effect of aromatic ring fluorination on CH⋯π interactions: microwave spectrum and structure of the 1,2-difluorobenzene⋯acetylene dimer
Authors: Akmeemana Anuradha G. , Kang Justin M. , Dorris Rachel E. , Nelson Rebecca D. , Anderton Ashley M. , Peebles Rebecca A. , Peebles Sean A. , Seifert Nathan A. , Pate Brooks H.
Published: August 2016

The H⋯π distance increases ino-C6H4F2⋯HCCH, compared to C6H5F⋯HCCH or C6H6⋯HCCH, consistent with weaker interactions with increased ring fluorination.
Switching adsorption and growth behavior of ultrathin [C2C1Im][OTf] films on Au(111) by Pd deposition
Authors: Rietzler F. , May B. , Steinrück H.-P. , Maier F.
Published: August 2016

In vacuo deposition of ultrathin ionic liquid films combined with angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that the initial three-dimensional growth mode of [C2C1Im][OTf] deposited onto the bare Au(111) surface can be switched to two-dimensional growth by adding submonolayer amounts of Pd.
Enhanced HDO activity of Ni2P promoted with noble metals
Authors: Cecilia J. A. , Infantes-Molina A. , Sanmartín-Donoso J. , Rodríguez-Aguado E. , Ballesteros-Plata Daniel , Rodríguez-Castellón E.
Published: August 2016

A series of bimetallic Ni2P–noble metal (Pt, Rh, Ir or Ru) catalysts supported on commercial silica were prepared in order to evaluate the promoter effect of noble metals on the activity and stability of these catalysts in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of dibenzofuran (DBF).
A combined experimental and DFT investigation on the structure and CO-releasing properties of mono and binuclear fac-ReI(CO)3complexes with 5-pyridin-2-ylmethylene-amino uracils
Authors: Jiménez-Pulido Sonia B. , Illán-Cabeza Nuria A. , Hueso-Ureña Francisco , Maldonado Carmen R. , Sánchez-Sánchez Purificación , Fernández-Liencres M. Paz , Fernández-Gómez Manuel , Moreno-Carretero Miguel N.
Published: August 2016

New tricarbonyl rhenium(i) complexes with 5-substituted-6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracils are reported.
A gadolinium(iii) complex based dual-modal probe for MRI and fluorescence sensing of fluoride ions in aqueous medium and in vivo
Authors: Wang Yue , Song Renfeng , Guo Ke , Meng Qingtao , Zhang Run , Kong Xiangfeng , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2016

A novel Gd(iii) complex based dual-modal probe, Gd(TTA)3-DPPZwas designed and assembled for the simultaneous fluoride ion in aqueous media andin vivo.
Microengineered cancer-on-a-chip platforms to study the metastatic microenvironment
Authors: Portillo-Lara R. , Annabi N.
Published: August 2016

We review state-of-the-art microengineered platforms for studying the role of the physicochemical features of the tumor microenvironment in cancer metastasis.
Dielectric elastomer actuator for mechanical loading of 2D cell cultures
Authors: Poulin Alexandre , Saygili Demir Cansaran , Rosset Samuel , Petrova Tatiana V. , Shea Herbert
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate the first DEA-based deformable bioreactor, generating up to 35% uniaxial tensile strain on living cells.
Analysis of a strategy for cooperating cells to survive the presence of cheaters
Authors: Prajapat Mahendra Kumar , Shroff Isha , Brajesh R. G. , Saini Supreet
Published: August 2016

Cooperation benefits individual cells in a microbial population by helping accomplish tasks which are difficult or non-beneficial for individuals in the population to carry out by themselves. In this work, we analyze a strategy that enables cooperating cells to survive in the presence of cheaters.
Metal–organic redox vehicles to encapsulate organic dyes for photocatalytic protons and carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Yu Hao , He Cheng , Xu Jing , Duan Chunying , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: August 2016

By encapsulation of an organic dye, a supramolecular nickel–organic macrocycle for the photocatalytic reduction of protons and CO2has been reported.
Aliphatic C–H azidation through a peroxydisulfate induced radical pathway
Authors: Li Xin , Shi Zhang-Jie
Published: August 2016

Transition-metal-free, chemo- and regioselective aliphatic tertiary C–H bond azidation with good functional group tolerance is described.
Towards taxane analogues synthesis by dienyne ring closing metathesis
Authors: Pérez-Estrada S. , Sayar N. , Granja J. R.
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of highly functionalized 16,17,18-trinortaxane analogues based on a dienyne cyclization is described.
Visible light assisted improved photocatalytic activity of combustion synthesized spongy-ZnO towards dye degradation and bacterial inactivation
Authors: Adhikari Sangeeta , Gupta Rimzhim , Surin Angelica , Kumar T. Satish , Chakraborty Subhabrata , Sarkar Debasish , Madras Giridhar
Published: August 2016

Citric acid combusted spongy-ZnO nanopowders exhibit high catalytic activity for dye degradation and bacterial inactivation.
All-solid-state nanocomposite electrolytes composed of an ionic polymer with polar groups and surface-modified SiO2 nanoparticles for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Huang Qizhang , Shi Jifu , Xu Xueqing , Wang Leilei , Zhong Liuwen , Sun Yaoming , Wang Hai , Xu Gang , Ge Yanqing
Published: August 2016

Polar groups on modified SiO2 facilitate the ionization of DMPII and enhance the efficiency of DSCs.
Structural, optical and magnetic properties of Sm doped ZnO at dilute concentrations
Authors: Arora Deepawali , Asokan K. , Mahajan Aman , Kaur Harjeet , Singh D. P.
Published: August 2016

The work is important for the development of semiconductor devices which may create new dimensionality to control and achieve high temperature ferromagnetism.
Electronic structure and transport properties of antiferromagnetic double perovskite Y2AlCrO6
Authors: Das Indrani , Chanda Sadhan , Saha Sujoy , Dutta Alo , Banerjee Sourish , Bandyopadhyay Sudipta , Sinha T. P.
Published: August 2016

The antiferromagnetic G-type magnetic ordering in Y2AlCrO6 (YAC) has been investigated by the electronic band structure calculations and successive experiments.
Formation of mesoporous calcium sulfate microspheres through phase conversion in controlled calcination
Authors: Chen Qiaoshan , Qian Mengqian , Jia Caiyun , Lin Junming , Jiang Guangming , Guan Baohong
Published: August 2016

Mesoporous calcium sulfate microspheres with uniform size distribution and suitable loading capacity were prepared by controlled phase conversion for drug loading.
A PGSE NMR approach to the characterization of single and multi-site halogen-bonded adducts in solution
Authors: Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Macchioni Alceo , Rocchigiani Luca , Zuccaccia Cristiano
Published: August 2016

The diffusional PGSE NMR technique allows a detailed characterization of single- and multi-site halogen-bonded systems.
High enzymatic activity preservation of malate dehydrogenase immobilized in a Langmuir–Blodgett film and its electrochemical biosensor application for malic acid detection
Authors: Gür Bahri , Işık Mesut , Kıranşan Kader Dağcı , Alanyalıoğlu Murat , Beydemir Şükrü , Meral Kadem
Published: August 2016

Malate dehydrogenase was immobilized on a cation octadecylamine monolayer and transferred onto an indium tin oxide coated glass substrate. The enzyme immobilized electrode was then used to electrochemically sense malic acid in the range of 2.2–50 mM.
A series of new silver selenites with d0-TM cations
Authors: Qian Qian , Kong Fang , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: August 2016

Four silver selenites containing d0-TM cations have been reported, one of them displays a moderately strong SHG response.
Alternative role of cisplatin in DNA damage – theoretical studies on the influence of excess electrons on the cisplatin–DNA complex
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Zhang Ru-bo
Published: August 2016

Interaction of excess electrons with cisplatin–DNA generates highly reactive Pt-containing species towards C–H abstraction, which strongly contributes to DNA damage.
Improvement of a liposomal formulation with a native molecule: calcitriol
Authors: Dalgic Ali Deniz , Tezcaner Aysen , Elci Pinar , Sarper Meral , Arpaci Fikret , Avcu Ferit , Keskin Dilek
Published: August 2016

Calcitriol and doxorubicin co-loaded liposomes created improved cytotoxicity on Namalwa cells compared to doxorubicin loaded liposomes or free drug treatments.
Preferred formation of the carboxylic acid–pyridine heterosynthon in 2-anilinonicotinic acids
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhang Zhifei , Parkin Sean , Zhou Panpan , Cheng Kai , Li Conggang , Yu Faquan , Long Sihui
Published: August 2016

Preferred formation of carboxylic acid–pyridine heterosynthon in 2-(phenylamino)nicotinic acid was realized through structural modification of the N bridge.
Achievement of visible-light-driven Z-scheme overall water splitting using barium-modified Ta3N5as a H2-evolving photocatalyst
Authors: Qi Yu , Chen Shanshan , Li Mingrun , Ding Qian , Li Zheng , Cui Junyan , Dong Beibei , Zhang Fuxiang , Li Can
Published: August 2016

Barium-modified Ta3N5for the promotion of proton reduction is first employed as a H2-evolving photocatalyst for visible-light-driven Z-scheme overall water splitting.
Pressure induced polymerization of acetylide anions in CaC2 and 107 fold enhancement of electrical conductivity
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Wang Lijuan , Li Kuo , Yang Youyou , Wang Yajie , Wu Jiajia , Dong Xiao , Wang Chun-Hai , Tulk Christopher A. , Molaison Jamie J. , Ivanov Ilia N. , Feygenson Mikhail , Yang Wenge , Guthrie Malcolm , Zhao Yusheng , Mao Ho-Kwang , Jin Changqing
Published: August 2016

Pressure induced polymerization of CaC2 in the amorphous phase is evidenced for the first time, accompanied by a 107 fold enhancement of the electrical conductivity.
Interfacial reaction-directed synthesis of a ceria nanotube-embedded ultra-small Pt nanoparticle catalyst with high catalytic activity and thermal stability
Authors: Wang Yong , Song Guolong , Xu Zhenhe , Rosei Federico , Ma Dongling , Chen Guozhu
Published: August 2016

Due to the ultra-small size of Pt NPs and the extensive contact between Pt and ceria, the ceria nanotube-embedded ultra-small Pt nanoparticle catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic activity and thermal stability toward CO oxidation.
First principles study of a SnS2/graphene heterostructure: a promising anode material for rechargeable Na ion batteries
Authors: Samad Abdus , Noor-A-Alam Mohammad , Shin Young-Han
Published: August 2016

The low cost, high Na storage capacity, high electronic and ionic conductivity, nontoxic nature, and enhanced mechanical stability of the SnS2/graphene heterostructure show the high potential of this material as a commercial anode material for Na ion batteries.
Competitive ligand exchange of crosslinking ions for ionotropic hydrogel formation
Authors: Bassett David C. , Håti Armend G. , Melø Thor B. , Stokke Bjørn T. , Sikorski Pawel
Published: August 2016

We describe a new approach to form hydrogels of ionotropic polymers using competitive displacement of chelated ions. This strategy enables control of ion release kinetics within an aqueous polymer solution and thus control over gelation kinetics across a wide range of pH.
Preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with Y-shaped ligands for brain tumor targeting
Authors: Noh Gwangjin , Youn Yu Seok , Lee Eun Seong
Published: August 2016

In this study, we developed functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for brain tumor targeting.
Near-infrared random lasing realized in a perovskite CH3NH3PbI3thin film
Authors: Shi Zhi-Feng , Sun Xu-Guang , Wu Di , Xu Ting-Ting , Tian Yong-Tao , Zhang Yuan-Tao , Li Xin-Jian , Du Guo-Tong
Published: August 2016

Optically pumped near-infrared random lasing was realized in a solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3thin film with a threshold of 102 μJ cm−2.
The Development of Voiceless Sibilant Fricatives in Putonghua-Speaking Children
Authors: Li Fangfang , Munson Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The aims of the present study are (a) to quantify the developmental sequence of fricative mastery in Putonghua-speaking children and discuss the observed pattern in relation to existing theoretical positions, and (b) to describe the acquisition of the fine-articulatory/acoustic details of fricatives in the multidimensional acoustic space.

Method

Twenty adults and 97 children participated in a speech-production experiment, repeating a list of fricative-initial words. Two independent measures were applied to quantify the relative sequence of fricative acquisition: auditory-based phonetic transcription and acoustics-based statistical modeling. Two acoustic parameters—fricative centroid frequency and F2 onset—were used to index tongue-body and tongue-tip development, respectively.

Results

Both transcription and statistical modeling of acoustics yielded the sequence of /ɕ/ ⟶ /ʂ/ ⟶ /s/. Acoustic analysis further revealed gradual separation in both acoustic dimensions, with the initial undifferentiated form ambiguous between /ɕ/ and /ʂ/.

Conclusions

The observed sound-acquisition order was interpreted as reflecting a combined influence of both oromotor maturation and language-specific phoneme frequency in Putonghua. Acoustic results suggest a maturational advantage of the tongue body over the tongue tip during fricative development.
Directional‐DRX for 5G wireless communications
Authors: Agiwal M. , Maheshwari M.K. , Saxena N. , Roy A.
Published: August 2016

Directional‐discontinuous reception (D‐DRX) is proposed for millimetre‐wave enabled fifth‐generation communications. In addition to conventional active, short‐sleep and long‐sleep states, the proposed mechanism considers a separate beam searching state, to address alignment of directional beams between user equipment (UE) and evolved node B after a sleep cycle. Semi‐Markov process is explored to capture various states of UE and probabilistically estimate its power saving and delay. A numerical analysis is conducted to validate the performance of D‐DRX proposal. About 10% improvement is achieved in power saving with a marginal decrease in delay compared with maximum possible beam search time.
Evaluating maximum photovoltaic integration in district distribution systems considering optimal inverter dispatch and cloud shading conditions
Authors: Ding Tao , Kou Yu , Yang Yongheng , Zhang Yiyang , Yan Huan , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: August 2016

As photovoltaic (PV) integration increases in distribution systems, to investigate the maximum allowable PV integration capacity for a district distribution system becomes necessary in the planning phase, an optimisation model is thus proposed to evaluate the maximum PV integration capacity while guaranteeing the entire system operating constraints (e.g. network voltage magnitude) within reasonable ranges in this study. Meanwhile, optimal inverter dispatch is employed to further improve the PV integration by ensuring the optimal set‐points of both active power and reactive power for the PV inverters. However, the intermittency of solar PV energy (e.g. due to passing clouds) may affect the PV generation in the district distribution network. To address this issue, the voltage magnitude constraints under the cloud shading conditions should be taken into account in the optimisation model, which can be formulated as a mixed integer non‐linear non‐convex programming. Furthermore, a sequential interior‐point method is utilised to solve this problem. Case studies on the IEEE 33‐bus, 69‐bus distribution networks and two practical distribution networks in China demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sequence design for high squint spotlight SAR imaging on manoeuvring descending trajectory
Authors: Yachao Li , Huan Deng , Yinghui Quan , Chunbiao Li , Mengdao Xing
Published: August 2016

Owing to the special geometry and system deviations of missile‐borne spotlight SAR with manoeuvring motion, the sequence designed with traditional methods used in airborne and space‐borne SAR systems perform low precision. An unequal azimuth and pitch beamwidths will make the beam footprint turn into an irregular ellipse, which consequently renders it difficult to gain the accurate echo bandwidth. In addition, biggish low pulse repetition frequency limit (LPRFL) caused by high velocity of the platform and beamwidth increases the complexity of system sequence design. In this study, a precise and effective sequence design method is developed based on effectual access of accurate LPRFL and high PRF limit with the consideration of ambiguity constraints and system deviations. Specifically, a new scene traversal method is proposed to gain the echo bandwidth with high precision for any azimuth and pitch beamwidths. Finally, a practical trajectory optimisation method is designed to further reduce the transmitted pulse number and lower the load of real‐time processing. Plenty of simulation results verify its validity and effectiveness of the sequence design, which can be effectively applied to high manoeuvring spotlight SAR.
Analysis of sensor‐emitter geometry for emitter localisation using TDOA and FDOA measurements
Authors: Kim Yong‐Hee , Kim Dong‐Gyu , Han Jin‐Woo , Song Kyu‐Ha , Kim Hyoung‐Nam
Published: August 2016

In passive emitter localisation, the accuracy of an estimator is significantly affected by the geometric relationship between the sensors and the emitter. The estimation performance varies with the manoeuvre strategies of sensors, even if the same estimator is utilised to locate an emitter. To achieve desirable performance by providing a guideline for manoeuvring sensors, this study analysed the effects of relative sensor‐emitter geometry/velocity for when time difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) measurements are utilised to locate an unknown emitter in an electronic warfare (EW) system. The analysis starts with the derivation of a partitioned Fisher information matrix (FIM) from the partial derivatives of TDOA/FDOA measurements. Then, the Cramer–Rao lower bounds on the variances of the estimates for an emitter position and velocity are computed from the submatrices of the FIM. Based on the analyses, the estimation accuracies are investigated according to the relative sensor‐emitter geometry/velocity under selected sensor manoeuvre scenarios. Simulations are included to verify the theoretical results, followed by discussions for establishing a sensor geometry and manoeuvre strategy for EW activities.