bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of a high resolution map of sRNAs from Fusarium graminearum and analysis of responses to viral infection
Authors: Wang Shuangchao , Li Pengfei , Zhang Jingze , Qiu Dewen , Guo Lihua
Published: May 2016

Previously, we characterized F. graminearum hypovirus 1 (FgHV1) and F. graminearum hypovirus 2 (FgHV2), which are the only two hypoviruses in F. graminearum that are closely related to Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) and Cryphonectria hypovirus 2 (CHV2) in the Hypoviridae family. In this study, we preliminarily elucidated the RNA silencing mechanism of the F. graminearum/hypovirus system from a small RNA (sRNA) perspective by using HiSeq deep sequencing. The length distributions of F. graminearum sRNA were altered by hypoviral infection. Potential microRNA-like (milRNA) candidates were differentially expressed between the hypovirus-free and hypovirus-infected library types. Extensive virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) were also principally defined. The 1,831,081 and 3,254,758 total reads generated from the FgHV1 and FgHV2 genomes in F. graminearum yielded the first high-resolution sRNA maps of fungal viruses. In addition, extensive bioinformatics searches identified a large number of transcripts that are potentially targeted by vsiRNAs, several of which were effectively down-regulated. In particular, the RNA silencing-related genes FgDicer1 and FgRdRp5 were predicted targets of FgHV1- and FgHV2-derived siRNAs, possibly revealing a novel anti-RNA silencing strategy employed by mycoviruses.
Multicolor 4D Fluorescence Microscopy using Ultrathin Bessel Light Sheets
Authors: Zhao Teng , Lau Sze Cheung , Wang Ying , Su Yumian , Wang Hao , Cheng Aifang , Herrup Karl , Ip Nancy Y. , Du Shengwang , Loy M. M. T.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate a simple and efficient method for producing ultrathin Bessel (‘non-diffracting’) light sheets of any color using a line-shaped beam and an annulus filter. With this robust and cost-effective technology, we obtained two-color, 3D images of biological samples with lateral/axial resolution of 250 nm/400 nm and high-speed, 4D volume imaging of 20 μm sized live sample at 1 Hz temporal resolution.
Insight into structure dynamics of soil microbiota mediated by the richness of replanted Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Authors: Zhao Yong-Po , Lin Sheng , Chu Leixia , Gao JiangTao , Azeem Saadia , Lin Wenxiong
Published: May 2016

Consecutive monoculture of crops causes serious diseases and significant decline in yield and quality and microbes in the rhizosphere are closely linked with plant health. Here we systematically studied the structure dynamics of soil microbiota in the monocropping system ofPseudostellaria heterophlla.The results illustrated that the successive cropping ofP. heterophyllashifts the diversity and structure of microbial community in rhizosphere soil ofP. heterophylla, showing that the diversity of microbial community in rhizosphere soil ofP. heterophyllawas decreased with the increase of planting years while the structure of microbial community became more deteriorative. Moreover, the population size of typical pathogens increased and the beneficial bacterial population decreased with the increasing years of monoculture, which resulted in the microecological imbalance inP. heterophyllarhizosphere, thereby caused serious replanting diseases in monocropping system. Our results suggested that structure dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities were mediated by the richness of replantedP. heterophylla,and thus the replant disease result from the imbalanced microbial structure with a higher ratio of pathogens/beneficial bacteria in rhizosphere soil under monocropping regimes. This finding provides a clue to open a new avenue for modulating the root microbiome to enhance the crop production and sustainability.
Physiological maturation and drug responses of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neuronal networks in long-term culture
Authors: Odawara A. , Katoh H. , Matsuda N. , Suzuki I.
Published: May 2016

The functional network of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons is a potentially powerfulin vitromodel for evaluating disease mechanisms and drug responses. However, the culture time required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks is uncertain. We investigated the development of spontaneous electrophysiological activity and pharmacological responses for over 1 year in culture using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The complete maturation of spontaneous firing, evoked responses, and modulation of activity by glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor antagonists/agonists required 20–30 weeks. At this stage, neural networks also demonstrated epileptiform synchronized burst firing (SBF) in response to pro-convulsants and SBF suppression using clinical anti-epilepsy drugs. Our results reveal the feasibility of long-term MEA measurements from hiPSC-derived neuronal networksin vitrofor mechanistic analyses and drug screening. However, developmental changes in electrophysiological and pharmacological properties indicate the necessity for the international standardization of culture and evaluation procedures.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy of Iron Carbides: From Prediction to Experimental Confirmation
Authors: Liu Xing-Wu , Zhao Shu , Meng Yu , Peng Qing , Dearden Albert K. , Huo Chun-Fang , Yang Yong , Li Yong-Wang , Wen Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2016

The Mössbauer spectroscopy of iron carbides (α-Fe, γ'-FeC, η-Fe2C, ζ-Fe2C, χ-Fe5C2, h-Fe7C3, θ-Fe3C, o-Fe7C3, γ'-Fe4C, γ''-Fe4C, and α'-Fe16C2) is predicted utilizing the all electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) approach across various functionals from LDA to GGA (PBE, PBEsol, and GGA + U) to meta-GGA to hybrid functionals. To validate the predicted MES from different functionals, the single-phase χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C are synthesized in experiment and their experimental MES under different temperature (from 13 K to 298 K) are determined. The result indicates that the GGA functional (especially, the PBEsol) shows remarkable success on the prediction of Mössbauer spectroscopy of α-Fe, χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C with delocalized d electrons. From the reliable simulations, we propose a linear relationship between Bhf and μB with a slope of 12.81 T/μB for iron carbide systems and that the proportionality constant may vary from structure to structure.
Assessing mutant p53 in primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer using immunohistochemistry and massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Cole Alexander J. , Dwight Trisha , Gill Anthony J. , Dickson Kristie-Ann , Zhu Ying , Clarkson Adele , Gard Gregory B. , Maidens Jayne , Valmadre Susan , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Marsh Deborah J.
Published: May 2016

The tumour suppressor p53 is mutated in cancer, including over 96% of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Mutations cause loss of wild-type p53 function due to either gain of abnormal function of mutant p53 (mutp53), or absent to low mutp53. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) enables increased accuracy of detection of somatic variants in heterogeneous tumours. We used MPS and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to characterise HGSOCs for TP53 mutation and p53 expression. TP53 mutation was identified in 94% (68/72) of HGSOCs, 62% of which were missense. Missense mutations demonstrated high p53 by IHC, as did 35% (9/26) of non-missense mutations. Low p53 was seen by IHC in 62% of HGSOC associated with non-missense mutations. Most wild-type TP53 tumours (75%, 6/8) displayed intermediate p53 levels. The overall sensitivity of detecting a TP53 mutation based on classification as ‘Low’, ‘Intermediate’ or ‘High’ for p53 IHC was 99%, with a specificity of 75%. We suggest p53 IHC can be used as a surrogate marker of TP53 mutation in HGSOC; however, this will result in misclassification of a proportion of TP53 wild-type and mutant tumours. Therapeutic targeting of mutp53 will require knowledge of both TP53 mutations and mutp53 expression.
Tin phosphide-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries: synthesis via solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and phase-dependent Na storage performance
Authors: Shin Hyun-Seop , Jung Kyu-Nam , Jo Yong Nam , Park Min-Sik , Kim Hansung , Lee Jong-Won
Published: May 2016

There is a great deal of current interest in the development of rechargeable sodium (Na)-ion batteries (SIBs) for low-cost, large-scale stationary energy storage systems. For the commercial success of this technology, significant progress should be made in developing robust anode (negative electrode) materials with high capacity and long cycle life. Sn-P compounds are considered promising anode materials that have considerable potential to meet the required performance of SIBs, and they have been typically prepared by high-energy mechanical milling. Here, we report Sn-P-based anodes synthesised through solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and their electrochemical Na storage properties. The temperature and time period used for solvothermal treatment play a crucial role in determining the phase, microstructure, and composition of the Sn-P compound and thus its electrochemical performance. The Sn-P compound prepared under an optimised solvothermal condition shows excellent electrochemical performance as an SIB anode, as evidenced by a high reversible capacity of ~560 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and cycling stability for 100 cycles. The solvothermal route provides an effective approach to synthesising Sn-P anodes with controlled phases and compositions, thus tailoring their Na storage behaviour.
Structural effects of naphthalimide-based fluorescent sensor for hydrogen sulfide and imaging in live zebrafish
Authors: Choi Seon-Ae , Park Chul Soon , Kwon Oh Seok , Giong Hoi-Khoanh , Lee Jeong-Soo , Ha Tai Hwan , Lee Chang-Soo
Published: May 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological messenger, but few biologically-compatible methods are available for its detection in aqueous solution. Herein, we report a highly water-soluble naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe (L1), which is a highly versatile building unit that absorbs and emits at long wavelengths and is selective for hydrogen sulfide over cysteine, glutathione and other reactive sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen species in aqueous solution. We describe turn-on fluorescent probes based on azide group reduction on the fluorogenic ‘naphthalene’ moiety to fluorescent amines and intracellular hydrogen sulfide detection without the use of an organic solvent. L1 and L2 were synthetically modified to functional groups with comparable solubility on the N-imide site, showing a marked change in turn-on fluorescent intensity in response to hydrogen sulfide in both PBS buffer and living cells. The probes were readily employed to assess intracellular hydrogen sulfide level changes by imaging endogenous hydrogen sulfide signal in RAW264.7 cells incubated with L1 and L2. Expanding the use of L1 to complex and heterogeneous biological settings, we successfully visualized hydrogen sulfide detection in the yolk, brain and spinal cord of living zebrafish embryos, thereby providing a powerful approach for live imaging for investigating chemical signaling in complex multicellular systems.
Dispersibility of vapor phase oxygen and nitrogen functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in various organic solvents
Authors: Khazaee Maryam , Xia Wei , Lackner Gerhard , Mendes Rafael G. , Rümmeli Mark , Muhler Martin , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: May 2016

The synthesis and characterization of gas phase oxygen- and nitrogen-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs and NMWCNTs) and the dispersibility of these tubes in organic solvents were investigated. Recently, carbon nanotubes have shown supreme capacity to effectively enhance the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs). A critical challenge is to individualize tubes from their bundles in order to provide homogenous nano-domains in the active layer of OSCs. OMWCNTs and NMWCNTs were synthesized via HNO3 vapor and NH3 treatments, respectively. Surface functional groups and the structure of the tubes were analyzed by temperature-programmed desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy which confirmed the formation of functional groups on the tube surface and the enhancement of surface defects. Elemental analysis demonstrated that the oxygen and nitrogen content increased with increasing treatment time of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in HNO3 vapor. According to ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, modification of the MWCNT increased the extinction coefficients of the tubes owing to enhanced compatibility of the functionalized tubes with organic matrices.
Enhanced Performance by Enlarged Nano-pores of Holly Leaf-derived Lamellar Carbon for Sodium-ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liu Ting , Yuan Xiaoyan , Zhang Lifeng , Liu Yi , Huang Jianfeng , Guo Shouwu
Published: May 2016

Lamellar hard carbon derived from holly leaf with enlarged pores of tiny graphite-like domains and meso-pores was prepared by hydrothermal followed high temperature pyrolysis process. Benefiting from the enlarged nano-pores of tiny graphite-like domains and the thin sheet structure with meso-pores, the derived carbon delivered a high reversible capacity of 318 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 20 mA g−1 and excellent rate capability as the anode of sodium-ion battery. And the hydrothermal followed high temperature pyrolysis method was also confirmed an effective approach for betula platyphylla and sophora japonica leaf as precursor respectively to synthesis hard carbon of lamellar structure with enlarged nano-pores of tiny graphite-like domains.
A Novel Strategy for Live Detection of Viral Infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ekström Jens-Ola , Hultmark Dan
Published: May 2016

We have created a transgenic reporter for virus infection and used it to study Nora virus infection in Drosophila melanogaster. The transgenic construct, Munin, expresses the yeast transcription factor Gal4, tethered to a transmembrane anchor via a linker that can be cleaved by a viral protease. In infected cells, liberated Gal4 will then transcribe any gene that is linked to a promoter with a UAS motif, the target for Gal4 transcription. For instance, infected cells will glow red in the offspring of a cross between the Munin stock and flies with a UAS-RFPnls transgene (expressing a red fluorescent protein). In such flies we show that after natural infection, via the faecal-oral route, 5–15% of the midgut cells are infected, but there is little if any infection elsewhere. By contrast, we can detect infection in many other tissues after injection of virus into the body cavity. The same principle could be applied for other viruses and it could also be used to express or suppress any gene of interest in infected cells.
HBP Builder: A Tool to Generate Hyperbranched Polymers and Hyperbranched Multi-Arm Copolymers for Coarse-grained and Fully Atomistic Molecular Simulations
Authors: Yu Chunyang , Ma Li , Li Shanlong , Tan Haina , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: May 2016

Computer simulation has been becoming a versatile tool that can investigate detailed information from the microscopic scale to the mesoscopic scale. However, the crucial first step of molecular simulation is model building, particularly for hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) and hyperbranched multi-arm copolymers (HBMCs) with complex and various topological structures. Unlike well-defined polymers, not only the molar weight of HBPs/HBMCs with polydispersity, but the HBPs/HBMCs with the same degree of polymerization (DP) and degree of branching (DB) also have many possible topological structures, thus making difficulties for user to build model in molecular simulation. In order to build a bridge between model building and molecular simulation of HBPs and HBMCs, we developed HBP Builder, a C language open source HBPs/HBMCs building toolkit. HBP Builder implements an automated protocol to build various coarse-grained and fully atomistic structures of HBPs/HBMCs according to user’s specific requirements. Meanwhile, coarse-grained and fully atomistic output structures can be directly employed in popular simulation packages, including HOOMD, Tinker and Gromacs. Moreover, HBP Builder has an easy-to-use graphical user interface and the modular architecture, making it easy to extend and reuse it as a part of other program.
A New Method for Preparing Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Labeling with Ferumoxytol for Cell Tracking by MRI
Authors: Liu Li , Tseng Lanya , Ye Qing , Wu Yijen L. , Bain Daniel J. , Ho Chien
Published: May 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the major stem cells used for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.In-vivocell-tracking by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for regenerative medicine, allowing verification that the transplanted cells reach the targeted sites. Cellular MRI combined with superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) contrast agents is an effective cell-tracking method. Here, we are reporting a new “bio-mimicry” method by making use of the “in-vivoenvironment” of MSCs to prepare native MSCs, so that (i) the phagocytic activity of cultured MSCs can be recovered and expanded MSCs can beex-vivolabeled with Ferumoxytol, which is currently the only FDA approved SPIO nanoparticles for human use. Using our new method, 7-day cultured MSCs regain the capability to take up Ferumoxytol and exhibit an intracellular iron concentration of 2.50 ± 0.50 pg/MSC, comparable to that obtained by using Ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine nanocomplex; and (ii) cells can be re-sized to more native size, reducing from 32.0 ± 7.2 μm to 19.5 ± 5.2 μm. Our method can be very useful for expanding MSCs and labeling with Ferumoxytol, without the need for transfection agents and/or electroporation, allowing cell-tracking by MRI in both pre-clinical and clinical studies.
A multiband perfect absorber based on hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , ElKabbash Mohamed , Alapan Yunus , Rashed Alireza R. , Gurkan Umut A. , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

In recent years, considerable research efforts have been focused on near-perfect and perfect light absorption using metamaterials spanning frequency ranges from microwaves to visible frequencies. This relatively young field is currently facing many challenges that hampers its possible practical applications. In this paper, we present grating coupled-hyperbolic metamaterials (GC-HMM) as multiband perfect absorber that can offer extremely high flexibility in engineering the properties of electromagnetic absorption. The fabricated GC-HMMs exhibit several highly desirable features for technological applications such as polarization independence, wide angle range, broad- and narrow- band modes, multiband perfect and near perfect absorption in the visible to near-IR and mid-IR spectral range. In addition, we report a direct application of the presented system as an absorption based plasmonic sensor with a record figure of merit for this class of sensors.
Glycans affect DNA extraction and induce substantial differences in gut metagenomic studies
Authors: Angelakis Emmanouil , Bachar Dipankar , Henrissat Bernard , Armougom Fabrice , Audoly Gilles , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier
Published: May 2016

Exopolysaccharides produced by bacterial species and present in feces are extremely inhibitory to DNA restriction and can cause discrepancies in metagenomic studies. We determined the effects of different DNA extraction methods on the apparent composition of the gut microbiota using Illumina MiSeq deep sequencing technology. DNA was extracted from the stool from an obese female using 10 different methods and the choice of DNA extraction method affected the proportional abundance at the phylum level, species richness (Chao index, 227 to 2,714) and diversity (non parametric Shannon, 1.37 to 4.4). Moreover DNA was extracted from stools obtained from 83 different individuals by the fastest extraction assay and by an extraction assay that degradated exopolysaccharides. The fastest extraction method was able to detect 68% to 100% genera and 42% to 95% species whereas the glycan degradation extraction method was able to detect 56% to 93% genera and 25% to 87% species. To allow a good liberation of DNA from exopolysaccharides commonly presented in stools, we recommend the mechanical lysis of stools plus glycan degradation, used here for the first time. Caution must be taken in the interpretation of current metagenomic studies, as the efficiency of DNA extraction varies widely among stool samples.
Evolutionary origin of the NCSI gene subfamily encoding norcoclaurine synthase is associated with the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in plants
Authors: Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Deng Xianbao , Owiti Albert , Meelaph Thitirat , Ogutu Collins , Han Yuepeng
Published: May 2016

Sacred lotus is rich in biologically active compounds, particularly benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs). Here, we report on isolation of genes encoding (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) in sacred lotus, which is a key entry-enzyme in BIA biosynthesis. Seven NCS genes, designated NnNCS1 through NnNCS7, were identified in the sacred lotus genome, and five are located next to each other within a 83 kb region on scaffold 8. The NCS genes are divided into two subfamilies, designated NCSI and NCSII. The NCSII genes are universal in plants, while the NCSI genes are only identified in a limited number of dicotyledonous taxa that produce BIAs. In sacred lotus, only NnNCS4 belongs to the NCSII subfamily, whilst the rest NCS genes within the NCSI subfamily. Overall, the NnNCS7 gene was predominantly expressed in all tested tissues, and its expression is significantly correlated with alkaloid content in leaf. In contrast, the NnNCS4 expression shows no significant correlation with alkaloid accumulation in leaf, and its lack of expression cannot inhibit alkaloid accumulation. Taken together, these results suggest that the NCSI subfamily is crucial for BIA biosynthesis, and its origin may represent an important evolutionary event that allows certain plant taxa to produce BIAs.
The impact of food structure on taste and digestibility
Authors: Lillford P. J.
Published: May 2016

The current knowledge on how food structures relate to perception is discussed.
Soft-template construction of three-dimensionally ordered inverse opal structure from Li2FeSiO4/C composite nanofibers for high-rate lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Donglin , Zhang Wei , Sun Ru , Yong Hong-Tuan-Hua , Chen Guangqi , Fan Xiaoyong , Gou Lei , Mao Yiyang , Zhao Kun , Tian Miao
Published: May 2016

A 3DOM Li2FeSiO4/C architecture is constructed from small-sized nanofibers via a soft-template approach, which renders electrodes superior rate-performance.
Phytochemical assisted synthesis of size and shape tunable gold nanoparticles and assessment of their catalytic activities
Authors: Phukan Shreemoyee , Bharali Pankaj , Das Arup K. , Rashid Md. Harunar
Published: May 2016

A faster and environmentally viable phytochemical assisted reduction method of synthesizing catalytically active gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is reported.
Graphene oxide derived graphene quantum dots with different photoluminescence properties and peroxidase-like catalytic activity
Authors: Tang Duosi , Liu Jingjing , Yan Xiaomei , Kang Longtian
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate that there are basically two kinds of GO-derived GQDs with different photoluminescence properties and peroxidase-like catalytic activity.
Comment on “Graphene oxide regulates the bacterial community and exhibits property changes in soil” by J. Du, X. Hu and Q. Zhou, RSC Advances, 2015, 5, 27009
Authors: Forstner Christian , Wang Peng , Kopittke Peter M. , Dennis Paul G.
Published: May 2016

Here we question the validity of a recent claim that addition of graphene oxide to soil promotes bacterial diversity.
Ion mobility spectrometry nuisance alarm threshold analysis for illicit narcotics based on environmental background and a ROC-curve approach
Authors: Forbes Thomas P. , Najarro Marcela
Published: May 2016

The discriminative potential of an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) for trace detection of illicit narcotics relative to environmental background was investigated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve framework.
A small synthetic molecule functions as a chloride–bicarbonate dual-transporter and induces chloride secretion in cells
Authors: Liu Peng-Yun , Li Shing-To , Shen Fang-Fang , Ko Wing-Hung , Yao Xiao-Qiang , Yang Dan
Published: May 2016

A C2 symmetric small molecule composed of l-phenylalanine and isophthalamide was found to function as a Cl−/HCO3− dual transporter and self-assemble into chloride channels.
A novel scattering switch-on detection technique for target-induced plasmon-coupling based sensing by single-particle optical anisotropy imaging
Authors: Peng Lan , Cao Xuan , Xiong Bin , He Yan , Yeung Edward S.
Published: May 2016

A novel scattering switch-on detection technique by using flash-lamp polarization darkfield microscopy (FLPDM) has been proposed for target-induced plasmon-coupling based sensing in homogeneous solution.
A highly efficient supramolecular photoswitch for singlet oxygen generation in water
Authors: Liu Guoxing , Xu Xiufang , Chen Yong , Wu Xianjing , Wu Huang , Liu Yu
Published: May 2016

Switching on/off singlet oxygen generation can be regulated upon irradiation with different wavelength light in a short period of time.
Correction: Discovery of a 19F MRI sensitive salinomycin derivative with high cytotoxicity towards cancer cells
Authors: Shi Qiuyan , Li Yu , Bo Shaowei , Li Xiaofei , Zhao Peng , Liu Qi , Yang Zhigang , Cong Hengjiang , Deng Hexiang , Chen Mingnan , Chen Shizhen , Zhou Xin , Ding Hong , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Discovery of a 19F MRI sensitive salinomycin derivative with high cytotoxicity towards cancer cells’ by Qiuyan Shi et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 5136–5139.
Ethane adsorption on aggregates of dahlia-like nanohorns: experiments and computer simulations
Authors: Russell Brice A. , Migone Aldo D. , Petucci Justin , Mercedes Calbi M. , Yudasaka Masako , Iijima Sumio
Published: May 2016

This is a report on a study of the adsorption characteristics of ethane on aggregates of unopened dahlia-like carbon nanohorns.
Blood–brain barrier shuttle peptides: an emerging paradigm for brain delivery
Authors: Oller-Salvia Benjamí , Sánchez-Navarro Macarena , Giralt Ernest , Teixidó Meritxell
Published: May 2016

Blood–brain barrier shuttle peptides are increasingly more potent and versatile tools to enhance drug delivery to the brain.
Influence of vanadium-doping on the magnetism of FeCo/SiO2 nanoparticle
Authors: Desautels Ryan D. , Rowe Michael P. , Freeland John W. , Jones Michael , van Lierop Johan
Published: May 2016

How the formation of vanadium silicate, at the interface between a SiO2-coating and the FeCo nanoparticle it encapsulates, modifies the magnetic coercivity and induces an exchange bias.
Enhanced gas sorption and breathing properties of the new sulfone functionalized COMOC-2 metal organic framework
Authors: Wang Guangbo , Leus Karen , Couck Sarah , Tack Pieter , Depauw Hannes , Liu Ying-Ya , Vincze Laszlo , Denayer Joeri F. M. , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: May 2016

A new flexible vanadium based metal organic framework showing a remarkable CO2 uptake.
Towards efficient time-resolved X-ray absorption studies of electron dynamics at photocatalytic interfaces
Authors: Neppl Stefan , Mahl Johannes , Tremsin Anton S. , Rude Bruce , Qiao Ruimin , Yang Wanli , Guo Jinghua , Gessner Oliver
Published: May 2016

We present a picosecond time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (tr-XAS) setup designed for synchrotron-based studies of interfacial photochemical dynamics. The apparatus combines a high power, variable repetition rate picosecond laser system with a time-resolved X-ray fluorescence yield detection technique. Time-tagging of the detected fluorescence signals enables the parallel acquisition of X-ray absorption spectra at a variety of pump–probe delays employing the well-defined time structure of the X-ray pulse trains. The viability of the setup is demonstrated by resolving dynamic changes in the fine structure near the O1s X-ray absorption edge of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) after photo-excitation with a 355 nm laser pulse. Two distinct responses are detected. A pronounced, quasi-static, reversible change of the Cu2O O1s X-ray absorption spectrum by up to ∼30% compared to its static line shape corresponds to a redshift of the absorption edge by ∼1 eV. This value is small compared to the 2.2 eV band gap of Cu2O but in agreement with previously published results. The lifetime of this effect exceeds the laser pulse-to-pulse period of 8 μs, resulting in a quasi-static spectral change that persists as long as the sample is exposed to the laser light, and completely vanishes once the laser is blocked. Additionally, a short-lived response corresponding to a laser-induced shift of the main absorption line by ∼2 eV to lower energies appears within <200 ps and decays with a characteristic timescale of 43 ± 5 ns. Both the picosecond rise and nanosecond decay of this X-ray response are simultaneously captured by making use of a time-tagging approach – highlighting the prospects of the experimental setup for efficient probing of the electronic and structural dynamics in photocatalytic systems on multiple timescales.
Improved methods for evaluating the environmental impact of nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Reid Bradley T. , Reed Scott M.
Published: May 2016

With the market for products containing nanoparticles growing, improvements in the efficiency of nanoparticle synthesis are poised to have significant positive economic and environmental impacts.
GC-FID method for high-throughput analysis of residual solvents in pharmaceutical drugs and intermediates
Authors: Nowak Timothy , Graffius Gabriel C. , Liu Yong , Wu Naijun , Bu Xiaodong , Gong Xiaoyi , Welch Christopher J. , Regalado Erik L.
Published: May 2016

This approach simplifies tremendously the tedious task of residual solvent quantitation, resulting in significantly less labor, greater reliability, faster time to result and at least a 290 fold reduction in solvent consumption and hazardous waste disposal.
Application of dendrimer modified halloysite nanotubes as a new sorbent for ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro-solid phase extraction and sequential determination of cadmium and lead in water samples
Authors: Krawczyk Magdalena , Akbari Somaye , Jeszka-Skowron Magdalena , Pajootan Elmira , Fard Farnaz Shahamati
Published: May 2016

A preconcentration procedure for cadmium and lead using dendrimer modified HNTs was developed prior to its sequential determination by HR-CS GFAAS.
Synthesis and molecular docking studies of a new series of bipyrazol-yl-thiazol-ylidene-hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives as potential antitubercular agents
Authors: Mogle Pratima P. , Meshram Rohan J. , Hese Shrikant V. , Kamble Rahul D. , Kamble Sonali S. , Gacche Rajesh N. , Dawane Bhaskar S.
Published: May 2016

Substituted 2-(2-(5-(3/4-substituted phenyl)-4-hydroxy-3′-(3/4-substituted phenyl)-1′-phenyl-1H,1′H-[3,4′-bipyrazol]-1-yl)thiazol-4(5H)ylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives have been synthesized in good yields by an efficient method.
Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of conjugated trienes from silaborated 1,3-enynes
Authors: Li Ende , Zhou Hui , Östlund Victor , Hertzberg Robin , Moberg Christina
Published: May 2016

Palladium-catalyzed silaboration of 1,3-enynes followed by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling with alkenyl iodides and Hiyama coupling with aryl iodides provides access to 1,3,5-trienes with defined regio- and stereochemistry.
Catalytic asymmetric [3 + 3] annulation of cyclopropanes with mercaptoacetaldehyde
Authors: Fu Xuan , Lin Lili , Xia Yong , Zhou Pengfei , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: May 2016

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective [3 + 3] annulation of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with mercaptoacetaldehyde has been developed.
Potassium-mediated stereochemical assistance to form one indenonaphthacene isomer from rubrene with complementary diastereoselectivity to the acid based protocol
Authors: Zhang J. , Luzyanin K. V. , Jansat S.
Published: May 2016

Complementary diastereoselectivity for C–H and C–C bond formation, in para disposition, leading to one indenonaphthacene derivative: proton versus potassium assistance.
Synthesis, structural properties, electrophilic substitution reactions and DFT computational studies of calix[3]benzofurans
Authors: Islam Md. Monarul , Akther Thamina , Ikejiri Yusuke , Matsumoto Taisuke , Tanaka Junji , Rahman Shofiur , Georghiou Paris E. , Hughes David L. , Redshaw Carl , Yamato Takehiko
Published: May 2016

Synthesis of highly flexible calix[3]benzofurans; effects of substituent groups on calix[3]benzofuran conformations were studied by DFT computational methods.
Porous carbon hollow spheres synthesized via a modified Stöber method for capacitive deionization
Authors: Leong Zhi Yi , Yang Hui Ying
Published: May 2016

Porous carbon hollow spheres have been synthesized for capacitive deionization (CDI), a novel desalination technology that is environmentally friendly and is less energy as compared to conventional technologies such as reverse osmosis.
Pyridofuropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and pyridofuropyrimido[1,2-a]azepines: new chemical entities (NCE) with anticonvulsive and psychotropic properties
Authors: Sirakanyan Samvel N. , Geronikaki Athina , Spinelli Domenico , Paronikyan Ruzanna G. , Dzhagatspanyan Irina A. , Nazaryan Ivetta M. , Akopyan Asmik H. , Hovakimyan Anush A.
Published: May 2016

A series of pyridofuropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidines4and of pyridofuropyrimido[1,2-a]azepines5having as precursors a some new condensed furo[2,3-b]pyridines3were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsive and psychotropic properties.
Synthesis and tunable electrical behavior of polyfluorene functionalized with triphenylamine and (3-methyl-1-imidazolium-yl)hexyl side chains
Authors: Fan Fei , Zhang Bin , Cao Yaming , Cheng Qing , Chen Yu
Published: May 2016

A novel polyfluorene functionalized with triphenylamine and (3-methyl-1-imidazolium-yl) hexyl side chains exhibited unique tunable electrical characteristics.
Three-dimensional graphene-based spheres and crumpled balls: micro- and nano-structures, synthesis strategies, properties and applications
Authors: Nazarian-Samani Masoud , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Park Sang-Hoon , Youn Hee-Chang , Mhamane Dattakumar , Lee Suk-Woo , Kim Myeong-Seong , Jeong Jun-Hui , Haghighat-Shishavan Safa , Roh Kwang-Chul , Kashani-Bozorg Seyed Farshid , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: May 2016

3D spherical and crumpled-ball graphene-based architectures with diverse, fascinating properties and applications are reviewed for the first time.
Ultrahigh resolution, serial fabrication of three dimensionally-patterned protein nanostructures by liquid-mediated non-contact scanning probe lithography
Authors: Gan Tiansheng , Wu Bo , Zhou Xuechang , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: May 2016

Sub-100 nm and 3D-patterned structures of protein are fabricated on Au surface in solution by liquid-mediated non-contact scanning probe lithography.
Novel β-galactosynthase–β-mannosynthase dual activity of β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae uncovered using monomer sugar substrates
Authors: Tan R. S. , Hinou H. , Nishimura S.-I.
Published: May 2016

We uncovered β-galactosynthase–β-mannosynthase dual-activity of β-galactosidase (A. oryzae) that could revolutionize chemoenzymatic glycan and NDOs syntheses.
A well fabricated PtSn/SiO2 catalyst with enhanced synergy between Pt and Sn for acetic acid hydrogenation to ethanol
Authors: Xu Guozhen , Zhang Jian , Wang Shengping , Zhao Yujun , Ma Xinbin
Published: May 2016

PtSn/SiO2-MTSG catalyst prepared by MTSG method shows excellent hydrogenation activity due to the enhanced synergy between Pt and Sn species.
Recent applications of barbituric acid in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Aleali Faezeh , Lashgari Negar
Published: May 2016

This review aims to show representative examples of multicomponent reactions utilizing barbituric acid in the synthesis of various heterocyclic structures.
β-Carboline-directed decarboxylative acylation of ortho-C(sp2)–H of the aryl ring of aryl(β-carbolin-1-yl)methanones with α-ketoacids under palladium catalysis
Authors: Kolle Shivalinga , Batra Sanjay
Published: May 2016

A Pd-catalysed β-carboline assisted decarboxylative acylation of ortho-C(sp2)–H of aryl ring of aryl(β-carbolin-1-yl)methanones using α-oxocarboxylic acid as the acyl ion source to form (2-aroylaryl)(β-carbolin-2-yl)methanones is demonstrated.
Tunable helicity, stability and DNA-binding properties of short peptides with hybrid metal coordination motifs
Authors: Smith Sarah J. , Radford Robert J. , Subramanian Rohit H. , Barnett Brandon R. , Figueroa Joshua S. , Tezcan F. Akif
Published: May 2016

A series of short peptides were modified with Hybrid Coordination Motifs that can induce α-helicity in a metal-tunable fashion, protect the peptides from proteolysis, and direct the formation of discrete dimers for recognition of biological targets.
Apparent contact angle and contact angle hysteresis on liquid infused surfaces
Authors: Semprebon Ciro , McHale Glen , Kusumaatmaja Halim
Published: May 2016

The apparent contact angle and contact angle hysteresis of a droplet on liquid infused surfaces have strong dependence on the relative size between the droplet and its surrounding wetting ridge.
3D urchin-shaped Ni3(VO4)2 hollow nanospheres for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Kumar Rudra , Rai Prabhakar , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: May 2016

3D urchin-shaped Ni3(VO4)2 hollow nanospheres have been synthesized by a template free hydrothermal method for asymmetric supercapacitor applications.
Association between selenium levels and oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Bin , Huang Lihong , Mao Ning , Xiong Tao , Li Chao , Hu Liangbo , Du Ying
Published: May 2016

Quantification of the association between selenium and risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is still conflicting. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore the relationship between selenium levels and OAC risk. PubMed and Web of Knowledge were searched for the related articles. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from random effects models were calculated. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Dose–response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline and variance-weighted least squares regression analysis. Five articles involving 748 OAC cases were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggest that higher selenium level was not significantly associated with the risk of OAC (summary RRs=1.08, 95% CIs=0.84–1.39, I2=0%). Besides, no significant association was found in case-control studies (summary RRs=1.13, 95% CIs=0.84–1.52, I2=0%) or cohort studies (summary RRs=0.99, 95% CIs=0.55–1.78, I2=32.6%). A linear dose–response relationship was attested that an increase in dietary selenium intake of 10 μg/day is marginally associated with 1% increase in the risk of developing OAC (summary RRs=1.01, 95% CIs=0.99–1.03), but not statistically significant. No publication bias was found. In conclusion, our analysis indicated that a higher selenium level was not significantly associated with the risk of OAC. The relevant further studies are warranted.
Differential effects of NOX4 and NOX1 on immune cell-mediated inflammation in the aortic sinus of diabetic ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Di Marco Elyse , Gray Stephen P. , Chew Phyllis , Kennedy Kit , Cooper Mark E. , Schmidt Harald H.H.W. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A.M.
Published: May 2016

Oxidative stress and inflammation are central mediators of atherosclerosis particularly in the context of diabetes. The potential interactions between the major producers of vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes and immune-inflammatory processes remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study we investigated the roles of the NADPH oxidase subunit isoforms, NOX4 and NOX1, in immune cell activation and recruitment to the aortic sinus atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Plaque area analysis showed that NOX4- and NOX1-derived ROS contribute to atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus following 10 weeks of diabetes. Immunohistochemical staining of the plaques revealed that NOX4-derived ROS regulate T-cell recruitment. In addition, NOX4-deficient mice showed a reduction in activated CD4+ T-cells in the draining lymph nodes of the aortic sinus coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression in the aortic sinus. Conversely, NOX1-derived ROS appeared to play a more important role in macrophage accumulation. These findings demonstrate distinct roles for NOX4 and NOX1 in immune-inflammatory responses that drive atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus of diabetic mice.
Self‐packaged SISL dual‐band BPF using a new quadruple‐mode resonator
Authors: Du Chengying , Ma Kaixue , Mou Shouxian
Published: May 2016

A new quadruple‐mode resonator (QMR) is proposed to design a self‐packaged dual‐band bandpass filter (DBBPF) by using the substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) technology. The low insertion losses of the fabricated DBBPF are 0.52/1.76 dB and the fractional bandwidth are 65.4%/9.2% for two operation passbands at 2.65/8.71 GHz, respectively. The measured results are in good agreement with electromagnetic simulation.
Comparator offset calibration using unbalanced clocks for high speed and high power efficiency
Authors: Wood Chiang Shiuh‐hua
Published: May 2016

A novel comparator offset calibration using unbalanced clocks is proposed. The new technique avoids loading the comparator core with trimming elements, thus maximising the comparator speed and power efficiency. Simulations show that a comparator utilising the proposed calibration achieves near‐native speed and noise performance. It also achieves superior energy‐delay‐noise product over comparators with conventional calibrations.
Planar printed loop antenna with less no‐ground space for hepta‐band wireless wide area network/long‐term evolution mobile handset
Authors: Wang Ping , Cai Zhiqiang
Published: May 2016

A planar printed loop antenna with hepta operating bands, which covers the GSM850/900/DCS1800/PCS1900/UMTS2100/LTE2300/2500 bands for mobile handset application, is proposed. It occupies a no‐ground space of only 8 × 60 mm2 and wideband operation can be achieved by meandering or folding loop line and using matching circuits. The low frequency bands of GSM850/900 operation are achieved by the loop half‐wavelength mode and matching chip capacitor, which generates a dual‐resonance mode at 780 and 915 MHz. At around high frequency ranges, a one‐wavelength resonant mode of the entire loop at 1.66 GHz, and high‐order resonant modes of the left or the right side coupling loop are generated to cover the residual frequency bands. In addition, the proposed antenna is easily printed on dielectric surfaces of a low cost FR4 substrate, which makes it suitable for practical mobile applications. The proposed antenna is successfully simulated, fabricated, and measured comparing to simulated results to validate the design.
Ambiguity function of Iridium signal for radar application
Authors: Lyu Xiaoyong , Stove Andrew , Gashinova Marina , Cherniakov Mikhail
Published: May 2016

The Iridium L band downlink signals from a radar viewpoint are studied. The signal is modelled and its ambiguity function is analysed and the ambiguity function with that of the real recorded signal is compared. It is shown that the spectrum and ambiguity diagram of the Iridium signal are independent of the signal content, making it a very suitable signal of opportunity for passive radar. The interference floor of the ambiguity function of a single Iridium burst with a length of 8.28 ms is about 22 dB lower than the main peak.
Sensitivity analysis of ray tracing to the geometrical description of the environment
Authors: Mohtashami Vahid , Shishegar Amir Ahmad
Published: May 2016

In ray‐tracing‐based propagation modelling, the electromagnetic field at the receiver is obtained by coherent summation of the fields of multipath components. It is therefore crucial to accurately calculate the phase of the electromagnetic field of each ray. In practice, when preparing the plan of the environment for ray tracing simulation, the lateral positions of the walls may not be included accurately in the database. This alters the phases of the fields as well as the delays of arrival of multipath components which may consequently lead to less accurate results. In this study, the sensitivity of ray tracing results to this type of geometrical inaccuracy is investigated through the propagation of uncertainty approach. The lateral wall positions are assumed random variables and the statistical moments of the received power and rms delay spread are analytically derived and confirmed. A reliability measure is then defined to explore the impact of the geometrical inaccuracy on the ray tracing results. Numerical results are presented for a typical indoor environment at 2.44 GHz. It is observed that the rms delay spread has negligible sensitivity to lateral wall position uncertainty whereas the received power shows more sensitivity with errors of the order of a few dB.
Identical performance from distinct conventional electromagnetic bandgap structures
Authors: Hassan S.M. Shakil , Mollah Md. Nurunnabi
Published: May 2016

A versatile investigation has been accomplished on the performances of circular, square, triangular and hexagonal electromagnetic bandgap structures (EBGSs). The authors have observed that different EBGSs having an identical etching area perform identically. Therefore, a new definition of the filling factor (FF) has been proposed that yields an identical value of FF and identical performance for various electromagnetic bandgap shapes. After that, a rigorous investigation is carried out to find the optimum value of FF. Ring EBGS; furthermore, is presented as an effective means to improve overall performance. A detail characterisation of these designs is presented in this study, which is missing in the open literature. After meticulously analysing the behaviour of annular ring and square ring patterns, an equation of transforming a ring pattern to its equivalent solid shape (i.e. circular or square) has been established in terms of effective FF. It is observed that ring EBGS and corresponding solid shape fulfil the conviction of identical performance too.
Design of near‐field ultra‐high frequency radio‐frequency identification antenna with fragmented wires for electrically‐large coverage
Authors: Ding Dawei , Tao Yonghui , Wang Gang
Published: May 2016

Design of ultra‐high frequency radio‐frequency identification (UHF RFID) reader antenna covering electrically‐large near‐field area is still challenging for near‐field UHF RFID applications. In such design, magnetic field distribution on a large coverage area is required to be as uniform as possible. Fragment‐type wire antennas are quite suitable for such demand because distribution of fragmented wires in a designated electrically‐large area can be optimised to counterpoise the magnetic fields generated by non‐uniform current distribution. By optimisation searching with multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition combined with enhanced genetic operators, fragment‐type RFID reader antenna is designed to provide uniform magnetic field distribution within dynamic range of 4 dB in an electrically‐large near‐field coverage of 320 × 320 mm at 915 MHz. The designed antenna is fabricated and tested. Both simulation and measurement results show good impedance matching, satisfactory near‐field coverage, and desirable omni‐directional pattern.