bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HMGB1, a pathogenic molecule that induces neurite degeneration via TLR4-MARCKS, is a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fujita Kyota , Motoki Kazumi , Tagawa Kazuhiko , Chen Xigui , Hama Hiroshi , Nakajima Kazuyuki , Homma Hidenori , Tamura Takuya , Watanabe Hirohisa , Katsuno Masahisa , Matsumi Chiemi , Kajikawa Masunori , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi , Sobue Gen , Miyawaki Atsushi , Okazawa Hitoshi
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, but it remains an intractable condition. Its pathogenesis is predominantly attributed to the aggregation and transmission of two molecules, Aβ and tau; however, other pathological mechanisms are possible. Here, we reveal that phosphorylation of MARCKS, a submembrane protein that regulates the stability of the actin network, occurs at Ser46 prior to aggregation of Aβ and is sustained throughout the course of AD in human and mouse brains. Furthermore, HMGB1 released from necrotic or hyperexcitatory neurons binds to TLR4, triggers the specific phosphorylation of MARCKS via MAP kinases and induces neurite degeneration, the classical hallmark of AD pathology. Subcutaneous injection of a newly developed monoclonal antibody against HMGB1 strongly inhibits neurite degeneration even in the presence of Aβ plaques and completely recovers cognitive impairment in a mouse model. HMGB1 and Aβ mutually affect polymerization of the other molecule and the therapeutic effects of the anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody are mediated by Aβ-dependent and Aβ-independent mechanisms. We propose that HMGB1 is a critical pathogenic molecule promoting AD pathology in parallel with Aβ and tau and a new key molecular target of preclinical antibody therapy to delay the onset of AD.
Gain-loss asymmetry in neural correlates of temporal discounting: An approach-avoidance motivation perspective
Authors: Zhang Yang-Yang , Xu Lijuan , Rao Li-Lin , Zhou Lei , Zhou Yuan , Jiang Tianzi , Li Shu , Liang Zhu-Yuan
Published: August 2016

Gain-loss asymmetry in temporal discounting (i.e., when individuals discount gains more than losses) has been implicated in numerous problematic and addictive behaviors, resulting in enormous personal and societal costs. On the basis of findings from a previous study, we speculated that approach-avoidance motivation would modulate gain-loss asymmetry. To test this speculation, we examined the effects of motivation on gain-loss asymmetry by analyzing functional connectivity. We found that approach and avoidance motivation were negatively associated with functional connectivity between the medial orbitofrontal cortex (MOFC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and functional connectivity between the MOFC and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in the gain domain. Only avoidance motivation was found to be positively associated with functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) as well as between the MPFC and the insula in the loss domain. Our findings suggest that the relationships of approach-avoidance motivation and neural correlates yielded an asymmetrical pattern between the gain and loss domains in temporal discounting. Thus, we provide new insight into understanding gain-loss asymmetry in temporal discounting.
Energy metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells during maturation along the crypt-villus axis
Authors: Yang Huansheng , Wang Xiaocheng , Xiong Xia , Yin Yulong
Published: August 2016

Intestinal epithelial cells continuously migrate and mature along crypt-villus axis (CVA), while the changes in energy metabolism during maturation are unclear in neonates. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the energy metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells would be changed during maturation along CVA in neonates. Eight 21-day-old suckling piglets were used. Intestinal epithelial cells were isolated sequentially along CVA, and proteomics was used to analyze the changes in proteins expression in epithelial cells along CVA. The identified differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in cellular process, metabolic process, biological regulation, pigmentation, multicellular organizational process and so on. The energy metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells of piglets was increased from the bottom of crypt to the top of villi. Moreover, the expression of proteins related to the metabolism of glucose, most of amino acids, and fatty acids was increased in intestinal epithelial cells during maturation along CVA, while the expression of proteins related to glutamine metabolism was decreased from crypt to villus tip. The expression of proteins involved in citrate cycle was also increased intestinal epithelial cells during maturation along CVA. Moreover, dietary supplementation with different energy sources had different effects on intestinal structure of weaned piglets.
Yu Ping Feng San reverses cisplatin-induced multi-drug resistance in lung cancer cells via regulating drug transporters and p62/TRAF6 signalling
Authors: Lou Jian-Shu , Yan Lu , Bi Cathy W. C. , Chan Gallant K. L. , Wu Qi-Yun , Liu Yun-Le , Huang Yun , Yao Ping , Du Crystal Y. Q. , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: August 2016

Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), an ancient Chinese herbal decoction composed of Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix, has been used in the clinic for treating immune deficiency. In cancer therapy, YPFS is being combined with chemotherapy drugs to achieve improved efficacy; however, scientific evidence to illustrate this combination effect is lacking. The present study aims to demonstrate the anti-drug resistance of YPFS in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549/DDP). The application of YPFS exhibited a synergistic enhancement of DDP-induced cytotoxicity as well as of the apoptotic signalling molecules. DDP-induced expression of the multi-drug-resistance efflux transporters was markedly reduced in the presence of YPFS, resulting in a higher intracellular concentration of DDP. In addition, the application of YPFS increased DDP-induced ROS accumulation and MMP depletion, decreased p62/TRAF6 signalling in DDP-treated A549/DDP cells. The co-treatment of DDP and YPFS in tumour-bearing mice reduced the tumour size robustly (by more than 80%), which was much better than the effect of DDP alone. These results indicate that YPFS can notably improve the DDP-suppressed cancer effect, which may be a consequence of the elevation of intracellular DDP via the drug transporters as well as the down regulation of p62/TRAF6 signalling.
Opposing regulation of the late phase TNF response by mTORC1-IL-10 signaling and hypoxia in human macrophages
Authors: Huynh Linda , Kusnadi Anthony , Park Sung Ho , Murata Koichi , Park-Min Kyung-Hyun , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: August 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is best known for inducing a rapid but transient NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response. We investigated later phases of TNF signaling, after the initial transient induction of inflammatory genes has subsided, in primary human macrophages. TNF signaling induced expression of late response genes, including inhibitors of NF-κB and TLR signaling, with delayed and sustained kinetics 6–24 hr after TNF stimulation. A subset of late phase genes was expressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovial macrophages, confirming their expression under chronic inflammatory conditions in vivo. Expression of a subset of late phase genes was mediated by autocrine IL-10, which activated STAT3 with delayed kinetics. Hypoxia, which occurs at sites of infection or inflammation where TNF is expressed, suppressed this IL-10-STAT3 autocrine loop and expression of late phase genes. TNF-induced expression of IL-10 and downstream genes was also dependent on signaling by mTORC1, which senses the metabolic state of cells and is modulated by hypoxia. These results reveal an mTORC1-dependent IL-10-mediated late phase response to TNF by primary human macrophages, and identify suppression of IL-10 responses as a new mechanism by which hypoxia can promote inflammation. Thus, hypoxic and metabolic pathways may modulate TNF responses during chronic inflammation.
Arterialized Venous Bone Flaps: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Borumandi Farzad , Higgins James P. , Buerger Heinz , Vasilyeva Anna , Benlidayi Memmet Emre , Sencar Leman , Gaggl Alexander
Published: August 2016

In arterialized venous flaps (AVFs) the venous network is used to revascularize the flap. While the feasibility of AVFs in soft tissues has been reported there is no study on osseous AVFs. In this study we aim to assess the flap survival of osseous AVFs in a pig model. Medial femoral condyle flaps were elevated in 18 pigs. Three groups were created: AVF (n = 6), conventional arterial flap (cAF, n = 6) and bone graft (BG, n = 6). The AVFs were created by anastomosis of genicular artery with one vena comitans while leaving one efferent vein for drainage. After 6 months the specimens were harvested. The histology and histomorphometry of of the bone in cAF and AVF was significantly superior to bone grafts with a higher bone volume in AVFs (p = 0.01). This study demonstrates that osseous free flaps may be supported and survive using the technique of arterialization of the venous network. The concept of AVFs in osseous flaps may be feasible for revascularization of free flaps with an inadequate artery but well developed veins. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to assess the feasibility of clinical use of arterialized venous bone flaps.
Patterning nanofibrils through the templated growth of multiple modified amyloid peptides
Authors: Sakai Hiroki , Watanabe Ken , Kudoh Fuki , Kamada Rui , Chuman Yoshiro , Sakaguchi Kazuyasu
Published: August 2016

There has been considerable interest in the patterning of functionalized nanowires because of the potential applications of these materials to the construction of nanodevices. A variety of biomolecular building blocks containing amyloid peptides have been used to functionalize nanowires. However, the patterning of self-assembled nanowires can be challenging because of the difficulties associated with controlling the self-assembly of these functionalized building blocks. Herein, we present a versatile approach for the patterning of nanowires based on the combination of templated fibril growth with a versatile functionalization method using our structure-controllable amyloid peptides (SCAPs). Using this approach, we have succeeded in the formation of multi-type nanowires with tandem domain structures in high yields. Given that the mixing-SCAP method can lead to the formation of tandem fibrils, it is noteworthy that our method allowed us to control the initiation of fibril formation from the gold nanoparticles, which were attached to a short fibril as initiation points. This approach could be used to prepare a wide variety of fibril patterns and therefore holds great potential for the development of novel self-assembled nanodevices.
Quantitative proteomic comparison of stationary/G0 phase cells and tetrads in budding yeast
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: August 2016

Most of the microbial cells on earth under natural conditions exist in a dormant condition, commonly known as quiescent state. Quiescent cells exhibit low rates of transcription and translation suggesting that cellular abundance of proteins may be similar in quiescent cells. Therefore, this study aim to compare the proteome of budding yeast cells from two quiescent states viz. stationary phase/G0 and tetrads. Using iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation) based quantitative proteomics we identified 289 proteins, among which around 40 proteins exhibited ±1.5 fold change consistently from the four biological replicates. Proteomics data was validated by western blot and denstiometric analysis of Hsp12 and Spg4. Level of budding yeast 14-3-3 proteins was found to be similar in both the quiescent states, whereas Hsp12 and Spg4 expressed only during stress. FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) analysis showed that budding yeast cells were arrested at G1 stages both in tetrads as well as in stationary phase. We also observed that quiescent states did not express Ime1 (inducer of meiosis). Taken together, our present study demonstrates that the cells in quiescent state may have similar proteome and accumulation of proteins like Hsp12, Hsp26 and Spg4 may play an important role in retaining viability of the cells during dormancy.
Exactin: A specific inhibitor of Factor X activation by extrinsic tenase complex from the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus
Authors: Girish Vallerinteavide Mavelli , Kini R. Manjunatha
Published: August 2016

Unwanted clots lead to heart attack and stroke that result in a large number of deaths. Currently available anticoagulants have some drawbacks including their non-specific actions. Therefore novel anticoagulants that target specific steps in the coagulation pathway are being sought. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a novel anticoagulant protein from the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus (African Ringhals cobra) that specifically inhibits factor X (FX) activation by the extrinsic tenase complex (ETC) and thus named as exactin. Exactin belongs to the three-finger toxin (3FTx) family, with high sequence identity to neurotoxins and low identity to the well-characterized 3FTx anticoagulants-hemextin and naniproin. It is a mixed-type inhibitor of ETC with the kinetic constants, Ki’ and Ki determined as 30.62 ± 7.73 nM and 153.75 ± 17.96 nM, respectively. Exactin does not bind to the active site of factor VIIa and factor Xa based on its weak inhibition (IC50 ≫ 300 μM) to the amidolytic activities of these proteases. Exactin shows exquisite macromolecular specificity to FX activation as compared to factor IX activation by ETC. Exactin thus displays a distinct mechanism when compared to other anticoagulants targeting ETC, with its selective preference to ETC-FX [ES] complex.
Detection of nucleotide-specific CRISPR/Cas9 modified alleles using multiplex ligation detection
Authors: KC R. , Srivastava A. , Wilkowski J. M. , Richter C. E. , Shavit J. A. , Burke D. T. , Bielas S. L.
Published: August 2016

CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing has emerged as a powerful tool to create mutant alleles in model organisms. However, the precision with which these mutations are created has introduced a new set of complications for genotyping and colony management. Traditional gene-targeting approaches in many experimental organisms incorporated exogenous DNA and/or allele specific sequence that allow for genotyping strategies based on binary readout of PCR product amplification and size selection. In contrast, alleles created by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair of double-stranded DNA breaks generated by Cas9 are much less amenable to such strategies. Here we describe a novel genotyping strategy that is cost effective, sequence specific and allows for accurate and efficient multiplexing of small insertion-deletions and single-nucleotide variants characteristic of CRISPR/Cas9 edited alleles. We show that ligation detection reaction (LDR) can be used to generate products that are sequence specific and uniquely detected by product size and/or fluorescent tags. The method works independently of the model organism and will be useful for colony management as mutant alleles differing by a few nucleotides become more prevalent in experimental animal colonies.
A Quantitative Characterization of Nucleoplasmin/Histone Complexes Reveals Chaperone Versatility
Authors: Fernández-Rivero Noelia , Franco Aitor , Velázquez-Campoy Adrian , Alonso Edurne , Muga Arturo , Prado Adelina
Published: August 2016

Nucleoplasmin (NP) is an abundant histone chaperone in vertebrate oocytes and embryos involved in storing and releasing maternal histones to establish and maintain the zygotic epigenome. NP has been considered a H2A–H2B histone chaperone and recently it has been shown that it can also interact with H3-H4. However, its interaction with different types of histones has not been quantitatively studied so far. We show here that NP binds H2A–H2B, H3-H4 and linker histones with Kd values in the subnanomolar range, forming different complexes. Post-translational modifications of NP regulate exposure of the polyGlu tract at the disordered distal face of the protein and induce an increase in chaperone affinity for all histones. The relative affinity of NP for H2A–H2B and linker histones and the fact that they interact with the distal face of the chaperone could explain their competition for chaperone binding, a relevant process in NP-mediated sperm chromatin remodelling during fertilization. Our data show that NP binds H3-H4 tetramers in a nucleosomal conformation and dimers, transferring them to DNA to form disomes and tetrasomes. This finding might be relevant to elucidate the role of NP in chromatin disassembly and assembly during replication and transcription.
Association between mannose-binding lectin variants, haplotypes and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case-control study
Authors: Su Chenghao , Lin Yong , Cai Lin , Mao Qianguo , Niu Jianjun
Published: August 2016

The innate immunity gene mannose-binding lectin2 (MBL2) has played an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and the relationship between MBL2 variants and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk has not yet been identified. In total, 315 HCC cases and 315 healthy controls were enrolled and blood samples were acquired. High resolution melt analysis (HRM) was employed to genotype 6 polymorphisms in MBL2 gene. Increased HCC risk in carriers of LL genotype of −550 polymorphism with an adjusted OR (AOR) of 1.61 (95%CI = 1.00–2.57) was observed but no significant association detected in HL genotype. Both YX and XX genotype demonstrated a significantly elevated HCC risk in the analysis of −221 polymorphism. The B variants in codon 54 was also significantly associated with elevated HCC risk. HYB was identified as the protective factor of HCC while LXB was significantly associated with increase HCC risk. ELISA technique revealed that the MBL2 protein was significantly reduced in HCC cases. Moreover, both IL-1β and IL-6 were inversely associated with plasma MBL2 level.The mutations in MBL2 could lead to compromised innate immunity, and possibly lead to elevated HCC risk, and a novel haplotype HXB has been identified with a rate of 12.5%.
Small secreted proteins enable biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus
Authors: Parnasa Rami , Nagar Elad , Sendersky Eleonora , Reich Ziv , Simkovsky Ryan , Golden Susan , Schwarz Rakefet
Published: August 2016

Small proteins characterized by a double-glycine (GG) secretion motif, typical of secreted bacterial antibiotics, are encoded by the genomes of diverse cyanobacteria, but their functions have not been investigated to date. Using a biofilm-forming mutant of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and a mutational approach, we demonstrate the involvement of four small secreted proteins and their GG-secretion motifs in biofilm development. These proteins are denoted EbfG1-4 (enable biofilm formation with a GG-motif). Furthermore, the conserved cysteine of the peptidase domain of the Synpcc7942_1133 gene product (dubbed PteB for peptidase transporter essential for biofilm) is crucial for biofilm development and is required for efficient secretion of the GG-motif containing proteins. Transcriptional profiling of ebfG1-4 indicated elevated transcript levels in the biofilm-forming mutant compared to wild type (WT). However, these transcripts decreased, acutely but transiently, when the mutant was cultured in extracellular fluids from a WT culture and biofilm formation was inhibited. We propose that WT cells secrete inhibitor(s) that suppress transcription of ebfG1-4, whereas secretion of the inhibitor(s) is impaired in the biofilm-forming mutant, leading to synthesis and secretion of EbfG1-4 and supporting the formation of biofilms.
Mapping concentrations of posttraumatic stress and depression trajectories following Hurricane Ike
Authors: Gruebner Oliver , Lowe Sarah R. , Tracy Melissa , Joshi Spruha , Cerdá Magdalena , Norris Fran H. , Subramanian S. V. , Galea Sandro
Published: August 2016

We investigated geographic concentration in elevated risk for a range of postdisaster trajectories of chronic posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) and depression symptoms in a longitudinal study (N = 561) of a Hurricane Ike affected population in Galveston and Chambers counties, TX. Using an unadjusted spatial scan statistic, we detected clusters of elevated risk of PTSS trajectories, but not depression trajectories, on Galveston Island. We then tested for predictors of membership in each trajectory of PTSS and depression (e.g., demographic variables, trauma exposure, social support), not taking the geographic nature of the data into account. After adjusting for significant predictors in the spatial scan statistic, we noted that spatial clusters of PTSS persisted and additional clusters of depression trajectories emerged. This is the first study to show that longitudinal trajectories of postdisaster mental health problems may vary depending on the geographic location and the individual- and community-level factors present at these locations. Such knowledge is crucial to identifying vulnerable regions and populations within them, to provide guidance for early responders, and to mitigate mental health consequences through early detection of mental health needs in the population. As human-made disasters increase, our approach may be useful also in other regions in comparable settings worldwide.
Autophagy-associated dengue vesicles promote viral transmission avoiding antibody neutralization
Authors: Wu Yan-Wei , Mettling Clément , Wu Shang-Rung , Yu Chia-Yi , Perng Guey-Chuen , Lin Yee-Shin , Lin Yea-Lih
Published: August 2016

One of the major defense mechanisms against virus spread in vivo is the blocking of viral infectibility by neutralizing antibodies. We describe here the identification of infectious autophagy-associated dengue vesicles released from infected cells. These vesicles contain viral proteins E, NS1, prM/M and viral RNA, as well as host lipid droplets and LC3-II, an autophagy marker. The viral RNA can be protected within the autophagic organelles since anti-dengue neutralizing antibodies do not have an effect on the vesicle-mediated transmission that is able to initiate a new round of infection in target cells. Importantly, such infectious vesicles were also detected in a patient serum. Our study suggests that autophagy machinery plays a new role in dengue virus transmission. This discovery explains the inefficiency of neutralizing antibody upon dengue infection as a potential immune evasion mechanism in vivo.
Novel nanoscale bacteriophage-based single-domain antibodies for the therapy of systemic infection caused by Candida albicans
Authors: Dong Shuai , Shi Hongxi , Cao Donghui , Wang Yicun , Zhang Xintong , Li Yan , Gao Xiang , Wang Li
Published: August 2016

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an important human commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen. Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps) are a major virulence trait of C. albicans, and among these proteases Sap2 has the highest expression levels. It is possible that antibodies against Sap2 could provide an antifungal effect. In this study, two phages displaying anti-rSap2 single chain variable fragments (scFvs) were screened from human single fold scFv libraries, and their potential therapeutic roles were evaluated using a murine model infected by C. albicans. The in vivo efficacies were assessed by mortality rates, fungal burden and histological examination. Overall survival rates were significantly increased while the colony counts and infectious foci were significantly decreased after treatment with the scFv-phages relative to the control groups. In order to investigate the immune response provoked by scFv-phages, three kinds of cytokines (Th1, Th2 and Th17 types) were measured and a clear immune response was observed. These findings suggest that anti-rSap2 scFv-phages have potential in the therapy of systemic infection caused by C. albicans.
Down-regulation of SerpinB2 is associated with gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer and enhances invadopodia-like structure protrusions
Authors: Bae Song Yi , Park Hyen Joo , Hong Ji-Young , Lee Hye-Jung , Lee Sang Kook
Published: August 2016

The failure of targeted therapy due to the resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib, is considered a major problem in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. SerpinB2, a component of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system, has been recognized as a biomarker for the progression and metastasis of lung cancer. Nevertheless, the relationship between SerpinB2 and EGFR-TKI resistance has not been elucidated. Here, we report that SerpinB2 is down-regulated in gefitinib-resistant (H292-Gef) cells compared to gefitinib-sensitive (H292) cells. The low SerpinB2 levels in H292-Gef cells were also associated with an enhancement in invasiveness and increase in the length of invadopodia-like structures in the cells. The effect on invasiveness and gefitinib sensitivity was confirmed by knockdown and overexpression of SerpinB2. In addition, the possibility to overcome the resistance through the up-regulation of SerpinB2 was supported by employing an antitumor agent yuanhuadine (YD). Treatment with YD effectively elevated SerpinB2 levels and suppressed invasive properties in H292-Gef cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the prospective role of SerpinB2 as a novel biomarker for acquired gefitinib resistance and a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
Dysprosium-carboxylate nanomeshes with tunable cavity size and assembly motif through ionic interactions
Authors: Cirera B. , Đorđević L. , Otero R. , Gallego J. M. , Bonifazi D. , Miranda R. , Ecija D.
Published: August 2016

Tunability of cavity size and assembly motif of dysprosium-directed nanomeshes through ionic interactions.
Non-plasmonic metal nanoparticles as visible light photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of aliphatic alcohols with molecular oxygen at near ambient conditions
Authors: Tana Tana , Guo Xiao-Wei , Xiao Qi , Huang Yiming , Sarina Sarina , Christopher Phillip , Jia Jianfeng , Wu Haishun , Zhu Huaiyong
Published: August 2016

Non-plasmonic Pd NPs and Pt NPs exhibit superior visible light photocatalytic activity and distinctly different product selectivity in the oxidation of aliphatic alcohols.
Glycosylation intermediates studied using low temperature1H- and19F-DOSY NMR: new insight into the activation of trichloroacetimidates
Authors: Qiao Yan , Ge Wenzhi , Jia Lingyu , Hou Xianglin , Wang Yingxiong , Pedersen Christian M.
Published: August 2016

Low temperature1H- and19F-DOSY have been used for analyzing reactive intermediates in glycosylation reactions, where a glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donor has been activated using different catalysts.
Palladium-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck-type reactions of [Ph2SRfn][OTf] with alkenes at room temperature
Authors: Wang Shi-Meng , Song Hai-Xia , Wang Xiao-Yan , Liu Nan , Qin Hua-Li , Zhang Cheng-Pan
Published: August 2016

The first Pd-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck-type cross-coupling of phenylsulfonium salts with alkenes was disclosed at room temperature.
Palladium catalyzed/silver tuned selective mono-/tetra-acetoxylation of o-carboranes via B–H activation
Authors: Cao Ke , Xu Tao-Tao , Wu Ji , Jiang Linhai , Yang Junxiao
Published: August 2016

Silver tuned the selective mono-/tetra-acetoxylation of o-carboranes via palladium catalyzed B–H activation.
Creation of new guest accessible space under gas pressure in a flexible MOF: multidimensional insight through combination of in situ techniques
Authors: Bhatt Prashant M. , Batisai Eustina , Smith Vincent J. , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: August 2016

Creation of a new guest accessible space under gas pressure in a flexible MOF studied by in situ single crystal diffraction and Pressure Gradient DSC.
Probing ligand-induced modulation of metallic states in small gold nanoparticles using conduction electron spin resonance
Authors: Cirri Anthony , Silakov Alexey , Jensen Lasse , Lear Benjamin J.
Published: August 2016

We acquire conduction electron spin resonance spectra for small gold nanoparticles protected by a series of para-substituted thiophenol ligands. Our results demonstrate that changes in ligand identity affect the quantum mechanical behavior of electrons within the nanoparticle's metallic core.
Strong Fermi level pinning induces a high rectification ratio and negative differential resistance in hydrogen bonding bridged single cytidine pair junctions
Authors: Ren Hao , Zhang Guangping , Lin Na , Deng Li , Luo Yi , Huang Fang
Published: August 2016

Strong Fermi level pinning induces a high rectification ratio and negative differential resistance in hydrogen bonding bridged single cytidine pair junctions.
Hysteresis phenomenon in a reaction system of nanocrystalline iron and a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen
Authors: Arabczyk W. , Ekiert E. A. , Pelka R.
Published: August 2016

In a nanoFe/NH3/H2 system a hysteresis phenomenon occurs and two phases coexist, according to the extended phase rule of Gibbs due to a degree of freedom associated with the nanocrystallite size.
Hybrid materials based on ruthenium and fullerene assemblies
Authors: Barthelmes Kevin , Winter Andreas , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: August 2016

A detailed overview about the synthesis, properties and applications of all reported ruthenium-fullerene compounds.
Laminarin favorably modulates gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Nguyen Son G. , Kim Jungman , Guevarra Robin B. , Lee Ji-Hoon , Kim Eungpil , Kim Su-il , Unno Tatsuya
Published: August 2016

We investigated the anti-obesity effects of the potential prebiotic, laminarin, on mice fed a high-fat diet.
Chemical synthesis and enzymatic properties of RNase A analogues designed to enhance second-step catalytic activity
Authors: Boerema David J. , Tereshko Valentina A. , Zhang Junliang , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: August 2016

Adenine covalently attached to the RNase A enzyme moleculedecreasedthe rate of transphosphorylation andincreasedthe rate of hydrolysis.
Palladium meets copper: one-pot tandem synthesis of pyrido fused heterocycles via Sonogashira conjoined electrophilic cyclization
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Saunthwal Rakesh K. , Aggarwal Trapti , Kotla Siva K. Reddy , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2016

An efficient tandem approach for the direct synthesis of pyrido fused heterocycles.
Responsive microgels with supramolecular crosslinks: synthesis and triggered degradation in aqueous medium
Authors: Schmitz D. , Pich A.
Published: August 2016

Stimuli-responsive microgels containing supramolecular crosslinks based on cholesteryl/β-cyclodextrin interactions were synthesized and degraded upon addition of 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid.
Anode biofilm communities and the performance of microbial fuel cells with different reactor configurations
Authors: Jiang Qingqing , Xing Defeng , Sun Rui , Zhang Lu , Feng Yujie , Ren Nanqi
Published: August 2016

The performance of two types of microbial fuel cells was studied, and 454 pyrosequencing was utilized to survey the microbial community of the anode biofilms in different MFC reactors. A variation existed between the communities of the two anodes.
Selective extraction of bioactive glycoprotein in neutral environment through Concanavalin A mediated template immobilization and dopamine surface imprinting
Authors: Qu Xue , Wang Feifei , Sun Yi , Tian Yu , Chen Rui , Ma Xiaoyu , Liu Changsheng
Published: August 2016

Inspired by the sugar–lectin interaction, Concanavalin A mediated glycoprotein pre-immobilization, combined with dopamine polymerization, is employed to fabricate a glycoprotein imprint that can work in physiological environments.
High energy and power density Li–O2 battery cathodes based on amorphous RuO2 loaded carbon free and binderless nickel nanofoam architectures
Authors: Liu Chueh , Li Changling , Ahmed Kazi , Wang Wei , Lee Ilkeun , Zaera Francisco , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: August 2016

A binder-less and carbon-free Ni nanofoam decorated with amorphous RuO2 nanoflakes was utilized as an innovative cathode in a Li–O2 battery.
Characterisation of composite films fabricated from collagen/chitosan and collagen/soy protein isolate for food packaging applications
Authors: Ahmad Mehraj , Nirmal Nilesh Prakash , Danish Mohammed , Chuprom Julalak , Jafarzedeh Shima
Published: August 2016

Composite films fabricated from collagen/chitosan and collagen/soy protein isolate for food packaging applications.
A chemically modified graphene oxide wrapped porous hematite nano-architecture as a high rate lithium-ion battery anode material
Authors: Subramaniyam Chandrasekar M. , Islam Md. Monirul , Akhter Taslima , Cardillo Dean , Konstantinov Konstantin , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi Xue
Published: August 2016

Chemically modified graphene oxide wrapped porous hematite nanorods: an interconnected hollow network for excellent lithium storage in lithium ion batteries.
Nafion-stabilised bimetallic Pt–Cr nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)
Authors: Gupta G. , Sharma S. , Mendes P. M.
Published: August 2016

The current study investigated the unique combination of alloying (Pt with Cr) and Nafion stabilisation to reap the benefits of catalyst systems with enhanced catalytic activity and improved durability in PEMFCs.
Ionic liquid-based carbon nanotube coated magnetic nanoparticles as adsorbent for the magnetic solid phase extraction of triazole fungicides from environmental water
Authors: Chen Fujiang , Song Zhiyu , Nie Jing , Yu Guowei , Li Zuguang , Lee Mawrong
Published: August 2016

Ionic liquid-based magnetic carbon nanotubes (IL-Fe3O4@MWCNTs) were synthesized as a novel adsorbent in MSPE for determination of six triazole fungicides in environmental water.
Recent advances in the synthesis and application of photocatalytic metal–metal oxide core–shell nanoparticles for environmental remediation and their recycling process
Authors: Mondal Kunal , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: August 2016

Metal–metal oxide core–shell nanoparticles have received enormous research attention owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties and extensive applications. In this review we have discussed the challenges and recent advances in their synthesis and application.
Thermo-oxidative stabilization for natural rubber nanocomposites by polydopamine interfacial tailored clay
Authors: Fu Y. , Wang L. , Zhang L. , Wang W.
Published: August 2016

Bio-inspired interfacial tailored polydopamine improves the thermo-oxidative stabilization, aging resistance and mechanical properties of natural rubberviarobust hydrogen bonding.
Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative transformation of aryl chlorides and aryl tosylates
Authors: Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: August 2016

The developments in the carbonylative transformations of aryl chlorides and aryl tosylates have been collected and discussed.
NIR fluorescent DCPO glucose analogues and their application in cancer cell imaging
Authors: Chen Shiguang , Fang Yanfen , Zhu Qiwen , Zhang Wanli , Zhang Xiongwen , Lu Wei
Published: August 2016

N3-DCPO and its glucose analogues were synthesized, and the linker's length impact on cellular uptake was studied.
Radiative loss-determined circular dichroism of plasmonic nanospirals with bendable stability of chiroptical activity
Authors: Deng Junhong , Huang Zhifeng
Published: August 2016

Plasmonic nanospirals have chiroptical activity dominated by radiative loss, and those deposited on flexible substrates exhibit excellent mechanical stability of their chiroptical activity.
A novel facile and fast hydrothermal-assisted method to synthesize sulfur/carbon composites for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Zhang Hongzhang , Yang Xiaofei , Feng Kai , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin
Published: August 2016

Hydrothermal-assisted sulfur impregnation method was first proposed to prepare sulfur/carbon (S/C) composites for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery applications.
Solution-processable hypercrosslinked polymers by low cost strategies: a promising platform for gas storage and separation
Authors: Yang Yuwan , Tan Bien , Wood Colin D.
Published: August 2016

We report the synthesis of solution processable hypercrosslinked polymers (SHCPs) by folding polystyrene molecules at high dilution.
Perfect Kagomé lattices in YCu3(OH)6Cl3: a new candidate for the quantum spin liquid state
Authors: Sun Wei , Huang Ya-Xi , Nokhrin Sergiy , Pan Yuanming , Mi Jin-Xiao
Published: August 2016

The absence of mixing between Y3+ and Cu2+ results in a more idealized Kagomé lattice in YCu3(OH)6Cl3 compared to hebertsmithite and kapellasite.
The Role of Emergent Bilingualism in the Development of Morphological Awareness in Arabic and Hebrew
Authors: Schwartz Mila , Taha Haitham , Assad Hanan , Khamaisi Ferdos , Eviatar Zohar
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of dual language development and cross-linguistic influence on morphological awareness in young bilinguals' first language (L1) and second language (L2). We examined whether (a) the bilingual children (L1/L2 Arabic and L1/L2 Hebrew) precede their monolingual Hebrew- or Arabic-speaking peers in L1 and L2 morphological awareness, and (b) 1 Semitic language (Arabic) has cross-linguistic influence on another Semitic language (Hebrew) in morphological awareness.

Method

The study sample comprised 93 six-year-old children. The bilinguals had attended bilingual Hebrew−Arabic kindergartens for 1 academic year and were divided into 2 groups: home language Hebrew (L1) and home language Arabic (L1). These groups were compared to age-matched monolingual Hebrew speakers and monolingual Arabic speakers. We used nonwords similar in structure to familiar words in both target languages, representing 6 inflectional morphological categories.

Results

L1 Arabic and L1 Hebrew bilinguals performed significantly better than Arabic- and Hebrew-speaking monolinguals in the respective languages. Differences were not found between the bilingual groups. We found evidence of cross-linguistic transfer of morphological awareness from Arabic to Hebrew in 2 categories−bound possessives and dual number−probably because these categories are more salient in Palestinian Spoken Arabic than in Hebrew.

Conclusions

We conclude that children with even an initial exposure to L2 reveal acceleration of sensitivity to word structure in both of their languages. We suggest that this is due to the fact that two Semitic languages, Arabic and Hebrew, share a common core of linguistic features, together with favorable contextual factors and instructional factors.
Efficient codebook design for digital communication through compressed voice channels
Authors: Boloursaz Mashhadi Mahdi , Behnia Fereidoon
Published: August 2016

The common voice channels existing in cellular communication networks provide reliable, ubiquitously available and top priority communication mediums. These properties make voice dedicated channels an ideal choice for high priority, real time communication. However, such channels include voice codecs that hamper the data flow by compressing the waveforms prior to transmission. This study designs codebooks of speech‐like symbols for reliable data transfer through the voice channel of cellular networks. An efficient algorithm is proposed to select proper codebook symbols from a database of natural speech to optimise a desired objective. Two variants of this codebook optimisation algorithm are presented: One variant minimises the symbol error rate and the other maximises the capacity achievable by the codebook. It is shown both analytically and by the simulation results that under certain circumstances, these two objective functions reach the same performance. Simulation results also show that the proposed codebook optimisation algorithm achieves higher data rates and lower symbol error rates compared with previously reported results while requiring lower computational complexity for codebook optimisation. The Gilbert–Elliot channel model is utilised to study the effects of adaptive compression rate adjustment of the vocoder on overall voice channel capacity. Finally, practical implementation issues are addressed.
Power allocation over time‐varying multi‐user multi‐relay amplify‐and‐forward networks
Authors: Baidas Mohammed W. , Alsusa Emad , Hamdi Khairi A.
Published: August 2016

In this study, power allocation over time‐varying multi‐user multi‐relay amplify‐and‐forward networks is studied. Specifically, stochastic network sum‐rate, max–min rate power allocation and total power minimisation problems are formulated. However, solving such stochastic problems relies on perfect global instantaneous channel state information (CSI), and thus entails complex computations and excessive communication overheads. To circumvent these issues, second‐order statistics of the CSI (i.e. partial CSI) are utilised to transform the stochastic formulations into deterministic optimisation problems in terms of ergodic capacity while satisfying quality‐of‐service constraints via target outage probability. The obtained optimal deterministic problems are non‐convex and thus are computationally prohibitive. However, at high enough signal‐to‐noise ratio, such problems can be transformed into asymptotically convex ones, and thus solved efficiently. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed approximate deterministic power allocation reformulations closely agree with their optimal exact deterministic and dynamic counterparts.
Multi‐channel photonic crystal drop filter with cascaded stubs
Authors: Xu Huizhen , Huang Xiaojing , Wang Xiulin , Zhou Changjie , Zhong Ronghua
Published: August 2016

An eight‐channel drop filter based on two‐dimensional photonic crystal is proposed. A five‐cascaded stub is used to receive 100% reflection feedback. The geometric parameters on the transmission spectra of the bus waveguide output port are investigated. The Fabry–Perot fibre grating theory is used to explain the influences. On the basis of the 100% reflector, a channel drop filter is designed according to the wavelength spacing in the coarse wavelength division multiplexing system. Numerical simulations demonstrate that each channel exhibits over 93% transfer efficiency.
Applied system‐level method in calibration validation for personal navigation system in field
Authors: Lu Jiazhen , Lei Chaohua
Published: August 2016

A system‐level method to validate previous calibration results for low‐precision inertial measurement unit (IMU) in personal navigation system (PNS) is proposed. Micro‐electro mechanical systems inertial sensors have gained popularity in PNS because they are small, compact and inexpensive. However, the calibration results of these sensors which belong to low‐grade IMU will change as time and environment change. It is significant to know whether previous calibration results are reliable for navigation after a long time. However, users have no devices such as turntable to validate calibration results precisely. Therefore, a triple two‐position method without any external aiding is presented to validate the bias errors relative to previous calibration results. If the errors are less than the bias range which is a priori information calculated in previous lab test, previous calibration results are available, otherwise the calibration results is invalid. The two‐position method based on the strong tracking filter, which takes velocity and azimuth errors as observations, can estimate the bias and scale factor errors of accelerometers and gyros. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective, compared with the conventional 24‐position calibration method on the turntable and the system‐level multi‐position method usually used for high‐grade IMU.
Evaluating interdisciplinary research: the elephant in the peer-reviewers’ room
Authors: McLeish Tom , Strang Veronica
Published: August 2016

We review a selection of published reports on the evaluation and wider peer-review of interdisciplinary research (IDR), drawing on an in-depth examination of a range of interdisciplinary projects and the work of a UK-based working group of funders and researchers. Our aim is to elucidate best practice. We focus the study on integrative, interdisciplinary projects, rather than those at the level of “multidisciplinary dialogue”. Five areas of evaluation (publishing, research grants, careers, IDR centres, institutions) demonstrate both commonality and difference in the task of measuring added value in IDR collaborations. We find that, although single-discipline peer review processes are poorly suited to address IDR, a framework that starts with the assumption that IDR is a fundamental academic research practice is effective for single-discipline evaluation as well. This article is published as part of a collection on interdisciplinarity.
A pulse-front-tilt–compensated streaked optical spectrometer with high throughput and picosecond time resolution
Authors: Katz J. , Boni R. , Rivlis R. , Muir C. , Froula D. H.
Published: August 2016

A high-throughput, broadband optical spectrometer coupled to the Rochester optical streak system equipped with a Photonis P820 streak tube was designed to record time-resolved spectra with 1-ps time resolution. Spectral resolution of 0.8 nm is achieved over a wavelength coverage range of 480 to 580 nm, using a 300-groove/mm diffraction grating in conjunction with a pair of 225-mm-focal-length doublets operating at an f/2.9 aperture. Overall pulse-front tilt across the beam diameter generated by the diffraction grating is reduced by preferentially delaying discrete segments of the collimated input beam using a 34-element reflective echelon optic. The introduced delay temporally aligns the beam segments and the net pulse-front tilt is limited to the accumulation across an individual sub-element. The resulting spectrometer design balances resolving power and pulse-front tilt while maintaining high throughput.
Research Update: Strategies for improving the stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Habisreutinger Severin N. , McMeekin David P. , Snaith Henry J. , Nicholas Robin J.
Published: August 2016

The power-conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has soared up to 22.1% earlier this year. Within merely five years, the perovskite solar cell can now compete on efficiency with inorganic thin-film technologies, making it the most promising of the new, emerging photovoltaic solar cell technologies. The next grand challenge is now the aspect of stability. The hydrophilicity and volatility of the organic methylammonium makes the work-horse material methylammonium lead iodide vulnerable to degradation through humidity and heat. Additionally, ultraviolet radiation and oxygen constitute stressors which can deteriorate the device performance. There are two fundamental strategies to increasing the device stability: developing protective layers around the vulnerable perovskite absorber and developing a more resilient perovskite absorber. The most important reports in literature are summarized and analyzed here, letting us conclude that any long-term stability, on par with that of inorganic thin-film technologies, is only possible with a more resilient perovskite incorporated in a highly protective device design.
In situ calibration of the foil detector for an infrared imaging video bolometer using a carbon evaporation technique
Authors: Mukai K. , Peterson B. J. , Takayama S. , Sano R.
Published: August 2016

The InfraRed imaging Video Bolometer (IRVB) is a useful diagnostic for the multi-dimensional measurement of plasma radiation profiles. For the application of IRVB measurement to the neutron environment in fusion plasma devices such as the Large Helical Device (LHD), in situ calibration of the thermal characteristics of the foil detector is required. Laser irradiation tests of sample foils show that the reproducibility and uniformity of the carbon coating for the foil were improved using a vacuum evaporation method. Also, the principle of the in situ calibration system was justified.