bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hidden teeth of sloths: evolutionary vestiges and the development of a simplified dentition
Authors: Hautier Lionel , Gomes Rodrigues Helder , Billet Guillaume , Asher Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Xenarthrans are unique among mammals in retaining simplified teeth that are rootless and homodont, which makes it difficult to determine dental homologies. We apply computerized tomography to prenatal developmental series of extant sloths,BradypusandCholoepus, to further elucidate the patterns of morphological variation in their dentition. We also propose new criteria based on sequences of dental mineralization and the presence of vestigial teeth, to distinguish between caniniforms and postcaniniforms. We report for the first time the presence of vestigial incisors inBradypus. We also show the presence of a vestigial tooth in front of the lower caniniform in both extant sloth genera and the existence of two generations for the upper caniniform inCholoepus. The study of their sequence of mineralization indicates that the lower and upper caniniform teeth are not homologous in sloths and suggests that upper caniniforms are not homologous between the two extant sloth genera. Our results show that assessing the developmental processes and functional constraints remains crucial to understand the dental variations observed in sloths and more generally, tooth class homology issues in mammals. Applied to the tooth row of all extinct sloths, these developmental data illuminate a potentially ancestral dental formula for sloths.
FAM20A binds to and regulates FAM20C localization
Authors: Ohyama Yoshio , Lin Ju-Hsien , Govitvattana Nattanan , Lin I-Ping , Venkitapathi Sundharamani , Alamoudi Ahmed , Husein Dina , An Chunying , Hotta Hak , Kaku Masaru , Mochida Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2016

Mutations in the Family with sequence similarity (FAM) 20 gene family are associated with mineralized tissue phenotypes in humans. Among these genes, FAM20A mutations are associated with Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) with gingival hyperplasia and nephrocalcinosis, while FAM20C mutations cause Raine syndrome, exhibiting bone and craniofacial/dental abnormalities. Although it has been demonstrated that Raine syndrome associated-FAM20C mutants prevented FAM20C kinase activity and secretion, overexpression of the catalytically inactive D478A FAM20C mutant was detected in both cell extracts and the media. This suggests that FAM20C secretion doesn’t require its kinase activity, and that another molecule(s) may control the secretion. In this study, we found that extracellular FAM20C localization was increased when wild-type (WT), but not AI-forms of FAM20A was co-transfected. On the other hand, extracellular FAM20C was absent in the conditioned media of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from Fam20a knock-out (KO) mouse, while it was detected in the media from WT MEFs. We also showed that cells with the conditioned media of Fam20a WT MEFs mineralized, but those with the conditioned media of KO MEFs failed to mineralize in vitro. Our data thus demonstrate that FAM20A controls FAM20C localization that may assist in the extracellular function of FAM20C in mineralized tissues.
CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout and knock-in mutations in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Shin Sung-Eun , Lim Jong-Min , Koh Hyun Gi , Kim Eun Kyung , Kang Nam Kyu , Jeon Seungjib , Kwon Sohee , Shin Won-Sub , Lee Bongsoo , Hwangbo Kwon , Kim Jungeun , Ye Sung Hyeok , Yun Jae-Young , Seo Hogyun , Oh Hee-Mock , Kim Kyung-Jin , Kim Jin-Soo , Jeong Won-Joong , Chang Yong Keun , Jeong Byeong-ryool
Published: June 2016

Genome editing is crucial for genetic engineering of organisms for improved traits, particularly in microalgae due to the urgent necessity for the next generation biofuel production. The most advanced CRISPR/Cas9 system is simple, efficient and accurate in some organisms; however, it has proven extremely difficult in microalgae including the model alga Chlamydomonas. We solved this problem by delivering Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) comprising the Cas9 protein and sgRNAs to avoid cytotoxicity and off-targeting associated with vector-driven expression of Cas9. We obtained CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations at three loci including MAA7, CpSRP43 and ChlM, and targeted mutagenic efficiency was improved up to 100 fold compared to the first report of transgenic Cas9-induced mutagenesis. Interestingly, we found that unrelated vectors used for the selection purpose were predominantly integrated at the Cas9 cut site, indicative of NHEJ-mediated knock-in events. As expected with Cas9 RNPs, no off-targeting was found in one of the mutagenic screens. In conclusion, we improved the knockout efficiency by using Cas9 RNPs, which opens great opportunities not only for biological research but also industrial applications in Chlamydomonas and other microalgae. Findings of the NHEJ-mediated knock-in events will allow applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in microalgae, including “safe harboring” techniques shown in other organisms.
Evolutionary and developmental analysis reveals KANK genes were co-opted for vertebrate vascular development
Authors: Hensley Monica R. , Cui Zhibin , Chua Rhys F. M. , Simpson Stefanie , Shammas Nicole L. , Yang Jer-Yen , Leung Yuk Fai , Zhang GuangJun
Published: June 2016

Gene co-option, usually after gene duplication, in the evolution of development is found to contribute to vertebrate morphological innovations, including the endothelium-based vascular system. Recently, a zebrafish kank gene was found expressed in the vascular vessel primordium, suggesting KANK genes are a component of the developmental tool kit for the vertebrate vascular system. However, how the KANK gene family is involved in vascular vessel development during evolution remains largely unknown. First, we analyzed the molecular evolution of the KANK genes in metazoan, and found that KANK1, KANK2, KANK3 and KANK4 emerged in the lineage of vertebrate, consistent with the two rounds of vertebrate whole-genome duplications (WGD). Moreover, KANK genes were further duplicated in teleosts through the bony-fish specific WGD, while only kank1 and kank4 duplicates were retained in some of the examined fish species. We also found all zebrafish kank genes, except kank1b, are primarily expressed during embryonic vascular development. Compared to invertebrate KANK gene expression in the central nervous system, the vascular expression of zebrafish kank genes suggested KANK genes were co-opted for vertebrate vascular development. Given the cellular roles of KANK genes, our results suggest that this co-option may facilitate the evolutionary origin of vertebrate vascular vessels.
Glipizide suppresses prostate cancer progression in the TRAMP model by inhibiting angiogenesis
Authors: Qi Cuiling , Bin Li  , Yang Yang , Yang Yongxia , Li Jialin , Zhou Qin , Wen Yinxin , Zeng Cuiling , Zheng Lingyun , Zhang Qianqian , Li Jiangchao , He Xiaodong , Zhou Jia , Shao Chunkui , Wang Lijing
Published: June 2016

Drug repurposing of non-cancer drugs represents an attractive approach to develop new cancer therapy. Using the TRAMP transgenic mouse model, glipizide, a widely used drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has been identified to suppress prostate cancer (PC) growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is intimately associated with various human cancer developments. Intriguingly, glipizide significantly reduces microvessel density in PC tumor tissues, while not inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation from the MTT assay and flow cytometry investigation. Moreover, glipizide inhibits the tubular structure formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating the HMGIY/Angiopoietin-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate that glipizide has the potential to be repurposed as an effective therapeutic for the treatment of PC by targeting tumor-induced angiogenesis.
Effect of desertification on productivity in a desert steppe
Authors: Tang Zhuangsheng , An Hui , Deng Lei , Wang Yingying , Zhu Guangyu , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: June 2016

Desertification, one of the most severe types of land degradation in the world, is of great importance because it is occurring, to some degree, on approximately 40% of the global land area and is affecting more than 1 billion people. In this study, we used a space-for-time method to quantify the impact of five different desertification regimes (potential (PD), light (LD), moderate (MD), severe (SD), and very severe (VSD)) on a desert steppe ecosystem in northern China to examine the relationship between the productivity of the vegetation and soil properties and to determine the mechanism underlying the effects of desertification on productivity. Our results showed that the effects of desertification on TP (total phosphorus) and AP (available phosphorus) were not significant, and desertification decreased productivity in the desert steppe as a result of direct changes to soil physical properties, which can directly affect soil chemical properties. Therefore, intensive grassland management to improve soil quality may result in the long-term preservation of ecosystem functions and services.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) promote melanogenesis through receptor for AGEs
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Kim Ji Young , Oh Sang Ho
Published: June 2016

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is linked with development or aggravation of many degenerative processes or disorders, including aging and atherosclerosis. AGEs production in skin cells is known to promote stiffness and loss of elasticity through their buildup in connective tissue. However, the impact of AGEs has yet to be fully explored in melanocytes. In this study, we confirmed the existence of receptor for AGE (RAGE) in melanocytes in western blot and immunofluorescence along with increased melanin production in ex vivo skin organ culture and in vitro melanocyte culture following AGEs treatment. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 are considered as key regulatory proteins in AGEs-induced melanogenesis. In addition, blockage experiment using anti-RAGE blocking antibody has indicated that RAGE plays a pivotal role in AGE-mediated melanogenesis. Therefore, it is apparent that AGEs, known markers of aging, promote melanogenesis via RAGE. In addition, AGEs could be implicated in pigmentation associated with photoaging according to the results of increased secretion of AGEs from keratinocytes following UV irradiation. AGE-mediated melanogenesis may thus hold promise as a novel mean of altering skin pigmentation.
Anomalous photoluminescence in InP1−xBix
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Chen Xiren , Pan Wenwu , Wang Peng , Zhang Liyao , Li Yaoyao , Wang Hailong , Wang Kai , Shao Jun , Wang Shumin
Published: June 2016

Low temperature photoluminescence (PL) from InP1−xBix thin films with Bi concentrations in the 0–2.49% range reveals anomalous spectral features with strong and very broad (linewidth of 700 nm) PL signals compared to other bismide alloys. Multiple transitions are observed and their energy levels are found much smaller than the band-gap measured from absorption measurements. These transitions are related to deep levels confirmed by deep level transient spectroscopy, which effectively trap free holes and enhance radiative recombination. The broad luminescence feature is beneficial for making super-luminescence diodes, which can theoretically enhance spatial resolution beyond 1 μm in optical coherent tomography (OCT).
Transparent ferromagnetic and semiconducting behavior in Fe-Dy-Tb based amorphous oxide films
Authors: Taz H. , Sakthivel T. , Yamoah N. K. , Carr C. , Kumar D. , Seal S. , Kalyanaraman R.
Published: June 2016

We report a class of amorphous thin film material comprising of transition (Fe) and Lanthanide metals (Dy and Tb) that show unique combination of functional properties. Films were deposited with different atomic weight ratio (R) of Fe to Lanthanide (Dy + Tb) using electron beam co-evaporation at room temperature. The films were found to be amorphous, with grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies indicating that the films were largely oxidized with a majority of the metal being in higher oxidation states. Films with R = 0.6 were semiconducting with visible light transmission due to a direct optical band-gap (2.49 eV), had low resistivity and sheet resistance (7.15 × 10−4 Ω-cm and ~200 Ω/sq respectively) and showed room temperature ferromagnetism. A metal to semiconductor transition with composition (for R < 11.9) also correlated well with the absence of any metallic Fe0 oxidation state in the R = 0.6 case as well as a significantly higher fraction of oxidized Dy. The combination of amorphous microstructure and room temperature electronic and magnetic properties could lead to the use of the material in multiple applications, including as a transparent conductor, active material in thin film transistors for display devices and in spin-dependent electronics.
Aldh1 Expression and Activity Increase During Tumor Evolution in Sarcoma Cancer Stem Cell Populations
Authors: Martinez-Cruzado Lucia , Tornin Juan , Santos Laura , Rodriguez Aida , García-Castro Javier , Morís Francisco , Rodriguez Rene
Published: June 2016

Tumors evolve from initial tumorigenic events into increasingly aggressive behaviors in a process usually driven by subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) may act as the cell-of-origin for sarcomas and CSCs that present MSC features have been identified in sarcomas due to their ability to grow as self-renewed floating spheres (tumorspheres). Accordingly, we previously developed sarcoma models using human MSCs transformed with relevant oncogenic events. To study the evolution/emergence of CSC subpopulations during tumor progression, we compared the tumorigenic properties of bulk adherent cultures and tumorsphere-forming subpopulations both in the sarcoma cell-of-origin models (transformed MSCs) and in their corresponding tumor xenograft-derived cells. Tumor formation assays showed that the tumorsphere cultures from xenograft-derived cells, but not from the cell-of-origin models, were enriched in CSCs, providing evidence of the emergence of bona fide CSCs subpopulations during tumor progression. Relevant CSC-related factors, such as ALDH1 and SOX2, were increasingly upregulated in CSCs during tumor progression and importantly, the increased levels and activity of ALDH1 in these subpopulations were associated with enhanced tumorigenicity. In addition to being a CSC marker, our findings indicate that ALDH1 could also be useful for tracking the malignant potential of CSC subpopulations during sarcoma evolution.
New materials for Li-ion batteries: synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of Li2(FeMnCo)SiO4 cathode materials
Authors: Ferrari Stefania , Mozzati Maria Cristina , Lantieri Marco , Spina Gabriele , Capsoni Doretta , Bini Marcella
Published: June 2016

Improving cathode materials is mandatory for next-generation Li-ion batteries. Exploring polyanion compounds with high theoretical capacity such as the lithium metal orthosilicates, Li2MSiO4 is of great importance. In particular, mixed silicates represent an advancement with practical applications. Here we present results on a rapid solid state synthesis of mixed Li2(FeMnCo)SiO4 samples in a wide compositional range. The solid solution in the P21/n space group was found to be stable for high iron concentration or for a cobalt content up to about 0.3 atom per formula unit. Other compositions led to a mixture of polymorphs, namely Pmn21 and Pbn21. All the samples contained a variable amount of Fe3+ ions that was quantified by Mössbauer spectroscopy and confirmed by the TN values of the paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition. Preliminary characterization by cyclic voltammetry revealed the effect of Fe3+ on the electrochemical response. Further work is required to determine the impact of these electrode materials on lithium batteries.
Silver nanoparticles defeat p53-positive and p53-negative osteosarcoma cells by triggering mitochondrial stress and apoptosis
Authors: Kovács Dávid , Igaz Nóra , Keskeny Csilla , Bélteky Péter , Tóth Tímea , Gáspár Renáta , Madarász Dániel , Rázga Zsolt , Kónya Zoltán , Boros Imre M. , Kiricsi Mónika
Published: June 2016

Loss of function of the tumour suppressor p53 observed frequently in human cancers challenges the drug-induced apoptotic elimination of cancer cells from the body. This phenomenon is a major concern and provides much of the impetus for current attempts to develop a new generation of anticancer drugs capable of provoking apoptosis in a p53-independent manner. Since silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unique cytotoxic features, we examined, whether their activity could be exploited to kill tumour suppressor-deficient cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AgNPs on osteosarcoma cells of different p53 genetic backgrounds. As particle diameters might influence the molecular mechanisms leading to AgNP-induced cell death we applied 5 nm and 35 nm sized citrate-coated AgNPs. We found that both sized AgNPs targeted mitochondria and induced apoptosis in wild-type p53-containing U2Os and p53-deficient Saos-2 cells. According to our findings AgNPs are able to kill osteosarcoma cells independently from their actual p53 status and induce p53-independent cancer cell apoptosis. This feature renders AgNPs attractive candidates for novel chemotherapeutic approaches.
Low-Pressure Burst-Mode Focused Ultrasound Wave Reconstruction and Mapping for Blood-Brain Barrier Opening: A Preclinical Examination
Authors: Xia Jingjing , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Liu Hao-Li
Published: June 2016

Burst-mode focused ultrasound (FUS) exposure has been shown to induce transient blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening for potential CNS drug delivery. FUS-BBB opening requires imaging guidance during the intervention, yet current imaging technology only enables postoperative outcome confirmation. In this study, we propose an approach to visualize short-burst low-pressure focal beam distribution that allows to be applied in FUS-BBB opening intervention on small animals. A backscattered acoustic-wave reconstruction method based on synchronization among focused ultrasound emission, diagnostic ultrasound receiving and passively beamformed processing were developed. We observed that focal beam could be successfully visualized for in vitro FUS exposure with 0.5–2 MHz without involvement of microbubbles. The detectable level of FUS exposure was 0.467 MPa in pressure and 0.05 ms in burst length. The signal intensity (SI) of the reconstructions was linearly correlated with the FUS exposure level both in-vitro (r2 = 0.9878) and in-vivo (r2 = 0.9943) and SI level of the reconstructed focal beam also correlated with the success and level of BBB-opening. The proposed approach provides a feasible way to perform real-time and closed-loop control of FUS-based brain drug delivery.
Next generation bone tissue engineering: non-viral miR-133a inhibition using collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds rapidly enhances osteogenesis
Authors: Mencía Castaño Irene , Curtin Caroline M. , Duffy Garry P. , O’Brien Fergal J.
Published: June 2016

Bone grafts are the second most transplanted materials worldwide at a global cost to healthcare systems valued over $30 billion every year. The influence of microRNAs in the regenerative capacity of stem cells offers vast therapeutic potential towards bone grafting; however their efficient delivery to the target site remains a major challenge. This study describes how the functionalisation of porous collagen-nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) scaffolds with miR-133a inhibiting complexes, delivered using non-viral nHA particles, enhanced human mesenchymal stem cell-mediated osteogenesis through the novel focus on a key activator of osteogenesis, Runx2. This study showed enhanced Runx2 and osteocalcin expression, as well as increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition, thus demonstrating a further enhanced therapeutic potential of a biomaterial previously optimised for bone repair applications. The promising features of this platform offer potential for a myriad of applications beyond bone repair and tissue engineering, thus presenting a new paradigm for microRNA-based therapeutics.
Myopic Macular Retinoschisis in Teenagers: Clinical Characteristics and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings
Authors: Sun Chuan-bin , You Yong-sheng , Liu Zhe , Zheng Lin-yan , Chen Pei-qing , Yao Ke , Xue An-quan
Published: June 2016

To investigate the morphological characteristics of myopic macular retinoschisis (MRS) in teenagers with high myopia, six male (9 eyes) and 3 female (4 eyes) teenagers with typical MRS identified from chart review were evaluated. All cases underwent complete ophthalmic examinations including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indirect ophthalmoscopy, colour fundus photography, B-type ultrasonography, axial length measurement and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The average age was 17.8 ± 1.5 years, average refractive error was −17.04 ± 3.04D, average BCVA was 0.43 ± 0.61 and average axial length was 30.42 ± 1.71 mm. Myopic macular degenerative changes (MDC) by colour fundus photographs revealed Ohno-Matsui Category 1 in 4 eyes and Category 2 in 9 eyes. Posterior staphyloma was found in 9 eyes. SD-OCT showed outer MRS in all 13 eyes, internal limiting membrane detachment in 7 eyes, vascular microfolds in 2 eyes and inner MRS in 1 eye. No premacular structures such as macular epiretinal membrane or partially detached posterior hyaloids were found. Our results showed that MRS rarely occurred in highly myopic teenagers and was not accompanied by premacular structures, severe MDC, or even obvious posterior staphyloma. This finding indicates that posterior scleral expansion is probably the main cause of MRS.
Crystallization of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films by nano- and femtosecond single laser pulse irradiation
Authors: Sun Xinxing , Ehrhardt Martin , Lotnyk Andriy , Lorenz Pierre , Thelander Erik , Gerlach Jürgen W. , Smausz Tomi , Decker Ulrich , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: June 2016

The amorphous to crystalline phase transformation of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) films by UV nanosecond (ns) and femtosecond (fs) single laser pulse irradiation at the same wavelength is compared. Detailed structural information about the phase transformation is collected by x-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The threshold fluences to induce crystallization are determined for both pulse lengths. A large difference between ns and fs pulse irradiation was found regarding the grain size distribution and morphology of the crystallized films. For fs single pulse irradiated GST thin films, columnar grains with a diameter of 20 to 60 nm were obtained as evidenced by cross-sectional TEM analysis. The local atomic arrangement was investigated by high-resolution Cs-corrected scanning TEM. Neither tetrahedral nor off-octahedral positions of Ge-atoms could be observed in the largely defect-free grains. A high optical reflectivity contrast (~25%) between amorphous and completely crystallized GST films was achieved by fs laser irradiation induced at fluences between 13 and 16 mJ/cm2 and by ns laser irradiation induced at fluences between 67 and 130 mJ/cm2. Finally, the fluence dependent increase of the reflectivity is discussed in terms of each photon involved into the crystallization process for ns and fs pulses, respectively.
An in vivo study in mice: mother's gestational exposure to organophosphorus pesticide retards the division and migration process of neural progenitors in the fetal developing brain
Authors: Chen Xiao-Ping , Wang Ting-Ting , Wu Xiu-Zhong , Wang Da-Wei , Chao Yong-Sheng
Published: June 2016

We investigate the effect of prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos on embryonic neural progenitors.
An integrated, peptide-based approach to site-specific protein immobilization for detection of biomolecular interactions
Authors: Kruis Ilmar C. , Löwik Dennis W. P. M. , Boelens Wilbert C. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Pruijn Ger J. M.
Published: June 2016

Site-specific immobilization of proteins on a biosensor surface, based on leucine zipper interactions.
Flavin-sensitized electrode system for oxygen evolution using photo-electrocatalysis
Authors: Sarma Rupam , Sloan Madison J. , Miller Anne-Frances
Published: June 2016

Fabrication of bio-electrode systems decorated with redox active biomolecules, flavins, is demonstrated.
“Smart” gold nanoparticles for photoacoustic imaging: an imaging contrast agent responsive to the cancer microenvironment and signal amplification via pH-induced aggregation
Authors: Song Jaejung , Kim Jeesu , Hwang Sekyu , Jeon Mansik , Jeong Sanghwa , Kim Chulhong , Kim Sungjee
Published: June 2016

pH-Responsive “smart” gold nanoparticles were demonstrated as a new photoacoustic imaging agent that can selectively respond to the cancer microenvironment and show the amplified signal in vivo.
Design and synthesis of squaramide-based MOFs as efficient MOF-supported hydrogen-bonding organocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Zhang Zhenjie , Boissonnault Jake , Cohen Seth M.
Published: June 2016

Herein, we utilize a new, squaramide-based ligand, combined with a postsynthetic exchange (PSE) synthetic approach to prepare a series of Cu(ii)–squaramide MOFs that are active catalysts for the Friedel–Crafts reaction.
Novel properties and potential applications of functional ligand-modified polyoxotitanate cages
Authors: Li Ning , Matthews Peter D. , Luo He-Kuan , Wright Dominic S.
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in functional ligand-modified polyoxotitanate cages are highlighted, with emphasis on novel properties and potential applications.
Stress-induced colouration and crosslinking of polymeric materials by mechanochemical formation of triphenylimidazolyl radicals
Authors: Verstraeten F. , Göstl R. , Sijbesma R. P.
Published: June 2016

Subjecting hexaarylbiimidazole in polymer architectures to stress generates coloured triphenylimidazolyl radicals that initiate secondary radical reactions unifying stress-sensing and damage-repair.
Revisiting an old concept: the coupled oscillator model for VCD. Part 1: the generalised coupled oscillator mechanism and its intrinsic connection to the strength of VCD signals
Authors: Nicu Valentin Paul
Published: June 2016

This work reports the development of a generalised coupled oscillator expression for VCD that is exact within the harmonic approximation and is applicable to all types of normal modes, regardless whether the considered molecule is symmetric or asymmetric.
Energetics and kinetics of Cu atoms and clusters on the Si(111)-7 × 7 surface: first-principles calculations
Authors: Ren Xiao-Yan , Niu Chun-Yao , Chen Wei-Guang , Tang Ming-Sheng , Cho Jun-Hyung
Published: June 2016

Exploring the properties of noble metal atoms and nano- or subnano-clusters on the semiconductor surface is of great importance in many surface catalytic reactions, self-assembly processes, crystal growth, and thin film epitaxy.
The importance of dynamics studies on the design of sandwich structures: a CrB24 case
Authors: Liu Lei , Osorio Edison , Heine Thomas
Published: June 2016

A series of BO-MD simulations showed that the sandwich structure of CrB24 has an extremely poor dynamic stability, and a highly symmetric endohedral structure was obtained during the MD simulations.
A DFT study of planar vs. corrugated graphene-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and its role in the catalytic performance of CO2 conversion
Authors: Azofra Luis Miguel , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Sun Chenghua
Published: June 2016

Graphene-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a metal-free 2D material that is of interest as a CO2 reduction catalyst, is stabilised by corrugation in order to minimise the electronic repulsions experienced by the N lone pairs located in their structural holes.
Dynamics and morphology of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)
Authors: Single Fabian , Horstmann Birger , Latz Arnulf
Published: June 2016

We develop a novel modeling scheme for the formation the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium ion battery anodes. Our model is based on two transport mechanisms and predicts SEI morphology evolution in a spatially resolved way.
NX⋯Y halogen bonds. Comparison with NH⋯Y H-bonds and CX⋯Y halogen bonds
Authors: Nepal Binod , Scheiner Steve
Published: June 2016

Quantum calculations examine how the NH⋯Y H-bond compares to the equivalent NX⋯Y halogen bond, as well as to comparable CH/CX donors.
Design of modular Ni-foam based catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Pegios N. , Schroer G. , Rahimi K. , Palkovits R. , Simeonov K.
Published: June 2016

Novel modular catalysts for dry reforming of methane (DRM) based on chemically modified Ni-foams were prepared by a stepwise synthesis method.
Derivatisation of buforin IIb, a cationic henicosapeptide, to afford its complexation to platinum(ii) resulting in a novel platinum(ii)–buforin IIb conjugate with anti-cancer activity
Authors: Parker J. P. , Devocelle M. , Morgan M. P. , Marmion C. J.
Published: June 2016

Herein we report the synthesis and anti-cancer activity of buforin IIb, its novel malonate derivative malBuf and its Pt(ii) complex cis-[Pt(NH3)2(malBuf–2H)].
Heterometallic one-dimensional chain with tetradeca metal repetition constructed by amidate bridged dirhodium and pivalate bridged diplatinum complexes influenced by hydrogen bonding
Authors: Yamada Tomofumi , Ebihara Masahiro , Uemura Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

A novel platinum and rhodium based heterometallic one-dimensional chain complex with tetradeca metal repetition was obtained.
Diamine-appended metal–organic frameworks: enhanced formaldehyde-vapor adsorption capacity, superior recyclability and water resistibility
Authors: Wang Zhong , Wang WenZhong , Jiang Dong , Zhang Ling , Zheng Yali
Published: June 2016

This study presents a convenient modification of the well-known MOF, MIL-101, with ethylenediamine (ED) on its open-metal sites to substantially improve the HCHO adsorption properties.
Selective separation of trivalent f-ions using 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide ligands in ionic liquids
Authors: Dehaudt Jérémy , Williams Neil J. , Shkrob Ilya A. , Luo Huimin , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2016

1,10-Phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide complexants decorated with alkyl chains and imidazolium cations have been studied for extraction of trivalent f-ions into imidazolium ionic liquids.
Stimulated X-ray Raman scattering – a critical assessment of the building block of nonlinear X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Kimberg Victor , Sanchez-Gonzalez Alvaro , Mercadier Laurent , Weninger Clemens , Lutman Alberto , Ratner Daniel , Coffee Ryan , Bucher Maximilian , Mucke Melanie , Agåker Marcus , Såthe Conny , Bostedt Christoph , Nordgren Joseph , Rubensson Jan Erik , Rohringer Nina
Published: June 2016

With the invention of femtosecond X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), studies of light-induced chemical reaction dynamics and structural dynamics reach a new era, allowing for time-resolved X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy. To ultimately probe coherent electron and nuclear dynamics on their natural time and length scales, coherent nonlinear X-ray spectroscopy schemes have been proposed. In this contribution, we want to critically assess the experimental realisation of nonlinear X-ray spectroscopy at current-day XFEL sources, by presenting first experimental attempts to demonstrate stimulated resonant X-ray Raman scattering in molecular gas targets.
Autohydrolysis pretreatment of softwood – enhancement by phenolic additives and the effects of other compounds
Authors: Pielhop Thomas , Larrazábal Gastón O. , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: June 2016

The effects of different additives on lignin repolymerisation in the autohydrolysis pretreatment of softwood and the consequences for enzymatic cellulose digestibility have been studied.
Inflammatory pathway network-based drug repositioning and molecular phenomics
Authors: Gu Jiangyong , Crosier Philip S. , Hall Christopher J. , Chen Lirong , Xu Xiaojie
Published: June 2016

Network efficiency and network flux are measures of drug efficacy against inflammation.
Direct aqueous synthesis of cyanomethyl thioglycosides from reducing sugars; ready access to reagents for protein glycosylation
Authors: Alexander Stewart R. , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: June 2016

Unprotected carbohydrates can be directly converted into cyanooethyl thioglycosides, which in turn may be used for protein glycosylation, in a completely stereoselective manner by reaction with 2-chloro-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium chloride (DMC) and mercaptoacetonitrile in aqueous solution.
Synthesis and applications of fluorous phosphines
Authors: Law Chung-kay Edwin , Horváth István T.
Published: June 2016

The synthesis, some of the properties and the applications of fluorous phosphines in biphasic, organometallic and organo-catalysis were reviewed.
NanoLC MALDI MS/MS based quantitative metabolomics reveals the alteration of membrane biogenesis in oral cancer
Authors: Bag Swarnendu , Dutta Debabrata , Chaudhary Amrita , Chandra Sing Bidhan , Banerjee Rita , Pal Mousumi , Paul Ranjan Rashmi , Basak Amit , Das Amit Kumar , Ray Ajoy Kumar , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy
Published: June 2016

We present a label-free untargeted metabolomics approach using nanoLC-MALDI MS/MS interface for the separation, identification and quantification of the metabolites from cancer biopsies.
Synthesis and characterization of an injectable and self-curing poly(methyl methacrylate) cement functionalized with a biomimetic chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol)/nano-sized hydroxyapatite/silver hydrogel
Authors: Wang Man , Feng Xiaowei , Wang Tianfeng , Gao Yixue , Wang Yining , Sa Yue , Jiang Tao
Published: June 2016

Preparation and characterizations of injectable p-PMMA/CS–PVA/Nano-HA/Ag+ cements.
Nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells by microwave assisted method
Authors: Zhu Guang , Wang Hongyan , Xu Haifeng , Zhang Quanxin , Sun Hengchao , Zhang Li
Published: June 2016

Nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres were synthesized for counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells with a high efficiency of 6.28%.
Novel phthalide derivatives from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong and their inhibitory effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
Authors: Wei Wei , Wu Xiu-Wen , Yang Xiu-Wei
Published: June 2016

Five new phthalide derivatives, including one with a new skeleton and one unusual phthalide dimer, were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong.
Interfacial synthesis of magnetic PMMA@Fe3O4/Cu3(BTC)2 hollow microspheres through one-pot Pickering emulsion and their application as drug delivery
Authors: Zhu Xiaomin , Zhang Shenping , Zhang Lihuo , Liu Honglai , Hu Jun
Published: June 2016

Novel PMMA@Fe3O4/Cu3(BTC)2 hollow microspheres were fabricated through a convenient one-pot Pickering emulsion system, which showed synergetic multi-functions for ibuprofen delivery.
Eco-friendly synthesis and catalytic application of chitosan/gold/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films
Authors: Bibi Saira , Price Gareth J. , Yasin Tariq , Nawaz Mohsan
Published: June 2016

Novel eco-friendly chitosan nanocomposite membranes containing gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized to produce reusable catalytic membranes.
Highly energetic flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with Fe2O3and CuO thin films
Authors: Shinde Abhijeet V. , Chodankar Nilesh R. , Lokhande Vaibhav C. , Lokhande Abhishek C. , Ji Taeksoo , Kim Jin H. , Lokhande Chandrakant D.
Published: June 2016

Figure shows (A) XRD pattern of Fe2O3thin film, (B and C) FE-SEM images of Fe2O3thin film, (D) XRD pattern of CuO thin film and (E and F) FE-SEM images of CuO thin film.
Correction: Pharmaceutical crystalline complexes of sulfamethazine with saccharin: same interaction site but different ionization states
Authors: Fu Xue , Li Jianhui , Wang Lianyan , Wu Bing , Xu Xu , Deng Zongwu , Zhang Hailu
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘Pharmaceutical crystalline complexes of sulfamethazine with saccharin: same interaction site but different ionization states’ by Xue Fu et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 26474–26478.
Applying DNA rolling circle amplification in fluorescence imaging of cell surface glycans labeled by a metabolic method
Authors: Zhang Xiaoru , Li Ruijuan , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Shusheng , Wang Wenshuang , Li Fuchuan
Published: June 2016

We report herein imaging cell surface glycosylation by using click chemistry and DNA rolling circle amplification (RCA) to improve detection sensitivity..
Zn2GeO4 and Zn2SnO4 nanowires for high-capacity lithium- and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Lim Young Rok , Jung Chan Su , Im Hyung Soon , Park Kidong , Park Jeunghee , Cho Won Il , Cha Eun Hee
Published: June 2016

Zn2GeO4 and Zn2SnO4 nanowires showed an excellent cycling performance for both lithium- and sodium-ion batteries.
Tuning layer-structured La0.6Sr1.4MnO4+δ into a promising electrode for intermediate-temperature symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells through surface modification
Authors: Shen Jian , Yang Guangming , Zhang Zhenbao , Zhou Wei , Wang Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: June 2016

The co-modification of LSMO4 electrode with SDC and NiO is found to increase its oxygen reduction reaction and fuel electro-oxidation catalytic activity, thus the symmetrical SOFC performance.
Deprotonation of g-C3N4 with Na ions for efficient nonsacrificial water splitting under visible light
Authors: Guo Feng , Chen Jingling , Zhang Minwei , Gao Bifen , Lin Bizhou , Chen Yilin
Published: June 2016

Deprotonation of g-C3N4 with Na ions successfully inhibits the unfavorable H2O2 intermediate in a photocatalytic process, and significantly facilitates nonsacrificial water splitting under visible light.
Accentuated transdermal application of glucosamine sulphate attenuates experimental osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate
Authors: Chattopadhyay Helen , Auddy Biswajit , Sur Tapas , Sana Santanu , Datta Sriparna
Published: June 2016

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease causing pain and disability.
Empirical structural design of core@shell Au@Ag nanoparticles for SERS applications
Authors: Li Yijing , Shi Qiurong , Zhang Peina , Xiahou Yujiao , Li Shuzhou , Wang Dayang , Xia Haibing
Published: June 2016

The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of core@shell Au2r@Agt nanoparticles is dependent on the Ag shell thickness.
Lightweight anonymous key distribution scheme for smart grid using elliptic curve cryptography
Authors: He Debiao , Wang Huaqun , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Wang Lina
Published: June 2016

Due to efficiency, security and reliability, the smart grid attracts more and more attentions from both industry and researchers. To implement secure communication in the smart grid, how to distribute secret keys among participants become an important issue. Several key distribution schemes for the smart grid have been proposed to guarantee secure communication. However, most of them cannot provide smart meter anonymity or have unsatisfactory performance. Based on the identity‐based cryptography, this study proposes an anonymous key distribution (AKD) scheme for the smart grid using the elliptic curve cryptography. The proposed AKD scheme can provide the smart meter anonymity and mutual authentication between two participants without any help of the trusted anchor. Due to the fact that no bilinear paring operation is involved in the execution, the proposed AKD scheme has much better performance than the latest AKD scheme proposed by Tsai and Lo. Detailed performance analysis shows that the computation and the communication costs of the authors’ AKD scheme is about 82.39 and 52.33% less than that of Tsai and Lo's AKD scheme. Besides, security analysis shows that the proposed AKD scheme is provably secure in the random oracle model.
Observer‐based robust control of fractional‐order linear uncertain control systems
Authors: Li Bingxin , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: June 2016

Stability and stabilisation problems for fractional‐order linear (FOL) uncertain systems with fractional order are difficult and interesting. This study focuses on observer‐based robust control for FOL uncertain system with fractional order . Recently, a new method based on linear matrix inequality is presented to solve the stability and stabilisation problems of FOL systems with fractional order . Based on the new method and the matrix's singular value decomposition, a necessary and sufficient condition for quadratic stability of observer‐based FOL uncertain systems is presented in this study. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Improved stability criteria for T–S fuzzy systems with time‐varying delay via convex analysis approach
Authors: Huang Ling , Xie Xuhuan , Tan Chong
Published: June 2016

This study is concerned with stability analysis for Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy systems with time‐varying delay. By applying the idea of scalar function and augmented vectors, dealing with the positivity of a functional, a novel simple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is established. Then, fuzzy‐weighting dependent matrices and the reciprocally convex approach are introduced to deal with two integral parts, convex analysis approach is used to solve the useful terms (which are ignored in previous methods), with the above methods some less conservative stability criteria is obtained. Finally, three numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness and improvements of the proposed conditions.
Finite‐time output feedback attitude stabilisation for rigid spacecraft with input constraints
Authors: Sun Shihao , Zhao Lin , Jia Yingmin
Published: June 2016

This study deals with finite‐time output feedback attitude stabilisation problem for rigid spacecraft systems subject to input constraints. First, a continuous saturated state feedback controller is proposed based on the homogeneous method, after which can guarantee the closed‐loop system is global finite‐time stable. Then, a switched saturated output feedback controller is developed under a state observer, after which can guarantee the closed‐loop system is semi‐global finite‐time stable. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Forwarding‐based dynamic surface control for antagonistic actuated robots
Authors: Huang Xianlin , Zhang Xu , Lu Hongqian
Published: June 2016

Implementation of immersion and invariance theorem for antagonistic actuated robots becomes increasingly difficult as non‐linearity of elastic torque exists. This inherent difficulty is mainly driven by the need to solve the partial differential equations (PDEs) in the immersion conditions. In this work, forwarding‐based dynamic surface control (DSC) for designing asymptotically tracking control laws is developed for a tendon‐driven joint with mismatched external disturbances. At each step of the design, by defining a lower‐order target system, the required mappings can be transformed into the virtual control inputs so that the prescribed transient performance is realised. Based on forwarding combined with DSC, all virtual controls are connected in sequence and high‐frequency noises can be suppressed. This technique not only avoids solving the PDEs, but also avoids computing mappings and their analytic derivatives. In particular, global boundedness of all signals in the robotic systems can be ultimately guaranteed by the internal stability of filters. Controller performances are demonstrated by simulating an actuated robot with one joint.
Adaptive sliding mode control for stochastic jump systems against sensor and actuator failures
Authors: Chen Liheng , Liu Ming , Fu Shasha
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the fault‐tolerant control problem in the presence of simultaneous actuator degradation and additive sensor fault for a class of stochastic Markovian jump systems, where external disturbance and partially accessible mode information are considered. A new adaptive observer approach is developed to generate the asymptotic estimations of system state, unknown actuator efficiency factor and additive sensor fault. An adaptive sliding mode control law based on the state estimation is proposed to stabilise the resulting closed‐loop fault system. Finally, an example of a linearised model of an F‐404 aircraft engine system is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Distributed impulsive control for islanded microgrids with variable communication delays
Authors: Lu Xiaoqing , Chen Nankai , Wang Yaonan , Qu Liang , Lai Jingang
Published: June 2016

This study develops a new droop‐based secondary distributed control strategy with hybrid dynamical form for the islanded microgrids (MGs). Two impulsive control algorithms containing time‐varying delays are designed, under which the frequency and voltage restoration and active power sharing accuracy of all distributed generators can be realised with an exponential convergence speed. Compared to the traditional continuous or discrete‐time distributed algorithms, the designed impulsive controllers formulate the controlled MG to be a hybrid dynamics, which are more general and applicable for practical power systems. Moreover, some delay‐dependent sufficient conditions on the requirements for sparse communication network and impulsive time intervals are derived, in which the time delays do not need to be less than the length of the impulsive intervals. Simulation results on the control parameter analysis, and communication network topologies validates the developed theories.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control of uncertain non‐linear n ‐order systems with unmatched uncertainties
Authors: Golestani Mehdi , Mobayen Saleh , Tchier Fairouz
Published: June 2016

This study focuses on the adaptive finite‐time tracking problem for uncertain non‐linear n ‐order systems subjected to unmatched uncertainties. Using a novel form of fast terminal sliding mode (FTSM) control method with self‐tuning algorithm, a robust controller is obtained to drive the tracking error to origin in finite time in spite of the unmatched uncertainties. Indeed, the adaptive FTSM is combined with a global SMC approach to eliminate the reaching phase which improves the performance and robustness of the system. To alleviate chattering phenomenon and get rid of knowing the exact value of upper bound of the uncertainties, a bipolar sigmoid function with adjustable gains is presented to replace signum function. The Lyapunov stability theory is utilised to establish the stability and robustness features of the suggested law. The proposed controller provides an appropriate performance as well as finite‐time convergence of tracking error to zero and this issue is verified through simulation results.
Computationally inexpensive fault tolerant control of uncertain non‐linear systems with non‐smooth asymmetric input saturation and undetectable actuation failures
Authors: Zhao Kai , Song Yongduan , Wen Changyun
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the tracking control problem of strict‐feedback systems with parametric uncertainties and asymmetric non‐smooth saturation as well as actuation faults. By combining a well‐defined smooth function with a Nussbaum‐type function, robust adaptive and fault‐tolerant control scheme is developed, which, as compared with most existing methods, exhibits several attractive features such as, capable of dealing with strict feedback systems with time‐varying unknown control gain and parametric uncertainties; able to cope with asymmetric and non‐smooth input saturation without requiring the prior knowledge of bound of input saturation; able to accommodate unexpected actuation faults; and structurally simple and computationally inexpensive. The proposed control schemes can guarantee all of the signals in the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimate bounded. Finally, a simulation experiment is utilised to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design approach.