bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complex Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing FAK signaling with Enhancement of TRAIL-induced Apoptosis
Authors: Cao Wenqiang , Zheng Wenjie , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2015

Ruthenium-based complexes have emerged as promising antitumor and antimetastatic agents during the past decades. However, the limited understanding of the antimetastatic mechanisms of these agents is a roadblock to their clinical application. Herein, we reported that, RuPOP, a ruthenium polypyridyl complex with potent antitumor activity, was able to effectively inhibit growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and synergistically enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The selective intracellular uptake and cytotoxic effect of RuPOP was found associated with transferring receptor (TfR)-mediated endocytosis. Further investigation on intracellular mechanisms reveled that RuPOP notably suppressed FAK-mediated ERK and Akt activation. Pretreatment of cells with ERK inhibitor (U0126) and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of RuPOP on cell growth, migration and invasion. Moreover, the alternation in the expression levels of metastatic regulatory proteins, including uPA, MMP-2/-9 and inhibition of VEGF secretion were also observed after RuPOP treatment. These results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of RuPOP on the growth and metastasis of cancer cells and the enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis though suppression of FAK-mediated signaling. Furthermore, RuPOP exhibits the potential to be developed as a metal-based antimetastatic agent and chemosensitizer of TRAIL for the treatment of human metastatic cancers.
Shubnikov - de Haas oscillations, weak antilocalization effect and large linear magnetoresistance in the putative topological superconductor LuPdBi
Authors: Pavlosiuk Orest , Kaczorowski Dariusz , Wiśniewski Piotr
Published: March 2015

We present electronic transport and magnetic properties of single crystals of semimetallic half-Heusler phase LuPdBi, having theoretically predicted band inversion requisite for nontrivial topological properties. The compound exhibits superconductivity below a critical temperature Tc = 1.8 K, with a zero-temperature upper critical field Bc2 ≈ 2.3 T. Although superconducting state is clearly reflected in the electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility data, no corresponding anomaly can be seen in the specific heat. Temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity suggests existence of two parallel conduction channels: metallic and semiconducting, with the latter making negligible contribution at low temperatures. The magnetoresistance is huge and clearly shows a weak antilocalization effect in small magnetic fields. Above about 1.5 T, the magnetoresistance becomes linear and does not saturate in fields up to 9 T. The linear magnetoresistance is observed up to room temperature. Below 10 K, it is accompanied by Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. Their analysis reveals charge carriers with effective mass of 0.06 me and a Berry phase very close to π, expected for Dirac-fermion surface states, thus corroborating topological nature of the material.
Electrochemical detection of aqueous Ag+ based on Ag+-assisted ligation reaction
Authors: Miao Peng , Han Kun , Wang Bidou , Luo Gangyin , Wang Peng , Chen Mingli , Tang Yuguo
Published: March 2015

In this work, a novel strategy to fabricate a highly sensitive and selective biosensor for the detection of Ag+ is proposed. Two DNA probes are designed and modified on a gold electrode surface by gold-sulfur chemistry and hybridization. In the presence of Ag+, cytosine-Ag+-cytosine composite forms and facilitates the ligation event on the electrode surface, which can block the release of electrochemical signals labeled on one of the two DNA probes during denaturation process. Ag+ can be sensitively detected with the detection limit of 0.1 nM, which is much lower than the toxicity level defined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This biosensor can easily distinguish Ag+ from other interfering ions and the performances in real water samples are also satisfactory. Moreover, the two DNA probes are designed to contain the recognition sequences of a nicking endonuclease and the ligated DNA can thus be cleaved at the original site. Therefore, the electrode can be regenerated, which allows the biosensor to be reused for additional tests.
Designed hybrid nanostructure with catalytic effect: beyond the theoretical capacity of SnO2 anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ye , Huang Zhi Xiang , Shi Yumeng , Wong Jen It , Ding Meng , Yang Hui Ying
Published: March 2015

Transition metal cobalt (Co) nanoparticle was designed as catalyst to promote the conversion reaction of Sn to SnO2 during the delithiation process which is deemed as an irreversible reaction. The designed nanocomposite, named as SnO2/Co3O4/reduced-graphene-oxide (rGO), was synthesized by a simple two-step method composed of hydrothermal (1st step) and solvothermal (2nd step) synthesis processes. Compared to the pristine SnO2/rGO and SnO2/Co3O4 electrodes, SnO2/Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced electrochemical performance as the anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The SnO2/Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites can deliver high specific capacities of 1038 and 712 mAh g−1 at the current densities of 100 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. In addition, the SnO2/Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites also exhibit 641 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1 after 900 cycles, indicating an ultra-long cycling stability under high current density. Through ex-situ TEM analysis, the excellent electrochemical performance was attributed to the catalytic effect of Co nanoparticles to promote the conversion of Sn to SnO2 and the decomposition of Li2O during the delithiation process. Based on the results, herein we propose a new method in employing the catalyst to increase the capacity of alloying-dealloying type anode material to beyond its theoretical value and enhance the electrochemical performance.
Non-uniform space charge limited current injection into a nano contact solid
Authors: Zhu Y. B. , Ang L. K.
Published: March 2015

We have developed a two-dimensional (2D) non-uniform model to study the space charge limited (SCL) current injection into a trap-filled solid of nano-contact, such as organic materials and dielectrics. Assuming a solid of length D with a contact of width W, the enhancement over the well-known 1D uniform model is calculated as a function of W/D for different material properties, such as the dielectric constant (ε) and the trap distribution. The non-uniform current density profile due to edge effect is predicted. The findings reported here are different from the prior uniform 2D models, which are significant for small W/D when the size of the contact reaching nanometer scale, i.e. W = 50 nm for D = 1 μm. This model will be useful for the characterization of carrier mobility and properties of traps, which are critical to many novel devices (with small nano-contact) operating in the space charge limited condition reporting in novel device and its applications. Empirical formulas are given for future comparison with experimental results.
Non-local classical optical correlation and implementing analogy of quantum teleportation
Authors: Sun Yifan , Song Xinbing , Qin Hongwei , Zhang Xiong , Yang Zhenwei , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: March 2015

This study reports an experimental realization of non-local classical optical correlation from the Bell's measurement used in tests of quantum non-locality. Based on such a classical Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen optical correlation, a classical analogy has been implemented to the true meaning of quantum teleportation. In the experimental teleportation protocol, the initial teleported information can be unknown to anyone and the information transfer can happen over arbitrary distances. The obtained results give novel insight into quantum physics and may open a new field of applications in quantum information.
Achieving EQE of 16,700% in P3HT:PC71BM based photodetectors by trap-assisted photomultiplication
Authors: Li Lingliang , Zhang Fujun , Wang Jian , An Qiaoshi , Sun Qianqian , Wang Wenbin , Zhang Jian , Teng Feng
Published: March 2015

We report a trap-assisted photomultiplication (PM) phenomenon in solution-processed polymer photodetectors (PPDs) based on P3HT:PC71BM as the active layer, the maximum EQE of 16,700% is obtained for the PPDs with PC71BM doping weight ratio of 1%. The PM phenomenon is attributed to the enhanced hole tunneling injection assisted by trapped electrons in PC71BM near Al cathode, which can be demonstrated by the transient photocurrent curves and EQE spectra of PPDs with different PC71BM doping ratios. The positive effect of trapped electrons in PC71BM near Al cathode on the hole tunneling injection is further confirmed by the simulated optical field and exciton generation rate distributions in the active layer and the EQE spectra of PPDs with Al(1)/P3HT:PC71BM(100:1)/Al(2) device structure under forward and reverse biases. This discovery may open a new road for organic materials to be used in highly sensitive photodetectors while preserving the advantages of organic materials.
Mapping motion of antiferromagnetic interfacial uncompensated magnetic moment in exchange-biased bilayers
Authors: Zhou X. , Ma L. , Shi Z. , Fan W. J. , Evans R. F. L. , Zheng Jian-Guo , Chantrell R. W. , Mangin S. , Zhang H. W. , Zhou S. M.
Published: March 2015

In this work, disordered-IrMn3/insulating-Y3Fe5O12 exchange-biased bilayers are studied. The behavior of the net magnetic moment ΔmAFM in the antiferromagnet is directly probed by anomalous and planar Hall effects and anisotropic magnetoresistance. The ΔmAFM is proved to come from the interfacial uncompensated magnetic moment. We demonstrate that the exchange bias and rotational hysteresis loss are induced by partial rotation and irreversible switching of the ΔmAFM. In the athermal training effect, the state of the ΔmAFM cannot be recovered after one cycle of hysteresis loop. This work highlights the fundamental role of the ΔmAFM in the exchange bias and facilitates the manipulation of antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.
Microwave-stimulated superconductivity due to presence of vortices
Authors: Lara Antonio , Aliev Farkhad G. , Silhanek Alejandro V. , Moshchalkov Victor V.
Published: March 2015

The response of superconducting devices to electromagnetic radiation is a core concept implemented in diverse applications, ranging from the currently used voltage standard to single photon detectors in astronomy. Suprisingly, a sufficiently high power subgap radiation may stimulate superconductivity itself. The possibility of stimulating type II superconductors, in which the radiation may interact also with vortex cores, remains however unclear. Here we report on superconductivity enhanced by GHz radiation in type II superconducting Pb films in the presence of vortices. The stimulation effect is more clearly observed in the upper critical field and less pronounced in the critical temperature. The magnetic field dependence of the vortex related microwave losses in a film with periodic pinning reveals a reduced dissipation of mobile vortices in the stimulated regime due to a reduction of the core size. Results of numerical simulations support the validy of this conclusion. Our findings may have intriguing connections with holographic superconductors in which the possibility of stimulation is under current debate.
Role of Ran-regulated nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of pVHL in the regulation of microtubular stability-mediated HIF-1α in hypoxic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jiang Xupin , Zhang Dongxia , Zhang Hengshu , Huang Yuesheng , Teng Miao
Published: March 2015

Our previous study suggested that microtubule network alteration affects the process of glycolysis in cardiomyocytes (CMs) via the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α during the early stages of hypoxia. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of microtubule network alteration-induced changes of HIF-1α. The von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) has been shown to mediate the ubiquitination of HIF-1α in the nuclear compartment prior to HIF-1α exportation to the cytoplasm and pVHL dynamic nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking is indicated to be involved in the process of HIF-1α degradation. In this study, by administering different microtubule-stabilizing and -depolymerizing interventions, we demonstrated that microtubule stabilization promoted pVHL nuclear export and drove the translocation of pVHL to the cytoplasm, while microtubule disruption prevented pVHL nuclear export in hypoxic CMs. Moreover, the ratio between nuclear and cytoplasmic pVHL was associated with HIF-1α regulation. Importantly, microtubule network alteration also affected the subcellular localization of Ran, which was involved in the regulation of pVHL nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking. The above results suggest that the subcellular translocation of pVHL plays an important role in microtubular structure alteration-induced HIF-1α regulation. Interestingly, Ran is involved in the process of pVHL nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking following microtubule network alteration in hypoxic CMs.
Generation of hyper-entanglement in polarization/energy-time and discrete-frequency/energy-time in optical fibers
Authors: Dong Shuai , Yu Lingjie , Zhang Wei , Wu Junjie , Zhang Weijun , You Lixing , Huang Yidong
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a generation scheme for telecom band hyper-entanglement is proposed and demonstrated based on the vector spontaneous four wave mixing (SFWM) processes in optical fibers. Two kinds of two-photon states are generated, one is hyper-entangled in the degree of freedoms (DOFs) of energy-time and polarization, the other is hyper-entangled in DOFs of energy-time and discrete-frequency. Experiments of Franson-type interference, two-photon interference under non-orthogonal polarization bases and spatial quantum beating are realized to demonstrate the entanglement in energy-time, polarization and frequency, respectively. This scheme provides a simple way to realize telecom band hyper-entanglement, which has potential for large geographic-scale applications of quantum communication and quantum information over optical fibers.
The juxtamembrane regions of human receptor tyrosine kinases exhibit conserved interaction sites with anionic lipids
Authors: Hedger George , Sansom Mark S. P. , Koldsø Heidi
Published: March 2015

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play a critical role in diverse cellular processes and their activity is regulated by lipids in the surrounding membrane, including PIP2 (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate) in the inner leaflet and GM3 (monosialodihexosylganglioside) in the outer leaflet. However, the precise details of the interactions at the molecular level remain to be fully characterised. Using a multiscale molecular dynamics simulation approach, we comprehensively characterise anionic lipid interactions with all 58 known human RTKs. Our results demonstrate that the juxtamembrane (JM) regions of RTKs are critical for inducing clustering of anionic lipids, including PIP2, both in simple asymmetric bilayers and in more complex mixed membranes. Clustering is predominantly driven by interactions between a conserved cluster of basic residues within the first five positions of the JM region and negatively charged lipid headgroups. This highlights a conserved interaction pattern shared across the human RTK family. In particular predominantly the N-terminal residues of the JM region are involved in the interactions with PIP2, whilst residues within the distal JM region exhibit comparatively less lipid specificity. Our results suggest that JM–lipid interactions play a key role in RTK structure and function and more generally in the nanoscale organisation of receptor-containing cell membranes.
Transient contribution of left posterior parietal cortex to cognitive restructuring
Authors: Sutoh Chihiro , Matsuzawa Daisuke , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Yamada Makiko , Nagaoka Sawako , Chakraborty Sudesna , Ishii Daisuke , Matsuda Shingo , Tomizawa Haruna , Ito Hiroshi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Obata Takayuki , Shimizu Eiji
Published: March 2015

Cognitive restructuring is a fundamental method within cognitive behavioural therapy of changing dysfunctional beliefs into flexible beliefs and learning to react appropriately to the reality of an anxiety-causing situation. To clarify the neural mechanisms of cognitive restructuring, we designed a unique task that replicated psychotherapy during a brain scan. The brain activities of healthy male participants were analysed using functional magnetic resonance imaging. During the brain scan, participants underwent Socratic questioning aimed at cognitive restructuring regarding the necessity of handwashing after using the restroom. The behavioural result indicated that the Socratic questioning effectively decreased the participants' degree of belief (DOB) that they must wash their hands. Alterations in the DOB showed a positive correlation with activity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) while the subject thought about and rated own belief. The involvement of the left PPC not only in planning and decision-making but also in conceptualization may play a pivotal role in cognitive restructuring.
Identification of genetic variations associated with epsilon-poly-lysine biosynthesis in Streptomyces albulus ZPM by genome sequencing
Authors: Wang Lin , Gao Chunhui , Tang Nan , Hu Songnian , Wu Qingfa
Published: March 2015

The biosynthesis of the antibiotic epsilon-poly-lysine (ε-PL) in Streptomyces albulus is performed by polylysine synthase (pls); however, the regulatory mechanism of this process is still unknown. Here, we first obtained the complete genome sequence of S. albulus ZPM, which consists of 9,784,577 bp and has a GC content of 72.2%. The genome houses 44 gene clusters for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, in which 20 gene clusters are involved in the biosynthesis of polyketides and nonribosomally synthesized peptides. High-throughput sequencing was further performed and genetic variants were identified from pooled libraries consisting of the 30 highest-yield mutants or 30 lowest-yield mutants. More than 350 genetic variants associated with ε-PL yield have been identified. One hundred sixty-two affected proteins, from important metabolic enzymes to novel transcriptional regulators, were identified as being related to ε-PL synthesis. HrdD, one of the affected genes, is a sigma factor that shows the most sensitive response to pH change and contains a non-synonymous mutation (A132V) in mutant strains with lower ε-PL yields. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the pls gene is likely regulated by transcriptional activator HrdD. The data obtained in this study will facilitate future studies on ε-PL yield improvement and industrial bioprocess optimization.
Major decline in marine and terrestrial animal consumption by brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Matsubayashi Jun , Morimoto Junko O. , Tayasu Ichiro , Mano Tsutomu , Nakajima Miyuki , Takahashi Osamu , Kobayashi Kyoko , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: March 2015

Human activities have had the strongest impacts on natural ecosystems since the last glacial period, including the alteration of interspecific relationships such as food webs. In this paper, we present a historical record of major alterations of trophic structure by revealing millennium-scale dietary shifts of brown bears (Ursus arctos) on the Hokkaido islands, Japan, using carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope analysis. Dietary analysis of brown bears revealed that salmon consumption by bears in the eastern region of Hokkaido significantly decreased from 19% to 8%. In addition, consumption of terrestrial animals decreased from 56% to 5% in western region and 64% to 8% in eastern region. These dietary shifts are likely to have occurred in the last approximately 100–200 years, which coincides with the beginning of modernisation in this region. Our results suggest that human activities have caused an alteration in the trophic structure of brown bears in the Hokkaido islands. This alteration includes a major decline in the marine-terrestrial linkage in eastern region and a loss of indirect-interactions between bears and wolves, because the interactions potentially enhanced deer predation by brown bears.
miRNA in situ hybridization in circulating tumor cells - MishCTC
Authors: Ortega Francisco G. , Lorente Jose A. , Garcia Puche Jose L. , Ruiz Maria P. , Sanchez-Martin Rosario M. , de Miguel-Pérez Diego , Diaz-Mochon Juan J. , Serrano Maria J.
Published: March 2015

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) must be phenotypically and genetically characterized before they can be utilized in clinical applications. Here, we present the first protocol for the detection of miRNAs in CTCs using in situ hybridization (ISH) combined with immunomagnetic selection based on cytokeratin (CK) expression and immunocytochemistry. Locked-Nucleic Acid (LNA) probes associated with an enzyme-labeled fluorescence (ELF) signal amplification approach were used to detect miRNA-21 in CTCs. This protocol was optimized using both epithelial tumor (MDA-MB468) and epithelial non-tumor (MCF-10A) cell lines and miRNA-21 was selected as the target miRNA because of its known role as an onco-miRNA. Hematopoietic cells do not express miRNA-21; thus, miRNA-21 is an ideal marker for detecting CTCs. Peripheral blood samples were taken from 25 cancer patients and these samples were analyzed using our developed protocol. Of the 25 samples, 11 contained CTCs. For all 11 CTC-positive samples, the isolated CTCs expressed both CK and miRNA-21. Finally, the protocol was applied to monitor miRNA-21 expression in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced MCF-7 cells, an epithelial tumor cell line. CK expression was lost in these cells, whereas miRNA-21 was still expressed, suggesting that miRNA-21 might be a good marker for detecting CTCs with an EMT phenotype.
Detection of single ion channel activity with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Wang Yung Yu , Lim Tae-Sun , Pham Ted , Jain Dheeraj , Burke Peter J.
Published: March 2015

Many processes in life are based on ion currents and membrane voltages controlled by a sophisticated and diverse family of membrane proteins (ion channels), which are comparable in size to the most advanced nanoelectronic components currently under development. Here we demonstrate an electrical assay of individual ion channel activity by measuring the dynamic opening and closing of the ion channel nanopores using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Two canonical dynamic ion channels (gramicidin A (gA) and alamethicin) and one static biological nanopore (α-hemolysin (α-HL)) were successfully incorporated into supported lipid bilayers (SLBs, an artificial cell membrane), which in turn were interfaced to the carbon nanotubes through a variety of polymer-cushion surface functionalization schemes. The ion channel current directly charges the quantum capacitance of a single nanotube in a network of purified semiconducting nanotubes. This work forms the foundation for a scalable, massively parallel architecture of 1d nanoelectronic devices interrogating electrophysiology at the single ion channel level.
Predicting long-term outcome of Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder using fMRI and support vector machine learning
Authors: Månsson K N T , Frick A , Boraxbekk C-J , Marquand A F , Williams S C R , Carlbring P , Andersson G , Furmark T
Published: March 2015

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD), but many patients do not respond sufficiently and a substantial proportion relapse after treatment has ended. Predicting an individual’s long-term clinical response therefore remains an important challenge. This study aimed at assessing neural predictors of long-term treatment outcome in participants with SAD 1 year after completion of Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT). Twenty-six participants diagnosed with SAD underwent iCBT including attention bias modification for a total of 13 weeks. Support vector machines (SVMs), a supervised pattern recognition method allowing predictions at the individual level, were trained to separate long-term treatment responders from nonresponders based on blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses to self-referential criticism. The Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale was the main instrument to determine treatment response at the 1-year follow-up. Results showed that the proportion of long-term responders was 52% (12/23). From multivariate BOLD responses in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) together with the amygdala, we were able to predict long-term response rate of iCBT with an accuracy of 92% (confidence interval 95% 73.2–97.6). This activation pattern was, however, not predictive of improvement in the continuous Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale—Self-report version. Follow-up psychophysiological interaction analyses revealed that lower dACC–amygdala coupling was associated with better long-term treatment response. Thus, BOLD response patterns in the fear-expressing dACC–amygdala regions were highly predictive of long-term treatment outcome of iCBT, and the initial coupling between these regions differentiated long-term responders from nonresponders. The SVM-neuroimaging approach could be of particular clinical value as it allows for accurate prediction of treatment outcome at the level of the individual.
A near-infrared fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen polysulfides biosynthetic pathways in living cells and in vivo
Authors: Gao Min , Wang Rui , Yu Fabiao , You Jinmao , Chen Lingxin
Published: March 2015

We present a new NIR fluorescent probe for the biosynthetic pathways of H2Snin living cells andin vivo.
Development of a selective sorbent based on a magnetic ion imprinted polymer for the preconcentration and FAAS determination of urinary cadmium
Authors: Panjali Zahra , Asgharinezhad Ali Akbar , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Karami Sara , Loni Masood , Rezvani Mehdi , Yarahmadi Rasoul , Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin
Published: March 2015

A polymer-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticle is used as a magnetic sorbent to measure levels of Cd(ii) ions in human urine.
Non-invasive, real-time reporting drug release in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Yin Qian , Yen Jonathan , Li Joanne , Ying Hanze , Wang Hua , Hua Yuyan , Chaney Eric J. , Boppart Stephen A. , Cheng Jianjun
Published: March 2015

Anin vitroandin vivodrug-reporting system is developed for real-time monitoring of drug release via the analysis of the concurrently released near-infrared fluorescence dye.
Spatially confined catalysis-enhanced high-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis
Authors: Yang Liming , Xue Xingjian , Xie Kui
Published: March 2015

Spatially confined catalysis significantly improves the CO2 electrolysis with Faraday efficiency above 90% in a solid-oxide electrolyzer with a TiO2 cathode.
Quantum dots: bright and versatile in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging biosensors
Authors: Wegner K. David , Hildebrandt Niko
Published: March 2015

Colourful cells and tissues: semiconductor quantum dots and their versatile applications in multiplexed bioimaging research.
Electronic band structure and low-temperature transport properties of the type-I clathrate Ba8NixGe46−x−y□y
Authors: Aydemir U. , Candolfi C. , Ormeci A. , Baitinger M. , Burkhardt U. , Oeschler N. , Steglich F. , Grin Yu.
Published: March 2015

This work reports a comprehensive study of the low-temperature transport properties of the type-I clathrates Ba8NixGe46−x−y□y in the homogeneity range (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.1).
Unusual near-white electroluminescence of light emitting diodes based on saddle-shaped porphyrins
Authors: Shahroosvand Hashem , Zakavi Saeed , Sousaraei Ahmad , Mohajerani Ezeddin , Mahmoudi Malek
Published: March 2015

In contrast to the red electroluminescence emission frequently observed in porphyrins based OLED devices, the present devices exhibit a nearly white emission with greenish yellow, yellowish green and blue green hues.
Distribution, partition and removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during coking wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Zhang Wanhui , Wei Chaohai , An Guanfeng
Published: March 2015

In this study, we report the performance of a full-scale conventional activated sludge (A–O1–O2) treatment in eliminating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Observation of bright green luminescence in an Eu2+ complexed graphene oxide composite through reduction of Eu3+
Authors: Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Roy Rajarshi , Mazumder Nilesh , Saha Subhajit , Das Swati , Chattopadhyay Kalyan K.
Published: March 2015

We have demonstrated a simplified reduction technique of Eu3+ to Eu2+ in complexation with an azo-pyridine graphene oxide composite and its effect on photoluminescence.
Structure of a TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide
Authors: Awasthi Shanjana , Anbanandam Asokan , Rodgers Karla K.
Published: March 2015

We have recently identified a toll-like receptor (TLR4)-interacting SPA4 peptide encoding amino acids: GDFRYSDGTPVNYTNWYRGE, a shorter region of human surfactant protein-A (SP-A).
Self-healing and shape memory capabilities of copper-coordination polymer network
Authors: Wang Lin , Di Shubin , Wang Wenxi , Zhou Shaobing
Published: March 2015

A copper-coordination polymer network displays excellent shape memory and high self-healing functions under a mild condition.
Biochemistry instructors' perceptions of analogies and their classroom use
Authors: Orgill MaryKay , Bussey Thomas J. , Bodner George M.
Published: March 2015

Biochemistry education relies heavily on students' abilities to conceptualize abstract cellular and molecular processes, mechanisms, and components. From a constructivist standpoint, students build their understandings of these abstract processes by connecting, expanding, or revising their prior conceptions and experiences. As such, biochemistry instructors often use analogies to teach difficult or hard-to-visualize topics to their classes by relating these target concepts to more commonplace analogs with which their students may already be familiar. For example, the binding of an enzyme to its substrate is often compared to a lock and a key; and ATP is frequently referred to as a cellular energy currency in discussions of metabolism and reaction coupling. Although the use of analogies in biochemistry classrooms is fairly common, the specific ways biochemistry instructors use analogies differ from instructor to instructor and class to class. In this article, we discuss biochemistry instructors' perceptions of the use of analogies in their classroom instruction. Specifically, we discuss (1) biochemistry instructors' objectives for using analogies, (2) their perceptions of the potential disadvantages associated with analogy use, (3) the sources of the analogies they use in their classes, and (4) the ways they perceive that analogies should be presented in class to promote student learning of biochemical concepts.
White light emission of IFP-1 by in situ co-doping of the MOF pore system with Eu3+and Tb3+
Authors: Mondal Suvendu Sekhar , Behrens Karsten , Matthes Philipp R. , Schönfeld Fabian , Nitsch Jörn , Steffen Andreas , Primus Philipp-Alexander , Kumke Michael U. , Müller-Buschbaum Klaus , Holdt Hans-Jürgen
Published: March 2015

A three color white light emitting MOF with temperature and dopant dependent chromaticity is achieved by in situ co-doping of IFP-1 with lanthanide ions.
Euphorbia tirucalli aqueous extract induces cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and changes in antioxidant gene expression in human leukocytes
Authors: Waczuk Emily Pansera , Kamdem Jean Paul , Abolaji Amos Olalekan , Meinerz Daiane Francine , Caeran Bueno Diones , do Nascimento Gonzaga Thallita Karla Silva , do Canto Dorow Thais Scotti , Boligon Aline Augusti , Athayde Margareth Linde , da Rocha João Batista Teixeira , Ávila Daiana Silva
Published: March 2015

The medicinal use ofEuphorbia tirucallihas to be made with caution, as our study indicates that the aqueous extract induces genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in human leukocytes
Ah receptor pathway intricacies; signaling through diverse protein partners and DNA-motifs
Authors: Jackson D. P. , Joshi A. D. , Elferink C. J.
Published: March 2015

The Ah receptor is a transcription factor that modulates gene expressionviainteractions with multiple protein partners; these are reviewed, including the novel NC-XRE pathway involving KLF6.
A novel pyrazine derivative as a “turn on” fluorescent sensor for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Al3+
Authors: Li Chao-rui , Qin Jing-can , Wang Guan-qun , Wang Bao-dui , Yang Zheng-yin
Published: March 2015

Pyrazine derivative 1 for selective detection of Al3+ with fluorescence enhancement.
Selection, identification, and application of dual DNA aptamers against Shigella sonnei
Authors: Gong Wenhui , Duan Nuo , Wu Shijia , Huang Yukun , Chen Xiujuan , Wang Zhouping
Published: March 2015

An illustration of the aptamer selection round procedure based on whole-bacterium SELEX.
Preparation of an Al2O3/SiO2 core–shell composite material for solid phase extraction of flavonoids
Authors: Liu Houmei , Guo Yong , Wang Xusheng , Liang Xiaojing , Liu Xia
Published: March 2015

Al2O3/SiO2 has been prepared and used as a sorbent for solid-phase extraction of flavonoids.
Co-delivery of proapoptotic peptide and p53 DNA by reduction-sensitive polypeptides for cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Si , Rong Lei , Jia Hui-Zhen , Qin Si-Yong , Zeng Xuan , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: March 2015

The xPolyR8–KLA(TPP)/p53 complex releases the p53 gene and C-KLA(TPP) in the cytoplasm, and initiates a more efficient cell apoptosis due to the regulation of both apoptotic pathways through p53 and C-KLA(TPP).
Spontaneous resolution upon crystallization of allenyl-bis-phosphine oxides
Authors: Gangadhararao G. , Tulichala R. N. Prasad , Swamy K. C. Kumara
Published: March 2015

The first example of ‘spontaneous resolution by crystallization’ in allene chemistry, by means of crystal structures and solid state CD spectra of the R and S enantiomers, is presented.
Photochemical hydrogen production from water catalyzed by CdTe quantum dots/molecular cobalt catalyst hybrid systems
Authors: Han Kai , Wang Mei , Zhang Shuai , Wu Suli , Yang Yong , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2015

A hybrid system with a coordinative interaction between a N2S2-coordinated cobalt complex and CdTe quantum dots displayed a TON of 1.44 × 104 based on catalyst over 30 h for the photochemical H2 generation in water, with a quantum efficiency of 5.32% at 400 nm.
Fluorescence responsive conjugated poly(tetraphenylethene) and its morphological transition from micelle to vesicle
Authors: He Lipeng , Liu Xiaoning , Liang Jianjun , Cong Yong , Weng Zhenyu , Bu Weifeng
Published: March 2015

A crown ether-functionalized poly(tetraphenylethene) (AP-TPE) is synthesized and the rotation of the TPE group is successfully restricted, leading to a stepwise enhanced fluorescence accompanied by a morphological transition from micellar to vesicular.
Chemiluminescence detection of DNA/microRNA based on cation-exchange of CuS nanoparticles and rolling circle amplification
Authors: Zhang Xiaoru , Liu Hongxia , Li Ruijuan , Zhang Ningbo , Xiong Ying , Niu Shuyan
Published: March 2015

Cation-exchange-based chemiluminescence amplification was developed. After amplification by rolling circle amplification, the proposed strategy was used to detect miRNA sensitively.
A phase-transfer assisted solvo-thermal strategy for low-temperature synthesis of Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x cathodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Junmei , Mu Linqin , Qi Yuruo , Hu Yong-Sheng , Liu Huizhou , Dai Sheng
Published: March 2015

A series of Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x (x = 0, 0.5 and 1) compounds with superior Na storage performance can be synthesized by a phase-transfer assisted solvo-thermal strategy at a rather low temperature (120 °C) in one simple step.
A charge-disproportionate ordered state with δ = 0.75 in a chemically sensitive donor/acceptor Dδ+2A2δ−layered framework
Authors: Fukunaga Hiroki , Yoshino Takafumi , Sagayama Hajime , Yamaura Jun-ichi , Arima Taka-hisa , Kosaka Wataru , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

A novel charge-disproportionation state withδ= 0.75 was observed in an electron-donor (D)/-acceptor (A) Dδ+2A2δ−layered framework by chemically tuning the electron-donating affinity of D.
Mussel-inspired nanofibrous sheet for suture-less stomach incision surgery
Authors: Jiang J. , Wan W. , Ge L. , Bu S. , Zhong W. , Xing M.
Published: March 2015

We report a dopamine-based crosslinker-conjugated gelatin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous sheet. The nanosheet was then employed to treat stomach incisions without sutures during surgery.
Elucidating the conformational energetics of glucose and cellobiose in ionic liquids
Authors: Bharadwaj Vivek S. , Schutt Timothy C. , Ashurst Timothy C. , Maupin C. Mark
Published: March 2015

The energetics driving the conformational preference of the ω dihedral of glucose and the φ–ψ dihedrals of cellobiose solvated in imidazolium acetate ionic liquids and water are elucidated and compared.
Role of the nanocrystallinity on the chemical ordering of CoxPt100−x nanocrystals synthesized by wet chemistry
Authors: Kameche Farid , Ngo Anh-Tu , Salzemann Caroline , Cordeiro Marco , Sutter Eli , Petit Christophe
Published: March 2015

In situ heating TEM reveals the influence of the nanocrystallinity on the ordering transition of CoPt nanoalloys.
Rationally designed molecular beacons for bioanalytical and biomedical applications
Authors: Zheng Jing , Yang Ronghua , Shi Muling , Wu Cuichen , Fang Xiaohong , Li Yinhui , Li Jishan , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2015

This review surveys advances in bioanalytical and biomedical applications of rationally designed MBs.
Multiple roles of graphene in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Fan Xiaobin , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao
Published: March 2015

This review provides a brief but comprehensive understanding of the different roles of graphene in heterogeneous catalysis,i.e., its use as a catalyst support and its intrinsic catalytic properties originating from the defects and heteroatom-containing functionalities.
Facile synthesis of a novel polymeric ionic liquid gel and its excellent performance for hexavalent chromium removal
Authors: Wang Shuojue , Ma Hui-Ling , Peng Jing , Zhang Youwei , Chen Jian , Wang Liangliang , Xu Ling , Li Jiuqiang , Zhai Maolin
Published: March 2015

A novel polymeric ionic liquid gel was prepared by gamma radiation at room temperature and showed a preeminent adsorption ability toward Cr(vi).
Covalent attachment of diphosphine ligands to glassy carbon electrodes via Cu-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition. Metallation with Ni(ii)
Authors: Das Atanu K. , Engelhard Mark H. , Lense Sheri , Roberts John A. S. , Bullock R. Morris
Published: March 2015

Covalent tethering of a P2N2 ligand to a planar, azide-terminated glassy carbon electrode surface was accomplished using a CuI-catalyzed “click” reaction, followed by metallation with NiII.
Colorless organometallic ionic liquids from cationic ruthenium sandwich complexes: thermal properties, liquid properties, and crystal structures of [Ru(η5-C5H5)(η6-C6H5R)][X] (X = N(SO2CF3)2, N(SO2F)2, PF6)
Authors: Komurasaki Aina , Funasako Yusuke , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: March 2015

Colorless and stable metal-containing ionic liquids were prepared from cationic Ru(ii) sandwich complexes, and their liquid properties were investigated in detail.
Preparation and characterization of 3,5-dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Haiges R. , Bélanger-Chabot G. , Kaplan S. M. , Christe K. O.
Published: March 2015

3,5-Dinitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole was isolated as an impact and friction sensitive solid, and fully characterized for the first time. The compound decomposes explosively upon heating to 170 °C. Impurities might lower the decomposition temperature and increase the sensitivity of the material.
Tracking the structural arrangement of ions in carbon supercapacitor nanopores using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Prehal C. , Weingarth D. , Perre E. , Lechner R. T. , Amenitsch H. , Paris O. , Presser V.
Published: March 2015

In situ small-angle X-ray scattering gives new insights into global ion exchange as well as into local re-arrangement of ions across the nanopores of activated carbon supercapacitors.
The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extracts of Penthorum chinense Pursh against acute alcohol-induced liver injury is associated with ameliorating hepatic steatosis and reducing oxidative stress
Authors: Cao Yi-Wei , Jiang Yun , Zhang Da-Yong , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Hu Yuan-Jia , Li Peng , Su Huanxing , Wan Jian-Bo
Published: March 2015

Aqueous extracts ofPenthorum chinensePursh, a health food and folk medicine, protects against acute alcohol-induced liver injury.
Fluorine gas for life science syntheses: green metrics to assess selective direct fluorination for the synthesis of 2-fluoromalonate esters
Authors: Harsanyi Antal , Sandford Graham
Published: March 2015

Green metric assessment of the one step synthesis of 2-fluoromalonate esters using fluorine gas compares favourably with established multistep processes.
An optofluidic constriction chip for monitoring metastatic potential and drug response of cancer cells
Authors: Martinez Vazquez R. , Nava G. , Veglione M. , Yang T. , Bragheri F. , Minzioni P. , Bianchi E. , Di Tano M. , Chiodi I. , Osellame R. , Mondello C. , Cristiani I.
Published: March 2015

We present a new optofluidic device with a calibrated microconstriction for the analysis of cellular deformability.
3D-printed system optimizing dissolution of hyperpolarized gaseous species for micro-sized NMR
Authors: Causier A. , Carret G. , Boutin C. , Berthelot T. , Berthault P.
Published: March 2015

A microbubble pump built by 3D printing ensures efficient dissolution of hyperpolarized gaseous species for micro-sized NMR.
Elucidating the interaction of γ-hydroxymethyl-γ-butyrolactone substituents with model membranes and protein kinase C–C1 domains
Authors: Borah Rituparna , Mamidi Narsimha , Panda Subhankar , Gorai Sukhamoy , Pathak Suraj Kumar , Manna Debasis
Published: March 2015

Investigation of γ-hydroxymethyl-γ-butyrolactone substituents as protein kinase C ligands, in an effort to develop small molecule-based regulators with higher specificity for C1 domain than the endogenous ligand, diacylglycerols.
Single step, high yield synthesis of para-hydroxy functionalized POCOP ligands and their Ni(ii) pincer derivatives
Authors: García-Eleno Marco A. , Padilla-Mata Esteban , Estudiante-Negrete Fabiola , Pichal-Cerda Francisco , Hernández-Ortega Simón , Toscano Rubén A. , Morales-Morales David
Published: March 2015

A facile and efficient method is provided for the production of phosphinito ligands [C6H3-5-OH-1,3-(OPR2)2] and their pincer complexes [NiCl{C6H2-4-OH-2,6-(OPR2)2}].
Piperazine derivatives of boronic acids – potential bifunctional biologically active compounds
Authors: Adamczyk-Woźniak Agnieszka , Czerwińska Karolina , Madura Izabela D. , Matuszewska Alicja , Sporzyński Andrzej , Żubrowska-Zembrzuska Anna
Published: March 2015

The combination of a piperazine and boronic groups within one molecule can result in a totally novel biological activity.
Structure-fluorescence relationship: interplay of non-covalent interactions in homologous 1,3,5-triaryl-2-pyrazolines
Authors: Abbas Asghar , Flores-Holguin Norma , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam
Published: March 2015

A series of new homologous 1,3,5-triaryl-2-pyrazolines have been synthesized to understand the interplay of non-covalent interactions in the context of a structure-fluorescence relationship.
Organometallic sulfur complexes: reactivity of the hydrogen sulfide anion with cobaloximes
Authors: Strianese Maria , Mirra Silvia , Bertolasi Valerio , Milione Stefano , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: March 2015

The hydrogen sulfide anion selectively and reversibly displaces pyridine in cobaloxime. A rare trisulfido-bridged dinuclear complex was isolated and characterized.
Polyhydroxylated [60]fullerene binds specifically to functional recognition sites on a monomeric and a dimeric ubiquitin
Authors: Zanzoni Serena , Ceccon Alberto , Assfalg Michael , Singh Rajesh K. , Fushman David , D'Onofrio Mariapina
Published: March 2015

Fullerenol binds specifically to a functional surface patch on ubiquitin, thereby preventing chain formation. The nanoparticle also interacts with a covalent ubiquitin dimer, targeting a physiological recognition site.
Synthesis and evaluation of 1,2-trans alkyl galactofuranoside mimetics as mycobacteriostatic agents
Authors: Dureau Rémy , Gicquel Maxime , Artur Isabelle , Guégan Jean-Paul , Carboni Bertrand , Ferrières Vincent , Berrée Fabienne , Legentil Laurent
Published: March 2015

The strong interaction of an octyl chain with M. smegmatis cells was paired with high specificity of the galactofuranose ring against mycobacteria growth.
Pd-catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular α-arylation of α-substituted cyclic ketones: facile synthesis of functionalized chiral spirobicycles
Authors: Fan Lulu , Takizawa Shinobu , Takeuchi Yoshiki , Takenaka Kazuhiro , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: March 2015

Synthesis of chiral spirocyclic ketones was accomplishedviathe Pd-catalyzed intramolecular α-arylation of α-substituted cyclic ketones. The obtained spirocyclic ketone could be converted into an acid–base organocatalyst.
A thermoresponsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-sulfobetaine methacrylate) zwitterionic hydrogel exhibiting switchable anti-biofouling and cytocompatibility
Authors: Yang Boguang , Wang Changyong , Zhang Yabin , Ye Lei , Qian Yufeng , Shu Yao , Wang Jinmei , Li Junjie , Yao Fanglian
Published: March 2015

A new class of hydrogels were prepared from the combination of the non-ionic VCL with zwitterionic SBMA monomers, exhibiting anti-biofouling and cytocompatibility.
End-capped poly(4,5-dichlorophthalaldehyde): a stable self-immolative poly(aldehyde) for translating specific inputs into amplified outputs, both in solution and the solid state
Authors: DiLauro Anthony M. , Phillips Scott T.
Published: March 2015

Poly(4,5-dichlorophthalaldehyde) is a new self-immolative CDr polymer that is substantially more stable than poly(phthalaldehyde), yet retains its favorable attributes.
A simple route to deuterated polystyrene block copolymers by reverse iodine transfer polymerisation
Authors: Wright Trevor Gavin , Pasch Harald
Published: March 2015

For the first time, deuterated polystyrene block copolymers were synthesized by RITP and analysed by advanced fractionation and spectroscopic methods.
An alkyne hydrosilylation–Hiyama coupling approach to highly functionalised 1,3-dienes
Authors: McAdam Catherine A. , McLaughlin Mark G. , Cook Matthew J.
Published: March 2015

A high yielding and completely stereoselective hydrosilylation–Hiyama protocol has been established for the synthesis of highly functionalised E,E-dienes.
Catalytic properties and deactivation behavior of H-MCM-22 in the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Huang Lizhi , Li Junfen , Dong Mei , Wang Jianguo , Tatsumi Takashi , Fan Weibin
Published: March 2015

The catalytic properties of MTH process over H-MCM-22 catalyst with Si/Al ratio of 13.5–47 and the dealuminated samples were investigated systematically.
High dielectric constant and low loss of polymeric dielectric composites filled by carbon nanotubes adhering BaTiO3 hybrid particles
Authors: Liu Z. D. , Feng Y. , Li W. L.
Published: March 2015

We reported the preparation of carbon nanotubes adhering BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BT@CNTs) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and the method to obtain the polymer composites with high dielectric constant and low loss.
Facile access to poly(DMAEMA-co-AA) hydrogels via infrared laser-ignited frontal polymerization and their polymerization in the horizontal direction
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Cai-Feng , Chen Su
Published: March 2015

pH sensitive hydrogels are fabricated via infrared laser-ignited frontal polymerization (LIFP), and LIFP in the horizontal direction is employed towards dye adsorption.