bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Few-layer HfS2 transistors
Authors: Kanazawa Toru , Amemiya Tomohiro , Ishikawa Atsushi , Upadhyaya Vikrant , Tsuruta Kenji , Tanaka Takuo , Miyamoto Yasuyuki
Published: March 2016

HfS2 is the novel transition metal dichalcogenide, which has not been experimentally investigated as the material for electron devices. As per the theoretical calculations, HfS2 has the potential for well-balanced mobility (1,800 cm2/V·s) and bandgap (1.2 eV) and hence it can be a good candidate for realizing low-power devices. In this paper, the fundamental properties of few-layer HfS2 flakes were experimentally evaluated. Micromechanical exfoliation using scotch tape extracted atomically thin HfS2 flakes with varying colour contrasts associated with the number of layers and resonant Raman peaks. We demonstrated the I-V characteristics of the back-gated few-layer (3.8 nm) HfS2 transistor with the robust current saturation. The on/off ratio was more than 104 and the maximum drain current of 0.2 μA/μm was observed. Moreover, using the electric double-layer gate structure with LiClO4:PEO electrolyte, the drain current of the HfS2 transistor significantly increased to 0.75 mA/μm and the mobility was estimated to be 45 cm2/V·s at least. This improved current seemed to indicate superior intrinsic properties of HfS2. These results provides the basic information for the experimental researches of electron devices based on HfS2.
Triple-site rTMS for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lehner Astrid , Schecklmann Martin , Greenlee Mark W. , Rupprecht Rainer , Langguth Berthold
Published: March 2016

Recent research indicates that tinnitus is related to alterations of neural networks including temporal, parietal, and prefrontal brain regions. The current study examines a rTMS protocol which targets three central nodes of these networks in a two-arm randomized parallel group trial. Overall, 49 patients with chronic tinnitus were randomized to receive either triple-site stimulation (left dorsolateral prefrontal stimulation, 1000 pulses, 20 Hz plus left and right temporoparietal stimulation, 1000 pulses each, 1 Hz) or single-site stimulation (left temporoparietal stimulation, 3000 pulses, 1 Hz). Both groups were treated in ten sessions. Tinnitus severity as measured by the tinnitus questionnaire was assessed before rTMS (day1), after rTMS (day12) and at two follow-up visits (day 90 and day 180). The triple-site protocol was well tolerated. There was a significant reduction in tinnitus severity for both treatment groups. The triple-site group tended to show a more pronounced treatment effect at day 90. However, the measurement time point x group interaction effect was not significant. The current results confirm former studies that indicated a significant reduction of tinnitus severity after rTMS treatment. No significant superiority of the multisite protocol was observed. Future approaches for the enhancement of treatment effects are discussed.
Strong orbital interaction in a weak CH-π hydrogen bonding system
Authors: Li Jianfu , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: March 2016

For the first time, the intermolecular orbital interaction between benzene and methane in the benzene-methane complex, a representative of weak interaction system, has been studied by us using ab initio calculations based on different methods and basis sets. Our results demonstrate obvious intermolecular orbital interaction between benzene and methane involving orbital overlaps including both occupied and unoccupied orbitals. Similar to interatomic orbital interaction, the intermolecular interaction of orbitals forms “bonding” and “antibonding” orbitals. In the interaction between occupied orbitals, the total energy of the complex increases because of the occupation of the antibonding orbital. The existence of the CH-π hydrogen bond between benzene and methane causes a decrease in rest energy level, leading to at least −1.51 kcal/mol intermolecular interaction energy. Our finding extends the concept of orbital interaction from the intramolecular to the intermolecular regime and gives a reliable explanation of the deep orbital reformation in the benzene-methane complex.
Attenuated Leishmania induce pro-inflammatory mediators and influence leishmanicidal activity by p38 MAPK dependent phagosome maturation in Leishmania donovani co-infected macrophages
Authors: Banerjee Somenath , Bose Dipayan , Chatterjee Nabanita , Das Subhadip , Chakraborty Sreeparna , Das Tanya , Saha Krishna Das
Published: March 2016

Promastigote form of Leishmania, an intracellular pathogen, delays phagosome maturation and resides inside macrophages. But till date limited study has been done to manipulate the phagosomal machinery of macrophages to restrict Leishmania growth. Attenuated Leishmania strain exposed RAW 264.7 cells showed a respiratory burst and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory mediators. The augmentation of pro-inflammatory activity is mostly attributed to p38 MAPK and p44/42 MAPK. In our study, these activated macrophages are found to induce phagosome maturation when infected with pathogenic Leishmania donovani. Increased co-localization of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester labeled pathogenic L. donovani with Lysosome was found. Moreover, increased co-localization was observed between pathogenic L. donovani and late phagosomal markers viz. Rab7, Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 1, Cathepsin D, Rab9 and V-ATPase which indicate phagosome maturation. It was also observed that inhibition of V-type ATPase caused significant hindrance in attenuated Leishmania induced phagosome maturation. Finally, it was confirmed that p38 MAPK is the key player in acidification and maturation of phagosome in attenuated Leishmania strain pre-exposed macrophages. To our knowledge, this study for the first time reported an approach to induce phagosome maturation in L. donovani infected macrophages which could potentiate short-term prophylactic response in future.
An investigation of the effects of stage of ensilage on Nassella neesiana seeds, for reducing seed viability and injury to livestock
Authors: Weller S. L. , Florentine S. K. , Sillitoe J. F. , Grech C. J. , McLaren D. A.
Published: March 2016

The noxious weed Nassella neesiana is established on a wide range of productive land throughout southeastern Australia. N. neesiana seeds, when mature, are sharp, causing injury to livestock, thus posing a problem in fodder bales. To reduce infestations of agricultural weeds in situ, production of silage from weed-infested pastures is practised as part of integrated weed management (IWM). However, there is little data to demonstrate whether this process is useful to reduce infestations or the harmful properties of N. neesiana. Therefore, the minimum duration of ensilage required to reduce the viability of N. neesiana seeds was investigated, both with and without addition of ensilage inoculants in this process. Also, the decreasing propensity of the seeds to injure livestock, after various times and conditions of ensilage, was assessed. Ensilage inoculant reduced seed germination probability to zero after 35 days. When no inoculant was added, zero viability was achieved after 42 days. A qualitative assessment of the hardness of ensilaged seeds found seed husks were softer (and therefore safer) after 42 days, whether inoculant was used or not. Therefore, we suggest that both the viability of N. neesiana seeds and hardness of seed casings are significantly reduced after 42 days, thereby reducing the risks of seed dispersal and injury to livestock.
Transmembrane Domain Lengths Serve as Signatures of Organismal Complexity and Viral Transport Mechanisms
Authors: Singh Snigdha , Mittal Aditya
Published: March 2016

It is known that membrane proteins are important in various secretory pathways, with a possible role of their transmembrane domains (TMDs) as sorting determinant factors. One key aspect of TMDs associated with various “checkposts” (i.e. organelles) of intracellular trafficking is their length. To explore possible linkages in organisms with varying “complexity” and differences in TMD lengths of membrane proteins associated with different organelles (such as Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi, Endosomes, Nucleus, Plasma Membrane), we analyzed ~70000 membrane protein sequences in over 300 genomes of fungi, plants, non-mammalian vertebrates and mammals. We report that as we move from simpler to complex organisms, variation in organellar TMD lengths decreases, especially compared to their respective plasma membranes, with increasing organismal complexity. This suggests an evolutionary pressure in modulating length of TMDs of membrane proteins with increasing complexity of communication between sub-cellular compartments. We also report functional applications of our findings by discovering remarkable distinctions in TMD lengths of membrane proteins associated with different intracellular transport pathways. Finally, we show that TMD lengths extracted from viral proteins can serve as somewhat weak indicators of viral replication sites in plant cells but very strong indicators of different entry pathways employed by animal viruses.
Natural Silk as a Photonics Component: a Study on Its Light Guiding and Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Kujala Sami , Mannila Anna , Karvonen Lasse , Kieu Khanh , Sun Zhipei
Published: March 2016

Silk fibers are expected to become a pathway to biocompatible and bioresorbable waveguides, which could be used to deliver localized optical power for various applications, e.g., optical therapy or imaging inside living tissue. Here, for the first time, the linear and nonlinear optical properties of natural silk fibers have been studied. The waveguiding properties of silk fibroin of largely unprocessed Bombyx mori silkworm silk are assessed using two complementary methods and found to be on the average 2.8 dB mm−1. The waveguide losses of degummed silk are to a large extent due to scattering from debris on fiber surface and helical twisting of the fiber. Nonlinear optical microscopy reveals both configurational defects such as torsional twisting and strong symmetry breaking at the center of the fiber, which provides potential for various nonlinear applications. Our results show that nonregenerated B. mori silk can be used for delivering optical power over short distances, when the waveguide needs to be biocompatible and bioresorbable, such as embedding the waveguide inside living tissue.
ES1 is a mitochondrial enlarging factor contributing to form mega-mitochondria in zebrafish cones
Authors: Masuda Takamasa , Wada Yasutaka , Kawamura Satoru
Published: March 2016

Total mass of mitochondria increases during cell proliferation and differentiation through mitochondrial biogenesis, which includes mitochondrial proliferation and growth. During the mitochondrial growth, individual mitochondria have been considered to be enlarged independently of mitochondrial fusion. However, molecular basis for this enlarging process has been poorly understood. Cone photoreceptor cells in the retina possess large mitochondria, so-called mega-mitochondria that have been considered to arise via the enlarging process. Here we show that ES1 is a novel mitochondria-enlarging factor contributing to form mega-mitochondria in cones. ES1 is specifically expressed in cones and localized to mitochondria including mega-mitochondria. Knockdown of ES1 markedly reduced the mitochondrial size in cones. In contrast, ectopic expression of ES1 in rods significantly increased both the size of individual mitochondria and the total mass of the mitochondrial cluster without changing the number of them. RNA-seq analysis showed that ERRα and its downstream mitochondrial genes were significantly up-regulated in the ES1-expressing rods, suggesting facilitation of mitochondrial enlargement via ERRα-dependent processes. Furthermore, higher energy state was detected in the ES1-expressing rods, indicating that the enlarged mitochondria by ES1 are capable of producing high energy. ES1 is the mitochondrial protein that is first found to promote enlargement of individual mitochondria.
LncRNA PANDAR regulates the G1/S transition of breast cancer cells by suppressing p16INK4A expression
Authors: Sang Yi , Tang Jianjun , Li Siwei , Li Liping , Tang XiaoFeng , Cheng Chun , Luo Yanqin , Qian Xia , Deng Liang-Ming , Liu Lijuan , Lv Xiao-Bin
Published: March 2016

It has been reported that lncRNA PANDAR (promoter of CDKN1A antisense DNA damage-activated RNA) is induced as a result of DNA damage, and it regulates the reparation of DNA damage. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA PANDAR in the progression of breast cancer and found that PANDAR was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. The knockdown of PANDAR suppresses G1/S transition of breast cancer cells. We demonstrated mechanistically that the regulation of G1/S transition by PANDAR was partly due to the transcriptional modulation of p16INK4A. Moreover, we showed that PANDAR impacted p16INK4A expression by regulating the recruitment Bmi1 to p16INK4A promoter. To our knowledge, this is the first study which showed the functional roles and mechanisms of PANDAR in regulating the progression of breast cancer. The PANDAR/Bmi1/p16INK4A axis could serve as novel targets for breast cancer therapy.
Reciprocal Changes of Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs ZFAS1 and CDR1AS Predict Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Lihua , Xuan Lina , Pan Zhenwei , Li Kang , Liu Shuangshuang , Huang Yuechao , Zhao Xuyun , Huang Lihua , Wang Zhiguo , Hou Yan , Li Junnan , Tian Ye , Yu Jiahui , Han Hui , Liu Yanhong , Gao Fei , Zhang Yong , Wang Shu , Du Zhimin , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: March 2016

This study sought to evaluate the potential of circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We measured the circulating levels of 15 individual lncRNAs, known to be relevant to cardiovascular disease, using the whole blood samples collected from 103 AMI patients, 149 non-AMI subjects and 95 healthy volunteers. We found that only two of them, Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) and Cdr1 antisense (CDR1AS), showed significant differential expression between AMI patients and control subjects. Circulating level of ZFAS1 was significantly lower in AMI (0.74 ± 0.07) than in non-AMI subjects (1.0 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001), whereas CDR1AS showed the opposite changes with its blood level markedly higher in AMI (2.18 ± 0.24) than in non-AMI subjects (1.0 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001). When comparison was made between AMI and non-AMI, the area under ROC curve was 0.664 for ZFAS1 alone or 0.671 for CDR1AS alone and 0.691 for ZFAS1 and CDR1AS combination. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified these two lncRNAs as independent predictors for AMI. Similar changes of circulating ZFAS1 and CDR1AS were consistently observed in an AMI mouse model. Reciprocal changes of circulating ZFAS1 and CDR1AS independently predict AMI and may be considered novel biomarkers of AMI.
Effects of ultrasonication on increased germination and improved seedling growth of aged grass seeds of tall fescue and Russian wildrye
Authors: Liu Juan , Wang Quanzhen , Karagić Đura , Liu Xv , Cui Jian , Gui Jing , Gu Muyu , Gao Wei
Published: March 2016

The effects of ultrasonic treatments on the germination and seedling growth of aged tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and Russian wild rye (Psathyrostaehys juncea Nevski) seeds were determined using orthogonal matrix experimental design with four ultrasonic factors. The multivariate analysis of variance detected significant differences and coupling effects of the pair-wise factors. The activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) and the Malondialdehyde (MDA) content were affected. The ultrasonic treatments had positive effects on the germination percentage (GP) of the aged seeds and the growth of the seedlings (GS) and therefore we provided a basic evidence for the application of ultrasonic treatment to pretreat aged grass seeds. For the four ultrasonic factors, the optimal conditions were a sonication time of 36.7 min, a sonication temperature of 35 °C, an output power of 367 W and a seed soaking time 4.1 h after binary quadratic regressions analyses. The ultrasonic treatment has the potential to improve seedling growth. Moreover, the longevity of the tall fescue and the Russian wild rye seeds was approximately 9.5 and 11.5 years, respectively, under natural conditions of storage. The physiological mechanisms that might contribute to the improved GP and GS were discussed.
A triterpenoid from wild bitter gourd inhibits breast cancer cells
Authors: Bai Li-Yuan , Chiu Chang-Fang , Chu Po-Chen , Lin Wei-Yu , Chiu Shih-Jiuan , Weng Jing-Ru
Published: March 2016

The antitumor activity of 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (TCD), a triterpenoid isolated from wild bitter gourd, in breast cancer cells was investigated. TCD suppressed the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with IC50 values at 72 h of 19 and 23 μM, respectively, via a PPARγ−independent manner. TCD induced cell apoptosis accompanied with pleiotrophic biological modulations including down-regulation of Akt-NF-κB signaling, up-regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and p53, increased reactive oxygen species generation, inhibition of histone deacetylases protein expression and cytoprotective autophagy. Together, these findings provided the translational value of TCD and wild bitter gourd as an antitumor agent for patients with breast cancer.
Ligand-dependent responses of the silkworm prothoracicotropic hormone receptor, Torso, are maintained by unusual intermolecular disulfide bridges in the transmembrane region
Authors: Konogami Tadafumi , Yang Yiwen , Ogihara Mari H. , Hikiba Juri , Kataoka Hiroshi , Saito Kazuki
Published: March 2016

The insect membrane-protein, Torso, is a member of the receptor-tyrosine-kinase family and is activated by its ligand, prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH). Although PTTH is one of the most important regulators of insect development, the mechanism of Torso activation by the hormone has remained elusive. In this study, using heterologous expression in cultured Drosophila S2 cells, we detected ligand-independent dimerization of silkworm Torso and found that the receptor molecules in the dimer were linked by intermolecular disulfide bridges. By examining the oligomerization states of several truncation and substitution mutants of Torso, atypical cysteine residues in the transmembrane region were identified as being responsible for the intermolecular linkage in the dimer. The replacement of all of the cysteines in the region with phenylalanines abolished the disulfide-bond-mediated dimerization; however, non-covalent dimerization of the mutant was detected using a cross-linking reagent, both with and without ligand stimulation. This non-covalent dimerization caused apparent receptor autophosphorylation independently of the ligand stimulation, but did not promote the ERK phosphorylation in the downstream signaling pathway. The unique Torso structure with the intermolecular disulfide bridges in the transmembrane region is necessary to maintain the ligand-dependent receptor functions of autophosphorylation and downstream activation.
Deletion of AS87_03730 gene changed the bacterial virulence and gene expression of Riemerella anatipestifer
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Yue Jiaping , Ding Chan , Wang Shaohui , Liu Beibei , Tian Mingxing , Yu Shengqing
Published: March 2016

Riemerella anatipestifer is an important pathogen of waterfowl, which causes septicemia anserum exsudativa in ducks. In this study, an AS87_03730 gene deletion R. anatipestifer mutant Yb2ΔAS87_03730 was constructed to investigate the role of AS87_03730 on R. anatipestifer virulence and gene regulation. By deleting a 708-bp fragment from AS87_03730, the mutant Yb2ΔAS87_03730 showed a significant decreased growth rate in TSB and invasion capacity in Vero cells, compared to wild-type strain Yb2. Moreover, the median lethal dose (LD50) of Yb2ΔAS87_03730 was 1.24 × 107 colony forming units (CFU), which is about 80-fold attenuated than that of Yb2 (LD50 = 1.53 × 105 CFU). Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis and Real-time PCR indicated 19 up-regulated and two down-regulated genes in Yb2ΔAS87_03730. Functional analysis revealed that 12 up-regulated genes were related to “Translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis”, two were classified into “Cell envelope biogenesis, outer membrane”, one was involved in “Amino acid transport and metabolism”, and the other four had unknown functions. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis indicated that the AS87_03730 gene is highly conserved among R. anatipestifer strains, as the percent sequence identity was over 93.5%. This study presents evidence that AS87_03730 gene is involved in bacterial virulence and gene regulation of R. anatipestifer.
A programmable nanoreplica molding for the fabrication of nanophotonic devices
Authors: Liu Longju , Zhang Jingxiang , Badshah Mohsin Ali , Dong Liang , Li Jingjing , Kim Seok-min , Lu Meng
Published: March 2016

The ability to fabricate periodic structures with sub-wavelength features has a great potential for impact on integrated optics, optical sensors, and photovoltaic devices. Here, we report a programmable nanoreplica molding process to fabricate a variety of sub-micrometer periodic patterns using a single mold. The process utilizes a stretchable mold to produce the desired periodic structure in a photopolymer on glass or plastic substrates. During the replica molding process, a uniaxial force is applied to the mold and results in changes of the periodic structure, which resides on the surface of the mold. Direction and magnitude of the force determine the array geometry, including the lattice constant and arrangement. By stretching the mold, 2D arrays with square, rectangular, and triangular lattice structures can be fabricated. As one example, we present a plasmonic crystal device with surface plasmon resonances determined by the force applied during molding. In addition, photonic crystal slabs with different array patterns are fabricated and characterized. This unique process offers the capability of generating various periodic nanostructures rapidly and inexpensively.
Seafloor doming driven by degassing processes unveils sprouting volcanism in coastal areas
Authors: Passaro Salvatore , Tamburrino Stella , Vallefuoco Mattia , Tassi Franco , Vaselli Orlando , Giannini Luciano , Chiodini Giovanni , Caliro Stefano , Sacchi Marco , Rizzo Andrea Luca , Ventura Guido
Published: March 2016

We report evidences of active seabed doming and gas discharge few kilometers offshore from the Naples harbor (Italy). Pockmarks, mounds and craters characterize the seabed. These morphologies represent the top of shallow crustal structures including pagodas, faults and folds affecting the present-day seabed. They record upraise, pressurization and release of He and CO2 from mantle melts and decarbonation reactions of crustal rocks. These gases are likely similar to those that feed the hydrothermal systems of the Ischia, Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvius active volcanoes, suggesting the occurrence of a mantle source variously mixed to crustal fluids beneath the Gulf of Naples. The seafloor swelling and breaching by gas upraising and pressurization processes require overpressures in the order of 2–3 MPa. Seabed doming, faulting and gas discharge are manifestations of non-volcanic unrests potentially preluding submarine eruptions and/or hydrothermal explosions.
Interaction with Pyruvate Kinase M2 Destabilizes Tristetraprolin by Proteasome Degradation and Regulates Cell Proliferation in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Liangqian , Yu Zhenhai , Zhang Zhenchao , Ma Wenjing , Song Shaoli , Huang Gang
Published: March 2016

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which is predominantly expressed in most cancers, plays a key role in the Warburg effect. However, how PKM2 functions as a tumor supportive protein has not been fully elucidated. Here, we identified tristetraprolin (TTP), an AU-rich, element-binding protein that regulates mRNA stability, as a new binding partner of PKM2. Our data reveal that PKM2 suppresses TTP protein levels by promoting its phosphorylation, ubiquitination and proteasome degradation, reducing its mRNA turnover ability and ultimately impairing cell viability in breast cancer cells. The p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway might be involved in PKM2-mediated TTP degradation, while treatment with the p38 inhibitor or siRNA abolished PKM2-induced TTP protein degradation. These findings demonstrate that PKM2–TTP association is crucial for regulating breast cancer cell proliferation and is therefore a potential therapeutic target in cancer.
Mathematical Modeling of Therapy-induced Cancer Drug Resistance: Connecting Cancer Mechanisms to Population Survival Rates
Authors: Sun Xiaoqiang , Bao Jiguang , Shao Yongzhao
Published: March 2016

Drug resistance significantly limits the long-term effectiveness of targeted therapeutics for cancer patients. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that cancer cell heterogeneity and microenvironment adaptations to targeted therapy play important roles in promoting the rapid acquisition of drug resistance and in increasing cancer metastasis. The systematic development of effective therapeutics to overcome drug resistance mechanisms poses a major challenge. In this study, we used a modeling approach to connect cellular mechanisms underlying cancer drug resistance to population-level patient survival. To predict progression-free survival in cancer patients with metastatic melanoma, we developed a set of stochastic differential equations to describe the dynamics of heterogeneous cell populations while taking into account micro-environment adaptations. Clinical data on survival and circulating tumor cell DNA (ctDNA) concentrations were used to confirm the effectiveness of our model. Moreover, our model predicted distinct patterns of dose-dependent synergy when evaluating a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors versus a combination of BRAF and PI3K inhibitors. These predictions were consistent with the findings in previously reported studies. The impact of the drug metabolism rate on patient survival was also discussed. The proposed model might facilitate the quantitative evaluation and optimization of combination therapeutics and cancer clinical trial design.
Molecular analyses of circadian gene variants reveal sex-dependent links between depression and clocks
Authors: Shi S-q , White M J , Borsetti H M , Pendergast J S , Hida A , Ciarleglio C M , de Verteuil P A , Cadar A G , Cala C , McMahon D G , Shelton R C , Williams S M , Johnson C H
Published: March 2016

An extensive literature links circadian irregularities and/or sleep abnormalities to mood disorders. Despite the strong genetic component underlying many mood disorders, however, previous genetic associations between circadian clock gene variants and major depressive disorder (MDD) have been weak. We applied a combined molecular/functional and genetic association approach to circadian gene polymorphisms in sex-stratified populations of control subjects and case subjects suffering from MDD. This approach identified significant sex-dependent associations of common variants of the circadian clock geneshClock,hPer3andhNpas2with major depression and demonstrated functional effects of these polymorphisms on the expression or activity of the hCLOCK and hPER3 proteins, respectively. In addition, hCLOCK expression is affected by glucocorticoids, consistent with the sex-dependency of the genetic associations and the modulation of glucocorticoid-mediated stress response, providing a mechanism by which the circadian clock controls outputs that may affect psychiatric disorders. We conclude that genetic polymorphisms in circadian genes (especially hClock and hPer3, where functional assays could be tested) influence risk of developing depression in a sex- and stress-dependent manner. These studies support a genetic connection between circadian disruption and mood disorders, and confirm a key connection between circadian gene variation and major depression.
Analysis of enzyme-responsive peptide surfaces by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sahoo Jugal Kishore , Sirimuthu Narayana M. S. , Canning Anne , Zelzer Mischa , Graham Duncan , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: March 2016

Detection of enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide surfaces by Raman spectroscopy.
Cyclization and unsaturation rather than isomerisation of side chains govern the selective antibacterial activity of cationic-amphiphilic polymers
Authors: Uppu D. S. S. M. , Bhowmik M. , Samaddar S. , Haldar J.
Published: March 2016

The influence of cyclization and unsaturation on the hydrophobic side chains of cationic-amphiphilic polymers towards antibacterial activity and mammalian cell toxicity is reported.
Comparison of amorphous, pseudohexagonal and orthorhombic Nb2O5 for high-rate lithium ion insertion
Authors: Li Shuang , Xu Qian , Uchaker Evan , Cao Xi , Cao Guozhong
Published: March 2016

Amorphous, pseudohexagonal and orthorhombic Nb2O5 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel process. The material characteristics and electrochemical performance of these polymorphs were compared.
Adsorption energy of small molecules on core–shell Fe@Au nanoparticles: tuning by shell thickness
Authors: Benoit Magali , Tarrat Nathalie , Morillo Joseph
Published: March 2016

The adsorption of several small molecules on different gold surfaces, Au(001), strained Au(001) and Au(001) epitaxied on Fe(001), has been characterized using density functional theory.
Fabrication of Ti substrate grain dependent C/TiO2 composites through carbothermal treatment of anodic TiO2
Authors: Rüdiger Celine , Favaro Marco , Valero-Vidal Carlos , Calvillo Laura , Bozzolo Nathalie , Jacomet Suzanne , Hejny Clivia , Gregoratti Luca , Amati Matteo , Agnoli Stefano , Granozzi Gaetano , Kunze-Liebhäuser Julia
Published: March 2016

The crystallinity of anodic TiO2 and its activity towards C2H2 decomposition are affected by the texture of the Ti substrate.
Nano-sized mesoporous sodium iron hydroxyphosphate supported gold: an effective catalyst for the oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Liu Junhua , Liu Gui , Liu Cheng , Li Wenxiu , Wang Fang
Published: March 2016

Nano-sized mesoporous sodium iron hydroxyphosphate (SIHP) was synthesized as a support. The supported gold catalyst showed excellent performance for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides.
A two-step synthesis of Fe-substituted hexaaluminates with enhanced surface area and activity in methane catalytic combustion
Authors: Huang Fei , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Aiqin , Xu Jinming , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2016

High-surface-area Fe-substituted hexaaluminates prepared by a new two-step method exhibited high activity for methane catalytic combustion.
Activated nanostructured bimetallic catalysts for C–C coupling reactions: recent progress
Authors: Rai Rohit Kumar , Tyagi Deepika , Gupta Kavita , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2016

This minireview highlights the recent progress made in the last decade towards the development of activated bimetallic alloy nanoparticle catalysts for C–C coupling reactions, including asymmetric C–C bond coupling reactions.
Sedaxicenes: potential new antifungal ferrocene-based agents?
Authors: Rubbiani R. , Blacque O. , Gasser G.
Published: March 2016

Novel bifunctional organometallic antifungal agents has been designed from an active organic core and added with a metallocene moiety. Their synthesis and promising mycotoxicity has been presented.
Molten salt CO2capture and electro-transformation (MSCC-ET) into capacitive carbon at medium temperature: effect of the electrolyte composition
Authors: Deng Bowen , Chen Zhigang , Gao Muxing , Song Yuqiao , Zheng Kaiyuan , Tang Juanjuan , Xiao Wei , Mao Xuhui , Wang Dihua
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical transformation of CO2into functional materials or fuels (i.e., carbon, CO) in high temperature molten salts has been demonstrated as a promising way of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in recent years. In a view of continuous operation, the electrolysis process should match very well with the CO2absorption kinetics. At the same time, in consideration of the energy efficiency, a molten salt electrochemical cell running at lower temperature is more beneficial to a process powered by the fluctuating renewable electricity from solar/wind farms. Ternary carbonates (Li : Na : K = 43.5 : 31.5 : 25.0) and binary chlorides (Li : K = 58.5 : 41.5), two typical kinds of eutectic melt with low melting points and a wide electrochemical potential window, could be the ideal supporting electrolyte for the molten salt CO2capture and electro-transformation (MSCC-ET) process. In this work, the CO2absorption behaviour in Li2O/CaO containing carbonates and chlorides were investigated on a home-made gas absorption testing system. The electrode processes as well as the morphology and properties of carbon obtained in different salts are compared to each other. It was found that the composition of molten salts significantly affects the absorption of CO2, electrode processes and performance of the product. Furthermore, the relationship between the absorption and electro-transformation kinetics are discussed based on the findings.
Investigations on the reactions of α-dicarbonyl compounds with amino acids and proteins during in vitro digestion of biscuits
Authors: Hamzalıoğlu Aytül , Gökmen Vural
Published: March 2016

The reactions of dicarbonyl with amino acids and proteins duringin vitrodigestion were investigated in this study.
Photoluminescence properties of AgInS2–ZnS nanocrystals: the critical role of the surface
Authors: Chevallier Théo , Le Blevennec Gilles , Chandezon Frédéric
Published: March 2016

This work describes the processes involved in the photoluminescence of AgInS2–ZnS nanocrystals. The critical role of the surface is demonstrated.
Strong correlation between early stage atherosclerosis and electromechanical coupling of aorta
Authors: Liu X. Y. , Yan F. , Niu L. L. , Chen Q. N. , Zheng H. R. , Li J. Y.
Published: March 2016

It is observed that the piezoelectric response of an aortic wall increases as atherosclerosis advances.
Synthesis and electrochemical performances of mixed-valence vanadium oxide/ordered mesoporous carbon composites for supercapacitors
Authors: Hao Liang , Wang Jie , Shen Laifa , Zhu Jiajia , Ding Bing , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: March 2016

The highly ordered CMK-3 with short-rod like morphology significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of VOx.
Elucidation of the role of estradiol and progesterone in regulating reproduction in the edible crab, Oziothelphusa senex senex
Authors: Swetha CH. , Girish B. P. , Reddy P. Sreenivasula
Published: March 2016

Vertebrate sex steroids are ubiquitous and important bioactive mediators for many physiological functions.
A facile one-pot synthesis of three-dimensional microflower birnessite (δ-MnO2) and its efficient oxidative degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Qin Minggao , Zhao Haoliang , Yang Weijun , Zhou Yuanrong , Li Feng
Published: March 2016

A facile synthesis of high purity microflower birnessite and its efficient oxidative degradation of RhB.
Localized surface plasmon resonance on Au nanoparticles: tuning and exploitation for performance enhancement in ultrathin photovoltaics
Authors: Garg Vivek , Sengar Brajendra S. , Awasthi Vishnu , Aaryashree Aaryashree , Sharma Pankaj , Mukherjee C. , Kumar Shailendra , Mukherjee Shaibal
Published: March 2016

We report a detailed correlation analysis of the size, shape, and distribution of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on fine-tuning of localized surface plasmon resonance and optical absorption cross-section.
Expanding the aqueous-based redox-facilitated self-polymerization chemistry of catecholamines to 5,6-dihydroxy-1H-benzimidazole and its 2-substituted derivatives
Authors: Fan Ka Wai , Peterson Matthew B. , Ellersdorfer Peter , Granville Anthony M.
Published: March 2016

Redox-facilitated self-polymerization can be performed with 5,6-dihydroxy-1H-benzimidazole to generate materials analogous to polydopamine, proving the possibility to expand the catecholamine-based chemistry to N-heterocyclic catechol derivatives.
Development of an advanced chemical oxidation wastewater treatment system for the batik industry in Malaysia
Authors: Buthiyappan Archina , Abdul Raman Abdul Aziz , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan
Published: March 2016

Symmetric representation of the Fenton oxidation batch system for the treatment of highly recalcitrant batik wastewater.
Novelties of triphasic phase transfer catalysed Zinin reduction of nitrochlorobenzene by H2S-laden monoethanolamine
Authors: Mondal Ujjal , Puthankot Aslam , Sen Sujit , Singh Gaurav
Published: March 2016

The kinetics of Zinin reduction of m-chloronitrobenzene (m-CNB) with H2S-laden monoethanolamine (MEA) in a liquid–liquid–solid system catalysed by the anion exchange resin Amberlite IR-400 was investigated.
Promising Ni/Al-SBA-15 catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of dibenzofuran into fuel grade hydrocarbons: synergetic effect of Ni and Al-SBA-15 support
Authors: Gbadamasi Sharafadeen , Ali Tammar Hussein , Voon Lee Hwei , Atta Abdulazeez Yusuf , Sudarsanam Putla , Bhargava Suresh K. , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: March 2016

First time application of Al-SBA-15 supported Ni catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of dibenzofuran to hydrocarbons was investigated in this study.
Furan-based co-polyesters with enhanced thermal properties: poly(1,4-butylene-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylic acid)
Authors: Diao Lechen , Su Kunmei , Li Zhenhuan , Ding Changkun
Published: March 2016

13C NMR signals of PCF, PBF and PBCFs co-polyesters.
Chemiluminescence determination of ascorbic acid using graphene oxide@copper-based metal–organic frameworks as a catalyst
Authors: Zhu Qian , Dong Di , Zheng Xuejing , Song Huiqing , Zhao Xinrui , Chen Hongli , Chen Xingguo
Published: March 2016

In this work, composites with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO) and the copper-based metal–organic frameworks (HKUST-1) were synthesized.
A two-step continuous synthesis of α-ketoamides and α-amino ketones from 2° benzylic alcohols using hydrogen peroxide as an economic and benign oxidant
Authors: Liu Chengkou , Fang Zheng , Yang Zhao , Li Qingwen , Guo Shiyu , Guo Kai
Published: March 2016

A practical two-step flow synthesis of α-ketoamides and α-amino ketones via direct oxidative coupling between 2° benzylic alcohols and amines was developed.
Reactive crystallization of β-lactam antibiotics: strategies to enhance productivity and purity of ampicillin
Authors: Encarnación-Gómez Luis G. , Bommarius Andreas S. , Rousseau Ronald W.
Published: March 2016

Crystallization of ampicillin, as it is synthesized, enhances the yield by reducing hydrolysis.
Regioselective phenylene-fusion reactions of Ni(ii)-porphyrins controlled by an electron-withdrawing meso-substituent
Authors: Fukui Norihito , Lee Seung-Kyu , Kato Kenichi , Shimizu Daiki , Tanaka Takayuki , Lee Sangsu , Yorimitsu Hideki , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: March 2016

Oxidation of 10,15,20-triaryl Ni(ii)-porphyrins bearing an electron-withdrawing substituent at the 5-position with DDQ and FeCl3 gave 10,12- and 18,20-doubly phenylene-fused Ni(ii)-porphyrins regioselectively.
The immobilization of a direct thrombin inhibitor to a polyurethane as a nonthrombogenic surface coating for extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Yu Jane , Brisbois Elizabeth , Handa Hitesh , Annich Gail , Meyerhoff Mark , Bartlett Robert , Major Terry
Published: March 2016

The direct antithrombin effects of argatroban bound to a polymer-based surface coating improves hemocompatibility.
Boronic acid-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimers as sugar-sensing materials in water
Authors: Liang X. , Bonizzoni M.
Published: March 2016

High-affinity carbohydrate receptors were developed by appending boronic acids to the surface of PAMAM dendrimers. These multivalent hosts were used to discriminate simple sugars in neat water using pattern recognition and optical spectroscopy techniques.
Functionalized halloysite nanotube by chitosan grafting for drug delivery of curcumin to achieve enhanced anticancer efficacy
Authors: Liu Mingxian , Chang Yanzhou , Yang Jing , You Yuanyuan , He Rui , Chen Tianfeng , Zhou Changren
Published: March 2016

A new HNTs-based drug delivery system to improve the bioavailability of curcumin for cancer therapy is proposed.
Bioapplications and biotechnologies of upconversion nanoparticle-based nanosensors
Authors: Wang Chengli , Li Xiaomin , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2016

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which can emit ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) light under near-infrared (NIR) excitation, are regarded as a new generation of nanoprobes because of their unique optical properties, including a virtually zero auto-fluorescence background for the improved signal-to-noise ratio, narrow emission bandwidths and high resistance to photo-bleaching.
Enhancing the grain size of organic halide perovskites by sulfonate-carbon nanotube incorporation in high performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yong , Tan Licheng , Fu Qingxia , Chen Lie , Ji Ting , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Yiwang
Published: March 2016

Perovskite films with enhanced grain size and reduced grain boundary were obtained with the incorporation of sulfonate-carbon nanotubes.
Cyclopentadiene-mediated hydride transfer from rhodium complexes
Authors: Pitman C. L. , Finster O. N. L. , Miller A. J. M.
Published: March 2016

Attempts to generate a proposed rhodium hydride catalytic intermediate instead resulted in isolation of (Cp*H)Rh(bpy)Cl (1), a pentamethylcyclopentadiene complex, formed by C–H bond-forming reductive elimination from the fleeting rhodium hydride.
Efficient multi-click approach to well-defined two-faced octasilsesquioxanes: the first perfect Janus nanocube
Authors: Blázquez-Moraleja Alberto , Eugenia Pérez-Ojeda M. , Suárez José Ramón , Luisa Jimeno M. , Chiara Jose Luis
Published: March 2016

A symmetry-controlled multi-click reaction of a cubic octa-azido silsesquioxane gives access to the first nanocube with a perfect Janus-type structure.
Toward the stereochemical assignment and synthesis of hemicalide: DP4f GIAO-NMR analysis and synthesis of a reassigned C16–C28 subunit
Authors: MacGregor Callum I. , Han Bing Yuan , Goodman Jonathan M. , Paterson Ian
Published: March 2016

Computational DP4f GIAO-NMR analysis resulted in a stereochemical reassignment of hemicalide, supported by improved NMR correlations with a C13–C25 fragment.
Donor–acceptor co-assembled supramolecular nanofibers with high and well-balanced ambipolar charge transport properties under ambient conditions
Authors: Guan Ying-Shi , Qin Yunke , Sun Yuanhui , Chen Jie , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: March 2016

We report an example of single-bundle nanofiber based OFETs with high and well-balanced ambipolar charge transport properties under ambient conditions.
The adiabatic strictly-correlated-electrons functional: kernel and exact properties
Authors: Lani Giovanna , Di Marino Simone , Gerolin Augusto , van Leeuwen Robert , Gori-Giorgi Paola
Published: March 2016

We investigate a number of formal properties of the adiabatic strictly-correlated electrons (SCE) functional, relevant for time-dependent potentials and for kernels in linear response time-dependent density functional theory.
Towards stable single-atom catalysts: strong binding of atomically dispersed transition metals on the surface of nanostructured ceria
Authors: Figueroba Alberto , Kovács Gábor , Bruix Albert , Neyman Konstantin M.
Published: March 2016

Surface oxygen sites on CeO2 nanostructures are able to bind atoms of various transition metals strong enough to prevent their sintering. This finding opens a knowledge-driven way to prepare stable single-atom catalysts with maximum metal efficiency.
Generation of a stable supramolecular hydrogen evolving photocatalyst by alteration of the catalytic center
Authors: Mengele Alexander K. , Kaufhold Simon , Streb Carsten , Rau Sven
Published: March 2016

The change of the catalytic center from MX2 to RhCp*Cl leads to a stability boost in [(tbbpy)2Ru(tpphz)] based supramolecular photocatalysts.
Evaluation of bishexadecyltrimethyl ammonium palladium tetrachloride based dual functional colloidal carrier as an antimicrobial and anticancer agent
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Kumar Sandeep , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Kaur Baljinder , Kant Ravi , Guru Santosh Kumar , Bhushan Shashi , Jaglan Sundeep
Published: March 2016

A dual function carrier with antimicrobial and anticancer activity represents a simple and effective system with future application in drug delivery.
Synthesis of polymorph A-enriched beta zeolites in a HF-concentrated system
Authors: Zhang Guanqun , Wang Bingchun , Zhang Weiping , Li Mingrun , Tian Zhijian
Published: March 2016

Polymorph A-enriched beta zeolites were synthesized by employing high HF concentrations in the synthesis medium.
Structure and bonding of group 4-nickel heterobimetallics supported by 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyrrolide ligands
Authors: Dunn Peter L. , Carlson Rebecca K. , Gagliardi Laura , Tonks Ian A.
Published: March 2016

The synthesis of a full series of group 4/nickel complexes supported by a 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyrrolide (NP) ligand is reported.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for simultaneous preconcentration of platinum group elements (Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) and selected transition elements (Ag, Cd, Ta, and Re) at parts per trillion levels in water and their determination by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Chandrasekaran Krishnan , Karunasagar Dheram
Published: March 2016

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry – a multi-analyte green method.
Enzymatic reduction of acetophenone derivatives with a benzil reductase from Pichia glucozyma (KRED1-Pglu): electronic and steric effects on activity and enantioselectivity
Authors: Contente Martina L. , Serra Immacolata , Palazzolo Luca , Parravicini Chiara , Gianazza Elisabetta , Eberini Ivano , Pinto Andrea , Guidi Benedetta , Molinari Francesco , Romano Diego
Published: March 2016

Enantioselective reduction of mono-substituted acetophenones by ketoreductase KRED1-Pglu.
Well-dispersed NiS nanoparticles grown on a functionalized CoS nanosphere surface as a high performance counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Hee-Je , Lee Hyun-Dong , Rao S. Srinivasa , Reddy Araveeti Eswar , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Thulasi-Varma Chebrolu Venkata
Published: March 2016

The integration of design and encapsulation strategies using a combination of methods has been recognized as one of the most effective strategies to realize practical applications of various quantum-dot sensitized solar cell materials.
Tumor-targeted docetaxel-loaded hyaluronic acid-quercetin polymeric micelles with p-gp inhibitory property for hepatic cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Chenfeng , Ding Yu , Ni Jiang , Yin Lifang , Zhou Jianping , Yao Jing
Published: March 2016

Herein, a novel targeted drug delivery nanosystem based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and quercetin (QU) was designed to improve thein vivotherapeutic efficacy of DTX on HC through HA-CD44 mediated targeting and QU-based p-gp efflux inhibition.
High-quality InSb nanocrystals: synthesis and application in graphene-based near-infrared photodetectors
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Yilun , Jin Weifeng , Fang Xin , Wan Yi , Zhang Yinfeng , Han Jingzhi , Dai Lun
Published: March 2016

InSb nanocrystals are synthesized by CVD method. A high photoresponsivity at 1550 nm is achieved in InSb/graphene hybrid structure.
Smart and flexible supercapacitor based on a porous carbon nanotube film and polyaniline hydrogel
Authors: Xiang Xi , Zhang Wujun , Yang Zhengpeng , Zhang Yongyi , Zhang Haijiao , Zhang Hao , Guo Haitao , Zhang Xuetong , Li Qingwen
Published: March 2016

Smart and flexible supercapacitors are of ever increasing importance for energy-storage devices.
Enhanced mechanical properties of PLA/PLAE blends via well-dispersed and compatilized nanostructures in the matrix
Authors: Cai Shenyang , Zeng Chao , Zhang Naiwen , Li Jianbo , Meyer Markus , Fink Rainer H. , Shi Donglu , Ren Jie
Published: March 2016

The mechanical properties of PLA are significantly enhanced by the well-dispersed and compatilized nanostructures in the matrix of PLA/PLAE blends.