bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of GaN LEDs and the reduction of efficiency droop using active machine learning
Authors: Rouet-Leduc Bertrand , Barros Kipton , Lookman Turab , Humphreys Colin J.
Published: April 2016

A fundamental challenge in the design of LEDs is to maximise electro-luminescence efficiency at high current densities. We simulate GaN-based LED structures that delay the onset of efficiency droop by spreading carrier concentrations evenly across the active region. Statistical analysis and machine learning effectively guide the selection of the next LED structure to be examined based upon its expected efficiency as well as model uncertainty. This active learning strategy rapidly constructs a model that predicts Poisson-Schrödinger simulations of devices and that simultaneously produces structures with higher simulated efficiencies.
Target delivery of small interfering RNAs with vitamin E-coupled nanoparticles for treating hepatitis C
Authors: Duan Liang , Yan Yan , Liu Jingyi , Wang Bo , Li Pu , Hu Qin , Chen Weixian
Published: April 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) represents a promising strategy for the treatment of HCV infection. However, the development of an effective system for in vivo delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target organ remains a formidable challenge. Here, we develop a unique nanoparticle platform (VE-DC) composed of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and cholesterol-based cationic liposomes (DOTAP-Chol) for systemic delivery of siRNAs to the liver. A HCV-replicable cell line, Huh7.5.1-HCV and a transient HCV core expressing cell line, Huh7.5.1-Core, were constructed and used to assess the in vitro anti-HCV activity of VE-DC/siRNAs. A transient in vivo HCV model was also constructed by hydrodynamic injection of pCDNA3.1(+)-3FLAG-Core (pCore-3FLAG) plasmid expressing core protein or pGL3-5′UTR-luciferase (pGL3-5′UTR-luc) plasmid expressing luciferase driven by HCV 5′UTR. Nanoscale VE-DC/siRNA was intravenously injected to assess the liver-targeting property as well as antiviral activity. The nanoscale VE-DC effectively exerted an anti-HCV activity in the in vitro cell models. Post-administration of VE-DC/siRNAs also effectively delivered siRNAs to the liver, suppressing core protein production and firefly luciferase activity, without inducing an innate immunity response or off-target and toxicity effects. The VE-DC platform has high potential as a vehicle for delivery of siRNAs to the liver for gene therapy for targeting hepatitis C.
Size-tunable copper nanocluster aggregates and their application in hydrogen sulfide sensing on paper-based devices
Authors: Chen Po-Cheng , Li Yu-Chi , Ma Jia-Yin , Huang Jia-Yu , Chen Chien-Fu , Chang Huan-Tsung
Published: April 2016

Polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a strong polyelectrolyte, was used to prepare red photoluminescent PSS-penicillamine (PA) copper (Cu) nanoclusters (NC) aggregates, which displayed high selectivity and sensitivity to the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The size of the PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates could be readily controlled from 5.5 μm to 173 nm using different concentrations of PSS, which enabled better dispersity and higher sensitivity towards H2S. PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates provided rapid H2S detection by using the strong Cu-S interaction to quench NC photoluminescence as a sensing mechanism. As a result, a detection limit of 650 nM, which is lower than the maximum level permitted in drinking water by the World Health Organization, was achieved for the analysis of H2S in spring-water samples. Moreover, highly dispersed PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates could be incorporated into a plate-format paper-based analytical device which enables ultra-low sample volumes (5 μL) and feature shorter analysis times (30 min) compared to conventional solution-based methods. The advantages of low reagent consumption, rapid result readout, limited equipment and long-term storage make this platform sensitive and simple enough to use without specialized training in resource constrained settings.
Strong Surface Orientation Dependent Thermal Transport in Si Nanowires
Authors: Zhou Yanguang , Chen Yuli , Hu Ming
Published: April 2016

Thermoelectrics, which convert waste heat to electricity, offer an attractive pathway for addressing an important niche in the globally growing landscape of energy demand. Research to date has focused on reducing the thermal conductivity relative to the bulk. Si nanowires (NWs) have received exceptional attention due to their low-dimensionality, abundance of availability and high carrier mobility. From thermal transport point of view, the thermal conductivity of Si NWs strongly depends on the detailed surface structure, such as roughness and surface orientation. Here, direct molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical models are used to investigate the thermal transport in Si NWs with diverse surface orientations. Our results show that the thermal conductivity of Si NWs with different surface orientation can differ by as large as 2.7~4.2 times, which suggests a new route to boost the thermoelectric performance. Using the full spectrum theory, we find that the surface orientation, which alters the distribution of atoms on the surface and determines the degree of phonon coupling between the core and the surface, is the dominant mechanism. Furthermore, using spectral thermal conductivity, the remarkable difference in the thermal conductivity for different surface orientation is found to only stem from the phonons in the medium frequency range, with minor contribution from low and high frequency phonons.
A Chelation Strategy for In-situ Constructing Surface Oxygen Vacancy on {001} Facets Exposed BiOBr Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Xiao-jing , Zhao Ying , Li Fa-tang , Dou Li-jun , Li Yu-pei , Zhao Jun , Hao Ying-juan
Published: April 2016

Surface defect of nanomaterials is an important physical parameter which significantly influences their physical and chemical performances. In this work, high concentration of surface oxygen vancancies (SOVs) are successfully introduced on {001} facets exposed BiOBr nanosheets via a simple surface modification using polybasic carboxylic acids. The chelation interaction between carboxylic acid anions and Bi3+ results in the weakness of Bi-O bond of BiOBr. Afterwards, under visible-light irradiation, the oxygen atoms would absorb the photo-energy and then be released from the surface of BiOBr, leaving SOVs. The electron spin resonance (ESR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) measurements confirm the existence of SOVs. The SOVs can enhance the absorption in visible light region and improve the separation efficiency of photo-generated charges. Hence, the transformation rate of adsorbed O2 on the as-prepared BiOBr with SOVs to superoxide anion radicals (•O2−) and the photocatalytic activity are greatly enhanced. Based on the modification by several carboxylic acids and the photocatalytic results, we propose that carboxylic acids with natural bond orbital (NBO) electrostatic charges absolute values greater than 0.830 are effective in modifying BiOBr.
Inhabitancy of active Nitrosopumilus-like ammonia-oxidizing archaea and Nitrospira nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the sponge Theonella swinhoei
Authors: Feng Guofang , Sun Wei , Zhang Fengli , Karthik Loganathan , Li Zhiyong
Published: April 2016

Nitrification directly contributes to the ammonia removal in sponges and it plays an indispensable role in sponge-mediated nitrogen cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated genomic evidences of nitrifying lineages in the sponge Theonella swinhoei. However, little is known about the transcriptional activity of nitrifying community in this sponge. In this study, combined DNA- and transcript-based analyses were performed to reveal the composition and transcriptional activity of the nitrifiers in T. swinhoei from the South China Sea. Transcriptional activity of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in this sponge were confirmed by targeting their nitrifying genes,16S rRNA genes and their transcripts. Phylogenetic analysis coupled with RDP rRNA classification indicated that archaeal 16S rRNA genes, amoA (the subunit of ammonia monooxygenase) genes and their transcripts were closely related to Nitrosopumilus-like AOA; whereas nitrifying bacterial 16S rRNA genes, nxrB (the subunit of nitrite oxidoreductase) genes and their transcripts were closely related to Nitrospira NOB. Quantitative assessment demonstrated relative higher abundances of nitrifying genes and transcripts of Nitrosopumilus-like AOA than those of Nitrospira NOB in this sponge. This study illustrated the transcriptional potentials of Nitrosopumilus-like archaea and Nitrospira bacteria that would predominantly contribute to the nitrification functionality in the South China Sea T. swinhoei.
Efficiently-cooled plasmonic amorphous silicon solar cells integrated with a nano-coated heat-pipe plate
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Du Yanping , Shum Clifford , Cai Boyuan , Le Nam Cao Hoai , Chen Xi , Duck Benjamin , Fell Christopher , Zhu Yonggang , Gu Min
Published: April 2016

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as a major alternative energy source. The cost of PV electricity depends on the efficiency of conversion of light to electricity. Despite of steady growth in the efficiency for several decades, little has been achieved to reduce the impact of real-world operating temperatures on this efficiency. Here we demonstrate a highly efficient cooling solution to the recently emerging high performance plasmonic solar cell technology by integrating an advanced nano-coated heat-pipe plate. This thermal cooling technology, efficient for both summer and winter time, demonstrates the heat transportation capability up to ten times higher than those of the metal plate and the conventional wickless heat-pipe plates. The reduction in temperature rise of the plasmonic solar cells operating under one sun condition can be as high as 46%, leading to an approximate 56% recovery in efficiency, which dramatically increases the energy yield of the plasmonic solar cells. This newly-developed, thermally-managed plasmonic solar cell device significantly extends the application scope of PV for highly efficient solar energy conversion.
Three TaFAR genes function in the biosynthesis of primary alcohols and the response to abiotic stresses in Triticum aestivum
Authors: Wang Meiling , Wang Yong , Wu Hongqi , Xu Jing , Li Tingting , Hegebarth Daniela , Jetter Reinhard , Chen Letian , Wang Zhonghua
Published: April 2016

Cuticular waxes play crucial roles in protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. They are complex mixtures of very-long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives, including C20–C32 fatty alcohols. Here, we report the identification of 32 FAR-like genes and the detailed characterization of TaFAR2, TaFAR3 and TaFAR4, wax biosynthetic genes encoding fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase (FAR) in wheat leaf cuticle. Heterologous expression of the three TaFARs in wild-type yeast and mutated yeast showed that TaFAR2, TaFAR3 and TaFAR4 were predominantly responsible for the accumulation of C18:0, C28:0 and C24:0 primary alcohols, respectively. Transgenic expression of the three TaFARs in tomato fruit and Arabidopsis cer4 mutant led to increased production of C22:0–C30:0 primary alcohols. GFP-fusion protein injection assay showed that the three encoded TaFAR proteins were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the site of wax biosynthesis. The transcriptional expression of the three TaFAR genes was induced by cold, salt, drought and ABA. Low air humidity led to increased expression of TaFAR genes and elevated wax accumulation in wheat leaves. Collectively, these data suggest that TaFAR2, TaFAR3 and TaFAR4 encode active alcohol-forming FARs involved in the synthesis of primary alcohol in wheat leaf and the response to environmental stresses.
Enterobacter cloacae inhibits human norovirus infectivity in gnotobiotic pigs
Authors: Lei Shaohua , Samuel Helen , Twitchell Erica , Bui Tammy , Ramesh Ashwin , Wen Ke , Weiss Mariah , Li Guohua , Yang Xingdong , Jiang Xi , Yuan Lijuan
Published: April 2016

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. Study of HuNoV biology has been hampered by the lack of an efficient cell culture system. Recently, enteric commensal bacteria Enterobacter cloacae has been recognized as a helper in HuNoV infection of B cells in vitro. To test the influences of E. cloacae on HuNoV infectivity and to determine whether HuNoV infects B cells in vivo, we colonized gnotobiotic pigs with E. cloacae and inoculated pigs with 2.74 × 104 genome copies of HuNoV. Compared to control pigs, reduced HuNoV shedding was observed in E. cloacae colonized pigs, characterized by significantly shorter duration of shedding in post-inoculation day 10 subgroup and lower cumulative shedding and peak shedding in individual pigs. Colonization of E. cloacae also reduced HuNoV titers in intestinal tissues and in blood. In both control and E. cloacae colonized pigs, HuNoV infection of enterocytes was confirmed, however infection of B cells was not observed in ileum and the entire lamina propria in sections of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were HuNoV-negative. In summary, E. cloacae inhibited HuNoV infectivity and B cells were not a target cell type for HuNoV in gnotobiotic pigs, with or without E. cloacae colonization.
Excitation of propagating spin waves in ferromagnetic nanowires by microwave voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Verba Roman , Carpentieri Mario , Finocchio Giovanni , Tiberkevich Vasil , Slavin Andrei
Published: April 2016

The voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect, which manifests itself as variation of anisotropy of a thin layer of a conductive ferromagnet on a dielectric substrate under the influence of an external electric voltage, can be used for the development of novel information storage and signal processing devices with low power consumption. Here it is demonstrated by micromagnetic simulations that the application of a microwave voltage to a nanosized VCMA gate in an ultrathin ferromagnetic nanowire results in the parametric excitation of a propagating spin wave, which could serve as a carrier of information. The frequency of the excited spin wave is twice smaller than the frequency of the applied voltage while its amplitude is limited by 2 mechanisms: (i) the so-called “phase mechanism” described by the Zakharov-L’vov-Starobinets “S-theory” and (ii) the saturation mechanism associated with the nonlinear frequency shift of the excited spin wave. The developed extension of the “S-theory”, which takes into account the second limitation mechanism, allowed us to estimate theoretically the efficiency of the parametric excitation of spin waves by the VCMA effect.
A specialized face-processing model inspired by the organization of monkey face patches explains several face-specific phenomena observed in humans
Authors: Farzmahdi Amirhossein , Rajaei Karim , Ghodrati Masoud , Ebrahimpour Reza , Khaligh-Razavi Seyed-Mahdi
Published: April 2016

Converging reports indicate that face images are processed through specialized neural networks in the brain –i.e. face patches in monkeys and the fusiform face area (FFA) in humans. These studies were designed to find out how faces are processed in visual system compared to other objects. Yet, the underlying mechanism of face processing is not completely revealed. Here, we show that a hierarchical computational model, inspired by electrophysiological evidence on face processing in primates, is able to generate representational properties similar to those observed in monkey face patches (posterior, middle and anterior patches). Since the most important goal of sensory neuroscience is linking the neural responses with behavioral outputs, we test whether the proposed model, which is designed to account for neural responses in monkey face patches, is also able to predict well-documented behavioral face phenomena observed in humans. We show that the proposed model satisfies several cognitive face effects such as: composite face effect and the idea of canonical face views. Our model provides insights about the underlying computations that transfer visual information from posterior to anterior face patches.
Social Presence Diminishes Contagious Yawning in the Laboratory
Authors: Gallup Andrew , Church Allyson M. , Miller Heather , Risko Evan F. , Kingstone Alan
Published: April 2016

Contagious yawning may be a useful measure of social psychological functioning and thus it is important to evaluate the variables influencing its expression in laboratory settings. Previous research has documented that humans yawn less frequently in crowded environments and when under direct observation, but the impact of social presence on contagious yawning remains unknown. Here we present the first study to systematically alter the degree of social presence experienced by participants in the laboratory to determine its effect on contagious yawning frequency. Our results demonstrate that both implied and actual social presence significantly diminish yawn contagion in comparison to a control condition, indicating a key social component to contagious yawning. These findings provide a framework for pursuing additional research investigating the social factors influencing contagious yawning, while also offering applications for measuring this response in laboratory settings.
Direct observations of ice seasonality reveal changes in climate over the past 320–570 years
Authors: Sharma Sapna , Magnuson John J. , Batt Ryan D. , Winslow Luke A. , Korhonen Johanna , Aono Yasuyuki
Published: April 2016

Lake and river ice seasonality (dates of ice freeze and breakup) responds sensitively to climatic change and variability. We analyzed climate-related changes using direct human observations of ice freeze dates (1443–2014) for Lake Suwa, Japan, and of ice breakup dates (1693–2013) for Torne River, Finland. We found a rich array of changes in ice seasonality of two inland waters from geographically distant regions: namely a shift towards later ice formation for Suwa and earlier spring melt for Torne, increasing frequencies of years with warm extremes, changing inter-annual variability, waning of dominant inter-decadal quasi-periodic dynamics, and stronger correlations of ice seasonality with atmospheric CO2 concentration and air temperature after the start of the Industrial Revolution. Although local factors, including human population growth, land use change, and water management influence Suwa and Torne, the general patterns of ice seasonality are similar for both systems, suggesting that global processes including climate change and variability are driving the long-term changes in ice seasonality.
Large-scale identification of small noncoding RNA with strand-specific deep sequencing and characterization of a novel virulence-related sRNA in Brucella melitensis
Authors: Zhong Zhijun , Xu Xiaoyang , Li Xinran , Liu Shiwei , Lei Shuangshuang , Yang Mingjuan , Yu Jiuxuan , Yuan Jiuyun , Ke Yuehua , Du Xinying , Wang Zhoujia , Ren Zhihua , Peng Guangneng , Wang Yufei , Chen Zeliang
Published: April 2016

Brucella is the causative agent of brucellosis, a worldwide epidemic zoonosis. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are important modulators of gene expression and involved in pathogenesis and stress adaptation of Brucella. In this study, using a strand-specific RNA deep-sequencing approach, we identified a global set of sRNAs expressed by B. melitensis 16M. In total, 1321 sRNAs were identified, ranging from 100 to 600 nucleotides. These sRNAs differ in their expression levels and strand and chromosomal distributions. The role of BSR0441, one of these sRNAs, in the virulence of B. melitensis 16M was further characterized. BSR0441 was highly induced during the infection of macrophages and mice. The deletion mutant of BSR0441 showed significantly reduced spleen colonization in the middle and late phases of infection. The expression of the BSR0441 target mRNA genes was also altered in the BSR0441 mutant strain during macrophage and mice infection, which is consistent with its reduced intracellular survival capacity. In summary, Brucella encodes a large number of sRNAs, which may be involved in the stress adaptation and virulence of Brucella. Further investigation of these regulators will extend our understanding of the Brucella pathogenesis mechanism and the interactions between Brucella and its hosts.
Metabolomics reveals an involvement of pantothenate for male production responding to the short-day stimulus in the water flea, Daphnia pulex
Authors: Toyota Kenji , Gavin Alex , Miyagawa Shinichi , Viant Mark R. , Iguchi Taisen
Published: April 2016

Under favorable conditions, the micro-crustaceanDaphnia pulexproduces female offspring by parthenogenesis, whereas under unfavorable conditions, they produce male offspring to induce sexual reproduction (environmental sex determination: ESD). We recently established a suitable system for ESD studies usingD. pulexWTN6 strain, in which the sex of the offspring can be regulated by alterations in day-length; long-day and short-day conditions can induce female and male offspring, respectively. Taking advantage of this system, we have already demonstrated that methyl farnesoate (MF) synthesis is necessary for male offspring production and identified ionotropic glutamate receptors as an upstream regulator of MF signaling. Despite these findings, the molecular mechanisms associated with MF signaling have not yet been well elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the whole metabolic profiles of mother daphnids reared under long-day (female-producing) and short-day (male-producing) conditions and discovered that pantothenate (vitamin B5), a known precursor to coenzyme A, was significantly accumulated in response to the short-day condition. To confirm the innate role of pantothenate inD. pulex, this metabolite was administered to mother daphnids resulting in a significantly increased proportion of male offspring producing mothers. This study provides novel insights of the metabolic mechanisms of the ESD system inD. pulex.
Identification of critical residues in Hepatitis E virus macro domain involved in its interaction with viral methyltransferase and ORF3 proteins
Authors: Anang Saumya , Subramani Chandru , Nair Vidya P. , Kaul Sheetal , Kaushik Nidhi , Sharma Chandresh , Tiwari Ashutosh , Ranjith-Kumar CT , Surjit Milan
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of hepatitis in normal and organ transplant individuals. HEV open reading frame-1 encodes a polypeptide comprising of the viral nonstructural proteins as well as domains of unknown function such as the macro domain (X-domain), V, DUF3729 and Y. The macro domain proteins are ubiquitously present from prokaryotes to human and in many positive-strand RNA viruses, playing important roles in multiple cellular processes. Towards understanding the function of the HEV macro domain, we characterized its interaction partners among other HEV encoded proteins. Here, we report that the HEV X-domain directly interacts with the viral methyltransferase and the ORF3 proteins. ORF3 association with the X-domain was mediated through two independent motifs, located within its N-terminal 35aa (amino acids) and C-terminal 63-123aa. Methyltransferase interaction domain was mapped to N-terminal 30-90aa. The X-domain interacted with both ORF3 and methyltransferase through its C-terminal region, involving 66th,67th isoleucine and 101st,102nd leucine, conserved across HEV genotypes. Furthermore, ORF3 and methyltransferase competed with each other for associating with the X-domain. These findings provide molecular understanding of the interaction between the HEV macro domain, methyltransferase and ORF3, suggesting an important role of the macro domain in the life cycle of HEV.
Non-invasive screening for early Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis by a sensitively immunomagnetic biosensor
Authors: Li Shan-Shan , Lin Chih-Wen , Wei Kuo-Chen , Huang Chiung-Yin , Hsu Po-Hung , Liu Hao-Li , Lu Yu-Jen , Lin Sheng-Chi , Yang Hung-Wei , Ma Chen-Chi M.
Published: April 2016

Amyloid-beta peptide 1–42 (Aβ42) is considered as a reliable biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, it is urgent to develop a simple and efficient method for the detection of Aβ42. In this work, a reusable biosensor based on magnetic nitrogen-doped graphene (MNG) modified Au electrode for the detection of Aβ42 has been developed. The antibodies of Aβ 1–28 (Aβab) are used as the specific biorecognition element for Aβ42 that were conjugated on the surface of MNG. In the presence of magnetic nanoparticles on MNG, the electrode coating material, the biosensor can be quickly constructed, without requiring an electrode drying process, which reduce the analysis time and is convenient for proceeding to detection. The reusable biosensor with good reproducibility and stability was linear within the range from 5 pg mL−1 to 800 pg mL−1, covering the cut-off level of Aβ42 and a detection limit of 5 pg mL−1 had been achieved. Furthermore, the fabricated biosensor for Aβ42 detection not only improves the detection performance but also reduces the cost and shortens the response time, demonstrating its potential in diagnosing applications.
Complete Coherent Control of a Quantum Dot Strongly Coupled to a Nanocavity
Authors: Dory Constantin , Fischer Kevin A. , Müller Kai , Lagoudakis Konstantinos G. , Sarmiento Tomas , Rundquist Armand , Zhang Jingyuan L. , Kelaita Yousif , Vučković Jelena
Published: April 2016

Strongly coupled quantum dot-cavity systems provide a non-linear configuration of hybridized light-matter states with promising quantum-optical applications. Here, we investigate the coherent interaction between strong laser pulses and quantum dot-cavity polaritons. Resonant excitation of polaritonic states and their interaction with phonons allow us to observe coherent Rabi oscillations and Ramsey fringes. Furthermore, we demonstrate complete coherent control of a quantum dot-photonic crystal cavity based quantum-bit. By controlling the excitation power and phase in a two-pulse excitation scheme we achieve access to the full Bloch sphere. Quantum-optical simulations are in good agreement with our experiments and provide insight into the decoherence mechanisms.
Resting-state abnormalities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lau W K W , Leung M-K , Lee T M C , Law A C K
Published: April 2016

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As no effective drug can cure AD, early diagnosis and intervention for aMCI are urgently needed. The standard diagnostic procedure for aMCI primarily relies on subjective neuropsychological examinations that require the judgment of experienced clinicians. The development of other objective and reliable aMCI markers, such as neural markers, is therefore required. Previous neuroimaging findings revealed various abnormalities in resting-state activity in MCI patients, but the findings have been inconsistent. The current study provides an updated activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on aMCI. The authors searched on the MEDLINE/PubMed databases for whole-brain resting-state fMRI studies on aMCI published until March 2015. We included 21 whole-brain resting-state fMRI studies that reported a total of 156 distinct foci. Significant regional resting-state differences were consistently found in aMCI patients relative to controls, including the posterior cingulate cortex, right angular gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left supramarginal gyrus and bilateral middle temporal gyri. Our findings support that abnormalities in resting-state activities of these regions may serve as neuroimaging markers for aMCI.
A new eco-friendly methodology for the determination of Amaranth dye in foodstuffs using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Rossini Eduardo Luiz , Milani Maria Izabel , Pezza Leonardo , Pezza Helena Redigolo
Published: April 2016

A green analytical methodology was developed employing diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for the analysis of amaranth in foodstuffs without clean-up steps.
Structurally optimised BODIPY derivatives for imaging of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer and heart cells
Authors: Nigam Shubhanchi , Burke Benjamin P. , Davies Laura H. , Domarkas Juozas , Wallis Jennifer F. , Waddell Paul G. , Waby Jennifer S. , Benoit David M. , Seymour Anne-Marie , Cawthorne Christopher , Higham Lee J. , Archibald Stephen J.
Published: April 2016

BODIPY based optical imaging agents with mitochondrial membrane potential dependent uptake are described.
High pressure processing of meat: effects on ultrastructure and protein digestibility
Authors: Kaur Lovedeep , Astruc Thierry , Vénien Annie , Loison Olivier , Cui Jian , Irastorza Marion , Boland Mike
Published: April 2016

The effects of high pressure processing (HPP, at 175 and 600 MPa) on the ultrastructure andin vitroprotein digestion of bovinelongissimus dorsimuscle meat were studied.
An assessment of the potential of invasive weeds as multiple feedstocks for biofuel production
Authors: Borah Arup Jyoti , Singh Shuchi , Goyal Arun , Moholkar Vijayanand S.
Published: April 2016

The present study assessed the feasibility of five invasive weeds, namely, Arundo donax, Saccharum spontaneum, Mikania mikrantha, Lantana camara and Eichhornia crasspies, as a feedstock for biofuels production.
Cross-linking and other structural proteomics techniques: how chemistry is enabling mass spectrometry applications in structural biology
Authors: Leitner Alexander
Published: April 2016

In this perspective, I highlight the contribution of chemical methods to the field of structural proteomics, where mass spectrometry is used to probe the structures of proteins and higher-order protein assemblies.
Oxygen as a chemoattractant: confirming cellular hypoxia in paper-based invasion assays
Authors: Truong Andrew S. , Lockett Matthew R.
Published: April 2016

Low oxygen tension, or hypoxia, is a common occurrence in poorly vascularized solid tumors. We demonstrate our paper-based models contain regions of decreased oxygen tension, suggesting their usefulness as a model system for studying tumor biology.
Characterization of firearm discharge residues recovered from skin swabs using sub-micrometric mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Castellanos Anthony , Bell Suzanne , Fernandez-Lima Francisco
Published: April 2016

MSI-TOF-SIMS permits the analysis of skin swabs containing GSR (or not) and OGSR without the need of sample preparation and with little to no damage to the surface of the skin swab (thus preserving the evidence for further analysis).
Encapsulating quantum dots with amino functionalized mesoporous hollow silica microspheres for the sensitive analysis of formaldehyde in seafood
Authors: Cao Yujuan , Wu Wei , Wei Jiongling , Wang Song , Hu Xiaogang , Yu Ying
Published: April 2016

We developed a hybrid fluorescent material using amino functional mesoporous hollow silica microspheres (MHSM) encapsulated with CdTe quantum dots (QDs).
Detection of signature forgery with erasable pens using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS)
Authors: Jurisch Marina , Augusti Rodinei
Published: April 2016

Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is applied to a fast, sensible and reproducible detection of forgery in signatures made with erasable pens.
Rapid profiling of triacylglycerols for identifying authenticity of edible oils using supercritical fluid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with chemometric tools
Authors: Tu Anqi , Du Zhenxia , Qu Shuping
Published: April 2016

A rapid method was developed for identifying the authenticity of edible oils using SFC-Q-TOF-MS combined with PCA.
Homolytic cleavage of the O–Cu(ii) bond: XAFS and EPR spectroscopy evidence for one electron reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i)
Authors: Yi Hong , Zhang Guanghui , Xin Jie , Deng Yi , Miller Jeffrey T. , Kropf Arthur J. , Bunel Emilio E. , Qi Xiaotian , Lan Yu , Lee Jyh-Fu , Lei Aiwen
Published: April 2016

In this work, we demonstrate that the tBuO− anion serves not only as the base but also as a mediator to promote the reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i) in copper catalysis. XAFS and EPR spectroscopy evidence the [Cu(OtBu)3]− ate complex as the key intermediate which undergoes homolytic cleavage of the O–Cu(ii) bond generating [Cu(OtBu)2]− ate complex.
Carbon nanotube-supported Au–Pd alloy with cooperative effect of metal nanoparticles and organic ketone/quinone groups as a highly efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation of amines
Authors: Deng Weiping , Chen Jiashu , Kang Jincan , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye
Published: April 2016

Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles loaded on CNTs with high surface concentrations of ketone/quinone groups are efficient for aerobic oxidation of amines.
Copper catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization and ketonization: one pot synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolones
Authors: Selvaraju Manikandan , Ye Tzuen-Yang , Li Chia-Hsin , Ho Pei-Heng , Sun Chung-Ming
Published: April 2016

A highly efficient synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolone through a novel oxidative 5-exo-dig cyclization-ketonization cascade of 2-aminobenzimidazole, aldehyde and terminal alkyne has been explored under aerobic conditions.
One-step gene delivery into the cytoplasm in a fusion-dependent manner based on a new membrane fusogenic lipid
Authors: Deng Hongzhang , Zhao Xuefei , He Dongxuan , Guo Weisheng , Yang Keni , Dong Anjie , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: April 2016

The illustration of the gene delivery into the cytoplasm of tumor cells through one-step membrane-fusion without endocytosis.
Non-covalent immobilisation of p-toluenesulfonic acid in a porous molecular crystal for size-specific acid-catalysed reactions
Authors: Tashiro Shohei , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Kubota Ryou , Umeki Tsutomu , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: April 2016

A porous molecular crystal non-covalently immobilising p-toluenesulfonic acid in the nanochannels serves as a size-specific heterogeneous acid catalyst.
Hydrogen dynamics in β-Mg(BH4)2 on the picosecond timescale
Authors: Silvi Luca , Röhm Eva , Fichtner Maximilian , Petry Winfried , Lohstroh Wiebke
Published: April 2016

Hydrogen dynamics in β-Mg(BH4)2 on the picosecond timescale is dominated by local rotational and vibrational reorientations occurring on a similar timescale.
Heat transport through a solid–solid junction: the interface as an autonomous thermodynamic system
Authors: Rurali Riccardo , Colombo Luciano , Cartoixà Xavier , Wilhelmsen Øivind , Trinh Thuat T. , Bedeaux Dick , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: April 2016

We perform computational experiments using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, showing that the interface between two solid materials can be described as an autonomous thermodynamic system.
Bisphenol A degradation by a new acidic nano zero-valent iron diatomite composite
Authors: Ma Lingya , He Hongping , Zhu Runliang , Zhu Jianxi , Mackinnon Ian D. R. , Xi Yunfei
Published: April 2016

A new nano zero-valent iron material that generates acidic conditionsin situexhibits a high removal efficiency of BPA under natural pH conditions.
Aluminum chelates supported by β-quinolyl enolate ligands: synthesis and ROP of ε-CL
Authors: Wang Peng , Hao Xiaomin , Cheng Jianhua , Chao Jianbin , Chen Xia
Published: April 2016

The ROP of ε-CL initiated by six aluminum β-quinolyl-enolates and their benzyloxides was reported.
Mixed-ligand copper(ii) Schiff base complexes: the role of the co-ligand in DNA binding, DNA cleavage, protein binding and cytotoxicity
Authors: Lian Wen-Jing , Wang Xin-Tian , Xie Cheng-Zhi , Tian He , Song Xue-Qing , Pan He-Ting , Qiao Xin , Xu Jing-Yuan
Published: April 2016

Four novel mixed-ligand copper(ii) Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized. The biological features of the complexes and how acetic auxiliary ligands manipulate these features were investigated.
Heterobimetallic cerium(iv) oxo clusters supported by a tripodal oxygen ligand
Authors: Wong Kang-Long , So Yat-Ming , Wang Guo-Cang , Sung Herman H.-Y. , Williams Ian D. , Leung Wa-Hung
Published: April 2016

Heterometallic CeIV/M (M = MoVI, ReVII, VV) oxo clusters supported by the Kläui tripodal oxygen ligand [(η5-C5H5)Co{P(O)(OEt)2}3]− (LOEt−) have been synthesized and the catalytic activity of the CeIV/VV oxo cluster in the oxidation of thioanisoles has been studied.
Mechanochemically synthesized fluorides: local structures and ion transport
Authors: Preishuber-Pflügl Florian , Wilkening Martin
Published: April 2016

Complex fluorine-ion conductors mechanosynthesized using binary fluorides represent fascinating model compounds to study ion transport,e.g., throughT1NMR relaxometry.
Ambient pressure synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) MOF from homogeneous solution using a redox pathway
Authors: Jeremias Felix , Henninger Stefan K. , Janiak Christoph
Published: April 2016

At normal pressure a DMSO–nitrate redox pathway, which is amenable to up-scaling or continuous flow reaction, gave MIL-100(Fe) with surface areas of SBET = 1791 m2 g−1 and pore volumes of Vpore = 0.82 cm3 g−1.
A simple structured and efficient triazine-based molecule as an interfacial layer for high performance organic electronics
Authors: Chakravarthi Nallan , Gunasekar Kumarasamy , Cho Woosum , Long Dang Xuan , Kim Yun-Hi , Song Chang Eun , Lee Jong-Cheol , Facchetti Antonio , Song Myungkwan , Noh Yong-Young , Jin Sung-Ho
Published: April 2016

The highly efficient organic electronic devices achieved by PO-TAZ as an interfacial layer.
Evaluation of analytical methodology for the detection of hormones and their attenuation during aquifer recharge and recovery cycles
Authors: de Lima Stebbins Daniela , Docs Jon , Lowe Paula , Cohen Jason , Lei Hongxia
Published: April 2016

Concentrations and attenuation data of Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 listed hormones in Aquifer Recharge and Recovery (ASR) cycles in Florida are reported here for the first time.
Synthesis of functionalized N-doped graphene DNA hybrid material in a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Bhatt Jitkumar , Mondal Dibyendu , Devkar Ranjitsinh V. , Prasad Kamalesh
Published: April 2016

A functionalized DNA and N-doped graphene based non-toxic hybrid material is prepared using a deep eutectic solvent.
N-Butylpyrrolidinone as a dipolar aprotic solvent for organic synthesis
Authors: Sherwood James , Parker Helen L. , Moonen Kristof , Farmer Thomas J. , Hunt Andrew J.
Published: April 2016

N-Butylpyrrolidinone (NBP) has been demonstrated as a suitable safer replacement solvent for N-Methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) in selected organic syntheses.
High-throughput malaria parasite separation using a viscoelastic fluid for ultrasensitive PCR detection
Authors: Nam Jeonghun , Shin Yong , Tan Justin Kok Soon , Lim Ying Bena , Lim Chwee Teck , Kim Sangho
Published: April 2016

A novel microfluidic device for high-throughput particle separation using a viscoelastic fluid, which enables rapid detection of extremely rare malaria parasites by using PCR analysis, is proposed.
Micro- and nano-technologies to probe the mechano-biology of the brain
Authors: Tay Andy , Schweizer Felix E. , Di Carlo Dino
Published: April 2016

This review covers the range of conventional, micro- and nano-technologies to probe mechanical forces that interface with neuronal development.
Phosphorus–nitrogen compounds. Part 35. Syntheses, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, and antituberculosis, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of mono-ferrocenyl-spirocyclotetraphosphazenes
Authors: Okumuş Aytuğ , Elmas Gamze , Cemaloğlu Reşit , Aydın Betül , Binici Arzu , Şimşek Hülya , Açık Leyla , Türk Mustafa , Güzel Remziye , Kılıç Zeynel , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: April 2016

The syntheses, in vitro antituberculosis and cytotoxic activities of cyclotetraphosphazenes were investigated.
A photothermally responsive nanoprobe for bioimaging based on Edman degradation
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Zhantong , Zhang Huimin , Lang Lixin , Ma Ying , He Qianjun , Lu Nan , Huang Peng , Liu Yijing , Song Jibin , Liu Zhibo , Gao Shi , Ma Qingjie , Kiesewetter Dale O. , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2016

A new type of photothermally responsive nanoprobe based on Edman degradation has been synthesized and characterized.
The impact of α-hydrazino acids embedded in short fluorescent peptides on peptide interactions with DNA and RNA
Authors: Suć Josipa , Tumir Lidija-Marija , Glavaš-Obrovac Ljubica , Jukić Marijana , Piantanida Ivo , Jerić Ivanka
Published: April 2016

The α-hydrazino group in a peptide systematically decreased its fluorimetric response to DNA/RNA binding in the order: mono-hydrazino < alternating-hydrazino < sequential-hydrazino. Two sequential α-hydrazino3specific for poly rG.
New (green) methodology for efficient hydrazine cleavage
Authors: Kubovičová Lenka , Bürglová Kristýna , Hlaváč Jan
Published: April 2016

An efficient method for removal of the hydrazine group from (hetero)aromatic substrates has been developed.
Interfacial regions in spherical nanoparticle-doped glassy polymers: interfaces or interphases?
Authors: Chang Jinming , Guan Xiaoyu , Chen Yi , Fan Haojun
Published: April 2016

By computational simulation, we provide new evidence supporting a high-free-volume interphase in spherical nanoparticle-doped glassy polymers and offer a generic framework for understanding how this interphase is shaped.
Fabrication, characterization and water wetting behavior of mesoscale 1D/2D periodic structured silica-zirconia sol–gel thin films
Authors: Sarkar Saswati , Bhadra Shyamal Kumar , Jana Sunirmal
Published: April 2016

Capillary force lithography based 1D/2D mesoscale periodic structured silica zirconia sol–gel thin films having different water wetting behaviours.
Novel Fe3O4/HNT@rGO composite via a facile co-precipitation method for the removal of contaminants from aqueous system
Authors: Gao Chengwei , Li Baojun , Chen Ning , Ding Jie , Cai Qiang , Zhang Jianmin , Liu Yushan
Published: April 2016

Fe3O4/HNT@rGO composite (FHGC) was fabricated via a facile co-precipitation process, followed by heat treatment. For RhB and As5+removal, the high performance and easy separation of FHGC highlight its potential application in water treatment.
Polycationic adamantane-based dendrons form nanorods in complex with plasmid DNA
Authors: Grillaud Maxime , Ruiz de Garibay Aritz Perez , Bianco Alberto
Published: April 2016

Different HYDRAmers are synthesized and complexed to a model plasmid DNA. Appropriate chemical modifications can improve efficiently the complexation to get HYDRAplexes, in form of long nanorods, with very good DNA binding and protecting properties.
Dual-ligand mediated one-pot self-assembly of Cu/ZnO core/shell structures for enhanced microwave absorption
Authors: Cheng Yi-Feng , Bi Han , Wang Chao , Cao Qi , Jiao Wenling , Che Renchao
Published: April 2016

A facile one-pot method has developed to assemble Cu/ZnO core/shell nanocrystals with different aspect ratios for enhanced microwave absorption. Besides, the one-pot method has shown the appreciable yields and no cumbersome multistep operations.
Porous hollow hydroxyapatite microspheres synthesized by spray pyrolysis using a microalga template: preparation, drug delivery, and bioactivity
Authors: Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Cho Sunja , Cho Kuk
Published: April 2016

A one-step process is performed for producing porous hollow hydroxyapatite by using a spray pyrolysis technique and employing microalgae as a template.
Poly[diaquo(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N1:N10)(μ2-sulphato-κ2O:O′)copper(ii)]: hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Kamath Amarjit , Mishra Dipu Kumar , Brahman Dhiraj , Pilet Guillaume , Sinha Biswajit , Tamang Abiral
Published: April 2016

Of late, hydrothermal synthesis has gained much interest in the synthesis of metal–organic hybrid complexes with fascinating architectures and topologies.
Multi-purpose electrochemical biosensor based on a “green” homobifunctional cross-linker coupled with PAMAM dendrimer grafted p-MWCNTs as a platform: application to detect α2,3-sialylated glycans and α2,6-sialylated glycans in human serum
Authors: Niu Yazhen , He Junlin , Li Yuliang , Zhao Yilin , Xia Chunyong , Yuan Guolin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuchan , Yu Chao
Published: April 2016

Sialylated glycans are crucial molecular targets for cancer diagnosis and clinical research.
Ion mediated charge carrier transport in a novel radiation sensitive polyoxometalate–polymer hybrid
Authors: Sarkar Abdus Salam , Kalyani Vishwanath , Gonsalves Kenneth E. , Pradeep Chullikkattil P. , Pal Suman Kalyan
Published: April 2016

We elucidate the carrier transport mechanism in a novel polyoxometalate–polymer (POM–MAPDST) hybrid containing molybdenum transition metal.
Toward highly compressible graphene aerogels of enhanced mechanical performance with polymer
Authors: Lu Hao , Li Chenwei , Zhang Baoqing , Qiao Xin , Liu Chen-Yang
Published: April 2016

The highly compressive durable graphene aerogels with enhanced strength was prepared by combining the freeze-casting process with the binding effect of polymer.
Polyacrylamide strengthened mixed-charge hydrogels and their applications in resistance to protein adsorption and algae attachment
Authors: Jiang Daoyi , Liu Zhixiong , He Xiaoyan , Han Jin , Wu Xuedong
Published: April 2016

Mixed-charge polymer hydrogels were successfully prepared by copolymerization of different ratios of [2-(meth-acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium (TMA) and 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (SA).
Low temperature synthesis of Ag@anatase TiO2 nanocomposites through controlled hydrolysis and improved degradation of toxic malachite green under both ultra-violet and visible light
Authors: Rao Yeluri Narayana , Banerjee Debashis , Datta Aparna , Das Satyendra K. , Saha Abhijit
Published: April 2016

The synthesized nanocomposite materials have shown remarkable catalytic degradation efficiency even at low concentrations towards toxic dye molecules under visible light.
Electronic properties and photoactivity of monolayer MoS2/fullerene van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Luo Cai-Yun , Huang Wei-Qing , Xu Liang , Yang Yin-Cai , Li Xiaofan , Hu Wangyu , Peng P. , Huang Gui-Fang
Published: April 2016

van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have attracted immense interest recently due to their unusual properties and new phenomena.
Ferrocene-containing [1]-, [2]-, [3]- and [4]rotaxanes synthesized from a common precursor
Authors: Yu Gilbert , Suzaki Yuji , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: April 2016

[1]-, [2]-, [3]- and [4]rotaxanes were synthesized by reaction of azide compounds with dialkylammonium with ferrocenyl and alkynyl terminal groups.
Point defect interactions in iron lattice: a first-principles study
Authors: He TianWei , Jiang YeHua , Zhou Rong , Feng Jing
Published: April 2016

The interaction of point defects (interstitial atoms and vacancy) in both BCC Fe and FCC Fe lattices were investigated by first-principles calculations.
Synthesis of a novel comb micro-block hydrophobically associating copolymer for Ca2+/Mg2+ resistance
Authors: Pu Wanfen , Jiang Feng , He Yanyan , Wei Bing , Tang Yanli
Published: April 2016

A comb micro-block hydrophobically associating copolymer (CBHAP), which can withstand divalent cations in harsh conditions, was successfully synthesized in this work.
Hydrophobicity-dependent effects of polymers on different protein conformations
Authors: Sales Amanda E. , Breydo Leonid , Porto Tatiana S. , Porto Ana L. F. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: April 2016

Polymers can either induce or disrupt secondary and tertiary structure in partially disordered protein conformations. The balance of the forces driving these structural changes depends on the polymer hydrophobicity and protein sequence and structure. ​
Synthesis of hierarchical ZnO/ZnCo2O4 nanosheets with mesostructures for lithium-ion anodes
Authors: Zhen Mengmeng , Zhang Xiao , Liu Lu
Published: April 2016

Novel bi-component-active hierarchical ZnO/ZnCo2O4 nanosheets with mesostructures presented a good high-rate performance for lithium ion batteries.
Analysis of a bicyclic, triple disulphide molecular nanopropeller
Authors: Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: April 2016

The bicyclic, triple disulphide molecule, HC(S2)3CH called propellerdisulphide (PS), is quantum chemically shown to be a stable, isolated molecule with potential applications to nanoparticle transportation for biomedical uses.