bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive pattern of nectar volume within inflorescences: bumblebee foraging behavior and pollinator-mediated natural selection
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Lu Ningna , Conner Jeffrey K.
Published: September 2016

Larger floral displays increase pollinator visitation as well as among-flower self-pollination (geitonogamy) in self-compatible species. Dichogamy (temporal separation of gender expression) can limit geitonogamy and increase outcrossing but this depends on pollinator behavior within inflorescences. Declining nectar volume from lower to upper flowers is a hypothesized adaptation to increase outcrossing and pollen export by encouraging the upward movment of pollinators from female to male flowers and by reducing the number of flowers probed per inflorescence, but supporting evidence has been equivocal. We tested this hypothesis in Aconitum gymnandrum by studying floral display and rewards, pollinator visitation, and pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits. We found that larger inflorescences of A. gymnandrum attracted more pollinators, but did not increase the number of flowers probed per visit. Nectar production declined with increasing flower height on average, but the opposite pattern was also common. Bumblebees responded strongly to the nectar pattern, moving from higher to lower nectar concentration. Finally, there was significant pollinator-mediated direct selection for this pattern of declining nectar volume after correcting for correlations with flower size, number, and mean nectar volume. Together, the results strongly suggest that declining nectar production in higher flowers is an adaptation to enhance outcrossing in A. gymnandrum.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation is required for proliferation of chicken primordial germ cells in vitro
Authors: Lee Hyung Chul , Lim Sumi , Han Jae Yong
Published: September 2016

Here, we investigated the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vitro. We confirmed the expression of Wnt signaling pathway-related genes and the localization of β-catenin in the nucleus, revealing that this pathway is potentially activated in chicken PGCs. Then, using the single-cell pick-up assay, we examined the proliferative capacity of cultured PGCs in response to Wnt ligands, a β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling activator (6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime [BIO]) or inhibitor (JW74), in the presence or absence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). WNT1, WNT3A, and BIO promoted the proliferation of chicken PGCs similarly to bFGF, whereas JW74 inhibited this proliferation. Meanwhile, such treatments in combination with bFGF did not show a synergistic effect. bFGF treatment could not rescue PGC proliferation in the presence of JW74. In addition, we confirmed the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus by the addition of bFGF after JW74 treatment. These results indicate that there is signaling crosstalk between FGF and Wnt, and that β-catenin acts on PGC proliferation downstream of bFGF. In conclusion, our study suggests that Wnt signaling enhances the proliferation of chicken PGCs via the stabilization of β-catenin and activation of its downstream genes.
High expression of MAP7 predicts adverse prognosis in young patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fu Lin , Fu Huaping , Zhou Lei , Xu Keman , Pang Yifan , Hu Kai , Wang Jing , Tian Lei , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Jijun , Jing Hongmei , Huang Wenrong , Ke Xiaoyan , Shi Jinlong
Published: September 2016

Microtubule-associated protein 7 (MAP7) plays an important role in cancer cells. In this study, we identified the prognostic significance of MAP7 expression in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) patients (aged <60 years) based on several microarray datasets. In the first group (n = 129), high MAP7 expression (MAP7high) was associated with adverse overall survival (OS; P = 0.0441) and event-free survival (EFS; P = 0.0114) compared with low MAP7 expression (MAP7low). In addition, the prognostic significance of MAP7 was confirmed by European Leukemia Net (ELN) intermediate-I genetic categories and multivariable analysis. In the second independent group of CN-AML patients (aged <60 years), MAP7high was also associated with adverse OS (n = 88, OS; P = 0.00811). To understand the inherent mechanisms of MAP7’s prognosis, we investigated genome-wide gene/microRNA expression signatures associated with MAP7 expression. Several known oncogenic genes/microRNAs and anti-oncogenic genes/microRNAs were disordered in MAP7high CN-AML patients. In conclusion, MAP7high is an adverse prognostic biomarker for CN-AML, which may be attributed to the distinctive genome-wide gene/microRNA expression and related cell signaling pathways.
Comparison of standard, quantitative and digital PCR in the detection of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Purcell Rachel V. , Pearson John , Frizelle Frank A. , Keenan Jacqueline I.
Published: September 2016

Gut colonization with enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) appears to be associated with the development of colorectal cancer. However, differences in carriage rates are seen with various testing methods and sampling sites. We compared standard PCR, SYBR green and TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) in detecting the B. fragilis toxin (bft) gene from cultured ETBF, and from matched luminal and faecal stool samples from 19 colorectal cancer patients. Bland-Altman analysis found that all three quantitative methods performed comparably in detecting bft from purified bacterial DNA, with the same limits of detection (<1 copy/μl). However, SYBR qPCR under-performed compared to TaqMan qPCR and dPCR in detecting bft in clinical stool samples; 13/38 samples were reported positive by SYBR, compared to 35 and 36 samples by TaqMan and dPCR, respectively. TaqMan qPCR and dPCR gave bft copy numbers that were 48-fold and 75-fold higher for the same samples than SYBR qPCR, respectively (p < 0.001). For samples that were bft-positive in both fecal and luminal stools, there was no difference in relative abundance between the sites, by any method tested. From our findings, we recommend the use of TaqMan qPCR as the preferred method to detect ETBF from clinical stool samples.
The impact of P2Y12 promoter DNA methylation on the recurrence of ischemic events in Chinese patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Li Xin-Gang , Ma Ning , Wang Bo , Li Xiao-Qing , Mei Sheng-Hui , Zhao Kun , Wang Yong-Jun , Li Wei , Zhao Zhi-Gang , Sun Shu-Sen , Miao Zhong-Rong
Published: September 2016

The primary mechanism of clopidogrel resistance is still unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the methylation status of the P2Y12 promoter has effects on platelet function and clinical ischemic events. Patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease were enrolled into our study. Venous blood samples were drawn for thrombelastograpy (TEG) and active metabolite assay. Patients were divided into a case- or control-group based on the occurrence of ischemic events during a one year follow-up. Two TEG parameters between the case and control groups were statistically significant [ADP inhibition rate (ADP%): P = 0.018; ADP-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MAADP): P = 0.030]. The concentrations of clopidogrel active metabolite had no significant difference (P = 0.281). Sixteen CpG dinucleotides on P2Y12 promoter were tested. Three CpG sites (CpG11 and CpG12 + 13) showed lower methylation status, which correlated with a strong association with increased risk of clinical events. Changes of MAADP and ADP% were also associated with methylation levels of CpG 11 and CpG 12 + 13. Hypomethylation of the P2Y12 promoter is associated with a higher platelet reactivity and increased risk of ischemic events in our patients. Methylation analysis of peripheral blood samples might be a novel molecular marker to help early identification of patients at high risk for clinical ischemic events.
Rhythmic displays of female gibbons offer insight into the origin of dance
Authors: Fan Peng-Fei , Ma Chang-Yong , Garber Paul A. , Zhang Wen , Fei Han-Lan , Xiao Wen
Published: September 2016

Dance is a universal art form practiced by all human societies and has many functions including sexual attraction, social cohesion, and the therapeutic release of energy. Dance also has been reported in a small number of non-human primate species, in particular apes. However, its function has not been systematically evaluated. We observed 357 intentional, rhythmic, and nonverbal dance displays performed by four adult female cao vit gibbons (Nomascus nasutus) residing in four polygynous groups during 3000 h of observation in Bangliang, Guangxi, China. Females used dance to solicit copulations, as well as to promote a social bond with the group’s lone adult male. In addition, this display appears to represent a form of non-aggressive competition among adult females living in the same group. We found that a female who had a weaker social relationship with the breeding male increased her social and sexual access to the male by an increase in dancing frequency. Given that gibbons dance in various behavioral contexts, and appears to serve several important social and sexual functions, a greater understanding of this form of gestural communication offers an instructive model for examining the origin and evolution of dance in humans and other apes.
Simple and rapid direct cloning and heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic gene cluster in Bacillus subtilis via Red/ET recombineering
Authors: Liu Qingshu , Shen Qiyao , Bian Xiaoying , Chen Hanna , Fu Jun , Wang Hailong , Lei Ping , Guo Zhaohui , Chen Wu , Li Dingjun , Zhang Youming
Published: September 2016

Heterologous expression of biosynthetic pathways is an important way to research and discover microbial natural products. Bacillus subtilis is a suitable host for the heterologous production of natural products from bacilli and related Firmicutes. Existing technologies for heterologous expression of large biosynthetic gene clusters in B. subtilis are complicated. Herein, we present a simple and rapid strategy for direct cloning based heterologous expression of biosynthetic pathways in B. subtilis via Red/ET recombineering, using a 5.2 kb specific direct cloning vector carrying homologous sequences to the amyE gene in B. subtilis and CcdB counterselection marker. Using a two-step procedure, two large biosynthetic pathways for edeine (48.3 kb) and bacillomycin (37.2 kb) from Brevibacillus brevis X23 and B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42, respectively, were directly cloned and subsequently integrated into the chromosome of B. subtilis within one week. The gene cluster for bacillomycin was successfully expressed in the heterologous host, although edeine production was not detectable. Compared with similar technologies, this method offers a simpler and more feasible system for the discovery of natural products from bacilli and related genera.
Orphan nuclear receptor SHP regulates iron metabolism through inhibition of BMP6-mediated hepcidin expression
Authors: Kim Don-Kyu , Kim Yong-Hoon , Jung Yoon Seok , Kim Ki-Sun , Jeong Jae-Ho , Lee Yong-Soo , Yuk Jae-Min , Oh Byung-Chul , Choy Hyon E. , Dooley Steven , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Lee Chul-Ho , Choi Hueng-Sik
Published: September 2016

Small heterodimer partner (SHP) is a transcriptional corepressor regulating diverse metabolic processes. Here, we show that SHP acts as an intrinsic negative regulator of iron homeostasis. SHP-deficient mice maintained on a high-iron diet showed increased serum hepcidin levels, decreased expression of the iron exporter ferroportin as well as iron accumulation compared to WT mice. Conversely, overexpression of either SHP or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a metabolic sensor inducing SHP expression, suppressed BMP6-induced hepcidin expression. In addition, an inhibitory effect of AMPK activators metformin and AICAR on BMP6-mediated hepcidin gene expression was significantly attenuated by ablation of SHP expression. Interestingly, SHP physically interacted with SMAD1 and suppressed BMP6-mediated recruitment of the SMAD complex to the hepcidin gene promoter by inhibiting the formation of SMAD1 and SMAD4 complex. Finally, overexpression of SHP and metformin treatment of BMP6 stimulated mice substantially restored hepcidin expression and serum iron to baseline levels. These results reveal a previously unrecognized role for SHP in the transcriptional control of iron homeostasis.
Uncertainty budgeting in fold change determination and implications for non-targeted metabolomics studies in model systems
Authors: Ortmayr Karin , Charwat Verena , Kasper Cornelia , Hann Stephan , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: September 2016

Uncertainty budgeting provides error intervals for fold change values and complements significance testing in non-targeted metabolomics.
Biophysical characterization of a protein for structure comparison: methods for identifying insulin structural changes
Authors: Sklepari M. , Rodger A. , Reason A. , Jamshidi S. , Prokes I. , Blindauer C. A.
Published: September 2016

Combination of four well-established techniques complemented with temperature dependence for probing structural changes and detecting differences between insulin samples.
Low-temperature-grown p–n ZnO nanojunction arrays as rapid and self-driven UV photodetectors
Authors: Lu Ming-Yen , Chen Hung-Yi , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Tseng Yen-Ti , Kuo Yu-Ting , Wang Hsiang-Chen , Lu Ming-Pei
Published: September 2016

The rapid and self-driven photodetectors have been demonstrated by using low-temperature-grown p–n ZnO nanorod arrays.
Electrodeposited Fe and Fe–Au nanowires as MRI contrast agents
Authors: Shore Daniel , Pailloux Sylvie L. , Zhang Jinjin , Gage Thomas , Flannigan David J. , Garwood Michael , Pierre Valérie C. , Stadler Bethanie J. H.
Published: September 2016

T2-Weighted images (9.4 T, 25 °C) of electrodeposited Fe and Fe–Au nanowires, various concentrations, coated with PEG.
Structural regulation by a G-quadruplex ligand increases binding abilities of G-quadruplex-forming aptamers
Authors: Tsukakoshi Kaori , Ikuta Yuri , Abe Koichi , Yoshida Wataru , Iida Keisuke , Ma Yue , Nagasawa Kazuo , Sode Koji , Ikebukuro Kazunori
Published: September 2016

By the binding of a G4 ligand to G4-forming aptamers, their conformations became suitable for binding to the target and their binding ability increased.
Effects of pore size and surface charge on Na ion storage in carbon nanopores
Authors: Karatrantos Argyrios , Cai Qiong
Published: September 2016

Na ion batteries (NIBs) are considered as a promising low cost and sustainable energy storage technology.
Modulation of the exfoliated graphene work function through cycloaddition of nitrile imines
Authors: Barrejón Myriam , Gómez-Escalonilla María J. , Fierro José Luis G. , Prieto Pilar , Carrillo José R. , Rodríguez Antonio M. , Abellán Gonzalo , López-Escalante Ma Cruz , Gabás Mercedes , López-Navarrete Juan T. , Langa Fernando
Published: September 2016

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition between nitrile imines and graphene is studied. The work function of functionalized-graphene depends on the nature of functionalization.
Novel lead-free ferroelectric film by ultra-small Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3nanocubes assembled for a large electrocaloric effect
Authors: Su Ran , Zhang Dawei , Liu Yang , Lu Jiangbo , Wang Zhipeng , Li Linglong , Bian Jihong , Wu Ming , Lou Xiaojie , Yang Yaodong
Published: September 2016

The assembled Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3thin films formed by precisely designed building blocks of ferroelectric nanocubes have a large electrocaloric effect (9.1 K).
Microwave-gated dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Bornet Aurélien , Pinon Arthur , Jhajharia Aditya , Baudin Mathieu , Ji Xiao , Emsley Lyndon , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Ardenkjaer-Larsen Jan Henrik , Jannin Sami
Published: September 2016

Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D-DNP) efficiency can be significantly boosted by a combination of microwave gating and cross polarization at low temperatures.
The influence of the dianhydride precursor in hyper-cross-linked hybrid polyPOSS-imide networks
Authors: Neyertz Sylvie , Brown David , Raaijmakers Michiel J. T. , Benes Nieck E.
Published: September 2016

Comparison at the molecular level of hyper-cross-linked hybrid polyPOSS-imide networks depending on their 6FDA or PMDA dianhydride precursor.
A novel Ce–Sb binary oxide catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Liu Haiyan , Zeng Hui , Xu Qi
Published: September 2016

The synergetic effect between Sb and Ce not only increases the surface acidity of the catalyst but also enhances the redox property, both of which contribute to improving NH3-SCR activity.
Isoparaffin-rich gasoline synthesis from DME over Ni-modified HZSM-5
Authors: Wen Zhiyong , Wang Chun , Wei Jian , Sun Jian , Guo Lisheng , Ge Qingjie , Xu Hengyong
Published: September 2016

Nickel modified HZSM-5 exhibits an improved performance in isoparaffin formation due to the moderate acid strength and NiOx hydroisomerization.
Structural snapshots in the copper(ii) induced azide–nitrile cycloaddition: effects of peripheral ligand substituents on the formation of unsupported μ1,1-azido vs. μ1,4-tetrazolato bridged complexes
Authors: Sommer Michael G. , Rechkemmer Yvonne , Suntrup Lisa , Hohloch Stephan , van der Meer Margarethe , van Slageren Joris , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: September 2016

Peripheral substituents on click-derived tripodal ligands dictate the reactivity of their copper(ii) azido complexes.
The E factor 25 years on: the rise of green chemistry and sustainability
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: September 2016

The global impact of green chemistry and sustainability and the pivotal role of theEfactor concept, over the last twenty five years, is reviewed.
A chemodosimetric approach for the selective detection of Pb2+ions using a cesium based perovskite
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Sher Muhammad , Malik Muhammad Azad , Akhtar Javeed , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: September 2016

We have synthesized a lead free inorganic perovskite as a fluorescence turn-on chemodosimeter for selective sensing of Pb2+ions.
Organic synthesis reactions on-water at the organic–liquid water interface
Authors: Butler Richard N. , Coyne Anthony G.
Published: September 2016

Organic synthesis on-water has shown surprising successful synthetic methods. This review discusses the array of chemistry, which has been adapted with this methodology.
Silver-promoted decarboxylative amidation of α-keto acids with amines
Authors: Xu Xiao-Lan , Xu Wen-Tao , Wu Ji-Wei , He Jian-Bo , Xu Hua-Jian
Published: September 2016

A general and effective method for the synthesis of amides through decarboxylative amidation of α-keto acids with amines has been developed.
Novel and efficient transformation of enamides into α-acyloxy ketones via an acyl intramolecular migration process
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqiang , Ma Haojie , Cao Jinhui , Liu Xingxing , Huang Guosheng
Published: September 2016

Hydrogen peroxide and anhydride mediated transformation of enamides to afford substituted α-acyloxy ketones is described.
Bioinspired synthesis of poly(phenylboronic acid) microgels with high glucose selectivity at physiological pH
Authors: Wu Qingshi , Du Xue , Chang Aiping , Jiang Xiaomei , Yan Xiaoyun , Cao Xiaoyu , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Wu Weitai
Published: September 2016

A microgel that is more sensitive towards glucose than to other saccharides is made of 4-vinylphenylboronic acid crosslinked withN,N′-bis(propene)perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyldiimide.
G-quadruplex DNA targeted metal complexes acting as potential anticancer drugs
Authors: Cao Qian , Li Yi , Freisinger Eva , Qin Peter Z. , Sigel Roland K. O. , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: September 2016

This review summarizes the recent development of G4 DNA targeted metal complexes and discusses their potential as anticancer drugs.
Two-dimensional nanostructures of non-layered ternary thiospinels and their bifunctional electrocatalytic properties for oxygen reduction and evolution: the case of CuCo2S4nanosheets
Authors: Zhao Shulin , Wang Yu , Zhang Qinghua , Li Yafei , Gu Lin , Dai Zhihui , Liu Suli , Lan Ya-Qian , Han Min , Bao Jianchun
Published: September 2016

CuCo2S4nanosheets are synthesizedviaa “bottom-up” route, which show excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic properties toward oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.
Novel nanoporous carbon derived from metal–organic frameworks with tunable electromagnetic wave absorption capabilities
Authors: Liang Xiaohui , Quan Bin , Ji Guangbin , Liu Wei , Cheng Yan , Zhang Baoshan , Du Youwei
Published: September 2016

Core–shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 crystals, which integrate the properties of single ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, are elaborately designed for the first time by applying a seed-mediated growth technique.
Discrimination of enantiomers of dipeptide derivatives with two chiral centers by tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agents using1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Fang Lixia , Lv Caixia , Wang Guo , Feng Lei , Stavropoulos Pericles , Gao Guangpeng , Ai Lin , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: September 2016

Enantiomers of dipeptide derivatives with two chiral centers were effectively discriminated by a new class of tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agentsvia1H NMR spectroscopy.
Pressure-induced phase transitions of β-type pyrochlore CsTaWO6
Authors: Zhang F. X. , Tracy C. L. , Shamblin J. , Palomares R. I. , Lang M. , Park S. , Park C. , Tkachev S. , Ewing R. C.
Published: September 2016

The β-type pyrochlore CsTaWO6 was studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering methods up to pressures of 43 GPa using a diamond anvil cell (DAC).
Assessment of QCM array schemes for mixture identification: citrus scented odors
Authors: Speller Nicholas C. , Siraj Noureen , Vaughan Stephanie , Speller Lauren N. , Warner Isiah M.
Published: September 2016

A comparative study of QCM based MSAs, VSAs, and V-MSAs for complex mixture analysis.
Discovery of anti-inflammatory components from Guge Fengtong tablet based on inflammatory markers and exploration of its molecular mechanism
Authors: Liu Qun , Wang Zhen , Liu Le-Le , Li Ping , Liu E-Hu
Published: September 2016

In this work, we discovered GGFTT and its bioactive combinatorial components (10C) could significantly decrease the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6. 10C exert comparable anti-inflammatory effect through NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways as GGFTT.
Removal of antimonite (Sb(iii)) and antimonate (Sb(v)) using zerovalent iron decorated functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Dwivedi Jaya , Kumar Amar , Sankararamakrishnan Nalini
Published: September 2016

Zerovalent iron decorated CNTs exhibited excellent adsorption capacity towards both Sb(iii) and Sb(v). Using XPS, FTIR and Raman mechanism of interaction is postulated.
Development of low-temperature desulfurization performance of a MnO2/AC composite for a combined SO2 trap for diesel exhaust
Authors: Liu X. C. , Osaka Y. , Huang H. Y. , Huhetaoli Huhetaoli , Li J. , Yang X. X. , Li S. J. , Kobayashi N.
Published: September 2016

MnO2/AC composite was proposed as a low temperature desulfurization material for a combined SO2 trap.
Magnetic manipulation of electric orders in Co4NbTaO9
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Lu Y. P. , Zhang L. , Fang Y. , Han Z. D. , Qian B. , Jiang X. F. , Zhu L. Y. , Wang D. H. , Du Y. W.
Published: September 2016

Magnetic, dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of the polycrystalline Co4NbTaO9 have been investigated in this paper.
Controllable synthesis of Ni(OH)2/Co(OH)2 hollow nanohexagons wrapped in reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitors
Authors: Su Xinruo , Gao Changzhong , Cheng Ming , Wang Rongming
Published: September 2016

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) wrapped hollow nanohexagons comprised of nickel hydroxide and cobalt hydroxide have been synthesized via in situ wet chemical approach.
High efficient light-emitting diodes based on liquid-type carbon dots
Authors: Chen Xingru , Bai Xue , Sun Chun , Su Liang , Wang Yiding , Zhang Yu , Yu William W.
Published: September 2016

The liquid-type carbon dot-based LEDs exhibited the luminous efficiency of 44.36 lm W−1, which was 2.27 times higher than that of solid devices.
Carbon–sulfur bond reductive coupling from a platinum(ii) thiolate complex
Authors: Niazi Maryam , Shahsavari Hamid R. , Haghighi Mohsen Golbon , Halvagar Mohammad Reza , Hatami Samaneh , Notash Behrouz
Published: September 2016

Complex 1 was reacted with different alkyl halides at room temperature. This reaction proceeded via formation of binuclear intermediate complex 3 and through C–S bond reductive coupling to produce alkyl sulfides and corresponding halide complexes 2.
Promising ESIPT-based fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ and CN− ions: investigation towards logic gate behaviour, anticancer activities and bioimaging application
Authors: Bhardwaj Shubhrajyotsna , Maurya Nirma , Singh Ashok Kumar , Varshney Ritu , Roy Partha
Published: September 2016

An excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process-based novel chromogenic and fluorogenic probe (2) was synthesized with the aim of sequential in situ detection of Cu2+ and CN− ions under aqueous and biological conditions.
A biography of potassium complexes as versatile, green energetic materials
Authors: Chen Li-Yang , Zhang Jian-Guo , Zhou Zun-Ning , Zhang Tong-Lai
Published: September 2016

This review covers flourishing green potassium complexes that have been developed as energetic materials.
Facile enhancement of the durability and CO tolerance of CB/PtRu by poly(2,5-benzimidazole) coating via in situ polymerization
Authors: Yang Zehui , Yu Xinxin , Luo Fang
Published: September 2016

Ru nanoparticles were stabilized when coated with a polymer formed in situ from its monomer.
One-step synthesis of silver nanoplates with high aspect ratios: using coordination of silver ions to enhance lateral growth
Authors: Park Young Min , Lee Byung Gon , Weon Jong-Il , Kim Mun Ho
Published: September 2016

A coordination-based strategy was employed to produce Ag nanoplates with high aspect ratios. Ag nanoplates were synthesized in the presence of acetonitrile, which served both as the co-solvent and as the ligand to form complexes with the Ag+ ions.
Rapid and efficient biphasic liquid extraction of metals with bio-derived lipophilic β-diketone
Authors: Asemave Kaana , Byrne Fergal , Farmer Thomas J. , Clark James H. , Hunt Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

A bio-derived lipophilic β-diketone (14,16-hentriacontanedione) was isolated from wheat straw wax and tested in the liquid biphasic removal of Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Cr3+ in comparison to dibenzoylmethane and acetylacetone.
The dual role of thiourea in the thiotrifluoromethylation of alkenes
Authors: Ricci Paolo , Khotavivattana Tanatorn , Pfeifer Lukas , Médebielle Maurice , Morphy John Richard , Gouverneur Véronique
Published: September 2016

We report the stereoselective and metal-free trifluoromethylation of alkenes followed by S-cyclization using thiourea as the S-source and SET initiator.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nets with micro/mesoporous structures as electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Han Li-Na , Wei Xiao , Zhu Qian-Cheng , Xu Shu-Mao , Wang Kai-Xue , Chen Jie-Sheng
Published: September 2016

Supercapacitors based on nitrogen-doped micro/mesoporous carbon nets exhibited excellent specific capacitance and energy density.
Hybrid solid electrolyte with the combination of Li7La3Zr2O12 ceramic and ionic liquid for high voltage pseudo-solid-state Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Manikandan Palanisamy , Lim Young Jun , Kim Jin Hong , Nam Sang-cheol , Kim Youngsik
Published: September 2016

Concerning the safety aspects of high-voltage Li-ion batteries, a pelletized hybrid solid electrolyte (HSE) was prepared by blending Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) ceramic particles and an ionic liquid electrolyte (ILE) for use in pseudo-solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Further correction: Nanoparticles of Cu2ZnSnS4 as performance enhancing additives for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Kevin Punarja , Malik Mohammad Azad , O'Brien Paul , Cameron Joseph , Taylor Rupert G. D. , Findlay Neil J. , Inigo Anto R. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: September 2016

Further correction for ‘Nanoparticles of Cu2ZnSnS4 as performance enhancing additives for organic field-effect transistors’ by Punarja Kevin et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 5109–5115.
Defining the extreme substrate specificity of Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase, an unusual membrane-bound O-acyltransferase
Authors: Bansal Sunil , Durrett Timothy P.
Published: September 2016

Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) synthesizes the unusually structured 3-acetyl-1,2-diacylglycerols (acetyl-TAG) found in the seeds of a few plant species. A member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family, EaDAcT transfers the acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) to produce acetyl-TAG. In vitro assays demonstrated that the enzyme is also able to utilize butyryl-CoA and hexanoyl-CoA as acyl donors, though with much less efficiency compared with acetyl-CoA. Acyl-CoAs longer than eight carbons were not used by EaDAcT. This extreme substrate specificity of EaDAcT distinguishes it from all other MBOATs which typically catalyze the transfer of much longer acyl groups. In vitro selectivity experiments revealed that EaDAcT preferentially acetylated DAG molecules containing more double bonds over those with less. However, the enzyme was also able to acetylate saturated DAG containing medium chain fatty acids, albeit with less efficiency. Interestingly, EaDAcT could only acetylate the free hydroxyl group of sn-1,2-DAG but not the available hydroxyl groups in sn-1,3-DAG or in monoacylglycerols (MAG). Consistent with its similarity to the jojoba wax synthase, EaDAcT could acetylate fatty alcohols in vitro to produce alkyl acetates. Likewise, when coexpressed in yeast with a fatty acyl-CoA reductase capable of producing fatty alcohols, EaDAcT synthesized alkyl acetates although the efficiency of production was low. This improved understanding of EaDAcT specificity confirms that the enzyme preferentially utilizes acetyl-CoA to acetylate sn-1,2-DAGs and will be helpful in engineering the production of acetyl-TAG with improved functionality in transgenic plants.
Modular time division multiplexer: Efficient simultaneous characterization of fast and slow transients in multiple samples
Authors: Kim Stephan D. , Luo Jiajun , Buchholz D. Bruce , Chang R. P. H. , Grayson M.
Published: September 2016

A modular time division multiplexer (MTDM) device is introduced to enable parallel measurement of multiple samples with both fast and slow decay transients spanning from millisecond to month-long time scales. This is achieved by dedicating a single high-speed measurement instrument for rapid data collection at the start of a transient, and by multiplexing a second low-speed measurement instrument for slow data collection of several samples in parallel for the later transients. The MTDM is a high-level design concept that can in principle measure an arbitrary number of samples, and the low cost implementation here allows up to 16 samples to be measured in parallel over several months, reducing the total ensemble measurement duration and equipment usage by as much as an order of magnitude without sacrificing fidelity. The MTDM was successfully demonstrated by simultaneously measuring the photoconductivity of three amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin films with 20 ms data resolution for fast transients and an uninterrupted parallel run time of over 20 days. The MTDM has potential applications in many areas of research that manifest response times spanning many orders of magnitude, such as photovoltaics, rechargeable batteries, amorphous semiconductors such as silicon and amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide.
A molecular dynamics analysis of ion irradiation of ultrathin amorphous carbon films
Authors: Qi J. , Komvopoulos K.
Published: September 2016

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide insight into nanoscale problems where continuum description breaks down, such as the modeling of ultrathin films. Amorphous carbon (a-C) films are commonly used as protective overcoats in various contemporary technologies, including microelectromechanical systems, bio-implantable devices, optical lenses, and hard-disk drives. In all of these technologies, the protective a-C film must be continuous and very thin. For example, to achieve high storage densities (e.g., on the order of 1 Tb/in.2) in magnetic recording, the thickness of the a-C film used to protect the magnetic media and the recording head against mechanical wear and corrosion must be 2–3 nm. Inert ion irradiation is an effective post-deposition method for reducing the film thickness, while preserving the mechanical and chemical characteristics. In this study, MD simulations of Ar+ ion irradiated a-C films were performed to elucidate the effects of the ion incidence angle and ion kinetic energy on the film thickness and structure. The MD results reveal that the film etching rate exhibits a strong dependence on the ion kinetic energy and ion incidence angle, with a maximum etching rate corresponding to an ion incidence angle of ∼20°. It is also shown that Ar+ ion irradiation mainly affects the structure of the upper half of the ultrathin a-C film and that carbon atom hybridization is a strong function of the ion kinetic energy and ion incidence angle. The results of this study elucidate the effects of important ion irradiation parameters on the structure and thickness of ultrathin films and provide fundamental insight into the physics of dry etching.
Dimensional reduction of Markov state models from renormalization group theory
Authors: Orioli S. , Faccioli P.
Published: September 2016

Renormalization Group (RG) theory provides the theoretical framework to define rigorous effective theories, i.e., systematic low-resolution approximations of arbitrary microscopic models. Markov state models are shown to be rigorous effective theories for Molecular Dynamics (MD). Based on this fact, we use real space RG to vary the resolution of the stochastic model and define an algorithm for clustering microstates into macrostates. The result is a lower dimensional stochastic model which, by construction, provides the optimal coarse-grained Markovian representation of the system’s relaxation kinetics. To illustrate and validate our theory, we analyze a number of test systems of increasing complexity, ranging from synthetic toy models to two realistic applications, built form all-atom MD simulations. The computational cost of computing the low-dimensional model remains affordable on a desktop computer even for thousands of microstates.
Characteristic time dependence of imprint properties in P(VDF-TrFE)
Authors: Peter Christian , Leschhorn Andreas , Kliem Herbert
Published: September 2016

Imprint refers to a degradation mechanism in ferroelectrics. We studied effects of imprint in poly(vinylidene-trifluoroethylene) metal-ferroelectric-metal capacitors and found a common functional time dependence of imprint properties. The coercive field, the switching time, the permittivity, and the remanent dielectric displacement change linearly as a function of the logarithm of time after a ferroelectric polarization reversal. These changes were found to be independent of the sample thickness. Therefore, we propose imprint to be caused by mechanisms in the bulk of the ferroelectric. We additionally present by means of a feedback model based on a Weiss mean field approach a correlation between the change of the ferroelectric switching time and the change of the coercive voltage.
A simple AC calorimeter for specific heat measurement of liquids confined in porous materials: A study of hydrated Vycor
Authors: Bonetti Marco , Zanotti Jean-Marc
Published: September 2016

Nanometric confinement of fluids in porous media is a classical way to stabilize metastable states. Calorimetric studies give insight on the behavior of confined liquids compared to bulk liquids. We have developed and built a simple quasi-adiabatic AC calorimeter for heat capacity measurement of confined liquids in porous media in a temperature range between 150 K and 360 K. Taking the fully hydrated porous medium as a reference, we address the thermal behavior of water as a monolayer on the surface of a porous silica glass (Vycor). For temperature ranging between 160 K and 325 K, this interfacial water shows a surprisingly large heat capacity. We describe the interfacial Hbond network in the framework of a mean field percolation model, to show that at 160 K interfacial water experiences a transformation from low density amorphous ice to a heterogeneous system where transient low and high density water patches coexist. The fraction of each species is controlled by the temperature. We identify the large entropy of the interfacial water molecules as the cause of this behaviour.
Controlling the oxidation processes of Zn nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation in aqueous solution
Authors: Camarda P. , Messina F. , Vaccaro L. , Buscarino G. , Agnello S. , Gelardi F. M. , Cannas M.
Published: September 2016

We used online UV-VIS optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra, acquired during and after pulsed laser ablation of a Zinc plate in aqueous solution, to investigate the effect of the laser repetition rate and liquid environment on the oxidation processes of the produced nanoparticles. A transient Zn/ZnO core-shell structure was revealed by the coexistence of an absorption peak around 5.0 eV due to Zn surface plasmon resonance and of an edge at 3.4 eV coming from wurtzite ZnO. The growth kinetics of ZnO at the various repetition rates, selectively probed by the excitonic emission at 3.3 eV, began immediately at the onset of laser ablation and was largely independent of the repetition rate. In addition, we detected an emission at 2.3 eV related to oxygen vacancies, which began to grow after a number of pulses increasing with the used repetition rate. Optical absorption spectra during and after ablation in a mixture of water and ethanol (0%–100%) revealed that the oxidation kinetics of Zn nanoparticles slows down from about 900 s in pure water to at least one week in pure ethanol.
Indentation recovery in GdPO4 and observation of deformation twinning
Authors: Wilkinson Taylor M. , Musselman Matthew A. , Boatner Lynn A. , Diercks David R. , Packard Corinne E.
Published: September 2016

A series of nanoindentation tests on both single and polycrystalline specimens of a monazite rare-earth orthophosphate, GdPO4, revealed frequent observation of anomalous unloading behavior with a large degree of recovery, where previously this behavior had only been observed in xenotime-structure rare-earth orthophosphates. An indentation site in the polycrystalline sample was examined using TEM to identify the deformation mechanism responsible for recovery. The presence of a twin along the (100) orientation, along with a series of stacking faults contained within the deformation site, provide evidence that the mechanism of recovery in GdPO4 is the collapse of deformation twins during unloading.
?-1,3 Glucan: A Source of Carbon and Energy for Chloroplast Development in Euglena A Gracilis
Authors: R Dwyer Margaret , M Smillie Robert
Published: September 2016

The illumination of dark-adapted cells of E. gracilis under non-dividing conditions induced not only the production of chloroplasts but also a rapid breakdown of J3-1,3�glucan, the reserve carbohydrate of this organism. The decrease in ,8-1,3-glucan preceded the synthesis of most of the chlorophyll and was confined to the first 24 hr of illumination, whereas chlorophyll synthesis continued for at least 72 hr.
Vascular Transfer Cells in the Wheat Spikelet
Authors: Zee S-Y , O'brien TP
Published: September 2016

Xylem and phloem transfer cells are present at the nodal regions where the sterile glumes, lemma, palea, and caryopsis are attached to the rachis and rachilla. The course and distribution of the vascular tissues and the structure of the transfer cells are described. Experiments with colloidal lanthanum tracer fed via the trans-piration stream have indicated that the walls of the transfer cells are relatively porous. The possibility that the transfer cells play an important role in the regula-tion of solute transfer to the developing grain is discussed.
Measurement of Wool Growth and its Response to Nutritional Changes
Authors: Downes AM , Sharry LF
Published: September 2016

Problems associated with the measurement of changes in the rate of wool growth are discussed. In particular, there are large errors due to the "emergence time" of the wool, that is the time required for newly keratinized portions of fibre to move out of the follicles to the point where they can be removed by clipping. The results show how the emergence time may be estimated with the aid of [35S]cystine and how clipping schedules may be altered to give a more accurate measure of changes in the rate of wool growth.
Effects of Kinetin on Respiration Ethylene Production and Ripening of Banana Fruit Slices
Authors: Wade NL , Brady CJ
Published: September 2016

Thin slices cut from many plant tissues develop an increased respiration rate in the day or days after cutting (Laties 1963; ap Rees 1966). Mter slicing, the metabolism of the tissue changes in a number of respects including the capacity for salt and other solute uptake (Asprey 1937; MacDonald 1967), the relative contri-bution of the pentose phosphate shunt to total hexose catabolism !ap Rees and Beevers 1960; ap Rees 1966), and the induction of a number of enzymes (Edelman and Hall 1965; Willemot and Stumpf 1967). In the case of slices of arti-choke tissue, the presence of either indoleacetic acid or kinetin inhibits the increases, in response to slicing, of respiration, of phosphate uptake, and of invertase activity (Palmer 1966). While aspects of the latter experiments have been criticized (Vaughan and MacDonald 1967) the conclusion that the growth factors affect the response to slicing has not been challenged.
The Occurrence of Selenocystathionine in Morinda Reticulata Benth A Toxic Seleniferous Plant
Authors: Peterson PJ , Butler GW
Published: September 2016

Chronic selenosis in Australia has been described in horses and cattle (McCray and Hurwood 1963) from north-western Queensland and in horses (Knott, McCray, and Hall 1958) from the Cape York Peninsula. Ingestion of the seleniferous legume Neptunia amplexicaulis Domin. was implicated in the selenosis in the former instance and in earlier work from this laboratory Peterson and Butler (1967) isolated a seleno-amino acid which accounted for a considerable proportion of the selenium in the plant. The substance was characterized as selenocystathionine which had been shown by Aronow and Kerdel-Vegas (1965) to have pharmacological activity. However, N. amplexicaulis is apparently absent from the Cape York Peninsula, the selenosis being ascribed to ingestion of Morinda reticulata. The work reported in this paper was undertaken to identify the selenium-containing compound(s) in this latter plant species.
The Blocked Amino-Terminal Peptide of Feather Keratin
Authors: O'donnell IJ
Published: September 2016

Proteins extracted from reduced and carboxymethylated feather keratins (SCM-keratins) have been studied by Harrap and Woods (1964a, 1964b, 1967). They have demonstrated the presence of electrophoretic heterogeneity amongst the proteins and have obtained a molecular weight of approximately 11,000 in agreement with earlier work of Woodin (1954). There was no indication of marked heterogeneity with respect to size. Using acid hydrolysis and determination of acetic acid produced they found an acetyl content of 1 �30 molesj104 g in the rachis off owl feathers. These were thought to be attached to primary amino groups since there were no O-acetyl groups. In the present paper the isolation and characterization of the predominant, and probably sole, amino-terminal tripeptide from goose feather calamus is described. Goose feather calamus was chosen because its extracted proteins had one of the simplest electrophoretic patterns of proteins from the feathers of a number of species (Harrap and Woods 1967).
Rawlsian maximin rule operates as a common cognitive anchor in distributive justice and risky decisions
Authors: Kameda Tatsuya , Inukai Keigo , Higuchi Satomi , Ogawa Akitoshi , Kim Hackjin , Matsuda Tetsuya , Sakagami Masamichi
Published: September 2016

Significance

Distributive justice is a highly controversial issue across many societies. Compared with the accumulation of various normative (“ought”) theories by philosophers over the centuries, our empirical (“is”) understanding of people’s distributive judgments remains insufficient. In a series of experiments, we show that the “maximin” concern (maximizing the minimum possible payoff) operates as a strong cognitive anchor in both distributive decisions for others and economic decisions for self, and that the right temporoparietal junction, associated with perspective taking, plays a key role in this linkage. Our approach illustrates how rigorous methods from behavioral, cognitive, and neural sciences can be combined to shed light on functional elements of distributive justice in our minds, and potential neural underpinnings shared by other nonsocial decisions.
Dysregulation of Notch and ERα signaling in AhR−/−male mice
Authors: Huang Bo , Butler Ryan , Miao Yifei , Dai Yubing , Wu Wanfu , Su Wen , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: September 2016

Significance

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), in addition to its well-known role in repressing ER signaling, has now been shown to have a physiological function in regulating Notch signaling. Thus, in AhR−/−male mice, there is growth of mammary ducts and degenerative changes in the testes. There is germ cell apoptosis, reduction of expression of Notch1 and Notch3 in Sertoli cells and slightly reduced serum testosterone level. Male infertility (affecting approximately 7% of all men) and gynecomastia (benign growth of the mammary gland in men) are two disorders for which there is need for better intervention. The study suggests that the AhR may be targeted to treat these disorders.