bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Histamine and RhoA/ROCK in Penicillin Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Han Jiayin , Yi Yan , Li Chunying , Zhang Yushi , Wang Lianmei , Zhao Yong , Pan Chen , Liang Aihua
Published: September 2016

The mechanism of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions has not been completely elucidated. These reactions are generally considered to be mediated by IgE, but penicillin-specific IgE could not be detected in most cases. This study demonstrated that penicillin was able to cause vascular hyperpermeability in a mouse model mimicking clinical symptoms of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The first exposure to penicillin also induced immediate edema and exudative reactions in ears and lungs of mice in a dose-dependent manner. Vasodilation was noted in microvessels in ears. These reactions were unlikely to be immune-mediated reactions, because no penicillin-specific IgE was produced. Furthermore, penicillin treatment directly elicited rapid histamine release. Penicillin also led to F-actin reorganization in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and increased the permeability of the endothelial monolayer. Activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was observed in ears and lungs of mice and in endothelial cells after treatment with penicillin. Both an anti-histamine agent and a ROCK inhibitor attenuated penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions in mice. This study presents a novel mechanism of penicillin immediate hypersensitivity reactions and suggests a potential preventive approach against these reactions.
Protective effects of sirtuin 3 in a murine model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhao Wen-Yu , Zhang Lei , Sui Ming-Xing , Zhu You-Hua , Zeng Li
Published: September 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid loss of kidney function characterized by damage to renal tubular cells driven by mitochondrial dysregulation and oxidative stress. Here, we used a murine caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis-induced AKI to study the role of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a NAD+ dependent deacetylase critical for the maintenance of mitochondrial viability, in AKI-related renal tubular cell damage and explored the underlying mechanisms. CLP induced alterations in kidney function and morphology were associated with SIRT3 downregulation, and SIRT3 deletion exacerbated CLP-induced kidney dysfunction, renal tubular cell injury and apoptosis, mitochondrial alterations, and ROS production in a knockout mouse model. SIRT3 deletion increased the CLP-induced upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, resulting in the activation of oxidative stress, increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and the enhancement of apoptosis, and these effects were reversed by antioxidant NAC. Our results suggest that SIRT3 plays a protective role against mitochondrial damage in the kidney by attenuating ROS production, inhibiting the NRLP3 inflammasome, attenuating oxidative stress, and downregulating IL-1β and IL-18.
Heptagraphene: Tunable Dirac Cones in a Graphitic Structure
Authors: Lopez-Bezanilla Alejandro , Martin Ivar , Littlewood Peter B.
Published: September 2016

We predict the existence and dynamical stability of heptagraphene, a new graphitic structure formed of rings of 10 carbon atoms bridged by carbene groups yielding seven-membered rings. Despite the rectangular unit cell, the band structure is topologically equivalent to that of strongly distorted graphene. Density-functional-theory calculations demonstrate that heptagraphene has Dirac cones on symmetry lines that are robust against biaxial strain but which open a gap under shear. At high deformation values bond reconstructions lead to different electronic band arrangements in dynamically stable configurations. Within a tight-binding framework this richness of the electronic behavior is identified as a direct consequence of the symmetry breaking within the cell which, unlike other graphitic structures, leads to band gap opening. A combined approach of chemical and physical modification of graphene unit cell unfurls the opportunity to design carbon-based systems in which one aims to tune an electronic band gap.
One-Step Synthesis of Pt/Graphene Composites from Pt Acid Dissolved Ethanol via Microwave Plasma Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Jo Eun Hee , Chang Hankwon , Kim Sun Kyung , Choi Ji-Hyuk , Park Su-Ryeon , Lee Chong Min , Jang Hee Dong
Published: September 2016

Pt nanoparticles-laden graphene (Pt/GR) composites were synthesized in the gas phase from a mixture of ethanol and Pt precursor by microwave plasma spray pyrolysis. The morphology of Pt/GR composites has the shape of wrinkled sheets of paper, while Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) that are less than 2.6 nm in the mean diameter are uniformly well deposited on the surface of GR sheets stacked in only three layers. The Pt/GR composite prepared with 20 wt% of Pt had the highest specific surface area and electrochemical surface area of up to 402 m2 g−1 and 77 m2 g−1 (Pt), respectively. In addition, the composite showed superior electrocatalytic activity compared with commercial Pt-carbon black. The excellent electrocatalytic activity was attributed to the high specific surface area and electrochemical surface area of the Pt/GR composite directly produced by microwave plasma spray pyrolysis. Thus, it is clearly expected that the Pt/GR composite is a promising material for DMFC catalysts.
Real-time Functional Analysis of Inertial Microfluidic Devices via Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Dong Biqin , Chen Siyu , Zhou Fan , Chan Christina H. Y. , Yi Ji , Zhang Hao F. , Sun Cheng
Published: September 2016

We report the application of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) technology that enables real-time functional analysis of sorting microparticles and cells in an inertial microfluidic device. We demonstrated high-speed, high-resolution acquisition of cross-sectional images at a frame rate of 350 Hz, with a lateral resolution of 3 μm and an axial resolution of 1 μm within the microfluidic channel filled with water. We analyzed the temporal sequence of cross-sectional SD-OCT images to determine the position and diameter of microspheres in a spiral microfluidic channel under various flow rates. We used microspheres with known diameters to validate the sub-micrometer precision of the particle size analysis based on a scattering model of spherical microparticles. An additional investigation of sorting live HT-29 cells in the spiral microfluidic channel indicated that the distribution of cells within in the microchannel has a close correspondence with the cells’ size distribution. The label-free real-time imaging and analysis of microscale particles in flow offers robustness for practical applications with live cells and allows us to better understand the mechanisms of particle separations in microfluidic sorting systems.
Development of a SNP array and its application to genetic mapping and diversity assessment in pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Cheng Jiaowen , Qin Cheng , Tang Xin , Zhou Huangkai , Hu Yafei , Zhao Zicheng , Cui Junjie , Li Bo , Wu Zhiming , Yu Jiping , Hu Kailin
Published: September 2016

The development and application of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is in its infancy for pepper. Here, a set of 15,000 SNPs were chosen from the resequencing data to develop an array for pepper with 12,720 loci being ultimately synthesized. Of these, 8,199 (~64.46%) SNPs were found to be scorable and covered ~81.18% of the whole genome. With this array, a high-density interspecific genetic map with 5,569 SNPs was constructed using 297 F2individuals, and genetic diversity of a panel of 399 pepper elite/landrace lines was successfully characterized. Based on the genetic map, one major QTL, namedUp12.1, was detected for the fruit orientation trait. A total of 65 protein-coding genes were predicted within this QTL region based on the current annotation of the Zunla-1 genome. In summary, the thousands of well-validated SNP markers, high-density genetic map and genetic diversity information will be useful for molecular genetics and innovative breeding in pepper. Furthermore, the mapping results lay foundation for isolating the genes underlying variation in fruit orientation ofCapsicum.
Near-field focus steering along arbitrary trajectory via multi-lined distributed nanoslits
Authors: Lee Gun-Yeal , Lee Seung-Yeol , Yun Hansik , Park Hyeonsoo , Kim Joonsoo , Lee Kyookeun , Lee Byoungho
Published: September 2016

The modulation of near-field signals has recently attracted considerable interest because of demands for the development of nano-scale optical devices that are capable of overcoming the diffraction limit of light. In this paper, we propose a new type of tuneable plasmonic lens that permits the foci of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) signals to be continuously steered by adjusting the input polarization state. The proposed structure consists of multi-lined nanoslit arrays, in which each array is tilted at a different angle to provide polarization sensitivity and the nanoslit size is adjusted to balance the relative amplitudes of the excited SPPs from each line. The nanoslits of each line are designed to focus SPPs at different positions; hence, the SPP focal length can be tuned by modifying the incident polarization state. Unlike in previously reported studies, our method enables plasmonic foci to be continuously varied with a smooth change in the incident linear polarization state. The proposed structures provide a novel degree of freedom in the multiplexing of near fields. Such characteristics are expected to enable the realization of active SPP modulation that can be applied in near-field imaging, optical tweezing systems, and integrated nano-devices.
Quadrant Field Pupillometry Detects Melanopsin Dysfunction in Glaucoma Suspects and Early Glaucoma
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Zele Andrew J. , Thomas Ravi , Feigl Beatrix
Published: September 2016

It is difficult to detect visual function deficits in patients at risk for glaucoma (glaucoma suspects) and at early disease stages with conventional ophthalmic tests such as perimetry. To this end, we introduce a novel quadrant field measure of the melanopsin retinal ganglion cell mediated pupil light response corresponding with typical glaucomatous arcuate visual field defects. The melanopsin-mediated post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) was measured in 46 patients with different stages of glaucoma including glaucoma suspects and compared to a healthy group of 21 participants with no disease. We demonstrate that the superonasal quadrant PIPR differentiated glaucoma suspects and early glaucoma patients from controls with fair (AUC = 0.74) and excellent (AUC = 0.94) diagnostic accuracy, respectively. The superonasal PIPR provides a linear functional correlate of structural retinal nerve fibre thinning in glaucoma suspects and early glaucoma patients. This first report that quadrant PIPR stimulation detects melanopsin dysfunction in patients with early glaucoma and at pre-perimetric stages may have future implications in treatment decisions of glaucoma suspects.
Glial contributions to visceral pain: implications for disease etiology and the female predominance of persistent pain
Authors: Dodds K N , Beckett E A H , Evans S F , Grace P M , Watkins L R , Hutchinson M R
Published: September 2016

In the central nervous system, bidirectional signaling between glial cells and neurons (‘neuroimmune communication’) facilitates the development of persistent pain. Spinal glia can contribute to heightened pain states by a prolonged release of neurokine signals that sensitize adjacent centrally projecting neurons. Although many persistent pain conditions are disproportionately common in females, whether specific neuroimmune mechanisms lead to this increased susceptibility remains unclear. This review summarizes the major known contributions of glia and neuroimmune interactions in pain, which has been determined principally in male rodents and in the context of somatic pain conditions. It is then postulated that studying neuroimmune interactions involved in pain attributed to visceral diseases common to females may offer a more suitable avenue for investigating unique mechanisms involved in female pain. Further, we discuss the potential for primed spinal glia and subsequent neurogenic inflammation as a contributing factor in the development of peripheral inflammation, therefore, representing a predisposing factor for females in developing a high percentage of such persistent pain conditions.
Analysis of 23andMe antidepressant efficacy survey data: implication of circadian rhythm and neuroplasticity in bupropion response
Authors: Li Q S , Tian C , Seabrook G R , Drevets W C , Narayan V A
Published: September 2016

Genetic predisposition may contribute to the differences in drug-specific, class-specific or antidepressant-wide treatment resistance. Clinical studies with the genetic data are often limited in sample sizes. Drug response obtained from self-reports may offer an alternative approach to conduct a study with much larger sample size. Using the phenotype data collected from 23andMe ‘Antidepressant Efficacy and Side Effects’ survey and genotype data from 23andMe’s research participants, we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) on subjects of European ancestry using four groups of phenotypes (a) non-treatment-resistant depression (n=7795) vs treatment-resistant depression (TRD, n=1311), (b) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) responders (n=6348) vs non-responders (n=3340), (c) citalopram/escitalopram responders (n=2963) vs non-responders (n=2005), and (d) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI, bupropion) responders (n=2675) vs non-responders (n=1861). Each of these subgroups was also compared with controls (n ~ 190 000). The most significant association was from bupropion responders vs non-responders analysis. Variant rs1908557 (P=2.6 × 10−8, OR=1.35) passed the conventional genome-wide significance threshold (P=5 × 10−8) and was located within the intron of human spliced expressed sequence tags in chromosome 4. Gene sets associated with long-term depression, circadian rhythm and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway were enriched in the bupropion analysis. No single-nucleotide polymorphism passed genome-wide significance threshold in other analyses. The heritability estimates for each response group compared with controls were between 0.15 and 0.25, consistent with the known heritability for major depressive disorder.
Correction: Measuring the effects of fractionated radiation therapy in a 3D prostate cancer model system using SERS nanosensors
Authors: Camus Victoria L. , Stewart Grant D. , Nailon William H. , McLaren Duncan B. , Campbell Colin J.
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Measuring the effects of fractionated radiation therapy in a 3D prostate cancer model system using SERS nanosensors’ by Victoria L. Camus, et al., Analyst, 2016, 141, 5056–5061.
Absorption spectroscopy for the quantitative prediction of lanthanide concentrations in the 3LiCl–2CsCl eutectic at 723 K
Authors: Schroll Cynthia A. , Lines Amanda M. , Heineman William R. , Bryan Samuel A.
Published: September 2016

The absorption spectra of single-component mixtures of six lanthanide chloride salts were obtained in the molten salt eutectic 3LiCl–2CsCl at 723 K, and used to build multivariate regression models to predict concentrations of multi-component mixtures of these metals in solution.
A digoxin electrochemical aptasensor using Ag nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide
Authors: Mashhadizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Naseri Niloofar , Mehrgardi Masoud A.
Published: September 2016

In this work, a highly sensitive aptasensor for digoxin determination in biological samples has been introduced.
Surface-assisted diastereoselective Ullmann coupling of bishelicenes
Authors: Wäckerlin Christian , Li Jingyi , Mairena Anaïs , Martin Kévin , Avarvari Narcis , Ernst Karl-Heinz
Published: September 2016

A surface induces diastereoselectivity in Ullmann coupling of bromohelicenes.
Tandem neopentyl glycol maltosides (TNMs) for membrane protein stabilisation
Authors: Bae Hyoung Eun , Mortensen Jonas S. , Ribeiro Orquidea , Du Yang , Ehsan Muhammad , Kobilka Brian K. , Loland Claus J. , Byrne Bernadette , Chae Pil Seok
Published: September 2016

A couple of novel amphiphiles (e.g., TNM-C12L and TNM-C11S) introduced here displayed remarkable behaviours toward stabilising membrane protein structures.
Merging photoredox with copper catalysis: decarboxylative difluoroacetylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with ICF2CO2Et
Authors: Zhang Heng-Rui , Chen Dao-Qian , Han Ya-Ping , Qiu Yi-Feng , Jin Dong-Po , Liu Xue-Yuan
Published: September 2016

A novel decarboxylative difluoroacetylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids via a combination of visible light photocatalysis and cooper catalysis is reported.
Structure-controlled polymers prepared by pseudo-living addition-condensation polymerization and their application to light harvesting
Authors: Guo Hao-xuan , Yoshida Keisuke , Aota Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

Two types of polymers were prepared by pseudo-living addition-condensation polymerization to study photoenergy conversion systems.
New insights into the photoswitching mechanisms of normal dithienylethenes
Authors: Hamdi I. , Buntinx G. , Perrier A. , Devos O. , Jaïdane N. , Delbaere S. , Tiwari A. K. , Dubois J. , Takeshita M. , Wada Y. , Aloïse S.
Published: September 2016

The photoswitching of photochromic diarylethene and bridged analog have been investigated by TD-DFT, ultrafast spectroscopy and chemometric data treatments. New photochemical pathways and individual spectral signatures have been determined.
Highly luminescent and stable lyotropic liquid crystals based on a europium β-diketonate complex bridged by an ethylammonium cation
Authors: Yi Sijing , Yao Meihuan , Wang Jiao , Chen Xiao
Published: September 2016

A europium β-diketonate complex supported by ethylammonium cations was confined within lyotropic liquid crystals with diverse mesophases, which exhibits extraordinary luminescence properties and photostabilities.
Effects of chemical substitutions on the properties of azacalixphyrins: a first-principles study
Authors: Marchand Gabriel , Siri Olivier , Jacquemin Denis
Published: September 2016

Azacalixphyrins are particularly stable macrocycles absorbing light up to the near infrared region, and we present here the first investigation of the impact of substitutions on their properties.
Effect of dopant concentration on visible light driven photocatalytic activity of Sn1−xAgxS2
Authors: Cui Xiaodan , Xu Wangwang , Xie Zhiqiang , Dorman James A. , Gutierrez-Wing Maria Teresa , Wang Ying
Published: September 2016

An optimal amount of Ag doping can effectively increase the photocatalytic performance of SnS2.
Niobium tetrachloride complexes with thio-, seleno- and telluro-ether coordination – synthesis and structures
Authors: Chang Yao-Pang , Levason William , Light Mark E. , Reid Gillian
Published: September 2016

Six- and eight-coordinate complexes of NbCl4 with thio- seleno- and telluro-ethers are described and the structures of representative examples determined.
Intrinsic reactivity of a uranium metallacyclopropene toward unsaturated organic molecules
Authors: Zhang Lei , Fang Bo , Hou Guohua , Ai Lin , Ding Wanjian , Walter Marc D. , Zi Guofu
Published: September 2016

A uranium metallacyclopropene shows a rich chemistry in the activation of small molecules by two electron transfer processes.
Bolus matters: the influence of food oral breakdown on dynamic texture perception
Authors: Devezeaux de Lavergne Marine , van de Velde Fred , Stieger Markus
Published: September 2016

This review article focuses on dynamic texture perception, design of food structure and characterisation of oral processing by boli characterisation.
Mutual regulation and targeting of multidrug resistance and cancer stem phenotype
Authors: Podolski-Renić Ana , Milošević Zorica , Dinić Jelena , Stanković Tijana , Banković Jasna , Pešić Milica
Published: September 2016

Targeting stemness mechanisms leads to the suppression of ABC transporter activity and elimination of CSCs.
Kinetics and mechanism of ionic-liquid induced protein unfolding: application to the model protein HP35
Authors: Tung Hsin-Ju , Pfaendtner Jim
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate an approach to quantify protein unfolding times using molecular simulation in a greatly accelerated manner compared to standard MD simulations, showing up to 400 fold speed increases.
Hierarchical self-assembly of a bulk metamaterial enables isotropic magnetic permeability at optical frequencies
Authors: Gomez-Graña S. , Le Beulze A. , Treguer-Delapierre M. , Mornet S. , Duguet E. , Grana E. , Cloutet E. , Hadziioannou G. , Leng J. , Salmon J.-B. , Kravets V. G. , Grigorenko A. N. , Peyyety N. A. , Ponsinet V. , Richetti P. , Baron A. , Torrent D. , Barois P.
Published: September 2016

Raspberry-like magnetic nanoclusters are synthesized and self-assembled to form a bulk magnetic metamaterial.
High temperature spin crossover in [Fe(pyrazine){Ag(CN)2}2] and its solvate
Authors: Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Shylin Sergii I. , Golub Bohdan O. , Ksenofontov Vadim , Fritsky Igor O. , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

Thermally induced spin transition at 370 K has been observed in a Hofmann-clathrate-like metal–organic framework.
A three-dimensional Nd(iii)-based metal–organic framework as a smart drug carrier
Authors: Du Pei-Yao , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: September 2016

A 3D lanthanide MOF with formula [Nd2(abtc)1.5(H2O)3(DMA)]·H2O·DMA has been synthesized. It shows efficient encapsulation and controllable release of an anticancer drug (5-Fu).
Visible light-promoted synthesis of 4-(sulfonylmethyl)isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones via a tandem radical cyclization and sulfonylation reaction
Authors: Liu Xu , Cong Tiantian , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: September 2016

4-(Sulfonylmethyl)isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones were synthesized via a visible-light-promoted cyclization and sulfonylation reaction catalyzed by fac-Ir(ppy)3.
The chemistry of ynol and thioynol ethers
Authors: Gray Vincent James , Wilden Jonathan D.
Published: September 2016

Alkynyl ethers and thioethers are versatile building blocks in organic synthesis allowing various transformations including a number of C–C bond forming processes.
Base-mediated one-pot synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from nitriles, aldehydes and hydroxylamine hydrochloride without addition of extra oxidant
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Hao , Xu Yuanqing , Ding Tao , Zhang Wenkai , Ren Yanrong , Chang Haibo
Published: September 2016

The one-pot reactions include sequential base-mediated treatment of amidoxime with an aldehyde to form 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole, and oxidization of the 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole by another aldehyde to afford 1,2,4-oxadiazole.
Synthesis and electrochemical polymerization of diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor–acceptor–donor monomers containing 3,6- and 2,7-linked carbazoles
Authors: Akbayrak Merve , Önal Ahmet M.
Published: September 2016

Three new donor–acceptor–donor type monomers bearing 2,7- or 3,6-linked carbazoles as the donor unit and diketopyrrolopyrrole as the acceptor unit were synthesized via a Suzuki cross coupling reaction.
Configuration-guided reactions: the case of highly decorated spiro[cyclopropane-1,2′(3′H)-pyrrolo[1,2-b]isoxazole] derivatives en route to polyhydroxyindolizidines
Authors: Cordero F. M. , Vurchio C. , Faggi C. , Brandi A.
Published: September 2016

The formation of structurally differentiated indolizidinones is guided by a diverse behaviour of spirocyclopropaneisoxazolidine precursors under fluorination reactions.
Hydrophilic nanoparticles packed in oral tablets can improve the plasma profile of short half-life hydrophobic drugs
Authors: Usman Faisal , Javed Ibrahim , Hussain Syed Zajif , Ranjha Nazar Muhammad , Hussain Irshad
Published: September 2016

Water insoluble drugs with a short plasma half-life face the pharmacokinetic (PK) barriers of low oral absorption from the gastrointestinal route of drug administration and rapid clearance from systemic circulation.
Diazapentacene derivatives: synthesis, properties, and structures
Authors: Hoff John J. , Zhu Lei , Dong Yutong , Albers Thomas , Steel Peter J. , Cui Xianwei , Wen Ying , Lebedyeva Iryna , Miao Shaobin
Published: September 2016

Two soluble and stable diazapentacene derivatives were synthesized. DFT calculations and their chemical properties indicate that both compounds have potential application as ambipolar semiconductors.
Application of Ni:ZnS nanoparticles loaded on magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a sorbent for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction of phenobarbital and phenytoin prior to HPLC analysis: experimental design
Authors: Pebdani Arezou Amiri , Dadfarnia Shayesteh , Haji Shabani Ali Mohammad , Khodadoust Saeid
Published: September 2016

Ni:ZnSNPs loaded on magnetic MWCNTs are introduced for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for the first time.
Metal free synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthenes using orange peel as a natural and low cost efficient heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Taghavi Faezeh , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Saljooghi Amir Sh. , Ramezani Mohammad
Published: September 2016

In this work, a facile, efficient and metal free catalytic system has been developed for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthene derivativesviaa one-pot three-component condensation of various aldehydes, 2-naphthol, and dimedone.
Fabrication of reduced graphene oxide–bimetallic Pd@Au nanocomposites for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Zou Cui'e , Zhong Jiatai , Wang Jin , Shiraishi Yukihide , Li Shumin , Yan Bo , Guo Jun , Du Yukou
Published: September 2016

The Pd@Au/RGO plays a critical important role in facilitating the electron transfer capability and promoting the highly efficient electrocatalytic performance in the simultaneous determination of AA, UA and DA.
Synthesis, structure, EPR studies and up-conversion luminescence of ZnO:Er3+–Yb3+@Gd2O3 nanostructures
Authors: Babayevska N. , Peplińska B. , Jarek M. , Yate L. , Tadyszak K. , Gapiński J. , Iatsunskyi I. , Jurga S.
Published: September 2016

ZnO:Er3+–Yb3+@Gd2O3 nanostructures were obtained by “wet” chemistry methods – the sol–gel technique for the preparation of ZnO and ZnO:Er3+–Yb3+ nanoparticles (NPs), and the seed deposition method for obtaining Gd2O3.
Hydrophobic study of increasing alkyl chain length of platinum surfactant complexes: synthesis, characterization, micellization, thermodynamics, thermogravimetrics and surface morphology
Authors: Sharma Nitin Kumar , Singh Man , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: September 2016

This paper contains details on the synthesis, characterization, physicochemical properties and surface morphology of five supramolecular metallosurfactants (SMMSs).
Seeding induced nano-sized hierarchical SAPO-34 zeolites: cost-effective synthesis and superior MTO performance
Authors: Sun Qiming , Wang Ning , Bai Risheng , Chen Xiaoxin , Yu Jihong
Published: September 2016

Nano-sized hierarchical SAPO-34 zeolites have been synthesized by the seed-assisted method showing remarkably improved performance in the methanol-to-olefin reaction.
Retraction: In situ nano-coating on Li1.2Mn0.52Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with a layered@spinel@coating layer heterostructure for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Bing , Li Chao , Cai Jijun , Zhao Jinbao
Published: September 2016

Retraction of ‘In situ nano-coating on Li1.2Mn0.52Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with a layered@spinel@coating layer heterostructure for lithium-ion batteries’ by Bing Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 21290–21297.
Cell mechanotactic and cytotoxic response to zinc oxide nanorods depends on substrate stiffness
Authors: Palamà I. E. , D'Amone S. , Arcadio V. , Biasiucci M. , Mezzi A. , Cortese B.
Published: September 2016

Bio-nanomaterials offer promise in the field of tissue engineering.
56Fe irradiation-induced cognitive deficits through oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Yan Jiawei , Liu Yang , Zhao Qiuyue , Li Jie , Mao Aihong , Li Hongyan , Di Cuixia , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2016

We investigated the question of whether the brain can be adversely affected after 4 weeks by whole-body exposure with different doses of56Fe ion irradiation and the experiments showed that exposure resulted in significant impairment of cognitive performance.
Assessment of effect of haze on photovoltaic systems in Malaysia due to open burning in Sumatra
Authors: Rahim Nasrudin Abd , Mohammed Mohd Fayzul , Eid Bilal M.
Published: September 2016

In recent years, the strategic goals of many countries have included the achievement of high photovoltaic (PV) integration in electrical grids. Therefore, many governments have introduced incentive‐based policies in an effort to encourage the private sector to invest in PV‐related projects. However, these kinds of projects require a positive net present value (NPV) in order to be sponsored by non‐governmental organisations. In this study, the authors investigate the impact of haze on PV systems in Malaysia due to open burning in Sumatra. As a developing country, Malaysia is aiming to increase the installation of renewable‐energy (RE) sources, and thus it has implemented a feed‐in tariff (FiT) mechanism. As the efficiency of PV cells increases and the cost/Wp decreases with time, the expected NPV, return‐on‐investment and payback period for PV systems installed in 2015 is expected to be significantly reduced. The FiT rate in Malaysia is significantly higher and the purchase agreement is longer compared with many similar countries; these make Malaysia a preferred choice for PV system investments. However, environmental disturbances such as haze have a negative impact on the yield of PV systems. During the months of September to October 2015, the transboundary haze episode in Kuala Lumpur reduced the power produced from PV systems by 17.8%. This study shows the impact of haze on PV systems, and analyses the effect of haze on the Malaysian RE action plan. This study proposes a method to estimate the reduction in power yield during the haze.
Electronic structure of cubic ScF3 from first-principles calculations
Authors: Bocharov D. , Žguns P. , Piskunov S. , Kuzmin A. , Purans J.
Published: September 2016

The ground state properties of cubic scandium trifluoride (ScF3) perovskite were studied using first-principles calculations. The electronic structure of ScF3 was determined by linear combination of atomic orbital (LCAO) and plane wave projector augmented-wave (PAW) methods using modified hybrid exchange-correlation functionals within the density functional theory (DFT). The comprehensive comparison of the results obtained by two methods is presented. Both methods allowed us to reproduce the lattice constant found experimentally in ScF3 at low temperatures and to predict its electronic structure in good agreement with known experimental valence-band photoelectron and F 1s x-ray absorption spectra.
Theoretical analysis of the kinetics of low-temperature defect recombination in alkali halide crystals
Authors: Kuzovkov V. N. , Popov A. I. , Kotomin E. A. , Moskina A. M. , Vasilchenko E. , Lushchik A.
Published: September 2016

We analyzed carefully the experimental kinetics of the low-temperature diffusion-controlled F, H center recombination in a series of irradiated alkali halides and extracted the migration energies and pre-exponential parameters for the hole H centers. The migration energy for the complementary electronic F centers in NaCl was obtained from the colloid formation kinetics observed above room temperature. The obtained parameters were compared with data available from the literature.
A pressure-transferable coarse-grained potential for modeling the shock Hugoniot of polyethylene
Authors: Agrawal Vipin , Peralta Pedro , Li Yiyang , Oswald Jay
Published: September 2016

We investigate the thermomechanical response of semi-crystalline polyethylene under shock compression by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using a new coarse-graining scheme inspired by the embedded atom method. The coarse-graining scheme combines the iterative Boltzmann inversion method and least squares optimization to parameterize interactions between coarse-grained sites, including a many-body potential energy designed to improve the representability of the model across a wide range of thermodynamic states. We demonstrate that a coarse-grained model of polyethylene, calibrated to match target structural and thermodynamic data generated from isothermal MD simulations at different pressures, can also accurately predict the shock Hugoniot response. Analysis of the rise in temperature along the shock Hugoniot and comparison with analytical predictions from the Mie–Grüneisen equation of state are performed to thoroughly explore the thermodynamic consistency of the model. As the coarse-graining model affords nearly two orders of magnitude reduction in simulation time compared to all-atom MD simulations, the proposed model can help identify how nanoscale structure in semi-crystalline polymers, such as polyethylene, influences mechanical behavior under extreme loading.
Far-infrared amide IV-VI spectroscopy of isolated 2- and 4-Methylacetanilide
Authors: Yatsyna Vasyl , Bakker Daniël J. , Feifel Raimund , Rijs Anouk M. , Zhaunerchyk Vitali
Published: September 2016

Delocalized molecular vibrations in the far-infrared and THz ranges are highly sensitive to the molecular structure, as well as to intra- and inter-molecular interactions. Thus, spectroscopic studies of biomolecular structures can greatly benefit from an extension of the conventional mid-infrared to the far-infrared wavelength range. In this work, the conformer-specific gas-phase far-infrared spectra of two aromatic molecules containing the peptide –CO–NH– link, namely, 2- and 4-Methylacetanilide, are investigated. The planar conformations with trans configuration of the peptide link have only been observed in the supersonic-jet expansion. The corresponding far-infrared signatures associated with the vibrations of the peptide –CO–NH– moiety, the so-called amide IV-VI bands, have been assigned and compared with the results of density functional theory frequency calculations based on the anharmonic vibrational second-order perturbation theory approach. The analysis of the experimental and theoretical data shows that the amide IV-VI bands are highly diagnostic for the geometry of the peptide moiety and the molecular backbone. They are also strongly blue-shifted upon formation of the NH⋯O–C hydrogen bonding, which is, for example, responsible for the formation of secondary protein structures. Furthermore, the amide IV-VI bands are also diagnostic for the cis configuration of the peptide link, which can be present in cyclic peptides. The experimental gas-phase data presented in this work can assist the vibrational assignment of similar biologically important systems, either isolated or in natural environments.
The two gap transitions in Ge1−xSnx: Effect of non-substitutional complex defects
Authors: Querales-Flores J. D. , Ventura C. I. , Fuhr J. D. , Barrio R. A.
Published: September 2016

The existence of non-substitutional β-Sn defects in Ge1−xSnx alloys was confirmed by emission channeling experiments [Decoster et al., Phys. Rev. B 81, 155204 (2010)], which established that, although most Sn enters substitutionally (α-Sn) in the Ge lattice, a second significant fraction corresponds to the Sn-vacancy defect complex in the split-vacancy configuration (β-Sn), in agreement with our previous theoretical study [Ventura et al., Phys. Rev. B 79, 155202 (2009)]. Here, we present the electronic structure calculations for Ge1−xSnx, including the substitutional α-Sn as well as the non-substitutional β-Sn defects. To include the presence of the non-substitutional complex defects in the electronic structure calculation for this multi-orbital alloy problem, we extended the approach for the purely substitutional alloy by Jenkins and Dow [Phys. Rev. B 36, 7994 (1987)]. We employed an effective substitutional two-site cluster equivalent to the real non-substitutional β-Sn defect, which was determined by a Green's functions calculation. We then calculated the electronic structure of the effective alloy purely in terms of substitutional defects, embedding the effective substitutional clusters in the lattice. Our results describe the two transitions of the fundamental gap of Ge1−xSnx as a function of the total Sn-concentration: namely, from an indirect to a direct gap, first, and the metallization transition at a higher x. They also highlight the role of β-Sn in the reduction of the concentration range, which corresponds to the direct-gap phase of this alloy of interest for the optoelectronics applications.
Separation of chiral particles in a rotating electric field
Authors: Doi M. , Makino M.
Published: September 2016

When a particle having a permanent dipole is placed in a rotating electric field in a fluid, it will migrate along the direction of the angular vector of the field. The average velocity of the particle is calculated based on a Brownian motion framework that accounts for the translation-rotation coupling. An explicit expression is given for the average velocity of the particle as a function of the hydrodynamic mobility tensors and the frequency of the field. The expression indicates that the chiral particle and its mirror-image particle move in opposite direction (which accounts for the right/left molecular separation in racemic solutions), and that the migration velocity has a peak at a certain frequency determined by the geometry of the particle. Calculations are made for a twisted ribbon particle and the relation between the migration velocity and the structure of the twisted ribbon particle is discussed.
Surface defect detection of magnetic microwires by miniature rotatable robot inside SEM
Authors: Wan Wenfeng , Lu Haojian , Zhukova Valentina , Ipatov Mihail , Zhukov Arcady , Shen Yajing
Published: September 2016

Surface defect is regarded as one critical factor that affects magnetic properties of magnetic microwires. However, current imaging techniques only allow to observe samples from one fixed direction, and thereby most of surface defects on microwire cannot be detected. Herein, we firstly develop a miniature rotatable robot inside scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and propose a relevant control strategy to align the microwire onto the rotation axis of the robot. After that, the microwire is rotated continuously by 360o and all the surface defects on the microwire are observed from different directions successfully. Multidirectional observation results can be used to located heating inhomogeneity, which is the main cause of defects. Magnetic measurement results show that the effect of defects on domain wall (DW) should be considered in device design. This research provides the direct evidence for surface defects’ distribution and effect, which can be adopted to provide guidance for improving magnetic wire’s fabrication process and designing logic circuits made from those magnetic wires.
Perspectives on the Molecular and Biological Implications of Tropoelastin in Human Tissue Elasticity
Authors: Weiss Anthony S.
Published: September 2016

The elasticity of a range of vertebrate and particularly human tissues depends on the dynamic and persistent protein elastin. This elasticity is diverse, and comprises skin, blood vessels, and lung, and is essential for tissue viability. Elastin is predominantly made by assembling tropoelastin, which is an asymmetric 20-nm-long protein molecule. This overview considers tropoelastin’s molecular features and biological interactions in the context of its value in tissue repair.
DNA barcoding of fish larvae reveals uncharacterised biodiversity in tropical peat swamps of New Guinea, Indonesia
Authors: Wibowo Arif , Wahlberg Niklas , Vasemägi Anti
Published: September 2016

The Indonesian archipelago, Borneo, Sumatra and West New Guinea (Papua), hosts half of the world’s known tropical peat swamps, which support a significant proportion of the estimated biodiversity on Earth. However, several species groups that inhabit peat swamp environments remain poorly characterised and their biology, particularly during early life stages, is not well understood. In the present study we characterised larval and juvenile fish biodiversity, as well as spatial and temporal variability, in a pristine peat swamp environment of the River Kumbe in West New Guinea, Indonesia, based on analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequence (501bp). Altogether, 10 fish species were detected in the peat swamp habitat during the larval and juvenile stages, whereas 13 additional species were caught at older stages. Twelve species were detected only in a single site, whereas some species, such as the Western archerfish (Toxotes oligolepis) and Lorentz’s grunter (Pingalla lorentzi), were observed in all sampling sites. The occurrence of fish larvae also varied temporally for several species. In contrast with many earlier DNA barcoding studies in fish, we were not able to determine the species identity for a large proportion of sequenced larvae (68%) because of the lack of corresponding COI sequences in the reference dataset. Unidentified sequences clustered into five separate monophyletic clades. Based on genetic divergences, the putative taxonomic origin for the five morphotypes are Atherinidae, Osteoglossidae, Terapontidae and Gobiidae.
Discriminating populations of medusae (Chironex fleckeri, Cubozoa) using statolith microchemistry
Authors: Mooney Christopher J. , Kingsford Michael J.
Published: September 2016

The structure of medusae populations is poorly known. Natural geochemical signatures based on elemental composition of calcified structures are a common tool for investigating population structure or connectivity in marine systems. Chironex fleckeri (Cubozoa) medusae have a hard calcified structure, the statolith. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the elemental composition of statoliths at varying spatial scales. We investigated medusae population structure using both univariate (element:Ca ratios) and multivariate (multi-element:Ca signature) analyses. Significant differences in some elemental ratios were found among regions (separated by hundreds of kilometres) and among many sites (separated by kilometres) within regions. Canonical discriminant analyses of multi-element:Ca signatures successfully distinguished between both regions and sites within regions with correct classifications of 100% of samples to some locations. Statolith microchemistry can help discriminate populations of jellyfish, but a multiseason comparison demonstrated the need to calibrate spatial differences by season. Our evidence and recent ecological data suggest that populations of C. fleckeri medusae are highly localised at spatial scales of kilometres; potential causal factors are discussed.
Role of insulin-like growth factor 1 on cross-bred Bos indicus cattle germinal vesicle oocytes exposed to heat shock
Authors: Lima Rafaela S. , Risolia Pedro H. B. , Ispada Jéssica , Assumpção Mayra E. O. A. , Visintin José A. , Orlandi Cássia , Paula-Lopes Fabíola F.
Published: September 2016

Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes are susceptible to heat stress. However, neither the cellular mechanisms triggered by elevated temperature nor the thermoprotective effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) on GV oocytes are completely understood. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted to determine the direct effects of IGF1 (0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ng mL–1) on heat-treated GV oocytes. Butyrolactone-arrested GV oocytes were cultured at 38.5°C (control) or 41°C (heat shock; HS) for 14 h in the presence of different concentrations of IGF1. Exposure of GV oocytes to 41°C increased (P < 0.05) the number of terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein-dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL)-positive oocytes. At concentrations of 12.5 and 25 ng mL–1, IGF1 tended to minimise these negative effect of HS (P = 0.07). However, neither HS nor IGF1 had any effect on caspase activity. HS also decreased (P < 0.05) GV oocyte mitochondrial activity and developmental competence to the blastocyst stage. These deleterious effects of HS were alleviated (P < 0.05) by 12.5 ng mL–1 IGF1. This concentration of IGF1 did not affect cleavage rate, the percentage of TUNEL-positive blastomeres and total blastocyst cell number regardless of temperature. In conclusion, exposure of GV oocytes to HS triggered the apoptotic cascade and compromised oocyte developmental competence. Physiological concentrations of IGF1 had a beneficial effect on heat-shocked GV oocytes.
The role of rigidity in controlling material failure
Authors: Driscoll Michelle M. , Chen Bryan Gin-ge , Beuman Thomas H. , Ulrich Stephan , Nagel Sidney R. , Vitelli Vincenzo
Published: September 2016

Significance

As a solid approaches a rigidity transition, its failure behavior changes dramatically: cracks become wider and wider until their width reaches the system size. In this regime, bonds initially break at apparently random positions until they produce a percolating cluster spanning across the sample. Because the spatial extent of the failure process zone depends on material toughness, varying the rigidity can be used as a lens to examine the nonlinear response that would otherwise be observable only on a microscopic scale in a rigid material.
Diurnal and circadian variation of sleep and alertness in men vs. naturally cycling women
Authors: Boivin Diane B. , Shechter Ari , Boudreau Philippe , Begum Esmot Ara , Ng Ying-Kin Ng Mien Kwong
Published: September 2016

Significance

This study quantifies sex differences in the diurnal and circadian variation of sleep and waking while carefully controlling for menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive use. Compared to men, rhythms of core body temperature, sleep, and subjective alertness are advanced in women during both the midfollicular and midluteal phases. Our study also reveals lower alertness levels at night in women. These sex differences are important for understanding the increased female susceptibility to sleep and wake disturbances.
Multinational investigation of cross-societal cooperation
Authors: Dorrough Angela Rachael , Glöckner Andreas
Published: September 2016

Significance

We present a comprehensive analysis of cross-societal cooperation involving full incentivization and population-representative samples of participants from Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. Our main finding is that individuals have shared stereotypes in terms of expected cooperation for interaction partners from different nations. Individuals also hold (shared) social preferences toward these partners, which are driven by ingroup favoritism, differences in wealth, and additional factors. We discuss our results with respect to theories that explain cooperation behavior by similarity, inequality aversion, and specific expectations.
Maternal and fetal genomes interplay through phosphoinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-p110α signaling to modify placental resource allocation
Authors: Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N. , López-Tello Jorge , Fowden Abigail L. , Constancia Miguel
Published: September 2016

Significance

During pregnancy, nutrients are required for fetal growth and for the mother to maintain the pregnancy. The placenta is central to this tug-of-war over nutrients, as it is responsible for materno-fetal resource allocation. Failure to allocate resources appropriately can lead to pregnancy complications and abnormal fetal development, with long-term health consequences for both mother and baby. Here we use manipulation of a growth-regulatory protein, p110α, in mice to compare the importance of the maternal environment and genotype with fetal genotype in determining placental resource allocation. This study shows that the placenta fine-tunes the supply of maternal resources to the fetus via p110α in accordance with both the fetal drive for growth and the maternal ability to supply the required nutrients.