bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nucleolar protein nucleophosmin is essential for autophagy induced by inhibiting Pol I transcription
Authors: Katagiri Naohiro , Kuroda Takao , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Hayashi Yuki , Kumazawa Takuya , Kimura Keiji
Published: March 2015

Various cellular stresses activate autophagy, which is involved in lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic materials for maintaining nutrient homeostasis and eliminating harmful components. Here, we show that RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription inhibition induces nucleolar disruption and autophagy. Treatment with autophagy inhibitors or siRNA specific for autophagy-related (ATG) proteins inhibited autophagy but not nucleolar disruption induced by Pol I transcription inhibition, which suggested that nucleolar disruption was upstream of autophagy. Furthermore, treatment with siRNA specific for nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (NPM) inhibited this type of autophagy. This showed that NPM was involved in autophagy when the nucleolus was disrupted by Pol I inhibition. In contrast, NPM was not required for canonical autophagy induced by nutrient starvation, as it was not accompanied by nucleolar disruption. Thus, our results revealed that, in addition to canonical autophagy, there may be NPM-dependent autophagy associated with nucleolar disruption.
Epidemiological and Etiological Characteristics of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Henan, China, 2008–2013
Authors: Huang Xueyong , Wei Haiyan , Wu Shuyu , Du Yanhua , Liu Licheng , Su Jia , Xu Yuling , Wang Haifeng , Li Xingle , Wang Yanxia , Liu Guohua , Chen Weijun , Klena John David , Xu Bianli
Published: March 2015

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses. HFMD outbreaks and reported cases have sharply increased in China since 2008. Epidemiological and clinical data of HFMD cases reported in Henan Province were collected from 2008 to 2013. Clinical specimens were obtained from a subset of these cases. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the time, region and population distribution. The VP1 gene from EV71 and CA16 isolates was amplified and the sequences were analyzed. 400,264 cases of HFMD were reported in this study, including 22,309 severe and 141 fatal cases. Incidence peaked between April and May. Laboratory confirmation was obtained for 27,692 (6.9%) cases; EV71, CA16 and other enteroviruses accounted for 59.5%, 14.1%, 26.4%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EV71 belonged to the C4a evolution branch of C4 sub-genotype and CA16 belonged to subtype B1a or B1b. The occurrence of HFMD in Henan was closely related to season, age and region distribution. Children under five were the most affected population. The major pathogens causing HFMD and their genotypes have not notably changed in Henan. The data strongly support the importance of EV71 vaccination in a high population density area such as Henan, China.
Conditional-ready mouse embryonic stem cell derived macrophages enable the study of essential genes in macrophage function
Authors: Yeung A. T. Y. , Hale C. , Xia J. , Tate P. H. , Goulding D. , Keane J. A. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Forrester L. , Billker O. , Skarnes W. C. , Hancock R. E. W. , Dougan G.
Published: March 2015

The ability to differentiate genetically modified mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into functional macrophages provides a potentially attractive resource to study host-pathogen interactions without the need for animal experimentation. This is particularly useful in instances where the gene of interest is essential and a knockout mouse is not available. Here we differentiated mouse ES cells into macrophages in vitro and showed, through a combination of flow cytometry, microscopic imaging and RNA-Seq, that ES cell-derived macrophages responded to S. Typhimurium, in a comparable manner to mouse bone marrow derived macrophages. We constructed a homozygous mutant mouse ES cell line in the Traf2 gene that is known to play a role in tumour necrosis factor-α signalling but has not been studied for its role in infections or response to Toll-like receptor agonists. Interestingly, traf2-deficient macrophages produced reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or flagellin stimulation and exhibited increased susceptibility to S. Typhimurium infection.
The Role of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Airway Inflammation in CF and CF related Diabetes
Authors: Mulrennan Siobhain , Baltic Svetlana , Aggarwal Shashi , Wood Jamie , Miranda Alina , Frost Felicity , Kaye Joey , Thompson Philip J.
Published: March 2015

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is often accompanied by diabetes leading to worsening lung function, the reason for which is unclear. The receptor for advanced-glycation-end-products (RAGE) regulates immune responses and inflammation and has been linked to diabetes and possibly CF. We performed a pilot study to determine if CF and CF-related diabetes (CFRD) are associated with enhanced RAGE expression. Full length (fl)RAGE, soluble (s)RAGE, endogenous soluble (es)RAGE, S100A12 (enRAGE) and advanced-glycation-end-products (AGE) expression was assessed in serum, white blood cells and sputum of patients with CF; diabetes; CFRD and healthy subjects. Sputum enRAGE/sRAGE ratios were high in CF but particularly in CFRD which negatively correlated with % predicted FEV1. Serum AGE and AGE/sRAGE ratios were high in diabetics but not in CF. A complex, multifaceted approach was used to assess the role of RAGE and its ligands which is fundamental to determining their impact on airway inflammation. There is a clear association between RAGE activity in the airways of CF and CFRD patients that is not evident in the vascular compartment and correlates with lung function, in contrast to diabetes. This strongly suggests a role for RAGE in contributing to the inflammatory overdrive seen in CF and to a greater extent in CFRD.
Faraday rotation and photoluminescence in heavily Tb3+-doped GeO2-B2O3-Al2O3-Ga2O3 glasses for fiber-integrated magneto-optics
Authors: Gao Guojun , Winterstein-Beckmann Anja , Surzhenko Oleksii , Dubs Carsten , Dellith Jan , Schmidt Markus A. , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: March 2015

We report on the magneto-optical (MO) properties of heavily Tb3+-doped GeO2-B2O3-Al2O3-Ga2O3 glasses towards fiber-integrated paramagnetic MO devices. For a Tb3+ ion concentration of up to 9.7 × 1021 cm−3, the reported glass exhibits an absolute negative Faraday rotation of ~120 rad/T/m at 632.8 nm. The optimum spectral ratio between Verdet constant and light transmittance over the spectral window of 400–1500 nm is found for a Tb3+ concentration of ~6.5 × 1021 cm−3. For this glass, the crystallization stability, expressed as the difference between glass transition temperature and onset temperature of melt crystallization exceeds 100 K, which is a prerequisite for fiber drawing. In addition, a high activation energy of crystallization is achieved at this composition. Optical absorption occurs in the NUV and blue spectral region, accompanied by Tb3+ photoluminescence. In the heavily doped materials, a UV/blue-to-green photo-conversion gain of ~43% is achieved. The lifetime of photoluminescence is ~2.2 ms at a stimulated emission cross-section σem of ~1.1 × 10−21 cm2 for ~ 5.0 × 1021 cm−3 Tb3+. This results in an optical gain parameter σem*τ of ~2.5 × 10−24 cm2s, what could be of interest for implementation of a Tb3+ fiber laser.
Controllable magnetic correlation between two impurities by spin-orbit coupling in graphene
Authors: Hu F. M. , Kou Liangzhi , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: March 2015

Two magnetic impurities on the edge of a zigzag graphene nanoribbon strongly interact with each other via indirect coupling, which can be mediated by conducting carriers. By means of Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations, we find that the spin-orbit coupling λ and the chemical potential μ in system can be used to drive the transition of local-spin exchange from ferromagnetism to anti-ferromagnetism. Since the tunable ranges for λ and μ in graphene are experimentally reachable, we thus open the possibilities for its device application. The symmetry in spatial distribution is broken by the vertical and the transversal spin-spin correlations due to the effect of spin-orbit coupling, leading to the spatial anisotropy of spin exchange, which distinguish our findings from the case in normal Fermi liquid.
On/off switching of bit readout in bias-enhanced tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect
Authors: Boehnke Alexander , Milnikel Marius , von der Ehe Marvin , Franz Christian , Zbarsky Vladyslav , Czerner Michael , Rott Karsten , Thomas Andy , Heiliger Christian , Reiss Günter , Münzenberg Markus
Published: March 2015

Thermoelectric effects in magnetic tunnel junctions are promising to serve as the basis for logic devices or memories in a ”green” information technology. However, up to now the readout contrast achieved with Seebeck effects was magnitudes smaller compared to the well-established tunnel magnetoresistance effect. Here, we resolve this problem by demonstrating that the tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect (TMS) in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB tunnel junctions can be switched on to a logic “1” state and off to “0” by simply changing the magnetic state of the CoFeB electrodes. This new functionality is achieved by combining a thermal gradient and an electric field. Our results show that the signal crosses zero and can be adjusted by tuning a bias voltage that is applied between the electrodes of the junction; hence, the name of the effect is bias-enhanced tunnel magneto-Seebeck effect (bTMS). Via the spin- and energy-dependent transmission of electrons in the junction, the bTMS effect can be configured using the bias voltage with much higher control than the tunnel magnetoresistance and even completely suppressed for only one magnetic configuration. Moreover, our measurements are a step towards the experimental realization of high TMS ratios without additional bias voltage, which are predicted for specific Co-Fe compositions.
Systematic identification and characterization of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in fetal porcine skeletal muscle development
Authors: Zhao Weimin , Mu Yulian , Ma Lei , Wang Chen , Tang Zhonglin , Yang Shulin , Zhou Rong , Hu Xiaoju , Li Meng-Hua , Li Kui
Published: March 2015

Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) play important roles in many cellular processes. Here, we present the first systematic identification and characterization of lincRNAs in fetal porcine skeletal muscle. We obtained a total of 55.02 million 90-bp paired-end reads and assembled 54,550 transcripts using cufflinks. We developed a pipeline to identify 570 multi-exon lincRNAs by integrating a set of previous approaches. These putative porcine lincRNAs share many characteristics with mammalian lincRNAs, such as a relatively short length, small number of exons and low level of sequence conservation. We found that the porcine lincRNAs were preferentially located near genes mediating transcriptional regulation rather than those with developmental functions. We further experimentally analyzed the features of a conserved mouse lincRNA gene and found that isoforms 1 and 4 of this lincRNA were enriched in the cell nucleus and were associated with polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Our results provide a catalog of fetal porcine lincRNAs for further experimental investigation of the functions of these genes in the skeletal muscle developmental process.
Maskless milling of diamond by a focused oxygen ion beam
Authors: Martin Aiden A. , Randolph Steven , Botman Aurelien , Toth Milos , Aharonovich Igor
Published: March 2015

Recent advances in focused ion beam technology have enabled high-resolution, maskless nanofabrication using light ions. Studies with light ions to date have, however, focused on milling of materials where sub-surface ion beam damage does not inhibit device performance. Here we report on maskless milling of single crystal diamond using a focused beam of oxygen ions. Material quality is assessed by Raman and luminescence analysis and reveals that the damage layer generated by oxygen ions can be removed by non-intrusive post-processing methods such as localised electron beam induced chemical etching.
Tuning IL-2 signaling by ADP-ribosylation of CD25
Authors: Teege Sophie , Hann Alexander , Miksiewicz Maria , MacMillan Cary , Rissiek Björn , Buck Friedrich , Menzel Stephan , Nissen Marion , Bannas Peter , Haag Friedrich , Boyer Olivier , Seman Michel , Adriouch Sahil , Koch-Nolte Friedrich
Published: March 2015

Control of immunologic tolerance and homeostasis rely on Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) that constitutively express the high affinity receptor for Interleukin-2, CD25. Tregs proliferate in response to injections of IL-2/anti-IL-2 antibody complexes or low doses of IL-2. However, little is known about endogenous mechanisms that regulate the sensitivity of CD25 to signaling by IL-2. Here we demonstrate that CD25 is ADP-ribosylated at Arg35 in the IL-2 binding site by ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase ARTC2.2, a toxin-related GPI-anchored ecto-enzyme. ADP-ribosylation inhibits binding of IL-2 by CD25, IL-2- induced phosphorylation of STAT5 and IL-2-dependent cell proliferation. Our study elucidates an as-yet-unrecognized mechanism to tune IL-2 signaling. This newly found mechanism might thwart Tregs at sites of inflammation and thereby permit a more potent response of activated effector T cells.
Electron-Phonon Coupling and its implication for the superconducting topological insulators
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Long , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: March 2015

The recent observation of superconductivity in doped topological insulators has sparked a flurry of interest due to the prospect of realizing the long-sought topological superconductors. Yet the understanding of underlying pairing mechanism in these systems is far from complete. Here we investigate this problem by providing robust first-principles calculations of the role of electron-phonon coupling for the superconducting pairing in the prime candidate CuxBi2Se3. Our results show that electron-phonon scattering process in this system is dominated by zone center and boundary optical modes, with coexistence of phonon stiffening and softening. While the calculated electron-phonon coupling constant λ suggests that Tc from electron-phonon coupling is 2 orders smaller than the ones reported on bulk inhomogeneous samples, suggesting that superconductivity may not come from pure electron-phonon coupling. We discuss the possible enhancement of superconducting transition temperature by local inhomogeneity introduced by doping.
Functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Cao Chao , Wu Bin , Wu Yanping , Yu Yiming , Ma Hongying , Sun Shifang , Zhang Qiaoli , Ding Qunli , Chen Li , Deng Zaichun
Published: March 2015

Genetic susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been a research focus in the scientific community in the past few years. In this study, we recruited 375 subjects to investigate whether functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 (-1306C/T) and MMP-9 (-1562C/T) increased susceptibility to OSA. Our study showed no significant association between MMP-2 -1306C/T polymorphism and risk of OSA (T vs. C: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.67–1.52; P = 0.97). Compared with the MMP-9 -1562C allele, the -1562T allele was associated with increased risk of OSA (T vs. C: OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.02–2.39; P = 0.04). However, neither MMP-2 -1306C/T nor MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism was found to be associated with severity of the disease. Our study suggested that the MMP-2 -1306C/T polymorphism was not associated with OSA susceptibility, whereas the MMP-9 -1562T allele was associated with increased risk of OSA.
Simultaneous measurement and quantitation of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and dopamine with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Shin Mimi , Kaplan Sam V. , Raider Kayla D. , Johnson Michael A.
Published: March 2015

Caged compounds have been used extensively to investigate neuronal function in a variety of preparations, including cell culture,ex vivotissue samples, andin vivo.
pH-responsive lyotropic liquid crystals and their potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment
Authors: Negrini Renata , Fong Wye-Khay , Boyd Ben J. , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: March 2015

A weak amphiphilic base, pyridinylmethyl linoleate, is blended with monolinolein, yielding mesophases with a pH-induced hexagonal-to-cubic transition at pH ≤ 5.5.
Ag plasmonic nanostructures and a novel gel electrolyte in a high efficiency TiO2/CdS solar cell
Authors: Kumar P. Naresh , Deepa Melepurath , Srivastava Avanish Kumar
Published: March 2015

Light scattering and electron accepting characteristics of Ag nanostructures enhance the solar conversion efficiency of a TiO2/CdS film.
Transition-state scaling relations in zeolite catalysis: influence of framework topology and acid-site reactivity
Authors: Wang Chuan-Ming , Brogaard Rasmus Y. , Xie Zai-Ku , Studt Felix
Published: March 2015

Transition-state enthalpies in olefin–methanol reactions scale linearly with ammonia adsorption enthalpy as descriptor of acid site reactivity in zeolite catalysis. The slopes of these scaling relations vary with dispersion interaction with the framework.
Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene over phase-pure M1 MoVNbTeOx catalysts in a micro-channel reactor
Authors: Chu Bozhao , Truter Lara , Nijhuis Tjeerd Alexander , Cheng Yi
Published: March 2015

Due to its excellent heat transfer ability, the micro-channel reactor with coated phase-pure M1 catalysts can achieve reactor productivity nearly 5 times higher than that of a traditional fixed-bed reactor under the same reaction conditions in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE).
Plasmonic colorimetric and SERS sensors for environmental analysis
Authors: Wei Haoran , Hossein Abtahi Seyyed M. , Vikesland Peter J.
Published: March 2015

Plasmon based spectroscopic methods provide a novel means to detect and quantify environmentally relevant pollutants.
Aggregation-controlled excimer emission in an axial anthracene–Sn(iv)porphyrin–anthracene triad in the solid and solution phases
Authors: Dey Soumyajit , Mondal Pritam , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: March 2015

An anthracene–porphyrin donor–acceptor triad has been synthesized and its photophysical properties along with excimer behavior are investigated.
Modified phyto-waste Terminalia catappa fruit shells: a reusable adsorbent for the removal of micropollutant diclofenac
Authors: Sathishkumar Palanivel , Arulkumar Mani , Ashokkumar Veeramuthu , Mohd Yusoff Abdull Rahim , Murugesan Kumarasamy , Palvannan Thayumanavan , Salam Zainal , Ani Farid Nasir , Hadibarata Tony
Published: March 2015

A novel reusable adsorbent was prepared and investigated for the removal of diclofenac from aqueous systems.
Ferroelastic property of tetramethylammonium tetrachlorozincate tetrachlorocuprate, [N(CH3)4]2Zn1−xCuxCl4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1)
Authors: Lim Ae Ran
Published: March 2015

The various crystallographic structures of [N(CH3)4]2Zn1−xCuxCl4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1) may be understood by considering the different chemical shifts observed in 1H MAS and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra.
Degradation of p-nitrophenol using CuO/Al2O3 as a Fenton-like catalyst under microwave irradiation
Authors: Pan Weiqian , Zhang Guangshan , Zheng Tong , Wang Peng
Published: March 2015

The CuO/Al2O3 was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for Fenton-like oxidation of PNP under microwave and the PNP removal was enhanced greatly by microwave.
A Co3O4–CeO2 functionalized SBA-15 monolith with a three-dimensional framework improves NOx-assisted soot combustion
Authors: Yang Qiongqiong , Gu Fangna , Tang Yufang , Zhang Hui , Liu Qing , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: March 2015

Co3O4–CeO2/SBA-15 monolith can efficiently filter and catalyze the soot particles. The optimized one exhibited a low T10 (293 °C) and T90 (378 °C).
Visible-light photocatalysis on C-doped ZnO derived from polymer-assisted pyrolysis
Authors: Alshammari Ahmad S. , Chi Lina , Chen Xiaoping , Bagabas Abdulaziz , Kramer Denis , Alromaeh Abdulaziz , Jiang Zheng
Published: March 2015

Heavy C-doping can effectively enhance visible-light absorption yet exhibited lower visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity due to significant recombination of photogenerated charge carriers caused by C-dopant and oxygen vacancies.
A study of N-trinitroethyl-substituted aminofurazans: high detonation performance energetic compounds with good oxygen balance
Authors: Yu Qiong , Wang Zhixin , Wu Bo , Yang Hongwei , Ju Xuehai , Lu Chunxu , Cheng Guangbin
Published: March 2015

AnN-nitrated trinitroethylamino azofurazan derivative possesses an oxygen balance of zero and exhibits outstanding detonation properties (D, 9486 m s−1;P, 40.8 GPa).
Rational linkage of magnetic molecules using click chemistry
Authors: Plenk Christian , Krause Jasmin , Beck Martin , Rentschler Eva
Published: March 2015

Established CuAAC click reactions are used for the first time to assemble magnetic molecules to an extended molecular arrangement. This novel synthetic approach is expected to be a general approach to link SMMs as an important precondition to realize quantum computing.
A continuous-flow mass biosensor for the real-time dynamic analysis of protease inhibition
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Zhang Qundan , Liu Guoquan , Zhao Rui
Published: March 2015

A flow injection analysis–quartz crystal microbalance (FIA–QCM) biosensor system was introduced for probing the dynamic interactions during protease inhibition.
A DNA logic gate based on strand displacement reaction and rolling circle amplification, responding to multiple low-abundance DNA fragment input signals, and its application in detecting miRNAs
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Song Yanyan , Wu Fan , Liu Wenting , Fu Boshi , Feng Bingkun , Zhou Xiang
Published: March 2015

A conveniently amplified DNA AND logic gate platform was designed for the highly sensitive detection of low-abundance DNA fragment inputs based on strand displacement reaction and rolling circle amplification strategy.
Synergistic effects of Ir–Au/TiO2catalysts in the total oxidation of propene: influence of the activation conditions
Authors: Aguilar-Tapia Antonio , Zanella Rodolfo , Calers Christophe , Louis Catherine , Delannoy Laurent
Published: March 2015

Enhanced catalytic activity of the bimetallic Ir–Au/TiO2catalyst, prepared by sequential deposition–precipitation with urea, in the total oxidation of propene due to a surface Ir0–Au0synergism.
Multiple active zones in hybrid QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations for large biomolecular systems
Authors: Torras Juan
Published: March 2015

A new QM/MM molecular dynamics approach that can deal with the dynamics of large real systems involving several simultaneous active zones is presented.
Molecular effects of supraphysiological doses of doping agents on health
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Mancini Annamaria , Alfieri Andreina , Martone Domenico , Caterino Marianna , Orrù Stefania , Buono Pasqualina
Published: March 2015

Supraphysiological doses of doping agents, such as T/DHT and GH/IGF-1, affect cellular pathways associated with apoptosis and inflammation.
Cobalt phosphate modified TiO2nanowire arrays as co-catalysts for solar water splitting
Authors: Ai Guanjie , Mo Rong , Li Hongxing , Zhong Jianxin
Published: March 2015

This paper demonstrates improved effects and mechanistic insights using Co–Pi electrocatalyst-modified TiO2NWAs for solar water splitting.
Carbon nanotube-bonded graphene hybrid aerogels and their application to water purification
Authors: Lee Byeongho , Lee Sangil , Lee Minwoo , Jeong Dae Hong , Baek Youngbin , Yoon Jeyong , Kim Yong Hyup
Published: March 2015

We present carbon nanotube (CNT)-bonded graphene hybrid aerogels that are prepared by growing CNTs on a graphene aerogel surface with nickel catalyst.
Nanostructured pseudocapacitive materials decorated 3D graphene foam electrodes for next generation supercapacitors
Authors: Patil Umakant , Lee Su Chan , Kulkarni Sachin , Sohn Ji Soo , Nam Min Sik , Han Suhyun , Jun Seong Chan
Published: March 2015

The most recent research advancements of our and other groups in the field of PCMs decorated 3D graphene based electrode for supercapacitors are discussed.
Copper-mediated tandem reaction of β-ketoesters/ketones with tertiary amines for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofurans
Authors: Guo Shengmei , Lu Lin , Gong Jiuhan , Zhu Zheng , Xu Feng , Wei Zhenhong , Cai Hu
Published: March 2015

A novel synthetic method of 2,3-dihydrofuran using β-ketoester and TMEDA as starting materials has been developed.
Pyrimidine-based functional fluorescent organic nanoparticle probe for detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kaur Gaganpreet , Raj Tilak , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: March 2015

Organic nanoparticles are developed for the sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Oxidative cross-coupling of pyridine N-oxides and ethers between C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H bonds under transition-metal-free conditions
Authors: Sun Wei , Xie Zuguang , Liu Jie , Wang Lei
Published: March 2015

An oxidative cross-coupling of pyridine N-oxides and ethers between C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H bonds under transition metal free conditions was developed.
Investigations of possible prodrug structures for 2-(2-mercaptophenyl)tetrahydropyrimidines: reductive conversion from anti-HIV agents with pyrimidobenzothiazine and isothiazolopyrimidine scaffolds
Authors: Okazaki Shiho , Oishi Shinya , Mizuhara Tsukasa , Shimura Kazuya , Murayama Hiroto , Ohno Hiroaki , Matsuoka Masao , Fujii Nobutaka
Published: March 2015

PD 404182 and benzo[4,5]isothiazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidines are possible prodrug forms of the ring-opened thiophenols with anti-HIV activity.
Synthesis of pyrazole containing α-amino acids via a highly regioselective condensation/aza-Michael reaction of β-aryl α,β-unsaturated ketones
Authors: Gilfillan Lynne , Artschwager Raik , Harkiss Alexander H. , Liskamp Rob M. J. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: March 2015

A new class of α-amino acid incorporating 5-aryl pyrazole units have been prepared using a highly regioselective condensation/aza-Michael reaction of β-aryl α,β-unsaturated ketones.
Alkylidenefluorene–isoindigo copolymers with an optimized molecular conformation for spacer manipulation, π–π stacking and their application in efficient photovoltaic devices
Authors: Choi Min-Hee , Song Kwan Wook , Moon Doo Kyung
Published: March 2015

D–(π)n-A-type copolymers with different thienyl spacers (n = 0–2) between alkylidenefluorene and isoindigo (P1, P2, P3) were synthesized via a Suzuki coupling reaction.
Direct functionalization of Kevlar® with copolymers containing sulfonyl nitrenes
Authors: Yatvin Jeremy , Sherman Shalli A. , Filocamo Shaun F. , Locklin Jason
Published: March 2015

Generating innovative methods to functionalize highly inert fibers and interfaces are important strategies for developing coatings that impart new or improved properties to such materials.
Palladium nanoparticles immobilized onto supported ionic liquid-like phases (SILLPs) for the carbonylative Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Jiao Nianming , Li Zelong , Wang Yan , Liu Jianhua , Xia Chungu
Published: March 2015

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized onto dication imidazolium–divinylbenzene polymer was an efficient and reusable catalyst for carbonylative Suzuki coupling reaction.
Selective synthesis of different ZnO/Ag nanocomposites as surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates and highly efficient photocatalytic catalysts
Authors: Huang Qingli , Liu Shuangzhi , Wei Wenxian , Yan Qiuxiang , Wu Changle
Published: March 2015

Different ZnO–Ag nanocomposites with controlling SERS and photocatalytic performance were obtained only by adjusting solvents.
Xylene gas sensor based on Ni doped TiO2 bowl-like submicron particles with enhanced sensing performance
Authors: Zhu Linghui , Zhang Dezhong , Wang Ying , Feng Caihui , Zhou Jingran , Liu Caixia , Ruan Shengping
Published: March 2015

Bowl-like TiO2 submicron particles prepared by electrospray technique were used to detect xylene gas and Ni element was added into TiO2 to improve the gas sensing performances.
Monoclinic LaGa1−xMnxGe2O7: a new blue chromophore based on Mn3+in the trigonal bipyramidal coordination with longer apical bond lengths
Authors: Saraswathy Divya , Rao P. Prabhakar , Sameera S. , James Vineetha , Raj Athira K. V.
Published: March 2015

Substitution of Mn3+into the trigonal bipyramidal site of monoclinic LaGaGe2O7produces a blue colored material. Mn–O apical bond distances play a key role in the d–d transitions causing the color.
Recognition of fluoride anions at low ppm level inside living cells and from fluorosis affected tooth and saliva samples
Authors: Ghosh Pritam , Roy Biswajit Gopal , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: March 2015

A simple Schiff base chemosensor 2-((2-(2,4-dinitro phenyl)hydrazono)methyl)-4-nitrophenol (L) has been developed as a colorimetric and fluorimetric ‘turn on’ sensor for fluoride (F−).
A cascade signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of BRCA1 gene
Authors: Liang Dong , You Wei , Yu Yang , Geng Yao , Lv Feng , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2015

Schematic illustration of a colorimetric biosensor for breast cancer1 gene detection based on DNAzyme assistant DNA recycling and rolling circle amplification.
First-principles investigation on the structural, electronic properties and diffusion barriers of Mg/Al doped NaCoO2as the cathode material of rechargeable sodium batteries
Authors: Su Jingcang , Pei Yong , Yang Zhenhua , Wang Xianyou
Published: March 2015

Divalent Mg ion doping in NaCoO2can significantly decrease the diffusion barriers and enhance the Na ion diffusion rate.
Synthesis of conjugated covalent organic frameworks/graphene composite for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Peiyuan , Wu Qiong , Han Lifeng , Wang Shen , Fang Shaoming , Zhang Zhihong , Sun Shumin
Published: March 2015

A novel imine-linked covalent organic framework on graphene composite with excellent electrochemical properties was conveniently synthesized in one step.
Fabrication and properties of a high-performance chlorine doped graphene quantum dot based photovoltaic detector
Authors: Zhao Jianhong , Tang Libin , Xiang Jinzhong , Ji Rongbin , Hu Yanbo , Yuan Jun , Zhao Jun , Tai Yunjian , Cai Yuhua
Published: March 2015

The presence of chlorine doped graphene quantum dots (Cl-GQDs) in the active material can significantly enhance the performance of organic photovoltaic devices.
Catalytic activity of reusable nickel oxide nanoparticles in the synthesis of spirooxindoles
Authors: Nasseri Mohammad Ali , Kamali Fateme , Zakerinasab Batol
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on nickel oxide nanoparticles as efficient nanocatalysts in the synthesis of oxindoles as an important class of potentially bioactive compounds.
Synthesis and characterization of biobased polyurethane/SiO2 nanocomposites from natural Sapium sebiferum oil
Authors: Wu Guiying , He Xin , Xu Li , Zhang Houjin , Yan Yunjun
Published: March 2015

Novel Sapium sebiferum oil-based polyurethane nanocomposites with different content of nano-SiO2 were successfully synthesized via in situ polymerization method.
Insights into the C–H⋯F–C hydrogen bond by Cambridge Structural Database analyses and computational studies
Authors: Dev Sagarika , Maheshwari Sudeep , Roy Choudhury Angshuman
Published: March 2015

C–H⋯F–C hydrogen bonding is analysed among fluorinated ethenes usingab initiocalculations in the gas phase to understand the nature, strength and directionality of these interactions.
Rate-dependent elastic hysteresis during the peeling of pressure sensitive adhesives
Authors: Villey Richard , Creton Costantino , Cortet Pierre-Philippe , Dalbe Marie-Julie , Jet Thomas , Saintyves Baudouin , Santucci Stéphane , Vanel Loïc , Yarusso David J. , Ciccotti Matteo
Published: March 2015

PSA can undergo fibrillation and large strain, which leads to hysteretic dissipation at debonding. The resulting high adherence energy has a non trivial dependence on both the peeling angle and on the large strain rheology of the adhesive.
α-Fe2O3 on patterned fluorine doped tin oxide for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Kim Kwanghyun , Kim Ik-Hee , Yoon Ki-Yong , Lee Jeongyeop , Jang Ji-Hyun
Published: March 2015

By simply pattering conductive FTO in a 3D-shape, we achieved 1.7 times greater photocurrent density in water splitting reactions.
Viscosity enhanced release (VER) effect in nanoporous drug delivery systems: phenomenon and mechanism
Authors: Zheng Di-Wei , Li Jiang-Lan , Li Cao , Xu Zu-Shun , Cheng Si-Xue , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: March 2015

Nanoporous drug delivery systems (DDSs) with a viscosity enhanced release effect (VER effect) were demonstrated, and their drug release behaviors in a sticky environment with a high viscosity were investigated.
Crystal cell oriented-rotation triggered phase transition of porous upconversion nanocrystals synthesis in hydrothermal system
Authors: Qiu Peiyu , Sun Rongjin , Gao Guo , Yin Ting , Shen Yulan , Chen Bin , Wang Kan , Zhang Chunlei , Qian Xiaoqing , Cui Daxiang
Published: March 2015

Porous upconversion nanocrystals for in vitro and in vivo CT imaging have been synthesized by an anion-induced hydrothermal method.
Solution structure of the reduced form of human peroxiredoxin-6 elucidated using zero-length chemical cross-linking and homology modelling
Authors: Rivera-Santiago Roland F. , Harper Sandra L. , Zhou Suiping , Sriswasdi Sira , Feinstein Sheldon I. , Fisher Aron B. , Speicher David W.
Published: March 2015

Peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6) is an unusual member of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes that has only one evolutionarily conserved cysteine. It reduces oxidized lipids and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oxidation of the active-site cysteine (Cys47) to a sulfenic acid, but the mechanism for conversion back to a thiol is not completely understood. Moreover, it has phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in addition to its peroxidase activity. Interestingly, some biochemical data are inconsistent with a known high-resolution crystal structure of the catalytic intermediate of the protein, and biophysical data indicate that the protein undergoes conformational changes that affect enzyme activity. In order to further elucidate the solution structure of this important enzyme, we used chemical cross-linking coupled with high-resolution MS (CX–MS), with an emphasis on zero-length cross-links. Distance constraints from high confidence cross-links were used in homology modelling experiments to determine a solution structure of the reduced form of the protein. This structure was further evaluated using chemical cross-links produced by several homo-bifunctional amine-reactive cross-linking reagents, which helped to confirm the solution structure. The results show that several regions of the reduced version of human PRDX6 are in a substantially different conformation from that shown for the crystal structure of the peroxidase catalytic intermediate. The differences between these two structures are likely to reflect catalysis-related conformational changes. These studies also demonstrate that CX–MS using zero-length cross-linking is a powerful strategy for probing protein conformational changes that is complementary to alternative methods such as crystallographic, NMR and biophysical studies.
An antibody raised against a pathogenic serpin variant induces mutant-like behaviour in the wild-type protein
Authors: Irving James A. , Miranda Elena , Haq Imran , Perez Juan , Kotov Vadim R. , Faull Sarah V. , Motamedi-Shad Neda , Lomas David A.
Published: March 2015

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to a transient intermediate may act as a catalyst for the corresponding reaction; here we show this principle can extend on a macro molecular scale to the induction of mutant-like oligomerization in a wild-type protein. Using the common pathogenic E342K (Z) variant of α1-antitrypsin as antigen–whose native state is susceptible to the formation of a proto-oligomeric intermediate–we have produced a mAb (5E3) that increases the rate of oligomerization of the wild-type (M) variant. Employing ELISA, gel shift, thermal stability and FRET time-course experiments, we show that mAb5E3 does not bind to the native state of α1-antitrypsin, but recognizes a cryptic epitope in the vicinity of the post-helix A loop and strand 4C that is revealed upon transition to the polymerization intermediate, and which persists in the ensuing oligomer. This epitope is not shared by loop-inserted monomeric conformations. We show the increased amenity to polymerization by either the pathogenic E342K mutation or the binding of mAb5E3 occurs without affecting the energetic barrier to polymerization. As mAb5E3 also does not alter the relative stability of the monomer to intermediate, it acts in a manner similar to the E342K mutant, by facilitating the conformational interchange between these two states.
Mindin regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and prevents neointima formation
Authors: Zhu Li-Hua , Huang Ling , Zhang Xiaojing , Zhang Peng , Zhang Shu-Min , Guan Hongjing , Zhang Yan , Zhu Xue-Yong , Tian Song , Deng Keqiong , Li Hongliang
Published: March 2015

Mindin/spondin 2, an extracellular matrix (ECM) component that belongs to the thrombospondin type 1 (TSR) class of molecules, plays prominent roles in the regulation of inflammatory responses, angiogenesis and metabolic disorders. Our most recent studies indicated that mindin is largely involved in the initiation and development of cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases [Zhu et al. (2014) J. Hepatol. 60, 1046–1054; Bian et al. (2012) J. Mol. Med. 90, 895–910; Wang et al. (2013) Exp. Neurol. 247, 506–516; Yan et al. (2011) Cardiovasc. Res. 92, 85–94]. However, the regulatory functions of mindin in neointima formation remain unclear. In the present study, mindin expression was significantly down-regulated in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and wire injury-stimulated vascular tissue. Using a gain-of-function approach, overexpression of mindin in VSMCs exhibited strong anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects on VSMCs, whereas significant suppression of intimal hyperplasia was observed in transgenic (TG) mice expressing mindin specifically in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These mice exhibited blunted VSMC proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching. Conversely, deletion of mindin dramatically exacerbated neointima formation in a wire-injury mouse model, which was further confirmed in a balloon injury-induced vascular lesion model using a novel mindin-KO (knockout) rat strain. From a mechanistic standpoint, the AKT (Protein Kinase B)−GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)−FOXO3A (forkhead box O)–FOXO1 signalling axis is responsible for the regulation of mindin during intimal thickening. Interestingly, an AKT inhibitor largely reversed mindin-KO-induced aggravated hyperplasia, suggesting that mindin-mediated neointima formation is AKT-dependent. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mindin protects against vascular hyperplasia by suppression of abnormal VSMC proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching in an AKT-dependent manner. Up-regulation of mindin might represent an effective therapy for vascular-remodelling-related diseases.
Association of haemolytic uraemic syndrome with dysregulation of chemokine receptor expression in circulating monocytes
Authors: Ramos Maria Victoria , Ruggieri Matias , Panek Analia Cecilia , Mejias Maria Pilar , Fernandez-Brando Romina Jimena , Abrey-Recalde Maria Jimena , Exeni Andrea , Barilari Catalina , Exeni Ramon , Palermo Marina Sandra
Published: March 2015

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the major complication of Escherichia coli gastrointestinal infections that are Shiga toxin (Stx) producing. Monocytes contribute to HUS evolution by producing cytokines that sensitize endothelial cells to Stx action and migration to the injured kidney. As CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) are involved in monocyte recruitment to injured tissue, we analysed the contribution of these receptors to the pathogenesis of HUS. We analysed CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 expression in peripheral monocytes from HUS patients during the acute period, with healthy children as controls. We observed an increased expression of CCRs per cell in monocytes from HUS patients, accompanied by an increase in the absolute number of monocytes CCR1+, CCR2+ and CCR5+. It is interesting that prospective analysis confirmed that CCR1 expression positively correlated with HUS severity. The evaluation of chemokine levels in plasma showed that regulated on activation of normal T-cell-expressed and -secreted (RANTES) protein was reduced in plasma from patients with severe HUS, and this decrease correlated with thrombocytopenia. Finally, the expression of the higher CCRs was accompanied by a loss of functionality which could be due to a mechanism for desensitization to compensate for altered receptor expression. The increase in CCR expression correlates with HUS severity, suggesting that the dysregulation of these receptors might contribute to an increased risk of renal damage. Activated monocytes could be recruited by chemokines and then receptors could be dysregulated. The dysregulation of CCRs and their ligands observed during the acute period suggests that a chemokine pathway would participate in HUS development.
How open is this Platform? The Meaning and Measurement of Platform Openness from the Complementers’ Perspective
Authors: Benlian Alexander , Hilkert Daniel , Hess Thomas
Published: March 2015

Software platforms’ success largely depends on complementors’ willingness to repeatedly invest their time and effort to the development of platform applications that attract users and increase the platform's installed base. But how can platform providers encourage desirable behaviours by complementors (i.e., application developers) in the absence of formal roles and hierarchical control structures? Although previous studies of software-based platforms have identified openness as critical instrument at the macro (i.e., platform) level and have provided initial attempts to measure the construct, no research has been dedicated to comprehensively conceptualize and operationalize platform openness at the micro level from the perspective of application developers. To go beyond these preliminary findings and to theorize about the nature and effects of platform openness as perceived by application developers, we develop a construct called perceived platform openness (PPO). Drawing on recently advanced scale development methodologies, we conceptualize PPO as a multidimensional construct and empirically validate it with important consequent variables linked to developers’ continuous platform contributions. Empirical evidence from several rounds of qualitative and quantitative steps supports the conceptual validity of the construct and empirical relevance of the scale across different smartphone platform contexts (i.e., Apple iOS and Google Android). Researchers will benefit from the study's systematic and comprehensive conceptualization of PPO, how it is measured, and how it relates to critical application developer beliefs and attitudes. Platform managers may use our results to target the underlying facets of PPO most likely to contribute to the platform's long-term goals.
A Kantian-economic approach to altruism in the household
Authors: White Mark D
Published: March 2015

Economists who study the family acknowledge the importance of altruism and resource allocation that occurs between family members, and have developed a number of novel approaches to modelling this behaviour. This article suggests a new method, based on the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant, which will highlight several unique features of intrafamily altruism. After summarizing Kant’s ethics and how it can be incorporated into the standard economic model of choice, I show how Kantian concepts of perfect and imperfect duty cast the standard models of intrafamily altruism and resource allocation in a new light. The inclusion of duty into the modelling explains how altruistic behaviour can continue when the affection has left a marriage, and blurs the lines between cooperative and non-cooperative models of resource allocation by highlighting the importance of binding commitment without external enforcement.
Design and implementation of fractional order pole placement controller to control the magnetic flux in Damavand tokamak
Authors: Rasouli H. , Fatehi A. , Zamanian H.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a routine algorithm is presented to design a fractional order controller for tracking the reference model. Using this algorithm, a pole placement controller can be designed by assigning the desired integer and fractional order closed loop transfer functions. Considering the desired time response and using the generalized characteristic ratio assignment (CRA) method for fractional order systems and coefficient diagram method (CDM) for integer order systems, the desired closed loop system can be achieved. For various practical experiments, having the desired time responses is vital for magnetic flux in Damavand tokamak. To approach this, at first, the desired reference models are obtained based on CRA and CDM methods. After that, a fractional order pole placement controller is designed and simulated by this algorithm. At last, this controller is implemented on a digital signal processor to control the vertical magnetic flux of Damavand tokamak plant. The practical results show the satisfactory performance of the controller.
Control of offset field and pinning stability in perpendicular magnetic tunnelling junctions with synthetic antiferromagnetic coupling multilayer
Authors: Han Guchang , Tran Michael , Sim Cheow Hin , Wang Jacob Chenchen , Eason Kwaku , Lim Sze Ter , Huang Aihong
Published: March 2015

In a magnetic tunnelling junction (MTJ) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), offset field (Ho) of the free layer is usually controlled by using a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) coupling structure, which is composed of an antiferromagnetic coupling (AFC) layer sandwiched by two ferromagnetic (FM) layers. However, Ho increases significantly as the size of MTJ devices shrinks to accommodate high density. In addition, magnetostatic field in PMA SAF structure tends to destabilize the antiferromagnetic (AFM) alignment of the SAF layers, in contrast to the in-plane anisotropy SAF, where the closed flux forms stable AFM magnetic configuration. Here, we present a double SAF structure to control Ho, while maintaining high magnetic stability of the reference layer (RL). The double SAF consists of FM1/AFC/FM2/AFC/FM3 multilayer. An AFM layer like PtMn is added to further stabilize the magnetic configuration of the double SAF. As the magnetization of other FM layers (FM1 and FM2) is aligned oppositely, the magnetostatic field acting on the RL (FM3) layer is significantly reduced due to cancellation effect from its adjacent layers. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the double SAF layers provide high stability for the RL in addition to the reduction of Ho. Our results on MTJ devices show that the AFM pinned double SAF has the highest RL stability. The RL switch rate decreases as the thickness of the CoFe inserted layer between AFM and the pinned layer (Co/Pt multilayer) increases due to improved exchange coupling.