bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preadipocyte factor 1 induces pancreatic ductal cell differentiation into insulin-producing cells
Authors: Rhee Marie , Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Ji-Won , Ham Dong-Sik , Park Heon-Seok , Yang Hae Kyung , Shin Ju-Young , Cho Jae-Hyoung , Kim Young-Bum , Youn Byung-Soo , Sul Hei Sook , Yoon Kun-Ho
Published: April 2016

The preadipocyte factor 1 (Pref-1) is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of various precursor cells. However, the intracellular signaling pathways that control these processes and the role of Pref-1 in the pancreas remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that Pref-1 induces insulin synthesis and secretion via two independent pathways. The overexpression of Pref-1 activated MAPK signaling, which induced nucleocytoplasmic translocation of FOXO1 and PDX1 and led to the differentiation of human pancreatic ductal cells into β-like cells and an increase in insulin synthesis. Concurrently, Pref-1 activated Akt signaling and facilitated insulin secretion. A proteomics analysis identified the Rab43 GTPase-activating protein as a downstream target of Akt. A serial activation of both proteins induced various granular protein syntheses which led to enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In a pancreatectomised diabetic animal model, exogenous Pref-1 improved glucose homeostasis by accelerating pancreatic ductal and β-cell regeneration after injury. These data establish a novel role for Pref-1, opening the possibility of applying this molecule to the treatment of diabetes.
Solar cycles or random processes? Evaluating solar variability in Holocene climate records
Authors: Turner T. Edward , Swindles Graeme T. , Charman Dan J. , Langdon Peter G. , Morris Paul J. , Booth Robert K. , Parry Lauren E. , Nichols Jonathan E.
Published: April 2016

Many studies have reported evidence for solar-forcing of Holocene climate change across a range of archives. These studies have compared proxy-climate data with records of solar variability (e.g. 14C or 10Be), or have used time series analysis to test for the presence of solar-type cycles. This has led to some climate sceptics misrepresenting this literature to argue strongly that solar variability drove the rapid global temperature increase of the twentieth century. As proxy records underpin our understanding of the long-term processes governing climate, they need to be evaluated thoroughly. The peatland archive has become a prominent line of evidence for solar forcing of climate. Here we examine high-resolution peatland proxy climate data to determine whether solar signals are present. We find a wide range of significant periodicities similar to those in records of solar variability: periods between 40–100 years, and 120–140 years are particularly common. However, periodicities similar to those in the data are commonly found in random-walk simulations. Our results demonstrate that solar-type signals can be the product of random variations alone, and that a more critical approach is required for their robust interpretation.
Clustering mechanism of ethanol-water mixtures investigated with photothermal microfluidic cantilever deflection spectroscopy
Authors: Ghoraishi M. S. , Hawk J. E. , Phani Arindam , Khan M. F. , Thundat T.
Published: April 2016

The infrared-active (IR) vibrational mode of ethanol (EtOH) associated with the asymmetrical stretching of the C-C-O bond in pico-liter volumes of EtOH-water binary mixtures is calorimetrically measured using photothermal microfluidic cantilever deflection spectroscopy (PMCDS). IR absorption by the confined liquid results in wavelength dependent cantilever deflections, thus providing a complementary response to IR absorption revealing a complex dipole moment dependence on mixture concentration. Solvent-induced blue shifts of the C-C-O asymmetric vibrational stretch for both anti and gauche conformers of EtOH were precisely monitored for EtOH concentrations ranging from 20–100% w/w. Variations in IR absorption peak maxima show an inverse dependence on induced EtOH dipole moment (μ) and is attributed to the complex clustering mechanism of EtOH-water mixtures.
Revealing a new activity of the human Dicer DUF283 domain in vitro
Authors: Kurzynska-Kokorniak Anna , Pokornowska Maria , Koralewska Natalia , Hoffmann Weronika , Bienkowska-Szewczyk Krystyna , Figlerowicz Marek
Published: April 2016

The ribonuclease Dicer is a multidomain enzyme that plays a fundamental role in the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs (srRNAs), which control gene expression by targeting complementary transcripts and inducing their cleavage or repressing their translation. Recent studies of Dicer’s domains have permitted to propose their roles in srRNA biogenesis. For all of Dicer’s domains except one, called DUF283 (domain of unknown function), their involvement in RNA substrate recognition, binding or cleavage has been postulated. For DUF283, the interaction with Dicer’s protein partners has been the only function suggested thus far. In this report, we demonstrate that the isolated DUF283 domain from human Dicer is capable of binding single-stranded nucleic acids in vitro. We also show that DUF283 can act as a nucleic acid annealer that accelerates base-pairing between complementary RNA/DNA molecules in vitro. We further demonstrate an annealing activity of full length human Dicer. The overall results suggest that Dicer, presumably through its DUF283 domain, might facilitate hybridization between short RNAs and their targets. The presented findings reveal the complex nature of Dicer, whose functions may extend beyond the biogenesis of srRNAs.
Sub-micron scale patterning of fluorescent silver nanoclusters using low-power laser
Authors: Kunwar Puskal , Hassinen Jukka , Bautista Godofredo , Ras Robin H. A. , Toivonen Juha
Published: April 2016

Noble metal nanoclusters are ultrasmall nanomaterials with tunable properties and huge application potential; however, retaining their enhanced functionality is difficult as they readily lose their properties without stabilization. Here, we demonstrate a facile synthesis of highly photostable silver nanoclusters in a polymer thin film using visible light photoreduction. Furthermore, the different stages of the nanocluster formation are investigated in detail using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. A cost-effective fabrication of photostable micron-sized fluorescent silver nanocluster barcode is demonstrated in silver-impregnated polymer films using a low-power continuous-wave laser diode. It is shown that a laser power of as low as 0.75 mW is enough to write fluorescent structures, corresponding to the specifications of a commercially available laser pointer. The as-formed nanocluster-containing microstructures can be useful in direct labeling applications such as authenticity marking and fluorescent labeling.
Association between betatrophin/ANGPTL8 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: animal and human studies
Authors: Lee Yong-ho , Lee Sang-Guk , Lee Chan Joo , Kim Soo Hyun , Song Young-Mi , Yoon Mi Ra , Jeon Byung Hun , Lee Jae Hyuk , Lee Byung-Wan , Kang Eun Seok , Lee Hyun Chul , Cha Bong-Soo
Published: April 2016

Betatrophin/angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is a liver-secreted protein recently identified as a potent stimulator of beta cell proliferation in mice. However, it is unclear how betatrophin is regulated in humans with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the role of betatrophin in mice and in humans with and without NAFLD. Serum betatrophin levels were examined by ELISA in 164 subjects, including 96 patients with NAFLD. Levels were significantly elevated in subjects with NAFLD compared with controls (1.301 ± 0.617 vs. 0.900 ± 0.574 μg/L, P < 0.001), even after stratification by diabetic or obesity status. Circulating betatrophin positively correlated with obesity or glycemic indices, liver enzyme profiles, and NAFLD status, and was confirmed by multivariate regression analyses (β = 0.195, P = 0.040). However, when including insulin resistance index in the model, the significant association between betatrophin level and NAFLD was diminished due to a mediation effect of insulin resistance on this relationship. Palmitate or tunicamycin increased betatrophin expression in HepG2 cells, while a chemical chaperone blocked its induction. Hepatic expression of betatrophin was elevated in mice with NAFLD including db/db or ob/ob mice and mice with a high-fat or methionine-choline deficient diet. In conclusion, circulating betatrophin was increased in mice and humans with NAFLD and its expression was induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocytes (Clinical trial no. NCT02285218).
Combined approaches of EPR and NMR illustrate only one transmembrane helix in the human IFITM3
Authors: Ling Shenglong , Zhang Chengwei , Wang Wei , Cai Xiaoying , Yu Lu , Wu Fangming , Zhang Longhua , Tian Changlin
Published: April 2016

Interferon-inducible transmembrane protein IFITM3 was known to restrict the entry of a wide spectrum of viruses to the cytosol of the host. The mechanism used by the protein to restrict viral entry is unclear given the unavailability of the membrane topology and structures of the IFITM family proteins. Systematic site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of IFITM3 in detergent micelles identified a single, long transmembrane helix in the C-terminus and an intramembrane segment in the N-terminal hydrophobic region. Solution NMR studies of the same sample verified the secondary structure distribution and demonstrated two rigid regions interacting with the micellar surface. The resulting membrane topology of IFITM3 supports the mechanism of an enhanced restricted membrane hemi-fusion.
Diminution of the gut resistome after a gut microbiota-targeted dietary intervention in obese children
Authors: Wu Guojun , Zhang Chenhong , Wang Jing , Zhang Feng , Wang Ruirui , Shen Jian , Wang Linghua , Pang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhao Liping , Zhang Menghui
Published: April 2016

The gut microbiome represents an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Effective methods are urgently needed for managing the gut resistome to fight against the antibiotic resistance threat. In this study, we show that a gut microbiota-targeted dietary intervention, which shifts the dominant fermentation of gut bacteria from protein to carbohydrate, significantly diminished the gut resistome and alleviated metabolic syndrome in obese children. Of the non-redundant metagenomic gene catalog of ~2 × 106 microbial genes, 399 ARGs were identified in 131 gene types and conferred resistance to 47 antibiotics. Both the richness and diversity of the gut resistome were significantly reduced after the intervention. A total of 201 of the 399 ARGs were carried in 120 co-abundance gene groups (CAGs) directly binned from the gene catalog across both pre-and post-intervention samples. The intervention significantly reduced several CAGs in Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Escherichia, which were the major hubs for multiple resistance gene types. Thus, dietary intervention may become a potentially effective method for diminishing the gut resistome.
Unfolding mechanism of thrombin-binding aptamer revealed by molecular dynamics simulation and Markov State Model
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Zhang Liyun , Xiao Xiuchan , Jiang Yuanyuan , Guo Yanzhi , Yu Xinyan , Pu Xuemei , Li Menglong
Published: April 2016

Thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) with the sequence 5′GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG3′ could fold into G-quadruplex, which correlates with functionally important genomic regionsis. However, unfolding mechanism involved in the structural stability of G-quadruplex has not been satisfactorily elucidated on experiments so far. Herein, we studied the unfolding pathway of TBA by a combination of molecular dynamics simulation (MD) and Markov State Model (MSM). Our results revealed that the unfolding of TBA is not a simple two-state process but proceeds along multiple pathways with multistate intermediates. One high flux confirms some observations from NMR experiment. Another high flux exhibits a different and simpler unfolding pathway with less intermediates. Two important intermediate states were identified. One is similar to the G-triplex reported in the folding of G-quadruplex, but lack of H-bonding between guanines in the upper plane. More importantly, another intermediate state acting as a connector to link the folding region and the unfolding one, was the first time identified, which exhibits higher population and stability than the G-triplex-like intermediate. These results will provide valuable information for extending our understanding the folding landscape of G-quadruplex formation.
Interplay of charge density wave and multiband superconductivity in 2H-PdxTaSe2
Authors: Bhoi D. , Khim S. , Nam W. , Lee B. S. , Kim Chanhee , Jeon B.-G. , Min B. H. , Park S. , Kim Kee Hoon
Published: April 2016

2H-TaSe2 has been one of unique transition metal dichalcogenides exhibiting several phase transitions due to a delicate balance among competing electronic ground states. An unusual metallic state at high-T is sequentially followed by an incommensurate charge density wave (ICDW) state at ≈122 K and a commensurate charge density wave (CCDW) state at ≈90 K, and superconductivity at TC ~ 0.14 K. Upon systematic intercalation of Pd ions into TaSe2, we find that CCDW order is destabilized more rapidly than ICDW to indicate a hidden quantum phase transition point at x ~ 0.09–0.10. Moreover, TC shows a dramatic enhancement up to 3.3 K at x = 0.08, ~24 times of TC in 2H-TaSe2, in proportional to the density of states N(EF). Investigations of upper critical fields Hc2 in single crystals reveal evidences of multiband superconductivity as temperature-dependent anisotropy factor γH = "Equation missing", quasi-linear increase of "Equation missing", and an upward, positive-curvature in "Equation missing" near TC. Furthermore, analysis of temperature-dependent electronic specific heat corroborates the presence of multiple superconducting gaps. Based on above findings and electronic phase diagram vs x, we propose that the increase of N(EF) and effective electron-phonon coupling in the vicinity of CDW quantum phase transition should be a key to the large enhancement of TC in PdxTaSe2.
HbA1c and Risks of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Death in Subjects without Known Diabetes: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Zhong Guo-Chao , Ye Ming-Xin , Cheng Jia-Hao , Zhao Yong , Gong Jian-Ping
Published: April 2016

Whether HbA1c levels are associated with mortality in subjects without known diabetes remains controversial. Moreover, the shape of the dose–response relationship on this topic is unclear. Therefore, a dose–response meta-analysis was conducted. PubMed and EMBASE were searched. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Twelve studies were included. The summary HR per 1% increase in HbA1c level was 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.04] for all-cause mortality, 1.05 [95% CI = 1.02–1.07) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and 1.02 (95% CI = 0.99–1.07) for cancer mortality. After excluding subjects with undiagnosed diabetes, the aforementioned associations remained significant for CVD mortality only. After further excluding subjects with prediabetes, all aforementioned associations presented non-significance. Evidence of a non-linear association between HbA1c and mortality from all causes, CVD and cancer was found (all Pnon-linearity < 0.05). The dose–response curves were relatively flat for HbA1c less than around 5.7% and rose steeply thereafter. In conclusion, higher HbA1c level is associated with increased mortality from all causes and CVD among subjects without known diabetes. However, this association is driven by those with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. The results regarding cancer mortality should be treated with caution due to limited studies.
Th17 responses and natural IgM antibodies are related to gut microbiota composition in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: López Patricia , de Paz Banesa , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Hevia Arancha , Sánchez Borja , Margolles Abelardo , Suárez Ana
Published: April 2016

Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. In this study, in vitro cultures revealed that microbiota isolated from SLE patient stool samples (SLE-M) promoted lymphocyte activation and Th17 differentiation from naïve CD4+ lymphocytes to a greater extent than healthy control-microbiota. Enrichment of SLE-M with Treg-inducing bacteria showed that a mixture of two Clostridia strains significantly reduced the Th17/Th1 balance, whereas Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation prevented CD4+ lymphocyte over-activation, thus supporting a possible therapeutic benefit of probiotics containing Treg-inducer strains in order to restore the Treg/Th17/Th1 imbalance present in SLE. In fact, ex vivo analyses of patient samples showed enlarged Th17 and Foxp3+ IL-17+ populations, suggesting a possible Treg-Th17 trans-differentiation. Moreover, analyses of fecal microbiota revealed a negative correlation between IL-17+ populations and Firmicutes in healthy controls, whereas in SLE this phylum correlated directly with serum levels of IFNγ, a Th1 cytokine slightly reduced in patients. Finally, the frequency of Synergistetes, positively correlated with the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in healthy controls, tended to be reduced in patients when anti-dsDNA titers were increased and showed a strong negative correlation with IL-6 serum levels and correlated positively with protective natural IgM antibodies against phosphorylcholine.
Regnase-1 in microglia negatively regulates high mobility group box 1-mediated inflammation and neuronal injury
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xi , Wang Chen , Huang Shao-Fei , Chen Qiong , Hu Ya-Fang , Zhou Liang , Gu Yong
Published: April 2016

Extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been demonstrated to function as a proinflammatory cytokine and induces neuronal injury in response to various pathological stimuli in central nervous system (CNS). However, the regulatory factor involved in HMGB1-mediated inflammatory signaling is largely unclear. Regulatory RNase 1 (Regnase-1) is a potent anti-inflammation enzyme that can degrade a set of mRNAs encoding proinflammatory cytokines. The present study aims to determine the role of Regnase-1 in the regulation of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory injury in CNS. Cultured microglia and rat brain were treated with recombinant HMGB1 to examine the induction of Regnase-1 expression. Moreover, the role of Regnase-1 in modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and neuronal injury was then investigated in microglia by specific siRNA knockdown upon HMGB1 treatment. Results showed that HMGB1 could significantly induce the de novo synthesis of Regnase-1 in cultured microglia. Consistently, Regnase-1 was elevated and found to be co-localized with microglia marker in the brain of rat treated with HMGB1. Silencing Regnase-1 in microglia enhanced HMGB1-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and exacerbated neuronal toxicity. Collectively, these results suggest that Regnase-1 can be induced by HMGB1 in microglia and negatively regulates HMGB1-mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal toxicity.
Preventive effects of minocycline in a neurodevelopmental two-hit model with relevance to schizophrenia
Authors: Giovanoli S , Engler H , Engler A , Richetto J , Feldon J , Riva M A , Schedlowski M , Meyer U
Published: April 2016

Maternal immune activation can increase the vulnerability of the offspring to develop neuroimmune and behavioral abnormalities in response to stress in puberty. In offspring of immune-challenged mothers, stress-induced inflammatory processes precede the adult onset of multiple behavioral dysfunctions. Here, we explored whether an early anti-inflammatory intervention during peripubertal stress exposure might prevent the subsequent emergence of adult behavioral pathology. We used an environmental two-hit model in mice, in which prenatal maternal administration of the viral mimetic poly(I:C) served as the first hit, and exposure to sub-chronic unpredictable stress during peripubertal maturation as the second hit. Using this model, we examined the effectiveness of the tetracycline antibiotic minocycline (MINO) given during stress exposure to block stress-induced inflammatory responses and to prevent subsequent behavioral abnormalities. We found that combined exposure to prenatal immune activation and peripubertal stress caused significant deficits in prepulse inhibition and increased sensitivity to the psychotomimetic drugs amphetamine and dizocilpine in adulthood. MINO treatment during stress exposure prevented the emergence of these behavioral dysfunctions. In addition, the pharmacological intervention blocked hippocampal and prefrontal microglia activation and interleukin-1β expression in offspring exposed to prenatal infection and peripubertal stress. Together, these findings demonstrate that presymptomatic MINO treatment can prevent the subsequent emergence of multiple behavioral abnormalities relevant to human neuropsychiatric disorders with onset in early adulthood, including schizophrenia. Our epidemiologically informed two-hit model may thus encourage attempts to explore the use of anti-inflammatory agents in the early course of brain disorders that are characterized by signs of central nervous system inflammation during development.
Regulation of prefrontal cortex myelination by the microbiota
Authors: Hoban A E , Stilling R M , Ryan F J , Shanahan F , Dinan T G , Claesson M J , Clarke G , Cryan J F
Published: April 2016

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key region implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and autism. In parallel, the role of the gut microbiota in contributing to these disorders is emerging. Germ-free (GF) animals, microbiota-deficient throughout life, have been instrumental in elucidating the role of the microbiota in many aspects of physiology, especially the role of the microbiota in anxiety-related behaviours, impaired social cognition and stress responsivity. Here we aim to further elucidate the mechanisms of the microbial influence by investigating changes in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal transcription of GF mice within the PFC using a genome-wide transcriptome profiling approach. Our results reveal a marked, concerted upregulation of genes linked to myelination and myelin plasticity. This coincided with upregulation of neural activity-induced pathways, potentially driving myelin plasticity. Subsequent investigation at the ultrastructural level demonstrated the presence of hypermyelinated axons within the PFC of GF mice. Notably, these changes in myelin and activity-related gene expression could be reversed by colonization with a conventional microbiota following weaning. In summary, we believe we demonstrate for the first time that the microbiome is necessary for appropriate and dynamic regulation of myelin-related genes with clear implications for cortical myelination at an ultrastructural level. The microbiota is therefore a potential therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders involving dynamic myelination in the PFC.
Progress in the Raman spectra analysis of covalently functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: unraveling disorder in graphitic materials
Authors: Rebelo Susana L. H. , Guedes Alexandra , Szefczyk Monika E. , Pereira André M. , Araújo João P. , Freire Cristina
Published: April 2016

Improved Raman interpretation of covalently functionalized MWCNTs arises from the distinction between spectral features related to aromaticity disruptions within the sidewalls and within the inner tubes.
A magnetosome chain viewed as a bio-elastic magnet
Authors: Meyra Ariel G. , Zarragoicoechea Guillermo J. , Kuz Victor A.
Published: April 2016

A magnetosome, in magnetotactic bacteria, can be a magnetite or a greigite nanocrystal with a lipid and protein soft shell. This structure is modelled by a set of electrical dipoles, representing the soft membrane, enclosing a spherical nanoparticle with a centered magnetic dipole.
Immobilized materials for removal of toxic metal ions from surface/groundwaters and aqueous waste streams
Authors: Zawierucha Iwona , Kozlowski Cezary , Malina Grzegorz
Published: April 2016

Immobilized materials can be potential remediation agents for the elimination of toxic metal ions from polluted streams.
Synthesis of ion imprinted polymeric nanoparticles for selective pre-concentration and recognition of lithium ions
Authors: Hashemi Beshare , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Seyedzadeh Zahra
Published: April 2016

A new Li+–IIP has been prepared for the fast determination and selective separation of lithium ions in aqueous samples.
Incorporating a vertical BDT unit in conjugated polymers for drastically improving the open-circuit voltage of polymer solar cells
Authors: Wen Shuguang , Xiao Manjun , Shen Wenfei , Gu Chuantao , Zhu Dangqiang , Yang Renqiang
Published: April 2016

High open circuit voltages (Vocs) of over 1.0 V were obtained for solar cell devices based on vertical BDT-containing conjugated polymers.
Assembly of polythiophenes on responsive polymer microgels for the highly selective detection of ammonia gas
Authors: Chang Aiping , Peng Yahui , Li Zezhou , Yu Xiang , Hong Kunlun , Zhou Shuiqin , Wu Weitai
Published: April 2016

A novel material that allows highly selective ammonia-to-conductance signal transduction is prepared by the assembly of polythiophenes on responsive polymer microgels.
Light induced catalytic hydrodefluorination of perfluoroarenes by porphyrin rhodium
Authors: Liu Xu , Wang Zikuan , Zhao Xianyuan , Fu Xuefeng
Published: April 2016

Photocatalytic hydrodefluorination of a series of perfluoroarenes by rhodium porphyrin complexes was described. The key intermediate (por)Rh-C6F4R underwent fast photo-cleavage of Rh–C bonds to produce hydrodefluorination products.
Supramolecular nanosolvent-based hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction as a novel method for simultaneous preconcentration of acidic, basic and amphiprotic pollutants
Authors: Asgharinezhad Ali Akbar , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira
Published: April 2016

In this study, for the first time, coextraction of acidic, basic and amphiprotic pollutants was performed using supramolecular nano solvent-based hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction.
Shedding light on hydroxyquinoline-based ruthenium sensitizers with a long-lived charge carrier to boost photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Mondal Indranil , Tiwari Amritanjali , Ghosh Rajib , Pal Ujjwal
Published: April 2016

Three new hydroxyquinoline-coordinated ruthenium(ii) sensitizers bearing a polypyridyl derivative anchor (R1, R2 and R3) were synthesized that could tether to visible light sensitization over a Pt–TiO2 system for hydrogen production.
Heat stability improvement of whey protein isolate via glycation with maltodextrin without control of the relative humidity
Authors: Qin Xinguang , Liu Gang , Zheng Wenjie , He Jingren , Zhu Zhenzhou , Lamikanra Olusola
Published: April 2016

The reduction of protein aggregation and their improved heat stability in solutions are often achieved through glycation.
Effect of Mn3O4 nanoparticle composition and distribution on graphene as a potential hybrid anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ayhan Ismail Alperen , Li Qi , Meduri Praveen , Oh Hyukkeun , Bhimanapati Ganesh R. , Yang Guang , Robinson Joshua A. , Wang Qing
Published: April 2016

Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery anodes can be enhanced by optimized inter-particle distance based on composition change.
Delivering the cell-impermeable DNA ‘light-switching’ Ru(ii) complexes preferentially into live-cell nucleus via an unprecedented ion-pairing method
Authors: Zhu Ben-Zhan , Chao Xi-Juan , Huang Chun-Hua , Li Yan
Published: April 2016

The cell-impermeable DNA ‘light-switching’ Ru(ii) complexes can be delivered into live-cell nucleus by forming lipophilic Yin–Yang ion-pairs with hydrophobic weak-acids.
Raman spectroscopy: an evolving technique for live cell studies
Authors: Smith Rachael , Wright Karen L. , Ashton Lorna
Published: April 2016

This review highlights some of the most recent advances in the development of Raman spectroscopy for live cell studies.
Enhanced luminol–O2 chemiluminescence reaction by CuO nanoparticles as oxidase mimics and its application for determination of ceftazidime
Authors: Iranifam Mortaza , Imani-Nabiyyi Amin , Khataee Alireza , Kalantari Jalil
Published: April 2016

A cursory survey of the literature shows that although peroxidase-like activity is a well-known and well-applied property of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs), the oxidase-like activity of CuO NPs is a property that is somehow neglected to be incorporated in analytical applications.
A capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method using a borate background electrolyte for the fingerprinting analysis of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba herbal supplements
Authors: Johnson Ryan T. , Lunte Craig E.
Published: April 2016

A sheath liquid capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry interface was used to develop a qualitative method for analysis of 14 flavones, flavonols, flavonones, and representative glycosides in plant samples.
Constructing ultrathin film with “memory” photocatalytic activity from monolayered tungstate nanodots
Authors: Xing Zheng , Zeng Xiangkang , Deletic Ana , McCarthy David , Wang Gen , Zhang Xiwang
Published: April 2016

This work describes an ultrathin transparent film of monolayered tungstate nanodots, which can perform post-irradiation catalytic antibacterial reactions.
Retention of chirality in electron-induced reactions
Authors: Cheng Fang , Leung Lydie , Wang Chen-Guang , Ji Wei , Polanyi John C.
Published: April 2016

Retention of chirality in a chemical reaction is shown, provided that the products do not rotate through the mirror plane.
An optimal hydrogen-bond surrogate for α-helices
Authors: Joy Stephen T. , Arora Paramjit S.
Published: April 2016

The manuscript describes the impact of alkene-derived hydrogen bond isosteres on the stability of constrained helices.
A new stable Pd–Mn3O4nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ray Chaiti , Dutta Soumen , Negishi Yuichi , Pal Tarasankar
Published: April 2016

A galvanic exchange reaction-mediated one-pot synthesis of Pd–Mn3O4nanocomposites for excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability towards the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Exploiting the interactions of aromatic units for folding and assembly in aqueous environments
Authors: Ikkanda B. A. , Iverson B. L.
Published: April 2016

A brief description of current models of aromatic interactions as well as a survey of aromatic foldamers in aqueous environments.
Copper-catalyzed radical coupling of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with terminal alkenes for the synthesis of tetracarbonyl compounds
Authors: Zhang Mei-Na , Zhao Mi-Na , Chen Ming , Ren Zhi-Hui , Wang Yao-Yu , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: April 2016

A novel Cu-catalyzed aerobic radical coupling of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and alkenes for the synthesis of tetracarbonyl compounds was developed.
Luminescence of a binuclear europium complex bearing a 4-nitrophenolate chromophore: a different way of seeing pH dependence
Authors: Blackburn Octavia A. , Tropiano Manuel , Natrajan Louise S. , Kenwright Alan M. , Faulkner Stephen
Published: April 2016

A europium complex derived from NP-(DO3A)2 exhibits pH-dependent europium-centred luminescence following excitation of the nitrophenolate chromophore.
Exceptionally water stable heterometallic gyroidal MOFs: tuning the porosity and hydrophobicity by doping metal ions
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Wei , Zhou Xiao-Ping , Li Dan
Published: April 2016

A strategy to improve the framework porosity and hydrophobicity of the pore surface by doping metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+, or Fe2+) into a gyroidal MOF STU-1 has been developed.
A solid lithium superionic conductor Li11AlP2S12 with a thio-LISICON analogous structure
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Wang Jianbin , Cheng Fangyi , Li Fujun , Chen Jun
Published: April 2016

A solid lithium superionic conductor Li11AlP2S12 with a thio-LISICON analogous structure has been synthesized for the first time and shows a high lithium ion conductivity of 8.02 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C, a low Ea of 25.4 kJ mol−1, and a wide electrochemical voltage window of higher than 5 V vs. Li/Li+.
A general access to organogold(iii) complexes by oxidative addition of diazonium salts
Authors: Huang Long , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: April 2016

The light-induced reaction of aryldiazonium salts with gold(i) chloride complexes provides an easy access to cationic or neutral arylgold(iii) complexes, even a bromoaryl group can be selectively installed at gold(iii), and either chelating or monodentate ligands can be used.
Intramolecular transport of small-molecule cargo in a nanoscale device operated by light
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Wezenberg Sander J. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: April 2016

A light-operated molecular nanodevice is able to transport an acetyl cargo intramolecularly over a distance of about 2 nm.
Effects of the charge-transfer reorganization energy on the open-circuit voltage in small-molecular bilayer organic photovoltaic devices: comparison of the influence of deposition rates of the donor
Authors: Lee Chih-Chien , Su Wei-Cheng , Chang Wen-Chang
Published: April 2016

The reorganization, which determines the open-circuit voltage of organic photovoltaic devices, is highly dependent on the deposition rate of TAPC.
New approaches for the calibration of exchange-energy densities in local hybrid functionals
Authors: Maier Toni M. , Haasler Matthias , Arbuznikov Alexei V. , Kaupp Martin
Published: April 2016

A new derivation of semi-local calibration functions is proposed, to ameliorate the gauge problem of exchange-energy densities in local hybrid functionals.
Radical non-radical states of the [Ru(PIQ)] core in complexes (PIQ = 9,10-phenanthreneiminoquinone)
Authors: Bera Sachinath , Maity Suvendu , Weyhermüller Thomas , Ghosh Prasanta
Published: April 2016

The electronic states of types [RuII(PIQ˙−)], [RuIII(PIQ˙−)], [RuIII2(PIQ˙−)2], [RuIII2(PIQ˙−)(PIQ)] and [RuIII(PIQ)] (PIQ = 9,10-phenanthreneiminoquinone) were substantiated by the single crystal X-ray structure determinations, EPR spectra, cyclic voltammetry, DFT calculations and compared with those of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) analogues.
Synthesis of a mononuclear, non-square-planar chromium(ii) bis(alkoxide) complex and its reactivity toward organic carbonyls and CO2
Authors: Yousif Maryam , Cabelof Alyssa C. , Martin Philip D. , Lord Richard L. , Groysman Stanislav
Published: April 2016

A rare non-square-planar mononuclear Cr(ii) bis(alkoxide) complex Cr(OR′)2(THF)2 is reported and its reactivity with organic carbonyls and CO2 is investigated.
Ferromagnetic interlayer interaction in KCo2Se2−xSx (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) and its chemical origin
Authors: Guo Zhongnan , Zhang Huanhuan , Wang Da , Han Bingling , Jin Shifeng , Yuan Wenxia
Published: April 2016

In this work, we report the ferromagnetic interaction in KCo2Se2−xSx layered system and its chemical origin from the electronic structure.
A distinct magnetic anisotropy enhancement in mononuclear dysprosium–sulfur complexes by controlling the Dy-ligand bond length
Authors: Liu Shan-Shan , Lang Ke , Zhang Yi-Quan , Yang Qian , Wang Bing-Wu , Gao Song
Published: April 2016

A significant enhancement of magnetic anisotropy is achieved by replacing two of the S-based ligands of a field-induced SIM [(dtc)3Dy(phen)] with O-based ligands, dbm− ligands, yielding a rarely reported sulfur-ligated Ln–SIM [(dbm)2Dy(dtc)(phen)].
Advances in high permeability polymer-based membrane materials for CO2 separations
Authors: Wang Shaofei , Li Xueqin , Wu Hong , Tian Zhizhang , Xin Qingping , He Guangwei , Peng Dongdong , Chen Silu , Yin Yan , Jiang Zhongyi , Guiver Michael D.
Published: April 2016

This review summarizes the major advances since 2012 in highly permeable and CO2-selective polymer-based membrane materials.
A photoautotrophic platform for the sustainable production of valuable plant natural products from CO2
Authors: Ni Jun , Tao Fei , Wang Yu , Yao Feng , Xu Ping
Published: April 2016

A range of valuable natural products can be generated directly from CO2using our constructed photoautotrophic platform.
A reusable microfluidic device provides continuous measurement capability and improves the detection limit of digital biology
Authors: Araci I. Emre , Robles Michael , Quake Stephen R.
Published: April 2016

Individual picoliter reaction volumes are controlled by mVLSI valves for single enzyme sensitivity measurements.
Synthesis and characterization of blue light emitting redox-active polyimides bearing a noncoplanar fused carbazole–triphenylamine unit
Authors: Iqbal Asma , Lee Seok Hwan , Park O Ok , Siddiqi Humaira M. , Akhter Toheed
Published: April 2016

Photoactive organosoluble polyimides containing a fused triphenylamine–carbazole group were synthesized. These polyimides demonstrated significant potential for optoelectronic devices.
Synthetic transformation of 1,3-diarylisobenzofuran-DMAD adducts: a facile preparation of tri-substituted α-naphthols
Authors: Karunakaran Jayachandran , Nandakumar Meganathan , Senthil Kumar Natarajan , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K.
Published: April 2016

1,3-Diarylisobenzofuran-DMAD adducts upon reaction with BF3·OEt2 in DCM at room temperature underwent a regiospecific 1,2-aryl migration followed by the Krapcho decarboxylation to give tri-substituted α-naphthols in good yields.
Synthesis and properties of an acid-labile dual-sensitive ABCD star quaterpolymer
Authors: Pan Weidong , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Hongcan , Zhao Youliang
Published: April 2016

Copolymer aggregates formed from an amphiphilic ABCD star could exhibit acid-induced topological and morphological transformations and stimuli-triggered drug delivery properties.
Hydrodynamic behaviors of amphiphilic dendritic polymers with different degrees of amidation
Authors: Zhang Cuiyun , Yu Cong , Lu Yuyuan , Li Hongfei , Chen Yu , Huo Hong , Hamley Ian William , Jiang Shichun
Published: April 2016

This work highlights the structure evolution and the response to solvent quality of ADPs.
Determination of Ag+ ions by a graphene oxide based dual-output nanosensor with high selectivity
Authors: Cheng Rumei , Li Lingli , Ou Shengju , Bu Yexu , Ge Congcong , Dai Liming , Xue Yuhua
Published: April 2016

A new highly selective chemosensor for Ag+ ions was designed and synthesized by covalently introducing well-known fluorophore 1,8-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) onto graphene oxide (GO) sheets.
Curing temperature reduction and performance improvement of solution-processable hole-transporting materials for phosphorescent OLEDs by manipulation of cross-linking functionalities and core structures
Authors: Ameen Shahid , Lee Jaemin , Han Hyun , Suh Min Chul , Lee Changjin
Published: April 2016

Novel solution-processable hole-transporting materials for OLEDs capable of 150 °C thermal curing could be prepared by manipulation of cross-linking functionalities.
Targeted solid lipid nanoparticles with peptide ligand for oral delivery of atorvastatin calcium
Authors: Tian Qingqing , Ding Fang , Guo Lingling , Wang Jing , Wu Fanhong , Yu Yanyan
Published: April 2016

Designing feasible and effective peptide ligand-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium (ATC).
Reduction of graphene oxide gel with carbon nanotubes, sulfur cathode material preparation and electrochemical performance
Authors: Xiao Jianrong , Wang Hongzhe , Hou Yongxuan , Guo Yafang
Published: April 2016

Reduction of graphene oxide with different reduction degrees was carried out using a hydrothermal reduction method at 130–190 °C.
Ultrasensitive and unambiguous bacterial pathogen detection through super selective interactions between multivalent supramolecular immuno-nanoparticles (SINs)
Authors: Gayathri Chandran Hema , Sankaran Shrikrishnan , Shah Juhi H. , Sankaran Krishnan
Published: April 2016

We have developed a rapid, cost-effective, ultrasensitive and unambiguous pathogen detection technique using multivalent supramolecular interactions between immuno-nanoparticles.
Ultrafast pyro-synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles within a full carbon network as a high-rate and cycle-stable anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: P Preetham , Mohapatra Subhalaxmi , Nair Shantikumar V. , Santhanagopalan Dhamodaran , Rai Alok Kumar
Published: April 2016

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles fully anchored within a carbon network were prepared via a facile pyro-synthesis method without using any conventional carbon sources.
pH-sensitive nanomedicine based on PEGylated nanodiamond for enhanced tumor therapy
Authors: Li Lin , Tian Lu , Zhao Wenjing , Cheng Fangqin , Li Yingqi , Yang Binsheng
Published: April 2016

pH-sensitive nanomedicine based on PEGylated nanodiamond with excellent dispersity, a slow and sustained drug release capability for enhanced tumor therapy.
Shape-controlled synthesis of platinum octaethylporphyrin crystalline aggregates modulated by versatile ionic liquids
Authors: Li Jia-Jia , Peng Hong-Dan , Lu Ying , Wu Hao-Di , Pan Ge-Bo
Published: April 2016

ILs-mediated solution self-assembly was exploited to produce the well-defined single-crystalline PtOEP microwires, which had highly sensitive photo-response and active optical waveguide characteristics.
Efficient l-lactic acid production from sweet sorghum bagasse by open simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
Authors: Wang Y. , Wang M. , Cai D. , Wang B. , Wang Z. , Qin P. , Tan T.
Published: April 2016

An open SSF process using B. coagulans LA1507 introduces an effective way to produce l-lactic acid from abundant SSB.
An important prerequisite for efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from human serum albumin to alkyl gallate
Authors: Wang Qing , Xiao Ying , Huang Yanmei , Li Hui
Published: April 2016

​The formation of a stable complex by fixing alkyl gallate to HSA at an appropriate orientation and distance was an important prerequisite for efficient FRET. The specific structure of HSA helped provide the selectivity of alkyl gallate.
Self-assembled peptide microspheres for sustainable release of sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Pramanik Apurba , Paikar Arpita , Das Tanmay , Maji Krishnendu , Haldar Debasish
Published: April 2016

Porous peptide microspheres have been used for the loading and sustained release of the bacteriostatic antibiotic sulfamethoxazole.
Understanding of words and symbols by chemistry university students in Croatia
Authors: Vladušić Roko , Bucat Robert , Ožić Mia
Published: April 2016

This article reports on a study conducted in Croatia on students' understanding of scientific words and representations, as well as everyday words used in chemistry teaching. A total of 82 undergraduate chemistry students and 36 pre-service chemistry teachers from the Faculty of Science, University of Split, were involved. Students' understanding of language was probed using a diagnostic instrument with various types of tasks: creation of a scientifically sensible sentence using the key word provided without context; explanation of the meaning of a word provided in a contextual sentence; selection of the appropriate usage of a term from multiple-choice options; explanation of the meaning of a word provided without context. With every kind of task, evidence of inadequate understanding of many terms and symbols was found. Accordingly, it cannot be presumed that students in Croatia, either undergraduates or graduates, understand well the meanings of scientific words, symbolic representations or everyday words that are used in teaching and learning chemistry. There are considerable differences in the extent of understanding, from word to word, and symbol to symbol. Some of the findings are in common with other studies conducted in English-speaking countries, and some are particular to the Croatian language – especially due to students' confusion in the cases of similar sounding words with different meanings, and the different meanings of words in the everyday and science contexts. Recommendations are made for teaching that involves specific attention to learning about the language associated with topics, through reflective discussion and in formative assessments. Issues of knowledge transfer from research to teachers' pedagogical content knowledge, as well as considerations for further research, are discussed.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets derived from poly(ionic liquid)s: hierarchical pore structures for efficient CO2capture and dye removal
Authors: Gong Jiang , Lin Huijuan , Antonietti Markus , Yuan Jiayin
Published: April 2016

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets were synthesizedviaan activation- or post-treatment-free approach, which delivered high CO2and dye adsorption capacities.
Unconventional structural and morphological transitions of nanosheets, nanoflakes and nanorods of AuNP@MnO2
Authors: Liu Ben , Mosa Islam M. , Song Wenqiao , Zheng Haoquan , Kuo Chung-Hao , Rusling James F. , Suib Steven L. , He Jie
Published: April 2016

A facile approach to growing two-dimensional MnO2 nanosheets on gold nanoparticles is reported.
Superior thoroughly mesoporous ternary hybrid photocatalysts of TiO2/WO3/g-C3N4 nanofibers for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Hou Huilin , Gao Fengmei , Wang Lin , Shang Minghui , Yang Zuobao , Zheng Jinju , Yang Weiyou
Published: April 2016

We reported a superior thoroughly mesoporous ternary hybrid TiO2/WO3/g-C3N4 nanofiber photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution without the assistance of noble metals.
Significantly enhanced oxygen reduction reaction performance of N-doped carbon by heterogeneous sulfur incorporation: synergistic effect between the two dopants in metal-free catalysts
Authors: Zhu Jianbing , Li Kai , Xiao Meiling , Liu Changpeng , Wu Zhijian , Ge Junjie , Xing Wei
Published: April 2016

Developing highly active non-noble metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is crucial for a variety of renewable energy applications including fuel cells and metal–air batteries.
Multidimensional Approach to the Development of a Mandarin Chinese–Oriented Sound Test
Authors: Hung Yu-Chen , Lin Chun-Yi , Tsai Li-Chiun , Lee Ya-Jung
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Because the Ling six-sound test is based on American English phonemes, it can yield unreliable results when administered to non-English speakers. In this study, we aimed to improve specifically the diagnostic palette for Mandarin Chinese users by developing an adapted version of the Ling six-sound test.

Method

To determine the set of testing sounds, we performed an exhaustive acoustic and statistical analysis in which we considered not only the general acoustic properties but also the order of acquisition and the inter- and intraspeaker variability.

Results

Six phonemes (/u, ə, a, i, tɕ
h
, s/) were selected as the testing items for the Mandarin Chinese sound test because these sounds exhibit a highly compartmentalized frequency specificity, spanning the entire Chinese speech spectrum, as well as a relatively low articulatory variability and can be acquired fairly early.

Conclusion

Through adopting language-dependent modifications, caregivers and professionals should have a more adequate tool to monitor children's auditory access to the full range of Mandarin speech sounds.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963634