bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecific diversity reduces and functionally substitutes for intraspecific variation in biofilm communities
Authors: Lee Kai Wei Kelvin , Yam Joey Kuok Hoong , Mukherjee Manisha , Periasamy Saravanan , Steinberg Peter D , Kjelleberg Staffan , Rice Scott A
Published: September 2015

Diversity has a key role in the dynamics and resilience of communities and both interspecific (species) and intraspecific (genotypic) diversity can have important effects on community structure and function. However, a critical and unresolved question for understanding the ecology of a community is to what extent these two levels of diversity are functionally substitutable? Here we show, for a mixed-species biofilm community composed of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. protegens and Klebsiella pneumoniae, that increased interspecific diversity reduces and functionally substitutes for intraspecific diversity in mediating tolerance to stress. Biofilm populations generated high percentages of genotypic variants, which were largely absent in biofilm communities. Biofilms with either high intra- or interspecific diversity were more tolerant to SDS stress than biofilms with no or low diversity. Unexpectedly, genotypic variants decreased the tolerance of biofilm communities when experimentally introduced into the communities. For example, substituting P. protegens wild type with its genotypic variant within biofilm communities decreased SDS tolerance by twofold, apparently due to perturbation of interspecific interactions. A decrease in variant frequency was also observed when biofilm populations were exposed to cell-free effluents from another species, suggesting that extracellular factors have a role in selection against the appearance of intraspecific variants. This work demonstrates the functional substitution of inter- and intraspecific diversity for an emergent property of biofilms. It also provides a potential explanation for a long-standing paradox in microbiology, in which morphotypic variants are common in laboratory grown biofilm populations, but are rare in diverse, environmental biofilm communities.
TrkB/BDNF signalling patterns the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Kasemeier-Kulesa Jennifer C. , Morrison Jason A. , Lefcort Frances , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: September 2015

The sympathetic nervous system is essential for maintaining mammalian homeostasis. How this intricately connected network, composed of preganglionic neurons that reside in the spinal cord and post-ganglionic neurons that comprise a chain of vertebral sympathetic ganglia, arises developmentally is incompletely understood. This problem is especially complex given the vertebral chain of sympathetic ganglia derive secondarily from the dorsal migration of ‘primary’ sympathetic ganglia that are initially located several hundred microns ventrally from their future pre-synaptic partners. Here we report that the dorsal migration of discrete ganglia is not a simple migration of individual cells but a much more carefully choreographed process that is mediated by extensive interactions of pre-and post-ganglionic neurons. Dorsal migration does not occur in the absence of contact with preganglionic axons, and this is mediated by BDNF/TrkB signalling. Thus BDNF released by preganglionic axons acts chemotactically on TrkB-positive sympathetic neurons, to pattern the developing peripheral nervous system.
Light-induced pyroelectric effect as an effective approach for ultrafast ultraviolet nanosensing
Authors: Wang Zhaona , Yu Ruomeng , Pan Caofeng , Li Zhaoling , Yang Jin , Yi Fang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2015

Zinc oxide is potentially a useful material for ultraviolet detectors; however, a relatively long response time hinders practical implementation. Here by designing and fabricating a self-powered ZnO/perovskite-heterostructured ultraviolet photodetector, the pyroelectric effect, induced in wurtzite ZnO nanowires on ultraviolet illumination, has been utilized as an effective approach for high-performance photon sensing. The response time is improved from 5.4 s to 53 μs at the rising edge, and 8.9 s to 63 μs at the falling edge, with an enhancement of five orders in magnitudes. The specific detectivity and the responsivity are both enhanced by 322%. This work provides a novel design to achieve ultrafast ultraviolet sensing at room temperature via light-self-induced pyroelectric effect. The newly designed ultrafast self-powered ultraviolet nanosensors may find promising applications in ultrafast optics, nonlinear optics, optothermal detections, computational memories and biocompatible optoelectronic probes.
Local and bulk 13C hyperpolarization in nitrogen-vacancy-centred diamonds at variable fields and orientations
Authors: Álvarez Gonzalo A. , Bretschneider Christian O. , Fischer Ran , London Paz , Kanda Hisao , Onoda Shinobu , Isoya Junichi , Gershoni David , Frydman Lucio
Published: September 2015

Polarizing nuclear spins is of fundamental importance in biology, chemistry and physics. Methods for hyperpolarizing 13C nuclei from free electrons in bulk usually demand operation at cryogenic temperatures. Room temperature approaches targeting diamonds with nitrogen-vacancy centres could alleviate this need; however, hitherto proposed strategies lack generality as they demand stringent conditions on the strength and/or alignment of the magnetic field. We report here an approach for achieving efficient electron-13C spin-alignment transfers, compatible with a broad range of magnetic field strengths and field orientations with respect to the diamond crystal. This versatility results from combining coherent microwave- and incoherent laser-induced transitions between selected energy states of the coupled electron–nuclear spin manifold. 13C-detected nuclear magnetic resonance experiments demonstrate that this hyperpolarization can be transferred via first-shell or via distant 13Cs throughout the nuclear bulk ensemble. This method opens new perspectives for applications of diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres in nuclear magnetic resonance, and in quantum information processing.
Defining molecular basis for longevity traits in natural yeast isolates
Authors: Kaya Alaattin , Ma Siming , Wasko Brian , Lee Mitchell , Kaeberlein Matt , Gladyshev Vadim N
Published: September 2015

Background:

The budding yeast has served as a useful model organism in aging studies, leading to the identification of genetic determinants of longevity, many of which are conserved in higher eukaryotes. However, factors that promote longevity in a laboratory setting often have severe fitness disadvantages in the wild.

Aims and Methods:

To obtain an unbiased view on longevity regulation, we analyzed how a replicative lifespan is shaped by transcriptional, translational, metabolic, and morphological factors across 22 wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates.

Results:

We observed significant differences in lifespan across these strains and found that their longevity is strongly associated with up-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation and respiration and down-regulation of amino- acid and nitrogen compound biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

As calorie restriction and TOR signaling also extend the lifespan by adjusting many of the identified pathways, the data suggest that the natural plasticity of yeast lifespan is shaped by the processes that not only do not impose cost on fitness, but also are amenable to dietary intervention.
Late-onset dementia: a mosaic of prototypical pathologies modifiable by diet and lifestyle
Authors: Mattson Mark P
Published: September 2015

Idiopathic late-onset dementia (ILOD) describes impairments of memory, reasoning and/or social abilities in the elderly that compromise their daily functioning. Dementia occurs in several major prototypical neurodegenerative disorders that are currently defined by neuropathological criteria, most notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HSA). However, people who die with ILOD commonly exhibit mixed pathologies that vary within and between brain regions. Indeed, many patients diagnosed with probable AD exhibit only modest amounts of disease-defining amyloid β-peptide plaques and p-Tau tangles, and may have features of FTD (TDP-43 inclusions), Parkinson’s disease (α-synuclein accumulation), HSA and vascular lesions. Here I argue that this ‘mosaic neuropathological landscape’ is the result of commonalities in aging-related processes that render neurons vulnerable to the entire spectrum of ILODs. In this view, all ILODs involve deficits in neuronal energy metabolism, neurotrophic signaling and adaptive cellular stress responses, and associated dysregulation of neuronal calcium handling and autophagy. Although this mosaic of neuropathologies and underlying mechanisms poses major hurdles for development of disease-specific therapeutic interventions, it also suggests that certain interventions would be beneficial for all ILODs. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that the brain can be protected against ILOD by lifelong intermittent physiological challenges including exercise, energy restriction and intellectual endeavors; these interventions enhance cellular stress resistance and facilitate neuroplasticity. There is also therapeutic potential for interventions that bolster neuronal bioenergetics and/or activate one or more adaptive cellular stress response pathways in brain cells. A wider appreciation that all ILODs share age-related cellular and molecular alterations upstream of aggregated protein lesions, and that these upstream events can be mitigated, may lead to implementation of novel intervention strategies aimed at reversing the rising tide of ILODs.
Recombinant human thrombopoietin promotes hematopoietic reconstruction after severe whole body irradiation
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Bowen , Wang Sihan , Zhang Jing , Liu Yiming , Wang Jingxue , Fan Zeng , Lv Yang , Zhang Xiuyuan , He Lijuan , Chen Lin , Xia Huanzhang , Li Yanhua , Pei Xuetao
Published: September 2015

Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rHuTPO) is a drug that is used clinically to promote megakaryocyte and platelet generation. Here, we report the mitigative effect of rHuTPO (administered after exposure) against severe whole body irradiation in mice. Injection of rHuTPO for 14 consecutive days following exposure significantly improved the survival rate of lethally irradiated mice. RHuTPO treatment notably increased bone marrow cell density and LSK cell numbers in the mice after sub-lethal irradiation primarily by promoting residual HSC proliferation. In lethally irradiated mice with hematopoietic cell transplantation, rHuTPO treatment increased the survival rate and enhanced hematopoietic cell engraftment compared with the placebo treatment. Our observations indicate that recombinant human TPO might have a therapeutic role in promoting hematopoietic reconstitution and HSC engraftment.
Structural basis of Ac-SDKP hydrolysis by Angiotensin-I converting enzyme
Authors: Masuyer Geoffrey , Douglas Ross G. , Sturrock Edward D. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: September 2015

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc dipeptidylcarboxypeptidase with two active domains and plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis, making it the principal target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. More recently, the tetrapetide N-acetyl-Ser–Asp–Lys–Pro (Ac-SDKP) has emerged as a potent antifibrotic agent and negative regulator of haematopoietic stem cell differentiation which is processed exclusively by ACE. Here we provide a detailed biochemical and structural basis for the domain preference of Ac-SDKP. The high resolution crystal structures of N-domain ACE in complex with the dipeptide products of Ac-SDKP cleavage were obtained and offered a template to model the mechanism of substrate recognition of the enzyme. A comprehensive kinetic study of Ac-SDKP and domain co-operation was performed and indicated domain interactions affecting processing of the tetrapeptide substrate. Our results further illustrate the molecular basis for N-domain selectivity and should help design novel ACE inhibitors and Ac-SDKP analogues that could be used in the treatment of fibrosis disorders.
Role of the KATP channel in the protective effect of nicorandil on cyclophosphamide-induced lung and testicular toxicity in rats
Authors: Ahmed Lamiaa A. , EL-Maraghy Shohda A. , Rizk Sherine M.
Published: September 2015

This study is the first to investigate the role of the KATP channel in the possible protection mediated by nicorandil against cyclophosphamide-induced lung and testicular toxicity in rats. Animals received cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 2 consecutive days and then were untreated for the following 5 days. Nicorandil (3 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered starting from the day of cyclophosphamide injection with or without glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Nicorandil administration significantly reduced the cyclophosphamide-induced deterioration of testicular function, as demonstrated by increases in the level of serum testosterone and the activities of the testicular 3β- hydroxysteroid, 17β-hydroxysteroid and sorbitol dehydrogenases. Furthermore, nicorandil significantly alleviated oxidative stress (as determined by lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione levels and total antioxidant capacity), as well as inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β), in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and testicular tissue. Finally, the therapy decreased the levels of fibrogenic markers (transforming growth factor-β and hydroxyproline) and ameliorated the histological alterations (as assessed by lung fibrosis grading and testicular Johnsen scores). The co-administration of glibenclamide (a KATP channel blocker) blocked the protective effects of nicorandil. In conclusion, KATP channel activation plays an important role in the protective effect of nicorandil against cyclophosphamide-induced lung and testicular toxicity.
A gain-of-function Bushy dwarf tiller 1 mutation in rice microRNA gene miR156d caused by insertion of the DNA transposon nDart1
Authors: Hayashi-Tsugane Mika , Maekawa Masahiko , Tsugane Kazuo
Published: September 2015

A non-autonomous DNA transposon in rice, nDart1, is actively transposed in the presence of an autonomous element, aDart1, under natural conditions. The nDart1-promoted gene tagging line was developed using the endogenous nDart1/aDart1 system to generate various rice mutants effectively. While the dominant mutants were occasionally isolated from the tagging line, it was unclear what causes dominant mutations. A semidominant mutant, Bushy dwarf tiller1 (Bdt1), which has the valuable agronomic traits of multiple tillering and dwarfism, was obtained from the tagging line. Bdt1 mutant carried a newly inserted nDart1 at 38-bp upstream of transcription initiation site of a non-protein-coding gene, miR156d. This insertion caused an upstream shift of the miR156d transcription initiation site and, consequently, increased the functional transcripts producing mature microRNAs. These results indicate that the total amount of miR156d is controlled not only by transcript quantity but also by transcript quality. Furthermore, transgenic lines introduced an miR156d fragment that flanked the nDart1 sequence at the 5′ region, suggesting that insertion of nDart1 in the gene promoter region enhances gene expression as a cis-element. This study demonstrates the ability of nDart1 to produce gain-of-function mutants as well as further insights into the function of transposable elements in genome evolution.
Sharp symmetry-change marks the mechanical failure transition of glasses
Authors: Denisov Dmitry V. , Dang Minh Triet , Struth Bernd , Zaccone Alessio , Wegdam Gerard H. , Schall P.
Published: September 2015

Glasses acquire their solid-like properties by cooling from the supercooled liquid via a continuous transition known as the glass transition. Recent research on soft glasses indicates that besides temperature, another route to liquify glasses is by application of stress that drives relaxation and flow. Here, we show that unlike the continuous glass transition, the failure of glasses to applied stress occurs by a sharp symmetry change that reminds of first-order equilibrium transitions. Using simultaneous x-ray scattering during the oscillatory rheology of a colloidal glass, we identify a sharp symmetry change from anisotropic solid to isotropic liquid structure at the crossing of the storage and loss moduli. Concomitantly, intensity fluctuations sharply acquire Gaussian distributions characteristic of liquids. Our observations and theoretical framework identify mechanical failure as a sharp atomic affine-to-nonaffine transition, providing a new conceptual paradigm of the oscillatory yielding of this technologically important class of materials and offering new perspectives on the glass transition.
The synthesis of n-caproate from lactate: a new efficient process for medium-chain carboxylates production
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Tao Yong , Liang Cheng , Li Xiangzhen , Wei Na , Zhang Wenjie , Zhou Yan , Yang Yanfei , Bo Tao
Published: September 2015

A unique microbiome that metabolizes lactate rather than ethanol for n-caproate production was obtained from a fermentation pit used for the production of Chinese strong-flavour liquor (CSFL). The microbiome was able to produce n-caproate at concentrations as high as 23.41 g/L at a maximum rate of 2.97 g/L/d in batch trials without in-line extraction. Compared with previous work using ethanol as the electron donor, the n-caproate concentration increased by 82.89%. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that the microbiome was dominated by a Clostridium cluster IV, which accounted for 79.07% of total reads. A new process for n-caproate production was proposed, lactate oxidation coupled to chain elongation, which revealed new insight into the well-studied lactate conversion and carbon chain elongation. In addition, these findings indicated a new synthesis mechanism of n-caproate in CSFL. We believe that this efficient process will provide a promising opportunity for the innovation of waste recovery as well as for n-caproate biosynthesis.
Spatial and spectral coherence in propagating high-intensity twin beams
Authors: Haderka Ondřej , Machulka Radek , Peřina Jan , Allevi Alessia , Bondani Maria
Published: September 2015

Spatial and spectral coherence of high-intensity twin-beam states propagating from the near-field to the far-field configurations is experimentally investigated by measuring intensity auto- and cross-correlation functions. The experimental setup includes a moving crystal and an iCCD camera placed at the output plane of an imaging spectrometer. Evolution from the tight near-field spatial position cross-correlations to the far-field momentum cross-correlations, accompanied by changeless spectral cross-correlations, is observed. Intensity autocorrelation functions and beam profiles are also monitored as they provide the number of degrees of freedom constituting the down-converted beams. The strength of intensity cross-correlations as an alternative quantity for the determination of the number of degrees of freedom is also measured. The relation between the beam coherence and the number of degrees of freedom is discussed.
Erratum: Musical training, individual differences and the cocktail party problem
Authors: Swaminathan Jayaganesh , Mason Christine R. , Streeter Timothy M. , Best Virginia , Kidd, Jr Gerald , Patel Aniruddh D.
Published: September 2015

Are musicians better able to understand speech in noise than non-musicians? Recent findings have produced contradictory results. Here we addressed this question by asking musicians and non-musicians to understand target sentences masked by other sentences presented from different spatial locations, the classical ‘cocktail party problem’ in speech science. We found that musicians obtained a substantial benefit in this situation, with thresholds ~6 dB better than non-musicians. Large individual differences in performance were noted particularly for the non-musically trained group. Furthermore, in different conditions we manipulated the spatial location and intelligibility of the masking sentences, thus changing the amount of ‘informational masking’ (IM) while keeping the amount of ‘energetic masking’ (EM) relatively constant. When the maskers were unintelligible and spatially separated from the target (low in IM), musicians and non-musicians performed comparably. These results suggest that the characteristics of speech maskers and the amount of IM can influence the magnitude of the differences found between musicians and non-musicians in multiple-talker “cocktail party” environments. Furthermore, considering the task in terms of the EM-IM distinction provides a conceptual framework for future behavioral and neuroscientific studies which explore the underlying sensory and cognitive mechanisms contributing to enhanced “speech-in-noise” perception by musicians.
One-year outcomes of conventional and accelerated collagen crosslinking in progressive keratoconus
Authors: Chow Vanissa W. S. , Chan Tommy C. Y. , Yu Marco , Wong Victoria W. Y. , Jhanji Vishal
Published: September 2015

We compared one-year outcomes of conventional (3 mW/cm2, 365-nm ultraviolet-A light, 30 minutes) and accelerated (18 mW/cm2, 365-nm ultraviolet-A light, 5 minutes) collagen crosslinking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. Main outcome measures were change in keratometry, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Nineteen patients in each group completed 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, there were no inter-group differences for age, keratometry, corneal thickness and spherical equivalent (p > 0.127). One year postoperatively, maximum and minimum keratometry were flattened by 1.6 diopters (p < 0.023) and 2 diopters (p < 0.047) respectively after conventional CXL, and, 0.47 diopters (p = 0.471) and 0.19 diopters (p = 0.120) respectively after accelerated CXL. Association analysis showed significant negative association between baseline maximum keratometry and change in maximum keratometry after accelerated CXL (p = 0.002) but not after conventional CXL (p = 0.110). Corneal thickness was reduced significantly in both groups (p = 0.017). An improvement in UCVA (p < 0.001) and BCVA (p < 0.022) was noted in both groups along with a reduction in spherical equivalent postoperatively (p < 0.026). There were no inter-group differences for any of the parameters postoperatively (p > 0.184). Although no statistically significant differences were observed between both treatment modalities, a more effective topographic flattening was observed with conventional CXL as compared to accelerated CXL in this study.
Osmotic/ionic status of body fluids in the euryhaline cephalopod suggest possible parallel evolution of osmoregulation
Authors: Sakamoto Tatsuya , Ogawa Satoshi , Nishiyama Yudai , Akada Chiaki , Takahashi Hideya , Watanabe Taro , Minakata Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Hirotaka
Published: September 2015

Acclimation from marine to dilute environments constitutes among the dramatic evolutionary transitions in the history of life. Such adaptations have evolved in multiple lineages, but studies of the blood/hemolymph homeostasis mechanisms are limited to those using evolutionarily advanced Deuterostome (chordates) and Ecdysozoa (crustaceans). Here, we examined hemolymph homeostasis in the advanced Lophotrochozoa/mollusc, the other unexplored taxa and its possible regulation by the vasopressin/oxytocin superfamily peptides known to be implicated in fluid homeostasis in Chordata and Arthropoda. The hemolymph osmotic and ionic status in the euryhaline cephalopod (Octopus ocellatus) following transfer from 30-ppt normal seawater to 20 ppt salinity indicate hyperosmo- and hyperionoregulatory abilities for more than 1 week, as in crustaceans and teleost fish. While ventilation frequency decreased by 1 day, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, which has been generally implicated in ion transport, was induced in two of the eight posterior gills after 1 week. In addition, the octopuses were intravenously injected with 1 or 100 ng/g octopressin or cephalotocin, which are Octopus vasopressin/oxytocin orthologs. After 1 day, octopressin, but not cephalotocin, decreased the hemolymph osmolality and Ca concentrations, as well as urinary Na concentrations. These data provide evidence for possible parallel evolution in hyperionoregulatory mechanisms and coordination by conserved peptides.
Cortical Folding Pattern and its Consistency Induced by Biological Growth
Authors: Jalil Razavi Mir , Zhang Tuo , Liu Tianming , Wang Xianqiao
Published: September 2015

Cortical folding, characterized by convex gyri and concave sulci, has an intrinsic relationship to the brain’s functional organization. Understanding the mechanism of the brain’s convoluted patterns can provide useful clues into normal and pathological brain function. In this paper, the cortical folding phenomenon is interpreted both analytically and computationally, and, in some cases, the findings are validated with experimental observations. The living human brain is modeled as a soft structure with a growing outer cortex and inner core to investigate its developmental mechanism. Analytical interpretations of differential growth of the brain model provide preliminary insight into critical growth ratios for instability and crease formation of the developing brain. Since the analytical approach cannot predict the evolution of cortical complex convolution after instability, non-linear finite element models are employed to study the crease formation and secondary morphological folds of the developing brain. Results demonstrate that the growth ratio of the cortex to core of the brain, the initial thickness and material properties of both cortex and core have great impacts on the morphological patterns of the developing brain. Lastly, we discuss why cortical folding is highly correlated and consistent by presenting an intriguing gyri-sulci formation comparison.
Development of a real-time PCR approach for the relative quantitation of horse DNA
Authors: Nixon Gavin J. , Wilkes Timothy M. , Burns Malcolm J.
Published: September 2015

Figure illustrating the basic processing steps required to identify and quantify potential horse meat adulteration.
Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of bisphenol A based on the cooperative enhancement effect of the graphene–Ni(OH)2hybrid and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide
Authors: Wang Rui , Wu Kangbing , Wu Can
Published: September 2015

Graphene sheets (GSs) are first easily preparedviaone-step solvent exfoliation of graphite powder inN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and then hybridized with Ni(OH)2microparticles.
Highly-efficient and versatile fluorous-tagged Cu(i)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition ligand for preparing bioconjugates
Authors: Sun Lingyi , Gai Yongkang , Anderson Carolyn J. , Zeng Dexing
Published: September 2015

A novel ligand for CuAAC has been developed, which demonstrates not only superior catalytic efficiency but also the ease of removing toxic copper species. Additionally, no transchelation was observed while applying this ligand in the preparation of radio-metal based radiopharmaceutics.
Efficient light-driven water oxidation catalyzed by a mononuclear cobalt(iii) complex
Authors: Zhao Yukun , Lin Junqi , Liu Yongdong , Ma Baochun , Ding Yong , Chen Mindong
Published: September 2015

A mononuclear Co complex, [CoIII(DPK·OH)2]Cl, is reported as a robust and stable catalyst, and has the largest TON (1610) among metal–organic complexes for visible light-driven water oxidation.
Synthesis and luminescence modulation of pyrazine-based gold(iii) pincer complexes
Authors: Fernandez-Cestau Julio , Bertrand Benoît , Blaya Maria , Jones Garth A. , Penfold Thomas J. , Bochmann Manfred
Published: September 2015

A second nitrogen for modulation: cyclometallated gold(iii) complexes based on pyrazine provide a new family of photoluminescent compounds which allow facile modulation of the emission wavelengths without the need for modifying the basic ligand framework.
Preparation of TiOxNy/TiN composites for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Qun , Chang Xiwang , Chou Kuo-Chih , Hou Xinmei
Published: September 2015

TiOxNy/TiN heterojunction composites with tunable chamber structures were prepared. They demonstrate an outstanding activity toward H2 production as high as 34.9 μmol h−1 g−1.
The electronic structures of group-V–group-IV hetero-bilayer structures: a first-principles study
Authors: Wang Yanli , Ding Yi
Published: September 2015

Van der Waals hetero-bilayer structures can be constructed from group-V and group-IV nanosheets, which exhibit tunable electronic and interfacial properties.
Transition metal selenides as efficient counter-electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Guo Jiahao , Liang Suxia , Shi Yantao , Hao Ce , Wang Xuchun , Ma Tingli
Published: September 2015

We synthesized three targeted TMSs and used them as CEs in high efficiency DSCs. These selenides had excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of triiodine except for MoSe2. Theoretical investigation revealed that the unsatisfactory performance of MoSe2 mainly originated from the processes of adsorption and charge-transfer. These results may pave the way for reasonable selection of catalyst in the field of electrocatalysis.
The addition of CO2to four superbase ionic liquids: a DFT study
Authors: Mercy Maxime , Rebecca Taylor S. F. , Jacquemin Johan , Hardacre Christopher , Bell Robert G. , De Leeuw Nora H.
Published: September 2015

DFT studies of the addition of CO2to superbase ionic liquids show that strength of binding to the anion is correlated to experimental sorption capacity, but anion–cation cohesion with the ionic liquid is weakened by carbamate bond formation.
Conversion of concentrated sugar solutions into 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and furfural using Brönsted acidic ionic liquids
Authors: Matsagar B. M. , Munshi M. K. , Kelkar A. A. , Dhepe P. L.
Published: September 2015

Using recyclable and green ionic liquids in catalytic amounts, renewable sugars are dehydrated into furans with high yields.
Specific oriented recognition of a new stable ICTX@Mfa with retrievability for selective photocatalytic degrading of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Zhu Zhi , Wang Dandan , Ma Zhongfei , Shi Weidong , Yan Yongsheng , Zhao Xiaoxu , Dong Hongjun , Yang Li , Hua Zhoufa
Published: September 2015

A new imprinted photocatalyst ICTX@Mfa which exhibits superior specific oriented recognition capability, stability and retrievability for selectively degrading ciprofloxacin.
Lewis acid–base 1,2-addition reactions: synthesis of pyrylium borates from en-ynoate precursors
Authors: Wilkins Lewis C. , Hamilton Hugh B. , Kariuki Benson M. , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Hansmann Max M. , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: September 2015

Treatment of methyl (Z)-2-alken-4-ynoates with the strong Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane, B(C6F5)3, yield 2,5,6-substituted zwitterionic pyrylium borate species via an intramolecular 6-endo-dig cyclisation reaction.
Inhibition effects of tanshinone on the aggregation of α-synuclein
Authors: Ji Kaige , Zhao Yudan , Yu Tianhong , Wang Zhuoyi , Gong Hao , Yang Xin , Liu Yang , Huang Kun
Published: September 2015

Bioactive tanshinone compounds inhibit the aggregation of α-synuclein and extend the life span of aC. elegansmodel of Parkinson's disease.
Induction of ROS-independent DNA damage by curcumin leads to G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells
Authors: Zhang Li , Cheng Xian , Gao Yanyan , Bao Jiandong , Guan Haixia , Lu Rongrong , Yu Huixin , Xu Qiang , Sun Yang
Published: September 2015

Curcumin induces DNA damage, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest and following apoptosis in BCPAP cells via activation of an ATM-Chk2-Cdc25C-Cdc2 cascade.
Effect of chronic consumption of blackberry extract on high-fat induced obesity in rats and its correlation with metabolic and brain outcomes
Authors: Meireles Manuela , Rodríguez-Alcalá Luís M. , Marques Cláudia , Norberto Sónia , Freitas Joana , Fernandes Iva , Mateus Nuno , Gomes Ana , Faria Ana , Calhau Conceição
Published: September 2015

We aimed to explore the potential benefits of long-term supplementation with blackberry anthocyanin extract in the context of a standard or a high-fat diet.
Mechanobiology
Authors: Shivashankar G. V. , Sheetz Michael , Matsudaira Paul
Published: September 2015

Guest editors G. V. Shivashankar, Michael Sheetz and Paul Matsudaira introduce the Mechanobiology themed issue of Integrative Biology.
Design and synthesis of peptide inhibitor conjugates as probes of the Cytochrome P450s from glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis
Authors: Brieke Clara , Maier Theresa , Schröter Martin , Cryle Max J.
Published: September 2015

The glycopeptide antibiotics are important clinical antibiotics that are currently employed against serious Gram-positive bacterial infections.
Ionic liquid-mediated transcutaneous protein delivery with solid-in-oil nanodispersions
Authors: Araki Shota , Wakabayashi Rie , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro
Published: September 2015

We report a novel ionic liquid (IL)-mediated transcutaneous vaccine formulation consisting of a solid-in-oil nanodispersion of antigen coated with pharmaceutically accepted surfactants dispersed in IL-containing oil. The introduction of IL in the formulation significantly enhanced the skin permeability of ovalbumin, a model antigen.
Nanogels as imaging agents for modalities spanning the electromagnetic spectrum
Authors: Chan Minnie , Almutairi Adah
Published: September 2015

An updated and detailed overview of nanogel imaging agents for various modalities spanning the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum.
A novel 3-fold interpenetration metal–organic framework with tunable luminescence and selective adsorption of CO2 properties
Authors: Lin Rong-Guang , Cao Gao-Juan , Lin Jian-Di , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: September 2015

A novel acylamide metal–organic framework (MOF) with 3-fold interpenetration has been synthesized, which shows high selective adsorption behaviors of CO2 and tunable luminescence properties dependent on excitation wavelengths.
Investigation of one-dimensional multi-functional zwitterionic Ag nanowires as a novel modifier for PVDF ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Zhao Xinzhen , Chen Yongliang , Xuan Huixia , He Chunju
Published: September 2015

Blended zwitterionic Ag nanowires improve the mechanical strength, separation properties and fouling resistance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes.
Tailoring chiro-optical effects by helical nanowire arrangement
Authors: Esposito Marco , Tasco Vittorianna , Todisco Francesco , Benedetti Alessio , Tarantini Iolena , Cuscunà Massimo , Dominici Lorenzo , De Giorgi Milena , Passaseo Adriana
Published: September 2015

The chiro-optical properties of 3D metallic helical systems are modified by the spatial arrangement and mutual inter-wire interactions.
Two-dimensional molybdenum disulphide nanosheet-covered metal nanoparticle array as a floating gate in multi-functional flash memories
Authors: Han Su-Ting , Zhou Ye , Chen Bo , Zhou Li , Yan Yan , Zhang Hua , Roy V. A. L.
Published: September 2015

We report a flash memory consisting of metal NPs–molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) as a floating gate by introducing a metal NP (Ag, Au, Pt) monolayer underneath the MoS2 nanosheets.
Copper-catalyzed arylation of biguanide derivatives via C–N cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Zhang Chen , Huang Bo , Bao Ai-Qing , Li Xiao , Guo Shunna , Zhang Jin-Quan , Xu Jun-Zhi , Zhang Rihao , Cui Dong-Mei
Published: September 2015

We developed an efficient copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of biguanide hydrochloride derivatives with both aryl iodides and bromides under mild conditions.
A rapid and efficient one-pot method for the reduction of N-protected α-amino acids to chiral α-amino aldehydes using CDI/DIBAL-H
Authors: Ivkovic Jakov , Lembacher-Fadum Christian , Breinbauer Rolf
Published: September 2015

N-Protected α-amino acids can be easily converted directly into chiral α-amino aldehydes in a one-pot procedure by activation with CDI followed by reduction with DIBAL-H.
Thienopentathiepine: a sulfur containing fused heterocycle for conjugated systems and their electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Debnath Sashi , Bedi Anjan , Zade Sanjio S.
Published: September 2015

Thieno[3,4-f][1,2,3,4,5]pentathiepine (C4S6) derivatives have been synthesized for the first time. Optical, electrochemical and structural properties of these derivatives are tuned by a judicious choice of end-capping. Additionally, chalcogenophene capped derivatives are electrochemically polymerized and studied.
Micellar assembly of a photo- and temperature-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer for controlled release
Authors: Yang Fang , Cao Ziquan , Wang Guojie
Published: September 2015

Block copolymeric micellar nanoparticles in response to light and temperature change have been constructed for the controlled release of encapsulated molecules under stimulation with light and temperature change.
Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on an electrode modified with an imprinted pyrrole film immobilized on a β-cyclodextrin/gold nanoparticles/graphene layer
Authors: Lu Bing , Xia Jianfei , Wang Zonghua , Zhang Feifei , Yang Min , Li Yanhui , Xia Yanzhi
Published: September 2015

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was constructed for the sensitive detection of quercetin (Qu) based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) and graphene (GR).
Overexpression of hgc1 increases the production and diversity of hygrocins in Streptomyces sp. LZ35
Authors: Li Shanren , Lu Chunhua , Ou Jinhuan , Deng Jingjing , Shen Yuemao
Published: September 2015

Overexpression of the regulator gene hgc1 increases both the productivity and diversity of hygrocins, revealing the unprecedented flexibility in ansamycin biosynthesis.
Recovery of potassium chloride from blast furnace flue dust
Authors: Zhang Mei , Li Wen-Song , Wang Wei-Yan , Liu Wen-Ying , Fu Zhi-Gang , Yang Yun-Quan
Published: September 2015

A simple, efficient, economic and environmentally-friendly recovery process for large amounts of potassium chloride from blast furnace flue dust (BF flue dust) with an abundant potassium content is developed.
Synthesis and use of bimetals and bimetal oxides in contaminants removal from water: a review
Authors: Fu Fenglian , Cheng Zihang , Lu Jianwei
Published: September 2015

This paper gives an overview of the recent advances of the synthesis methods of bimetals and bimetal oxides and applying them in contaminant removal from water.
Incorporation of cisplatin into the metal–organic frameworks UiO66-NH2 and UiO66 – encapsulation vs. conjugation
Authors: Mocniak Katarzyna A. , Kubajewska Ilona , Spillane Dominic E. M. , Williams Gareth R. , Morris Russell E.
Published: September 2015

This work demonstrates synthetic strategies for the incorporation of an anticancer drug, cisplatin, and a Pt(iv) cisplatin prodrug into two zirconium-based metal–organic-frameworks (MOFs): UiO66 and UiO66-NH2.
Pd1/BN as a promising single atom catalyst of CO oxidation: a dispersion-corrected density functional theory study
Authors: Lu Zhansheng , Lv Peng , Xue Jie , Wang Huanhuan , Wang Yizhe , Huang Yue , He Chaozheng , Ma Dongwei , Yang Zongxian
Published: September 2015

Single metal atom catalysts exhibit extraordinary activity in a large number of reactions, and some two-dimensional materials (such as graphene and h-BN) are found to be prominent supports to stabilize single metal atoms.
Magnetically recoverable mesoporous melamine–formaldehyde nanoparticles as an efficient adsorbent for hexavalent chromium removal
Authors: Lv Zhongfei , Zhao Dandan , Liang Changsheng , Cui Jiayang , Cai Yangben , Xu Shiai
Published: September 2015

Functional porous nanoparticles have been considered as potential adsorbents for chromium (Cr) removal due to their unique properties such as high surface area, nanosized structure and specific affinity for heavy metal ions.
Labile dioxy-functionalised zwitterionic imidazolinium salt: access to zwitterionic and neutral imidazolidin-2-ylidene derivatives and π-acceptor properties of imidazolidine-2-selones
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Karthik Vedhagiri , Anantharaman Ganapathi
Published: September 2015

The synthesis of the title compound and effect of backbone oxy-derivatisation in imidazolidine derivatives on the π-acceptor property are reported.
Cobalt, titanium and PMMA bone cement debris influence on mouse osteoblast cell elasticity, spring constant and calcium production activity
Authors: Preedy Emily Callard , Perni Stefano , Prokopovich Polina
Published: September 2015

Osteoblast cells exhibit nanomechanical changes of after exposure to titanium, cobalt and PMMA particles simulating joint devices replacements wear debris.
Double helicity induction in chiral bis(triphenylacetamides)
Authors: Prusinowska Natalia , Bendzińska-Berus Wioletta , Szymkowiak Joanna , Warżajtis Beata , Gajewy Jadwiga , Jelecki Maciej , Rychlewska Urszula , Kwit Marcin
Published: September 2015

Helicity induction in a highly flexible trityl chromophore is not only due to the presence of the neighboring stereogenic center(s).
Synthesis of ovalbumin-stabilized highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters and their application as an Hg2+ sensor
Authors: Shi H. , Ou M. Y. , Cao J. P. , Chen G. F.
Published: September 2015

Highly fluorescent Au nanoclusters were synthesized using ovalbumin (OVA) as a template. The application of the nanoclusters for the detection of mercury ions was also achieved.
Preparation of graphene oxide with silver nanowires to enhance antibacterial properties and cell compatibility
Authors: Cui Jianghu , Liu Yingliang
Published: September 2015

Ag NWs were evenly distributed on the surface of graphene oxide sheets via a hydrothermal method. The prepared composites exhibited an enhanced antibacterial effect and good cell compatibility.
Bis(phenolate) N-heterocyclic carbene rare earth metal complexes: synthesis, characterization and applications in the polymerization of n-hexyl isocyanate
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Jingjing , Ni Xufeng , Shen Zhiquan
Published: September 2015

Polyhexyl isocyanantes catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene rare earth metal complexes show high molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution.
A new water-soluble aromatic polyamide hydrogelator with thixotropic properties
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Oono Masashi , Saruhashi Kowichiro , Watanabe Hisayuki
Published: September 2015

The water-soluble aromatic polyamide poly(3-sodium sulfo-p-phenylene terephthalamide) forms a hydrogel with anisotropy, which exhibits good thixotropic behaviour, even at the critical gel concentration of the gelator (1.0 wt%).
Two novel and simple strategies for improvement of the traditional activation method for activated carbon preparation: nano-copper catalysis and Cu(ii) doping
Authors: Xue Jing , Huang Lihui , Jin Feng , Liu Quan , Liu Gaofeng , Wang Man , Li Gang , Zhou Shiji
Published: September 2015

The present study explores the possibilities of employing copper nanoparticles as catalyst and copper(ii) chloride as doping agent in the activation process to prepare activated carbons from Platanus orientalis leaves by H3PO4 activation.
Dynamic layer-by-layer films linked with Schiff base bond for sustained drug release
Authors: Zhou Lin , Chen Mao , Guan Ying , Zhang Yongjun
Published: September 2015

Reversible Schiff base bonds were used to construct dynamic layer-by-layer films. Sustained and intelligent drug release was achieved.
Fabrication and application of non-rare earth red phosphors for warm white-light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Zhou Yayun , Wang Zhengliang , Liu Yong , Chen Guo , Peng Jinhui , Yan Jing , Wu Mingmei
Published: September 2015

A facile and efficient way to K2XF6:Mn4+(X = Si, Ti and Ge) red phosphors is reported, which are beneficial for the improvement of WLED performance used in indoor lighting.
What can electrospray mass spectrometry of paratungstates in an equilibrating mixture tell us?
Authors: Fan Linyuan , Cao Jie , Hu Changwen
Published: September 2015

[W7O24]6−, the main species in an aqueous solution of Na2WO4at pH ≤ 7 proved by NMR and Raman spectroscopy, fails to be detected in ESI-MS due to its ESI-induced dissociation into Lindqvist [W6O19]2−.
Rhodium-catalyzed regioselective addition of the ortho C–H bond in aromatic amides to the C–C double bond in α,β-unsaturated γ-lactones and dihydrofurans
Authors: Shibata Kaname , Chatani Naoto
Published: September 2015

An unprecedented C–H alkylation using α,β-unsaturated γ-lactones (butenolides) and dihydrofurans was achieved by the Rh-catalyzed reaction of benzamides.
Probing dispersion and re-agglomeration phenomena upon melt-mixing of polymer-functionalized graphite nanoplates
Authors: Santos R. M. , Vilaverde C. , Cunha E. , Paiva M. C. , Covas J. A.
Published: September 2015

Preparation of polymer composites with as-produced and chemically functionalised graphite nanoplates: analysis of nanoparticle agglomerate dispersion and re-agglomeration upon relaxation.
A supramolecular gel based on a glycosylated amino acid derivative with the properties of gel to crystal transition
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Fengyang , Sun Ziling , Pan Yue , Tian Jian , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Li Xinming
Published: September 2015

A novel gelator from a glycoamino acid derivative was discovered to perform supramolecular self-assembly and gel–crystal transition upon ageing.
Flux-mediated doping of SrTiO3photocatalysts for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Ham Yeilin , Hisatomi Takashi , Goto Yosuke , Moriya Yosuke , Sakata Yoshihisa , Yamakata Akira , Kubota Jun , Domen Kazunari
Published: September 2015

SrTiO3doped with Al and treated with SrCl2flux showed an apparent quantum efficiency of 30% at 360 nm in the photocatalytic overall water splitting reaction.
One-pot fabrication of yolk–shell structured La0.9Sr0.1CoO3 perovskite microspheres with enhanced catalytic activities for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Bie Shiyu , Zhu Yongqiang , Su Jianmin , Jin Chao , Liu Shanhu , Yang Ruizhi , Wu Jiao
Published: September 2015

Yolk–shell structured La0.9Sr0.1CoO3 perovskite microspheres with enhanced catalytic activities for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions have been prepared through a one-pot fabrication pathway.
Towards the use of metal–organic frameworks for water reuse: a review of the recent advances in the field of organic pollutants removal and degradation and the next steps in the field
Authors: Dias Elton M. , Petit Camille
Published: September 2015

A comprehensive and critical analysis on the use of metal–organic frameworks for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organics in water, as well as H2production.
Recent progress in micro-scale energy storage devices and future aspects
Authors: Tyagi Ankit , Tripathi Kumud Malika , Gupta Raju Kumar
Published: September 2015

Current advances and future challenges in the field of miniaturized electrochemical energy storage devices are highlighted and discussed.
Surface and bulk study of strontium-rich chromium ferrite oxide as a robust solid oxide fuel cell cathode
Authors: Chen Min , Paulson Scott , Kan Wang Hay , Thangadurai Venkataraman , Birss Viola
Published: September 2015

Beneficial effect of Cr on the electrochemical properties of LSFCr-3.
Analysing the effect of the crystal structure on upconversion luminescence in Yb3+,Er3+-co-doped NaYF4 nanomaterials
Authors: Klier D. T. , Kumke M. U.
Published: September 2015

NaYF4:Yb:Er nanoparticles (UCNP) were synthesized under mild experimental conditions to obtain a pure cubic lattice. Upon annealing at different temperatures up to Tan = 700 °C phase transitions between hexagonal phase and the cubic phase were induced. Based on the TRANES analysis it was possible to resolve the lattice phase transition in more detail, which was not possible with the standard techniques.