bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ubiquitous anaerobic ammonium oxidation in inland waters of China: an overlooked nitrous oxide mitigation process
Authors: Zhu Guibing , Wang Shanyun , Zhou Leiliu , Wang Yu , Zhao Siyan , Xia Chao , Wang Weidong , Zhou Rong , Wang Chaoxu , Jetten Mike S. M. , Hefting Mariet M. , Yin Chengqing , Qu Jiuhui
Published: November 2015

Denitrification has long been regarded as the only pathway for terrestrial nitrogen (N) loss to the atmosphere. Here we demonstrate that large-scale anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), an overlooked N loss process alternative to denitrification which bypasses nitrous oxide (N2O), is ubiquitous in inland waters of China and contributes significantly to N loss. Anammox rates in aquatic systems show different levels (1.0–975.9 μmol N m−2 h−1, n = 256) with hotspots occurring at oxic-anoxic interfaces and harboring distinct biogeochemical and biogeographical features. Extrapolation of these results to the China-national level shows that anammox could contribute about 2.0 Tg N yr−1, which equals averagely 11.4% of the total N loss from China’s inland waters. Our results indicate that a significant amount of the nitrogen lost from inland waters bypasses denitrification, which is important for constructing more accurate climate models and may significantly reduce potential N2O emission risk at a large scale.
Strong Geometrical Effects in Submillimeter Selective Area Growth and Light Extraction of GaN Light Emitting Diodes on Sapphire
Authors: Tanaka Atsunori , Chen Renjie , Jungjohann Katherine L. , Dayeh Shadi A.
Published: November 2015

Advanced semiconductor devices often utilize structural and geometrical effects to tailor their characteristics and improve their performance. We report here detailed understanding of such geometrical effects in the epitaxial selective area growth of GaN on sapphire substrates and utilize them to enhance light extraction from GaN light emitting diodes. Systematic size and spacing effects were performed side-by-side on a single 2” sapphire substrate to minimize experimental sampling errors for a set of 144 pattern arrays with circular mask opening windows in SiO2. We show that the mask opening diameter leads to as much as 4 times increase in the thickness of the grown layers for 20 μm spacings and that spacing effects can lead to as much as 3 times increase in thickness for a 350 μm dot diameter. We observed that the facet evolution in comparison with extracted Ga adatom diffusion lengths directly influences the vertical and lateral overgrowth rates and can be controlled with pattern geometry. Such control over the facet development led to 2.5 times stronger electroluminescence characteristics from well-faceted GaN/InGaN multiple quantum well LEDs compared to non-faceted structures.
Accelerated apoptotic death and in vivo turnover of erythrocytes in mice lacking functional mitogen- and stress-activated kinase MSK1/2
Authors: Lang Elisabeth , Bissinger Rosi , Fajol Abul , Salker Madhuri S. , Singh Yogesh , Zelenak Christine , Ghashghaeinia Mehrdad , Gu Shuchen , Jilani Kashif , Lupescu Adrian , Reyskens Kathleen M. S. E. , Ackermann Teresa F. , Föller Michael , Schleicher Erwin , Sheffield William P. , Arthur J. Simon C. , Lang Florian , Qadri Syed M.
Published: November 2015

The mitogen- and stress-activated kinase MSK1/2 plays a decisive role in apoptosis. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, suicidal erythrocyte death called eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling leading to phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Here, we explored whether MSK1/2 participates in the regulation of eryptosis. To this end, erythrocytes were isolated from mice lacking functional MSK1/2 (msk−/−) and corresponding wild-type mice (msk+/+). Blood count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and mean erythrocyte volume were similar in both msk−/− and msk+/+ mice, but reticulocyte count was significantly increased in msk−/− mice. Cell membrane PS exposure was similar in untreated msk−/− and msk+/+ erythrocytes, but was enhanced by pathophysiological cell stressors ex vivo such as hyperosmotic shock or energy depletion to significantly higher levels in msk−/− erythrocytes than in msk+/+ erythrocytes. Cell shrinkage following hyperosmotic shock and energy depletion, as well as hemolysis following decrease of extracellular osmolarity was more pronounced in msk−/− erythrocytes. The in vivo clearance of autologously-infused CFSE-labeled erythrocytes from circulating blood was faster in msk−/− mice. The spleens from msk−/− mice contained a significantly greater number of PS-exposing erythrocytes than spleens from msk+/+ mice. The present observations point to accelerated eryptosis and subsequent clearance of erythrocytes leading to enhanced erythrocyte turnover in MSK1/2-deficient mice.
Formaldehyde scavengers function as novel antigen retrieval agents
Authors: Vollert Craig T. , Moree Wilna J. , Gregory Steven , Bark Steven J. , Eriksen Jason L.
Published: November 2015

Antigen retrieval agents improve the detection of formaldehyde-fixed proteins, but how they work is not well understood. We demonstrate that formaldehyde scavenging represents a key characteristic associated with effective antigen retrieval; under controlled temperature and pH conditions, scavenging improves the typical antigen retrieval process through reversal of formaldehyde-protein adduct formation. This approach provides a rational framework for the identification and development of more effective antigen retrieval agents.
Genome-wide DNA methylation map of human neutrophils reveals widespread inter-individual epigenetic variation
Authors: Chatterjee Aniruddha , Stockwell Peter A. , Rodger Euan J. , Duncan Elizabeth J. , Parry Matthew F. , Weeks Robert J. , Morison Ian M.
Published: November 2015

The extent of variation in DNA methylation patterns in healthy individuals is not yet well documented. Identification of inter-individual epigenetic variation is important for understanding phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. Using neutrophils from a cohort of healthy individuals, we generated base-resolution DNA methylation maps to document inter-individual epigenetic variation. We identified 12851 autosomal inter-individual variably methylated fragments (iVMFs). Gene promoters were the least variable, whereas gene body and upstream regions showed higher variation in DNA methylation. The iVMFs were relatively enriched in repetitive elements compared to non-iVMFs and were associated with genome regulation and chromatin function elements. Further, variably methylated genes were disproportionately associated with regulation of transcription, responsive function and signal transduction pathways. Transcriptome analysis indicates that iVMF methylation at differentially expressed exons has a positive correlation and local effect on the inclusion of that exon in the mRNA transcript.
Effect of proximal versus distal 50% enterectomy on nutritional parameters in rats preconditioned with a high-fat diet or regular chow
Authors: Yanala Ujwal R. , Reidelberger Roger D. , Thompson Jon S. , Shostrom Valerie K. , Carlson Mark A.
Published: November 2015

Obesity may protect against the nutritional consequences of short bowel syndrome. We hypothesized that rats preconditioned with an obesogenic diet would have better outcomes after surgical induction of short bowel syndrome compared to rats on regular chow. Rats were fed a high-fat diet or regular rat chow for six months and then underwent 50% proximal, 50% distal, or sham enterectomy. Food intake, weight and body composition were monitored before and for 4 weeks after surgery. The high-fat diet consistently produced obesity (>25% body fat). All procedures induced weight loss, but there was no discernable difference between resection vs. sham resection. Rats on the high-fat diet had a greater post-resection loss of body fat compared to rats on chow (36 vs. 26 g, respectively). There was a nonsignificant trend of less lean mass loss in the former compared to the latter rats (16 vs. 33 g, respectively). Enterectomy moderated serum ghrelin, GIP, PPY, insulin and leptin. Intestinal adaptation was not different between obese vs. non-obese rats. Rats preconditioned with the high-fat diet may have had better retention of lean body mass after a surgical procedure compared to rats on chow. The effect of 50% enterectomy was less than expected.
Real-Time Mass Spectrometry Monitoring of Oak Wood Toasting: Elucidating Aroma Development Relevant to Oak-aged Wine Quality
Authors: Farrell Ross R. , Wellinger Marco , Gloess Alexia N. , Nichols David S. , Breadmore Michael C. , Shellie Robert A. , Yeretzian Chahan
Published: November 2015

We introduce a real-time method to monitor the evolution of oak aromas during the oak toasting process. French and American oak wood boards were toasted in an oven at three different temperatures, while the process-gas was continuously transferred to the inlet of a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer for online monitoring. Oak wood aroma compounds important for their sensory contribution to oak-aged wine were tentatively identified based on soft ionization and molecular mass. The time-intensity profiles revealed toasting process dynamics illustrating in real-time how different compounds evolve from the oak wood during toasting. Sufficient sensitivity was achieved to observe spikes in volatile concentrations related to cracking phenomena on the oak wood surface. The polysaccharide-derived compounds exhibited similar profiles; whilst for lignin-derived compounds eugenol formation differed from that of vanillin and guaiacol at lower toasting temperatures. Significant generation of oak lactone from precursors was evident at 225 oC. Statistical processing of the real-time aroma data showed similarities and differences between individual oak boards and oak wood sourced from the different origins. This study enriches our understanding of the oak toasting process and demonstrates a new analytical approach for research on wood volatiles.
CACNA1C risk variant affects facial emotion recognition in healthy individuals
Authors: Nieratschker Vanessa , Brückmann Christof , Plewnia Christian
Published: November 2015

Recognition and correct interpretation of facial emotion is essential for social interaction and communication. Previous studies have shown that impairments in this cognitive domain are common features of several psychiatric disorders. Recent association studies identified CACNA1C as one of the most promising genetic risk factors for psychiatric disorders and previous evidence suggests that the most replicated risk variant in CACNA1C (rs1006737) is affecting emotion recognition and processing. However, studies investigating the influence of rs1006737 on this intermediate phenotype in healthy subjects at the behavioral level are largely missing to date. Here, we applied the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test, a facial emotion recognition paradigm in a cohort of 92 healthy individuals to address this question. Whereas accuracy was not affected by genotype, CACNA1C rs1006737 risk-allele carries (AA/AG) showed significantly slower mean response times compared to individuals homozygous for the G-allele, indicating that healthy risk-allele carriers require more information to correctly identify a facial emotion. Our study is the first to provide evidence for an impairing behavioral effect of the CACNA1C risk variant rs1006737 on facial emotion recognition in healthy individuals and adds to the growing number of studies pointing towards CACNA1C as affecting intermediate phenotypes of psychiatric disorders.
A novel algorithm for analyzing drug-drug interactions from MEDLINE literature
Authors: Lu Yin , Shen Dan , Pietsch Maxwell , Nagar Chetan , Fadli Zayd , Huang Hong , Tu Yi-Cheng , Cheng Feng
Published: November 2015

Drug–drug interaction (DDI) is becoming a serious clinical safety issue as the use of multiple medications becomes more common. Searching the MEDLINE database for journal articles related to DDI produces over 330,000 results. It is impossible to read and summarize these references manually. As the volume of biomedical reference in the MEDLINE database continues to expand at a rapid pace, automatic identification of DDIs from literature is becoming increasingly important. In this article, we present a random-sampling-based statistical algorithm to identify possible DDIs and the underlying mechanism from the substances field of MEDLINE records. The substances terms are essentially carriers of compound (including protein) information in a MEDLINE record. Four case studies on warfarin, ibuprofen, furosemide and sertraline implied that our method was able to rank possible DDIs with high accuracy (90.0% for warfarin, 83.3% for ibuprofen, 70.0% for furosemide and 100% for sertraline in the top 10% of a list of compounds ranked by p-value). A social network analysis of substance terms was also performed to construct networks between proteins and drug pairs to elucidate how the two drugs could interact.
Topological phase transition in quasi-one dimensional organic conductors
Authors: Ye Xiao-Shan , Liu Yong-Jun , Zeng Xiang-Hua , Wu Guoqing
Published: November 2015

We explore topological phase transition, which involves the energy spectra of field-induced spin-density-wave (FISDW) states in quasi-one dimensional (Q1D) organic conductors, using an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. We show that, in presence of half magnetic-flux FISDW state, the system exhibits topologically nontrivial phases, which can be characterized by a nonzero Chern number. The nontrivial evolution of the bulk bands with chemical potential in a topological phase transition is discussed. We show that the system can have a similar phase diagram which is discussed in the Haldane’s model. We suggest that the topological feature should be tested experimentally in this organic system. These studies enrich the theoretical research on topologically nontrivial phases in the Q1D lattice system as compared to the Haldane topological phase appearing in the two-dimensional lattices.
Distinct colicin M-like bacteriocin-immunity pairs in Burkholderia
Authors: Ghequire Maarten G. K. , De Mot René
Published: November 2015

The Escherichia coli bacteriocin colicin M (ColM) acts via degradation of the cell wall precursor lipid II in target cells. ColM producers avoid self-inhibition by a periplasmic immunity protein anchored in the inner membrane. In this study, we identified colM-like bacteriocin genes in genomes of several β-proteobacterial strains belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and the Burkholderia pseudomallei group. Two selected Burkholderia ambifaria proteins, designated burkhocins M1 and M2, were produced recombinantly and showed antagonistic activity against Bcc strains. In their considerably sequence-diverged catalytic domain, a conserved aspartate residue equally proved pivotal for cytotoxicity. Immunity to M-type burkhocins is conferred upon susceptible strains by heterologous expression of a cognate gene located either upstream or downstream of the toxin gene. These genes lack homology with currently known ColM immunity genes and encode inner membrane-associated proteins of two distinct types, differing in predicted transmembrane topology and moiety exposed to the periplasm. The addition of burkhocins to the bacteriocin complement of Burkholderia reveals a wider phylogenetic distribution of ColM-like bacteriotoxins, beyond the γ-proteobacterial genera Escherichia, Pectobacterium and Pseudomonas and illuminates the diversified nature of immunity-providing proteins.
High Efficiency Organic/Silicon-Nanowire Hybrid Solar Cells: Significance of Strong Inversion Layer
Authors: Yu Xuegong , Shen Xinlei , Mu Xinhui , Zhang Jie , Sun Baoquan , Zeng Lingsheng , Yang Lifei , Wu Yichao , He Hang , Yang Deren
Published: November 2015

Organic/silicon nanowires (SiNWs) hybrid solar cells have recently been recognized as one of potentially low-cost candidates for photovoltaic application. Here, we have controllably prepared a series of uniform silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with various diameters on silicon substrate by metal-assisted chemical etching followed by thermal oxidization and then fabricated the organic/SiNWs hybrid solar cells with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). It is found that the reflective index of SiNWs layer for sunlight depends on the filling ratio of SiNWs. Compared to the SiNWs with the lowest reflectivity (LR-SiNWs), the solar cell based on the SiNWs with low filling ratio (LF-SiNWs) has a higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor. The capacitance-voltage measurements have clarified that the built-in potential barrier at the LF-SiNWs/PEDOT:PSS interface is much larger than that at the LR-SiNWs/PEDOT one, which yields a strong inversion layer generating near the silicon surface. The formation of inversion layer can effectively suppress the carrier recombination, reducing the leakage current of solar cell and meanwhile transfer the LF-SiNWs/PEDOT:PSS device into a p-n junction. As a result, a highest efficiency of 13.11% is achieved for the LF-SiNWs/PEDOT:PSS solar cell. These results pave a way to the fabrication of high efficiency organic/SiNWs hybrid solar cells.
Additive Manufacturing of a Microbial Fuel Cell—A detailed study
Authors: Calignano Flaviana , Tommasi Tonia , Manfredi Diego , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: November 2015

In contemporary society we observe an everlasting permeation of electron devices, smartphones, portable computing tools. The tiniest living organisms on Earth could become the key to address this challenge: energy generation by bacterial processes from renewable stocks/waste through devices such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, the application of this solution was limited by a moderately low efficiency. We explored the limits, if any, of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to fabricate a fully AM-based powering device, exploiting low density, open porosities able to host the microbes, systems easy to fuel continuously and to run safely. We obtained an optimal energy recovery close to 3 kWh m−3 per day that can power sensors and low-power appliances, allowing data processing and transmission from remote/harsh environments.
Single MoO3 nanoribbon waveguides: good building blocks as elements and interconnects for nanophotonic applications
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Guoqing , Gu Fuxing , Zeng Heping
Published: November 2015

Exploring new nanowaveguide materials and structures is of great scientific interest and technological significance for optical and photonic applications. In this work, high-quality single-crystal MoO3 nanoribbons (NRs) are synthesized and used for optical guiding. External light sources are efficiently launched into the single MoO3 NRs using silica fiber tapers. It is found that single MoO3 NRs are as good nanowaveguides with loss optical losses (typically less than 0.1 dB/μm) and broadband optical guiding in the visible/near-infrared region. Single MoO3 NRs have good Raman gains that are comparable to those of semiconductor nanowaveguides, but the second harmonic generation efficiencies are about 4 orders less than those of semiconductor nanowaveguides. And also no any third-order nonlinear optical effects are observed at high pump power. A hybrid Fabry-Pérot cavity containing an active CdSe nanowire and a passive MoO3 NR is also demonstrated and the ability of coupling light from other active nanostructures and fluorescent liquid solutions has been further demonstrated. These optical properties make single MoO3 NRs attractive building blocks as elements and interconnects in miniaturized photonic circuitries and devices.
Tuneable endogenous mammalian target complementation via multiplexed plasmid-based recombineering
Authors: Beltran-Sastre Violeta , Benisty Hannah , Burnier Julia , Berger Imre , Serrano Luis , Kiel Christina
Published: November 2015

Understanding the quantitative functional consequences of human disease mutations requires silencing of endogenous genes and expression of mutants at close to physiological levels. Changing protein levels above or below these levels is also important for system perturbation and modelling. Fast design optimization demands flexible interchangeable cassettes for endogenous gene silencing and tuneable expression. Here, we introduce ‘TEMTAC’, a multigene recombineering and delivery system for simultaneous siRNA-based knockdown and regulated mutant (or other variant) expression with different dynamic ranges. We show its applicability by confirming known phenotypic effects for selected mutations for BRAF, HRAS and SHP2.
Psychological and physiological correlates of childhood obesity in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Kuo-Hsuan , Chiou Hung-Yi , Chen Yi-Hua
Published: November 2015

Evidence of associations between psychopathology and obesity in childhood remains inconsistent and most studies have been conducted in Western countries. This study investigated psychological and physiological correlates of obesity in a community sample of children in Taiwan. In total, 302 children (157 overweight/obese and 145 healthy-weight children) were selected from first- and fourth-grade schoolchildren in eight elementary schools in 2009. These children participated in a comprehensive health examination, including a physical examination, blood sample analysis and questionnaire administration. We found that regarding physiological characteristics, compared with the healthy-weight children, the overweight/obese children had significantly higher values for body fat estimated using the bioelectrical impedance method (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001); lower values for high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001); and worse values for glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.049). In logistic models adjusted for parental and child traits and physiological characteristics, children’s overweight/obesity was significantly associated with lower self-concept (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93–0.99) and less disruptive behavior (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92–0.99). Less disruptive behavior and the lack of a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression in childhood obesity appear to be a unique pattern in Taiwan that warrants further investigation.
Delivery of cell-penetrating peptide-peptide nucleic acid conjugates by assembly on an oligonucleotide scaffold
Authors: Zhao Xing-Liang , Chen Bi-Cheng , Han Jin-Chao , Wei Lai , Pan Xiao-Ben
Published: November 2015

Delivery to intracellular target sites is still one of the main obstacles in the development of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) as antisense-antigene therapeutics. Here, we designed a self-assembled oligonucleotide scaffold that included a central complementary region for self-assembly and lateral regions complementing the PNAs. Assembly of cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-PNAs on the scaffold significantly promoted endocytosis of PNAs by at least 10-fold in cell cultures, particularly for scaffolds in which the central complementary region was assembled by poly(guanine) and poly(cytosine). The antisense activity of CPP-PNAs increased by assembly on the scaffold and was further enhanced after co-assembly with endosomolytic peptide (EP)-PNA. This synergistic effect was also observed following the assembly of antigene CPP-PNAs\EP-PNAs on the scaffold. However, antigene activity was only observed by targeting episomal viral DNA or transfected plasmids, but not the chromosome in the cell cultures. In conclusion, assembly on oligonucleotide scaffolds significantly enhanced the antisense-antigene activity of PNAs by promoting endocytosis and endosomal escape. This oligonucleotide scaffold provided a simple strategy for assembly of multiple functional peptide-PNA conjugates, expanding the applications of PNAs and demonstrating the potential of PNAs as antiviral therapeutics.
Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide films for UV/vis detection of noble and non-noble metals
Authors: Silina Yuliya E. , Kychmenko Tatiana A. , Koch Marcus
Published: November 2015

In this study, a simple, rapid and inexpensive approach for the screening of heavy metals with photometric reagents was developed based on porous, anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) films, with detection limits of 0.45 mg L−1 (Co2+), 0.25 mg L−1 (Pb2+) and 0.59 mg L−1 (Ni2+).
Control of growth factor binding and release in bisphosphonate functionalized hydrogels guides rapid differentiation of precursor cells in vitro
Authors: Kootala Sujit , Zhang Yu , Ghalib Sara , Tolmachev Vladimir , Hilborn Jöns , Ossipov Dmitri A.
Published: November 2015

Sequestration and active release of BMP-2 in HA-BP hydrogels to precursor cells aid rapid differentiation to osteoblasts.
A 9,9′-spirobi[9H-fluorene]-cored perylenediimide derivative and its application in organic solar cells as a non-fullerene acceptor
Authors: Yi Jinduo , Wang Yiling , Luo Qun , Lin Yi , Tan Hongwei , Wang Hongyu , Ma Chang-Qi
Published: November 2015

A structurally orthogonal molecule (SBF-PDI4) with a 9,9′-spirobi[9H-fluorene] (SBF) core and four perylenediimide (PDI) at periphery was developed for use in polymer solar cells. Proper LUMO energy level (−4.1 eV) and good light absorption ability over 450–550 nm make it an excellent non-fullerene acceptor.
Ligand effects in a heteroleptic bis-tridentate iron(iii) spin crossover complex showing a very high T1/2 value
Authors: Phonsri Wasinee , Martinez Victor , Davies Casey G. , Jameson Guy N. L. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S.
Published: November 2015

The iron(iii) bis-tridentate complex [Fe(3-OMe-SalEen)(thsa)] is the first heteroleptic iron(iii) spin crossover complex and displays a very high T1/2 value and weak thermal hysteresis. Intermolecular structural details are related to the cooperativity features.
The synthesis, structure, and molecular recognition properties of a [2]calix[1]biphenyl-type hybrid[3]arene
Authors: Zhou Jiong , Yang Jie , Hua Bin , Shao Li , Zhang Zhihua , Yu Guocan
Published: November 2015

The first [2]calix[1]biphenyl-type hybrid[3]arene was synthesized. Its molecular recognition was investigated by using 1-dihexylammonium hexafluorophosphate as a guest.
Microsolvation of methylmercury: structures, energies, bonding and NMR constants (199Hg,13C and17O)
Authors: Flórez Edison , Maldonado Alejandro F. , Aucar Gustavo A. , David Jorge , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: November 2015

Hartree–Fock (HF) and second order perturbation theory (MP2) calculations within the scalar and full relativistic frames were carried out in order to determine the equilibrium geometries and interaction energies between cationic methylmercury (CH3Hg+) and up to three water molecules.
Flatbands in 2D boroxine-linked covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Rui-Ning , Zhang Xin-Ran , Wang Shu-Fang , Fu Guang-Sheng , Wang Jiang-Long
Published: November 2015

Density functional calculations have been performed to analyze the electronic and mechanical properties of a number of 2D boroxine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which are experimentally fabricated from di-borate aromatic molecules.
Chloride capping of CdTiO3 for higher crystallinity and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Shah Zameer Hussain , Ge Yuzhen , Lin Xijie , Xiu Jinghai , Zhang Shufen , Lu Rongwen
Published: November 2015

The crystallinity of cadmium titanate (CdTiO3) was greatly improved when synthesized under mild reaction conditions, in the presence of chloride.
On the atomic structure of cocaine in solution
Authors: Johnston Andrew J. , Busch Sebastian , Pardo Luis Carlos , Callear Samantha K. , Biggin Philip C. , McLain Sylvia E.
Published: November 2015

A combination of neutron diffraction and computation has been used to investigate the atomic scale structure of cocaine in aqueous solutions.
How tubular aggregates interact with biomembranes: wrapping, fusion and pearling
Authors: Yue Tongtao , Xu Yan , Sun Mingbin , Zhang Xianren , Huang Fang
Published: November 2015

How soft tubular aggregates interact with biomembranes is crucial for understanding the formation of membrane tubes connecting two eukaryotic cells, which are initially created from one cell and then connect with the other.
Physical state of cellulose in BmimCl: dependence of molar mass on viscoelasticity and sol-gel transition
Authors: Ahn Yongjun , Kwak Seung-Yeop , Song Younghan , Kim Hyungsup
Published: November 2015

Monitoring cellulose depolymerization and phase transition in ionic liquid.
Single molecule detection with graphene and other two-dimensional materials: nanopores and beyond
Authors: Arjmandi-Tash Hadi , Belyaeva Liubov A. , Schneider Grégory F.
Published: November 2015

Graphene and other two dimensional (2D) materials are currently integrated into nanoscaled devices that may – one day – sequence genomes.
Developing and understanding biofluid vibrational spectroscopy: a critical review
Authors: Baker Matthew J. , Hussain Shawn R. , Lovergne Lila , Untereiner Valérie , Hughes Caryn , Lukaszewski Roman A. , Thiéfin Gérard , Sockalingum Ganesh D.
Published: November 2015

Biofluid vibrational spectroscopy, a promising tool for rapid disease diagnosis.
Power generation from nanostructured PbTe-based thermoelectrics: comprehensive development from materials to modules
Authors: Hu Xiaokai , Jood Priyanka , Ohta Michihiro , Kunii Masaru , Nagase Kazuo , Nishiate Hirotaka , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Yamamoto Atsushi
Published: November 2015

In this work, we demonstrate the use of high performance nanostructured PbTe-based materials in high conversion efficiency thermoelectric modules.
Energy saving electrochromic windows from bistable low-HOMO level conjugated polymers
Authors: Shin Haijin , Seo Seogjae , Park Chihyun , Na Jongbeom , Han Minsu , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: November 2015

Energy saving electrochromic windows were achieved by controlling the interfacial charge transfer using low-HOMO level (EHOMO < −5 eV) π-conjugated polymers (CPs) as bistable electrochromic films and an ionic liquid as the electrolyte layer. It provided a long bistability (>90 min) at the voltage-off state with a high coloration efficiency (879 cm2 C−1).
Synthesis of 1,6-hexanediol from HMF over double-layered catalysts of Pd/SiO2 + Ir–ReOx/SiO2 in a fixed-bed reactor
Authors: Xiao Bin , Zheng Mingyuan , Li Xinsheng , Pang Jifeng , Sun Ruiyan , Wang Hua , Pang Xiaoli , Wang Aiqin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2015

1,6-Hexanediol (1,6-HDO) was effectively prepared from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) over double-layered catalysts of Pd/SiO2 + Ir–ReOx/SiO2 in a fixed-bed reactor.
Sputtering processed highly efficient Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells by a low-cost, simple, environmentally friendly, and up-scalable strategy
Authors: Gang Myeng Gil , Shin Seung Wook , Hong Chang Woo , Gurav K. V. , Gwak Jihye , Yun Jae Ho , Lee Jeong Yong , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: November 2015

Earth abundant copper–zinc–tin chalcogenide (CZTSSe) is an emerging material for the development of low cost and sustainable thin film solar cells (TFSCs).
Low cost microfluidic device based on cotton threads for electroanalytical application
Authors: Agustini Deonir , Bergamini Márcio F. , Marcolino-Junior Luiz Humberto
Published: November 2015

A microfluidic thread-based electroanalytical device (μTED) was constructed with extremely low cost materials and a manufacturing process free of equipment, for simultaneous determination of electroactive species by multiple pulse amperometry.
Tailoring the structure and electronic properties of platinum and gold–platinum nanocatalysts towards enhanced O2 activation
Authors: Joshi Krati , Krishnamurty Sailaja
Published: November 2015

The structural designing of a precious metal molecular catalyst by doping is proved to significantly enhance its activity.
The Ireland–Claisen rearrangement strategy towards the synthesis of the schizophrenia drug, (+)-asenapine
Authors: Anugu Raghunath Reddy , Mainkar Prathama S. , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Chandrasekhar Srivari
Published: November 2015

(±)-Asenapine, sold in the market as Saphris/Sycrest for the treatment of bipolar disorders, is synthesized in an optically pure form involving an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement as the key step. This approach allows access to all diastereomers.
α-TOS-based RAFT block copolymers and their NPs for the treatment of cancer
Authors: Palao-Suay Raquel , Aguilar María Rosa , Parra-Ruiz Francisco J. , Maji Samarendra , Hoogenboom Richard , Rohner N. A. , Thomas Susan N. , San Román Julio
Published: November 2015

RAFT block copolymers based on PEG and α-TOS form NPs that selectively inhibits cancer cell proliferation. The structure-properties relation is explored.
DFT perspective toward [3 + 2] annulation reaction of enals with α-ketoamides through NHC and Brønsted acid cooperative catalysis: mechanism, stereoselectivity, and role of NHC
Authors: Wang Yang , Wu Bohua , Zheng Linjie , Wei Donghui , Tang Mingsheng
Published: November 2015

The DFT perspective toward the [3 + 2] annulation reaction through NHC and Brønsted acid cooperative catalysis has been investigated.
Crystal structures and properties of nitrogen oxides under high pressure
Authors: Wang Youchun , Tian Fubo , Lv Yunzhou , Li Da , Duan Defang , Sha Xiaojing , Liu Yunxian , Zhao Zhonglong , Yang Ting , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: November 2015

The new structures of nitrogen oxides that were predicted. All structures are insulators.
n-Butyraldehyde self-condensation catalyzed by Ce-modified γ-Al2O3
Authors: Xiong Chao , Liang Ning , An Hualiang , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: November 2015

Ce–Al2O3 showed an excellent catalytic activity and reusability for the self-condensation of n-butyraldehyde to 2-ethylhexanol. The acid–base property of Ce–Al2O3 other than Ce valence state played a dominant role in its catalytic performance.
Nitro-based selective inhibitors against matrix metalloproteinase-7 over matrix metalloproteinase-1
Authors: Li Mei-Hua , Zhang Yan-Feng , Tian Hong-Rui , Zheng Ming-Hua , Yang Ming-Yang , Fang Hu-Lin , Xie Yu-Zhong , Jin Jing-Yi
Published: November 2015

A series of nitro-based dipeptidic compounds were synthesized and evaluated as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors, with improved selectivity for the inhibition of MMP-7 over MMP-1.
Origins of unique gold-catalysed chemo- and site-selective C–H functionalization of phenols with diazo compounds
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yu Zhunzhun , Zhang John Zenghui , Liu Lu , Xia Fei , Zhang Junliang
Published: November 2015

The origins of unique gold-catalyzed C–H functionalization of phenols with diazo compounds were disclosed by combined computational and experimental studies.
Chemo- and regioselective oxygenation of C(sp3)–H bonds in aliphatic alcohols using a covalently bound directing activator and atmospheric oxygen
Authors: Ozawa Jun , Tashiro Masayuki , Ni Jizhi , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: November 2015

Aerobic, site-selective C(sp3)–H oxygenation using a novel N-oxyl radical directing activator (chemically reactive directing group) is described.
An asymmetric A–B–A′ metallo-supramolecular triblock copolymer linked by Ni2+–bis-terpyridine complexes at one junction
Authors: Li Haixia , Wei Wei , Xiong Huiming
Published: November 2015

Asymmetry in SIS triblock copolymers held by a metallo-supramolecular bond at one junction comes with self-healing elastomer behavior.
A twist-bend nematic to an intercalated, anticlinic, biaxial phase transition in liquid crystal bimesogens
Authors: Mandle Richard J. , Goodby John W.
Published: November 2015

In this article we describe for bimesogens the first observed transition from a “heliconical” twist-bend nematic liquid crystal to a novel biaxial, anticlinic, intercalated lamellar phase.
A core–shell Pd1Ru1Ni2@Pt/C catalyst with a ternary alloy core and Pt monolayer: enhanced activity and stability towards the oxygen reduction reaction by the addition of Ni
Authors: Nan Haoxiong , Tian Xinlong , Luo Junming , Dang Dai , Chen Rong , Liu Lina , Li Xiuhua , Zeng Jianhuang , Liao Shijun
Published: November 2015

A core–shell structured catalyst exhibits high activity and stability.
Flexible full-solid state supercapacitors based on zinc sulfide spheres growing on carbon textile with superior charge storage
Authors: Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Chen Jie , Chen Lin , Xi Yi , Zhang Cuilin , Wan Buyong , Hu Chenguo
Published: November 2015

The pores between spheres provide channels to let electrolyte ions easily reach the reaction sites, while the carbon textile provides easy transportation of electrons. The well-organized spheres with large interfaces create more active sites leading to the efficient insertion–extraction of electrolyte ions into the active material.
Laser induced nucleation of plasmonic nanoparticles on two-dimensional nanosheets for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Sygletou M. , Tzourmpakis P. , Petridis C. , Konios D. , Fotakis C. , Kymakis E. , Stratakis E.
Published: November 2015

A novel top-down and universal optical technique for the effective decoration of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NS), graphene oxide (GO), boron nitride (BN) and tungsten disulfide (WS2), with noble metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is reported.
High-density lipoprotein mimetics: promises and challenges
Authors: Sviridov Dmitri , Remaley Alan T.
Published: November 2015

The concept of lipoprotein mimetics was developed and extensively tested in the last three decades. Most lipoprotein mimetics were designed to recreate one or several functions of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the context of cardiovascular disease; however, the application of this approach is much broader. Lipoprotein mimetics should not just be seen as a set of compounds aimed at replenishing a deficiency or dysfunctionality of individual elements of lipoprotein metabolism but rather as a designer concept with remarkable flexibility and numerous applications in medicine and biology. In the present review, we discuss the fundamental design principles used to create lipoprotein mimetics, mechanisms of their action, medical indications and efficacy in animal models and human studies.
Mathematical models for explaining the Warburg effect: a review focussed on ATP and biomass production
Authors: Schuster Stefan , Boley Daniel , Möller Philip , Stark Heiko , Kaleta Christoph
Published: November 2015

For producing ATP, tumour cells rely on glycolysis leading to lactate to about the same extent as on respiration. Thus, the ATP synthesis flux from glycolysis is considerably higher than in the corresponding healthy cells. This is known as the Warburg effect (named after German biochemist Otto H. Warburg) and also applies to striated muscle cells, activated lymphocytes, microglia, endothelial cells and several other cell types. For similar phenomena in several yeasts and many bacteria, the terms Crabtree effect and overflow metabolism respectively, are used. The Warburg effect is paradoxical at first sight because the molar ATP yield of glycolysis is much lower than that of respiration. Although a straightforward explanation is that glycolysis allows a higher ATP production rate, the question arises why cells do not re-allocate protein to the high-yield pathway of respiration. Mathematical modelling can help explain this phenomenon. Here, we review several models at various scales proposed in the literature for explaining the Warburg effect. These models support the hypothesis that glycolysis allows for a higher proliferation rate due to increased ATP production and precursor supply rates.
Quantifying the ‘escapers’ among RNA species
Authors: Ferro Iolanda , Ignatova Zoya
Published: November 2015

tRNAs are fundamental components of translation and emerging evidence places them more centrally in various other cellular processes. However, rather than being uniformly conserved, tRNA abundance is instead highly variable and adaptable. The amount of tRNA genes greatly differs among species. Moreover, even within the same genome, tRNA abundance shapes the proteome in a tissue- and cell-specific manner and is dynamically regulated in response to stress. Here, we review approaches for identification and quantification of tRNAs and their functional integrity. We discuss the resolution of each method and highlight new approaches with cell-wide resolution based on deep-sequencing technologies.
Translational dysregulation in cancer: eIF4A isoforms and sequence determinants of eIF4A dependence
Authors: Raza Farheen , Waldron Joseph Alexander , Quesne John Le
Published: November 2015

The malignant phenotype is largely the consequence of dysregulated gene expression. Transformed cells depend upon not just a global increase in protein synthesis but an altered translational landscape in which pro-oncogenic mRNAs are translationally up-regulated. Such mRNAs have been shown to possess longer and more structured 5′-UTRs requiring high levels of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) helicase activity for efficient translation. As such there is a developing focus on targeting eIF4A as a cancer therapy. In order for such treatments to be successful, we must develop a detailed understanding of the mechanisms which make specific mRNAs more dependent on eIF4A activity than others. It is also crucial to fully characterize the potentially distinct roles of eIF4A1 and eIF4A2, which until recently were thought to be functionally interchangeable. This review will highlight the recent advances made in this field that address these issues.
Regulation of the expression and activity of Unr in mammalian cells
Authors: Anderson Emma C. , Catnaigh Pól Ó
Published: November 2015

Unr (upstream of N-ras) is a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression, essential for mammalian development and mutated in many human cancers. The expression of unr is itself regulated at many levels; transcription of unr, which also affects expression of the downstream N-ras gene, is tissue and developmental stage-dependent and is repressed by c-Myc and Max (Myc associated factor X). Alternative splicing gives rise to six transcript variants, which include three different 5′-UTRs. The transcripts are further diversified by the use of three alternative polyadenylation signals, which governs whether AU-rich instability elements are present in the 3′-UTR or not. Translation of at least some unr transcripts can occur by internal initiation and is regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent manner; binding of PTB (polypyrimidine tract-binding protein) and Unr to the 5′-UTR inhibits translation, but these are displaced by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins C1/C2 (hnRNPC1/C2) during mitosis to stimulate translation. Finally, Unr is post-translationally modified by phosphorylation and lysine acetylation, although it is not yet known how these modifications affect Unr activity.
Tuning innate immunity by translation
Authors: Rauscher Robert , Ignatova Zoya
Published: November 2015

In multicellular organisms, the epithelia is a contact surface with the surrounding environment and is exposed to a variety of adverse biotic (pathogenic) and abiotic (chemical) factors. Multi-layered pathways that operate on different time scales have evolved to preserve cellular integrity and elicit stress-specific response. Several stress-response programs are activated until a complete elimination of the stress is achieved. The innate immune response, which is triggered by pathogenic invasion, is rather harmful when active over a prolonged time, thus the response follows characteristic oscillatory trajectories. Here, we review different translation programs that function to precisely fine-tune the time at which various components of the innate immune response dwell between active and inactive. We discuss how different pro-inflammatory pathways are co-ordinated to temporally offset single reactions and to achieve an optimal balance between fighting pathogens and being less harmful for healthy cells.
Ccr4–Not is at the core of the eukaryotic gene expression circuitry
Authors: Villanyi Zoltan , Collart Martine A.
Published: November 2015

In this mini-review, we summarize our current knowledge about the cross-talk between the different levels of gene expression. We introduce the Ccr4 (carbon catabolite repressed 4)–Not (negative on TATA-less) complex as a candidate to be a master regulator that orchestrates between the different levels of gene expression. An integrated view of the findings about the Ccr4–Not complex suggests that it is involved in gene expression co-ordination. Since the discovery of the Not proteins in a selection for transcription regulators in yeast [Collart and Struhl (1994) Genes Dev. 8, 525–537], the Ccr4–Not complex has been connected to every step of the mRNA lifecycle. Moreover, it has been found to be relevant for appropriate protein folding and quaternary protein structure by being involved in co-translational protein complex assembly.
Modulation of the cytoplasmic functions of mammalian post-transcriptional regulatory proteins by methylation and acetylation: a key layer of regulation waiting to be uncovered?
Authors: Blee Tajekesa K.P. , Gray Nicola K. , Brook Matthew
Published: November 2015

Post-transcriptional control of gene expression is critical for normal cellular function and viability and many of the proteins that mediate post-transcriptional control are themselves subject to regulation by post-translational modification (PTM), e.g. phosphorylation. However, proteome-wide studies are revealing new complexities in the PTM status of mammalian proteins, in particular large numbers of novel methylated and acetylated residues are being identified. Here we review studied examples of methylation/acetylation-dependent regulation of post-transcriptional regulatory protein (PTRP) function and present collated PTM data that points to the huge potential for regulation of mRNA fate by these PTMs.
Planar meandered‐F‐shaped 4‐element reconfigurable multiple‐input–multiple‐output antenna system with isolation enhancement for cognitive radio platforms
Authors: Hussain Rifaqat , Sharawi Mohammad S.
Published: November 2015

In this study, a novel meandered reconfigurable F‐shaped antenna is presented. The proposed design is a 4‐element, dual mode, multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna system. Frequency agility is achieved using P‐type intrinsic N‐type (PIN) diode switching while frequency tuning is realised using varactor diodes. The proposed design covers wide frequency bands below 1 GHz and is realised on a single substrate. The proposed design is compact and highly suitable to be used in cognitive radio‐based wireless handheld devices. An isolation enhancement technique is applied to reduce the mutual coupling between various MIMO elements. Rectangular defected ground (GND) slots are used to reduce the mutual coupling between horizontally placed antenna elements while staircase type GND plane structure is introduced to enhance the isolation between vertically placed antenna elements. The antenna elements are also evaluated for MIMO performance metrics. The antenna system covers a size of 65 ×120 ×1.56 mm3.
Evaluation of reverse recovery characteristic of silicon carbide metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor intrinsic diode
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Junming , Wu Xinke , Sheng Kuang
Published: November 2015

To use the silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) intrinsic diode as a freewheeling diode in a power converter, its reverse recovery characteristics should be carefully evaluated from the point view of application. The intrinsic diode is based on the p–i–n junction structure, thus the minority carrier will inject into the drift layer during the forward conduction period, which leads to reverse recovery current when it switches off. The turn‐off voltage, forward current, current commutating slope (di/dt) and junction temperature are major factors affecting the turn‐off process of a diode, and are mostly concerned in practical applications. Therefore, in this study, the reverse recovery characteristics of the intrinsic diode are systematically evaluated based on these four factors. The experimental results are presented and discussed. The reverse recovery characteristics of an SiC Schottky barrier diode (SBD) and two types of silicon (Si) p–i–n diode are also presented for a quantitative comparison. In terms of the reverse recovery performance, although not as good as the SiC SBD, the SiC MOSFET intrinsic diode is much better than the Si p–i–n diode.