bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of recent Pacific cooling and Indian Ocean warming on the Asian monsoon
Authors: Ueda Hiroaki , Kamae Youichi , Hayasaki Masamitsu , Kitoh Akio , Watanabe Shigeru , Miki Yurisa , Kumai Atsuki
Published: November 2015

Recent research indicates that the cooling trend in the tropical Pacific Ocean over the past 15 years underlies the contemporaneous hiatus in global mean temperature increase. During the hiatus, the tropical Pacific Ocean displays a La Niña-like cooling pattern while sea surface temperature (SST) in the Indian Ocean has continued to increase. This SST pattern differs from the well-known La Niña-induced basin-wide cooling across the Indian Ocean on the interannual timescale. Here, based on model experiments, we show that the SST pattern during the hiatus explains pronounced regional anomalies of rainfall in the Asian monsoon region and thermodynamic effects due to specific humidity change are secondary. Specifically, Indo-Pacific SST anomalies cause convection to intensify over the tropical western Pacific, which in turn suppresses rainfall in mid-latitude East Asia through atmospheric teleconnection. Overall, the tropical Pacific SST effect opposes and is greater than the Indian Ocean SST effect.
Ultrafast collisional ion heating by electrostatic shocks
Authors: Turrell A. E. , Sherlock M. , Rose S. J.
Published: November 2015

High-intensity lasers can be used to generate shockwaves, which have found applications in nuclear fusion, proton imaging, cancer therapies and materials science. Collisionless electrostatic shocks are one type of shockwave widely studied for applications involving ion acceleration. Here we show a novel mechanism for collisionless electrostatic shocks to heat small amounts of solid density matter to temperatures of ∼keV in tens of femtoseconds. Unusually, electrons play no direct role in the heating and it is the ions that determine the heating rate. Ions are heated due to an interplay between the electric field of the shock, the local density increase during the passage of the shock and collisions between different species of ion. In simulations, these factors combine to produce rapid, localized heating of the lighter ion species. Although the heated volume is modest, this would be one of the fastest heating mechanisms discovered if demonstrated in the laboratory.
Mutagenic consequences of a single G-quadruplex demonstrate mitotic inheritance of DNA replication fork barriers
Authors: Lemmens Bennie , van Schendel Robin , Tijsterman Marcel
Published: November 2015

Faithful DNA replication is vital to prevent disease-causing mutations, chromosomal aberrations and malignant transformation. However, accuracy conflicts with pace and flexibility and cells rely on specialized polymerases and helicases to ensure effective and timely replication of genomes that contain DNA lesions or secondary structures. If and how cells can tolerate a permanent barrier to replication is, however, unknown. Here we show that a single unresolved G-quadruplexed DNA structure can persist through multiple mitotic divisions without changing conformation. Failed replication across a G-quadruplex causes single-strand DNA gaps that give rise to DNA double-strand breaks in subsequent cell divisions, which are processed by polymerase theta (POLQ)-mediated alternative end joining. Lineage tracing experiments further reveal that persistent G-quadruplexes cause genetic heterogeneity during organ development. Our data demonstrate that a single lesion can cause multiple unique genomic rearrangements, and that alternative end joining enables cells to proliferate in the presence of mitotically inherited replication blocks.
Quantification of tumor fluorescence during intraoperative optical cancer imaging
Authors: Judy Ryan P. , Keating Jane J. , DeJesus Elizabeth M. , Jiang Jack X. , Okusanya Olugbenga T. , Nie Shuming , Holt David E. , Arlauckas Sean P. , Low Phillip S. , Delikatny E. James , Singhal Sunil
Published: November 2015

Intraoperative optical cancer imaging is an emerging technology in which surgeons employ fluorophores to visualize tumors, identify tumor-positive margins and lymph nodes containing metastases. This study compares instrumentation to measure tumor fluorescence. Three imaging systems (Spectropen, Glomax, Flocam) measured and quantified fluorescent signal-to-background ratios (SBR) in vitro, murine xenografts, tissue phantoms and clinically. Evaluation criteria included the detection of small changes in fluorescence, sensitivity of signal detection at increasing depths and practicality of use. In vitro, spectroscopy was superior in detecting incremental differences in fluorescence than luminescence and digital imaging (Ln[SBR] = 6.8 ± 0.6, 2.4 ± 0.3, 2.6 ± 0.1, p = 0.0001). In fluorescent tumor cells, digital imaging measured higher SBRs than luminescence (6.1 ± 0.2 vs. 4.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.001). Spectroscopy was more sensitive than luminometry and digital imaging in identifying murine tumor fluorescence (SBR = 41.7 ± 11.5, 5.1 ± 1.8, 4.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.0001) and more sensitive than digital imaging at detecting fluorescence at increasing depths (SBR = 7.0 ± 3.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.03). Lastly, digital imaging was the most practical and least time-consuming. All methods detected incremental differences in fluorescence. Spectroscopy was the most sensitive for small changes in fluorescence. Digital imaging was the most practical considering its wide field of view, background noise filtering capability and sensitivity to increasing depth.
Synergistic Activation of Latent HIV-1 Expression by Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and Bryostatin-1
Authors: Martínez-Bonet Marta , Clemente Maria Isabel , Serramía Maria Jesús , Muñoz Eduardo , Moreno Santiago , Muñoz-Fernández Maria Ángeles
Published: November 2015

Viral reactivation from latently infected cells has become a promising therapeutic approach to eradicate HIV. Due to the complexity of the viral latency, combinations of efficient and available drugs targeting different pathways of latency are needed. In this work, we evaluated the effect of various combinations of bryostatin-1 (BRY) and novel histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) on HIV-reactivation and on cellular phenotype. The lymphocyte (J89GFP) or monocyte/macrophage (THP89GFP) latently infected cell lines were treated with BRY, panobinostat (PNB) and romidepsin (RMD) either alone or in combination. Thus, the effect on the viral reactivation was evaluated. We calculated the combination index for each drug combination; the BRY/HDACIs showed a synergistic HIV-reactivation profile in the majority of the combinations tested, whereas non-synergistic effects were observed when PNB was mixed with RMD. Indeed, the 75% effective concentrations of BRY, PNB and RMD were reduced in these combinations. Moreover, primary CD4 T cells treated with such drug combinations presented similar activation and proliferation profiles in comparison with single drug treated cells. Summing up, combinations between BRY, PNB and/or RMD presented a synergistic profile by inducing virus expression in HIV-latently infected cells, rendering these combinations an attractive novel and safe option for future clinical trials.
Messengers from the deep: Fossil wadsleyite-chromite microstructures from the Mantle Transition Zone
Authors: Satsukawa Takako , Griffin William L. , Piazolo Sandra , O’Reilly Suzanne Y.
Published: November 2015

Investigations of the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ; 410–660 km deep) by deformation experiments and geophysical methods suggest that the MTZ has distinct rheological properties, but their exact cause is still unclear due to the lack of natural samples. Here we present the first direct evidence for crystal-plastic deformation by dislocation creep in the MTZ using a chromitite from the Luobusa peridotite (E. Tibet). Chromite grains show exsolution of diopside and SiO2, suggesting previous equilibration in the MTZ. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis reveals that olivine grains co-existing with exsolved phases inside chromite grains and occurring on chromite grain boundaries have a single pronounced crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). This suggests that olivine preserves the CPO of a high-pressure polymorph (wadsleyite) before the high-pressure polymorph of chromite began to invert and exsolve. Chromite also shows a significant CPO. Thus, the fine-grained high-pressure phases were deformed by dislocation creep in the MTZ. Grain growth in inverted chromite produced an equilibrated microstructure during exhumation to the surface, masking at first sight its MTZ deformation history. These unique observations provide a window into the deep Earth and constraints for interpreting geophysical signals and their geodynamic implications in a geologically robust context.
CalQuo: automated, simultaneous single-cell and population-level quantification of global intracellular Ca2+ responses
Authors: Fritzsche Marco , Fernandes Ricardo A. , Colin-York Huw , Santos Ana M. , Lee Steven F. , Lagerholm B. Christoffer , Davis Simon J. , Eggeling Christian
Published: November 2015

Detecting intracellular calcium signaling with fluorescent calcium indicator dyes is often coupled with microscopy techniques to follow the activation state of non-excitable cells, including lymphocytes. However, the analysis of global intracellular calcium responses both at the single-cell level and in large ensembles simultaneously has yet to be automated. Here, we present a new software package, CalQuo (Calcium Quantification), which allows the automated analysis and simultaneous monitoring of global fluorescent calcium reporter-based signaling responses in up to 1000 single cells per experiment, at temporal resolutions of sub-seconds to seconds. CalQuo quantifies the number and fraction of responding cells, the temporal dependence of calcium signaling and provides global and individual calcium-reporter fluorescence intensity profiles. We demonstrate the utility of the new method by comparing the calcium-based signaling responses of genetically manipulated human lymphocytic cell lines.
Quasi suppression of higher-order diffractions with inclined rectangular apertures gratings
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Zhu Xiaoli , Gao Yulin , Zhang Wenhai , Fan Quanping , Wei Lai , Yang Zuhua , Zhang Qiangqiang , Qian Feng , Chen Yong , He Weihua , Wu Yinzhong , Yan Zhuoyang , Hua Yilei , Zhao Yidong , Cui Mingqi , Qiu Rong , Zhou Weimin , Gu Yuqiu , Zhang Baohan , Xie Changqing , Cao Leifeng
Published: November 2015

Advances in the fundamentals and applications of diffraction gratings have received much attention. However, conventional diffraction gratings often suffer from higher-order diffraction contamination. Here, we introduce a simple and compact single optical element, named inclined rectangular aperture gratings (IRAG), for quasi suppression of higher-order diffractions. We show, both in the visible light and soft x-ray regions, that IRAG can significantly suppress higher-order diffractions with moderate diffraction efficiency. Especially, as no support strut is needed to maintain the free-standing patterns, the IRAG is highly advantageous to the extreme-ultraviolet and soft x-ray regions. The diffraction efficiency of the IRAG and the influences of fabrication constraints are also discussed. The unique quasi-single order diffraction properties of IRAG may open the door to a wide range of photonic applications.
Dynamic interplay of multidrug transporters with TolC for isoprenol tolerance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Chonglong , Yang Liyang , Shah Asad Ali , Choi Eui-Sung , Kim Seon-Won
Published: November 2015

Engineering of efflux pumps is a promising way to improve host’s tolerance to biofuels such as medium-chain alcohols (CmOHs); however, this strategy is restricted by poor understanding of the efflux pumps engaged in extrusion of solvents. In this study, several Escherichia coli mutants of multidrug transporters were evaluated for isoprenol tolerance. Susceptible phenotypes were observed in the mutants with individual deletion of six transporters, AcrD, EmrAB, MacAB, MdtBC, MdtJI and YdiM, whereas inactivation of AcrAB transporter resulted in an improved tolerance to isoprenol and other CmOHs. AcrAB is the major transporter forming tripartite transperiplasmic complex with outer membrane channel TolC for direct extrusion of toxic molecules in E. coli. The AcrAB inactivation enables to enhance TolC availability for the multidrug transporters associated with extrusion of CmOHs and increase the tolerance to CmOHs including isoprenol. It is assumed that outer membrane channel TolC plays an important role in extrusion of isoprenol and other CmOHs.
CD4+CD25+ cells in multiple myeloma related renal impairment
Authors: Huang Hongdong , Luo Yang , Liang Yumei , Long Xi-Dai , Peng Youming , Liu Zhihua , Wen Xiaojun , Jia Meng , Tian Ru , Bai Chengli , Li Cui , Dong Xiaoqun
Published: November 2015

CD4+CD25+ cells are critical regulators in almost all of the animal models of human organ-specific autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and allergic diseases. We aimed to explore the role of CD4+CD25+ cells in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) related renal impairment (RI). Thirty patients with MM related RI and 30 healthy volunteers were studied. The number of CD4+CD25+ cells was examined by flow cytometry. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from each subject. Glomerular injury was assessed by histopathology. Serum IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 were analyzed by ELISA. CD4+CD25+ cells significantly decreased in MM related RI patients compared to the controls (P<0.05). CD4+CD25+ cell number was negatively associated with blood urea nitrogen (BUN), supernatant IL-4, serum IL-6, monoclonal immunoglobulin and β2-microglobulin, as well as bone marrow plasma cell percentage and proteinuria; whereas positively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (all P < 0.05). CD4+CD25+ cells gradually decreased as the Clinic Stage increased. The number of CD4+CD25+ cells reduced in MM related RI patients and was correlated with disease severity. CD4+CD25+ cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MM related RI.
Optimally conductive networks in randomly dispersed CNT:graphene hybrids
Authors: Shim Wonbo , Kwon Youbin , Jeon Seung-Yeol , Yu Woong-Ryeol
Published: November 2015

A predictive model is proposed that quantitatively describes the synergistic behavior of the electrical conductivities of CNTs and graphene in CNT:graphene hybrids. The number of CNT-to-CNT, graphene-to-graphene and graphene-to-CNT contacts is calculated assuming a random distribution of CNTs and graphene particles in the hybrids and using an orientation density function. Calculations reveal that the total number of contacts reaches a maximum at a specific composition and depends on the particle sizes of the graphene and CNTs. The hybrids, prepared using inkjet printing, are distinguished by higher electrical conductivities than that of 100% CNT or graphene at certain composition ratios. These experimental results provide strong evidence that this approach involving constituent element contacts is suitable for investigating the properties of particulate hybrid materials.
Environment- and eye-centered inhibitory cueing effects are both observed after a methodological confound is eliminated
Authors: He Tao , Ding Yun , Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2015

Inhibition of return (IOR), typically explored in cueing paradigms, is a performance cost associated with previously attended locations and has been suggested as a crucial attentional mechanism that biases orientation towards novelty. In their seminal IOR paper, Posner and Cohen (1984) showed that IOR is coded in spatiotopic or environment-centered coordinates. Recent studies, however, have consistently reported IOR effects in both spatiotopic and retinotopic (eye-centered) coordinates. One overlooked methodological confound of all previous studies is that the spatial gradient of IOR is not considered when selecting the baseline for estimating IOR effects. This methodological issue makes it difficult to tell if the IOR effects reported in previous studies were coded in retinotopic or spatiotopic coordinates, or in both. The present study addresses this issue with the incorporation of no-cue trials to a modified cueing paradigm in which the cue and target are always intervened by a gaze-shift. The results revealed that a) IOR is indeed coded in both spatiotopic and retinotopic coordinates and b) the methodology of previous work may have underestimated spatiotopic and retinotopic IOR effects.
Large diurnal temperature range increases bird sensitivity to climate change
Authors: Briga Michael , Verhulst Simon
Published: November 2015

Climate variability is changing on multiple temporal scales and little is known of the consequences of increases in short-term variability, particularly in endotherms. Using mortality data with high temporal resolution of zebra finches living in large outdoor aviaries (5 years, 359.220 bird-days), we show that mortality rate increases almost two-fold per 1°C increase in diurnal temperature range (DTR). Interestingly, the DTR effect differed between two groups with low versus high experimentally manipulated foraging costs, reflecting a typical laboratory ‘easy’ foraging environment and a ‘hard’ semi-natural environment respectively. DTR increased mortality on days withlowminimum temperature in the easy foraging environment, but on days withhighminimum temperature in the semi-natural environment. Thus, in a natural environment DTR effects will become increasingly important in a warming world, something not detectable in an ‘easy’ laboratory environment. These effects were particularly apparent at young ages. Critical time window analyses showed that the effect of DTR on mortality is delayed up to three months, while effects of minimum temperature occurred within a week. These results show that daily temperature variability can substantially impact the population viability of endothermic species.
A novel resource for studying function and dysfunction of α-synuclein: mouse lines for modulation of endogenous Snca gene expression
Authors: Ninkina Natalia , Connor-Robson Natalie , Ustyugov Alexey A. , Tarasova Tatiana V. , Shelkovnikova Tatyana A. , Buchman Vladimir L.
Published: November 2015

Pathological modification of α-synuclein is believed to be an important event in pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases. In normal cells this protein has been linked to many intracellular processes and pathways. However, neither normal function of α-synuclein in neuronal and certain other types of cells nor its exact role in the disease pathogenesis is well understood, which is largely due to limitations of animal models used for studying this protein. We produced and validated several novel mouse lines for manipulating expression of the endogenousSncagene coding for α-synuclein. These include a line for conditional Cre-recombinase-driven inactivation of the gene; a line for conditional Flp-driven restoration of a neo-cassete-blocked α-synuclein expression; a new line with a “clean” constituent knockout of the gene as well as a line carrying this knockout locus andRosa26-stop-lacZreporter locus linked at the same mouse chromosome 6. Altogether these lines represent a set of new useful tools for studies of α-synuclein normal function and the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis.
We should be using nonlinear indices when relating heart-rate dynamics to cognition and mood
Authors: Young Hayley , Benton David
Published: November 2015

Both heart rate (HR) and brain functioning involve the integrated output of a multitude of regulatory mechanisms, that are not quantified adequately by linear approximations such as means and standard deviations. It was therefore considered whether non-linear measures of HR complexity are more strongly associated with cognition and mood. Whilst resting, the inter-beat (R-R) time series of twenty-one males and twenty-four females were measured for five minutes. The data were summarised using time, frequency and nonlinear complexity measures. Attention, memory, reaction times, mood and cortisol levels were assessed. Nonlinear HR indices captured additional information, enabling a greater percentage of the variance in behaviour to be explained. On occasions non-linear indices were related to aspects for behaviour, for example focused attention and cortisol production, when time or frequency indices were not. These effects were sexually dimorphic with HR complexity being more strongly associated with the behaviour of females. It was concluded that nonlinear rather than linear methods of summarizing the HR times series offers a novel way of relating brain functioning and behaviour. It should be considered whether non-linear measures of HR complexity can be used as a biomarker of the integrated functioning of the brain.
Efficient Generation of Myostatin Mutations in Pigs Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Wang Kankan , Ouyang Hongsheng , Xie Zicong , Yao Chaogang , Guo Nannan , Li Mengjing , Jiao Huping , Pang Daxin
Published: November 2015

Genetically modified pigs are increasingly used for biomedical and agricultural applications. The efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system holds great promise for the generation of gene-targeting pigs without selection marker genes. In this study, we aimed to disrupt the porcine myostatin (MSTN) gene, which functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth. The transfection efficiency of porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs) was improved to facilitate the targeting of Cas9/gRNA. We also demonstrated that Cas9/gRNA can induce non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), long fragment deletions/inversions and homology-directed repair (HDR) at the MSTN locus of PFFs. Single-cell MSTN knockout colonies were used to generate cloned pigs via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which resulted in 8 marker-gene-free cloned pigs with biallelic mutations. Some of the piglets showed obvious intermuscular grooves and enlarged tongues, which are characteristic of the double muscling (DM) phenotype. The protein level of MSTN was decreased in the mutant cloned pigs compared with the wild-type controls and the mRNA levels of MSTN and related signaling pathway factors were also analyzed. Finally, we carefully assessed off-target mutations in the cloned pigs. The gene editing platform used in this study can efficiently generate genetically modified pigs with biological safety.
Akkermansia muciniphila inversely correlates with the onset of inflammation, altered adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic disorders during obesity in mice
Authors: Schneeberger Marc , Everard Amandine , Gómez-Valadés Alicia G. , Matamoros Sébastien , Ramírez Sara , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Gomis Ramon , Claret Marc , Cani Patrice D.
Published: November 2015

Recent evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Indeed, diet-induced obesity (DIO) has been associated to substantial changes in gut microbiota composition in rodent models. In the context of obesity, enhanced adiposity is accompanied by low-grade inflammation of this tissue but the exact link with gut microbial community remains unknown. In this report, we studied the consequences of high-fat diet (HFD) administration on metabolic parameters and gut microbiota composition over different periods of time. We found that Akkermansia muciniphila abundance was strongly and negatively affected by age and HFD feeding and to a lower extend Bilophila wadsworthia was the only taxa following an opposite trend. Different approaches, including multifactorial analysis, showed that these changes in Akkermansia muciniphila were robustly correlated with the expression of lipid metabolism and inflammation markers in adipose tissue, as well as several circulating parameters (i.e., glucose, insulin, triglycerides, leptin) from DIO mice. Thus, our data shows the existence of a link between gut Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and adipose tissue homeostasis on the onset of obesity, thus reinforcing the beneficial role of this bacterium on metabolism.
Layered polymeric nitrogen in RbN3 at high pressures
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Li Jianfu , Xu Ning , Zhu Hongyang , Hu Ziyu , Chen Li
Published: November 2015

The structural evolutionary behaviors of nitrogen in RbN3 have been studied up to 300 GPa using a particle swarm optimization structure searching method combined with density functional calculations. Three stable new phases with P-1, P6/mmm and C2/m structure at pressure of 30, 50 and 200 GPa are identified for the first time. The analysis of the crystal structures of three new predicated phases reveals that the transition of N3− ions goes from linear molecules to polymeric chains, benzene-like rings and then to polymeric layers induced by pressure. The electronic structures of three predicted phases reveal that the structural changes are accompanied and driven by the change of orbital hybridization of N atoms from sp to sp2 and finally to partial sp3. Most interestingly, the Rb atoms show obvious transition metal-like properties through the occupation of 4d orbitals in high-pressure phases. Moreover, the Rb atoms are characterized by strong hybridization between 4d orbitals of Rb and 2p orbitals of N in C2/m structure. Our studies complete the structural evolution of RbN3 under pressure and reveal for the first time that the Rb atoms in rubidium nitride possess transition element-like properties under pressure.
Charge site assignment in native proteins by ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) mass spectrometry
Authors: Morrison Lindsay J. , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: November 2015

Characterization of all gas-phase charge sites of natively sprayed proteins and peptides is demonstrated using 193 nm UVPD.
A strategy for quality control of the fruits of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt based on antioxidant activity and fingerprint analysis
Authors: Song Tingting , Liu Lijuan
Published: November 2015

A strategy for quality control of the fruits of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt based on antioxidant activity and fingerprint analysis.
A validated chemiluminescence immunoassay for methotrexate (MTX) and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Song Zhaorui , Wang Yufen , Dong Yaqing , Xu Kun , Long Hao , Deng Chuan , Yin Yongmei , Eremin Sergei A. , Meng Meng , Xi Rimo
Published: November 2015

Polyclonal antibodies for anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) were originally produced, and a chemiluminescence immunoassay was developed for plasma MTX determination.
Electrochemical preparation of a three dimensional PEDOT–CuxO hybrid for enhanced oxidation and sensitive detection of hydrazine
Authors: Xu Fugang , Liu Ying , Xie Shi , Wang Li
Published: November 2015

In this study, a sensitive hydrazine sensor based on CuxO decorated three dimensional poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) (3D-PEDOT) was developed.
Detection of prohibited treatment products on racing tires using headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: Kranz W. D. , Carroll C. J. , Goodpaster J. V.
Published: November 2015

A variety of commercial tire treatments are available that purport to help automobile tires better cling to the surface of a road or racetrack, raising concerns in the professional racing community that such products might be used to illicitly boost performance in competitive events.
Design of amine-functionalized metal–organic frameworks for CO2 separation: the more amine, the better?
Authors: Qiao Zhiwei , Wang Nanyi , Jiang Jianwen , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2015

A total of 41 825 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were computationally screened toward the design of amine-functionalized MOFs for CO2 separation.
Influence of a curcumin derivative on hIAPP aggregation in the absence and presence of lipid membranes
Authors: Pithadia Amit S. , Bhunia Anirban , Sribalan Rajendran , Padmini Vediappen , Fierke Carol A. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: November 2015

The deposition of aggregates of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) has been correlated with the death of β-cells in type II diabetes mellitus.
A novel multi-stimuli responsive gelator based on d-gluconic acetal and its potential applications
Authors: Guan Xidong , Fan Kaiqi , Gao Tongyang , Ma Anping , Zhang Bao , Song Jian
Published: November 2015

The goal of integrating multi-stimuli responsiveness and versatile applications into a single organogelator is achieved.
Tetranitratoethane
Authors: Fischer Dennis , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: November 2015

Tetranitratoethane (C2H2N4O12), which has an oxygen content of 70.1% was synthesized by nitration of monomeric glyoxal using N2O5 and purified by sublimation.
Crystal structure of disordered nanocrystalline αII-quinacridone determined by electron diffraction
Authors: Gorelik T. E. , Czech C. , Hammer S. M. , Schmidt M. U.
Published: November 2015

The nanocrystalline αII-phase of the industrially produced organic pigment quinacridone was studied by 3D electron diffraction. The average crystal structure was obtained directly from the data and validated by energy minimization. A model describing the experimentally observed diffuse scattering was proposed.
Ameliorated synthetic methodology for crystalline lanthanoid–metalloporphyrin open frameworks based on a multitopic octacarboxy-porphyrin scaffold: structural, gas sorption and photophysical properties
Authors: Tripuramallu Bharat Kumar , Titi Hatem M. , Roy Sadipan , Verma Roli , Goldberg Israel
Published: November 2015

A novel synthetic methodology has been applied to obtain sizeable single crystals of wide-pore porphyrin-based MOFs.
Mechanoelectrochemistry of PPy(DBS) from correlated characterization of electrochemical response and extensional strain
Authors: Northcutt Robert G. , Sundaresan Vishnu-Baba
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates nanostructured morphology-dependent charge storage and coupled mechanical strain of polypyrrole membranes doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonate (PPy(DBS)).
Hydrogen-bonded 4H-1-benzopyrane-4-thione–water complexes properties in the S2 excited state: the mechanism and dynamics of deactivation
Authors: Krystkowiak E. , Bachorz R. A. , Maciejewski A.
Published: November 2015

Unexpected results of spectral emission and photophysical study of S2-excited 4H-1-benzopyrane-4-thione (BPT) in water solution were explained by intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
A simulation study of the electrostriction effects in dielectric elastomer composites containing polarizable inclusions with different spatial distributions
Authors: Allahyarov Elshad , Löwen Hartmut , Zhu Lei
Published: November 2015

Controlled actuation of electroactive polymers with embedded high dielectric nanoparticles is theoretically analyzed.
Assembly of single molecular magnets from dinuclear to 2D Dy-compounds with significant change of relaxation energy barriers
Authors: Chen Zhi , Fang Ming , Kang Xiao-Min , Hou Yin-Ling , Zhao Bin
Published: November 2015

A dinuclear Dy SMM was assembled into a 2D network by adding a carboxyl group on the ligand, and the assembly effectively tunes the relaxation energy barrier from 21(1) to 68(2) K.
Complexation of U(vi) with benzoic acid at variable temperatures (298–353 K): thermodynamics and crystal structures of U(vi)/benzoate complexes
Authors: Yang Yanqiu , Teat Simon J. , Zhang Zhicheng , Luo Shunzhong , Rao Linfeng
Published: November 2015

Thermodynamics of the U(vi) complexation with benzoic acid was studied by spectrophotometry at varied temperatures (298–353 K). A new μ3-OH bridged U(vi)/benzoate complex crystal was synthesized, and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry.
2,4,6-Triphenylphosphinine and 2,4,6-triphenylposphabarrelene revisited: synthesis, reactivity and coordination chemistry
Authors: Rigo M. , Sklorz J. A. W. , Hatje N. , Noack F. , Weber M. , Wiecko J. , Müller C.
Published: November 2015

Important aspects of the synthesis, reactivity and coordination chemistry of 2,4,6-triphenylphosphinine and 2,4,6-triphenylphosphabarrelene have been revisited.
Homochiral mononuclear Dy-Schiff base complexes showing field-induced double magnetic relaxation processes
Authors: Ren Min , Xu Zhong-Li , Wang Ting-Ting , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Ze-Hua , Zhang Zai-Chao , Zheng Li-Min
Published: November 2015

Homochiral mononuclear complexes (Et3NH)[Dy((R,R)/(S,S)-3-NO2salcy)2] (1R/1S), where 3-NO2salcyH2 is N,N′-(1,2-cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(3-nitrosalicylideneiminato), are reported, and their optical and magnetic behaviors are studied.
Crystal-to-crystal transformation from a chain compound to a layered coordination polymer
Authors: Shi Jinbiao , Zhang Yan , Zhang Bin , Zhu Daoben
Published: November 2015

Crystal-to-crystal transformation from a chain compound CuBr2(1,4-dioxane)2(H2O)2 to a layered coordination polymer (CuBr2)3(1,4-dioxane)2 was observed with changes of crystal colour, cell parameters, space group, crystal structure, coordination environments of Cu2+, and enhanced antiferromagnetic interaction.
Hydrogen atom transfer reactions of ferrate(vi) with phenols and hydroquinone. Correlation of rate constants with bond strengths and application of the Marcus cross relation
Authors: Xie Jianhui , Ma Li , Lam William W. Y. , Lau Kai-Chung , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: November 2015

The oxidation of phenols (X-CH6H4OH) and hydroquinone (H2Q) by HFeO4− proceeds via a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism. The Marcus cross relation can be used to predict the rate constant of HAT from H2Q to HFeO4−.
To mitigate self-discharge of lithium–sulfur batteries by optimizing ionic liquid electrolytes
Authors: Wang Lina , Liu Jingyuan , Yuan Shouyi , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: November 2015

Here we demonstrate pronounced suppression of self-discharge using an ionic liquid of N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based electrolytes for Li–S batteries.
Polyethylenimine promoted electrocatalytic reduction of CO2to CO in aqueous medium by graphene-supported amorphous molybdenum sulphide
Authors: Li Fengwang , Zhao Shu-Feng , Chen Lu , Khan Azam , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2015

Amorphous molybdenum sulphide immobilized on polyethylenimine modified reduced graphene oxide can catalyse the electroreduction of CO2to CO or “syngas” in aqueous media with high efficiency.
Phase-selective laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of metal-oxide nanoparticle aerosols with secondary resonant excitation during flame synthesis
Authors: Xiong Gang , Li Shuiqing , Zhang Yiyang , Buckley Steven G. , Tse Stephen D.
Published: November 2015

Phase-selective LIBS with secondary resonant excitation demonstrates strongly-enhanced emission in the in situ study of flame synthesis of titania nanoparticles.
Structural hybridization of three aminoglycoside antibiotics yields a potent broad-spectrum bactericide that eludes bacterial resistance enzymes
Authors: Maianti Juan Pablo , Hanessian Stephen
Published: November 2015

Systematically blending structural features from obsolete aminoglycosides gleaned from X-ray co-crystal models rendered a promising antibiotic inert to enzymatic modification.
Defining the metal binding pathways of human metallothionein 1a: balancing zinc availability and cadmium seclusion
Authors: Irvine Gordon W. , Pinter Tyler B. J. , Stillman Martin J.
Published: November 2015

There are two competing pathways for the metalation of metallothionein MT1a by zinc and cadmium – a beaded pathway and a clustered pathway – adopted as a function of pH.
Synthesis of D–D–A-type small organic molecules with an enlarged linker system towards organic solar cells and the effect of co-adsorbents on cell performance
Authors: Kumavat Priyanka P. , Baviskar Prashant K. , Sankapal Babasaheb R. , Dalal Dipak S.
Published: November 2015

The synthesis of two D–D–A type novel small molecules and their applications in organic solar cells have been studied.
Combined flame and solution synthesis of nanoscale tungsten–oxide and zinc/tin–oxide heterostructures
Authors: Dong Zhizhong , Huo Di , Kear Bernard H. , Tse Stephen D.
Published: November 2015

Heterostructures of WO2.9 nanowires decorated with hexagonal ZnO nano-polyhedrons, Zn2SnO4 (ZTO) nanocubes, and SnO2 nanoparticles.
Specific detection of the cleavage activity of mycobacterial enzymes using a quantum dot based DNA nanosensor
Authors: Jepsen Morten Leth , Harmsen Charlotte , Godbole Adwait Anand , Nagaraja Valakunja , Knudsen Birgitta R. , Ho Yi-Ping
Published: November 2015

We present a novel quantum dot based DNA nanosensor for rapid and specific identification of essential bacterial enzymes, mycobacterial topoisomerases.
A versatile approach to flavones via a one-pot Pd(ii)-catalyzed dehydrogenation/oxidative boron-Heck coupling sequence of chromanones
Authors: Lee Jun , Yu Jihyun , Son Seung Hwan , Heo Jinyuk , Kim Taelim , An Ji-Young , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Nam-Jung
Published: November 2015

A variety of flavones were expediently synthesized from readily accessible chromanones via a one-pot sequence involving Pd(ii)-catalyzed dehydrogenation and oxidative boron-Heck coupling with arylboronic acid pinacol esters.
Highly stretchable composites from PDMS and polyazomethine fine particles
Authors: Racles C. , Musteata V. E. , Bele A. , Dascalu M. , Tugui C. , Matricala A. L.
Published: November 2015

Polyazomethine fine particles are obtained in reverse micelles of a siloxane surfactant and used as a dispersed phase in PDMS to afford materials with improved and tunable electric and mechanical properties.
Synthesis of endoperoxides by domino reactions of ketones and molecular oxygen
Authors: Novkovic L. , Trmcic M. , Rodic M. , Bihelovic F. , Zlatar M. , Matovic R. , Saicic R. N.
Published: November 2015

Domino reactions of ketones with molecular oxygen in the presence of potassium hydroxide and potassiumt-butoxide afford cyclic hydroperoxy acetals (3,5-dihydroxy-1,2-dioxanes).
Synthesis of levulinic acid-based polyol ester and its influence on tribological behavior as a potential lubricant
Authors: Ji Hairui , Wang Bingwu , Zhang Xu , Tan Tianwei
Published: November 2015

Levulinic acid (LA) was used to prepare lubricant base stocks by esterification with three different polyols including neopentyl glycol (NPG), trimethylolpropane (TMP), and pentaerythritol (PE) in the presence of sulfuric acid.
Synthesis of a new 18F labeled porphyrin for potential application in positron emission tomography. In vivo imaging and cellular uptake
Authors: Simões Ana V. C. , Pinto Sara M. A. , Calvete Mário J. F. , Gomes Célia M. F. , Ferreira Nuno C. , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Llop Jordi , Pereira Mariette M. , Abrunhosa Antero J.
Published: November 2015

Synthesis, labeling and initial biodistribution studies of a new [18F] radiolabeled meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (radiochemical purity >95%). Includes human bladder tumor cell uptake and biodistribution data.
Morphological evolution of noble metal nanoparticles in chloroform: mechanism of switching on/off by protic species
Authors: Douglas-Gallardo O. A. , Gomez C. G. , Macchione M. A. , Cometto F. P. , Coronado E. A. , Macagno V. A. , Pérez M. A.
Published: November 2015

The morphological stability/morphological reshaping of noble metal nanoparticles are studied experimentally in order to unravel the chemical mechanisms lying beneath.
Fabrication of translucent nanoceramics via a simple filtration method
Authors: Cai Yixiao , Chen Song , Grandfield Kathryn , Engqvist Håkan , Xia Wei
Published: November 2015

Translucent nano-ceramics fabricated by a simple filtration method followed by a regular sintering process. The key factors are the morphology of nanoparticles and pressure of filtration.
Temperature-dependent oil absorption of poly(oxypropylene)amine-intercalated clays for environmental remediation
Authors: Liao C. Y. , Chiou J. Y. , Lin J. J.
Published: November 2015

Highly efficient absorption of crude oil by organoclays, which clearly separate from water via LCAT.
Radiation crosslinked blends based on an ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) and polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) rubber with special reference to the optimization of processing parameters
Authors: R Padmanabhan , Naskar Kinsuk , Nando Golok B.
Published: November 2015

Transformation of morphology of EOC : PDMS blends with the change in processing parameters.
Photoelectrocatalytic activity of flexible PEDOT–PSS/silicon carbide nanowire films
Authors: Liao Xin , Liu Zhaoxiang , Ding Lijuan , Chen Jianjun , Tang Weihua
Published: November 2015

A novel laterally bridged SiC nanowire network and PEDOT/PSS film composite structure were constructed and characterized by photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical methods.
On water synthesis of pyran–chromenes via a multicomponent reactions catalyzed by fluorescent t-ZrO2nanoparticles
Authors: Saha Arijit , Payra Soumen , Banerjee Subhash
Published: November 2015

Here, we have reported multicomponent synthesis of diverse pyran fused chromenes namely 2-aminochromene, dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromene, and chromeno[4,3-b]chromene derivatives using fluorescentt-ZrO2nanoparticles as reusable catalyst in water.
Biomaterial functionalized graphene oxides with tunable work function for high sensitive organic photodetectors
Authors: Hu Zhimei , Li Chi , Nie Riming , Li Yan-Qing , Tang Jian-Xin , Deng Xianyu
Published: November 2015

Amino acid functionalized graphene acts as an ideal material for transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic devices attributed to its tunable work function, excellent electrical conductivity and optical transparency.
Three-dimensional ordered macroporous In2O3-supported Au for high-performance ethanol sensing
Authors: Gu Fubo , Nie Rui , Tian Ziwei , Han Dongmei , Wang Zhihua
Published: November 2015

Au loaded three-dimensional ordered macroporous In2O3 was synthesized, and exhibited high ethanol sensitivity, improved selectivity and good reproducibility.
Aluminium borate whiskers grafted with boric acid containing poly(ether ether ketone) as a reinforcing agent for the preparation of poly(ether ether ketone) composites
Authors: Wang Yongpeng , Liu Mengzhu , Sun Yang , Shang Yingshuang , Jiang Bo , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: November 2015

A new soluble boron-containing poly(ether ether ketone) (B-PEEK) was synthesized through iridium-catalyzed C–H borylation and grafted on the surface of aluminum borate whiskers as the coupling agent between the whiskers and PEEK matrix.
Dramatic activity of a Bi2WO6@g-C3N4 photocatalyst with a core@shell structure
Authors: Liu Li , Qi Yuehong , Lu Jinrong , Lin Shuanglong , An Weijia , Hu Jinshan , Liang Yinghua , Cui Wenquan
Published: November 2015

Here we report a Bi2WO6@g-C3N4 core@shell structure which was prepared by a combined ultrasonication–chemisorption method with enhanced photocatalytic degradation.
Additive-free 1,4-butanediol mediated synthesis: a suitable route to obtain nanostructured, mesoporous spherical zinc oxide materials with multifunctional properties
Authors: Visinescu Diana , Scurtu Mariana , Negrea Raluca , Birjega Ruxandra , Culita Daniela C. , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Draghici Constantin , Moreno Jose Calderon , Musuc Adina Magdalena , Balint Ioan , Carp Oana
Published: November 2015

A family of mesoporous, self-aggregated zinc oxide materials with spherical morphologies of high crystalline quality, is obtained through a facile, additive-free polyol procedure.
Dual roles of iron powder on the synthesis of LiFePO4@C/graphene cathode a nanocomposite for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Tiefeng , Qiu Jingxia , Wang Bo , Wang Yazhou , Wang Dianlong , Zhang Shanqing
Published: November 2015

Robust, conductive, and cost-effective LiFePO4@C/graphene composites are critical in the production of high performance LiFePO4 lithium ion batteries.
Investigation of the substitution effect on poly(bis-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene methine)s through solid state polymerization
Authors: Peng Kai , Pei Tong , Li Zhaoxiang , Huang Lili , Xia Jiangbin
Published: November 2015

EDOT–CH(R)–EDOT was chosen as a prototype model monomer for solid state polymerization (SSP). The aromatic moieties were first introduced in the branch chain in the polymer matrix.
Concordantly fabricated heterojunction ZnO–TiO2 nanocomposite electrodes via a co-precipitation method for efficient stable quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Shalan Ahmed Esmail , Mourtada Elseman Ahmed , Rasly Mahmoud , Moharam Marwa M. , Lira-Cantu Monica , Rashad Mohamed M.
Published: November 2015

ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposites supported on an FTO substrate are used as the photoanode electrode for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.
Colloidal synthesis of marcasite FeS2 nanoparticles with improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Li Tingting , Guo Zuoxing , Li Xiaoying , Wu Zhennan , Zhang Kuo , Liu Huiwen , Sun Haizhu , Liu Yi , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2015

Marcasite FeS2 nanoparticles are synthesized in a colloidal solution, and present better lithium ion storage and charge–discharge performance than previous iron sulfides as the anode materials in lithium ion battery application.
Relevance of saddle-splay elasticity in complex nematic geometries
Authors: Kos Žiga , Ravnik Miha
Published: November 2015

Saddle-splay elastic interaction can notably affect the orientational ordering of nematic fluids in distinct regimes, including patterned geometries and complex-shaped colloids.
Enhancing the crystallization and optimizing the orientation of perovskite films via controlling nucleation dynamics
Authors: Liang Qiuju , Liu Jiangang , Cheng Zhongkai , Li Yan , Chen Liang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Jidong , Han Yanchun
Published: November 2015

Here, the perovskite nucleation process was controlled, producing films with optimized morphology and crystal orientation via the application of selective solvent annealing.
Substituent position engineering of diphenylquinoline-based Ir(iii) complexes for efficient orange and white PhOLEDs with high color stability/low efficiency roll-off using a solution-processed emission layer
Authors: Sarada Ganguri , Yoon Juho , Cho Woosum , Cho Minji , Cho Daw Won , Kang Sang Ook , Nam Yeonsig , Lee Jin Yong , Jin Sung-Ho
Published: November 2015

The location of –CF3 group on 2,4-diphenylquinoline based Ir(iii) complexes is key for attaining high performance in solution-processed PhOLEDs.
Insights into Ba4Si6O16 structure and photoluminescence tuning of Ba4Si6O16:Ce3+,Eu2+ phosphors
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Xia Zhiguo , Molokeev Maxim S. , Liu Quanlin
Published: November 2015

An investigation of the structure and photoluminescence tuning of Ce3+/Li+,Eu2+ singly-doped and Ce3+/Li+/Eu2+-co-doped Ba4Si6O16 phosphors has been undertaken.
Division of labour: how does folate metabolism partition between one-carbon metabolism and amino acid oxidation?
Authors: Brosnan Margaret E. , MacMillan Luke , Stevens Jennifer R. , Brosnan John T.
Published: November 2015

One-carbon metabolism is usually represented as having three canonical functions: purine synthesis, thymidylate synthesis and methylation reactions. There is however a fourth major function: the metabolism of some amino acids (serine, glycine, tryptophan and histidine), as well as choline. These substrates can provide cells with more one-carbon groups than they need for these three canonical functions. Therefore, there must be mechanisms for the disposal of these one-carbon groups (when in excess) which maintain the complement of these groups required for the canonical functions. The key enzyme for these mechanisms is 10-formyl-THF (tetrahydrofolate) dehydrogenase (both mitochondrial and cytoplasmic isoforms) which oxidizes the formyl group to CO2 with the attendant reduction of NADP+ to NADPH and release of THF. In addition to oxidizing the excess of these compounds, this process can reduce substantial quantities of NADP+ to NADPH.