bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect glycerol transporters evolved by functional co-option and gene replacement
Authors: Finn Roderick Nigel , Chauvigné François , Stavang Jon Anders , Belles Xavier , Cerdà Joan
Published: July 2015

Transmembrane glycerol transport is typically facilitated by aquaglyceroporins in Prokaryota and Eukaryota. In holometabolan insects however, aquaglyceroporins are absent, yet several species possess polyol permeable aquaporins. It thus remains unknown how glycerol transport evolved in the Holometabola. By combining phylogenetic and functional studies, here we show that a more efficient form of glycerol transporter related to the water-selective channel AQP4 specifically evolved and multiplied in the insect lineage, resulting in the replacement of the ancestral branch of aquaglyceroporins in holometabolan insects. To recapitulate this evolutionary process, we generate specific mutants in distantly related insect aquaporins and human AQP4 and show that a single mutation in the selectivity filter converted a water-selective channel into a glycerol transporter at the root of the crown clade of hexapod insects. Integration of phanerozoic climate models suggests that these events were associated with the emergence of complete metamorphosis and the unparalleled radiation of insects.
Inside-out Ca2+ signalling prompted by STIM1 conformational switch
Authors: Ma Guolin , Wei Ming , He Lian , Liu Chongxu , Wu Bo , Zhang Shenyuan L. , Jing Ji , Liang Xiaowen , Senes Alessandro , Tan Peng , Li Siwei , Sun Aomin , Bi Yunchen , Zhong Ling , Si Hongjiang , Shen Yuequan , Li Minyong , Lee Mi-Sun , Zhou Weibin , Wang Junfeng , Wang Youjun , Zhou Yubin
Published: July 2015

Store-operated Ca2+ entry mediated by STIM1 and ORAI1 constitutes one of the major Ca2+ entry routes in mammalian cells. The molecular choreography of STIM1–ORAI1 coupling is initiated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store depletion with subsequent oligomerization of the STIM1 ER-luminal domain, followed by its redistribution towards the plasma membrane to gate ORAI1 channels. The mechanistic underpinnings of this inside-out Ca2+ signalling were largely undefined. By taking advantage of a unique gain-of-function mutation within the STIM1 transmembrane domain (STIM1-TM), here we show that local rearrangement, rather than alteration in the oligomeric state of STIM1-TM, prompts conformational changes in the cytosolic juxtamembrane coiled-coil region. Importantly, we further identify critical residues within the cytoplasmic domain of STIM1 (STIM1-CT) that entail autoinhibition. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model in which STIM1-TM reorganization switches STIM1-CT into an extended conformation, thereby projecting the ORAI-activating domain to gate ORAI1 channels.
A cross-talk between Hepatitis B virus and host mRNAs confers viral adaptation to liver
Authors: Hu Jun , Xu Yaxing , Li Changfei , Hao Junli , Peng Shanxin , Chu Xiaoyu , Zhang Dake , Xu Dongping , Meng Songdong
Published: July 2015

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects approximately 350 million people worldwide. The replication of HBV which genome is only 3.2 kb long relies heavily on host factors. Previous studies demonstrated that a highly expressed liver-specific microRNA (miRNA) miR-122 suppresses HBV expression and replication in multiple ways. In this study, we found that the miR-122 response elements in viral genome facilitate HBV expression and replication in miR-122 highly-expressed hepatocytes. Moreover, mutations in miR-122 response elements are correlated with viral loads and disease progression in HBV-infected patients. We next found that HBV mRNA with miR-122 response elements alone could lead to altered expression of multiple host genes by whole genome expression analysis. HBV mRNA-mediated miR-122 down-regulation plays a major role in HBV mRNA-induced differential gene expression. HBV mRNA could enhance viral replication via miR-122 degradation and the up-regulation of its target cyclin G1. Our study thereby reveals that under the unique condition of high abundance of miR-122 and viral mRNAs and much lower level of miR-122 target in HBV infection, HBV may have evolved to employ the miRNA-mediated virus and host mRNAs network for optimal fitness within hepatocytes.
Ab initio investigation of CaO-ZnO alloys under high pressure
Authors: Sha Xiaojing , Tian Fubo , Li Da , Duan Defang , Chu Binhua , Liu Yunxian , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: July 2015

CaxZn1–xO alloys are potential candidates to achieve wide band-gap, which might significantly promote the band gap engineering and heterojunction design. We performed a crystal structure search for CaO-ZnO system under pressure, using an ab initio evolutionary algorithm implemented in the USPEX code. Four stable ordered CaxZn1–xO structures are found in the pressure range of 8.7–60 GPa. We further constructed the pressure vs. composition phase diagram of CaO-ZnO alloys based on the detailed enthalpy calculations. With the increase in Ca concentration, the CaO-ZnO alloy first undergoes a hexagonal to monoclinic transition and then transforms back to a hexagonal phase. At Above 9 GPa, there is no cubic structure in the alloys, in contrast to the insostructural components (B1-B1). The band gap of the CaxZn1–xO alloy shows an almost linear increase as a function of the Ca concentration. We also investigated the variation regularity of the band gap under pressure.
Factors influencing real time internal structural visualization and dynamic process monitoring in plants using synchrotron-based phase contrast X-ray imaging
Authors: Karunakaran Chithra , Lahlali Rachid , Zhu Ning , Webb Adam M. , Schmidt Marina , Fransishyn Kyle , Belev George , Wysokinski Tomasz , Olson Jeremy , Cooper David M. L. , Hallin Emil
Published: July 2015

Minimally invasive investigation of plant parts (root, stem, leaves and flower) has good potential to elucidate the dynamics of plant growth, morphology, physiology and root-rhizosphere interactions. Laboratory based absorption X-ray imaging and computed tomography (CT) systems are extensively used for in situ feasibility studies of plants grown in natural and artificial soil. These techniques have challenges such as low contrast between soil pore space and roots, long X-ray imaging time and low spatial resolution. In this study, the use of synchrotron (SR) based phase contrast X-ray imaging (PCI) has been demonstrated as a minimally invasive technique for imaging plants. Above ground plant parts and roots of 10 day old canola and wheat seedlings grown in sandy clay loam soil were successfully scanned and reconstructed. Results confirmed that SR-PCI can deliver good quality images to study dynamic and real time processes such as cavitation and water-refilling in plants. The advantages of SR-PCI, effect of X-ray energy and effective pixel size to study plant samples have been demonstrated. The use of contrast agents to monitor physiological processes in plants was also investigated and discussed.
Social Comparison Manifests in Event-related Potentials
Authors: Luo Yi , Feng Chunliang , Wu Tingting , Broster Lucas S. , Cai Huajian , Gu Ruolei , Luo Yue-jia
Published: July 2015

Social comparison, a widespread phenomenon in human society, has been found to affect outcome evaluation. The need to belong to a social group may result in distinct neural responses to diverse social comparison outcomes. To extend previous studies by examining how social comparison with hierarchical characteristics is temporally processed, electroencephalography responses were recorded in the current study. Participants played a lottery game with two pseudo-players simultaneously and received both their own and the other two players’ outcomes. Results of three event-related potential components, including the P2, the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the late positive component (LPC), indicate that social comparison manifests in three stages. First, outcomes indicating a different performance from others elicited a larger P2 than evenness. Second, the FRN showed hierarchical sensitivity to social comparison outcomes. This effect manifested asymmetrically. Finally, large difference between the participant’s outcome and the other two players’ evoked a larger LPC than the medium difference and the even condition. We suggest that during social comparison, people detect if there is any difference between self and others and then evaluate the information of this difference hierarchically and finally interpret the situations in which oneself deviates from the group as most motivationally salient.
Diversity and distribution of 16S rRNA and phenol monooxygenase genes in the rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria isolated from PAH-contaminated sites
Authors: Peng Anping , Liu Juan , Ling Wanting , Chen Zeyou , Gao Yanzheng
Published: July 2015

This is the first investigation of the diversity and distribution of 16S rRNA and phenol monooxygenase (PHE) genes in endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria of plants at sites contaminated with different levels of PAHs. Ten PAHs at concentrations from 34.22 to 55.29 and 45.79 to 97.81 mg·kg−1 were measured in rhizosphere soils of Alopecurus aequalis Sobol and Oxalis corniculata L., respectively. The diversity of 16S rRNA and PHE genes in rhizosphere soils or plants changed with varying PAH pollution levels, as shown based on PCR-DGGE data. Generally, higher Shannon-Weiner indexes were found in mild or moderate contaminated areas. A total of 82 different bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences belonging to five phyla; namely, Acfinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanophyta and Bacteroidetes, were obtained from rhizosphere soils. For the 57 identified PHE gene sequences, 18 were excised from rhizosphere bacteria and 39 from endophytic bacteria. The copy numbers of 16S rRNA and PHE genes in rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria varied from 3.83 × 103 to 2.28 × 106 and 4.17 × 102 to 1.99 × 105, respectively. The copy numbers of PHE genes in rhizosphere bacteria were significantly higher than in endophytic bacteria. Results increase our understanding of the diversity of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria from plants grown in PAH-contaminated sites.
The tetraspanin web revisited by super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Zuidscherwoude Malou , Göttfert Fabian , Dunlock Vera Marie E. , Figdor Carl G. , van den Bogaart Geert , Spriel Annemiek B. van
Published: July 2015

The spatial organization of membrane proteins in the plasma membrane is critical for signal transduction, cell communication and membrane trafficking. Tetraspanins organize functional higher-order protein complexes called ‘tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs)’ via interactions with partner molecules and other tetraspanins. Still, the nanoscale organization of TEMs in native plasma membranes has not been resolved. Here, we elucidated the size, density and distribution of TEMs in the plasma membrane of human B cells and dendritic cells using dual color stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. We demonstrate that tetraspanins form individual nanoclusters smaller than 120 nm and quantified that a single tetraspanin CD53 cluster contains less than ten CD53 molecules. CD53 and CD37 domains were adjacent to and displayed only minor overlap with clusters containing tetraspanins CD81 or CD82. Moreover, CD53 and CD81 were found in closer proximity to their partners MHC class II and CD19 than to other tetraspanins. Although these results indicate that tetraspanin domains are adjacently positioned in the plasma membrane, they challenge the current view of the tetraspanin web of multiple tetraspanin species organized into a single domain. This study increases the molecular understanding of TEMs at the nanoscale level which is essential for comprehending tetraspanin function in cell biology.
A standardized and reproducible protocol for serum-free monolayer culturing of primary paediatric brain tumours to be utilized for therapeutic assays
Authors: Sandén Emma , Eberstål Sofia , Visse Edward , Siesjö Peter , Darabi Anna
Published: July 2015

In vitro cultured brain tumour cells are indispensable tools for drug screening and therapeutic development. Serum-free culture conditions tentatively preserve the features of the original tumour, but commonly comprise neurosphere propagation, which is a technically challenging procedure. Here, we define a simple, non-expensive and reproducible serum-free cell culture protocol for establishment and propagation of primary paediatric brain tumour cultures as adherent monolayers. The success rates for establishment of primary cultures (including medulloblastomas, atypical rhabdoid tumour, ependymomas and astrocytomas) were 65% (11/17) and 78% (14/18) for sphere cultures and monolayers respectively. Monolayer culturing was particularly feasible for less aggressive tumour subsets, where neurosphere cultures could not be generated. We show by immunofluorescent labelling that monolayers display phenotypic similarities with corresponding sphere cultures and primary tumours and secrete clinically relevant inflammatory factors, including PGE2, VEGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-15. Moreover, secretion of PGE2 was considerably reduced by treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor Valdecoxib, demonstrating the functional utility of our newly established monolayer for preclinical therapeutic assays. Our findings suggest that this culture method could increase the availability and comparability of clinically representative in vitro models of paediatric brain tumours and encourages further molecular evaluation of serum-free monolayer cultures.
Two-dimensional van der Waals C60 molecular crystal
Authors: Reddy C. D. , Gen Yu Zhi , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: July 2015

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides et al. have drawn extraordinary attention recently. For these 2D materials, atoms within their monolayer are covalently bonded. An interesting question arises: Can molecules form a 2D monolayer crystal via van der Waals interactions? Here, we first study the structural stability of a free-standing infinite C60 molecular monolayer using molecular dynamic simulations and find that the monolayer is stable up to 600 K. We further study the mechanical properties of the monolayer and find that the elastic modulus, ultimate tensile stress and failure strain are 55–100 GPa, 90–155 MPa and 1.5–2.3%, respectively, depending on the stretching orientation. The monolayer fails due to shearing and cavitation under uniaxial tensile loading. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the monolayer are found to be delocalized and as a result, the band gap is reduced to only 60% of the isolated C60 molecule. Interestingly, this band gap can be tuned up to ±30% using strain engineering. Owing to its thermal stability, low density, strain-tunable semi-conducting characteristics and large bending flexibility, this van der Waals molecular monolayer crystal presents aplenty opportunities for developing novel applications in nanoelectronics.
Selective targeting of PPARγ by the natural product chelerythrine with a unique binding mode and improved antidiabetic potency
Authors: Zheng Weili , Qiu Lin , Wang Rui , Feng Xuhui , Han Yaping , Zhu Yanlin , Chen Dezhou , Liu Yijie , Jin Lihua , Li Yong
Published: July 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pervasive metabolic syndrome that is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. As full agonists of PPARγ, thiazolidinedione (TZD) drugs elicit antidiabetic effects by targeting PPARγ but is accompanied by weight gain, fluid retention and cardiovascular risk associated with their transcriptional agonism potency. We here identify a natural product chelerythrine as a unique selective PPAR modulator (SPPARM) with a potent PPARγ binding activity but much less classical receptor transcriptional agonism. Structural analysis reveals that chelerythrine exhibits unique binding in parallel with H3 of PPARγ. Unlike TZDs, chelerythrine destabilizes helix 12, especially residue tyrosine 473, resulting in a loose configuration of AF-2 and a selective cofactor profile distinct from TZDs, leading to a differential target gene profile in adipogenesis in db/db diabetic mice. Moreover, chelerythrine improved insulin sensitivity by more potently blocking the phosphorylation of PPARγ by CDK5 compared to TZDs. These data fundamentally elucidate the mechanism by which chelerythrine retains the benefits of improving insulin sensitivity while reducing the adverse effects of TZDs, suggesting that the natural product chelerythrine is a very promising pharmacological agent by selectively targeting PPARγ for further development in the clinical treatment of insulin resistance.
A Chinese cave links climate change, social impacts and human adaptation over the last 500 years
Authors: Tan Liangcheng , Cai Yanjun , An Zhisheng , Cheng Hai , Shen Chuan-Chou , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Gao Yongli , Edwards R. Lawrence , Zhang Haiwei , Du Yajuan
Published: July 2015

The collapse of some pre-historical and historical cultures, including Chinese dynasties were presumably linked to widespread droughts, on the basis of synchronicities of societal crises and proxy-based climate events. Here, we present a comparison of ancient inscriptions in Dayu Cave from Qinling Mountains, central China, which described accurate times and detailed impacts of seven drought events during the period of 1520–1920 CE, with high-resolution speleothem records from the same cave. The comparable results provide unique and robust tests on relationships among speleothem δ18O changes, drought events and societal unrest. With direct historical evidences, our results suggest that droughts and even modest events interrupting otherwise wet intervals can cause serious social crises. Modeling results of speleothem δ18O series suggest that future precipitation in central China may be below the average of the past 500 years. As Qinling Mountain is the main recharge area of two large water transfer projects and habitats of many endangered species, it is imperative to explore an adaptive strategy for the decline in precipitation and/or drought events.
Towards high-throughput microfluidic Raman-activated cell sorting
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Peiran , Gou Honglei , Mou Chunbo , Huang Wei E. , Yang Menglong , Xu Jian , Ma Bo
Published: July 2015

Raman-activated cell sorting (RACS) is a promising single-cell analysis technology that is able to identify and isolate individual cells of targeted type, state or environment from an isogenic population or complex consortium of cells, in a label-free and non-invasive manner.
A single quantum dot-based biosensor for DNA point mutation assay
Authors: Tang Wei , Zhu Guichi , Liang Li , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: July 2015

We develop a single quantum dot-based biosensor for sensitive and selective detection of DNA point mutation.
Electrochemical identification of leukemia cells from clinical samples with a tetrathiafulvalene probe at an ITO electrode
Authors: Wu Changyu , Wu Yueli , Chen Xiao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Jiang Hui , Zuo Jinglin , Chen Baoan , Wang Xuemei
Published: July 2015

A droplet electrochemical method with a new tetrathiafulvalene probe was developed for sensitive identification of leukemia cells from clinical samples.
Catalytic dehydrogenative N-((triisopropylsilyl)oxy)carbonyl (Tsoc) protection of amines using iPr3SiH and CO2
Authors: Tanaka S. , Yamamura T. , Nakane S. , Kitamura M.
Published: July 2015

Heterogeneous Pd/C efficiently catalyzes the dehydrogenativeN-((triisopropylsilyl)oxy)carbonyl (Tsoc) protection of amines using iPr3SiH and CO2without the liberation of any salts.
The synthesis of the heterocubane cluster [{CpMn}4(μ3-P)4] as a tetrahedral shaped starting material for the formation of polymeric coordination compounds
Authors: Heinl Sebastian , Kiefer Konrad , Balázs Gábor , Wickleder Claudia , Scheer Manfred
Published: July 2015

Thermolysis of [CpMn(η6-cht)] with P4 in 1,3-diisopropylbenzene leads to the formation of the heterocubane [Cp4Mn4P4] (1) in high yields, as a rare example of ‘naked’ phosphorus containing complexes of manganese.
A [2]rota[2]catenane, constructed from a pillar[5]arene-crown ether fused double-cavity macrocycle: synthesis and structural characterization
Authors: Hu Wei-Bo , Hu Wen-Jing , Zhao Xiao-Li , Liu Yahu A. , Li Jiu-Sheng , Jiang Biao , Wen Ke
Published: July 2015

A [2]rota[2]catenane, based on a pillar[5]arene-crown ether fused bicycle, was constructed and its structure was determined crystallographically.
Synthesis of an exceptional water-stable two-fold interpenetrated Zn(ii)-paddlewheel metal–organic framework
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Jun , Jin Fengyan , Luo Yanping , Wang Shufen , Zhang Zaiyong , Wu Yong , Liu Hongke , Lu Jack Y. , Fang Min
Published: July 2015

An exceptional water-stable two-fold interpenetrated Zn(ii)-paddlewheel metal–organic framework was obtained via the facile conversion of its non-interpenetrated isomer at ambient temperature, showing high CO2 and CH4 uptake capacities.
Gold as an intruder in ZnO nanowires
Authors: Méndez-Reyes José M. , Monroy B. Marel , Bizarro Monserrat , Güell Frank , Martínez Ana , Ramos Estrella
Published: July 2015

In the vapour–liquid–solid technique with Au as a catalyst (widely used to obtain ZnO nanowires), Au intruders can be incorporated accidentally. In this theoretical investigation we report that Au as an intruder in ZnO nanowires enhances their potential use for photonic and photovoltaic applications.
Complexes of a naphthalimide photoacid with organic bases, and their excited-state dynamics in polar aprotic organic solvents
Authors: Kumpulainen Tatu , Bakker Bert H. , Brouwer Albert M.
Published: July 2015

Addition of a base to a solution of a photoacid in aprotic organic solvents results in the formation of ground-state complexes, which upon excitation dissociate via intermediate ion pair species.
Real time observation of the excimer formation dynamics of a gas phase benzene dimer by picosecond pump–probe spectroscopy
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuhiko , Fujii Masaaki
Published: July 2015

Photoexcitation of a T-shaped benzene dimer provides a sandwiched excimer in 10 ps accompanying a 1000 times faster intracluster vibrational energy redistribution rate than that of the benzene monomer.
Nuclear quantum fluctuations in ice Ih
Authors: Moreira Pedro Augusto Franco Pinheiro , de Koning Maurice
Published: July 2015

We discuss the role of nuclear quantum fluctuations in ice Ih, focusing on the hydrogen-bond (HB) structure and the molecular dipole-moment distribution.
Temperature-dependent nanomorphology–performance relations in binary iridium complex blend films for organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Young-Tae , Kim Young-Hoon , Seol Jae-Bok , Lee Tae-Woo , Park Chan-Gyung
Published: July 2015

We described the morphological evolution occurring in PVK:Ir(ppy)3 binary blend films, with respect to thermal annealing up to 300 °C, by coupling atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Mechanisms and dynamics of protonation and lithiation of ferrocene
Authors: Sharma Nishant , Ajay Jayanth K. , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan , Lourderaj Upakarasamy
Published: July 2015

Ab initio direct dynamics studies reveal that protonation and lithiation of ferrocene follow in general an exo mechanism.
Correction: A novel benzoxazine/cyanate ester blend with sea-island phase structures
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Luo Xiaoyong , Gu Yi
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘A novel benzoxazine/cyanate ester blend with sea-island phase structures’ by Xiaodan Li et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cp02426a.
The formation and degradation of active species during methanol conversion over protonated zeotype catalysts
Authors: Olsbye U. , Svelle S. , Lillerud K. P. , Wei Z. H. , Chen Y. Y. , Li J. F. , Wang J. G. , Fan W. B.
Published: July 2015

Studies leading to the current understanding of the initial and final stages of the methanol to hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction are reviewed.
Synthesis and characterisation of halide, separated ion pair, and hydride cyclopentadienyl iron bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane derivatives
Authors: Patel Dipti , Wooles Ashley , Cornish Andrew D. , Steven Lindsey , Davies E. Stephen , Evans David J. , McMaster Jonathan , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: July 2015

The synthesis and structures of 25 halide, separated ion pair, and hydride cyclopentadienyl iron bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane complexes are described.
Stoichiometric and catalytic C–F bond activation by the trans-dihydride NHC complex [Ru(IEt2Me2)2(PPh3)2H2] (IEt2Me2= 1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene)
Authors: Cybulski Mateusz K. , Riddlestone Ian M. , Mahon Mary F. , Woodman Timothy J. , Whittlesey Michael K.
Published: July 2015

Multiple catalytic hydrodefluorination steps take place with thetrans-dihydride complex [Ru(IEt2Me2)2(PPh3)2H2] (1), taking C6F6to tri-, di- and mono-fluorobenzenes.
Enhanced thermal stability of Cu–silylphosphido complexes via NHC ligation
Authors: Khalili Najafabadi Bahareh , Corrigan John F.
Published: July 2015

The thermal stability of the Cu–P(SiMe3)2moiety can be enhancedviaN-heterocyclic carbene ligation.
Research highlights: detecting, characterizing and quantifying the presence and impact of carbon nanomaterials in environmental systems
Authors: Pettibone John M. , Louie Stacey M.
Published: July 2015

We highlight articles examining different aspects contributing to the fate and role of carbon nanomaterials in environmental systems.
Crystal growth of clathrate hydrates formed with methane + carbon dioxide mixed gas at the gas/liquid interface and in liquid water
Authors: Ueno Hiroki , Akiba Hotaka , Akatsu Satoru , Ohmura Ryo
Published: July 2015

Observations of CH4 + CO2 hydrate crystal growth formed at the gas/liquid interface and in liquid water were made.
Synthesis and optical properties of a new triphenylamine-p-phenylenevinylene-small molecule with applications in high open-circuit voltage organic solar cells
Authors: Meira Rui , Costa Pedro M. M. , Di Paolo Roberto E. , Morgado Jorge , Alcácer Luís , Bastos João P. , Cheyns David , Charas Ana
Published: July 2015

Fluorescence quenching studies enabled us to preview applications of a new small molecule as electron-donor in OSCs. Planar heterojunction cells are also shown.
Chiral nematic porous germania and germanium/carbon films
Authors: Xu Jing , Nguyen Thanh-Dinh , Xie Kai , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: July 2015

Co-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with germanium(iv) alkoxide in a mixed solvent system produces chiral nematic photonic GeO2/CNC composites, which were converted to semiconducting, mesoporous GeO2/C and Ge/C replicas.
Ionic liquid effects on a multistep process. Increased product formation due to enhancement of all steps
Authors: Keaveney Sinead T. , Haines Ronald S. , Harper Jason B.
Published: July 2015

An ionic liquid is shown to increase the rate of all three steps in this imine formation and the microscopic origins of such are investigated. The magnitude of this enhancement varies with the nature of the substituent, though in all cases the rate of imine formation is increased.
Palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-ethoxycarbonylation of azobenzenes and azoxybenzenes with diethyl azodicarboxylate
Authors: Xu Ning , Li Dengke , Zhang Yicheng , Wang Lei
Published: July 2015

A palladium-catalyzed directortho-ethoxycarbonylation of azobenzenes and azoxybenzenes with diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) was developed under mild reaction conditions.
Organopromoted direct synthesis of 6-iodo-3-methylthioimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via convergent integration of three self-sorting domino sequences
Authors: Liu Shan , Xi Hailing , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Xia , Gao Qinghe , Wu Anxin
Published: July 2015

An NH2CN-promoted convergent integration of three self-sorting domino sequences is described for the construction of 6-iodo-3-methylthioimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from aryl methyl ketones and 2-aminopyridines.
Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, a key component used for phenylpropanoids production by metabolic engineering
Authors: Kong Jian-Qiang
Published: July 2015

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, a versatile enzyme with industrial and medical applications.
Hold-up and flooding characteristics in a perforated rotating disc contactor (PRDC)
Authors: Hemmati A. R. , Shirvani M. , Torab-Mostaedi M. , Ghaemi A.
Published: July 2015

Dispersed phase hold-up and flooding behavior were investigated in a pilot plant scale perforated rotating disc contactor (PRDC) using three different liquid–liquid systems.
Remarkable hydrogen storage properties at low temperature of Mg–Ni composites prepared by hydriding combustion synthesis and mechanical milling
Authors: Tan Yajun , Mao Qifeng , Su Wei , Zhu Yunfeng , Li Liquan
Published: July 2015

Mg100−xNix(x= 0, 5, 10 and 20) composites with excellent hydrogen storage properties at low temperature are synthesized by HCS + MM.
Oxygen-octahedral distortion and electronic correlation induced semiconductor gaps in ferrimagnetic double perovskite Ca2MReO6 (M = Cr, Fe)
Authors: Gong Sai , Guo San-Dong , Chen Peng , Liu Bang-Gui
Published: July 2015

Motivated by experimental nonmetallic features and high magnetic Curie temperatures in double perovskite Ca2CrReO6 and Ca2FeReO6, we systematically investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Ca2MReO6 (M = Cr, Fe).
Rapid analysis and identification of multi-class mycotoxins in Morinda officinalis by UFLC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Kong Weijun , Liu Congmin , Liu Qiutao , Hu Yichen , Yang Meihua
Published: July 2015

Simultaneous quantification and identification of multi-class mycotoxins in Morinda officinalis by DAS-UFLC-MS/MS.
Total synthesis of (+)-petromyroxol via tandem α-aminoxylation–allylation and asymmetric dihydroxylation–SN2 cyclization approach
Authors: Nookaraju U. , Kumar Pradeep
Published: July 2015

The total synthesis of (+)-petromyroxol, a tetrahydrofuran (THF)-diol fatty acid, isolated from sea lamprey larvae (Petromyzon marinus) is reported.
Plasmonic photocatalyst Ag@AgCl/ZnSn(OH)6: synthesis, characterization and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of dyes and phenol
Authors: Chen Fei , Yang Qi , Niu Chenggang , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Chang , Zeng Guangming
Published: July 2015

An efficient VLD photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl/ZSH, was fabricated by ultrasonic assisted precipitation-photoreduction method and its photocatalytic activity was investigated in detail and a possible mechanism was proposed.
The effect of redox properties of ceria-supported vanadium oxides in liquid phase cyclohexene oxidation
Authors: El-Korso Sanaa , Bedrane Sumeya , Choukchou-Braham Abderrahim , Bachir Redouane
Published: July 2015

In the presence of redox catalysts, cyclohexene oxidation leads to an epoxidation product, while in the presence of acidic features; the allylic oxidation is predominant and leads to cyclohexenol and cyclohexenone.
Self-cleaning and antifouling nanofiltration membranes—superhydrophilic multilayered polyelectrolyte/CSH composite films towards rejection of dyes
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Ma Yiwen , Sun Pengzhi , Cui Suping , Qin Zhenping , Liang Yucang
Published: July 2015

Superhydrophilic multilayered polyelectrolyte–calcium silicate hydrate membranes (PEI/PSS)2.0(PEI/PSS–CSH)n on a polyacrylonitrile substrate were prepared. Their surface structure, rejection of dyes, high flux, and self-cleaning and antifouling properties were investigated.
Selective and sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide in live cells
Authors: Cheng Juan , Shao Baihao , Zhang Shuai , Hu Yongzhou , Li Xin
Published: July 2015

We report herein a fluorescence switch-on probe suitable for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in complex biological systems.
Rational syntheses of core–shell Fe@(PtRu) nanoparticle electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction with complete suppression of CO-poisoning and highly enhanced activity
Authors: Matin Md. Abdul , Lee Eunjik , Kim Hyunchul , Yoon Won-Sub , Kwon Young-Uk
Published: July 2015

We report the syntheses and characterization of ternary nanoparticles of Fex@(PtRu)(1−x)/2(x= 0.0–0.44) with Fe cores and PtRu alloy shells, which exhibit greatly improved electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation reaction.
Facile and scalable fabrication of three-dimensional Cu(OH)2nanoporous nanorods for solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Jizhang , Xu Junling , Zhou Shuang , Zhao Ni , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: July 2015

3-D Cu(OH)2nanoporous nanorods are fabricated by a facile and scalable one-step anodization method for high-performance binder-free solid-state supercapacitors.
Development of zwitterionic copolymers with multi-shape memory effects and moisture-sensitive shape memory effects
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Mo Funian , Stadler Florian J. , Chen Shiguo , Ge Zaochuan , Zhuo Haitao
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a new kind of zwitterionic copolymer having a multi-shape memory effect and a moisture-sensitive shape memory effect from DMAPS and acrylic acid (AA). In addition to dual-SME, the copolymer also shows triple-SME and quadruple-shape-memory effect.
Temperature dependent structural, elastic, and polar properties of ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and trifluoroethylene (TrFE) copolymers
Authors: Sun Fu-Chang , Dongare Avinash M. , Asandei Alexandru D. , Pamir Alpay S. , Nakhmanson Serge
Published: July 2015

The spontaneous polarization of the ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF (–CH2–CF2–)n with trifluoroethylene TrFE (–CHF–CF2–)n copolymer, poly(VDF-co-TrFE), as a function of TrFE content. These results were obtained using molecular dynamics simulations.
Optoelectronic properties and color chemistry of native point defects in Al:ZnO transparent conductive oxide
Authors: Catellani Alessandra , Ruini Alice , Calzolari Arrigo
Published: July 2015

The effects of native defects (e.g. VO, VZn, H) on the TCO properties and color of an Al:ZnO (AZO) material are investigated using first principles calculations.
Oxidative stress induces early-onset apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and neointima formation in response to injury
Authors: Gomez Camilo , Martinez Laisel , Mesa Annia , Duque Juan C. , Escobar Luis A. , Pham Si M. , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I.
Published: July 2015

The present study dissects the mechanisms underlying the rapid onset of apoptosis that precedes post injury vascular remodelling. Using the rat balloon injury model, we demonstrated that a significant number of arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) undergo apoptosis at 90 min after the procedure. This apoptotic wave caused significant loss in media cellularity (>90%) over the next 3 h and was accompanied by a marked accumulation of oxidative stress by-products in the vascular wall. Early apoptotic VSMC were rich in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the transcription factor c-Jun and secreted IL-6 and GRO/KC into the milieu as determined using multiplex bead assays. Neointima thickness increased steadily starting on day 3 as a result of pronounced repopulation of the media. A second apoptotic wave that was detected at 14 days after injury affected mostly the neointima and was insufficient to control hyperplasia. Suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using either the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor VAS2870 or pegylated superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells during the first apoptotic wave and showed a trend towards reduction in the neointima-to-media thickness ratio at 30 days post injury. These results indicate that oxidative stress in response to injury induces early-onset apoptosis of VSMC through the activation of redox-sensible MAPK pro-apoptotic pathways. This remodelling process leads to the local accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and repopulation of the media, which ultimately contribute to neointima formation.
Mammalian Bcnt/Cfdp1, a potential epigenetic factor characterized by an acidic stretch in the disordered N-terminal and Ser250 phosphorylation in the conserved C-terminal regions
Authors: Iwashita Shintaro , Suzuki Takehiro , Yasuda Takeshi , Nakashima Kentaro , Sakamoto Taiichi , Kohno Toshiyuki , Takahashi Ichiro , Kobayashi Takayasu , Ohno-Iwashita Yoshiko , Imajoh-Ohmi Shinobu , Song Si-Young , Dohmae Naoshi
Published: July 2015

The BCNT (Bucentaur) superfamily is classified by an uncharacteristic conserved sequence of ∼80 amino acids (aa) at the C-terminus, BCNT-C (the conserved C-terminal region of Bcnt/Cfdp1). Whereas the yeast Swc5 and Drosophila Yeti homologues play crucial roles in chromatin remodelling organization, mammalian Bcnt/Cfdp1 (craniofacial developmental protein 1) remains poorly understood. The protein, which lacks cysteine, is largely disordered and comprises an acidic N-terminal region, a lysine/glutamic acid/proline-rich 40 aa sequence and BCNT-C. It shows complex mobility on SDS/PAGE at ∼50 kDa, whereas its calculated molecular mass is ∼33 kDa. To characterize this mobility discrepancy and the effects of post-translational modifications (PTMs), we expressed various deleted His–Bcnt in E. coli and HEK cells and found that an acidic stretch in the N-terminal region is a main cause of the gel shift. Exogenous BCNT/CFDP1 constitutively expressed in HEK clones appears as a doublet at 49 and 47 kDa, slower than the protein expressed in Escherichia coli but faster than the endogenous protein on SDS/PAGE. Among seven in vivo phosphorylation sites, Ser250, which resides in a region between disordered and ordered regions in BCNT-C, is heavily phosphorylated and detected predominantly in the 49 kDa band. Together with experiments involving treatment with phosphatases and Ser250 substitutions, the results indicate that the complex behaviour of Bcnt/Cfdp1 on SDS/PAGE is caused mainly by an acidic stretch in the N-terminal region and Ser250 phosphorylation in BCNT-C. Furthermore, Bcnt/Cfdp1 is acetylated in vitro by CREB-binding protein (CBP) and four lysine residues including Lys268 in BCNT-C are also acetylated in vivo, revealing a protein regulated at multiple levels.
Quantum particle filter: a multiple mode method for low delay abrupt pedestrian motion tracking
Authors: Khalili A. , Soliman A.A. , Asaduzzaman M.
Published: July 2015

Pedestrian tracking is a key building block in many emerging technologies, and there are many applications that require a very accurate and reliable pedestrian tracking. Two problems, namely the abrupt changes in motion and the delay in the tracking process are addressed in the reported work. The approach seeks to simulate the uncertainty of the position of electrons around the nucleus by propagating particles in areas where the person is more likely to be, depending on the person's possible motions and taking into account various sources of uncertainty. A novel feature of the presented approach is that it can track abrupt motions accurately with a low delay. The robustness of this approach for abrupt motion situations is demonstrated.
Optically transparent frequency‐agile antenna for X‐band applications
Authors: Martin A. , Castel X. , Lafond O. , Himdi M.
Published: July 2015

The performance of an optically transparent and frequency‐agile antenna operating from 8.8 to 9.8 GHz is reported. The transparent square‐loop coplanar antenna is made of a mesh silver film printed onto a glass substrate. A high level of transparency (T > 80%) and low sheet resistance (Rs < 0.2 Ω/sq) are achieved from such a material. Antenna tunability is provided by a surface mounted beam‐lead varactor which is invisible to the naked eye. The microwave performance of such an antenna is reported, discussed and compared with that of a reference counterpart made of a continuous silver layer (and thus totally opaque). The optically transparent frequency‐agile antenna exhibits gain values ranging from 1 to 3.5 dBi with 10.8% of frequency tunability.
Amplitude jitter of waveforms generated via spectral line‐by‐line pulse shaping due to CW laser linewidth
Authors: Yan Juanjuan , Bai Ming , Zheng Zheng
Published: July 2015

The system model of spectral line‐by‐line pulse shaping on an optical frequency comb produced by electro‐optical modulation of a continuous‐wave (CW) laser is presented, and the effect of the laser linewidth on the generated waveforms is investigated through system simulation. Three kinds of phasing‐only line‐by‐line filter are considered. The results show that amplitude jitter is induced by CW laser linewidth, and it becomes prominent when the phase control applied to spectral lines varies rapidly. To keep the induced jitter lower than −20 dB, a CW laser with a linewidth narrower than 100 kHz can be safely employed.
Localized charge carriers in graphene nanodevices
Authors: Bischoff D. , Varlet A. , Simonet P. , Eich M. , Overweg H. C. , Ihn T. , Ensslin K.
Published: July 2015

Graphene—two-dimensional carbon—is a material with unique mechanical, optical, chemical, and electronic properties. Its use in a wide range of applications was therefore suggested. From an electronic point of view, nanostructured graphene is of great interest due to the potential opening of a band gap, applications in quantum devices, and investigations of physical phenomena. Narrow graphene stripes called “nanoribbons” show clearly different electronical transport properties than micron-sized graphene devices. The conductivity is generally reduced and around the charge neutrality point, the conductance is nearly completely suppressed. While various mechanisms can lead to this observed suppression of conductance, disordered edges resulting in localized charge carriers are likely the main cause in a large number of experiments. Localized charge carriers manifest themselves in transport experiments by the appearance of Coulomb blockade diamonds. This review focuses on the mechanisms responsible for this charge localization, on interpreting the transport details, and on discussing the consequences for physics and applications. Effects such as multiple coupled sites of localized charge, cotunneling processes, and excited states are discussed. Also, different geometries of quantum devices are compared. Finally, an outlook is provided, where open questions are addressed.
Phosphorus and boron diffusion paths in polycrystalline silicon gate of a trench-type three-dimensional metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor investigated by atom probe tomography
Authors: Han Bin , Takamizawa Hisashi , Shimizu Yasuo , Inoue Koji , Nagai Yasuyoshi , Yano Fumiko , Kunimune Yorinobu , Inoue Masao , Nishida Akio
Published: July 2015

The dopant (P and B) diffusion path in n- and p-types polycrystalline-Si gates of trench-type three-dimensional (3D) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were investigated using atom probe tomography, based on the annealing time dependence of the dopant distribution at 900 °C. Remarkable differences were observed between P and B diffusion behavior. In the initial stage of diffusion, P atoms diffuse into deeper regions from the implanted region along grain boundaries in the n-type polycrystalline-Si gate. With longer annealing times, segregation of P on the grain boundaries was observed; however, few P atoms were observed within the large grains or on the gate/gate oxide interface distant from grain boundaries. These results indicate that P atoms diffuse along grain boundaries much faster than through the bulk or along the gate/gate oxide interface. On the other hand, in the p-type polycrystalline-Si gate, segregation of B was observed only at the initial stage of diffusion. After further annealing, the B atoms became uniformly distributed, and no clear segregation of B was observed. Therefore, B atoms diffuse not only along the grain boundary but also through the bulk. Furthermore, B atoms diffused deeper than P atoms along the grain boundaries under the same annealing conditions. This information on the diffusion behavior of P and B is essential for optimizing annealing conditions in order to control the P and B distributions in the polycrystalline-Si gates of trench-type 3D MOSFETs.
Electric field modulation of Schottky barrier height in graphene/MoSe2 van der Waals heterointerface
Authors: Sata Yohta , Moriya Rai , Morikawa Sei , Yabuki Naoto , Masubuchi Satoru , Machida Tomoki
Published: July 2015

We demonstrate a vertical field-effect transistor based on a graphene/MoSe2 van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. The vdW interface between the graphene and MoSe2 exhibits a Schottky barrier with an ideality factor of around 1.3, suggesting a high-quality interface. Owing to the low density of states in graphene, the position of the Fermi level in the graphene can be strongly modulated by an external electric field. Therefore, the Schottky barrier height at the graphene/MoSe2 vdW interface is also modulated. We demonstrate a large current ON-OFF ratio of 105. These results point to the potential high performance of the graphene/MoSe2 vdW heterostructure for electronics applications.
Carrier mediated reduction of stiffness in nanoindented crystalline Si(100)
Authors: Kataria S. , Dhara Sandip , Dash S. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: July 2015

We report the observation of carrier mediated decrease in the stiffness of crystalline (c)-Si(100) under nanoindentation. The apparent elastic moduli of heavily doped (∼1 × 1021 cm−3) p- and n-type c-Si are observed to be lower by 5.3%–7.5% than the estimated value for intrinsic (∼1 × 1014 cm−3) c-Si. The deviation observed with respect to elastic modulus remarkably matches with the estimated value while considering the electronic elastic strain effect on carrier concentration as an influence of negative pressure coefficient of band gap for Si (Γ-X). The value is predominantly higher than the reported value of a decrease of 1%–3% in stiffness as an effect of impurity in c-Si.
Polar-axis-oriented crystal growth of tetragonal PZT films on stainless steel substrate using pseudo-perovskite nanosheet buffer layer
Authors: Minemura Yoshiki , Ichinose Daichi , Nagasaka Kohei , Kim Jin Woon , Shima Hiromi , Nishida Ken , Kiguchi Takanori , Konno Toyohiko J. , Oshima Naoya , Funakubo Hiroshi , Uchida Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) film with polar axis orientation was grown on a SUS 316L stainless steel substrate with the help of a Ca2Nb3O10 nanosheet (ns-CN) layer that had a pseudo-perovskite-type crystal structure. The ns-CN buffer layer was supported on a platinized SUS 316L (Pt/SUS) substrate, followed by chemical solution deposition (CSD) of the PZT films with tetragonal symmetry (Zr/Ti =40/60). The PZT films consisting of c-domain, with [001]-axis orientation of the perovskite unit cell, were deposited on the ns-CN/Pt/SUS substrate owing to (i) epitaxial lattice matching between the unit cell of PZT and substrate surface and (ii) in-plane thermal stress applied to the PZT film during cooling-down step of CSD procedure. The c-domain-oriented PZT film on ns-CN/Pt/SUS substrate exhibited enhanced remanent polarization of approximately 52 μC/cm2 and lowered dielectric permittivity of approximately 230, which are superior to those of conventional PZT films with random crystal orientation and comparable to those of epitaxial PZT films grown on (100)SrRuO3//(100)SrTiO3 substrates.
Preparation and Gas Sensing Properties of Hierarchical Flower-Shaped Bi2WO6
Authors: Xiao Jingkun , Song Chengwen , Dong Wei , Yin Yanyan , Li Chen
Published: July 2015

Hierarchical flower-shaped Bi2WO6 was obtained by a simple hydrothermal method. Morphology and structure of the Bi2WO6 were characterised by single electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption techniques. Gas sensing properties of the Bi2WO6 sensor were investigated by a static gas-sensing system. The results show the as-synthesised flower-shaped product is pure orthorhombic Bi2WO6, which is composed of nanosheets with ~10–20 nm in thickness and hundreds of nanometres in planar size. At this optimal operating temperature of 300°C, the Bi2WO6 sensor exhibits ultra-fast response (1-2 s) and fast recovery time (6–12 s) towards ethanol detection, and high selectivity to other gases such as methanol, benzene, dichloromethane, and hexane.