bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherent ultrafast spin-dynamics probed in three dimensional topological insulators
Authors: Boschini F. , Mansurova M. , Mussler G. , Kampmeier J. , Grützmacher D. , Braun L. , Katmis F. , Moodera J. S. , Dallera C. , Carpene E. , Franz C. , Czerner M. , Heiliger C. , Kampfrath T. , Münzenberg M.
Published: October 2015

Topological insulators are candidates to open up a novel route in spin based electronics. Different to traditional ferromagnetic materials, where the carrier spin-polarization and magnetization are based on the exchange interaction, the spin properties in topological insulators are based on the coupling of spin- and orbit interaction connected to its momentum. Specific ways to control the spin-polarization with light have been demonstrated: the energy momentum landscape of the Dirac cone provides spin-momentum locking of the charge current and its spin. We investigate a spin-related signal present only during the laser excitation studying real and imaginary part of the complex Kerr angle by disentangling spin and lattice contributions. This coherent signal is only present at the time of the pump-pulses’ light field and can be described in terms of a Raman coherence time. The Raman transition involves states at the bottom edge of the conduction band. We demonstrate a coherent femtosecond control of spin-polarization for electronic states at around the Dirac cone.
Ancient Chinese Formula Qiong-Yu-Gao Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Without Reducing Anti-tumor Activity
Authors: Teng Zhi-Ying , Cheng Xiao-Lan , Cai Xue-Ting , Yang Yang , Sun Xiao-Yan , Xu Jin-Di , Lu Wu-Guang , Chen Jiao , Hu Chun-Ping , Zhou Qian , Wang Xiao-Ning , Li Song-Lin , Cao Peng
Published: October 2015

Cisplatin is a highly effective anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent; however, its clinical use is severely limited by serious side effects, of which nephrotoxicity is the most important. In this study, we investigated whether Qiong-Yu-Gao (QYG), a popular traditional Chinese medicinal formula described 840 years ago, exhibits protective effects against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. Using a mouse model of cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction, we observed that pretreatment with QYG attenuated cisplatin-induced elevations in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, ameliorated renal tubular lesions, reduced apoptosis and accelerated tubular cell regeneration. Cisplatin-mediated elevations in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in the kidney were also significantly suppressed by QYG treatment. Furthermore, QYG reduced platinum accumulation in the kidney by decreasing the expression of copper transporter 1 and organic cation transporter 2. An in vivo study using implanted Lewis lung cancer cells revealed that concurrent administration of QYG and cisplatin did not alter the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin. Our findings suggest that the traditional Chinese medicinal formula QYG inhibits cisplatin toxicity by several mechanisms that act simultaneously, without compromising its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, QYG may be useful in the clinic as a protective agent to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Erratum: An 80 kyr-long continuous speleothem record from Dim Cave, SW Turkey with paleoclimatic implications for the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Ünal-İmer Ezgi , Shulmeister James , Zhao Jian-Xin , Tonguç Uysal I. , Feng Yue-Xing , Duc Nguyen Ai , Yüce Galip
Published: October 2015

Speleothem-based stable isotope records are valuable in sub-humid and semi-arid settings where many other terrestrial climate proxies are fragmentary. The Eastern Mediterranean is one such region. Here we present an 80-kyr-long precisely-dated (by U-series) and high-resolution oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) records from Dim Cave (~36°N) in SW Turkey. The glacial-interglacial δ18O variations in the Dim Cave speleothem are best explained in terms of changes in the trajectories of winter westerly air masses. These are along a northerly (European) track (isotopically less depleted) during the early last glaciation but are gradually depressed southward closer to the modern westerly track along the North African coast (more depleted) after c.50 kyr and remain in the southern track through the Last Glacial Maximum. The southward displacement of the westerly track reflects growth of the Fennoscandian ice sheet and its impact on westerly wind fields. Changes in δ13C are interpreted as reflecting soil organic matter composition and/or thickness. δ13C values are significantly more negative in interglacials reflecting active carbonic acid production in the soil and less negative in glacial times reflecting carbonate rock values. Several Heinrich events are recorded in the Dim record indicating intensification of westerly flow across this part of the EM.
Generation of a miniature pig disease model for human Laron syndrome
Authors: Cui Dan , Li Fang , Li Qiuyan , Li Jia , Zhao Yaofeng , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhang Ran , Li Ning
Published: October 2015

Laron syndrome is a rare disease caused by mutations of the growth hormone receptor (GHR), inheriting in an autosomal manner. To better understand the pathogenesis and to develop therapeutics, we generated a miniature pig model for this disease by employing ZFNs to knock out GHR gene. Three types of F0 heterozygous pigs (GHR+/4bp, GHR+/2bp, GHR+/3bp) were obtained and in which no significant phenotypes of Laron syndrome were observed. Prior to breed heterozygous pigs to homozygosity (GHR4bp/4bp), pig GHR transcript with the 4 bp insert was evaluated in vitro and was found to localize to the cytoplasm rather than the membrane. Moreover, this mutated transcript lost most of its signal transduction capability, although it could bind bGH. GHR4bp/4bp pigs showed a small body size and reduced body weight. Biochemically, these pigs exhibited significantly elevated levels of GH and decreased levels of IGF-I. These results resemble the phenotype observed in Laron patients, suggesting that these pigs could serve as an ideal model for Laron syndrome to bridge the gaps between mouse model and human.
Sall1 in renal stromal progenitors non-cell autonomously restricts the excessive expansion of nephron progenitors
Authors: Ohmori Tomoko , Tanigawa Shunsuke , Kaku Yusuke , Fujimura Sayoko , Nishinakamura Ryuichi
Published: October 2015

The mammalian kidney develops from reciprocal interactions between the metanephric mesenchyme and ureteric bud, the former of which contains nephron progenitors. The third lineage, the stroma, fills up the interstitial space and is derived from distinct progenitors that express the transcription factor Foxd1. We showed previously that deletion of the nuclear factor Sall1 in nephron progenitors leads to their depletion in mice. However, Sall1 is expressed not only in nephron progenitors but also in stromal progenitors. Here we report that specific Sall1 deletion in stromal progenitors leads to aberrant expansion of nephron progenitors, which is in sharp contrast with a nephron progenitor-specific deletion. The mutant mice also exhibited cystic kidneys after birth and died before adulthood. We found that Decorin, which inhibits Bmp-mediated nephron differentiation, was upregulated in the mutant stroma. In contrast, the expression of Fat4, which restricts nephron progenitor expansion, was reduced mildly. Furthermore, the Sall1 protein binds to many stroma-related gene loci, including Decorin and Fat4. Thus, the expression of Sall1 in stromal progenitors restricts the excessive expansion of nephron progenitors in a non-cell autonomous manner and Sall1-mediated regulation of Decorin and Fat4 might at least partially underlie the pathogenesis.
In vivo evidence for an endothelium-dependent mechanism in radiation-induced normal tissue injury
Authors: Rannou Emilie , François Agnès , Toullec Aurore , Guipaud Olivier , Buard Valérie , Tarlet Georges , Mintet Elodie , Jaillet Cyprien , Iruela-Arispe Maria Luisa , Benderitter Marc , Sabourin Jean-Christophe , Milliat Fabien
Published: October 2015

The pathophysiological mechanism involved in side effects of radiation therapy and especially the role of the endothelium remains unclear. Previous results showed that plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 1 (PAI-1) contributes to radiation-induced intestinal injury and suggested that this role could be driven by an endothelium-dependent mechanism. We investigated whether endothelial-specific PAI-1 deletion could affect radiation-induced intestinal injury. We created a mouse model with a specific deletion of PAI-1 in the endothelium (PAI-1KOendo) by a Cre-LoxP system. In a model of radiation enteropathy, survival and intestinal radiation injury were followed as well as intestinal gene transcriptional profile and inflammatory cells intestinal infiltration. Irradiated PAI-1KOendo mice exhibited increased survival, reduced acute enteritis severity and attenuated late fibrosis compared with irradiated PAI-1flx/flx mice. Double E-cadherin/TUNEL labeling confirmed a reduced epithelial cell apoptosis in irradiated PAI-1KOendo. High-throughput gene expression combined with bioinformatic analyses revealed a putative involvement of macrophages. We observed a decrease in CD68+cells in irradiated intestinal tissues from PAI-1KOendo mice as well as modifications associated with M1/M2 polarization. This work shows that PAI-1 plays a role in radiation-induced intestinal injury by an endothelium-dependent mechanism and demonstrates in vivo that the endothelium is directly involved in the progression of radiation-induced enteritis.
Dual-Modality Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Imaging System for Noninvasive Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Garcia-Uribe Alejandro , Erpelding Todd N. , Krumholz Arie , Ke Haixin , Maslov Konstantin , Appleton Catherine , Margenthaler Julie A. , Wang Lihong V.
Published: October 2015

The detection of regional lymph node metastases is important in cancer staging as it guides the prognosis of the patient and the strategy for treatment. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an accurate, less invasive alternative to axillary lymph node dissection. The sentinel lymph node hypothesis states that the pathological status of the axilla can be accurately predicted by determining the status of the first lymph nodes that drain from the primary tumor. Physicians use radio-labeled sulfur colloid and/or methylene blue dye to identify the SLN, which is most likely to contain metastatic cancer cells. However, the surgical procedure causes morbidity and associated expenses. To overcome these limitations, we developed a dual-modality photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging system to noninvasively detect SLNs based on the accumulation of methylene blue dye. Ultimately, we aim to guide percutaneous needle biopsies and provide a minimally invasive method for axillary staging of breast cancer.
5-Azacytidine modulates interferon regulatory factor 1 in macrophages to exert a cardioprotective effect
Authors: Jeong Hye-yun , Kang Wan Seok , Hong Moon Hwa , Jeong Hae Chang , Shin Myun-Geun , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Yong Sook , Ahn Youngkeun
Published: October 2015

Macrophages are actively involved in inflammatory responses during the progression of cardiac injury, including myocardial infarction (MI). A previous study showed that 5-azacytidine (5AZ), a DNA methylation inhibitor, can ameliorate cardiac injury by shifting macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype via iNOS inhibition. Here, we show that the beneficial effect of 5AZ is associated with sumoylation of interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) in macrophages. IRF1 is a critical transcription factor for iNOS induction and is antagonized by IRF2. In the stimulated macrophages, IRF1 accumulated in the nucleus without degradation by 5AZ treatment. In animal study, 5AZ administration resulted in significant improvements in cardiac function and fibrosis. IRF1-expressing macrophages were more abundant in the 5AZ-treated MI group than in the PBS-treated MI group. Because sumoylated IRF1 is known to mimic IRF2, we examined the IRF1 sumoylation. Sumoylated IRF1 was resistant to degradation and significantly increased in the 5AZ-treated MI group. Collectively, 5AZ had a protective effect after MI by potentiation of IRF1 sumoylation and is suggested as a novel therapeutic intervention for cardiac repair.
Gap state analysis in electric-field-induced band gap for bilayer graphene
Authors: Kanayama Kaoru , Nagashio Kosuke
Published: October 2015

The origin of the low current on/off ratio at room temperature in dual-gated bilayer graphene field-effect transistors is considered to be the variable range hopping in gap states. However, the quantitative estimation of gap states has not been conducted. Here, we report the systematic estimation of the energy gap by both quantum capacitance and transport measurements and the density of states for gap states by the conductance method. An energy gap of ~250 meV is obtained at the maximum displacement field of ~3.1 V/nm, where the current on/off ratio of ~3 × 103 is demonstrated at 20 K. The density of states for the gap states are in the range from the latter half of 1012 to 1013 eV−1cm−2. Although the large amount of gap states at the interface of high-k oxide/bilayer graphene limits the current on/off ratio at present, our results suggest that the reduction of gap states below ~1011 eV−1cm−2 by continual improvement of the gate stack makes bilayer graphene a promising candidate for future nanoelectronic device applications.
Production of reproductively sterile fish by a non-transgenic gene silencing technology
Authors: Wong Ten-Tsao , Zohar Yonathan
Published: October 2015

We developed a novel bath-immersion technology to produce large numbers of infertile fish. As seafood consumption shifts from fishery harvests towards artificially propagated species, optimization of aquaculture practices will be necessary to maximize food production and minimize ecological impact. Farming infertile fish is the most effective genetic-containment strategy to support the development of environmentally-responsible aquaculture. We discovered that a molecular transporter, Vivo, can effectively carry the Morpholino oligomer (MO) across the chorion, enter the embryo and reach target cells. Vivo-conjugated MO against zebrafish deadend (dnd-MO-Vivo) effectively caused primordial germ cell mis-migration and differentiation into somatic cells, which resulted in generation of infertile fish. Optimal conditions were achieved when embryos, immediately after fertilization, were immersed with dnd-MO-Vivo at the initial concentration of either 60 or 40 μM followed by a lower serially diluted concentration. Under these conditions, 100% induced sterility was achieved even when the total immersion time was reduced from 24 to 5 hours. In 8 independent experiments, 736 adults developed from these conditions were all found to be infertile fish that possessed minimally-developed gonads that lacked any gametes. The results demonstrate that dnd-MO-Vivo bath immersion is an effective strategy to produce infertile fish without introducing transgenic modifications.
The role of East Asian monsoon system in shaping population divergence and dynamics of a constructive desert shrub Reaumuria soongarica
Authors: Yin Hengxia , Yan Xia , Shi Yong , Qian Chaoju , Li Zhonghu , Zhang Wen , Wang Lirong , Li Yi , Li Xiaoze , Chen Guoxiong , Li Xinrong , Nevo Eviatar , Ma Xiao-Fei
Published: October 2015

Both of the uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the development of East Asian monsoon system (EAMS) could have comprehensively impacted the formation and evolution of Arid Central Asia (ACA). To understand how desert plants endemic to ACA responded to these two factors, we profiled the historical population dynamics and distribution range shift of a constructive desert shrub Reaumuria soongarica (Tamaricaceae) based on species wide investigation of sequence variation of chloroplast DNA and nuclear ribosomal ITS. Phylogenetic analysis uncovered a deep divergence occurring at ca. 2.96 Mya between the western and eastern lineages of R. soongarica and ecological niche modeling analysis strongly supported that the monsoonal climate could have fragmented its habitats in both glacial and interglacial periods and impelled its intraspecific divergence. Additionally, the population from the east monsoonal zone expanded rapidly, suggesting that the local monsoonal climate significantly impacted its population dynamics. The isolation by distance tests supported strong maternal gene flow along the direction of the East Asian winter monsoon, whose intensification induced the genetic admixture along the latitudinal populations of R. soongarica. Our results presented a new case that the development of EAMS had prominently impacted the intraspecific divergence and population dynamics of this desert plant.
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α is required for hepatic outgrowth via the p53 pathway in zebrafish
Authors: Yuan Hao , Wen Bin , Liu Xiaohui , Gao Ce , Yang Ruimeng , Wang Luxiang , Chen Saijuan , Chen Zhu , de The Hugues , Zhou Jun , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2015

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/ebpα) is a transcription factor that plays important roles in the regulation of hepatogenesis, adipogenesis and hematopoiesis. Disruption of the C/EBPα gene in mice leads to disturbed liver architecture and neonatal death due to hypoglycemia. However, the precise stages of liver development affected by C/ebpα loss are poorly studied. Using the zebrafish embryo as a model organism, we show that inactivation of the cebpa gene by TALENs results in a small liver phenotype. Further studies reveal that C/ebpα is distinctively required for hepatic outgrowth but not for hepatoblast specification. Lack of C/ebpα leads to enhanced hepatic cell proliferation and subsequent increased cell apoptosis. Additional loss of p53 can largely rescue the hepatic defect in cebpa mutants, suggesting that C/ebpα plays a role in liver growth regulation via the p53 pathway. Thus, our findings for the first time demonstrate a stage-specific role for C/ebpα during liver organogenesis.
Dynamical Buildup of Lasing in Mesoscale Devices
Authors: Wang T. , Puccioni G. P. , Lippi G. L.
Published: October 2015

The classical description of laser field buildup, based on time-averaged photon statistics of Class A lasers, rests on a statistical mixture of coherent and incoherent photons. Here, applying multiple analysis techniques to temporal streams of data acquired in the threshold region of a Class B mesoscale laser, we conclusively show that new physics is involved in the transition: the lasing buildup is controlled by large dynamical spikes, whose number increases as the pump is raised, evolving into an average coherent field, modulated by population dynamics and eventually relaxing to a steady state for sufficiently large photon numbers. These results explain inconsistencies observed in small scale devices. Implications for nanolaser coherence properties, threshold identification and regimes of operation, including new potential applications, are discussed.
PVP-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of High-Yielded Bi2Te3 Hexagonal Nanoplates: Application in Passively Q-Switched Fiber Laser
Authors: He Xin , Zhang Hang , Lin Wei , Wei Rongfei , Qiu Jianrong , Zhang Mei , Hu Bin
Published: October 2015

High-yielded Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanoplates were fabricated via a facile solvothermal method with the assistance of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). Effects of PVP molecular weight and concentration on the morphology and size distribution of the products were illustrated in this study. Molecular weight of PVP is significant for determining the morphology of Bi2Te3. The hexagonal nanoplates with high yield were obtained in the presence of PVP with molecular weight of 40000–45000. The average size and size distribution of Bi2Te3 nanoplates can be slightly varied by controlling concentration of PVP. High-yielded Bi2Te3 nanoplates exhibit characteristics of saturable absorption, identified by open-aperture Z-scan technique. The synthesized Bi2Te3 nanoplates with large saturation intensity of 4.6 GW/cm2 and high modulation depth of 45.95% generated a stable passively Q-switched fiber laser pulse at 1.5 μm. In comparison with recently reported Q-switched fiber lasers utilizing exfoliated Bi2Te3 nanosheets, our passive Q-switching operations could be conducted at a relatively low threshold power of 30.2 mW or a quite high output power of 99.45 mW by tuning the cavity parameters.
Erratum: Structural Mechanism for Regulation of Bcl-2 protein Noxa by phosphorylation
Authors: Karim Christine B. , Michel Espinoza-Fonseca L. , James Zachary M. , Hanse Eric A. , Gaynes Jeffrey S. , Thomas David D. , Kelekar Ameeta
Published: October 2015

We showed previously that phosphorylation of Noxa, a 54-residue Bcl-2 protein, at serine 13 (Ser13) inhibited its ability to promote apoptosis through interactions with canonical binding partner, Mcl-1. Using EPR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding assays, we offer evidence that a structural alteration caused by phosphorylation partially masks Noxa’s BH3 domain, inhibiting the Noxa-Mcl-1 interaction. EPR of unphosphorylated Noxa, with spin-labeled amino acid TOAC incorporated within the BH3 domain, revealed equilibrium between ordered and dynamically disordered states. Mcl-1 further restricted the ordered component for non-phosphorylated Noxa, but left the pSer13 Noxa profile unchanged. Microsecond MD simulations indicated that the BH3 domain of unphosphorylated Noxa is housed within a flexible loop connecting two antiparallel β-sheets, flanked by disordered N- and C-termini and Ser13 phosphorylation creates a network of salt-bridges that facilitate the interaction between the N-terminus and the BH3 domain. EPR showed that a spin label inserted near the N-terminus was weakly immobilized in unphosphorylated Noxa, consistent with a solvent-exposed helix/loop, but strongly constrained in pSer13 Noxa, indicating a more ordered peptide backbone, as predicted by MD simulations. Together these studies reveal a novel mechanism by which phosphorylation of a distal serine inhibits a pro-apoptotic BH3 domain and promotes cell survival.
A genetic biosensor for identification of transcriptional repressors of target promoters
Authors: Wang Weishan , Li Xiao , Li Yue , Li Shanshan , Fan Keqiang , Yang Keqian
Published: October 2015

Transcriptional repressors provide widespread biological significance in the regulation of gene expression. However, in prokaryotes, it is particularly difficult to find transcriptional repressors that recognize specific target promoters on genome-scale. To address this need, a genetic biosensor for identifying repressors of target promoters was developed in Escherichia coli from a de novo designed genetic circuit. This circuit can convert the negative input of repressors into positive output of reporters, thereby facilitating the selection and identification of repressors. After evaluating the sensitivity and bias, the biosensor was used to identify the repressors of scbA and aco promoters (PscbA and Paco), which control the transcription of signalling molecule synthase genes in Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis, respectively. Two previously unknown repressors of PscbA were identified from a library of TetR family regulators in S. coelicolor and three novel repressors of Paco were identified from a genomic library of S. avermitilis. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that these newly identified repressors attenuated the transcription of their target promoters by direct binding. Overall, the genetic biosensor developed here presents an innovative and powerful strategy that could be applied for identifying genome-wide unknown repressors of promoters in bacteria.
Direct Conversion of CH3NH3PbI3 from Electrodeposited PbO for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Jin-hua , Jiang Ke-jian , Cui Xue-ping , Zhang Qian-qian , Gao Meng , Su Mei-ju , Yang Lian-ming , Song Yanlin
Published: October 2015

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have recently been identified as a promising light absorber for solar cells. In the efficient solar cells, the perovskite active layer has generally been fabricated by either vapor deposition or two-step sequential deposition process. Herein, electrochemically deposited PbO film isin situconverted into CH3NH3PbI3through solid-state reaction with adjacent CH3NH3I layer, exhibiting a large-scale flat and uniform thin film with fully substrate coverage. The resultant planar heterojunction photovoltaic device yields a best power conversion efficiency of 14.59% and an average power conversion efficiency of 13.12 ± 1.08% under standard AM 1.5 conditions. This technique affords a facile and environment-friendly method for the fabrication of the perovskite based solar cells with high reproducibility, paving the way for the practical application.
Metro system in Guangzhou as a hazardous reservoir of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci: findings from a point-prevalence molecular epidemiologic study
Authors: Peng Yang , Ou Qianting , Lin Dongxin , Xu Ping , Li Ying , Ye Xiaohua , Zhou Junli , Yao Zhenjiang
Published: October 2015

Staphylococci are common causes of healthcare-associated and community-associated infections. However, limited data are available on the prevalence, phenotypes and molecular characteristics of Staphylococci in metro system around the world. 320 surface samples were collected from the Guangzhou metro system to isolate and characterize Staphylococci strains. Of the samples, 75.6% (242/320) were contaminated with Staphylococci. The Staphylococci isolates, especially the methicillin resistant isolates, were resistance to most of the antibiotics, with 79.8% (193/242) classified as multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. 8 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carried a range of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types [I (1), II (3), III (2) and NT (2)]. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were classified into several ST types and showed possible cross transmissions of strains from various sources. All MRSA strains were positive for the qac gene and only one methicillin-susceptible Staphylococci aureus (MSSA) strain was positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. This study demonstrated that environmental surfaces in the Guangzhou metro system may be a hazardous reservoir for transmission of Staphylococci to passengers. The resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants observed among isolates was also noteworthy.
Photo-excitation intensity dependent electron and hole injections from lead iodide perovskite to nanocrystalline TiO2 and spiro-OMeTAD
Authors: Makuta Satoshi , Liu Maning , Endo Masaru , Nishimura Hidetaka , Wakamiya Atsushi , Tachibana Yasuhiro
Published: October 2015

Quantitative assessment of photo-excitation intensity dependent electron and hole injections from CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite to nanocrystalline TiO2 and spiro-OMeTAD.
Rapid preparation of single-layer transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets via ultrasonication enhanced lithium intercalation
Authors: Yuwen Lihui , Yu Huan , Yang Xiangrong , Zhou Jiajia , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yuqian , Luo Zhimin , Su Shao , Wang Lianhui
Published: October 2015

A rapid and effective ultrasonication enhanced lithium intercalation (ULI) method was developed to prepare 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets.
Carbene-induced synthesis of the first borironium cations using the [(η5-C5Me5)Fe(CO)2]−anion as an unlikely leaving group
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Dewhurst Rian D. , Ferkinghoff Katharina
Published: October 2015

The first examples of borironium cations are prepared by a remarkably mild carbene-induced process. The cations are three-membered unsaturated boron-containing rings with two Lewis donors bound to the boron atom.
A viologen-functionalized chiral Eu-MOF as a platform for multifunctional switchable material
Authors: Li Hai-Yang , Xu Hong , Zang Shuang-Quan , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: October 2015

A novel crystalline Europium-organic framework (Eu-MOF) incorporates chirality and viologen, thereby combining photochromism, photo-modulated luminescence, photoswitchable NLO and piezoelectric properties.
Correlating conduction properties with the molecular symmetry: segregation of Z and E isomers in the charge-assisted, halogen-bonded cocrystal [(Z,E)-Me2I2TTF]2Br
Authors: Jeannin Olivier , Canadell Enric , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Fourmigué Marc
Published: October 2015

Co-crystallization of theZandEisomers of Me2I2TTF in a mixed-valence bromide salt leads to segregated stacks with two different charge order patterns and associated charge-assisted halogen bonding.
Origins of contrasting copper coordination geometries in crystalline copper sulfate pentahydrate
Authors: Ruggiero Michael T. , Erba Alessandro , Orlando Roberto , Korter Timothy M.
Published: October 2015

Crystal orbital overlap population and crystal orbital Hamiltonian population analyses provide insight into the differing water coordination geometries found in crystalline copper(ii) sulfate pentahydrate.
Inorganic–organic solar cells based on quaternary sulfide as absorber materials
Authors: Hong Tiantian , Liu Zhifeng , Yan Weiguo , Liu Junqi , Zhang Xueqi
Published: October 2015

We report a novel promising quaternary sulfide (CuAgInS) to serve as a semiconductor sensitizer material in the photoelectrochemical field.
High-performance formaldehyde gas-sensors based on three dimensional center-hollow ZnO
Authors: Shi Linqi , Cui Jiabao , Zhao Fei , Wang Dejun , Xie Tengfeng , Lin Yanhong
Published: October 2015

3D-ZnO possessing suitable grain size and excellent hollow-porous architectures exhibited outstanding sensitivity for formaldehyde vapor.
Speciation of americium in seawater and accumulation in the marine sponge Aplysina cavernicola
Authors: Maloubier Melody , Michel Hervé , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Moisy Philippe , Tribalat Marie-Aude , Oberhaensli François R. , Dechraoui Bottein Marie Yasmine , Thomas Olivier P. , Monfort Marguerite , Moulin Christophe , Den Auwer Christophe
Published: October 2015

The fate of radionuclides in the environment and especially in seawater is a cause of great concern for modern society and drives the need for experimental speciation studies.
A simple route to phosphamethine cyanines from S,N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Binder Justin F. , Corrente Andrea M. , Macdonald Charles L. B.
Published: October 2015

The reaction between a triphosphenium salt and S,N-heterocyclic carbenes grants phosphamethine cyanines with a different electronic structure than those of their NHC-ligated analogues.
Centrosymmetric and chiral porous thorium organic frameworks exhibiting uncommon thorium coordination environments
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Weng Zhehui , Wang Yanlong , Chen Lanhua , Sheng Daopeng , Liu Yunhai , Diwu Juan , Chai Zhifang , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E. , Wang Shuao
Published: October 2015

The solvothermal reaction of thorium nitrate and tris-(4-carboxylphenyl)phosphine oxide in DMF affords a centrosymmetric porous thorium organic framework compound [Th(TPO)(OH)(H2O)]·8H2O (1).
Reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation from a mononuclear complex to a fourfold interpenetrated MOF with selective adsorption of CO2
Authors: Liu Min-Min , Bi Yan-Lin , Dang Qin-Qin , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: October 2015

Reversible crystal transformation was observed between a mononuclear complex to a fourfold interpenetrated MOF with selective adsorption of CO2 up to 12.5 wt% at room temperature and low pressure.
Synthesis, structure and enhanced photoluminescence properties of two robust, water stable calcium and magnesium coordination networks
Authors: Xu Feng , Wang Hao , Teat Simon J. , Liu Wei , Xia Qibin , Li Zhong , Li Jing
Published: October 2015

We report two new, highly stable 3D coordination networks showing enhanced photoluminescence as a result of ligand immobilization.
Synthesis and characterization of a family of M2+ complexes supported by a trianionic ONO3− pincer-type ligand: towards the stabilization of high-spin square-planar complexes
Authors: Pascualini M. E. , Stoian S. A. , Ozarowski A. , Di Russo N. V. , Thuijs A. E. , Abboud K. A. , Christou G. , Veige A. S.
Published: October 2015

A trianionic pincer-type ligand stabilizes rare Fe(ii) and Co(ii) high spin, square-planar complexes.
A high-rate and long cycle life solid-state lithium–air battery
Authors: Zhu X. B. , Zhao T. S. , Wei Z. H. , Tan P. , An L.
Published: October 2015

A novel silicone-oil film blocks H2O and CO2 from reaching reaction sites but allows a high rate of O2 transfer.
Unraveling the complexity of the interactions of DNA nucleotides with gold by single molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Bano Fouzia , Sluysmans Damien , Wislez Arnaud , Duwez Anne-Sophie
Published: October 2015

Addressing the effect of different environmental factors on the adsorption of DNA to solid supports is critical for the development of robust miniaturized devices for applications ranging from biosensors to next generation molecular technology.
Non-templated ambient nanoperforation of graphene: a novel scalable process and its exploitation for energy and environmental applications
Authors: Jhajharia Suman Kumari , Selvaraj Kaliaperumal
Published: October 2015

A rapid, inexpensive and safely scalable nanoperforation process for graphene sheets at ambient conditions is reported herein. The holey graphene exhibits retainable high specific capacitance due to perforation. DFT calculations provide direct clues about the nanoscopic perforation.
Design of a fluorescent ligand targeting the S-adenosylmethionine binding site of the histone methyltransferase MLL1
Authors: Luan Yepeng , Blazer Levi L. , Hu Hao , Hajian Taraneh , Zhang Jing , Wu Hong , Houliston Scott , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Vedadi Masoud , Zheng Yujun George
Published: October 2015

FL-NAH is a fluorescent ligand for the SAM-binding site of the MLL1 lysine methyltransferase.
Investigation of benzoyloximes as benzoylating reagents: benzoyl-Oxyma as a selective benzoylating reagent
Authors: Burugupalli Satvika , Shah Sayali , van der Peet Phillip L. , Arora Seep , White Jonathan M. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: October 2015

Benzoyl-Oxyma is a highly crystalline, readily prepared, safer alternative to benzoyloxybenzotriazole, useful in the selective benzoylation of carbohydrate polyols.
Corrosion inhibition of mild steel by an imidazolium ionic liquid compound: the effect of pH and surface pre-corrosion
Authors: Yang Dongrui , Zhang Mingzhen , Zheng Jie , Castaneda Homero
Published: October 2015

The corrosion inhibition performance of 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (DMICL) on mild steel was investigated in a carbon dioxide-saturated NaCl solution at pH 3.8 and 6.8.
Hydrophilic modification of ordered mesoporous carbon supported Fe nanoparticles with enhanced adsorption and heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation performance
Authors: Zheng Chunming , Cheng Xiangzhi , Yang Chuanwu , Zhang Caojin , Li Huilin , Kan Lixin , Xia Jun , Sun Xiaohong
Published: October 2015

Ordered mesoporous carbon with Fe nanoparticles (Fe/meso-C) underwent hydrophilic surface modification with hydrogen peroxide, which shows enhanced adsorption and heterogeneous Fenton oxidation performance for methylene blue.
Curcumin loaded nano graphene oxide reinforced fish scale collagen – a 3D scaffold biomaterial for wound healing applications
Authors: Mitra Tapas , Manna Piyali Jana , Raja S. T. K. , Gnanamani A. , Kundu P. P.
Published: October 2015

We prepare a highly stabilized nano graphene oxide functionalized with type I collagen to make a 3D scaffold as a novel platform for better tissue engineering research..
Cu2(OH)PO4/g-C3N4 composite as an efficient visible light-activated photo-Fenton photocatalyst
Authors: Chen Changhong , Zhou Yan , Wang Ningning , Cheng Linyu , Ding Hanming
Published: October 2015

The synergistic effect of Cu2(OH)PO4/H2O2 and g-C3N4 highly boosts the catalytic activity towards photo-Fenton photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.
Polymerization mechanism of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) fragrance nanocapsules
Authors: Zhao Di , Jiao Xin , Zhang Yao , An Dong , Shi Xiaodi , Lu Xihua , Qiu Gao , Shea Kenneth J.
Published: October 2015

At 80 °C, the homopolymerization of the monomer contained in the oil phase caused the precipitation of the polymer on the surface of nanoemulsion drops under the protection of N2 leading to the formation of nanocapsules.
A comparative thermodynamic study of the formation of scandium complexes with DTPA and DOTA
Authors: Huclier-Markai S. , Alliot C. , Sebti J. , Brunel B. , Aupiais J.
Published: October 2015

The complexation of scandium(iii) by various polyaminopolycarboxylic ligands (DTPA and DOTA) was studied by capillary electrophoresis with ICP-MS detection in 0.1 mol L−1NaCl ionic strength solutions at 25 °C.
Ganocochlearic acid A, a rearranged hexanorlanostane triterpenoid, and cytotoxic triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear
Authors: Peng Xing-Rong , Wang Xia , Zhou Lin , Hou Bo , Zuo Zhi-Li , Qiu Ming-Hua
Published: October 2015

Ganocochlearic acid A (1) was a rearranged hexanorlanostane triterpenoid featuring a γ-lactone ring and a five-membered carbon ring. Compound 4 exhibited relatively potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50: 9.15 μM).
Flexible and mechanically-stable MIL-101(Cr)@PFs for efficient benzene vapor and CO2adsorption
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Cheng Baihua , Ma Chen , Xu Feng , Xiao Jing , Xia Qibin , Li Zhong
Published: October 2015

Novel MIL-101(Cr)@PF sheets with high uptakes for benzene and CO2(10.29 and 2.13 mmol g−1at 298 K, respectively) and excellent flexibility/mechanical stability were prepared by immobilizing MIL-101(Cr) crystals onto the modified pulp fibers (PFs).
Fulleropyrrolidines derived from dioxa- and trioxaalkyl-tethered diglycines
Authors: Kop Tatjana , Bjelaković Mira , Đorđević Jelena , Žekić Andrijana , Milić Dragana
Published: October 2015

The synthesis, characterization, morphological, electrochemical and antioxidant properties of fulleropyrrolidines bridged by polyoxaalkyl chains are described.
Water-responsive dual-coloured photonic polymer coatings based on cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Stumpel J. E. , Broer D. J. , Schenning A. P. H. J.
Published: October 2015

This work describes a straightforward method to prepare patterned photonic coatings which alter their colour when exposed to water.
A mild and efficient amide formation reaction mediated by P(OEt)3 and iodine
Authors: Chen Pei-Jiang , Wang Hai-Yang , Peng Ai-Yun
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a series of amides, including peptides, were prepared efficiently under mild conditions using P(OEt)3 and I2 as activating reagents.
Integration of MnO@graphene with graphene networks towards Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Xiu , Ng Dickon H. L. , Ma Jianmin
Published: October 2015

We have directly integrated MnO@graphene with graphene networks through the thermal decomposition of Mn–oleate complex in an argon atmosphere at high temperatures. The MnO/graphene composites exhibited superior cycling performance.
A theoretical exploration of the nonradiative deactivation of hydrogen-bond complexes: isoindole–pyridine and quinoline–pyrrole
Authors: Omidyan Reza , Salehi Mohammad , Azimi Gholamhassan
Published: October 2015

CC2 potential energy profiles of the ground and excited states of the isoindole–pyridine complex along the proton transfer reaction coordinate are studied.
Structure–property relationship in lead-free A- and B-site co-doped Bi0.5(Na0.84K0.16)0.5TiO3–SrTiO3incipient piezoceramics
Authors: Malik Rizwan Ahmed , Hussain Ali , Zaman Arif , Maqbool Adnan , Rahman Jamil Ur , Song Tae Kwon , Kim Won-Jeong , Kim Myong-Ho
Published: October 2015

A phase diagram of A- and B-site co-substituted lead-free incipient piezoceramics is schematically constructed on the basis of crystal structure and electromechanical, dielectric and piezoelectric properties.
Phenothiazine based sensor for naked-eye detection and bioimaging of Hg(ii) and F− ions
Authors: Vengaian K. Muthu , Britto C. Denzil , Sivaraman Gandhi , Sekar Karuppannan , Singaravadivel Subramanian
Published: October 2015

The design and development of new phenothiazine-based fluorescent probes, which displays selective fluorescence response to Hg2+ and F− ions in a reversible manner. The probe is the first example that facilitates the detection of Hg2+ at nanomolar concentration.
Effect of novel polysiloxane functionalized poly(AMPS-co-CEA) membranes for base recovery from alkaline waste solutions via diffusion dialysis
Authors: Mondal Abhishek N. , Zheng Chunlei , Cheng Congliang , Hossain Md. Masem , Khan Muhammad Imran , Yao Zilu , Wu Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: October 2015

The corresponding poly(AMPS-co-CEA) based membrane which showed high base permeability and proper separation factor in alkali recovery via DD process.
Quantitative performance of online SPE-LC coupled to Q-Exactive for the analysis of sofosbuvir in human plasma
Authors: Qu Lihua , Wang Wenjun , Zeng Debin , Lu Yaxin , Yin Zheng
Published: October 2015

A quantitative strategy towards the detection of sofosbuvir in human plasma was developed with online-SPE-LC-HRMS using t-MS2, t-SIM and F-SIM modes.
Enantiodivergent asymmetric catalysis with the tropos BIPHEP ligand and a proline derivative as chiral selector
Authors: Oczipka P. , Müller D. , Leitner W. , Franciò G.
Published: October 2015

Enantiomer on demand: tropos ligand BIPHEP and chiral selector (S)-proline methyl ester allow enantiodivergent Rh-catalysed hydrogenation and asymmetric styrene hydroboration.
Nanoparticle phosphate-based composites as vehicles for antimony delivery to macrophages: possible use in leishmaniasis
Authors: Alvarenga Betânia Mara , Melo Maria Norma , Frézard Fréderic , Demicheli Cynthia , Gomes Juliana Moreira Mendonça , Borba da Silva José Bento , Speziali Nivaldo Lucio , Corrêa Junior José Dias
Published: October 2015

Nontoxic NPC containing Sb(v) boosts the infected macrophage recovery.
Efficient combination of polynomial time algorithm and subtree decomposition for network coding
Authors: Liu Yantao , Morgan Yasser
Published: October 2015

Aiming at the inefficiency of polynomial time algorithm of linear network coding (NC) for multicast applications, the authors propose an improved algorithm which combines polynomial time algorithm with subtree decomposition. The algorithm is composed of five steps, including line graph transforming, subtree decomposition, static subtree set generating, assigning of global coding vector, and calculation of local coding vector. Subtree decomposition decreases network scale and coding complexity steeply, so it is an efficient algorithm of linear NC for multicast. An example is given to illustrate the implementation of the algorithm. Detailed analysis to algorithm complexity and a group of numerical experiments are made to show the efficiency of the algorithm.
Graphics processing unit‐accelerated multi‐resolution exhaustive search algorithm for real‐time keypoint descriptor matching in high‐dimensional spaces
Authors: Tsai Chi‐Yi , Huang Chih‐Hung , Tsao An‐Hung
Published: October 2015

Image keypoint descriptor matching is an important pre‐processing task in various computer vision applications. This study first introduces an existing multi‐resolution exhaustive search (MRES) algorithm combined with a multi‐resolution candidate elimination technique to address this issue efficiently. A graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration design is then proposed to improve its real‐time performance. Suppose that a scale‐invariant feature transform like algorithm is used to extract image keypoint descriptors of an input image, the MRES algorithm first computes a multi‐resolution table of each keypoint descriptor by using a L1‐norm‐based dimension reduction approach. Next, a fast candidate elimination algorithm is employed based on the multi‐resolution tables to remove all non‐candidates from a candidate matching list by using a simple L1‐norm computation. However, when the MRES algorithm was implemented on the central processing unit, the authors observed that the step of multi‐resolution table building is not computationally efficient, but it is very suitable for parallel implementation on the GPU. Therefore, this study presents a GPU acceleration method for the MRES algorithm to achieve better real‐time performance. Experimental results validate the computational efficiency and matching accuracy of the proposed algorithm by comparing with three existing methods.
Application of signal processing and analysis in detecting single line‐to‐ground (SLG) fault location in high‐impedance grounded distribution network
Authors: Li Yajie , Meng Xiaoli , Song Xiaohui
Published: October 2015

In high‐impedance grounded distribution networks which are common in many countries, single line‐to‐ground (SLG) fault diagnosis is difficult due to weak fault characteristics, noise interference, three‐phase unbalanced operation's influence and so on. Upon thorough analysis on the space‐time characteristics of SLG fault, this study applies signal processing and analysis techniques to do SLG fault location detection. First, finite impulse response (FIR) filter is applied to effectively strain out interference factors and extract pure fault characteristics for each line. Afterwards, hierarchical clustering is used to classify lines based on the extracted fault characteristics. According to the clustering result, the fault line could be determined. If there are monitoring terminals distributed in the fault line, the fault section could also be further identified. Simulation shows that the proposed method works well under various fault conditions and has a higher reliability compared with wavelet analysis. Besides, this method makes full use of the existing hardware conditions in the grid and the cost is low, hence it has high practical value.
Rectangular microstrip antenna with dumbbell shaped defected ground structure for improved cross polarised radiation in wide elevation angle and its theoretical analysis
Authors: Ghosh Abhijyoti , Chakraborty Subhradeep , Chattopadhyay Sudipta , Nandi Arnab , Basu Banani
Published: October 2015

A simple and compact rectangular microstrip patch antenna (RMPA) with dumbbell shaped defected ground structure has been proposed and investigated experimentally for significant suppression of cross polarised (XP) radiation compared with maximum co‐polarised gain without affecting the co‐polarised radiation pattern. The investigation shows that the proposed antenna has an excellent co‐polarised radiation to XP radiation isolation over wide elevation angle around the broadside for different aspect ratio (width to length ratio or W/L) of RMPA. The proposed idea is justified in the light of concrete theoretical analysis.
Low cost shaped beam synthesis for semi‐smart base station antennas
Authors: Chen Zhijiao , Parini Clive
Published: October 2015

The authors present a low cost shaped beam synthesis method for semi‐smart base station antennas. Compared with the conventional array synthesis for smart antenna applications, the proposed circular/conformal array shaped beam synthesis for semi‐smart antenna has much lower system complexity and instrumentation implementation cost. This is because only few elements are involved and the circular array factor is simplified for coarse granularity beam. Adding to this, a fast quasi‐Newton method is used by the linear/conformal array for the beam optimisation. By coding the shaped beam synthesis methodology in C/C++, the shaped beam synthesis for 12‐element circular array is implemented for the semi‐smart macrocell, showing its advantages of low‐consumed time and stable mean square errors. Furthermore, a semi‐smart sectored picocell has been designed with 4‐element conformal array, which was demonstrated to be superior to the linear one by avoiding the blind angle, exhibiting better accuracy and less consumed processing time.