bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological states in multi-orbital HgTe honeycomb lattices
Authors: Beugeling W. , Kalesaki E. , Delerue C. , Niquet Y.-M. , Vanmaekelbergh D. , Smith C. Morais
Published: March 2015

Research on graphene has revealed remarkable phenomena arising in the honeycomb lattice. However, the quantum spin Hall effect predicted at the K point could not be observed in graphene and other honeycomb structures of light elements due to an insufficiently strong spin–orbit coupling. Here we show theoretically that 2D honeycomb lattices of HgTe can combine the effects of the honeycomb geometry and strong spin–orbit coupling. The conduction bands, experimentally accessible via doping, can be described by a tight-binding lattice model as in graphene, but including multi-orbital degrees of freedom and spin–orbit coupling. This results in very large topological gaps (up to 35 meV) and a flattened band detached from the others. Owing to this flat band and the sizable Coulomb interaction, honeycomb structures of HgTe constitute a promising platform for the observation of a fractional Chern insulator or a fractional quantum spin Hall phase.
Testosterone regulates the autophagic clearance of androgen binding protein in rat Sertoli cells
Authors: Ma Yi , Yang Hao-Zheng , Xu Long-Mei , Huang Yi-Ran , Dai Hui-Li , Kang Xiao-Nan
Published: March 2015

Dysregulation of androgen-binding protein (ABP) is associated with a number of endocrine and andrology diseases. However, the ABP metabolism in Sertoli cells is largely unknown. We report that autophagy degrades ABP in rat Sertoli cells and the autophagic clearance of ABP is regulated by testosterone, which prolongs the ABP biological half-life by inhibiting autophagy. Further studies identified that the autophagic clearance of ABP might be selectively regulated by testosterone, independent of stress (hypoxia)-induced autophagic degradation. These data demonstrate that testosterone up-regulates ABP expression at least partially by suppressing the autophagic degradation. We report a novel finding with respect to the mechanisms by which ABP is cleared and by which the process is regulated in Sertoli cells.
Defect-Induced Photoluminescence Blinking of Single Epitaxial InGaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Hu Fengrui , Cao Zengle , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang Xiaoyong , Xiao Min
Published: March 2015

Here we report two types of defect-induced photoluminescence (PL) blinking behaviors observed in single epitaxial InGaAs quantum dots (QDs). In the first type of PL blinking, the “off” period is caused by the trapping of hot electrons from the higher-lying excited state (absorption state) to the defect site so that its PL rise lifetime is shorter than that of the “on” period. For the “off” period in the second type of PL blinking, the electrons relax from the first excited state (emission state) into the defect site, leading to a shortened PL decay lifetime compared to that of the “on” period. This defect-induced exciton quenching in epitaxial QDs, previously demonstrated also in colloidal nanocrystals, confirms that these two important semiconductor nanostructures could share the same PL blinking mechanism.
Imaging shear stress distribution and evaluating the stress concentration factor of the human eye
Authors: Joseph Antony S.
Published: March 2015

Healthy eyes are vital for a better quality of human life. Historically, for man-made materials, scientists and engineers use stress concentration factors to characterise the effects of structural non-homogeneities on their mechanical strength. However, such information is scarce for the human eye. Here we present the shear stress distribution profiles of a healthy human cornea surface in vivo using photo-stress analysis tomography, which is a non-intrusive and non-X-ray based method. The corneal birefringent retardation measured here is comparable to that of previous studies. Using this, we derive eye stress concentration factors and the directional alignment of major principal stress on the surface of the cornea. Similar to thermometers being used for monitoring the general health in humans, this report provides a foundation to characterise the shear stress carrying capacity of the cornea and a potential bench mark for validating theoretical modelling of stresses in the human eye in future.
Lunge feeding in early marine reptiles and fast evolution of marine tetrapod feeding guilds
Authors: Motani Ryosuke , Chen Xiao-hong , Jiang Da-yong , Cheng Long , Tintori Andrea , Rieppel Olivier
Published: March 2015

Traditional wisdom holds that biotic recovery from the end-Permian extinction was slow and gradual and was not complete until the Middle Triassic. Here, we report that the evolution of marine predator feeding guilds and their trophic structure, proceeded faster. Marine reptile lineages with unique feeding adaptations emerged during the Early Triassic (about 248 million years ago), including the enigmatic Hupehsuchus that possessed an unusually slender mandible. A new specimen of this genus reveals a well-preserved palate and mandible, which suggest that it was a rare lunge feeder as also occurs in rorqual whales and pelicans. The diversity of feeding strategies among Triassic marine tetrapods reached their peak in the Early Triassic, soon after their first appearance in the fossil record. The diet of these early marine tetrapods most likely included soft-bodied animals that are not preserved as fossils. Early marine tetrapods most likely introduced a new trophic mechanism to redistribute nutrients to the top 10 m of the sea, where the primary productivity is highest. Therefore, a simple recovery to a Permian-like trophic structure does not explain the biotic changes seen after the Early Triassic.
Ultra-broadband terahertz absorption by exciting the orthogonal diffraction in dumbbell-shaped gratings
Authors: Zang XiaoFei , Shi Cheng , Chen Lin , Cai Bin , Zhu YiMing , Zhuang SongLin
Published: March 2015

Metamaterials, artificial electromagnetic media consisting of periodical subwavelength metal-based micro-structures, were widely suggested for the absorption of terahertz (THz) waves. However, they have been suffered from the absorption of THz waves just in the single-frequency owing to its resonance features. Here, in this paper, we propose a simple periodical structure, composed of two 90 degree crossed dumbbell-shaped doped-silicon grating arrays, to demonstrate broadband THz wave absorption. Our theoretical and experimental results illustrate that THz waves can be efficiently absorbed more than 95% ranging from 0.92 THz to 2.4 THz. Such an ultra-wideband polarization-independent THz absorber is realized mainly based on the mechanisms of the anti-reflection effect together with the [±1, 0]-order and [0, ±1]-order grating diffractions. The application of our investigation can be extend to THz couplers, filters, imaging and so on.
Strain-mediated electric-field control of exchange bias in a Co90Fe10/BiFeO3/SrRuO3/PMN-PT heterostructure
Authors: Wu S. Z. , Miao J. , Xu X. G. , Yan W. , Reeve R. , Zhang X. H. , Jiang Y.
Published: March 2015

The electric-field (E-field) controlled exchange bias (EB) in a Co90Fe10/BiFeO3 (BFO)/SrRuO3/PMN-PT heterostructure has been investigated under different tensile strain states. The in-plane tensile strain of the BFO film is changed from +0.52% to +0.43% as a result of external E-field applied to the PMN-PT substrate. An obvious change of EB by the control of non-volatile strain has been observed. A magnetization reversal driven by E-field has been observed in the absence of magnetic field. Our results indicate that a reversible non-volatile E-field control of a ferromagnetic layer through strain modulated multiferroic BFO could be achieved at room temperature.
An atmospheric origin of the multi-decadal bipolar seesaw
Authors: Wang Zhaomin , Zhang Xiangdong , Guan Zhaoyong , Sun Bo , Yang Xin , Liu Chengyan
Published: March 2015

A prominent feature of recent climatic change is the strong Arctic surface warming that is contemporaneous with broad cooling over much of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Longer global surface temperature observations suggest that this contrasting pole-to-pole change could be a manifestation of a multi-decadal interhemispheric or bipolar seesaw pattern, which is well correlated with the North Atlantic sea surface temperature variability and thus generally hypothesized to originate from Atlantic meridional overturning circulation oscillations. Here, we show that there is an atmospheric origin for this seesaw pattern. The results indicate that the Southern Ocean surface cooling (warming) associated with the seesaw pattern is attributable to the strengthening (weakening) of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies, which can be traced to Northern Hemisphere and tropical tropospheric warming (cooling). Antarctic ozone depletion has been suggested to be an important driving force behind the recently observed increase in the Southern Hemisphere's summer westerly winds; our results imply that Northern Hemisphere and tropical warming may have played a triggering role at an stage earlier than the first detectable Antarctic ozone depletion and enhanced Antarctic ozone depletion through decreasing the lower stratospheric temperature.
Photothermal cellular stimulation in functional bio-polymer interfaces
Authors: Martino Nicola , Feyen Paul , Porro Matteo , Bossio Caterina , Zucchetti Elena , Ghezzi Diego , Benfenati Fabio , Lanzani Guglielmo , Antognazza Maria Rosa
Published: March 2015

Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications, bearing a huge potential, from basic researches to clinical applications. In particular, light sensitive conjugated polymers can be exploited as a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity. In this work we focus on light-induced changes in the membrane potential of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells grown on top of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film. On top of a capacitive charging of the polymer interface, we identify and fully characterize two concomitant mechanisms, leading to membrane depolarization and hyperpolarisation, both mediated by a thermal effect. Our results can be usefully exploited in the creation of a new platform for light-controlled cell manipulation, with possible applications in neuroscience and medicine.
Voluntary rewards mediate the evolution of pool punishment for maintaining public goods in large populations
Authors: Sasaki Tatsuya , Uchida Satoshi , Chen Xiaojie
Published: March 2015

Punishment is a popular tool when governing commons in situations where free riders would otherwise take over. It is well known that sanctioning systems, such as the police and courts, are costly and thus can suffer from those who free ride on other's efforts to maintain the sanctioning systems (second-order free riders). Previous game-theory studies showed that if populations are very large, pool punishment rarely emerges in public good games, even when participation is optional, because of second-order free riders. Here we show that a matching fund for rewarding cooperation leads to the emergence of pool punishment, despite the presence of second-order free riders. We demonstrate that reward funds can pave the way for a transition from a population of free riders to a population of pool punishers. A key factor in promoting the transition is also to reward those who contribute to pool punishment, yet not abstaining from participation. Reward funds eventually vanish in raising pool punishment, which is sustainable by punishing the second-order free riders. This suggests that considering the interdependence of reward and punishment may help to better understand the origins and transitions of social norms and institutions.
Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) expression and prognosis in solid cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Xiao-wei , Zhang Fan , Wu Hong , Liu Jun-lan , Zong Bei-ge , Xu Chuan , Jiang Jun
Published: March 2015

Though proposed as a promising target antigen for cancer immunotherapy, the prognostic value of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in solid tumors remains inconclusive. Here, we report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between WT1 expression and prognosis in solid tumors. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies exploring the impact of WT1 on clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse/recurrence-free survival (RFS) or progression-free survival (PFS), in solid cancer patients. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to assess the strength of these associations. Finally, a total of 29 eligible studies with 4090 patients were identified for qualitative analysis and 22 studies with 3620 patients were enrolled for quantitative synthesis. Overall, positive expression of WT1 was significantly associated with worse OS (metaHR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.11–1.97) and DFS/RFS/PFS (metaHR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.42–3.21). Subgroup analyses showed that WT1 positive expression could independently predict unfavorable DFS/RFS/PFS (metaHR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.04–3.35). In summary, our study suggests that WT1 may be a potential marker to predict DFS/RFS/PFS in solid tumor patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of WT1 expression in clinical practice.
Subknots in ideal knots, random knots and knotted proteins
Authors: Rawdon Eric J. , Millett Kenneth C. , Stasiak Andrzej
Published: March 2015

We introduce disk matrices which encode the knotting of all subchains in circular knot configurations. The disk matrices allow us to dissect circular knots into their subknots, i.e. knot types formed by subchains of the global knot. The identification of subknots is based on the study of linear chains in which a knot type is associated to the chain by means of a spatially robust closure protocol. We characterize the sets of observed subknot types in global knots taking energy-minimized shapes such as KnotPlot configurations and ideal geometric configurations. We compare the sets of observed subknots to knot types obtained by changing crossings in the classical prime knot diagrams. Building upon this analysis, we study the sets of subknots in random configurations of corresponding knot types. In many of the knot types we analyzed, the sets of subknots from the ideal geometric configurations are found in each of the hundreds of random configurations of the same global knot type. We also compare the sets of subknots observed in open protein knots with the subknots observed in the ideal configurations of the corresponding knot type. This comparison enables us to explain the specific dispositions of subknots in the analyzed protein knots.
Critical evidence for the prediction error theory in associative learning
Authors: Terao Kanta , Matsumoto Yukihisa , Mizunami Makoto
Published: March 2015

In associative learning in mammals, it is widely accepted that the discrepancy, or error, between actual and predicted reward determines whether learning occurs. Complete evidence for the prediction error theory, however, has not been obtained in any learning systems: Prediction error theory stems from the finding of a blocking phenomenon, but blocking can also be accounted for by other theories, such as the attentional theory. We demonstrated blocking in classical conditioning in crickets and obtained evidence to reject the attentional theory. To obtain further evidence supporting the prediction error theory and rejecting alternative theories, we constructed a neural model to match the prediction error theory, by modifying our previous model of learning in crickets and we tested a prediction from the model: the model predicts that pharmacological intervention of octopaminergic transmission during appetitive conditioning impairs learning but not formation of reward prediction itself and it thus predicts no learning in subsequent training. We observed such an “auto-blocking”, which could be accounted for by the prediction error theory but not by other competitive theories to account for blocking. This study unambiguously demonstrates validity of the prediction error theory in associative learning.
Extensive phenotypic plasticity of a Red Sea coral over a strong latitudinal temperature gradient suggests limited acclimatization potential to warming
Authors: Sawall Yvonne , Al-Sofyani Abdulmoshin , Hohn Sönke , Banguera-Hinestroza Eulalia , Voolstra Christian R. , Wahl Martin
Published: March 2015

Global warming was reported to cause growth reductions in tropical shallow water corals in both, cooler and warmer, regions of the coral species range. This suggests regional adaptation with less heat-tolerant populations in cooler and more thermo-tolerant populations in warmer regions. Here, we investigated seasonal changes in the in situ metabolic performance of the widely distributed hermatypic coral Pocillopora verrucosa along 12° latitudes featuring a steep temperature gradient between the northern (28.5°N, 21–27°C) and southern (16.5°N, 28–33°C) reaches of the Red Sea. Surprisingly, we found little indication for regional adaptation, but strong indications for high phenotypic plasticity: Calcification rates in two seasons (winter, summer) were found to be highest at 28–29°C throughout all populations independent of their geographic location. Mucus release increased with temperature and nutrient supply, both being highest in the south. Genetic characterization of the coral host revealed low inter-regional variation and differences in the Symbiodinium clade composition only at the most northern and most southern region. This suggests variable acclimatization potential to ocean warming of coral populations across the Red Sea: high acclimatization potential in northern populations, but limited ability to cope with ocean warming in southern populations already existing at the upper thermal margin for corals.
Bioinspired Tuning of Hydrogel Permeability-Rigidity Dependency for 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Lee Min Kyung , Rich Max H. , Baek Kwanghyun , Lee Jonghwi , Kong Hyunjoon
Published: March 2015

Hydrogels are being extensively used for three-dimensional immobilization and culture of cells in fundamental biological studies, biochemical processes and clinical treatments. However, it is still a challenge to support viability and regulate phenotypic activities of cells in a structurally stable gel, because the gel becomes less permeable with increasing rigidity. To resolve this challenge, this study demonstrates a unique method to enhance the permeability of a cell-laden hydrogel while avoiding a significant change in rigidity of the gel. Inspired by the grooved skin textures of marine organisms, a hydrogel is assembled to present computationally optimized micro-sized grooves on the surface. Separately, a gel is engineered to preset aligned microchannels similar to a plant's vascular bundles through a uniaxial freeze-drying process. The resulting gel displays significantly increased water diffusivity with reduced changes of gel stiffness, exclusively when the microgrooves and microchannels are aligned together. No significant enhancement of rehydration is achieved when the microgrooves and microchannels are not aligned. Such material design greatly enhances viability and neural differentiation of stem cells and 3D neural network formation within the gel.
Diminished appetitive startle modulation following targeted inhibition of prefrontal cortex
Authors: Hurlemann René , Arndt Stephan , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Reul Juergen , Maier Wolfgang , Scheele Dirk
Published: March 2015

From an evolutionary perspective the startle eye-blink response forms an integral part of the human avoidance behavioral repertoire and is typically diminished by pleasant emotional states. In major depressive disorder (MDD) appetitive motivation is impaired, evident in a reduced interference of positive emotion with the startle response. Given the pivotal role of frontostriatal neurocircuitry in orchestrating appetitive motivation, we hypothesized that inhibitory transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) would reduce appetitive neuromodulation in a manner similar to MDD. Based on a pre-TMS functional MRI (fMRI) experiment we selected the left dorsolateral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortices as target regions for subsequent sham-controlled inhibitory theta-burst TMS (TBS) in 40 healthy male volunteers. Consistent with our hypothesis, between-group comparisons revealed a TBS-induced inhibition of appetitive neuromodulation, manifest in a diminished startle response suppression by hedonic stimuli. Collectively, our results suggest that functional integrity of left dorsolateral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex is critical for mediating a pleasure-induced down-regulation of avoidance responses which may protect the brain from a depressogenic preponderance of defensive stress.
The Therapeuatic Effect of Endostar on Soft Carotid Plaque Neovascularization in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pu Zhaoxia , Wang Yao , Zhang Ying , Huang Jing , Hong Yurong , He Huiliao , Liu Chunmei , Chen Shuyuan , Grayburn Paul A. , Huang Pintong
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the angiogenesis inhibitor Endostar on carotid plaque neovascularization in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Ninety-one patients who had NSCLC with soft carotid plaques were selected for treatment either with the NP regimen (vinorelbine + cisplatin) (43 patients) or with the ENP regimen (Endostar + NP) (48 patients). Plaque thickness and neovascularization of the plaque were assessed before and at 1 month after treatment using CEUS. Enhanced intensity (EI) of CEUS was used for quantification of plaque neovascularization. There was no significant changes in any group in thickness of plaque between recruitment and 1 month after treatment (P > 0.05 for all). There was no significant change in the EI of plaque in the controls or NP groups at 1 month after treatment (P > 0.05), while EI in the ENP group was significantly reduced at 1 month after treatment (P < 0.01) and significantly lower than that in the controls or NP group at 1 month after treatment (P < 0.001 both). This study indicates that carotid soft plaque neovascularization in patients with NSCLC can be reduced by anti-angiogenesis treatment.
Avian Influenza Virus Infection Risk in Humans with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Zhong Yaogang , Qin Yannan , Yu Hanjie , Yu Jingmin , Wu Haoxiang , Chen Lin , Zhang Peixin , Wang Xiurong , Jia Zhansheng , Guo Yonghong , Zhang Hua , Shan Junjie , Wang Yuxia , Xie Hailong , Li Xiaojie , Li Zheng
Published: March 2015

Saliva proteins may protect older people from influenza, however, it is often noted that hospitalizations and deaths after an influenza infection mainly occur in the elderly population living with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. Our objective was to investigate the expression level of the terminal α2-3- and α2-6-linked sialic acids in human saliva from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), liver disease and gastric cancer (GC) patients and assess the binding activity of these linked sialic acids against influenza A viruses (IAV). We observed that the expression level of the terminal α2-3-linked sialic acids of elderly individuals with T2DM and liver disease were down-regulated significantly and the terminal α2-6 linked sialic acids were up-regulated slightly or had no significant alteration. However, in the saliva of patients with GC, neither sialic acid was significantly altered. These findings may reveal that elderly individuals with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and liver disease, might be more susceptible to the avian influenza virus due to the decreased expression of terminal α2-3-linked sialic acids in their saliva.
How mobile are protons in the structure of dental glass ionomer cements?
Authors: Benetti Ana R. , Jacobsen Johan , Lehnhoff Benedict , Momsen Niels C. R. , Okhrimenko Denis V. , Telling Mark T. F. , Kardjilov Nikolay , Strobl Markus , Seydel Tilo , Manke Ingo , Bordallo Heloisa N.
Published: March 2015

The development of dental materials with improved properties and increased longevity can save costs and minimize discomfort for patients. Due to their good biocompatibility, glass ionomer cements are an interesting restorative option. However, these cements have limited mechanical strength to survive in the challenging oral environment. Therefore, a better understanding of the structure and hydration process of these cements can bring the necessary understanding to further developments. Neutrons and X-rays have been used to investigate the highly complex pore structure, as well as to assess the hydrogen mobility within these cements. Our findings suggest that the lower mechanical strength in glass ionomer cements results not only from the presence of pores, but also from the increased hydrogen mobility within the material. The relationship between microstructure, hydrogen mobility and strength brings insights into the material's durability, also demonstrating the need and opening the possibility for further research in these dental cements.
Coexistence of metallic and insulating-like states in graphene
Authors: Wu Fang , Huang Jing , Li Qunxiang , Deng Kaiming , Kan Erjun
Published: March 2015

Since graphene has been taken as the potential host material for next-generation electric devices, coexistence of high carrier mobility and an energy gap has the determining role in its real applications. However, in conventional methods of band-gap engineering, the energy gap and carrier mobility in graphene are seemed to be the two terminals of a seesaw, which limit its rapid development in electronic devices. Here we demonstrated the realization of insulating-like state in graphene without breaking Dirac cone. Using first-principles calculations, we found that ferroelectric substrate not only well reserves the Dirac fermions, but also induces pseudo-gap states in graphene. Calculated transport results clearly revealed that electrons cannot move along the ferroelectric direction. Thus, our work established a new concept of opening an energy gap in graphene without reducing the high mobility of carriers, which is a step towards manufacturing graphene-based devices.
Simple scheme for encoding and decoding a qubit in unknown state for various topological codes
Authors: Łodyga Justyna , Mazurek Paweł , Grudka Andrzej , Horodecki Michał
Published: March 2015

We present a scheme for encoding and decoding an unknown state for CSS codes, based on syndrome measurements. We illustrate our method by means of Kitaev toric code, defected-lattice code, topological subsystem code and 3D Haah code. The protocol is local whenever in a given code the crossings between the logical operators consist of next neighbour pairs, which holds for the above codes. For subsystem code we also present scheme in a noisy case, where we allow for bit and phase-flip errors on qubits as well as state preparation and syndrome measurement errors. Similar scheme can be built for two other codes. We show that the fidelity of the protected qubit in the noisy scenario in a large code size limit is of "Equation missing", where p is a probability of error on a single qubit per time step. Regarding Haah code we provide noiseless scheme, leaving the noisy case as an open problem.
“Roar” of blaNDM-1 and “silence” of blaOXA-58 co-exist in Acinetobacter pittii
Authors: Zhou Shuru , Chen Xin , Meng Xiaobin , Zhang Guoxiong , Wang Jie , Zhou Dongsheng , Guo Xuemin
Published: March 2015

Acinetobacter pittii 44551 was recovered from a patient with gout combined with tuberculosis and was found to harbor the carbapenemase genes blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-58 on two different plasmids pNDM-44551 and pOXA58-44551, respectively. pNDM-44551 displayed high self-transferability across multiple bacterial species, while pOXA58-44551 was likely co-transferable with pNDM-44551 into A. baumannii receipts. pNDM-44551 was a close variant of the previously characterized pNDM-BJ01 and the blaNDM-1 gene cluster was arranged sequentially as orfA, ISAba14, aphA6, ISAba125, blaNDM-1, bleMBL, ΔtrpF, dsbC, tnpR and zeta. pOXA58-44551 was a repAci9-containing plasmid and blaOXA-58 was embedded in a 372F-ISAba3-like-blaOXA-58-ISAba3 structure. The mobile genetic platforms of blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-58 herein showed some differences from their previously characterized variants. The production of NDM-1 in strain 44551 contributed the majority to its high resistance to carbapenems, while the blaOXA-58 stayed silent most likely due to the lack of an upstream promoter to drive its transcription. Increased surveillance of Acinetobacter co-harboring blaNDM-1 (active) and blaOXA-58 (either active or silent) is urgently needed.
Non-Markovian full counting statistics in quantum dot molecules
Authors: Xue Hai-Bin , Jiao Hu-Jun , Liang Jiu-Qing , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: March 2015

Full counting statistics of electron transport is a powerful diagnostic tool for probing the nature of quantum transport beyond what is obtainable from the average current or conductance measurement alone. In particular, the non-Markovian dynamics of quantum dot molecule plays an important role in the nonequilibrium electron tunneling processes. It is thus necessary to understand the non-Markovian full counting statistics in a quantum dot molecule. Here we study the non-Markovian full counting statistics in two typical quantum dot molecules, namely, serially coupled and side-coupled double quantum dots with high quantum coherence in a certain parameter regime. We demonstrate that the non-Markovian effect manifests itself through the quantum coherence of the quantum dot molecule system and has a significant impact on the full counting statistics in the high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, which depends on the coupling of the quantum dot molecule system with the source and drain electrodes. The results indicated that the influence of the non-Markovian effect on the full counting statistics of electron transport, which should be considered in a high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, can provide a better understanding of electron transport through quantum dot molecules.
Transcription of 4′-thioDNA templates to natural RNA in vitro and in mammalian cells
Authors: Maruyama Hideto , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Minakawa Noriaki , Matsuda Akira
Published: March 2015

Synthetic chemically modified nucleic acids, which are compatible with DNA/RNA polymerases, have great potential as a genetic material for synthetic biological studies.
Improved charge separation via Fe-doping of copper tungstate photoanodes
Authors: Bohra Divya , Smith Wilson A.
Published: March 2015

By doping CuWO4 photoanodes with Fe, the charge separation efficiency and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiencies have increased dramatically, leading to improvements in the fundamentally limiting processes in this material. These results offer new methods and insights into improved solar water splitting photoelectrodes.
Reply to the comment on “Decomposition mechanisms of trinitroalkyl compounds: a theoretical study from aliphatic to aromatic nitro compounds” by G. Fayet, P. Rotureau, B. Minisini, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 6614
Authors: Fayet Guillaume , Minisini Benoit , Rotureau Patricia
Published: March 2015

Decomposition reactions of trinitrobutane.
Binder-free layered Ti3C2/CNTs nanocomposite anodes with enhanced capacity and long-cycle life for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Wei , Ying Yulong , Wang Yewu , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2015

A novel binder-free layered Ti3C2/CNTs nanocomposite lithium-ion battery anode exhibits a high specific capacity and a long cycle life.
PEGylated FePt–Fe3O4 composite nanoassemblies (CNAs): in vitro hyperthermia, drug delivery and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Authors: Sahu Niroj Kumar , Gupta Jagriti , Bahadur Dhirendra
Published: March 2015

Schematic representation of in vitro cancer therapy using DOX loaded PEGylated FePt/Fe3O4 composite nanoassemblies (CNAs) in the presence of ACMF or H2O2.
Electrospun materials for lithium and sodium rechargeable batteries: from structure evolution to electrochemical performance
Authors: Wang Heng-Guo , Yuan Shuang , Ma De-Long , Zhang Xin-Bo , Yan Jun-Min
Published: March 2015

This review summarizes the recent progress in electrospun electrode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries.
Towards higher precision SIMS U–Pb zircon geochronology via dynamic multi-collector analysis
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Qiu-Li , Tang Guo-Qiang , Li Xian-Hua , Yin Qing-Zhu
Published: March 2015

A hybrid “dynamic multi-collector U–Pb dating technique” takes advantage of both the static multi-collector mode and peak-hopping mono-collector mode.
Protection from neurodegeneration in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's with novel 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one metal chelators
Authors: Workman David G. , Tsatsanis Andrew , Lewis Frank W. , Boyle John P. , Mousadoust Maryam , Hettiarachchi Nishani T. , Hunter Michael , Peers Chris S. , Tétard David , Duce James A.
Published: March 2015

We report that novel 1-hydroxypyridin-2-ones show comparable neuroprotective results to deferiprone in a cell culture model of Parkinson's disease.
Fast magnetic-field-induced formation of one-dimensional structured chain-like materials via sintering of Fe3O4/poly(styrene-co-n-butyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid) hybrid microspheres
Authors: Li Chunmei , Tan Jiaojun , Li Hui , Gu Junwei , Zhang Baoliang , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: March 2015

The facile and fast preparation of 1D hybrid microchains via magnetic-field-induced assembly assisted by sintering of Fe3O4/P(St-co-nBA-co-AA) hybrid microspheres is reported.
Indium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-methylazaarenes through direct benzylic addition to trifluoromethyl ketones
Authors: Jamal Zaini , Teo Yong-Chua
Published: March 2015

The application of InCl3 for the catalytic C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-methylazaarenes leading to trifluoromethylated alcohols in up to 99% yield.
Zr(iv) complexes containing salan-type ligands: synthesis, structural characterization and role as catalysts towards the polymerization of ε-caprolactone, rac-lactide, ethylene, homopolymerization and copolymerization of epoxides with CO2
Authors: Mandal Mrinmay , Chakraborty Debashis , Ramkumar Venkatachalam
Published: March 2015

Three new Zr(iv) complexes bearing salan-type diamine bis(phenolato) ligands were synthesized and their activities towards the ROP of ε-CL, rac-LA and homopolymerization, copolymerization and coupling of epoxides with CO2 were investigated.
Sulfidation modulates the toxicity of biogenic copper nanoparticles
Authors: Dharsana U. S. , Sai Varsha M. K. N. , Khan Behlol Ayaz Ahmed , Veerappan Anbazhagan , Thiagarajan Raman
Published: March 2015

First report to show sulfidation reduces CuNP toxicityin vivo. Sulfidation lowered oxidative stress and liver pathology, protected biochemical components, prevented micronucleus formation – strategy for reducing environmental impact of nanoparticles.
Fostering spatial skill acquisition by general chemistry students
Authors: Carlisle Deborah , Tyson Julian , Nieswandt Martina
Published: March 2015

The study of chemistry requires the understanding and use of spatial relationships, which can be challenging for many students. Prior research has shown that there is a need to develop students' spatial reasoning skills. To that end, this study implemented guided activities designed to strengthen students' spatial skills, with the aim of improving their understanding of spatial relationships that exist within and between molecules. Undergraduate STEM majors, taking the second semester of a two-semester general chemistry course, engaged in these activities. This study followed a quasi-experimental design, in which the experimental (n = 209) and the control group (n = 212) were administered a pre-test. At the completion of the semester, both groups participated in a post-test designed to measure spatial skill acquisition. A one-way ANOVA confirmed that student performance differed significantly between the three interventions and the control group. Students who completed three activities scored higher than those who completed only two, suggesting continuity is an important feature of spatial training. In particular, our results show improvement in three skill areas: symmetry plane identification, visualization of molecules and translation between 2D and 3D representations. The results of this study show that spatial skills can be successfully enhanced through the use of relevant guided activities designed to improve student understanding of external representations. Our findings show that the use of activities which require students to sketch molecular models from different perspectives, locate a plane of symmetry on a 3D model and on a 2D sketch of the same molecule, as well as position physical models to match 2D sketches containing dash/wedge cues is an effective approach to the teaching and learning of spatial skills in general chemistry.
Theoretical studies on the photophysical properties of luminescent pincer gold(iii) arylacetylide complexes: the role of π-conjugation at the C-deprotonated [C^N^C] ligand
Authors: Ming Tong Glenna So , Chan Kaai Tung , Chang Xiaoyong , Che Chi-Ming
Published: March 2015

The facile non-radiative decay for gold(iii) complexes is due to the thermally accessible 3LLCT, but not the usually assumed 3dd excited state.
Synthesis, optical, and photocatalytic properties of cobalt mixed-metal spinel oxides Co(Al1−xGax)2O4
Authors: Lee Kyureon , Ruddy Daniel A. , Dukovic Gordana , Neale Nathan R.
Published: March 2015

Co(Al1−xGax)2O4 spinels synthesized from molecular precursors exhibit low energy (<2.5 eV) ligand–field transitions that contribute between 46 and 72% of the photocatalytic activity.
Liquid crystallinity-embodied imidazolium-based ionic liquids and their chiral mesophases induced by axially chiral tetra-substituted binaphthyl derivatives
Authors: Ahn Sangbum , Yamakawa Shohei , Akagi Kazuo
Published: March 2015

The novel liquid crystalline ionic liquids (LCILs) were synthesised by introducing LC chains into both sides of imidazolium derivatives. The LCILs exhibited chiral nematic (N*) phases when the chiral dopants were added to the LCILs.
Magnetic bead-based electrochemical detection of interaction between epigallocatechin-3-gallate and STAT proteins
Authors: Zeidan Nicolas , Su Han , Aitken Milèna , Gunning Patrick T. , Kerman Kagan
Published: March 2015

The interaction of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (stat) proteins with a green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (egcg) was investigated using differential pulse voltammetry.
Quantification of FAMEs in biodiesel blends of various sources by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Ahmed Muhammad Arif , Zehra Noureen
Published: March 2015

A quantification method for FAMEs by GC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed and validated in the various biodiesels and their blends.
A robust and efficient cobalt molecular catalyst for CO2 reduction
Authors: Chan Sharon Lai-Fung , Lam Tsz Lung , Yang Chen , Yan Siu-Cheong , Cheng Nga Man
Published: March 2015

A robust and efficient cobalt catalyst for CO2 reduction.
SnX (X = S, Se) thin films as cost-effective and highly efficient counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhu Jun , Xu Yafeng , Zhou Li , Li Yi , Hu Linhua , Yao Jianxi , Dai Songyuan
Published: March 2015

Solution-deposited SnSe and SnS thin films function as highly efficient CEs for DSCs, showing better catalytic performance than platinum-loaded electrodes.
Orotic acid as a useful supramolecular synthon for the fabrication of an OPV based hydrogel: stoichiometry dependent injectable behavior
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subham , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: March 2015

A multi-stimuli responsive, vesicular, two-component, injectable hydrogel has been reported.
Cu-catalyzed oxidative Povarov reactions between N-alkyl N-methylanilines and saturated oxa- and thiacycles
Authors: Kawade Rahul Kisan , Huple Deepak B. , Lin Rong-Jing , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: March 2015

Cu-catalyzed oxidative Povarov reactions between N,N-dialkylanilines and saturated oxa- or thiacycles with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) are described.
Fabricating roughened surfaces on halloysite nanotubes via alkali etching for deposition of high-efficiency Pt nanocatalysts
Authors: Wang Qiuru , Wang Yanyan , Zhao Yafei , Zhang Bing , Niu Yunyin, , Xiang Xu , Chen Rongfeng
Published: March 2015

Roughened halloysite nanotubes (RHNTs) were fabricated by etching the wall of HNTs in a molten-salt system.
Theoretical understanding of two-photon-induced fluorescence of isomorphic nucleoside analogs
Authors: Samanta Pralok K. , Pati Swapan K.
Published: March 2015

We use ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations for a detailed understanding of one-photon absorption (1PA) and twophoton absorption (2PA) of eight isomorphic nucleoside analogs.
The relationship between the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) structure and the effectiveness of homogeneous and heterogeneous solar hydrogen-generating systems as well as DSSCs
Authors: Luo Geng-Geng , Lu Hui , Zhang Xiao-Long , Dai Jing-Cao , Wu Ji-Huai , Wu Jia-Jia
Published: March 2015

BODIPY photosensitizers were used to investigate the relationship between structure and effectiveness of visible-light-driven hydrogen production as well as DSSCs.
(Salicylaldiminato)Ni(ii)-catalysts for hydrosilylation of olefins
Authors: Srinivas Venu , Nakajima Yumiko , Ando Wataru , Sato Kazuhiko , Shimada Shigeru
Published: March 2015

Olefin hydrosilylation was attained at room temperature at 0.5 mol% Ni loading by using a series of (salicylaldiminato)methylnickel complexes as catalyst precursors.
Synthesis and characterization of a trinuclear iridium(iii) based catalyst for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Reithmeier R. O. , Meister S. , Siebel A. , Rieger B.
Published: March 2015

A trimetallic Ir(iii) based photocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 was developed and investigated, regarding the influence of spatial proximity between the catalyst centers towards the catalytic performance.
Charge-bistable Pd(iii)/Pd(ii,iv) coordination polymers: phase transitions and their applications to optical properties
Authors: Kumagai Shohei , Takaishi Shinya , Iguchi Hiroaki , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: March 2015

This paper reviews the recent progress in charge-bistable Pd(iii)/Pd(ii,iv) coordination polymers (MX chains). The temperature-, pressure- and photo-induced phase transitions have been demonstrated, proposing MX chains as a material for optical switching devices.
Response to the comments on “Environmentally responsible fabrication of efficient perovskite solar cells from recycled car batteries” by Po-Yen Chen, Jifa Qi, Matthew T. Klug, Xiangnan Dang, Paula T. Hammond, and Angela M. Belcher published in Energy Environ. Sci. in 2014
Authors: Chen Po-Yen , Qi Jifa , Klug Matthew T. , Dang Xiangnan , Hammond Paula T. , Belcher Angela M.
Published: March 2015

We provide a detailed scientific demonstration to prove that the comment from the Yi Wang group is false.
The consumptive water footprint of electricity and heat: a global assessment
Authors: Mekonnen Mesfin M. , Gerbens-Leenes P. W. , Hoekstra Arjen Y.
Published: March 2015

This study assesses the global consumptive water footprint of electricity and heat production for different energy sources per world region.
Selective hydrogenolysis of phenols and phenyl ethers to arenes through direct C–O cleavage over ruthenium–tungsten bifunctional catalysts
Authors: Huang Yao-Bing , Yan Long , Chen Meng-Yuan , Guo Qing-Xiang , Fu Yao
Published: March 2015

Hydrogenolysis of the lignin derived phenols was carried out over a bifunctional Ru–W catalyst in water to form arenes selectively.
Implementation of in situ SAXS/WAXS characterization into silicon/glass microreactors
Authors: Beuvier Thomas , Panduro Elvia Anabela Chavez , Kwaśniewski Paweł , Marre Samuel , Lecoutre Carole , Garrabos Yves , Aymonier Cyril , Calvignac Brice , Gibaud Alain
Published: March 2015

In situ SAXS and WAXS characterization in silicon/glass microreactors.
Higher mobility in bulk semiconductors by separating the dopants from the charge-conducting band – a case study of thermoelectric PbSe
Authors: Wang Heng , Cao Xianlong , Takagiwa Yoshiki , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Dopants are not the same in heavily doped semiconductors. For higher mobility dopants should be on the anion site for n-type and the cation site for p-type semiconductors, as these dopants are less disruptive to the band for the majority charge carriers.
Selective colorimetric and “turn-on” fluorimetric detection of cyanide using an acylhydrazone sensor in aqueous media
Authors: Hu JingHan , Li JianBin , Qi Jing , Sun You
Published: March 2015

A simple, highly selective and sensitive fluorescence-enhanced cyanide chemosensor L using an acylhydrazone group as a binding site and a naphthalene group as the fluorescence signal group was designed and synthesized.
Phospho sulfonic acid: an efficient and recyclable solid acid catalyst for the solvent-free synthesis of α-hydroxyphosphonates and their anticancer properties
Authors: Kalla Reddi Mohan Naidu , Lee Hye Ri , Cao Jiafu , Yoo Jin-Wook , Kim Il
Published: March 2015

Some of the title compounds synthesized by a green protocol showed potent anticancer activity.
Synthesis of polymer-silica hybrid microparticles with defined geometry using surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Lang Y. , del Monte F. , Finn D. P. , Wang W. , Pandit A.
Published: March 2015

In vivofunctionalization of the diatom with an initiator site allows grafting from the surfaceviaSI-ATRP.
Remarkable crystal phase effect of Cu/TiO2catalysts on the selective hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate
Authors: Wang Bin , Wen Chao , Cui Yuanyuan , Chen Xi , Dong Yu , Dai Wei-Lin
Published: March 2015

Crystal phase of titania support plays an important role in catalytic hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate. Optimized catalytic performance was achieved for the Cu/P25 due to the intimate metal support interaction.
Hybridization induced fluorescence turn-on of AIEgen–oligonucleotide conjugates for specific DNA detection
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Tang Ben Zhong , Liu Bin
Published: March 2015

We report a two-armed AIE probes for specific DNA detection, and the signal output can be further enhanced when two probes hybridize to each.
Synthesis and characterization of micro/nano-structured BaHPO4/Ba3(PO4)2/Ba5(PO4)3OH phases and their luminescence
Authors: Tong Miaohui , Zhao Jianwen , Liang Yujun , Zhu Yingli , Wu Xingya , Liu Shiqi , Yan Chunjie , Li Guogang
Published: March 2015

Microspheres covered with microcuboids/nanorods and nanoparticles of BaHPO4/Ba3(PO4)2/Ba5(PO4)3OH phases were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, using the citric acid as a surfactant at different pH values.
Regioselective three-component reactions of enaminones, 2-aminopyridines and enals for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridines
Authors: Cao Shuo , Xin Luoting , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie-Ping , Wen Chengping
Published: March 2015

A novel regioselective, metal-free and broadly applicable three-component approach for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridines has been established.
Polybenzoxazine aerogels with controllable pore structures
Authors: Gu Senlong , Li Zhen , Miyoshi Toshikazu , Jana Sadhan C.
Published: March 2015

Polybenzoxazine gelation is expedited in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid and the solid networks show strong dependence on the solvent.
Adsorption and sustained release of haemoglobin imprinted polysiloxane using a calcium alginate film as a matrix
Authors: Zhu Dunwan , Chen Zhuo , Zhao Kongyin , Kan Bohong , Li Hui , Zhang Xinxin , Lin Beibei , Zhang Linhua
Published: March 2015

Schematic representation of the fabrication procedure of the CA film based MIP.