bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gap junction mediated miRNA intercellular transfer and gene regulation: A novel mechanism for intercellular genetic communication
Authors: Zong Liang , Zhu Yan , Liang Ruqiang , Zhao Hong-Bo
Published: January 2016

Intercellular genetic communication is an essential requirement for coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation and has an important role in many cellular processes. Gap junction channels possess large pore allowing passage of ions and small molecules between cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that can regulate gene expression broadly. Here, we report that miRNAs can pass through gap junction channels in a connexin-dependent manner. Connexin43 (Cx43) had higher permeability, whereas Cx30 showed little permeability to miRNAs. In the tested connexin cell lines, the permeability to miRNAs demonstrated: Cx43 > Cx26/30 > Cx26 > Cx31 > Cx30 = Cx-null. However, consistent with a uniform structure of miRNAs, there was no significant difference in permeability to different miRNAs. The passage is efficient; the miRNA level in the recipient cells could be up to 30% of the donor level. Moreover, the transferred miRNA is functional and could regulate gene expression in neighboring cells. Connexin mutation and gap junctional blockers could eliminate this miRNA intercellular transfer and gene regulation. These data reveal a novel mechanism for intercellular genetic communication. Given that connexin expression is cell-specific, this connexin-dependent, miRNA intercellular genetic communication may play an important role in synchronizing and coordinating proliferation and differentiation of specific cell types during multicellular organ development.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 exists in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zeng Sheng , Zeng Junsheng , He Miao , Zeng Xianfeng , Zhou Yao , Liu Zhen , Xia Kun , Pan Qian , Jiang Hong , Shen Lu , Yan Xinxiang , Tang Beisha , Wang Junling
Published: January 2016

Recently, mutations in transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240) were identified as the cause of spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 (SCA21) in several French families. Clinically, SCA21 is characterized as an early-onset, slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome typically associated with cognitive impairment. To date, molecular screening of SCA21 has not been reported among patients of other ethnic origins or in other areas. Here we used Sanger sequencing to detect mutations in exons of TMEM240 in 340 unrelated probands with spinocerebellar ataxia for whom commonly known causative mutations have been excluded (96 probands of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia families and 244 patients with sporadic spinocerebellar ataxia). As a result, a de novo missense mutation (c.509C > T/p.P170L) was identified in one sporadic SCA patient. The condition manifested as early-onset (30 years old), slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia accompanied by mild early evidenced mental retardation, mild frontal behavior disorders and intentional hand tremors. Although rare, a SCA21 case was identified and described in mainland China, thus broadening the ethnic distribution of SCA21 beyond French families.
Satellite gravity measurement monitoring terrestrial water storage change and drought in the continental United States
Authors: Yi Hang , Wen Lianxing
Published: January 2016

We use satellite gravity measurements in the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) to estimate terrestrial water storage (TWS) change in the continental United States (US) from 2003 to 2012 and establish a GRACE-based Hydrological Drought Index (GHDI) for drought monitoring. GRACE-inferred TWS exhibits opposite patterns between north and south of the continental US from 2003 to 2012, with the equivalent water thickness increasing from −4.0 to 9.4 cm in the north and decreasing from 4.1 to −6.7 cm in the south. The equivalent water thickness also decreases by −5.1 cm in the middle south in 2006. GHDI is established to represent the extent of GRACE-inferred TWS anomaly departing from its historical average and is calibrated to resemble traditional Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI) in the continental US. GHDI exhibits good correlations with PHDI in the continental US, indicating its feasibility for drought monitoring. Since GHDI is GRACE-based and has minimal dependence of hydrological parameters on the ground, it can be extended for global drought monitoring, particularly useful for the countries that lack sufficient hydrological monitoring infrastructures on the ground.
Dysregulated expression of IDO may cause unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion through suppression of trophoblast cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Zong Shanshan , Li Chunqing , Luo Chengfeng , Zhao Xin , Liu Chunhong , Wang Kai , Jia Wenwen , Bai Mingliang , Yin Minghong , Bao Shihua , Guo Jie , Kang jiuhong , Duan Tao , Zhou Qian
Published: January 2016

In pregnancy, trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion are important for the establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy. Impaired trophoblast function has been implicated in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), a major complication of pregnancy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that catabolizes tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway, is highly expressed in the placenta and serum during pregnancy. Here, we identified a novel function of IDO in regulating trophoblast cell proliferation and migration. We showed that IDO expression and activity were decreased in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) compared to normal pregnancy. Furthermore, blocking IDO in human trophoblast cells led to reduced proliferation and migration, along with decreased STAT3 phosphorylation and MMP9 expression. Increased STAT3 phosphorylation reversed the IDO knockdown-suppressed trophoblast cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the overexpression of IDO promoted cell proliferation and migration, which could be abolished by the STAT3 signaling inhibitor (AG490). Finally, we observed similar reductions of STAT3 phosphorylation and MMP9 expression in URSA patients. These results indicate that the level of IDO expression may be associated with pregnancy-related complications, such as URSA, by affecting trophoblast cell proliferation and migration via the STAT3 signaling pathway.
Effect of a CGMS and SMBG on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: WEI Qiong , SUN Zilin , YANG Yue , YU Hong , DING Hongjuan , WANG Shaohua
Published: January 2016

In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. A total of 106 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in gestational weeks 24–28 were randomly allocated to the antenatal care plus CGMS group or the self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) group. The CGMS group was subdivided into early and late subgroups. There were no significant differences in prenatal or obstetric outcomes, e.g., caesarean delivery rate, Apgar score at 5 min, macrosomia or neonatal hypoglycaemia, between the CGMS and SMBG groups. The CGMS group had lower glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels than the SMBG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of GDM women with excessive gestational weight gain was lower in the CGMS group than in the SMBG group (33.3% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.039) and women who initiated CGMS earlier gained less weight (P = 0.017). The mode of blood glucose monitoring (adjusted OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.030–5.588; P = 0.042) and pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted OR 0.578; 95% CI 0.419–0.798; P = 0.001) were independent factors for weight gain. In conclusion, early CGMS for GDM mothers reduces gestational weight gain. A follow-up study with a large cohort is needed.
“Intrinsic” correlations and their temporal evolutions between winter-time PNA/EPW and winter drought in the west United States
Authors: Piao Lin , Fu Zuntao , Yuan Naiming
Published: January 2016

In this study, relations between winter-time Pacific-Northern America pattern (PNA)/East Pacific wave-train (EPW) and winter-time drought in the west United States over the period of 1951–2010 are analyzed. Considering traditional Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient can be influenced by non-stationarity and nonlinearity, a recently proposed method, Detrended Partial-Cross-Correlation Analysis (DPCCA) is applied. With DPCCA, we analyzed the “intrinsic” correlations between PNA/EPW and the winter drought with possible effects of ENSO and PDO removed. We found, i) significant negative correlations between PNA/EPW and drought on time scales of 5–6 years after removing the effects of ENSO, ii) and significant negative correlations between PNA/EPW and drought on time scales of 15–25 years after removing the effects of PDO. By further studying the temporal evolutions of the “intrinsic” correlations, we found on time scales of 5–6 years, the “intrinsic” correlations between PNA/EPW and drought can vary severely with time, but for most time, the correlations are negative. While on interdecadal (15–25 years) time scales, after the effects of PDO removed, unlike the relations between PNA and drought, the “intrinsic” correlations between EPW and drought takes nearly homogeneous-sign over the whole period, indicating a better model can be designed by using EPW.
PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes
Authors: Yoon Dae Ho , Yoon Seon Hye , Ryu Kwang-Sun , Park Yong Joon
Published: January 2016

We propose PEDOT:PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PEDOT:PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PEDOT:PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PEDOT:PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PEDOT:PSS. This implies that PEDOT:PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance.
Pathway engineering of Propionibacterium jensenii for improved production of propionic acid
Authors: Liu Long , Guan Ningzi , Zhu Gexin , Li Jianghua , Shin Hyun-dong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: January 2016

Propionic acid (PA) is an important chemical building block widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In our previous study, a shuttle vector was developed as a useful tool for engineering Propionibacterium jensenii and two key enzymes—glycerol dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase—were overexpressed to improve PA titer. Here, we aimed to improve PA production further via the pathway engineering of P. jensenii. First, the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene (ppc) from Klebsiella pneumoniae was overexpressed to access the one-step synthesis of oxaloacetate directly from phosphoenolpyruvate without pyruvate as intermediate. Next, genes encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) and pyruvate oxidase (poxB) were deleted to block the synthesis of the by-products lactic acid and acetic acid, respectively. Overexpression of ppc and deleting ldh improved PA titer from 26.95 ± 1.21 g·L−1 to 33.21 ± 1.92 g·L−1 and 30.50 ± 1.63 g·L−1, whereas poxB deletion decreased it. The influence of this pathway engineering on gene transcription, enzyme expression, NADH/NAD+ ratio and metabolite concentration was also investigated. Finally, PA production in P. jensenii with ppc overexpression as well as ldh deletion was investigated, which resulted in further increases in PA titer to 34.93 ± 2.99 g·L−1 in a fed-batch culture.
Oceanic barnacles act as foundation species on plastic debris: implications for marine dispersal
Authors: Gil Michael A. , Pfaller Joseph B.
Published: January 2016

Plastic has emerged as an abundant, stable substratum for oceanic dispersal of organisms via rafting. However, the ecological mechanisms underlying community diversity on plastic debris remain poorly understood. On a cruise from California to Hawai’i, we surveyed plastic debris, some likely originating from the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, to examine the relationship between rafting community diversity and both habitat area and stalked barnacle (Lepas spp.) abundance. For sessile taxa richness, we observed an interaction in which the positive effect of debris area weakened the negative effect of barnacle cover. In contrast, for mobile taxa richness, including cohabiting species from opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, barnacle abundance had a positive effect that was strongest at smaller debris sizes. These findings suggest that barnacles, through interactions with habitat area, have trait-dependent effects on other species, serving as both foundation species and competitors, mediating the diversity and dispersal potential of marine organisms on plastic debris.
The effect of high-fat diet on rat’s mood, feeding behavior and response to stress
Authors: Aslani S , Vieira N , Marques F , Costa P S , Sousa N , Palha J A
Published: January 2016

An association between obesity and depression has been indicated in studies addressing common physical (metabolic) and psychological (anxiety, low self-esteem) outcomes. Of consideration in both obesity and depression are chronic mild stressors to which individuals are exposed to on a daily basis. However, the response to stress is remarkably variable depending on numerous factors, such as the physical health and the mental state at the time of exposure. Here a chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol was used to assess the effect of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on response to stress in a rat model. In addition to the development of metabolic complications, such as glucose intolerance, diet-induced obesity caused behavioral alterations. Specifically, animals fed on HFD displayed depressive- and anxious-like behaviors that were only present in the normal diet (ND) group upon exposure to CMS. Of notice, these mood impairments were not further aggravated when the HFD animals were exposed to CMS, which suggest a ceiling effect. Moreover, although there was a sudden drop of food consumption in the first 3 weeks of the CMS protocol in both ND and HFD groups, only the CMS-HFD displayed an overall noticeable decrease in total food intake during the 6 weeks of the CMS protocol. Altogether, the study suggests that HFD impacts on the response to CMS, which should be considered when addressing the consequences of obesity in behavior.
Calibration transfer via an extreme learning machine auto-encoder
Authors: Chen Wo-Ruo , Bin Jun , Lu Hong-Mei , Zhang Zhi-Min , Liang Yi-Zeng
Published: January 2016

A novel spectra standardization algorithm titled Transfer via Extreme learning machine Auto-encoder Method (TEAM) has been proposed. Compared with commonly used methods like PDS, GLS and CCA, TEAM is more stable and can significantly reduce prediction errors.
Non-invasive spectroscopy of transfusable red blood cells stored inside sealed plastic blood-bags
Authors: Buckley K. , Atkins C. G. , Chen D. , Schulze H. G. , Devine D. V. , Blades M. W. , Turner R. F. B.
Published: January 2016

Spatially Offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) has been used to retrieve biochemical information from red blood cell concentrate within sealed PVC bags, demonstrating the potential of SORS to non-invasively assess the condition of the cells prior to transfusion.
Stochastic detection and characterisation of individual ferrocene derivative tagged graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Lin Qianqi , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Gonçalves Luís Moreira , Lima Carlos F. R. A. C. , Compton Richard G.
Published: January 2016

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are ‘tagged’ with 1-(biphen-4-yl)ferrocene, which has been studied via nano-impacts to derive the corresponding surface coverage.
Non-chromatographic speciation of mercury in mushrooms
Authors: Ruiz-de-Cenzano M. , López-Salazar O. , Cervera M. L. , de la Guardia M.
Published: January 2016

A fast, sensitive and cheap procedure has been developed for the determination of inorganic mercury (i-Hg) and organic mercury (o-Hg) in mushroom samples.
Increased cell survival of cells exposed to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles through biomaterial substrate-induced autophagy
Authors: Tseng Ting-Chen , Hsieh Fu-Yu , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: January 2016

The enhanced autophagy response by culturing cells on chitosan substrate is linked to a high cell survival rate under excessive NP endocytosis conditions.
Core–shell nanoparticles by silica coating of metal oxides in a dual-stage hydrothermal flow reactor
Authors: Hellstern H. L. , Mamakhel A. , Bremholm M. , Iversen B. B.
Published: January 2016

A green, fast, high-throughput, continuous-flow hydrothermal synthesis method is explored for preparation of silica coated nanoparticles with narrow size distribution.
Drug–drug co-crystallization presents a new opportunity for the development of stable vitamins
Authors: Wang Jian-Rong , Yu Qihui , Dai Wenjuan , Mei Xuefeng
Published: January 2016

Two packing polymorphs of drug–drug co-crystals between VD2 and VD3 exhibit dramatically different properties. Form A presents superior physicochemical properties compared with VD2 or VD3 themselves.
A new potential nonlinear optical hybrid semi-organic crystal of ZnMnCl4(TPPO)4 with attractive physical properties
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Wang Guangqiang , Dang Yangyang , Zhang Shaojun , Tian Hanlin , Ren Yan , Tao Xutang
Published: January 2016

In this study, a hybrid semi-organic crystal of ZnMnCl4(TPPO)4 for second-order nonlinear, magnetic and luminous applications has been designed, synthesized and grown from a guest–host combination of MnCl2(TPPO)2 and ZnCl2(TPPO)2 and its formation is bidirectional.
Electric dipole moments and chemical bonding of diatomic alkali–alkaline earth molecules
Authors: Pototschnig Johann V. , Hauser Andreas W. , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: January 2016

In the present study we investigated the permanent electric dipole moment and other properties of several alkali–alkaline earth molecules in the lowest Σ+ state of the doublet and quartet multiplicity.
Steric hindrance inhibits excited-state relaxation and lowers the extent of intramolecular charge transfer in two-photon absorbing dyes
Authors: Stewart David J. , Dalton Matthew J. , Long Stephanie L. , Kannan Ramamurthi , Yu Zhenning , Cooper Thomas M. , Haley Joy E. , Tan Loon-Seng
Published: January 2016

Steric hindrance inhibits excited-state relaxation and intramolecular charge-transfer, which significantly alters the photophysical properties.
Theoretical estimation of kinetic parameters for nucleophilic substitution reactions in solution: an application of a solution translational entropy model
Authors: Han Ling-Li , Li Shi-Jun , Fang De-Cai
Published: January 2016

The cooperation of an explicit + implicit model and a solution translational entropy model.
Donor–acceptor bonding in novel low-coordinated compounds of boron and group-14 atoms C–Sn
Authors: Frenking Gernot , Hermann Markus , Andrada Diego M. , Holzmann Nicole
Published: January 2016

Donor–acceptor complexes of one, two or three atoms E = B, Si–Sn which are stabilized by σ-donor ligands L are discussed.
Ln3I5(S2N2)(S2)(THF)10 – a new type of molecular compounds
Authors: Fagin A. A. , Fukin G. K. , Cherkasov A. V. , Shestakov A. F. , Pushkarev A. P. , Balashova T. V. , Maleev A. A. , Bochkarev M. N.
Published: January 2016

Unprecedented complexes of the composition Ln3I5(S2N2)(S2)(THF)10 were obtained in the reactions of neodymium and dysprosium iodide-nitrides with sulfur.
Chemical synthesis of germanium nanoparticles with uniform size as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Liangbiao , Bao Keyan , Lou Zhengsong , Liang Guobing , Zhou Quanfa
Published: January 2016

A simple Mg-thermal reduction reaction is reported to synthesize germanium (Ge) nanoparticles with a uniform size at a low temperature of 400 °C in an autoclave.
Recovery of rhodium with a novel soft donor ligand using solvent extraction techniques in chloride media
Authors: Bottorff Shalina C. , Powell Ashton S. , Barnes Charles L. , Wherland Scot , Benny Paul D.
Published: January 2016

Complexation kinetics and solvent extraction capabilities of a novel soft donor ligand was investigated with rhodium(iii) in chloride media.
Engineering the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in cyanobacteria for photosynthetic isoprene production from CO2
Authors: Gao Xiang , Gao Fang , Liu Deng , Zhang Hao , Nie Xiaoqun , Yang Chen
Published: January 2016

The methylerythritol phosphate pathway in photosynthetic cyanobacteria was engineered to allow highly efficient production of isoprene from CO2.
Natural gas anodes for aluminium electrolysis in molten fluorides
Authors: Haarberg Geir Martin , Khalaghi Babak , Mokkelbost Tommy
Published: January 2016

Industrial primary production of aluminium has been developed and improved over more than 100 years. The molten salt electrolysis process is still suffering from low energy efficiency and considerable emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2 and PFC). A new concept has been suggested where methane is supplied through the anode so that the CO2 emissions may be reduced significantly, the PFC emissions may be eliminated and the energy consumption may decrease significantly. Porous carbon anodes made from different graphite grades were studied in controlled laboratory experiments. The anode potential, the anode carbon consumption and the level of HF gas above the electrolyte were measured during electrolysis. In some cases it was found that the methane oxidation was effectively participating in the anode process.
Microparticulate/nanoparticulate powders of a novel Nrf2 activator and an aerosol performance enhancer for pulmonary delivery targeting the lung Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway
Authors: Muralidharan Priya , Hayes Don , Black Stephen M. , Mansour Heidi M.
Published: January 2016

Solid-state respirable particle engineering design, physicochemical characterization, &in vitroaerosolization of advanced microparticulate/nanoparticulate dry powder inhalers targeting the lung Nrf2/Keap-1 pathway.
Isomorphic MOFs functionalized by free-standing acylamide and organic groups serving as self-supported catalysts for the CO2 cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Song Lili , Chen Chao , Chen Xiangbin , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2016

MOFs exhibited different catalytic activities depending on the organic groups decorated on the pore walls, which displayed a synergetic catalytic effect.
Self-regenerative and self-enhanced smart graphene/Ag3PO4 hydrogel adsorbent under visible light
Authors: Ma Jie , Chen Chunyang , Yu Fei
Published: January 2016

We prepared a new 3D adsorbent that could be easily removed by filtration and recycled.
Preparation of graphite intercalation compounds containing oligo and polyethers
Authors: Zhang Hanyang , Lerner Michael M.
Published: January 2016

We report the first well-ordered graphite intercalation compounds containing polymeric intercalates with molecular weights up to 6000.
Polypeptide–poly(ethylene glycol) miktoarm star copolymers with a fluorescently labeled core: synthesis, delivery and imaging of siRNA
Authors: Huang Jianbing , Liang Hui , Cheng Du , Lu Jiang
Published: January 2016

Polypeptide–PEG miktoarm star copolymers with a fluorescently labeled core have been synthesized and exhibit dual functions of gene delivery and bioimaging.
Biodegradable and injectable polymer–liposome hydrogel: a promising cell carrier
Authors: Ma Yong-Hao , Yang Jingjing , Li Bolin , Jiang Yao-Wen , Lu Xiaolin , Chen Zhan
Published: January 2016

A biodegradable and injectable polymer–liposome hydrogel crosslinked via dynamic Schiff base bonding with distinct multi-responsive and self-healing properties can be applied as a promising cell carrier material.
Theoretical study on the influence of a secondary metal on the Cu(110) surface in the presence of H2O for methanol decomposition
Authors: Zhang Yong-Chao , Ren Rui-Peng , Liu Shi-Zhong , Zuo Zhi-Jun , Lv Yong-Kang
Published: January 2016

Density functional theory calculations with the continuum solvation slab model are performed to investigate the effect of metal dopants on the Cu(110) surface in the presence of H2O for the methanol decomposition.
Molecular design confirmation for proposition of improved photophysical properties in a dye-intercalated layered double hydroxides
Authors: Rad Farzad Arjomandi , Rezvani Zolfaghar , Khodam Fatemeh
Published: January 2016

In the present research, Zn2Al layered-double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with Acid Red 27 was prepared by coprecipitation method, while solutions of Zn(ii) and Al(iii) nitrate salts reacted with an alkaline solution of Acid Red 27.
The deep eutectic melt of sorbitol and metformin hydrochloride: synthesis of 3-substituted 2-aminonaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones and their photophysical properties
Authors: Rad-Moghadam Kurosh , Mousazadeh Hassani Seyyed Ali Reza , Toorchi Roudsari Saeedeh
Published: January 2016

The low-melting deep-eutectic mixture of sorbitol and metformin HCl was successfully employed as a recyclable solvent for promoting the synthesis of benzofuroquinone dyes.
Nanocomposite membranes modified by graphene-based materials for anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Luo Zhengyuan , Gong Yujiao , Liao Xiaofeng , Pan Yongjun , Zhang Hongwei
Published: January 2016

Nanocomposite AEMs consisting of QPSF and GO or DGO showed improved alkaline solution stabilities.
Possibility of spin-polarized transport in edge fluorinated armchair boron nitride nanoribbons
Authors: Rai Hari Mohan , Saxena Shailendra K. , Mishra Vikash , Late Ravikiran , Kumar Rajesh , Sagdeo Pankaj R. , Jaiswal Neeraj K. , Srivastava Pankaj
Published: January 2016

Calculated DOS for edge-fluorinated. ABNNRs; featuring half-metallicity.
Preparation, characterization and long-term antibacterial activity of Ag–poly(dopamine)–TiO2 nanotube composites
Authors: Wang Hongfen , Wei Luyao , Wang Zhiqi , Chen Shougang
Published: January 2016

A simple, efficient approach for the loading of Ag nanoparticles on poly(dopamine)-modified TiO2 nanotubes was used to prepare a Ag nanoparticle–poly(dopamine)–TiO2 nanotube composite that was applied as a long-term antibacterial agent to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Co-precipitation synthesis, photoluminescence properties and theoretical calculations of MgWO4:Eu3+phosphors
Authors: Feng Xu , Feng Wenlin , Xia Meng , Wang Ke , Liu Honggang , Deng Dashen , Qin Xiang , Yao Weikun , Zhu Wentao
Published: January 2016

Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) average chromaticity diagram for MgWO4:Eu3+phosphors.
Growth of N-doped graphene from nitrogen containing aromatic compounds: the effect of precursors on the doped site
Authors: Katoh Tokio , Imamura Gaku , Obata Seiji , Saiki Koichiro
Published: January 2016

Nitrogen doped graphene was synthesized from four kinds of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds: quinoline, pyridine, pyrrole, and pyrimidine on Pt(111) at a variety of temperatures.
In situ growth behavior of boron nitride nanotubes on the surface of silicon carbide fibers as hierarchical reinforcements
Authors: Zhu Guangxiang , Dong Shaoming , Hu Jianbao , Kan Yanmei , He Ping , Gao Le , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhou Haijun
Published: January 2016

BNNTs grown in situ on the surface of silicon carbide fibers via a simplified ball milling, impregnation and annealing method using boron powder as the raw material were synthesized.
Fabrication of TiO2@ZnAl-layered double hydroxide based anode material for dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Foruzin Leila Jafari , Rezvani Zolfaghar , Nejati Kamellia
Published: January 2016

A TiO2@ZnAl-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite was prepared by the co-precipitation method; then, the product was calcined in order to obtain the TiO2@MMO nanocomposite, and use as anode material in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).
Enhancement in growth rate and productivity of spinach grown in hydroponics with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Jeyasubramanian Kadarkaraithangam , Gopalakrishnan Thoppey Ubendran Upeksha , Hikku Gnanadhas Sobhin , Selvakumar Natarajan , Subramania Angaiah , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan
Published: January 2016

The uptake of iron oxide nanoparticles results in enhanced growth rate and productivity of spinach plant.
Role of N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) based quorum sensing on biofilm formation on packing media in wastewater treatment process
Authors: Hu Huizhi , He Junguo , Liu Jian , Yu Huarong , Tang Jian , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2016

Quorum sensing (QS) signaling has been extensively studied in granules and single species populations.
Synthesis of hybrid zinc/silyl acrylate copolymers and their surface properties in the microfouling stage
Authors: Chen Rongrong , Li Yakun , Yan Minglong , Sun Xun , Han Huajing , Li Jie , Wang Jun , Liu Lianhe , Takahashi Kazunobu
Published: January 2016

Development of an environmentally friendly and efficient marine antifouling coating is a central goal in marine antifouling.
Multi-component in situ and in-step formation of visible-light response C-dots composite TiO2 mesocrystals
Authors: Yan Dong , Liu Yun , Liu Chun-yan , Zhang Zhi-ying , Nie Shi-dong
Published: January 2016

Successful in situ and in-step formation of C-dots composited TiO2 mesocrystals is closely related to the complexation between carbon source and Ti ion.
Vapour phase nucleation of ZnO nanowires on GaN: growth habit, interface study and optical properties
Authors: Baratto C. , Ferroni M. , Comini E. , Faglia G. , Kaciulis S. , Balijepalli S. K. , Sberveglieri G.
Published: January 2016

XPS/SEM study of ZnO nanowires/p-GaN heterojunction. Role of Au catalyst and GaN/ZnO interdiffusion on optical properties of LED.
A novel electrochemical sensor of tryptophan based on silver nanoparticles/metal–organic framework composite modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Peng Zhewei , Jiang Zhongwei , Huang Xin , Li Yuanfang
Published: January 2016

A familiar metal–organic framework MIL-101(Fe) and silver nanoparticles composite acted as a novel electrode modified material for the detection of tryptophan.
Silver nanoparticles as highly efficient and selective optical probe for sulphide via dendrimer formation in aqueous medium
Authors: Sanskriti Isha , Upadhyay K. K.
Published: January 2016

1-[(4-Nitrophenyl)azo]-2-naphthol capped AgNPs were evaluated as a colorimetric sensor for S2− in aqueous medium over pH 4 to 10 with a nanomolar detection limit. The TEM, SEM and AFM images revealed the transition of spherical AgNPs into dendrimers.
Nitrosation and analysis of amino acid derivatives by isocratic HPLC
Authors: Ulusoy Songül , Ulusoy Halil Ibrahim , Pleissner Daniel , Eriksen Niels Thomas
Published: January 2016

Amino acids are transformed by nitrosation with dinitrogen trioxide into their corresponding α-hydroxy acids, which are separated and analysed by HPLC, and used to quantify the original amino acid concentration in samples.
The transitions of time-independent spreading diameter and splashing angle when a droplet train impinging onto a hot surface
Authors: Qiu Lu , Dubey Swapnil , Choo Fook Hoong , Duan Fei
Published: January 2016

The hydrodynamic patterns of the impingement of a water droplet train on a high temperature substrate are captured with a high-speed camera, and then analyzed.
Preparation of porous TiO2-NTs/m-SnO2-Sb electrode for electrochemical degradation of benzoic acid
Authors: Yu Lirong , Chen Yong , Han Weiqing , Sun Xiuyun , Li Jiansheng , Wang Lianjun
Published: January 2016

A novel porous SnO2-Sb electrode with excellent electrocatalytic performance was fabricated through the electrodeposition method with a templating agent.
Tailoring length and viscosity of dynamic metallo-supramolecular polymers in solution
Authors: Munzert Stefanie Martina , Schwarz Guntram , Kurth Dirk G.
Published: January 2016

We present a detailed study of metallo-supramolecular coordination polymers (MEPEs) and how to adjust their chain-length and viscosity. A model is established, which can easily be used to prepare MEPEs of desired average molecular weight.
Selective aerobic oxidation of para-xylene in sub- and supercritical water. Part 3: effects of geometry and mixing in laboratory scale continuous reactors
Authors: Pérez Eduardo , Thomas Morgan L. , Housley Duncan , Hamley Paul A. , Fraga-Dubreuil Joan , Li Jun , Lester Edward , Poliakoff Martyn
Published: January 2016

The influence of shape and mixing effects in a continuous reactor has a dramatic influence on the aerobic oxidation of p-xylene to terephthalic acid using supercritical water as solvent.
Novel in-capillary polymeric monoliths arising from glycerol carbonate methacrylate for flow-through catalytic and chromatographic applications
Authors: Poupart Romain , Nour El Houda Djerir , Chellapermal Deena , Guerrouache Mohamed , Carbonnier Benjamin , Le Droumaguet Benjamin
Published: January 2016

In-capillary reactive polymer monoliths have been prepared from glycerol carbonate methacrylate functional monomer, suitably functionalized and further applied to separation science and flow-through catalysis, respectively.
BiOBr nanoplate-wrapped ZnO nanorod arrays for high performance photoelectrocatalytic application
Authors: Liu Zhao-Qing , Kuang Pan-Yong , Wei Ren-Bin , Li Nan , Chen Yi-Bo , Su Yu-Zhi
Published: January 2016

BiOBr nanoplate (NP) decorated vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) have been successfully synthesized by a facile and cost-effective solvothermal process.
‘Chiron’ approach to stereoselective synthesis of sphinganine and unnatural safingol, an antineoplastic and antipsoriatic agent
Authors: Das Pintu , Kundooru Somireddy , Shaw Arun K.
Published: January 2016

Highly stereoselective total syntheses of sphinganine1and antineoplastic and antipsoriatic drug safingol17have been demonstrated.
The potential use of recycled PET bottle in nanocomposites manufacturing with modified ZnO nanoparticles capped with citric acid: preparation, thermal, and morphological characterization
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Javadpour Mashal
Published: January 2016

We devised a fast and facile potential practical application by incorporating the guest ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as a host polymer that recycled by dissolution/reprecipitation method.
Evaluation of in-tube solid-phase microextraction method for co-extraction of acidic, basic, and neutral drugs
Authors: Asiabi Hamid , Yamini Yadollah , Seidi Shahram , Safari Meysam , Shamsayei Maryam
Published: January 2016

Simultaneous extraction of acidic, basic, and neutral drugs from different biological samples is a considerable and disputable concept in sample preparation strategies.
Effective saccharification of holocellulose over multifunctional sulfonated char with fused ring structures under microwave irradiation
Authors: Wang Kui , Jiang Jianchun , Xu Junming , Feng Junfeng , Wang Jingxin
Published: January 2016

The SC catalysts, bearing multifunctional groups in graphene-like fused ring structure, exhibit remarkable catalytic performance on saccharification of holocellulose.
Gelatin assisted wet chemistry synthesis of high quality β-FeOOH nanorods anchored on graphene nanosheets with superior lithium-ion battery application
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Du Yaping
Published: January 2016

High quality β-FeOOH nanorods anchored on graphene nanosheets to form β-FeOOH/rGO hybrid nanostructures were synthesized by using a gelatin assisted wet chemistry strategy.
Interplay between surface chemistry and performance of rutile-type catalysts for halogen production
Authors: Moser Maximilian , Paunović Vladimir , Guo Zhen , Szentmiklósi László , Hevia Miguel G. , Higham Michael , López Núria , Teschner Detre , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: January 2016

DFT, TAP, and operando PGAA studies demonstrate that the complex and dynamic surface chemistry of hydrogen halide oxidation on rutile-type catalysts determines the activity and stability patterns for halogen production.
What determines if a ligand activates or passivates a superatom cluster?
Authors: Luo Zhixun , Reber Arthur C. , Jia Meiye , Blades William H. , Khanna Shiv N. , Castleman A. W.
Published: January 2016

Quantum confinement in small metal clusters leads to a bunching of states into electronic shells reminiscent of shells in atoms, enabling the classification of clusters as superatoms.
Electrorheological performance of multigram-scale mesoporous silica particles with different aspect ratios
Authors: Yoon Chang-Min , Lee Kisu , Noh Jungchul , Lee Seungae , Jang Jyongsik
Published: January 2016

The geometric effects on electrorheological (ER) activity are successfully examined by the utilization of mesoporous silica particles with varying aspect ratios.
Isomer differentiation through supramolecular self-assembly in microdroplets of milliseconds life-time
Authors: Qiu Ran , Sun Jiamu , Zhang Xin , Zhao Wenbo , Qin Zhen , Luo Hai
Published: January 2016

Supramolecular self-assembly in microdroplets with life-time of milliseconds.
A Pd–Cu2O nanocomposite as an effective synergistic catalyst for selective semi-hydrogenation of the terminal alkynes only
Authors: Yang Shuliang , Cao Changyan , Peng Li , Zhang Jianling , Han Buxing , Song Weiguo
Published: January 2016

A new type lead-free Pd–Cu2O nanocomposite catalyst shows “double” selectivities for hydrogenation of alkynes: only terminal alkynes hydrogenated and only alkenes produced, i.e. no internal alkyne is hydrogenated.
A novel hexanuclear titanium(iv)-oxo-iminodiacetate cluster with a Ti6O9 core: single-crystal structure and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Ni Lubin , Liang Dashuai , Cai Yin , Diao Guowang , Zhou Zhaohui
Published: January 2016

A new family of hexanuclear titanium(iv)-oxo-carboxylate cluster containing a {Ti6O9} core exhibiting remarkable potential as a visible-light homogeneous photocatalyst.
High yielding synthesis of 2,2′-bipyridine macrocycles, versatile intermediates in the synthesis of rotaxanes
Authors: Lewis J. E. M. , Bordoli R. J. , Denis M. , Fletcher C. J. , Galli M. , Neal E. A. , Rochette E. M. , Goldup S. M.
Published: January 2016

We present a simple approach to bipyridine macrocycles in remarkable yields (typically >65%) and demonstrate their application in efficient rotaxane synthesis.
TCDD-inducible poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (TIPARP/PARP7) mono-ADP-ribosylates and co-activates liver X receptors
Authors: Bindesbøll Christian , Tan Susanna , Bott Debbie , Cho Tiffany , Tamblyn Laura , MacPherson Laura , Grønning-Wang Line , Nebb Hilde Irene , Matthews Jason
Published: January 2016

Members of the poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) family catalyse the ADP-ribosylation of target proteins and are known to play important roles in many cellular processes, including DNA repair, differentiation and transcription. The majority of PARPs exhibit mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity rather than PARP activity; however, little is known about their biological activity. In the present study, we report that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (TIPARP), mono-ADP-ribosylates and positively regulates liver X receptor α (LXRα) and LXRβ activity. Overexpression of TIPARP enhanced LXR-reporter gene activity. TIPARP knockdown or deletion reduced LXR regulated target gene expression levels in HepG2 cells and in Tiparp−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) respectively. Deletion and mutagenesis studies showed that TIPARP's zinc-finger and catalytic domains were required to enhance LXR activity. Protein interaction studies using TIPARP and LXRα/β peptide arrays revealed that LXRs interacted with an N-terminal sequence (a.a. 209–236) of TIPARP, which also overlapped with a putative co-activator domain of TIPARP (a.a. 200–225). Immunofluorescence studies showed that TIPARP and LXRα or LXRβ co-localized in the nucleus. In vitro ribosylation assays provided evidence that TIPARP mono-ADP-ribosylated both LXRα and LXRβ. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) studies revealed that ADP-ribosylase macrodomain 1 (MACROD1), but not MACROD2, interacted with LXRs in a TIPARP-dependent manner. This was complemented by reporter gene studies showing that MACROD1, but not MACROD2, prevented the TIPARP-dependent increase in LXR activity. GW3965-dependent increases in hepatic Srebp1 mRNA and protein expression levels were reduced in Tiparp−/− mice compared with Tiparp+/+ mice. Taken together, these data identify a new mechanism of LXR regulation that involves TIPARP, ADP-ribosylation and MACROD1.
NADPH oxidases: key modulators in aging and age-related cardiovascular diseases?
Authors: Sahoo Sanghamitra , Meijles Daniel N. , Pagano Patrick J.
Published: January 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress have long been linked to aging and diseases prominent in the elderly such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes and atrial fibrillation (AF). NADPH oxidases (Nox) are a major source of ROS in the vasculature and are key players in mediating redox signalling under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we focus on the Nox-mediated ROS signalling pathways involved in the regulation of ‘longevity genes’ and recapitulate their role in age-associated vascular changes and in the development of age-related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is predicated on burgeoning knowledge that Nox-derived ROS propagate tightly regulated yet varied signalling pathways, which, at the cellular level, may lead to diminished repair, the aging process and predisposition to CVDs. In addition, we briefly describe emerging Nox therapies and their potential in improving the health of the elderly population.
An Energy efficient application specific integrated circuit for electrocardiogram feature detection and its potential for ambulatory cardiovascular disease detection
Authors: Jain Sanjeev Kumar , Bhaumik Basabi
Published: January 2016

A novel algorithm based on forward search is developed for real‐time electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing and implemented in application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for QRS complex related cardiovascular disease diagnosis. The authors have evaluated their algorithm using MIT‐BIH database and achieve sensitivity of 99.86% and specificity of 99.93% for QRS complex peak detection. In this Letter, Physionet PTB diagnostic ECG database is used for QRS complex related disease detection. An ASIC for cardiovascular disease detection is fabricated using 130‐nm CMOS high‐speed process technology. The area of the ASIC is 0.5 mm2. The power dissipation is 1.73 μW at the operating frequency of 1 kHz with a supply voltage of 0.6 V. The output from the ASIC is fed to their Android application that generates diagnostic report and can be sent to a cardiologist through email. Their ASIC result shows average failed detection rate of 0.16% for six leads data of 290 patients in PTB diagnostic ECG database. They also have implemented a low‐leakage version of their ASIC. The ASIC dissipates only 45 pJ with a supply voltage of 0.9 V. Their proposed ASIC is most suitable for energy efficient telemetry cardiovascular disease detection system.
Resource allocation for non‐delay‐sensitive satellite services using adaptive coding and modulation–multiple‐input and multiple‐output–orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
Authors: Mokari Nader , Hajipour Pedram , Mohammadi Leila , Sardrood Parvin Sojoodi , Kashani Zahra Ghattan
Published: January 2016

Nowadays, with the advent of new services, the need for high transmission data rates is inevitable. Thus, to solve this problem, the simultaneous use of multiple antennas at the transmitter and the receiver is mandatory. On the other hand, due to limited resources, their allocation is essential. To allocate resources in satellite systems, multiple‐input–multiple‐output, orthogonal frequency division multiple access, and adaptive coding and modulation techniques can be simultaneously applied. In this study, the resource allocation for non‐delay‐sensitive services is evaluated. The proposed optimisation problem is to maximise the sum data rate under the upward transmission power constraint. The authors solve the considered optimisation problem via the dual decomposition methods for both continuous and discrete cases. Finally, through simulation, the proposed algorithms are investigated and confirmed.
Relay selection of full‐duplex decode‐and‐forward relaying over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Wang Yurong , Xu Youyun , Li Ning , Xie Wei , Xu Kui , Xia Xiaochen
Published: January 2016

In this study, the authors consider the direct link aware relay selection schemes for full‐duplex relaying (FDR) protocol. Different from traditional scheme, the direct link between source and destination is exploited to improve the performance of considered schemes. By investigating the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratios at the relay and the destination, the exact expressions of outage probabilities for FDR protocol with proposed relay selection schemes are derived in closed‐form over Nakagami‐m fading channels. To get more insight about the effect of system parameters, they develop an asymptotic analysis on the outage performance. The authors’ results show that the achievable diversity of the schemes depends on the shape factors of fading channels and the power scaling scheme of the relays. Moreover, they show that the proposed relay selection schemes achieve better outage performance when compared with traditional schemes and are robust to the residual self‐interference caused by the full‐duplex operation.
Diversity combining in bi‐directional relay networks with energy harvesting nodes
Authors: Vahidnia Reza , Anpalagan Alagan , Mirzaei Javad
Published: January 2016

In this study, the authors consider two multiple‐antenna transceivers exchanging information through a relay‐assisted network using a single‐carrier communication scheme. The authors assume that the propagation delay in different relaying path is negligible and the relay nodes are synchronous. As a result, the end‐to‐end multipath channel is not frequency‐selective (time‐dispersive) and hence, the successive arriving signals at the transceivers do not interfere with each other. Otherwise, inter‐symbol‐interference (ISI) will be inevitable and cyclic insertion and removal matrices will be required to combat ISI. In such a two‐way network, the relay nodes harvest energy from the surrounding environment and utilise this energy to forward their received messages using a harvest‐then‐forward protocol. For different receiver diversity combining techniques, the authors design an optimal relay beamforming to maximise the quality of the received signals at the transceivers subject to the energy casualty constraint at the relay nodes (the energy consumed for transmission of each block cannot exceed the accumulative harvested energy). For each diversity combining technique, a closed‐form solution is obtained for the optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) that shows how adjusting the data transmission rate of the transceivers and the amount of energy harvested at the relays affects the received SNR.
Peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction in multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access systems using geodesic descent method
Authors: Beko Marko , Marikj Milica , Dinis Rui , Tuba Milan
Published: January 2016

In this study, the authors consider a peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction for orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing systems based on the decomposition of the set of subcarriers in subsets of subcarriers, denoted resource blocks, each one weighted by a different complex factor. They present a new iterative sphere‐geodesic descent method for obtaining these weighting factors so as to minimise the PAPR of the transmitted signals. This method, which they term geodesic descent method, efficiently makes use of the Riemannian structure of the power constraint. The authors’ performance results show that the proposed technique provides good trade‐off between the PAPR reduction and the bit error rate performance, for both uncoded and coded scenarios.