bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tunable artificial circadian clock in clock-defective mice
Authors: D’Alessandro Matthew , Beesley Stephen , Kim Jae Kyoung , Chen Rongmin , Abich Estela , Cheng Wayne , Yi Paul , Takahashi Joseph S. , Lee Choogon
Published: November 2015

Self-sustaining oscillations are essential for diverse physiological functions such as the cell cycle, insulin secretion and circadian rhythms. Synthetic oscillators using biochemical feedback circuits have been generated in cell culture. These synthetic systems provide important insight into design principles for biological oscillators, but have limited similarity to physiological pathways. Here we report the generation of an artificial, mammalian circadian clock in vivo, capable of generating robust, tunable circadian rhythms. In mice deficient in Per1 and Per2 genes (thus lacking circadian rhythms), we artificially generate PER2 rhythms and restore circadian sleep/wake cycles with an inducible Per2 transgene. Our artificial clock is tunable as the period and phase of the rhythms can be modulated predictably. This feature, and other design principles of our work, might enhance the study and treatment of circadian dysfunction and broader aspects of physiology involving biological oscillators.
Inhibition of SHP2-mediated dephosphorylation of Ras suppresses oncogenesis
Authors: Bunda Severa , Burrell Kelly , Heir Pardeep , Zeng Lifan , Alamsahebpour Amir , Kano Yoshihito , Raught Brian , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Zadeh Gelareh , Ohh Michael
Published: November 2015

Ras is phosphorylated on a conserved tyrosine at position 32 within the switch I region via Src kinase. This phosphorylation inhibits the binding of effector Raf while promoting the engagement of GTPase-activating protein (GAP) and GTP hydrolysis. Here we identify SHP2 as the ubiquitously expressed tyrosine phosphatase that preferentially binds to and dephosphorylates Ras to increase its association with Raf and activate downstream proliferative Ras/ERK/MAPK signalling. In comparison to normal astrocytes, SHP2 activity is elevated in astrocytes isolated from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)-prone H-Ras(12V) knock-in mice as well as in glioma cell lines and patient-derived GBM specimens exhibiting hyperactive Ras. Pharmacologic inhibition of SHP2 activity attenuates cell proliferation, soft-agar colony formation and orthotopic GBM growth in NOD/SCID mice and decelerates the progression of low-grade astrocytoma to GBM in a spontaneous transgenic glioma mouse model. These results identify SHP2 as a direct activator of Ras and a potential therapeutic target for cancers driven by a previously ‘undruggable’ oncogenic or hyperactive Ras.
The application of omics technologies in the functional evaluation of inulin and inulin-containing prebiotics dietary supplementation
Authors: Tsurumaki M , Kotake M , Iwasaki M , Saito M , Tanaka K , Aw W , Fukuda S , Tomita M
Published: November 2015

Inulin, a natural renewable polysaccharide resource produced by various plants in nature, has been reported to possess a significant number of diverse pharmaceutical and food applications. Recently, there has been rapid progress in high-throughput technologies and platforms to assay global mRNA, proteins, metabolites and gut microbiota. In this review, we will describe the current status of utilizing omics technologies of elucidating the impact of inulin and inulin-containing prebiotics at the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and gut microbiome levels. Although many studies in this review have addressed the impact of inulin comprehensively, these omics technologies only enable us to understand physiological information at each different stage of mRNA, protein, metabolite and gut microbe. We believe that a synergistic approach is vital in order to fully illustrate the intricate beauty behind the relatively modest influence of food factors like inulin on host health.
Prognostic significance of Versican expression in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shen X-H , Lin W-R , Xu M-D , Qi P , Dong L , Zhang Q-Y , Ni S-J , Weng W-W , Tan C , Huang D , Ma Y-Q , Zhang W , Sheng W-Q , Wang Y-Q , Du X
Published: November 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading malignancy in the digestive system. Versican is a ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix and has a role in tumor progression. We aim to examine the expression of Versican in GC and the relationship between Versican levels and patient survival. We detected the mRNA expression of Versican in tumorous pairs and adjacent normal tissues (ANTs) of 78 GC patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of Versican in 101 cases of matched GC and ANT, as well as in 27 intraepithelial neoplastic (IN) samples, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the correlation between Versican levels and clinical outcomes. Finally, we performed CCK-8 cell counting assay and transwell assay in GC cell lines. Versican mRNA expression was significantly greater in tumor tissues (P<0.001) than in ANT. Versican was majorly expressed in the stroma surrounding tumor epithelium and minorly some areas of tumor epithelium. The Versican expression level was higher in GC than in ANT (P=0.004), but no significant difference was observed between ANT and IN (P=0.517). The Versican mRNA and protein levels were consistent in GC. High Versican mRNA and protein expression correlated with greater tumor invasion depth (P=0.030, P=0.027). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that patients with high Versican mRNA expression exhibited poor disease-specific survival (P<0.001). In vitro experiments showed that Versican overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion. Our data indicate that Versican may be a novel prognostic indicator in GC and may be a potential target for clinical diagnosis.
The power of single molecule real-time sequencing technology in the de novo assembly of a eukaryotic genome
Authors: Sakai Hiroaki , Naito Ken , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Takahashi Yu , Iseki Kohtaro , Muto Chiaki , Satou Kazuhito , Teruya Kuniko , Shiroma Akino , Shimoji Makiko , Hirano Takashi , Itoh Takeshi , Kaga Akito , Tomooka Norihiko
Published: November 2015

Second-generation sequencers (SGS) have been game-changing, achieving cost-effective whole genome sequencing in many non-model organisms. However, a large portion of the genomes still remains unassembled. We reconstructed azuki bean (Vigna angularis) genome using single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology and achieved the best contiguity and coverage among currently assembled legume crops. The SMRT-based assembly produced 100 times longer contigs with 100 times smaller amount of gaps compared to the SGS-based assemblies. A detailed comparison between the assemblies revealed that the SMRT-based assembly enabled a more comprehensive gene annotation than the SGS-based assemblies where thousands of genes were missing or fragmented. A chromosome-scale assembly was generated based on the high-density genetic map, covering 86% of the azuki bean genome. We demonstrated that SMRT technology, though still needed support of SGS data, achieved a near-complete assembly of a eukaryotic genome.
A cost-effective system for differentiation of intestinal epithelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Ogaki Soichiro , Morooka Mayu , Otera Kaito , Kume Shoen
Published: November 2015

The human intestinal epithelium is a useful model for pharmacological studies of absorption, metabolism, drug interactions and toxicology, as well as for studies of developmental biology. We established a rapid and cost effective system for differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into definitive endoderm (DE) cells. In the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a low concentration of Activin at 6.25 ng/ml is sufficient to give a similar differentiation efficiency with that using Activin at 100 ng/ml at the presence of Wnt activator. In the presence of DMSO, Activin at low concentration triggered hiPS cells to undergo differentiation through G1 arrest, reduce apoptosis and potentiate activation of downstream targets, such as SMAD2 phosphorylation and SOX17 expression. This increased differentiation into CDX2 + SOX17 + DE cells. The present differentiation procedure therefore permits rapid and efficient derivation of DE cells, capable of differentiating into intestinal epithelium upon BIO and DAPT treatment and of giving rise to functional cells, such as enterocytes.
Mulberry fruit prevents LPS-induced NF-κB/pERK/MAPK signals in macrophages and suppresses acute colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Qian Zhengjiang , Wu Zhiqin , Huang Lian , Qiu Huiling , Wang Liyan , Li Li , Yao Lijun , Kang Kang , Qu Junle , Wu Yonghou , Luo Jun , Liu Johnson J. , Yang Yi , Yang Wancai , Gou Deming
Published: November 2015

Here, we investigated the impact of mulberry fruit (MBF) extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages and the therapeutic efficacy of MBF diet in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis and MUC2−/− mice with colorectal cancer. In vitro, LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was significantly inhibited by MBF extracts via suppressing the expression of proinflammatory molecules, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-β) and IL-6. Particularly, a dose-dependent inhibition on LPS-induced inflammatory responses was observed following treatment with MBF dichloromethane extract (MBF-DE), in which linoleic acid and ethyl linolenate were identified as two active compounds. Moreover, we elucidated that MBF-DE attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by blocking activation of both NF-κB/p65 and pERK/MAPK pathways. In vivo, DSS-induced acute colitis was significantly ameliorated in MBF-fed mice as gauged by weight loss, colon morphology and histological damage. In addition, MBF-fed MUC2−/− mice displayed significant decrease in intestinal tumor and inflammation incidence compared to control diet-fed group. Overall, our results demonstrated that MBF suppressed the development of intestinal inflammation and tumorgenesis both in vitro and in vivo and supports the potential of MBF as a therapeutic functional food for testing in human clinical trials.
CMOS integration of inkjet-printed graphene for humidity sensing
Authors: Santra S. , Hu G. , Howe R. C. T. , De Luca A. , Ali S. Z. , Udrea F. , Gardner J. W. , Ray S. K. , Guha P. K. , Hasan T.
Published: November 2015

We report on the integration of inkjet-printed graphene with a CMOS micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) microhotplate for humidity sensing. The graphene ink is produced via ultrasonic assisted liquid phase exfoliation in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer as the stabilizer. We formulate inks with different graphene concentrations, which are then deposited through inkjet printing over predefined interdigitated gold electrodes on a CMOS microhotplate. The graphene flakes form a percolating network to render the resultant graphene-PVP thin film conductive, which varies in presence of humidity due to swelling of the hygroscopic PVP host. When the sensors are exposed to relative humidity ranging from 10–80%, we observe significant changes in resistance with increasing sensitivity from the amount of graphene in the inks. Our sensors show excellent repeatability and stability, over a period of several weeks. The location specific deposition of functional graphene ink onto a low cost CMOS platform has the potential for high volume, economic manufacturing and application as a new generation of miniature, low power humidity sensors for the internet of things.
Lovastatin blocks Kv1.3 channel in human T cells: a new mechanism to explain its immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Zhao Ning , Dong Qian , Qian Cheng , Li Sen , Wu Qiong-Feng , Ding Dan , Li Jing , Wang Bin-Bin , Guo Ke-fang , Xie Jiang-jiao , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yu-Hua , Du Yi-Mei
Published: November 2015

Lovastatin is a member of Statins, which are beneficial in a lot of immunologic cardiovascular diseases and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Kv1.3 channel plays important roles in the activation and proliferation of T cells and have become attractive target for immune-related disorders. The present study was designed to examine the block effect of Lovastatin on Kv1.3 channel in human T cells and to clarify its new immunomodulatory mechanism. We found that Lovastatin inhibited Kv1.3 currents in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner and the IC50 for peak, end of the pulse was 39.81 ± 5.11, 6.92 ± 0.95 μM, respectively. Lovastatin also accelerated the decay rate of current inactivation and negatively shifted the steady-state inactivation curves concentration-dependently, without affecting the activation curve. However, 30 μM Lovastatin had no apparent effect on KCa current in human T cells. Furthermore, Lovastatin inhibited Ca2+ influx, T cell proliferation as well as IL-2 production. The activities of NFAT1 and NF-κB p65/50 were down-regulated by Lovastatin, too. At last, Mevalonate application only partially reversed the inhibition of Lovastatin on IL-2 secretion and the siRNA against Kv1.3 also partially reduced this inhibitory effect of Lovastatin. In conclusion, Lovastatin can exert immunodulatory properties through the new mechanism of blocking Kv1.3 channel.
Mitigation of Corrosion on Magnesium Alloy by Predesigned Surface Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Xuming , Wu Guosong , Peng Xiang , Li Limin , Feng Hongqing , Gao Biao , Huo Kaifu , Chu Paul K.
Published: November 2015

Rapid corrosion of magnesium alloys is undesirable in structural and biomedical applications and a general way to control corrosion is to form a surface barrier layer isolating the bulk materials from the external environment. Herein, based on the insights gained from the anticorrosion behavior of corrosion products, a special way to mitigate aqueous corrosion is described. The concept is based on pre-corrosion by a hydrothermal treatment of Al-enriched Mg alloys in water. A uniform surface composed of an inner compact layer and top Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) microsheet is produced on a large area using a one-step process and excellent corrosion resistance is achieved in saline solutions. Moreover, inspired by the super-hydrophobic phenomenon in nature such as the lotus leaves effect, the orientation of the top microsheet layer is tailored by adjusting the hydrothermal temperature, time and pH to produce a water-repellent surface after modification with fluorinated silane. As a result of the trapped air pockets in the microstructure, the super-hydrophobic surface with the Cassie state shows better corrosion resistance in the immersion tests. The results reveal an economical and environmentally friendly means to control and use the pre-corrosion products on magnesium alloys.
Alkanols inhibit voltage-gated K+ channels via a distinct gating modifying mechanism that prevents gate opening
Authors: Martínez-Morales Evelyn , Kopljar Ivan , Snyders Dirk J. , Labro Alain J.
Published: November 2015

Alkanols are small aliphatic compounds that inhibit voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels through a yet unresolved gating mechanism. Kv channels detect changes in the membrane potential with their voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) that reorient and generate a transient gating current. Both 1-Butanol (1-BuOH) and 1-Hexanol (1-HeOH) inhibited the ionic currents of the Shaker Kv channel in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of approximately 50 mM and 3 mM, respectively. Using the non-conducting Shaker-W434F mutant, we found that both alkanols immobilized approximately 10% of the gating charge and accelerated the deactivating gating currents simultaneously with ionic current inhibition. Thus, alkanols prevent the final VSD movement(s) that is associated with channel gate opening. Applying 1-BuOH and 1-HeOH to the Shaker-P475A mutant, in which the final gating transition is isolated from earlier VSD movements, strengthened that neither alkanol affected the early VSD movements. Drug competition experiments showed that alkanols do not share the binding site of 4-aminopyridine, a drug that exerts a similar effect at the gating current level. Thus, alkanols inhibit Shaker-type Kv channels via a unique gating modifying mechanism that stabilizes the channel in its non-conducting activated state.
Genetic dosage and position effect of small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in human sperm nuclei in infertile male patient
Authors: Olszewska Marta , Wanowska Elzbieta , Kishore Archana , Huleyuk Nataliya , Georgiadis Andrew P. , Yatsenko Alexander N. , Mikula Mariya , Zastavna Danuta , Wiland Ewa , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: November 2015

Chromosomes occupy specific distinct areas in the nucleus of the sperm cell that may be altered in males with disrupted spermatogenesis. Here, we present alterations in the positioning of the human chromosomes 15, 18, X and Y between spermatozoa with the small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC; sSMC+) and spermatozoa with normal chromosome complement (sSMC−), for the first time described in the same ejaculate of an infertile, phenotypically normal male patient. Using classical and confocal fluorescent microscopy, the nuclear colocalization of chromosomes 15 and sSMC was analyzed. The molecular cytogenetic characteristics of sSMC delineated the karyotype as 47,XY,+der(15)(pter->p11.2::q11.1->q11.2::p11.2->pter)mat. Analysis of meiotic segregation showed a 1:1 ratio of sSMC+ to sSMC− spermatozoa, while evaluation of sperm aneuploidy status indicated an increased level of chromosome 13, 18, 21 and 22 disomy, up to 7 × (2.7 − 15.1). Sperm chromatin integrity assessment did not reveal any increase in deprotamination in the patient’s sperm chromatin. Importantly, we found significant repositioning of chromosomes X and Y towards the nuclear periphery, where both chromosomes were localized in close proximity to the sSMC. This suggests the possible influence of sSMC/XY colocalization on meiotic chromosome division, resulting in abnormal chromosome segregation and leading to male infertility in the patient.
Thickness-Induced Metal-Insulator Transition in Sb-doped SnO2 Ultrathin Films: The Role of Quantum Confinement
Authors: Ke Chang , Zhu Weiguang , Zhang Zheng , Soon Tok Eng , Ling Bo , Pan Jisheng
Published: November 2015

A thickness induced metal-insulator transition (MIT) was firstly observed in Sb-doped SnO2 (SnO2:Sb) epitaxial ultrathin films deposited on "Equation missing" sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Both electrical and spectroscopic studies provide clear evidence of a critical thickness for the metallic conductivity in SnO2:Sb thin films and the oxidation state transition of the impurity element Sb. With the shrinkage of film thickness, the broadening of the energy band gap as well as the enhancement of the impurity activation energy was studied and attributed to the quantum confinement effect. Based on the scenario of impurity level pinning and band gap broadening in quantum confined nanostructures, we proposed a generalized energy diagram to understand the thickness induced MIT in the SnO2:Sb system.
Second-Nearest-Neighbor Correlations from Connection of Atomic Packing Motifs in Metallic Glasses and Liquids
Authors: Ding Jun , Ma Evan , Asta Mark , Ritchie Robert O.
Published: November 2015

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied the atomic correlations characterizing the second peak in the radial distribution function (RDF) of metallic glasses and liquids. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of different connection schemes of atomic packing motifs, based on the number of shared atoms between two linked coordination polyhedra. The results demonstrate that the cluster connections by face-sharing, specifically with three common atoms, are most favored when transitioning from the liquid to glassy state and exhibit the stiffest elastic response during shear deformation. These properties of the connections and the resultant atomic correlations are generally the same for different types of packing motifs in different alloys. Splitting of the second RDF peak was observed for the inherent structure of the equilibrium liquid, originating solely from cluster connections; this trait can then be inherited in the metallic glass formed via subsequent quenching of the parent liquid through the glass transition, in the absence of any additional type of local structural order. Increasing ordering and cluster connection during cooling, however, may tune the position and intensity of the split peaks.
Was millennial scale climate change during the Last Glacial triggered by explosive volcanism?
Authors: Baldini James U.L. , Brown Richard J. , McElwaine Jim N.
Published: November 2015

The mechanisms responsible for millennial scale climate change within glacial time intervals are equivocal. Here we show that all eight known radiometrically-dated Tambora-sized or larger NH eruptions over the interval 30 to 80 ka BP are associated with abrupt Greenland cooling (>95% confidence). Additionally, previous research reported a strong statistical correlation between the timing of Southern Hemisphere volcanism and Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events (>99% confidence), but did not identify a causative mechanism. Volcanic aerosol-induced asymmetrical hemispheric cooling over the last few hundred years restructured atmospheric circulation in a similar fashion as that associated with Last Glacial millennial-scale shifts (albeit on a smaller scale). We hypothesise that following both recent and Last Glacial NH eruptions, volcanogenic sulphate injections into the stratosphere cooled the NH preferentially, inducing a hemispheric temperature asymmetry that shifted atmospheric circulation cells southward. This resulted in Greenland cooling, Antarctic warming and a southward shifted ITCZ. However, during the Last Glacial, the initial eruption-induced climate response was prolonged by NH glacier and sea ice expansion, increased NH albedo, AMOC weakening, more NH cooling, and a consequent positive feedback. Conversely, preferential SH cooling following large SH eruptions shifted atmospheric circulation to the north, resulting in the characteristic features of DO events.
Controlling the Electronic Structures and Properties of in-Plane Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Quantum Wells
Authors: Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Niu Chengwang , Huang Baibiao
Published: November 2015

In-plane transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) quantum wells have been studied on the basis of first-principles density functional calculations to reveal how to control the electronic structures and the properties. In collection of quantum confinement, strain and intrinsic electric field, TMD quantum wells offer a diverse of exciting new physics. The band gap can be continuously reduced ascribed to the potential drop over the embedded TMD and the strain substantially affects the band gap nature. The true type-II alignment forms due to the coherent lattice and strong interface coupling suggesting the effective separation and collection of excitons. Interestingly, two-dimensional quantum wells of in-plane TMD can enrich the photoluminescence properties of TMD materials. The intrinsic electric polarization enhances the spin-orbital coupling and demonstrates the possibility to achieve topological insulator state and valleytronics in TMD quantum wells. In-plane TMD quantum wells have opened up new possibilities of applications in next-generation devices at nanoscale.
Lipase-Catalyzed Reactions in Pressurized Fluids
Authors: Loss Raquel , Lerin Lindomar , Vladimir de Oliveira José , de Oliveira Débora
Published: November 2015

Lipases as biocatalysts have shown great importance in biotechnological, industrial and economic scenarios. These enzymes are used as technological tools, with prospects for development, due to their present ability to perform highly specific biotransformations, making them popular in many industries. Supercritical fluids are one of the best neoteric solvents for the purpose of synthesizing valuable chemicals, finding great demand in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, flavor and fragrance industries, as their versatile properties such as high diffusibility and low viscosity enhance the mass transfer rate of substrates to the active sites of enzymes, thus resulting in higher reaction rates. Therefore, the focus of this chapter is to elucidate the mechanism of action of lipases in supercritical fluids, considering the main factors that contribute to the stability of these enzymes and maintaining their catalytic activity in esterification, transesterification, interesterification and hydrolysis processes.
Lipases in Enantioselective Syntheses: Evolution of Technology and Recent Applications
Authors: Guimarães Freire Denise Maria , Theodoro da Silva Angelo Amaro , de Andrade Manoel Evelin , Almeida Rodrigo Volcan , Costa Simas Alessandro Bolis
Published: November 2015

Lipases are the most widely employed biocatalysts in enantioselective syntheses. In this review, we discuss, with a historical perspective, the advances in the technology behind lipase catalysis. The different classes (resolutions, deracemizations, desymmetrizations) of lipase-catalysed processes towards enantioselective synthesis are briefly discussed. The relevance of such biocatalysts and the practicality of their use in this context are discussed with regards to features such as medium engineering, immobilization, protein engineering, reactor technology and new media (e.g., ionic liquids), whose advances we discuss herein.
Production of Polymers by White Biotechnology
Authors: Shoda S. , Kobayashi A. , Kobayashi S.
Published: November 2015

Based on the great progress in organic polymer chemistry and fermentation chemistry, researchers of the 21st century have taken advantage of their accumulated knowledge and technologies for polymer synthesis. This chapter reviews the production of monomers, as well as polymers, based on the concept of “White Biotechnology”. The phrase “polymer production by White Biotechnology” is defined as “technologies for synthesis of monomers and polymers by using microorganisms and enzymes” where less energy is required and less waste is produced.
Biotransformation Using Plant Cell Culture Systems and Tissues
Authors: Ribeiro Bernardo Dias , Manoel Evelin Andrade , Simões-Gurgel Claudia , Albarello Norma
Published: November 2015

Biotransformations are chemical reactions catalyzed by cells, organs or enzymes and represent an area of biotechnology that has received considerable attention. The use of biotransformations with plant cell culture systems and fragments of plant tissue has immense potential for the production of compounds with commercial interest, especially considering the vast biochemical capability for the production of secondary metabolites from plant sources. In this context, this chapter evaluates the application of biotransformations in different plant cell culture systems, such as cell suspensions, hairy roots and cell immobilization, as well as fragments of plant tissue.
Development of Processes for the Production of Bulk Chemicals by Fermentation at Industrial Scale – An Integrated Approach
Authors: Magnus Jørgen
Published: November 2015

A large number of bulk chemicals that are currently produced by petrochemical processes can potentially be produced from renewable resources by fermentation. The diversity of enzymes in nature allows the construction of biosynthesis pathways for a number of common industrial chemicals. The challenges are the cost competition with the petrochemical process and the technical feasibility, as well as the time and budget needed to develop the bioprocess. This chapter discusses the setup of projects for efficient and targeted development of bioprocesses in alignment with the business drivers of the producing company. The most important methods in strain development and process development are reviewed and an industrial view on bioprocess development is given. The benefits of integrating strain development with process development, and of performing these in parallel are emphasized.
Trends and Perspectives in Green Chemistry and White Biotechnology
Authors: Ribeiro Bernardo Dias , Zarur Coelho Maria Alice
Published: November 2015

Innovation is one of challenges of development new technologies. In this chapter, some trends and perspectives will be covered showing that other non-thermal energy (ultrasound) can be used with biotechnology, besides neoteric solvents (fluorous and tunable solvents, aphrons, glymes, liquid polymers, alkyl carbonates) and new applications such as biodesalination and nanotechnology.
A TBET-based ratiometric probe for Au3+ and its application in living cells
Authors: Han Xiang , Zhao Lei , Wang Dong-En , Xu Juan , Zhang Longlong , Yuan Mao-Sen , Tu Qin , Wang Jinyi
Published: November 2015

A fluorescent probe, RH-Au, based on through-bond energy transfer was developed for the colorimetric and fluorescent detection of Au3+.
Deformability measurement of red blood cells using a microfluidic channel array and an air cavity in a driving syringe with high throughput and precise detection of subpopulations
Authors: Kang Yang Jun , Ha Young-Ran , Lee Sang-Joon
Published: November 2015

We propose a new method to measure deformability of blood samples containing hematological disorders with high throughput and precise detection of subpopulations.
Porphyrin-based mixed-valent Ag(i)/Ag(ii) and Cu(i)/Cu(ii) networks as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the azide–alkyne “click” reaction and promising oxidation of ethylbenzene
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yang Jin , Liu Ying-Ying , Ma Jian-Fang
Published: November 2015

Two mixed-valent Ag(i,ii)- and Cu(i,ii)-porphyrin networks exhibit catalytic capability for the azide–alkyne “click” reaction and ethylbenzene oxidation as recycled heterogeneous catalysts.
A tri-serine tri-lactone scaffold for the quantification of citrate in urine
Authors: Akdeniz Ali , Caglayan Mehmet Gokhan , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: November 2015

Tri-serine tri-lactone based fluorescent sensors can discriminate structurally similar anions, including mono-, di- and tri-carboxylates with 100% correct classification.
A nanocluster beacon based on the template transformation of DNA-templated silver nanoclusters
Authors: Teng Ye , Jia Xiaofang , Zhang Shan , Zhu Jinbo , Wang Erkang
Published: November 2015

We developed a novel light-up nanocluster beacon for sensitive and selective DNA detection based on the template transformation by shuttling dark Ag nanoclusters to a bright scaffold through hybridization.
Silver-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation of difluoroacetates: efficient access to C–CF2 bond formation
Authors: Wan Wen , Ma Guobin , Li Jialiang , Chen Yunrong , Hu Qingyang , Li Minjie , Jiang Haizhen , Deng Hongmei , Hao Jian
Published: November 2015

Ag(i)-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative gem-difluoromethylenation of difluoroacetates with isonitriles has been developed for the formation of C–CF2 bonds.
One-pot synthesis of semicrystalline/amorphous multiblock copolymers via divinyl-terminated telechelic polyolefins
Authors: Hu Nan , Mai Cheng-Kang , Fredrickson Glenn H. , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: November 2015

A one-pot synthesis of random semicrystalline/amorphous multiblock copolymers is demonstrated via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of α,ω-divinyl-terminated telechelic polyolefins.
Purcell factor based understanding of enhancements in surface plasmon-coupled emission with DNA architectures
Authors: S. Venkatesh , Badiya Pradeep Kumar , Ramamurthy Sai Sathish
Published: November 2015

Tuning the Purcell factor with DNA architectures to realize >130-fold fluorescence enhancements in surface plasmon-coupled emission.
Wall embedded electrodes to modify electroosmotic flow in silica nanoslits
Authors: Zambrano Harvey A. , Vásquez Nicolás , Wagemann Enrique
Published: November 2015

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations over 160 ns are conducted to study electroosmotic flow control in a nanoslit channel featuring counter-charged electrodes embedded in the bottom wall.
Self-interaction error in DFT-based modelling of ionic liquids
Authors: Lage-Estebanez Isabel , Ruzanov Anton , García de la Vega José M. , Fedorov Maxim V. , Ivaništšev Vladislav B.
Published: November 2015

Self-interaction error related to DFT methods was investigated for calculations of interaction energies involving ionic liquids.
Packing morphology of wavy nanofiber arrays
Authors: Stein Itai Y. , Wardle Brian L.
Published: November 2015

Aligned carbon nanotube arrays with stochastic three-dimensional morphologies underscore the importance of nanofiber waviness and present how existing morphology models can be modified to account for this non-ideality.
Tuning excitability by alloying: the Rh(111)/Ni/H2 + O2 system
Authors: Smolinsky T. , Homann M. , Imbihl R.
Published: November 2015

The dynamic behavior of the O2 + H2 reaction on a Rh(111) surface alloyed with Ni has been studied in the 10−5 mbar range using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) as a spatial resolving method.
Influencing the activity and selectivity of alkylaromatic catalytic transformations by varying the degree of delamination in MWW zeolites
Authors: Osman Mogahid , Al-Khattaf Sulaiman , Díaz Urbano , Martínez Cristina , Corma Avelino
Published: November 2015

Increasing the degree of delamination of MWW layered precursors has a positive effect regarding selectivity for the alkylation product, as alkylation is favored vs. disproportionation when increasing the ratio of external to internal surface area.
Understanding and solving disorder in the substitution pattern of amino functionalized MIL-47(V)
Authors: Heinen Jurn , Dubbeldam David
Published: November 2015

Electronic energies and elastic constants of four amino functionalized MIL-47(V) supercells were computed using the plane wave density functional theory to determine the influence of the substituent positions on the organic linker.
N-Heterocyclic carbenes as supporting ligands in transition metal complexes of N2
Authors: Ohki Yasuhiro , Seino Hidetake
Published: November 2015

This review provides a short overview of the emerging field of NHC-supported transition metal complexes of N2.
New IR imaging modalities for cancer detection and for intra-cell chemical mapping with a sub-diffraction mid-IR s-SNOM
Authors: Amrania H. , Drummond L. , Coombes R. C. , Shousha S. , Woodley-Barker L. , Weir K. , Hart W. , Carter I. , Phillips C. C.
Published: November 2015

We present two new modalities for generating chemical maps. Both are mid-IR based and aimed at the biomedical community, but they differ substantially in their technological readiness. The first, so-called “Digistain”, is a technologically mature “locked down” way of acquiring diffraction-limited chemical images of human cancer biopsy tissue. Although it is less flexible than conventional methods of acquiring IR images, this is an intentional, and key, design feature. It allows it to be used, on a routine basis, by clinical personnel themselves. It is in the process of a full clinical evaluation and the philosophy behind the approach is discussed. The second modality is a very new, probe-based “s-SNOM”, which we are developing in conjunction with a new family of tunable “Quantum Cascade Laser” (QCL) diode lasers. Although in its infancy, this instrument can already deliver ultra-detailed chemical images whose spatial resolutions beat the normal diffraction limit by a factor of ∼1000. This is easily enough to generate chemical maps of the insides of single cells for the first time, and a range of new possible scientific applications are explored.
The treatment of uncertainties in reactive pollution dispersion models at urban scales
Authors: Tomlin A. S. , Ziehn T. , Goodman P. , Tate J. E. , Dixon N. S.
Published: November 2015

The ability to predict NO2concentrations ([NO2]) within urban street networks is important for the evaluation of strategies to reduce exposure to NO2. However, models aiming to make such predictions involve the coupling of several complex processes: traffic emissions under different levels of congestion; dispersionviaturbulent mixing; chemical processes of relevance at the street-scale. Parameterisations of these processes are challenging to quantify with precision. Predictions are therefore subject to uncertainties which should be taken into account when using models within decision making. This paper presents an analysis of mean [NO2] predictions from such a complex modelling system applied to a street canyon within the city of York, UK including the treatment of model uncertainties and their causes. The model system consists of a micro-scale traffic simulation and emissions model, and a Reynolds averaged turbulent flow model coupled to a reactive Lagrangian particle dispersion model. The analysis focuses on the sensitivity of predicted in-street increments of [NO2] at different locations in the street to uncertainties in the model inputs. These include physical characteristics such as background wind direction, temperature and background ozone concentrations; traffic parameters such as overall demand and primary NO2fraction; as well as model parameterisations such as roughness lengths, turbulent time- and length-scales and chemical reaction rate coefficients. Predicted [NO2] is shown to be relatively robust with respect to model parameterisations, although there are significant sensitivities to the activation energy for the reaction NO + O3as well as the canyon wall roughness length. Under off-peak traffic conditions, demand is the key traffic parameter. Under peak conditions where the network saturates, road-side [NO2] is relatively insensitive to changes in demand and more sensitive to the primary NO2fraction. The most important physical parameter was found to be the background wind direction. The study highlights the key parameters required for reliable [NO2] estimations suggesting that accurate reference measurements for wind direction should be a critical part of air quality assessments for in-street locations. It also highlights the importance of street scale chemical processes in forming road-side [NO2], particularly for regions of high NOxemissions such as close to traffic queues.
Recent developments in the design of rapid response cells for laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and their impact on bioimaging applications
Authors: Van Malderen Stijn J. M. , Managh Amy J. , Sharp Barry L. , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: November 2015

This review covers developments in the design of Laser Ablation (LA) cells, the associated transport tubing assembly, and their coupling to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation.
Genome-wide survey of putative RNA-binding proteins encoded in the human proteome
Authors: Ghosh Pritha , Sowdhamini R.
Published: November 2015

We have classified the existing RNA-binding protein (RBP) structures into different structural families. Here, we report ∼2600 proteins with RBP signatures in humans.
An in vitro examination of selenium–cadmium antagonism using primary cultures of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes
Authors: Jamwal Ankur , Naderi Mohammad , Niyogi Som
Published: November 2015

Se has antagonistic effects on Cd-induced cytotoxicityviaboth enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative mechanisms and the effects are strictly dose dependent. Confocal fluorescent images of isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to 100 µM Cd, alone or in combination with low (25 µM) or high (250 µM) concentration of Se, show reduced ROS generation with low concentration of Se.
Binuclear cyclooctatetraene–iron carbonyl complexes: examples of fluxionality and valence tautomerism
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Sun Songsong , Wang Hui , King R. Bruce
Published: November 2015

Fluxionality and valence tautomerism are studied in the experimentally observedtrans-(η4,η4-C8H8)Fe2(CO)6,cis-(η3,η3-C8H8)Fe2(CO)6, andcis-C8H8Fe2(CO)4(μ-CO) structures using density functional theory.
Facile synthesis of rGO/Ag3PO4 by enhanced photocatalytic degradation of an organic dye using a microwave-assisted method
Authors: Fan Xiaoyan , Shao Jian , Li Zhenjiang , Ma Fenglin , Meng Alan , Li Qingdang
Published: November 2015

A facile and rapid microwave-assisted method was developed to synthesize a highly efficient rGO/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst.
Facile synthesis of Ag/ZnO micro-flowers and their improved ultraviolet and visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liang Yimai , Guo Na , Li Linlin , Li Ruiqing , Ji Guijuan , Gan Shucai
Published: November 2015

A series of flower-like Ag/ZnO composites was prepared with varying Ag content. The prepared photocatalyst displays excellent photocatalytic activity for RhB under UV and visible light. Ag/ZnO is a promising candidate material for the treatment of contaminated water.
Synthesis and characterization of 1,3-diamino-graphene as a heterogeneous ligand for a CuI-catalyzed C–N coupling reaction
Authors: Zhou Limei , Yin Mengyun , Jiang Xiaohui , Huang Qiang , Lang Wencheng
Published: November 2015

1,3-Diamino-graphene was synthesized and used as an efficient heterogeneous ligand for a CuI-catalyzed C–N coupling reaction.
Self-assembly of like-charged nanoparticles into microscopic crystals
Authors: Pillai Pramod P. , Kowalczyk Bartlomiej , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: November 2015

The perfect balance between the interparticle forces leads to the self-assembly of like charged nanoparticles into microscopic crystals.
Optimising element choice for nanoparticle radiosensitisers
Authors: McMahon Stephen J. , Paganetti Harald , Prise Kevin M.
Published: November 2015

Modelling of material selection for nanoscale radiosensitisers suggests significant complexity with increasing atomic number, contradicting simple macroscopic analyses.
Catalytic asymmetric formal γ-allylation of deconjugated butenolides
Authors: Simlandy Amit K. , Mukherjee Santanu
Published: November 2015

A formalγ-allylation of deconjugated butenolides is reported based on a two-step sequence consisting of a catalytic diastereo- and enantioselective vinylogous nucleophilic addition to vinyl sulfones and Julia–Kocienski olefination. This highly modular approach delivers densely functionalized butenolides containing a quaternary stereogenic centre in excellent yield with high enantioselectivity.
Enhancing the dual magnetic and optical properties of co-doped cerium oxide nanostructures
Authors: Kumar R. Avinash , Babu K. Suresh , Dasgupta Arup , Ramaseshan R.
Published: November 2015

Iron and europium co-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibits interesting optical and magnetic properties.
Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal stability of the thinnest tungsten nanowire by density functional theory
Authors: Chen Hui-Lung , Ju Shin-Pon , Lin Ken-Huang , Li Jia-Yun , Chen Hsin-Tsung
Published: November 2015

The most stable structure of the thinnest tungsten (W) nanowire with the radius of 1.9 Å was predicted by the simulated annealing basin-hopping method (SABH) with the tight-binding (TB) potential and the penalty algorithm.
Comparison between alumina supported catalytic precursors and their application in thiophene hydrodesulfurization: (NH4)4[NiMo6O24H6]·5H2O/γ-Al2O3 and NiMoOx/γ-Al2O3 conventional systems
Authors: Ayala-G Mónica , Puello P Esneyder , Quintana Patricia , González-García Gerardo , Diaz Carlos
Published: November 2015

The presulfided catalytic precursors from Anderson-type heteropolyoxomolybdate.
Active porous valves for plug actuation and plug flow manipulation in open channel fluidics
Authors: Vourdas N. , Dalamagkidis K. , Stathopoulos V. N.
Published: November 2015

The fluidic channel has porous hydrophobic walls. Reversible transitions from sticky to slippery state are leveraged by backpressure application, resulting to valve switching from “off” to “on”. Ultra-low energy demands for small cross-sections.
Aqueous synthesis of stable and luminescent flexible non-covalently assembled europium(iii) complexes–organoclay films
Authors: Wang Tianren , Liu Meiqi , Ji Quan , Wang Yige
Published: November 2015

Flexible, transparent and red-light-emitting luminescent polymer thin film derived from Eu(TTA)3-doped hydrophilic hybrid material.
Collagen fibril strain, recruitment and orientation for pericardium under tension and the effect of cross links
Authors: Kayed Hanan R. , Kirby Nigel , Hawley Adrian , Mudie Stephen T. , Haverkamp Richard G.
Published: November 2015

The response to stress of collagen fibrils in bovine pericardium depends on the nature of the cross links.
Controlled electro-coalescence/non-coalescence on lubricating fluid infused slippery surfaces
Authors: Barman Jitesh , Nagarajan Arun Kumar , Khare Krishnacharya
Published: November 2015

Aqueous drops on lubricating oil infused substrates depict non-coalescence or spontaneous coalescence which can be controlled using an external electric field.
Photostability of thermally-hydrosilylated silicon quantum dots
Authors: Wu Jeslin J. , Kortshagen Uwe R.
Published: November 2015

The photostability of luminescent silicon quantum dots is critical for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.
Dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in Acacia extract and it's utility as an antimicrobial agent
Authors: Yadav Tushar , Mungray Alka A. , Mungray Arvind K.
Published: November 2015

This work deals with the preparation of a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersion in Acacia extract (AE) and checks its antimicrobial activity.
[Pd(acac)(MeCN)2]BF4: air-tolerant, activator-free catalyst for alkene dimerization and polymerization
Authors: Suslov D. S. , Bykov M. V. , Abramov P. A. , Pahomova M. V. , Ushakov I. A. , Voronov V. K. , Tkach V. S.
Published: November 2015

[Pd(acac)(MeCN)2]BF4 has been observed to catalyze selective substituted styrene dimerization and addition norbornene polymerization.
Correction: One-pot synthesis of functionalized isoxazole–thiolane hybrids via Knoevenagel condensation and domino sulfa-1,6-Michael/intramolecular vinylogous Henry reactions
Authors: Nagaraju Sakkani , Satyanarayana Neeli , Paplal Banoth , Vasu Anuji K. , Kanvah Sriram , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Sripadi Prabhakar , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: November 2015

Correction for 'One-pot synthesis of functionalized isoxazole–thiolane hybrids via Knoevenagel condensation and domino sulfa-1,6-Michael/intramolecular vinylogous Henry reactions' by Sakkani Nagaraju et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 94474–94478.
Thermo-responsive properties driven by hydrogen bonding in aqueous cationic gemini surfactant systems
Authors: Wei Xi-Lian , Han Chuan-Hong , Geng Pei-Pei , Chen Xiao-Xiao , Guo Yan , Liu Jie , Sun De-Zhi , Zhang Jun-Hong , Yu Meng-Jiao
Published: November 2015

A series of thermo-responsive phenomena were discovered in cationic surfactants n-3(OH)-n(2Cl) and their aqueous solution with an inorganic salt.
Imidazolium-based anion exchange membranes for alkaline anion fuel cells: elucidation of the morphology and the interplay between the morphology and properties
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yoshimura Kimio , Shishitani Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Susumu , Tanaka Hirohisa , Koizumi Satoshi , Szekely Noemi , Radulescu Aurel , Richter Dieter , Maekawa Yasunari
Published: November 2015

We investigated the morphology of a new graft-type anion exchange membrane by SANS technique.
Exploiting the gate opening effect in a flexible MOF for selective adsorption of propyne from C1/C2/C3 hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Libo , Krishna Rajamani , Wang Yong , Yang Jiangfeng , Wang Xiaoqing , Li Jinping
Published: November 2015

Selective adsorption of propyne from C1–C3 hydrocarbons using a flexible MOF.
Side-chain boron difluoride formazanate polymers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Novoa Samantha , Paquette Joseph A. , Barbon Stephanie M. , Maar Ryan R. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: November 2015

The synthesis, characterization, and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of a norbornene-functionalized boron difluoride formazanate complex is reported. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of monomer/polymer are compared and discussed in detail.