bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic memory gained by priming with osteogenic induction medium improves osteogenesis and other properties of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Rui Yunfeng , Xu Liangliang , Chen Rui , Zhang Ting , Lin Sien , Hou Yonghui , Liu Yang , Meng Fanbiao , Liu Zhenqing , Ni Ming , Sze Tsang Kam , Yang Fuyuan , Wang Chen , Chang Chan Hsiao , Jiang Xiaohua , Li Gang
Published: June 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highly plastic cells that are able to transdifferentiate or dedifferentiate under appropriate conditions. In the present study, we reported here that after in vitro induction of osteogenic differentiation, MSCs could be reverted to a primitive stem cell population (dedifferentiated osteogenic MSCs, De-Os-MSCs) with improved cell survival, colony formation, osteogenic potential, migratory capacity and increased expression of Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2. Most importantly, our results showed great superiority of the De-Os-MSCs over untreated MSCs in ectopic bone formation in vivo. Furthermore, Nanog-knockdown in MSCs could reverse these enhanced properties in De-Os-MSCs in vitro, indicating a central role of Nanog in the transcriptional network. In addition, epigenetic regulations including DNA methylation and histone modifications may play important roles in regulating the de-osteogenic differentiation process. And we found decreased methylation and promoter accrual of activating histone marks, such as H3K4me3 and H4ac on both Nanog and Oct4 gene promoters. Taken together, our study demonstrated that epigenetic memory in De-Os-MSCs gained by priming with osteogenic induction medium favored their differentiation along osteoblastic lineage with improved cell survival and migratory abilities, which may have application potential in enhancing their regenerative capacity in mammals.
Biorealistic cardiac cell culture platforms with integrated monitoring of extracellular action potentials
Authors: Trantidou Tatiana , Terracciano Cesare M. , Kontziampasis Dimitrios , Humphrey Eleanor J. , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: June 2015

Current platforms for in vitro drug development utilize confluent, unorganized monolayers of heart cells to study the effect on action potential propagation. However, standard cell cultures are of limited use in cardiac research, as they do not preserve important structural and functional properties of the myocardium. Here we present a method to integrate a scaffolding technology with multi-electrode arrays and deliver a compact, off-the-shelf monitoring platform for growing biomimetic cardiac tissue. Our approach produces anisotropic cultures with conduction velocity (CV) profiles that closer resemble native heart tissue; the fastest impulse propagation is along the long axis of the aligned cardiomyocytes (CVL) and the slowest propagation is perpendicular (CVT), in contrast to standard cultures where action potential propagates isotropically (CVL ≈ CVT). The corresponding anisotropy velocity ratios (CVL/CVT = 1.38 – 2.22) are comparable with values for healthy adult rat ventricles (1.98 – 3.63). The main advantages of this approach are that (i) it provides ultimate pattern control, (ii) it is compatible with automated manufacturing steps and (iii) it is utilized through standard cell culturing protocols. Our platform is compatible with existing read-out equipment and comprises a prompt method for more reliable CV studies.
Synergistic Effect between Ultra-Small Nickel Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide sheets for the Application in High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Yonghuan , Wang Rutao , Yan Xingbin
Published: June 2015

Nanoscale electrode materials including metal oxide nanoparticles and two-dimensional graphene have been employed for designing supercapacitors. However, inevitable agglomeration of nanoparticles and layers stacking of graphene largely hamper their practical applications. Here we demonstrate an efficient co-ordination and synergistic effect between ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets for synthesizing ideal electrode materials. On one hand, to make the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles work at full capacity as an ideal pseudocapacitive material, RGO sheets are employed as an suitable substrate to anchor these nanoparticles against agglomeration. As a consequence, an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1717 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 is achieved. On the other hand, to further facilitate ion transfer within RGO sheets as an ideal electrical double layer capacitor material, the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are introduced among RGO sheets as the recyclable sacrificial spacer to prevent the stacking. The resulting RGO sheets exhibit superior rate capability with a high capacitance of 182 F g−1 at 100 A g−1. On this basis, an asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the two materials, delivering a superior energy density of 75 Wh kg−1 and an ultrahigh power density of 40 000 W kg−1.
Molecular Origin of Strength and Stiffness in Bamboo Fibrils
Authors: Youssefian Sina , Rahbar Nima
Published: June 2015

Bamboo, a fast-growing grass, has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel and concrete. The unique properties of bamboo come from the natural composite structure of fibers that consists mainly of cellulose microfibrils in a matrix of intertwined hemicellulose and lignin called lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC). Here, we have used atomistic simulations to study the mechanical properties of and adhesive interactions between the materials in bamboo fibers. With this aim, we have developed molecular models of lignin, hemicellulose and LCC structures to study the elastic moduli and the adhesion energies between these materials and cellulose microfibril faces. Good agreement was observed between the simulation results and experimental data. It was also shown that the hemicellulose model has stronger mechanical properties than lignin while lignin exhibits greater tendency to adhere to cellulose microfibrils. The study suggests that the abundance of hydrogen bonds in hemicellulose chains is responsible for improving the mechanical behavior of LCC. The strong van der Waals forces between lignin molecules and cellulose microfibril is responsible for higher adhesion energy between LCC and cellulose microfibrils. We also found out that the amorphous regions of cellulose microfibrils are the weakest interfaces in bamboo fibrils. Hence, they determine the fibril strength.
Disrupted resting-state attentional networks in T2DM patients
Authors: Xia Wenqing , Wang Shaohua , Rao Hengyi , Spaeth Andrea M , Wang Pin , Yang Yue , Huang Rong , Cai Rongrong , Sun Haixia
Published: June 2015

Although Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well-recognized risk factor for dementia, the neural mechanisms that underlie cognitive impairment in T2DM remain unclear. This study uses resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine attention network alterations in T2DM and their relationships to impaired cognitive performance. Data-driven independent component analysis was applied to resting-state fMRI data from 38 T2DM patients and 32 healthy controls to identify the dorsal attention network (DAN) and ventral attention network (VAN). Correlations were then determined among the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), clinical data and neuropsychological scores. The T2DM patients exhibited decreased rsFC in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and bilateral inferior parietal lobe (IPL) of the DAN, as well as the left IPL and right MFG/IFG of the VAN. In addition, the rsFC of the left MFG was inversely correlated with the Trail Making Test-B scores; the rsFC of the left IPL was positively correlated with the Digit Span Test scores but negatively correlated with HbA1c; and the rsFC in the right precuneus was positively associated with cognitive performance (without Bonferroni correction). In conclusion, T2DM affects resting-state attentional networks, which may be related to reduced attention and a hyperglycemic state.
Software-aided automatic laser optoporation and transfection of cells
Authors: Georg Breunig Hans , Uchugonova Aisada , Batista Ana , König Karsten
Published: June 2015

Optoporation, the permeabilization of a cell membrane by laser pulses, has emerged as a powerful non-invasive and highly efficient technique to induce transfection of cells. However, the usual tedious manual targeting of individual cells significantly limits the addressable cell number. To overcome this limitation, we present an experimental setup with custom-made software control, for computer-automated cell optoporation. The software evaluates the image contrast of cell contours, automatically designates cell locations for laser illumination, centres those locations in the laser focus and executes the illumination. By software-controlled meandering of the sample stage, in principle all cells in a typical cell culture dish can be targeted without further user interaction. The automation allows for a significant increase in the number of treatable cells compared to a manual approach. For a laser illumination duration of 100 ms, 7-8 positions on different cells can be targeted every second inside the area of the microscope field of view. The experimental capabilities of the setup are illustrated in experiments with Chinese hamster ovary cells. Furthermore, the influence of laser power is discussed, with mention on post-treatment cell survival and optoporation-efficiency rates.
Non-coding RNAs derived from an alternatively spliced REST transcript (REST-003) regulate breast cancer invasiveness
Authors: Lee Nan Sook , Evgrafov Oleg V. , Souaiaia Tade , Bonyad Adrineh , Herstein Jennifer , Lee Joo Yeun , Kim Jihong , Ning Yan , Sixto Marcos , Weitz Andrew C. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Wang Kai , Knowles James A. , Press Michael F. , Salvaterra Paul M. , Shung K. Kirk , Chow Robert H.
Published: June 2015

RE1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST) has a well-established role in regulating transcription of genes important for neuronal development. Its role in cancer, though significant, is less well understood. We show that REST downregulation in weakly invasive MCF-7 breast cancer cells converts them to a more invasive phenotype, while REST overexpression in highly invasive MDA-MB-231 cells suppresses invasiveness. Surprisingly, the mechanism responsible for these phenotypic changes does not depend directly on the transcriptional function of REST protein. Instead, it is driven by previously unstudied mid-size (30–200 nt) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) derived from the first exon of an alternatively spliced REST transcript: REST-003. We show that processing of REST-003 into ncRNAs is controlled by an uncharacterized serine/arginine repeat-related protein, SRRM3. SRRM3 expression may be under REST-mediated transcriptional control, as it increases following REST downregulation. The SRRM3-dependent regulation of REST-003 processing into ncRNAs has many similarities to recently described promoter-associated small RNA-like processes. Targeting ncRNAs that control invasiveness could lead to new therapeutic approaches to limit breast cancer metastasis.
Alpha or beta human chorionic gonadotropin knockdown decrease BeWo cell fusion by down-regulating PKA and CREB activation
Authors: Saryu Malhotra Sudha , Suman Pankaj , Kumar Gupta Satish
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study is to delineate the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in trophoblast fusion. In this direction, using shRNA lentiviral particles, α- and β-hCG silenced ‘BeWo’ cell lines were generated. Treatment of both α- and β-hCG silenced BeWo cells with either forskolin or exogenous hCG showed a significant reduction in cell fusion as compared with control shRNA treated cells. Studies by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed down-regulation of fusion-associated proteins such as syncytin-1 and syndecan-1 in the α- and β-hCG silenced cells. Delineation of downstream signaling pathways revealed that phosphorylation of PKA and CREB were compromised in the silenced cells whereas, no significant changes in p38MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were observed. Moreover, β-catenin activation was unaffected by either α- or β-hCG silencing. Further, inhibition of PKA by H89 inhibitor led to a significant decrease in BeWo cell fusion but had no effect on β-catenin activation suggesting the absence of non-canonical β-catenin stabilization via PKA. Interestingly, canonical activation of β-catenin was associated with the up-regulation of Wnt 10b expression. In summary, this study establishes the significance of hCG in the fusion of trophoblastic BeWo cells, but there may be additional factors involved in this process.
Enhanced response and sensitivity of self-corrugated graphene sensors with anisotropic charge distribution
Authors: Yol Jeong Seung , Jeong Sooyeon , Won Lee Sang , Tae Kim Sung , Kim Daeho , Jin Jeong Hee , Tark Han Joong , Baeg Kang-Jun , Yang Sunhye , Seok Jeong Mun , Lee Geon-Woong
Published: June 2015

We introduce a high-performance molecular sensor using self-corrugated chemically modified graphene as a three dimensional (3D) structure that indicates anisotropic charge distribution. This is capable of room-temperature operation, and, in particular, exhibiting high sensitivity and reversible fast response with equilibrium region. The morphology consists of periodic, “cratered” arrays that can be formed by condensation and evaporation of graphene oxide (GO) solution on interdigitated electrodes. Subsequent hydrazine reduction, the corrugated edge area of the graphene layers have a high electric potential compared with flat graphene films. This local accumulation of electrons interacts with a large number of gas molecules. The sensitivity of 3D-graphene sensors significantly increases in the atmosphere of NO2 gas. The intriguing structures have several advantages for straightforward fabrication on patterned substrates, high-performance graphene sensors without post-annealing process.
Distinct inter-hemispheric dysconnectivity in schizophrenia patients with and without auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Chang Xiao , Xi Yi-Bin , Cui Long-Biao , Wang Hua-Ning , Sun Jin-Bo , Zhu Yuan-Qiang , Huang Peng , Collin Guusje , Liu Kang , Xi Min , Qi Shun , Tan Qing-Rong , Miao Dan-Min , Yin Hong
Published: June 2015

Evidence from behavioral, electrophysiological and diffusion-weighted imaging studies suggest that schizophrenia patients suffer from deficiencies in bilateral brain communication and this disruption may be related to the occurrence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). To increase our understanding of aberrant inter-hemispheric communication in relation to AVH, we recruited two groups of first-episode schizophrenia patients: one group with AVH (N = 18 AVH patients) and one without hallucinations (N = 18 Non-AVH patients) and 20 healthy controls. All participants received T1 structural imaging and resting-state fMRI scanning. We adopted a newly developed index, voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), to quantitatively describe bilateral functional connectivity. The whole-brain VMHC measure was compared among the three groups and correlation analyses were conducted between symptomology scores and neurological measures. Our findings suggest all patients shared abnormalities in parahippocampus and striatum. Aberrant bilateral connectivity of default mode network (DMN), inferior frontal gyrus and cerebellum only showed in AVH patients, whereas aberrances in superior temporal gyrus and precentral gyrus were specific to Non-AVH patients. Meanwhile, inter-hemispheric connectivity of DMN correlated with patients’ symptomatology scores. This study corroborates that schizophrenia is characterized by inter-hemispheric dysconnectivity and suggests the localization of such abnormalities may be crucial to whether auditory verbal hallucinations develop.
Cu4 Cluster Doped Monolayer MoS2 for CO Oxidation
Authors: Chen Z. W. , Yan J. M. , Zheng W. T. , Jiang Q.
Published: June 2015

The catalytic oxidation of CO molecule on a thermodynamically stable Cu4 cluster doped MoS2 monolayer is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) where the reaction proceeds in a new formation order of COOOCO* (O2* + 2CO* → COOOCO*), OCO* (COOOCO* → CO2 + OCO*) and CO2 (OCO* → CO2) desorption with the corresponding reaction barrier values of 0.220 eV, 0.370 eV and 0.119 eV, respectively. Therein, the rate-determining step is the second one. This low barrier indicates high activity of this system where CO oxidation could be realized at room temperature (even lower). As a result, the Cu4 doped MoS2 could be a candidate for CO oxidation with lower cost and higher activity without poisoning and corrosion problems.
Maternal zinc deficiency during pregnancy elevates the risks of fetal growth restriction: a population-based birth cohort study
Authors: Wang Hua , Hu Yong-Fang , Hao Jia-Hu , Chen Yuan-Hua , Su Pu-Yu , Wang Ying , Yu Zhen , Fu Lin , Xu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Cheng , Tao Fang-Biao , Xu De-Xiang
Published: June 2015

We investigated the association between maternal zinc level during pregnancy and the risks of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants in a large population-based birth cohort study. In this study, 3187 pregnant women were recruited. For serum zinc level, 2940 pregnant women were sufficient (≥56 μg/dL) and 247 deficient (<56 μg/dL). Of interest, 7.3% newborns were with LBW among subjects with low zinc level (RR: 3.48; 95% CI: 2.03, 5.96; P < 0.001). Adjusted RR for LBW was 3.41 (95% CI: 1.97, 5.91; P < 0.001) among subjects with low zinc level. Moreover, 15.0% newborns were with SGA among subjects with low zinc level (RR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.88; P < 0.001). Adjusted RR for SGA was 1.93 (95% CI: 1.32, 2.82; P < 0.001) among subjects with low zinc level. A nested case-control study within above cohort showed that maternal serum zinc level was lower in SGA cases as compared with controls. By contrast, maternal serum C-reactive protein, TNF-α and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in SGA cases than that of controls. Moreover, nuclear NF-κB p65 was significantly up-regulated in placentas of SGA cases as compared with controls. Taken together, maternal zinc deficiency during pregnancy elevates the risks of LBW and SGA infants.
Ultrasonic application to boost hydroxyl radical formation during Fenton oxidation and release organic matter from sludge
Authors: Gong Changxiu , Jiang Jianguo , Li De’an , Tian Sicong
Published: June 2015

We examined the effects of ultrasound and Fenton reagent on ultrasonic coupling Fenton oxidation (U+F) pre-treatment processes for the disintegration of wastewater treatment plant sludge. The results demonstrated that U+F treatment could significantly increase soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), total organic carbon (TOC) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentrations in sludge supernatant. This method was more effective than ultrasonic (U) or Fenton oxidation (F) treatment alone. U+F treatment increased the release of SCOD by 2.1- and 1.4-fold compared with U and F alone, respectively. U+F treatment increased the release of EPS by 1.2-fold compared with U alone. After U+F treatment, sludge showed a considerably finer particle size and looser microstructure based on fluorescence microscopy and the concentration of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) increased from 0.26 mM by F treatment to 0.43 mM by U+F treatment based on fluorescence spectrophotometer. This demonstrated that U+F treatment improves the release of organic matter from sludge.
Structural stability and Sin a 1 anti-epitope antibody binding ability of yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) napin during industrial-scale myrosinase inactivation process
Authors: Marambe Harsha K. , McIntosh Tara C. , Cheng Bifang , Wanasundara Janitha P.D.
Published: June 2015

Industrial-level myrosinase inactivation maintains the key structural features of Sin a 1 napin but improves the gastrointestinal enzymatic susceptibility of its allergenic epitope.
A flow-through enzymatic microreactor for the rapid conversion of triacylglycerols into fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester derivatives for GC analysis
Authors: Anuar S. T. , Mugo S. M. , Curtis J. M.
Published: June 2015

A flow-through enzymatic microreactor for the rapid conversion of triacylglycerols (TAG) into fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derivatives was developed.
Aza-BODIPY dyes with enhanced hydrophilicity
Authors: Kamkaew Anyanee , Burgess Kevin
Published: June 2015

Direct sulfonation of an aza-BODIPY dye gave products that were unstable relative to loss of the BF2 fragment, but hydrophilic fluors with peripheral cysteic acid groups were accessible.
Amphiphilic sugar poly(orthoesters) as pH-responsive nanoscopic assemblies for acidity-enhanced drug delivery and cell killing
Authors: Li Lingyao , Knickelbein Kyle , Zhang Lin , Wang Jun , Obrinske Melissa , Ma Gene Zhengxin , Zhang Li-Ming , Bitterman Lindsay , Du Wenjun
Published: June 2015

A sugar poly(orthoester)-based drug delivery system was constructed to achieve acidity-enhanced drug delivery and cell killing.
Effects of morphology, size and crystallinity on the electrochromic properties of nanostructured WO3 films
Authors: Zheng Feng , Man Wenkuan , Guo Min , Zhang Mei , Zhen Qiang
Published: June 2015

Hydrothermal preparation of different morphologies of nanostructured WO3 films and the electrochromic mechanism of the WO3 nanorod arrays.
Gas–liquid segmented flow microwave-assisted synthesis of MOF-74(Ni) under moderate pressures
Authors: Albuquerque Gustavo H. , Fitzmorris Robert C. , Ahmadi Majid , Wannenmacher Nick , Thallapally Praveen K. , McGrail B. Peter , Herman Gregory S.
Published: June 2015

A representation of the continuous flow microwave-assisted synthesis of the metal organic framework, MOF-74(Ni). Precursor solutions flow through a microwave nucleation zone leading to the formation of MOF-74(Ni).
C3N4-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays with enhanced visible-light photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Yang Manman , Liu Juan , Zhang Xing , Qiao Shi , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: June 2015

A C3N4-sensitized TiO2 nanotube array-based photoanode was designed and fabricated via the in situ growth of C3N4 on the surface of TiO2 nanotube, which shows stable and significantly improved PEC activity for the hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation.
Versatility of electrospinning in the fabrication of fibrous mat and mesh nanostructures of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) and their magnetic and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Bharathkumar S. , Sakar M. , K. Rohith Vinod , Balakumar S.
Published: June 2015

This study demonstrates the fabrication and properties of electrospun bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) fiber mat and fibrous mesh nanostructures consisting of aligned and random fibers respectively.
Triple decker sandwiches and related compounds of the first row transition metals with cyclopentadienyl and hexafluorobenzene rings: remarkable effects of fluorine substitution
Authors: Gong Shida , Luo Qiong , Feng Xiangfei , Li Qian-shu , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce , Schaefer III Henry F.
Published: June 2015

The early transition metals Ti and V energetically prefer the triple decker sandwichtrans-Cp2M2(η6,η6-μ-C6F6) structures. The later transition metals from Cr to Ni prefer the so-called “rice-ball”cis-Cp2M2(μ-C6F6) structures.
Effects of bimetallic doping on small cyclic and tubular boron clusters: B7M2and B14M2structures with M = Fe, Co
Authors: Pham Hung Tan , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: June 2015

Using density functional theory with the TPSSh functional and the 6-311+G(d) basis set, we extensively searched for the global minima of two metallic atoms doped boron clusters B6M2, B7M2, B12M2and B14M2with transition metal element M being Co and Fe.
First principles study of the atomic layer deposition of alumina by TMA–H2O-process
Authors: Weckman Timo , Laasonen Kari
Published: June 2015

A comprehensive density functional study on the reaction mechanisms during the atomic layer deposition of alumina via trimethylaluminium–waterprocess.
Atomic layer deposited tungsten nitride thin films as a new lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Nandi Dip K. , Sen Uttam K. , Sinha Soumyadeep , Dhara Arpan , Mitra Sagar , Sarkar Shaibal K.
Published: June 2015

Atomic layer deposited WNx thin films are used as a new Li-ion battery anode whose capacity can be enhanced further by depositing the film on a MWCNT scaffold layer.
Exploring PtSO4 and PdSO4 phases: an evolutionary algorithm based investigation
Authors: Sharma Hom , Sharma Vinit , Huan Tran Doan
Published: June 2015

New phases of PtSO4 and PdSO4 are identified and their pressure–temperature phase diagrams are constructed using ab initio calculations.
Phosphonic anchoring groups in organic dyes for solid-state solar cells
Authors: Abate Antonio , Pérez-Tejada Raquel , Wojciechowski Konrad , Foster Jamie M. , Sadhanala Aditya , Steiner Ullrich , Snaith Henry J. , Franco Santiago , Orduna Jesús
Published: June 2015

Performance of new metal-free organic dyes for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with carboxylic and phosphonic acids as TiO2 anchoring groups.
A sole multi-analyte receptor responds with three distinct fluorescence signals: traffic signal like sensing of Al3+, Zn2+and F−
Authors: Datta Barun Kumar , Thiyagarajan Durairaj , Ramesh Aiyagari , Das Gopal
Published: June 2015

A dialdehyde-based ligand rendered discriminatory sensing of Al3+, Zn2+and F−ions. The non-toxic receptor could also facilitate target metal sensing in live HeLa cells through imaging studies.
Catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass: the reactions of water and aromatic intermediates produces phenols
Authors: Mukarakate Calvin , McBrayer Josefine D. , Evans Tabitha J. , Budhi Sridhar , Robichaud David J. , Iisa Kristiina , ten Dam Jeroen , Watson Michael J. , Baldwin Robert M. , Nimlos Mark R.
Published: June 2015

During catalytic upgrading over HZSM-5 of vapors from fast pyrolysis of biomass (ex situ CFP), water reacts with aromatic intermediates to form phenols that are then desorbed from the catalyst micropores and produced as products.
Sub-optimal phenotypes of double-knockout mutants of Escherichia coli depend on the order of gene deletions
Authors: Gawand Pratish , Said Abukar Fatumina , Venayak Naveen , Partow Siavash , Motter Adilson E. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: June 2015

Metabolic properties of the double-knockout strainE. coliΔaceAΔpgiare shown to depend on the order of gene inactivation.
Self-seeding microwell chip for the isolation and characterization of single cells
Authors: Swennenhuis Joost F. , Tibbe Arjan G. J. , Stevens Michiel , Katika Madhumohan R. , van Dalum Joost , Duy Tong Hien , van Rijn Cees J. M. , Terstappen Leon W. M. M.
Published: June 2015

Self-seeding microwells are designed to separate all cells in a suspension. Cells block the pores in the bottom of the well thereby forcing the other cells into free wells.
Efficient coupling of acoustic modes in microfluidic channel devices
Authors: Bora M. , Shusteff M.
Published: June 2015

This work introduces a new numerical simulation approach to acoustic microfluidic chip design based on coupled-resonator theory.
Correction: Step-emulsification in a microfluidic device
Authors: Li Z. , Leshansky A. M. , Metais S. , Pismen L. M. , Tabeling P.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Step-emulsification in a microfluidic device’ by Z. Li et al., Lab Chip, 2015, 15, 1023–1031.
Effect of dibucaine hydrochloride on raft-like lipid domains in model membrane systems
Authors: Yoshida Kazunari , Takashima Akito , Nishio Izumi
Published: June 2015

To clarify the biophysical and/or physicochemical mechanism of anaesthesia, we investigated the influence of dibucaine hydrochloride (DC·HCl), a local anaesthetic, on raft-like domains in ternary liposomes composed of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol (Chol).
Multicolor fluorescent graphene quantum dots colorimetrically responsive to all-pH and a wide temperature range
Authors: Yuan Fanglong , Ding Ling , Li Yunchao , Li Xiaohong , Fan Louzhen , Zhou Shixin , Fang Decai , Yang Shihe
Published: June 2015

Water-soluble multicolor fluorescent graphene quantum dots which are responsive to all-pH from 1 to 14 and wide temperature range have been prepared, and demonstrated the great potential as a dual probe of pH and temperature in complicated environments such as biological media.
Cyanine polyene reactivity: scope and biomedical applications
Authors: Gorka Alexander P. , Nani Roger R. , Schnermann Martin J.
Published: June 2015

Reactions involving the covalent modification of the cyanine polyene are enabling emerging approaches in optical sensing, super-resolution imaging, and near-IR uncaging.
Self-healing polymers with PEG oligomer side chains based on multiple H-bonding and adhesion properties
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Ye Qiang , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: June 2015

Copolymers with a PEG oligomer side chain present high surface energies and adhesion properties; they also can quickly self-heal the crack interfaces spontaneously at ambient temperature.
A macrocyclic oligoelectrolyte as a facial platform for absorbing hyaluronic acid oligomers for targeted cancer cellular imaging
Authors: Song Wenli , Yin Chao , Jiang Rongcui , Lu Xiaomei , Quan Yiwu , Tian Congcong , Li Jie , Hu Wenbo , Sun Pengfei , Deng Weixing , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: June 2015

A macrocyclic oligoelectrolyte with a unique 3D rigid structure modified by hyaluronic acid was developed for targeted cancer cellular imaging, for the first time.
Perylene and naphthalene diimide polymers for all-polymer solar cells: a comparative study of chemical copolymerization and physical blend
Authors: Dai Shuixing , Cheng Pei , Lin Yuze , Wang Yifan , Ma Lanchao , Ling Qidan , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: June 2015

Five copolymers, having 4,4,9,9-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b′]-dithiophene as a donor unit, and perylene diimide (PDI) and/or naphthalene diimide (NDI) as acceptor moieties, were synthesized, and used as electron acceptors in polymer solar cells.
A cross-linked supramolecular polymer constructed from pillar[5]arene and porphyrine via host–guest interactions
Authors: Sun Nana , Xiao Xin , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: June 2015

A novel supramolecular polymer, DMeP5@TImPor, was successfully constructed via host–guest interactions between the host molecule, bis-(methoxy-pillar[5]arene) (DMeP5), and the guest molecule, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis{butoxy-4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)}porphyrine (TImPor).
Design and development of a topical dosage form for the convenient delivery of electrospun drug loaded nanofibers
Authors: Karthikeyan K. , Sowjanya Rajeswari Satya , Yugandhar Aditya D. V. , Gopinath S. , Korrapati Purna Sai
Published: June 2015

Nanofibers dispersed in gel facilitated the convenient administration of drug loaded nanofibers.
Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol over Ag/MFe2O4 (M = Co, Zn, Cu, and Ni) prepared by a modified chemical co-precipitation method: a comparative study
Authors: Zhu Zhengru , Liu Feiya , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Jinfeng , Han Lu
Published: June 2015

The Ag/CoFe2O4 sample has a remarkable photovoltage response, such that the photodegradation ratio of 4-CP (90%) is higher than the other samples.
A generic microfluidic biosensor of G protein-coupled receptor activation – impedance measurements of reversible morphological changes of reverse transfected HEK293 cells on microelectrodes
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh K. , Ramaneti Rajesh , Roelse Margriet , Tong Hien Duy , Vrouwe Elwin X. , Brinkman Aldo G. M. , de Smet Louis C. P. M. , van Rijn Cees J. M. , Jongsma Maarten A.
Published: June 2015

Flowcell with micro-IDEs (250–500 μm) covered with both stable and reverse transfected cells overexpressing membrane receptors to demonstrate impedance responses to serial injections of analyte.
Nano and micro-TiO2 for the photodegradation of ethanol: experimental data and kinetic modelling
Authors: Bianchi Claudia L. , Pirola Carlo , Galli Federico , Stucchi Marta , Morandi Sara , Cerrato Giuseppina , Capucci Valentino
Published: June 2015

In this work we show the possibility of using pigmentary TiO2-powders as photocatalysts and we develop a kinetic model which is able to follow the behavior of nano-TiO2versus micro-TiO2 in ethanol degradation.
Detection of Staphylococcus aureus using acridine orange-doped silica nanoparticles as a fluorescent label
Authors: Jiang Yan , Xu Yi , Wang Renjie , Zhao Bin , Zhang XiaoDan , Zhao Huazhou
Published: June 2015

A rapid, simple, and efficient fluorescence measurement method for S. aureus detection was developed by using a novel AO@SiO2–NH2 fluorescent nanoparticles.
Synthesis, structure, magnetic and photoelectric properties of Ln3M0.5M′Se7 (Ln = La, Ce, Sm; M = Fe, Mn; M′ = Si, Ge) and La3MnGaSe7
Authors: He Jianqiao , Wang Zhe , Zhang Xian , Cheng Ye , Gong Yu , Lai Xiaofang , Zheng Chong , Lin Jianhua , Huang Fuqiang
Published: June 2015

Six isostructural new compounds (La3Fe0.5GeSe7, La3MnGaSe7, Ce3Fe0.5SiSe7, Ce3Mn0.5SiSe7, Sm3Fe0.5SiSe7 and Sm3Mn0.5GeSe7) have been successfully synthesized.
Thermally flexible epoxy/cellulose blends mediated by an ionic liquid
Authors: Hameed N. , Bavishi J. , Parameswaranpillai J. , Salim N. V. , Joseph J. , Madras G. , Fox B. L.
Published: June 2015

Blends between the widely used thermoset resin, epoxy, and the most abundant organic material, natural cellulose are demonstrated for the first time.
Palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-sulfonylation of azobenzenes with arylsulfonyl chlorides via C–H activation
Authors: Xia Chengcai , Wei Zhenjiang , Shen Chao , Xu Jun , Yang Yong , Su Weike , Zhang Pengfei
Published: June 2015

ortho-Sulfonylated azobenzenes were obtained in moderate to high yields by direct ortho-sulfonylation of azobenzenes' C–H bond with arylsulfonyl chlorides.
ZnO/Ag porous nanosheets used as substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering to detect organic pollutant
Authors: Zhao Kunyu , Lin Jie , Guo Lin
Published: June 2015

Self-assembled porous ZnO nanosheets were fabricated through an one-step solvent method which is convenient and environmentally friendly, and then silver nanoparticles were deposited on to it to make a type of hybrid material.
Synthesis and characterization of carbon microtube/tantalum oxide composites and their photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation
Authors: Chennakesavulu K. , Reddy G. Ramanjaneya
Published: June 2015

The CMT/Ta2O5 composites were used as photocatalyst in the degradation of xylenol orange and methyl orange dyes.
Quaternized polysulfone and graphene oxide nanosheet derived low fouling novel positively charged hybrid ultrafiltration membranes for protein separation
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , McGlade Declan , Ulbricht Mathias , Lawler Jenny
Published: June 2015

Low fouling positively charged hybrid UF membranes with adjustable charge density fabricated from a blend of PSf/QPSf and GO nanosheets by solution casting and NIPS method. Cross-section SEM image and observed lysozyme transport values at varied pH.
One-pot synthesis of bimodal silica nanospheres and their effects on the rheological and thermal–mechanical properties of silica–epoxy composites
Authors: Guo Qian , Zhu Pengli , Li Gang , Huang Liang , Zhang Yu , Lu Daoqiang Daniel , Sun Rong , Wong Chingping
Published: June 2015

Bimodal silica nanospheres were prepared in one pot and were used as reinforcement fillers to modify epoxy resins.
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of diorganotin(iv) complexes of N′-(4-hydroxypent-3-en-2-ylidene)isonicotinohydrazide: chemotherapeutic potential validation by in vitro interaction studies with DNA/HSA, DFT, molecular docking and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Yadav Shipra , Yousuf Imtiyaz , Usman Mohammad , Ahmad Musheer , Arjmand Farukh , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: June 2015

A diorganotin(iv) hydrazide complex as a potential cancer chemotherapeutic agent targeting DNA using the carrier protein HSA.
On-line microextraction of moxifloxacin using Fe3O4 nanoparticle-packed in-tube SPME
Authors: Manbohi A. , Ahmadi S. H. , Jabbari V.
Published: June 2015

An in-tube SPME based on the use of a Fe3O4 nanoparticles-packed tube has been reported.
Magnetic g-C3N4/NiFe2O4 hybrids with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ji Haiyan , Jing Xiaocui , Xu Yuanguo , Yan Jia , Li Hongping , Li Yeping , Huang Liying , Zhang Qi , Xu Hui , Li Huaming
Published: June 2015

Through a file chemisorption method, the combination of g-C3N4 and NiFe2O4 not only achieved highly efficient photocatalysis but also obtained satisfying magnetism for recycling.
Highly sensitive and humidity-independent ethanol sensors based on In2O3 nanoflower/SnO2 nanoparticle composites
Authors: Liu Yang , Yao Shiting , Yang Qiuyue , Sun Peng , Gao Yuan , Liang Xishuang , Liu Fengmin , Lu Geyu
Published: June 2015

As an ethanol sensing material, the composites of In2O3–SnO2 were composed of In2O3 microflowers and SnO2 nanoparticles.
Structural elucidation of thermolysis products of methyl N-methyl-N-nitrosoanthranilate
Authors: Miltojević Ana B. , Radulović Niko S.
Published: June 2015

MethylN-methyl-N-nitrosoanthranilate thermolysis in the vapor and condensed phases gave different coupling products, dimethyl 2,2′-(1,2-dimethylhydrazine-1,2-diyl)dibenzoate and methyl 5-methyl-6-oxo-(5H)-phenanthridine-4-carboxylate, respectively.
Surface modification of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers with HDI assisted by supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Haijuan Kong , Peng Yang , Cuiqing Teng , Muhuo Yu
Published: June 2015

A process of surface modification of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers was reported to improve the adhesion to epoxy, in which the fibers were treated in supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI).
Modification with boehmite-derived alumina nanoparticles enhances mechanical properties of resin
Authors: Guan Qingxin , Wang Hui , Chai Bohan , Li Wei
Published: June 2015

Nanostructured γ-Al2O3 with an average particle size of 90 nm was synthesized by coated silica in solution.
Targeting vitamin E TPGS–cantharidin conjugate nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Sheng Shihou , Zhang Tao , Li Shijie , Wei Jun , Xu Guangjun , Sun Tianhong , Chen Yahong , Lu Fengqing , Li Yongchao , Yang Jinghui , Yu Huiqiu , Liu Tongjun , Han Gang
Published: June 2015

A traditional Chinese medicine cantharidin which was previously found to be effective on colorectal cancer cells was translated into nanoparticles for drug delivery to reduce its side effects and enhance its drug efficacy.
Significant roughness enhancement of fluorine-doped tin oxide films with low resistivity and high transparency by using HNO3 addition
Authors: Wang Jian Tao , Zhong Xin Hua , Wang Jian Nong
Published: June 2015

A significant roughness improvement correlated with a flower-like grain morphology is realized for FTO thin films by inclusion of HNO3 into the deposition system, whilst maintaining high transparency and conductivity.
Hybrid structures of a BN nanoribbon/single-walled carbon nanotube: ab initio study
Authors: Lou Ping
Published: June 2015

Hybrid structures of a zigzag edge BN nanoribbon/single-walled carbon nanotube, have been studied via standard spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations as well as ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
g-C3N4hybridized with AgVO3nanowires: preparation and its enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Shi Haifeng , Zhang Chengliang , Zhou Changping
Published: June 2015

The g-C3N4/AgVO3nanowires composite was fabricated and developed into an efficient visible-light-induced photocatalyst for eliminating organic pollutants.
A novel preparation for a PVA/l-histidine/AgNPs membrane and its antibacterial property
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhang Fanli , Liu Wei , Cui Liying , Kang Lijuan
Published: June 2015

The process of preparation for PVA/l-histidine/AgNPs membrane.
Synthesis of fluorescent BCN hybrid nanosheets: a highly efficient fluorosensor for rapid, simple, sensitive Ag+ detection
Authors: Liu Xiaojia , Gao Yurong , Zhang Mengxue , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Suiping , Feng Bo
Published: June 2015

In this work, we develop a simple and low-cost synthetic strategy to prepare fluorescent BCN hybrid nanosheets.
Influence of electron acceptors on the kinetics of metoprolol photocatalytic degradation in TiO2 suspension. A combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Armaković S. J. , Armaković S. , Finčur N. L. , Šibul F. , Vione D. , Šetrajčić J. P. , Abramović B. F.
Published: June 2015

The presence of electron acceptors improves the photocatalytic degradation of metoprolol (MET). Reaction intermediates were studied in detail. The interactions of reactive radical species with MET were theoretically investigated by DFT computations.
Profluorescent verdazyl radicals – synthesis and characterization
Authors: Matuschek David , Eusterwiemann Steffen , Stegemann Linda , Doerenkamp Carsten , Wibbeling Birgit , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Doltsinis Nikos L. , Strassert Cristian A. , Eckert Hellmut , Studer Armido
Published: June 2015

The synthesis and characterization of various 6-oxo-verdazyl radicals and their diamagnetic styryl radical trapping products are presented.
Ligand-enabled Ir-catalyzed intermolecular diastereoselective and enantioselective allylic alkylation of 3-substituted indoles
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Wen-Bo , Tu Hang-Fei , You Shu-Li
Published: June 2015

A ligand-enabled Ir-catalyzed diastereoselective and enantioselective allylic alkylation of 3-substituted indoles is reported, providing indoline products containing three contiguous stereocenters in one step with high site-, regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivities from a wide range of readily available starting materials.
Facile synthesis of AgAuPd/graphene with high performance for hydrogen generation from formic acid
Authors: Li Si-jia , Ping Yun , Yan Jun-Min , Wang Hong-Li , Wu Ming , Jiang Qing
Published: June 2015

A well dispersed and ultrafine AgAuPd nanoalloy supported on rGO shows excellent catalytic performance toward hydrogen generation from formic acid decomposition.
Highly stretchable dielectric elastomer composites containing high volume fractions of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Quinsaat Jose Enrico Q. , Alexandru Mihaela , Nüesch Frank A. , Hofmann Heinrich , Borgschulte Andreas , Opris Dorina M.
Published: June 2015

A composite of Ag/SiO2core–shell nanoparticles 20 vol% in polydimethylsiloxane withε′ = 5.9,Eb= 13.4 V μm−1,Y100%= 350 kPa, and a strain at break of 800% is presented.
Complex physical properties of EuMgSi – a complementary study by neutron powder diffraction and151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Niehaus O. , Ryan D. H. , Flacau R. , Lemoine P. , Chernyshov D. , Svitlyk V. , Cuervo-Reyes E. , Slabon A. , Nesper R. , Schellenberg I. , Pöttgen R.
Published: June 2015

X-ray pure samples of EuMgSi were synthesized by reactions of the elements in sealed niobium tubes using a high frequency and subsequently a resistance furnace.
Modular synthetic design enables precise control of shape and doping in colloidal zinc oxide nanorods
Authors: Mehra Saahil , Chan Emory M. , Salleo Alberto
Published: June 2015

Highly tunable shapes and sizes of colloidal zinc oxide nanorods are achieved through a piecewise, multiple injection synthetic approach.
Lysine and dithiothreitol promoted ultrasensitive optical and colorimetric detection of mercury using anisotropic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Dwivedi Charu , Chawla Mohit , Gupta Abhishek , Nandi Chayan K.
Published: June 2015

Lysine and dithiothreitol promoted ultrasensitive optical and colorimetric detection of mercury using anisotropic gold nanoparticles.
Copper-coated TiN nanofibers with high electrical conductivity: a new advance in conductive one-dimensional nanostructures
Authors: Chen Peng , Li Heping , Hu Sanyuan , Zhou Ting , Yan Youwei , Pan Wei
Published: June 2015

We report the synthesis of Cu-coated TiN nanofibers with low cost and high electrical conductivity as new conductive one-dimensional nanostructures.
The Benefits of Simulation-Based Education
Authors: Jansen Leigha J.
Published: June 2015

Simulation-based education is an accepted teaching methodology within many disciplines, but has yet to be fully integrated into the clinical education models of speech-language pathology and audiology. Simulation-based education is an innovative opportunity to enhance clinical education in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. The approach provides a number of benefits that positively impact critical stakeholders, including training programs, faculty, students, clinical supervisors, and, most importantly, the clients requiring care. The benefits of simulation-based education will be reviewed relative to the existing literature both within and outside the professions.
Substrate integrated waveguide highpass filter with high selectivity
Authors: Xu Juan , Bi Junjian , Li Zhaolong , Chen Rushan
Published: June 2015

A novel substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) highpass filter with sharp attenuation characteristics using shunt SIW resonant stubs is proposed. The highpass filter consists of a main SIW transmission line loaded with three shunt SIW resonant stubs. The three shunt SIW resonant stubs are used to realise the band‐stop filter, whose stopband is designed to coincide with the transition band of the SIW highpass filter. Therefore, the sharp attenuation of the stopband filter contributes to the attenuation of the entire filter. To verify the concept, a filter prototype with a cutoff frequency of 16 GHz is designed, fabricated and measured. Another hybrid filter with the same specifications is fabricated and compared. The measured results show that the proposed filter has sharper attenuation characteristics than the hybrid filter.
Performance modelling of open loop and closed loop multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems through channel analysis
Authors: Bhaskar Vidhyacharan , John Anu Anna
Published: June 2015

Multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technology can be combined with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to achieve diversity gain and improvement in system spectrum efficiency. The relative capacity of different system configurations are obtained using various channel characteristics. In this study, the probability density function (PDF) and the cumulative distribution function expressions of the condition number [i.e. the maximum to minimum singular value ratio (MMSVR)] of the channel state information matrix are derived. This ratio is directly related to noise enhancement in open loop (OL) multiuser MIMO systems. The probability density function (PDF) of MMSVR is directly used to compute the channel capacity if specific channels fail at high throughput. Capacity expressions in terms of MMSVR are derived for OL and closed loop (CL) multiuser MIMO systems. The capacity of both OL and CL systems are plotted for different system specifications, different fading channels and compared with each other under both semi and doubly correlated channels. A novel algorithm is developed to compute the channel capacity and PDF of MMSVR of a generic NT × NR MIMO system.