bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband chirality-coded meta-aperture for photon-spin resolving
Authors: Du Luping , Kou Shan Shan , Balaur Eugeniu , Cadusch Jasper J. , Roberts Ann , Abbey Brian , Yuan Xiao-Cong , Tang Dingyuan , Lin Jiao
Published: December 2015

The behaviour of light transmitted through an individual subwavelength aperture becomes counterintuitive in the presence of surrounding ‘decoration’, a phenomenon known as the extraordinary optical transmission. Despite being polarization-sensitive, such an individual nano-aperture, however, often cannot differentiate between the two distinct spin-states of photons because of the loss of photon information on light-aperture interaction. This creates a ‘blind-spot’ for the aperture with respect to the helicity of chiral light. Here we report the development of a subwavelength aperture embedded with metasurfaces dubbed a ‘meta-aperture’, which breaks this spin degeneracy. By exploiting the phase-shaping capabilities of metasurfaces, we are able to create specific meta-apertures in which the pair of circularly polarized light spin-states produces opposite transmission spectra over a broad spectral range. The concept incorporating metasurfaces with nano-apertures provides a venue for exploring new physics on spin-aperture interaction and potentially has a broad range of applications in spin-optoelectronics and chiral sensing.
Transformable liquid-metal nanomedicine
Authors: Lu Yue , Hu Quanyin , Lin Yiliang , Pacardo Dennis B. , Wang Chao , Sun Wujin , Ligler Frances S. , Dickey Michael D. , Gu Zhen
Published: December 2015

To date, numerous inorganic nanocarriers have been explored for drug delivery systems (DDSs). However, the clinical application of inorganic formulations has often been hindered by their toxicity and failure to biodegrade. We describe here a transformable liquid-metal nanomedicine, based on a core–shell nanosphere composed of a liquid-phase eutectic gallium-indium core and a thiolated polymeric shell. This formulation can be simply produced through a sonication-mediated method with bioconjugation flexibility. The resulting nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) have an average diameter of 107 nm and demonstrate the capability to fuse and subsequently degrade under a mildly acidic condition, which facilitates release of Dox in acidic endosomes after cellular internalization. Equipped with hyaluronic acid, a tumour-targeting ligand, this formulation displays enhanced chemotherapeutic inhibition towards the xenograft tumour-bearing mice. This liquid metal-based DDS with fusible and degradable behaviour under physiological conditions provides a new strategy for engineering theranostic agents with low toxicity.
Structural insight into the mechanism of synergistic autoinhibition of SAD kinases
Authors: Wu Jing-Xiang , Cheng Yun-Sheng , Wang Jue , Chen Lei , Ding Mei , Wu Jia-Wei
Published: December 2015

The SAD/BRSK kinases participate in various important life processes, including neural development, cell cycle and energy metabolism. Like other members of the AMPK family, SAD contains an N-terminal kinase domain followed by the characteristic UBA and KA1 domains. Here we identify a unique autoinhibitory sequence (AIS) in SAD kinases, which exerts autoregulation in cooperation with UBA. Structural studies of mouse SAD-A revealed that UBA binds to the kinase domain in a distinct mode and, more importantly, AIS nestles specifically into the KD-UBA junction. The cooperative action of AIS and UBA results in an ‘αC-out’ inactive kinase, which is conserved across species and essential for presynaptic vesicle clustering in C. elegans. In addition, the AIS, along with the KA1 domain, is indispensable for phospholipid binding. Taken together, these data suggest a model for synergistic autoinhibition and membrane activation of SAD kinases.
The height limit of a siphon
Authors: Boatwright A. , Hughes S. , Barry J.
Published: December 2015

The maximum height of a siphon is generally assumed to be dependent on barometric pressure—about 10 m at sea level. This limit arises because the pressure in a siphon above the upper reservoir level is below the ambient pressure and when the height of a siphon approaches 10 m, the pressure at the crown of the siphon falls below the vapour pressure of water causing water to boil breaking the column. After breaking, the columns on either side are supported by differential pressure between ambient and the low-pressure region at the top of the siphon. Here we report an experiment of a siphon operating at sea level at a height of 15 m, well above 10 m. Prior degassing of the water prevented cavitation. This experiment provides conclusive evidence that siphons operate through gravity and molecular cohesion.
Towards An Advanced Graphene-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent: Sub-acute Toxicity and Efficacy Studies in Small Animals
Authors: Kanakia Shruti , Toussaint Jimmy , Hoang Dung Minh , Mullick Chowdhury Sayan , Lee Stephen , Shroyer Kenneth R. , Moore William , Wadghiri Youssef Z. , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: December 2015

Current clinical Gd3+-based T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) are suboptimal or unsuitable, especially at higher magnetic fields (>1.5 Tesla) for advanced MRI applications such as blood pool, cellular and molecular imaging. Herein, towards the goal of developing a safe and more efficacious high field T1 MRI CA for these applications, we report the sub-acute toxicity and contrast enhancing capabilities of a novel nanoparticle MRI CA comprising of manganese (Mn2+) intercalated graphene nanoparticles functionalized with dextran (hereafter, Mangradex) in rodents. Sub-acute toxicology performed on rats intravenously injected with Mangradex at 1, 50 or 100 mg/kg dosages 3 times per week for three weeks indicated that dosages ≤50 mg/kg could serve as potential diagnostic doses. Whole body 7 Tesla MRI performed on mice injected with Mangradex at a potential diagnostic dose (25 mg/kg or 455 nanomoles Mn2+/kg; ~2 orders of magnitude lower than the paramagnetic ion concentration in a typical clinical dose) showed persistent (up to at least 2 hours) contrast enhancement in the vascular branches (Mn2+ concentration in blood at steady state = 300 ppb, per voxel = 45 femtomoles). The results lay the foundations for further development of Mangradex as a vascular and cellular/ molecular MRI probe.
Using complex networks towards information retrieval and diagnostics in multidimensional imaging
Authors: Banerjee Soumya Jyoti , Azharuddin Mohammad , Sen Debanjan , Savale Smruti , Datta Himadri , Dasgupta Anjan Kr , Roy Soumen
Published: December 2015

We present a fresh and broad yet simple approach towards information retrieval in general and diagnostics in particular by applying the theory of complex networks on multidimensional, dynamic images. We demonstrate a successful use of our method with the time series generated from high content thermal imaging videos of patients suffering from the aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) disease. Remarkably, network analyses of thermal imaging time series of contact lens users and patients upon whom Laser-Assistedin situKeratomileusis (Lasik) surgery has been conducted, exhibit pronounced similarity with results obtained from ADDE patients. We also propose a general framework for the transformation of multidimensional images to networks for futuristic biometry. Our approach is general and scalable to other fluctuation-based devices where network parameters derived from fluctuations, act as effective discriminators and diagnostic markers.
Alzheimer therapy with an antibody against N-terminal Abeta 4-X and pyroglutamate Abeta 3-X
Authors: Antonios Gregory , Borgers Henning , Richard Bernhard C. , Brauß Andreas , Meißner Julius , Weggen Sascha , Pena Vladimir , Pillot Thierry , Davies Sarah L. , Bakrania Preeti , Matthews David , Brownlees Janet , Bouter Yvonne , Bayer Thomas A.
Published: December 2015

Full-length Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-40, N-truncated pyroglutamate Aβ3-42 and Aβ4-42 are major variants in the Alzheimer brain. Aβ4-42 has not been considered as a therapeutic target yet. We demonstrate that the antibody NT4X and its Fab fragment reacting with both the free N-terminus of Aβ4-x and pyroglutamate Aβ3-X mitigated neuron loss in Tg4-42 mice expressing Aβ4-42 and completely rescued spatial reference memory deficits after passive immunization. NT4X and its Fab fragment also rescued working memory deficits in wild type mice induced by intraventricular injection of Aβ4-42. NT4X reduced pyroglutamate Aβ3-x, Aβx-40 and Thioflavin-S positive plaque load after passive immunization of 5XFAD mice. Aβ1-x and Aβx-42 plaque deposits were unchanged. Importantly, for the first time, we demonstrate that passive immunization using the antibody NT4X is therapeutically beneficial in Alzheimer mouse models showing that N-truncated Aβ starting with position four in addition to pyroglutamate Aβ3-x is a relevant target to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Wavelength and orientation dependent capture of light by diatom frustule nanostructures
Authors: Romann Julien , Valmalette Jean-Christophe , Chauton Matilde Skogen , Tranell Gabriella , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Vadstein Olav
Published: December 2015

The ecological success of diatoms is emphasized by regular blooms of many different species in all aquatic systems, but the reason behind their success is not fully understood. A special feature of the diatom cell is the frustule, a nano-patterned cell encasement made of amorphous biosilica. The optical properties of a cleaned single valve (one half of a frustule) from the diatom Coscinodiscus centralis were studied using confocal micro-spectroscopy. A photonic crystal function in the frustule was observed and analysis of the hyperspectral mapping revealed an enhancement of transmitted light around 636 and 663 nm. These wavelengths match the absorption maxima of chlorophyll a and c, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrate that a highly efficient light trapping mechanism occurred, resulting from strong asymmetry between the cribrum and foramen pseudo-periodic structures. This effect may prevent transmitted light from being backscattered and in turn enhance the light absorption. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the multi-scaled layered structure of the frustule improves photosynthetic efficiency by these three mechanisms. The optical properties of the frustule described here may contribute to the ecological success of diatoms in both lentic and marine ecosystems and should be studies further in vivo.
Defending against pathogens – immunological priming and its molecular basis in a sea anemone, cnidarian
Authors: Brown Tanya , Rodriguez-Lanetty Mauricio
Published: December 2015

Cnidarians, in general, are long-lived organisms and hence may repeatedly encounter common pathogens during their lifespans. It remains unknown whether these early diverging animals possess some type of immunological reaction that strengthens the defense response upon repeated infections, such as that described in more evolutionary derived organisms. Here we show results that sea anemones that had previously encountered a pathogen under sub-lethal conditions had a higher survivorship during a subsequently lethal challenge than naïve anemones that encountered the pathogen for the first time. Anemones subjected to the lethal challenge two and four weeks after the sub-lethal exposure presented seven- and five-fold increases in survival, respectively, compared to the naïve anemones. However, anemones challenged six weeks after the sub-lethal exposure showed no increase in survivorship. We argue that this short-lasting priming of the defense response could be ecologically relevant if pathogen encounters are restricted to short seasons characterized by high stress. Furthermore, we discovered significant changes in proteomic profiles between naïve sea anemones and those primed after pathogen exposure suggesting a clear molecular signature associated with immunological priming in cnidarians. Our findings reveal that immunological priming may have evolved much earlier in the tree of life than previously thought.
High level of inbreeding in final phase of 1000 Genomes Project
Authors: Gazal Steven , Sahbatou Mourad , Babron Marie-Claude , Génin Emmanuelle , Leutenegger Anne-Louise
Published: December 2015

The 1000 Genomes Project provides a unique source of whole genome sequencing data for studies of human population genetics and human diseases. The last release of this project includes more than 2,500 sequenced individuals from 26 populations. Although relationships among individuals have been investigated in some of the populations, inbreeding has never been studied. In this article, we estimated the genomic inbreeding coefficient of each individual and found an unexpected high level of inbreeding in 1000 Genomes data: nearly a quarter of the individuals were inbred and around 4% of them had inbreeding coefficients similar or greater than the ones expected for first-cousin offspring. Inbred individuals were found in each of the 26 populations, with some populations showing proportions of inbred individuals above 50%. We also detected 227 previously unreported pairs of close relatives (up to and including first-cousins). Thus, we propose subsets of unrelated and outbred individuals, for use by the scientific community. In addition, because admixed populations are present in the 1000 Genomes Project, we performed simulations to study the robustness of inbreeding coefficient estimates in the presence of admixture. We found that our multi-point approach (FSuite) was quite robust to admixture, unlike single-point methods (PLINK).
Novel fusion antigen displayed-bacterial ghosts vaccine candidate against infection of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Cai Kun , Tu Wei , Liu Yuenan , Li Tao , Wang Hui
Published: December 2015

Infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7 may develop into hemorrhagic colitis, or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which usually causes kidney failure or even death. The adhesion and toxins are the important virulent factors. In this study, a novel vaccine candidate rSOBGs was constructed based on the bacterial ghost (BG). rSOBGs maintained the integrity of cellular morphology and displayed the linear Stx2Am-Stx1B antigen on the surface of outer membrane. rSOBGs induced Stxs-specific IgA/IgG antibodies and stronger intimin-specific IgA/IgG antibodies effectively in sera in this study. In vivo, the rSOBGs provided the higher protection rate (52%) than native bacterial ghost-OBGs (12%) when challenged intragastricly with high dose (500 LD50) viable E. coli O157:H7. Meanwhile, the rSOBGs provided higher protection rate (73.33%) than OBGs when challenged with 2 LD50 even to 5 LD50 lysed E. coli O157:H7. In vitro, the rSOBGs-immunized sera possessed neutralizing activity to lysed pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the results of histopathology also displayed that the administration of rSOBGs have the ability to reduce or inhibit the adhesion lesions and toxins damages of organs. The novel vaccine candidate rSOBGs induced both anti-toxin and anti-adhesion immune protection, suggesting the possibility to prevent the infectious diseases caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7.
Polarization-controllable Airy beams generated via a photoaligned director-variant liquid crystal mask
Authors: Wei Bing-Yan , Chen Peng , Hu Wei , Ji Wei , Zheng Li-Yang , Ge Shi-Jun , Ming Yang , Chigrinov Vladimir , Lu Yan-Qing
Published: December 2015

Researches on Airy beams have grown explosively since the first demonstration in 2007 due to the distinguishing properties of nondiffraction, transverse acceleration and self-healing. To date, a simple and compact approach for generating Airy beams in high quality and efficiency has remained challenging. Here, we propose and demonstrate a liquid crystal (LC) polarization Airy mask (PAM) featured by spatially variant LC azimuthal director. The PAM is fabricated through photoaligning LC via a polarization-sensitive alignment agent suophonic azo dye SD1. Thanks to the special design, a novel feature of polarization-controllable switch between dual Airy beams of orthogonal circular polarization is presented. The molecular-level continuity of LC director significantly improves the quality and efficiency of resultant Airy beams. Besides, the PAM can handle intense light due to the absence of absorptive electrodes. Additional merits of compact size, low cost and broad wavelength tolerance are also exhibited. This work settles a fundamental requirement for Airy beam applications of optical manipulations, biology science and even some uncharted territories.
Cation-cation clusters in ionic liquids: Cooperative hydrogen bonding overcomes like-charge repulsion
Authors: Knorr Anne , Ludwig Ralf
Published: December 2015

Direct spectroscopic evidence for H-bonding between like-charged ions is reported for the ionic liquid, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. New infrared bands in the OH frequency range appear at low temperatures indicating the formation of H-bonded cation-cation clusters similar to those known for water and alcohols. Supported by DFT calculations, these vibrational bands can be assigned to attractive interaction between the hydroxyl groups of the cations. The repulsive Coulomb interaction is overcome by cooperative hydrogen bonding between ions of like charge. The transition energy from purely cation-anion interacting configurations to those including cation-cation H-bonds is determined to be 3–4 kJmol−1. The experimental findings and DFT calculations strongly support the concept of anti-electrostatic hydrogen bonds (AEHBs) as recently suggested by Weinhold and Klein. The like-charge configurations are kinetically stabilized with decreasing temperatures.
Genetic and molecular characterization of H9N2 and H5 avian influenza viruses from live poultry markets in Zhejiang Province, eastern China
Authors: Wu Haibo , Peng Xiuming , Peng Xiaorong , Cheng Linfang , Lu Xiangyun , Jin Changzhong , Xie Tiansheng , Yao Hangping , Wu Nanping
Published: December 2015

Live poultry markets (LPMs) are a key source of reassorted avian influenza viruses (AIVs) because of the density of terrestrial and aquatic poultry and the frequency of AIV infection. H9N2 viruses are prevalent in terrestrial poultry throughout Asia and have been isolated from poultry outbreaks worldwide. They infect both avian and mammalian species and may be significant donors of genetic material to emerging human pathogens. LPMs in Zhejiang Province were surveyed from 2013–2014 for AIVs. Three hundred seventy-four (374) AIV strains were isolated from 3,328 samples. Whole–genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. We identified a novel H9N2 virus genotype that had undergone reassortment with gene segments from Qa/HK/G1/97–like, Ck/BJ/1/94–like and Dk/HK/Y439/97–like viruses. Phylogenetic analyses suggested the H9N2 viruses had undergone reassortments with other AIV subtypes. The results also suggested that two different clades (2.3.2 and 2.3.4.6) of H5 viruses were co–circulating in Zhejiang Province. Given that reassorted H5 AIVs were detected in geese and ducks, it is possible that apparently healthy birds contribute to emerging H5 AIVs. Continued surveillance is required in poultry in eastern China.
Anchoring structure of the calvarial periosteum revealed by focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography
Authors: Hirashima Shingo , Ohta Keisuke , Kanazawa Tomonoshin , Uemura Kei-ichiro , Togo Akinobu , Yoshitomi Munetake , Okayama Satoko , Kusukawa Jingo , Nakamura Kei-ichiro
Published: December 2015

An important consideration in regeneration therapy is the fact that the tissue surrounding an organ supports its function. Understanding the structure of the periosteum can contribute to more effective bone regeneration therapy. As a cellular source, the periosteum also assists bone growth and fracture healing; this further necessitates its direct contact with the bone. However, its anchoring strength appears to be inexplicably stronger than expected. In this study, we used focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography to investigate ultrathin serial sections as well as the three dimensional ultrastructure of the periosteum to clarify the architecture of its anchoring strength, as such assessments are challenging using conventional methods. We discovered perforating fibres that arise from the bone surface at 30 degree angles. Additionally, the fibres across the osteoblast layer were frequently interconnected to form a net-like structure. Fibroblast processes were observed extending into the perforating fibres; their morphologies were distinct from those of typical fibroblasts. Thus, our study revealed novel ultrastructures of the periosteum that support anchorage and serve as a cellular source as well as a mechanical stress transmitter.
Conjunction of standing wave and resonance in asymmetric nanowires: a mechanism for thermal rectification and remote energy accumulation
Authors: Liu Yue-Yang , Zhou Wu-Xing , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: December 2015

As an important way to control and manage heat transport, thermal rectification has become an elementary issue in the field of phononics and plays a key role in the designing of thermal devices. Here we investigate systematically the standing wave and the accompanying resonance process in asymmetric nanowires to understand the standing wave itself and its great effect on thermal rectification. Results show that the standing wave is sensitive to both the structural and thermal properties of the material and its great effect on enhancing the thermal rectification is realized not only by the energy-localization nature of the standing wave, but also by the resonance-caused large amplitude and high energy of the standing wave.
Saltwater icephobicity: Influence of surface chemistry on saltwater icing
Authors: Carpenter Katherine , Bahadur Vaibhav
Published: December 2015

Most studies on icephobicity focus on ice formation with pure water. This manuscript presents studies to understand the influence of surfaces on saltwater ice nucleation and propagation. Experiments are conducted to quantify the influence of surface chemistry on saltwater ice nucleation and to understand the utility of superhydrophobic surfaces for saltwater icephobicity. These experiments are conducted with pure water and two sodium chloride solutions, which represent the salinity of seawater and briny produced water. It is seen that the presence of salt slows down the ice front propagation velocity significantly. Saltwater droplet impact dynamics on superhydrophobic surfaces are also different from pure water. Saltwater droplets retract more and a greater fraction of impacting liquid is repelled from the superhydrophobic surface. It is seen that the greater bounciness of saltwater droplets is a result of slower ice nucleation propagation kinetics. These experiments indicate that superhydrophobic surfaces will have better resistance to impact icing with saltwater than pure water and can remain useful at temperatures as low as −40 °C. Overall, this work is a starting point for further studies on heterogeneous nucleation in saltwater and serves as a bridge between the widely studied freshwater icephobic surfaces and saltwater-related applications.
Structural Insight into the interaction of Flavonoids with Human Telomeric Sequence
Authors: Tawani Arpita , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2015

Flavonoids are a group of naturally available compounds that are an attractive source for drug discovery. Their potential to act as anti-tumourigenic and anti-proliferative agents has been reported previously but is not yet fully understood. Targeting human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA could be one of the mechanisms by which these flavonoids exert anticancer activity. We have performed detailed biophysical studies for the interaction of four representative flavonoids, Luteolin, Quercetin, Rutin and Genistein, with the human telomeric G-quadruplex sequence tetramolecular d-(T2AG3T) (Tel7). In addition, we used NMR spectroscopy to derive the first model for the complex formed between Quercetin and G-quadruplex sequence. The model showed that Quercetin stabilises the G-quadruplex structure and does not open the G-tetrad. It interacts with the telomeric sequence through π-stacking at two sites: between T1pT2 and between G6pT7. Based on our findings, we suggest that Quercetin could be a potent candidate for targeting the telomere and thus, act as a potent anti-cancer agent.
Multiple melt bodies fed the AD 2011 eruption of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle, Chile
Authors: Alloway B. V. , Pearce N. J. G. , Villarosa G. , Outes V. , Moreno P. I.
Published: December 2015

Within the volcanological community there is a growing awareness that many large- to small-scale, point-source eruptive events can be fed by multiple melt bodies rather than from a single magma reservoir. In this study, glass shard major- and trace-element compositions were determined from tephra systematically sampled from the outset of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle (PCC) eruption (~1 km3) in southern Chile which commenced on June 4th, 2011. Three distinct but cogenetic magma bodies were simultaneously tapped during the paroxysmal phase of this eruption. These are readily identified by clear compositional gaps in CaO and by Sr/Zr and Sr/Y ratios, resulting from dominantly plagioclase extraction at slightly different pressures, with incompatible elements controlled by zircon crystallisation. Our results clearly demonstrate the utility of glass shard major- and trace-element data in defining the contribution of multiple magma bodies to an explosive eruption. The complex spatial association of the PCC fissure zone with the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault zone was likely an influential factor that impeded the ascent of the parent magma and allowed the formation of discrete melt bodies within the sub-volcanic system that continued to independently fractionate.
Circadian and light-driven regulation of rod dark adaptation
Authors: Xue Yunlu , Shen Susan Q. , Corbo Joseph C. , Kefalov Vladimir J.
Published: December 2015

Continuous visual perception and the dark adaptation of vertebrate photoreceptors after bright light exposure require recycling of their visual chromophore through a series of reactions in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE visual cycle). Light-driven chromophore consumption by photoreceptors is greater in daytime vs. nighttime, suggesting that correspondingly higher activity of the visual cycle may be required. However, as rod photoreceptors are saturated in bright light, the continuous turnover of their chromophore by the visual cycle throughout the day would not contribute to vision. Whether the recycling of chromophore that drives rod dark adaptation is regulated by the circadian clock and light exposure is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mouse rod dark adaptation is slower during the day or after light pre-exposure. This surprising daytime suppression of the RPE visual cycle was accompanied by light-driven reduction in expression of Rpe65, a key enzyme of the RPE visual cycle. Notably, only rods in melatonin-proficient mice were affected by this daily visual cycle modulation. Our results demonstrate that the circadian clock and light exposure regulate the recycling of chromophore in the RPE visual cycle. This daily melatonin-driven modulation of rod dark adaptation could potentially protect the retina from light-induced damage during the day.
Limits to the thermal tolerance of corals adapted to a highly fluctuating, naturally extreme temperature environment
Authors: Schoepf Verena , Stat Michael , Falter James L. , McCulloch Malcolm T.
Published: December 2015

Naturally extreme temperature environments can provide important insights into the processes underlying coral thermal tolerance. We determined the bleaching resistance of Acropora aspera and Dipsastraea sp. from both intertidal and subtidal environments of the naturally extreme Kimberley region in northwest Australia. Here tides of up to 10 m can cause aerial exposure of corals and temperatures as high as 37 °C that fluctuate daily by up to 7 °C. Control corals were maintained at ambient nearshore temperatures which varied diurnally by 4-5 °C, while treatment corals were exposed to similar diurnal variations and heat stress corresponding to ~20 degree heating days. All corals hosted Symbiodinium clade C independent of treatment or origin. Detailed physiological measurements showed that these corals were nevertheless highly sensitive to daily average temperatures exceeding their maximum monthly mean of ~31 °C by 1 °C for only a few days. Generally, Acropora was much more susceptible to bleaching than Dipsastraea and experienced up to 75% mortality, whereas all Dipsastraea survived. Furthermore, subtidal corals, which originated from a more thermally stable environment compared to intertidal corals, were more susceptible to bleaching. This demonstrates that while highly fluctuating temperatures enhance coral resilience to thermal stress, they do not provide immunity to extreme heat stress events.
Differences in net global warming potential and greenhouse gas intensity between major rice-based cropping systems in China
Authors: Xiong Zhengqin , Liu Yinglie , Wu Zhen , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Pingli , Huang Taiqing
Published: December 2015

Double rice (DR) and upland crop-single rice (UR) systems are the major rice-based cropping systems in China, yet differences in net global warming potential (NGWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) between the two systems are poorly documented. Accordingly, a 3-year field experiment was conducted to simultaneously measure methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) in oil rape-rice-rice and wheat-rice (representing DR and UR, respectively) systems with straw incorporation (0, 3 and 6 t/ha) during the rice-growing seasons. Compared with the UR system, the annual CH4, N2O, grain yield and NGWP were significantly increased in the DR system, though little effect on SOC sequestration or GHGI was observed without straw incorporation. Straw incorporation increased CH4 emission and SOC sequestration but had no significant effect on N2O emission in both systems. Averaged over the three study years, straw incorporation had no significant effect on NGWP and GHGI in the UR system, whereas these parameters were greatly increased in the DR system, i.e., by 108% (3 t/ha) and 180% (6 t/ha) for NGWP and 103% (3 t/ha) and 168% (6 t/ha) for GHGI.
Visible light photoactivity of Polypropylene coated Nano-TiO2 for dyes degradation in water
Authors: Giovannetti R. , Amato C. A. D’ , Zannotti M. , Rommozzi E. , Gunnella R. , Minicucci M. , Di Cicco A.
Published: December 2015

The use of Polypropylene as support material for nano-TiO2photocatalyst in the photodegradation of Alizarin Red S in water solutions under the action of visible light was investigated. The optimization of TiO2pastes preparation using two commercial TiO2, Aeroxide P-25 and Anatase, was performed and a green low-cost dip-coating procedure was developed. Scanning electron microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction analysis were used in order to obtain morphological and structural information of as-prepared TiO2on support material. Equilibrium and kinetics aspects in the adsorption and successive photodegradation of Alizarin Red S, as reference dye, are described using polypropylene-TiO2films in the Visible/TiO2/water reactor showing efficient dyes degradation.
Single-molecule visualization of ROS-induced DNA damage in large DNA molecules
Authors: Lee Jinyong , Kim Yongkyun , Lim Sangyong , Jo Kyubong
Published: December 2015

Single-molecule visualization of ROS-induced DNA damage in large DNA molecules.
Laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the evaluation of a local microenvironment in an emulsion
Authors: Fukaya Hirofumi , Tsuda Yukihiro , Uchimura Tomohiro
Published: December 2015

This study verified that laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LI-TOFMS) is applicable to the evaluation of a local microenvironment in an emulsion.
Non-linear multivariate curve resolution applied to the spectrophotometric determination of cerium(iii) in aqueous nitric acid solutions for process control
Authors: Rodionova Oxana Ye. , Pomerantsev Alexey L.
Published: December 2015

It is shown that the recently proposed Non-Linear Multivariate Curve Resolution (NL-MCR) method can be effectively employed to develop an accurate calibration of cerium(iii) using spectrophotometry measurements of mixtures of rare earth elements in nitric acid.
Methodologies for the rapid determination of the diffusion interaction parameter using Taylor dispersion analysis
Authors: Latunde-Dada Seyi , Bott Rachel , Barker David , Leszczyszyn Oksana Iryna
Published: December 2015

Using Taylor dispersion analysis to determine diffusion coefficients as a function of concentration in a single measurement.
Synthesis of Ag@Pt core–shell nanoparticles loaded onto reduced graphene oxide and investigation of its electrosensing properties
Authors: Liu Jiangtao , Zhang Mingying , Liu Jianbo , Zheng Jianbin
Published: December 2015

Nanocomposites of Ag@Pt core–shell nanoparticles loaded on graphene (Ag@Pt–graphene) were synthesized, and further fabricated into an electrosensor to detect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
A pyrene-based fluorescent and colorimetric chemodosimeter for the detection of ClO− ions
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Chao-Ying , Chen Jing , Zhang Ning , Dong Dewen
Published: December 2015

A bi-functional colorimetric and fluorescent chemodosimeter PYCN, for the detection of hypochlorite anions, has been designed and synthesized by condensation of 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde and 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile.
Green fluorescent protein-based assays for high-throughput functional characterization and ligand-binding studies of biotin protein ligase
Authors: Askin Samuel P. , Bond Thomas E. H. , Schaeffer Patrick M.
Published: December 2015

Rapid functional characterization of GFP-tagged biotin protein ligase (BirA-GFP) with a high-throughput DSF-GTP assay.
[(ClImDipp)PP(Dipp)][GaCl4]: a polarized, cationic diphosphene
Authors: Schwedtmann Kai , Holthausen Michael H. , Sala Chris H. , Hennersdorf Felix , Fröhlich Roland , Weigand Jan J.
Published: December 2015

The reaction of neutral diphosphanide [(ClImDipp)P–P(Cl)(Dipp)] with the Lewis acid GaCl3 yields cationic diphosphene [(ClImDipp)PP(Dipp)]+, which is explained by a low P–Cl bond dissociation energy. The polarized PP double bond in [(ClImDipp)PP(Dipp)]+, allows for its utilization as acceptor for nucleophiles, such as Cl− or PMe3.
Amplified binding-induced homogeneous assay through catalytic cycling of analyte for ultrasensitive protein detection
Authors: Chen Junbo , Deng Bin , Wu Peng , Li Feng , Li Xing-Fang , Le X. Chris , Zhang Hongquan , Hou Xiandeng
Published: December 2015

Amplified binding-induced homogeneous assay through catalytic cycling of analytes for ultrasensitive protein detection.
Enantiopure anion templated synthesis of a zeolitic metal–organic framework
Authors: Xu Zhong-Xuan , Ma Yu-Lu , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2015

Enantiopure anions were employed as the templates of a GIS-type metal–organic framework with achiral building units.
Sequential meta-C–H olefination of synthetically versatile benzyl silanes: effective synthesis of meta-olefinated toluene, benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohols
Authors: Patra Tuhin , Watile Rahul , Agasti Soumitra , Naveen Togati , Maiti Debabrata
Published: December 2015

Template assisted sequential meta-C–H bis-olefination was achieved for synthetically versatile benzyl silanes with post synthetic modifications towards different useful functionalities.
Molecular principle of the cyclin-dependent kinase selectivity of 4-(thiazol-5-yl)-2-(phenylamino) pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives revealed by molecular modeling studies
Authors: Kong Xiaotian , Sun Huiyong , Pan Peichen , Tian Sheng , Li Dan , Li Youyong , Hou Tingjun
Published: December 2015

Due to the high sequence identity of the binding pockets of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), designing highly selective inhibitors towards a specific CDK member remains a big challenge.
TD-DFT study of the light-induced spin crossover of Fe(iii) complexes
Authors: Saureu Sergi , de Graaf Coen
Published: December 2015

Two light-induced spin-crossover Fe(iii) compounds have been studied with time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to investigate the deactivation mechanism and the role of the ligand-field states as intermediates in this process.
A double decker type complex: copper(i) iodide complexation with mixed donor macrocycles via [1 : 1] and [2 : 2] cyclisations
Authors: Kang Yunji , Park In-Hyeok , Ikeda Mari , Habata Yoichi , Lee Shim Sung
Published: December 2015

A 38-membered macrocycle obtained from a [2 : 2] cyclisation reacts with CuI to form a double decker type complex which shows a sliding upon removal of the lattice solvents in an SCSC manner.
D
5h [PhSiO1.5]10 synthesis via F− catalyzed rearrangement of [PhSiO1.5]n. An experimental/computational analysis of likely reaction pathways
Authors: Furgal Joseph C. , Goodson III Theodore , Laine Richard M.
Published: December 2015

Fluoride catalyzed rearrangement of PhSiO1.5 favoring [PhSiO1.5]10.
A novel method for the synthesis of solvent-free Mg(B3H8)2
Authors: Huang Jianmei , Yan Yigang , Remhof Arndt , Zhang Yucheng , Rentsch Daniel , Au Yuen S. , de Jongh Petra E. , Cuevas Fermin , Ouyang Liuzhang , Zhu Min , Züttel Andreas
Published: December 2015

A novel and solvent-free method for the synthesis of Mg(B3H8)2 by a gas–solid reaction between B2H6 and Mg2NiH4 is presented.
Boron uptake, localization, and speciation in marine brown algae
Authors: Miller Eric P. , Wu Youxian , Carrano Carl J.
Published: December 2015

Boron uptake, speciation, localization and possible biological function is studied in two species of brown algae, Macrocystis pyrifera and Ectocarpus siliculosus.
Using a low-temperature carbon electrode for preparing hole-conductor-free perovskite heterojunction solar cells under high relative humidity
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Shi Tielin , Tang Zirong , Sun Bo , Liao Guanglan
Published: December 2015

We introduce a novel kind of low-temperature carbon CE for hole-conductor-free perovskite heterojunction solar cells, yielding a PCE up to 6.88% and exhibiting outstanding stability in air.
Generation of thioethers via direct C–H functionalization with sodium benzenesulfinate as a sulfur source
Authors: Ding Yingcai , Wu Wei , Zhao Wannian , Li Yiwen , Xie Ping , Huang Youqin , Liu Yu , Zhou Aihua
Published: December 2015

A novel ammonium iodide-induced sulfenylation method of flavones, indole and arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using stable and odorless sodium benzenesulfinates as sulfur sources was developed, generating regioselective derivatives in good yields.
Effect of different metal oxides on the catalytic activity of γ-Al2O3–MgO supported bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production from WCO
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Ramli Anita , Naeem Abdul , Saleem khan Muhammad
Published: December 2015

The catalytic activity of different γ-Al2O3–MgO supported bifunctional solid catalysts was successfully evaluated by carrying out simultaneous esterification–transesterification in waste cooking oil.
Investigation of graphene oxide nanosheets dispersion in water based on solubility parameters: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Goharshadi Elaheh K. , Akhlamadi Golnoosh , Mahdizadeh Sayyed Jalil
Published: December 2015

The solubility parameters of GO were calculated as functions of both temperature and number of layers.
Construction of multifunctional films based on graphene–TiO2 composite materials for strain sensing and photodegradation
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhang Dong , Shang Yu , Zang Wenting , Li Miaomiao
Published: December 2015

The obtained multifunctional graphene–TiO2 composite films showed excellent strain sensing property with gauge factors of 14–35 and enhanced photocatalytic properties.
Fibrous porous silica microspheres decorated with Mn3O4 for effective removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution
Authors: Tian Yaxi , Liu Yan , Sun Zebin , Li Haizhen , Cui Guijia , Yan Shiqiang
Published: December 2015

In this work, trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn3O4) functionalized fibrous porous silica microspheres (KCC-1) with well-dispersed and excellent adsorption capacities were successfully synthesized by a simple and mild method for the first time.
FACS-style detection for real-time cell viscoelastic cytometry
Authors: Kasukurti A. , Eggleton C. D. , Desai S. A. , Marr D. W. M.
Published: December 2015

Employing modulated optical forces and enabled by a low-dimensional FACS-style detection method introduced here, we present a viscoelasticity cytometer (VC) capable of real-time and continuous measure of chemically modified RBCs at rate of ∼ 1 s−1.
Graphene-templated formation of 3D tin-based foams for lithium ion storage applications with a long lifespan
Authors: Luo Bin , Qiu Tengfei , Hao Long , Wang Bin , Jin Meihua , Li Xianglong , Zhi Linjie
Published: December 2015

3D graphene-templated tin-based foams with tunable pore structures and uniform carbon coating have been successfully developed, achieving superior cycling stability and rate capability for lithium ion storage.
A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor for detection of CN−, SO32−and Fe3+based on aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Chen Xiuli , Lu Xiaodan , Yan Chenggong , Xu Yikai , Hang Xiaodong , Qu Jinqing , Liu Ruiyuan
Published: December 2015

An aggregation-induced emission based sensor that detects CN−, SO32−and Fe3+in aqueous solution and can be applied in test strips and cellular imaging was designed.
A novel lightning protection technique of wind turbine components
Authors: Abd‐Allah M.A. , Said A. , Ali Mahmoud N.
Published: December 2015

The lightning energy can be very harmful to wind turbine (WT) farm components; therefore an effective lightning protection technique is required. In this study, a novel technique for WT components protection is presented. This technique used ferromagnetic rings placed around the WT blade roots. Ferrite ring was moulded into particular shapes from the powder of compounds of ferric oxide, manganese, and zinc, and then sintered. The dimensions of rings used are 990 mm (inner diameter), 1030 mm (outer diameter), and 100 mm (thickness). The effectiveness of the novel technique in overvoltage mitigation during lightning strokes is presented and discussed. The results show that the overvoltage is effectively damped with using this technique. The transient overvoltage at control devices is reduced to 16% of its original value, while at distribution system; it is reduced to 5% of its original value.
A density functional for core-valence correlation energy
Authors: Ranasinghe Duminda S. , Frisch Michael J. , Petersson George A.
Published: December 2015

A density functional, εCV-DFT(ρc, ρv), describing the core-valence correlation energy has been constructed as a linear combination of εLY Pcorr(ρc), εV WN5corr(ρc, ρv), εPBEcorr(ρc, ρv), εSlaterex(ρc, ρv), εHCTHex(ρc, ρv), εHFex(ρc, ρv), and FCV−DFTNi,Zi, a function of the nuclear charges. This functional, with 6 adjustable parameters, reproduces (±0.27 kcal/mol rms error) a benchmark set of 194 chemical energy changes including 9 electron affinities, 18 ionization potentials, and 167 total atomization energies covering the first- and second-rows of the periodic table. This is almost twice the rms error (±0.16 kcal/mol) obtained with CCSD(T)/MTsmall calculations, but less than half the rms error (±0.65 kcal/mol) obtained with MP2/GTlargeXP calculations, and somewhat smaller than the rms error (±0.39 kcal/mol) obtained with CCSD/MTsmall calculations. The largest positive and negative errors from εCV-DFT(ρc, ρv) were 0.88 and −0.75 kcal/mol with the set of 194 core-valence energy changes ranging from +3.76 kcal/mol for the total atomization energy of propyne to −9.05 kcal/mol for the double ionization of Mg. Evaluation of the εCV-DFT(ρc, ρv) functional requires less time than a single SCF iteration, and the accuracy is adequate for any model chemistry based on the CCSD(T) level of theory.
Quantitative analysis of doped/undoped ZnO nanomaterials using laser assisted atom probe tomography: Influence of the analysis parameters
Authors: Amirifar Nooshin , Lardé Rodrigue , Talbot Etienne , Pareige Philippe , Rigutti Lorenzo , Mancini Lorenzo , Houard Jonathan , Castro Celia , Sallet Vincent , Zehani Emir , Hassani Said , Sartel Corine , Ziani Ahmed , Portier Xavier
Published: December 2015

In the last decade, atom probe tomography has become a powerful tool to investigate semiconductor and insulator nanomaterials in microelectronics, spintronics, and optoelectronics. In this paper, we report an investigation of zinc oxide nanostructures using atom probe tomography. We observed that the chemical composition of zinc oxide is strongly dependent on the analysis parameters used for atom probe experiments. It was observed that at high laser pulse energies, the electric field at the specimen surface is strongly dependent on the crystallographic directions. This dependence leads to an inhomogeneous field evaporation of the surface atoms, resulting in unreliable measurements. We show that the laser pulse energy has to be well tuned to obtain reliable quantitative chemical composition measurements of undoped and doped ZnO nanomaterials.
Effects of solvent hydrogen bonding, viscosity, and polarity on the dispersion and alignment of nanofluids containing Fe2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Christensen Greg , Younes Hammad , Hong Haiping , Smith Pauline
Published: December 2015

It has been shown that the alignment of Iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles in water (H2O) can enhance the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. To better understand solvent effects such as hydrogen bonding, viscosity, and polarity, nanofluids were prepared by mixing Fe2O3 nanoparticles and various solvents (water, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, 2-propanone, hexane, cyclohexane, ethylene glycol, glycerol, etc.), and the dispersions and alignments of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles in these solvents with and without an applied magnetic field were investigated using an optical microscope. The microscope images indicated that inter-molecule hydrogen bonding of the solvents with one OH group (water, ethanol, 1-propanol, and isopropanol) could help to disperse and align the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The intra-molecular hydrogen bonding causes a dramatic increase in viscosity for fluids with multiple OH groups, such as ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) and glycerol (C3H8O3), and makes the Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersion and alignment difficult. Adding water to those fluids could lead to significantly reduced viscosity and make the particles disperse and align well. Polarity studies indicated that higher polarity yields better dispersion and alignment of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Thermal studies showed that thermal conductivity of nanofluids containing metal oxide particles with hydrogen bonding in solvents is enhanced compared to the theoretically calculated data. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between water and ethylene glycol increases the thermal conductivity of nanofluids while decreasing the fluid viscosity. The results also well explain why 50 wt. % water/50 wt. % ethylene glycol is an excellent commercial coolant. Since high thermal conductivity enhancement with minimal viscosity increase is the primary goal of heat transfer nanofluids, this current research may open new doors to better understanding of the fundamental nature of nanofluids.