bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of sputter-processed indium–gallium–zinc oxide films by simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal treatments
Authors: Tak Young Jun , Du Ahn Byung , Park Sung Pyo , Kim Si Joon , Song Ae Ran , Chung Kwun-Bum , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: February 2016

Indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) films, deposited by sputtering at room temperature, still require activation to achieve satisfactory semiconductor characteristics. Thermal treatment is typically carried out at temperatures above 300 °C. Here, we propose activating sputter- processed IGZO films using simultaneous ultraviolet and thermal (SUT) treatments to decrease the required temperature and enhance their electrical characteristics and stability. SUT treatment effectively decreased the amount of carbon residues and the number of defect sites related to oxygen vacancies and increased the number of metal oxide (M–O) bonds through the decomposition-rearrangement of M–O bonds and oxygen radicals. Activation of IGZO TFTs using the SUT treatment reduced the processing temperature to 150 °C and improved various electrical performance metrics including mobility, on-off ratio, and threshold voltage shift (positive bias stress for 10,000 s) from 3.23 to 15.81 cm2/Vs, 3.96 × 107 to 1.03 × 108, and 11.2 to 7.2 V, respectively.
Antimicrobial activity of a quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate-containing acrylic resin: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Liu Si-ying , Tonggu Lige , Niu Li-na , Gong Shi-qiang , Fan Bing , Wang Liguo , Zhao Ji-hong , Huang Cui , Pashley David H. , Tay Franklin R.
Published: February 2016

Quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate (QAMS)-containing acrylic resin demonstrated contact-killing antimicrobial ability in vitro after three months of water storage. The objective of the present double-blind randomised clinical trial was to determine the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of QAMS-containing orthodontic acrylic by using custom-made removable retainers that were worn intraorally by 32 human subjects to create 48-hour multi-species plaque biofilms, using a split-mouth study design. Two control QAMS-free acrylic disks were inserted into the wells on one side of an orthodontic retainer, and two experimental QAMS-containing acrylic disks were inserted into the wells on the other side of the same retainer. After 48 hours, the disks were retrieved and examined for microbial vitality using confocal laser scanning microscopy. No harm to the oral mucosa or systemic health occurred. In the absence of carry-across effect and allocation bias (disks inserted in the left or right side of retainer), significant difference was identified between the percentage kill in the biovolume of QAMS-free control disks (3.73 ± 2.11%) and QAMS-containing experimental disks (33.94 ± 23.88%) retrieved from the subjects (P ≤ 0.001). The results validated that the QAMS-containing acrylic exhibits favourable antimicrobial activity against plaque biofilms in vivo. The QAMS-containing acrylic may also be used for fabricating removable acrylic dentures.
Sonic hedgehog stimulates neurite outgrowth in a mechanical stretch model of reactive-astrogliosis
Authors: Berretta Antonio , Gowing Emma K. , Jasoni Christine L. , Clarkson Andrew N.
Published: February 2016

Although recovery following a stroke is limited, undamaged neurons under the right conditions can establish new connections and take on-board lost functions. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is integral for developmental axon growth, but its role after injury has not been fully examined. To investigate the effects of Shh on neuronal sprouting after injury, we used an in vitro model of glial scar, whereby cortical astrocytes were mechanically traumatized to mimic reactive astrogliosis observed after stroke. This mechanical trauma impaired neurite outgrowth from post-natal cortical neurons plated on top of reactive astrocytes. Addition of Shh to the media, however, resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in neurite outgrowth. This response was inhibited by cyclopamine and activated by oxysterol 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol, both of which modulate the activity of the Shh co-receptor Smoothened (Smo), demonstrating that Shh-mediated neurite outgrowth is Smo-dependent. In addition, neurite outgrowth was not associated with an increase in Gli-1 transcription, but could be inhibited by PP2, a selective inhibitor of Src family kinases. These results demonstrate that neurons exposed to the neurite growth inhibitory environment associated with a glial scar can be stimulated by Shh, with signaling occurring through a non-canonical pathway, to overcome this suppression and stimulate neurite outgrowth.
Clonostachys rosea demethiolase STR3 controls the conversion of methionine into methanethiol
Authors: Jia Kai-Zhi , Zhang Quan , Sun Lin-Yang , Xu Yang-Hua , Li Hong-Mei , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: February 2016

Eukaryote-derived methioninase, catalyzing the one-step degradation of methionine (Met) to methanethiol (MTL), has received much attention for its low immunogenic potential and use as a therapeutic agent against Met-dependent tumors. Although biological and chemical degradation pathways for Met-MTL conversion are proposed, the concrete molecular mechanism for Met-MTL conversion in eukaryotes is still unclear. Previous studies demonstrated that α-keto-methylthiobutyric acid (KMBA), the intermediate for Met-MTL conversion, was located extracellularly and the demethiolase STR3 possessed no activities towards Met, which rule out the possibility of intracellular Met-MTL conversion pathway inside eukaryotes. We report here that degradation of Met resulted in intracellular accumulation of KMBA in Clonostachys rosea. Addition of Met to culture media led to the production of MTL and downregulation of STR3, while incubation of Met with surrogate substrate α-ketoglutaric acid enhanced the synthesis of MTL and triggered the upregulation of STR3. Subsequent biochemical analysis with recombinant STR3 showed that STR3 directly converted both Met and its transamination product KMBA to MTL. These results indicated that STR3 as rate-limiting enzyme degrades Met and KMBA into MTL. Our findings suggest STR3 is a potential target for therapeutic agents against Met-dependent tumors and aging.
Transient increase of interleukin-1β after prolonged febrile seizures promotes adult epileptogenesis through long-lasting upregulating endocannabinoid signaling
Authors: Feng Bo , Tang Yangshun , Chen Bin , Xu Cenglin , Wang Yi , Dai Yunjian , Wu Dengchang , Zhu Junmin , Wang Shuang , Zhou Yudong , Shi Liyun , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Xia , Chen Zhong
Published: February 2016

It remains unclear how infantile febrile seizures (FS) enhance adult seizure susceptibility. Here we showed that the transient increase of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) after prolonged FS promoted adult seizure susceptibility, which was blocked by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) within a critical time window. Postnatal administered IL-1β alone mimicked the effect of FS on adult seizure susceptibility. IL-1R1 knockout mice were not susceptible to adult seizure after prolonged FS or IL-1β treatment. Prolonged FS or early-life IL-1β treatment increased the expression of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) for over 50 days, which was blocked by IL-1Ra or was absent in IL-1R1 knockout mice. CB1R antagonist, knockdown and endocannabinoid synthesis inhibitor abolished FS or IL-1β-enhanced seizure susceptibility. Thus, this work identifies a pathogenic role of postnatal IL-1β/IL-1R1 pathway and subsequent prolonged prominent increase of endocannabinoid signaling in adult seizure susceptibility following prolonged FS and highlights IL-1R1 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing the development of epilepsy after infantile FS.
A highly efficient degradation mechanism of methyl orange using Fe-based metallic glass powders
Authors: Xie Shenghui , Huang Ping , Kruzic Jamie J. , Zeng Xierong , Qian Haixia
Published: February 2016

A new Fe-based metallic glass with composition Fe76B12Si9Y3 (at. %) is found to have extraordinary degradation efficiency towards methyl orange (MO, C14H14N3SO3) in strong acidic and near neutral environments compared to crystalline zero-valent iron (ZVI) powders and other Fe-based metallic glasses. The influence of temperature (294–328 K) on the degradation reaction rate was measured using ball-milled metallic glass powders revealing a low thermal activation energy barrier of 22.6 kJ/mol. The excellent properties are mainly attributed to the heterogeneous structure consisting of local Fe-rich and Fe-poor atomic clusters, rather than the large specific surface and strong residual stress in the powders. The metallic glass powders can sustain almost unchanged degradation efficiency after 13 cycles at room temperature, while a drop in degradation efficiency with further cycles is attributed to visible surface oxidation. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis conducted during the reaction was used to elucidate the underlying degradation mechanism. The present findings may provide a new, highly efficient and low cost commercial method for azo dye wastewater treatment.
Maternal Weaning Modulates Emotional Behavior and Regulates the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Farshim Pamela , Walton Gemma , Chakrabarti Bhismadev , Givens Ian , Saddy Doug , Kitchen Ian , R. Swann Jonathan , Bailey Alexis
Published: February 2016

Evidence shows that nutritional and environmental stress stimuli during postnatal period influence brain development and interactions between gut and brain. In this study we show that in rats, prevention of weaning from maternal milk results in depressive-like behavior, which is accompanied by changes in the gut bacteria and host metabolism. Depressive-like behavior was studied using the forced-swim test on postnatal day (PND) 25 in rats either weaned on PND 21, or left with their mother until PND 25 (non-weaned). Non-weaned rats showed an increased immobility time consistent with a depressive phenotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed non-weaned rats to harbor significantly lowered Clostridium histolyticum bacterial groups but exhibit marked stress-induced increases. Metabonomic analysis of urine from these animals revealed significant differences in the metabolic profiles, with biochemical phenotypes indicative of depression in the non-weaned animals. In addition, non-weaned rats showed resistance to stress-induced modulation of oxytocin receptors in amygdala nuclei, which is indicative of passive stress-coping mechanism. We conclude that delaying weaning results in alterations to the gut microbiota and global metabolic profiles which may contribute to a depressive phenotype and raise the issue that mood disorders at early developmental ages may reflect interplay between mammalian host and resident bacteria.
Susceptibility of outer hair cells to cholesterol chelator 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrine is prestin-dependent
Authors: Takahashi Satoe , Homma Kazuaki , Zhou Yingjie , Nishimura Shinichi , Duan Chongwen , Chen Jessie , Ahmad Aisha , Cheatham Mary Ann , Zheng Jing
Published: February 2016

Niemann-Pick type C1 disease (NPC1) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by impaired intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Recent studies reported ototoxicity of 2-hydroxypropyl- β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), a cholesterol chelator and the only promising treatment for NPC1. Because outer hair cells (OHCs) are the only cochlear cells affected by HPβCD, we investigated whether prestin, an OHC-specific motor protein, might be involved. Single, high-dose administration of HPβCD resulted in OHC death in prestin wildtype (WT) mice whereas OHCs were largely spared in prestin knockout (KO) mice in the basal region, implicating prestin’s involvement in ototoxicity of HPβCD. We found that prestin can interact with cholesterol in vitro, suggesting that HPβCD-induced ototoxicity may involve disruption of this interaction. Time-lapse analysis revealed that OHCs isolated from WT animals rapidly deteriorated upon HPβCD treatment while those from prestin-KOs tolerated the same regimen. These results suggest that a prestin-dependent mechanism contributes to HPβCD ototoxicity.
Chitinase producing bacteria with direct algicidal activity on marine diatoms
Authors: Li Yi , Lei Xueqian , Zhu Hong , Zhang Huajun , Guan Chengwei , Chen Zhangran , Zheng Wei , Fu Lijun , Zheng Tianling
Published: February 2016

Chitinase producing bacteria can involve extensively in nutrient cycling and energy flow in the aquatic environment through degradation and utilization of chitin. It is well known that diatoms cells are encased by box-like frustules composed of chitin. Thus the chitin containing of diatoms shall be a natural target of chitinase producing bacteria, however, the interaction between these two organismic groups has not been studied thus far. Therefore, in this study, the algicidal mechanism of one chitinase producing bacterium (strain LY03) on Thalassiosira pseudonana was investigated. The algicidal range and algicidal mode of strain LY03 were first studied and then bacterial viability, chemotactic ability and direct interaction characteristic between bacteria and diatom were also confirmed. Finally, the characteristic of the intracellular algicidal substance was identified and the algicidal mechanism was determined whereby algicidal bacterial cells showed chemotaxis to algal cells, fastened themselves on algal cells with their flagella and then produced chitinase to degrade algal cell walls and eventually caused algal lysis and death. It is the first time to investigate the interaction between chitinase producing bacteria and diatoms and this novel special interaction mode was confirmed in this study, which will be helpful in protection and utilization of diatoms resources.
Generation of structurally novel short carotenoids and study of their biological activity
Authors: Kim Se H. , Kim Moon S. , Lee Bun Y. , Lee Pyung C.
Published: February 2016

Recent research interest in phytochemicals has consistently driven the efforts in the metabolic engineering field toward microbial production of various carotenoids. In spite of systematic studies, the possibility of using C30 carotenoids as biologically functional compounds has not been explored thus far. Here, we generated 13 novel structures of C30 carotenoids and one C35 carotenoid, including acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic structures, through directed evolution and combinatorial biosynthesis, in Escherichia coli. Measurement of radical scavenging activity of various C30 carotenoid structures revealed that acyclic C30 carotenoids showed higher radical scavenging activity than did DL-α-tocopherol. We could assume high potential biological activity of the novel structures of C30 carotenoids as well, based on the neuronal differentiation activity observed for the monocyclic C30 carotenoid 4,4′-diapotorulene on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Our results demonstrate that a series of structurally novel carotenoids possessing biologically beneficial properties can be synthesized in E. coli.
Excitation of dark multipolar plasmonic resonances at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Chen Lin , Wei YuMing , Zang XiaoFei , Zhu YiMing , Zhuang SongLin
Published: February 2016

We experimentally observe the excitation of dark multipolar spoof localized surface plasmon resonances in a hybrid structure consisting of a corrugated metallic disk coupled with a C-shaped dipole resonator. The uncoupled corrugated metallic disk only supports a dipolar resonance in the transmission spectrum due to perfect symmetry of the structure. However, the dark multipolar spoof localized surface plasmon resonances emerge when coupled with a bright C-shaped resonator which is placed in the vicinity of the corrugated metallic disk. These excited multipolar resonances show minimum influence on the coupling distance between the C-shaped resonator and corrugated metallic disk. The resonance frequencies of the radiative modes are controlled by varying the angle of the C-shaped resonator and the inner disk radius, both of which play dominant roles in the excitation of the spoof localized surface plasmons. Observation of such a transition from the dark to radiative nature of multipolar spoof localized plasmon resonances would find potential applications in terahertz based resonant plasmonic and metamaterial devices.
How can macromolecular crowding inhibit biological reactions? The enhanced formation of DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Hou Sen , Trochimczyk Piotr , Sun Lili , Wisniewska Agnieszka , Kalwarczyk Tomasz , Zhang Xuzhu , Wielgus-Kutrowska Beata , Bzowska Agnieszka , Holyst Robert
Published: February 2016

In contrast to the already known effect that macromolecular crowding usually promotes biological reactions, solutions of PEG 6k at high concentrations stop the cleavage of DNA by HindIII enzyme, due to the formation of DNA nanoparticles. We characterized the DNA nanoparticles and probed the prerequisites for their formation using multiple techniques such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence analytical ultracentrifugation etc. In >25% PEG 6k solution, macromolecular crowding promotes the formation of DNA nanoparticles with dimensions of several hundreds of nanometers. The formation of DNA nanoparticles is a fast and reversible process. Both plasmid DNA (2686 bp) and double-stranded/single-stranded DNA fragment (66bp/nt) can form nanoparticles. We attribute the enhanced nanoparticle formation to the depletion effect of macromolecular crowding. This study presents our idea to enhance the formation of DNA nanoparticles by macromolecular crowding, providing the first step towards a final solution to efficient gene therapy.
BRCA1 inhibits AR–mediated proliferation of breast cancer cells through the activation of SIRT1
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Luo Jiayan , Yang Fang , Wang Yucai , Yin Yongmei , Strom Anders , Gustafsson Jan Åke , Guan Xiaoxiang
Published: February 2016

Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor protein that functions to maintain genomic stability through critical roles in DNA repair, cell-cycle arrest and transcriptional control. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in more than 70% of breast cancers and has been implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis. However, little is known about the role of BRCA1 in AR-mediated cell proliferation in human breast cancer. Here, we report that a high expression of AR in breast cancer patients was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) using a tissue microarray with 149 non-metastatic breast cancer patient samples. We reveal that overexpression of BRCA1 significantly inhibited expression of AR through activation of SIRT1 in breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, SIRT1 induction or treatment with a SIRT1 agonist, resveratrol, inhibits AR–stimulated proliferation. Importantly, this mechanism is manifested in breast cancer patient samples and TCGA database, which showed that low SIRT1 gene expression in tumor tissues compared with normal adjacent tissues predicts poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Taken together, our findings suggest that BRCA1 attenuates AR-stimulated proliferation of breast cancer cells via SIRT1 mediated pathway.
Efficiency of two nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide and 3, 4-dimethypyrazole phosphate) on soil nitrogen transformations and plant productivity: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Ming , Fang Yunting , Sun Di , Shi Yuanliang
Published: February 2016

Dicyandiamide (DCD) and 3, 4-dimethypyrazole phosphate (DMPP) are often claimed to be efficient in regulating soil N transformations and influencing plant productivity, but the difference of their performances across field sites is less clear. Here we applied a meta-analysis approach to compare effectiveness of DCD and DMPP across field trials. Our results showed that DCD and DMPP were equally effective in altering soil inorganic N content, dissolve inorganic N (DIN) leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. DCD was more effective than DMPP on increasing plant productivity. An increase of crop yield by DMPP was generally only observed in alkaline soil. The cost and benefit analysis (CBA) showed that applying fertilizer N with DCD produced additional revenues of $109.49 ha−1 yr−1 for maize farms, equivalent to 6.02% increase in grain revenues. In comparisons, DMPP application produced less monetary benefit of $15.67 ha−1 yr−1. Our findings showed that DCD had an advantage of bringing more net monetary benefit over DMPP. But this may be weakened by the higher toxicity of DCD than DMPP especially after continuous DCD application. Alternatively, an option related to net monetary benefit may be achieved through applying DMPP in alkaline soil and reducing the cost of purchasing DMPP products.
Role of hippocampal p11 in the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model
Authors: Sun H-L , Zhou Z-Q , Zhang G-F , Yang C , Wang X-M , Shen J-C , Hashimoto K , Yang J-J
Published: February 2016

Although ketamine shows a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect, the precise mechanisms underlying its effect are unknown. Recent studies indicate a key role of p11 (also known as S100A10) in depression-like behavior in rodents. The present study aimed to investigate the role of p11 in the antidepressant-like action of ketamine in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. The open-field test, forced swimming test and sucrose preference test were performed after administration of ketamine (10 mg kg−1) or a combination of ketamine and ANA-12 (a tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) antagonist; 0.5 mg kg−1). The lentivirus vector for p11 was constructed to knock down the hippocampal expression of p11. In the CUMS rats, ketamine showed a rapid (0.5 h) and sustained (72 h) antidepressant effect, and its effect was significantly blocked by co-administration of ANA-12. Furthermore, ketamine significantly increased the reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of CUMS rats, whereas ketamine did not affect the expression of p11 in CUMS rats 0.5 h after administration. In addition, ketamine significantly increased the reduced ratio of p-TrkB/TrkB in the hippocampus by CUMS rats, and its effect was also blocked by ANA-12. Moreover, the reduced expression of BDNF and p11 in the hippocampus of CUMS rats was significantly recovered to control levels 72 h after ketamine administration. Interestingly, knockdown of hippocampal p11 caused increased immobility time and decreased sucrose preference, which were not improved by ketamine administration. These results suggest that p11 in the hippocampus may have a key role in the sustained antidepressant effect of ketamine in the CUMS model of depression.
Novel, primate-specific PDE10A isoform highlights gene expression complexity in human striatum with implications on the molecular pathology of bipolar disorder
Authors: MacMullen C M , Vick K , Pacifico R , Fallahi-Sichani M , Davis R L
Published: February 2016

Bipolar disorder is a highly heritable neuropsychiatric disorder affecting nearly 2.5% of the population. Prior genetic studies identified a panel of common and rare single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the disease that map to the first intron of the PDE10A gene. RNA sequencing of striatal brain tissue from bipolar and healthy control subjects identified a novel transcript of PDE10A, named PDE10A19, that codes for a PDE10A isoform with a unique N terminus. Genomic sequences that can encode the novel N terminus were conserved in other primates but not rodents. The RNA transcript was expressed at equal or greater levels in the human striatum compared with the two annotated transcripts, PDE10A1 and PDE10A2. The PDE10A19 transcript was detected in polysomal fractions; western blotting experiments confirmed that the RNA transcript is translated into protein. Immunocytochemistry studies using transfected mouse striatal and cortical neurons demonstrated that the PDE10A19 protein distributes to the cytosol, like PDE10A1, and unlike PDE10A2, which is associated with plasma membranes. Immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemical experiments revealed that the PDE10A19 isoform interacts physically with PDE10A2 and, when expressed at elevated levels, interferes with the plasma membrane localization of PDE10A2. These studies illustrate the complexity of PDE10A gene expression in the human brain and highlight the need to unravel the gene’s complex and complete coding capabilities along with its transcriptional and translational regulation to guide the development of therapeutic agents that target the protein for the treatment of neuropsychiatric illness.
Introduction
Authors: Zhang Lianbin , Wang Peng
Published: February 2016

With the development of modern industry and modern economies, environmental problems, especially water pollution and water scarcity, have become the most serious global challenges. In dealing with these challenges, various kinds of functionalized materials and devices are purposefully developed, fabricated, and utilized. It is clear that smart materials have not only provided effective strategies for solving environmental problems, but have also exhibited unprecedented advantages over traditional materials by integrating multifunctions and/or processes into one advanced device/material. In this book, we will present a broad collection of bioinspired smart materials and systems that are used in environmental problem solving. The topics of these chapters span from bioinspired fog collection, self-healing materials, responsive particle-stabilized emulsions, smart draw solutions in forward osmosis, slippery coating, insightful analysis of problems and opportunities for hydrophobic surfaces applied in real conditions, to superwetting materials for oil–water separation.
Superwetting Nanomaterials for Advanced Oil/Water Separation: From Absorbing Nanomaterials to Separation Membranes
Authors: Gao Shoujian , Jin Jian
Published: February 2016

Oil/water separation has become a worldwide subject and challenge because of the increasing amount of oily water generated by oil spills and other oil-related industrial or daily activities. Superwetting (superhydrophilic–underwater superoleophobic, superhydrophobic–superoleophilic and superhydrophobic–superoleophobic, etc.) nanomaterials offer an encouraging opportunity for people to develop brand new, energy-efficient and process-simple strategies to treat oily water due to their selective behaviour for oil and water. Theoretically, superwetting nanomaterials can be constructed by combining surface chemical composition and micro/nanostructured surface roughness. In this chapter, we will introduce how to construct superwetting nanomaterials based on the theoretical principle in detail. Recent advanced works on separation of free and emulsified oil/water mixtures by superwetting nanomaterials including superwetting absorbing nanomaterials, mesh- or textile-based superwetting films, polymer-dominated superwetting membranes and 1D nanomaterial-based superwetting ultrathin films are also discussed in detail. Finally, a summary of the remaining challenges and a perspective for future works on oil/water separation are described. These superwetting nanomaterials hold promising potential for treating oily wastewater in large quantities, as an alternative to traditional separation techniques in the near future.
Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric determination of mesna, acetylcysteine and timonacic acid through the reaction with acetoxymercuri fluorescein
Authors: Haggag Rim S. , Gawad Dina A. , Belal Saeid F. , Elbardisy Hadil M.
Published: February 2016

Simple, sensitive and specific spectrophotometric (Method I) and spectrofluorimetric (Method II) methods were developed for the determination of three sulfur-containing drugs: mesna (MSN), acetylcysteine (ACT) and timonacic acid (TMN).
Graphene quantum dot-decorated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for high aspirin loading capacity and its pH-triggered release
Authors: Huang Shaping , Song Liping , Xiao Zhidong , Hu Yue , Peng Meiwen , Li Jinquan , Zheng Xinsheng , Wu Bin , Yuan Chao
Published: February 2016

In this paper, fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) grafted onto the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) vehicles were prepared and characterized.
The facile synthesis and enhanced sodium-storage performance of a chemically bonded CuP2/C hybrid anode
Authors: Kim Sang-Ok , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: February 2016

A micro-sized CuP2/C hybrid anode prepared using a facile and scalable method displays enhanced sodium-storage performance with a high tap density (∼1.2 g cm−3).
The effects of n-type doping on lithium storage in TiO2
Authors: Shin Ji-Yong , Joo Jong Hoon , Adepalli Kiran K. , Samuelis Dominik , Maier Joachim
Published: February 2016

Li storage kinetics of the titania electrode is significantly improved by Nb-doping mainly due to the increased electronic charge carrier concentration.
Synthesis and characterization of potassium aryl- and alkyl-substituted silylchalcogenolate ligands
Authors: Brown Jessie L. , Montgomery Ashley C. , Samaan Christopher A. , Janicke Michael T. , Scott Brian L. , Gaunt Andrew J.
Published: February 2016

A series of monomeric silylchalcogenolate ligand salts, stabilized by the [K(18-crown-6)]+, cation have been prepared and isolated in good yields, along with full structural and spectroscopic characterization.
The structural influence of Ca2+ counter-ions on uranyl(vi) tricarbonate in aqueous solution
Authors: Tirler Andreas O. , Hofer Thomas S.
Published: February 2016

The presented study elucidates the influence of calcium(ii) counter-ions on the structure of the environmentally relevant uranyl tricarbonates using hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) MD simulations.
Synthesis, antibacterial evaluation and QSAR analysis of Schiff base complexes derived from [2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine)] and aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Devi Jai , Devi Suman , Kumar Ashwani
Published: February 2016

A novel series of Schiff base complexes (1–34) were synthesized which exhibited good antibacterial activity and compound30was found to be the most potent antibacterial agent.
Electrospun porous hierarchical carbon nanofibers with tailored structures for supercapacitors and capacitive deionization
Authors: Wang Gang , Qian Bingqing , Wang Yuwei , Dong Qiang , Zhan Fei , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2016

Electrospun carbon nanofibers exhibit enhanced capacitive deionization performance in vertical flow-through capacitive deionization for desalination.
Innocent BN bond substitution in anthracene derivatives
Authors: van de Wouw H. L. , Lee J. Y. , Siegler M. A. , Klausen R. S.
Published: February 2016

Extended azaborine heterocycles are promising biomedical and electronic materials.
A novel approach for the synthesis of hydrogel nanoparticles and a removal study of reactive dyes from industrial effluent
Authors: Mahida Viran P. , Patel Manish P.
Published: February 2016

A novel amphoteric monomer, N,N-diallyl carboxypiperidinium bromide (DACPB), has been synthesized by the stepwise condensation of isonipecotic acid to an ester and then with allyl chloride and allyl bromide.
Thermally sensitive conductive hydrogel using amphiphilic crosslinker self-assembled carbon nanotube to enhance neurite outgrowth and promote spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Sang Lili , Liu Yuqing , Hua Wenxi , Xu Kaige , Wang Guobao , Zhong Wen , Wang Leyu , Xu Shuchai , Xing Malcolm M. Q. , Qiu Xiaozhong
Published: February 2016

We studied a SWNT–PNIPAAM hydrogel for its potential role in the growth of SH-SY5Y cells and found it can enhance neurite outgrowth when adding electrical stimulation in vitro.
Ab initio simulations of defect-based magnetism: the case of CoSi nanowires
Authors: Liu Tai-Kang , Chiou Shan-Haw , van Lierop Johan , Ouyang Chuenhou (Hao)
Published: February 2016

The source of the unusual ferromagnetism in nanowires (NWs) such as CoSi–SiO2 has been studied by first-principles calculations.
Efficient synthesis of rice based graphene quantum dots and their fluorescent properties
Authors: Kalita Hemen , Mohapatra Jeotikanta , Pradhan Lina , Mitra Arijit , Bahadur Dhirendra , Aslam Mohammed
Published: February 2016

We present a facile green approach to synthesize monodisperse graphene quantum dots (GQDs) of sizes 2–6.5 nm using rice grains as a carbon source.
Research on controllable degradation of sulfonylurea herbicides
Authors: Hua Xue-Wen , Chen Ming-Gui , Zhou Shaa , Zhang Dong-Kai , Liu Ming , Zhou Sha , Liu Jing-Bo , Lei Kang , Song Hai-Bin , Li Yong-Hong , Gu Yu-Cheng , Li Zheng-Ming
Published: February 2016

Through studying structure, bioassay and soil degradation tri-factor relationship, potential controllable degradation of SU was firstly explored and summarized.
Advances in the domain of 4-amino-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazine-5-ones
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , El-Bana Ghada G. , Shaaban Saad , Habib O. M. O. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: February 2016

This review summarizes results from a literature survey concerning the synthesis and reactions of 4-amino-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazine-5-ones reported by research groups from 1983 to mid. 2015.
Laser induced photothermal effects on InAs nanowires: tuning the hole density
Authors: Majumdar Dipanwita , Ercolani Daniele , Sorba Lucia , Singha Achintya
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate the use of Raman spectroscopy as a non-contact optical technique to study the photothermal effects on nanoscale materials and tune the hole density in InAs NWs.
A functional hydrogel film attached with a 2D Au nanosphere array and its ultrahigh optical diffraction intensity as a visualized sensor
Authors: Men Dandan , Zhou Fei , Hang Lifeng , Li Xinyang , Duan Guotao , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: February 2016

Free-standing 2D Au nanosphere array/hydrogel composite films on an ordinary quartz substrate demonstrate a strong diffraction signal, which could improve their practical applications in visual detection.
Development of a sensitive liquid–liquid extraction method for the determination of N-butyryl-l-homoserine lactone produced in a submerged membrane bioreactor by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and deuterated anthracene as the internal standard
Authors: Bakaraki Nouha , Chormey Dotse Selali , Bakirdere Sezgin , Engin Guleda Onkal
Published: February 2016

Quorum sensing is defined as the bacterial communication through sending and receiving chemical signals.
Chiral-at-metal iridium complex for efficient enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of ketones
Authors: Tian Cheng , Gong Lei , Meggers Eric
Published: February 2016

A pyrazole co-ligand permits a low loading iridium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation which is proposed to proceed through metal–ligand cooperativity.
Scalable preparation of cyclic polymers by the ring-closure method assisted by the continuous-flow technique
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Jian'an , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhang Ke
Published: February 2016

Scalable preparation of cyclic polymers by the ring-closure strategy was achieved for the first time by virtue of the combination of a light-induced ring-closure method and the continuous-flow technique.
Usnic acid is a novel Pim-1 inhibitor with the abilities of inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Fan Yin-bo , Huang Min , Cao Yu , Gong Ping , Liu Wen-bing , Jin Shu-yu , Wen Jia-chen , Jing Yong-kui , Liu Dan , Zhao Lin-xiang
Published: February 2016

Usnic acid, a potent Pim-1 inhibitor, represents a lead compound for developing effective therapeutics for myeloid leukemia treatment.
Nano-QSAR modeling for predicting the cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles using novel descriptors
Authors: Pan Yong , Li Ting , Cheng Jie , Telesca Donatello , Zink Jeffrey I. , Jiang Juncheng
Published: February 2016

Computational approaches have evolved as efficient alternatives to understand the adverse effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment.
Fabrication of pore-rich nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel
Authors: Xie Beibei , Ren Xiaodan , Yan Xiaobing , Dai Zhongyu , Hou Wanguo , Du Na , Li Haiping , Zhang Renjie
Published: February 2016

Porosity tuning of NGAs by tailoring GONSs yields the pore-richest NGA with the best mechanical stability and electrocatalytic biosensing activity using the smallest sonicated GONSs and DA with high N content and 3D crosslinking capability.
Flexible artificially-networked structure for ambient/high pressure solar steam generation
Authors: Sajadi Seyed Mohammad , Farokhnia Nazanin , Irajizad Peyman , Hasnain Munib , Ghasemi Hadi
Published: February 2016

Solar steam generation at high pressure is demonstrated through heat localization approach by a flexible artificially-networked material structure.
Why decision support systems are important for medical education
Authors: Konstantinidis Stathis Th. , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: February 2016

During the last decades, the inclusion of digital tools in health education has rapidly lead to a continuously enlarging digital era. All the online interactions between learners and tutors, the description, creation, reuse and sharing of educational digital resources and the interlinkage between them in conjunction with cheap storage technology has led to an enormous amount of educational data. Medical education is a unique type of education due to accuracy of information needed, continuous changing competences required and alternative methods of education used. Nowadays medical education standards provide the ground for organising the educational data and the paradata. Analysis of such education data through education data mining techniques is in its infancy, but decision support systems (DSSs) for medical education need further research. To the best of our knowledge, there is a gap and a clear need for identifying the challenges for DSSs in medical education in the era of medical education standards. Thus, in this Letter the role and the attributes of such a DSS for medical education are delineated and the challenges and vision for future actions are identified.
Throughput enhancement of IEEE 802.11ad through space‐time division multiple access scheduling of multiple co‐channel networks
Authors: Feng Wei , Niu Yong , Li Yong , Gao Bo , Su Li , Jin Depeng , Wu Dapeng Oliver
Published: February 2016

60‐GHz millimetre‐wave (mm‐wave) communication is gradually becoming a promising candidate for the next generation wireless system to meet the demands of mobile applications. To compensate for high path loss, directional links are established in mm‐wave communication system, which adds opportunity for spatial reuse. As one of its most promising protocols for commercial production, IEEE 802.11ad standard provides a mechanism to support space‐time division multiple access (STDMA) within a single network. However, the interference level among different co‐channel networks is much lower than that inside a network, which provides greater potential for spatial reuse. In this study, based on the architecture and timing structure of IEEE 802.11ad, the authors propose a spatial reuse strategy among multiple co‐channel networks. They formulate the problem as a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming problem, and then propose an inter‐network STDMA scheduling algorithm, which considers clustering frame structure in IEEE 802.11ad, and combines greedy principle and mutual interference avoidance strategy. Extensive simulation results have shown that the proposed scheme enlarges total throughput in comparison with STDMA inside each network, as well as non‐STDMA scheme. Meanwhile, it achieves the lowest packet loss rate under heavy traffic load.
High‐efficient Reed–Solomon decoder design using recursive Berlekamp–Massey architecture
Authors: Ji Wenjie , Zhang Wei , Peng Xingru , Liu Yanyan
Published: February 2016

This study presents a high‐efficient Reed–Solomon (RS) decoder based on the recursive enhanced parallel inversionless Berlekamp–Massey algorithm architecture. Compared with the conventional enhanced parallel inversionless Berlekamp–Massey algorithm architecture, the proposed architecture consists of a single processing element and has very low hardware complexity. It also employs a new initialisation to reduce the latency. This architecture uses pipelined Galois–Field multipliers to improve the clock frequency. In addition, the proposed architecture also has the dynamic power saving feature. The proposed RS (255, 239) decoder has been developed and implemented with SMIC 0.18‐μm CMOS technology. The synthesis results show that the decoder requires about 13K gates and can operate at 575 MHz to achieve the data rate of 4.6 Gb/s. The proposed RS (255, 239) decoder is at least 28.15% more efficient than the previously related designs.
Decomposition of olive-mill waste compost, goat manure and Medicago sativa in Lebanese soils as measured using the litterbag technique
Authors: Al Chami Z. , Eldeen S. Bou Zein , Al-Bitar L. , Atallah T.
Published: February 2016

Organic amendments, green manure and plant residues are the main sources of nutrients under organic farming. The decomposition of compost from olive-mill waste, aged goat manure and lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa) shoots was studied in subhumid Mediterranean conditions. The locations of Abdeh, Lebaa and Sour were distinguished by their respective clay (521, 315 and 260 g kg–1 soil) and calcium carbonate (42, 591 and 269 g kg–1 soil) contents. Nutrients release was evaluated over 1 year by using litter bags buried at 10 cm depth. Despite close initial total nitrogen (N) contents, shoots lost 50–60% of N, whereas the stable compost and manure mineralised 20–26% after 30 days of incubation. Calculated coefficients of decomposition for organic carbon (OC) were significantly higher for shoots (0.0061 day–1) than for manure (0.0020 day–1) and compost (0.0011 day–1). Coefficients for total N were very similar to those for OC: shoots (0.0050 day–1) > manure (0.0018 day–1) and compost (0.0017 day–1). OC was the parameter most discriminating between fresh residue and decomposed products, and potassium the least. Of the soil properties, the calcium carbonate rather than the clay content affected decomposition. Coefficients of decomposition of OC were significantly different with Sour (0.0036 day–1) > Abdeh (0.0030 day–1) > Lebaa (0.0026 day–1). Coefficients for total N were also different with Abdeh ≡ Sour > Lebaa. Fresh and stable products could be a source of nutrients even during winter in Mediterranean conditions.
Convergent evidence from alcohol-dependent humans and rats for a hyperdopaminergic state in protracted abstinence
Authors: Hirth Natalie , Meinhardt Marcus W. , Noori Hamid R. , Salgado Humberto , Torres-Ramirez Oswaldo , Uhrig Stefanie , Broccoli Laura , Vengeliene Valentina , Roßmanith Martin , Perreau-Lenz Stéphanie , Köhr Georg , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Spanagel Rainer , Hansson Anita C.
Published: February 2016

Significance

A major hypothesis in the addiction field suggests there are deficits in dopamine signaling during abstinence. This hypodopaminergic state is considered a driving mechanism for the relapsing course of the disorder. Experimental support for this view comes mostly from human PET studies that found reduced striatal D2-like receptors in alcoholics. Here we report on surprising findings from postmortem brains of deceased alcoholics and alcohol-dependent rats that show no differences in D2-like receptor binding during withdrawal and prolonged abstinence. Instead we observe a dynamic regulation of D1 receptors, dopamine transporter, dopamine release properties, and phenotypic characteristics that all are in line with a hyperdopaminergic state during protracted abstinence. We propose that both hypo- and hyperdopaminergia are states of vulnerability to relapse.
Dietary options and behavior suggested by plant biomarker evidence in an early human habitat
Authors: Magill Clayton R. , Ashley Gail M. , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel , Freeman Katherine H.
Published: February 2016

Significance

Humans evolved in response to the availability of plant and water resources over space and through time. Their influence on our species’ evolution is debated, though, because archives of their spatial distribution are scarce at early human (hominin) localities. Meter-scale vegetation patterns are revealed from sedimentary plant biomarkers across an archaeological horizon at Olduvai Gorge (FLKZinj). Biomarkers evince a varied local landscape with a woodland patch near a small freshwater wetland, surrounded by an open grassland landscape. Biomarkers from the wetland indicate diverse edible plants near potable water. The coexistence of butchered large animal bones and hominin remains, including juveniles, within an isolated biomarker-delineated wooded microhabitat at FLKZinjprovide support for early provisioning behaviors by our ancestors.
Sterol and genomic analyses validate the sponge biomarker hypothesis
Authors: Gold David A. , Grabenstatter Jonathan , de Mendoza Alex , Riesgo Ana , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki , Summons Roger E.
Published: February 2016

Significance

An unusual molecule is found in rocks ∼650–540 million y old, and its likely precursor, 24-isopropylcholesterol (24-ipc), is produced by some modern sea sponges. The sterane hydrocarbon analog of 24-ipc offers a potential “molecular fossil” for early animals, but certain algae also produce traces of this molecule, so it is unclear when and how frequently the ability to synthesize 24-ipc evolved. In this study, we connect 24-ipc production to a gene and conclude that algae and sponges independently evolved 24-ipc synthesis through unique gene duplication events. Although the timing of the sponge gene duplication overlaps with the geological record of the molecular fossil, the algal gene duplication occurs significantly later, supporting the connection of 24-ipc to sponges and providing the oldest evidence for animal life.
Emergence of functional subnetworks in layer 2/3 cortex induced by sequential spikes in vivo
Authors: Kim Taekeun , Oh Won Chan , Choi Joon Ho , Kwon Hyung-Bae
Published: February 2016

Significance

Somatosensory information is transmitted and processed in the superficial layer (layer 2/3) of the cortex, giving rise to proper sensory perception. These processes ought to be dependent on the patterns of neuronal connectivity among layer 2/3 neurons, but underlying cellular mechanisms that govern how one neuron makes specific connections with other neurons and eventually builds functional microcircuits are not fully understood. We found that spikes generated in multiple neurons in vivo induced the formation of a functional group of neurons. Further data demonstrated that functional connectivity was determined by the order of the spike sequence and the number of neurons but not by the physical distance among neurons. These results imply that time-sensitive neuronal activity determines the pattern of circuit connectivity.
Delay discounting, genetic sensitivity, and leukocyte telomere length
Authors: Yim Onn-Siong , Zhang Xing , Shalev Idan , Monakhov Mikhail , Zhong Songfa , Hsu Ming , Chew Soo Hong , Lai Poh San , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: February 2016

Significance

This paper makes a singular contribution to understanding the association between biological aging indexed by leukocyte telomeres length (LTL) and delay discounting measured in an incentivized behavioral economic task. In a large group of young, healthy undergraduates, steeper delay discounting is significantly associated with shorter LTL, while controlling for risk attitude and health-related behaviors. Notably, we found that delay discounting and risk attitude—two fundamental determinants of economic preferences—are independently associated with LTL. Moreover, for the first time to our knowledge, the effects of well-studied oxytocin and estrogen receptor polymorphisms are shown to specifically moderate the impact of impatience on LTL. Our work suggests a path to integrate behavioral economic methodology to supposed biological mechanisms associated with health outcomes.