bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical regulation of Chlamydia pneumoniae-infected monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic foci
Authors: Evani Shankar J. , Ramasubramanian Anand K.
Published: January 2016

Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection is implicated in atherosclerosis although the contributory mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesize thatC. pneumoniaeinfection favors the recruitment of monocytes to atherosclerotic foci by altering monocyte biophysics. Primary, fresh human monocytes were infected withC. pneumoniaefor 8 h and the interactions between monocytes and E-selectin or aortic endothelium under flow were characterized by video microscopy and image analysis. The distribution of membrane lipid rafts and adhesion receptors were analyzed by imaging flow cytometry. Infected cells rolled on E-selectin and endothelial surfaces and this rolling was slower, steady and uniform compared to uninfected cells. Infection decreases cholesterol levels, increases membrane fluidity, disrupts lipid rafts and redistributes CD44, which is the primary mediator of rolling interactions. Together, these changes translate to higher firm adhesion of infected monocytes on endothelium, which is enhanced in the presence of LDL. Uninfected monocytes treated with LDL or left untreated were used as baseline control. Our results demonstrate that the membrane biophysical changes due to infection and hyperlipidemia are one of the key mechanisms by whichC. pneumoniaecan exacerbate atherosclerotic pathology. These findings provide a framework to characterize the role of ‘infectious burden’ in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
Erratum: Heterologous expression of newly identified galectin-8 from sea urchin embryos produces recombinant protein with lactose binding specificity and anti-adhesive activity
Authors: Karakostis Konstantinos , Costa Caterina , Zito Francesca , Matranga Valeria
Published: January 2016

Galectin family members specifically bind beta-galactoside derivatives and are involved in different cellular events, including cell communication, signalling, apoptosis, and immune responses. Here, we report a tandem-repeat type galectin from the Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryo, referred to as Pl-GAL-8. The 933nt sequence encodes a protein of 34.73 kDa, containing the conserved HFNPRF and WGxExR motifs in the two highly similar carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRD). The three-dimensional protein structure model of the N-CRD confirms the high evolutionary conservation of carbohydrate binding sites. The temporal gene expression is regulated during development and transcripts localize at the tip of the archenteron at gastrula stage, in a subset of the secondary mesenchyme cells that differentiate into blastocoelar (immune) cells. Functional studies using a recombinant Pl-GAL-8 expressed in bacteria demonstrate its hemo-agglutinating activity on human red blood cells through the binding to lactose, as well as its ability in inhibiting the adhesion of human Hep-G2 cells to the substrate. The recent implications in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders make Gal-8 an attractive candidate for therapeutic purposes. Our results offer a solid basis for addressing the use of the new Pl-GAL-8 in functional and applicative studies, respectively in the developmental and biomedical fields.
Analysis of spatial-temporal gene expression patterns reveals dynamics and regionalization in developing mouse brain
Authors: Chou Shen-Ju , Wang Chindi , Sintupisut Nardnisa , Niou Zhen-Xian , Lin Chih-Hsu , Li Ker-Chau , Yeang Chen-Hsiang
Published: January 2016

Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) provides a valuable resource of spatial/temporal gene expressions in mammalian brains. Despite rich information extracted from this database, current analyses suffer from several limitations. First, most studies are either gene-centric or region-centric, thus are inadequate to capture the superposition of multiple spatial-temporal patterns. Second, standard tools of expression analysis such as matrix factorization can capture those patterns but do not explicitly incorporate spatial dependency. To overcome those limitations, we proposed a computational method to detect recurrent patterns in the spatial-temporal gene expression data of developing mouse brains. We demonstrated that regional distinction in brain development could be revealed by localized gene expression patterns. The patterns expressed in the forebrain, medullary and pontomedullary and basal ganglia are enriched with genes involved in forebrain development, locomotory behavior and dopamine metabolism respectively. In addition, the timing of global gene expression patterns reflects the general trends of molecular events in mouse brain development. Furthermore, we validated functional implications of the inferred patterns by showing genes sharing similar spatial-temporal expression patterns with Lhx2 exhibited differential expression in the embryonic forebrains of Lhx2 mutant mice. These analysis outcomes confirm the utility of recurrent expression patterns in studying brain development.
Experimental investigation of geochemical and mineralogical effects of CO2 sequestration on flow characteristics of reservoir rock in deep saline aquifers
Authors: Rathnaweera T. D. , Ranjith P. G. , Perera M. S. A.
Published: January 2016

Interactions between injected CO2, brine and rock during CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers alter their natural hydro-mechanical properties, affecting the safety and efficiency of the sequestration process. This study aims to identify such interaction-induced mineralogical changes in aquifers and in particular their impact on the reservoir rock’s flow characteristics. Sandstone samples were first exposed for 1.5 years to a mixture of brine and super-critical CO2 (scCO2), then tested to determine their altered geochemical and mineralogical properties. Changes caused uniquely by CO2 were identified by comparison with samples exposed over a similar period to either plain brine or brine saturated with N2. The results show that long-term reaction with CO2 causes a significant pH drop in the saline pore fluid, clearly due to carbonic acid (as dissolved CO2) in the brine. Free H+ ions released into the pore fluid alter the mineralogical structure of the rock formation, through the dissolution of minerals such as calcite, siderite, barite and quartz. Long-term CO2 injection also creates a significant CO2 drying-out effect and crystals of salt (NaCl) precipitate in the system, further changing the pore structure. Such mineralogical alterations significantly affect the saline aquifer’s permeability, with important practical consequences for the sequestration process.
Plasma extracellular RNA profiles in healthy and cancer patients
Authors: Yuan Tiezheng , Huang Xiaoyi , Woodcock Mark , Du Meijun , Dittmar Rachel , Wang Yuan , Tsai Susan , Kohli Manish , Boardman Lisa , Patel Tushar , Wang Liang
Published: January 2016

Extracellular vesicles are selectively enriched in RNA that has potential as disease biomarkers. To systemically characterize circulating extracellular RNA (exRNA) profiles, we performed RNA sequencing analysis on plasma extracellular vesicles derived from 50 healthy individuals and 142 cancer patients. Of ~12.6 million raw reads for each individual, the number of mappable reads aligned to RNA references was ~5.4 million including miRNAs (~40.4%), piwiRNAs (~40.0%), pseudo-genes (~3.7%), lncRNAs (~2.4%), tRNAs (~2.1%) and mRNAs (~2.1%). By expression stability testing, we identified a set of miRNAs showing relatively consistent expression, which may serve as reference control for exRNA quantification. By performing multivariate analysis of covariance, we identified significant associations of these exRNAs with age, sex and different types of cancers. In particular, down-regulation of miR-125a-5p and miR-1343-3p showed an association with all cancer types tested (false discovery rate <0.05). We developed multivariate statistical models to predict cancer status with an area under the curve from 0.68 to 0.92 depending cancer type and staging. This is the largest RNA-seq study to date for profiling exRNA species, which has not only provided a baseline reference profile for circulating exRNA, but also revealed a set of RNA candidates for reference controls and disease biomarkers.
Whole-exome Sequencing Analysis Identifies Mutations in the EYS Gene in Retinitis Pigmentosa in the Indian Population
Authors: Di Yanan , Huang Lulin , Sundaresan Periasamy , Li Shujin , Kim Ramasamy , Ballav Saikia Bibhuti , Qu Chao , Zhu Xiong , Zhou Yu , Jiang Zhilin , Zhang Lin , Lin Ying , Zhang Dingding , Li Yuanfen , Zhang Houbin , Yin Yibing , Lu Fang , Zhu Xianjun , Yang Zhenglin
Published: January 2016

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare heterogeneous genetic retinal dystrophy disease and despite years of research, known genetic mutations can explain only approximately 60% of RP cases. We sought to identify the underlying genetic mutations in a cohort of fourteen Indian autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) families and 100 Indian sporadic RP cases. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the probands of the arRP families and sporadic RP patients and direct Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the causal mutations identified by WES. We found that the mutations of EYS are likely pathogenic mutations in two arRP families and eight sporadic patients. Specifically, we found a novel pair of compound heterozygous mutations and a novel homozygous mutation in two separate arRP families and found two novel heterozygous mutations in two sporadic RP patients, whereas we found six novel homozygous mutations in six sporadic RP patients. Of these, one was a frameshift mutation, two were stop-gain mutations, one was a splicing mutation and the others were missense mutations. In conclusion, our findings expand the spectrum of EYS mutations in RP in the Indian population and provide further support for the role of EYS in the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis of RP.
Microarray and whole-exome sequencing analysis of familial Behçet’s disease patients
Authors: Okuzaki Daisuke , Yoshizaki Kazuyuki , Tanaka Toshio , Hirano Toru , Fukushima Kohshiro , Washio Takanori , Nojima Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Behçet’s disease (BD), a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder, is characterized by recurrent oral and genital mucous ulcers, uveitis and skin lesions. We performed DNA microarray analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mRNA from 41 Japanese BD patients and revealed elevated levels of interleukin (IL) 23 receptor (IL23R) mRNA in many BD patients. DNA sequencing around a SNV (Rs12119179) tightly linked to BD revealed an elevated frequency of the C genotype, consistent with a previous report that IL23R is a susceptibility locus for BD. Notably, four of these BD patients are members of familial BD; a whole-exome sequencing (WES) of these BD patients identified 19 novel single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) specific to these patients. They include heterozygous SNVs in the genes encoding IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 14 (NRP14) and melanoma antigen-encoding gene E2 (MAGEE2); IRAK4 harbors a missense mutation, whereas NRP14 and MAGEE2 harbor nonsense mutations. These SNVs may serve as genetic markers that characterize BD.
Skeletal muscle mass adjusted by height correlated better with muscular functions than that adjusted by body weight in defining sarcopenia
Authors: Han Der-Sheng , Chang Ke-Vin , Li Chia-Ming , Lin Yu-Hong , Kao Tung-Wei , Tsai Keh-Sung , Wang Tyng-Grey , Yang Wei-Shiung
Published: January 2016

Sarcopenia, characterized by low muscle mass and function, results in frailty, comorbidities and mortality. However, its prevalence varies according to the different criteria used in its diagnosis. This cross-sectional study investigated the difference in the number of sarcopenia cases recorded by two different measurement methods of low muscle mass to determine which measurement was better. We recruited 878 (54.2% female) individuals aged over 65 years and obtained their body composition and functional parameters. Low muscle mass was defined as two standard deviations below either the mean height-adjusted (hSMI) or weight-adjusted (wSMI) muscle mass of a young reference group. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.7% vs. 0.4% (male/female) by hSMI and 4.0% vs. 10.7% (male/female) by wSMI. The κ coefficients for these two criteria were 0.39 vs. 0.03 (male/female) and 0.17 in all subjects. Serum myostatin levels correlated positively with gait speed (r = 0.142, p = 0.007) after adjustment for gender. hSMI correlated with grip strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, leg endurance, gait speed and flexibility. wSMI correlated with grip strength, leg endurance, gait speed and flexibility. Since hSMI correlated more closely with grip strength and more muscular functions, we recommend hSMI in the diagnosis of low muscle mass.
Curvature-enhanced Spin-orbit Coupling and Spinterface Effect in Fullerene-based Spin Valves
Authors: Liang Shiheng , Geng Rugang , Yang Baishun , Zhao Wenbo , Chandra Subedi Ram , Li Xiaoguang , Han Xiufeng , Nguyen Tho Duc
Published: January 2016

We investigated curvature-enhanced spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and spinterface effect in carbon-based organic spin valves (OSVs) using buckyball C60 and C70 molecules. Since the naturally abundant 12C has spinless nuclear, the materials have negligible hyperfine interaction (HFI) and the same intrinsic SOC, but different curvature SOC due to their distinct curvatures. We fitted the thickness dependence of magnetoresistance (MR) in OSVs at various temperatures using the modified Jullière equation. We found that the spin diffusion length in the C70 film is above 120 nm, clearly longer than that in C60 film at all temperatures. The effective SOC ratio of the C70 film to the C60 film was estimated to be about 0.8. This was confirmed by the magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) measurement in fullerene-based light emitting diodes (LED). Next, the effective spin polarization in C70-based OSVs is smaller than that in C60-based OSVs implying that they have different spinterface effect. First principle calculation study shows that the spin polarization of the dz2 orbital electrons of Co atoms contacted with C60 is larger causing better effective spin polarization at the interface.
Natural HCV variants with increased replicative fitness due to NS3 helicase mutations in the C-terminal helix α18
Authors: Stross Claudia , Shimakami Tetsuro , Haselow Katrin , Ahmad Monazza Q. , Zeuzem Stefan , Lange Christian M. , Welsch Christoph
Published: January 2016

High replicative fitness is a general determinant of a multidrug resistance phenotype and may explain lower sensitivity to direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in some hepatitis C virus genotypes. Genetic diversity in the molecular target site of peptidomimetic NS3 protease inhibitors could impact variant replicative fitness and potentially add to virologic treatment failure. We selected NS3 helicase residues near the protease natural substrate in the NS3 domain interface and identified natural variants from a public database. Sequence diversity among different genotypes was identified and subsequently analyzed for potential effects of helicase variants on protein structure and function and phenotypic effects on RNA replication and DAA resistance. We found increased replicative fitness in particular for amino acid substitutions at the NS3 helicase C-terminal helix α18. A network of strongly coupled residue pairs is identified. Helix α18 is part of this regulatory network and connects several NS3 functional elements involved in RNA replication. Among all genotypes we found distinct sequence diversity at helix α18 in particular for the most difficult-to-treat genotype 3. Our data suggest sequence diversity with implications for virus replicative fitness due to natural variants in helicase helix α18.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in Spain: Results of Key Performance Indicators After Five Rounds (2000–2012)
Authors: Binefa Gemma , Garcia Montse , Milà Núria , Fernández Esteve , Rodríguez-Moranta Francisco , Gonzalo Núria , Benito Llúcia , Clopés Ana , Guardiola Jordi , Moreno Víctor
Published: January 2016

Effective quality assurance is essential in any screening programme. This article provides a unique insight into key quality indicators of five rounds of the first population-based colorectal cancer screening programme implemented in Spain (2000–2012), providing the results according to the type of screening (prevalent or first screen and incident or subsequent screen) and test (guaiac or immunochemical). The total crude participation rate increased from 17.2% (11,011) in the first round to 35.9% (22,988) in the last one. Rescreening rate was very high (88.6% in the fifth round). Positivity rate was superior with the faecal immunochemical test (6.2%) than with the guaiac-based test (0.7%) (p < 0.0001) and detection rates were also better with the immunochemical test. The most significant rise in detection rate was observed for high risk adenoma in men (45.5 per 1,000 screened). Most cancers were diagnosed at an early stage (61.4%) and there was a statistically significant difference between those detected in first or subsequent screening (52.6% and 70.0% respectively; p = 0.024). The availability of these results substantially improves data comparisons and the exchange of experience between screening programmes.
Pilot study of a rapid and minimally instrumented sputum sample preparation method for molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Ferguson Tanya M. , Weigel Kris M. , Lakey Becker Annie , Ontengco Delia , Narita Masahiro , Tolstorukov Ilya , Doebler Robert , Cangelosi Gerard A. , Niemz Angelika
Published: January 2016

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) enables rapid and sensitive diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), which facilitates treatment and mitigates transmission. Nucleic acid extraction from sputum constitutes the greatest technical challenge in TB NAAT for near-patient settings. This report presents preliminary data for a semi-automated sample processing method, wherein sputum is disinfected and liquefied, followed by PureLyse® mechanical lysis and solid-phase nucleic acid extraction in a miniaturized, battery-operated bead blender. Sputum liquefaction and disinfection enabled a >104 fold reduction in viable load of cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) spiked into human sputum, which mitigates biohazard concerns. Sample preparation via the PureLyse® method and a clinically validated manual method enabled positive PCR-based detection for sputum spiked with 104 and 105 colony forming units (cfu)/mL M.tb. At 103 cfu/mL sputum, four of six and two of six samples amplified using the comparator and PureLyse® method, respectively. For clinical specimens from TB cases and controls, the two methods provided 100% concordant results for samples with "Equation missing"1 mL input volume (N = 41). The semi-automated PureLyse® method therefore performed similarly to a validated manual comparator method, but is faster, minimally instrumented and can be integrated into TB molecular diagnostic platforms designed for near-patient low-resource settings.
Ecological opportunity and the evolution of habitat preferences in an arid-zone bird: implications for speciation in a climate-modified landscape
Authors: Norman Janette A. , Christidis Les
Published: January 2016

Bioclimatic models are widely used to investigate the impacts of climate change on species distributions. Range shifts are expected to occur as species track their current climate niche yet the potential for exploitation of new ecological opportunities that may arise as ecosystems and communities remodel is rarely considered. Here we show that grasswrens of the Amytornis textilis-modestus complex responded to new ecological opportunities in Australia’s arid biome through shifts in habitat preference following the development of chenopod shrublands during the late Plio-Pleistocene. We find evidence of spatially explicit responses to climatically driven landscape changes including changes in niche width and patterns of population growth. Conservation of structural and functional aspects of the ancestral niche appear to have facilitated recent habitat shifts, while demographic responses to late Pleistocene climate change provide evidence for the greater resilience of populations inhabiting the recently evolved chenopod shrubland communities. Similar responses could occur under future climate change in species exposed to novel ecological conditions, or those already occupying spatially heterogeneous landscapes. Mechanistic models that consider structural and functional aspects of the niche along with regional hydro-dynamics may be better predictors of future climate responses in Australia’s arid biome than bioclimatic models alone.
Long term repeated fire disturbance alters soil bacterial diversity but not the abundance in an Australian wet sclerophyll forest
Authors: Shen Ju-pei , Chen C. R. , Lewis Tom
Published: January 2016

Effects of fire on biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystem are widely acknowledged, while few studies have focused on the bacterial community under the disturbance of long-term frequent prescribed fire. In this study, three treatments (burning every two years (B2), burning every four years (B4) and no burning (B0)) were applied for 38 years in an Australian wet sclerophyll forest. Results showed that bacterial alpha diversity (i.e. bacterial OTU) in the top soil (0–10 cm) was significantly higher in the B2 treatment compared with the B0 and B4 treatments. Non-metric multidimensional analysis (NMDS) of bacterial community showed clear separation of the soil bacterial community structure among different fire frequency regimes and between the depths. Different frequency fire did not have a substantial effect on bacterial composition at phylum level or bacterial 16S rRNA gene abundance. Soil pH and C:N ratio were the major drivers for bacterial community structure in the most frequent fire treatment (B2), while other factors (EC, DOC, DON, MBC, NH4+, TC and TN) were significant in the less frequent burning and no burning treatments (B4 and B0). This study suggested that burning had a dramatic impact on bacterial diversity but not abundance with more frequent fire.
Understanding the competitive interactions in aptamer–gold nanoparticle based colorimetric assays using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Pang Shintaro , He Lili
Published: January 2016

Aptamer–gold nanoparticle (AuNP) based colorimetric assays have become increasingly popular as viable rapid detection methods, but the molecular interactions governing the mechanism and successful interpretation of color changes have not been explored well.
An ultrasensitive ELISA method for the detection of procalcitonin based on magnetic beads and enzyme-antibody labeled gold nanoparticles
Authors: Liao Tao , Yuan Fang , Yu Haoyang , Li Zigang
Published: January 2016

Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic body infection with a significant mortality rate worldwide. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a specific marker for severe sepsis caused by bacterial infection. Herein, an ultrasensitive ELISA method based on magnetic beads and enzyme-antibody labeled gold nanoparticles was reported for the detection of PCT.
Boronate affinity molecularly imprinted inverse opal particles for multiple label-free bioassays
Authors: Wang Huan , Xu Qionghua , Shang Luoran , Wang Jie , Rong Fei , Gu Zhongze , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: January 2016

Boronate affinity molecularly imprinted inverse opal particles were developed for the multiplex label-free detection of glycoproteins with high sensitivity and specificity.
A practical cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling of benzylic zinc reagents with aryl and heteroaryl bromides or chlorides
Authors: Benischke Andreas D. , Knoll Irina , Rérat Alice , Gosmini Corinne , Knochel Paul
Published: January 2016

A catalytic system consisting of 5 mol% CoCl2 and 10 mol% isoquinoline allows a convenient cross-coupling of benzylic zinc reagents with various aryl and heteroaryl bromides or chlorides leading to polyfunctionalized diaryl- and aryl-heteroaryl-methane derivatives.
Probing atomic positions of adsorbed ammonia molecules in zeolite
Authors: Ye Lin , Lo Benedict T.W. , Qu Jin , Wilkinson Ian , Hughes Tim , Murray Claire A. , Tang Chiu C. , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: January 2016

The atomic positions and interactions between adsorbed guest molecules, such as ammonia in H-ZSM-5 microporous solids, are for the first time revealed by using in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction combined with refinement within experimental errors.
A water-soluble and fast-response mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for colorimetric and ratiometric sensing of endogenously generated SO2derivatives in living cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Kun , Xie Ke-Xin , Li Ling-Ling , Yu Kang-Kang , Wang Xin , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: January 2016

A novel mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe for colorimetric and ratiometric sensing of endogenously generated SO2derivatives is presented, with a perfect combination of water-solubility and reactivity.
Bioorthogonal chemistry for selective recognition, separation and killing bacteria over mammalian cells
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Liu Zhen , Chen Zhaowei , Ju Enguo , Li Wei , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: January 2016

We report a new strategy for selective recognition, separation and killing bacteria using metabolic engineering and bioorthogonal chemistry.
Nanomotors responsive to nerve-agent vapor plumes
Authors: Singh Virendra V. , Kaufmann Kevin , Esteban-Fernández de Ávila Berta , Uygun Murat , Wang Joseph
Published: January 2016

Nanomotors responsive to nerve-agent vapor plumes and capable of detecting chemical threats present in their surrounding atmosphere are described.
Temperature-controlled spin filter and spin valve based on Fe-doped monolayer MoS2
Authors: Zou Fei , Zhu Lin , Gao Gaoying , Wu Menghao , Yao Kailun
Published: January 2016

The thermal transport properties of an iron-doped molybdenum disulfide system were explored theoretically using the density functional theory calculations combined with the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green's function approach.
Band engineering for efficient catalyst-substrate coupling for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Klett Joachim , Ziegler Jürgen , Radetinac Aldin , Kaiser Bernhard , Schäfer Rolf , Jaegermann Wolfram , Urbain Félix , Becker Jan-Philipp , Smirnov Vladimir , Finger Friedhelm
Published: January 2016

To achieve an overall efficient solar water splitting device, not only the efficiencies of photo-converter and catalyst are decisive, but also their appropriate coupling must be considered.
Highly exposed surface area of {001} facets dominated BiOBr nanosheets with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Duan Fang , Wang Xiaofeng , Tan Tingting , Chen Mingqing
Published: January 2016

The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOBr nanosheets depends on the large exposed surface areas of {001} facets (S{001}).
Computational study on donor–acceptor optical markers for Alzheimer's disease: a game of charge transfer and electron delocalization
Authors: Peccati Francesca , Wiśniewska Marta , Solans-Monfort Xavier , Sodupe Mariona
Published: January 2016

The length of the conjugated double bond chain in DANIR dyes modulates the charge transfer character, non-radiative deactivation pathways and affinity for amyloid-β fibril.
Density-induced reentrant melting of colloidal Wigner crystals
Authors: Everts J. C. , Boon N. , van Roij R.
Published: January 2016

By using projections of the colloid–ion mixture to a system of (soft) repulsive spheres and the one-component plasma, we explain the experimentally observed reentrant melting of electrostatically repelling colloids upon increasing the colloid density.
Catalysts for direct H2O2 synthesis taking advantage of the high H2 activating ability of Pt: kinetic characteristics of Pt catalysts and new additives for improving H2O2 selectivity
Authors: Deguchi T. , Yamano H. , Takenouchi S. , Iwamoto M.
Published: January 2016

To develop efficient catalysts for the direct H2O2 synthesis from H2 and O2 by taking advantage of the high H2 activating ability of Pt, kinetic studies of the H2–O2 reaction were performed using a Pt-PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) colloid and Pt supported on carbon (Pt/C) as catalysts, and new additives were explored.
Atomic and electronic structure transformations in SnS2at high pressures: a joint single crystal X-ray diffraction and DFT study
Authors: Filsø M. Ø. , Eikeland E. , Zhang J. , Madsen S. R. , Iversen B. B.
Published: January 2016

SnS2is observed to have a layer compressibility similar to that of graphite, and a reversible color change with pressure is explained from band structure calculations.
Magnetofluorescent micelles incorporating DyIII–DOTA as potential bimodal agents for optical and high field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Harris Michael , Vander Elst Luce , Laurent Sophie , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: January 2016

Photophysical and nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion properties of magnetofluorescent amphiphilic DyIII–DOTAbisamide chelates dispersed in DPPC micelles are presented for application as bimodal contrast agents in optical and high field magnetic resonance imaging.
Correction: Semiconducting quaternary chalcogenide glasses as new potential thermoelectric materials: an As–Ge–Se–Sb case
Authors: Dahshan A. , Sharma Pankaj , Aly K. A.
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘Semiconducting quaternary chalcogenide glasses as new potential thermoelectric materials: an As–Ge–Se–Sb case’ by A. Dahshan, et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 14799–14804.
The difference between oats and beta-glucan extract intake in the management of HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: He Li-xia , Zhao Jian , Huang Yuan-sheng , Li Yong
Published: January 2016

This study aims to assess the different effects between oats (whole and bran) and beta-glucan extract intake on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.
Adducts of aqua complexes of Ln3+with hexahydroxyhexamethylcucurbit[6]uril: potential application in the isolation of heavy lanthanides
Authors: Zhao Wenxuan , Wang Chuanzeng , Zhang Ying , Zhang Yunqian , Xue Saifeng , Tao Zhu , Clegg Jack K. , Zhu Qianjiang , Lindoy Leonard F. , Wei Gang
Published: January 2016

The interactions between a series of Ln3+and HHQ[6] were investigated. X-ray crystallography analysis revealed that HHQ[6] selectively interacts with certain Ln ions. The experimental results point to a possible means of isolating lighter or heavier Ln cations.
Diversity of layered zeolites: from synthesis to structural modifications
Authors: Xu Le , Wu Peng
Published: January 2016

The most attractive achievements in the research area of layered zeolites are summarized, including synthesis, modification strategies and catalytic applications. The challenges for future research on these types of porous materials are also proposed.
Synthesis of ester-substituted dihydroacridine derivatives and their spectroscopic properties
Authors: Suzuki Ryota , Tada Reiki , Hosoda Takumi , Miura Youhei , Yoshioka Naoki
Published: January 2016

Ester substituted dihydroacridine derivatives exhibit a noticeable fluorescence solvatochromism.
A chemiluminescence sensor for determination of lysozyme using magnetic graphene oxide multi-walled carbon nanotube surface molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Duan Huimin , Li Leilei , Wang Xiaojiao , Li Jianbo , Bu Yanan , Luo Chuannan
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a new chemiluminescence sensor possessing high selectivity and sensitivity was established for determination of lysozyme using magnetic graphene oxide–multi-walled carbon nanotube surface molecularly imprinted polymer.
High removal performance of dissolved oil from aqueous solution by sorption using fatty acid esterified pineapple leaves as novel sorbents
Authors: Cheu Siew Chin , Kong Helen , Song Shiow Tien , Saman Norasikin , Johari Khairiraihanna , Mat Hanapi
Published: January 2016

Esterification of the lignocellulosic biomass (pineapple leaves) by long chain fatty acids for oil sorption.
Platycodin D inhibits B16F10 melanoma metastasis via antiangiogenic activity
Authors: Zheng Siwen , Li Wei , Wang Jia , Chen Yinbin , Hou Wei , Gao Wei , Liu Qingxiu , Wang Yingping
Published: January 2016

Platycodin D inhibits B16F10 melanoma metastasisviaantiangiogenic activity.
A triphenylene-based small molecule compatibiliser using incompatible pendent chains
Authors: Herbaut Antoine J. , Baranoff Etienne
Published: January 2016

A novel amphiphile-like mesogen was used to compatibilise a mixture of immiscible hydrophilic and hydrophobic triphenylenes. Importantly, the amount of compatibiliser significantly impacts the morphology of the blend.
Photosynthesis of cyanobacteria in a miniaturized optofluidic waveguide platform
Authors: Jung Jin Ho , Lee Kang Soo , Im Sunghyuk , Destgeer Ghulam , Ha Byung Hang , Park Jinsoo , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: January 2016

We investigated the effect of increasing the optical penetration length, inside polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based photobioreactors (PBRs), upon the photosynthetic cell growth of cyanobacteria.
A green adsorbent for the removal of BTEX from aqueous media
Authors: Arshadi M. , Shakeri H. , Salvacion J. W. L.
Published: January 2016

Ostrich bone waste (OBW) was modified chemically with citric acid and used as a bioadsorbent. The uptake of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, andp-xylene (BTEX) and the adsorption mechanism of BTEX by the green adsorbent (OBW-NaOH–CA) were studied.
Fabrication of super tough poly(lactic acid)/ethylene-co-vinyl-acetate blends via a melt recirculation approach: static-short term mechanical and morphological interpretation
Authors: Kumar Singla Rajendra , Maiti Saurindra N. , Ghosh Anup K.
Published: January 2016

The notched Izod impact strength of PLA/EVA blends was enhanced significantly with improved toughness making blends super tough.
Ethylene glycol mediated synthesis of Ag8SnS6 nanoparticles and their exploitation in the degradation of eosin yellow and brilliant green
Authors: Shambharkar Baban H. , Chowdhury Arpita Paul
Published: January 2016

Spherical Ag8SnS6 nanoparticles degrades eosin yellow within 45 min under solar irradiation and brilliant green within 90 min under tungsten lamp irradiation. Superoxide anions are the main active species involved in photodegradation of eosin yellow and brilliant green dyes.
Solvent and branching effect on the two-photon absorption properties of push–pull triphenylamine derivatives
Authors: Cvejn D. , Michail E. , Seintis K. , Klikar M. , Pytela O. , Mikysek T. , Almonasy N. , Ludwig M. , Giannetas V. , Fakis M. , Bureš F.
Published: January 2016

The photophysical and two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of two tri-podal molecules and of their quadrupolar and dipolar counterparts are reported for a series of solvents with varying polarity.
Improved power density of an enzymatic biofuel cell with fibrous supports of high curvature
Authors: Campbell Alan S. , Jose Moncy V. , Marx Sharon , Cornelius Steven , Koepsel Richard R. , Islam Mohammad F. , Russell Alan J.
Published: January 2016

We developed and characterized two separate enzymatic biofuel cell systems attributing improved performance to electrode support morphological characteristics.
Polymer nanoparticles self-assembled from photo-, pH- and thermo-responsive azobenzene-functionalized PDMAEMA
Authors: Yuan Tingting , Dong Jie , Han Guoxiang , Wang Guojie
Published: January 2016

Polymer nanoparticles self-assembled from an amphiphilic azobenzene-functionalized PDMAEMA have been constructed, the morphological changes of which under stimulation of UV light, temperature and pH changes are demonstrated.
A model-based technique for the determination of interfacial fluxes in gas–liquid flows in capillaries
Authors: Fransen Senne , Kuhn Simon
Published: January 2016

A non-invasive method to quantify interfacial mass transfer in gas–liquid flow is presented.
The functional role of the structure of the dioxo-isobacteriochlorin in the catalytic site of cytochrome cd1for the reduction of nitrite
Authors: Fujii Hiroshi , Yamaki Daisuke , Ogura Takashi , Hada Masahiko
Published: January 2016

We studied the functional role of the unique heme d1in the catalytic nitrite reduction using synthetic model complexes.
Catalytic applications of waste derived materials
Authors: Bennett James A. , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F.
Published: January 2016

Sustainability has become a watchword and guiding principle for modern society, and with it a growing appreciation that anthropogenic ‘waste’, in all its manifold forms, can offer a valuable source of energy, construction materials, chemicals and high value functional products.
Hybridization of graphene nanosheets and carbon-coated hollow Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zuo Yongtao , Wang Gang , Peng Jun , Li Gang , Ma Yanqing , Yu Feng , Dai Bin , Guo Xuhong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: January 2016

A novel 2D H-Fe3O4@C/GNS electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability and super high rate performance.
Tunable GUMBOS-based sensor array for label-free detection and discrimination of proteins
Authors: Galpothdeniya Waduge Indika S. , Fronczek Frank R. , Cong Mingyan , Bhattarai Nimisha , Siraj Noureen , Warner Isiah M.
Published: January 2016

We report a sensor array approach, based on a novel group of 6-(p-toluidino)-2-naphthalenesulfonate (TNS)-based organic salts, for sensitive and label-free sensing of proteins.
Synthesis and self-assembly behaviours of side-chain smectic thiol–ene polymers based on the polysiloxane backbone
Authors: Yao Wenhuan , Gao Yanzi , Yuan Xiao , He Baofeng , Yu Haifeng , Zhang Lanying , Shen Zhihao , He Wanli , Yang Zhou , Yang Huai , Yang Dengke
Published: January 2016

A series of novel chiral polysiloxane side chain liquid crystal polymers (PSCLCPs) with two different types of LC phases and three self-assembly arrangements were successfully synthesized via thiol–ene click chemistry.
Genome-wide transcriptional analysis of silica nanoparticle-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Hu Hejing , Li Qiuling , Jiang Lizhen , Zou Yang , Duan Junchao , Sun Zhiwei
Published: January 2016

Silica nanoparticle-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryos affected expression of 2515 genes. Pathway analysis and Signal-net analysis indicated that the gap junction, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and metabolic pathways, apoptosis, the MAPK signaling pathway, the calcium signaling pathway and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway were the most prominent significant pathways in SiNP-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryos.
Novel BODIPY-based Ru(ii) and Ir(iii) metalla-rectangles: cellular localization of compounds and their antiproliferative activities
Authors: Gupta Gajendra , Das Abhishek , Ghate Nikhil Baban , Kim Takhyeon , Ryu Ji Yeon , Lee Junseong , Mandal Nripendranath , Lee Chang Yeon
Published: January 2016

The synthesis and antiproliferative activities of novel BODIPY-based Ru and Ir rectangles are presented.
Synthesis of functionalized amino epoxides by a three-component coupling involving aziridines, arynes and aldehydes
Authors: Roy Tony , Thangaraj Manikandan , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: January 2016

A three-component coupling of arynes, aziridines and aldehydes/isatins resulting in the synthesis of N-aryl α-amino epoxides has been demonstrated.
Hydration-dependent anomalous thermal expansion behaviour in a coordination polymer
Authors: Lama Prem , Alimi Lukman O. , Das Raj Kumar , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: January 2016

A polar coordination polymer has been synthesised that exhibits anomalous anisotropic thermal expansion. The guest water molecules of the as-synthesised complex can be removed on activation without loss of crystal singularity to yield the fully dehydrated form that shows considerably different thermal expansion behaviour compared to its hydrated analogue.
Highlights from Faraday Discussion 184: Single-Molecule Microscopy and Spectroscopy, London, UK, September 2015
Authors: Gellings E. , Faez S. , Piatkowski L.
Published: January 2016

The 2015 Faraday Discussion on single-molecule microscopy and spectroscopy brought together leading scientists involved in various topics of single-molecule research.
Correction: Evidence for a surface gold hydride on a nanostructured gold catalyst
Authors: Silverwood I. P. , Rogers S. M. , Callear S. K. , Parker S. F. , Catlow C. R. A.
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘Evidence for a surface gold hydride on a nanostructured gold catalyst’ by I. P. Silverwood et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 533–536.
Two-photon absorption of ligand-protected Ag15 nanoclusters. Towards a new class of nonlinear optics nanomaterials
Authors: Sanader Željka , Krstić Marjan , Russier-Antoine Isabelle , Bertorelle Franck , Dugourd Philippe , Brevet Pierre-François , Antoine Rodolphe , Bonačić-Koutecký Vlasta
Published: January 2016

Theoretical and experimental two-photon absorption cross sections of thiolated small silver cluster Ag15L11 exhibiting extraordinary large TPA.
Correction: Tethering silver ions on amino-functionalized mesoporous silica for enhanced and sustained antibacterial properties
Authors: Wang Chengwei , Hong Hua , Lin Zhaofen , Yuan Yuan , Liu Changsheng , Ma Xiaoyu , Cao Xiaoyan
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘Tethering silver ions on amino-functionalized mesoporous silica for enhanced and sustained antibacterial properties’ by Chengwei Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 104289–104298.
Efficient NIR light blockage with matrix embedded silver nanoprism thin films for energy saving window coating
Authors: Carboni M. , Carravetta M. , Zhang X. L. , Stulz E.
Published: January 2016

Highly efficient composite films, consisting of silica coated and functionalised silver nanoprisms (SNPs) which are covalently embedded in a PMMA matrix, are presented as a low-cost material to reduce thermal radiation flux with low impact on daylight transmission.
Islanding detection method adopting single‐phase‐operating circuit breaker
Authors: Shang Yuwei , Shi Shenxing
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a novel islanding detection method adopting single‐phase‐operating circuit breaker (CB). The method aims to utilise the operation of CB to generate specific electric information to the distributed generator (DG), instead of using a dedicated signal generator at the substation. When islanding forms, the CB opens three‐phase circuits asymmetrically to indicate the islanding, which causes asymmetric operation of the local system within a predefined short time. During this period, negative‐sequence voltage with certain duration is obtained at DG side. Furthermore, the varying characteristics of three‐phase voltages from close status to open status of CB are the same, which can be utilised to distinguish the formation of islanding from system disturbances. The method is tested based on a typical medium‐voltage distribution network with synchronous DG interconnection. Test results show the effectiveness of the proposed method under both islanding formation and system disturbance scenarios.
High‐voltage gain zero‐current switching push–pull resonant converter for small energy sources
Authors: Bilsalam Anusak , Boonyaroonate Itsda , Chunkag Viboon
Published: January 2016

This study presents a high‐voltage gain zero‐current switching (ZCS) push–pull resonant converter for small energy sources. The converter provides a high voltage from a 12 VDC battery via isolated transformer and full‐bridge rectifier. The main switches of the push–pull and full‐bridge diode rectifier operate under ZCS condition. The advantage of this technique is the use of leakage inductance for ZCS operation of the power switch and in designing the secondary side of a resonant tank. A prototype high‐voltage gain push–pull resonant converter was built and operated at 110 kHz fixed switching frequency, 350 VDC output voltage, and 200 W output power to analyse the effect of parasitic junction capacitance of the full‐bridge rectifier, which significantly affects the operating point of the resonant tank and the voltage. This study introduces the implementation and design using the data of a single diode to calculate the parameters. The simulation and experimental results verified the proposed and designed circuits. Both results agreed with the theoretical analysis.
Applying thermophysics for wind turbine drivetrain fault diagnosis using SCADA data
Authors: Qiu Yingning , Feng Yanhui , Sun Juan , Zhang Wenxiu , Infield David
Published: January 2016

Cost‐effective wind turbine (WT) diagnosis using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data is a promising technology for future intelligent wind farm operation and management. This study presents a thermophysics‐based method for WT drivetrain fault diagnosis. A synthesised thermal model is formed by incorporating thermal mechanisms of the drivetrain into a WT system model. Applications of the model are demonstrated in case studies of the gearbox and generator comparing simulation results and SCADA data analysis. The results show non‐linearity of the gearbox oil temperature rise with wind speed/output power that can effectively indicate gearbox efficiency degradation, which may be attributed to gear transmission problems such as gear teeth wear. Electrical generator faults such as ventilation failure and winding voltage unbalance will cause changes to heat transfer and result in temperature changes that can be used for diagnosis purposes. This is shown by different patterns of stator winding temperature associated with power generation, while the simulation reveals the thermal mechanism. The method can be applied to diagnose some failure modes which are hard to identify from vibration analysis. The developed thermal model can play a central role for the purpose of fault diagnosis, by deriving relationships between various SCADA signals and revealing changes in the thermophysics of WT operation.
Robust generation maintenance scheduling considering wind power and forced outages
Authors: Ji Guoqiang , Wu Wenchuan , Zhang Boming
Published: January 2016

Generation maintenance scheduling has system level and equipment level aspects. At the system level, large‐scale integration of wind power brings about significant challenges for classical generator maintenance scheduling. At the equipment level, forced outages of power equipment caused by wear affect maintenance decisions. Here, the authors report a robust optimisation model for maintenance scheduling considering wind power integration and forced outages of equipment. An uncertainty set is used to describe fluctuations in the wind power, and a method to control the conservativeness of the robust model is developed. An outage model is used to describe the impact of the operating conditions on maintenance decisions. The effects and advantages of the model are demonstrated via numerical simulations.