bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic effects on a tropical forest according to the distance from human settlements
Authors: Popradit Ananya , Srisatit Thares , Kiratiprayoon Somboon , Yoshimura Jin , Ishida Atsushi , Shiyomi Masae , Murayama Takehiko , Chantaranothai Pranom , Outtaranakorn Somkid , Phromma Issara
Published: October 2015

The protection of tropical forests is one of the most urgent issues in conservation biology because of the rapid deforestation that has occurred over the last 50 years. Even in protected forests, the anthropogenic effects from newly expanding villages such as harvesting of medicinal plants, pasturing cattle and forest fires can induce environmental modifications, especially on the forest floor. We evaluated the anthropogenic effects of the daily activities of neighboring residents on natural forests in 12 plots extending from the village boundary into a natural forest in Thailand. The basal area per unit land area did not present a significant trend; however, the species diversity of woody plants decreased linearly towards the village boundary, which caused a loss of individual density because of severe declines in small saplings compared with adult trees and large saplings in proximity to the village. An analysis of tree-size categories indicates a lack of small samplings near the village boundary. The current forest appears to be well protected based on the adult tree canopy, but regeneration of the present-day forests is unlikely because of the loss of seedlings.
Plasma membrane restricted RhoGEF activity is sufficient for RhoA-mediated actin polymerization
Authors: van Unen Jakobus , Reinhard Nathalie R. , Yin Taofei , Wu Yi I. , Postma Marten , Gadella Theodorus W.J. , Goedhart Joachim
Published: October 2015

The small GTPase RhoA is involved in cell morphology and migration. RhoA activity is tightly regulated in time and space and depends on guanine exchange factors (GEFs). However, the kinetics and subcellular localization of GEF activity towards RhoA are poorly defined. To study the mechanism underlying the spatiotemporal control of RhoA activity by GEFs, we performed single cell imaging with an improved FRET sensor reporting on the nucleotide loading state of RhoA. By employing the FRET sensor we show that a plasma membrane located RhoGEF, p63RhoGEF, can rapidly activate RhoA through endogenous GPCRs and that localized RhoA activity at the cell periphery correlates with actin polymerization. Moreover, synthetic recruitment of the catalytic domain derived from p63RhoGEF to the plasma membrane, but not to the Golgi apparatus, is sufficient to activate RhoA. The synthetic system enables local activation of endogenous RhoA and effectively induces actin polymerization and changes in cellular morphology. Together, our data demonstrate that GEF activity at the plasma membrane is sufficient for actin polymerization via local RhoA signaling.
Ezrin is a Major Regulator of Membrane Tension in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Rouven Brückner Bastian , Pietuch Anna , Nehls Stefan , Rother Jan , Janshoff Andreas
Published: October 2015

Plasma membrane tension is responsible for a variety of cellular functions such as motility, cell division and endocytosis. Since membrane tension is dominated by the attachment of the actin cortex to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, we investigated the importance of ezrin, a major cross-linker of the membrane-cytoskeleton interface, for cellular mechanics of confluent MDCK II cells. For this purpose, we carried out ezrin depletion experiments and also enhanced the number of active ezrin molecules at the interface. Mechanical properties were assessed by force indentation experiments followed by membrane tether extraction. PIP2 micelles were injected into individual living cells to reinforce the linkage between plasma membrane and actin-cortex, while weakening of this connection was reached by ezrin siRNA and administration of the inhibitors neomycin and NSC 668394, respectively. We observed substantial stiffening of cells and an increase in membrane tension after addition of PIP2 micelles. In contrast, reduction of active ezrin led to a decrease of membrane tension accompanied by loss of excess surface area, increase in cortical tension, remodelling of actin cytoskeleton and reduction of cell height. The data confirm the importance of the ezrin-mediated connection between plasma membrane and cortex for cellular mechanics and cell morphology.
Parturition failure in mice lacking Mamld1
Authors: Miyado Mami , Miyado Kenji , Katsumi Momori , Saito Kazuki , Nakamura Akihiro , Shihara Daizou , Ogata Tsutomu , Fukami Maki
Published: October 2015

In mice, the onset of parturition is triggered by a rapid decline in circulating progesterone. Progesterone withdrawal occurs as a result of functional luteolysis, which is characterized by an increase in the enzymatic activity of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) in the corpus luteum and is mediated by the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) signaling. Here, we report that the genetic knockout (KO) of Mamld1, which encodes a putative non-DNA-binding regulator of testicular steroidogenesis, caused defective functional luteolysis and subsequent parturition failure and neonatal deaths. Progesterone receptor inhibition induced the onset of parturition in pregnant KO mice and MAMLD1 regulated the expression of Akr1c18, the gene encoding 20α-HSD, in cultured cells. Ovaries of KO mice at late gestation were morphologically unremarkable; however, Akr1c18 expression was reduced and expression of its suppressor Stat5b was markedly increased. Several other genes including Prlr, Cyp19a1, Oxtr and Lgals3 were also dysregulated in the KO ovaries, whereas PGF2α signaling genes remained unaffected. These results highlight the role of MAMLD1 in labour initiation. MAMLD1 likely participates in functional luteolysis by regulating Stat5b and other genes, independent of the PGF2α signaling pathway.
Time-of-Flight Microwave Camera
Authors: Charvat Gregory , Temme Andrew , Feigin Micha , Raskar Ramesh
Published: October 2015

Microwaves can penetrate many obstructions that are opaque at visible wavelengths, however microwave imaging is challenging due to resolution limits associated with relatively small apertures and unrecoverable “stealth” regions due to the specularity of most objects at microwave frequencies. We demonstrate a multispectral time-of-flight microwave imaging system which overcomes these challenges with a large passive aperture to improve lateral resolution, multiple illumination points with a data fusion method to reduce stealth regions and a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) receiver to achieve depth resolution. The camera captures images with a resolution of 1.5 degrees, multispectral images across the X frequency band (8 GHz–12 GHz) and a time resolution of 200 ps (6 cm optical path in free space). Images are taken of objects in free space as well as behind drywall and plywood. This architecture allows “camera-like” behavior from a microwave imaging system and is practical for imaging everyday objects in the microwave spectrum.
Strong magnetic frustration and anti-site disorder causing spin-glass behavior in honeycomb Li2RhO3
Authors: Katukuri Vamshi M. , Nishimoto Satoshi , Rousochatzakis Ioannis , Stoll Hermann , van den Brink Jeroen , Hozoi Liviu
Published: October 2015

With large spin-orbit coupling, the "Equation missing" electron configuration in d-metal oxides is prone to highly anisotropic exchange interactions and exotic magnetic properties. In 5d5 iridates, given the existing variety of crystal structures, the magnetic anisotropy can be tuned from antisymmetric to symmetric Kitaev-type, with interaction strengths that outsize the isotropic terms. By many-body electronic-structure calculations we here address the nature of the magnetic exchange and the intriguing spin-glass behavior of Li2RhO3, a 4d5 honeycomb oxide. For pristine crystals without Rh-Li site inversion, we predict a dimerized ground state as in the isostructural 5d5 iridate Li2IrO3, with triplet spin dimers effectively placed on a frustrated triangular lattice. With Rh-Li anti-site disorder, we explain the observed spin-glass phase as a superposition of different, nearly degenerate symmetry-broken configurations.
Increasing prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant food-borne Salmonella strains harboring multiple PMQR elements but not target gene mutations
Authors: Lin Dachuan , Chen Kaichao , Wai-Chi Chan Edward , Chen Sheng
Published: October 2015

Fluoroquinolone resistance in Salmonella has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. To probe the molecular basis of this phenomenon, the genetic and phenotypic features of fluoroquinolone resistant Salmonella strains isolated from food samples were characterized. Among the 82 Salmonella strains tested, resistance rate of the three front line antibiotics of ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and azithromycin was 10%, 39% and 25% respectively, which is significantly higher than that reported in other countries. Ciprofloxacin resistant strains typically exhibited cross-resistance to multiple antibiotics including ceftriaxone, primarily due to the presence of multiple PMQR genes and the blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-55blaCMY-2 and blaCMY-72 elements. The prevalence rate of the oqxAB and aac(6’)-Ib-cr genes were 91% and 75% respectively, followed by qnrS (66%), qnrB (16%) and qnrD (3%). The most common PMQR combination observable was aac(6’)-Ib-cr-oqxAB-qnrS2, which accounted for 50% of the ciprofloxacin resistant strains. Interestingly, such isolates contained either no target mutations or only a single gyrA mutation. Conjugation and hybridization experiments suggested that most PMQR genes were located either in the chromosome or a non-transferrable plasmid. To summarize, findings in this work suggested that PMQRs greatly facilitate development of fluoroquinolone resistance in Salmonella by abolishing the requirement of target gene mutations.
Genetic variants in PLCB4/PLCB1 as susceptibility loci for coronary artery aneurysm formation in Kawasaki disease in Han Chinese in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ying-Ju , Chang Jeng-Sheng , Liu Xiang , Tsang Hsinyi , Chien Wen-Kuei , Chen Jin-Hua , Hsieh Hsin-Yang , Hsueh Kai-Chung , Shiao Yi-Tzone , Li Ju-Pi , Lin Cheng-Wen , Lai Chih-Ho , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Chen Chien-Hsiun , Lin Jaung-Geng , Lin Ting-Hsu , Liao Chiu-Chu , Huang Shao-Mei , Lan Yu-Ching , Ho Tsung-Jung , Liang Wen-Miin , Yeh Yi-Chun , Lin Jung-Chun , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: October 2015

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, inflammatory and self-limited vasculitis affecting infants and young children. Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) formation is the major complication of KD and the leading cause of acquired cardiovascular disease among children. To identify susceptible loci that might predispose patients with KD to CAA formation, a genome-wide association screen was performed in a Taiwanese KD cohort. Patients with both KD and CAA had longer fever duration and delayed intravenous immunoglobulin treatment time. After adjusting for these factors, 100 susceptibility loci were identified. Four genes were identified from a single cluster of 35 using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Knowledge Base. Silencing KCNQ5, PLCB1, PLCB4 and PLCL1 inhibited the effect of lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial cell inflammation with varying degrees of proinflammatory cytokine expression. PLCB1 showed the most significant inhibition. Endothelial cell inflammation was also inhibited by using a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs6140791 was identified between PLCB4 and PLCB1. Plasma PLC levels were higher in patients with KD and CC+CG rs6140791genotypes and these genotypes were more prevalent in patients with KD who also had CAA. Our results suggest that polymorphism of the PLCB4/B1 genes might be involved in the CAA pathogenesis of KD.
The enhanced information flow from visual cortex to frontal area facilitates SSVEP response: evidence from model-driven and data-driven causality analysis
Authors: Li Fali , Tian Yin , Zhang Yangsong , Qiu Kan , Tian Chunyang , Jing Wei , Liu Tiejun , Xia Yang , Guo Daqing , Yao Dezhong , Xu Peng
Published: October 2015

The neural mechanism of steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) is still not clearly understood. Especially, only certain frequency stimuli can evoke SSVEP. Our previous network study reveals that 8 Hz stimulus that can evoke strong SSVEP response shows the enhanced linkage strength between frontal and visual cortex. To further probe the directed information flow between the two cortex areas for various frequency stimuli, this paper develops a causality analysis based on the inversion of double columns model using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to characterize the directed information flow between visual and frontal cortices with the intracranial rat electroencephalograph (EEG). The estimated model parameters demonstrate that the 8 Hz stimulus shows the enhanced directional information flow from visual cortex to frontal lobe facilitates SSVEP response, which may account for the strong SSVEP response for 8 Hz stimulus. Furthermore, the similar finding is replicated by data-driven causality analysis. The inversion of neural mass model proposed in this study may be helpful to provide the new causality analysis to link the physiological model and the observed datasets in neuroscience and clinical researches.
p38 MAPK regulates PKAα and CUB-serine protease in Amphibalanus amphitrite cyprids
Authors: Zhang Gen , He Li-Sheng , Him Wong Yue , Xu Ying , Zhang Yu , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: October 2015

The MKK3-p38 MAPK pathway has been reported to mediate larval settlement in Amphibalanus (=Balanus) amphitrite. To clarify the underlying molecular mechanism, we applied label-free proteomics to analyze changes in the proteome of cyprids treated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor. The results showed that the expression levels of 80 proteins were significantly modified (p < 0.05). These differentially expressed proteins were assigned to 15 functional groups according to the KOG database and 9 pathways were significantly enriched. Further analysis revealed that p38 MAPK might regulate the energy supply and metamorphosis. Two potential regulatory proteins, CUB-serine protease and PKAα, were both down-regulated in expression. CUB-serine protease localized to postaxial seta 2 and 3, as well as the 4 subterminal sensilla in the antennule. Importantly, it was co-localized with the neuron transmitter serotonin in the sections, suggesting that the CUB-serine protease was present in the neural system. PKAα was highly expressed during the cyprid and juvenile stages and it was co-localized with phospho-p38 MAPK (pp38 MAPK) to the cement gland, suggesting that PKAα might have some functions in cement glands. Overall, p38 MAPK might regulate multiple functions in A. amphitrite cyprids, including the energy supply, metamorphosis, neural system and cement glands.
Coexistence of glutamatergic spine synapses and shaft synapses in substantia nigra dopamine neurons
Authors: Jang Miae , Um Ki Bum , Jang Jinyoung , Kim Hyun Jin , Cho Hana , Chung Sungkwon , Park Myoung Kyu
Published: October 2015

Dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra have long been believed to have multiple aspiny dendrites which receive many glutamatergic synaptic inputs from several regions of the brain. But, here, using high-resolution two-photon confocal microscopy in the mouse brain slices, we found a substantial number of common dendritic spines in the nigral dopamine neurons including thin, mushroom and stubby types of spines. However, the number of dendritic spines of the dopamine neurons was approximately five times lower than that of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Immunostaining and morphological analysis revealed that glutamatergic shaft synapses were present two times more than spine synapses. Using local two-photon glutamate uncaging techniques, we confirmed that shaft synapses and spine synapses had both AMPA and NMDA receptors, but the AMPA/NMDA current ratios differed. The evoked postsynaptic potentials of spine synapses showed lower amplitudes but longer half-widths than those of shaft synapses. Therefore, we provide the first evidence that the midbrain dopamine neurons have two morphologically and functionally distinct types of glutamatergic synapses, spine synapses and shaft synapses, on the same dendrite. This peculiar organization could be a new basis for unraveling many physiological and pathological functions of the midbrain dopamine neurons.
Germanium: a new catalyst for diamond synthesis and a new optically active impurity in diamond
Authors: Palyanov Yuri N. , Kupriyanov Igor N. , Borzdov Yuri M. , Surovtsev Nikolay V.
Published: October 2015

Diamond attracts considerable attention as a versatile and technologically useful material. For many demanding applications, such as recently emerged quantum optics and sensing, it is important to develop new routes for fabrication of diamond containing defects with specific optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Here we report on successful synthesis of diamond from a germanium-carbon system at conditions of 7 GPa and 1,500–1,800 °C. Both spontaneously nucleated diamond crystals and diamond growth layers on seeds were produced in experiments with reaction time up to 60 h. We found that diamonds synthesized in the Ge-C system contain a new optical centre with a ZPL system at 2.059 eV, which is assigned to germanium impurities. Photoluminescence from this centre is dominated by zero-phonon optical transitions even at room temperature. Our results have widened the family of non-metallic elemental catalysts for diamond synthesis and demonstrated the creation of germanium-related optical centres in diamond.
Multilayer hexagonal silicon forming in slit nanopore
Authors: He Yezeng , Li Hui , Sui Yanwei , Qi Jiqiu , Wang Yanqing , Chen Zheng , Dong Jichen , Li Xiongying
Published: October 2015

The solidification of two-dimensional liquid silicon confined to a slit nanopore has been studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The results clearly show that the system undergoes an obvious transition from liquid to multilayer hexagonal film with the decrease of temperature, accompanied by dramatic change in potential energy, atomic volume, coordination number and lateral radial distribution function. During the cooling process, some hexagonal islands randomly appear in the liquid first, then grow up to grain nuclei and finally connect together to form a complete polycrystalline film. Moreover, it is found that the quenching rate and slit size are of vital importance to the freezing structure of silicon film. The results also indicate that the slit nanopore induces the layering of liquid silicon, which further induces the slit size dependent solidification behavior of silicon film with different electrical properties.
Immunodominant epitope-specific Th1 but not Th17 responses mediate protection against Helicobacter pylori infection following UreB vaccination of BALB/c mice
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Li , Sun Heqiang , Yang Wuchen , Hu Jian , He Yafei , Wei Shanshan , Zhao Zhuo , Zhang Jinyong , Li Haibo , Zou Quanming , Wu Chao
Published: October 2015

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects more than half of the world’s population, causing chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Urease B subunit (UreB), a conserved protein of H. pylori, is capable of inducing specific CD4+ T-cell responses and provides protection against this infection. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of rUreB subunit vaccines in generating CD4+ T-cell-mediated protection, but less is known regarding the roles of different subtypes of T-cell immunity, such as Th1, Th2 and Th17, particularly the immunodominant epitopes inducing specific CD4+ T-cell responses, in vaccine-mediated protection. In this study, we demonstrated that the vaccination of BALB/c mice with rUreB resulted in significant antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Importantly, two novel Th epitopes, UreB317–329 and UreB409–421, which are recognized by a major population of CD4+ T cells, were identified in immunized mice. Our results demonstrated that two novel epitopes can simultaneously induce Th1 and Th17 immune responses; however, only the epitope vaccine-induced CD4+ T-cells secreting IFN-γ mediated the protection against H. pylori; cells secreting IL-17A did not. Taken together, our results suggest that two novel immunodominant epitopes can induce Th1 and Th17 immune responses, but only the induced Th1 lymphocytes mediate protection against H. pylori.
The importance of spatial heterogeneity and self-restraint on mutualism stability - a quantitative review
Authors: Wang Rui-Wu , Dunn Derek W. , Luo Jun , He Jun-Zhou , Shi Lei
Published: October 2015

Understanding the factors that enable mutualisms to evolve and to subsequently remain stable over time, is essential to fully understand patterns of global biodiversity and for evidence based conservation policy. Theoretically, spatial heterogeneity of mutualists, through increased likelihood of fidelity between cooperative partners in structured populations and ‘self-restraint’ of symbionts, due to selection against high levels of virulence leading to short-term host overexploitation, will result in either a positive correlation between the reproductive success of both mutualists prior to the total exploitation of any host resource or no correlation after any host resource has been fully exploited. A quantitative review by meta-analysis on the results of 96 studies from 35 papers, showed no evidence of a significant fitness correlation between mutualists across a range of systems that captured much taxonomic diversity. However, when the data were split according to four categories of host: 1) cnidarian corals, 2) woody plants, 3) herbaceous plants and 4) insects, a significantly positive effect in corals was revealed. The trends for the remaining three categories did not significantly differ to zero. Our results suggest that stability in mutualisms requires alternative processes, or mechanisms in addition to, spatial heterogeneity of hosts and/or ‘self-restraint’ of symbionts.
Detection of neuraminidase stalk motifs associated with enhanced N1 subtype influenza A virulence via Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Choi JooYoung , Martin Sharon J. H. , Tripp Ralph A. , Tompkins S. Mark , Dluhy Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Oligonucleotides corresponding to neuraminidase (NA) stalk motifs that have been associated with enhanced influenza virulence have been identified using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Top-down mass spectrometry of hybrid materials with hydrophobic peptide and hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer blocks
Authors: Alalwiat Ahlam , Grieshaber Sarah E. , Paik Bradford A. , Kiick Kristi L. , Jia Xinqiao , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: October 2015

Top-down, multidimensional mass spectrometry for the molecular level characterization of polymer–peptide or polymer–protein conjugates that cannot be crystallized or chromatographically purified.
Microfluidic compartments with sensing microbeads for dynamic monitoring of cytokine and exosome release from single cells
Authors: Son Kyung Jin , Rahimian Ali , Shin Dong-Sik , Siltanen Christian , Patel Tushar , Revzin Alexander
Published: October 2015

Monitoring activity of single cells has high significance for basic science and diagnostic applications.
Polythiophene derivative on quartz resonators for miRNA capture and assay
Authors: Palaniappan Al. , Cheema Jamal Ahmed , Rajwar Deepa , Ammanath Gopal , Xiaohu Liu , Seng Koon Lim , Yi Wang , Yildiz Umit Hakan , Liedberg Bo
Published: October 2015

A novel approach for miRNA assay using a cationic polythiophene derivative, poly[3-(3′-N,N,N-triethylamino-1′-propyloxy)-4-methyl-2,5-thiophene hydrobromide] (PT), immobilized on a quartz resonator is proposed.
A simple and rapid analytical methodology based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for monitoring pesticide residues in soils from Argentina
Authors: de Gerónimo Eduardo , Botero-Coy Ana María , Marín José M. , Aparicio Virginia C. , Costa José L. , Sancho Juan V. , Hernández Félix
Published: October 2015

A multi-residue determination of pesticides in soils using LC-MS/MS has been developed.
Structural differences in archaeologically relevant calcite
Authors: Xu Ben , Toffolo Michael B. , Regev Lior , Boaretto Elisabetta , Poduska Kristin M.
Published: October 2015

An effective identification strategy for structural differences in archaeologically relevant calcite combines fieldwork-compatible and lab-based techniques.
Bioactivity-guided isolation of anticancer compounds from Euphorbia lathyris
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Sun Jiachen , Lu Hong , Ma Hong , Zhang Yaozhou
Published: October 2015

Bioactivity-guided isolation of anticancer compounds from Euphorbia lathyris.
Substitution of Co2+ ions into CdS-based molecular clusters
Authors: Pittala Swamy , Mortelliti Michael J. , Kato Fumitoshi , Kittilstved Kevin R.
Published: October 2015

The metal ion exchange rate of Co2+ ions into CdS-based clusters is found to correlate with the ligand interconversion rate.
Chemical synthesis of porous hierarchical Ge–Sn binary composites using metathesis reaction for rechargeable Li-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Ning , Zhou Jie , Han Ying , Zhang Kailong , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: October 2015

A typical metathesis reaction is employed to prepare porous hierarchical Ge–Sn binary composites. As an anode for half/full LIBs, the Ge–Sn displays superior electrochemical performance.
Na+ mobility in sodium strontium silicate fast ion conductors
Authors: Peet Joseph R. , Widdifield Cory M. , Apperley David C. , Hodgkinson Paul , Johnson Mark R. , Evans Ivana Radosavljević
Published: October 2015

Variable temperature 23Na solid state NMR spectroscopy and spin-lattice relaxation measurements provide the first direct evidence of Na-ion mobility in sodium strontium silicate fast ion conductors.
Liquid marbles as a micro-reactor for efficient radical alternating copolymerization of diene monomer and oxygen
Authors: Sato E. , Yuri M. , Fujii S. , Nishiyama T. , Nakamura Y. , Horibe H.
Published: October 2015

Liquid marbles are a novel micro-reactor to efficiently synthesize polyperoxides by the radical alternating copolymerization of the 1,3-diene with oxygen.
A double hetero[4]helicene composed of two phenothiazines: synthesis, structural properties, and cationic states
Authors: Sakamaki Daisuke , Kumano Daisuke , Yashima Eiji , Seki Shu
Published: October 2015

A novel double hetero[4]helicene has been prepared by the tandem oxidative C–N coupling of phenothiazine derivatives. This double helicene exhibited good electron donor properties and easily gave the stable cationic radical salt.
A structural and physical study of sol–gel methacrylate–silica hybrids: intermolecular spacing dictates the mechanical properties
Authors: Maçon Anthony L. B. , Page Samuel J. , Chung Justin J. , Amdursky Nadav , Stevens Molly M. , Weaver Jonathan V. M. , Hanna John V. , Jones Julian R.
Published: October 2015

Sol–gel hybrids are inorganic/organic co-networks with nanoscale interactions between the components leading to unique synergistic mechanical properties, which can be tailored, via a selection of the organic moiety.
The elastic–plastic transition in nanoparticle collisions
Authors: Millán Emmanuel N. , Tramontina Diego R. , Urbassek Herbert M. , Bringa Eduardo M.
Published: October 2015

When nanoparticles collide with low velocities, they interact elastically (top). At higher velocities, dislocations and planar defects are created (bottom).
Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from bimolecular reactions of phenyl radicals at high temperatures
Authors: Constantinidis P. , Schmitt H.-C. , Fischer I. , Yan B. , Rijs A. M.
Published: October 2015

The self-reaction of the phenyl radical is one of the key reactions in combustion chemistry.
Low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 over a manganese and cerium oxide/graphene composite prepared by a hydrothermal method
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Sheng Zhongyi , Yang Liu , Dong Fan
Published: October 2015

MnOx–CeO2/graphene catalysts prepared by a hydrothermal method exhibited excellent NH3-SCR activity and strong resistance against SO2, which is very competitive for practical application in controlling NOx emission from flue gas.
Iron-based inorganic–organic hybrid and superlattice thin films by ALD/MLD
Authors: Tanskanen A. , Karppinen M.
Published: October 2015

Here we present novel layer-by-layer deposition processes for the fabrication of inorganic–organic hybrid thin films of the (–Fe–O–C6H4–O–)n type and also superlattices where N thicker iron oxide layer blocks alternate with monomolecular-thin organic layers.
Water stable triazolyl phosphonate MOFs: steep water uptake and facile regeneration
Authors: Begum S. , Horike S. , Kitagawa S. , Krautscheid H.
Published: October 2015

Triazole and phosphonate donors connect Co2+ ions to a water stable 3D framework with hydrophilic nanopores featuring water uptake at low relative pressure.
Multijunction Si photocathodes with tunable photovoltages from 2.0 V to 2.8 V for light induced water splitting
Authors: Urbain Félix , Smirnov Vladimir , Becker Jan-Philipp , Lambertz Andreas , Yang Florent , Ziegler Jürgen , Kaiser Bernhard , Jaegermann Wolfram , Rau Uwe , Finger Friedhelm
Published: October 2015

Bias-free solar water splitting is demonstrated using thin film silicon based triple and quadruple junction solar cells with solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies up to 9.5%.
A planar electron acceptor for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Wu Yao , Bai Huitao , Wang Zaiyu , Cheng Pei , Zhu Siya , Wang Yifan , Ma Wei , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: October 2015

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on blended films of a novel planar acceptor and P3HT gave power conversion efficiencies of up to 5.12%, which are much higher than that of PC61BM-based control devices (3.71%) and the highest values reported for P3HT-based fullerene-free PSCs.
In vitro chemo-preventive activities of hydroxytyrosol: the main phenolic compound present in extra-virgin olive oil
Authors: Rosignoli Patrizia , Fuccelli Raffaela , Sepporta Maria Vittoria , Fabiani Roberto
Published: October 2015

The co-incubation in the culture medium with hydroxytyrosol [3,4-dihydroxyphenyl ethanol (3,4-DHPEA)], the main phenolic compound present in extra-virgin olive oil, and H2O2reduces the oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
Capability of fs-LA-ICP-MS for sulfide analysis in comparison to ns-LA-ICP-MS: reduction of laser induced matrix effects?
Authors: Wohlgemuth-Ueberwasser Cora C. , Jochum Klaus Peter
Published: October 2015

We evaluate fractionation effects in sulfides applying ns- and fs-LA-ICP-MS and find that elemental fractionation is independent of melting.
Fabrication of IR-transparent microfluidic devices by anisotropic etching of channels in CaF2
Authors: Lehmkuhl Brynson , Noblitt Scott D. , Krummel Amber T. , Henry Charles S.
Published: October 2015

(a) Etching schematic of CaF2 using PDMS mold. (b) Photo of CaF2 device with NMA and D2O inlets labeled. The arrow represents where the IR spectra were taken. (c) FTIR data showing NMA and D2O mix. The arrow indicates the amide peak shift from deuteration as the position changes from the mixing area to the NMA channel.
Synergistic activity of a short lipidated antimicrobial peptide (lipoAMP) and colistin or tobramycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: de Gier Martin G. , Bauke Albada H. , Josten Michaele , Willems Rob , Leavis Helen , van Mansveld Rosa , Paganelli Fernanda L. , Dekker Bertie , Lammers Jan-Willem J. , Sahl Hans-Georg , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: October 2015

Synergistic effects between a lipoAMP and colistin against clinical P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients are described.
An ionic liquid catalyzed reusable protocol for one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one under mild conditions
Authors: Nagarajan S. , Shaikh Tanveer Mahamadali , Kandasamy Elango
Published: October 2015

This article describes an efficient protocol for the syntheses of 2,3-dihydroquinazolinones. The synthetic utility of this methodology has been demonstrated with 30 different substrates. The reaction showed good functional group tolerance and high levels of catalytic activity.
Correction: Semidirected versus holodirected coordination and single-component white light luminescence in Pb(ii) complexes
Authors: Chen Ling , Yan Cheng , Pan Mei , Fan Yuan-Zhong , Zhang Lu-Yin , Yin Shao-Yun , Hou Ya-Jun , Wu Kai , Jiang Ji-Jun , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Semidirected versus holodirected coordination and single-component white light luminescence in Pb(ii) complexes’ by Ling Chen et al., New J. Chem., 2015, 39, 5287–5292.
Catalytic effect of ultrananocrystalline Fe3O4on algal bio-crude productionviaHTL process
Authors: Rojas-Pérez Arnulfo , Diaz-Diestra Daysi , Frias-Flores Cecilia B. , Beltran-Huarac Juan , Das K. C. , Weiner Brad R. , Morell Gerardo , Díaz-Vázquez Liz M.
Published: October 2015

We report a comprehensive quantitative study of the production of refined bio-crudesviaa controlled hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process usingUlva fasciatamacroalgae (UFMA) as biomass and ultrananocrystalline Fe3O4(UNCFO) as catalyst.
Soft self-assembled nanoparticles with temperature-dependent properties
Authors: Rovigatti Lorenzo , Capone Barbara , Likos Christos N.
Published: October 2015

Telechelic star polymers, i.e. star polymers made of a number f of di-block copolymers grafted on a central anchoring point, spontaneously and reliably self-assemble into soft patchy particles. The properties of the stars can be finely controlled by changing the physical and chemical parameters of the solution, providing a robust route for the generation of novel materials.
Nanoantioxidant-driven plasmon enhanced proton-coupled electron transfer
Authors: Sotiriou Georgios A. , Blattmann Christoph O. , Deligiannakis Yiannis
Published: October 2015

The proton-coupled electron transfer from gallic acid molecules immobilized on silica coated plasmonic Ag nanoparticles is enhanced by near-infrared laser irradiation.
Polyethylenimine-interlayered core–shell–satellite 3D magnetic microspheres as versatile SERS substrates
Authors: Wang Chongwen , Li Ping , Wang Junfeng , Rong Zhen , Pang Yuanfeng , Xu Jiawen , Dong Peitao , Xiao Rui , Wang Shengqi
Published: October 2015

The CSSM as 3D active substrates for SERS detection.
Mechanistic interpretation of selective catalytic hydrogenation and isomerization of alkenes and dienes by ligand deactivated Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Jie S. , Shon Young-Seok
Published: October 2015

Unsupported thiolate-capped palladium nanoparticle catalysts are found to be highly substrate-selective for alkene hydrogenation and isomerization.
Maximizing the photo catalytic and photo response properties of multimodal plasmonic Ag/WO3−xheterostructure nanorods by variation of the Ag size
Authors: Ghosh Sirshendu , Saha Manas , Paul Sumana , De S. K.
Published: October 2015

Plasmonic Ag/WO3−xheterostructure nanorods with variable sizes of Ag nanocrystal were synthesized by plasmonic photocatalysis process to maximize the photophysical properties.
Experimental and theoretical optical properties of methylammonium lead halide perovskites
Authors: Leguy Aurélien M. A. , Azarhoosh Pooya , Alonso M. Isabel , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Weber Oliver J. , Yao Jizhong , Bryant Daniel , Weller Mark T. , Nelson Jenny , Walsh Aron , van Schilfgaarde Mark , Barnes Piers R. F.
Published: October 2015

The optical constants from the ellipsometry of single crystals of CH3NH3PbX3(X = I, Br, Cl) are interpreted with high levelab initioQSGW calculations.
Radionuclide 131I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Zhao Lingzhou , Cheng Yongjun , Xiong Zhijuan , Tang Yueqin , Shen Mingwu , Zhao Jinhua , Shi Xiangyang
Published: October 2015

Multifunctional folic acid-modified dendrimers can be labeled with radioactive 131I for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors.
Cell-specific optoporation with near-infrared ultrafast laser and functionalized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Bergeron Eric , Boutopoulos Christos , Martel Rosalie , Torres Alexandre , Rodriguez Camille , Niskanen Jukka , Lebrun Jean-Jacques , Winnik Françoise M. , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Meunier Michel
Published: October 2015

Schematic representation of cell-specific optoporation with near-infrared femtosecond laser and stable gold nanoparticles targeting CD44 receptors.
Dependence of Young's modulus on the sodium content within the structural tunnels of a one-dimensional Na-ion battery cathode
Authors: Maksud M. , Palapati N. K. R. , Byles B. W. , Pomerantseva E. , Liu Y. , Subramanian A.
Published: October 2015

The Young's modulus of manganese oxide-based intercalation cathodes exhibits a strong correlation with the ionic content inside its structural tunnels.
Dibenzoyldiethylgermane as a visible light photo-reducing agent for CuAAC click reactions
Authors: Arslan Mustafa , Yilmaz Gorkem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: October 2015

A highly active, versatile and visible light-responsive system for CuAAC click reaction using the dibenzoyldiethylgermane photoinitiator with Cu(ii) has been developed.
Chelate N,O-palladium(ii) complexes: synthesis, characterization and biological activity
Authors: Petrović Vladimir P. , Živanović Marko N. , Simijonović Dušica , Đorović Jelena , Petrović Zorica D. , Marković Snežana D.
Published: October 2015

The structural characterization, cytotoxic and prooxidative activities of four chelate Pd(ii) complexes were examined. Complexes Pd-1 and Pd-6 showed the most significant cytotoxic and prooxidative effects on HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines.
Rapidly accomplished femtomole soluble CD40 ligand detection in human serum: a “green” homobifunctional agent coupled with reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine as platform
Authors: Zhao Yilin , He Junlin , Yuan Guolin , Xia Chunyong , Li Yuliang , Yu Chao
Published: October 2015

A reliable and sensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on a “green” conjunction agent coupled with an amino-group qualified material was used for the analysis of soluble CD40 ligand.
Bis-imidazolium and benzimidazolium based gemini-type ionic liquids structure: synthesis and antibacterial evaluation
Authors: Al-Mohammed Nassir N. , Alias Yatimah , Abdullah Zanariah
Published: October 2015

The incorporated benzenesulfonamide moiety and the active side substituents in di-imidazolium and benzimidazolium cations enhanced both antibacterial activity and miscibility for the synthesized gemini type ILs.
A new collagen solution with high concentration and collagen native structure perfectly preserved
Authors: Qi Pengwei , Zhou Yuanyuan , Wang Dalu , He Zhanhang , Li Zhongjun
Published: October 2015

Optical photograph of collagen solutions in different solvents.
Insights into the interactions between porcine collagen and a Zr–Al–Ti metal complex
Authors: Xiao Shiwei , Dan Weihua , Dan Nianhua
Published: October 2015

Porcine acelluar dermal matrix (pADM), known as pure collagen with a three dimensional structure, was used to explore the interactions between porcine collagen and a metal complex in this study.
Enhanced catalytic activity of enzymes interacting with nanometric titanate nanosheets
Authors: Kamada Kai , Yamada Akane , Soh Nobuaki
Published: October 2015

Enzymatic activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at diluted conditions is highly increased under the presence of nanometric titanate nanosheets (TNS).
Dietary flavone chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone ChR) functionalized highly-stable metal nanoformulations for improved anticancer applications
Authors: Sathishkumar G. , Bharti Rashmi , Jha Pradeep K. , Selvakumar M. , Dey Goutam , Jha Rakhi , Jeyaraj M. , Mandal Mahitosh , Sivaramakrishnan S.
Published: October 2015

A new approach to formulate biofunctionalized metallic silver (ChR–AgNPs) and gold (ChR–AuNPs) nanoparticles using ChR as a direct bioreductant and capping agent as a combinational drug-nano platform for breast cancer therapy.
Formation and growth mechanisms of natural metastable twin boundary in crystalline β-octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine: a computational study
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Wu Qiong , Zhu Weihua , Xiao Heming
Published: October 2015

The twin boundary (TB), a typical planar defect, occurs naturally in molecular explosives and manipulates their sensitivities to external stimuli.
Regulating the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods to optimize the performance of spirally hierarchical structure-based glucose sensors
Authors: Jing W. X. , Zhou F. , Gao W. Z. , Jiang Z. D. , Ren W. , Shi J. F. , Cheng Y. Y. , Gao K.
Published: October 2015

Synthesizing parameters of ZnO nanorods significantly affect the surface morphologies and further the performance of spirally hierarchical structure-based glucose sensors.
Experimental and theoretical study on thermal decomposition of methyl butanoate behind reflected shock waves
Authors: Parandaman A. , Balaganesh M. , Rajakumar B.
Published: October 2015

The rate coefficients for total decomposition of MB in the temperature range of 1229–1427 K, were reported.
Mechanical energy storage performance of an aluminum fumarate metal–organic framework
Authors: Yot Pascal G. , Vanduyfhuys Louis , Alvarez Elsa , Rodriguez Julien , Itié Jean-Paul , Fabry Paul , Guillou Nathalie , Devic Thomas , Beurroies Isabelle , Llewellyn Philip L. , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Serre Christian , Maurin Guillaume
Published: October 2015

Determination of the mechanical energy storage performance of the aluminum fumarate metal–organic framework A520.
Precise, contactless measurements of the surface tension of picolitre aerosol droplets
Authors: Bzdek Bryan R. , Power Rory M. , Simpson Stephen H. , Reid Jonathan P. , Royall C. Patrick
Published: October 2015

Precise measurements of the surface tension and viscosity of airborne picolitre droplets can be accomplished using holographic optical tweezers.
Exploring the application of metastable wurtzite nanocrystals in pure-sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells by forming nearly micron-sized large grains
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhou Fangzhou , Song Ning , Huang Jialiang , Yan Chang , Liu Fangyang , Sun Kaiwen , Stride John A. , Hao Xiaojing , Green Martin A.
Published: October 2015

By using sulfur atmosphere, Na compound, and suitable precursor composition, pure-sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells with 4.83% efficiency are fabricated by forming large grains from metastable wurtzite nanocrystals.
A self-powered system based on triboelectric nanogenerators and supercapacitors for metal corrosion prevention
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Tao Juan , Guo Wenxi , Zhang Xiaojia , Luo Jianjun , Chen Mengxiao , Zhu Jing , Pan Caofeng
Published: October 2015

A self-powered system (triboelectric nanogenerators and supercapacitors) can harvest a huge amount of energy from water for prevention of metal corrosion.
Silica nanoparticles induced the pre-thrombotic state in rats via activation of coagulation factor XII and the JNK-NF-κB/AP-1 pathway
Authors: Jiang Lizhen , Li Yanbo , Li Yang , Guo Caixia , Yu Yongbo , Zou Yang , Yang Yumei , Yu Yang , Duan Junchao , Geng Weijia , Li Qiuling , Sun Zhiwei
Published: October 2015

The pre-thrombotic state induced by SiNPsviathe interaction between platelet activation, coagulation hyperfunction, anti-coagulation and fibrinolytic resistance.
Red wine polyphenol extract efficiently protects intestinal epithelial cells from inflammation via opposite modulation of JAK/STAT and Nrf2 pathways
Authors: Nunes Carla , Teixeira Natércia , Serra Diana , Freitas Víctor , Almeida Leonor , Laranjinha João
Published: October 2015

The development of therapeutic approaches combining efficacy and safety represents an important goal in intestinal inflammation research. Recently, evidence has supported dietary polyphenols as useful tools in the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases, but the mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. We here reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory action of a non-alcoholic polyphenol red wine extract (RWE), operating at complementary levels via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathways. RWE significantly reduced the nuclear levels of phosphorylated STAT1 and also the cellular levels of phosphorylated JAK1 induced by cytokines, suppressing the JAK/STAT inflammatory signalling cascade. In turn, RWE increased the Nrf2 nuclear level, activating the Nrf2 pathway, leading not only to an up-regulation of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression but also to an increase of the glutamate–cysteine ligase subunit catalytic (GCLc) gene expression, enhancing the GSH synthesis, thereby counteracting GSH depletion that occurs under inflammatory conditions. Overall, data indicate that the anti-inflammatory action of RWE is exerted at complementary levels, via suppression of the JAK/STAT inflammatory pathway and positive modulation of the activity of Nrf2. These results point to the potential use of the RWE as an efficient, readily available and inexpensive therapeutic strategy in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation.
Uniform estimates for a Modica–Mortola type approximation of branched transportation
Authors: Monteil Antonin
Published: October 2015

Models for branched networks are often expressed as the minimization of an energyMαover vector measures concentrated on 1-dimensional rectifiable sets with a divergence constraint. We study a Modica–Mortola type approximationMαε, introduced by Edouard Oudet and Filippo Santambrogio, which is defined overH1vector measures. These energies induce some pseudo-distances betweenL2functions obtained through the minimization problem min {Mαε(u): ∇·u=f+−f−}. We prove some uniform estimates on these pseudo-distances which allow us to establish aΓ-convergence result for these energies with a divergence constraint.
Enhanced computational efficiency in the direct determination of the two-electron reduced density matrix from the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation with application to ground and excited states of conjugated π-systems
Authors: Sand Andrew M. , Mazziotti David A.
Published: October 2015

Determination of the two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) from the solution of the anti-Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation (ACSE) yields accurate energies and properties for both ground and excited states. Here, we develop a more efficient method to solving the ACSE that uses second-order information to select a more optimal step towards the solution. Calculations on the ground and excited states of water, hydrogen fluoride, and conjugated π systems show that the improved ACSE algorithm is 10-20 times faster than the previous ACSE algorithm. The ACSE can treat both single- and multi-reference electron correlation with the initial 2-RDM from a complete-active-space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) calculation. Using the improved algorithm, we explore the relationship between truncation of the active space in the CASSCF calculation and the accuracy of the energy and 2-RDM from the ACSE calculation. The accuracy of the ACSE, we find, is less sensitive to the size of the active space than the accuracy of other wavefunction methods, which is useful when large active space calculations are computationally infeasible.