bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Mitochondrial Complex-1 Prevents the Downregulation of NKCC2 and ENaCα in Obstructive Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhang Yue , Sun Ying , Ding Guixia , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua , Jia Zhanjun
Published: July 2015

Ureteral obstruction with subsequent hydronephrosis is a common clinical complication. Downregulation of renal sodium transporters in obstructed kidneys could contribute to impaired urinary concentrating capability and salt waste following the release of a ureteral obstruction. The current study was undertaken to investigate the role of mitochondrial complex-1 inhibition in modulating sodium transporters in obstructive kidney disease. Following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) for 7 days, a global reduction of sodium transporters, including NHE3, α-Na-K-ATPase, NCC, NKCC2, p-NKCC2, ENaCα and ENaCγ, was observed, as determined via qRT-PCR and/or Western blotting. Interestingly, inhibition of mitochondrial complex-1 by rotenone markedly reversed the downregulation of NKCC2, p-NKCC2 and ENaCα. In contrast, other sodium transporters were not affected by rotenone. To study the potential mechanisms involved in mediating the effects of rotenone on sodium transporters, we examined a number of known sodium modulators, including PGE2, ET1, Ang II, natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP and CNP) and nitric oxide synthases (iNOS, nNOS and eNOS). Importantly, among these modulators, only BNP and iNOS were significantly reduced by rotenone treatment. Collectively, these findings demonstrated a substantial role of mitochondrial dysfunction in mediating the downregulation of NKCC2 and ENaCα in obstructive kidney disease, possibly via iNOS-derived nitric oxide and BNP.
Solution-Processed Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Ultralow Driving Voltage and Very High Power Efficiency
Authors: Wang Shumeng , Wang Xingdong , Yao Bing , Zhang Baohua , Ding Junqiao , Xie Zhiyuan , Wang Lixiang
Published: July 2015

To realize power efficient solution-processed phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (s-PhOLEDs), the corresponding high driving voltage issue should be well solved. To solve it, efforts have been devoted to the exploitation of novel host or interfacial materials. However, the issues of charge trapping of phosphor and/or charge injection barrier are still serious, largely restraining the power efficiency (PE) levels. Herein, with the utilization of an exciplex-forming couple 4, 4′, 4″ -tris[3-methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) and 1,3,5-tri(m-pyrid-3-yl-phenyl)benzene (TmPyPB), the efficient charge injection and transporting, barrier-free hole-electron recombination for the formation of the interfacial exciplex and elimination of charge traps of phosphors in the emissive layer are realized simultaneously, resulting in a turn-on voltage of 2.36 V, a record high PE of 97.2 lm W−1, as well as extremely low driving voltage of 2.60 V at 100 cd m−2, 3.03 V at 1000 cd m−2and 4.08 V at 10000 cd m−2. This report is the first time that the PE performance of s-PhOLED approaches 100 lm W−1high level, even superior to the corresponding state-of-the-art performance of the same color vacuum-deposited PhOLED (v-PhOLED) counterpart. We anticipate this report opens a new avenue for achieving power efficient monochromatic and white s-PhOLEDs with simple structures.
Fluorometric determination of proline in honey by high-performance liquid chromatography after pre-column derivatization with 7-fluoro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-F)
Authors: Li Yi , Zhou Jinhui , Xue Xiaofeng , Wu Liming , Chen Lanzhen , Zhang Jinzhen , Yang Shuming
Published: July 2015

NBD-F as a derivatization reagent was used to determine the proline content in honey by HPLC with a simple pre-extraction method.
Ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy reveals a dominant weakly-emissive population of fibril bound thioflavin-T
Authors: Singh Prabhat K. , Mora Aruna K. , Nath Sukhendu
Published: July 2015

Ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that the majority of insulin fibril bound thioflavin-T remains weakly emissive and undergoes efficient ultrafast conformational relaxation.
Asymmetric vinylogous Michael reaction of cyclic enones with silyloxy furans
Authors: Jadhav Amol P. , Bhaskara Rao V. U. , Singh Pradeep , Gonnade R. G. , Singh Ravi P.
Published: July 2015

A chiral, primary diamine catalyzed enantioselective vinylogous Michael reaction of cyclohexenone/medium and large cyclic enones with various 2-silyloxyfuran has been explored.
Thermochromic and solvatochromic properties of Lindqvist polyoxometalates
Authors: Herrmann S. , Margraf J. T. , Clark T. , Streb C.
Published: July 2015

The thermochromic and solvatochromic properties of a family of Lindqvist polyoxometalates are rationalized by experimental and computational methods.
Wavelength resolved specific optical rotations and homochiral equilibria
Authors: Polavarapu P. L. , Covington C. L.
Published: July 2015

Wavelength resolved specific optical rotations in homochiral monomer–dimer equilibria.
Predicting near-UV electronic circular dichroism in nucleosomal DNA by means of DFT response theory
Authors: Norman Patrick , Parello Joseph , Polavarapu Prasad L. , Linares Mathieu
Published: July 2015

It is demonstrated that time-dependent density functional theory (DFT) calculations can accurately predict changes in near-UV electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of DNA as the structure is altered from the linear (free) B-DNA form to the supercoiled N-DNA form found in nucleosome core particles.
An in situ high-temperature scanning electron microscopy study of acanthite–argentite phase transformation in nanocrystalline silver sulfide powder
Authors: Sadovnikov S. I. , Gusev A. I. , Rempel A. A.
Published: July 2015

In situ SEM observation of the transformation “acanthite–argentite” which occurs in nanocrystalline and coarse-crystalline silver sulfide at ∼450 K is performed.
Luminescence and X-ray absorption studies on 0.5% Ce3+ doped BaCa2MgSi2O8 phosphor
Authors: Hou Dejian , Zhou Weijie , Wu Cen , Dorenbos Pieter , Liang Hongbin , Sham Tsun-Kong , Zhang Bingbing , Huang Yan , Tao Ye
Published: July 2015

Ce3+ ions prefer to enter a Ba2+ site. Each element in the host contributes to luminescence differently.
Efficient visible driven photocatalyst, silver phosphate: performance, understanding and perspective
Authors: Martin David James , Liu Guigao , Moniz Savio J. A. , Bi Yingpu , Beale Andrew M. , Ye Jinhua , Tang Junwang
Published: July 2015

Photocatalysis is a promising technology that can contribute to renewable energy production from water and water purification.
A family of Fe3+based double-stranded helicates showing a magnetocaloric effect, and Rhodamine B dye and DNA binding activities
Authors: Adhikary Amit , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Konar Sanjit
Published: July 2015

A series of Fe3+based double-stranded helicates unveil a significant magnetocaloric effect as well as binding activities with Rhodamine B dye and CT-DNA.
Reduction-induced facile isomerisation of metallacarboranes: synthesis and crystallographic characterisation of 4-Cp-4,1,2-closo-CoC2B9H11
Authors: Man Wing Y. , Rosair Georgina M. , Welch Alan J.
Published: July 2015

One-electron reduction of 3-Cp-3,1,2-closo-CoC2B9H11 followed by heating to reflux in DME (b.p. 85 °C) induces isomerisation to 4-Cp-4,1,2-closo-CoC2B9H11.
Ion exchange-precipitation for nutrient recovery from dilute wastewater
Authors: Williams A. T. , Zitomer D. H. , Mayer B. K.
Published: July 2015

Regulated phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) discharges and the cost of fertilizer provide economic drivers for nutrient removal and recovery from wastewater.
3-O-Hydroxytyrosol glucuronide and 4-O-hydroxytyrosol glucuronide reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro
Authors: Giordano Elena , Dangles Olivier , Rakotomanomana Njara , Baracchini Silvia , Visioli Francesco
Published: July 2015

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is important for atherosclerosis development and is mediated by the unfolded protein response (UPR).
Protective effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids on high TMAO diet-induced vascular dysfunction and liver injury in mice
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Zhao Yan , Yuan Li , Yang Xingbin
Published: July 2015

This study was performed to investigate the liver and vascular changes in high trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) diet-fed mice, and the possible vasoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of purified tartary buckwheat flavonoid fraction (TBF).
Bubble sorting in pinched microchannels for ultrasound contrast agent enrichment
Authors: Kok Maarten P. , Segers Tim , Versluis Michel
Published: July 2015

We present a lab-on-a-chip methodology for the enrichment of ultrasound contrast agents using pinched flow fractionation. We extend the modelling to include relatively large particles, by combining numerical and experimental results. Due to the simple operating principle, sorting devices based on this method are ideally suited for paralellization.
General defocusing particle tracking
Authors: Barnkob Rune , Kähler Christian J. , Rossi Massimiliano
Published: July 2015

The General Defocusing Particle Tracking (GDPT) is a 3D particle tracking method that relies on a simple empirical procedure based on a calibration image stack and the normalized cross-correlation function. The method is intuitive and easy to use and can be applied on defocused particle images of arbitrary shapes.
Nitrite ion sensing properties of ZnTiO3–TiO2 composite thin films deposited from a zinc–titanium molecular complex
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Khaledi Hamid , Pandikumar Alagarsamy , Rameshkumar Perumal , Huang Nay Ming , Arifin Zainudin , Mazhar Muhammad
Published: July 2015

ZnTiO3–TiO2 composite thin film electrode has been fabricated by AACVD method and tested for electrochemical nitrite ion detection.
Efficient red luminescence from organic-soluble Au25 clusters by ligand structure modification
Authors: Mathew Ammu , Varghese Elizabeth , Choudhury Susobhan , Pal Samir Kumar , Pradeep T.
Published: July 2015

An efficient method to enhance visible luminescence in a visibly non-luminescent organic-soluble 4-(tert butyl)benzyl mercaptan (SBB)-stabilized Au25 cluster has been developed.
Photoelectrochemical etching and energy gap control of silver clusters
Authors: Kogo Atsushi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: July 2015

A HOMO–LUMO energy gap of Ag32 clusters is controlled by monochromatic photoelectrochemical etching due to photoinduced electron transfer from the clusters to TiO2.
A radical approach for fluorescent turn ‘on’ detection, differentiation and bioimaging of methanol
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Kumar Ajit , Diwan Uzra , Singh Manish Kumar , Upadhyay K. K.
Published: July 2015

A Schiff base (RC) is presented herein as a smart fluorescent material for the selective detection and bioimaging of methanol. The key step behind same involves methanol induced opening of the cyclic control unit ofRCresulting in the formation of a highly fluorescent moiety,RO.
Micro-patterned polymer brushes by a combination of photolithography and interface-mediated RAFT polymerization for DNA hybridization
Authors: Cimen Dilek , Caykara Tuncer
Published: July 2015

A novel micro-patterned poly(AHMA) brush was prepared by a combination of photolithography and interface mediated RAFT polymerization for DNA hybridization. By this method, highly resolved micro-patterned polymer brush structures down to ∼2.0 μm lines were obtained.
Designed enzymatically degradable amphiphilic conetworks by radical ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Shi Yinfeng , Schmalz Holger , Agarwal Seema
Published: July 2015

A simple and versatile route for making functional biodegradable amphiphilic conetworks (APCNs) with unique swelling property and excellent enzymatic degradability is presented. The APCNs were made by radical ring-opening copolymerization of cyclic ketene acetal and vinyl cyclopropane derivative.
PEGylated poly(diselenide-phosphate) nanogel as efficient self-delivery nanomedicine for cancer therapy
Authors: Li Chunting , Huang Wei , Zhou Linzhu , Huang Ping , Pang Yan , Zhu Xinyuan , Yan Deyue
Published: July 2015

A biocompatible, biodegradable and redox-responsive PEGylated poly(diselenide-phosphate) nanogel was synthesized. The nanogel can potently inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. It is a potentially efficient and self-delivery nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
Shining a light on an adaptable photoinitiator: advances in photopolymerizations initiated by thioxanthones
Authors: Dadashi-Silab Sajjad , Aydogan Cansu , Yagci Yusuf
Published: July 2015

This review focuses on the advancements and progress in photoinitiated polymerization techniques mediated by thioxanthone (TX) and its derivatives.
Palladium-catalyzed alkylation of unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds with primary alkyl iodides at room temperature: facile synthesis of β-alkyl α-amino acids
Authors: Wang B. , Wu X. , Jiao R. , Zhang S.-Y. , Nack W. A. , He G. , Chen G.
Published: July 2015

Practical synthesis of β-alkyl α-amino acidsviaC(sp3)–H alkylation at room temperature.
Enantioselective nickel-catalyzed alkylative alkyne–aldehyde cross-couplings
Authors: Nie Ming , Fu Wenzhen , Cao Ziping , Tang Wenjun
Published: July 2015

An efficient asymmetric nickel-catalyzed alkylative alkyne–aldehyde cross-coupling is developed by employing BI-DIME as the P-chiral monophosphorus ligand, allowing rapid access to a series of chiral tetra-substituted olefinic allylic alcohols in high yields and good to excellent ees.
A quartz crystal microbalance as a tool for biomolecular interaction studies
Authors: Wu Yuanzi , Ma Hongwei , Gu Dayong , He Jian'an
Published: July 2015

A quartz crystal microbalance was successfully applied to quantitatively analyze biomolecular interactions using a poly(ethylene glycol) matrix and equations for impedance analysis of frequency changes at multiple overtones.
Stimuli-induced multiple dissociation and micellization transitions of random copolymers
Authors: Li Shasha , Chen Guangxin , Zhou Zheng , Li Qifang
Published: July 2015

Upon UV irradiation, random copolymer P(NBMA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA) was converted into P(MAA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA) with disruption of the initial micelles. Further increasing the temperature or decreasing the pH induced the reformation of micelles.
Dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine from biological samples based on green deep eutectic solvents and Fe3O4@MIL-100 (Fe) core–shell nanoparticles grafted with pyrocatechol
Authors: Khezeli T. , Daneshfar A.
Published: July 2015

DA, EP and NE were determined without interference of ascorbic acid using grafted Fe3O4@MIL-100 (Fe) NPs and a green solvent.
Characteristics of a phospholipid DOPC/cholesterol bilayer based on surface free energy and its components
Authors: Jurak M. , Chibowski E.
Published: July 2015

The effect of the cholesterol (Chol) content (xChol = 0.25; 0.5; 0.75) on the wettability changes of solid supported bilayers of unsaturated 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) was investigated at 20 °C and 37 °C.
Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite: pre-graphenization synthesis and photocatalytic investigation of various magnetic nanostructures
Authors: Soofivand F. , Salavati-Niasari M.
Published: July 2015

For the first time, a novel technique for preparing cobalt(ii) acetyl acetonate [Co(acac)2] nanostructures has been developed by using the sublimation process.
A simple preparation method and characterization of epoxy reinforced microporous phenolic open-cell sound absorbent foam
Authors: Gong Rui , Xu Qian , Chu Yineng , Gu Xingyue , Ma Jie , Li Ruihai
Published: July 2015

A series of micro-porous phenolic open-cell sound absorbent foams reinforced by epoxy resin were fabricated by a physical foaming method.
Barberry fruit extract assisted in situ green synthesis of Cu nanoparticles supported on a reduced graphene oxide–Fe3O4nanocomposite as a magnetically separable and reusable catalyst for the O-arylation of phenols with aryl halides under ligand-free conditions
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Maham Mehdi , Rostami-Vartooni Akbar , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: July 2015

In situsynthesis of copper nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Fe3O4nanocomposite was carried out with barberry fruit extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent.
Functionalized carbon microarrays platform for high sensitive detection of HIV-Tat peptide
Authors: Penmatsa Varun , Rahim Ruslinda A. , Kawarada Hiroshi , Wang Chunlei
Published: July 2015

Detection of HIV-TAT peptide on functionalized 3-dimensional carbon micropillar array platform with detection limit of 50 pmol.
Controllable electrophoresis deposition of TiO2 mesoporous spheres onto Ti threads as photoanodes for fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Yin Hexing , Li Zhengdao , Zhou Yong , Yu Tao , Liu Jianguo , Zou Zhigang
Published: July 2015

The electrophoresis deposition technique was applied to fabricate fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSC) by depositing TiO2 mesoporous sphere onto a Ti wire as a photoanode. The total conversion efficiency of the FDSSC achieves 3.8%.
SnCl4 or TiCl4: highly efficient catalysts for the detetrahydropyranylation and demethoxymethylation of phenolic ethers and sequential one-pot asymmetric synthesis of 3-aryl-2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroindan-1-ones from chalcone epoxides
Authors: Ahmed Naseem , Pathe Gulab Khushalrao , Jheeta Sohan
Published: July 2015

SnCl4 or TiCl4 catalysts provide a rapid and efficient detetrahydropyranylation and demethoxymethylation of phenolic ethers and a sequential one-pot intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation of chalcone epoxides under mild reaction conditions.
A value-added use of volatile turpentine: antifungal activity and QSAR study of β-pinene derivatives against three agricultural fungi
Authors: Li Jian , Tian Xiangrong , Gao Yanqing , Shang Shibin , Feng Juntao , Zhang Xing
Published: July 2015

22 derivatives from β-pinene were synthesized and their fungicidal activities against three pathogenic fungi were investigated. Studies showed that the introduction of an electron withdrawing group was favorable towards the fungicidal activity.
Cotton-based porous activated carbon with a large specific surface area as an electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Guofu , Guo Dongyang , Sun Kanjun , Peng Hui , Yang Qian , Zhou Xiaozhong , Zhao Xiaolong , Lei Ziqiang
Published: July 2015

Cotton-based porous activated carbons (CACs) are prepared through a simple chemical activation method using cotton fiber as carbon source and ZnCl2 as activating agent.
Remarkable permeability enhancement of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membrane by blending cobalt oxide/graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Ouyang Gan , Hussain Asif , Li Jiebing , Li Dengxin
Published: July 2015

The process scheme of preparation of hybrid ultrafiltration membranes.
Biocompatible nano hydroxyapatite – curcumin bi-coated antibacterial activated carbon for water purification
Authors: Udayakantha K. S. Malsha , de Silva Rohini M. , de Silva K. M. Nalin , Hettiarachchi Chamari
Published: July 2015

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) has been used for water purification since ancient times due to its well-known sorption properties. Nano HAP-curcumin bi-coated GAC is a novel and biocompatible material with inbuilt antibacterial properties.
Waterless tanning: chrome tanning in ethanol and its derivatives
Authors: Silambarasan S. , Aravindhan R. , Rao J. Raghava , Thanikaivelan P.
Published: July 2015

Waterless chrome tanning in an ethanol medium is reported for leather making with comparable properties and shrinkage temperature, low chromium leaching, high exhaustion along with the possibility of recycling.
Fast and sensitive lateral photovoltaic effects in Fe3O4/Si Schottky junction
Authors: Wang Xianjie , Song Bingqian , Huo Mingxue , Song Yunfei , Lv Zhe , Zhang Yu , Wang Yang , Song Yongli , Wen Jiahong , Sui Yu , Tang Jinke
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we report the fast and sensitive lateral photovoltaic (LPE) effects in a Fe3O4/Si junction.
Enhanced figure of merit in Mg2Si0.877Ge0.1Bi0.023/multi wall carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Farahi Nader , Prabhudev Sagar , Bugnet Matthieu , Botton Gianluigi A. , Zhao Jianbao , Tse John S. , Salvador James R. , Kleinke Holger
Published: July 2015

Adding multi wall carbon nanotubes to Mg2Si0.877Ge0.1Bi0.023 led to an increased power factor via energy filtering as well as a lowered thermal conductivity via increased phonon scattering, and thus an enhanced thermoelectric performance.
Synthesis, characterization, TDDFT calculation and biological activity of tetradentate ligand based square pyramidal Cu(ii) complexes
Authors: Bhunia Apurba , Manna Soumen , Mistri Soumen , Paul Aparup , Manne Rajesh Kumar , Santra Manas Kumar , Bertolasi Valerio , Chandra Manna Subal
Published: July 2015

Fluorescent Cu(ii) compounds have been synthesized, and characterized by structure analyses and DFT/TD-DFT calculations. Compounds show catecholase and anticancer activities.
Investigation of quinoline-4-carboxylic acid as a highly potent scaffold for the development of alkaline phosphatase inhibitors: synthesis, SAR analysis and molecular modelling studies
Authors: Khan Imtiaz , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Ibrar Aliya , Hameed Shahid , Lecka Joanna , Millán Jose Luis , Sévigny Jean , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: July 2015

The present study is directed towards the development of quinoline-4-carboxylic acid derivatives as potential alkaline phosphatase inhibitors.
A thermophysical and structural characterization of ionic liquids with alkyl and perfluoroalkyl side chains
Authors: Vieira N. S. M. , Reis P. M. , Shimizu K. , Cortes O. A. , Marrucho I. M. , Araújo J. M. M. , Esperança J. M. S. S. , Lopes J. N. Canongia , Pereiro A. B. , Rebelo L. P. N.
Published: July 2015

Novel fluorinated ionic liquids composed of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations and perfluoroalkylsulfonates or perfluoroalkylcarboxylates anions were investigated from thermodynamic, thermophysical and simulation perspectives.
Making the longest sugars: a chemical synthesis of heparin-related [4]noligosaccharides from 16-mer to 40-mer
Authors: Hansen Steen U. , Miller Gavin J. , Cliff Matthew J. , Jayson Gordon C. , Gardiner John M.
Published: July 2015

Synthesis of the longest heparin-related oligosaccharide backbones is enabled by efficient iterative [4]n-mer homologationsviasolution-phase synthesis. Pure-Shift HSQC NMR provides a dramatic improvement in anomeric signal resolution.
Nematic liquid crystals confined in microcapillaries for imaging phenomena at liquid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Zhong Shenghong , Jang Chang-Hyun
Published: July 2015

Liquid crystals confined in microcapillaries for imaging chemoresponsive interfacial phenomena.
Structural evolution analysis and cold-crystallization kinetics of spherical crystals in poly(trimethylene terephthalate) film using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Chenglong , Chen Shaoyun , Zhang Weihong , Xie Fangyan , Chen Jian , Chen Xudong
Published: July 2015

The Raman shift of CO bonds reveals the dynamic processes and molecular structural evolution of cold crystallization of amorphous poly(trimethylene terephthalate).
Rational design and synthesis of NixCo3−xO4 nanoparticles derived from multivariate MOF-74 for supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Siru , Xue Ming , Li Yanqiang , Pan Ying , Zhu Liangkui , Qiu Shilun
Published: July 2015

Multivariate mixed-metal oxide materials derived from multivariate MOF-74 crystals showed the highest capacitance for supercapacitors when the Ni/Co metal ratio reached 1 : 1.
High performance NaxCoO2 as a cathode material for rechargeable sodium batteries
Authors: Rami Reddy B. Venkata , Ravikumar R. , Nithya C. , Gopukumar S.
Published: July 2015

A high performance NaxCoO2 cathode material for sodium ion batteries has been synthesized using a sol–gel combustion technique using glycine as a chelating agent.
Silicon nanowires loaded with iron phosphide for effective solar-driven hydrogen production
Authors: Lv Cuncai , Chen Zhibo , Chen Zhongzhong , Zhang Bin , Qin Yong , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi
Published: July 2015

Si nanowires loaded with iron phosphide exhibit excellent performance in solar driven hydrogen generation.
Morphological control of organic–inorganic perovskite layers by hot isostatic pressing for efficient planar solar cells
Authors: Matsushima Toshinori , Fujihara Takashi , Qin Chuanjiang , Terakawa Shinobu , Esaki Yu , Hwang Sunbin , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Potscavage William J. , Adachi Chihaya
Published: July 2015

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of organic–inorganic perovskite layers reduces undesirable pin holes and spatial gaps between crystals, enhancing power conversion efficiencies.
A–D–A-type S,N-heteropentacene-based hole transport materials for dopant-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Steck Christopher , Franckevičius Marius , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Mishra Amaresh , Bäuerle Peter , Grätzel Michael
Published: July 2015

Heteropentacene-based A–D–A type hole transport materials with suitable frontier orbital energy levels were synthesized and used in perovskite solar cells showing power conversion efficiencies up to 11.4%.
Recent advances in the development of sunlight-driven hollow structure photocatalysts and their applications
Authors: Nguyen Chinh Chien , Vu Nhu Nang , Do Trong-On
Published: July 2015

This review highlights the recent development of sunlight-driven hollow-structure photocatalysts for solar fuel production and environmental remediation.
Vertically aligned graphene nanosheets on silicon using an ionic liquid electrolyte: towards high performance on-chip micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Aradilla David , Delaunay Marc , Sadki Saïd , Gérard Jean-Michel , Bidan Gérard
Published: July 2015

Vertically oriented graphene nanosheets were synthesized by an alternative and simple approach based on electron cyclotron resonance-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD) onto highly doped silicon substrates.
Foamed single-crystalline anatase nanocrystals exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Shaohong , Wang Wei , Chen Jialin , Li Ji-Guang , Li Xiaodong , Sun Xudong , Dong Yu
Published: July 2015

Foamed single-crystalline anatase nanocrystals exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity were prepared by a novel fluorine-assisted dehydration/assembly method.
Structural, optical, and electronic studies of wide-bandgap lead halide perovskites
Authors: Comin Riccardo , Walters Grant , Thibau Emmanuel Sol , Voznyy Oleksandr , Lu Zheng-Hong , Sargent Edward H.
Published: July 2015

Color tunability in mixed Br/Cl lead-based perovskite thin films.
DNA-mediated control of Au shell nanostructure and controlled intra-nanogap for a highly sensitive and broad plasmonic response range
Authors: Lee Haemi , Nam Sang Hwan , Jung Yu Jin , Park Sojeong , Kim Jung-Mu , Suh Yung Doug , Lim Dong-Kwon
Published: July 2015

DNA-mediated simple synthetic methods enabled anisotropic plasmonic nanostructures with a tailorable intra-nanogap distance ranging from 0.9 to 4.0 nm to be obtained.
An intrinsically disordered region of RPN10 plays a key role in restricting ubiquitin chain elongation in RPN10 monoubiquitination
Authors: Puig-Sàrries Pilar , Bijlmakers Marie-José , Zuin Alice , Bichmann Anne , Pons Miquel , Crosas Bernat
Published: July 2015

Despite being a common mechanism in eukaryotes, the process by which protein monoubiquitination is produced and regulated in vivo is not completely understood. We present here the analysis of the process of monoubiquitination of the proteasomal subunit Rpn10 (regulatory particle non-ATPase 10), involved in the recruitment of polyubiquitinated substrates. Rpn10 is monoubiquitinated in vivo by the Nedd4 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 4) enzyme Rsp5 (reverses SPT-phenotype protein 5) and this modification impairs the interaction of Rpn10 with substrates, having a regulatory effect on proteasome function. Remarkably, a disordered region near the ubiquitin-interacting motif of Rpn10 plays a role in the restriction of the polyubiquitin extension activity of Rsp5. Mutations in this disordered region promote ubiquitin chain extension of Rpn10. Thus, our work sheds light on the molecular basis and the functional relevance of a type of monoubiquitination that is driven by the substrate. Moreover, we uncover a putative role for disordered regions in modulating ubiquitin–protein ligation.
Nuclear localization signals for four distinct karyopherin-β nuclear import systems
Authors: Soniat Michael , Chook Yuh Min
Published: July 2015

The Karyopherin-β family of proteins mediates nuclear transport of macromolecules. Nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization of proteins is often suggested by the presence of NLSs (nuclear localization signals) or NESs (nuclear export signals). Import-Karyopherin-βs or Importins bind to NLSs in their protein cargos to transport them through nuclear pore complexes into the nucleus. Until recently, only two classes of NLS had been biochemically and structurally characterized: the classical NLS, which is recognized by the Importin-α/β heterodimer and the PY-NLS (proline–tyrosine NLS), which is recognized by Karyopherin-β2 or Transportin-1. Structures of two other Karyopherin-βs, Kap121 and Transportin-SR2, in complex with their respective cargos were reported for the first time recently, revealing two new distinct classes of NLSs. The present paper briefly describes the classical NLS, reviews recent literature on the PY-NLS and provides in-depth reviews of the two newly discovered classes of NLSs that bind Kap121p and Transportin-SR respectively.
A recycling pathway for cyanogenic glycosides evidenced by the comparative metabolic profiling in three cyanogenic plant species
Authors: Pičmanová Martina , Neilson Elizabeth H. , Motawia Mohammed S. , Olsen Carl Erik , Agerbirk Niels , Gray Christopher J. , Flitsch Sabine , Meier Sebastian , Silvestro Daniele , Jørgensen Kirsten , Sánchez-Pérez Raquel , Møller Birger Lindberg , Bjarnholt Nanna
Published: July 2015

Cyanogenic glycosides are phytoanticipins involved in plant defence against herbivores by virtue of their ability to release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon tissue disruption. In addition, endogenous turnover of cyanogenic glycosides without the liberation of HCN may offer plants an important source of reduced nitrogen at specific developmental stages. To investigate the presence of putative turnover products of cyanogenic glycosides, comparative metabolic profiling using LC–MS/MS and high resolution MS (HR–MS) complemented by ion-mobility MS was carried out in three cyanogenic plant species: cassava, almond and sorghum. In total, the endogenous formation of 36 different chemical structures related to the cyanogenic glucosides linamarin, lotaustralin, prunasin, amygdalin and dhurrin was discovered, including di- and tri-glycosides derived from these compounds. The relative abundance of the compounds was assessed in different tissues and developmental stages. Based on results common to the three phylogenetically unrelated species, a potential recycling endogenous turnover pathway for cyanogenic glycosides is described in which reduced nitrogen and carbon are recovered for primary metabolism without the liberation of free HCN. Glycosides of amides, carboxylic acids and ‘anitriles’ derived from cyanogenic glycosides appear as common intermediates in this pathway and may also have individual functions in the plant. The recycling of cyanogenic glycosides and the biological significance of the presence of the turnover products in cyanogenic plants open entirely new insights into the multiplicity of biological roles cyanogenic glycosides may play in plants.
KEAP1–NRF2 signalling and autophagy in protection against oxidative and reductive proteotoxicity
Authors: Dodson Matthew , Redmann Matthew , Rajasekaran Namakkal S. , Darley-Usmar Victor , Zhang Jianhua
Published: July 2015

Maintaining cellular redox status to allow cell signalling to occur requires modulation of both the controlled production of oxidants and the thiol-reducing networks to allow specific regulatory post-translational modification of protein thiols. The oxidative stress hypothesis captured the concept that overproduction of oxidants can be proteotoxic, but failed to predict the recent finding that hyperactivation of the KEAP1–NRF2 system also leads to proteotoxicity. Furthermore, sustained activation of thiol redox networks by KEAP1–NRF2 induces a reductive stress, by decreasing the lifetime of necessary oxidative post-translational modifications required for normal metabolism or cell signalling. In this context, it is now becoming clear why antioxidants or hyperactivation of antioxidant pathways with electrophilic therapeutics can be deleterious. Furthermore, it suggests that the autophagy–lysosomal pathway is particularly important in protecting the cell against redox-stress-induced proteotoxicity, since it can degrade redox-damaged proteins without causing aberrant changes to the redox network needed for metabolism or signalling. In this context, it is important to understand: (i) how NRF2-mediated redox signalling, or (ii) the autophagy-mediated antioxidant/reductant pathways sense cellular damage in the context of cellular pathogenesis. Recent studies indicate that the modification of protein thiols plays an important role in the regulation of both the KEAP1–NRF2 and autophagy pathways. In the present review, we discuss evidence demonstrating that the KEAP1–NRF2 pathway and autophagy act in concert to combat the deleterious effects of proteotoxicity. These findings are discussed with a special emphasis on their impact on cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.
Necroptosis is a key pathogenic event in human and experimental murine models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Afonso Marta B. , Rodrigues Pedro M. , Carvalho Tânia , Caridade Marta , Borralho Paula , Cortez-Pinto Helena , Castro Rui E. , Rodrigues Cecília M.P.
Published: July 2015

Hepatocyte cell death, inflammation and oxidative stress constitute key pathogenic mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the role of necroptosis in human and experimental NAFLD and its association with tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and oxidative stress. Serum markers of necrosis, liver receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) were evaluated in control individuals and patients with NAFLD. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) or RIP3-deficient (RIP3−/−) mice were fed a high-fat choline-deficient (HFCD) or methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet, with subsequent histological and biochemical analysis of hepatic damage. In primary murine hepatocytes, necroptosis and oxidative stress were also assessed after necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) treatment or RIP3 silencing. We show that circulating markers of necrosis and TNF-α, as well as liver RIP3 and MLKL phosphorylation were increased in NAFLD. Likewise, RIP3 and MLKL protein levels and TNF-α expression were increased in the liver of HFCD and MCD diet-fed mice. Moreover, RIP3 and MLKL sequestration in the insoluble protein fraction of NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) mice liver lysates represented an early event during stetatohepatitis progression. Functional studies in primary murine hepatocytes established the association between TNF-α-induced RIP3 expression, activation of necroptosis and oxidative stress. Strikingly, RIP3 deficiency attenuated MCD diet-induced liver injury, steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress. In conclusion, necroptosis is increased in the liver of NAFLD patients and in experimental models of NASH. Further, TNF-α triggers RIP3-dependent oxidative stress during hepatocyte necroptosis. As such, targeting necroptosis appears to arrest or at least impair NAFLD progression.
CD147 promotes liver fibrosis progression via VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signalling-mediated cross-talk between hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Yan Zhaoyong , Qu Kai , Zhang Jing , Huang Qichao , Qu Ping , Xu Xinsen , Yuan Peng , Huang Xiaojun , Shao Yongping , Liu Chang , Zhang Hongxin , Xing Jinliang
Published: July 2015

Although previous evidence indicates close involvement of CD147 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, the underlying molecular mechanisms and its therapeutic value remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the biological roles of CD147 in liver fibrosis and assessed its therapeutic value as a target molecule in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. We found that CD147 was highly expressed in both hepatocytes and SECs (sinusoidal endothelial cells) in fibrotic liver tissues. Additionally, it was significantly associated with the fibrosis stage. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1) was found to be mainly responsible for the up-regulation of CD147. Bioinformatic and experimental data suggest a functional link between CD147 expression and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A)/VEGR-2 (VEGF receptor 2) signalling-mediated angiogenesis in fibrotic liver tissues. Furthermore, we observed that the CD147-induced activation of the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt signalling pathway promotes the production of VEGF-A in hepatocytes and expression of VEGFR-2 in SECs, which was found to enhance the angiogenic capability of SECs. Finally, our data indicate that blocking of CD147 using an mAb (monoclonal antibody) attenuated liver fibrosis progression via inhibition of VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signalling and subsequent amelioration of microvascular abnormality in the CCl4-induced mouse model. Our findings suggest a novel functional mechanism that CD147 may promote liver fibrosis progression via inducing the VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signalling pathway-mediated cross-talk between hepatocytes and SECs. New strategies based on the intervention of CD147 can be expected for prevention of liver fibrosis.
Plasma long non-coding RNA, CoroMarker, a novel biomarker for diagnosis of coronary artery disease
Authors: Yang Yujia , Cai Yue , Wu Gengze , Chen Xinjian , Liu Yukai , Wang Xinquan , Yu Junyi , Li Chuanwei , Chen Xiongwen , Jose Pedro A. , Zhou Lin , Zeng Chunyu
Published: July 2015

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but whether circulating lncRNAs can serve as a coronary artery disease (CAD), biomarker is not known. The present study screened lncRNAs by microarray analysis in the plasma from CAD patients and control individuals and found that 265 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. To find specific lncRNAs as possible CAD biomarker candidates, we used the following criteria for 174 up-regulated lncRNAs: signal intensity ≥8, fold change >2.5 and P<0.005. According to these criteria, five intergenic lncRNAs were identified. After validation by quantitative PCR (qPCR), one lncRNA was excluded from the candidate list. The remaining four lncRNAs were independently validated in another population of 20 CAD patients and 20 control individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that lncRNA AC100865.1 (referred to as CoroMarker) was the best of these lncRNAs. CoroMarker levels were also stable in plasma. The predictive value of CoroMarker was further assessed in a larger cohort with 221 CAD patients and 187 control individuals. Using a diagnostic model with Fisher's criteria, taking the risk factors into account, the optimal sensitivity of CoroMarker for CAD increased from 68.29% to 78.05%, whereas the specificity decreased slightly from 91.89% to 86.49%. CoroMarker was stable in plasma because it was mainly in the extracellular vesicles (EVs), probably from monocytes. We conclude that CoroMarker is a stable, sensitive and specific biomarker for CAD.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A165b prevents diabetic neuropathic pain and sensory neuronal degeneration
Authors: Hulse Richard P. , Beazley-Long Nicholas , Ved Nikita , Bestall Samuel M. , Riaz Hamza , Singhal Priya , Ballmer Hofer Kurt , Harper Steve J. , Bates David O. , Donaldson Lucy F.
Published: July 2015

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects up to half of diabetic patients. This neuronal damage leads to sensory disturbances, including allodynia and hyperalgesia. Many growth factors have been suggested as useful treatments for prevention of neurodegeneration, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. VEGF-A is generated as two alternative splice variant families. The most widely studied isoform, VEGF-A165a is both pro-angiogenic and neuroprotective, but pro-nociceptive and increases vascular permeability in animal models. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats develop both hyperglycaemia and many of the resulting diabetic complications seen in patients, including peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we show that the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A splice variant, VEGF-A165b, is also a potential therapeutic for diabetic neuropathy. Seven weeks of VEGF-A165b treatment in diabetic rats reversed enhanced pain behaviour in multiple behavioural paradigms and was neuroprotective, reducing hyperglycaemia-induced activated caspase 3 (AC3) levels in sensory neuronal subsets, epidermal sensory nerve fibre loss and aberrant sciatic nerve morphology. Furthermore, VEGF-A165b inhibited a STZ-induced increase in Evans Blue extravasation in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), saphenous nerve and plantar skin of the hind paw. Increased transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel activity is associated with the onset of diabetic neuropathy. VEGF-A165b also prevented hyperglycaemia-enhanced TRPA1 activity in an in vitro sensory neuronal cell line indicating a novel direct neuronal mechanism that could underlie the anti-nociceptive effect observed in vivo. These results demonstrate that in a model of Type I diabetes VEGF-A165b attenuates altered pain behaviour and prevents neuronal stress, possibly through an effect on TRPA1 activity.
M‐ary phase position shift keying with orthogonal signalling
Authors: Lu Conghui , Wu Lenan , Chen Peng , Wang Jiwu , Liu Huaping
Published: July 2015

An improved M‐ary phase position shift keying (MPPSK) modulation, aiming to increase the spectral and energy efficiencies of existing MPPSK schemes while preserving their low demodulation complexity and error performance, is proposed in this study. Specifically, an improved MPPSK with orthogonal signals called OI‐MPPSK is presented. For the proposed OI‐MPPSK, the authors develop two demodulation schemes that employ a special impact filter (SIF): (i) the orthogonal SIF correlator (OSC) scheme, which consists of the orthogonal transmission, the SIF and a correlator; (ii) the orthogonal SIF position (OSP) scheme, which is the same as the OSC scheme except that the coherent demodulator is replaced by exploiting position‐related information. As a result of exploiting the position‐related information in the proposed OI‐MPPSK scheme, the SER performance of the OSP‐based demodulator is superior to that of the OSC‐based demodulator.
Statistical analysis of three‐dimensional optical flow separability in volumetric images
Authors: Hadian Jazi Marjan , Bab‐Hadiashar Alireza , Hoseinnezhad Reza
Published: July 2015

Three‐dimensional (3D) motion analysis of dynamic body organs using volumetric images is of increasing interest in different computer vision applications. A number of methods for estimation of 3D optical flow in those images have been developed in recent years. However, theoretical limits of 3D optical flow‐based motion estimation and segmentation are yet to be analysed. In this study, a statistical analysis of 3D optical flow is presented and the results are used to predict the separability of local 3D motions. Experimental results, using both synthetic and real images, demonstrate the applicability of the proposed analysis to predict the separability of two motions in terms of the parameters quantifying their relative motion and the scale of measurement noise.
Self-assembly of ordered wurtzite/rock salt heterostructures—A new view on phase separation in MgxZn1−xO
Authors: Gries K. I. , Wassner T. A. , Vogel S. , Bruckbauer J. , Häusler I. , Straubinger R. , Beyer A. , Chernikov A. , Laumer B. , Kracht M. , Heiliger C. , Janek J. , Chatterjee S. , Volz K. , Eickhoff M.
Published: July 2015

The self-assembled formation of ordered, vertically stacked rocksalt/wurtzite MgxZn1−xO heterostructures by planar phase separation is shown. These heterostructures form quasi “natural” two-dimensional hetero-interfaces between the different phases upon annealing of MgO-oversaturated wurtzite MgxZn1−xO layers grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on c-plane sapphire substrates. The optical absorption spectra show a red shift simultaneous with the appearance of a cubic phase upon annealing at temperatures between 900 °C and 1000 °C. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that these effects are caused by phase separation leading to the formation of a vertically ordered rock salt/wurtzite heterostructures. To explain these observations, we suggest a phase separation epitaxy model that considers this process being initiated by the formation of a cubic (Mg,Zn)Al2O4 spinel layer at the interface to the sapphire substrate, acting as a planar seed for the epitaxial precipitation of rock salt MgxZn1−xO. The equilibrium fraction x of magnesium in the resulting wurtzite (rock salt) layers is approximately 0.15 (0.85), independent of the MgO content of the as-grown layer and determined by the annealing temperature. This model is confirmed by photoluminescence analysis of the resulting layer systems after different annealing temperatures. In addition, we show that the thermal annealing process results in a significant reduction in the density of edge- and screw-type dislocations, providing the possibility to fabricate high quality templates for quasi-homoepitaxial growth.
Resonances of a submerged fluid-filled spherically isotropic microsphere with partial-slip interface condition
Authors: Tamadapu Ganesh , Nordmark Arne , Eriksson Anders
Published: July 2015

Motivated by the numerous applications of spherical shell models in micro and nano scales (such as microbubbles, bacterial cells, and viral capsids), we have considered the axisymmetric free vibrations of a spherically isotropic fluid-filled thick microspherical shell suspended in another unbounded fluid. A partial-slip condition is considered at the solid-fluid interface(s). Three-dimensional linear elasticity equations for the spherically isotropic shell dynamics and linearized Navier-Stokes equations for the two compressible viscous fluids are used in the analysis. The eigenvalue problem is discretized and solved to find the resonances and quality factors. A perfectly matched layer technique is used to separate the solid driven spectrum from the boundary reflecting spectrum. An example of air filled polymer shell suspended in water is presented. The added mass effect and partial-slip condition from water (air) on the frequencies and quality factors are found to be significant (negligible). Spherical isotropy is found to have major influence on the low frequency and large meridional wave number region of the resonance spectrum. High quality eigenmodes are observed due to very small viscous penetration depth compared to the shell size. In the thin-shell limit, the eigenvalue problem can have only two modes of vibration for any meridional wave number greater than or equal to two. This explains the reason for the second resonance frequency found for the quadrupole shape oscillations of various bacterium cells in the earlier work. The partial-slip condition is found to have very small influence on the first few modes of vibration. Surface tension is found to have significant influence only on the lowest frequency trend of the eigenspectrum. Perfectly matched layer technique used in the present analysis is found to be very effective in handling the boundary truncated problems.