bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ca-Mediated Electroformation of Cell-Sized Lipid Vesicles
Authors: Tao Fei , Yang Peng
Published: May 2015

Cell-sized lipid giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are formed when lipid molecules self-assemble to construct a single bilayer compartment with similar morphology to living cells. The physics of self-assembly process is only generally understood and the size distribution of GUVs tends to be very polydisperse. Herein we report a strategy for the production of controlled size distributions of GUVs by a novel mechanism dissecting the mediation ability of calcium (Ca) on the conventional electroformation of GUVs. We finely construct both of the calcium ion (Ca2+) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) mineral adsorption layers on a lipid film surface respectively during the electroformation of GUVs. It is found that Ca2+Slip plane polarized by alternating electric field could induce a pattern of electroosmotic flow across the surface and thus confine the fusion and growth of GUVs to facilitate the formation of uniform GUVs. The model is further improved by directly using CaCO3that is in situ formed on a lipid film surface, providing a GUV population with narrow polydispersity. The two models deciphers the new biological function of calcium on the birth of cell-like lipid vesicles and thus might be potentially relevant to the construction of new model to elucidate the cellular development process.
Characterization of the thermolysis products of Nafion membrane: A potential source of perfluorinated compounds in the environment
Authors: Feng Mingbao , Qu Ruijuan , Wei Zhongbo , Wang Liansheng , Sun Ping , Wang Zunyao
Published: May 2015

The thermal decomposition of Nafion N117 membrane, a typical perfluorosulfonic acid membrane that is widely used in various chemical technologies, was investigated in this study. Structural identification of thermolysis products in water and methanol was performed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS). The fluoride release was studied using an ion-chromatography system and the membrane thermal stability was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. Notably, several types of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) including perfluorocarboxylic acids were detected and identified. Based on these data, a thermolysis mechanism was proposed involving cleavage of both the polymer backbone and its side chains by attack of radical species. This is the first systematic report on the thermolysis products of Nafion by simulating its high-temperature operation and disposal process via incineration. The results of this study indicate that Nafion is a potential environmental source of PFCs, which have attracted growing interest and concern in recent years. Additionally, this study provides an analytical justification of the LC/ESI-MS/MS method for characterizing the degradation products of polymer electrolyte membranes. These identifications can substantially facilitate an understanding of their decomposition mechanisms and offer insight into the proper utilization and effective management on these membranes.
Blind Depth-variant Deconvolution of 3D Data in Wide-field Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Naemura Takeshi
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a new deconvolution method for 3D fluorescence wide-field microscopy. Most previous methods are insufficient in terms of restoring a 3D cell structure, since a point spread function (PSF) is simply assumed as depth-invariant, whereas a PSF of microscopy changes significantly along the optical axis. A few methods that consider a depth-variant PSF have been proposed; however, they are impractical, since they are non-blind approaches that use a known PSF in a pre-measuring condition, whereas an imaging condition of a target image is different from that of the pre-measuring. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a blind approach to estimate depth-variant specimen-dependent PSF and restore 3D cell structure. It is shown by experiments on that the proposed method outperforms the previous ones in terms of suppressing axial blur. The proposed method is composed of the following three steps: First, a non-parametric averaged PSF is estimated by the Richardson Lucy algorithm, whose initial parameter is given by the central depth prediction from intensity analysis. Second, the estimated PSF is fitted to Gibson's parametric PSF model via optimization and depth-variant PSFs are generated. Third, a 3D cell structure is restored by using a depth-variant version of a generalized expectation-maximization.
The Function of the Alula in Avian Flight
Authors: Lee Sang-im , Kim Jooha , Park Hyungmin , Jabłoński Piotr G. , Choi Haecheon
Published: May 2015

The alula is a small structure located at the joint between the hand-wing and arm-wing of birds and is known to be used in slow flight with high angles of attack such as landing. It is assumed to function similarly to a leading-edge slat that increases lift and delays stall. However, in spite of its universal presence in flying birds and the wide acceptance of stall delay as its main function, how the alula delays the stall and aids the flight of birds remains unclear. Here, we investigated the function of alula on the aerodynamic performance of avian wings based on data from flight tasks and wind-tunnel experiments. With the alula, the birds performed steeper descending flights with greater changes in body orientation. Force measurements revealed that the alula increases the lift and often delays the stall. Digital particle image velocimetry showed that these effects are caused by the streamwise vortex, formed at the tip of the alula, that induces strong downwash and suppresses the flow separation over the wing surface. This is the first experimental evidence that the alula functions as a vortex generator that increases the lift force and enhances manoeuvrability in flights at high angles of attack.
Circadian variations of clock gene Per2 and cell cycle genes in different stages of carcinogenesis in golden hamster buccal mucosa
Authors: Tan Xue-Mei , Ye Hua , Yang Kai , Chen Dan , Wang Qing-Qing , Tang Hong , Zhao Ning-Bo
Published: May 2015

Previous studies have suggested that the expression of clock genes have circadian rhythms and many cell cycle genes are regulated by clock genes. The disruption of circadian rhythms appears to be associated with the acceleration of cancer development. To investigate the circadian patterns of the clock gene Per2 and of cell cycle genes p53, Cyclin D1, CDK1 and Cyclin B1 in different stages of carcinogenesis, the daily mRNA profiles of these genes were detected by real-time RT-PCR in dimethylbenzanthracene-induced cancer, in precancerous lesions and in normal tissues. Per2, p53, Cyclin D1 and CDK1 showed circadian rhythms in the 3 different stages of carcinogenesis, whereas the circadian rhythm of Cyclin B1 was absent in the precancerous lesions. The mesors and amplitudes of Per2 and p53 were decreased (P < 0.05), but the mesors of Cyclin D1, CDK1 and Cyclin B1 were increased with the development of cancer (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal tissues, the acrophases of Per2 and CDK1 were earlier in precancerous lesions and the acrophases of Cyclin D1, CDK1 and Cyclin B1 occurred later in the cancer cells. Our study represents the first demonstration of the circadian pattern variations of these genes in different stages of carcinogenesis.
Nonvolatile Bio-Memristor Fabricated with Egg Albumen Film
Authors: Chen Ying-Chih , Yu Hsin-Chieh , Huang Chun-Yuan , Chung Wen-Lin , Wu San-Lein , Su Yan-Kuin
Published: May 2015

This study demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of chicken egg albumen-based bio-memristors. By introducing egg albumen as an insulator to fabricate memristor devices comprising a metal/insulator/metal sandwich structure, significant bipolar resistive switching behavior can be observed. The 1/f noise characteristics of the albumen devices were measured and results suggested that their memory behavior results from the formation and rupture of conductive filaments. Oxygen diffusion and electrochemical redox reaction of metal ions under a sufficiently large electric field are the principal physical mechanisms of the formation and rupture of conductive filaments; these mechanisms were observed by analysis of the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and resistance–temperature (R–T) measurement results. The switching property of the devices remarkably improved by heat-denaturation of proteins; reliable switching endurance of over 500 cycles accompanied by an on/off current ratio (Ion/off) of higher than 103 were also observed. Both resistance states could be maintained for a suitably long time (>104 s). Taking the results together, the present study reveals for the first time that chicken egg albumen is a promising material for nonvolatile memory applications.
Antimicrobial nano-silver non-woven polyethylene terephthalate fabric via an atmospheric pressure plasma deposition process
Authors: Deng Xiaolong , Yu Nikiforov Anton , Coenye Tom , Cools Pieter , Aziz Gaelle , Morent Rino , De Geyter Nathalie , Leys Christophe
Published: May 2015

An antimicrobial nano-silver non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric has been prepared in a three step process. The fabrics were first pretreated by depositing a layer of organosilicon thin film using an atmospheric pressure plasma system, then silver nano-particles (AgNPs) were incorporated into the fabrics by a dipping-dry process and finally the nano-particles were covered by a second organosilicon layer of 10-50 nm, which acts as a barrier layer. Different surface characterization techniques like SEM and XPS have been implemented to study the morphology and the chemical composition of the nano-silver fabrics. Based on these techniques, a uniform immobilization of AgNPs in the PET matrix has been observed. The antimicrobial activity of the treated fabrics has also been tested using P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans. It reveals that the thickness of the barrier layer has a strong effect on the bacterial reduction of the fabrics. The durability and stability of the AgNPs on the fabrics has also been investigated in a washing process. By doing so, it is confirmed that the barrier layer can effectively prevent the release of AgNPs and that the thickness of the barrier layer is an important parameter to control the silver ions release.
Enhancement of spin-wave nonreciprocity in magnonic crystals via synthetic antiferromagnetic coupling
Authors: Di K. , Feng S. X. , Piramanayagam S. N. , Zhang V. L. , Lim H. S. , Ng S. C. , Kuok M. H.
Published: May 2015

Spin-wave nonreciprocity arising from dipole-dipole interaction is insignificant for magnon wavelengths in the sub-100 nm range. Our micromagnetic simulations reveal that for the nanoscale magnonic crystals studied, such nonreciprocity can be greatly enhanced via synthetic antiferromagnetic coupling. The nonreciprocity is manifested as highly asymmetric magnon dispersion curves of the magnonic crystals. Furthermore, based on the study of the dependence of the nonreciprocity on an applied magnetic field, the antiparallel alignment of the magnetizations is shown to be responsible for the enhancement. Our findings would be useful for magnonic and spintronics applications.
A controlled solvothermal synthesis of CuS hierarchical structures and their natural-light-induced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Hosseinpour Zahra , Alemi Abdolali , Khandar Ali Akbar , Zhao Xiujian , Xie Yi
Published: May 2015

A solvothermal synthesis of CuS hierarchical structures for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB).
Photophysical and thermal properties of novel solid state fluorescent benzoxazole based styryl dyes from a DFT study
Authors: Yadav Urmiladevi Narad , Kumbhar Haribhau Shantaram , Deshpande Saurabh Satish , Sahoo Suban Kumar , Shankarling Ganapati Subray
Published: May 2015

Solid state photoluminescent benzoxazole styryl dyes – synthesis and study of the photophysical properties from a DFT study.
Silver nanoparticle aggregates on metal fibers for solid phase microextraction–surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Limei , Cui Jingcheng , Shi Yu-e , Wang Le , Zhan Jinhua
Published: May 2015

Silver–copper fibers loaded with silver nanoparticles are used for SPME–SERS detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be further confirmed by GC-MS.
Electrochemical detection of single E. coli bacteria labeled with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sepunaru Lior , Tschulik Kristina , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Gavish Rachel , Compton Richard G.
Published: May 2015

A proof of concept for the electrochemical detection of single Escherichia coli bacteria decorated with silver nanoparticles is demonstrated.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of β-lactone-fused cyclopentanes using homoenolate annulation reaction
Authors: Mukherjee Subrata , Mondal Santigopal , Patra Atanu , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: May 2015

NHC-catalyzed annulation of enals with 2-enoylpyridines or 2-enoylpyridine N-oxides leading to the diastereoselective synthesis of β-lactone-fused cyclopentanes is reported.
CO2 as a regulator for the controllable preparation of highly dispersed chitosan-supported Pd catalysts in ionic liquids
Authors: Xue Zhimin , Sun Xiaofu , Li Zhonghao , Mu Tiancheng
Published: May 2015

A controllable synthetic route has been developed for the preparation of chitosan supported Pd catalysts in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate by using compressed CO2 as the anti-solvent and regulator.
Photoinduced electron transfer in a supramolecular triad produced by porphyrin anion-induced electron transfer from tetrathiafulvalene calix[4]pyrrole to Li+@C60
Authors: Davis Christina M. , Ohkubo Kei , Lammer Aaron D. , Kim Dong Sub , Kawashima Yuki , Sessler Jonathan L. , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: May 2015

The use of separate recognition motifs, namely anion recognition and donor–acceptor interactions, has allowed the construction of a self-assembled triad.
Direct electrochemiluminescence of gold nanoparticles bifunctionalized by luminol analogue–metal complexes in neutral and alkaline media
Authors: Shu Jiangnan , Wang Wei , Cui Hua
Published: May 2015

Strong direct electrochemiluminescence of gold nanoparticles bifunctionalized by luminol analogue–metal complexes was observed in neutral and alkaline media without a coreactant.
Thermostructural behaviour of Ni–Cr materials: modelling of bulk and nanoparticle systems
Authors: Ortiz-Roldan Jose M. , Rabdel Ruiz-Salvador A. , Calero Sofía , Montero-Chacón Francisco , García-Pérez Elena , Segurado Javier , Martin-Bragado Ignacio , Hamad Said
Published: May 2015

View of two Ni nanoparticles during the sintering process, studied by molecular dynamics simulations.
Structure of a liquid/liquid interface during solvent extraction combining X-ray and neutron reflectivity measurements
Authors: Scoppola E. , Watkins E. , Li Destri G. , Porcar L. , Campbell R. A. , Konovalov O. , Fragneto G. , Diat O.
Published: May 2015

Combining neutron and X-ray reflectivity structural information from a liquid/liquid interface containing extractant molecules and ions is obtained. A Monte-Carlo simulation permits us to build a molar distribution profile across the interface, even if no molecular ordering exists.
A heterobimetallic [MnII5CuII5] nanowheel modulated by a flexible bis-oxamate type ligand
Authors: do Pim Walace D. , de Faria Érica N. , Oliveira Willian X. C. , Pinheiro Carlos B. , Nunes Wallace C. , Cano Joan , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel , Stumpf Humberto O. , Pereira Cynthia L. M.
Published: May 2015

The reaction of the dicopper(ii) metallacyclophane [Cu2(edpba)2]2− with fully solvated manganese(ii) ions yields the nanowheel [Mn5Cu5(edpba)5] with a S = 10 low-lying spin state.
MoCl5 as an effective chlorinating agent towards α-amino acids: synthesis of α-ammonium-acylchloride salts and α-amino-acylchloride complexes
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Bresciani Giulio , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano
Published: May 2015

Molybdenum pentachloride acts as an efficient chlorinating agent toward the carboxylic function of α-amino acids, affording α-ammonium-acylchloride salts and/or α-amino-acylchloride ligands.
A multi-component polyoxometalate and its catalytic performance for CO2 cycloaddition reactions
Authors: Chen Shumin , Liu Ying , Guo Jipeng , Li Pengzhen , Huo Zhiyuan , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: May 2015

A multi-component polyoxometalate based on earth-abundant elements (NH4)10[Co8(H2O)10V10Mo23O104(OH)6]·34.5H2O was obtained, which can prompt the coupling of CO2 with epoxides.
Polyacetylenes from carrots (Daucus carota) improve glucose uptake in vitro in adipocytes and myotubes
Authors: El-Houri Rime B. , Kotowska Dorota , Christensen Kathrine B. , Bhattacharya Sumangala , Oksbjerg Niels , Wolber Gerhard , Kristiansen Karsten , Christensen Lars P.
Published: May 2015

Falcarinol and falcarindiol isolated from a carrot extract stimulate glucose uptake in adipocytes and myotubes, and may represent scaffolds for novel partial PPARγ agonists.
Fast size-determination of intact bacterial plasmids using nanofluidic channels
Authors: Frykholm K. , Nyberg L. K. , Lagerstedt E. , Noble C. , Fritzsche J. , Karami N. , Ambjörnsson T. , Sandegren L. , Westerlund F.
Published: May 2015

We demonstrate how circular bacterial plasmids can be automatically sized and discriminated from linear DNA fragmentsviastretching in nanochannels.
Direct synthesis of graphene 3D-coated Cu nanosilks network for antioxidant transparent conducting electrode
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Wang Huachun , Wu Chenping , Lin Na , Soomro Abdul Majid , Guo Huizhang , Liu Chuan , Yang Xiaodong , Wu Yaping , Cai Duanjun , Kang JunYong
Published: May 2015

Cu@graphene nanosilk network achieves high transparency, high flexibility, low resistance and antioxidance.
Ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 2-aryl-4-quinazolinones with olefins: synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-9(1H)-one motifs
Authors: Zheng Yong , Song Wei-Bin , Zhang Shu-Wei , Xuan Li-Jiang
Published: May 2015

A ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 2-aryl-quinazolinones with olefins via C–H bond activation followed by an intramolecular aza-Michael reaction is described.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic anionic calix[4]arenes and encapsulation of poorly soluble naproxen and flurbiprofen
Authors: Barbera Lucia , Gattuso Giuseppe , Kohnke Franz H. , Notti Anna , Pappalardo Sebastiano , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Pisagatti Ilenia , Patanè Salvatore , Micali Norberto , Villari Valentina
Published: May 2015

The ability of an anionic calix[4]arene amphiphile to aggregate and to solubilize, as a result, the poorly water-soluble drugs naproxen and flurbiprofen is described.
Dendrimers incorporating benzenesulfonamide moieties strongly inhibit carbonic anhydrase isoforms I–XIV
Authors: Carta Fabrizio , Osman Sameh M. , Vullo Daniela , AlOthman Zeid , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2015

As extension of our previous study herein we report a comprehensive investigation of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers as modulators of the human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms I–XIV.
Synthesis, structure and reactivity of [15]-macrodilactones
Authors: Si Debjani , Peczuh Mark W.
Published: May 2015

Synthesis and characterization of some new [15]-macrodilactones revealed that the interplay between three planar units, a stereogenic center and a hinge atom generated a planar chirality that governs their molecular topology.
Enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed synthesis of indenopyrones
Authors: Chen Kun-Quan , Zhang Han-Ming , Wang Dong-Ling , Sun De-Qun , Ye Song
Published: May 2015

Chiral disubstituted indenopyrones were synthesized in high yields with exclusive cis-selectivity and excellent enantioselectivity via N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis.
A continuous method to prepare poorly crystalline silver-doped calcium phosphate ceramics with antibacterial properties
Authors: Range S. , Hagmeyer D. , Rotan O. , Sokolova V. , Verheyen J. , Siebers B. , Epple M.
Published: May 2015

Silver-doped calcium phosphate ceramics were prepared in discontinuous and continuous processes with different amounts of incorporated silver (up to 1.8 wt% silver).
Highly durable silica coated Pt/Cs with different surfactant types for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications
Authors: Yaowarat Wattanachai , Li Oi Lun , Saito Nagahiro
Published: May 2015

Platinum supported on carbon Vulcan XC-72 (Pt/Cs) for application as a cathode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) was coated with silica layers by a sol–gel method with three types of surfactants with different charging properties.
Application of aqueous Ag:ZnInSe quantum dots to non-toxic sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Zhao-Chong , Xu Shu-Hong , Wang Chun-lei , Zhu Li , Bo Fan , Lin Xiao-Yan , Wang Zhu-Yuan , Cui Yi-Ping
Published: May 2015

A non-toxic, aqueous Ag:ZnInSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cell with an efficiency of 0.89% at 1 sun was fabricated.
Preparation of a ROMP-type imidazolium-functionalized norbornene ionic liquid block copolymer and the electrochemical property for lithium-ion batteries polyelectrolyte membranes
Authors: Wang Juan , He Xiaohui , Zhu Hongyu , Chen Defu
Published: May 2015

Solid polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity have been prepared based on an imidazolium-functionalized norbornene ionic liquid block copolymer.
Direct use of allylic alcohols for palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 3-allylbenzo[b]thiophenes, benzofurans and indoles in aqueous media
Authors: Dhage Yogesh Daulat , Shirai Tsukasa , Arima Miho , Nakazima Arisa , Hikawa Hidemasa , Taichi Kusakabe Isao Azumaya , Takahashi Keisuke , Kato Keisuke
Published: May 2015

Palladium-catalyzed allylative cyclization of1,2and3using simple allylic alcohols in aqueous media afforded 3-allylbenzo[b]thiophenes4, 3-allylindoles5and 3-allylbenzofurans6in good yields.
Enhanced enzymatic degradation resistance of plasmid DNA in ionic liquids
Authors: Mazid Romiza R. , Cooper Alexandra , Zhang Ying , Vijayaraghavan R. , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Cortez-Jugo Christina , Cheng Wenlong
Published: May 2015

Buffered ionic liquids can substantially enhance enzymatic degradation resistance of plasmid DNA, indicating the potential to serve as next-generation biological storage buffer at ambient temperature.
A mixed-function-grafted magnetic mesoporous hollow silica microsphere immobilized lipase strategy for ultrafast transesterification in a solvent-free system
Authors: Zheng Mingming , Mao Lijing , Huang Fenghong , Xiang Xia , Deng Qianchun , Feng Yuqi
Published: May 2015

A novel magnetic mesoporous hollow silica microspheres immobilized lipase is described for ultrafast transesterification of phytosterol with fatty acids and triglycerides in a solvent-free system.
Aminonaphthalimide-based pyridinium probes for selective fluorescence sensing of maltose in aqueous media and living cells
Authors: Wang De-Hui , Gong Zhe , Sun Ran , Zhao De-Zhi , Yang Zhan-Xu
Published: May 2015

New aminonaphthalimide-based pyridinium podands as “turn-on” fluorescent probes were designed and synthesised for selectively sensing maltose in living cells.
Functional group effects on structure and topology of cadmium(ii) frameworks with mixed organic ligands
Authors: Hua Ji-Ai , Zhao Yue , Zhao Dan , Kang Yan-Shang , Chen Kai , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: May 2015

Cadmium(ii) complexes were obtained by tuning functional groups of benzenedicarboxylate and reaction conditions, their ferroelectric and photoluminescence properties were studied.
Ultrasmall Cu2O nanocrystals: facile synthesis, controllable assembly and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyou , Yuan Hai , Ye Lina , Hu Junjie , Xu Ying , Li Peng
Published: May 2015

2D or 3D Cu2O superstructures are successfully achieved from ideal Cu2O building blocks.
Anthracene-based ferrocenylselenoethers: syntheses, crystal structures, Cu(i) complexes and sensing property
Authors: Liu Yu-Qing , Ji Wei , Zhou Hai-Yan , Li Yu , Jing Su , Zhu Dun-Ru , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2015

Three novel ferrocenylselenoethers containing an anthracene unit and their four Cu(i) halide complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized
Multifunctional poly(phosphoester)s with two orthogonal protective groups
Authors: Müller Laura K. , Steinbach Tobias , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: May 2015

2-(2-(Benzyloxy)ethoxy)-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane-2-oxide was developed for the ring-opening polymerization to multifunctional poly(phosphoester)s. An acetal-protected comonomer allows selective release of the hydroxyl groups by hydrolysis and hydrogenation.
A dual-mode luminescent probe composed of co-assembled down-conversion CdTe and up-conversion NaYF4:Yb,Tm(Er) nanoparticles
Authors: Li Tingting , Wu Zhennan , Huang Tingting , Liu Jiale , Rong Li , Lan Shijie , Guo Zuoxing , Zhang Hao , Yang Bai
Published: May 2015

Water-dispersible dual-mode luminescent probes are fabricated by co-assembling down-conversion CdTe and up-conversion NaYF4:Yb,Tm(Er) nanoparticles via a ligand-exchange strategy.
Ammonia decomposition catalysis using non-stoichiometric lithium imide
Authors: Makepeace Joshua W. , Wood Thomas J. , Hunter Hazel M. A. , Jones Martin O. , David William I. F.
Published: May 2015

The non-stoichiometric lithium imide–amide system effectively decomposes ammonia to its constituents, hydrogen and nitrogen. Isotopic studies show that this bulk catalytic reaction has the potential to generate high-purity hydrogen for future energy and transport applications.
Vermicious thermo-responsive Pickering emulsifiers
Authors: Thompson K. L. , Fielding L. A. , Mykhaylyk O. O. , Lane J. A. , Derry M. J. , Armes S. P.
Published: May 2015

Thermo-responsive vermicious (or worm-like) diblock copolymer nanoparticles prepared directly in n-dodecane are used to stabilise water-in-oil Pickering emulsions.
ATP-triggered biomimetic deformations of bioinspired receptor-containing polymer assemblies
Authors: Yan Qiang , Zhao Yue
Published: May 2015

A block copolymer can recognize ATP through bioinspired receptors to initiate a series of deformation and morphological transitions of the polymer assemblies.
Assessing the exchange coupling in binuclear lanthanide(iii) complexes and the slow relaxation of the magnetization in the antiferromagnetically coupled Dy2 derivative
Authors: Chow Chun Y. , Bolvin Hélène , Campbell Victoria E. , Guillot Régis , Kampf Jeff W. , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Gendron Frédéric , Autschbach Jochen , Pecoraro Vincent L. , Mallah Talal
Published: May 2015

Two relaxation processes of the magnetization in an antiferromagnetically coupled Dy2 metallacrown-based complex.
Enzyme repurposing of a hydrolase as an emergent peroxidase upon metal binding
Authors: Fujieda Nobutaka , Schätti Jonas , Stuttfeld Edward , Ohkubo Kei , Maier Timm , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ward Thomas R.
Published: May 2015

Adding a metal cofactor to a protein bearing a latent metal binding site endows the macromolecule with nascent catalytic activity.
pH-Controlled selection between one of three guests from a mixture using a coordination cage host
Authors: Cullen William , Thomas Katie A. , Hunter Christopher A. , Ward Michael D.
Published: May 2015

We demonstrate the use of a simple pH swing to control the selection of one of three different guests from aqueous solution by a coordination cage host.
Unexpected behavior of irradiated spider silk links conformational freedom to mechanical performance
Authors: Perea G. Belén , Solanas Concepción , Plaza Gustavo R. , Guinea Gustavo V. , Jorge Inmaculada , Vázquez Jesús , Pérez Mateos Jorge M. , Marí-Buyé Núria , Elices Manuel , Pérez-Rigueiro José
Published: May 2015

Despite the modification of the molecular weight of the protein chains, UV irradiation does not exert any effect on the compliance of maximum supercontracted major ampullate gland silk fibers.
Preparation of upper critical solution temperature (UCST) responsive diblock copolymers bearing pendant ureido groups and their micelle formation behavior in water
Authors: Fujihara Ami , Shimada Naohiko , Maruyama Atsushi , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Nakai Keita , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: May 2015

Ureido group-bearing methacrylate-type polymers show an upper critical solution temperature in water. We prepared a thermo-responsive diblock copolymer composed of a ureido group-bearing block.
Geometric pumping in autophoretic channels
Authors: Michelin Sébastien , Montenegro-Johnson Thomas D. , De Canio Gabriele , Lobato-Dauzier Nicolas , Lauga Eric
Published: May 2015

Chemically-homogeneous but geometrically-asymmetric channels are shown numerically and theoretically to induce net phoretic flows and act as microscopic pumps.
Spectroelectrochemical investigation of redox states in a polypyrrole/lignin composite electrode material
Authors: Ajjan F. N. , Jafari M. J. , Rębiś T. , Ederth T. , Inganäs O.
Published: May 2015

Spectroelectrochemical investigation of redox states in a polypyrrole/lignin composite electrode material.
Highly efficient and stable planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells via a low temperature solution process
Authors: Zhang Liu Qi , Zhang Xing Wang , Yin Zhi Gang , Jiang Qi , Liu Xin , Meng Jun Hua , Zhao Ya Juan , Wang Hao Lin
Published: May 2015

By combining the slow growth of the perovskite film and the introduction of a ZnO interlayer, highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 16.8% were obtained.
Current status and challenges of ion imprinting
Authors: Fu Junqing , Chen Lingxin , Li Jinhua , Zhang Zhong
Published: May 2015

The current status of ion imprinting, the applications, the challenges and future trends are comprehensively reviewed.
Homogeneous core–shell NiCo2S4 nanostructures supported on nickel foam for supercapacitors
Authors: Kong Wei , Lu Chenchen , Zhang Wu , Pu Jun , Wang Zhenghua
Published: May 2015

Homogeneous core–shell NiCo2S4 nanostructures supported on nickel can be applied as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode.
A 3D dendritic WSe2 catalyst grown on carbon nanofiber mats for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zou MeiLing , Zhang JunFeng , Zhu Han , Du MingLiang , Wang QingFa , Zhang Ming , Zhang XiangWen
Published: May 2015

3D dendritic WSe2 on conductive carbon nanofiber mats (d-WSe2/CFM) was synthesized and directly used as a hydrogen evolution cathode.
Fibrous and flexible supercapacitors comprising hierarchical nanostructures with carbon spheres and graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Lai Yuekun , Ge Mingzheng , Zheng Yaxin , Zhang Ke-Qin , Lin Zhiqun
Published: May 2015

A fibrous and flexible graphene nano-sheet and carbon nano-sphere composite supercapacitor is developed by a novel electrochemical approach and its stable performance with a highly enhanced capacitance is demonstrated.
Fullerene alloy formation and the benefits for efficient printing of ternary blend organic solar cells
Authors: Angmo Dechan , Bjerring Morten , Nielsen Niels Chr. , Thompson Barry C. , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: May 2015

CPMAS NMR confirms blends of PCBM and ICBA form alloy in ternary mixtures with P3HT leading to pseudo-binary phase behavior.
White light emitting soft materials from off-the-shelf ingredients
Authors: Laishram Raju , Bhowmik Sandip , Maitra Uday
Published: May 2015

Two white light emitting hydrogels were prepared by a careful combination of components which are all commercially available.
Umbelliferone β-d-galactopyranoside exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by attenuating COX-1 and COX-2
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Al-Abbasi F. A. , Verma Amita , Mujeeb Mohd. , Anwar Firoz
Published: May 2015

Umbelliferone β-d-galactopyranoside (UFG) is a coumarin found in many plants. This study examines the anti-inflammatory potential of UFG on chronic inflammation induced by Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) in experimental rats.
3D spheroid cultures improve the metabolic gene expression profiles of HepaRG cells
Authors: Takahashi Yu , Hori Yuji , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Urashima Toshiki , Ohara Yasunori , Tanaka Hideo
Published: May 2015

3D (three-dimensional) cultures are considered to be an effective method for toxicological studies; however, little evidence has been reported whether 3D cultures have an impact on hepatocellular physiology regarding lipid or glucose metabolism. In the present study, we conducted physiological characterization of hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HepaRG cells cultured in 3D conditions using a hanging drop method to verify the effect of culture environment on cellular responses. Apo (Apolipoprotein)B as well as albumin secretion was augmented by 3D cultures. Expression of genes related to not only drug, but also glucose and lipid metabolism were significantly enhanced in 3D cultured HepaRG spheroids. Furthermore, mRNA levels of CYP (cytochrome P450) enzymes following exposure to corresponding inducers increased under the 3D condition. These data suggest that this simple 3D culture system without any special biomaterials can improve liver-specific characteristics including lipid metabolism. Considering that the system enables high-throughput assay, it may become a powerful tool for compound screening concerning hepatocellular responses in order to identify potential drugs.
Age-associated modifications of intestinal permeability and innate immunity in human small intestine
Authors: Man Angela L. , Bertelli Eugenio , Rentini Silvia , Regoli Mari , Briars Graham , Marini Mario , Watson Alastair J. M. , Nicoletti Claudio
Published: May 2015

The physical and immunological properties of the human intestinal epithelial barrier in aging are largely unknown. Ileal biopsies from young (7–12 years), adult (20–40 years) and aging (67–77 years) individuals not showing symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies were used to assess levels of inflammatory cytokines, barrier integrity and cytokine production in response to microbial challenges. Increased expression of interleukin (IL)-6, but not interferon (IFN)γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β was observed during aging; further analysis showed that cluster of differentiation (CD)11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the major sources of IL-6 in the aging gut and expressed higher levels of CD40. Up-regulated production of IL-6 was accompanied by increased expression of claudin-2 leading to reduced transepithelial electric resistance (TEER); TEER could be restored in in vitro and ex vivo cultures by neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody. In contrast, expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin and junctional-adhesion molecule-A1 did not vary with age and overall permeability to macromolecules was not affected. Finally, cytokine production in response to different microbial stimuli was assessed in a polarized in vitro organ culture (IVOC). IL-8 production in response to flagellin declined progressively with age although the expression and distribution of toll-like receptor (TLR)-5 on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) remained unchanged. Also, flagellin-induced production of IL-6 was less pronounced in aging individuals. In contrast, TNF-α production in response to probiotics (VSL#3) did not decline with age; however, in our experimental model probiotics did not down-regulate the production of IL-6 and expression of claudin-2. These data suggested that aging affects properties of the intestinal barrier likely to impact on age-associated disturbances, both locally and systemically.
Effects of Age, Sex, and Body Position on Orofacial Muscle Tone in Healthy Adults
Authors: Dietsch Angela M. , Clark Heather M. , Steiner Jessica N. , Solomon Nancy Pearl
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Quantification of tissue stiffness may facilitate identification of abnormalities in orofacial muscle tone and thus contribute to differential diagnosis of dysarthria. Tissue stiffness is affected by muscle tone as well as age-related changes in muscle and connective tissue.

Method

The Myoton-3 measured tissue stiffness in 40 healthy adults, including equal numbers of men and women in each of two age groups: 18–40 years and 60+ years. Data were collected from relaxed muscles at the masseter, cheek, and lateral tongue surfaces in two positions: reclined on the side and seated with head tilted.

Results

Tissue stiffness differed across age, sex, and measurement site with multiple interaction effects. Overall, older subjects exhibited higher stiffness coefficients and oscillation frequency measures than younger subjects whereas sex differences varied by tissue site. Effects of body position were inconsistent across tissue site and measurement.

Conclusions

Although older subjects were expected to have lower muscle tone, age-related nonmuscular tissue changes may have contributed to yield a net effect of higher stiffness. These data raise several considerations for the development of accurate normative data and for future diagnostic applications of tissue stiffness assessment.
Single‐arm helical antenna with width of arm varying periodically for tilted beam
Authors: Zhang Tian‐Ling , Yang Xiao‐Qiang , Fei Dong‐Liang , Yan Ze‐Hong
Published: May 2015

A single‐arm helical antenna with the width of the arm varying periodically for a circularly polarised (CP) tilted beam is introduced. The proposed antenna radiates a CP tilted beam, when the following two conditions are met: (i) the circumference of the proposed antenna is >4λ0/3 (λ0 is the wavelength in free space at the centre frequency) and (ii) the width of the arm varies periodically. The designed procedure reveals that the maximum radiation direction of the tilted beam is not sensitive to a change in frequency. The simulated and measured results show that the designed antenna radiates a CP tilted beam with θmax = 32°. The measured 10 dB return loss bandwidth is 12.8% from 2.33 to 2.65 GHz, and the experimental results of the radiation pattern, gain and axial ratio are also presented.
Understanding the aristolochic acid toxicities in rat kidneys with regulatory networks
Authors: Wang Yin‐Ying , Li Zhiguang , Chen Tao , Zhao Xing‐Ming
Published: May 2015

The natural products containing aristolochic acid (AA) have been widely used for acne, gastritis and so on. Recently, it is becoming accepted that AA may be responsible for acute and chronic renal failures as the side effects of Chinese herbs. However, it is unclear what happens in the cells after the AA treatment. In this study, the authors built a gene regulatory network as well as a microRNA–gene regulatory network to investigate the molecular dynamics induced by AA from a systematic perspective. With the regulatory networks, they detected some important pathways and biological processes that were affected by AA treatment, which can help explain the nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity of AA. They found some important regulators and genes responding to AA treatment, and these genes have been reported to be related to the kidney functions, indicating their important roles in the toxicity of AA.
Welchen Einfluss haben Schulungen auf die Qualität der Patientenidentifikation? – Ergebnisse aus einer randomisierten, multizentrischen und multimodalen Interventionsstudie
Authors: Lessing C. , Straß C. , Standke H.-J. , Lux R.
Published: May 2015

Hintergrund: Die eindeutige Zuordnung von Versorgungsleistungen und Patienten ist eine wesentliche Säule der Patientensicherheit. Das Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e. V. hat dazu eine Empfehlung veröffentlicht.

Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob und in welchem Ausmaß die interprofessionelle Schulung von Empfehlungsinhalten die Dokumentationsqualität als Bestandteil der Patientenidentifikation positiv beeinflussen kann.

Methode: In der randomisierten, multizentrischen und multimodalen Studie wurden Ärzte und Pflegende von 8 Stationen in 4 Krankenhäusern der Regel- und Maximalversorgung gemeinsam geschult und mit begleitenden Informations- und Schulungsmaterialien ausgestattet. Ungeschulte Stationsteams stellten die Kontrollgruppe dar. Die Effekte der Intervention wurden durch die Ermittlung von Dokumentationsfehlern in Patientenakten vor und nach der Schulung gemessen.

Ergebnisse: Nach der Schulung und Verteilung von Begleitmaterialien war in der Interventionsgruppe die Anzahl fehlerhafter Dokumente pro Akte im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe um 37,3% geringer (p<0,001).

Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse der Studie deuten darauf hin, dass die Schulung von Ärzten und Pflegenden ein wirksames Instrument darstellt, identifizierungsrelevante Dokumentationsfehler zu minimieren und damit das Risiko für Patientenverwechslungen zu reduzieren. Regelmäßige Wiederholungen und Vertiefungen erscheinen sinnvoll, um die Effekte von Schulungsmaßnahmen über kurze Zeiträume hinaus zu sichern und weiter zu verbessern.
Moderne Diagnostik und Therapie der Rhinitis allergica
Authors: Hauswald B. , Yarin Y.
Published: May 2015

Allergische Erkrankungen nehmen weltweit zu. Die höchste Steigerungsrate verzeichnet die Rhinitis allergica. Die Diagnose stützt sich neben der Anamnese vor allem auf Hauttests, Labortests und – falls notwendig – auf Provokationstests. Als therapeutische Maßnahmen stehen die symptomatische und die kausale Therapie in Form von Karenz und spezifischer Immuntherapie zur Verfügung. Die spezifische Immuntherapie sollte als Mittel der Wahl angestrebt werden. Die spezifische Immuntherapie besteht aus subkutaner und sublingualer Immuntherapie. Therapeutika sind meistens native Allergene und Allergoide. Rekombinante Allergene befinden sich in der Entwicklung. Die modernen Therapieschemata dieser Präparate bestehen aus ganzjähriger oder prä- und co-saisonaler Behandlung mit mindestens 3- bis 4-jähriger Dauer. Bei polyvalenter Allergie können verschiedene Präparatformen und Therapieschemata miteinander kombiniert werden. Die Zukunft der Behandlung der Rhinitis allergica liegt in der weiteren Entwicklung der spezifischen Immuntherapie.
Structure and dynamics of a salt-bridge model system in water and DMSO
Authors: Lotze S. , Bakker H. J.
Published: May 2015

We study the interaction between the ions methylguanidinium and trifluoroacetate dissolved in D2O and dimethylsulfoxide with linear infrared spectroscopy and femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. These ions constitute model systems for the side chains of arginine and glutamic and aspartic acid that are known to form salt bridges in proteins. We find that the salt-bridge formation of methylguanidinium and trifluoroacetate leads to a significant acceleration of the vibrational relaxation dynamics of the antisymmetric COO stretching vibration of the carboxyl moiety of trifluoroacetate. Salt-bridge formation has little effect on the rate of the spectral fluctuations of the CN stretching vibrations of methylguanidinium. The anisotropy of the cross peaks between the antisymmetric COO stretching vibration of trifluoroacetate and the CN stretching vibrations of methylguanidinium reveals that the salt-bridge is preferentially formed in a bidentate end-on configuration in which the two C=O groups of the carboxylate moiety form strong hydrogen bonds with the two −NH2 groups of methylguanidinium.
An accurate and efficient computation method of the hydration free energy of a large, complex molecule
Authors: Yoshidome Takashi , Ekimoto Toru , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Harano Yuichi , Kinoshita Masahiro , Ikeguchi Mitsunori
Published: May 2015

The hydration free energy (HFE) is a crucially important physical quantity to discuss various chemical processes in aqueous solutions. Although an explicit-solvent computation with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is a preferable treatment of the HFE, huge computational load has been inevitable for large, complex solutes like proteins. In the present paper, we propose an efficient computation method for the HFE. In our method, the HFE is computed as a sum of 〈UUV〉/2 (〈UUV〉 is the ensemble average of the sum of pair interaction energy between solute and water molecule) and the water reorganization term mainly reflecting the excluded volume effect. Since 〈UUV〉 can readily be computed through a MD of the system composed of solute and water, an efficient computation of the latter term leads to a reduction of computational load. We demonstrate that the water reorganization term can quantitatively be calculated using the morphometric approach (MA) which expresses the term as the linear combinations of the four geometric measures of a solute and the corresponding coefficients determined with the energy representation (ER) method. Since the MA enables us to finish the computation of the solvent reorganization term in less than 0.1 s once the coefficients are determined, the use of the MA enables us to provide an efficient computation of the HFE even for large, complex solutes. Through the applications, we find that our method has almost the same quantitative performance as the ER method with substantial reduction of the computational load.
Laboratory surface astrochemistry experiments
Authors: Frankland V. L. , Rosu-Finsen A. , Lasne J. , Collings M. P. , McCoustra M. R. S.
Published: May 2015

Although several research groups have studied the formation of H2 on interstellar dust grains using surface science techniques, few have explored the formation of more complex molecules. A small number of these reactions produce molecules that remain on the surface of interstellar dust grains and, over time, lead to the formation of icy mantles. The most abundant of these species within the ice is H2O and is of particular interest as the observed molecular abundance cannot be accounted for using gas-phase chemistry alone. This article provides a brief introduction to the astronomical implications and motivations behind this research and the requirement for a new dual atomic beam ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system. Further details of the apparatus design, characterisation, and calibration of the system are provided along with preliminary data from atomic O and O2 beam dosing on bare silica substrate and subsequent temperature programmed desorption measurements. The results obtained in this ongoing research may enable more chemically accurate surface formation mechanisms to be deduced for this and other species before simulating the kinetic data under interstellar conditions.
Magnetized retarding field energy analyzer measuring the particle flux and ion energy distribution of both positive and negative ions
Authors: Rafalskyi Dmytro , Dudin Stanislav , Aanesland Ane
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the development of a magnetized retarding field energy analyzer (MRFEA) used for positive and negative ion analysis. The two-stage analyzer combines a magnetic electron barrier and an electrostatic ion energy barrier allowing both positive and negative ions to be analyzed without the influence of electrons (co-extracted or created downstream). An optimal design of the MRFEA for ion-ion beams has been achieved by a comparative study of three different MRFEA configurations, and from this, scaling laws of an optimal magnetic field strength and topology have been deduced. The optimal design consists of a uniform magnetic field barrier created in a rectangular channel and an electrostatic barrier consisting of a single grid and a collector placed behind the magnetic field. The magnetic barrier alone provides an electron suppression ratio inside the analyzer of up to 6000, while keeping the ion energy resolution below 5 eV. The effective ion transparency combining the magnetic and electrostatic sections of the MRFEA is measured as a function of the ion energy. It is found that the ion transparency of the magnetic barrier increases almost linearly with increasing ion energy in the low-energy range (below 200 eV) and saturates at high ion energies. The ion transparency of the electrostatic section is almost constant and close to the optical transparency of the entrance grid. We show here that the MRFEA can provide both accurate ion flux and ion energy distribution measurements in various experimental setups with ion beams or plasmas run at low pressure and with ion energies above 10 eV.