bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial structures and energetics of the strengthening precipitate phase in creep-resistant Mg-Nd-based alloys
Authors: Choudhuri D. , Banerjee R. , Srinivasan S. G.
Published: January 2017

The extraordinary creep-resistance of Mg-Nd-based alloys can be correlated to the formation of nanoscale-platelets of β1-Mg3Nd precipitates, that grow along 〈11"Equation missing"0〉Mg in bulk hcp-Mg and on dislocation lines. The growth kinetics of β1 is sluggish even at high temperatures, and presumably occurs via vacancy migration. However, the rationale for the high-temperature stability of precipitate-matrix interfaces and observed growth direction is unknown, and may likely be related to the interfacial structure and excess energy. Therefore, we study two interfaces– {112}β1/{"Equation missing"100}Mg and {111}β1/{11"Equation missing"0}Mg– that are commensurate with β1/hcp-Mg orientation relationship via first principles calculations. We find that β1 acquires plate-like morphology to reduce small lattice strain via the formation of energetically favorable {112}β1/{"Equation missing"100}Mg interfaces, and predict that β1 grows along 〈11"Equation missing"0〉Mg on dislocation lines due to the migration of metastable {111}β1/{11"Equation missing"0}Mg. Furthermore, electronic charge distribution of the two interfaces studied here indicated that interfacial-energy of coherent precipitates is sensitive to the population of distorted lattice sites, and their spatial extent in the vicinity of interfaces. Our results have implications for alloy design as they suggest that formation of β1-like precipitates in the hcp-Mg matrix will require well-bonded coherent interface along precipitate broad-faces, while simultaneously destabilizing other interfaces.
Gene set based association analyses for the WSSV resistance of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Yu Yang , Liu Jingwen , Li Fuhua , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Chengsong , Xiang Jianhai
Published: January 2017

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is regarded as a virus with the strongest pathogenicity to shrimp. For the threshold trait such as disease resistance, marker assisted selection (MAS) was considered to be a more effective approach. In the present study, association analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in a set of immune related genes were conducted to identify markers associated with WSSV resistance. SNPs were detected by bioinformatics analysis on RNA sequencing data generated by Illimina sequencing platform and Roche 454 sequencing technology. A total of 681 SNPs located in the exons of immune related genes were selected as candidate SNPs. Among these SNPs, 77 loci were genotyped in WSSV susceptible group and resistant group. Association analysis was performed based on logistic regression method under an additive and dominance model in GenABEL package. As a result, five SNPs showed associations with WSSV resistance at a significant level of 0.05. Besides, SNP-SNP interaction analysis was conducted. The combination of SNP loci in TRAF6, Cu/Zn SOD and nLvALF2 exhibited a significant effect on the WSSV resistance of shrimp. Gene expression analysis revealed that these SNPs might influence the expression of these immune-related genes. This study provides a useful method for performing MAS in shrimp.
Rising temperatures may drive fishing-induced selection of low-performance phenotypes
Authors: Clark Timothy D. , Messmer Vanessa , Tobin Andrew J. , Hoey Andrew S. , Pratchett Morgan S.
Published: January 2017

Climate warming is likely to interact with other stressors to challenge the physiological capacities and survival of phenotypes within populations. This may be especially true for the billions of fishes per year that undergo vigorous exercise prior to escaping or being intentionally released from fishing gear. Using adult coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus), an important fisheries species throughout the Indo-Pacific, we show that population-level survival following vigorous exercise is increasingly compromised as temperatures increase from current-day levels (100–67% survival at 24–30 °C) to those projected for the end of the century (42% survival at 33 °C). Intriguingly, we demonstrate that high-performance individuals take longer to recover to a resting metabolic state and subsequently have lower survival in warm water compared with conspecifics that exercise less vigorously. Moreover, we show that post-exercise mortality of high-performance phenotypes manifests after 3–13 d at the current summer maximum (30 °C), while mortality at 33 °C occurs within 1.8–14.9 h. We propose that wild populations in a warming climate may become skewed towards low-performance phenotypes with ramifications for predator-prey interactions and community dynamics. Our findings highlight the susceptibility of phenotypic diversity to fishing activities and demonstrate a mechanism that may contribute to fishing-induced evolution in the face of ongoing climate change.
Analytically determined topological phase diagram of the proximity-induced gap in diffusive n-terminal Josephson junctions
Authors: Amundsen Morten , Ouassou Jabir Ali , Linder Jacob
Published: January 2017

Multiterminal Josephson junctions have recently been proposed as a route to artificially mimic topological matter with the distinct advantage that its properties can be controlled via the superconducting phase difference, giving rise to Weyl points in 4-terminal geometries. A key goal is to accurately determine when the system makes a transition from a gapped to non-gapped state as a function of the phase differences in the system, the latter effectively playing the role of quasiparticle momenta in conventional topological matter. We here determine the proximity gap phase diagram of diffusive n-terminal Josephson junctions ("Equation missing"), both numerically and analytically, by identifying a class of solutions to the Usadel equation at zero energy in the full proximity effect regime. We present an analytical equation which provides the phase diagram for an arbitrary number of terminals n. After briefly demonstrating the validity of the analytical approach in the previously studied 2- and 3-terminal cases, we focus on the 4-terminal case and map out the regimes where the electronic excitations in the system are gapped and non-gapped, respectively, demonstrating also in this case full agreement between the analytical and numerical approach.
Bacterial plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in aquatic environments in China
Authors: Yan Lei , Liu Dan , Wang Xin-Hua , Wang Yunkun , Zhang Bo , Wang Mingyu , Xu Hai
Published: January 2017

Emerging antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human’s health in the 21st century. Understanding and combating this issue requires a full and unbiased assessment of the current status on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes and their correlation with each other and bacterial groups. In aquatic environments that are known reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes, we were able to reach this goal on plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes that lead to resistance to quinolones and possibly also to the co-emergence of resistance to β-lactams. Novel findings were made that qepA and aac-(6′)-Ib genes that were previously regarded as similarly abundant with qnr genes are now dominant among PMQR genes in aquatic environments. Further statistical analysis suggested that the correlation between PMQR and β-lactam resistance genes in the environment is still weak, that the correlations between antimicrobial resistance genes could be weakened by sufficient wastewater treatment, and that the prevalence of PMQR has been implicated in environmental, pathogenic, predatory, anaerobic, and more importantly, human symbiotic bacteria. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of PMQR genes in aquatic environments in Jinan, China, and provides information with which combat with the antimicrobial resistance problem may be fought.
A novel spontaneous model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using a primary prostate cancer derived cell line demonstrating distinct stem-like characteristics
Authors: Harner-Foreman Naomi , Vadakekolathu Jayakumar , Laversin Stéphanie A. , Mathieu Morgan G. , Reeder Stephen , Pockley A. Graham , Rees Robert C. , Boocock David J.
Published: January 2017

Cells acquire the invasive and migratory properties necessary for the invasion-metastasis cascade and the establishment of aggressive, metastatic disease by reactivating a latent embryonic programme: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we report the development of a new, spontaneous model of EMT which involves four phenotypically distinct clones derived from a primary tumour-derived human prostate cancer cell line (OPCT-1), and its use to explore relationships between EMT and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in prostate cancer. Expression of epithelial (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin, fibronectin) revealed that two of the four clones were incapable of spontaneously activating EMT, whereas the others contained large populations of EMT-derived, vimentin-positive cells having spindle-like morphology. One of the two EMT-positive clones exhibited aggressive and stem cell-like characteristics, whereas the other was non-aggressive and showed no stem cell phenotype. One of the two EMT-negative clones exhibited aggressive stem cell-like properties, whereas the other was the least aggressive of all clones. These findings demonstrate the existence of distinct, aggressive CSC-like populations in prostate cancer, but, importantly, that not all cells having a potential for EMT exhibit stem cell-like properties. This unique model can be used to further interrogate the biology of EMT in prostate cancer.
New Insights into Cooperative Binding of Homeodomain Transcription Factors PREP1 and PBX1 to DNA
Authors: Zucchelli Chiara , Ferrari Elena , Blasi Francesco , Musco Giovanna , Bruckmann Chiara
Published: January 2017

PREP1 and PBX1 are homeodomain (HD) transcription factors that play crucial roles in embryonic development. Here, we present the first biophysical characterization of a PREP1 HD, and the NMR spectroscopic study of its DNA binding pocket. The data show that residues flanking the HD participate in DNA binding. The kinetic parameters for DNA binding of individual PREP1 and PBX1 HDs, and of their combination, show that isolated PREP1 and PBX1 HDs bind to DNA in a cooperative manner. A novel PREP1 motif, flanking the HD at the C-terminus, is required for cooperativity.
Rapid acquisition of polymorphic virulence markers during adaptation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus in the mouse
Authors: Choi Won-Suk , Baek Yun Hee , Kwon Jin Jung , Jeong Ju Hwan , Park Su-Jin , Kim Young-il , Yoon Sun-Woo , Hwang Jungwon , Kim Myung Hee , Kim Chul-Joong , Webby Richard J. , Choi Young Ki , Song Min-Suk
Published: January 2017

Emergence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus in Asia and its spread to Europe and North America has caused great concern for human health. Although the H5N8 virus has been only moderately pathogenic to mammalian hosts, virulence can still increase. We evaluated the pathogenic potential of several H5N8 strains via the mouse-adaptation method. Two H5N8 viruses were sequentially passaged in BALB/c mice and plaque-purified from lung samples. The viruses rapidly obtained high virulence (MLD50, up to 0.5 log10 PFU/mL) within 5 passages. Sequence analysis revealed the acquisition of several virulence markers, including the novel marker P708S in PB1 gene. Combinations of markers synergistically enhanced viral replication and polymerase activity in human cell lines and virulence and multiorgan dissemination in mice. These results suggest that H5N8 viruses can rapidly acquire virulence markers in mammalian hosts; thus, rapid spread as well as repeated viral introduction into the hosts may significantly increase the risk of human infection and elevate pandemic potential.
Electronegative LDL-mediated cardiac electrical remodeling in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lee An-Sheng , Chen Wei-Yu , Chan Hua-Chen , Chung Ching-Hu , Peng Hsien-Yu , Chang Chia-Ming , Su Ming-Jai , Chen Chu-Huang , Chang Kuan-Cheng
Published: January 2017

The mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD)–associated higher risks for life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias remain poorly understood. In rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy (UNx), we examined cardiac electrophysiological remodeling and relevant mechanisms predisposing to ventricular arrhythmias. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UNx (n = 6) or sham (n = 6) operations. Eight weeks later, the UNx group had higher serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and a longer electrocardiographic QTc interval than did the sham group. Patch-clamp studies revealed epicardial (EPI)-predominant prolongation of the action potential duration (APD) at 50% and 90% repolarization in UNx EPI cardiomyocytes compared to sham EPI cardiomyocytes. A significant reduction of the transient outward potassium current (Ito) in EPI but not in endocardial (ENDO) cardiomyocytes of UNx rats led to a decreased transmural gradient of Ito. The reduction of Ito currents in UNx EPI cardiomyocytes was secondary to downregulation of KChIP2 but not Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and Kv1.4 protein expression. Incubation of plasma electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from UNx rats with normal EPI and ENDO cardiomyocytes recapitulated the electrophysiological phenotype of UNx rats. In conclusion, CKD disrupts the physiological transmural gradient of Ito via downregulation of KChIP2 proteins in the EPI region, which may promote susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Electronegative LDL may underlie downregulation of KChIP2 in CKD.
Plant toxin β-ODAP activates integrin β1 and focal adhesion: A critical pathway to cause neurolathyrism
Authors: Tan Rui-Yue , Xing Geng-Yan , Zhou Guang-Ming , Li Feng-Min , Hu Wen-Tao , Lambein Fernand , Xiong Jun-Lan , Zhang Sheng-Xiang , Kong Hai-Yan , Zhu Hao , Li Zhi-Xiao , Xiong You-Cai
Published: January 2017

Neurolathyrism is a unique neurodegeneration disease caused by β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β- diaminopropionic (β-ODAP) present in grass pea seed (Lathyrus stativus L.) and its pathogenetic mechanism is unclear. This issue has become a critical restriction to take full advantage of drought-tolerant grass pea as an elite germplasm resource under climate change. We found that, in a human glioma cell line, β-ODAP treatment decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to outside release and overfall of Ca2+ from mitochondria to cellular matrix. Increased Ca2+ in cellular matrix activated the pathway of ECM, and brought about the overexpression of β1 integrin on cytomembrane surface and the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The formation of high concentration of FA units on the cell microfilaments further induced overexpression of paxillin, and then inhibited cytoskeleton polymerization. This phenomenon turned to cause serious cell microfilaments distortion and ultimately cytoskeleton collapse. We also conducted qRT-PCR verification on RNA-sequence data using 8 randomly chosen genes of pathway enrichment, and confirmed that the data was statistically reliable. For the first time, we proposed a relatively complete signal pathway to neurolathyrism. This work would help open a new window to cure neurolathyrism, and fully utilize grass pea germplasm resource under climate change.
Butterfly eyespot organiser: in vivo imaging of the prospective focal cells in pupal wing tissues
Authors: Iwasaki Mayo , Ohno Yoshikazu , Otaki Joji M.
Published: January 2017

Butterfly wing eyespot patterns are determined in pupal tissues by organisers located at the centre of the prospective eyespots. Nevertheless, organiser cells have not been examined cytochemically in vivo, partly due to technical difficulties. Here, we directly observed organiser cells in pupal forewing epithelium via an in vivo confocal fluorescent imaging technique, using 1-h post-pupation pupae of the blue pansy butterfly, Junonia orithya. The prospective eyespot centre was indented from the plane of the ventral tissue surface. Three-dimensional reconstruction images revealed that the apical portion of “focal cells” at the bottom of the eyespot indentation contained many mitochondria. The mitochondrial portion was connected with a “cell body” containing a nucleus. Most focal cells had globular nuclei and were vertically elongated, but cells in the wing basal region had flattened nuclei and were tilted toward the distal direction. Epithelial cells in any wing region had cytoneme-like horizontal processes. From 1 h to 10 h post-pupation, nuclear volume increased, suggesting DNA synthesis during this period. Morphological differences among cells in different regions may suggest that organiser cells are developmentally ahead of cells in other regions and that position-dependent heterochronic development is a general mechanism for constructing colour patterns in butterfly wings.
Predator personality and prey behavioural predictability jointly determine foraging performance
Authors: Chang Chia-chen , Teo Huey Yee , Norma-Rashid Y. , Li Daiqin
Published: January 2017

Predator-prey interactions play important roles in ecological communities. Personality, consistent inter-individual differences in behaviour, of predators, prey or both are known to influence inter-specific interactions. An individual may also behave differently under the same situation and the level of such variability may differ between individuals. Such intra-individual variability (IIV) or predictability may be a trait on which selection can also act. A few studies have revealed the joint effect of personality types of both predators and prey on predator foraging performance. However, how personality type and IIV of both predators and prey jointly influence predator foraging performance remains untested empirically. Here, we addressed this using a specialized spider-eating jumping spider,Portia labiata(Salticidae), as the predator, and a jumping spider,Cosmophasis umbratica, as the prey. We examined personality types and IIVs of bothP. labiataandC. umbraticaand used their inter- and intra-individual behavioural variation as predictors of foraging performance (i.e., number of attempts to capture prey). Personality type and predictability had a joint effect on predator foraging performance. Aggressive predators performed better in capturing unpredictable (high IIV) prey than predictable (low IIV) prey, while docile predators demonstrated better performance when encountering predictable prey. This study highlights the importance of the joint effect of both predator and prey personality types and IIVs on predator-prey interactions.
Ecological impact of a secondary bacterial symbiont on the clones of Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Luo Chen , Luo Kun , Meng Linqin , Wan Bin , Zhao Huiyan , Hu Zuqing
Published: January 2017

Many insects harbor heritable endosymbionts, whether obligatory or facultative, and the role of facultative endosymbionts in shaping the phenotype of these species has become increasingly important. However, little is known about whether micro-injected endosymbionts can have any effects on aphid clones, which was measured using various ecological parameters. We examined the effects between symbiotic treatments and the vital life history traits generated by Regiella insecticola on the life table parameters of Sitobion avenae. The results showed that R. insecticola can decrease the intrinsic rate of increase (r), the finite rate of increase (λ) and birth rate and can increase the mean generation times (T) of S. avenae clones, suggesting that R. insecticola may decelerate the normal development of the hosts. No significant differences of these parameters were observed between the examined Sitobion avenae clones, and the symbiont treatment by genotype interaction affected only the net reproduction rate R0, pre-adult duration and total longevity but not the other parameters. Additionally, a population projection showed that R. insecticola decelerated the growth of the S. avenae clones. The evocable effects of R. insecticola on the S. avenae clones may have significant ramifications for the control of S. avenae populations under field/natural conditions.
Hydrogen reduction of molybdenum oxide at room temperature
Authors: Borgschulte Andreas , Sambalova Olga , Delmelle Renaud , Jenatsch Sandra , Hany Roland , Nüesch Frank
Published: January 2017

The color changes in chemo- and photochromic MoO3 used in sensors and in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells can be traced back to intercalated hydrogen atoms stemming either from gaseous hydrogen dissociated at catalytic surfaces or from photocatalytically split water. In applications, the reversibility of the process is of utmost importance, and deterioration of the layer functionality due to side reactions is a critical challenge. Using the membrane approach for high-pressure XPS, we are able to follow the hydrogen reduction of MoO3 thin films using atomic hydrogen in a water free environment. Hydrogen intercalates into MoO3 forming HxMoO3, which slowly decomposes into MoO2 +1/2 H2O as evidenced by the fast reduction of Mo6+ into Mo5+ states and slow but simultaneous formation of Mo4+ states. We measure the decrease in oxygen/metal ratio in the thin film explaining the limited reversibility of hydrogen sensors based on transition metal oxides. The results also enlighten the recent debate on the mechanism of the high temperature hydrogen reduction of bulk molybdenum oxide. The specific mechanism is a result of the balance between the reduction by hydrogen and water formation, desorption of water as well as nucleation and growth of new phases.
Measuring Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) States of Vortex Beams with Annular Gratings
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Wang Jian
Published: January 2017

Measuring orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of vortex beams is of great importance in diverse applications employing OAM-carrying vortex beams. We present a simple and efficient scheme to measure OAM states (i.e. topological charge values) of vortex beams with annular gratings. The magnitude of the topological charge value is determined by the number of dark fringes after diffraction, and the sign of the topological charge value is distinguished by the orientation of the diffraction pattern. We first theoretically study the diffraction patterns using both annular amplitude and phase gratings. The annular phase grating shows almost 10-dB better diffraction efficiency compared to the annular amplitude grating. We then experimentally demonstrate the OAM states measurement of vortex beams using annular phase grating. The scheme works well even for high-order vortex beams with topological charge value as high as ± 25. We also experimentally show the evolution of diffraction patterns when slightly changing the fractional topological charge value of vortex beam from 0.1 to 1.0. In addition, the proposed scheme shows potential large tolerance of beam alignment during the OAM states measurement of vortex beams.
Early-life adversity accelerates cellular ageing and affects adult inflammation: Experimental evidence from the European starling
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Andrews Clare , Reichert Sophie , Bedford Tom , Kolenda Claire , Parker Craig , Martin-Ruiz Carmen , Monaghan Pat , Bateson Melissa
Published: January 2017

Early-life adversity is associated with accelerated cellular ageing during development and increased inflammation during adulthood. However, human studies can only establish correlation, not causation, and existing experimental animal approaches alter multiple components of early-life adversity simultaneously. We developed a novel hand-rearing paradigm in European starling nestlings (Sturnus vulgaris), in which we separately manipulated nutritional shortfall and begging effort for a period of 10 days. The experimental treatments accelerated erythrocyte telomere attrition and increased DNA damage measured in the juvenile period. For telomere attrition, amount of food and begging effort exerted additive effects. Only the combination of low food amount and high begging effort increased DNA damage. We then measured two markers of inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, when the birds were adults. The experimental treatments affected both inflammatory markers, though the patterns were complex and different for each marker. The effect of the experimental treatments on adult interleukin-6 was partially mediated by increased juvenile DNA damage. Our results show that both nutritional input and begging effort in the nestling period affect cellular ageing and adult inflammation in the starling. However, the pattern of effects is different for different biomarkers measured at different time points.
Fumarase activity: an in vivo and in vitro biomarker for acute kidney injury
Authors: Nielsen Per Mose , Eldirdiri Abubakr , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Jørgensen Hans Stødkilde , Ardenkjaer-Larsen Jan Henrik , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: January 2017

Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), and at present, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers that can diagnose AKI and measure early progression because the commonly used methods cannot evaluate single-kidney IRI. Hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]fumarate conversion to [1,4-13C2]malate by fumarase has been proposed as a measure of necrosis in rat tumor models and in chemically induced AKI rats. Here we show that the degradation of cell membranes in connection with necrosis leads to elevated fumarase activity in plasma and urine and secondly that hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]malate production 24 h after reperfusion correlates with renal necrosis in a 40-min unilateral ischemic rat model. Fumarase activity screening on bio-fluids can detect injury severity, in bilateral as well as unilateral AKI models, differentiating moderate and severe AKI as well as short- and long-term AKI. Furthermore after verification of renal injury by bio-fluid analysis the precise injury location can be monitored by in vivo measurements of the fumarase activity non-invasively by hyperpolarized [1,4-13C]fumarate MR imaging. The combined in vitro and in vivo biomarker of AKI responds to the essential requirements for a new reliable biomarker of AKI.
Meta-analysis reveals associations between genetic variation in the 5′ and 3′ regions of Neuregulin-1 and schizophrenia
Authors: Mostaid M S , Mancuso S G , Liu C , Sundram S , Pantelis C , Everall I P , Bousman C A
Published: January 2017

Genetic, post-mortem and neuroimaging studies repeatedly implicate neuregulin-1 (NRG1) as a critical component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Although a number of risk haplotypes along with several genetic polymorphisms in the 5′ and 3′ regions of NRG1 have been linked with schizophrenia, results have been mixed. To reconcile these conflicting findings, we conducted a meta-analysis examining 22 polymorphisms and two haplotypes in NRG1 among 16 720 cases, 20 449 controls and 2157 family trios. We found significant associations for three polymorphisms (rs62510682, rs35753505 and 478B14-848) at the 5′-end and two (rs2954041 and rs10503929) near the 3′-end of NRG1. Population stratification effects were found for the rs35753505 and 478B14-848(4) polymorphisms. There was evidence of heterogeneity for all significant markers and the findings were robust to publication bias. No significant haplotype associations were found. Our results suggest genetic variation at the 5′ and 3′ ends of NRG1 are associated with schizophrenia and provide renewed justification for further investigation of NRG1’s role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on the synergistic effect of quaternary Cu2SnZnS4 NCs and cyclodextrin-functionalized graphene
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Yihe , Du Ruifeng , Li Jinhong , Yu Xuelian
Published: January 2017

Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals were first used as electrocatalysts for H2O2 reduction for the ultrasensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein.
Cyclopentadithiophene-benzoic acid copolymers as conductive binders for silicon nanoparticles in anode electrodes of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Kuo-Lung , Kuo Tzu-Husan , Yao Chun-Feng , Chang Shu-Wei , Yang Yu-Shuo , Huang Hsin-Kai , Tsai Cho-Jen , Horie Masaki
Published: January 2017

Cyclopentadithiophene-benzoic acid copolymers have been synthesized by direct arylation followed by saponification for use as conductive binders for silicon nanoparticles in anode electrode of lithium ion batteries.
Fluorogenic probes to monitor cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity
Authors: Ng Cheng Yang , Kwok Timothy Xiong Wei , Tan Francis Chee Kuan , Low Chian-Ming , Lam Yulin
Published: January 2017

Functionalization on the alkyl tail of arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone leads to the development of fluorogenic inhibitor and substrate probes of cPLA2.
Novel P2-type Na2/3Ni1/6Mg1/6Ti2/3O2as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Peng-Fei , Yao Hu-Rong , Zuo Tong-Tong , Yin Ya-Xia , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: January 2017

A novel P2-type Na2/3Ni1/6Mg1/6Ti2/3O2material is explored as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) for the first time.
Rhenium(i) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands that bind to amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chan Chung Ying , Noor Asif , McLean Catriona A. , Donnelly Paul S. , Barnard Peter J.
Published: January 2017

Rhenium(i) complexes of tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands that bind to amyloid plaques in human brain tissue are reported.
A theoretical study of the potential energy surfaces for the double proton transfer reaction of model DNA base pairs
Authors: Li Chaozheng , Yang Yonggang , Li Donglin , Liu Yufang
Published: January 2017

The excited-state double proton transfer (ESDPT) mechanism in a model DNA base pair, 7-azaindole (7AI) dimer, has been debated over the years.
A density functional theory based approach for predicting melting points of ionic liquids
Authors: Chen Lihua , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S.
Published: January 2017

A DFT-based approach can capture the trends in melting points of ionic liquids upon variation of alkyl substituents in organic cations and replacing one anion by another.
Hydration of the simplest α-keto acid: a rotational spectroscopic and ab initio study of the pyruvic acid–water complex
Authors: Schnitzler Elijah G. , Seifert Nathan A. , Ghosh Supriya , Thomas Javix , Xu Yunjie , Jäger Wolfgang
Published: January 2017

Non-covalent interactions analysis of hydrogen bonding in the pyruvic acid water complex.
Bimetallic molybdenum nitride Co3Mo3N: a new promising catalyst for CO2 reforming of methane
Authors: Fu Xiaojuan , Su Haiquan , Yin Wenchao , Huang Yixiu , Gu Xiaojun
Published: January 2017

The synergistic effect between Mo–Co in Co3Mo3N leads to its enhanced catalytic activity and stability in CO2 reforming of methane.
Polynuclear cage-like Au(i) phosphane complexes based on a S2− template: observation of multiple luminescence in coordinated polyaromatic systems
Authors: Shakirova Julia R. , Grachova Elena V. , Sizov Vladimir V. , Starova Galina L. , Koshevoy Igor O. , Melnikov Alexey S. , Gimeno M. Concepción , Laguna Antonio , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: January 2017

Sulfido-phosphane Au(i) complexes display multiple emissions, the nature of which is determined by the distance between Au(i) and the chromophoric center.
Luminescent aryl–group eleven metal complexes
Authors: López-de-Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Olmos M. Elena
Published: January 2017

This perspective highlights the recent developments in the study of the photoluminescent properties of aryl–group eleven complexes. Related properties and applications such as electroluminescence, triboluminescence, mechanochromism, luminescent liquid crystals, low molecular weight gelators and photocatalysts are also discussed.
Thioether-functionalized picolinium ionic liquids: synthesis, physical properties and computational studies
Authors: Thigpen A. Shay , Nestor Stephen T. , O'Brien Richard A. , Minkowicz Samuel , Sheng Yinghong , Davis James H. , West Kevin N. , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: January 2017

Facile and robust construction of picolinium ionic liquids via thiol–ene reaction bestows materials with low Tg/Tm values along with high hydrophobicity and heat capacity.
Adsorption of oxygen and CO oxidation on Au/anatase(001) catalysts. A DFT+U study
Authors: Saqlain Muhammad Adnan , Novais Antunes Florence P. , Hussain Akhtar , Siddiq Muhammad , Leitão Alexandre A.
Published: January 2017

Active oxygen for CO oxidation over Au/TiO2is a highly stable atomic species, which is formed at the perimeter of the Au/oxide interface.
N-Iodosuccinimide involved one-pot metal-free synthesis of 2-heteroaromatic benzothiazole compounds
Authors: Chu Xianglong , Duan Tiantian , Liu Xuan , Feng Lei , Jia Jiong , Ma Chen
Published: January 2017

A metal-free and operationally simple protocol for the synthesis of structurally diverse 2-hetarylbenzothiazoles via oxidative condensation of the sp3 C–H bond with benzothiazoles has been described.
Iodine-catalyzed direct C–H thiolation of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylimidazo[1,5-a]quinolines
Authors: Wu Song-Song , Feng Cheng-Tao , Hu Di , Huang Ye-Kai , Li Zhong , Luo Zai-Gang , Ma Shi-Tang
Published: January 2017

An iodine-catalyzed regioselective sulfenylation of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines was developed under metal- and oxidant-free reaction conditions.
Corrosion of carbon steel induced by a microbial-enhanced oil recovery bacterium Pseudomonas sp. SWP-4
Authors: Lan Guihong , Chen Chao , Liu Yongqiang , Lu Yinchun , Du Jiao , Tao Sha , Zhang Shihong
Published: January 2017

Pseudomonas sp. SWP-4 has been proved to enhance oil recovery effectively.
Fabrication of plasmonic opposite metal spindles in nanowells by shadow deposition for sensing
Authors: Liu Lingxiao , Wu Feifei , Xiao Dongyang , Teng Fei , Xu Daren , Feng Lei , Lu Nan
Published: January 2017

The array of plasmonic opposite metal spindles in nanowells is fabricated by shadow deposition for sensing.
Facile synthesis of MOFs with uncoordinated carboxyl groups for selective CO2 capture via postsynthetic covalent modification
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhou Jingjing , Gao Xuechao , Kong Chunlong , Chen Liang
Published: January 2017

A facile strategy involving dual-acyl chloride has been developed to introduce uncoordinated carboxyl groups into amine containing metal–organic frameworks.
New pentose dimers with bicyclic moieties from pretreated biomass
Authors: Rasmussen H. , Sørensen H. R. , Tanner D. , Meyer A. S.
Published: January 2017

Dipentoses with bicyclic moieties are proposed as new putative cellulase inhibitory reaction products forming during hydrothermal wheat straw biomass pretreatment.
The influence of process parameters on needle punched nonwovens investigated using image analysis
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhao Xiaoming , Zeng Yuening , Qi Dongyue
Published: January 2017

The influence of process parameters on the fiber distribution and straight segment fiber length of needle punched nonwovens was investigated. Optimum parameters to prepare needle punched nonwovens based on preoxidized polyacrylonitrile were obtained.
Ferrocenated nanocatalysts derived from the decomposition of ferrocenium in basic solution and their aerobic activities for the rapid decolorization of methylene blue and the facile oxidation of phenylboronic acid
Authors: Kumpan Nuttapong , Poonsawat Thinnaphat , Chaicharoenwimolkul Laksamee , Pornsuwan Soraya , Somsook Ekasith
Published: January 2017

A strategic preparation of ferrocenated compounds as aerobic catalysts was successfully carried out for the decolorization of methylene blue and oxidation of phenylboronic acid without light irradiation and excess addition of hydrogen peroxide.
Modulation of silicene properties by AsSb with van der Waals interaction
Authors: Jin Cui , Dai Ying , Wei Wei , Sun Qilong , Li Xinru , Huang Baibiao
Published: January 2017

Our present work provides a new promising material AsSb monlayer as the substrate for silicene with a negligible mismatch, sizable band gap and high carrier mobility.
Proposition and computational analysis of a kesterite/kesterite tandem solar cell with enhanced efficiency
Authors: Saha Uday , Alam Md. Kawsar
Published: January 2017

An all-kesterite tandem junction solar cell has been proposed and an efficiency ≥20% has been estimated from computational analysis.
A rapid ion chromatography column-switching method for online sample pretreatment and determination ofl-carnitine, choline and mineral ions in milk and powdered infant formula
Authors: Wei Dan , Wang Xu , Wang Nani , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2017

A simple and rapid column-switching ion chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection method was developed for simultaneous determination ofl-carnitine, choline and mineral ions in milk and powdered infant formula samples.
High-performance carbon-coated mesoporous LiMn2O4 cathode materials synthesized from a novel hydrated layered-spinel lithium manganate composite
Authors: Jiang Caihua , Tang Zilong , Deng Shiqing , Hong Ye , Wang Shitong , Zhang Zhongtai
Published: January 2017

High-performance carbon-coated mesoporous LiMn2O4 cathode materials have been synthesized from a novel hydrated layered-spinel lithium manganate composite.
Magnetic paper – based ELISA for IgM-dengue detection
Authors: Ortega G. A. , Pérez-Rodríguez S. , Reguera E.
Published: January 2017

“Magnetic Paper – Based ELISA” for IgM-dengue antibodies detection provide a system with improved analytical response.
Probing the binding mechanism of photoresponsive azobenzene polyamine derivatives with human serum albumin
Authors: Deiana M. , Pokladek Z. , Ziemianek M. , Tarnowicz N. , Mlynarz P. , Samoc M. , Matczyszyn K.
Published: January 2017

Representative scheme showing the binding pathway of light-responsive azobenzenes towards human serum albumin.
Impact of ferrocene on the nanostructure and functional groups of soot in a propane/oxygen diffusion flame
Authors: Hu Chao , Li Wenzhi , Lin Qizhao , Zheng Xusheng , Pan Haibin , Huang Qifu
Published: January 2017

Ferrocene influences soot oxidation activity by changing its nanostructure and functional groups on the surface. Reactions between oxygen and ferrocene reduce the oxygen-containing functional groups on the soot.
Molybdenum trioxide nanopaper as a dual gas sensor for detecting trimethylamine and hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Li Hua-Yao , Huang Liang , Wang Xiao-Xue , Lee Chul-Soon , Yoon Ji-Wook , Zhou Jun , Guo Xin , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: January 2017

The dual function of a free-standing, flexible, and semi-transparent MoO3nanopaper sensor to detect TMA and H2S in a highly selective manner.
An activity-calibrated chemical standardization approach for quality evaluation of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.
Authors: Liu Zhen-jie , Shi Zhi-long , Tu Can , Zhang Hai-zhu , Gao Dan , Li Chun-yu , He Qin , Li Rui-sheng , Guo Yu-ming , Niu Ming , Zhang Cong-en , Ren Yong-shen , Zhen Han-shen , Wang Jia-bo , Xiao Xiao-he
Published: January 2017

Low content does not always represent low biopotency and vice versa.
Synthesis and application of a new class of D–π–A type charge transfer probe containing imidazole – naphthalene units for detection of F− and CO2
Authors: Gupta Ramesh C. , Ali Rashid , Razi Syed S. , Srivastava Priyanka , Dwivedi Sushil K. , Misra Arvind
Published: January 2017

A new class of D–π–A type charge transfer probe, 3 and 4, containing imidazole – naphthalene moieties as donor and acceptor, respectively, has been synthesized via a Suzuki coupling reaction.
Simultaneous electrokinetic concentration and separation of proteins on a paper-based analytical device
Authors: Wu Zhi-Yong , Ma Biao , Xie Song-Fang , Liu Kun , Fang Fang
Published: January 2017

Electrokinetic concentration and separation of proteins was achieved simultaneously on a paper based analytical device based on the field amplification effect.
PAMAM/5-fluorouracil drug conjugate for targeting E6 and E7 oncoproteins in cervical cancer: a combined experimental/in silico approach
Authors: Rengaraj Arunkumar , Subbiah Balaji , Haldorai Yuvaraj , Yesudhas Dhanusha , Yun Hyung Joong , Kwon Soonjo , Choi Sangdun , Han Young-Kyu , Kim Eung-Soo , N. Hema Shenpagam , Huh Yun Suk
Published: January 2017

In the present study, poly(amidoamine)/5-fluorouracil (PAMAM/5-FU) was used as a conjugate system for delivering drugs to target E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which are predominant in cervical cancers.
Corrosion behavior and cytocompatibility of a Co–Cr and two Ni–Cr dental alloys before and after the pretreatment with a biological saline solution
Authors: Ming Pan-pan , Shao Shui-yi , Qiu Jing , Yu Ying-juan , Chen Jia-xi , Yang Jie , Zhu Wen-qing , Li Ming , Tang Chun-bo
Published: January 2017

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the corrosion behavior and cytocompatibility of a Co–Cr and two Ni–Cr dental alloys before and after the pretreatment with a biological saline solution.
Infrared thermochromic properties of monoclinic VO2 nanopowders using a malic acid-assisted hydrothermal method for adaptive camouflage
Authors: Ji Haining , Liu Dongqing , Cheng Haifeng , Zhang Chaoyang , Yang Lixiang , Ren Dewei
Published: January 2017

Monoclinic VO2 nanopowders were synthesized using a malic acid-assisted hydrothermal method.
Enhanced acaricidal activity of ricinine achieved by the construction of nano-formulation using amphiphilic block copolymer
Authors: Zhang Yingqiang , Cheng Jun , Yang Saina , Liang Fuxin , Qu Xiaozhong
Published: January 2017

Amphiphilic block copolymer PEO–PCL improves the encapsulation of ricinine and enhances the acaricidal efficiency of the pesticide on V. unguiculata (L.) when compared to the formulations made by surfactants.
Highly efficient removal of Cu(ii) from aqueous solution using a novel magnetic EDTA functionalized CoFe2O4
Authors: Zou Zhiyan , Shi Zhou , Deng Lin
Published: January 2017

CoFe2O4 exhibits excellent chemical stability and saturation magnetization; consequently, it has been prepared for and applied to contaminant adsorption.
Metal organic frameworks with uni-, di-, and tri-nuclear Cd(ii) SBU prepared from 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane and different dicarboxylate ligands: syntheses, structures and luminescent properties
Authors: Wu Lei , Chigan Dongdong , Yan Luke , Chen Huaxin
Published: January 2017

Systematic variation of co-dicarboxylate ligands leads to three new MOFs based on uni-, di-, and tri-nuclear Cd(ii) SBUs.
Atomic oxygen resistance of polyimide fibers with phosphorus-containing side chains
Authors: Zhao Yong , Dong Zhixin , Li Guomin , Dai Xuemin , Liu Fangfang , Ma Xiaofei , Qiu Xuepeng
Published: January 2017

Polyimide fibers containing phosphorus showed a denser surface, lower mass loss and less reduction of mechanical properties after atomic oxygen exposure.
A red emitting of manganese-doped boron carbon oxynitride (BCNO) phosphor materials: facile approach and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Nuryadin Bebeh W. , Permatasari Fitri A. , Nuryantini Ade Y. , Faryuni Irfana D. , Abdullah Mikrajuddin , Iskandar Ferry
Published: January 2017

A bright red emission of manganese-doped BCNO (BCNO:Mn) phosphor was firstly synthesized by solid state method.
Mille-feuille shaped hard carbons derived from polyvinylpyrrolidone via environmentally friendly electrostatic spinning for sodium ion battery anodes
Authors: Bai Ying , Liu Yuanchang , Li Yu , Ling Liming , Wu Feng , Wu Chuan
Published: January 2017

Mille-feuille shaped hard carbons derived from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibrousviasimple electrostatic spinning achieve excellent electrochemical performances as anode materials for sodium ion batteries.
The effects of NaF concentration on electrochemical and corrosion behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy in a composite electrolyte
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Qiaoling , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Gong Youlai , Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Chen Changguo
Published: January 2017

Electrochemical and corrosion behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy have been investigated in composite solution of MgSO4–Mg(NO3)2 (0.14 mol L−1 MgSO4, 1.86 mol L−1 Mg(NO3)2) under different sodium fluoride (NaF) concentrations.
Sc promoted and aerogel confined Ni catalysts for coking-resistant dry reforming of methane
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyuan , Cao Yang , Li Hongrui , Zhang Jianping , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: January 2017

Sc promoted and aerogel confined Ni catalysts were developed for coking-resistant dry reforming of methane.
Vermicomposting of coal fly ash using epigeic and epi-endogeic earthworm species: nutrient dynamics and metal remediation
Authors: Usmani Zeba , Kumar Vipin , Mritunjay Sujeet Kumar
Published: January 2017

Study highlights the metal removal efficiency and nutrient dynamics of three potent earthworm species from coal fly ash with a comparative aspect.
Regeneration of an efficient, solar active hierarchical ZnO flower photocatalyst for repeatable usage: controlled desorption of poisoned species from active catalytic sites
Authors: Ranjith K. S. , Rajendra Kumar R. T.
Published: January 2017

Regeneration of hierarchical ZnO flower photocatalyst after repeatable usage by desorption of poisoned species from surface active site.
Brush-like block copolymer synthesized via RAFT polymerization for graphene oxide aqueous suspensions
Authors: Qiao Min , Wu Shishan , Wang Yanwei , Ran Qianping
Published: January 2017

We report for the first time the applications of brush-like block copolymer in the dispersant of graphene oxide aqueous suspensions.
Nanotextured alpha Ni(ii)–Co(ii) hydroxides as supercapacitive active phases
Authors: Arencibia Nicolás , Oestreicher Víctor , Viva Federico A. , Jobbágy Matías
Published: January 2017

Nanotextured layered Ni1−xCox(OH)2−yCly·nH2O was obtained by epoxide method for all compositions. An optimum supercapacitive performance was recorded for x = 0.83.
Averaging effect on improving signal reproducibility of gap-based and gap-free SERS substrates based on ordered Si nanowire arrays
Authors: Huang Jian-An , Zhao Yingqi , Zhu Xiaoyue , Zhang Wenjun
Published: January 2017

A gap-free SERS substrate was found to achieve both high reproducibility and high enhancement against the reproducibility/enhancement trade-off in gap-based substrates.
Synthesis of peanut-like hierarchical manganese carbonate microcrystals via magnetically driven self-assembly for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Tang Yongfu , Chen Shunji , Chen Teng , Guo Wenfeng , Li Yanshuai , Mu Shichun , Yu Shengxue , Zhao Yufeng , Wen Fusheng , Gao Faming
Published: January 2017

Peanut-like hierarchical MnCO3 microcrystals assembled with floss-like nanowires are synthesized via a hydrothermal process and used as an active material for supercapacitors.
Constructing metal-anode rechargeable batteries utilizing concomitant intercalation of Li–Mg dual cations into Mo6S8
Authors: Li Hongyi , Ichitsubo Tetsu , Yagi Shunsuke , Matsubara Eiichiro
Published: January 2017

Use of cooperative intercalation of Li and Mg ions in Mo6S8 to construct safe metal-anode batteries, in which the dangerous dendritic growth of Li is successfully suppressed by co-electrodeposition of Li and Mg.
Room temperature NH3 detection of Ti/graphene devices promoted by visible light illumination
Authors: Zhao Min , Yan Lanqin , Zhang Xianfeng , Xu Lihua , Song Zhiwei , Chen Peipei , Dong Fengliang , Chu Weiguo
Published: January 2017

3, 5 and 10 nm thick Ti decorated chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) grown graphene devices (Ti/Gr) for NH3 detection were fabricated, and their sensing performances were great promoted by visible light illumination.
Deep-blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters for light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEECs)
Authors: Wong Michael Y. , La-Placa Maria-Grazia , Pertegas Antonio , Bolink Henk J. , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: January 2017

Two cationic deep blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters (imCzDPS and imDPADPS) were designed and synthesized as small molecule organic emitters for light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEEC) devices.