bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Oviraptorid Dinosaur (Dinosauria: Oviraptorosauria) from the Late Cretaceous of Southern China and Its Paleobiogeographical Implications
Authors: Lü Junchang , Pu Hanyong , Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Xu Li , Chang Huali , Shang Yuhua , Liu Di , Lee Yuong-Nam , Kundrát Martin , Shen Caizhi
Published: July 2015

The Ganzhou area of Jiangxi Province, southern China is becoming one of the most productive oviraptorosaurian localities in the world. A new oviraptorid dinosaur was unearthed from the uppermost Upper Cretaceous Nanxiong Formation of Ganzhou area. It is characterized by an anterodorsally sloping occiput and quadrate (a feature shared with Citipati), a circular supratemporal fenestra that is much smaller than the lower temporal fenestra and a dentary in which the dorsal margin above the external mandibular fenestra is strongly concave ventrally. The position of the anteroventral corner of the external naris in relation to the posterodorsal corner of the antorbital fenestra provides new insight into the craniofacial evolution of oviraptorosaurid dinosaurs. A phylogenetic analysis recovers the new taxon as closely related to the Mongolian Citipati. Six oviraptorid dinosaurs from the Nanxiong Formation (Ganzhou and Nanxiong) are distributed within three clades of the family. Each of the three clades from the Nanxiong Formation has close relatives in Inner Mongolia and Mongolia and in both places each clade may have had a specific diet or occupied a different ecological niche. Oviraptorid dinosaurs were geographically widespread across Asia in the latest Cretaceous and were an important component of terrestrial ecosystems during this time.
Structural Features of a Bacteroidetes-Affiliated Cellulase Linked with a Polysaccharide Utilization Locus
Authors: Naas A.E. , MacKenzie A.K. , Dalhus B. , Eijsink V.G.H. , Pope P.B.
Published: July 2015

Previous gene-centric analysis of a cow rumen metagenome revealed the first potentially cellulolytic polysaccharide utilization locus, of which the main catalytic enzyme (AC2aCel5A) was identified as a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5 endo-cellulase. Here we present the 1.8 Å three-dimensional structure of AC2aCel5A and characterization of its enzymatic activities. The enzyme possesses the archetypical (β/α)8-barrel found throughout the GH5 family and contains the two strictly conserved catalytic glutamates located at the C-terminal ends of β-strands 4 and 7. The enzyme is active on insoluble cellulose and acts exclusively on linear β-(1,4)-linked glucans. Co-crystallization of a catalytically inactive mutant with substrate yielded a 2.4 Å structure showing cellotriose bound in the −3 to −1 subsites. Additional electron density was observed between Trp178 and Trp254, two residues that form a hydrophobic “clamp”, potentially interacting with sugars at the +1 and +2 subsites. The enzyme’s active-site cleft was narrower compared to the closest structural relatives, which in contrast to AC2aCel5A, are also active on xylans, mannans and/or xyloglucans. Interestingly, the structure and function of this enzyme seem adapted to less-substituted substrates such as cellulose, presumably due to the insufficient space to accommodate the side-chains of branched glucans in the active-site cleft.
Nano-sized Superlattice Clusters Created by Oxygen Ordering in Mechanically Alloyed Fe Alloys
Authors: Hu Yong-Jie , Li Jing , Darling Kristopher A. , Wang William Y. , VanLeeuwen Brian K. , Liu Xuan L. , Kecskes Laszlo J. , Dickey Elizabeth C. , Liu Zi-Kui
Published: July 2015

Creating and maintaining precipitates coherent with the host matrix, under service conditions is one of the most effective approaches for successful development of alloys for high temperature applications; prominent examples include Ni- and Co-based superalloys and Al alloys. While ferritic alloys are among the most important structural engineering alloys in our society, no reliable coherent precipitates stable at high temperatures have been found for these alloys. Here we report discovery of a new, nano-sized superlattice (NSS) phase in ball-milled Fe alloys, which maintains coherency with the BCC matrix up to at least 913 °C. Different from other precipitates in ferritic alloys, this NSS phase is created by oxygen-ordering in the BCC Fe matrix. It is proposed that this phase has a chemistry of Fe3O and a D03 crystal structure and becomes more stable with the addition of Zr. These nano-sized coherent precipitates effectively double the strength of the BCC matrix above that provided by grain size reduction alone. This discovery provides a new opportunity for developing high-strength ferritic alloys for high temperature applications.
Detoxification mechanisms of honey bees (Apis mellifera) resulting in tolerance of dietary nicotine
Authors: Rand Esther E. du , Smit Salome , Beukes Mervyn , Apostolides Zeno , Pirk Christian W.W. , Nicolson Susan W.
Published: July 2015

Insecticides are thought to be among the major factors contributing to current declines in bee populations. However, detoxification mechanisms in healthy, unstressed honey bees are poorly characterised. Alkaloids are naturally encountered in pollen and nectar and we used nicotine as a model compound to identify the mechanisms involved in detoxification processes in honey bees. Nicotine and neonicotinoids have similar modes of action in insects. Our metabolomic and proteomic analyses show active detoxification of nicotine in bees, associated with increased energetic investment and also antioxidant and heat shock responses. The increased energetic investment is significant in view of the interactions of pesticides with diseases such as Nosema spp which cause energetic stress and possible malnutrition. Understanding how healthy honey bees process dietary toxins under unstressed conditions will help clarify how pesticides, alone or in synergy with other stress factors, lead to declines in bee vitality.
Acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase influences fertility by regulating lipid metabolism and jasmonic acid biogenesis in cotton
Authors: Fu Wenfeng , Shen Ying , Hao Juan , Wu Jianyong , Ke Liping , Wu Caiyun , Huang Kai , Luo Binglun , Xu Mingfeng , Cheng Xiaofei , Zhou Xueping , Sun Jie , Xing Chaozhu , Sun Yuqiang
Published: July 2015

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important economic crop and there is obvious heterosis in cotton, fertility has played an important role in this heterosis. However, the genes that exhibit critical roles in anther development and fertility are not well understood. Here, we report an acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase (EC2.3; GhACNAT) that plays a key role in anther development and fertility. Suppression of GhACNAT by virus-induced gene silencing in transgenic cotton (G. hirsutum L. cv. C312) resulted in indehiscent anthers that were full of pollen, diminished filaments and stamens and plant sterility. We found GhACNAT was involved in lipid metabolism and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. The genes differentially expressed in GhACNAT-silenced plants and C312 were mainly involved in catalytic activity and transcription regulator activity in lipid metabolism. In GhACNAT-silenced plants, the expression levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism and jasmonic acid biosynthesis were significantly changed, the amount of JA in leaves and reproductive organs was significantly decreased compared with the amounts in C312. Treatments with exogenous methyl jasmonate rescued anther dehiscence and pollen release in GhACNAT-silenced plants and caused self-fertility. The GhACNAT gene may play an important role in controlling cotton fertility by regulating the pathways of lipid synthesis and JA biogenesis.
Ionic liquid flow along the carbon nanotube with DC electric field
Authors: Hwal Shin Jung , Hwee Kim Geon , Kim Intae , Jeon Hyungkook , An Taechang , Lim Geunbae
Published: July 2015

Liquid pumping can occur along the outer surface of an electrode under a DC electric field. For biological applications, a better understanding of the ionic solution pumping mechanism is required. Here, we fabricated CNT wire electrodes (CWEs) and tungsten wire electrodes (TWEs) of various diameters to assess an ionic solution pumping. A DC electric field created by a bias of several volts pumped the ionic solution in the direction of the negatively biased electrode. The resulting electro-osmotic flow was attributed to the movement of an electric double layer near the electrode and the flow rates along the CWEs were on the order of picoliters per minute. According to electric field analysis, the z-directional electric field around the meniscus of the small electrode was more concentrated than that of the larger electrode. Thus, the pumping effect increased as the electrode diameter decreased. Interestingly in CWEs, the initiating voltage for liquid pumping did not change with increasing diameter, up to 20 μm. We classified into three pumping zones, according to the initiating voltage and faradaic reaction. Liquid pumping using the CWEs could provide a new method for biological studies with adoptable flow rates and a larger ‘Recommended pumping zone’.
Controlled electromechanical cell stimulation on-a-chip
Authors: Pavesi Andrea , Adriani Giulia , Rasponi Marco , Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Fiore Gianfranco B. , Kamm Roger D.
Published: July 2015

Stem cell research has yielded promising advances in regenerative medicine, but standard assays generally lack the ability to combine different cell stimulations with rapid sample processing and precise fluid control. In this work, we describe the design and fabrication of a micro-scale cell stimulator capable of simultaneously providing mechanical, electrical and biochemical stimulation and subsequently extracting detailed morphological and gene-expression analysis on the cellular response. This micro-device offers the opportunity to overcome previous limitations and recreate critical elements of the in vivo microenvironment in order to investigate cellular responses to three different stimulations. The platform was validated in experiments using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These experiments demonstrated the ability for inducing changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal fiber orientation and changes in gene expression under physiological stimuli. This novel bioengineering approach can be readily applied to various studies, especially in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Detection of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers by near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics
Authors: Goto Noriko , Bazar Gyorgy , Kovacs Zoltan , Kunisada Makoto , Morita Hiroyuki , Kizaki Seiichiro , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Tsenkova Roumiana , Nishigori Chikako
Published: July 2015

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes cellular DNA damage, among which cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) are responsible for a variety of genetic mutations. Although several approaches have been developed for detection of CPDs, conventional methods require time-consuming steps. Aquaphotomics, a new approach based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and multivariate analysis that determines interactions between water and other components of the solution, has become an effective method for qualitative and quantitative parameters measurement in the solutions. NIR spectral patterns of UVC-irradiated and nonirradiated DNA solutions were evaluated using aquaphotomics for detection of UV-induced CPDs. Groups of UV-irradiated and nonirradiated DNA samples were classified (87.5% accuracy) by soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). A precise regression model calculated from NIR water spectral patterns based on UVC doses (r Val = 0.9457) and the concentration of cis-syn cyclobutane thymine dimers (cis-syn T<>Ts; r Val = 0.9993) was developed using partial least squares regression (PLSR), while taking advantage of water spectral patterns, particularly around 1400–1500 nm. Our results suggested that, in contrast to DNA, the formation of cis-syn T<>Ts increased the strongly hydrogen bonded water. Additionally, NIRS could qualitatively and quantitatively detect cis-syn T<>Ts in isolated DNA aqueous solutions upon UVC exposure.
Host Responses and Regulation by NFκB Signaling in the Liver and Liver Epithelial Cells Infected with A Novel Tick-borne Bunyavirus
Authors: Sun Qiyu , Jin Cong , Zhu Lili , Liang Mifang , Li Chuan , Cardona Carol J. , Li Dexin , Xing Zheng
Published: July 2015

Infection in humans by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a novel bunyavirus transmitted by ticks, is often associated with pronounced liver damage, especially in fatal cases. Little has been known, however, about how liver cells respond to SFTSV and how the response is regulated. In this study we report that proinflammatory cytokines were induced in liver tissues of C57/BL6 mice infected with SFTSV, which may cause tissue necrosis in mice. Human liver epithelial cells were susceptible to SFTSV and antiviral interferon (IFN) and IFN-inducible proteins were induced upon infection. We observed that infection of liver epithelial cells led to significant increases in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, RANTES, IP-10 and MIP-3a, which were regulated by NFκB signaling and the activation of NFκB signaling during infection promoted viral replication in liver epithelial cells. Viral nonstructural protein NSs was inhibitory to the induction of IFN-β, but interestingly, NFκB activation was enhanced in the presence of NSs. Therefore, NSs plays dual roles in the suppression of antiviral IFN-β induction as well as the promotion of proinflammatory responses. Our findings provide the first evidence for elucidating host responses and regulation in liver epithelial cells infected by an emerging bunyavirus.
Heat-Denatured Lysozyme Inactivates Murine Norovirus as a Surrogate Human Norovirus
Authors: Takahashi Hajime , Nakazawa Moemi , Ohshima Chihiro , Sato Miki , Tsuchiya Tomoki , Takeuchi Akira , Kunou Masaaki , Kuda Takashi , Kimura Bon
Published: July 2015

Human norovirus infects humans through the consumption of contaminated food, contact with the excrement or vomit of an infected person and through airborne droplets that scatter the virus through the air. Being highly infectious and highly viable in the environment, inactivation of the norovirus requires a highly effective inactivating agent. In this study, we have discovered the thermal denaturing capacity of a lysozyme with known antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria, as well as its inactivating effect on murine norovirus. This study is the first report on the norovirus-inactivating effects of a thermally denatured lysozyme. We observed that lysozymes heat-treated for 40 min at 100 °C caused a 4.5 log reduction in infectivity of norovirus. Transmission electron microscope analysis showed that virus particles exposed to thermally denatured lysozymes were expanded, compared to the virus before exposure. The amino acid sequence of the lysozyme was divided into three sections and the peptides of each artificially synthesised, in order to determine the region responsible for the inactivating effect. These results suggest that thermal denaturation of the lysozyme changes the protein structure, activating the region responsible for imparting an inactivating effect against the virus.
Pros and cons of methylation-based enrichment methods for ancient DNA
Authors: Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Gamba Cristina , Sarkissian Clio Der , Ermini Luca , Louvel Guillaume , Boulygina Eugenia , Sokolov Alexey , Nedoluzhko Artem , Lorenzen Eline D. , Lopez Patricio , McDonald H. Gregory , Scott Eric , Tikhonov Alexei , Stafford, Thomas W. , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Alquraishi Saleh A. , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Shapiro Beth , Willerslev Eske , Prokhortchouk Egor , Orlando Ludovic
Published: July 2015

The recent discovery that DNA methylation survives in fossil material provides an opportunity for novel molecular approaches in palaeogenomics. Here, we apply to ancient DNA extracts the probe-independent Methylated Binding Domains (MBD)-based enrichment method, which targets DNA molecules containing methylated CpGs. Using remains of a Palaeo-Eskimo Saqqaq individual, woolly mammoths, polar bears and two equine species, we confirm that DNA methylation survives in a variety of tissues, environmental contexts and over a large temporal range (4,000 to over 45,000 years before present). MBD enrichment, however, appears principally biased towards the recovery of CpG-rich and long DNA templates and is limited by the fast post-mortem cytosine deamination rates of methylated epialleles. This method, thus, appears only appropriate for the analysis of ancient methylomes from very well preserved samples, where both DNA fragmentation and deamination have been limited. This work represents an essential step toward the characterization of ancient methylation signatures, which will help understanding the role of epigenetic changes in past environmental and cultural transitions.
Systematic characterization of the peroxidase gene family provides new insights into fungal pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Mir Albely Afifa , Park Sook-Young , Sadat Md. Abu , Kim Seongbeom , Choi Jaeyoung , Jeon Junhyun , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: July 2015

Fungal pathogens have evolved antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced as a part of host innate immunity. Recent studies proposed peroxidases as components of antioxidant defense system. However, the role of fungal peroxidases during interaction with host plants has not been explored at the genomic level. Here, we systematically identified peroxidase genes and analyzed their impact on fungal pathogenesis in a model plant pathogenic fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. Phylogeny reconstruction placed 27 putative peroxidase genes into 15 clades. Expression profiles showed that majority of them are responsive to in planta condition and in vitro H2O2. Our analysis of individual deletion mutants for seven selected genes including MoPRX1 revealed that these genes contribute to fungal development and/or pathogenesis. We identified significant and positive correlations among sensitivity to H2O2, peroxidase activity and fungal pathogenicity. In-depth analysis of MoPRX1 demonstrated that it is a functional ortholog of thioredoxin peroxidase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is required for detoxification of the oxidative burst within host cells. Transcriptional profiling of other peroxidases in ΔMoprx1 suggested interwoven nature of the peroxidase-mediated antioxidant defense system. The results from this study provide insight into the infection strategy built on evolutionarily conserved peroxidases in the rice blast fungus.
Directional radiation of Babinet-inverted optical nanoantenna integrated with plasmonic waveguide
Authors: Kim Jineun , Roh Young-Geun , Cheon Sangmo , Jeong Kim Un , Hwang Sung Woo , Park Yeonsang , Lee Chang-Won
Published: July 2015

We present a Babinet-inverted optical nanoantenna integrated with a plasmonic waveguide. Using an integrated nanoantenna, we can couple the plasmon guide mode in a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure into the resonant antenna feed directly. The resonantly excited feed slot then radiates to free space and generates a magnetic dipole-like far-field pattern. The coupling efficiency of the integrated nanoantenna is calculated as being approximately 19% using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D FDTD) simulation. By adding an auxiliary groove structure along with the feed, the radiation direction can be controlled similar to an optical Yagi-Uda antenna. We also determine, both theoretically and experimentally, that groove depth plays a significant role to function groove structure as a reflector or a director. The demonstrated Babinet-inverted optical nanoantenna integrated with a plasmonic waveguide can be used as a “plasmonic via” in plasmonic nanocircuits.
Quantitative investigation of the dynamic interaction of human serum albumin with procaine using a multi-way calibration method coupled with three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Li-Xia , Wu Hai-Long , Kang Chao , Xiang Shou-Xia , Yin Xiao-Li , Gu Hui-Wen , Zuo Qi , Yu Ru-Qin
Published: July 2015

Based on a multi-way calibration method, free human serum albumin in a dynamic interaction system with procaine is quantified. Their interaction mechanism and the effect of temperature on interaction are also studied.
Analytical determination of aliskiren in pharmaceutical formulations using boron-doped diamond electrodes
Authors: Carvalho Flávio H. O. , Cintra Alessandra , Abrahão Odonírio , Gomes Roseli A. S. , Salazar-Banda Giancarlo R. , Oliveira Robson T. S.
Published: July 2015

Electrooxidation of aliskiren on a BDD electrode.
A fast, sensitive, and high throughput method for the determination of nintedanib in mouse plasma by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhang Yang , Dai Juji , Bai Yongyu , Xiao Yuwu , Zhou Meng-tao
Published: July 2015

A sensitive and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine nintedanib in mice plasma using diazepam as the internal standard (IS).
Application of silver nanoparticles decorated with β-cyclodextrin in determination of 6-mercaptopurine by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Lei , Chen Yanhua , Li Hongli , Luo Lan , Zhao Ying , Zhang Hanqi , Tian Yuan
Published: July 2015

A highly sensitive and selective method using silver nanoparticles decorated with β-cyclodextrin as a SERS-active substrate was developed for detecting 6-mercaptopurine.
“One-pot” click access to triazole bridged cyclodextrin chiral phases for differentiation of clopidogrel enantiomers
Authors: Kang Qing , Yao Xiaobin , Zhang Lifang , Wu Zhihua , Wang Yong
Published: July 2015

The current work demonstrates a “one-pot” click synthetic procedure for the preparation of triazole bridged cyclodextrin (CD) chiral stationary phases (CSPs) and their application for absolute chiral resolution of clopidogrel enantiomers.
Novel near-infrared carboxylated 1,3-indandione sensitizers for highly efficient flexible dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Shibayama Naoyuki , Inoue Yukiko , Abe Masahiro , Kajiyama Shingo , Ozawa Hironobu , Miura Hidetoshi , Arakawa Hironori
Published: July 2015

The novel near-infrared organic dyes were designed for use in plastic-substrate dye sensitized solar cells. As a result, η of 5.76% was achieved.
The inductive-effect of electron withdrawing trifluoromethyl for thermally activated delayed fluorescence: tunable emission from tetra- to penta-carbazole in solution processed blue OLEDs
Authors: Mei Ling , Hu Jia , Cao Xudong , Wang Fangfang , Zheng Chao , Tao Youtian , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei
Published: July 2015

Non-conjugated trifluoromethyl was introduced as a new acceptor in TADF OLEDs. 5CzCF3Ph exhibited significantly higher efficiency than 4CzCF3Ph due to its lower ΔEST value.
Diverse display of non-covalent interacting elements using pyrimidine-embedded polyheterocycles
Authors: Choi Yoona , Kim Heejun , Shin Young-Hee , Park Seung Bum
Published: July 2015

Diverse display of non-covalent interacting elements in a well-designed single molecular framework might induce distinct interactions with various biopolymers.
Self-assembled light-harvesting supercomplexes from fluorescent surface-cross-linked micelles
Authors: Chadha Geetika , Yang Qing-Zheng , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2015

Energy transfer from >500 donors to the acceptor was enabled by efficient donor–donor energy migration in cross-linked fluorescent micelles.
Protein engineering with artificial chemical nucleases
Authors: Larragy Ruth , Fitzgerald Jenny , Prisecaru Andreea , McKee Vickie , Leonard Paul , Kellett Andrew
Published: July 2015

The process of protein engineering using artificial chemical nucleases is reported using the Cu(ii)-bis-1,10-phenanthroline complex.
Enhancing the efficiency of sortase–mediated ligations through nickel–peptide complex formation
Authors: David Row R. , Roark Travis J. , Philip Marina C. , Perkins Lorena L. , Antos John M.
Published: July 2015

A modified sortase substrate motif allows for control of reaction equilibrium through the use of a simple Ni2+additive.
Organocatalytic cascade reaction for the asymmetric synthesis of novel chroman-fused spirooxindoles that potently inhibit cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Zhou Rui , Wu Qinjie , Guo Mingrui , Huang Wei , He Xianghong , Yang Lei , Peng Fu , He Gu , Han Bo
Published: July 2015

The enantioselective preparation of bioactive chroman-fused spirooxindoles is described. Compound 7e induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells by interfering with the p53–MDM2 interaction.
A recyclable CO surrogate in regioselective alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes: indirect use of carbon dioxide
Authors: Gehrtz P. H. , Hirschbeck V. , Fleischer I.
Published: July 2015

Herein, we report a Pd-catalysed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes based on the use of a recyclable CO2reduction product, the crystalline and air-stableN-formylsaccharin, as a CO surrogate.
Near infrared light-driven water oxidation in a molecule-based artificial photosynthetic device using an upconversion nano-photosensitizer
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Chen Hung-Cheng , Kong Xianggui , Zhang Youlin , Tu Langping , Chang Yulei , Wu Fei , Wang Tongtong , Reek Joost N. H. , Brouwer Albert M. , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2015

A NIR light driven nano-photosensitizer is reported as a novel concept in an artificial photosynthetic system that integrates upconversion nanoparticles with Pt(ii)-porphyrin.
Electronic structures of bare and terephthalic acid adsorbed TiO2(110)-(1 × 2) reconstructed surfaces: origin and reactivity of the band gap states
Authors: Zhang Wenhua , Liu Liming , Wan Li , Liu Lingyun , Cao Liang , Xu Faqiang , Zhao Jin , Wu Ziyu
Published: July 2015

Ti2O3-row contributed band gap states are sensitive to TPA adsorption, resulting in the redistribution of Ti 3d states at the interface.
Investigation of nitriding and reduction processes in a nanocrystalline iron–ammonia–hydrogen system at 350 °C
Authors: Bartłomiej Wilk , Arabczyk Walerian
Published: July 2015

In this paper we explain the hysteresis phenomenon, occurring at the iron nitriding degree of a nitriding potential system.
The ferroelectric polarization of Y2CoMnO6aligns along the b-axis: the first-principles calculations
Authors: Ma C. Y. , Dong S. , Zhou P. X. , Du Z. Z. , Liu M. F. , Liu H. M. , Yan Z. B. , Liu J.-M.
Published: July 2015

Symmetry analysis and first-principles calculations reveal the magnetism-driven ferroelectric polarization of double perovskite Y2CoMnO6.
Colorimetric and fluorimetric response of Schiff base molecules towards fluoride anion, solution test kit fabrication, logical interpretations and DFT-D3 study
Authors: Ghosh Pritam , Roy Biswajit Gopal , Jana Saibal , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: July 2015

Two newly synthesized Schiff base molecules are herein reported as anion sensors.
A homochiral Cu(i) coordination polymer based on achiral precursors and its photocatalytic properties
Authors: He Xiang , Fang Kang , Guo Xiao-Hai , Han Jing , Lu Xiao-Peng , Li Ming-Xing
Published: July 2015

A homochiral three-dimensional framework material has been successfully synthesized by solvothermal reaction, which is generated through an unusual spontaneous asymmetrical crystallization from achiral precursors without any enantiopure additive.
An HASApf–redoxin complex causing asymmetric catalytic oxidation via the regenerative formation of a reactive oxygen species
Authors: Nagaoka Hiroyuki
Published: July 2015

A PP (pea)-HASApf–redoxin complex eluted from encapsulated PP gel with aeration displays asymmetric oxidation activity over 200 times greater than that of a similar protein expressed by E. coli cells.
A microfluidics approach to study the accumulation of molecules at basal lamina interfaces
Authors: Arends Fabienna , Sellner Sabine , Seifert Philipp , Gerland Ulrich , Rehberg Markus , Lieleg Oliver
Published: July 2015

We here study the charge-dependent accumulation of molecules at a buffer/gel interface both in vitro and in vivo.
Elucidating time-dependent changes in the urinary metabolome of renal transplant patients by a combined 1H NMR and GC-MS approach
Authors: Kienana Muhrez , Lydie Nadal-Desbarats , Jean-Michel Halimi , Binta Dieme , Matthias Büchler , Patrick Emond , Hélène Blasco , Chantal Le Guellec
Published: July 2015

Combined 1H-NMR and GC-MS metabolomics highlight the biochemical pathways that are differentially affected by transplantation over time.
Magic molecule modifiers
Authors: Lowe Derek
Published: July 2015

Late stage functionalisation can seem supernaturally powerful, says Derek Lowe – if you've got the nerve to try it.
CO oxidation over Cu2O deposited on 2D continuous lamellar g-C3N4
Authors: Shi Yukun , Hu Xiaojing , Zhao Jingtao , Zhou Xiaojiao , Zhu Baolin , Zhang Shoumin , Huang Weiping
Published: July 2015

The changing trend of adsorption ability and the catalytic activity of Cu2O/g-C3N4 moved in the same direction.
Rare-earth metal alkyl complexes bearing an alkoxy N-heterocyclic carbene ligand: synthesis, characterization, catalysis for isoprene polymerization
Authors: Long Shiyu , Wang Baoli , Xie Hongyan , Yao Changguang , Wu Chunji , Cui Dongmei
Published: July 2015

The new rare-earth metal alkyl complexes bearing alkoxy NHC ligands were prepared, which showed moderate cis-1,4 selectivity for isoprene polymerization.
Interaction of 2,4,6-tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPymT) with CoX2(X = Cl, Br) in water: trapping of new self-assembled water–chloride/bromide clusters in a [Co(bpca)2]+host (bpca = bis(2-pyrimidylcarbonyl)amidate anion)
Authors: Safin Damir A. , Szell Patrick M. J. , Keller Antonin , Korobkov Ilia , Bryce David L. , Murugesu Muralee
Published: July 2015

New self-assembled water–chloride/bromide clusters are trapped as counterions in a cobalt-based cationic host.
The fate of nano-silver in aqueous media
Authors: Plowman Blake. J. , Tschulik Kristina , Walport Emily , Young Neil P. , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2015

The electrochemical analysis of gold-core silver-shell nanoparticles is demonstrated to provide a rigorous and effective method to probe the chemical stability of nano-silver in aqueous environments.
Ex situ electrochemical sodiation/desodiation observation of Co3O4anchored carbon nanotubes: a high performance sodium-ion battery anode produced by pulsed plasma in a liquid
Authors: Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Sultana Irin , Chen Zhiqiang , Srikanth Mateti , Li Lu Hua , Dai Xiujuan J. , Chen Ying
Published: July 2015

A new liquid plasma method is used to fabricate a Co3O4/CNT nanocomposite anode using a nanosecond pulse atmospheric pressure for sodium-ion battery application.
Relationships among the structural topology, bond strength, and mechanical properties of single-walled aluminosilicate nanotubes
Authors: Liou Kai-Hsin , Tsou Nien-Ti , Kang Dun-Yen
Published: July 2015

The elastic modulus of single-walled aluminosilicate nanotubes is evaluated. The multiscale computational methodology proposed in this study enables the discovery of new high-strength nanotubes.
A theoretical investigation of substituent effects on the stability and reactivity of N-heterocyclic olefin carboxylates
Authors: Dong Liang , Wen Jun , Li Weiyi
Published: July 2015

Introduction of four phenyl groups at C-position and N-position not only favors decarboxylation but also ensures NHO as a strong nucleophile.
Design of thiol- and light-sensitive degradable hydrogels using Michael-type addition reactions
Authors: Kharkar Prathamesh M. , Kiick Kristi L. , Kloxin April M.
Published: July 2015

Hydrogels that respond to multiple stimuli (i.e., light, reducing and aqueous microenvironment) were synthesized using thiol-Michael type reaction and degradation kinetics along with release of nanobeads was characterized.
Zero-valent iron impregnated cellulose acetate mixed matrix membranes for the treatment of textile industry effluent
Authors: Saranya R. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Ismail A. F. , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Paul Diby
Published: July 2015

Novel green synthesized zero valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles of distinct mass fractions of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 wt% are blended with cellulose acetate (CA) to prepare CA/ZVI mixed matrix membranes (MMMs).
Quick synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework microflowers with enhanced supercapacitor and electrocatalytic performances
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Shi Huaizhong , Zhang Renchun , Zhang Zirui , Wang Nan , Li Junwei , Yuan Baiqing , Bai Helong , Zhang Jingchao
Published: July 2015

Novel zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) microflowers were synthesized by a quick and simple method without using any template or surfactant.
Effects of tetracycline on simultaneous biological wastewater nitrogen and phosphorus removal
Authors: Chen A. , Chen Y. , Ding C. , Liang H. , Yang B.
Published: July 2015

The presence of 2 and 5 mg L−1of tetracycline decreased total nitrogen removal. Tetracycline induced EPS release and decreased its protective role on cells. Denitrifiers instead of nitrifiers were negatively affected by tetracycline.
Computational investigation of the influence of tetrahedral oxoanions (sulphate, selenate and chromate) on the stability of calcium carbonate polymorphs
Authors: Arroyo-de Dompablo M. E. , Fernández-González M. A. , Fernández-Díaz L.
Published: July 2015

The incorporation of tetrahedral AO42− (A = S, Se, Cr) groups substituting CO32− groups is energetically more feasible for vaterite, less so for calcite and very unfavourable for aragonite.
In situ synthesis of VO2for tunable mid-infrared photonic devices
Authors: Martinez Hurtado J. L. , Kraeh C. , Popescu A. , Hedler H. , Finley J. J.
Published: July 2015

Tunable PhCs were fabricated by inclusion of VO2particles in high aspect ration MIR microtube arrays.
Reaction-induced microphase separation in DDS-cured TGDDM thermosets containing PCL-b-PES-b-PCL triblock copolymer
Authors: Shen Kang , Zhou Quan , Xu Qilei , Jiang Deyi , Ni Lizhong
Published: July 2015

Schematic diagram of micro-phase separation during the curing reaction.
Investigation of the difference in liquid superlubricity between water- and oil-based lubricants
Authors: Li Jinjin , Zhang Chenhui , Deng Mingming , Luo Jianbin
Published: July 2015

The difference in superlubricity behavior between water- and oil-based lubricants is investigated and the liquid superlubricity region dependent on pressure and the pressure–viscosity coefficient is established.
Water-soluble TRIS-terminated PAMAM dendrimers: microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and Cu(ii) intradendrimer complexes
Authors: Ertürk Ali Serol , Gürbüz Mustafa Ulvi , Tülü Metin , Bozdoğan Abdürrezzak Emin
Published: July 2015

Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and Cu(ii) complexes of water-soluble TRIS-terminated PAMAM dendrimers as novel potential drug carriers and templates for nanomaterials.
Organocatalytic enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2-naphthols with benzoxathiazine 2,2-dioxides
Authors: Montesinos-Magraner Marc , Cantón Rubén , Vila Carlos , Blay Gonzalo , Fernández Isabel , Muñoz M. Carmen , Pedro José R.
Published: July 2015

An organocatalytic enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts addition of 2-naphthols to benzoxathiazine 2,2-dioxides is described using a quinine-derived bifunctional catalyst.
Design and synthesis of a s-triazene based asymmetric organocatalyst and its application in enantioselective alkylation
Authors: Mangawa Shrawan K. , Singh Ashawani K. , Awasthi Satish K.
Published: July 2015

A very efficient chiral organocatalyst was prepared from the readily available cyanuric chloride.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharides form physically cross-linked, two-dimensional gels in the presence of divalent cations
Authors: Herrmann Moritz , Schneck Emanuel , Gutsmann Thomas , Brandenburg Klaus , Tanaka Motomu
Published: July 2015

Interface rheology suggests bacteria blocks antibacterial peptides by forming physically cross-linked gels of lipopolysaccharides in the presence of divalent cations.
The swim force as a body force
Authors: Yan Wen , Brady John F.
Published: July 2015

Average swim force acts like an internal body force applied on active particles, which allows a continuum mechanics description.
Kinetic aspects of the adsorption of xyloglucan onto cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Villares Ana , Moreau Céline , Dammak Abir , Capron Isabelle , Cathala Bernard
Published: July 2015

Kinetic studies of XG adsorption onto CNC surfaces reveal two adsorption regimes: adsorption as trains at low XG concentration, or as loops and tails at high XG concentration.
Solvent vapor annealing on perylene-based organic solar cells
Authors: Grob Stefan , Bartynski Andrew N. , Opitz Andreas , Gruber Mark , Grassl Florian , Meister Eduard , Linderl Theresa , Hörmann Ulrich , Lorch Christopher , Moons Ellen , Schreiber Frank , Thompson Mark E. , Brütting Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Solvent vapor annealing on crystalline DIP and amorphous DBP induces morphological changes, which can improve organic solar cell efficiency.
Recent advances in critical materials for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells: a review
Authors: Duan Jialong , Zhang Huihui , Tang Qunwei , He Benlin , Yu Liangmin
Published: July 2015

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) present promising cost-effective alternatives to conventional silicon solar cells due to their distinctive properties such as simplicity in fabrication, possibility to realize light absorption in wide solar spectrum regions, and theoretical conversion efficiency up to 44%.
Towards superior oxygen evolution through graphene barriers between metal substrates and hydroxide catalysts
Authors: Wang Hao-Fan , Tang Cheng , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2015

With a regulated hydroxide hybridization of the graphene barrier, metal/graphene/hydroxide electrocatalysts exhibited superior reactivity for oxygen evolution.
New self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels based on dehydropeptides
Authors: Vilaça H. , Pereira G. , Castro T. G. , Hermenegildo B. F. , Shi J. , Faria T. Q. , Micaêlo N. , Brito R. M. M. , Xu B. , Castanheira E. M. S. , Martins J. A. , Ferreira P. M. T.
Published: July 2015

New hydrogelators based on dehydrodipeptides N-conjugated with naproxen were prepared and characterized. These compounds gave hydrogels that resist proteolysis.
Hydrogen bonded and ionically crosslinked high strength hydrogels exhibiting Ca2+-triggered shape memory properties and volume shrinkage for cell detachment
Authors: Ren Zongqing , Zhang Yinyu , Li Yongmao , Xu Bing , Liu Wenguang
Published: July 2015

Diaminotriazine hydrogen bonding reinforced and Ca2+-crosslinked high strength shape memory hydrogels are fabricated. Ca2+_induced dramatic volume shrinkage is utilized to trigger unharmful cell detachment.
Co2+/Co3+ratio dependence of electromagnetic wave absorption in hierarchical NiCo2O4–CoNiO2hybrids
Authors: Wu Hongjing , Wu Guanglei , Ren Yanyan , Yang Le , Wang Liuding , Li Xinghua
Published: July 2015

Amorphous hierarchical NiCo2O4–CoNiO2hybrids have been successfully fabricatedviaa facile one-pot hydrothermal route, followed by morphologic conversion into urchin-like structured NiCo2O4–CoNiO2nanorods and irregular-shaped hierarchical NiCo2O4–CoNiO2polyhedral nanocrystals through air-annealing treatment at 450 °C and 650 °C, respectively.
Innate cellular sources of interleukin-17A regulate macrophage accumulation in cigarette- smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice
Authors: Bozinovski Steven , Seow Huei Jiunn , Chan Sheau Pyng Jamie , Anthony Desiree , McQualter Jonathan , Hansen Michelle , Jenkins Brendan J. , Anderson Gary P. , Vlahos Ross
Published: July 2015

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pivotal cytokine that regulates lung immunity and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate how IL-17A regulates CS-induced lung inflammation in vivo. IL-17A knockout (KO) mice and neutralization of IL-17A in wild-type (WT) mice reduced macrophage and neutrophil recruitment and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 mRNA expression in response to acute CS exposure. IL-17A expression was increased in non-obese diabetic (NOD) severe combined immunodeficiency SCID) mice with non-functional B- and T-cells over a 4-week CS exposure period, where macrophages accumulated to the same extent as in WT mice. Gene expression analysis by QPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) of isolated immune cell subsets detected increased levels of IL-17A transcript in macrophages, neutrophils and NK/NKT cells in the lungs of CS-exposed mice. In order to further explore the relative contribution of innate immune cellular sources, intracellular IL-17A staining was performed. In the present study, we demonstrate that CS exposure primes natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and γδ T-cells to produce more IL-17A protein and CS alone increased the frequency of IL17+ γδ T-cells in the lung, whereas IL-17A protein was not detected in macrophages and neutrophils. Our data suggest that activation of innate cellular sources of IL-17A is an essential mediator of macrophage accumulation in CS-exposed lungs. Targeting non-conventional T-cell sources of IL-17A may offer an alternative strategy to reduce pathogenic macrophages in COPD.
Sound Production Treatment: Synthesis and Quantification of Outcomes
Authors: Bailey Dallin J. , Eatchel Kelly , Wambaugh Julie
Published: July 2015

Purpose

This investigation was designed to provide a quantification and synthesis of a series of single-case experimental design investigations into the effects of sound production treatment, an articulatory-kinematic treatment for acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). The main purpose was to perform a meta-analysis of aggregated sound production treatment data in order to provide benchmarks to serve as indicators of magnitude of change. Additional analyses explored various factors influencing effect sizes and level of performance.

Method

Effect sizes were calculated for treated and untreated items for 24 participants across 10 investigations. Benchmarks were calculated as the quartiles of the distributions of the effect sizes. Correlational analyses were performed to examine (a) end-of-treatment performance relative to follow-up performance, (b) response of trained items relative to untrained items, and (c) effect size relative to participant variables.

Results

Effect sizes were predominantly large and positive; benchmarks for treated items were larger than those for untreated items. End of treatment and follow-up performance were positively correlated, and response generalization was positively correlated with AOS severity.

Conclusion

These benchmarks may assist in evaluating the effects of interventions for individuals with AOS utilizing similar outcome measures in both clinical and research settings.
Family Ratings of Communication Largely Reflect Expressive Language and Conversation-Level Ability in People With Aphasia
Authors: Fucetola Robert , Tabor Connor Lisa
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Family ratings of communication and social interactions represent an important source of information about people with aphasia. Because of the reliance on family/partner ratings as an outcome measure in many aphasia treatment studies and in the clinic, there is a great need for the validation of commonly used family/partner rating measures, and a better understanding of predictors of family ratings of communication.

Method

The communication ability of 130 individuals with aphasia due to neurologic illness was rated by family members/partners on the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI; Lomas et al., 1989). Information on aphasia severity, mood, quality of life, nonverbal cognitive functioning, and various demographic factors was collected.

Results

Principal component analysis confirmed a 2-factor model best represents the relationships among CETI rating items, and this model largely consists of a conversation-level ability factor. Family ratings were largely predicted by the patient's expressive (not receptive) language but also patient self-perceived quality of communication life.

Conclusions

Family/partners typically rate the effectiveness of communication based largely on expressive language, despite the fact that other aspects of the aphasia (e.g., listening comprehension) are as important for everyday communication.
Interdisciplinary Program in Sweden Related to Transgender Voice
Authors: Södersten Maria , Nygren Ulrika , Hertegård Stellan , Dhejne Cecilia
Published: July 2015

Gender incongruence occurs when there is a discrepancy between gender identity and a person's sex assigned at birth and their bodily appearance. Sweden was the first country in the world to pass a law regulating a person's legal right to change gender. There are six psychiatric gender teams in Sweden responsible for diagnostic assessments and coordination of gender confirming medical interventions. Extended gender teams include endocrinologists, speech-language pathologists, phoniatricians, gynecologists, dermatologists, and surgeons. All male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals are referred for voice assessment when a gender dysphoria diagnosis has been confirmed. Voice assessment includes questionnaires and voice recordings in habitual and loud voice and voice range profiles. Voice and communication therapy is provided for both MtF and FtM individuals. Pitch-raising surgery can be considered and pre- and post-operative voice therapy is required for optimal results. The Swedish Association for Transsexual Health was launched 2004. The national guidelines were recently updated to make those more congruent with WPATH's Standards of Care version 7. A national quality registry for Gender Dysphoria has been accepted for financial support. The registry will in the future be a unique source to provide data concerning patient satisfaction, safety, and life quality.
Computationally efficient adaptive algorithm for resource allocation in orthogonal frequency‐division multiple‐access‐based cognitive radio networks
Authors: Raeis Mahdi , Shahtalebi Kamal , Forouzan Amir Reza
Published: July 2015

In this study, the authors examine resource allocation in an orthogonal frequency‐division multiple‐access‐based cognitive radio (CR) network which dynamically senses primary users (PUs) spectrum and opportunistically uses available channels. The aim is resource allocation such that the CR network throughput is maximised under the PUs maximum interference constraint and cognitive users (CUs) transmission power budget. This problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming problem which is 𝔼‐hard in general and infeasible to solve in real‐time. To reduce the computational complexity, the authors decouple the problem into two separate steps. After initial power allocation, in the first step, an adaptive algorithm is employed to assign subcarriers to the CUs toward throughput maximisation by using these initial powers. In the second step, power is allocated optimally to the assigned subcarriers. Simulation results show that the proposed method nearly achieves the optimal solution in a small number of iterations meaning significant reduction in the computational complexity.