bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Corrigendum: Down-regulation of miR-206 is associated with Hirschsprung disease and suppresses cell migration and proliferation in cell models
Authors: Sharan Ankur , Zhu Hairong , Xie Hua , Li Hongxing , Tang Junwei , Tang Weibing , Zhang Hongwei , Xia Yankai
Published: January 2016

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a well-known congenital digestive disease that originates due to the developmental disorder of neural crest cells. MiR-206 is kown to have a relationship with digestive malfunctions. Therefore, we investigated whether or not miR-206 was involved in the pathogenesis of HSCR. qRT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of miRNA and mRNAs, and proteins in case and control tissue samples and two cell lines (293T and SH-SY5Y). The functions of miR-206 in vitro were measured by transwell assay, CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. Finally, we conducted dual-luciferase reporter assay to verify the connections between miR-206 and the target mRNA SDPR. Down-regulation of miR-206 was found in HSCR case tissue samples compared with controls, which was validated to be connected with the increased level of mRNA and protein of SDPR by qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, miR-206 suppressed the cell migration and proliferation and silencing of SDPR could rescue the extent of the suppressing effects by miR-206 inhibitor. The findings suggest that miR-206 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HSCR, as well as inhibiting the cell migration and proliferation by targeting SDPR in disease models.
Coherence and resonance effects in the ultra-intense laser-induced ultrafast response of complex atoms
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Gao Cheng , Dong Wenpu , Zeng Jiaolong , Zhao Zengxiu , Yuan Jianmin
Published: January 2016

Both coherent pumping and energy relaxation play important roles in understanding physical processes of ultra-intense coherent light-matter interactions. Here, using a large-scale quantum master equation approach, we describe dynamical processes of practical open quantum systems driven by both coherent and stochastic interactions. As examples, two typical cases of light-matter interactions are studied. First, we investigate coherent dynamics of inner-shell electrons of a neon gas irradiated by a high-intensity X-ray laser along with vast number of decaying channels. In these single-photon dominated processes, we find that, due to coherence-induced Rabi oscillations and power broadening effects, the photon absorptions of a neon gas can be suppressed resulting in differences in ionization processes and final ion-stage distributions. Second, we take helium as an example of multiphoton and multichannel interference dominated electron dynamics, by investigating the transient absorption of an isolated attosecond pulse in the presence of a femtosecond infrared laser pulse.
Local structure controls the nonaffine shear and bulk moduli of disordered solids
Authors: Schlegel M. , Brujic J. , Terentjev E. M. , Zaccone A.
Published: January 2016

Paradigmatic model systems, which are used to study the mechanical response of matter, are random networks of point-atoms, random sphere packings, or simple crystal lattices; all of these models assume central-force interactions between particles/atoms. Each of these models differs in the spatial arrangement and the correlations among particles. In turn, this is reflected in the widely different behaviours of the shear (G) and compression (K) elastic moduli. The relation between the macroscopic elasticity as encoded in G, K and their ratio and the microscopic lattice structure/order, is not understood. We provide a quantitative analytical connection between the local orientational order and the elasticity in model amorphous solids with different internal microstructure, focusing on the two opposite limits of packings (strong excluded-volume) and networks (no excluded-volume). The theory predicts that, in packings, the local orientational order due to excluded-volume causes less nonaffinity (less softness or larger stiffness) under compression than under shear. This leads to lower values of G/K, a well-documented phenomenon which was lacking a microscopic explanation. The theory also provides an excellent one-parameter description of the elasticity of compressed emulsions in comparison with experimental data over a broad range of packing fractions.
Exon-centric regulation of ATM expression is population-dependent and amenable to antisense modification by pseudoexon targeting
Authors: Kralovicova Jana , Knut Marcin , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Vorechovsky Igor
Published: January 2016

ATM is an important cancer susceptibility gene that encodes a critical apical kinase of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. We show that a key nonsense-mediated RNA decay switch exon (NSE) in ATM is repressed by U2AF, PUF60 and hnRNPA1. The NSE activation was haplotype-specific and was most promoted by cytosine at rs609261 in the NSE 3′ splice-site (3′ss), which is predominant in high cancer risk populations. NSE levels were deregulated in leukemias and were influenced by the identity of U2AF35 residue 34. We also identify splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) that exploit competition of adjacent pseudoexons to modulate NSE levels. The U2AF-regulated exon usage in the ATM signalling pathway was centred on the MRN/ATM-CHEK2-CDC25-cdc2/cyclin-B axis and preferentially involved transcripts implicated in cancer-associated gene fusions and chromosomal translocations. These results reveal important links between 3′ss control and ATM-dependent responses to double-strand DNA breaks, demonstrate functional plasticity of intronic variants and illustrate versatility of intronic SSOs that target pseudo-3′ss to modify gene expression.
Optical nanostructures in 2D for wide-diameter and broadband beam collimation
Authors: Clark James , Anguita José V. , Chen Ying , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: January 2016

Eliminating curved refracting lensing components used in conventional projection, imaging and sensing optical assemblies, is critical to enable compactness and miniaturisation of optical devices. A suitable means is replacing refracting lenses with two-dimensional optical media in flat-slab form, to achieve an equivalent optical result. One approach, which has been the focus of intense research, uses a Veselago lens which features a negative-index metamaterial. However, practical implementations rely on resonance techniques, thus broadband operation at optical frequencies imposes significant technical challenges that have been difficult to overcome. Here, we demonstrate a highly-collimated, broadband, wide-diameter beam from a compact source in flat-slab form, based on light collimation using nanomaterials ordered in patterns and embedded into flexible polymers. These provide a highly anisotropic absorption coefficient due to patterns created by vertical carbon nanotube structures grown on glass and the anisotropic electrical conductivity of the nanotubes. We show this nanostructure strongly absorbs unwanted off-axis light rays, whilst transmitting the desired on-axis rays, to achieve the required optical effect over broadband, from visible to short-infrared, thus circumventing some technical limitations of negative-index metamaterials. We further show a low substrate-temperature system for nanotube growth, allowing direct implementation into heat-sensitive large-area devices.
Embelin binds to human neuroserpin and impairs its polymerisation
Authors: Saga Giorgia , Sessa Fabio , Barbiroli Alberto , Santambrogio Carlo , Russo Rosaria , Sala Michela , Raccosta Samuele , Martorana Vincenzo , Caccia Sonia , Noto Rosina , Moriconi Claudia , Miranda Elena , Grandori Rita , Manno Mauro , Bolognesi Martino , Ricagno Stefano
Published: January 2016

Neuroserpin (NS) is a serpin inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the brain. The polymerisation of NS pathologic mutants is responsible for a genetic dementia known as familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). So far, a pharmacological treatment of FENIB, i.e. an inhibitor of NS polymerisation, remains an unmet challenge. Here, we present a biophysical characterisation of the effects caused by embelin (EMB a small natural compound) on NS conformers and NS polymerisation. EMB destabilises all known NS conformers, specifically binding to NS molecules with a 1:1 NS:EMB molar ratio without unfolding the NS fold. In particular, NS polymers disaggregate in the presence of EMB and their formation is prevented. The NS/EMB complex does not inhibit tPA proteolytic activity. Both effects are pharmacologically relevant: firstly by inhibiting the NS polymerisation associated to FENIB and secondly by potentially antagonizing metastatic processes facilitated by NS activity in the brain.
Climate-driven sympatry may not lead to foraging competition between congeneric top-predators
Authors: Cimino Megan A. , Moline Mark A. , Fraser William R. , Patterson-Fraser Donna L. , Oliver Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

Climate-driven sympatry may lead to competition for food resources between species. Rapid warming in the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is coincident with increasing gentoo penguin and decreasing Adélie penguin populations, suggesting that competition for food may exacerbate the Adélie penguin decline. On fine scales, we tested for foraging competition between these species during the chick-rearing period by comparing their foraging behaviors with the distribution of their prey, Antarctic krill. We detected krill aggregations within the horizontal and vertical foraging ranges of Adélie and gentoo penguins and found that krill selected for habitats that balance the need to consume food and avoid predation. In overlapping Adélie and gentoo penguin foraging areas, four gentoo penguins switched foraging behavior by foraging at deeper depths, a strategy which limits competition with Adélie penguins. This suggests that climate-driven sympatry does not necessarily result in competitive exclusion of Adélie penguins by gentoo penguins. Contrary to a recent theory, which suggests that increased competition for krill is one of the major drivers of Adélie penguin population declines, we suggest that declines in Adélie penguins along the WAP are more likely due to direct and indirect climate impacts on their life histories.
Intracellular Doppler Signatures of Platinum Sensitivity Captured by Biodynamic Profiling in Ovarian Xenografts
Authors: Merrill Daniel , An Ran , Sun Hao , Yakubov Bakhtiyor , Matei Daniela , Turek John , Nolte David
Published: January 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) tissue cultures are replacing conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures for applications in cancer drug development. However, direct comparisons of in vitro 3D models relative to in vivo models derived from the same cell lines have not been reported because of the lack of sensitive optical probes that can extract high-content information from deep inside living tissue. Here we report the use of biodynamic imaging (BDI) to measure response to platinum in 3D living tissue. BDI combines low-coherence digital holography with intracellular Doppler spectroscopy to study tumor drug response. Human ovarian cancer cell lines were grown either in vitro as 3D multicellular monoculture spheroids or as xenografts in nude mice. Fragments of xenografts grown in vivo in nude mice from a platinum-sensitive human ovarian cell line showed rapid and dramatic signatures of induced cell death when exposed to platinum ex vivo, while the corresponding 3D multicellular spheroids grown in vitro showed negligible response. The differences in drug response between in vivo and in vitro growth have important implications for predicting chemotherapeutic response using tumor biopsies from patients or patient-derived xenografts.
The recent ancestry of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Korea has been shaped by recombination
Authors: Kim Jin Il , Kim You-Jin , Lemey Philippe , Lee Ilseob , Park Sehee , Bae Joon-Yong , Kim Donghwan , Kim Hyejin , Jang Seok-Il , Yang Jeong-Sun , Kim Hak , Kim Dae-Won , Nam Jeong-Gu , Kim Sung Soon , Kim Kisoon , Myun Lee Jae , Song Man Ki , Song Daesub , Chang Jun , Hong Kee-Jong , Bae Yong-Soo , Song Jin-Won , Lee Joo-Shil , Park Man-Seong
Published: January 2016

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe cases of human respiratory disease. Since 2012, the victims have mainly come from the Middle East countries or sporadically from some other geographical regions seeded by the travelers who visited the Middle East. Such an introduction through travelling led to the emergence of a MERS-CoV outbreak in Korea in May 2015, which caused more than 140 confirmed human cases in less than a month. Using 70 complete genome sequences of MERS-CoV isolates, including the most recent sequences for the Korean and Chinese isolates, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of the complete genome and the individual protein coding regions. The Korean MERS-CoV strain clustered in the previously established Hafr-Al-Batin-1_2013 clade together with two Saudi Arabian and one Chinese strain sampled in 2015. Although these four strains remained monophyletic in the entire protein-coding region, this clade showed different phylogenetic relationships across the genome, indicating a shared unique recombination pattern that is different from previously reported putative recombination strains. Our findings suggest that the recent ancestor of the Korean and its related MERS-CoV strains is characterized by unique mosaic genome pattern that is different from other putative recombinants.
Measurement of Electron-Ion Relaxation in Warm Dense Copper
Authors: Cho B. I. , Ogitsu T. , Engelhorn K. , Correa A. A. , Ping Y. , Lee J. W. , Bae L. J. , Prendergast D. , Falcone R. W. , Heimann P. A.
Published: January 2016

Experimental investigation of electron-ion coupling and electron heat capacity of copper in warm and dense states are presented. From time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy, the temporal evolution of electron temperature is obtained for non-equilibrium warm dense copper heated by an intense femtosecond laser pulse. Electron heat capacity and electron-ion coupling are inferred from the initial electron temperature and its decrease over 10 ps. Data are compared with various theoretical models.
Both diet and gene mutation induced obesity affect oocyte quality in mice
Authors: Hou Yan-Jun , Zhu Cheng-Cheng , Duan Xing , Liu Hong-Lin , Wang Qiang , Sun Shao-Chen
Published: January 2016

Obesity was shown to cause reproductive dysfunctions such as reduced conception, infertility and early pregnancy loss. However, the possible effects of obesity on oocyte quality are still not fully understood. In this study we investigated the effects of both diet and gene mutation induced obesity on impairments in mouse oocyte polarization, oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications. Our results showed that high-fat diet induced obesity (HFD) and gene mutation induced obesity (ob/ob) could both impair oocyte meiotic maturation, disrupt spindle morphology and reduce oocyte polarity. Oocytes from obese mice underwent oxidative stress, as shown by high DHE and ROS levels. Abnormal mitochondrial distributions and structures were observed in oocytes from obese groups of mice and early apoptosis signals were detected, which suggesting that oxidative stress had impaired mitochondrial function and resulted in oocyte apoptosis. Our results also showed that 5 mC levels and H3K9 and H3K27 methylation levels were altered in oocytes from obese mice, which indicated that DNA methylation and histone methylation had been affected. Our results showed that both HFD and ob/ob induced obesity affected oocyte maturation and that oxidative stress-induced early apoptosis and altered epigenetic modifications may be the reasons for reduced oocyte quality in obese mice.
NIR Electrofluorochromic Properties of Aza-Boron-dipyrromethene Dyes
Authors: Lim Hanwhuy , Seo Seogjae , Pascal Simon , Bellier Quentin , Rigaut Stéphane , Park Chihyun , Shin Haijin , Maury Olivier , Andraud Chantal , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: January 2016

The photophysical properties of near-infrared (NIR) emissive aza-boron-dipyrromethene (aza-BDP) dyes incorporating nitrofluorene and alkoxy decorations were intensively investigated. Their highly reversible one-electron reduction process showed characteristic electrofluorochromic (EF) properties in the NIR range, depending on the substituents. The nitrofluorene ethynyl-substituted (Type I) dyes showed smaller EF effects than the alkoxy-containing (Type II) dyes because of the difference in their intrinsic fluorescence contrast between the neutral and reduced states (radical anion). In addition, the Type II chromophores showed a larger diffusion coefficient for ion transport, which enhanced the EF contrast and the response time for the fluorescence change at a given step potential. With an optimized condition, the NIR EF ON/OFF ratio reached a value of 6.1 and a long cyclability over 1000 EF cycles between −0.4 V and +0.4 V switching potentials, with approximately 20% loss of the initial ON/OFF switching ratio. The NIR EF switching was visually observed through a visible light cut-off filter, featuring high fluorescence contrast.
Genome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF family in Musa species reveals divergence and neofunctionalisation during evolution
Authors: Lakhwani Deepika , Pandey Ashutosh , Dhar Yogeshwar Vikram , Bag Sumit Kumar , Trivedi Prabodh Kumar , Asif Mehar Hasan
Published: January 2016

AP2/ERF domain containing transcription factor super family is one of the important regulators in the plant kingdom. The involvement of AP2/ERF family members has been elucidated in various processes associated with plant growth, development as well as in response to hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we carried out genome-wide analysis to identify members of AP2/ERF family in Musa acuminata (A genome) and Musa balbisiana (B genome) and changes leading to neofunctionalisation of genes. Analysis identified 265 and 318 AP2/ERF encoding genes in M. acuminata and M. balbisiana respectively which were further classified into ERF, DREB, AP2, RAV and Soloist groups. Comparative analysis indicated that AP2/ERF family has undergone duplication, loss and divergence during evolution and speciation of the Musa A and B genomes. We identified nine genes which are up-regulated during fruit ripening and might be components of the regulatory machinery operating during ethylene-dependent ripening in banana. Tissue-specific expression analysis of the genes suggests that different regulatory mechanisms might be involved in peel and pulp ripening process through recruiting specific ERFs in these tissues. Analysis also suggests that MaRAV-6 and MaERF026 have structurally diverged from their M. balbisiana counterparts and have attained new functions during ripening.
Rubber-like Quasi-thermosetting Polyetheramine-cured Epoxy Asphalt Composites Capable of Being Opened to Traffic Immediately
Authors: Kang Yang , Wu Qiang , Jin Rui , Yu Pengfei , Cheng Jixiang
Published: January 2016

This paper reports the facile preparation, mechanical performance and linear viscoelasticity of polyetheramine-cured rubber-like epoxy asphalt composites (EACs) with different asphalt contents. Compared with previous EACs prepared via complex chemical reactions and time-consuming high-temperature curing, the EACs reported here were obtained by using a compatible, bi-functional polyetheramine and a simple physical co-blend process, which make the EACs feasibly scalable for production at a lower cost. The EACs were cured for 1 h at 160 °C and 3 d at 60 °C; therefore, these composites can be opened to traffic immediately. The EACs have a much greater temperature stability than common thermoplastic polymer-modified asphalt composites from −30 °C to 120 °C, but their complex shear moduli at higher temperatures slightly decrease instead of remaining constant when temperatures are greater than 80 °C, especially for the higher asphalt content composites; that is, these composites are quasi-thermosetting. Wicket plots illustrate that the EACs reported here are thermorheological simple materials and the master curves are constructed and well-fitted by generalized logistic sigmoidal model functions. This research provides a facile, low-cost method for the preparation of polyetheramine-cured EACs that can be opened to traffic immediately and the concept of quasi-thermosetting may facilitate the development of cheaper EACs for advanced applications.
Onset of main Phanerozoic marine radiation sparked by emerging Mid Ordovician icehouse
Authors: Rasmussen Christian M. Ø. , Ullmann Clemens V. , Jakobsen Kristian G. , Lindskog Anders , Hansen Jesper , Hansen Thomas , Eriksson Mats E. , Dronov Andrei , Frei Robert , Korte Christoph , Nielsen Arne T. , Harper David A.T.
Published: January 2016

The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) was the most rapid and sustained increase in marine Phanerozoic biodiversity. What generated this biotic response across Palaeozoic seascapes is a matter of debate; several intrinsic and extrinsic drivers have been suggested. One is Ordovician climate, which in recent years has undergone a paradigm shift from a text-book example of an extended greenhouse to an interval with transient cooling intervals – at least during the Late Ordovician. Here, we show the first unambiguous evidence for a sudden Mid Ordovician icehouse, comparable in magnitude to the Quaternary glaciations. We further demonstrate the initiation of this icehouse to coincide with the onset of the GOBE. This finding is based on both abiotic and biotic proxies obtained from the most comprehensive geochemical and palaeobiological dataset yet collected through this interval. We argue that the icehouse conditions increased latitudinal and bathymetrical temperature and oxygen gradients initiating an Early Palaeozoic Great Ocean Conveyor Belt. This fuelled the GOBE, as upwelling zones created new ecospace for the primary producers. A subsequent rise in δ13C ratios known as the Middle Darriwilian Isotopic Carbon Excursion (MDICE) may reflect a global response to increased bioproductivity encouraged by the onset of the GOBE.
Using Olfaction and Unpleasant Reminders to Reduce the Intention-behavior Gap in Hand Washing
Authors: Pellegrino Robert , Crandall Philip G. , Seo Han-Seok
Published: January 2016

Lack of hand washing is a leading cause of food borne illnesses. To successfully increase hand hygiene compliance, interventions must have continual engagement with employees. This study used a real-time prospective memory (PM) scenario to measure the effectiveness of a control and sensory reminders of disgust to influence hand washing behavior and performance. First, a model of hand washing performance was built by having six participants’ hands contaminated with GermGlo (a florescent micro-particle) and then washed their hands using predetermined protocols while monitored by an electronic hand hygiene verification (HHV) system. Next, eighty Hispanic/Latino participants, in a between-group experimental design, performed a PM experiment while one of four reminders were present (hand washing poster, disgusting image, disgusting sound and disgusting odor) as the HHV recorded their hand washing performance. Visual cues, typical of hand washing campaigns, were not as effective at increasing hand hygiene compliance as disgust-induced sensory cues. Furthermore, olfactory disgust showed a significantly higher probability that individuals would engage in hand washing behaviors than all other conditions. This study provides new insight into the effectiveness of different senses and emotion to reduce the intention-behavior gap associated with modifying behaviors and broadens current PM research to a real-time application.
SPECT/NIRF Dual Modality Imaging for Detection of Intraperitoneal Colon Tumor with an Avidin/Biotin Pretargeting System
Authors: Dong Chengyan , Yang Sujuan , Shi Jiyun , Zhao Huiyun , Zhong Lijun , Liu Zhaofei , Jia Bing , Wang Fan
Published: January 2016

We describe herein dual-modality imaging of intraperitoneal colon tumor using an avidin/biotin pretargeting system. A novel dual-modality probe, 99mTc-HYNIC-lys(Cy5.5)-PEG4-biotin, was designed, synthesized and characterized. Single-photon emission computed tomography/ computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging were developed using intraperitoneal LS180 human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts. Following avidin preinjection for 4 hours, 99mTc-HYNIC-lys(Cy5.5)-PEG4-biotin could successfully detect colon tumors of different sizes inside the abdominal region using both modalities and the imaging results showed no differences. Biodistribution studies demonstrated that the tumors had a very high uptake of the probe 99mTc-HYNIC-lys(Cy5.5)-PEG4-biotin (12.74 ± 1.89% ID/g at 2 h p.i.) and the clearance from blood and other normal tissues occured very fast. The low tumor uptake in the non-pretargeted mice (1.63 ± 0.50% ID/g at 2 h p.i.) and tumor cell staining results showed excellent tumor binding specificity of the pretargeting system. The ability of the novel probe to show excellent imaging quality with high tumor-to-background contrast, a high degree of binding specificity with tumors and excellent in vivo biodistribution pharmacokinetics should prove that the avidin/biotin based dual-modality pretargeting probe is a promising imaging tool during the entire period of tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Highly efficient light management for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Dong-Lin , Cui Hui-Juan , Hou Guo-Jiao , Zhu Zhen-Gang , Yan Qing-Bo , Su Gang
Published: January 2016

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have enormous potential to impact the existing photovoltaic industry. As realizing a higher conversion efficiency of the solar cell is still the most crucial task, a great number of schemes were proposed to minimize the carrier loss by optimizing the electrical properties of the perovskite solar cells. Here, we focus on another significant aspect that is to minimize the light loss by optimizing the light management to gain a high efficiency for perovskite solar cells. In our scheme, the slotted and inverted prism structured SiO2 layers are adopted to trap more light into the solar cells and a better transparent conducting oxide layer is employed to reduce the parasitic absorption. For such an implementation, the efficiency and the serviceable angle of the perovskite solar cell can be promoted impressively. This proposal would shed new light on developing the high-performance perovskite solar cells.
Three-dimensional Sponges with Super Mechanical Stability: Harnessing True Elasticity of Individual Carbon Nanotubes in Macroscopic Architectures
Authors: Dai Zhaohe , Liu Luqi , Qi Xiaoying , Kuang Jun , Wei Yueguang , Zhu Hongwei , Zhang Zhong
Published: January 2016

Efficient assembly of carbon nanotube (CNT) based cellular solids with appropriate structure is the key to fully realize the potential of individual nanotubes in macroscopic architecture. In this work, the macroscopic CNT sponge consisting of randomly interconnected individual carbon nanotubes was grown by CVD, exhibiting a combination of super-elasticity, high strength to weight ratio, fatigue resistance, thermo-mechanical stability and electro-mechanical stability. To deeply understand such extraordinary mechanical performance compared to that of conventional cellular materials and other nanostructured cellular architectures, a thorough study on the response of this CNT-based spongy structure to compression is conducted based on classic elastic theory. The strong inter-tube bonding between neighboring nanotubes is examined, believed to play a critical role in the reversible deformation such as bending and buckling without structural collapse under compression. Based on in-situ scanning electron microscopy observation and nanotube deformation analysis, structural evolution (completely elastic bending-buckling transition) of the carbon nanotubes sponges to deformation is proposed to clarify their mechanical properties and nonlinear electromechanical coupling behavior.
A new way to synthesize superconducting metal-intercalated C60 and FeSe
Authors: Takahei Yuuki , Tomita Keitaro , Itoh Yugo , Ashida Keishi , Lee Ji-Hyun , Nishimoto Naoki , Kimura Takumi , Kudo Kazutaka , Nohara Minoru , Kubozono Yoshihiro , Kambe Takashi
Published: January 2016

Doping with the optimum concentration of carriers (electrons or holes) can modify the physical properties of materials. Therefore, improved ways to achieve carrier doping have been pursued extensively for more than 50 years. Metal-intercalation is one of the most important techniques for electron doping of organic / inorganic solids and has produced superconductors from insulators and metallic solids. The most successful examples are metal-intercalated graphite and C60 superconductors. Metal intercalation has been performed using solid-reaction and liquid solvent techniques. However, precise control of the quantity of intercalants in the target solids can be difficult to achieve using these methods, as that quantity depends largely on the initial conditions. Here we report an electrochemical method for metal-intercalation and demonstrate the preparation of superconductors using organic and inorganic materials (C60 and FeSe). The metal atoms are effectively intercalated into the spaces in C60 and FeSe solids by supplying an electric current between electrodes in a solvent that includes electrolytes. The recorded superconducting transition temperatures, Tc’s, were the same as those of metal-intercalated C60 and FeSe prepared using solid-reaction or liquid solvent techniques. This technique may open a new avenue in the search for organic / inorganic superconductors.
Distribution, function and evolution characterization of microsatellite in Sargassum thunbergii (Fucales, Phaeophyta) transcriptome and their application in marker development
Authors: Liu Fuli , Hu Zimin , Liu Wenhui , Li Jingjing , Wang Wenjun , Liang Zhourui , Wang Feijiu , Sun Xiutao
Published: January 2016

Using transcriptome data to mine microsatellite and develop markers has growingly become prevalent. However, characterizing the possible function of microsatellite is relatively rare. In this study, we explored microsatellites in the transcriptome of the brown algaSargassum thunbergiiand characterized the frequencies, distribution, function and evolution and developed primers to validate these microsatellites. Our results showed that Tri-nucleotide is the most abundant, followed by di- and mono-nucleotide. The length of microsatellite was significantly affected by the repeat motif size. The density of microsatellite in the CDS region is significantly lower than that in the UTR region. The annotation of the transcripts containing microsatellite showed that 573 transcripts have GO terms and can be categorized into 42 groups. Pathways enrichment showed that microsatellites were significantly overrepresented in the genes involved in pathways such as Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, RNA degradation, Spliceosome, etc. Primers flanking 961 microsatellite loci were designed and among the 30 pairs of primer selected randomly for availability test, 23 were proved to be efficient. These findings provided new insight into the function and evolution of microsatellite in transcriptome and the identified microsatellite loci within the annotated gene will be useful for developing functional markers inS. thunbergii.
Annual soil CO2 efflux in a cold temperate forest in northeastern China: effects of winter snowpack and artificial nitrogen deposition
Authors: Liu Boqi , Mou Changcheng , Yan Guoyong , Xu Lijian , Jiang Siling , Xing Yajuan , Han Shijie , Yu Jinghua , Wang Qinggui
Published: January 2016

We conducted a snow depth 0 cm (non-snowpack), 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and natural depth) gradient experiment under four quantities of nitrogen addition (control, no added N; low-N, 5 g N m−2 yr−1; medium-N, 10 g N m−2 yr−1; and high-N, 15 g N m−2 yr−1) and took an-entire-year measurements of soil respiration (Rs) in Korean pine forests in northeastern China during 2013–2014. No evidence for effects of N on Rs could be found during the growing season. On the other hand, reduction of snowpack decreased winter soil respiration due to accompanied relatively lower soil temperature. We found that winter temperature sensitivities (Q10) of Rs were significantly higher than the growing season Q10 under all the N addition treatments. Moderate quantities of N addition (low-N and medium-N) significantly increased temperature sensitivities (Q10) of Rs, but excessive (high-N) addition decreased it during winter. The Gamma empirical model predicted that winter Rs under the four N addition treatments contributed 4.8. ± 0.3% (control), 3.6 ± 0.6% (low-N), 4.3 ± 0.4% (medium-N) and 6.4 ± 0.5% (high-N) to the whole year Rs. Our results demonstrate that N deposition will alter Q10 of winter Rs. Moreover, winter Rs may contribute very few to annual Rs budget.
Indirect excitation of ultrafast demagnetization
Authors: Vodungbo Boris , Tudu Bharati , Perron Jonathan , Delaunay Renaud , Müller Leonard , Berntsen Magnus H. , Grübel Gerhard , Malinowski Grégory , Weier Christian , Gautier Julien , Lambert Guillaume , Zeitoun Philippe , Gutt Christian , Jal Emmanuelle , Reid Alexander H. , Granitzka Patrick W. , Jaouen Nicolas , Dakovski Georgi L. , Moeller Stefan , Minitti Michael P. , Mitra Ankush , Carron Sebastian , Pfau Bastian , von Korff Schmising Clemens , Schneider Michael , Eisebitt Stefan , Lüning Jan
Published: January 2016

Does the excitation of ultrafast magnetization require direct interaction between the photons of the optical pump pulse and the magnetic layer? Here, we demonstrate unambiguously that this is not the case. For this we have studied the magnetization dynamics of a ferromagnetic cobalt/palladium multilayer capped by an IR-opaque aluminum layer. Upon excitation with an intense femtosecond-short IR laser pulse, the film exhibits the classical ultrafast demagnetization phenomenon although only a negligible number of IR photons penetrate the aluminum layer. In comparison with an uncapped cobalt/palladium reference film, the initial demagnetization of the capped film occurs with a delayed onset and at a slower rate. Both observations are qualitatively in line with energy transport from the aluminum layer into the underlying magnetic film by the excited, hot electrons of the aluminum film. Our data thus confirm recent theoretical predictions.
Desorption of low-volatility compounds induced by dynamic friction between microdroplets and an ultrasonically vibrating blade
Authors: Usmanov D. T. , Hiraoka K. , Wada H. , Morita S. , Nonami H.
Published: January 2016

Friction plays an important role in desorption and/or ionization of nonvolatile compounds in mass spectrometry, e.g., sonic spray, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization, solvent-assisted inlet ionization, desorption electrospray, etc.
Seasonal monitoring of inland bathing waters using a sequential injection method as a fast and effective tool for nutrient quantification (N : P)
Authors: Mesquita Raquel B. R. , Machado Ana , Santos Inês C. , Bordalo Adriano A. , Rangel António O. S. S.
Published: January 2016

In this work, an expedite flow method for the combined determination of major nutrients, nitrogen base ions (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium) and phosphate, is described for seasonal monitoring of inland bathing waters.
Phosphorescent columnar hybrid materials containing polyionic inorganic nanoclusters
Authors: Nayak S. K. , Amela-Cortes M. , Neidhardt M. M. , Beardsworth S. , Kirres J. , Mansueto M. , Cordier S. , Laschat S. , Molard Y.
Published: January 2016

Red NIR phosphorescent hybrid materials with columnar liquid crystalline properties show high luminescence thermal stability and sensitivity to their surrounding atmosphere.
A photoluminescent indium–organic framework with discrete cages and one-dimensional channels for gas adsorption
Authors: Qian Jinjie , Li Qipeng , Liang Linfeng , Yang Yan , Cao Zhen , Yu Panpan , Huang Shaoming , Hong Maochun
Published: January 2016

This microporous structure is a novel 3,4,4-connected structure simultaneously built from the mutually competitive [In(CO2)4] and [Eu2(CO2)4(H2O)4] secondary building units together with the tricarboxylate ligand.
A low-temperature formation path toward highly efficient Se-free Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells fabricated through sputtering and sulfurization
Authors: Feng Ye , Lau Tsz-Ki , Cheng Guanming , Yin Ling , Li Zhaohui , Luo Hailin , Liu Zhuang , Lu Xinhui , Yang Chunlei , Xiao Xudong
Published: January 2016

CZTS absorbers fabricated via the low-temperature formation path resulted in more homogeneous element distribution across the thickness direction with much less ZnS segregation near the CZTS/Mo interface.
Synthesis of MOF templated Cu/CuO@TiO2nanocomposites for synergistic hydrogen production
Authors: Mondal Indranil , Pal Ujjwal
Published: January 2016

A copper metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) provides access to Cu/CuO@TiO2hybrid nanocomposites which shows enhanced photoactivity for H2evolution from water.
Slowing and cooling of heavy or light (even with a tiny electric dipole moment) polar molecules using a novel, versatile electrostatic Stark decelerator
Authors: Wang Qin , Hou Shunyong , Xu Liang , Yin Jianping
Published: January 2016

We have proposed a novel, versatile electrostatic Stark decelerator to slow the heavy and light polar molecules with an array of true 3D electric potential wells.
In situ characterization of the decomposition behavior of Mg(BH4)2by X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Sahle Christoph J. , Kujawski Simon , Remhof Arndt , Yan Yigang , Stadie Nicholas P. , Al-Zein Ali , Tolan Metin , Huotari Simo , Krisch Michael , Sternemann Christian
Published: January 2016

We present anin situstudy of the thermal decomposition of Mg(BH4)2in a hydrogen atmosphere of up to 4 bar and up to 500 °C using X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy at the boron K-edge and the magnesium L2,3-edges.
Efficient microfluidic photocatalysis in a symmetrical metal-cladding waveguide
Authors: Zhu Shu , Dai Hailang , Jiang Bei , Shen Zhenhua , Chen Xianfeng
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a symmetrical metal-cladding optical waveguide based microfluidic chip with a self-organized and free-standing TiO2 nanotube membrane was utilized to perform efficient photocatalysis.
Electron stimulated hydroxylation of a metal supported silicate film
Authors: Yu Xin , Emmez Emre , Pan Qiushi , Yang Bing , Pomp Sascha , Kaden William E. , Sterrer Martin , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans-Joachim , Goikoetxea Itziar , Wlodarczyk Radoslaw , Sauer Joachim
Published: January 2016

Low-energy electron irradiation of an ice precovered silicate film enhances surface hydroxylation.
Perimeter ring currents in benzenoids from Pauling bond orders
Authors: Fowler Patrick W. , Myrvold Wendy , Jenkinson Daniel , Bird William H.
Published: January 2016

Benzenoid perimeter currents within the Randić conjugated-circuit model follow directly from a simple calculation of Pauling bond orders and Kekulé count.
A triazine-based BODIPY trimer as a molecular viscometer
Authors: Raut Sangram L. , Kimball Joseph D. , Fudala Rafal , Bora Ilkay , Chib Rahul , Jaafari Hana , Castillo Marlius K. , Smith Nicholas W. , Gryczynski Ignacy , Dzyuba Sergei V. , Gryczynski Zygmunt
Published: January 2016

Photophysical behaviour of a novel trimeric BODIPY rotor with a high extinction coefficient is reported.
Emission shaping in fluorescent proteins: role of electrostatics and π-stacking
Authors: Park Jae Woo , Rhee Young Min
Published: January 2016

We obtained the fluorescence spectrum of the GFP with trajectory simulations, and revealed the role of the protein sidechains in emission shifts.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics of carbon nanodots in different pH environments
Authors: Sui Laizhi , Jin Wuwei , Li Suyu , Liu Dunli , Jiang Yuanfei , Chen Anmin , Liu Hang , Shi Ying , Ding Dajun , Jin Mingxing
Published: January 2016

The carboxyl groups in C-dots greatly influence PL of C-dots as emissive surface states based on steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopy.
Design and synthesis of a dinucleating ligand system with varying terminal donor functions that provides no bridging donor and its application to the synthesis of a series of FeIII–μ-O–FeIII complexes
Authors: Strautmann Julia Bernhardette Hildegard , Dammers Susanne , Limpke Thomas , Parthier Janine , Zimmermann Thomas Philipp , Walleck Stephan , Heinze-Brückner Gabriele , Stammler Anja , Bögge Hartmut , Glaser Thorsten
Published: January 2016

We have developed the dinucleating ligands H4julia, susan, and H4hildeMe2 and present their μ-oxo diferric complexes.
Two S = 1/2 one-dimensional barium copper phosphates showing antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic intrachain interactions
Authors: Yang Ming , Cui Meiyan , Zhang Suyun , Xiang Hongping , Guo Wenbin , He Zhangzhen
Published: January 2016

Compound 1 contains alternating chains with 3D ordering at 14 K, while 2 consists of uniform chains without 3D ordering above 2 K.
Tin-catalyzed hydrophosphination of alkenes
Authors: Stelmach John P. W. , Bange Christine A. , Waterman Rory
Published: January 2016

Simple tin derivatives, Cp*2SnCl2 (1) and Ph2SnCl2 (2), catalyze the hydrophosphination of alkene substrates with diphenylphosphine.
White phosphorus activation by a Th(iii) complex
Authors: Formanuik Alasdair , Ortu Fabrizio , Beekmeyer Reece , Kerridge Andrew , Adams Ralph W. , Mills David P.
Published: January 2016

Lappert's original Th(iii) complex, [Th{C5H3(SiMe3)2-1,3}3], reduces white phosphorus to give a cyclo-P4 dianion, which exhibits an unprecedented μ–η1:η1-binding mode in the dinuclear Th(iv) product.
The chemistry of benzodisilacyclobutenes and benzobis(disilacyclobutene)s: new development of transition-metal-catalyzed reactions, stereochemistry and theoretical studies
Authors: Ishikawa Mitsuo , Naka Akinobu , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: January 2016

This perspective article provides an overview of the synthesis and reactions of 3,4-benzo-1,2-disilacyclobut-3-enes and benzo[1,2:4,5]bis(1,2-disilacyclobut-3-ene)s.
Tuning of the sensing properties of luminescent Eu3+ complexes towards the nitrate anion
Authors: Piccinelli Fabio , Leonzio Marco , Bettinelli Marco , Monari Magda , Grazioli Cristian , Melchior Andrea , Tolazzi Marilena
Published: January 2016

The dependence of the luminescence sensing towards nitrate on the ligand donor ability, ligand stereochemistry, complex stoichiometry and concentration is shown.
Beneficial effects of substituting trivalent ions in the B-site of La0.5Sr0.5Mn1−xAxO3 (A = Al, Ga, Sc) on the thermochemical generation of CO and H2 from CO2 and H2O
Authors: Dey Sunita , Naidu B. S. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: January 2016

The effect of substitution of trivalent cations in La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 perovskites on thermochemical CO2 splitting varies in the order Sc > Ga > Al.
Molten-salt treatment of waste biomass for preparation of carbon with enhanced capacitive properties and electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction
Authors: Lu Beihu , Zhou Jing , Song Yuqiao , Wang Hailong , Xiao Wei , Wang Dihua
Published: January 2016

Carbon powders are building blocks for electrochemical energy storage/conversion devices. Green, cost-affordable and facile preparation of carbon with applicable electrochemical properties is therefore essential for effective utilization of fluctuating renewable energy. Herein, the preparation of carbon nanoflakes via impregnation of waste biomass i.e. boiled coffee beans in molten Na2CO3–K2CO3 (with equal mass) at 800 °C and molten CaCl2 at 850 °C is reported. The microstructure and surface chemistry of the obtained carbons are specified. The correlations between synthetic conditions and microstructure/surface chemistry of the obtained carbons are rationalized. The derived carbon nanosheets are tested and compared as active materials for supercapacitors in a configuration of symmetric full cells in 1 M MeEt3NBF4 in acetonitrile and electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in O2-saturated 0.1 M aqueous KOH. Despite the lower surface area, the carbon nanosheets derived in molten Na2CO3–K2CO3 exhibit enhanced capacitive properties and electrocatalytic ORR activity. The present study highlights the importance of thermal media on the microstructure, surface chemistry and electrochemistry of carbon from biomass.
Methanol oxidation on Fe2O3 catalysts and the effects of surface Mo
Authors: Bowker M. , Gibson E. K. , Silverwood I. P. , Brookes C.
Published: January 2016

The adsorption of methanol on haematite has been investigated using temperature programmed methods, combined with in situ DRIFTS. Model catalysts based on this material have then been made with a shell–core configuration of molybdenum oxide monolayers on top of the haematite core. These are used as models of industrial iron molybdate catalysts, used to selectively oxidise methanol to formaldehyde, one of the major chemical outlets for methanol. Haematite itself is completely ineffective in this respect since it oxidises it to CO2 and the DRIFTS shows that this occurs by oxidation of methoxy to formate at around 200 °C. The decomposition behaviour is affected by the absence or presence of oxygen in the gas phase; oxygen destabilises the methoxy and enhances formate production. In contrast, when a monolayer of molybdena is placed onto the surface by incipient wetness, and it remains there after calcination, the pathway to formate production is blocked and formaldehyde is the main gas phase product in TPD after methanol dosing.
Visible-light-induced controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates mediated by a pillared-layer metal–organic framework
Authors: Liu Yue , Chen Dashu , Li Xingyu , Yu Ziyang , Xia Qiansu , Liang Desheng , Xing Hongzhu
Published: January 2016

A visible light responsive MOF material has been constructed by the pillared-layer approach to conduct atom transfer radical polymerization. The as-prepared polymers show narrow molecular weight distribution and high retention of chain-end activity.
From trash to resource: recovered-Pd from spent three-way catalysts as a precursor of an effective photo-catalyst for H2production
Authors: Gombac V. , Montini T. , Falqui A. , Loche D. , Prato M. , Genovese A. , Mercuri M. L. , Serpe A. , Fornasiero P. , Deplano P.
Published: January 2016

The synthesis and catalytic activity of a new effective catalyst for methanol and glycerol photo-reforming prepared using the valued product of a sustainable Pd-leaching from spent TWCs, are described.
Determination of inorganic mercury in petroleum production water by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry following photochemical vapor generation
Authors: Francisco Barbara Bruna A. , Rocha Anderson A. , Grinberg Patricia , Sturgeon Ralph E. , Cassella Ricardo J.
Published: January 2016

Photochemical vapor generation of inorganic Hg is proposed for its determination in high-salinity production water obtained from offshore petroleum exploration.
A colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal DNA logic gate based on the response of a cyanine dye supramolecule to G-quadruplexes
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Sun Hongxia , Zhang Xiufeng , Sun Xiaoran , Shi Yunhua , Xu Shujuan , Tang Yalin
Published: January 2016

The INHIBIT DNA logic gate with dual-modal outputs based on the response of MTC aggregates to G-quadruplexes.
Solution synthesis of telluride-based nano-barbell structures coated with PEDOT:PSS for spray-printed thermoelectric generators
Authors: Bae Eun Jin , Kang Young Hun , Jang Kwang-Suk , Lee Changjin , Cho Song Yun
Published: January 2016

Solution-processable telluride-based heterostructures coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) were synthesized in order to produce a flexible thermoelectric generator by the simple spray-printing process.