bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferrin Receptor Controls AMPA Receptor Trafficking Efficiency and Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Liu Ke , Lei Run , Li Qiong , Wang Xin-Xin , Wu Qian , An Peng , Zhang Jianchao , Zhu Minyan , Xu Zhiheng , Hong Yang , Wang Fudi , Shen Ying , Li Hongchang , Li Huashun
Published: February 2016

Transferrin receptor (TFR) is an important iron transporter regulating iron homeostasis and has long been used as a marker for clathrin mediated endocytosis. However, little is known about its additional function other than iron transport in the development of central nervous system (CNS). Here we demonstrate that TFR functions as a regulator to control AMPA receptor trafficking efficiency and synaptic plasticity. The conditional knockout (KO) of TFR in neural progenitor cells causes mice to develop progressive epileptic seizure and dramatically reduces basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). We further demonstrate that TFR KO remarkably reduces the binding efficiency of GluR2 to AP2 and subsequently decreases AMPA receptor endocytosis and recycling. Thus, our study reveals that TFR functions as a novel regulator to control AMPA trafficking efficiency and synaptic plasticity.
Proteome quantification of cotton xylem sap suggests the mechanisms of potassium-deficiency-induced changes in plant resistance to environmental stresses
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Chao Maoni , Wang Sufang , Bu Jingjing , Tang Juxiang , Li Fei , Wang Qinglian , Zhang Baohong
Published: February 2016

Proteomics was employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of apoplastic response to potassium(K)-deficiency in cotton. Low K (LK) treatment significantly decreased the K and protein contents of xylem sap. Totally, 258 peptides were qualitatively identified in the xylem sap of cotton seedlings, of which, 90.31% were secreted proteins. Compared to the normal K (NK), LK significantly decreased the expression of most environmental-stress-related proteins and resulted in a lack of protein isoforms in the characterized proteins. For example, the contents of 21 Class Ш peroxidase isoforms under the LK were 6 to 44% of those under the NK and 11 its isoforms were lacking under the LK treatment; the contents of 3 chitinase isoforms under LK were 11–27% of those under the NK and 2 its isoforms were absent under LK. In addition, stress signaling and recognizing proteins were significantly down-regulated or disappeared under the LK. In contrast, the LK resulted in at least 2-fold increases of only one peroxidase, one protease inhibitor, one non-specific lipid-transfer protein and histone H4and in the appearance of H2A. Therefore, K deficiency decreased plant tolerance to environmental stresses, probably due to the significant and pronounced decrease or disappearance of a myriad of stress-related proteins.
Intrinsic mechanical behavior of femoral cortical bone in young, osteoporotic and bisphosphonate-treated individuals in low- and high energy fracture conditions
Authors: Zimmermann Elizabeth A. , Schaible Eric , Gludovatz Bernd , Schmidt Felix N. , Riedel Christoph , Krause Matthias , Vettorazzi Eik , Acevedo Claire , Hahn Michael , Püschel Klaus , Tang Simon , Amling Michael , Ritchie Robert O. , Busse Björn
Published: February 2016

Bisphosphonates are a common treatment to reduce osteoporotic fractures. This treatment induces osseous structural and compositional changes accompanied by positive effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes. Here, we test the hypothesis that restored osseous cell behavior, which resembles characteristics of younger, healthy cortical bone, leads to improved bone quality. Microarchitecture and mechanical properties of young, treatment-naïve osteoporosis and bisphosphonate-treated cases were investigated in femoral cortices. Tissue strength was measured using three-point bending. Collagen fibril-level deformation was assessed in non-traumatic and traumatic fracture states using synchrotron small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) at low and high strain rates. The lower modulus, strength and fibril deformation measured at low strain rates reflects susceptibility for osteoporotic low-energy fragility fractures. Independent of age, disease and treatment status, SAXS revealed reduced fibril plasticity at high strain rates, characteristic of traumatic fracture. The significantly reduced mechanical integrity in osteoporosis may originate from porosity and alterations to the intra/extrafibrillar structure, while the fibril deformation under treatment indicates improved nano-scale characteristics. In conclusion, losses in strength and fibril deformation at low strain rates correlate with the occurrence of fragility fractures in osteoporosis, while improvements in structural and mechanical properties following bisphosphonate treatment may foster resistance to fracture during physiological strain rates.
Selective Pyroelectric Detection of Millimetre Waves Using Ultra-Thin Metasurface Absorbers
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Paulish Andrey G. , Navarro-Cía Miguel , Arzhannikov Andrey V.
Published: February 2016

Sensing infrared radiation is done inexpensively with pyroelectric detectors that generate a temporary voltage when they are heated by the incident infrared radiation. Unfortunately the performance of these detectors deteriorates for longer wavelengths, leaving the detection of, for instance, millimetre-wave radiation to expensive approaches. We propose here a simple and effective method to enhance pyroelectric detection of the millimetre-wave radiation by combining a compact commercial infrared pyro-sensor with a metasurface-enabled ultra-thin absorber, which provides spectrally- and polarization-discriminated response and is 136 times thinner than the operating wavelength. It is demonstrated that, due to the small thickness and therefore the thermal capacity of the absorber, the detector keeps the high response speed and sensitivity to millimetre waves as the original infrared pyro-sensor does against the regime of infrared detection. An in-depth electromagnetic analysis of the ultra-thin resonant absorbers along with their complex characterization by a BWO-spectroscopy technique is presented. Built upon this initial study, integrated metasurface absorber pyroelectric sensors are implemented and tested experimentally, showing high sensitivity and very fast response to millimetre-wave radiation. The proposed approach paves the way for creating highly-efficient inexpensive compact sensors for spectro-polarimetric applications in the millimetre-wave and terahertz bands.
Contact gating at GHz frequency in graphene
Authors: Wilmart Q. , Inhofer A. , Boukhicha M. , Yang W. , Rosticher M. , Morfin P. , Garroum N. , Fève G. , Berroir J.-M. , Plaçais B.
Published: February 2016

The paradigm of graphene transistors is based on the gate modulation of the channel carrier density by means of a local channel gate. This standard architecture is subject to the scaling limit of the channel length and further restrictions due to access and contact resistances impeding the device performance. We propose a novel design, overcoming these issues by implementing additional local gates underneath the contact region which allow a full control of the Klein barrier taking place at the contact edge. In particular, our work demonstrates the GHz operation of transistors driven by independent contact gates. We benchmark the standard channel and novel contact gating and report for the later dynamical transconductance levels at the state of the art. Our finding may find applications in electronics and optoelectronics whenever there is need to control independently the Fermi level and the electrostatic potential of electronic sources or to get rid of cumbersome local channel gates.
Five-year changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in coastal wetlands affected by flow-sediment regulation in a Chinese delta
Authors: Wang Junjing , Bai Junhong , Zhao Qingqing , Lu Qiongqiong , Xia Zhijian
Published: February 2016

Changes in the sources and sinks of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in wetland soils as indicators of soil quality and climate change have received attention worldwide. Soil samples were collected in 2007 and 2012 in the coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta and the SOC and TN were determined to investigate a five-year change in their content and stock in these wetlands as affected by flow-sediment regulation. Our results revealed that the soils in 2007 exhibited greater electrical conductivities, SOC content and density, and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) levels in the top 10 cm soils (p < 0.05) compared with the soils in 2012. In general, the SOC and TN contents decreased with increasing soil depth. However, the highest ratios of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen (molar C/N ratios) were observed in the 30–40 cm soil layer. A significant SOC loss occurred (p < 0.05) in top 10 cm soils, but only a small change in SOC in the top 50 cm soils. Comparatively, TN levels did not show significant differences in the study period.
BATMAN-TCM: a Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Liu Zhongyang , Guo Feifei , Wang Yong , Li Chun , Zhang Xinlei , Li Honglei , Diao Lihong , Gu Jiangyong , Wang Wei , Li Dong , He Fuchu
Published: February 2016

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history of thousands of years of clinical practice, is gaining more and more attention and application worldwide. And TCM-based new drug development, especially for the treatment of complex diseases is promising. However, owing to the TCM’s diverse ingredients and their complex interaction with human body, it is still quite difficult to uncover its molecular mechanism, which greatly hinders the TCM modernization and internationalization. Here we developed the first online Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of TCM (BATMAN-TCM). Its main functions include 1) TCM ingredients’ target prediction; 2) functional analyses of targets including biological pathway, Gene Ontology functional term and disease enrichment analyses; 3) the visualization of ingredient-target-pathway/disease association network and KEGG biological pathway with highlighted targets; 4) comparison analysis of multiple TCMs. Finally, we applied BATMAN-TCM to Qishen Yiqi dripping Pill (QSYQ) and combined with subsequent experimental validation to reveal the functions of renin-angiotensin system responsible for QSYQ’s cardioprotective effects for the first time. BATMAN-TCM will contribute to the understanding of the “multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway” combinational therapeutic mechanism of TCM and provide valuable clues for subsequent experimental validation, accelerating the elucidation of TCM’s molecular mechanism. BATMAN-TCM is available athttp://bionet.ncpsb.org/batman-tcm.
A perfectly stoichiometric and flat CeO2(111) surface on a bulk-like ceria film
Authors: Barth C. , Laffon C. , Olbrich R. , Ranguis A. , Parent Ph. , Reichling M.
Published: February 2016

In surface science and model catalysis, cerium oxide (ceria) is mostly grown as an ultra-thin film on a metal substrate in the ultra-high vacuum to understand fundamental mechanisms involved in diverse surface chemistry processes. However, such ultra-thin films do not have the contribution of a bulk ceria underneath, which is currently discussed to have a high impact on in particular surface redox processes. Here, we present a fully oxidized ceria thick film (180 nm) with a perfectly stoichiometric CeO2(111) surface exhibiting exceptionally large, atomically flat terraces. The film is well-suited for ceria model studies as well as a perfect substitute for CeO2bulk material.
Multi-functionalized carbon dots as theranostic nanoagent for gene delivery in lung cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Yu-Fen , Wu Hsi-Chin , Kuan Chen-Hsiang , Lin Chun-Jui , Wang Li-Wen , Chang Chien-Wen , Wang Tzu-Wei
Published: February 2016

Theranostics, an integrated therapeutic and diagnostic system, can simultaneously monitor the real-time response of therapy. Different imaging modalities can combine with a variety of therapeutic moieties in theranostic nanoagents. In this study, a multi-functionalized, integrated theranostic nanoagent based on folate-conjugated reducible polyethylenimine passivated carbon dots (fc-rPEI-Cdots) is developed and characterized. These nanoagents emit visible blue photoluminescence under 360 nm excitation and can encapsulate multiple siRNAs (EGFR and cyclin B1) followed by releasing them in intracellular reductive environment. In vitro cell culture study demonstrates that fc-rPEI-Cdots is a highly biocompatible material and a good siRNA gene delivery carrier for targeted lung cancer treatment. Moreover, fc-rPEI-Cdots/pooled siRNAs can be selectively accumulated in lung cancer cells through receptor mediated endocytosis, resulting in better gene silencing and anti-cancer effect. Combining bioimaging of carbon dots, stimulus responsive property, gene silencing strategy and active targeting motif, this multi-functionalized, integrated theranostic nanoagent may provide a useful tool and platform to benefit clinicians adjusting therapeutic strategy and administered drug dosage in real time response by monitoring the effect and tracking the development of carcinomatous tissues in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.
Nanoarchitectured Nb2O5 hollow, Nb2O5@carbon and NbO2@carbon Core-Shell Microspheres for Ultrahigh-Rate Intercalation Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Kong Lingping , Zhang Chuanfang , Wang Jitong , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng , Long Donghui
Published: February 2016

Li-ion intercalation materials with extremely high rate capability will blur the distinction between batteries and supercapacitors. We construct a series of nanoarchitectured intercalation materials including orthorhombic (o-) Nb2O5 hollow microspheres, o-Nb2O5@carbon core-shell microspheres and tetragonal (t-) NbO2@carbon core-shell microspheres, through a one-pot hydrothermal method with different post-treatments. These nanoarchitectured materials consist of small nanocrystals with highly exposed active surface and all of them demonstrate good Li+ intercalation pseudocapacitive properties. In particular, o-Nb2O5 hollow microspheres can deliver the specific capacitance of 488.3 F g−1 and good rate performance of 126.7 F g−1 at 50 A g−1. The o-Nb2O5@carbon core-shell microspheres show enhanced specific capacitance of 502.2 F g−1 and much improved rate performance (213.4 F g−1 at 50 A g−1). Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time, t-NbO2 exhibits much higher rate capability than o-Nb2O5. For discharging time as fast as 5.9 s (50 A g−1), it still exhibits a very high specific capacitance of 245.8 F g−1, which is 65.2% retention of the initial capacitance (377.0 F g−1 at 1 A g−1). The unprecedented rate capability is an intrinsic feature of t-NbO2, which may be due to the conductive lithiated compounds.
Involvement of an octose ketoreductase and two acyltransferases in the biosynthesis of paulomycins
Authors: Li Jine , Wang Min , Ding Yong , Tang Yue , Zhang Zhiguo , Chen Yihua
Published: February 2016

C-4 hydroxyethyl branched octoses have been observed in polysaccharides of several genera of gram negative bacteria and in various antibiotics produced by gram positive bacteria. The C-4 hydroxyethyl branch was proposed to be converted from C-4 acetyl branch by an uncharacterized ketoreduction step. Paulomycins (PAUs) are glycosylated antibiotics with potent inhibitory activity against gram positive bacteria and are structurally defined by its unique C-4′ hydroxyethyl branched paulomycose moiety. A novel aldo-keto-reductase, Pau7 was characterized as the enzyme catalyzing the stereospecific ketoreduction of 7′-keto of PAU E (1) to give the C-4′ hydroxyethyl branched paulomycose moiety of PAU F (2). An acyltransferase Pau6 further decorates the C-4′ hydroxyethyl branch of paulomycose moiety of 2 by attaching various fatty acyl chains to 7′-OH to generate diverse PAUs. In addition, another acyltransferase Pau24 was proposed to be responsible for the 13-O-acetylation of PAUs.
The impact of orientation filtering on face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal cortex
Authors: Taubert Jessica , Goffaux Valerie , Van Belle Goedele , Vanduffel Wim , Vogels Rufin
Published: February 2016

Faces convey complex social signals to primates. These signals are tolerant of some image transformations (e.g. changes in size) but not others (e.g. picture-plane rotation). By filtering face stimuli for orientation content, studies of human behavior and brain responses have shown that face processing is tuned to selective orientation ranges. In the present study, for the first time, we recorded the responses of face-selective neurons in monkey inferior temporal (IT) cortex to intact and scrambled faces that were filtered to selectively preserve horizontal or vertical information. Guided by functional maps, we recorded neurons in the lateral middle patch (ML), the lateral anterior patch (AL) and an additional region located outside of the functionally defined face-patches (CONTROL). We found that neurons in ML preferred horizontal-passed faces over their vertical-passed counterparts. Neurons in AL, however, had a preference for vertical-passed faces, while neurons in CONTROL had no systematic preference. Importantly, orientation filtering did not modulate the firing rate of neurons to phase-scrambled face stimuli in any recording region. Together these results suggest that face-selective neurons found in the face-selective patches are differentially tuned to orientation content, with horizontal tuning in area ML and vertical tuning in area AL.
Heme oxygenase-1 attenuates IL-1β induced alteration of anabolic and catabolic activities in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Hu Bo , Shi Changgui , Xu Chen , Cao Peng , Tian Ye , Zhang Ying , Deng Lianfu , Chen Huajiang , Yuan Wen
Published: February 2016

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by disordered extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, implicating subdued anabolism and enhanced catabolic activities in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of discs. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are considered to be potent mediators of ECM breakdown. Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been reported to participate in cellular anti-inflammatory processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate HO-1 modulation of ECM metabolism in human NP cells under IL-1β stimulation. Our results revealed that expression of HO-1 decreased considerably during IDD progression. Induction of HO-1 by cobalt protoporphyrin IX attenuated the inhibition of sulfate glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II (COL-II) synthesis and ameliorated the reduced expressions of aggrecan, COL-II, SOX-6 and SOX-9 mediated by IL-1β. Induction of HO-1 also reversed the effect of IL-1β on expression of the catabolic markers matrix metalloproteinases-1, 3, 9 and 13. This was combined with inhibition of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. These findings suggest that HO-1 might play a pivotal role in IDD and that manipulating HO-1 expression might mitigate the impairment of ECM metabolism in NP, thus potentially offering a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of IDD.
“Optical communication with brain cells by means of an implanted duplex micro-device with optogenetics and Ca2+ fluoroimaging”
Authors: Kobayashi Takuma , Haruta Makito , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Matsumata Miho , Eizumi Kawori , Kitsumoto Chikara , Motoyama Mayumi , Maezawa Yasuyo , Ohta Yasumi , Noda Toshihiko , Tokuda Takashi , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Ohta Jun
Published: February 2016

To better understand the brain function based on neural activity, a minimally invasive analysis technology in a freely moving animal is necessary. Such technology would provide new knowledge in neuroscience and contribute to regenerative medical techniques and prosthetics care. An application that combines optogenetics for voluntarily stimulating nerves, imaging to visualize neural activity and a wearable micro-instrument for implantation into the brain could meet the abovementioned demand. To this end, a micro-device that can be applied to the brain less invasively and a system for controlling the device has been newly developed in this study. Since the novel implantable device has dual LEDs and a CMOS image sensor, photostimulation and fluorescence imaging can be performed simultaneously. The device enables bidirectional communication with the brain by means of light. In the present study, the device was evaluated in anin vitroexperiment using a new on-chip 3D neuroculture with an extracellular matrix gel and anin vivoexperiment involving regenerative medical transplantation and gene delivery to the brain by using both photosensitive channel and fluorescent Ca2+indicator. The device succeeded in activating cells locally by selective photostimulation and the physiological Ca2+dynamics of neural cells were visualized simultaneously by fluorescence imaging.
Pancreatic β-Cell Membrane Fluidity and Toxicity Induced by Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Species
Authors: Pilkington Emily H. , Gurzov Esteban N. , Kakinen Aleksandr , Litwak Sara A. , Stanley William J. , Davis Thomas P. , Ke Pu Chun
Published: February 2016

Aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) into fibrils and plaques is associated with pancreatic β-cell loss in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, due to the rapidness of hIAPP conversion in aqueous phase, exactly which hIAPP species is responsible for the observed toxicity and through what mechanisms remains ambiguous. In light of the importance of understanding hIAPP toxicity for T2D here we show a biophysical scheme based on the use of a lipophilic Laurdan dye for examining MIN6 cell membranes upon exposure to fresh and oligomeric hIAPP as well as mature amyloid. It has been found that all three hIAPP species, especially fresh hIAPP, enhanced membrane fluidity and caused losses in cell viability. The cell generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, was the most pronounced with mature amyloid hIAPP. The correlation between changes in membrane fluidity and cell viability and their lack of correlation with ROS production suggest hIAPP toxicity is elicited through both physical and biochemical means. This study offers a new insight into β-cell toxicity induced by controlled hIAPP species, as well as new biophysical methodologies that may prove beneficial for the studies of T2D as well as neurological disorders.
Morpholino-mediated SOD1 reduction ameliorates an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease phenotype
Authors: Nizzardo M. , Simone C. , Rizzo F. , Ulzi G. , Ramirez A. , Rizzuti M. , Bordoni A. , Bucchia M. , Gatti S. , Bresolin N. , Comi G. P. , Corti S.
Published: February 2016

Neurotoxicity due to the accumulation of mutant proteins is thought to drive pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS); these mutations result in progressive motor neuron death through one or more acquired toxicities. Interestingly, SOD1 is not only responsible for fALS but may also play a significant role in sporadic ALS; therefore, SOD1 represents a promising therapeutic target. Here, we report slowed disease progression, improved neuromuscular function, and increased survival in anin vivoALS model following therapeutic delivery of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) designed to reduce the synthesis of human SOD1. Neuropathological analysis demonstrated increased motor neuron and axon numbers and a remarkable reduction in astrogliosis and microgliosis. To test this strategy in a human model, we treated human fALS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons with MOs; these cells exhibited increased survival and reduced expression of apoptotic markers. Our data demonstrated the efficacy of MO-mediated therapy in mouse and human ALS models, setting the stage for human clinical trials.
Determination of critical diameters for intrinsic carrier diffusion-length of GaN nanorods with cryo-scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Chen Y. T. , Karlsson K. F. , Birch J. , Holtz P. O.
Published: February 2016

Direct measurements of carrier diffusion in GaN nanorods with a designed InGaN/GaN layer-in-a-wire structure by scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) were performed at liquid-helium temperatures of 10 K. Without an applied voltage, intrinsic diffusion lengths of photo-excited carriers were measured as the diameters of the nanorods differ from 50 to 800 nm. The critical diameter of nanorods for carrier diffusion is concluded as 170 nm with a statistical approach. Photoluminescence spectra were acquired for different positions of the SNOM tip on the nanorod, corresponding to the origins of the well-defined luminescence peaks, each being related to recombination-centers. The phenomenon originated from surface oxide by direct comparison of two nanorods with similar diameters in a single map has been observed and investigated.
Genetic dissection of plant architecture and yield-related traits in Brassica napus
Authors: Cai Guangqin , Yang Qingyong , Chen Hao , Yang Qian , Zhang Chunyu , Fan Chuchuan , Zhou Yongming
Published: February 2016

An optimized plant architecture (PA) is fundamental for high-yield breeding but the genetic control of the important trait is largely unknown in rapeseed. Here plant architecture factors (PAFs) were proposed to consist of main inflorescence length proportion (MILP), branch height proportion (BHP) and branch segment proportion (BSP). Comparison of different genotypes in a DH population grown in diverse environments showed that an optimized PAF performance with MILP and BHP between 0.3–0.4 was important for high yield potential. In total, 163 unique quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PA- and plant yield (PY)-related traits were mapped onto a high-density genetic map. Furthermore, 190 PA-related candidate genes for 91 unique PA QTLs and 2350 PY epistatic interaction loci-pairs were identified, which explain 2.8–51.8% and 5.2–23.6% of phenotypic variation, respectively. Three gene categories, transcription factor, auxin/IAA and gibberellin, comprise the largest proportions of candidate genes for PA-related QTLs. The effectiveness of QTL candidate genes prediction was demonstrated by cloning of three candidate genes, Bna.A02.CLV2, Bna.A09.SLY2 and Bna.C07.AHK4. The study thus outlines a gene network for control of PA-related traits and provides novel information for understanding the establishment of ideal PA and for developing effective breeding strategies for yield improvement in rapeseed and other crops.
A rare cationic building block that generates a new type of polyhedral network with “cross-linked” pto topology
Authors: Lusi Matteo , Fechine Pierre B. A. , Chen Kai-Jie , Perry John J. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: February 2016

A rare copper-based MBB enables the generation of a novel high symmetry porous metal–organic material exhibiting a hitherto unreported 3,5-c topology.
Bifunctional tertiary amine-squaramide catalyzed asymmetric catalytic 1,6-conjugate addition/aromatization of para-quinone methides with oxindoles
Authors: Deng Yu-Hua , Zhang Xiang-Zhi , Yu Ke-Yin , Yan Xu , Du Ji-Yuan , Huang Hanmin , Fan Chun-An
Published: February 2016

A novel organocatalytic enantioselective 1,6-addition of p-QMs has been developed to access diarylmethine-functionalized oxindoles bearing vicinal tertiary and quaternary stereocenters.
Tight-binding quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations for the elucidation of chemical reaction dynamics in SiC etching with SF6/O2 plasma
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Kuwahara Takuya , Kawaguchi Kentaro , Higuchi Yuji , Ozawa Nobuki , Kubo Momoji
Published: February 2016

Simulations based on tight-binding quantum chemical molecular dynamics are performed to elucidate SiC etching mechanisms and to study SiC surface reactions with SF5 radicals and O atoms.
Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-substituted pyrene-fused tetraazaheptacene: synthesis and properties
Authors: Marco A. Belén , Gozalvez Cristian , Olano Mikel , Sun Xiangnan , Atxabal Ainhoa , Melle-Franco Manuel , Hueso Luis E. , Mateo-Alonso Aurelio
Published: February 2016

The synthesis and characterisation of pyrene-fused tetraazaheptacene that is constituted of two terminal pyrene units and a central tetraazaanthracene core are reported.
Biophysical exploration of protein–flavonol recognition: effects of molecular properties and conformational flexibility
Authors: Ding Fei , Peng Wei , Peng Yu-Kui
Published: February 2016

The low bioavailability of naturally bioactive products may closely be related to the molecular properties of ligands and the structural flexibility of vital biomolecules.
Selenium-substituted polymers for improved photovoltaic performance
Authors: Yu Jiangsheng , Ding Guanqun , Hai Jiefeng , Zhu Enwei , Yin Xinxing , Xu Zhongsheng , Zhou Baojing , Zhang Fujun , Ma Wanli , Tang Weihua
Published: February 2016

The power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cells was enhanced by selenium substitution in the sulfur position of a benzothiadiazole unit.
Active phase distribution changes within a catalyst particle during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis as revealed by multi-scale microscopy
Authors: Cats K. H. , Andrews J. C. , Stéphan O. , March K. , Karunakaran C. , Meirer F. , de Groot F. M. F. , Weckhuysen B. M.
Published: February 2016

A new combination of three chemical imaging methods has been developed and applied to fresh and spent co-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts.
Coordination and insertion of alkenes and alkynes in AuIIIcomplexes: nature of the intermediates from a computational perspective
Authors: Balcells David , Eisenstein Odile , Tilset Mats , Nova Ainara
Published: February 2016

Computational studies show how the stability and reactivity of gold(iii) alkene and alkyne complexes depend on the ancillary ligands.
Using nanoparticles to determine the transport efficiency of microflow and nanoflow nebulizers in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Kanaki Katerina , Pergantis Spiros A.
Published: February 2016

Counting Au nanoparticles in order to determine nano- and micro-flow transport efficiency in ICP-MS.
Interaction mechanism exploration of HEA derivatives as BACE1 inhibitors by in silico analysis
Authors: Wu Qian , Li Xianguo , Gao Qingping , Wang Jinghui , Li Yan , Yang Ling
Published: February 2016

The β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) initiates the generation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides which play a critical early role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and thus it is a prime target for lowering the Aβ levels to treat AD.
Influence of butanol isomers on the reactivity of cellulose towards the synthesis of butyl levulinates catalyzed by liquid and solid acid catalysts
Authors: Démolis Alexandre , Eternot Marion , Essayem Nadine , Rataboul Franck
Published: February 2016

The higher the class of butanol, the lower the yield of butyl levulinate.
Nanoscale cobalt metal–organic framework as a catalyst for visible light-driven and electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Xu Qian , Li Hui , Yue Fan , Chi Le , Wang Jide
Published: February 2016

Co-ZIF-67 is proposed as an efficient water oxidation catalyst under visible light.
Design of a C-b-(A-co-B)-b-C telechelic polyampholyte pH-responsive gelator
Authors: Gotzamanis George , Papadimitriou Konstantinia , Tsitsilianis Constantinos
Published: February 2016

We report the synthesis and the pH dependent structural and rheological properties of a telechelic polyampholyte associative polymer, composed of a random polyampholyte central block, end-capped by shorter hydrophobic blocks [C-b-(A-co-B)-b-C block/random terpolymer type].
Integrated poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide/silver nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization and wound healing potential in Wistar Albino rats
Authors: Sankar Renu , Shivashangari Kanchi Subramanian , Ravikumar Vilwanathan
Published: February 2016

PLGA polymer based biogenic synthesized silver nanocomposite for wound healing potential in Albino rats.
Hydrophilicity boosted extracellular electron transfer in Shewanella loihica PV-4
Authors: Zhao Chen , Ding Chunmei , Lv Meiling , Wang Yuan , Jiang Lei , Liu Huan
Published: February 2016

A superhydrophilic electrode enables the drastically boosted bacterial EET activity ofShewanella loihicaPV-4. It is proposed that a hydrophilic electrode favors the reduced state of OMCs, and consequently both the EET activity and cell proliferation are highly facilitated.
Quorum quenching activity in the cell-free lysate of Enterobacter ludwigii isolated from beef and its effect on quorum sensing regulation in Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Gopu Venkadesaperumal , Meena Chetan Kumar , Murali Ayaluru , Shetty Prathapkumar Halady
Published: February 2016

A wide range of Gram negative bacteria regulate their phenotypic characteristics through an auto-inducing signaling mechanism called Quorum Sensing (QS).
Significant colour tuning via energy transfer in Eu2+ solely doped La2.5Ca1.5Si12O4.5N16.5
Authors: ten Kate O. M. , Xie R. J. , Funahashi S. , Takeda T. , Hirosaki N.
Published: February 2016

A large shift of the emission colour from blue-green to orange is observed in La2.5Ca1.5−yEuySi12O4.5N16.5 phosphors, due to increased energy transfer between Eu2+ ions at different crystal sites.
High-flux affinity membranes based on cellulose nanocomposites for removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents
Authors: Karim Zoheb , Mathew Aji P. , Kokol Vanja , Wei Jiang , Grahn Mattias
Published: February 2016

Fully biobased affinity membranes based on cellulose nanocrystal functional layer for removal of heavy metal ions from industry effluents were successfully demonstrated.
Fe3O4@zirconium phosphate core–shell nanoparticles for pH-sensitive and magnetically guided drug delivery applications
Authors: Kalita Himani , Rajput Shashi , Kumar B. N. Prashanth , Mandal Mahitosh , Pathak Amita
Published: February 2016

Fe3O4@zirconium phosphate core–shell nanoparticles with good biocompatibility have been synthesized for pH-sensitive and magnetically guided drug delivery applications.
Superparamagnetic [sic] nanofibers by electrospinning
Authors: Andersson R. L. , Cabedo L. , Hedenqvist M. S. , Olsson R. T. , Ström V.
Published: February 2016

Magnetically ultra-soft and anisotropic electrospun fibre mats.
Tuning the band-gap of h-boron nitride nanoplatelets by covalent grafting of imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Kumari Sangita , Gusain Rashi , Khatri Om P.
Published: February 2016

Imidazolium ionic liquids having three different anions are covalently grafted on the h-boron nitride nanoplatelets to probe the shifts in the band gap energy.
Comment on “An alternative theory to explain the effects of coalescing oil drops on mouthfeel” by B. Le Reverend and J. Engmann, Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 7077
Authors: Xia Qiuyang
Published: February 2016

The article “An alternative theory to explain the effects of coalescing oil drops on mouthfeel” provided a physical scenario that involves two phases in parallel and claimed that the phase separated state of an emulsion is more viscous than a homogeneous emulsion before phase separation.
The oxygen-deficiency-dependent Seebeck coefficient and electrical properties of mesoporous La0.7Sr0.3MnO3−x films
Authors: Park Chang-Sun , Lee Hong-Sub , Shim Dong Il , Cho Hyung Hee , Park Hyung-Ho , Kwon Kwang-Ho
Published: February 2016

The power factor of mesoporous LSMO films was enhanced with an increase in the surface area.
MiR-146a affects the alteration in myeloid differentiation induced by hydroquinone in human CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cells and HL-60 cells
Authors: Yuan Weixin , Sun Qing , Jiang Yanping , Zhang Xinjie , Chen Liping , Xie Chunjiao , Qin Fei , Chen Yuncong , Lv Hongxin , Chen Wen , Xiao Yongmei
Published: February 2016

The MiR-146a/TRAF6/NF-κB axis is important for the regulation of hematopoiesis and the immune system.
Two-dimensional ultra-thin SiOx(0 < x < 2) nanosheets with long-term cycling stability as lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Sun Lin , Su Tingting , Xu Lei , Liu Meipin , Du Hong-Bin
Published: February 2016

Ultra-thin SiOxnanosheets, made up of partly-oxidized Si single atomic layers, are preparedviaa one-pot solvothermal method from a Zintl compound CaSi2. After carbon coating, the SiOx@C nanosheet composites show high capacity and long-term cycling stability when used as anode materials in lithium ion batteries.
Structural analysis and immunostimulatory activity of glycopeptides from Paecilomyces sinensis
Authors: Zhu Zhen-Yuan , Meng Meng , Sun Huiqing , Li Yang , Yu Na , Zhang Yong-Min
Published: February 2016

The parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces sinensis, is used to produce Cordyceps materials as a succedaneum of natural Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) in China.
Chemo-enzymatic preparation and characterization of renewable oligomers with bisguaiacol moieties: promising sustainable antiradical/antioxidant additives
Authors: Reano Armando F. , Pion Florian , Domenek Sandra , Ducrot Paul-Henri , Allais Florent
Published: February 2016

Ferulic-acid based bisphenols and laccase-mediated oligomerization: a powerful combination to access renewable oligomers with bisguaiacol moieties exhibiting potent antiradical/antioxidant activities.
Synthesis of triazole-linked morpholino oligonucleotides via CuI catalysed cycloaddition
Authors: Palframan Matthew J. , Alharthy Rima D. , Powalowska Paulina K. , Hayes Christopher J.
Published: February 2016

Triazole-linked morpholino (TLMO) oligonucleic acids were synthesised using the CuI catalysed (3 + 2) azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction.
Copper-catalyzed three-component cascade reaction of alkynes, sulfonyl azides and simple aldehydes/ketones
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Zhou Bingwei , Wang Congyang
Published: February 2016

A copper-catalyzed dimethylzinc-promoted three-component cascade reaction of alkynes, sulfonyl azides, and simple aldehydes or ketones is described, which delivers polysubstituted olefins expeditiously in one pot under mild conditions.
Efficient and selective glucosylation of prenylated phenolic compounds by Mucor hiemalis
Authors: Ji Shuai , Liang Wen-Fei , Li Zi-Wei , Feng Jin , Wang Qi , Qiao Xue , Ye Min
Published: February 2016

Mucor hiemaliscould efficiently and selectively catalyze β-O-glucosylation of the isoprenyl-neighboring hydroxyl group of prenylated phenolic compounds.
Reliable resistive switching memory based on oxygen-vacancy-controlled bilayer structures
Authors: Park Kyuhyun , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: February 2016

Reliable resistive switching memory devices were developed by controlling the oxygen vacancies in aluminum oxide layer during atomic layer deposition and by adopting bilayer structures.
Fabrication of laminated and coated Nafion 117 membranes for reduced mass transfer in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Kumar Piyush , Nandy Arpita , Kundu Patit P.
Published: February 2016

Sulfonation of polyvinylidinefluoride (PVdF) with chlorosulfonic acid for 2 hours revealed a respective 33% degree of sulfonation (DS) in a SPVdF membrane.
Graphene oxide decorated with Cu(i)Br nanoparticles: a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of potent bis(indolyl)methane based anti HIV drugs
Authors: Srivastava Ananya , Agarwal Aakanksha , Gupta Satish K. , Jain Nidhi
Published: February 2016

A reusable nanocatalytic system comprising Cu(i)Br decorated on graphene oxide has been prepared, and successfully applied for an efficient synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes. The synthesized compound 3d shows significant anti-HIV-1 activity.
Copper catalyzed coupling of protecting group free and sterically hindered 2-bromobenzyl tertiary alcohols with phenols and anilines: facile synthesis of xanthenes and dihydroacridines
Authors: Mahendar Lodi , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: February 2016

Protecting group free and sterically hindered tertiary alcohols used in coupling reaction. Two-step process with a single column chromatography. Synthesis of interesting xanthenes and dihydroacridines.
Metal-responsive structural transformation between artificial DNA duplexes and three-way junctions
Authors: Takezawa Yusuke , Yoneda Shuhei , Duprey Jean-Louis H. A. , Nakama Takahiro , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: February 2016

Metal-responsive structural transformation between DNA duplexes and three-way junction structures was demonstrated utilizing artificial oligonucleotides modified with a 2,2’-bipyridine ligand.
Self-assembled nanorods of bay functionalized perylenediimide: Cu2+ based ‘turn-on’ response for INH, complementary NOR/OR and TRANSFER logic functions and fluorosolvatochromism
Authors: Singh Prabhpreet , Kumar Kapil , Bhargava Gaurav , Kumar Subodh
Published: February 2016

Self-assembled nanorods shows disassembly and inhibition of the ICT/PET process with Cu2+ for developing INH, complimentary NOR/OR and TRANSFER logic functions and fluorosolvatochromism
Be Clear: A New Intensive Speech Treatment for Adults With Nonprogressive Dysarthria
Authors: Park Stacie , Theodoros Deborah , Finch Emma , Cardell Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Purpose

This article describes the effects of a new intensive dysarthria treatment program (Be Clear) on speech intelligibility in adults with dysarthria secondary to stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Method

A small group–repeated measures research design was used to examine the effects of treatment on the speech of 8 participants with nonprogressive dysarthria. Treatment consisted of a 1-hr prepractice session followed by 1-hr therapy sessions, 4 times per week, for 4 weeks (16 sessions). Paired-comparison ratings of speech intelligibility served as the primary outcome measure for the study. Perceptual data, quality of life, and communication partner opinion were obtained at 3 time intervals: (a) prior to treatment, (b) immediately posttreatment, and (c) 1–3 months posttreatment.

Results

Following treatment, group data demonstrated substantial improvements in speech intelligibility as perceived by naive listeners on a paired-comparison rating task. Word intelligibility was clinically significantly improved posttreatment and sentence intelligibility demonstrated statistically significant improvement. Communication partner ratings of speech intelligibility and overall communicative function were statistically significantly improved posttreatment.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that this new intensive treatment may have potential as an effective intervention for nonprogressive dysarthria. However, controlled studies are required to establish treatment efficacy.
Efficient probabilistic contingency analysis through a stability measure considering wind perturbation
Authors: Hua KeQian , Vahidnia Arash , Mishra Yateendra , Ledwich Gerard
Published: February 2016

The integration of stochastic wind power has accentuated a challenge for power system stability assessment. Since the power system is a time‐variant system under wind generation fluctuations, pure time‐domain simulations are difficult to provide real‐time stability assessment. As a result, the worst‐case scenario is simulated to give a very conservative assessment of system transient stability. In this study, a probabilistic contingency analysis through a stability measure method is proposed to provide a less conservative contingency analysis which covers 5‐min wind fluctuations and a successive fault. This probabilistic approach would estimate the transfer limit of a critical line for a given fault with stochastic wind generation and active control devices in a multi‐machine system. This approach achieves a lower computation cost and improved accuracy using a new stability measure and polynomial interpolation, and is feasible for online contingency analysis.
Modelling and performance analysis of advanced combined co‐phase traction power supply system in electrified railway
Authors: Chen Minwu , Li Qunzhan , Roberts Clive , Hillmansen Stuart , Tricoli Pietro , Zhao Ning , Krastev Ivan
Published: February 2016

An advanced combined co‐phase traction power supply system is proposed by combining a single‐phase traction transformer and an active power flow controller (PFC) in an electrified railway. In the new system, the power quality problems caused by single‐phase traction load are solved in the grid side and continuous power can be provided to electric trains without neutral sections in the traction side. The mathematic model of the new system is built by power transformation analysis. The compensation currents of the PFC are calculated based on the power balance principle. According to the power quality standard in China, the optimised partial compensation algorithm is presented to replace the existing full compensation one. Moreover, the capacity of the PFC adopting the proposed algorithm is much less than those in the previous studies with the same outcome. The validity of the compensation algorithm and the control method are demonstrated by the simulation results and the effectiveness of the proposed system is verified by the case studies.
Cardinalised probability hypothesis density tracking algorithm for extended objects with glint noise
Authors: Li Cuiyun , Wang Rong , Hu Yuhen , Wang Jinbin
Published: February 2016

The authors present a novel cardinalised probability hypothesis density (CPHD) algorithm under the assumption of a glint measurement noise model with unknown inverse covariance. Noise parameters are assumed to have a Gamma prior distribution so that the predicted and updated PHDs can have mixture of Gaussians representations. A variational Bayesian expectation maximisation procedure is applied to iteratively estimate parameters of the mixture distributions through random hypersurface model CPHD prediction and update steps. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can adaptively track extended objects with unknown object number and glint measurement noise, while achieving higher precision compared against the traditional approach.
„Was ihr wollt“, Ergebnisse einer empirischen Bedarfsanalyse zur Verbesserung der Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf bei Ärztinnen und Ärzten
Authors: Jerg-Bretzke L. , Krüsmann P. , Traue H. , Limbrecht-Ecklundt K.
Published: February 2016

Ziel der Studie: Kliniken stehen vermehrt der Anforderung gegenüber für Ärztinnen und Ärzte Arbeitsbedingungen zu schaffen, die eine Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf ermöglichen. Dies ist gleichzeitig auch als Chance zu betrachten, sich als Arbeitgeber von anderen Kliniken abzuheben.

Methode: N=120 Ärztinnen und Ärzte der Medizinischen Fakultät sowie N=679 Studierende der Humanmedizin im vorklinischen und klinischen Abschnitt wurden online befragt. Im Fokus dieser Studie stand die Erfassung des Veränderungsbedarfs an Kliniken zur Verbesserung der Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf.

Ergebnisse: Hypothesenkonform zeigte sich in der Work-Family/Family-Work Conflict Scale (WFC/FWC) eine erschwerte Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Tätigkeit nach Eintritt in das Berufsleben – insbesondere mit Kind. Besonders die Arbeitsunterbrechung im Notfall, Teilzeitregelungen oder Notfallbetreuung für Kinder schätzen über 90% Befragten als wichtiges Instrument zur Verbesserung der Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf ein. Zusätzlich wünschen sich Ärztinnen und Ärzte, dass ihre Vorgesetzten Vereinbarkeitsthemen aktiv unterstützen.

Schlussfolgerung: Die Analyse der Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Tätigkeit zeigt Handlungsbedarf in den untersuchten Stichproben. Durch die erfassten Maßnahmen, die als entlastend beurteilt werden, können konkrete Handlungsschritte für Kliniken abgeleitet werden. Die Analyse des WFC/FWC stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, standardisiert die Belastung durch Tätigkeit in der Familie und vice versa zu erfassen.