bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lincoln and the “Necessity” of Tolerating Slavery before the Civil War
Authors: Danoff Brian
Published: January 2015

In an unsent 1860 letter, Abraham Lincoln mocked Sidney Fisher's claim that the “institution [of slavery] is a necessity imposed on us by the negro race.” And yet, Lincoln himself had often said that while slavery was an evil, the founders had to tolerate it where it existed owing to “necessity.” This raises the questions: What kinds of arguments about slavery and “necessity” did Lincoln find legitimate, and what kinds did he find to be illegitimate? In Lincoln's view, what exactly was it that necessitated the toleration of slavery where it existed at the time of the founding and into the 1850s? Lincoln's answers to these questions depart from the answers offered by Fisher, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Clay; this departure helped pave the way not only to Lincoln's later embrace of emancipation, but also his eventual movement toward the position that African-Americans would and should be full citizens.
The Uneasy Alliance between Consensus and Democracy
Authors: Vasilev George
Published: January 2015

Consensus both serves and threatens democratic inclusion. On the one hand it provides the means for individuals to will in common. On the other hand, it can impose assimilatory pressures that marginalize perspectives at odds with the prevailing point of view. Agonists have responded to this tension with a call to abandon consensus-oriented politics, contending an adversarial democracy more credibly advances inclusionary and egalitarian goals. I argue this wholesale rejection of consensus is unsustainable from the very pluralist perspective agonists wish to promote. In place of the view of consensus as an unattainable and undesirable absolute, I put forward an understanding of it as a matter of degree. I contend this understanding better captures the complexity of human relations and allows us to distinguish the potential accomplishments of consensus from its potential hazards.
Motion planning of strongly controllable stratified systems
Authors: Duleba Ignacy , Opalka Michal
Published: January 2015

In this paper a motion planner for nonholonomic stratified systems was proposed. Those systems may arise easily when reliable systems are designed to be robust against failures in difficult servicing environments. For a special class of the systems, a strong controllability condition was introduced, and a criterion to satisfy the condition was formulated and used to plan the motion of free-floating space manipulators. Modules of the planner were enumerated and their roles were emphasized. Some features of the planner were examined and discussed based on simulation results performed on two models of space manipulators.
Seroprevalence of humanToxocarainfections in the Roma and non-Roma populations of Eastern Slovakia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: ANTOLOVÁ D. , JARČUŠKA P. , JANIČKO M. , MADARASOVÁ-GECKOVÁ A. , HALÁNOVÁ M. , ČISLÁKOVÁ L. , KALINOVÁ Z. , REITEROVÁ K. , ŠKUTOVÁ M. , PELLA D. , MAREKOVÁ M. ,   HepaMeta Team
Published: January 2015

Socioeconomic conditions and health of the Roma population, the most numerous minority in Europe, are worse than that of the non-Roma population. Information about the occurrence of human toxocarosis and other parasitic diseases in the Roma population is scarce or completely missing. The aim of this study was to map the seroprevalence of toxocarosis in the population living in segregated Roma settlements and to compare the data with the occurrence of antibodies in the non-Roma population of Eastern Slovakia. The seropositivity toToxocarain 429 examined Roma inhabitants of segregated settlements reached 22·1%, while only 4/394 samples of the non-Roma population were found to be positive (odds ratio 27·7,P < 0·0001). Headache, muscle pain, influenza-like symptoms and diarrhoea occurred significantly more often in seropositive persons than in seronegative individuals. In the Roma population positivity was not influenced by gender, level of education and poverty, but age, lack of sanitary facilities and heating with wood significantly increased the risk of infection. It can be assumed that besides the high prevalence of toxocarosis, other parasitic diseases and communicable diseases will also be more prevalent in the Roma population living in segregated settlements.
Physician practices in requesting stool samples for patients with acute gastroenteritis, France, August 2013–July 2014
Authors: VAN CAUTEREN D. , TURBELIN C. , FONTENEAU L. , HANSLIK T. , DE VALK H. , BLANCHON T.
Published: January 2015

A better understanding of physician practices in requesting stool samples for patients with acute gastroenteritis (AG) is needed to more accurately interpret laboratory-based surveillance data. A survey was conducted in General Practitioners (GPs) between August 2013 and July 2014 to estimate the proportion of stool samples requested for patients with AG and to identify factors associated with GP requests for a stool sample. National health insurance (NHI) data together with surveillance data from a French Sentinel GP network were also used to estimate the proportion of stool samples requested. This proportion was estimated at 4·3% in the GP survey and 9·1% (95% confidence interval 8·7–9·6) using NHI data. Multivariate analysis indicated that the ratio of stool samples requested was almost five times higher in patients with bloody diarrhoea and 10–20 times higher in patients with a long duration of illness before consultation. Laboratory-based surveillance data underestimates the actual burden of disease as fewer than one in 10 AG cases consulting their GP will be requested to submit a stool sample for laboratory testing. This underestimation varies by pathogen as stool samples are more frequently requested for severe illness.
Association of human leukocyte antigen haplotypes with clearance and persistence of hepatitis B virus infection in northeastern China
Authors: WANG H. Y. , WANG F. , CHENG M. , LIU Y. , ZHANG S. Y.
Published: January 2015

This study investigated clinical implications of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) I and II haplotypes, in combination with HBV sub-genotype C2, in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in northeastern China. Here, HLA haplotypes of 230 HBV-infected patients were compared to 210 healthy, unrelated Han individuals. Of the 230 HBV-infected patients, 54 had acute self-limited hepatitis (ASH) with sub-genotype C2 (ASH-C2), 144 had chronic hepatitis (CH) with sub-genotypes C2 and B2 (CH-C2 and CH-B2), and 32 spontaneously recovered without sub-genotype results. All groups underwent HLA typing and haplotype analysis. The results revealed that A*02-DRB1*12 and A*02-B*15-DRB1*09 carriers were susceptible to HBV infection. A*02-B*15-DRB1*09 is probably associated with acute onset and viral clearance and A*02-DRB1*12, with viral persistence. In HBV infections, B*40-DRB1*12 was associated with HBV persistence, whereas B*46-DRB1*09, A*24-DRB1*14, and B*15-DRB1*04 carriers easily recovered from the disease. By contrast, when infected with the HBV-C2 sub-genotype, A*24-DRB1*14, B*15-DRB1*04, A*02-B*15, A*02-DRB1*15, and A*02-B*15-DRB1*09 carriers displayed an acute clinical course before recovery. This study reveals a relationship between HLA haplotypes and HBV pathogenesis, thereby providing potential therapeutic targets to treat HBV infection.
Hyponatraemia in older patients: a clinical and practical approach
Authors: Runkle I , Gomez-Hoyos E , Cuesta-Hernández M , Chafer-Vilaplana J , de Miguel P
Published: January 2015

Hyponatraemia is frequent in older people and induces marked motor and cognitive dysfunction, even in patients deemed ‘asymptomatic’. Nutritional status is worse than in euvolaemic-matched controls, and the risk of fracture is increased following incidental falls. Yet hyponatraemia is undertreated, in spite of the fact that its correction is accompanied by a clear improvement in symptoms. Both evaluation of neurological symptoms and classification by volaemia are essential for a correct diagnosis and treatment of the hyponatraemic elderly patient. The syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of hyponatraemia in older people. Nutritional status and chronicity of SIADH should be taken into account when deciding therapy. We propose an 8-step approach to the management of the elderly patient with hyponatraemia.
Regulation of seed dormancy by abscisic acid andDELAY OF GERMINATION 1
Authors: Dekkers Bas J.W. , Bentsink Leónie
Published: January 2015

Physiological dormancy has been described as a physiological inhibiting mechanism that prevents radicle emergence. It can be caused by the embryo (embryo dormancy) as well as by the structures that cover the embryo. One of its functions is to time plant growth and reproduction to the most optimal season and therefore, in nature, dormancy is an important adaptive trait that is under selective pressure. Dormancy is a complex trait that is affected by many loci, as well as by an intricate web of plant hormone interactions. Moreover, it is strongly affected by a multitude of environmental factors. Its induction, maintenance, cycling and loss come down to the central paradigm, which is the balance between two key hormonal regulators, i.e. the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA), which is required for dormancy induction, and gibberellins (GA), which are required for germination. In this review we will summarize recent developments in dormancy research (mainly) in the model plantArabidopsis thaliana, focusing on two key players for dormancy induction, i.e. the plant hormone ABA and theDELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1)gene. We will address the role of ABA andDOG1in relation to various aspects of seed dormancy, i.e. induction during seed maturation, loss during dry seed afterripening, the rehydrated state (including dormancy cycling) and the switch to germination.
Genetic and environmental factors associated with vitamin B12status in Amazonian children
Authors: Cobayashi Fernanda , Tomita Luciana Yuki , Augusto Rosangela Aparecida , D’Almeida Vania , Cardoso Marly Augusto
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin B12deficiency and factors associated with vitamin B12status in Amazonian children.

Design

Genetic risk score (GRS), socio-economic and nutritional status, and morbidity data were the independent variables used in multiple linear regression models to evaluate factors associated with vitamin B12status in a population-based cross-sectional study. GRS was created by summing a number of known risk alleles for low serum vitamin B12.

Setting

Acrelândia, western Brazilian Amazon.

Subjects

Children (n988) aged <10 years.

Results

Overall prevalence of vitamin B12deficiency (<150 pmol/l) was 4·2 (95 % CI 3·0, 5·6) % and was highest in children aged <24 months: 13·6 (95 % CI % 8·8, 19·7) %. For children <24 months, wealth index (β=0·017,P=0·030) and animal protein intake(β=0·219,P=0·003) were positively associated with vitamin B12status. GRS (β=−0·114,P<0·001) and serum homocysteine (β=–0·049,P<0·001) were negatively associated. Among children aged ≥24 months, vitamin B12status was positively associated with wealth index (β=0·012,P<0·001), height-for-ageZ-score (β=0·024, P=0·033) and serum vitamin A (β=0·089,P<0·001). Age≥60 months(β=–0·118,P<0·001), GRS (β=–0·048, P<0·001), maternal schooling <5 years (β=–0·083,P<0·001), low intake of animal-derived foods (β=–0·050,P=0·030), serum homocysteine (β=–0·053,P<0·001), serum folate ≥23·6 nmol/l (β=–0·055,P=0·012) and geohelminth infection (β=–0·141,P=0·017) were negatively associated with vitamin B12status.

Conclusions

GRS, poverty, low intake of animal-derived foods, geohelminth infection, vitamin A and folate status were important factors associated with vitamin B12status of children in our study.
α-Viniferin-Induced Structural and Functional Alterations inRaillietina echinobothrida,a Poultry Tapeworm
Authors: Roy Bishnupada , Giri Bikash R.
Published: January 2015

α-viniferin, an active component of the plantCarex baccansL., is known for its anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In Northeast India, different tribes traditionally consumeC. baccansto control intestinal helminth infections. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the extent of tegumental alteration caused byα-viniferin inRaillietina echinobothrida, a widely prevalent poultry helminth in northeast India. Helminths were exposedin vitroto various doses ofα-viniferin (50, 100, and 200µM/mL of physiological buffered saline) and their motility and mortality were recorded. Stereoscan observations on the parasite exposed to the active compound showed extensive distortion and destruction of the surface fine topography of the tegument compared with controls. The compound also caused extensive damage to the tegument by disintegration of microtriches, disorganization of muscle bundles, and loss of cellular organelles combined with distortion and disruption of the plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, nucleolus, mitochondrial membrane, and cristae. Histochemical and biochemical studies carried out parasites exposed toα-viniferin revealed a decline in the activity of vital tegumental enzymes like acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and adenosine triphosphatase. Extensive structural and functional alterations observed in the treated parasites are indicative of efficient cestocidal activity of the compound.
Lived Realities of Local Community: Evidence from a Qualitative Case Study in Leeds
Authors: Wright Katy
Published: January 2015

This article draws on case study research of a low-income neighbourhood in Leeds to explore experiences of, and attitudes towards, place-based community. Through tracing social relations in the neighbourhood over time, from the early twentieth century to the present day, the ways in which community is embedded in everyday activities and social interactions, and the social impact of socioeconomic change on local neighbourhoods, is demonstrated. It is argued that the relentless and nostalgic focus on local communities as an idealised form of social solidarity has meant that the reasons why place-based community has declined over time have been overlooked. The article challenges the assumption that social fragmentation on neighbourhood levels necessarily indicates antisocial trends or a lack of a sense of duty towards others, and draws attention to the constraints people face in developing relationships with others. Questions are raised about the viability of top-down attempts to shape social relations in particular ways.
Observation of efficient population of the red-emitting state from the green state by non-multiphonon relaxation in the Er3+–Yb3+ system
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Hao Zhendong , Li Jing , Zhang Xia , Luo Yongshi , Pan Guohui
Published: January 2015

The rare earth Er3+ and Yb3+ codoped system is the most attractive for showcasing energy transfer upconversion. This system can generate green and red emissions from Er3+ under infrared excitation of the sensitizer Yb3+. It is well known that the red-emitting state can be populated from the upper green-emitting state. The contribution of multiphonon relaxation to this population is generally considered important at low excitation densities. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the importance of a previously proposed but neglected mechanism described as a cross relaxation energy transfer from Er3+ to Yb3+, followed by an energy back transfer within the same Er3+–Yb3+ pair. A luminescence spectroscopy study of cubic Y2O3:Er3+, Yb3+ indicates that this mechanism can be more efficient than multiphonon relaxation, and it can even make a major contribution to the red upconversion. The study also revealed that the energy transfers involved in this mechanism take place only in the nearest Er3+–Yb3+ pairs, and thus, it is fast and efficient at low excitation densities. Our results enable a better understanding of upconversion processes and properties in the Er3+–Yb3+ system.
Quorum sensing triggers the stochastic escape of individual cells from Pseudomonas putida biofilms
Authors: Cárcamo-Oyarce Gerardo , Lumjiaktase Putthapoom , Kümmerli Rolf , Eberl Leo
Published: January 2015

The term ‘quorum sensing’ (QS) is generally used to describe the phenomenon that bacteria release and perceive signal molecules to coordinate cooperative behaviour in response to their population size. QS-based communication has therefore been considered a social trait. Here we show that QS signals (N-acyl-homoserine lactones, AHLs) are stochastically produced in young biofilms of Pseudomonas putida and act mainly as self-regulatory signals rather than inducing neighbouring cells. We demonstrate that QS induces the expression of putisolvin biosurfactants that are not public goods, thereby triggering asocial motility of induced cells out of microcolonies. Phenotypic heterogeneity is most prominent in the early stages of biofilm development, whereas at later stages behaviour patterns across cells become more synchronized. Our findings broaden our perspective on QS by showing that AHLs can control the expression of asocial (self-directed) traits, and that heterogeneity in QS can serve as a mechanism to drive phenotypic heterogeneity in self-directed behaviour.
The Arabidopsis alkaline ceramidase TOD1 is a key turgor pressure regulator in plant cells
Authors: Chen Li-Yu , Shi Dong-Qiao , Zhang Wen-Juan , Tang Zuo-Shun , Liu Jie , Yang Wei-Cai
Published: January 2015

Turgor pressure plays pivotal roles in the growth and movement of walled cells that make up plants and fungi. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating turgor pressure and the coordination between turgor pressure and cell wall remodelling for cell growth remain poorly understood. Here, we report the characterization of Arabidopsis TurgOr regulation Defect 1 (TOD1), which is preferentially expressed in pollen tubes and silique guard cells. We demonstrate that TOD1 is a Golgi-localized alkaline ceramidase. tod1 mutant pollen tubes have higher turgor than wild type and show growth retardation both in pistils and in agarose medium. In addition, tod1 guard cells are insensitive to abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure, whereas sphingosine-1-phosphate, a putative downstream component of ABA signalling and product of alkaline ceramidases, promotes closure in both wild type and tod1. Our data suggest that TOD1 acts in turgor pressure regulation in both guard cells and pollen tubes.
Robust ultrasound assisted extraction approach using dilute TMAH solutions for the speciation of mercury in fish and plant materials by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS)
Authors: Krishna M. V. Balarama , Karunasagar D.
Published: January 2015

A simple and robust ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) protocol with dilute solutions of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) for the speciation of mercury in fish and plant tissues was developed by CVAAS as an alternative to conventional methods.
“Analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables using gas chromatography-high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry”
Authors: Valles Noelia Belmonte , Uclés Samanta , Besil Natalia , Mezcua Milagros , Fernández-Alba Amadeo R.
Published: January 2015

This work reports a study on the operational parameters and development of a rapid automatic method for determining pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables using gas chromatography-high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
A fluorescent Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) peptide–naphthalenediimide (NDI) conjugate for imaging integrin αvβ3in vitro
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan , Arrowsmith Rory L. , Tyson James A. , Mirabello Vincenzo , Ge Haobo , Eggleston Ian M. , Botchway Stanley W. , Dan Pantos G. , Pascu Sofia I.
Published: January 2015

We have developed a fluorescent peptide conjugate (TrpNDIRGDfK) based on the coupling of cyclo(RGDfK) to a new tryptophan-tagged amino acid naphthalenediimide (TrpNDI).
An electrochemical peptide cleavage-based biosensor for prostate specific antigen detection via host–guest interaction between ferrocene and β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Xie Shunbi , Zhang Jin , Yuan Yali , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo
Published: January 2015

Here we have developed a “signal-on” peptide cleavage-based assay for sensitive and specific detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by coupling the host–guest interaction between ferrocene (Fc) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD).
In situ generation of functionality in a reactive binicotinic-acid-based ligand for the design of multi-functional copper(ii) complexes: syntheses, structures and properties
Authors: Deng Dongsheng , Guo Hui , Kang Guohui , Ma Lufang , He Xu , Ji Baoming
Published: January 2015

Five copper binicotinic complexes have been synthesized depending on the reaction conditions. Complexes 1 and 2 display excellent catalytic activity for Strecker reaction of imines.
Attrition-induced spontaneous chiral amplification of the γ polymorphic modification of glycine
Authors: Tarasevych Arkadii V. , Sorochinsky Alexander E. , Kukhar Valery P. , Toupet Loïc , Crassous Jeanne , Guillemin Jean-Claude
Published: January 2015

Glycine is the simplest achiral amino acid that undergoes spontaneous mirror symmetry and controlled deracemization in its γ-polymorphic modification.
Determination of partial molar volumes from free energy perturbation theory
Authors: Vilseck Jonah Z. , Tirado-Rives Julian , Jorgensen William L.
Published: January 2015

Free Energy Perturbation calculations are employed to determine free energies of solvation (ΔGsolv) for benzene and benzene-derivatives at elevated pressures. Absolute and relative partial molar volumes are determined as the pressure derivative of ΔGsolv.
Delocalized quantum states enhance photocell efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yiteng , Oh Sangchul , Alharbi Fahhad H. , Engel Gregory S. , Kais Sabre
Published: January 2015

The high quantum efficiency of photosynthetic complexes has inspired researchers to explore new routes to utilize this process for photovoltaic devices.
Tailoring the electronic structure of β-Ga2O3 by non-metal doping from hybrid density functional theory calculations
Authors: Guo Weiyan , Guo Yating , Dong Hao , Zhou Xin
Published: January 2015

Se-doped and I-doped β-Ga2O3 are theoretically found to be promising photocatalysts for water splitting in the visible region.
A systematic study of the effect of molecular weights of polyvinyl alcohol on polyvinyl alcohol–graphene oxide composite hydrogels
Authors: Xue Rongrong , Xin Xia , Wang Lin , Shen Jinglin , Ji Fangrui , Li Wenzhe , Jia Chunyu , Xu Guiying
Published: January 2015

Schematic representation of the network structure of PVA–GO hydrogel.
Synthesis of ethyl hexyl ether over acidic ion-exchange resins for cleaner diesel fuel
Authors: Guilera J. , Ramírez E. , Fité C. , Tejero J. , Cunill F.
Published: January 2015

Identifying the resin polymer zones where ethyl hexyl ether and by-products are preferentially formed in hexanol etherification with diethyl carbonate.
The role of carbon atoms of supported iron carbides in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Ordomsky V. V. , Legras B. , Cheng K. , Paul S. , Khodakov A. Y.
Published: January 2015

High reactivity of iron carbides enhances the Fischer–Tropsch reaction rate on supported iron catalysts. Carbon atoms in iron carbide are involved in the initiation of chain growth in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
MeReO3/Al2O3 and Me4Sn-activated Re2O7/Al2O3 alkene metathesis catalysts have similar active sites
Authors: Valla Maxence , Conley Matthew P. , Copéret Christophe
Published: January 2015

MeReO3/Al2O3 and Re2O7/Al2O3 activated with Me4Sn, which have the same reactivity toward functionalized alkenes and ethylene, share similar surface sites.
BaCoO2.22: the most oxygen-deficient certified cubic perovskite
Authors: Mentré Olivier , Iorgulescu Mihaela , Huvé Marielle , Kabbour Houria , Renaut Nicolas , Daviero-Minaud Sylvie , Colis Silviu , Roussel Pascal
Published: January 2015

The crystal structure and topochemical modification of BaCoO2.22 show that its cubic structure is tightly hold by the strong oxygen deficiency.
Investigation of the relationship between atmospheric mercury and concentrations of key greenhouse gases at a mountainous monitoring site
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Pandey Sudhir Kumar , Brown Richard J. C. , Sheu Guey Rong , Jeon Eui-Chan , Jung Kweon , Kang Chang-Hee
Published: January 2015

The study at Mt. Gwan-ak (Seoul, Korea) revealed that the behavior of Hg was strongly correlated with water vapor and CH4, suggesting good similarities in their source characteristics.
Structure–charge relationship – the case of hematite (001)
Authors: Lützenkirchen Johannes , Heberling Frank , Supljika Filip , Preocanin Tajana , Kallay Nikola , Johann Florian , Weisser Ludger , Eng Peter J.
Published: January 2015

We present a multidisciplinary study on the hematite (001)–aqueous solution interface, in particular the relationship between surface structure (studiedviasurface diffraction in a humid atmosphere) and the macroscopic charging (studiedviasurface- and zeta-potential measurements in electrolyte solutions as a function of pH). Upon aging in water changes in the surface structure are observed, that are accompanied by drastic changes in the zeta-potential. Surprisingly the surface potential is not accordingly affected. We interpret our results by increasing hydration of the surface with time and enhanced reactivity of singly-coordinated hydroxyl groups that cause the isoelectric point of the surface to shift to values that are reminiscent of those typically reported for hematite particles. In its initial stages after preparation the hematite surface is very flat and only weakly hydrated. Our model links the entailing weak water structure with the observed low isoelectric point reminiscent of hydrophobic surfaces. The absence of an aging effect on the surface potentialvs.pH curves is interpreted as domination of the surface potential by the doubly coordinated hydroxyls, which are present on both surfaces.
Non-targeted1H-NMR-metabolomics suggest the induction of master regulators of energy metabolism in the liver of vitamin E-deficient rats
Authors: Moazzami Ali A. , Frank Sonja , Gombert Antonin , Sus Nadine , Bayram Banu , Rimbach Gerald , Frank Jan
Published: January 2015

Consumption of a vitamin E-deficient diet for 6 months may alter hepatic energy metabolism in rats.
Size-based microfluidic multimodal microparticle sorter
Authors: Wang Xiao , Papautsky Ian
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate an inertial microfluidic chip that achieves continuous multimodal separation of microparticle mixtures with high resolution and high cutoff tenability for preparation of complex microparticle samples.
Hydrogel-droplet microfluidic platform for high-resolution imaging and sorting of early larval Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Aubry Guillaume , Zhan Mei , Lu Hang
Published: January 2015

We present a microfluidic device for high-resolution imaging and sorting of early larvalC. elegans. The animals are isolated in droplets and temporarily immobilized for imaging using a reversible hydrogel.
The discrepancy between the absence of copper deposition and the presence of neuronal damage in the brain of Atp7b−/−mice
Authors: Dong Yi , Shi Sheng-Sheng , Chen Sheng , Ni Wang , Zhu Min , Wu Zhi-Ying
Published: January 2015

The neuronal damage was identified in the basal ganglia despite the absence of copper accumulation in the region.
Targeting copper induced oxidative damage to proteins by ligation: a novel approach towards chelation therapy for oxidative stress disorders
Authors: Maqsood Syed Raashid , Khan Badruddin , Bhat Mohsin Ahmad , Dar Tanveer Ali , Mir Syed Hussain
Published: January 2015

DIDE and rhodanine prevent the copper induced oxidative damage to proteins by binding copper into a redox inactive state.
Synthesis and mechanism of novel fluorescent coumarin–dihydropyrimidinone dyads obtained by the Biginelli multicomponent reaction
Authors: Vitório Felipe , Pereira Thiago Moreira , Castro Rosane Nora , Guedes Guilherme Pereira , Graebin Cedric Stephan , Kümmerle Arthur Eugen
Published: January 2015

Coumarin-β-ketoesters were used to synthesize new blue-fluorescent compounds exhibiting ICT. The Knoevenagel intermediate suggests that our Biginelli reaction passing by this mechanistic way is unlikely.
Xanthenones: calixarenes-catalyzed syntheses, anticancer activity and QSAR studies
Authors: da Silva Daniel Leite , Silva Terra Bruna , Ribeiro Lage Mateus , Lúcia Tasca Góis Ruiz Ana , Capeletti da Silva Cameron , Ernesto de Carvalho João , Walkimar de Mesquita Carneiro José , Terra Martins Felipe , Antonio Fernades Sergio , de Fátima Ângelo
Published: January 2015

An efficient method is proposed for obtaining tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthene-11-ones and tetrahydro-[1,3]-dioxolo[4,5-b]xanthen-9-ones.
Exploring the relationship between the conformation and pKa: can a pKavalue be used to determine the conformational equilibrium?
Authors: Ingemar Olsen Jacob , Sauer Stephan P. A. , Marcus Pedersen Christian , Bols Mikael
Published: January 2015

For the first time it is shown that the pKadirectly reflects the conformational equilibrium of conformers.
Ring-opening polymerization of a 2,3-disubstituted oxirane leading to a polyether having a carbonyl–aromatic π-stacked structure
Authors: Merlani Maia , Koyama Yasuhito , Sato Hiroyasu , Geng Li , Barbakadze Vakhtang , Chankvetadze Bezhan , Nakano Tamaki
Published: January 2015

Ring-opening polymerization of a 2,3-disubstituted oxirane afforded a polyether exhibiting intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) interactions due to a carbonyl–aromatic π-stacked conformation.
Triblock and pentablock terpolymers by sequential base-assisted living cationic copolymerization of functionalized vinyl ethers
Authors: Bouchekif H. , Sulhami A. I. , Alghamdi R. D. , Gnanou Y. , Hadjichristidis N.
Published: January 2015

A series of novel, well-defined triblock and pentablock terpolymers of n-butyl vinyl ether (nBVE), 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether (CEVE) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethylene glycol vinyl ether (SiEGVE) were synthesized by sequential base-assisted living cationic polymerization.
The effect of thermal annealing on the optical and electrical properties of ZnO epitaxial films grown on n-GaAs (001)
Authors: Liu Wei-Rein , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Lin Chi-Yuan , Yang Song , Kuo Chin-Chia , Shih-Sen Chien Forest , Chang Chen-Shiung , Hsu Chia-Hung , Hsieh Wen-Feng
Published: January 2015

The local electrostatic force Fωvs. Vsample curves recorded at points marked on the KFM image depicted in the inset shown in the upper right corner, and the schematic band diagrams of the (a) n-type and (b) annealed p-type ZnO layer.
Properties of cobalt nanofiber-based magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Dong Xufeng , Tong Yu , Ma Ning , Qi Min , Ou Jinping
Published: January 2015

Co nanofibers were synthesized and used to prepare magnetorheological fluids with excellent MR effect and sedimentation stability.
MoS2–C/graphite, an electric energy storage device using Na+-based organic electrolytes
Authors: Zhao Liping , Qi Li , Wang Hongyu
Published: January 2015

Molybdenum disulfide–carbon composite (MoS2–C) sample has been prepared by a hydrothermal method using Na2MoO4, CH4N2S and glucose as starting materials and then calcined at 800 °C in an N2/H2 mixed atmosphere.
Electrochemical fabrication of Ni(OH)2/Ni 3D porous composite films as integrated capacitive electrodes
Authors: Jiang Hong , Guo Ying , Wang Tao , Zhu Peng-Li , Yu Shuhui , Yu Yan , Fu Xian-Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: January 2015

Ni(OH)2 coated on Ni porous films are facilely fabricated by anode oxidation of 3D hierarchical porous Ni films which are prepared through a hydrogen bubble template electro-deposition method.
Photoelectrochemical determination of intrinsic kinetics of photoelectrocatalysis processes at {001} faceted anatase TiO2 photoanodes
Authors: Sun Tao , Wang Yun , Al-Mamun Mohammad , Zhang Haimin , Liu Porun , Zhao Huijun
Published: January 2015

Intrinsic degradation kinetic constant of oxalic acid at a double layered anatase TiO2 photoanode with dominantly exposed {001} facets.
Design, synthesis and photophysical properties of 8-hydroxyquinoline-functionalized tripodal molecular switch as a highly selective sequential pH sensor in aqueous solution
Authors: Akbar Rifat , Baral Minati , Kanungo B. K.
Published: January 2015

TAME5OX can act as a good candidate with potential applications in chemical and biological fields. Fluorescence reduction due to ESIPT between protonated NH+ ∼ –OH and deprotonated N ∼ –O− forms was proven by DFT calculation.
An ambient stable core-substituted perylene bisimide dianion: isolation and single crystal structure analysis
Authors: Seifert Sabine , Schmidt David , Würthner Frank
Published: January 2015

The reduction of a highly electron deficient PBI afforded the corresponding dianion disodium salt that was characterized by single crystal structure analysis.
Flexible organo-metal halide perovskite solar cells on a Ti metal substrate
Authors: Lee Minoh , Jo Yimhyun , Kim Dong Suk , Jun Yongseok
Published: January 2015

Flexible perovskite solar cells have been developed on a metal substrate using a silver thin film as the top electrode.
Polydopamine-based synthesis of a zeolite imidazolate framework ZIF-100 membrane with high H2/CO2 selectivity
Authors: Wang Nanyi , Liu Yi , Qiao Zhiwei , Diestel Lisa , Zhou Jian , Huang Aisheng , Caro Jürgen
Published: January 2015

A novel ZIF-100 membrane with high H2/CO2 selectivity has been developed on a polydopamine-based alumina support.
Crystallization and catalytic properties of molecular sieve SAPO-34 by a vapor-phase transport method
Authors: Zhang Lu , Huang Yining
Published: January 2015

Formation of SAPO-34 was examined by the VPT method.
A black–red phosphorus heterostructure for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Shen Zhurui , Sun Shoutian , Wang Wanjun , Liu Jianwen , Liu Zhifeng , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: January 2015

A new single elemental heterostructure of black–red phosphorus was prepared, which exhibited high visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity comparable to that of CdS.
Heavy doping of S2 in Cu7.2S4 lattice into chemically homogeneous superlattice Cu7.2Sx nanowires: strong photoelectric response
Authors: Gao Y. H. , Wang P. P. , Zhang M. H. , Lei Y. , Niu H. L. , Li P. J. , Fa W. J. , Zheng Z.
Published: January 2015

Chemically homogeneous superlattice Cu7.2Sx nanowires are constructed by heavy doping of S2 species in Cu7.2S4 lattice.
A two-step annealing process for enhancing the ferroelectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) devices
Authors: Park Ji Hoon , Kurra Narendra , AlMadhoun M. N. , Odeh Ihab N. , Alshareef H. N.
Published: January 2015

We report a simple two-step annealing scheme for the fabrication of stable non-volatile memory devices employing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer thin-films.
A low-temperature co-precipitation approach to synthesize fluoride phosphors K2MF6:Mn4+(M = Ge, Si) for white LED applications
Authors: Wei Ling-Ling , Lin Chun Che , Fang Mu-Huai , Brik Mikhail G. , Hu Shu-Fen , Jiao Huan , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: January 2015

A new class of Mn4+activated alkali-metal hexafluoride red phosphors are emerging for white light-emitting diodes because of their sharp red line2Eg→4A2gemissions (600–650 nm) excited by irradiation of4A2g→4T1g(320–380 nm) and4A2g→4T2g(380–500 nm) transitions.
Phase composition, crystal structure, infrared reflectivity and microwave dielectric properties of temperature stable composite ceramics (scheelite and zircon-type) in BiVO4–YVO4system
Authors: Zhou Di , Li Wen-Bo , Xi Hai-Hong , Pang Li-Xia , Pang Guang-Sheng
Published: January 2015

(1 −x)BiVO4–xYVO4(x≤ 0.65) ceramics were prepared using the solid state reaction method. Bi–O oscillations were proved to dominate the microwave dielectric polarizations.
Directed self-assembly of rhombic carbon nanotube nanomesh films for transparent and stretchable electrodes
Authors: Ahn Sehee , Choe Ayoung , Park Jonghwa , Kim Heesuk , Son Jeong Gon , Lee Sang-Soo , Park Min , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: January 2015

Directed self-assembly of carbon nanotubes into 2D rhombic nanomesh films results in greatly lower sheet resistance, higher stretchability, and better mechanical durability than those of random carbon nanotube films.
Electrically driven assembly of CdTe quantum dots into photoconductive microwires
Authors: Maheshwari Gaurav , Mittal Mona , Sapra Sameer , Gupta Shalini
Published: January 2015

Low energy, low cost quantum dot nanocrystal assembly into one-dimensional microwires for optoelectronic device applications.
Smart polymer inverse-opal photonic crystal films by melt-shear organization for hybrid core–shell architectures
Authors: Schäfer C. G. , Winter T. , Heidt S. , Dietz C. , Ding T. , Baumberg J. J. , Gallei M.
Published: January 2015

Large-area inverse opal structures based on stimuli-responsive polymers with reversibly switchable and distinct optical properties are prepared by melt-shear organization.
Freezing-induced multi-colour emissions of AIE luminogen di(4-propoxyphenyl) dibenzofulvene
Authors: Lin Yannan , Li Chenyu , Song Guoshan , He Changcheng , Dong Yong Qiang , Wang Huiliang
Published: January 2015

Freezing-induced significant blue-shifted emission is observed for AIE luminogens for the first time, and tough luminescent multi-colour hydrogels are prepared.
Solution-processable reduced graphene oxide films as broadband terahertz wave impedance matching layers
Authors: Zhou Yixuan , E Yiwen , Ren Zhaoyu , Fan Haiming , Xu Xinlong , Zheng Xinliang , Yuan Lei Dang , Li Weilong , Wang Li , Bai Jintao
Published: January 2015

The potential of solution-processable reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films as wave impedance matching layers has been examined in a broad terahertz (THz) spectral bandwidth.
Aqueous solution/metal interfaces investigated in operando by photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Karslıoğlu O. , Nemšák S. , Zegkinoglou I. , Shavorskiy A. , Hartl M. , Salmassi F. , Gullikson E. M. , Ng M. L. , Rameshan Ch. , Rude B. , Bianculli D. , Cordones A. A. , Axnanda S. , Crumlin E. J. , Ross P. N. , Schneider C. M. , Hussain Z. , Liu Z. , Fadley C. S. , Bluhm H.
Published: January 2015

We describe a new in operando approach for the investigation of heterogeneous processes at solid/liquid interfaces with elemental and chemical specificity which combines the preparation of thin liquid films using the meniscus method with standing wave ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [Nemšák et al., Nat. Commun., 5, 5441 (2014)]. This technique provides information about the chemical composition across liquid/solid interfaces with sub-nanometer depth resolution and under realistic conditions of solution composition and concentration, pH, as well as electrical bias. In this article, we discuss the basics of the technique and present the first results of measurements on KOH/Ni interfaces.
Binding interactions of agents that alter α-synuclein aggregation
Authors: Sivanesam K. , Byrne A. , Bisaglia M. , Bubacco L. , Andersen N.
Published: January 2015

NMR studies of the amyloidogenesis of α-synuclein, including studies of the binding sites of potent peptide inhibitors of the process, have produced a more detailed model of the earliest stages of β-oligomer formation.
Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon-rich graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for photoredox catalysis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Xinghua , Shao Changlu , Liu Yichun
Published: January 2015

We highlight a water-solution synthetic approach at low temperatures to prepare carbon-rich graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets.
Chromatin looping and eRNA transcription precede the transcriptional activation of gene in the β-globin locus
Authors: Kim Yea Woon , Lee Sungkung , Yun Jangmi , Kim AeRi
Published: January 2015

Enhancers are closely positioned with actively transcribed target genes by chromatin looping. Non-coding RNAs are often transcribed on active enhancers, referred to as eRNAs (enhancer RNAs). To explore the kinetics of enhancer–promoter looping and eRNA transcription during transcriptional activation, we induced the β-globin locus by chemical treatment and analysed cross-linking frequency between the β-globin gene and locus control region (LCR) and the amount of eRNAs transcribed on the LCR in a time course manner. The cross-linking frequency was increased after chemical induction but before the transcriptional activation of gene in the β-globin locus. Transcription of eRNAs was increased in concomitant with the increase in cross-linking frequency. These results show that chromatin looping and eRNA transcription precedes the transcriptional activation of gene. Concomitant occurrence of the two events suggests functional relationship between them.
Improved small signal model for voltage‐boosting converter with hybrid energy pumping
Authors: Faqiang Wang , Shan Miao , Xikui Ma
Published: January 2015

Voltage‐boosting converter with hybrid energy pumping, which possesses high voltage conversion, small voltage stress on the low‐side switch and diode and easy to drive, is a good topology of DC–DC converters for obtaining high output voltage to satisfy the requirements in practical applications. In this study, after indicating the drawbacks of the existing small signal model of the voltage‐boosting converter with hybrid energy pumping from the comparisons between the theoretical calculations and the power electronics simulator (PSIM) simulations, an improved small signal model and corresponding transfer functions of this new converter in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode operations are derived and analysed. The results from the theoretical analysis, PSIM simulations and circuit experiments show that the improved small signal model of the voltage‐boosting converter with hybrid energy pumping here is more effective, accurate and general than the existing model.
Implementation of enhanced shape functions for non‐affine elements
Authors: Andriamaro Gaëlle , Davydov Oleg , Simkin John
Published: January 2015

The performance of different edge vector basis functions is compared for non‐affine elements. Improved accuracy is measured by comparing the calculated eigenvalues of the electromagnetic field distribution in a cavity with analytical results. Enhanced H(curl)‐conforming basis functions are numerically shown to preserve the optimal approximation properties of the finite element on non‐affine hexahedra.
Efficacy of Argatroban in Critically Ill Patients with Heparin Resistance: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Treichl Benjamin , Bachler Mirjam , Lorenz Ingo , Friesenecker Barbara , Oswald Elgar , Schlimp Christoph , Pedross Florian , Fries Dietmar
Published: January 2015

The patients who do not respond even to very high dosages of heparin are assumed to suffer from heparin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether critically ill patients suffering from heparin resistance generally have low antithrombin III (AT) levels, and if the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban in that case can be an effective option to achieve prophylactic anticoagulation. The study was conducted at the Department for General and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine at the University Hospital Innsbruck. We retrospectively included all patients between 2008 and 2012, who received argatroban because of poor response to high-dosage heparin prophylaxis. The period under observation lasted in total for 9 days, 2 days of anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and 7 days with argatroban. The primary objective was to investigate if after 7 (± 1) hours of switching to argatroban the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels were in a prophylactic range of 45 to 55 seconds. Further objectives were to assess the AT level, side effects such as bleeding or thromboembolism, platelet count, correlation between organ function and argatroban dose as well as any need for allogeneic blood products. The study population, consisting of 5 women and 15 men with a mean (± standard deviation, SD) age of 54.6 ± 16.3 years, differed in many clinical aspects. A median (interquartile range) heparin dose of 1,000, 819 to 1,125 IU/h was administered for 2 days and failed in providing a prophylactic anticoagulation measured by the aPTT. The mean aPTT level with heparin treatment was 38.5 seconds (± 4.7) its change within that period was not significant. After switching to argatroban, the mean increase of the aPTT levels in all study patients amounted from 38.5 to 48.3 seconds (p < 0.001). The rise in aPTT clearly reaches sufficient prophylactic anticoagulant levels. The maintenance of prophylactic aPTT levels was achieved over the period of 1 week. There was neither a correlation found between low-AT levels and occurrence of heparin resistance, nor between the simplified acute physiology score II and the administered argatroban dose (r = −0.224, p = 0.342). The results of the present study indicate that argatroban is an effective alternative therapy, especially in critically ill patients, to achieve prophylactic anticoagulation when heparin resistance occurs.
Adjustable ferromagnetic resonance frequency in CoO/CoFeB system
Authors: Bonneau-Brault A. , Dubourg S. , Thiaville A. , Rioual S. , Valente D.
Published: January 2015

Static and dynamic properties of (CoO/CoFeB)n multilayers have been investigated. An anisotropy field enhancement was evidenced when the CoO layer was deposited under the CoFeB layer. Tuning the relative CoFeB and CoO layers thicknesses, high ferromagnetic resonance frequencies up to 4 GHz were achieved. The coupling effect between the CoO and CoFeB layers was induced by a dipolar coupling due to the anisotropic roughness topology of the CoO layer. This anisotropic roughness was induced by the deposition geometry and evidenced by atomic force microscopy. The strength of the dipolar interfacial coupling was calculated thanks to Schlömann's model. Multilayer stacks were fabricated and the magnetic properties observed for the trilayers could be maintained.
Density driven structural transformations in amorphous semiconductor clathrates
Authors: Tulk C. A. , dos Santos A. M. , Neuefeind J. C. , Molaison J. J. , Sales B. C. , Honkimäki V.
Published: January 2015

The pressure induced crystalline collapse at 14.7 GPa of the semiconductor clathrate Sr8Ga16Ge30 and its polyamorphic structures are reported up to 35 GPa. In-situ total scattering measurements under pressure allow the direct microscopic inspection of the mechanisms associated with the pressure induced amorphization in these systems, as well as the structure of the recovered phase. It is observed that, between 14.7 and 35 GPa, the second peak in the structure factor function gradually disappears. Analysis of the radial distribution function extracted from those data indicates a systematic lengthening of the nearest-neighbor framework bonds. This feature is associated with gradual cage collapse and breakdown of the tetrahedral structure. This suggests a change in the local bonding in the high density amorphous form, similarly to that observed in other semiconductor clathrates and elemental silicon. Upon recovery from high pressure, the sample remains amorphous and, while there is some indication of the guest-host cage reforming, it does not seem that the tetrahedral coordination is fully reestablished. As such, the compression-decompression process in these systems gives rise to three distinct amorphous forms.
An acoustic lens built with a low dispersion metamaterial
Authors: Park Choon Mahn , Lee Sang Hun
Published: January 2015

The realization of a near-frequency-independent acoustic metamaterial and the successful application of this material as a convex acoustic lens are introduced. We design a face-centered-orifice-cubic (FCOC) unit cell that has the characteristics of an acoustic wave retarder. The increment in the acoustic refractive index produced by the FCOC unit cell is observed by reducing the size of the orifice. This also shows that the refractive index remains nearly constant with frequency increments in the frequency regime that satisfies the homogeneous medium condition of the metamaterial. Using these unit cells, we create a two-dimensional acoustic metamaterial convex lens that correspond to the conventional optical convex lens and show that this lens focuses acoustic waves in the same manner that an optical lens focuses light waves.