bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The phenotypic spectrum of organic acidurias and urea cycle disorders. Part 1: the initial presentation
Authors: Kölker Stefan , Cazorla Angeles Garcia , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Lund Allan M. , Burlina Alberto B. , Sykut‐Cegielska Jolanta , Wijburg Frits A. , Teles Elisa Leão , Zeman Jiri , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Barić Ivo , Karall Daniela , Augoustides‐Savvopoulou Persephone , Aksglaede Lise , Arnoux Jean‐Baptiste , Avram Paula , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Blasco‐Alonso Javier , Chabrol Brigitte , Chakrapani Anupam , Chapman Kimberly , i Saladelafont Elisenda Cortès , Couce Maria L. , de Meirleir Linda , Dobbelaere Dries , Dvorakova Veronika , Furlan Francesca , Gleich Florian , Gradowska Wanda , Grünewald Stephanie , Jalan Anil , Häberle Johannes , Haege Gisela , Lachmann Robin , Laemmle Alexander , Langereis Eveline , de Lonlay Pascale , Martinelli Diego , Matsumoto Shirou , Mühlhausen Chris , de Baulny Hélène Ogier , Ortez Carlos , Peña‐Quintana Luis , Ramadža Danijela Petković , Rodrigues Esmeralda , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Sokal Etienne , Staufner Christian , Summar Marshall L. , Thompson Nicholas , Vara Roshni , Pinera Inmaculada Vives , Walter John H. , Williams Monique , Burgard Peter
Published: April 2015

Background

The clinical presentation of patients with organic acidurias (OAD) and urea cycle disorders (UCD) is variable; symptoms are often non‐specific.

Aims/methods

To improve the knowledge about OAD and UCD the E‐IMD consortium established a web‐based patient registry.

Results

We registered 795 patients with OAD (n = 452) and UCD (n = 343), with ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency (n = 196), glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1; n = 150) and methylmalonic aciduria (MMA; n = 149) being the most frequent diseases. Overall, 548 patients (69 %) were symptomatic. The majority of them (n = 463) presented with acute metabolic crisis during (n = 220) or after the newborn period (n = 243) frequently demonstrating impaired consciousness, vomiting and/or muscular hypotonia. Neonatal onset of symptoms was most frequent in argininosuccinic synthetase and lyase deficiency and carbamylphosphate 1 synthetase deficiency, unexpectedly low in male OTC deficiency, and least frequently in GA1 and female OTC deficiency. For patients with MMA, propionic aciduria (PA) and OTC deficiency (male and female), hyperammonemia was more severe in metabolic crises during than after the newborn period, whereas metabolic acidosis tended to be more severe in MMA and PA patients with late onset of symptoms. Symptomatic patients without metabolic crises (n = 94) often presented with a movement disorder, mental retardation, epilepsy and psychiatric disorders (the latter in UCD only).

Conclusions

The initial presentation varies widely in OAD and UCD patients. This is a challenge for rapid diagnosis and early start of treatment. Patients with a sepsis‐like neonatal crisis and those with late‐onset of symptoms are both at risk of delayed or missed diagnosis.
Innovative Methods for the Benefit of Public Health Using Space Technologies for Disaster Response
Authors: Dinas Petros C. , Mueller Christian , Clark Nathan , Elgin Tim , Nasseri S. Ali , Yaffe Etai , Madry Scott , Clark Jonathan B. , Asrar Farhan
Published: April 2015

Space applications have evolved to play a significant role in disaster relief by providing services including remote sensing imagery for mitigation and disaster damage assessments; satellite communication to provide access to medical services; positioning, navigation, and timing services; and data sharing. Common issues identified in past disaster response and relief efforts include lack of communication, delayed ordering of actions (eg, evacuations), and low levels of preparedness by authorities during and after disasters. We briefly summarize the Space for Health (S4H) Team Project, which was prepared during the Space Studies Program 2014 within the International Space University. The S4H Project aimed to improve the way space assets and experiences are used in support of public health during disaster relief efforts. We recommend an integrated solution based on nano-satellites or a balloon communication system, mobile self-contained relief units, portable medical scanning devices, and micro-unmanned vehicles that could revolutionize disaster relief and disrupt different markets. The recommended new system of coordination and communication using space assets to support public health during disaster relief efforts is feasible. Nevertheless, further actions should be taken by governments and organizations in collaboration with the private sector to design, test, and implement this system. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:319-328)
The Impact of Executive Functions on the Written Language Process: Some Evidence From Children With Writing Disabilities
Authors: Alevriadou Anastasia , Giaouri Stergiani
Published: April 2015

Written language is a difficult endeavour as the demands of transcription require self-regulatory skills from a motor, cognitive and attention perspective. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between the Test of Writing Difficulties (Porpodas et al., 2007) and the Test of Detection and Investigation of Executive Functions (Simos et al., 2007) in a sample of 50 Greek-speaking, 5th-grade students with writing disabilities. The results of our study indicated that there were significant Pearson correlations ranging from .35 to .44 between executive functions and written expression. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that the subscales of the Test of Executive Functions had significant predictive power for spelling correctness and correction of jumbled sentences. Further implications of these findings for a school-based neuropsychological evaluation and planning of individualised educational interventions are discussed.
Design of Dual Circularly Polarised 2–15 GHz Feed and the Polarisation Degree Measurement for CSRH-II Antenna System
Authors: Li Sha , Yan Yi Hua , Chen Zhi Jun , Wang Wei , Zhang Fu Shun
Published: April 2015

The Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph is an aperture-synthesis telescope observing the Sun in ultra wide bandwidth on the ground. It contains two arrays Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph-I and Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph-II from 0.4 to 15 GHz. In order to obtain ultra wide-band performance, the cascaded folded dipoles are used in this feed. At the same time, in order to get circularly polarised signals coming from the Sun, a wide-band 90° hybrid is added in the output ports of the feed. This feed has characteristics of about 10 dBi gain, less than 1.5 voltage standing wave ratio. It also has characteristics with low axial ratio, fixed phase centre location, and constant beam width in operating frequencies. Through cross-correlating all combinations of two orthogonal polarisations at each antenna, the polarisation state of the waves is measured and give a differential instrumental delay between two data channels. The relationship between the own polarisation degree of the Sun and the observed polarisation degree is also measured for cross-polarised delay in observing the Sun in this paper.
The dietary inflammatory index is associated with colorectal cancer in the National Institutes of Health–American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study
Authors: Wirth Michael D. , Shivappa Nitin , Steck Susan E. , Hurley Thomas G. , Hébert James R.
Published: April 2015

Diet is a strong moderator of systemic inflammation, an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). The dietary inflammatory index (DII) measures the inflammatory potential of individuals' diets. The association between the DII and incident CRC was examined, using the National Institutes of Health–American Associations of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study individuals (n 489 422) aged 50–74 years at recruitment, starting between 1995–6, and followed for a mean of 9·1 (sd 2·9) years. Baseline data from a FFQ were used to calculate the DII; higher scores are more pro-inflammatory, and lower scores are more anti-inflammatory. First, primary CRC diagnoses were identified through linkage to state cancer registries. Anatomic location and disease severity also were examined. Cox proportional hazards models estimated CRC hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI using quartile 1 as the referent. DII quartile 4 compared to quartile 1 was associated with CRC risk among all subjects (HR 1·40, 95 % CI 1·28, 1·53; P for trend < 0·01). Statistically significant associations also were observed for each anatomic site examined, for moderate and poorly differentiated tumours, and at each cancer stage among all subjects. Effects were similar when stratified by sex; however, results were statistically significant only in males. The only result reaching statistical significance in females was risk of moderately differentiated CRC tumours (DII quartile 4 v. quartile 1 HR 1·26, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·56). Overall, the DII was associated with CRC risk among all subjects. The DII may serve as a novel way to evaluate dietary risk for chronic disorders associated with inflammation, such as CRC.
Infection levels of the cestodeHymenolepis diminutain rat populations from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Hancke D. , Suárez O.V.
Published: April 2015

Ecological studies on zoonotic parasites are crucial for the design and implementation of effective measures to prevent parasite transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors such as season, landscape unit, rat sex and rat body length, affecting the abundance of the cestodeHymenolepis diminuta, a parasite of synanthropic rats, within an urban environment. A parasitological survey was undertaken on 169 rats from landscape units such as shantytowns, parklands, industrial–residential areas and scrap-metal yards in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The overall prevalence ofH. diminutawas 21.3%, although the occurrence of this species in rats was not homogeneous. The abundance ofH. diminuta, using a zero-inflated negative binomial model, was correlated with rat body length. In shantytowns, abundance levels were higher than other landscape units, largely due to differences in individual environmental characteristics and rat assemblages. The populations of arthropod intermediate hosts could be subjected to seasonal fluctuations and the degree of urbanization. Shantytowns are overcrowded urban marginal settlements with most inhabitants living in precarious conditions and supporting large populations of rats, thereby increasing the risk of zoonotic infection.
DOUBLE-VOICED: MUSIC, GENDER, AND NATURE IN PERFORMANCE
Authors: Monod David
Published: April 2015

Double-voiced singing was a popular form of variety show entertainment from the 1860s through to the 1920s. Double-voiced performers were able, through intonation and tone, to sound as though they had at least two separate and distinct “voices,” generally one soprano and one baritone. But as Claire Rochester, a double-voiced singer of the early twentieth century made clear, their act was more than just a matter of a woman singing low notes or a man singing high ones; it was all about a performer adopting the “voice” of the other sex. The unusual practice of these singers was to sing duets (and sometimes as much as quartets) to themselves and by themselves, flipping back and forth between their male to female “voices.” I place this strange form of entertainment in the context of changing attitudes to gender and sexuality and suggests that conventional interpretations of “freak” performances as “transgressive” fail to account for these vocal wonders. Double-voiced singers shunned the “transgressive” billing, especially when their own sexual identity was called into question. In making this argument, I suggest that we need to widen our understanding of “freakery,” imposture and the meaning of “nature” and “truth,” as they were revealed both on stage and off.
THE MINI-BEAST—GEORGE H. BUTLER (1838–1886)
Authors: Block Mary R. , Dunn John P.
Published: April 2015

George H. Butler was a Gilded Age writer, diplomat, and soldier, who was also a poster boy for what Richard Stott identifies as the “jolly fellow.” Butler parlayed a witty writing style to enter journalism, and with the help of his influencial uncle, Benjamin Butler, he obtained a diplomatic posting as consul general to Egypt. Overly fond of alcohol, George Butler participated in several newsworthy fights, often involving deadly force. His life serves as an archetype for out-of-control manliness, which was contrary to gender expectations of polite society in 1870s America.
Fifth confirmed record and North Atlantic range expansion of the rare pelagic bobtail snipe eel genus Neocyema (Cyematidae, Elopomorpha)
Authors: Poulsen Jan Yde
Published: April 2015

A fifth confirmedNeocyema specimen, caught in the Denmark Strait off the coast of south-east Greenland, provides a North Atlantic range expansion for the genus and is compared to all four previous records. Due to taxonomic issues with both adults and larvae, the new specimen from waters near Greenland is tentatively referred to asNeocyema erythrosomaand represents the largest specimen ever recorded. Morphological and molecular data are included for future comparisons. Distributional and morphological differences exist between specimens, although the present rarity of these fishes precludes an evaluation of diversity withinNeocyema.
Design and characterization of an efficient multi-layered circularly polarized microstrip antenna
Authors: Prajapati Pravin R. , Patnaik Amalendu , Kartikeyan M. V.
Published: April 2015

A novel asymmetric “+” shaped fractal slotted circularly polarized microstrip antenna with a Yagi–Uda structure is proposed. Four asymmetric plus shape slots are embedded symmetrically in the center of all four quadrants of a square patch. To suppress undesirable higher modes, dumbbell-shaped defected ground structure (DGS) is introduced at the ground layer of the antenna. We introduce a method to compensate the reduction in gain occurring due to the presence of DGS, without changing in the overall size of the antenna. A 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 4 MHz at center frequency of 862 MHz, 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 13.20 MHz and a gain of 4.25 dB is achieved with the proposed antenna. A laboratory prototype of the proposed antenna is made to cross-verify the simulation results. Very good agreements between the two are obtained. The proposed antenna may prove useful for International Mobile Telecommunication application for designing high-gain arrays.
Environmental Historian: An Interview with Alfred W. Crosby
Authors: Schwaller John F.
Published: April 2015

Alfred W. Crosby is the author of such influential works as The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492(New York: Greenwood Press, 1973).He lives in retirement on Nantucket Island with his wife Frances Karttunen, noted in her own right for important works in linguistics and history. In September, 2013, I had the opportunity to carry on a long conversation with Crosby about his work, American Studies, and the future for environmental history. Crosby suffers from Parkinson's disease. His mind is sharp and his insights are keen. The Columbian exchange is the phenomenon of the contact period in which European crops and animals were imported into the New World, while New World crops and animals were introduced into Europe.
Connecting the Tropics to Polar Regions
Authors: Yuan X. , Cane M. A. , Kaplan M. R.
Published: April 2015

Workshop on Connecting the Tropics to the Polar Regions; New York, New York, 2–3 June 2014
Probing long-range carrier-pair spin–spin interactions in a conjugated polymer by detuning of electrically detected spin beating
Authors: van Schooten Kipp J. , Baird Douglas L. , Limes Mark E. , Lupton John M. , Boehme Christoph
Published: April 2015

Weakly coupled electron spin pairs that experience weak spin–orbit interaction can control electronic transitions in molecular and solid-state systems. Known to determine radical pair reactions, they have been invoked to explain phenomena ranging from avian magnetoreception to spin-dependent charge-carrier recombination and transport. Spin pairs exhibit persistent spin coherence, allowing minute magnetic fields to perturb spin precession and thus recombination rates and photoreaction yields, giving rise to a range of magneto-optoelectronic effects in devices. Little is known, however, about interparticle magnetic interactions within such pairs. Here we present pulsed electrically detected electron spin resonance experiments on poly(styrene-sulfonate)-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT:PSS) devices, which show how interparticle spin–spin interactions (magnetic-dipolar and spin-exchange) between charge-carrier spin pairs can be probed through the detuning of spin-Rabi oscillations. The deviation from uncoupled precession frequencies quantifies both the exchange (<30 neV) and dipolar (23.5±1.5 neV) interaction energies responsible for the pair’s zero-field splitting, implying quantum mechanical entanglement of charge-carrier spins over distances of 2.1±0.1 nm.
Temperature-triggered chemical switching growth of in-plane and vertically stacked graphene-boron nitride heterostructures
Authors: Gao Teng , Song Xiuju , Du Huiwen , Nie Yufeng , Chen Yubin , Ji Qingqing , Sun Jingyu , Yang Yanlian , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: April 2015

In-plane and vertically stacked heterostructures of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN-G and G/h-BN, respectively) are both recent focuses of graphene research. However, targeted synthesis of either heterostructure remains a challenge. Here, via chemical vapour deposition and using benzoic acid precursor, we have achieved the selective growth of h-BN-G and G/h-BN through a temperature-triggered switching reaction. The perfect in-plane h-BN-G is characterized by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), showing atomically patched graphene and h-BN with typical zigzag edges. In contrast, the vertical alignment of G/h-BN is confirmed by unique lattice-mismatch-induced moiré patterns in high-resolution STM images, and two sets of aligned selected area electron diffraction spots, both suggesting a van der Waals epitaxial mechanism. The present work demonstrates the chemical designability of growth process for controlled synthesis of graphene and h-BN heterostructures. With practical scalability, high uniformity and quality, our approach will promote the development of graphene-based electronics and optoelectronics.
Novel insights into the behavioral analysis of mice subjected to the forced-swim test
Authors: Chen L , Faas G C , Ferando I , Mody I
Published: April 2015

The forced-swim test (FST) is one of the most widely used rodent behavioral assays, in which the immobility of animals is used to assess the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. However, the existing, and mostly arbitrary, criteria used for quantification could lead to biased results. Here we believe we uncovered new confounding factors, revealed new indices to interpret the behavior of mice and propose an unbiased means for quantification of the FST.
Caffeine increases striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in the human brain
Authors: Volkow N D , Wang G-J , Logan J , Alexoff D , Fowler J S , Thanos P K , Wong C , Casado V , Ferre S , Tomasi D
Published: April 2015

Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, is used to promote wakefulness and enhance alertness. Like other wake-promoting drugs (stimulants and modafinil), caffeine enhances dopamine (DA) signaling in the brain, which it does predominantly by antagonizing adenosine A2Areceptors (A2AR). However, it is unclear if caffeine, at the doses consumed by humans, increases DA release or whether it modulates the functions of postsynaptic DA receptors through its interaction with adenosine receptors, which modulate them. We used positron emission tomography and [11C]raclopride (DA D2/D3receptor radioligand sensitive to endogenous DA) to assess if caffeine increased DA release in striatum in 20 healthy controls. Caffeine (300 mg p.o.) significantly increased the availability of D2/D3receptors in putamen and ventral striatum, but not in caudate, when compared with placebo. In addition, caffeine-induced increases in D2/D3receptor availability in the ventral striatum were associated with caffeine-induced increases in alertness. Our findings indicate that in the human brain, caffeine, at doses typically consumed, increases the availability of DA D2/D3receptors, which indicates that caffeine does not increase DA in the striatum for this would have decreased D2/D3receptor availability. Instead, we interpret our findings to reflect an increase in D2/D3receptor levels in striatum with caffeine (or changes in affinity). The association between increases in D2/D3receptor availability in ventral striatum and alertness suggests that caffeine might enhance arousal, in part, by upregulating D2/D3receptors.
Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde on nickel nanoparticles supported on titania: role of catalyst preparation methods
Authors: Prakash Murthiyamma Gengatharan , Mahalakshmy Rajaram , Krishnamurthy Konda Ramaswamy , Viswanathan Balasubramanian
Published: April 2015

Proposed mode of adsorption of cinnamaldehyde on Ni/TiO2.
Phase-change-induced martensitic deformation and slip system in GeSbTe
Authors: Jang Moon Hyung , Jeong Kwang Sik , Park Seung Jong , Park Sung Jin , Cho Mann-Ho , Song Jae Yong
Published: April 2015

Phase-change stress induced martensitic deformation on GeSbTe.
Assembly line termination in cylindrocyclophane biosynthesis: discovery of an editing type II thioesterase domain in a type I polyketide synthase
Authors: Nakamura H. , Wang J. X. , Balskus E. P.
Published: April 2015

Investigation of cylindrocyclophane biosynthesis reveals a C-terminal thioesterase domain involved in PKS assembly line editing, not termination.
Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry of fused ring heterocyclic organometallic compounds
Authors: Mazzotta Michael G. , Young Jason O. E. , Evans Jesse W. , Dopierala Levi A. , Claytor Zachariah. A. , Smith Adam C. , Snyder Chad , Tice Nathan C. , Smith Darrin L.
Published: April 2015

Note demonstrates ability to gain analytical mass spectrometry data from organometallics without significant sample preparation or solubility issues for ionization.
Characterization and real-time imaging of the FTLD-related protein aggregation induced by amyloidogenic peptides
Authors: He Ruei-Yu , Huang Yi-Chen , Chiang Chao-Wei , Tsai Yu-Ju , Ye Ting-Juan , Gao Hua-De , Wu Chu-Ya , Lee Hsien-Ming , Huang Joseph Jen-Tse
Published: April 2015

Q/N- and G-rich polypeptides from the TDP-43 C-terminus formed amyloid fibers in vitro and induced the aggregation of the transfected TDP-43-EGFP in live cells.
A facile approach to synthesize 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles via copper-catalyzed-cascade annulation of amidines and methylarenes
Authors: Guo Wei , Huang Kunbo , Ji Fanghua , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: April 2015

A tandem Cu-catalyzed oxidation–amination–cyclization reaction for synthesizing various 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles from easily available amidines and methylarenes or methylhetarenes is reported.
Guanosine radical reactivity explored by pulse radiolysis coupled with transient electrochemistry
Authors: Latus A. , Alam M. S. , Mostafavi M. , Marignier J.-L. , Maisonhaute E.
Published: April 2015

A transient guanosine radical is created by pulse radiolysis and its complex electron transfer properties are explored by electrochemistry.
Selective formation of benzo[c]cinnoline by photocatalytic reduction of 2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl using TiO2and under UV light irradiation
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Pal Bonamali
Published: April 2015

Photocatalytic reduction of 2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl (25 μmol) using P25-TiO2under an argon atmosphere and 20 h UV light irradiation selectively produced 23.8 μmol of benzo[c]cinnoline (95%), and 2,2′-biphenyldiamine (5%).
Simultaneous DNP enhancements of 1H and 13C nuclei: theory and experiments
Authors: Shimon Daphna , Hovav Yonatan , Kaminker Ilia , Feintuch Akiva , Goldfarb Daniella , Vega Shimon
Published: April 2015

Simulations of solid effects, cross effects and heteronuclear cross effects in a {ea–eb–(1H,13C)} spin-system applied to 1H and 13C-DNP spectra using trityl.
Co-oxidation of octane and benzaldehyde using molecular oxygen with Au–Pd/carbon prepared by sol-immobilisation
Authors: Peneau Virginie , Shaw Greg , Freakley Simon J. , Forde Michael M. , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Jenkins Robert L. , Taylor Stuart H. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2015

Oxidation of octane in the presence of benzaldehyde over a AuPd catalysts leads to the formation of octyl benzoate.
Synbiotics reduce ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation by improving intestinal permeability and microbiota in rats
Authors: Chiu Wan-Chun , Huang Ya-Li , Chen Ya-Ling , Peng Hsiang-Chi , Liao Wei-Hsiang , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Chen Jiun-Rong , Yang Suh-Ching
Published: April 2015

Clinical and animal experiments indicated that gut-derived endotoxin and imbalanced intestinal microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD).
Effects of edible bird's nest on hippocampal and cortical neurodegeneration in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Zhiping Hou , Imam Mustapha Umar , Ismail Maznah , Ismail Norsharina , Yida Zhang , Ideris Aini , Sarega Nadarajan , Mahmud Rozi
Published: April 2015

The aim of this research is to investigate whether edible bird's nest (EBN) attenuates cortical and hippocampal neurodegeneration in ovariectomized rats.
Differences and similarities in hepatic lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and oxidative imbalance in mice fed diets rich in fructose or sucrose
Authors: Schultz Alini , Barbosa-da-Silva Sandra , Aguila Marcia B. , Mandarim-de-Lacerda Carlos A.
Published: April 2015

Changes in feeding habits are the primary environmental factors (though modifiable) commonly correlated with increase in diseases such as obesity and associated comorbidities.
Direct mercury analysis in environmental solids by ICP-MS with on-line sample ashing and mercury pre-concentration using a direct mercury analyzer
Authors: Bussan Derek D. , Sessums Ryan F. , Cizdziel James V.
Published: April 2015

A commercially available direct mercury analyzer (DMA) based on sample combustion, pre-concentration by amalgamation with gold, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was coupled to a sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).
Micromilling: a method for ultra-rapid prototyping of plastic microfluidic devices
Authors: Guckenberger David J. , de Groot Theodorus E. , Wan Alwin M. D. , Beebe David J. , Young Edmond W. K.
Published: April 2015

Micromilling is a fast and simple method capable of fabricating complex 2D or 3D microdevices compatible with cell culture and microscopy.
Understanding metal homeostasis in primary cultured neurons. Studies using single neuron subcellular and quantitative metallomics
Authors: Colvin Robert A , Lai Barry , Holmes William R , Lee Daewoo
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how single cell quantitative and subcellular metallomics inform us about both the spatial distribution and cellular mechanisms of metal buffering and homeostasis in primary cultured neurons from embryonic rat brain, which are often used as models of human disease involving metal dyshomeostasis. The present studies utilized synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) and focused primarily on zinc and iron, two abundant metals in neurons that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Total single cell contents for calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and nickel were determined. Resting steady state zinc showed a diffuse distribution in both soma and processes, best defined by the mass profile of the neuron with an enrichment in the nucleus compared with the cytoplasm. Zinc buffering and homeostasis was studied using two modes of cellular zinc loading – transporter and ionophore (pyrithione) mediated. Single neuron zinc contents were shown to statistically significantly increase by either loading method – ionophore: 160 million to 7 billion; transporter 160 million to 280 million atoms per neuronal soma. The newly acquired and buffered zinc still showed a diffuse distribution. Soma and processes have about equal abilities to take up zinc via transporter mediated pathways. Copper levels are distributed diffusely as well, but are relatively higher in the processes relative to zinc levels. Prior studies have observed iron puncta in certain cell types, but others have not. In the present study, iron puncta were characterized in several primary neuronal types. The results show that iron puncta could be found in all neuronal types studied and can account for up to 50% of the total steady state content of iron in neuronal soma. Although other metals can be present in iron puncta, they are predominantly iron containing and do not appear to be associated with ferritin cages or transferrin receptor endosomes. The iron content and its distribution in puncta were similar in all neuron types studied including primary dopaminergic neurons. In summary, quantitative measurements of steady state metal levels in single primary cultured neurons made possible by SRXRF analyses provide unique information on the relative levels of each metal in neuronal soma and processes, subcellular location of zinc loads, and have confirmed and extended the characterization of heretofore poorly understood cytoplasmic iron puncta.
Water soluble perylene bisimide and its turn off/on fluorescence are used to detect cysteine and homocysteine
Authors: Sukul Pradip K. , Santra Dines C. , Singh Pradeep K. , Maji Samir K. , Malik Sudip
Published: April 2015

Herein, we have reported a perylene based supramolecular chemo-sensing probe which can detect cysteine or homocysteine over glutathione at physiological pH.
The influence of nanoscale roughness and substrate chemistry on the frictional properties of single and few layer graphene
Authors: Spear Jessica C. , Custer James P. , Batteas James D.
Published: April 2015

Graphene's lack of conformity to rough surfaces impacts its frictional properties, depending on the number of layers and substrate bonding.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amination of C(sp3)–H bonds: synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines
Authors: Chandra Mohan Darapaneni , Nageswara Rao Sadu , Ravi Chitrakar , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: April 2015

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-carboxylates through oxidative amination of C(sp3)–H bonds under mild aerobic conditions with broad substrate scope has been achieved.
Advanced stimuli-responsive polymer nanocapsules with enhanced capabilities for payloads delivery
Authors: Zhao Yi , Lv Li-Ping , Jiang Shuai , Landfester Katharina , Crespy Daniel
Published: April 2015

Recent progress in the design, preparation, and application of stimuli-responsive polymer nanocapsules with enhanced capabilities for payloads delivery are reviewed.
Preparation of a magnetically separable CoFe2O4supported Ag nanocatalyst and its catalytic reaction towards the decolorization of a variety of dyes
Authors: Naik Bhanudas , Hazra Subhenjit , Desagani Dayananda , Ghosh Barun Kumar , Patra Manoj Kumar , Vadera Sampat Raj , Ghosh Narendra Nath
Published: April 2015

CoFe2O4supported Ag nanoparticles were investigated as a catalyst for the decolorization of 4-nitrophenol, Congo red, rhodamine B and dye mixtures.
One pot synthesis of tetrasubstituted thiophenes: [3 + 2] annulation strategy
Authors: Sahu Satya Narayan , Gupta Maneesh Kumar , Singh Surjeet , Yadav Pratik , Panwar Rahul , Kumar Abhinav , Ram Vishnu Ji , Kumar Brijesh , Pratap Ramendra
Published: April 2015

A simple, efficient and economical synthesis of dimethyl 3-amino-5-(2-oxo-2-arylethyl)thiophene-2,4-dicarboxylates has been reported by ring opening of methyl 3-amino-6-aryl-4-oxo-4H-thieno[3,2-c]pyran-2-carboxylates by alkoxide ions.
Enhanced thermal properties in a hybrid graphene–alumina filler for epoxy composites
Authors: Zeng Cen , Lu Shaorong , Song Laifu , Xiao Xiane , Gao Jian , Pan Lulu , He Zihai , Yu Jinhong
Published: April 2015

The inclusion of hybrid LCPBI/RGO and Al2O3-APS fillers into a polymer matrix with formation of composites has proven to be an efficient way to improve thermal properties of the composites.
Synthesis and characterization of ferric tannate as a novel porous adsorptive-catalyst for nitrogen removal from wastewater
Authors: Zhang Ruina , Li Lin , Liu Junxin
Published: April 2015

Ferric tannate was synthesized herein using tannic acid and ferric chloride at neutral pH, showing a unique capacity for adsorption-catalyzed conversion of NH4+-N and NO2−-N to N2.
A single low-cost microfabrication approach for polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polysulfone based microdevices
Authors: Jiang Jingyun , Zhan Jinsheng , Yue Wanqing , Yang Mengsu , Yi Changqing , Li Cheuk-Wing
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a single microfabrication approach for 4 thermoplastic materials that improve the non-specific adsorption and drying issues inherent to PDMS.
Metal-free iodine-mediated synthesis of vinyl sulfones at room temperature using water as solvent
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yang Daoshan , Wei Wei , Yuan Li , Cao Youjuan , Wang Hua
Published: April 2015

Metal-free iodine-mediated synthesis of vinyl sulfones utilizing sodium sulfinates and alkenes has been realized under mild conditions in water.
Calcination system-induced nanocasting synthesis of uniform Co3O4 nanoparticles with high surface area and enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Sun Xiaohong , You Rui , Hu Xudong , Mo Junbin , Xiong Rui , Ji Huiming , Li Xiaolei , Cai Shu , Zheng Chunming , Meng Ming
Published: April 2015

Nanoscale Co3O4 synthesized by open-system nanocasting with uniform size, high surface area, large pore-distribution and abundant active-sites exhibited improved catalysis.
A fluorescent “turn on” chemosensor based on Bodipy–anthraquinone for Al(iii) ions: synthesis and complexation/spectroscopic studies
Authors: Kursunlu Ahmed Nuri
Published: April 2015

A fluorescent “turn on” Al(iii) chemosensor based-on bodipy–anthraquinone with two triazole ring was prepared and studied for its complexation and spectroscopic properties.
Synthesis and electrochemical characteristics of Li1.2(Ni0.2Mn0.6)x(Co0.4Mn0.4)y(Ni0.4Mn0.4)1−x−yO2 (0 ≤ x + y ≤ 1) cathode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Chao , Hou Peiyu , Shi Xixi , Song Dawei , Song Jishun , Zhang Lianqi
Published: April 2015

According to the tetrahedral phase diagram of LiNiO2–LiCoO2–LiMnO2–Li2MnO3, a series of Li1.2(Ni0.2Mn0.6)x(Co0.4Mn0.4)y(Ni0.4Mn0.4)1−x−yO2 (0 ≤ x + y ≤ 1) have been designed to explore new Li-rich solid solution cathode materials.
Versatility of divinylsulfone supports permits the tuning of CALB properties during its immobilization
Authors: dos Santos Jose C. S. , Rueda Nazzoly , Sanchez Alfredo , Villalonga Reynaldo , Gonçalves Luciana R. B. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: April 2015

Properties of CALB has been modulated by immobilization on divinylsulfone (DVS) activated agarose beads under different conditions (pH 5–10).
An overview of radioisotope separation technologies for development of 188W/188Re radionuclide generators providing 188Re to meet future research and clinical demands
Authors: Dash Ashutosh , Knapp Jr F. F. (Russ)
Published: April 2015

Separation technologies for 188W/188Re radionuclide generators.
Hydrogen bond effect on the photophysical properties of 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone quadruple hydrogen bonded systems
Authors: Chen Jun-Sheng , Zhao Feng-Jiao , Yang Yang , Chu Tian-Shu
Published: April 2015

Two different hydrogen bond effects on the photophysical properties of UPy systems in different solutions have been studied.
Size dependence and UV irradiation tuning of the surface potential in single conical ZnO nanowires
Authors: Wang Zengze , Gu Yousong , Qi Junjie , Lu Shengnan , Li Peifeng , Lin Pei , Zhang Yue
Published: April 2015

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is used to measure the surface potential of single conical ZnO nanowires with different diameters.
Double bond isomerization of ethyl linoleate and vegetable oils to conjugated derivatives over an LDH supported ruthenium catalyst
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Sivashunmugam , Selvam Gobi , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: April 2015

Isomerization of ethyl linoleate and vegetable oils to conjugated derivatives is achieved over an MgAl-LDH supported ruthenium catalyst under mild reaction conditions.
Porous micro-spherical LiFePO4/CNT nanocomposite for high-performance Li-ion battery cathode material
Authors: Wei Wei , Guo Linlin , Qiu Xiaoyang , Qu Peng , Xu Maotian , Guo Lin
Published: April 2015

Although many routes have been developed that can efficiently improve the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4cathodes, few of them meet the urgent industrial requirements of large-scale production, low cost and excellent performance.
Surface imprinting of a g-C3N4 photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic activity and selectivity towards photodegradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Lu Ziyang , Zhao Xiaoxu , Yan Yongsheng , Shi Weidong , Wang Dandan , Yang Lili , Lin Xue , Hua Zhoufa , Liu Yang
Published: April 2015

Based on Fe3O4/g-C3N4 as the support, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) as the template molecule, and pyrrole as the functional monomer, we synthesized magnetic conductive imprinted photocatalysts (MCIPs) that were significantly efficient and stable.
Tissue distribution and urinary excretion of intravenously administered chemically functionalized graphene oxide sheets
Authors: Jasim Dhifaf A. , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Bégin Dominique , Bianco Alberto , Kostarelos Kostas
Published: April 2015

Providing a pharmacological understanding on how chemically functionalized GO sheets transport in the blood stream and interact with physiological barriers that determine their body excretion and tissue accumulation.
Self-roughened superhydrophobic coatings for continuous oil–water separation
Authors: Xue Chao-Hua , Li Ya-Ru , Hou Jin-Lin , Zhang Lei , Ma Jian-Zhong , Jia Shun-Tian
Published: April 2015

Hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane based coatings were self-roughened on poly(ethylene terephthalate) textiles via a nonsolvent-induced phase separation method to fabricate superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surfaces. The method is simple and large-area scalable and the obtained textiles could be used as excellent filters for continuous oil–water separation.
A highly transparent self-cleaning superhydrophobic surface by organosilane-coated alumina particles deposited via electrospraying
Authors: Yoon Hyun , Kim Hayong , Latthe Sanjay S. , Kim Min-woo , Al-Deyab Salem , Yoon Sam S.
Published: April 2015

A highly transparent self-cleaning superhydrophobic surface was prepared by electrospraying an organosilane-coated alumina precursor.
Flexible fluorine containing ionic binders to mitigate the negative impact caused by the drastic volume fluctuation from silicon nano-particles in high capacity anodes of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Qin Dejun , Xue Lixin , Du Bing , Wang Jian , Nie Feng , Wen Lele
Published: April 2015

Sulfonated polyether ether ketones, bearing pendant lithiated fluorinated sulfonimide groups (SPEEK-PSI-Li) as novel ionic binders in lithium-ion batteries.
Photostable AIE fluorogens for accurate and sensitive detection of S-phase DNA synthesis and cell proliferation
Authors: Zhao Yueyue , Yu Chris Y. Y. , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Chen Yilong , Chen Sijie , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2015

Two azide-functionalized AIE fluorogens are synthesized and used for detecting S-phase DNA synthesis and cell proliferation based on EdU assay.
Electron transfer induced thermochromism in a VO2–graphene–Ge heterostructure
Authors: Zhou Huaijuan , Li Jinhua , Xin Yunchuan , Cao Xun , Bao Shanhu , Jin Ping
Published: April 2015

The semiconductor–metal transition temperature of a VO2film can be decreased to 330 K through electron transfer in the VO2–graphene–Ge structure.
Space charge polarization-induced symmetrical negative resistive switching in individual p-type GeSe2:Bi superstructure nanobelts for non-volatile memory
Authors: Cao Minghui , Cheng Baochang , Xiao Li , Zhao Jie , Su Xiaohui , Xiao Yanhe , Lei Shuijin
Published: April 2015

Two-terminal devices based on p-type GeSe2:Bi nanobelts show excellent symmetrical nonvolatile negative resistive switching memory behavior, originating from trap-induced space charge polarization effect.
Mechanofluorochromic properties of β-iminoenolate boron complexes tuned by the electronic effects of terminal phenothiazine and phenothiazine-S,S-dioxide
Authors: Zhang Zhenqi , Wu Zhu , Sun Jingbo , Yao Boqi , Zhang Gonghe , Xue Pengchong , Lu Ran
Published: April 2015

β-Iminoenolate boron complexes bearing phenothiazine exhibited high-contrast mechanofluorochromic behavior compared with that containing a phenothiazine-S,S-dioxide unit.
A graphene–boron nitride lateral heterostructure – a first-principles study of its growth, electronic properties, and chemical topology
Authors: Loh G. C. , Pandey Ravindra
Published: April 2015

This study of the evolution of the graphene–BN heterostructures' characteristics with growth is a vital step towards developing hybrid nanoelectronic circuitry with precisely controlled properties.
Insight into external electric field dependent photoinduced intermolecular charge transport in BHJ solar cell materials
Authors: Song Peng , Li Yuanzuo , Ma Fengcai , Sun Mengtao
Published: April 2015

The external electric field dependent photoinduced intermolecular charge transfer in D⋯A type BHJ solar cell materials was theoretically investigated.
IL-35 inhibits HBV antigen-specific IFN-γ-producing CTLsin vitro
Authors: Li Xuefen , Tian Li , Dong Yuejiao , Zhu Qiaoyun , Wang Yiyin , Han Wenzheng , Liu Xia , Ni Qin , Chen Yu , Li Lanjuan
Published: April 2015

Interleukin (IL)-35 is an inhibitory cytokine consisting of IL-12A and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (Ebi3) and is required by regulatory T-cells (Tregs) for maximal activity. During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Tregs have immunosuppressive effects on HBV-specific T helper (Th) cells, yet little is known about the complex regulation of Tregs and their contribution to the inadequate immune system response to the virus. In the present study, we investigated whether IL-35 is involved in HBV-related cellular immune responses. Cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T-cells from peripheral blood were derived from healthy volunteers, resolved HBV individuals and chronic active hepatitis B patients and stimulated with CD3/28-conjugated beads. We analysed mRNA and protein levels of IL-35 and assessed the inhibitory effect of IL-35 on HBV core antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), dendritic cells (DCs) and effector T-cells (Teffs). Correlation analyses between liver inflammation and HBV DNA load were conducted. Results show that chronic HBV patients harbour significantly higher levels of Ebi3 mRNA and protein in CD4+ T-cells compared with healthy volunteers and resolved HBV individuals. IL-35 suppressed the proliferation of HBV antigen-specific CTLs and interferon (IFN)-γ production in vitro. Ex vivo, IL-35 decreased the proliferation of CD4+CD45RA+ naïve T-cells, especially in CD4+CD25−CD45RA+ naïve Teffs. IL-35 inhibited the expansion of CD11c+ DCs. Our data indicate that IL-35 is highly expressed in chronic HBV CD4+ T-cells and plays an important role in the inhibition of the cellular immune response in chronic HBV.
Evaluation of price‐sensitive loads’ impacts on transmission network congestion using an analytical approach
Authors: Sadr Seyyed Mohsen , Rajabi Mashhadi Habib
Published: April 2015

An analytical approach is presented to evaluate the impacts of price‐sensitive loads on congestion in transmission network. To achieve this aim, the Lagrange multipliers (LMs) of transmission lines’ power flow constraints are calculated from independent system operator's social welfare maximisation in which demand‐side bidding is considered. It is shown that the LM of each congested line can be decomposed into five components. The first part is a constant value for the specified line, while the next two components are associated to generating units and the last two constitutive parts are related to load service entities (LSEs). The proposed decomposition obtains considerable information regarding the impacts of price‐sensitive loads on congestion in transmission network. First, the sensitivity of congestion degree of each congested line to the bidding strategies and maximum price‐sensitive demand of LSEs are indicated by weighting coefficients of the last two terms in the decomposed LM. Furthermore, the decomposition of LM to the constitutive components reveals the contribution of each generating unit and LSE to the congestion of corresponding line. The simulation results on a test system confirm the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Control strategy applied on double flying capacitor multi‐cell inverter for increasing number of generated voltage levels
Authors: Ashraf Gandomi Amin , Varesi Kazem , Hosseini Seyed Hossein
Published: April 2015

A 15‐level flying capacitor multi‐cell based inverter with new control method is proposed. The main benefit of this topology is minimising the number of components (switches, insulated‐gate bipolar transistor (IGBTs), diodes, flying capacitors and DC sources with minimum variety number) that are used for producing the same number of output voltage levels. The proposed novel control strategy is capable of regulating voltage of flying capacitors on desired values, which results in increased number of output voltage levels. Another feature of the proposed control strategy is robustness against the load changes. Moreover, a new algorithm is presented for determining the voltage rating of flying capacitors. Simulations carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC software package and the experimental data were validated against numerical results.
Robust sliding‐mode control of dc/dc boost converter feeding a constant power load
Authors: Singh Suresh , Fulwani Deepak , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2015

Tightly regulated power electronic converters show negative impedance characteristics and behave as a constant power load (CPL) which sink constant power from their input bus. This incremental negative impedance characteristics of tightly regulated point‐of‐load converters in multi‐converter power systems have a destabilising effect on source converters and may destabilise the whole system. Similar phenomena also occur in many situations like dc microgrid, vehicular power system. Here, the authors present a robust pulse‐width modulation‐based sliding‐mode controller for a dc/dc boost converter feeding the CPL in a typical dc microgrid scenario. A non‐linear surface is proposed which ensures constant power to be delivered to the load. The existence of sliding mode and stability of the sliding surface are proved. The proposed controller is implemented using OPAL‐RT real‐time digital simulator on a laboratory prototype of dc/dc boost converter system. The effectiveness of the proposed sliding‐mode controller is validated through simulation and experimental results under different operating conditions.