bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitive β-galactosidase-targeting fluorescence probe for visualizing small peritoneal metastatic tumours in vivo
Authors: Asanuma Daisuke , Sakabe Masayo , Kamiya Mako , Yamamoto Kyoko , Hiratake Jun , Ogawa Mikako , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Choyke Peter L. , Nagano Tetsuo , Kobayashi Hisataka , Urano Yasuteru
Published: March 2015

Fluorescence-guided diagnostics is one of the most promising approaches for facile detection of cancer in situ. Here we focus on β-galactosidase, which is overexpressed in primary ovarian cancers, as a molecular target for visualizing peritoneal metastases from ovarian cancers. As existing fluorescence probes are unsuitable, we have designed membrane-permeable HMRef-βGal, in which the optimized intramolecular spirocyclic function affords >1,400-fold fluorescence enhancement on activation. We confirm that HMRef-βGal sensitively detects intracellular β-galactosidase activity in several ovarian cancer lines. In vivo, this probe visualizes metastases as small as <1 mm in diameter in seven mouse models of disseminated human peritoneal ovarian cancer (SHIN3, SKOV3, OVK18, OVCAR3, OVCAR4, OVCAR5 and OVCAR8). Because of its high brightness, real-time detection of metastases with the naked eye is possible. Endoscopic fluorescence detection of metastases is also demonstrated. The results clearly indicate preclinical potential value of the probe for fluorescence-guided diagnosis of peritoneal metastases from ovarian cancers.
The interferon-related developmental regulator 1 is used by human papillomavirus to suppress NFκB activation
Authors: Tummers Bart , Goedemans Renske , Pelascini Laetitia P. L. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , van Esch Edith M. G. , Meyers Craig , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Boer Judith M. , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: March 2015

High-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) infect keratinocytes and successfully evade host immunity despite the fact that keratinocytes are well equipped to respond to innate and adaptive immune signals. Using non-infected and freshly established or persistent hrHPV-infected keratinocytes we show that hrHPV impairs the acetylation of NFκB/RelA K310 in keratinocytes. As a consequence, keratinocytes display a decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell attraction in response to stimuli of the innate or adaptive immune pathways. HPV accomplishes this by augmenting the expression of interferon-related developmental regulator 1 (IFRD1) in an EGFR-dependent manner. Restoration of NFκB/RelA acetylation by IFRD1 shRNA, cetuximab treatment or the HDAC1/3 inhibitor entinostat increases basal and induced cytokine expression. Similar observations are made in IFRD1-overexpressing HPV-induced cancer cells. Thus, our study reveals an EGFR–IFRD1-mediated viral immune evasion mechanism, which can also be exploited by cancer cells.
Fly-scan ptychography
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Lauer Kenneth , Clark Jesse N. , Xu Weihe , Nazaretski Evgeny , Harder Ross , Robinson Ian K. , Chu Yong S.
Published: March 2015

We report an experimental ptychography measurement performed in fly-scan mode. With a visible-light laser source, we demonstrate a 5-fold reduction of data acquisition time. By including multiple mutually incoherent modes into the incident illumination, high quality images were successfully reconstructed from blurry diffraction patterns. This approach significantly increases the throughput of ptychography, especially for three-dimensional applications and the visualization of dynamic systems.
Different autosomes evolved into sex chromosomes in the sister genera of Salix and Populus
Authors: Hou Jing , Ye Ning , Zhang Defang , Chen Yingnan , Fang Lecheng , Dai Xiaogang , Yin Tongming
Published: March 2015

Willows (Salix) and poplars (Populus) are dioecious plants in Salicaceae family. Sex chromosome in poplar genome was consistently reported to be associated with chromosome XIX. In contrast to poplar, this study revealed that chromosome XV was sex chromosome in willow. Previous studies revealed that both ZZ/ZW and XX/XY sex-determining systems could be present in some species of Populus. In this study, sex of S. suchowensis was found to be determined by the ZW system in which the female was the heterogametic gender. Gene syntenic and collinear comparisons revealed macrosynteny between sex chromosomes and the corresponding autosomes between these two lineages. By contrast, no syntenic segments were found to be shared between poplar's and willow's sex chromosomes. Syntenic analysis also revealed substantial chromosome rearrangements between willow's alternate sex chromatids. Since willow and poplar originate from a common ancestor, we proposed that evolution of autosomes into sex chromosomes in these two lineages occurred after their divergence. Results of this study indicate that sex chromosomes in Salicaceae are still at the early stage of evolutionary divergence. Additionally, this study provided valuable information for better understanding the genetics and evolution of sex chromosome in dioecious plants.
SOAX: A software for quantification of 3D biopolymer networks
Authors: Xu Ting , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Tsai Feng-Ching , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Nie Wei , Yusuf Eddy , I-Ju Lee  , Wu Jian-Qiu , Huang Xiaolei
Published: March 2015

Filamentous biopolymer networks in cells and tissues are routinely imaged by confocal microscopy. Image analysis methods enable quantitative study of the properties of these curvilinear networks. However, software tools to quantify the geometry and topology of these often dense 3D networks and to localize network junctions are scarce. To fill this gap, we developed a new software tool called “SOAX”, which can accurately extract the centerlines of 3D biopolymer networks and identify network junctions using Stretching Open Active Contours (SOACs). It provides an open-source, user-friendly platform for network centerline extraction, 2D/3D visualization, manual editing and quantitative analysis. We propose a method to quantify the performance of SOAX, which helps determine the optimal extraction parameter values. We quantify several different types of biopolymer networks to demonstrate SOAX's potential to help answer key questions in cell biology and biophysics from a quantitative viewpoint.
Suppressed rate of carcinogenesis and decreases in tumour volume and lung metastasis in CXCL14/BRAK transgenic mice
Authors: Hata Ryu-Ichiro , Izukuri Kazuhito , Kato Yasumasa , Sasaki Soichiro , Mukaida Naofumi , Maehata Yojiro , Miyamoto Chihiro , Akasaka Tetsu , Yang Xiaoyan , Nagashima Yoji , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Kiyono Tohru , Taniguchi Masaru
Published: March 2015

Cancer progression involves carcinogenesis, an increase in tumour size and metastasis. Here, we investigated the effect of overexpressed CXC chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14) on these processes by using CXCL14/BRAK (CXCL14) transgenic (Tg) mice. The rate of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in these mice was significantly lower compared with that for isogenic wild type C57BL/6 (Wt) mice. When tumour cells were injected into these mice, the size of the tumours that developed and the number of metastatic nodules in the lungs of the animals were always significantly lower in the Tg mice than in the Wt ones. Injection of anti-asialo-GM1 antibodies to the mice before and after injection of tumour cells attenuated the suppressing effects of CXCL14 on the tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting that NK cell activity played an important role during CXCL14-mediated suppression of tumour growth and metastasis. The importance of NK cells on the metastasis was also supported when CXCL14 was expressed in B16 melanoma cells. Further, the survival rates after tumour cell injection were significantly increased for the Tg mice. As these Tg mice showed no obvious abnormality, we propose that CXCL14 to be a promising molecular target for cancer suppression/prevention.
Mobility and coalescence of stacking fault tetrahedra in Cu
Authors: Martínez Enrique , Uberuaga Blas P.
Published: March 2015

Stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs) are ubiquitous defects in face-centered cubic metals. They are produced during cold work plastic deformation, quenching experiments or under irradiation. From a dislocation point of view, the SFTs are comprised of a set of stair-rod dislocations at the (110) edges of a tetrahedron bounding triangular stacking faults. These defects are extremely stable, increasing their energetic stability as they grow in size. At the sizes visible within transmission electron microscope they appear nearly immobile. Contrary to common belief, we show in this report, using a combination of molecular dynamics and temperature accelerated dynamics, how small SFTs can diffuse by temporarily disrupting their structure through activated thermal events. More over, we demonstrate that the diffusivity of defective SFTs is several orders of magnitude higher than perfect SFTs and can be even higher than isolated vacancies. Finally, we show how SFTs can coalesce, forming a larger defect in what is a new mechanism for the growth of these omnipresent defects.
Rapid genome resequencing of an atoxigenic strain of Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Cabañes F. Javier , Sanseverino Walter , Castellá Gemma , Bragulat M. Rosa , Cigliano Riccardo Aiese , Sánchez Armand
Published: March 2015

In microorganisms, Ion Torrent sequencing technology has been proved to be useful in whole-genome sequencing of bacterial genomes (5 Mbp). In our study, for the first time we used this technology to perform a resequencing approach in a whole fungal genome (36 Mbp), a non-ochratoxin A producing strain of Aspergillus carbonarius. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxin which is found mainly in cereals and their products, but it also occurs in a variety of common foods and beverages. Due to the fact that this strain does not produce OTA, we focused some of the bioinformatics analyses in genes involved in OTA biosynthesis, using a reference genome of an OTA producing strain of the same species. This study revealed that in the atoxigenic strain there is a high accumulation of nonsense and missense mutations in several genes. Importantly, a two fold increase in gene mutation ratio was observed in PKS and NRPS encoding genes which are suggested to be involved in OTA biosynthesis.
Blood cell transcriptomic-based early biomarkers of adverse programming effects of gestational calorie restriction and their reversibility by leptin supplementation
Authors: Konieczna Jadwiga , Sánchez Juana , Palou Mariona , Picó Catalina , Palou Andreu
Published: March 2015

The challenge of preventing major chronic diseases requires reliable, early biomarkers. Gestational mild undernutrition in rats is enough to program the offspring to develop later pathologies; the intake of leptin, a breastmilk component, during lactation may reverse these programming effects. We used these models to identify, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), transcriptomic-based early biomarkers of programmed susceptibility to later disorders and explored their response to neonatal leptin intake. Microarray analysis was performed in PBMCs from the offspring of control and 20% gestational calorie-restricted dams (CR) and CR-rats supplemented with physiological doses of leptin throughout lactation. Notably, leptin supplementation normalised 218 of the 224 mRNA-levels identified in PBMCs associated to undernutrition during pregnancy. These markers may be useful for early identification and subsequent monitoring of individuals who are at risk of later diseases and would specifically benefit from the intake of appropriate amounts of leptin during lactation.
Genomic analysis of LPS-stimulated myeloid cells identifies a common pro-inflammatory response but divergent IL-10 anti-inflammatory responses
Authors: Hutchins Andrew Paul , Takahashi Yoshiko , Miranda-Saavedra Diego
Published: March 2015

Inflammation is an essential physiological response to infection and injury that must be kept within strict bounds. The IL-10/STAT3 anti-inflammatory response (AIR) is indispensable for controlling the extent of inflammation, although the complete mechanisms downstream of STAT3 have not yet been elucidated. The AIR is widely known to extend to other myeloid cells, but it has best been characterized in macrophages. Here we set out to characterize the LPS-mediated pro-inflammatory response and the AIR across a range of myeloid cells. We found that whereas the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response is broadly similar among macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells and eosinophils, the AIR is drastically different across all myeloid cell types that respond to IL-10 (all bar eosinophils). We propose a model whereby the IL-10/STAT3 AIR works by selectively inhibiting specific pathways in distinct cell types: in macrophages the AIR most likely works through the inhibition of NF-κB target genes; in DCs and mast cells through indirect IRF disruption; and in neutrophils through IRF disruption and possibly also indirect NF-κB inhibition. In summary, no conserved IL-10/STAT3 AIR effectors were identified; instead a cell type-specific model of the AIR is proposed.
Natural quasicrystal with decagonal symmetry
Authors: Bindi Luca , Yao Nan , Lin Chaney , Hollister Lincoln S. , Andronicos Christopher L. , Distler Vadim V. , Eddy Michael P. , Kostin Alexander , Kryachko Valery , MacPherson Glenn J. , Steinhardt William M. , Yudovskaya Marina , Steinhardt Paul J.
Published: March 2015

We report the first occurrence of a natural quasicrystal with decagonal symmetry. The quasicrystal, with composition Al71Ni24Fe5, was discovered in the Khatyrka meteorite, a recently described CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. Icosahedrite, Al63Cu24Fe13, the first natural quasicrystal to be identified, was found in the same meteorite. The new quasicrystal was found associated with steinhardtite (Al38Ni32Fe30), Fe-poor steinhardtite (Al50Ni40Fe10), Al-bearing trevorite (NiFe2O4) and Al-bearing taenite (FeNi). Laboratory studies of decagonal Al71Ni24Fe5 have shown that it is stable over a narrow range of temperatures, 1120 K to 1200 K at standard pressure, providing support for our earlier conclusion that the Khatyrka meteorite reached heterogeneous high temperatures [1100 < T(K) ≤ 1500] and then rapidly cooled after being heated during an impact-induced shock that occurred in outer space 4.5 Gya. The occurrences of metallic Al alloyed with Cu, Ni and Fe raises new questions regarding conditions that can be achieved in the early solar nebula.
Monitoring Disease Trends using Hospital Traffic Data from High Resolution Satellite Imagery: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Nsoesie Elaine O. , Butler Patrick , Ramakrishnan Naren , Mekaru Sumiko R. , Brownstein John S.
Published: March 2015

Challenges with alternative data sources for disease surveillance include differentiating the signal from the noise and obtaining information from data constrained settings. For the latter, events such as increases in hospital traffic could serve as early indicators of social disruption resulting from disease. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of using hospital parking lot traffic data extracted from high-resolution satellite imagery to augment public health disease surveillance in Chile, Argentina and Mexico. We used archived satellite imagery collected from January 2010 to May 2013 and data on the incidence of respiratory virus illnesses from the Pan American Health Organization as a reference. We developed dynamical Elastic Net multivariable linear regression models to estimate the incidence of respiratory virus illnesses using hospital traffic and assessed how to minimize the effects of noise on the models. We noted that predictions based on models fitted using a sample of observations were better. The results were consistent across countries with selected models having reasonably low normalized root-mean-squared errors and high correlations for both the fits and predictions. The observations from this study suggest that if properly procured and combined with other information, this data source could be useful for monitoring disease trends.
Microencapsulation of Metal-based Phase Change Material for High-temperature Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Nomura Takahiro , Zhu Chunyu , Sheng Nan , Saito Genki , Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: March 2015

Latent heat storage using alloys as phase change materials (PCMs) is an attractive option for high-temperature thermal energy storage. Encapsulation of these PCMs is essential for their successful use. However, so far, technology for producing microencapsulated PCMs (MEPCMs) that can be used above 500°C has not been established. Therefore, in this study, we developed Al-Si alloy microsphere MEPCMs covered by α-Al2O3 shells. The MEPCM was prepared in two steps: (1) the formation of an AlOOH shell on the PCM particles using a boehmite treatment and (2) heat-oxidation treatment in an O2 atmosphere to form a stable α-Al2O3 shell. The MEPCM presented a melting point of 573°C and latent heat of 247 J g−1. The cycling performance showed good durability. These results indicated the possibility of using MEPCM at high temperatures. The MEPCM developed in this study has great promise in future energy and chemical processes, such as exergy recuperation and process intensification.
Tandem differential mobility spectrometry with ion dissociation in air at ambient pressure and temperature
Authors: Menlyadiev M. R. , Tarassov A. , Kielnecker A. M. , Eiceman G. A.
Published: March 2015

Proton-bound dimer ions were dissociated in tandem ultraFAIMS/DMS at or near ambient conditions, opening new possibilities for selective ion mobility measurements with DMS.
Carbon-nanotube-modified screen-printed electrodes, a cationic surfactant, and a peak deconvolution procedure: alternatives to provide satisfactory simultaneous determination of three synthetic antioxidants in complex samples
Authors: Caramit Ricardo Pini , Antunes Araújo Alessandra Silveira , Fogliatto Daniela Kárin , Viana Luiz Henrique , Gonçalves Trindade Magno Aparecido , Ferreira Valdir Souza
Published: March 2015

An alternative approach to allow simultaneous determination of three synthetic antioxidants has been developed.
Direct observation of monoclinic ferroelectric phase and domain switching process in (K0.25Na0.75)NbO3single crystals
Authors: Deng Hao , Zhang Haiwu , Zhao Xiangyong , Chen Chao , Wang Xi'an , Li Xiaobing , Lin Di , Ren Bo , Jiao Jie , Luo Haosu
Published: March 2015

The domain-switching process of monoclinic K0.25Na0.75NbO3single crystals were studied byin situpolarized light microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
The hydrolyzable gallotannin, penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, inhibits the formation of advanced glycation endproducts by protecting protein structure
Authors: Ma Hang , Liu Weixi , Frost Leslie , Wang Ling , Kong Liwen , Dain Joel A. , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: March 2015

The prototypical hydrolyzable tannin, pentagalloylglucose (PGG), inhibits formation of AGEs at all stages of glycation and protects protein structure.
Pd-catalyzed direct C2-acylation and C2,C7-diacylation of indoles: pyrimidine as an easily removable C–H directing group
Authors: Kumar Govindharaj , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: March 2015

Pyrimidine is successfully used as an easily removable C(sp2)–H directing group for the synthesis of 2-acyl indoles using a Pd-catalyst.
Synergistic effect of graphene and an ionic liquid containing phosphonium on the thermal stability and flame retardancy of polylactide
Authors: Gui Haoguan , Xu Pei , Hu Yadong , Wang Jie , Yang Xuefeng , Bahader Ali , Ding Yunsheng
Published: March 2015

A series of nanocomposites based on the biodegradable plastic, polylactide (PLA), have been prepared by melt-blending with graphene (Gra) and ionic liquid containing phosphonium ([PCMIM]PF6, IL) surface-functionalized graphene (GIL).
Stereochemistry of cleistanthane diterpenoid glucosides from Phyllanthus emblica
Authors: Lv Jun-Jiang , Yu Shan , Xin Ying , Zhu Hong-Tao , Wang Dong , Cheng Rong-Rong , Yang Chong-Ren , Xu Min , Zhang Ying-Jun
Published: March 2015

Theoretical calculated electronic circular dichroism and Mosher’s method were applied to elucidate the stereochemistry of cleistanthane diterpenoids.
Grade 12 students' conceptual understanding and mental models of galvanic cells before and after learning by using small-scale experiments in conjunction with a model kit
Authors: Supasorn Saksri
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to develop the small-scale experiments involving electrochemistry and the galvanic cell model kit featuring the sub-microscopic level. The small-scale experiments in conjunction with the model kit were implemented based on the 5E inquiry learning approach to enhance students' conceptual understanding of electrochemistry. The research tools consisted of (1) four small-scale experiments involving electrochemistry, which were oxidation and reduction reactions, galvanic cells, cathodic protection of iron nails, and connecting batteries in series, and (2) the galvanic cell model kit with the ability to generate various galvanic cells. The data collecting tools included (1) a conceptual test of electrochemistry and (2) the mental model drawing of a galvanic cell. Thirty-four grade 12 students participated in the series of four 5E learning activities for a total of 10 hours. Paired samplesT-test analysis revealed that the mean scores of the post-conceptual test (mean 36.63, SD 7.69) was statistically higher than that of the pre-conceptual test (mean 21.51, SD 6.83) at the significance level of 0.05. In addition, the mean scores of the post-mental models in both the macroscopic (mean 3.56, SD 1.30) and sub-microscopic features (mean 5.98, SD 2.93) were statistically higher than those of the pre-mental models (mean 1.85, SD 1.11 and mean 2.20, SD 2.45) at the significance level of 0.05. Prior to intervention, most students were in the categories of less correct conceptions, Partial Understanding with Specific Misunderstanding (PMU) to No Understanding (NU). However, after the intervention, they moved to the categories of more correct conceptions, Partial Understanding (PU) to Sound Understanding (SU). This indicated that this intervention can enhance students' conceptual understanding of electrochemistry and mental models of galvanic cells.
Targeting REDV peptide functionalized polycationic gene carrier for enhancing the transfection and migration capability of human endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Haixia , Feng Yakai , Yang Jing , Guo Jintang , Zhang Wencheng
Published: March 2015

Targeting REDV peptide functionalized polycationic gene carrier for enhancing the transfection and migration capability of human endothelial cells.
2,14-Dithiacalix[4]arene and its homooxa analogues: synthesis and dynamic NMR study of conformational behaviour
Authors: Huc̆ko Michal , Dvor̆áková Hana , Eigner Václav , Lhoták Pavel
Published: March 2015

Novel homooxa analogues of thiacalix[4]arene possessing up to three different bridging units (–CH2–, –S– and –CH2–O–CH2–) were prepared. The unique structural features allowed for the study offlip-flopmotion of the circular hydrogen bond arrays.
Visible-light initiated oxidative cyclization of phenyl propiolates with sulfinic acids to coumarin derivatives under metal-free conditions
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Yang Shuai , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: March 2015

A visible-light initiated oxidative cyclization of phenyl propiolates with sulfinic acids has been developed at room temperature under metal-free conditions.
An efficient computational model to predict protonation at the amide nitrogen and reactivity along the C–N rotational pathway
Authors: Szostak Roman , Aubé Jeffrey , Szostak Michal
Published: March 2015

A computational model enabling prediction of protonation at the amide bond nitrogen atom along the C–N rotational pathway is reported.
Zincation of 4,4-dimethyloxazoline using TMPZnCl·LiCl. A new preparation of 2-aryloxazolines
Authors: Haas Diana , Hofmayer Maximilian S. , Bresser Tomke , Knochel Paul
Published: March 2015

4,4-Dimethyloxazoline is directly zincated using TMPZnCl·LiCl and further functionalized by Pd-catalyzed cross-couplings, as well as Cu-mediated acylation and allylation reactions.
Porous materials based on metal–nucleobase systems sustained by coordination bonds and base pairing interactions
Authors: Beobide Garikoitz , Castillo Oscar , Luque Antonio , Pérez-Yáñez Sonia
Published: March 2015

Two approaches to metal–nucleobase porous materials: coordination bond sustained MOFs and hydrogen bond pairing based SMOFs.
Modulated excitation extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Authors: Chiarello Gian Luca , Ferri Davide
Published: March 2015

Modulated excitation improves the sensitivity of EXAFS by phase sensitive detection as demonstrated by simulated and experimental time-resolved FT-EXAFS spectra.
Synthesis of cubic PtPd alloy nanoparticles as anode electrocatalysts for methanol and formic acid oxidation reactions
Authors: Lee Jin-Yeon , Kwak Da-Hee , Lee Young-Woo , Lee Seul , Park Kyung-Won
Published: March 2015

Cubic PtPd alloy nanoparticles for improved methanol and formic acid oxidation reactions were synthesized using a thermal decomposition method.
Large-scale fabrication and application of magnetite coated Ag NW-core water-dispersible hybrid nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Baoyu , Zhang Min , Li Weizhen , Wang Linlin , Zheng Jing , Gan Wenjun , Xu Jingli
Published: March 2015

Ag NW/Fe3O4composites were synthesized by high-temperature decomposition, and can be coated with various polymers to widen their applications.
Influence of the central diamagnetic cyanidometal on the distant magnetic interaction in cyanide-bridged Fe(iii)–M(ii)–Fe(iii) complexes
Authors: Wang Yong , Lin Chensheng , Ma Xiao , Xue Zhenzhen , Zhu Xiaoquan , Cao Wenhai , Hu Shengmin , Sheng Tianlu , Wu Xintao
Published: March 2015

This work shows that for the investigated FeIII–NC–MII–CN–FeIIIcomplexes the magnetic coupling strength between the distant FeIIIions increases with the diamagnetic cyanidometal bridge in the order of Fe < Ru < Os.
Temperature-dependent studies of [(CH3)2NH2][FeIIIMII(HCOO)6] frameworks (MII = Fe and Mg): structural, magnetic, dielectric and phonon properties
Authors: Ciupa Aneta , Mączka Mirosław , Gągor Anna , Sieradzki Adam , Trzmiel Justyna , Pikul Adam , Ptak Maciej
Published: March 2015

We report temperature-dependent studies of [(CH3)2NH2]FeIIIMgII(HCOO)6] and [(CH3)2NH2]FeIIIFeII(HCOO)6] and discuss the origin of different behaviors of both compounds.
Reconfigurable microfluidic systems with reversible seals compatible with 2D and 3D surfaces of arbitrary chemical composition
Authors: Konda Abhiteja , Taylor Jay M. , Stoller Michael A. , Morin Stephen A.
Published: March 2015

We report the design and fabrication of soft microfluidic systems that can be reversibly sealed against an array of materials of various topographies/geometries using compression.
Why phosphoproteomics is still a challenge
Authors: Solari Fiorella A. , Dell'Aica Margherita , Sickmann Albert , Zahedi René P.
Published: March 2015

Peptide-centric bottom-up proteomics can lead to ambiguous results.
microRNAs with different functions and roles in disease development and as potential biomarkers of diabetes: progress and challenges
Authors: Seyhan Attila A.
Published: March 2015

Composite biomarkers of beta-cell injury (miRNAs, autoantibodies, or cytokines) may lead to better biomarkers of diabetes.
An iodine-promoted Meyer–Schuster rearrangement for the synthesis of α-iodo unsaturated ketones
Authors: Zhu Hai-Tao , Fan Ming-Jin , Yang De-Suo , Wang Xiao-Ling , Ke Sen , Zhang Chao-Yang , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: March 2015

A facile and efficient iodine-promoted Meyer–Schuster rearrangement of propargyl alcohols for the synthesis of α-iodo-α,β-unsaturated ketones is presented.
Design, synthesis, and anticancer activities of new compounds bearing the quinone–pyran–lactone tricyclic pharmacophore
Authors: Jiang Xue , Wang Meining , Song Shanshan , Xu Youjun , Miao Zehong , Zhang Ao
Published: March 2015

A simple and effective synthesis of the tricyclic quinone–pyran–lactone skeleton was developed and subsequent structural modification was conducted.
Potato starch: binder and pore former in nanoframes of nanolayered oxides for Pb2+ and Ni2+ as pollutants in water and industrial sludge applications
Authors: González M. A. Aguilar , Cadena A. A. Zaldívar , Aguilar C. N. , Múzquiz E. M. , Equihua F.
Published: March 2015

Potassium polytitanates are regarded as intelligent materials for their extraordinary properties, including ion exchange, and for developing nanoframes, where a larger interlayer spacing is generated and therefore ion exchange activity is increased.
Chaetosemins A–E, new chromones isolated from an Ascomycete Chaetomium seminudum and their biological activities
Authors: Li He , Tian Jun-Mian , Tang Hao-Yu , Pan Shi-Yin , Zhang An-Ling , Gao Jin-Ming
Published: March 2015

Fifteen polyketide chromones, including four new ones, chaetosemins B–E (2–5), with 4 bearing a new skeleton, and two new natural products, chaetosemin A (1) and (+)-(S)-chaetoquadrin J (14), were isolated from cultures of Chaetomium seminudum.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of graphite carbon encapsulated Fe3C nanoparticles for applications as adsorbents
Authors: Wang Xiaobai , Zhang Peng , Wang Wei , Lei Xiang , Zou Bo , Yang Hua
Published: March 2015

This paper reports the synthesis of graphite carbon encapsulated Fe3C nanoparticles (Fe3C/GC NPs).
Controllable synthesis of novel hierarchical V2O5/TiO2 nanofibers with improved acetone oxidation performance
Authors: Zhu Xuecheng , Chen Jinghuan , Yu Xinning , Zhu Xinbo , Gao Xiang , Cen Kefa
Published: March 2015

A controllable strategy to fabricate novel hierarchical V2O5/TiO2 nanofiber catalysts was proposed. The catalysts were found to present high oxidation performance for acetone. The reaction mechanism of catalytic oxidation was also investigated.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework dispersions for the fast and highly efficient extraction of organic micropollutants
Authors: Maya Fernando , Palomino Cabello Carlos , Clavijo Sabrina , Estela José M. , Cerdà Víctor , Turnes Palomino Gemma
Published: March 2015

Porous crystal dispersions in solvent mixtures as a fast and efficient approach for the extraction of organic pollutants from water.
PNIPAM hydrogel induces skeletal muscle inflammation response
Authors: Zhu Rong , Wu Gang , Liu Xinghui , Shi DanDan , Cao Biao , Gu Ruicai , Xiao Jiangwei , Liao Hua
Published: March 2015

In this work, we used the injectable PNIPAM hydrogel as a new bio-driver to induce chronic skeletal muscle inflammation response.
Amino acid discrimination in a nanopore and the feasibility of sequencing peptides with a tandem cell and exopeptidase
Authors: Sampath G.
Published: March 2015

Peptide sequencing in an electrolytic cell with two nanopores in tandem and exopeptidase.
Solvent sensors based on amorphous ZnSnO thin-film transistors
Authors: Jiang Q. J. , Wu C. J. , Cheng J. P. , Li X. D. , Lu B. , Ye Z. Z. , Lu J. G.
Published: March 2015

A feasible mechanism model is proposed to explain the strong sensitivity of a-ZTO TFTs towards solvents.
Enhanced catalytic activity for NO oxidation over Ba doped LaCoO3 catalyst
Authors: Zhou Chen , Feng Zijian , Zhang Yexin , Hu Lingjun , Chen Rong , Shan Bin , Yin Hongfeng , Wang Wei Guo , Huang Aisheng
Published: March 2015

Introduction of Ba enhanced the catalytic activity of NO oxidation dramatically compared with Ba-free catalyst and exhibited much better performance than the commercial Pt-based catalysts.
Self-assembly, crystal structures and properties of metal–3,4,5-tris(carboxymethoxy)benzoic acid frameworks based on polynuclear metal-hydroxyl clusters (M = Zn, Co)
Authors: Yang Gaoshan , Wen Huiliang , Liu Chongbo , Robbins Julianne , Wen Yunhan , Zhang Z. John
Published: March 2015

Three new inorganic–organic frameworks based on 3,4,5-tris(carboxymethoxy)benzoic acid and polynuclear metal-hydroxyl clusters were assembled. Photoluminescent and magnetic properties are investigated.
Donor–acceptor copolymers containing the phthalazinone–thiophene structure synthesized by classical nucleophilic aromatic polymerization
Authors: Han Jianhua , Yuan Kuanyu , Liu Cheng , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: March 2015

The unique monomer containing thiophene and phthalazinone groups could make these “non-ether bond poly(aryl ethers)s” change into photoelectric polymers.
A silver-initiated free-radical intermolecular hydrophosphinylation of unactivated alkenes
Authors: Li Zejiang , Fan Fenghua , Zhang Zengyan , Xiao Yingxia , Liu Dong , Liu Zhong-Quan
Published: March 2015

A scalable, operationally easy intermolecular hydrophosphinylation of various unactivated alkenes with H–P(O) compoundsviaan Ag(i)-initiated free radical process was developed. Mechanistic studies suggest that atom transfer processes were involved in this system.
Effects of Mg doping on the remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance of Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode materials for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Li Hui , Yu Xiqian , Bai Ying , Wu Feng , Wu Chuan , Liu Liang-Yu , Yang Xiao-Qing
Published: March 2015

Mg doped Na3V2(PO4)3/C displays better electrochemical performance, especially at a high rate. Enhanced rate capability and cycle performance can be attributed to the optimized particle size, structural stability and enhanced ionic and electronic conductivity induced by Mg doping.
Submicro-pore containing poly(ether sulfones)/polyvinylpyrrolidone membranes for high-temperature fuel cell applications
Authors: Guo Zhibin , Xiu Ruijie , Lu Shanfu , Xu Xin , Yang Shichun , Xiang Yan
Published: March 2015

A novel submicro-pore containing proton exchange membrane is designed and fabricated for application in high-temperature fuel cells.
Electrochemical synthesis of highly corrugated graphene sheets for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Abdelkader Amr M.
Published: March 2015

Highly wrinkled graphene flakesviaelectrochemical method in molten salts for high performance supercapacitor.
A general and simple method to synthesize well-crystallized nanostructured vanadium oxides for high performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Li Liye , Liu Pengcheng , Zhu Kongjun , Wang Jing , Liu Jinsong , Qiu Jinhao
Published: March 2015

A general and remarkably simple high-temperature mixing method was applied to synthesize three kinds of vanadium oxides with high electrochemical performances.
Nanoplate-stacked baguette-like LiVO3 as a high performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Zhongxue , Cao Liufei , Chen Liang , Zhou Haihui , Xie Kai , Kuang Yafei
Published: March 2015

Nanoplate-stacked baguette-like LiVO3 demonstrates a high capacity of 275.6 mA h g−1 with stable cycling and superior rate capability.
Many-body interactions in photo-excited lead iodide perovskite
Authors: Trinh M. Tuan , Wu Xiaoxi , Niesner Daniel , Zhu X.-Y.
Published: March 2015

Lead halide perovskite is emerging as a promising semiconductor material for thin film solar cells.
Morphology effects in photoactive ZnO nanostructures: photooxidative activity of polar surfaces
Authors: Iglesias-Juez Ana , Viñes Francesc , Lamiel-García Oriol , Fernández-García Marcos , Illas Francesc
Published: March 2015

Microscopy and spectroscopy experiments combined with density functional calculations on ZnO nanostructures with variable morphology reveal the relationship between surface-related physicochemical properties and the nanostructure photochemical response.
The relationship between coefficient of restitution and state of charge of zinc alkaline primary LR6 batteries
Authors: Bhadra Shoham , Hertzberg Benjamin J. , Hsieh Andrew G. , Croft Mark , Gallaway Joshua W. , Van Tassell Barry J. , Chamoun Mylad , Erdonmez Can , Zhong Zhong , Sholklapper Tal , Steingart Daniel A.
Published: March 2015

An explanation of the correlation between “bounce” and state of charge of a zinc alkaline battery.
A reusable ratiometric two-photon chemodosimeter for Hg2+ detection based on ESIPT and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Luo Weifang , Jiang Huie , Zhang Kaiming , Liu Wei , Tang Xiaoliang , Dou Wei , Ju Zhenghua , Li Zhiqi , Liu Weisheng
Published: March 2015

A novel reaction-based recyclable two-photon chemodosimeter for Hg2+ detection in nearly aqueous solution was developed, which could be used for bioimaging.
Modified chitosan emulsifiers: small compositional changes produce vastly different high internal phase emulsion types
Authors: Oh Bernice H. L. , Bismarck Alexander , Chan-Park Mary B.
Published: March 2015

By varying the oligolysine units of chitosan-graft-oligoNIPAM-graft-oligolysine, high internal phase emulsions of different droplet sizes can be stabilized which can subsequently serve as template for macroporous polymers.
TiO2–anthraquinone hybrids: from quantum-chemical design to functional materials
Authors: Mech J. , Mech K. , Szaciłowski K.
Published: March 2015

Quantum-chemical modelling of dihydroxyanthraquinone complexes of titanium(iv) reflects photochemistry of titanium dioxide photosensitized with anthraquinone dyes.
Correction: Approaches for fabricating high efficiency organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Jou Jwo-Huei , Kumar Sudhir , Agrawal Abhishek , Li Tsung-Han , Sahoo Snehashis
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘Approaches for fabricating high efficiency organic light emitting diodes’ by Jwo-Huei Jou et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4tc02495h.
SARS hCoV papain-like protease is a unique Lys48 linkage-specific di-distributive deubiquitinating enzyme
Authors: Békés Miklós , Rut Wioletta , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Mulder Monique P.C. , Ovaa Huib , Drag Marcin , Lima Christopher D. , Huang Tony T.
Published: March 2015

Ubiquitin (Ub) and the Ub-like (Ubl) modifier interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) participate in the host defence of viral infections. Viruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus (SARS hCoV), have co-opted Ub–ISG15 conjugation pathways for their own advantage or have evolved effector proteins to counter pro-inflammatory properties of Ub–ISG15-conjugated host proteins. In the present study, we compare substrate specificities of the papain-like protease (PLpro) from the recently emerged Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) hCoV to the related protease from SARS, SARS PLpro. Through biochemical assays, we show that, similar to SARS PLpro, MERS PLpro is both a deubiquitinating (DUB) and a deISGylating enzyme. Further analysis of the intrinsic DUB activity of these viral proteases revealed unique differences between the recognition and cleavage specificities of polyUb chains. First, MERS PLpro shows broad linkage specificity for the cleavage of polyUb chains, whereas SARS PLpro prefers to cleave Lys48-linked polyUb chains. Secondly, MERS PLpro cleaves polyUb chains in a ‘mono-distributive’ manner (one Ub at a time) and SARS PLpro prefers to cleave Lys48-linked polyUb chains by sensing a di-Ub moiety as a minimal recognition element using a ‘di-distributive’ cleavage mechanism. The di-distributive cleavage mechanism for SARS PLpro appears to be uncommon among USP (Ub-specific protease)-family DUBs, as related USP family members from humans do not display such a mechanism. We propose that these intrinsic enzymatic differences between SARS and MERS PLpro will help to identify pro-inflammatory substrates of these viral DUBs and can guide in the design of therapeutics to combat infection by coronaviruses.
The Effect of Noise on the Relationship Between Auditory Working Memory and Comprehension in School-Age Children
Authors: Sullivan Jessica R. , Osman Homira , Schafer Erin C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The objectives of the current study were to examine the effect of noise (−5 dB SNR) on auditory comprehension and to examine its relationship with working memory. It was hypothesized that noise has a negative impact on information processing, auditory working memory, and comprehension.

Method

Children with normal hearing between the ages of 8 and 10 years were administered working memory and comprehension tasks in quiet and noise. The comprehension measure comprised 5 domains: main idea, details, reasoning, vocabulary, and understanding messages.

Results

Performance on auditory working memory and comprehension tasks were significantly poorer in noise than in quiet. The reasoning, details, understanding, and vocabulary subtests were particularly affected in noise (p< .05). The relationship between auditory working memory and comprehension was stronger in noise than in quiet, suggesting an increased contribution of working memory.

Conclusions

These data suggest that school-age children's auditory working memory and comprehension are negatively affected by noise. Performance on comprehension tasks in noise is strongly related to demands placed on working memory, supporting the theory that degrading listening conditions draws resources away from the primary task.
The Influence of Phonomotor Treatment on Word Retrieval Abilities in 26 Individuals With Chronic Aphasia: An Open Trial
Authors: Kendall Diane L. , Oelke Megan , Brookshire Carmel Elizabeth , Nadeau Stephen E.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The ultimate goal of aphasia therapy should be to achieve gains in function that generalize to untrained exemplars and daily conversation. Anomia is one of the most disabling features of aphasia. The predominantly lexical/semantic approaches used to treat anomia have low potential for generalization due to the orthogonality of semantic and phonologic representations; this has been borne out in a meta-analysis of treatment studies. The intensive, neurally distributed, phonologic therapy reported here can, in principle, generalize to untrained phonologic sequences because of extant regularities in phonologic sequence knowledge and should, in principle, generalize to production of words trained as well as those untrained.

Method

Twenty-six persons with chronic aphasia due to stroke were treated, in a staggered (immediate vs. delayed treatment) open trial design, with 60 hr of intensive, multimodal therapy designed to enhance access to and efficiency of phonemes and phonologic sequences.

Results

There was an absolute increase of 5% in confrontation naming of “untrained” nouns at 3 months, and there were 9% to 10% increases on measures of generalization of phonologic processes.

Conclusion

The results of this trial demonstrate generalization of training effects on laboratory measures, which were sustained at 3 months, and provide support for the theories that motivated the treatment.
The Effect of Voice Ambulatory Biofeedback on the Daily Performance and Retention of a Modified Vocal Motor Behavior in Participants With Normal Voices
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Mehta Daryush D. , Hillman Robert E.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Ambulatory biofeedback has potential to improve carryover of newly established vocal motor behaviors into daily life outside of the clinic and warrants systematic research that is lacking in the literature. This proof-of-concept study was designed to establish an empirical basis for future work in this area by formally assessing whether ambulatory biofeedback reduces daily vocal intensity (performance) and the extent to which this change remains after biofeedback removal (retention).

Method

Six participants with normal voices wore the KayPENTAX Ambulatory Phonation Monitor for 3 baseline days followed by 4 days with biofeedback provided on odd days.

Results

Compared to baseline days, participants exhibited a statistically significant decrease in mean vocal intensity (4.4 dB) and an increase in compliance (16.8 percentage points) when biofeedback was provided above a participant-specific intensity threshold. After biofeedback removal, mean vocal intensity and compliance reverted back to baseline levels.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that although current ambulatory biofeedback approaches have potential to modify a vocal motor behavior, the modified behavior may not be retained after biofeedback removal. Future work calls for the testing of more innovative ambulatory biofeedback approaches on the basis of motor control and learning theories to improve retention of a desired vocal motor behavior.
Efficiency‐based compensations and the mechanical load dependencies of rotary transformer for rotary ultrasonic machining applications
Authors: Zhu Xueming , Lin Bin , Liu Liping
Published: March 2015

A new rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) spindle is proposed. It adopts contactless rotary transformer replacing the well‐established slip ring technology to supply power for the transducer. Owing to the large leakage inductances, the capacitive piezoelectric transducer and the variable mechanical load, the circuit compensation is crucial for efficient and reliable power transfer. In this study, the mathematical models are presented to identify the power transfer efficiency and capability of the rotary transformer used in RUM. A general optimisation method of compensation for maximum transfer efficiency is proposed. The mechanical load dependencies of the transfer efficiency, transfer capability and power factor are researched and discussed. The efficiency has been found to be dependent of the secondary compensation elements. The series‐series (SS) topology is applicable to a wide range of mechanical load variations, followed by parallel‐series (PS) topology. For a varying load in RUM, the contactless energy transfer is possible to achieve high efficiency, high power factor and appropriate output power that adapts to load variations.
Space‐vector pulse width modulation scheme for open‐end winding induction motor drive configuration
Authors: Srinivasan Pradabane , Narasimharaju Beeramangalla Lakshminarasaiah , Srikanth Nandiraju Venkata
Published: March 2015

This study proposes a novel space‐vector pulse width modulation scheme for an induction motor with open‐end windings. The proposed PWM scheme requires two two‐level inverters with isolated power supplies. This PWM scheme uses instantaneous phase reference voltages for the generation of gating signals. Open‐end winding induction motor (OEWIM) offers significant switching redundancy. Thus, with the proposed scheme the required gating pulses can be generated to reduce the voltage stress on the switching devices. In addition, the switching scheme is capable of equalising the junction temperature rise during the switching and conduction state of the devices. In the present switching scheme when one inverter is switching while the other inverter is clamped and vice versa. The proposed scheme is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. The PWM scheme is experimentally validated on dSPACE for a three‐level OEWIM.
Design methodology for optimising a high insulation voltage insulated gate bipolar transistor gate driver signal transmission function
Authors: Am Sokchea , Lefranc Pierre , Frey David
Published: March 2015

In this study, a design methodology for optimising a signal transmission function for high galvanic insulation (up to 30 kV) insulated gate bipolar transistor gate driver is proposed. The technology is based on a printed circuit board magnetic planar transformer with electronic circuits for excitation and reception. The objective of this study is to optimise the geometric elements of the transformer and its associated electronics devices with the help of a virtual prototyping tool. A bi‐objective problem of the overall system that leads to a Pareto front is presented. Several Pareto fronts’ results are obtained assuming different insulation layers thickness. The chosen transformer solution is justified and depends on the bi‐objective functions and the galvanic insulation level of the system. Moreover, the experimental results are compared with the simulation results. Finally, the comparisons between experimental and simulation results are proposed to lead to a conclusion of this methodology.