bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll‐like receptor 5 in obesity: The role of gut microbiota and adipose tissue inflammation
Authors: Pekkala Satu , Munukka Eveliina , Kong Lingjia , Pöllänen Eija , Autio Reija , Roos Christophe , Wiklund Petri , Fischer‐Posovszky Pamela , Wabitsch Martin , Alen Markku , Huovinen Pentti , Cheng Sulin
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study aimed at establishing bacterial flagellin‐recognizing toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) as a novel link between gut microbiota composition, adipose tissue inflammation, and obesity.

Methods

An adipose tissue microarray database was used to compare women having the highest (n = 4, H‐TLR) and lowest (n = 4, L‐TLR) expression levels of TLR5‐signaling pathway genes. Gut microbiota composition was profiled using flow cytometry and FISH. Standard laboratory techniques were used to determine anthropometric and clinical variables. In vivo results were verified using cultured human adipocytes.

Results

The H‐TLR group had higher flagellated Clostridium cluster XIV abundance and Firmicutes‐to‐Bacteroides ratio. H‐TLR subjects had obese phenotype characterized by greater waist circumference, fat %, and blood pressure (P < 0.05 for all). They also had higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels (P < 0.05 for both). Six hundred and sixty‐eight metabolism‐ and inflammation‐related adipose tissue genes were differentially expressed between the groups. In vitro studies confirmed that flagellin activated TLR5 inflammatory pathways, decreased insulin signaling, and increased glycerol secretion.

Conclusions

The in vivo findings suggest that flagellated Clostridium cluster XIV bacteria contribute to the development of obesity through distorted adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation. The in vitro studies in adipocytes show that the underlying mechanisms of the human findings may be due to flagellin‐activated TLR5 signaling.
Lower BMI cutoffs to define overweight and obesity in China
Authors: He Wei , Li Qingqing , Yang Min , Jiao Jingjing , Ma Xiaoguang , Zhou Yunjie , Song Aihua , Heymsfield Steven B. , Zhang Shanchun , Zhu Shankuan
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate ethnic difference in the associations of BMI with comorbidity, mortality, and body composition between mainland Chinese and U.S. whites.

Methods

Ethnic‐comparison study using data from China Health and Nutrition Survey, U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and data from Zhejiang University (China) and Columbia University (U.S.).

Results

Chinese people experienced greater odds of comorbidities than whites for a given BMI after standardizing for age and sex: 43% for diabetes, 30% for dyslipidemia, 28% for hypertension, 38% for metabolic syndrome, and 48% for hyperuricemia. Comparisons of BMI‐mortality associations found that the U‐shaped BMI‐mortality curve shifted 1‐2 kg m−2 to the left in Chinese compared to whites. Compared to whites at BMIs of 25 and 30 kg m−2, corresponding cutoffs in Chinese were 22.5 and 25.9 kg m−2 in men, and 22.8 and 26.6 kg m−2 in women after both fat and fat distribution were taken into account.

Conclusions

Comorbidity, mortality, and body composition data consistently support the use of lower BMI cutoffs in Chinese than those in whites.
Adaptive and repeated cumulative meta‐analyses of safety data during a new drug development process
Authors: Quan Hui , Ma Yingqiu , Zheng Yan , Cho Meehyung , Lorenzato Christelle , Hecquet Carole
Published: January 2015

During a new drug development process, it is desirable to timely detect potential safety signals. For this purpose, repeated meta‐analyses may be performed sequentially on accumulating safety data. Moreover, if the amount of safety data from the originally planned program is not enough to ensure adequate power to test a specific hypothesis (e.g., the noninferiority hypothesis of an event of interest), the total sample size may be increased by adding new studies to the program. Without appropriate adjustment, it is well known that the type I error rate will be inflated because of repeated analyses and sample size adjustment. In this paper, we discuss potential issues associated with adaptive and repeated cumulative meta‐analyses of safety data conducted during a drug development process. We consider both frequentist and Bayesian approaches. A new drug development example is used to demonstrate the application of the methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Critical Evaluation of the Clinical Evidence for Pomegranate Preparations in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Vlachojannis Christian , Erne Paul , Schoenenberger Andreas W. , Chrubasik‐Hausmann Sigrun
Published: January 2015

This study attempts a critical evaluation of the clinical evidence behind the use of dietary pomegranate preparations in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A search of PubMed on August 10, 2014 identified 228 references, which yielded extractable data from 24 clinical studies of pomegranate preparations. Hand searching identified two further studies. The quality of the studies and evidence of effectiveness of pomegranate were assessed by an established set of conventional criteria. Overall, the study quality was poor. Even in the best studies, indications of benefit did not reach the conventional levels of statistical significance. The only study with a definitive design had a biochemical rather than a clinical endpoint: it showed the expected difference in blood concentrations of myeloperoxidase after a single dose of either pomegranate or placebo. Only 10 of the 26 studies provided HPLC data on the amounts of co‐active ingredients in the preparations that were consumed by the subjects. If pomegranate has a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, there is a pressing need for dose‐finding and long‐term confirmatory studies. The ultimate endpoint for definitive studies would be mortality, but reductions in blood pressure or demonstrable decreases in atherosclerotic plaques would be useful surrogates. Sample sizes for various assumptions are provided. Future studies need to prove the clinical benefit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Saturated and Unsaturated Backbone of the Products from the Reaction of 1, 2‐Diimine with Aluminum Precursors
Authors: Ju Yingxin , Yang Zhi , Ma Xiaoli , Yang Ying , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: January 2015

An aluminum(III) monohydride [(2, 6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]2AlH(NMe3) (1) was synthesized by oxidative addition of 1, 2‐diimine (L) {L = [(2, 6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]2} with equivalent amounts of H3Al·NMe3. A lithium salt (LLi2) was obtained when L was treated with elemental lithium. Under these conditions 1, 2‐diimine is reduced to LLi2 with simultaneous formation of a C=C bond. The LLi2 is formed in‐situ and treated with AlBr3 to result in the formation of aluminum(III) monobromide [(2, 6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]2AlBr(OEt2) (2). The two products 1 and 2 show a saturated as well as an unsaturated backbone of the ligand.
RhoC and ROCKs regulate cancer cell interactions with endothelial cells
Authors: Reymond Nicolas , Im Jae Hong , Garg Ritu , Cox Susan , Soyer Magali , Riou Philippe , Colomba Audrey , Muschel Ruth J. , Ridley Anne J.
Published: January 2015

RhoC is a member of the Rho GTPase family that is implicated in cancer progression by stimulating cancer cell invasiveness. Here we report that RhoC regulates the interaction of cancer cells with vascular endothelial cells (ECs), a crucial step in the metastatic process. RhoC depletion by RNAi reduces PC3 prostate cancer cell adhesion to ECs, intercalation between ECs as well as transendothelial migration in vitro. Depletion of the kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2, two known RhoC downstream effectors, similarly decreases cancer interaction with ECs. RhoC also regulates the extension of protrusions made by cancer cells on vascular ECs in vivo. Transient RhoC depletion is sufficient to reduce both early PC3 cell retention in the lungs and experimental metastasis formation in vivo. Our results indicate RhoC plays a central role in cancer cell interaction with vascular ECs, which is a critical event for cancer progression.
Nutrition and cancer – global and African perspectives: a focused update
Authors: Wiseman Martin J
Published: January 2015

The burden of cancer worldwide is predicted to almost double by 2030 to nearly 23 million cases annually. The great majority of this increase is expected to occur in less economically developed countries, where access to expensive medical, surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions is likely to be limited to a small proportion of the population. This emphasises the need for preventive measures, as outlined in the declaration from the United Nations 2011 High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases. The rise in incidence is proposed to follow from increasing numbers of people reaching middle and older ages, together with increasing urbanisation of the population with a nutritional transition from traditional diets to a more globalised ‘Western’ pattern, with a decrease in physical activity. This is also expected to effect a change in the pattern of cancers from a predominantly smoking and infection dominated one, to a smoking and obesity dominated one. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about a quarter to a third of the commonest cancers are attributable to excess body weight, physical inactivity and poor diet, making this the most common cause of cancers after smoking. These cancers are potentially preventable, but knowledge of the causes of cancer has not led to effective policies to prevent the export of a ‘Western’ pattern of cancers in lower income countries such as many in Africa.
Attitudes, knowledge and practices affecting the Critically Endangered Mariana crow Corvus kubaryi and its conservation on Rota, Mariana Islands
Authors: Sussman Adrienne F. , Ha Renee Robinette , Henry Hilary E.
Published: January 2015

The population of the Critically Endangered Mariana crow Corvus kubaryi on the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, has decreased dramatically in recent years. It is unclear to what extent negative practices by people, such as inappropriate land use or persecution of crows, have contributed to this decline. We conducted a public opinion survey to document ongoing practices towards the crows on Rota, to assess residents’ knowledge of and attitudes towards the birds, and to gauge potential responses to a government-instituted land incentive programme. Enumerators administered surveys in person during August 2011. Most of the 573 respondents were native Chamorro residents (75%) and more than half were landowners (62%). A majority of respondents (72%) considered environmental issues ‘very important’ and 76% knew of the Mariana crow's Critically Endangered status. Fewer respondents (55%) expressed concern about the bird going extinct. A number of respondents condoned shooting and chasing crows (17 and 52%, respectively), suggesting that residents may be harassing the birds. Chamorro landowners on the island were more likely to have negative attitudes towards the crows and to know people who persecute the crows than other island residents. Education was positively correlated with knowledge and concern about the crow and environmental issues, suggesting that new educational programmes on Rota may help improve residents’ attitudes towards the species. In addition, we recommend a revision of current land-use regulations and implementation of a monetary compensation programme for owners of crow nesting habitat to improve landowners’ attitudes and practices.
South Carolina’s Tidal Rice Fields: Consultation, Collaboration, and Cultural Landscapes
Authors: Barnes Jodi A. , Dobrasko Rebekah
Published: January 2015

South Carolina’s tidal rice fields are significant historic and cultural landscapes. A critical piece of the cultural significance is continuity in the process of using the land. This essay provides an overview of how collaboration among historic preservationists, archaeologists, biologists, federal and state agencies, consultants, and plantation managers resulted in new methods of permitting work in historic tidal rice fields and new understandings of rice fields as significant historic properties.
“A Fracture in Time”: A Cup Attributed to the Euaion Painter from the Bothmer Collection
Authors: Tsirogiannis Christos , Gill David W. J.
Published: January 2015

In February 2013 Christos Tsirogiannis linked a fragmentary Athenian red-figured cup from the collection formed by Dietrich von Bothmer, former chairman of Greek and Roman Art at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, to a tondo in the Villa Giulia, Rome. The Rome fragment was attributed to the Euaion painter. Bothmer had acquired several fragments attributed to this same painter, and some had been donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as to the J. Paul Getty Museum. Other fragments from this hand were acquired by the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Princeton University Art Museum. In January 2012 it was announced that some fragments from the Bothmer collection would be returned to Italy, because they fitted vases that had already been repatriated from North American collections. The Euaion painter fragments are considered against the phenomenon of collecting and donating fractured pots.
A REEXAMINATION OF THE BIRDS IN THE CENTRAL MEXICAN CODICES
Authors: Sharpe Ashley E.
Published: January 2015

Eduard Seler's 1909 analysis of the various birds and their associated symbolism in the Mexican codices is one of the most thorough undertakings of its kind; however, although numerous revelations have been made in the realm of codex research over the past century, no comprehensive attempt has been undergone to revise Seler's initial identifications. The present study reviews the major bird species from Seler's original essay. Seven codices from the Borgia and Aztec Groups are assessed, so as to compare species traits and symbolic representations between both regions. The study incorporates recent research on the central Mexican codices, symbolism, myths, and ethnohistoric accounts, in addition to discoveries made over the last century in the fields of ornithology and zooarchaeology, in order to revise the identifications made in Seler's original work and to create a more comprehensive review of the roles each of these birds played in ancient Mexican mythology.
LEADERS, FARMERS, AND CRAFTERS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADING HOUSEHOLDS AND HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS THE CHAN COMMUNITY
Authors: Robin Cynthia , Kosakowsky Laura , Keller Angela , Meierhoff James
Published: January 2015

Households, communities, and society exist in a mutually constituting relationship, shaping and being shaped by one another. Daily life within households can have political dimensions and affect societal organization. Research at the Maya farming community of Chan in Belize demonstrates how households shaped their lives, history, and politics for 2,000 years (800b.c.–a.d.1200). We examine the households of Chan's leaders and the social, economic, political, and religious relationships between leading households and other households across the community to show how novel forms of political practice arose through household interaction. Community leaders and households across the community developed community-focused ritual practices and group-oriented social, economic, ideological, and political strategies that were critical in the development of their community, were distinctive from normative individual-focused political practices of the Classic Maya kings, and may have influenced the later development of more diverse political strategies in the Maya area in the Postclassic period.
Loss of anchorage primarily induces non-apoptotic cell death in a human mammary epithelial cell line under atypical focal adhesion kinase signaling
Authors: Ishikawa F , Ushida K , Mori K , Shibanuma M
Published: January 2015

Anchorage dependence of cellular growth and survival prevents inappropriate cell growth or survival in ectopic environments, and serves as a potential barrier to metastasis of cancer cells. Therefore, obtaining a better understanding of anchorage-dependent responses in normal cells is the first step to understand and impede anchorage independence of growth and survival in cancer cells and finally to eradicate cancer cells during metastasis. Anoikis, a type of apoptosis specifically induced by lack of appropriate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, has been established as the dominant response of normal epithelial cells to anchorage loss. For example, under detached conditions, the untransformed mammary epithelial cell (MEC) line MCF-10 A, which exhibits myoepithelial characteristics, underwent anoikis dependent on classical ERK signaling. On the other hand, recent studies have revealed a variety of phenotypes resulting in cell death modalities distinct from anoikis, such as autophagy, necrosis, and cornification, in detached epithelial cells. In the present study, we characterized detachment-induced cell death (DICD) in primary human MECs immortalized with hTERT (TertHMECs), which are bipotent progenitor-like cells with a differentiating phenotype to luminal cells. In contrast to MCF-10 A cells, apoptosis was not observed in detached TertHMECs; instead, non-apoptotic cell death marked by features of entosis, cornification, and necrosis was observed along with downregulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Cell death was overcome by anchorage-independent activities of FAK but not PI3K/AKT, SRC, and MEK/ERK, suggesting critical roles of atypical FAK signaling pathways in the regulation of non-apoptotic cell death. Further analysis revealed an important role of TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) as a mediator of FAK signaling in regulation of entosis and necrosis and a role of p38 MAPK in the induction of necrosis. Overall, the present study highlighted outstanding cell subtype or differentiation stage specificity in cell death phenotypes induced upon anchorage loss in human MECs.
Interfering with stem cell-specific gatekeeper functions controls tumour initiation and malignant progression of skin tumours
Authors: Petersson Monika , Reuter Karen , Brylka Heike , Kraus Andreas , Schettina Peter , Niemann Catherin
Published: January 2015

Epithelial cancer constitutes a major clinical challenge and molecular mechanisms underlying the process of tumour initiation are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that hair follicle bulge stem cells (SCs) give rise to well-differentiated sebaceous tumours and show that SCs are not only crucial in tumour initiation, but are also involved in tumour plasticity and heterogeneity. Our findings reveal that SC-specific expression of mutant Lef1, which mimics mutations found in human sebaceous tumours, drives sebaceous tumour formation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that mutant Lef1 abolishes p53 activity in SCs. Intriguingly, mutant Lef1 induces DNA damage and interferes with SC-specific gatekeeper functions normally protecting against accumulations of DNA lesions and cell loss. Thus, normal control of SC proliferation is disrupted by mutant Lef1, thereby allowing uncontrolled propagation of tumour-initiating SCs. Collectively, these findings identify underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumour-initiating events in tissue SCs providing a potential target for future therapeutic strategies.
Multi-channel electronic and vibrational dynamics in polyatomic resonant high-order harmonic generation
Authors: Ferré A. , Boguslavskiy A. E. , Dagan M. , Blanchet V. , Bruner B. D. , Burgy F. , Camper A. , Descamps D. , Fabre B. , Fedorov N. , Gaudin J. , Geoffroy G. , Mikosch J. , Patchkovskii S. , Petit S. , Ruchon T. , Soifer H. , Staedter D. , Wilkinson I. , Stolow A. , Dudovich N. , Mairesse Y.
Published: January 2015

High-order harmonic generation in polyatomic molecules generally involves multiple channels of ionization. Their relative contribution can be strongly influenced by the presence of resonances, whose assignment remains a major challenge for high-harmonic spectroscopy. Here we present a multi-modal approach for the investigation of unaligned polyatomic molecules, using SF6 as an example. We combine methods from extreme-ultraviolet spectroscopy, above-threshold ionization and attosecond metrology. Fragment-resolved above-threshold ionization measurements reveal that strong-field ionization opens at least three channels. A shape resonance in one of them is found to dominate the signal in the 20–26 eV range. This resonance induces a phase jump in the harmonic emission, a switch in the polarization state and different dynamical responses to molecular vibrations. This study demonstrates a method for extending high-harmonic spectroscopy to polyatomic molecules, where complex attosecond dynamics are expected.
Climate variation explains a third of global crop yield variability
Authors: Ray Deepak K. , Gerber James S. , MacDonald Graham K. , West Paul C.
Published: January 2015

Many studies have examined the role of mean climate change in agriculture, but an understanding of the influence of inter-annual climate variations on crop yields in different regions remains elusive. We use detailed crop statistics time series for ~13,500 political units to examine how recent climate variability led to variations in maize, rice, wheat and soybean crop yields worldwide. While some areas show no significant influence of climate variability, in substantial areas of the global breadbaskets, >60% of the yield variability can be explained by climate variability. Globally, climate variability accounts for roughly a third (~32–39%) of the observed yield variability. Our study uniquely illustrates spatial patterns in the relationship between climate variability and crop yield variability, highlighting where variations in temperature, precipitation or their interaction explain yield variability. We discuss key drivers for the observed variations to target further research and policy interventions geared towards buffering future crop production from climate variability.
Birth data accessibility via primary care health records to classify health status in a multi-ethnic population of children: an observational study
Authors: Bonner Rachel , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Stocks Janet , Harding Seeromanie , Wade Angela , Griffiths Chris , Sears David , Fothergill Helen , Slevin Hannah , Lum Sooky
Published: January 2015

Background:

Access to reliable birth data (birthweight (BW) and gestational age (GA)) is essential for the identification of individuals who are at subsequent health risk.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of retrospectively collecting birth data for schoolchildren from parental questionnaires (PQ) and general practitioners (GPs) in primary care clinics, in inner city neighbourhoods with high density of ethnic minority and disadvantaged populations.

Methods:

Attempts were made to obtain birth data from parents and GPs for 2,171 London primary schoolchildren (34% White, 29% Black African origin, 25% South Asians, 12% Other) as part of a larger study of respiratory health.

Results:

Information on BW and/or GA were obtained from parents for 2,052 (95%) children. Almost all parents (2,045) gave consent to access their children’s health records held by GPs. On the basis of parental information, GPs of 1,785 children were successfully contacted, and GPs of 1,202 children responded. Birth data were retrieved for only 482 children (22% of 2,052). Missing birth data from GPs were associated with non-white ethnicity, non-UK born, English not the dominant language at home or socioeconomic disadvantage. Paired data were available in 376 children for BW and in 407 children for GA. No significant difference in BW or GA was observed between PQ and GP data, with <5% difference between sources regardless of normal or low birth weight, or term or preterm status.

Conclusions:

Parental recall of birth data for primary schoolchildren yields high quality and rapid return of data, and it should be considered as a viable alternative in which there is limited access to birth records. It provides the potential to include children with an increased risk of health problems within epidemiological studies.
Cloud computing approaches for prediction of ligand binding poses and pathways
Authors: Lawrenz Morgan , Shukla Diwakar , Pande Vijay S.
Published: January 2015

We describe an innovative protocol for ab initio prediction of ligand crystallographic binding poses and highly effective analysis of large datasets generated for protein-ligand dynamics. We include a procedure for setup and performance of distributed molecular dynamics simulations on cloud computing architectures, a model for efficient analysis of simulation data and a metric for evaluation of model convergence. We give accurate binding pose predictions for five ligands ranging in affinity from 7 nM to > 200 μM for the immunophilin protein FKBP12, for expedited results in cases where experimental structures are difficult to produce. Our approach goes beyond single, low energy ligand poses to give quantitative kinetic information that can inform protein engineering and ligand design.
Distinguishing Proteins From Arbitrary Amino Acid Sequences
Authors: Yau Stephen S.-T. , Mao Wei-Guang , Benson Max , He Rong Lucy
Published: January 2015

What kinds of amino acid sequences could possibly be protein sequences? From all existing databases that we can find, known proteins are only a small fraction of all possible combinations of amino acids. Beginning with Sanger's first detailed determination of a protein sequence in 1952, previous studies have focused on describing the structure of existing protein sequences in order to construct the protein universe. No one, however, has developed a criteria for determining whether an arbitrary amino acid sequence can be a protein. Here we show that when the collection of arbitrary amino acid sequences is viewed in an appropriate geometric context, the protein sequences cluster together. This leads to a new computational test, described here, that has proved to be remarkably accurate at determining whether an arbitrary amino acid sequence can be a protein. Even more, if the results of this test indicate that the sequence can be a protein and it is indeed a protein sequence, then its identity as a protein sequence is uniquely defined. We anticipate our computational test will be useful for those who are attempting to complete the job of discovering all proteins, or constructing the protein universe.
Catalytic nucleic acids (DNAzymes) as functional units for logic gates and computing circuits: from basic principles to practical applications
Authors: Orbach Ron , Willner Bilha , Willner Itamar
Published: January 2015

Catalytic nucleic acids (DNAzymes) provide functional modules for logic gates and computing operations, and hold great promise for biomedical sensing and therapeutic applications.
Vanadyl cationic complexes as catalysts in olefin oxidation
Authors: Nunes Carla D. , Vaz Pedro D. , Félix Vítor , Veiros Luis F. , Moniz Tânia , Rangel Maria , Realista Sara , Mourato Ana C. , Calhorda Maria José
Published: January 2015

The EPR spectrum of a solution of [VO(acac)(BIAN)]Cl containing tbhp and cis-cyclooctene shows the presence of a V(iv) species, suggesting its involvement in the catalytic oxidation of alkenes.
Olivine LiFePO4: the remaining challenges for future energy storage
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Sun Xueliang
Published: January 2015

This review highlights the remaining challenges for LiFePO4in lithium-ion batteries and future olivine cathodes in Na-ion batteries.
Chiral ureas and thioureas supported on polystyrene for enantioselective aza-Henry reactions under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Pedrosa Rafael , Andrés José M. , Ávila Deisy P. , Ceballos Miriam , Pindado Rodrigo
Published: January 2015

Chiral recoverable supported bifunctional ureas or thioureas promote highly enantioselective aza-Henry reactions under solvent-free conditions.
An on-demand nanofluidic concentrator
Authors: Yu Miao , Hou Youmin , Zhou Hongbo , Yao Shuhuai
Published: January 2015

We developed an on-demand nanofluidic concentrator that can adaptively encapsulate highly concentrated samples and enhance long-term stability for further analysis.
A study of anthocyanin self-association by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Fernandes Ana , Brás Natércia F. , Mateus Nuno , Freitas Victor de
Published: January 2015

Malvidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside molecules self-associate, with this interaction occurring mainly by dispersive contacts (direct π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions).
Crystallization-promoted emission enhancement of poly(l-lactide) containing a fluorescent salicylideneazine center with aggregation-enhanced emission properties
Authors: Hsiao Tai-Shen , Huang Po-Chiao , Lin Li-Yang , Yang Deng-Jie , Hong Jin-Long
Published: January 2015

AEE-active 1,2-bis(2,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)hydrazine initiates polymerization of lactide monomer, resulting in polylactides containing an AEE-active center.
Highly efficient pincer nickel catalyzed cross-coupling of aryltrimethylammonium triflates with arylzinc reagents
Authors: Wu Dan , Tao Jian-Long , Wang Zhong-Xia
Published: January 2015

N,N,P-Pincer nickel complexes [Ni(Cl){N(2-R2PC6H4)(2′-Me2NC6H4)}] highly effectively catalyze the cross-coupling of aryltrimethylammonium triflates with arylzinc reagents.
Acid-vacuo heat treated low cost banana stems fiber for efficient biosorption of Hg(ii)
Authors: Salamun N. , Triwahyono S. , Jalil A. A. , Matsuura T. , Salleh N. F. M.
Published: January 2015

HCl treatment on Banana Stem Fiber (BSF) increased the cellulose accessibility. Prior to the biosorption process, the biosorbent was activatedin vacuoat 373 K. The activation improved the maximum Hg(ii) biosorption capacity from 28 to 372 mg g−1.
Preparation and characterization of alginate–N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan microcapsules loaded with patchouli oil
Authors: Chen Minjie , Liu Jiayi , Liu Yingju , Guo Cheng , Yang Zhuohong , Wu Hong
Published: January 2015

In this work, alginate (Alg)–N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) microcapsules containing patchouli oil were prepared by a complex coacervation method.
Electric field-dependent conductivity achieved for carbon nanotube-introduced ZnO matrix
Authors: Shang Chunyu , Zhao Jinxian , Wang Xiuqin , Xia Hongyang , Kang Hui
Published: January 2015

The electric conductivity of carbon nanotube (CNT)-introduced ZnO matrix is not only dependent on the CNT content, but is also dependent on the applied electric field when the CNT content approaches the electrical percolation threshold.
Novel solution-processible small molecules based on benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′:5,6-b′′]trithiophene for effective organic photovoltaics with high open-circuit voltage
Authors: Meng Lucheng , Wu Fen , Liu Hailu , Zhao Bin , Zhang Jian , Zhong Juan , Pei Yong , Chen Huajie , Tan Songting
Published: January 2015

Two novel A–D–A small molecules D1 and D2, containing benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′:5,6-b′′]trithiophene as the central electron-donating unit and two thiophenes or three thiophenes as conjugated π-bridges, were designed and synthesized.
Silver nanoparticle-coated “cyborg” microorganisms: rapid assembly of polymer-stabilised nanoparticles on microbial cells
Authors: Konnova S. A. , Danilushkina A. A. , Fakhrullina G. I. , Akhatova F. S. , Badrutdinov A. R. , Fakhrullin R. F.
Published: January 2015

Silver nanoparticles-coated “cyborg” cells.
Low temperature chlorobenzene catalytic oxidation over MnOx/CNTs with the assistance of ozone
Authors: Jin Dongdong , Ren Zhiyuan , Ma Zhaoxia , liu Fu , Yang Hangsheng
Published: January 2015

O3 promotes chlorobenzene catalytic oxidation over p-type MnOx/CNTs between 80–240 °C. A CB complete oxidation of 95% is achieved below 120 °C. The reaction follows the L–H mechanism with apparent activation energy of 15.0 kJ mol−1.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of MoP microparticles for hydrogen evolution by grinding and electrochemical activation
Authors: Wang Tanyuan , Du Kuangzhou , Liu Wanglian , Zhu Zhiwei , Shao Yuanhua , Li Meixian
Published: January 2015

The electrocatalytic activity of commercial MoP microparticles for hydrogen evolution reaction was enhanced by grinding and potentiostaticly electrochemical activation.
Nanofibers generated from linear carbazole-based organogelators for the detection of explosives
Authors: Hong Guanghui , Sun Jingbo , Qian Chong , Xue Pengchong , Gong Peng , Zhang Zhenqi , Lu Ran
Published: January 2015

Emitting nanofibers based on tricarbazole derivatives have been fabricated via organogelation and used as fluorescence sensors to detect nitroaromatics.
Correction: Modular and orthogonal synthesis of hybrid polymers and networks
Authors: Liu Shuang , Dicker Kevin T. , Jia Xinqiao
Published: January 2015

Correction for ‘Modular and orthogonal synthesis of hybrid polymers and networks’ by Shuang Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4cc09568e.
Iodine-catalyzed regioselective thiolation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using sulfonyl hydrazides as a thiol surrogate
Authors: Bagdi Avik Kumar , Mitra Shubhanjan , Ghosh Monoranjan , Hajra Alakananda
Published: January 2015

Iodine-catalyzed regioselective sulfenylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via C(sp2)–H bond functionalization has been achieved using sulfonyl hydrazides as a thiol surrogate.
Correction: Enyne [4 + 4] photocycloaddition with polycyclic aromatics
Authors: Khatri Buddha B. , Kulyk Svitlana , Sieburth Scott McN.
Published: January 2015

Correction for ‘Enyne [4 + 4] photocycloaddition with polycyclic aromatics’ by Buddha B. Khatri et al., Org. Chem. Front., 2014, 1, 961–964.
Columnar self-assembly of star-shaped luminescent oxadiazole and thiadiazole derivatives
Authors: Pathak Suraj Kumar , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Nath Subrata , Rao D. S. Shankar , Prasad S. Krishna , Achalkumar Ammathnadu S.
Published: January 2015

Blue light emitting star-shaped oxadiazole and thiadiazoles stabilizing fluid columnar phase.
Covariance‐based online validation of video tracking
Authors: SanMiguel J.C. , Calvo A.
Published: January 2015

A novel approach is proposed for online evaluation of video tracking without ground‐truth data. The temporal evolution of the covariance features is exploited to detect the stability of the tracker output over time. A model validation strategy performs such detection without learning the failure cases of the tracker under evaluation. Then, the tracker performance is estimated by a finite state machine determining whether the tracker is on‐target (successful) or not (unsuccessful). The experimental results over a heterogeneous dataset show that the proposed approach outperforms related state‐of‐the‐art approaches in terms of performance and computational cost.
Candidate value‐based boundary filtering for compressed depth images
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Wang Anhong , Zeng Bing , Wu Yingchun
Published: January 2015

In three‐dimensional (3D) video, a compressed depth map usually has large distortions along‐boundaries, leading to object deformation and artefacts in synthesised views. A so‐called candidate values based boundary filtering (CVBF) with low computational complexity by filtering only some detected unreliable pixels along the boundaries is proposed. Assuming that the smooth regions consist of reliable pixels, CVBF selects an appropriate candidate value to replace each unreliable pixel based on both the nearest reliable pixels and the mean values of surrounding regions. Experimental results show that synthesised views with CVBF‐filtered depth maps are better than existing joint trilateral filtering, the depth boundary reconstruction filter and the adaptive depth truncation filter.
Continuous‐time multi‐agent averaging with relative‐state‐dependent measurement noises: matrix intensity functions
Authors: Li Tao , Wu Fuke , Zhang Ji‐Feng
Published: January 2015

In this study, the distributed averaging of high‐dimensional first‐order agents is investigated with relative‐state‐dependent measurement noises. Each agent can measure or receive its neighbours’ state information with random noises, whose intensity is a non‐linear matrix function of agents’ relative states. By the tools of stochastic differential equations and algebraic graph theory, the authors give sufficient conditions to ensure mean square and almost sure average consensus and the convergence rate and the steady‐state error for average consensus are quantified. Especially, if the noise intensity function depends linearly on the relative distance of agents’ states, then a sufficient condition is given in terms of the control gain, the noise intensity coefficient constant, the number of agents and the dimension of agents’ dynamics.
Electron energy distributions and electron impact source functions in Ar/N2 inductively coupled plasmas using pulsed power
Authors: Logue Michael D. , Kushner Mark J.
Published: January 2015

In plasma materials processing, such as plasma etching, control of the time-averaged electron energy distributions (EEDs) in the plasma allows for control of the time-averaged electron impact source functions of reactive species in the plasma and their fluxes to surfaces. One potential method for refining the control of EEDs is through the use of pulsed power. Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) are attractive for using pulsed power in this manner because the EEDs are dominantly controlled by the ICP power as opposed to the bias power applied to the substrate. In this paper, we discuss results from a computational investigation of EEDs and electron impact source functions in low pressure (5–50 mTorr) ICPs sustained in Ar/N2 for various duty cycles. We find there is an ability to control EEDs, and thus source functions, by pulsing the ICP power, with the greatest variability of the EEDs located within the skin depth of the electromagnetic field. The transit time of hot electrons produced in the skin depth at the onset of pulse power produces a delay in the response of the EEDs as a function of distance from the coils. The choice of ICP pressure has a large impact on the dynamics of the EEDs, whereas duty cycle has a small influence on time-averaged EEDs and source functions.
Which way up? Recognition of homologous DNA segments in parallel and antiparallel alignments
Authors: (O’) Lee Dominic J. , Wynveen Aaron , Albrecht Tim , Kornyshev Alexei A.
Published: January 2015

Homologous gene shuffling between DNA molecules promotes genetic diversity and is an important pathway for DNA repair. For this to occur, homologous genes need to find and recognize each other. However, despite its central role in homologous recombination, the mechanism of homology recognition has remained an unsolved puzzle of molecular biology. While specific proteins are known to play a role at later stages of recombination, an initial coarse grained recognition step has, however, been proposed. This relies on the sequence dependence of the DNA structural parameters, such as twist and rise, mediated by intermolecular interactions, in particular, electrostatic ones. In this proposed mechanism, sequences that have the same base pair text, or are homologous, have lower interaction energy than those sequences with uncorrelated base pair texts. The difference between the two energies is termed the “recognition energy.” Here, we probe how the recognition energy changes when one DNA fragment slides past another, and consider, for the first time, homologous sequences in antiparallel alignment. This dependence on sliding is termed the “recognition well.” We find there is a recognition well for anti-parallel, homologous DNA tracts, but only a very shallow one, so that their interaction will differ little from the interaction between two nonhomologous tracts. This fact may be utilized in single molecule experiments specially targeted to test the theory. As well as this, we test previous theoretical approximations in calculating the recognition well for parallel molecules against MC simulations and consider more rigorously the optimization of the orientations of the fragments about their long axes upon calculating these recognition energies. The more rigorous treatment affects the recognition energy a little, when the molecules are considered rigid. When torsional flexibility of the DNA molecules is introduced, we find excellent agreement between the analytical approximation and simulations.
Achieving wide-band linear-to-circular polarization conversion using ultra-thin bi-layered metasurfaces
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Zhang Jieqiu , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu , Zheng Lin , Pang Yongqiang , Xu Zhuo , Zhang Anxue
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we propose to achieve wideband linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion by ultra-thin bi-layered metasurfaces. As an example, an LTC polarization conversion metasurface operating in 11.4–14.3 GHz is designed and fabricated, which is composed of two layers of metallic pattern arrays separated by a 1.5 mm-thick dielectric spacer. When linearly polarized waves impinge on the bi-layered metasurface, LTC polarization conversion transmission is greater than 90% over a wide frequency range from 11.0 GHz to 18.3 GHz. Meanwhile, the axis ratio is lower than 3 dB in 9.8–18.3 GHz. This wide-band and highly efficient LTC polarization conversion transmission is analyzed theoretically. The measured LTC polarization conversion transmissions are well consistent with the simulated results.
Effect of the oxide layer on current-induced spin-orbit torques in Hf|CoFeB|MgO and Hf|CoFeB|TaOx structures
Authors: Akyol Mustafa , Alzate Juan G. , Yu Guoqiang , Upadhyaya Pramey , Wong Kin L. , Ekicibil Ahmet , Khalili Amiri Pedram , Wang Kang L.
Published: January 2015

We study the effect of the oxide layer on the current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in perpendicularly magnetized Hf|CoFeB|MgO (MgO-capped) or Hf|CoFeB|TaOx (TaOx-capped) structures. The effective fields corresponding to both the field-like and damping-like current-induced SOTs are characterized using electric transport measurements. Both torques are found to be significantly stronger in MgO-capped structures than those in TaOx-capped structures. The difference in field-like and damping-like SOTs in the different structures may be attributed to the different Rashba-like Hamiltonian, arising from the difference in the electric potential profiles across the oxide|ferromagnet interfaces in the two cases, as well as possible structural and oxidation differences in the underlying CoFeB and Hf layers. Our results show that the oxide layer in heavy-metal|ferromagnet|oxide trilayer structures has a very significant effect on the generated SOTs for manipulation of ferromagnetic layers. These findings could potentially be used to engineer SOT devices with enhanced current-induced switching efficiency.
Two-dimensional hybrid Monte Carlo–fluid modelling of dc glow discharges: Comparison with fluid models, reliability, and accuracy
Authors: Eylenceoğlu E. , Rafatov I. , Kudryavtsev A. A.
Published: January 2015

Two-dimensional hybrid Monte Carlo–fluid numerical code is developed and applied to model the dc glow discharge. The model is based on the separation of electrons into two parts: the low energetic (slow) and high energetic (fast) electron groups. Ions and slow electrons are described within the fluid model using the drift-diffusion approximation for particle fluxes. Fast electrons, represented by suitable number of super particles emitted from the cathode, are responsible for ionization processes in the discharge volume, which are simulated by the Monte Carlo collision method. Electrostatic field is obtained from the solution of Poisson equation. The test calculations were carried out for an argon plasma. Main properties of the glow discharge are considered. Current-voltage curves, electric field reversal phenomenon, and the vortex current formation are developed and discussed. The results are compared to those obtained from the simple and extended fluid models. Contrary to reports in the literature, the analysis does not reveal significant advantages of existing hybrid methods over the extended fluid model.
Correlations of shock Mach number attenuation in small size diameter tubes
Authors: Zeitoun David E.
Published: January 2015

From previous works on the shock Mach number attenuation along small size diameter tubes, two different power-law correlations in laminar and turbulent flows in shock tube are proposed in this paper for describing this attenuation and the shock wave behavior. These correlations are based on a local scaling ratio built from driven gas conditions, hydraulic diameter tube, and shock wave propagation distance. A comparison to numerical and experimental existing data is presented and discussed.
Atmospheric pressure synthesis of photoluminescent hybrid materials by sequential organometallic vapor infiltration into polyethylene terephthalate fibers
Authors: Akyildiz Halil I. , Mousa Moataz Bellah M. , Jur Jesse S.
Published: January 2015

Exposing a polymer to sequential organometallic vapor infiltration (SVI) under low pressure conditions can significantly modify the polymer's chemical, mechanical, and optical properties. We demonstrate that SVI of trimethylaluminum into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can also proceed readily at atmospheric pressure, and at 60 °C the extent of reaction determined by mass uptake is independent of pressure between 2.5 Torr and 760 Torr. At 120 °C, however, the mass gain is 50% larger at 2.5 Torr relative to that at 760 Torr, indicating that the precursor diffusion in the chamber and fiber matrix decreases at higher source pressure. Mass gain decreases, in general, as the SVI process temperature increases both at 2.5 Torr and 760 Torr attributed to the faster reaction kinetics forming a barrier layer, which prevents further diffusion of the reactive species. The resulting PET/Al-Ox product shows high photoluminescence compared to untreated fibers. A physical mask on the polymer during infiltration at 760 Torr is replicated in the underlying polymer, producing an image in the polymer that is visible under UV illumination. Because of the reduced precursor diffusivity during exposure at 760 Torr, the image shows improved resolution compared to SVI performed under typical 2.5 Torr conditions.
Direct nano-patterning of graphene with helium ion beams
Authors: Naitou Y. , Iijima T. , Ogawa S.
Published: January 2015

Helium ion microscopy (HIM) was used for direct nano-patterning of single-layer graphene (SLG) on SiO2/Si substrates. This technique involves irradiation of the sample with accelerated helium ions (He+). Doses of 2.0 × 1016 He+ cm−2 from a 30 kV beam induced a metal-insulator transition in the SLG. The resolution of HIM patterning on SLG was investigated by fabricating nanoribbons and nanostructures. Analysis of scanning capacitance microscopy measurements revealed that the spatial resolution of HIM patterning depended on the dosage of He+ in a non-monotonic fashion. Increasing the dose from 2.0 × 1016 to 5.0 × 1016 He+ cm−2 improved the spatial resolution to several tens of nanometers. However, doses greater than 1.0 × 1017 He+ cm−2 degraded the patterning characteristics. Direct patterning using HIM is a versatile approach to graphene fabrication and can be applied to graphene-based devices.
Topological obstructions in the way of data-driven collective variables
Authors: Hashemian Behrooz , Arroyo Marino
Published: January 2015

Nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) techniques are increasingly used to visualize molecular trajectories and to create data-driven collective variables for enhanced sampling simulations. The success of these methods relies on their ability to identify the essential degrees of freedom characterizing conformational changes. Here, we show that NLDR methods face serious obstacles when the underlying collective variables present periodicities, e.g., arising from proper dihedral angles. As a result, NLDR methods collapse very distant configurations, thus leading to misinterpretations and inefficiencies in enhanced sampling. Here, we identify this largely overlooked problem and discuss possible approaches to overcome it. We also characterize the geometry and topology of conformational changes of alanine dipeptide, a benchmark system for testing new methods to identify collective variables.