bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Concurrent Chemotherapy for Intermediate Risk NPC in the Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era: a Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Yuan , Li Wen-Fei , Liu Xu , Guo Rui , Sun Ying , Lin Ai-Hua , Chen Lei , Ma Jun
Published: November 2015

This study is to evaluate the efficacy of additional concurrent chemotherapy for intermediate risk (stage II and T3N0M0) NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).440 patients with intermediate risk NPC were studied retrospectively, including 128 patients treated with IMRT alone [radiotherapy group (RT group)] and 312 paitents treated with IMRT plus concurrent chemotherapy [chemoradiotherapy group (CRT group)]. Propensity score matching was carried out to create RT and CRT cohorts equally matched for host and tumor factor. Significantly more severe acute toxicities were observed in the CRT group than in the RT group. Multivariate analyses of 440 patients failed to demonstrate concurrent chemotherapy as an independent prognostic factor for FFS, LR-FFS and D-FFS. Between the well-matched RT cohort and the CRT cohort, no significant difference was demonstrated in all survival endpoints (FFS: 92.8% versus 91.2%, P = 0.801; LR-FFS: 95.2% versus 94.4%, P = 0.755; D-FFS: 96.4% versus 96.3%, P = 0.803; OS: 98.2% versus 98.9%, P = 0.276). Our results demonstrated that for patients with intermediate risk NPC treated with IMRT, additional concurrent chemotherapy did not provide any significant survival benefit but significantly more severe acute toxicities. However, prospective randomized trials are warranted for the ultimate confirm of our findings.
A Label-Free Photoluminescence Genosensor Using Nanostructured Magnesium Oxide for Cholera Detection
Authors: Patel Manoj Kumar , Ali Md. Azahar , Krishnan Sadagopan , Agrawal Ved Varun , Al Kheraif AbdulAziz A. , Fouad H. , Ansari Z.A. , Ansari S. G. , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: November 2015

Nanomaterial-based photoluminescence (PL) diagnostic devices offer fast and highly sensitive detection of pesticides, DNA and toxic agents. Here we report a label-free PL genosensor for sensitive detection of Vibrio cholerae that is based on a DNA hybridization strategy utilizing nanostructured magnesium oxide (nMgO; size >30 nm) particles. The morphology and size of the synthesized nMgO were determined by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. The probe DNA (pDNA) was conjugated with nMgO and characterized by X-ray photoelectron and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The target complementary genomic DNA (cDNA) isolated from clinical samples of V. cholerae was subjected to DNA hybridization studies using the pDNA-nMgO complex and detection of the cDNA was accomplished by measuring changes in PL intensity. The PL peak intensity measured at 700 nm (red emission) increases with the increase in cDNA concentration. A linear range of response in the developed PL genosensor was observed from 100 to 500 ng/μL with a sensitivity of 1.306 emi/ng, detection limit of 3.133 ng/μL and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.987. These results show that this ultrasensitive PL genosensor has the potential for applications in the clinical diagnosis of cholera.
Epidemiology study of HBV genotypes and antiviral drug resistance in multi-ethnic regions from Western China
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liao Yun , Chen Jie , Cai Bei , Su Zhenzhen , Ying Binwu , Lu Xiaojun , Tao Chuanmin , Wang Lanlan
Published: November 2015

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a critical global health issue and moderately epidemic in Western China, but HBV molecular epidemiology characteristics are still limited. We conducted this study to investigate HBV genotypes and antiviral resistant mutations in this multi-ethnic area. A total of 1316 HBV patients were recruited from four ethnic groups from 2011 to 2013. Genotypes and resistant mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing. Four genotypes (B, C, D and C/D) were identified. Genotype B and C were common in Han population, while genotype D was predominant in Uygurs. Genotype C was the major genotype in both Tibetans and Yis and recombinant C/D was found in Tibetans only. Lamivudine resistance was common in all populations, especially in Hans with prevalence of 42.8%. Entecavir resistance was barely observed regardless of ethnicity. Genotype C isolates had higher rates of rtA181T/V than genotype B (13.5% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001), in accordance with higher prevalence of resistance to adefovir (20.0% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.001). While incidence of resistant mutations to other drugs and clinical factors showed no difference among different genotypes. HBV genotypes and resistance-conferring mutations had different geographic and demographic distributions in Western China, which provided molecular epidemiology data for clinical management.
Optimal wavelength selection for visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy discriminating human and nonhuman blood species
Authors: Zhang Linna , Sun Meixiu , Wang Zhennan , Li Hongxiao , Li Yingxin , Fu Zhigang , Guan Yang , Li Gang , Lin Ling
Published: November 2015

The PLS-DA model constructed using wavelength variables selected by Equidistant Combination Multiple Linear Regression method can be more effective and accurate.
Correction: Simultaneous determination of eight ginsenosides in Zibu Piyin Recipe using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)
Authors: Xu Hui-Ying , Xiang Hong , Zhan Li-Bin , Zhang Lin , Sun Xiao-Xin
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘Simultaneous determination of eight ginsenosides in Zibu Piyin Recipe using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)’ by Hui-Ying Xu et al., Anal. Methods, 2015, 7, 7527–7533.
Graphene modified mesoporous titania single crystals with controlled and selective photoredox surfaces
Authors: Zhou Yi , Yi Qiuying , Xing Mingyang , Shang Lu , Zhang Tierui , Zhang Jinlong
Published: November 2015

The selective photocatalysis of TiO2 can be achieved by controlling the location of graphene in TiO2 mesoporous single crystals. The sandwich structured graphene–TiO2 composite has a photooxidation surface, and the core–shell structured TiO2@graphene has a photoreduction surface.
Silver- versus gold-catalyzed sequential oxidative cyclization of unprotected 2-alkynylanilines with oxone
Authors: Arcadi A. , Chiarini M. , Vecchio L. Del , Marinelli F. , Michelet V.
Published: November 2015

Divergent catalytic activity of gold and silver complexes towards domino oxidative cyclization reactions of unprotected 2-alkynylanilines.
Mechanistic interrogation of the asymmetric lithiation-trapping of N-thiopivaloyl azetidine and pyrrolidine
Authors: Rayner Peter J. , Smith Joshua C. , Denneval Charline , O'Brien Peter , Clarke Paul A. , Horan Richard A. J.
Published: November 2015

A fundamental study on the mechanism of the s-BuLi/chiral diamine-mediated asymmetric lithiation-trapping of N-thiopivaloyl azetidine and pyrrolidine has revealed that the asymmetric induction is due to a dynamic resolution of configurationally unstable organolithiums.
Halogen dependent symmetry change in two series of wheel cluster organic frameworks built from La18 tertiary building units
Authors: Fang Wei-Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: November 2015

Two series of wheel cluster organic frameworks built by La18 tertiary building units and branched pillars are made. The increase of halogen atoms leads to the decrease of symmetry. Their topology is similar, but the properties are different.
In-depth mesocrystal formation analysis of microwave-assisted synthesis of LiMnPO4nanostructures in organic solution
Authors: Voepel P. , Suchomski C. , Hofmann A. , Gross S. , Dolcet P. , Smarsly B. M.
Published: November 2015

Formation of LiMnPO4mesocrystalsviaself-assembled subunits employing microwave-assisted synthesis inrac-1-phenylethanol.
Self-assembly, binding ability and magnetic properties of dicopper(ii) pyrazolenophanes
Authors: Barros Wdeson P. , Luisa Calatayud M. , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel , Marino Nadia , De Munno Giovanni , Stumpf Humberto O. , Ruiz-García Rafael , Castro Isabel
Published: November 2015

The nature of the blocking α-diimine ligand controls of the molecular folding and binding ability of the resulting “butterfly-shaped”, antiferromagnetically coupled dicopper(ii) pyrazolenophanes in the solid state.
Synthesis, characterization and photoinduced charge separation of carbon nanohorn–oligothienylenevinylene hybrids
Authors: Vizuete María , Gómez-Escalonilla María J. , Barrejón Myriam , Fierro José Luis G. , Zhang Minfang , Yudasaka Masako , Iijima Sumio , Atienzar Pedro , García Hermenegildo , Langa Fernando
Published: November 2015

Two new nanohybrids combining carbon nanohorns (CNHs) and oligothienylenevinylenes (nTVs) have been prepared. Light excitation of these nanohybrids induces charge-separated states.
Effect of the co-sensitization sequence on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with porphyrin and organic dyes
Authors: Fan Suhua , Lu Xuefeng , Sun Hong , Zhou Gang , Chang Yuan Jay , Wang Zhong-Sheng
Published: November 2015

To obtain a broad spectral response in the visible region, TiO2 film is co-sensitized with a porphyrin dye (FNE57 or FNE59) and an organic dye (FNE46).
On the explanation of hysteresis in the adsorption of ammonia on graphitized thermal carbon black
Authors: Zeng Yonghong , Do D. D. , Horikawa Toshihide , Nicholson D. , Nakai Kazuyuki
Published: November 2015

The entropic effect of temperature dominates the adsorption behaviours of ammonia from spill-over to clustering on the basal plane of graphite.
Unraveling the origins of conduction band valley degeneracies in Mg2Si1−xSnx thermoelectrics
Authors: Kim Chang-Eun , Soon Aloysius , Stampfl Catherine
Published: November 2015

The origin of the enhanced band valley degeneracy for Mg2Si1−xSnx (MSS) are examined using a temperature-broadened, orbital-projected band structure as calculated by hybrid density-functional theory (DFTHSE06). For MSS alloys, varying xSn modulates the orbital nature of the conduction bands, and couples with the sublattice strain which directly manipulates the degree of the effective degeneracy.
Solution combustion synthesis of strontium aluminate, SrAl2O4, powders: single-fuel versus fuel-mixture approach
Authors: Ianoş Robert , Istratie Roxana , Păcurariu Cornelia , Lazău Radu
Published: November 2015

Thermal imaging indicates that the urea and glycine fuel-mixture approach represents a better option for SrAl2O4preparation than the single-fuel approach.
Experimental and theoretical XPS and NEXAFS studies of N-methylacetamide and N-methyltrifluoroacetamide
Authors: Li Cui , Salén Peter , Yatsyna Vasyl , Schio Luca , Feifel Raimund , Squibb Richard , Kamińska Magdalena , Larsson Mats , Richter Robert , Alagia Michele , Stranges Stefano , Monti Susanna , Carravetta Vincenzo , Zhaunerchyk Vitali
Published: November 2015

Experimental and theoretical spectra ofN-methylacetamide andN-methyltrifluoroacetamide at the K-edges are reported.
Observation and modeling of conformational molecular structures driving the self-assembly of tri-adamantyl benzene on Ag(111)
Authors: Calmettes Bastien , Estrampes Nicolas , Coudret Christophe , Roussel Thomas J. , Faraudo Jordi , Coratger Roland
Published: November 2015

A STM image of the hexagonal network of tri-adamantyl benzene molecules on Ag(111).
Reactive p-block cations stabilized by weakly coordinating anions
Authors: Engesser Tobias A. , Lichtenthaler Martin R. , Schleep Mario , Krossing Ingo
Published: November 2015

The chemistry of the p-block elements is a huge playground for fundamental and applied work.
Mapping reactivities of aromatic models with a lignin disassembly catalyst. Steps toward controlling product selectivity
Authors: Bernt Christopher M. , Bottari Giovanni , Barrett Jacob A. , Scott Susannah L. , Barta Katalin , Ford Peter C.
Published: November 2015

Global kinetics analysis for reduction of lignin models catalyzed by Cu-PMOs identifies targets for rational design to enhance selectivity.
Geochemical behaviour of palladium in soils and Pd/PdO model substances in the presence of the organic complexing agentsl-methionine and citric acid
Authors: Zereini Fathi , Wiseman Clare L. S. , Vang My , Albers Peter , Schneider Wolfgang , Schindl Roland , Leopold Kerstin
Published: November 2015

Risk assessments of platinum group metal (PGE) emissions, notably those of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), have been mostly based on data regarding the metallic forms used in vehicular exhaust converters, known to be virtually biologically inert and immobile.
A second-generation expression system for tyrosine-sulfated proteins and its application in crop protection
Authors: Schwessinger Benjamin , Li Xiang , Ellinghaus Thomas L. , Chan Leanne Jade G. , Wei Tong , Joe Anna , Thomas Nicholas , Pruitt Rory , Adams Paul D. , Chern Maw Sheng , Petzold Christopher J. , Liu Chang C. , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: November 2015

The synthetic biological production of posttranslationally modified proteins enables control of biological processes in plants and animals.
Soil-on-a-Chip: microfluidic platforms for environmental organismal studies
Authors: Stanley Claire E. , Grossmann Guido , Casadevall i Solvas Xavier , deMello Andrew J.
Published: November 2015

A review of the most recent developments in so-called “Soil-on-a-Chip” microfluidic technology for environmental organismal studies, including bacteria, nematodes, fungi and plants, as well as inter-organismal interactions.
Targeting microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase-1 (mPGES-1): the development of inhibitors as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Liu Huaqing , Xu Shuang , Wang Tianlin , Li Wei
Published: November 2015

AA cascade and several key residues in the 3D structure of mPGES-1.
Synthesis of 1,4-dihydrophosphinoline 1-oxides by acid-promoted cyclization of 1-(diphenylphosphoryl)allenes
Authors: Bogachenkov Alexander S. , Dogadina Albina V. , Boyarskaya Irina A. , Boyarskiy Vadim P. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: November 2015

Phosphonoallenes in Brønsted acids (TfOH, FSO3H, H2SO4) gave the corresponding 1,2-oxaphosphol-3-enium ions, that were studied by means of NMR and DFT calculations.
Methods to delay deactivation of zeolites on furan acylation: continuous liquid-phase technology and solvent effects
Authors: Xiong Yuannan , Chen Wenqi , Ma Jianjun , Chen Zhihua , Zeng Aiwu
Published: November 2015

The continuous liquid phase acylation of furan with acetic anhydride over H-beta zeolite was carried out in a fixed-bed reactor. 2-acetylfuran is of considerable commercial importance due to its application in food additives and drug industries.
A novel turn-on Schiff-base fluorescent sensor for aluminum(iii) ions in living cells
Authors: Tian Jianfei , Yan Xiaxia , Yang Hui , Tian Fuli
Published: November 2015

Quinoline Schiff base L exhibits a more than 38-fold fluorescence enhancement after addition of Al3+ ions at an excitation wavelength of 373 nm, and shows a high selectivity for Al3+ over other metal ions.
Microwave absorbing properties based on polyaniline/magnetic nanocomposite powders
Authors: Yang Haibo , Ye Ting , Lin Ying
Published: November 2015

Polyaniline/(1 − x)BaFe12O19/CaFe2O4/xCoFe2O4 nanocomposite powders were successfully prepared by an in situ polymerization method.
Study of the effect of molecular structure and alkyl groups bound with tin(iv) on their cytotoxicity of organotin(iv) 2-phenyl-4-selenazole carboxylates
Authors: Hong Min , Yang Yuanguang , Li Chuan , Xu Lidan , Li Dacheng , Li Chen-zhong
Published: November 2015

Five organotin(iv) compounds Ph3SnL (1), (R2Sn)4O2L4 [R = n-Bu (2), n-Oct (3)], (R2Sn)4O2L2Cl2 [R = n-Bu (4), Me (5)], HL = 2-phenyl-4-selenazole carboxylic acid, were synthesized, of which triphenyl- and di-n-butyltin(iv) compounds display higher in vitro cytotoxicities.
Codelivery of doxorubicin and p53 by biodegradable micellar carriers based on chitosan derivatives
Authors: Wang Guan-Hai , Yang Hui-Kang , Zhao Yi , Zhang Da-Wei , Zhang Li-Ming , Lin Jian-Tao
Published: November 2015

In this work, novel biodegradable cationic micelles were prepared based on poly-(N-ε-carbobenzyloxy-l-lysine) (PZLL) and chitosan (CS) by click reaction, and applied for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and p53 plasmid.
Aluminum borohydride–ethylenediamine as a hydrogen storage candidate
Authors: Zheng Xiongfei , Huang Xuefeng , Song Yuanzhou , Ma Xiaohua , Guo Yanhui
Published: November 2015

A series of novel hydrogen storage compounds (Al(BH4)3·nC2H8N2, n = 4, 3, 2, 1) were synthesized. This system turned out to be a reliable hydrogen storage candidate.
Binary doped polypyrrole and polypyrrole/boron nitride nanocomposites: preparation, characterization and application in detection of liquefied petroleum gas leaks
Authors: Sultan Adil , Ahmad Sharique , Anwer Tarique , Mohammad Faiz
Published: November 2015

We report an electrical conductivity based rapid response liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor using binary doped polypyrrole and polypyrrole/boron nitride (PPy/BN) nanocomposites as the conductive material.
A pH sensitive co-delivery system of siRNA and doxorubicin for pulmonary administration to B16F10 metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Xu Caina , Tian Huayu , Sun Hai , Jiao Zixue , Zhang Ying , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2015

Doxorubicin was conjugated to PEI by hydrazone bonds to form a pH sensitive conjugate (PEI-HZ-DOX). The complex particles (PEI-HZ-DOX/Bcl2) could be co-delivered to cancer cells by pulmonary administration. ​
Enhancing the catalytic performance of cobalt oxide by doping on ceria in the high temperature water–gas shift reaction
Authors: Jha Ajay , Jeong Dae-Woon , Lee Yeol-Lim , Nah In Wook , Roh Hyun-Seog
Published: November 2015

The high temperature water–gas shift (HT-WGS) reaction was performed using a Co–CeO2 catalyst, prepared through a co-precipitation method.
Synthesis of isatins by the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular acylation of unactivated aryl C(sp2)–H bonds
Authors: Li Jue , Zheng Yang , Yu Xinling , Lv Songyang , Wang Qiantao , Hai Li , Wu Yong
Published: November 2015

Synthesis of isatins from formyl-N-arylformamides is achieved via PdCl2-catalyzed intramolecular acylation.
Nanoporous networks as effective stabilisation matrices for nanoscale zero-valent iron and groundwater pollutant removal
Authors: Mines P. D. , Byun J. , Hwang Y. , Patel H. A. , Andersen H. R. , Yavuz C. T.
Published: November 2015

Nanoporous networks exhibit effective stabilisation properties for nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and nZVI, with its reductive potentials and wide availability, offers degradative remediation of environmental contaminants.
Tunable mesoporous manganese oxide for high performance oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Mosa Islam M. , Biswas Sourav , El-Sawy Abdelhamid M. , Botu Venkatesh , Guild Curtis , Song Wenqiao , Ramprasad Rampi , Rusling James F. , Suib Steven L.
Published: November 2015

Understanding the origin of manganese oxide activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key step towards rationally designing of highly active catalysts capable of competing with the widely used, state-of-art noble metal catalysts.
Rapid, efficient phase pure synthesis of Ca2AlNO3 layered double hydroxide
Authors: Yang Miaosen , Tuckley Emma , Buffet Jean-Charles , O'Hare Dermot
Published: November 2015

Phase pure Ca2AlNO3-LDH nanoplatelets have been successfully synthesised by rapid mixing and precipitation from water in air using a colloidal mill.
Na-birnessite with high capacity and long cycle life for rechargeable aqueous sodium-ion battery cathode electrodes
Authors: Zhang Xueqian , Hou Zhiguo , Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: November 2015

Na-birnessite has been synthesized using a simple precipitation reaction at room temperature and exhibits a high capacity of 39 mA h g−1 and long cycle life at 10C in Na-Bir/NaTi2(PO4)3 full cells.
Porous Na3V2(PO4)3@C nanoparticles enwrapped in three-dimensional graphene for high performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Fang Junqi , Wang Suqing , Li Zhitong , Chen Hongbin , Xia Lu , Ding Liangxin , Wang Haihui
Published: November 2015

We introduced a new strategy to synthesize NVP nanoparticles with a thin carbon-coating layer embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) graphene network.
Stably dispersed carbon nanotubes covalently bonded to phthalocyanine cobalt(ii) for ppb-level H2S sensing at room temperature
Authors: Wu Hao , Chen Zhimin , Zhang Jialin , Wu Feng , He Chunying , Wang Bin , Wu Yiqun , Ren Zhiyu
Published: November 2015

Stably dispersed nanohybrids, carbon nanotubes covalently linked with phthalocyanine cobalt(ii), are prepared by applying a simple bridging strategy, which yield superior sensor performance for H2S at room temperature.
Gelatin–poly(vinyl alcohol) porous biocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide as biomaterials
Authors: Ionita M. , Crica L. E. , Tiainen H. , Haugen H. J. , Vasile E. , Dinescu S. , Costache M. , Iovu H.
Published: November 2015

The present work aims to develop new biocomposites based on gelatin (Gel) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) reinforced with graphene oxide (GO).
Ultrathin nanosheets of CrSiTe3: a semiconducting two-dimensional ferromagnetic material
Authors: Lin Ming-Wei , Zhuang Houlong L. , Yan Jiaqiang , Ward Thomas Zac , Puretzky Alexander A. , Rouleau Christopher M. , Gai Zheng , Liang Liangbo , Meunier Vincent , Sumpter Bobby G. , Ganesh Panchapakesan , Kent Paul R. C. , Geohegan David B. , Mandrus David G. , Xiao Kai
Published: November 2015

Two-dimensional ferromagnetic monolayer and few-layer CrSiTe3crystals are prepared for the first time from the bulk crystals by a simple mechanical exfoliation method.
The mitotic regulator Hec1 is a critical modulator of prostate cancer through the long non-coding RNA BX647187 in vitro
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Gao Xu , Lu Xin , Wang Yan , Ma Chunfei , Shi Zhenkai , Zhu Feng , He Biming , Xu Chuanliang , Sun Yinghao
Published: November 2015

Hec1 (highly expressed in cancer) is a member of a conserved Ndc80 (nuclear division cycle 80) complex that regulates mitotic processes. Its overexpression is seen in various tumours and is associated with cancer progression. However, its expression pattern and role inhuman prostate cancer (PCa) still not clear. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression and functional role of Hec1 in human PCa. Hec1 expression was measured in 10 pairs of PCa cancerous and non-cancerous tissue samples by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. The effects of Hec1 on PCa cells were studied by RNAi approach. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analysed by flow cytometry. Cells viability was evaluated using cell counting Kit-8. Cyclin B1–Cdc2 (cell division cycle 2) activity was measured by ELISA assay. Long non-coding (Lnc)RNAs regulated by Hec1 were gained from bioinformatics analysis. The role of LncRNA BX647187, regulated by Hec1, was finally characterized in PCa cells by siRNA. Our results showed that Hec1 mRNA and protein were significantly overexpressed in Human PCa tissues and several PCa cell lines. Silencing Hec1 markedly suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis and induced cell-cycle arrest in G2/M-phase in PCa cells. Through bioinformatics analysis and knockdown Hec1 in PCa cells, we found LncRNA BX647187 was positively regulated by Hec1. We further demonstrated that suppression of BX647187 in PCa cells significantly reduced cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Thus, we conclude that Hec1 is consistently overexpressed in human PCa and Hec1 is closely linked with human PCa progression through the meditator LncRNA BX647187. Our studies may contribute to understand the molecular mechanism of PCa pathogenesis and clinical therapy.
Manipulation of the ATP pool as a tool for metabolic engineering
Authors: Hädicke Oliver , Klamt Steffen
Published: November 2015

Cofactor engineering has been long identified as a valuable tool for metabolic engineering. Besides interventions targeting the pools of redox cofactors, many studies addressed the adenosine pools of microorganisms. In this mini-review, we discuss interventions that manipulate the availability of ATP with a special focus on ATP wasting strategies. We discuss the importance to fine-tune the ATP yield along a production pathway to balance process performance parameters like product yield and volumetric productivity.
Hierarchical decomposition of metabolic networks using k-modules
Authors: Reimers Arne C.
Published: November 2015

The optimal solutions obtained by flux balance analysis (FBA) are typically not unique. Flux modules have recently been shown to be a very useful tool to simplify and decompose the space of FBA-optimal solutions. Since yield-maximization is sometimes not the primary objective encountered in vivo, we are also interested in understanding the space of sub-optimal solutions. Unfortunately, the flux modules are too restrictive and not suited for this task. We present a generalization, called k-module, which compensates the limited applicability of flux modules to the space of sub-optimal solutions. Intuitively, a k-module is a sub-network with low connectivity to the rest of the network. Recursive application of k-modules yields a hierarchical decomposition of the metabolic network, which is also known as branch decomposition in matroid theory. In particular, decompositions computed by existing methods, like the null-space-based approach, introduced by Poolman et al. [(2007) J. Theor. Biol. 249, 691–705] can be interpreted as branch decompositions. With k-modules we can now compare alternative decompositions of metabolic networks to the classical sub-systems of glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, etc. They can be used to speed up algorithmic problems [theoretically shown for elementary flux modes (EFM) enumeration] and have the potential to present computational solutions in a more intuitive way independently from the classical sub-systems.
Modelling metabolism of the diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Singh Dipali , Carlson Ross , Fell David , Poolman Mark
Published: November 2015

Marine diatoms have potential as a biotechnological production platform, especially for lipid-derived products, including biofuels. Here we introduce some features of diatom metabolism, particularly with respect to photosynthesis, photorespiration and lipid synthesis and their differences relative to other photosynthetic eukaryotes. Since structural metabolic modelling of other photosynthetic organisms has been shown to be capable of representing their metabolic capabilities realistically, we briefly review the main approaches to this type of modelling. We then propose that genome-scale modelling of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, in response to varying light intensity, could uncover the novel aspects of the metabolic potential of this organism.
Co-translational assembly of protein complexes
Authors: Wells Jonathan N. , Bergendahl L. Therese , Marsh Joseph A.
Published: November 2015

The interaction of biological macromolecules is a fundamental attribute of cellular life. Proteins, in particular, often form stable complexes with one another. Although the importance of protein complexes is widely recognized, we still have only a very limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying their assembly within cells. In this article, we review the available evidence for one such mechanism, namely the coupling of protein complex assembly to translation at the polysome. We discuss research showing that co-translational assembly can occur in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and can have important implications for the correct functioning of the complexes that result. Co-translational assembly can occur for both homomeric and heteromeric protein complexes and for both proteins that are translated directly into the cytoplasm and those that are translated into or across membranes. Finally, we discuss the properties of proteins that are most likely to be associated with co-translational assembly.
Double resonant output filter to eliminating the tradeoff between bandwidth and switching ripple in shunt active power filters
Authors: Xu Yong , Yu Jingrong , Cao Yijia , Lu Xiaonan , Yu Jiaqi
Published: November 2015

Since shunt active power filters (SAPFs) are designed to inject harmonic current, its bandwidth should be much wider compared to regular inverters. LCL filters are commonly employed in regular inverters. However, it cannot completely meet the requirements of SAPF due to its filtering performance and the impact on system stability. This study proposes a novel double resonant LCL (DR‐LCL) filter for SAPFs. Derived from the conventional LCL filters, one RC damping circuit and two LC resonant circuits are employed in the proposed filter. Meanwhile, a resistor is connected in parallel with the grid‐side inductor. The mutual impact among different components of the filter is discussed, and the stability of SAPF with DR‐LCL filter is studied. This DR‐LCL filter can not only inherit the advantages of LCL filters, but also eliminate the tradeoff between bandwidth and switching ripple in SAPFs. Finally, the design principle of the proposed output filter is presented and the parameters of the filter are applied to a 66 kW three‐phase three‐wire SAPF prototype. Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of DR‐LCL filter.
Study of imaging plate detector sensitivity to 5-18 MeV electrons
Authors: Boutoux G. , Rabhi N. , Batani D. , Binet A. , Ducret J.-E. , Jakubowska K. , Nègre J.-P. , Reverdin C. , Thfoin I.
Published: November 2015

Imaging plates (IPs) are commonly used as passive detectors in laser-plasma experiments. We calibrated at the ELSA electron beam facility (CEA DIF) the five different available types of IPs (namely, MS-SR-TR-MP-ND) to electrons from 5 to 18 MeV. In the context of diagnostic development for the PETawatt Aquitaine Laser (PETAL), we investigated the use of stacks of IP in order to increase the detection efficiency and get detection response independent from the neighboring materials such as X-ray shielding and detector supports. We also measured fading functions in the time range from a few minutes up to a few days. Finally, our results are systematically compared to GEANT4 simulations in order to provide a complete study of the IP response to electrons over the energy range relevant for PETAL experiments.
Observation of drastic change of generalized phonon density-of-states in nanostructured half-Heusler using inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Lynn J. W. , Huang Q. , Brown C. M. , Kaduk J. A. , Joshi G.
Published: November 2015

To understand the role of the nanophase in reducing the lattice contribution of the thermal conductivity of thermoelectrics, the structure and phonon density of a p-type half-Heusler thermoelectric ingot (ingot-HH, nominal composition of (Hf0.5Zr0.5)Co(Sb0.8Sn0.2)), and its nano form prepared from ball milling (nano-HH), were studied using neutron diffraction and neutron inelastic scattering techniques. They are both cubic, F4¯3m, with lattice parameters a = 6.0649(3) Å (nano) and 6.0629(1) Å (ingot), but the nano and ingot materials exhibit markedly different generalized phonon density-of-states (GDOS) at 300 K due to the substantially reduced grain size in the nano sample. These overall changes in GDOS, together with the increase in grain boundary scattering, account for the sharp reduction of the thermal conductivity in the nano-hot-pressed (nano-hp-HH) sample, which has a similar average grain size to that of nano-HH.
Noise spectroscopy of polymer transistors
Authors: Harsh Rishav , Narayan K. S.
Published: November 2015

Noise studies constitute an important approach to study polymer based field effect transistors (FETs) from the perspective of disorder physics as well as device application. The current fluctuations in an all organic solution-processable FET in different regimes of operation (I-V) are measured and analyzed. The intrinsic transport noise is sizable and readily observed in the current time series measurements. The ensuing current spectrum (SI(f)) exhibits a typical 1/f characteristics. It is observed that this noise amplitude scales with respect to current bias and indicative of mobility as well as number fluctuations at dielectric-semiconductor interface. FETs with leakage (lossy) dielectric layer indicate characteristic noise spectrum features which can serve as a diagnostic tool to monitor device stability.
Heteroepitaxial growth of SnSe films by pulsed laser deposition using Se-rich targets
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: November 2015

Epitaxial growth of SnSe was studied using pulsed laser deposition on three kinds of single-crystalline substrates, MgO (100), NaCl (100), and SrF2 (100), along with silica glass. For polycrystalline SnSe grown on glass, we found that a 20% Se-rich polycrystalline target is effective for obtaining stoichiometric SnSe films. The crystal structure of all the obtained films was the same as that of bulk SnSe, and the optimum temperatures for epitaxial growth were 400–500 °C, where the highest temperature was limited by re-evaporation. All the epitaxial films exhibited an a-axis orientation. For in-plane epitaxial structures, a quasi cube-on-cube heteroepitaxy was observed for MgO, whereas a 45°-rotated heteroepitaxy was observed for NaCl and SrF2, which can be explained by in-plane lattice matching. The anisotropic lattice mismatching and thermal expansion explain the compressive strain induced along the in-plane c-axis and the tensile strains along the in-plane b-axis and the out-of-plane a-axis. The epitaxial films on NaCl exhibited the best crystallinity, but the highest hole mobility of 60 cm2/(V s) was obtained on MgO. The indirect optical gap of the best films was determined to be 0.8 eV. Plausible interface models were proposed based on density functional calculations.
On the origin of donor O–H bond weakening in phenol-water complexes
Authors: Banerjee Pujarini , Mukhopadhyay Deb Pratim , Chakraborty Tapas
Published: November 2015

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy has been used to investigate intermolecular interactions in a series of binary O–H⋯O hydrogen bonded phenol-water complexes where water is the common acceptor. The interaction at the binding site has been tuned by incorporating multiple fluorine substitutions at different aromatic ring sites of the phenol moiety. The spectral effects for the aforesaid chemical changes are manifested in the infrared spectra of the complexes as systematic increase in spectral shift of the phenolic O–H stretching fundamental (ΔνO–H). While νO–H bands of the monomers of all the fluorophenols appear within a very narrow frequency range, the increase in ΔνO–H of the complexes from phenol to pentafluorophenol is very large, nearly 90%. The observed values of ΔνO–H do not show a linear correlation with the total binding energies (ΔEb) of the complexes, expected according to Badger-Bauer rule. However, in the same ΔνO–H vs ΔEb plot, nice linear correlations are revealed if the complexes of ortho-fluorophenols are treated separately from their meta/para-substituted analogues. The observations imply that in spite of having the same binding site (O–H⋯O) and the same chemical identities (phenolic), the complexes of ortho and non-ortho fluorophenols do not belong, from the viewpoint of detailed molecular interactions, to a homologous series. Linear correlations of ΔνO–H are, however, observed with respect to the electrostatic component of ΔEb as well as the quantum mechanical charge transfer interaction energy (ECT). From quantitative viewpoint, the latter correlation along with the associated electronic structure parameters appears more satisfactory. It has also been noted that the observed ΔνO–H values of the complexes display a linear relationship with the aqueous phase pKa values of the respective phenol derivatives.
Accelerating the convergence of higher-order coupled cluster methods
Authors: Matthews Devin A. , Stanton John F.
Published: November 2015

The problem of the generally inferior convergence behavior of higher-order coupled cluster methods, such as CCSDT and CCSDTQ, compared to CCSD is analyzed in terms of Møller-Plesset perturbation theory. A new structure for the CCSDT and CCSDTQ equations (and various approximations of these) is proposed which reorders contributions between the various cluster amplitudes and emphasizes lower-order corrections to the energy at each iteration. Numerical testing of the proposed method compared to the widely used direct inversion in the iterative subspace convergence acceleration technique shows significant improvement in the rate of convergence and total time-to-solution, especially for methods including quadruple excitations.
Solid-liquid work of adhesion of coarse-grained models of n-hexane on graphene layers derived from the conditional reversible work method
Authors: Ardham Vikram Reddy , Deichmann Gregor , van der Vegt Nico F. A. , Leroy Frédéric
Published: November 2015

We address the question of how reducing the number of degrees of freedom modifies the interfacial thermodynamic properties of heterogeneous solid-liquid systems. We consider the example of n-hexane interacting with multi-layer graphene which we model both with fully atomistic and coarse-grained (CG) models. The CG models are obtained by means of the conditional reversible work (CRW) method. The interfacial thermodynamics of these models is characterized by the solid-liquid work of adhesion WSL calculated by means of the dry-surface methodology through molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the CRW potentials lead to values of WSL that are larger than the atomistic ones. Clear understanding of the relationship between the structure of n-hexane in the vicinity of the surface and WSL is elucidated through a detailed study of the energy and entropy components of WSL. We highlight the crucial role played by the solid-liquid energy fluctuations. Our approach suggests that CG potentials should be designed in such a way that they preserve the range of solid-liquid interaction energies, but also their fluctuations in order to preserve the reference atomistic value of WSL. Our study thus opens perspectives into deriving CG interaction potentials that preserve the thermodynamics of solid-liquid contacts and will find application in studies that intend to address materials driven by interfaces.
Creating tuneable microwave media from a two-dimensional lattice of re-entrant posts
Authors: Goryachev Maxim , Tobar Michael E.
Published: November 2015

The potential capabilities of resonators based on two dimensional arrays of re-entrant posts is demonstrated. Such posts may be regarded as magnetically coupled lumped element microwave harmonic oscillators, arranged in a 2D lattices structure, which is enclosed in a 3D cavity. By arranging these elements in certain 2D patterns, we demonstrate how to achieve certain requirements with respect to field localisation and device spectra. Special attention is paid to symmetries of the lattices, mechanical tuning, design of areas of high localisation of magnetic energy; this in turn creates unique discrete mode spectra. We demonstrate analogies between systems designed on the proposed platform and well known physical phenomena such as polarisation, frustration, and Whispering Gallery Modes. The mechanical tunability of the cavity with multiple posts is analysed, and its consequences to optomechanical applications is calculated. One particular application to quantum memory is demonstrated with a cavity design consisting of separate resonators analogous to discrete Fabry–Pérot resonators. Finally, we propose a generalised approach to a microwave system design based on the concept of Programmable Cavity Arrays.
Development of a detachable high speed miniature scanning probe microscope for large area substrates inspection
Authors: Sadeghian Hamed , Herfst Rodolf , Winters Jasper , Crowcombe Will , Kramer Geerten , van den Dool Teun , van Es Maarten H.
Published: November 2015

We have developed a high speed, miniature scanning probe microscope (MSPM) integrated with a Positioning Unit (PU) for accurately positioning the MSPM on a large substrate. This combination enables simultaneous, parallel operation of many units on a large sample for high throughput measurements. The size of the MSPM is 19 × 45 × 70 mm3. It contains a one-dimensional flexure stage with counter-balanced actuation for vertical scanning with a bandwidth of 50 kHz and a z-travel range of more than 2 μm. This stage is mechanically decoupled from the rest of the MSPM by suspending it on specific dynamically determined points. The motion of the probe, which is mounted on top of the flexure stage is measured by a very compact optical beam deflection (OBD). Thermal noise spectrum measurements of short cantilevers show a bandwidth of 2 MHz and a noise of less than 15 fm/Hz1/2. A fast approach and engagement of the probe to the substrate surface have been achieved by integrating a small stepper actuator and direct monitoring of the cantilever response to the approaching surface. The PU has the same width as the MSPM, 45 mm and can position the MSPM to a pre-chosen position within an area of 275×30 mm2 to within 100 nm accuracy within a few seconds. During scanning, the MSPM is detached from the PU which is essential to eliminate mechanical vibration and drift from the relatively low-resonance frequency and low-stiffness structure of the PU. Although the specific implementation of the MSPM we describe here has been developed as an atomic force microscope, the general architecture is applicable to any form of SPM. This high speed MSPM is now being used in a parallel SPM architecture for inspection and metrology of large samples such as semiconductor wafers and masks.
Comparison of alpha and beta tin for lithium, sodium, and magnesium storage: Anab initiostudy including phonon contributions
Authors: Legrain F. , Malyi O. I. , Persson C. , Manzhos S.
Published: November 2015

We present a comparative ab initio study of Li, Na, and Mg storage in tin, including phononic effects and phase competition between α and β Sn. Mg doping at low concentration is found to stabilize the β phase. On the contrary, Li and Na doping is shown to reverse the stability of the phases at room temperature: Li/Na-doped α-Sn is more stable than Li/Na-doped β-Sn up to a temperature of around 380/400 K. This may rationalize the formation of α-Sn upon lithiation and delithiation of β-Sn anodes reported in experimental studies. The changes in phase stability with Li/Na/Mg doping are directly related to the intercalation energies of Li/Na/Mg in one phase versus the other: at 300 K, Li/Na is easier intercalated in α-Sn (−0.37/−0.08 eV) than in β-Sn (0.06/0.49 eV), while Mg intercalation energy is, although positive (i.e., unfavored intercalation), lower in β-Sn (0.53 eV) than in α-Sn (0.66 eV). The temperature effect is found to affect significantly the intercalation energy, by up to 0.13 eV at 300 K. Analysis of diffusion barriers shows that Li, Na, and Mg diffusion in β-Sn is anisotropic with migration barriers along the (001) direction (respectively, 0.01, 0.22, and 0.07 eV) significantly lower than those in α-Sn (respectively, 0.20, 0.52, and 0.40 eV).
Probabilistic evaluation of the impact of residential photovoltaic system on Malaysia low-voltage network using Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Tie Chin Ho , Gan Chin Kim , Ibrahim Khairul Anwar , Shamshiri Meysam
Published: November 2015

Electricity is usually generated in bulk from large scale conventional power stations and transmitted unidirectional from high to low voltage level where the users are located. More recently, the integration of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems has been gaining attention in Malaysia given their potential technical benefits and strong governmental support. However, investigation on the potential impact of residential rooftop PV systems on the distribution network has not been properly addressed in the Malaysian context. Therefore, this paper aims to probabilistically assess the impact of different levels of PV penetration on the Malaysian low-voltage (LV) distribution network using the Monte Carlo approach. More specifically, a real and typical residential network in Malaysia has been utilized and used as the test network in this paper. In addition, uncertainties in terms of PV generation intermittency, distribution of the connected PV system capacities as well as allocations of PV systems across the different phases of the network were considered in the study. These allow a more meaningful conclusion to be made. Furthermore, two types of networks, namely, newly developed and matured networks were considered in performing the network impact assessment study. The network output performance metrics include voltage profiles, voltage unbalance, feeder and transformer thermal limits, as well as network losses. The results from the study suggest voltage unbalance and voltage rise are the two main reasons that could limit the higher PV penetration level in typical Malaysian residential LV networks.
Compression induced phase transition of nematic brush: A mean-field theory study
Authors: Tang Jiuzhou , Zhang Xinghua , Yan Dadong
Published: November 2015

Responsive behavior of polymer brush to the external compression is one of the most important characters for its application. For the flexible polymer brush, in the case of low grafting density, which is widely studied by the Gaussian chain model based theory, the compression leads to a uniform deformation of the chain. However, in the case of high grafting density, the brush becomes anisotropic and the nematic phase will be formed. The normal compression tends to destroy the nematic order, which leads to a complex responsive behaviors. Under weak compression, chains in the nematic brush are buckled, and the bending energy and Onsager interaction give rise to the elasticity. Under deep compression, the responsive behaviors of the nematic polymer brush depend on the chain rigidity. For the compressed rigid polymer brush, the chains incline to re-orientate randomly to maximize the orientational entropy and its nematic order is destroyed. For the compressed flexible polymer brush, the chains incline to fold back to keep the nematic order. A buckling-folding transition takes place during the compressing process. For the compressed semiflexible brush, the chains are collectively tilted to a certain direction, which leads to the breaking of the rotational symmetry in the lateral plane. These responsive behaviors of nematic brush relate to the properties of highly frustrated worm-like chain, which is hard to be studied by the traditional self-consistent field theory due to the difficulty to solve the modified diffusion equation. To overcome this difficulty, a single chain in mean-field theory incorporating Monte Carlo simulation and mean-field theory for the worm-like chain model is developed in present work. This method shows high performance for entire region of chain rigidity in the confined condition.
Deformation in lead zirconate titanate ceramics under large signal electric field loading measured by digital image correlation
Authors: Chen Di , Kamlah Marc
Published: November 2015

Digital image correlation, a noncontact and nondestructive method, was employed to monitor the deformation of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics. This method is based on imaging a speckle pattern on the specimen surface during the test and subsequently correlating each image of the deformed pattern to that in the reference state. In our work, both longitudinal and transverse strains were calculated from imaging a bulk sample under a ±2 kV/mm electric field. Compared with linear variable displacement transducer data, the results from this correlation method were validated. At the same time, based on this optical technique, different strain-electric field butterfly loops can be drawn from correspondingly selected regions of interest. Combined with contour plots of strain on the surface of the sample, the deformation of bulk ceramic sample under uniaxial electric field loading without any mechanical constraints is proven to be highly homogenous under macro-observing scale.