bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reentrant equilibrium disordering in nanoparticle–polymer mixtures
Authors: Meng Dong , Kumar Sanat K. , Grest Gary S. , Mahynski Nathan A. , Panagiotopoulos Athanassios Z.
Published: January 2017

A large body of experimental work has established that athermal colloid/polymer mixtures undergo a sequence of transitions from a disordered fluid state to a colloidal crystal to a second disordered phase with increasing polymer concentration. These transitions are driven by polymer-mediated interparticle attraction, which is a function of both the polymer density and size. It has been posited that the disordered state at high polymer density is a consequence of strong interparticle attractions that kinetically inhibit the formation of the colloidal crystal, i.e., the formation of a non-equilibrium gel phase interferes with crystallization. Here we use molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory on polymers and nanoparticles (NPs) of comparable size and show that the crystal-disordered phase coexistence at high polymer density for sufficiently long chains corresponds to an equilibrium thermodynamic phase transition. While the crystal is, indeed, stabilized at intermediate polymer density by polymer-induced intercolloid attractions, it is destabilized at higher densities because long chains lose significant configurational entropy when they are forced to occupy all of the crystal voids. Our results are in quantitative agreement with existing experimental data and show that, at least in the nanoparticle limit of sufficiently small colloidal particles, the crystal phase only has a modest range of thermodynamic stability.
Comparison of dissimilarity measures for cluster analysis of X-ray diffraction data from combinatorial libraries
Authors: Iwasaki Yuma , Kusne A. Gilad , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: January 2017

Machine learning techniques have proven invaluable to manage the ever growing volume of materials research data produced as developments continue in high-throughput materials simulation, fabrication, and characterization. In particular, machine learning techniques have been demonstrated for their utility in rapidly and automatically identifying potential composition–phase maps from structural data characterization of composition spread libraries, enabling rapid materials fabrication-structure-property analysis and functional materials discovery. A key issue in development of an automated phase-diagram determination method is the choice of dissimilarity measure, or kernel function. The desired measure reduces the impact of confounding structural data issues on analysis performance. The issues include peak height changes and peak shifting due to lattice constant change as a function of composition. In this work, we investigate the choice of dissimilarity measure in X-ray diffraction-based structure analysis and the choice of measure’s performance impact on automatic composition-phase map determination. Nine dissimilarity measures are investigated for their impact in analyzing X-ray diffraction patterns for a Fe–Co–Ni ternary alloy composition spread. The cosine, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Jensen–Shannon divergence measures are shown to provide the best performance in the presence of peak height change and peak shifting (due to lattice constant change) when the magnitude of peak shifting is unknown. With prior knowledge of the maximum peak shifting, dynamic time warping in a normalized constrained mode provides the best performance. This work also serves to demonstrate a strategy for rapid analysis of a large number of X-ray diffraction patterns in general beyond data from combinatorial libraries.
Attenuated contact heat-evoked potentials associated with sensory and social-emotional symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chien Yi-Ling , Wu Shao-Wei , Chu Chih-Pang , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Chao Chi-Chao , Gau Susan Shur-Fen
Published: January 2017

Sensory disturbance is associated with socio-emotional problems in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most studies assess sensory symptoms by self-reports, which are largely limited by the language ability and self-awareness of the individuals. This study aims to investigate sensory disturbance by contact heat-evoked potentials (CHEP) in ASD individuals, and to examine the clinical correlates of CHEP parameters. We compared the CHEP parameters and reported pain between 31 ASD individuals (aged 20.5 ± 5.2 years) and and 22 typically-developing controls (TD, aged 21.4 ± 2.6), and correlated the CHEP parameters with self-reported sensory symptoms and attention/socio-emotional symptoms. We found that ASD individuals showed smaller P2-wave amplitudes than TD, even though they reported a similar level of pain. In TD individuals, a smaller P2-wave amplitude was related to higher scores on ‘low registration,’ ‘attention to detail,’ and ‘attention switching difficulties.’ In ASD individuals, longer N2-wave latency was related to higher scores on ‘sensory sensitivity’ and socio-emotional problems; while higher reported pain was associated with higher scores on ‘low registration,’ overall autistic severity, and longer N2-wave latency. Our findings of attenuated CHEP response in ASD, which was associated with sensory symptoms and socio-emotional problems, suggest a potential role for CHEP in studying sensory disturbances in ASD.
Comparative analysis of image classification methods for automatic diagnosis of ophthalmic images
Authors: Wang Liming , Zhang Kai , Liu Xiyang , Long Erping , Jiang Jiewei , An Yingying , Zhang Jia , Liu Zhenzhen , Lin Zhuoling , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Jingjing , Cao Qianzhong , Li Jing , Wu Xiaohang , Wang Dongni , Li Wangting , Lin Haotian
Published: January 2017

There are many image classification methods, but it remains unclear which methods are most helpful for analyzing and intelligently identifying ophthalmic images. We select representative slit-lamp images which show the complexity of ocular images as research material to compare image classification algorithms for diagnosing ophthalmic diseases. To facilitate this study, some feature extraction algorithms and classifiers are combined to automatic diagnose pediatric cataract with same dataset and then their performance are compared using multiple criteria. This comparative study reveals the general characteristics of the existing methods for automatic identification of ophthalmic images and provides new insights into the strengths and shortcomings of these methods. The relevant methods (local binary pattern +SVMs, wavelet transformation +SVMs) which achieve an average accuracy of 87% and can be adopted in specific situations to aid doctors in preliminarily disease screening. Furthermore, some methods requiring fewer computational resources and less time could be applied in remote places or mobile devices to assist individuals in understanding the condition of their body. In addition, it would be helpful to accelerate the development of innovative approaches and to apply these methods to assist doctors in diagnosing ophthalmic disease.
Inhibition of PDGFR signaling prevents muscular fatty infiltration after rotator cuff tear in mice
Authors: Shirasawa Hideyuki , Matsumura Noboru , Shimoda Masayuki , Oki Satoshi , Yoda Masaki , Tohmonda Takahide , Kanai Yae , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Horiuchi Keisuke
Published: January 2017

Fatty infiltration in muscle is often observed in patients with sizable rotator cuff tear (RCT) and is thought to be an irreversible event that significantly compromises muscle plasticity and contraction strength. These changes in the mechanical properties of the affected muscle render surgical repair of RCT highly formidable. Therefore, it is important to learn more about the pathology of fatty infiltration to prevent this undesired condition. In the present study, we aimed to generate a mouse model that can reliably recapitulate some of the important characteristics of muscular fatty infiltration after RCT in humans. We found that fatty infiltration can be efficiently induced by a combination of the following procedures: denervation of the suprascapular nerve, transection of the rotator cuff tendon, and resection of the humeral head. Using this model, we found that platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)-positive mesenchymal stem cells are induced after this intervention and that inhibition of PDGFR signaling by imatinib treatment can significantly suppress fatty infiltration. Taken together, the present study presents a reliable fatty infiltration mouse model and suggests a key role for PDGFRα-positive mesenchymal stem cells in the process of fatty infiltration after RCT in humans.
Thicker three-dimensional tissue from a “symbiotic recycling system” combining mammalian cells and algae
Authors: Haraguchi Yuji , Kagawa Yuki , Sakaguchi Katsuhisa , Matsuura Katsuhisa , Shimizu Tatsuya , Okano Teruo
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we report an in vitro co-culture system that combines mammalian cells and algae, Chlorococcum littorale, to create a three-dimensional (3-D) tissue. While the C2C12 mouse myoblasts and rat cardiac cells consumed oxygen actively, intense oxygen production was accounted for by the algae even in the co-culture system. Although cell metabolism within thicker cardiac cell-layered tissues showed anaerobic respiration, the introduction of innovative co-cultivation partially changed the metabolism to aerobic respiration. Moreover, the amount of glucose consumption and lactate production in the cardiac tissues and the amount of ammonia in the culture media decreased significantly when co-cultivated with algae. In the cardiac tissues devoid of algae, delamination was observed histologically, and the release of creatine kinase (CK) from the tissues showed severe cardiac cell damage. On the other hand, the layered cell tissues with algae were observed to be in a good histological condition, with less than one-fifth decline in CK release. The co-cultivation with algae improved the culture condition of the thicker tissues, resulting in the formation of 160 μm-thick cardiac tissues. Thus, the present study proposes the possibility of creating an in vitro “symbiotic recycling system” composed of mammalian cells and algae.
Foveal processing difficulty does not affect parafoveal preprocessing in young readers
Authors: Marx Christina , Hawelka Stefan , Schuster Sarah , Hutzler Florian
Published: January 2017

Recent evidence suggested that parafoveal preprocessing develops early during reading acquisition, that is, young readers profit from valid parafoveal information and exhibit a resultant preview benefit. For young readers, however, it is unknown whether the processing demands of the currently fixated word modulate the extent to which the upcoming word is parafoveally preprocessed – as it has been postulated (for adult readers) by the foveal load hypothesis. The present study used the novel incremental boundary technique to assess whether 4thand 6thGraders exhibit an effect of foveal load. Furthermore, we attempted to distinguish the foveal load effect from the spillover effect. These effects are hard to differentiate with respect to the expected pattern of results, but are conceptually different. The foveal load effect is supposed to reflect modulations of the extent of parafoveal preprocessing, whereas the spillover effect reflects the ongoing processing of the previous word whilst the reader’s fixation is already on the next word. The findings revealed that the young readers did not exhibit an effect of foveal load, but a substantial spillover effect. The implications for previous studies with adult readers and for models of eye movement control in reading are discussed.
The intervening domain from MeCP2 enhances the DNA affinity of the methyl binding domain and provides an independent DNA interaction site
Authors: Claveria-Gimeno Rafael , Lanuza Pilar M. , Morales-Chueca Ignacio , Jorge-Torres Olga C. , Vega Sonia , Abian Olga , Esteller Manel , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian
Published: January 2017

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) preferentially interacts with methylated DNA and it is involved in epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodelling. Mutations in MeCP2 are linked to Rett syndrome, the leading cause of intellectual retardation in girls and causing mental, motor and growth impairment. Unstructured regions in MeCP2 provide the plasticity for establishing interactions with multiple binding partners. We present a biophysical characterization of the methyl binding domain (MBD) from MeCP2 reporting the contribution of flanking domains to its structural stability and dsDNA interaction. The flanking disordered intervening domain (ID) increased the structural stability of MBD, modified its dsDNA binding profile from an entropically-driven moderate-affinity binding to an overwhelmingly enthalpically-driven high-affinity binding. Additionally, ID provided an additional site for simultaneously and autonomously binding an independent dsDNA molecule, which is a key feature linked to the chromatin remodelling and looping activity of MeCP2, as well as its ability to interact with nucleosomes replacing histone H1. The dsDNA interaction is characterized by an unusually large heat capacity linked to a cluster of water molecules trapped within the binding interface. The dynamics of disordered regions together with extrinsic factors are key determinants of MeCP2 global structural properties and functional capabilities.
Therapeutic properties of Scutellaria baicalensis in db/db mice evaluated using Connectivity Map and network pharmacology
Authors: Kim Bu-Yeo , Song Kwang Hoon , Lim Chi-Yeon , Cho Su-In
Published: January 2017

We have reported that an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (ESB) has effects against obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in type 2 diabetic animal model (db/db mouse). In the present study, we tried to explain the pharmacological effects of ESB by integrating gene expression information from db/db mouse liver with that of ESB-treated HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Using Connectivity Map (cmap) analysis, we found an inverse relationship in the pharmaceutical profiles based on gene expression between db/db mouse liver and ESB-treated HepG2 cells. This inverse relationship between the two data sets was also observed for pathway activities. Functional network analysis showed that biological functions associated with diabetes and lipid metabolism were commonly enriched in both data sets. We also observed a similarity in distribution of cmap enrichment scores between db/db mouse liver and human diabetic liver, whereas there was an inverse pattern of cmap enrichment scores in human diabetic liver compared with ESB-treated HepG2 cells. This relationship might explain the pharmacological activities of ESB against db/db mouse and possible effectiveness of ESB against human diabetes. We expect that our approach using in vitro cell lines could be applied in predicting the pharmacological effectiveness of herbal drugs in in vivo systems.
Analysis of the Prevalence and Factors Associated with Nocturia in Adult Korean Men
Authors: Kim So Young , Bang Woojin , Kim Min-Su , Park Bumjung , Kim Jin-Hwan , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with nocturia in Korean men. A total of 92,626 participants aged between 19 and 103 years from the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) were enrolled. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses with complex sampling investigated participants’ personal health and socioeconomic and disease factors. The prevalence of nocturia ≥1 time and ≥2 times/night was 41.8% and 17.6%, respectively, and nocturia increased with age (1.44 [1.39–1.50] for each 10-year increase, P < 0.001). Lower income levels (lowest, 1.27 [1.19–1.36]; low-middle, 1.13 [1.07–1.19]; upper-middle, 1.00 [0.95–1.06], P = 0.022) and higher levels of stress (severe, 1.38 [1.23–1.55]; moderate, 1.23 [1.16–1.31]; some, 1.11 [1.05–1.16]) exhibited dose-dependent relationships with nocturia (≥1 time; P < 0.001). Low education level (1.27 [1.20–1.36]), long sleep duration (1.33 [1.18–1.50]), and type of occupation showed significant associations with nocturia (≥1 time; P < 0.001). Underweight (1.19 [1.05–1.34]), hypertension (1.09 [1.03–1.15]), diabetes mellitus (1.32 [1.23–1.41]), hyperlipidaemia (1.28 [1.20–1.35]), and cerebral stroke (1.63 [1.40–1.89]) were significantly related to nocturia (≥1 time; P < 0.001). Married men were less likely to experience nocturia ≥2 times per night (0.72 [0.64–0.82], P < 0.001).
Cortisol Awakening Response and Acute Stress Reactivity in First Nations People
Authors: Berger Maximus , Leicht Anthony , Slatcher Angela , Kraeuter Ann Katrin , Ketheesan Sarangan , Larkins Sarah , Sarnyai Zoltán
Published: January 2017

First Nations people globally have a higher incidence of mental disorders and non-communicable diseases. These health inequalities are partially attributed to a complex network of social and environmental factors which likely converge on chronic psychosocial stress. We hypothesized that alterations in stress processing and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis might underlie health disparities in First Nations people. We assessed the cortisol awakening response and the dynamic response to a laboratory induced psychosocial stress of young Indigenous tertiary students (n = 11, mean age 23.82 years) and non-Indigenous students (n = 11) matched for age and gender. Indigenous participants had a blunted cortisol awakening response (27.40 (SD 35.00) vs. 95.24 (SD 55.23), p = 0.002), which was differentially associated with chronic experience of stress in Indigenous (r = −0.641, p = 0.046) and non-Indigenous (r = 0.652, p = 0.03) participants. The cortisol response to the laboratory induced psychosocial stress did not differ between groups. Self-reported racial discrimination was strongly associated with flattened cortisol response to stress (r = −0676, p = 0.022) and with heart rate variability (r = 0.654, p = 0.040). Our findings provide insight into potential biological factors underlying health discrepancies in ethnic minority groups.
Quality Control by Isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase of Bacillus subtilis Is Required for Efficient Sporulation
Authors: Kermgard Elizabeth , Yang Zhou , Michel Annika-Marisa , Simari Rachel , Wong Jacqueline , Ibba Michael , Lazazzera Beth A.
Published: January 2017

Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS) is an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase whose essential function is to aminoacylate tRNAIle with isoleucine. Like some other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, IleRS can mischarge tRNAIle and correct this misacylation through a separate post-transfer editing function. To explore the biological significance of this editing function, we created a ileS(T233P) mutant of Bacillus subtilis that allows tRNAIle mischarging while retaining wild-type Ile-tRNAIle synthesis activity. As seen in other species defective for aminoacylation quality control, the growth rate of the ileS(T233P) strain was not significantly different from wild-type. When the ileS(T233P) strain was assessed for its ability to promote distinct phenotypes in response to starvation, the ileS(T233P) strain was observed to exhibit a significant defect in formation of environmentally resistant spores. The sporulation defect ranged from 3-fold to 30-fold and was due to a delay in activation of early sporulation genes. The loss of aminoacylation quality control in the ileS(T233P) strain resulted in the inability to compete with a wild-type strain under selective conditions that required sporulation. These data show that the quality control function of IleRS is required in B. subtilis for efficient sporulation and suggests that editing by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases may be important for survival under starvation/nutrient limitation conditions.
The β and γ subunits play distinct functional roles in the α2βγ heterotetramer of human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Peng Yingjie , Huang Wei , Liu Yabing , Ding Jianping
Published: January 2017

Human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase existing as the α2βγ heterotetramer, catalyzes the decarboxylation of isocitrate into α-ketoglutarate in the Krebs cycle, and is allosterically regulated by citrate, ADP and ATP. To explore the functional roles of the regulatory β and γ subunits, we systematically characterized the enzymatic properties of the holoenzyme and the composing αβ and αγ heterodimers in the absence and presence of regulators. The biochemical and mutagenesis data show that αβ and αγ alone have considerable basal activity but the full activity of α2βγ requires the assembly and cooperative function of both heterodimers. α2βγ and αγ can be activated by citrate or/and ADP, whereas αβ cannot. The binding of citrate or/and ADP decreases the S0.5,isocitrate and thus enhances the catalytic efficiencies of the enzymes, and the two activators can act independently or synergistically. Moreover, ATP can activate α2βγ and αγ at low concentration and inhibit the enzymes at high concentration, but has only inhibitory effect on αβ. Furthermore, the allosteric activation of α2βγ is through the γ subunit not the β subunit. These results demonstrate that the γ subunit plays regulatory role to activate the holoenzyme, and the β subunit the structural role to facilitate the assembly of the holoenzyme.
Hemin-micelles immobilized in alginate hydrogels as artificial enzymes with peroxidase-like activity and substrate selectivity
Authors: Qu Rui , Shi Hejin , Wang Ruolin , Cheng Tangjian , Ma Rujiang , An Yingli , Shi Linqi
Published: January 2017

Hemin-micelles immobilized in hydrogels were designed, which function as efficient artificial enzymes with high catalytic activity and substrate selectivity.
Peptide-functionalized semiconductor surfaces: strong surface electronic effects from minor alterations to backbone composition
Authors: Matmor Maayan , Lengyel George A. , Horne W. Seth , Ashkenasy Nurit
Published: January 2017

Semiconductor surface electronic properties are shown to be sensitive to subtle changes in the backbone composition of surface-bound dipeptide ligands.
Enhanced photovoltaic performance of polymer-filled nanoporous Si hybrid structures
Authors: Gang Minjae , Lee Joo-Hyoung
Published: January 2017

Density functional theory calculations predict a sharp enhancement in the photovoltaic performance of nanoporous Si/polymer hybrid structures.
Mimics of pramanicin derived from pyroglutamic acid and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Tan Song Wei Benjamin , Chai Christina L. L. , Moloney Mark G.
Published: January 2017

Mono and dihydroxypyrrolidinones are readily available by direct oxygenation of a pyroglutamate-derived bicyclic lactam with high diastereoselectivity, and these may be manipulated further in protected or unprotected form by Grignard addition to a pendant Weinreb amide to give acylhydroxypyrrolidinones.
Synthesis and investigation of a self-assembled hydrogel based on hydroxyethyl cellulose and itsin vitroibuprofen drug release characteristics
Authors: Sun Nan , Wang Ting , Yan Xiufeng
Published: January 2017

IBU is solubilized and encapsulated by β-CDP. Then C12side-chain grafting onto HEC forms inclusion complexes with the cavities of β-CDP in β-CDP/IBU through host–guest interactions to form a new self-assembled hydrogel gel-(β)CDP-HEC/IBU.
Light-induced synthesis of triazine N-oxide-based cross-linked polymers for effective photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange
Authors: Li Yangxue , Zhang Wei , Wang Jian , Lu Haojie , Liu Yu , Liu Zhi , Xie Zhigang
Published: January 2017

The polymeric aromatic N-oxides (LCPO-1 and LCPO-2) as organic metal-free photocatalysts have shown great potential in the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) in solution.
Multiple Li+- and Mg2+-decorated PAHs: potential systems for reversible hydrogen storage
Authors: Ghosh Avik , Debnath Tanay , Ash Tamalika , Das Abhijit K.
Published: January 2017

Computational exploration of hydrogen storage efficiency of multiple metal ion (Li+/Mg2+)-decorated PAHs.
Cyclam te1pa for64Cu PET imaging. Bioconjugation to antibody, radiolabeling and preclinical application in xenografted colorectal cancer
Authors: Frindel Mathieu , Le Saëc Patricia , Beyler Maryline , Navarro Anne-Sophie , Saï-Maurel Catherine , Alliot Cyrille , Chérel Michel , Gestin Jean-François , Faivre-Chauvet Alain , Tripier Raphaël
Published: January 2017

te1pa conjugated to an F6 antibody was confirmed to be an interesting alternative to dota for64Cuin vivoPET imaging.
Self-assembled hybrid hydrogels based on an amphipathic low molecular weight peptide derivative and a water-soluble poly(para-phenylene vinylene)
Authors: Rubio-Magnieto Jenifer , Tena-Solsona Marta , Escuder Beatriu , Surin Mathieu
Published: January 2017

The self-assembly of an amphipathic low molecular weight peptide and a water-soluble π-conjugated polyelectrolyte is studied in order to form hybrid hydrogel materials with synergistic properties.
Further exploring the feasibility of dendritic cells-targeted biomimetic Texosomes as a therapeutic and preventive tumor-vaccine
Authors: Li Kexin , Chang Shasha , Zhao Xiuli , Chen Dawei
Published: January 2017

Targeting tumor cells with immunotherapy by a dendritic cells-targeted vaccination is a potential treatment option.
Investigation of pseudo-polyanion formation between polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium dodecanoate in aqueous solution by capillary electrophoresis, conductometry, tensiometry and calcium stability
Authors: Wu Yefan , Chen Miaomiao , Fang Yun , Wang Wangsong
Published: January 2017

H-bonding replaces sodium bridging in the PVP–SD complexation with pH reduction.
The influence of Na2O on the fast diffusion layer around diopside crystals
Authors: Fan Wendi , Liu Bo , Yang Jian , Zhang Shengen
Published: January 2017

The Na+ content in the glass phase is higher than that in the crystal phase, which leads to the establishment of a fast diffusion layer.
Unusual H/D isotope effect in isomerization and keto–enol tautomerism reactions of pyruvic acid: nuclear quantum effect restricts some rotational isomerization reactions
Authors: Udagawa Taro , Sugiura Keita , Suzuki Kimichi , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: January 2017

H/D isotope effects on isomerization and keto–enol tautomerism reactions of the pyruvic acid molecule have been investigated using the multicomponent B3LYP methods, which can take account of the nuclear quantum effect of protons and deuterons.
Polydopamine assisted functionalization of boronic acid on magnetic nanoparticles for the selective extraction of ribosylated metabolites from urine
Authors: Mohyuddin Abrar , Hussain Dilshad , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad
Published: January 2017

A novel strategy for the rapid and selective extraction of ribosylated metabolites by dopamine assisted functionalization of boronic acid on magnetic (Fe3O4@PDA-FPBA) nanoparticles has been demonstrated under optimized conditions.
Arylidene indanone scaffold: medicinal chemistry and structure–activity relationship view
Authors: Menezes José C. J. M. D. S.
Published: January 2017

Arylidene indanone (AI) scaffolds are considered as the rigid cousins of chalcones, incorporating the α,β-unsaturated ketone system of chalcones forming a cyclic 5 membered ring.
Pencil-drawing assembly to prepare graphite/MWNT hybrids for high performance integrated paper supercapacitors
Authors: Yu Yizhen , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2017

Here we demonstrate a facile and scalable method to fabricate paper-based SCs by an improved pencil drawing strategy. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes are directly assembled onto pencil graphite flakes to form controllable graphite/MWNT frameworks, which act as high-performance electrodes.
In situ growth of α-Fe2O3 nanorod arrays on 3D carbon foam as an efficient binder-free electrode for highly sensitive and specific determination of nitrite
Authors: Ma Yue , Song Xiangyang , Ge Xiao , Zhang Haimin , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Zhao Huijun
Published: January 2017

3D α-Fe2O3 nanorod arrays (NAs)/carbon foam (CF) architectures have been successfully fabricated as binder-free electrodes for the determination of nitrite, exhibiting high sensitivity and excellent specific recognition as well as feasibility in real water samples.
Nanoscaled porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks: photosensitizer delivery systems for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Bůžek Daniel , Zelenka Jaroslav , Ulbrich Pavel , Ruml Tomáš , Křížová Ivana , Lang Jan , Kubát Pavel , Demel Jan , Kirakci Kaplan , Lang Kamil
Published: January 2017

PCN-222/MOF-545 nanoparticles cause apoptosis of cancer cells upon visible light irradiation. The phototoxicity of the nanoparticles is deactivated after several hours, which is an attractive feature to avoid post-treatment photosensitization issues.
C-Axis oriented crystalline IGZO thin-film transistors by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Wen Xizhang , Hu Luyao , Xu Wangying , Zhu Deliang , Cao Peijiang , Liu Wenjun , Han Shun , Liu Xinke , Jia Fang , Zeng Yuxiang , Lu Youming
Published: January 2017

We successfully fabricated c-axis oriented crystalline IGZO films at room temperature by magnetron sputtering.
Towards a non intrusive method for solving coupled direct retrograde problem in transient dynamics
Authors: Nouisri A. , Allix O. , Dorival O.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this work is to solve within a standard finite element software, the direct-retrograde coupled time hyperbolic problems that arise when dealing with the identification of material parameters in dynamic in presence of corrupted measurements by means of the adjoint state approach. This question has given rise among others to Riccati methods and shooting methods. Those methods have several drawbacks, namely their numerical complexity and the fact that their implementation in a commercial software would require to entirely re-design the implementation, which is nearly impossible. Therefore we are seeking an iterative method which could be easily implemented. The proposed method solves alternatively a direct problem and a retrograde one. In order to ensure its convergence a relaxation scheme is applied and optimized. Comparisons between the proposed approach and Riccati and shooting methods in terms of complexity, numerical cost and robustness are given in the case of an elastic bar.
Core or periphery? The effects of country-of-origin agglomerations on the within-country expansion of MNEs
Authors: Stallkamp Maximilian , Pinkham Brian C , Schotter Andreas P J , Buchel Olha
Published: January 2017

We show how the initial subnational entry location of foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) in China influences their subsequent within-country location choices and expansion speed. We distinguish between MNEs that establish their first subsidiary in co-ethnic cores – dense agglomerations of other firms from the same country of origin – and MNEs that locate their first subsidiary in the periphery, i.e., outside of these co-ethnic cores. To identify co-ethnic cores in China, we employ a geo-visualization methodology, which draws the boundaries of cores organically and dynamically over time. We contrast our findings with the prevailing approach of using static administrative boundaries for identifying agglomerations. Our results provide evidence of path dependency, in that (a) entry through subnational locations with strong co-ethnic communities is followed by expansion into other locations where co-ethnic communities are present, and that (b) entry through co-ethnic communities accelerates the pace at which MNEs establish additional subsidiaries in China. We also find that co-ethnic community effects continue to influence within-country MNE activities over time, despite a host of economic, institutional, and investment developments.
Tunable acoustic attenuation in dilute suspensions of subwavelength, non-spherical magnetic particles
Authors: Yuan W. , Liu L. , Shan J. W.
Published: January 2017

The microstructure (e.g., particle orientation and chaining) of suspensions of non-spherical ferromagnetic particles can be controlled by an external field, potentially making it possible to tune the acoustic properties of the suspension. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that dilute suspensions of subwavelength-sized oblate-spheroidal nickel particles exhibit up to a 35% change in attenuation coefficient at MHz frequencies upon changing the direction of an external magnetic field, for particle volume fractions of only 0.5%. Comparison is made to suspensions of spherical particles, in which the attenuation is smaller and nearly isotropic. Optical transmission measurements and analysis of the characteristic timescales of particle alignment and chaining are also performed to investigate the reasons for this acoustic anisotropy. The alignment of the oblate-spheroidal particles is found to be the dominant mechanism for the anisotropic and tunable acoustic attenuation of these suspensions.
Tunable band gap of MoS2-SiC van der Waals heterostructures under normal strain and an external electric field
Authors: Min Luo , E Xu Yu , Xi Song Yu
Published: January 2017

The structure and electronic properties of the MoS2/SiC van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures under an influence of normal strain and an external electric field have been investigated by the first-principles method. Our results reveal that the compressive strain has much influence on the band gap of the vdW heterostructures and the band gap monotonically increases from 0.955 to 1.343 eV. The results also imply that electrons are likely to transfer from MoS2 to SiC monolayer due to the deeper potential of SiC monolayer. Interestingly, by applying a vertical external electric field, the results present a parabola-like relationship between the band gap and the strength. As the E-field changes from -0.55 to +0.18 V/Å, the band gap first increases from zero to a maximum of about 1.76 eV and then decreases to zero. The significant variations of band gap are owing to different states of Mo, S, Si, and C atoms in conduction band and valence band. The predicted electric field tunable band gap of the MoS2/SiC vdW heterostructures is very promising for its potential use in nanodevices.
Characterization of blowup for the Navier-Stokes equations using vector potentials
Authors: Ohkitani Koji
Published: January 2017

We characterize a possible blowup for the 3D Navier-Stokes on the basis of dynamical equations for vector potentials 𝑨. This is motivated by a known interpolation ∥𝑨∥BMO≤∥𝒖∥L3, together with recent mathematical results. First, by working out an inversion formula for singular integrals that appear in the governing equations, we derive a criterion using the nonlinear term of 𝑨 as ∫0t∗∥∂𝑨∂t−ν△𝑨∥L∞dt=∞ for a blowup at t∗. Second, for a particular form of a scale-invariant singularity of the nonlinear term we show that the vector potential becomes unbounded in its L∞ and BMO norms. Using the stream function, we also consider the 2D Navier-Stokes equations to seek an alternative proof of their known global regularity. It is not yet proven that the BMO norm of vector potentials in 3D (or, the stream function in 2D) serve as a blow up criterion in more general cases.
Carrier delocalization in InAs/InGaAlAs/InP quantum-dash-based tunnel injection system for 1.55 µm emission
Authors: Rudno-Rudziński W. , Syperek M. , Andrzejewski J. , Maryński A. , Misiewicz J. , Somers A. , Höfling S. , Reithmaier J. P. , Sęk G.
Published: January 2017

We have investigated optical properties of hybrid two-dimensional-zero-dimensional (2D-0D) tunnel structures containing strongly elongated InAs/InP(001) quantum dots (called quantum dashes), emitting at 1.55 μm. These quantum dashes (QDashes) are separated by a 2.3 nm-width barrier from an InGaAs quantum well (QW), lattice matched to InP. We have tailored quantum-mechanical coupling between the states confined in QDashes and a QW by changing the QW thickness. By combining modulation spectroscopy and photoluminescence excitation, we have determined the energies of all relevant optical transitions in the system and proven the carrier transfer from the QW to the QDashes, which is the fundamental requirement for the tunnel injection scheme. A transformation between 0D and mixed-type 2D-0D character of an electron and a hole confinement in the ground state of the hybrid system have been probed by time-resolved photoluminescence that revealed considerable changes in PL decay time with the QW width changes. The experimental discoveries have been explained by band structure calculations in the framework of the eight-band k⋅p model showing that they are driven by delocalization of the lowest energy hole state. The hole delocalization process from the 0D QDash confinement is unfavorable for optical devices based on such tunnel injection structures.
In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Investigations of RuII Complexes with Bispyrazolyl Methane Triarylamine Ligands
Authors: Hua Carol , Abrahams Brendan F. , Tuna Floriana , Collison David , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: January 2017

The synthesis and characterization of two triarylamine ligands, 4-(di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-N-(4-(di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)-N-phenylaniline (TPA-2bpm) and tris(4-(di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)amine (TPA-3bpm), containing the bispyrazolylmethane moiety and its RuII terpyridine complexes are presented. The redox properties of the ligands and RuII complexes are explored in detail through cyclic and square-wave voltammetry in addition to in situ UV-vis-near infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance, and fluorescence spectroelectrochemistry. It was demonstrated that the triarylamine radical cation was able to be generated, and further, TPA-2bpm underwent an electrochemically induced dimerization process.
Le rôle du figement dans le traitement de la synonymie au sein du champ de la colère
Authors: Sorba Julie , Goossens Vannina
Published: January 2017

Cette étude vise à mettre en évidence, dans une perspective fonctionnelle, les caractéristiques spécifiques de quatre lexies d’affect, présentées comme synonymes, au sein des collocations où elles apparaissent (rage, fureur, rageur, furieux). Les analyses de la combinatoire de ces lexies, menées sur un vaste corpus, permettent d’opérer à trois niveaux (sémantique, syntaxique et textuel) afin d’élargir la description de manière systématique à la dimension discursive. Nous montrons ainsi que le profil discursif de chacune des lexies fournit des éléments pertinents pour distinguer les synonymes entre eux.
Les modes expriment-ils des modalités ?
Authors: Gosselin Laurent
Published: January 2017

Cet article traite la question du choix du mode, indicatif ou du subjonctif, dans les complétives objet en français. Une attention particulière est portée sur les verbes recteurs, la négation, l’interrogation, l’impératif, la subordination hypothétique … Nous montrons que les hypothèses actuelles sur la signification des modes conduisent à des prédictions fausses, et sont donc réfutées. Dans le cadre de la Théorie Modulaire des Modalités (Gosselin 2010), nous proposons une explication nouvelle en termes de convergence / divergence entre les contraintes sur la modalité, associées aux modes, aux verbes, à la négation, à l’interrogation, etc. Cette explication est fondée sur la thèse selon laquelle les modes n’expriment pas la modalité, mais seulement des contraintes sur la modalité (au sens large).
Effect of oil droplet size on the oxidative stability of spray-dried flaxseed oil powders
Authors: Shiga Hirokazu , Loon Neoh Tze , Ninomiya Ai , Adachi Sae , Pasten Ignacio Lopez , Adachi Shuji , Yoshii Hidefumi
Published: January 2017

The effect of the size of oil droplets on the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil in spray-dried powders was investigated. Maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of 25 was used as a wall material, and sodium caseinate and transglutaminase-polymerized sodium caseinate were used as emulsifiers. The oxidative stability of flaxseed oil encapsulated in the spray-dried powders was evaluated using lipid oxidation and conductometric determination tests at 105 °C. The powders containing larger oil droplets exhibited higher surface oil content after spray drying, and higher peroxide value and conductivity after storage at 105 °C. Removal of the surface oil from the powders by washing with hexane significantly decreased the conductivity. The results indicated that the surface oil of the spray-dried flaxseed oil powders affected the oxidation stability.
Is Liberal Studies a political instrument in the secondary school curriculum? Lessons from the Umbrella Movement in post‐colonial Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Dennis Chun-Lok , Lui Wai-Mei
Published: January 2017

This paper examines whether Hong Kong teachers and students perceived Liberal Studies and its ongoing curriculum review as politically driven during and after the Umbrella Movement, a large‐scale civil disobedience campaign that took place in September 2014. The findings presented herein show that both groups disagreed with the claim that Liberal Studies was used as a political instrument to instigate students’ participation in the protest movement. Moreover, they also reveal that teachers have maintained their neutrality towards controversial issues related to politics during Liberal Studies lessons. Whilst the participating teachers and students considered the government's proposed reform of Liberal Studies to be politically motivated, they held differing attitudes towards the addition of more China‐related elements to the subject. On the basis of these results, this paper analyses the potential role of Liberal Studies in the democratisation of local society. It also provides an indication of the curriculum's dynamic nature, explanation of students’ resistance to the review policy and suggestions for the subject's future development.
Localization of mTORC2 activity inside cells
Authors: Ebner Michael , Sinkovics Benjamin , Szczygieł Magdalena , Ribeiro Daniela Wolfschoon , Yudushkin Ivan
Published: January 2017

Activation of protein kinase Akt via its direct phosphorylation by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 2 (mTORC2) couples extracellular growth and survival cues with pathways controlling cell growth and proliferation, yet how growth factors target the activity of mTORC2 toward Akt is unknown. In this study, we examine the localization of the obligate mTORC2 component, mSin1, inside cells and report the development of a reporter to examine intracellular localization and regulation by growth factors of the endogenous mTORC2 activity. Using a combination of imaging and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that inside cells, mTORC2 activity localizes to the plasma membrane, mitochondria, and a subpopulation of endosomal vesicles. We show that unlike the endosomal pool, the activity and localization of mTORC2 via the Sin1 pleckstrin homology domain at the plasma membrane is PI3K and growth factor independent. Furthermore, we show that membrane recruitment is sufficient for Akt phosphorylation in response to growth factors. Our results indicate the existence of spatially separated mTORC2 populations with distinct sensitivity to PI3K inside cells and suggest that intracellular localization could contribute to regulation of mTORC2 activity toward Akt.
Modeling of Agricultural Markets and Prices Using Causality and Path Analysis
Authors: Blank Steven C. , Schmiesing Brian H.
Published: January 2017

This study proposes and evaluates a new procedure for use in analysis of both agricultural markets and prices. Causal models of both corn and wheat prices are presented as empirical examples. Results have implications for both grain market structure and the robustness of Granger‐type causality tests.
Elevated Pulse Pressure Levels Are Associated With Increased In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Chang Jason J. , Khorchid Yasser , Dillard Kira , Kerro Ali , Burgess Lucia Goodwin , Cherkassky Georgy , Goyal Nitin , Chapple Kristina , Alexandrov Anne W. , Buechner David , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVES

Clinical outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains poor. Definitive phase-3 trials in ICH have failed to demonstrate improved outcomes with intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering. We sought to determine whether other BP parameters—diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP)—showed an association with clinical outcome in ICH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of 672 patients with spontaneous ICH and documented demographic characteristics, stroke severity, and neuroimaging parameters. Consecutive hourly BP recordings allowed for computation of SBP, DBP, PP, and MAP. Threshold BP values that transitioned patients from survival to death were determined from ROC curves. Using in-hospital mortality as outcome, BP parameters were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Patients who died during hospitalization had higher mean PP compared to survivors (68.5 ± 16.4 mm Hg vs. 65.4 ± 12.4 mm Hg; P = 0.032). The following admission variables were associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001): poorer admission clinical condition, intraventricular hemorrhage, and increased admission normalized hematoma volume. ROC analysis showed that mean PP dichotomized at 72.17 mm Hg, provided a transition point that maximized sensitivity and specific for mortality. The association of this increased dichotomized PP with higher in-hospital mortality was maintained in multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–5.3; P < 0.001) adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

Widened PP may be an independent predictor for higher mortality in ICH. This association requires further study.
The parable of the caveman and the Ferrari: protein synthesis and the RNA world
Authors: Noller Harry F.
Published: January 2017

The basic steps of protein synthesis are carried out by the ribosome, a very large and complex ribonucleoprotein particle. In keeping with its proposed emergence from an RNA world, all three of its core mechanisms—aminoacyl-tRNA selection, catalysis of peptide bond formation and coupled translocation of mRNA and tRNA—are embodied in the properties of ribosomal RNA, while its proteins play a supportive role.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Perspectives on the ribosome’.
Combination antiretroviral therapy and cell–cell spread of wild-type and drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus-1
Authors: Titanji Boghuma Kabisen , Pillay Deenan , Jolly Clare
Published: January 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) disseminates between T cells either by cell-free infection or by highly efficient direct cell–cell spread. The high local multiplicity that characterizes cell–cell infection causes variability in the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs applied as single agents. Whereas protease inhibitors (PIs) are effective inhibitors of HIV-1 cell–cell and cell-free infection, some reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) show reduced potency; however, antiretrovirals are not administered as single agents and are used clinically as combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Here we explored the efficacy of PI- and RTI-based cART against cell–cell spread of wild-type and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains. Using a quantitative assay to measure cell–cell spread of HIV-1 between T cells, we evaluated the efficacy of different clinically relevant drug combinations. We show that combining PIs and RTIs improves the potency of inhibition of HIV-1 and effectively blocks both cell-free and cell–cell spread. Combining drugs that alone are poor inhibitors of cell–cell spread markedly improves HIV-1 inhibition, demonstrating that clinically relevant combinations of ART can inhibit this mode of HIV-1 spread. Furthermore, comparison of wild-type and drug-resistant viruses reveals that PI- and RTI-resistant viruses have a replicative advantage over wild-type virus when spreading by cell–cell means in the presence of cART, suggesting that in the context of inadequate drug combinations or drug resistance, cell–cell spread could potentially allow for ongoing viral replication.