bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PKA, PHO and stress response pathways regulate the expression of UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase through Msn2/4 in budding yeast
Authors: Yi Dae-Gwan , Huh Won-Ki
Published: July 2015

Ugp1, a UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, is essential for various cellular activities in Saccharomyces cerevisiae because its product, UDP‐glucose, is a sole glucosyl donor in several metabolic pathways. Here, we report that Msn2/4 play a crucial role in the regulation of UGP1 expression. Msn2/4 bound to three stress response elements in the UGP1 promoter in a protein kinase A (PKA)‐dependent manner. Several stresses induced UGP1 transcription, suggesting that the regulation of UGP1 mediated by Msn2/4 is involved in general stress response. Furthermore, the phosphate response (PHO) pathway also controlled Msn2/4‐dependent regulation of UGP1, providing a novel link between the PKA and PHO pathways. Our data suggest that signals of the PKA, PHO and stress response pathways regulate UGP1 expression via Msn2/4 in S. cerevisiae.
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative phase 2: Increasing the length, breadth, and depth of our understanding
Authors: Beckett Laurel A. , Donohue Michael C. , Wang Cathy , Aisen Paul , Harvey Danielle J. , Saito Naomi ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a multisite study designed to characterize the trajectories of biomarkers across the aging process. We present ADNI Biostatistics Core analyses that integrate data over the length, breadth, and depth of ADNI.

Methods

Relative progression of key imaging, fluid, and clinical measures was assessed. Individuals with subjective memory complaints (SMC) and early mild cognitive impairment (eMCI) were compared with normal controls (NC), MCI, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) summaries were assessed as predictors of disease progression.

Results

Relative progression of markers supports parts of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, although evidence of earlier occurrence of cognitive change exists. SMC are similar to NC, whereas eMCI fall between the cognitively normal and MCI groups. Amyloid leads to faster conversion and increased cognitive impairment.

Discussion

Analyses support features of the amyloid hypothesis, but also illustrate the considerable heterogeneity in the aging process.
Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 2 Clinical Core: Progress and plans
Authors: Aisen Paul S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Donohue Michael , Weiner Michael W. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2015

Introduction

This article reviews the current status of the Clinical Core of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), and summarizes planning for the next stage of the project.

Methods

Clinical Core activities and plans were synthesized based on discussions among the Core leaders and external advisors.

Results

The longitudinal data in ADNI‐2 provide natural history data on a clinical trials population and continue to inform refinement and standardization of assessments, models of trajectories, and clinical trial methods that have been extended into sporadic preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Discussion

Plans for the next phase of the ADNI project include maintaining longitudinal follow‐up of the normal and mild cognitive impairment cohorts, augmenting specific clinical cohorts, and incorporating novel computerized cognitive assessments and patient‐reported outcomes. A major hypothesis is that AD represents a gradually progressive disease that can be identified precisely in its long presymptomatic phase, during which intervention with potentially disease‐modifying agents may be most useful.
Genetic studies of quantitative MCI and AD phenotypes in ADNI: Progress, opportunities, and plans
Authors: Saykin Andrew J. , Shen Li , Yao Xiaohui , Kim Sungeun , Nho Kwangsik , Risacher Shannon L. , Ramanan Vijay K. , Foroud Tatiana M. , Faber Kelley M. , Sarwar Nadeem , Munsie Leanne M. , Hu Xiaolan , Soares Holly D. , Potkin Steven G. , Thompson Paul M. , Kauwe John S.K. , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Green Robert C. , Toga Arthur W. , Weiner Michael W. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Genetic data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) have been crucial in advancing the understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Here, we provide an update on sample collection, scientific progress and opportunities, conceptual issues, and future plans.

Methods

Lymphoblastoid cell lines and DNA and RNA samples from blood have been collected and banked, and data and biosamples have been widely disseminated. To date, APOE genotyping, genome‐wide association study (GWAS), and whole exome and whole genome sequencing data have been obtained and disseminated.

Results

ADNI genetic data have been downloaded thousands of times, and >300 publications have resulted, including reports of large‐scale GWAS by consortia to which ADNI contributed. Many of the first applications of quantitative endophenotype association studies used ADNI data, including some of the earliest GWAS and pathway‐based studies of biospecimen and imaging biomarkers, as well as memory and other clinical/cognitive variables. Other contributions include some of the first whole exome and whole genome sequencing data sets and reports in healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment, and AD.

Discussion

Numerous genetic susceptibility and protective markers for AD and disease biomarkers have been identified and replicated using ADNI data and have heavily implicated immune, mitochondrial, cell cycle/fate, and other biological processes. Early sequencing studies suggest that rare and structural variants are likely to account for significant additional phenotypic variation. Longitudinal analyses of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic changes will also further elucidate dynamic processes underlying preclinical and prodromal stages of disease. Integration of this unique collection of multiomics data within a systems biology framework will help to separate truly informative markers of early disease mechanisms and potential novel therapeutic targets from the vast background of less relevant biological processes. Fortunately, a broad swath of the scientific community has accepted this grand challenge.
Mediterranean diet and preserved brain structural connectivity in older subjects
Authors: Pelletier Amandine , Barul Christine , Féart Catherine , Helmer Catherine , Bernard Charlotte , Periot Olivier , Dilharreguy Bixente , Dartigues Jean‐François , Allard Michèle , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Catheline Gwénaëlle , Samieri Cécilia
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been related to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease; yet, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that protection against neurodegeneration would translate into higher gray matter volumes, whereas a specific association with preserved white matter microstructure would suggest alternative mechanisms (e.g., vascular pathways).

Methods

We included 146 participants from the Bordeaux Three‐City study nondemented when they completed a dietary questionnaire and who underwent a 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging at an average of 9 years later, including diffusion tensor imaging.

Results

In multivariate voxel‐by‐voxel analyses, adherence to the MeDi was significantly associated with preserved white matter microstructure in extensive areas, a gain in structural connectivity that was related to strong cognitive benefits. In contrast, we found no relation with gray matter volumes.

Discussion

The MeDi appears to benefit brain health through preservation of structural connectivity. Potential mediation by a favorable impact on brain vasculature deserves further research.
Targeting the Pim kinases in multiple myeloma
Authors: Keane N A , Reidy M , Natoni A , Raab M S , O'Dwyer M
Published: July 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that remains incurable. Novel treatment strategies to improve survival are urgently required. The Pims are a small family of serine/threonine kinases with increased expression across the hematological malignancies. Pim-2 shows highest expression in MM and constitutes a promising therapeutic target. It is upregulated by the bone marrow microenvironment to mediate proliferation and promote MM survival. Pim-2 also has a key role in the bone destruction typically seen in MM. Additional putative roles of the Pim kinases in MM include trafficking of malignant cells, promoting oncogenic signaling in the hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment and mediating resistance to therapy. A number of Pim inhibitors are now under development with lead compounds entering the clinic. The ATP-competitive Pim inhibitor LGH447 has recently been reported to have single agent activity in MM. It is anticipated that Pim inhibition will be of clinical benefit in combination with standard treatments and/or with novel drugs targeting other survival pathways in MM.
Clinical development methodology for infusion‐related reactions with monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Doessegger Lucette , Banholzer Maria Longauer
Published: July 2015

Infusion‐related reactions (IRRs) are common with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and timely related to drug administration and have been reported as anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions and cytokine release syndrome, among other terms used. We address risk management measures for individual patients and for the study and propose a consistent reporting approach in an attempt to allow cross‐molecule comparisons. Once the symptoms of IRR have resolved, the mAb may be restarted. Rechallenge should not be done for suspected IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis and Grade 4 IRRs. Management of IRRs for subsequent patients includes administration of premedication, which, however, does not prevent IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis. Reporting approach: (1) Report as IRRs, reactions occurring during or within 24 h after an infusion. Negative skin Prick test and absent or undetectable allergen‐specific IgE levels have high negative predictive value for an IgE‐mediated allergic reaction. If IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis is suspected based on medical history and/or laboratory test results, the reaction should be reported as suspected (IgE mediated) anaphylaxis. (2) Collect signs and symptoms with grades to allow characterization of IRRs. IRRs pathogenesis is of scientific interest and has impact on drug development. Animal toxicology studies are neither predictive of severe IRRs nor of anaphylaxis in human. Preclinical tests should be further developed to identify patients at risk for severe IRRs, for complement activation‐related pseudoallergy and for IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis. The proposed approach should help standardizing data collection and analysis of IRRs in an attempt to enable comparisons across molecules.
Glucocorticoids limit acute lung inflammation in concert with inflammatory stimuli by induction of SphK1
Authors: Vettorazzi Sabine , Bode Constantin , Dejager Lien , Frappart Lucien , Shelest Ekaterina , Klaßen Carina , Tasdogan Alpaslan , Reichardt Holger M. , Libert Claude , Schneider Marion , Weih Falk , Henriette Uhlenhaut N. , David Jean-Pierre , Gräler Markus , Kleiman Anna , Tuckermann Jan P.
Published: July 2015

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory disease for which no specific treatment exists. As glucocorticoids have potent immunosuppressive effects, their application in ALI is currently being tested in clinical trials. However, the benefits of this type of regimen remain unclear. Here we identify a mechanism of glucocorticoid action that challenges the long-standing dogma of cytokine repression by the glucocorticoid receptor. Contrarily, synergistic gene induction of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) by glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory stimuli via the glucocorticoid receptor in macrophages increases circulating sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, which proves essential for the inhibition of inflammation. Chemical or genetic inhibition ofSphK1abrogates the therapeutic effects of glucocorticoids. Inflammatory p38 MAPK- and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1)-dependent pathways cooperate with glucocorticoids to upregulateSphK1expression. Our findings support a critical role forSphK1induction in the suppression of lung inflammation by glucocorticoids, and therefore provide rationales for effective anti-inflammatory therapies.
The development and characterization of synthetic minimal yeast promoters
Authors: Redden Heidi , Alper Hal S.
Published: July 2015

Synthetic promoters, especially minimally sized, are critical for advancing fungal synthetic biology. Fungal promoters often span hundreds of base pairs, nearly ten times the amount of bacterial counterparts. This size limits large-scale synthetic biology efforts in yeasts. Here we address this shortcoming by establishing a methodical workflow necessary to identify robust minimal core elements that can be linked with minimal upstream activating sequences to develop short, yet strong yeast promoters. Through a series of library-based synthesis, analysis and robustness tests, we create a set of non-homologous, purely synthetic, minimal promoters for yeast. These promoters are comprised of short core elements that are generic and interoperable and 10 bp UAS elements that impart strong, constitutive function. Through this methodology, we are able to generate the shortest fungal promoters to date, which can achieve high levels of both inducible and constitutive expression with up to an 80% reduction in size.
Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Silver Nanoparticle-Containing Composite Hydrogel as Highly Efficient Dye Catalysts for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Jiao Tifeng , Guo Haiying , Zhang Qingrui , Peng Qiuming , Tang Yongfu , Yan Xuehai , Li Bingbing
Published: July 2015

New reduced graphene oxide-based silver nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogels were successfully prepared in situ through the simultaneous reduction of GO and noble metal precursors within the GO gel matrix. The as-formed hydrogels are composed of a network structure of cross-linked nanosheets. The reported method is based on the in situ co-reduction of GO and silver acetate within the hydrogel matrix to form RGO-based composite gel. The stabilization of silver nanoparticles was also achieved simultaneously within the gel composite system. The as-formed silver nanoparticles were found to be homogeneously and uniformly dispersed on the surface of the RGO nanosheets within the composite gel. More importantly, this RGO-based silver nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogel matrix acts as a potential catalyst for removing organic dye pollutants from an aqueous environment. Interestingly, the as-prepared catalytic composite matrix structure can be conveniently separated from an aqueous environment after the reaction, suggesting the potentially large-scale applications of the reduced graphene oxide-based nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogels for organic dye removal and wastewater treatment.
Renormalization group approach to the Fröhlich polaron model: application to impurity-BEC problem
Authors: Grusdt F. , Shchadilova Y. E. , Rubtsov A. N. , Demler E.
Published: July 2015

When a mobile impurity interacts with a many-body system, such as a phonon bath, a polaron is formed. Despite the importance of the polaron problem for a wide range of physical systems, a unified theoretical description valid for arbitrary coupling strengths is still lacking. Here we develop a renormalization group approach for analyzing a paradigmatic model of polarons, the so-called Fröhlich model and apply it to a problem of impurity atoms immersed in a Bose-Einstein condensate of ultra cold atoms. Polaron energies obtained by our method are in excellent agreement with recent diagrammatic Monte Carlo calculations for a wide range of interaction strengths. They are found to be logarithmically divergent with the ultra-violet cut-off, but physically meaningful regularized polaron energies are also presented. Moreover, we calculate the effective mass of polarons and find a smooth crossover from weak to strong coupling regimes. Possible experimental tests of our results in current experiments with ultra cold atoms are discussed.
Magnetic multi-granule nanoclusters: A model system that exhibits universal size effect of magnetic coercivity
Authors: Sung Lee Ji , Myung Cha Jin , Young Yoon Ha , Lee Jin-Kyu , Keun Kim Young
Published: July 2015

It is well known that the coercivity of magnetic nanomaterials increases up to a maximum and then decreases to zero with decreasing particle size. However, until now, no single synthesis method has been able to produce magnetic nanoparticles with a wide range of sizes, i.e., from 10 to 500 nm, in order to uncover the coercivity evolution. Here we report the characterization of magnetite (Fe3O4) multi-granule nanoclusters (MGNCs) to demonstrate the transitional behaviour of coercivity. The M–H curves indicate that our samples had a relatively high saturation magnetization (MS) value of ~70 emu/g and that the coercivity (Hc) increased to the maximum value of ~48 Oe until the nanoclusters reached a size of ~120 nm; the coercivity then gradually decreased to zero.
Genetic Inhibition Of The Ubiquitin Ligase Rnf5 Attenuates Phenotypes Associated To F508del Cystic Fibrosis Mutation
Authors: Tomati Valeria , Sondo Elvira , Armirotti Andrea , Caci Emanuela , Pesce Emanuela , Marini Monica , Gianotti Ambra , Ju Jeon Young , Cilli Michele , Pistorio Angela , Mastracci Luca , Ravazzolo Roberto , Scholte Bob , Ronai Ze’ev , Galietta Luis J. V. , Pedemonte Nicoletta
Published: July 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR chloride channel. Deletion of phenylalanine 508 (F508del), the most frequent CF mutation, impairs CFTR trafficking and gating. F508del-CFTR mistrafficking may be corrected by acting directly on mutant CFTR itself or by modulating expression/activity of CFTR-interacting proteins, that may thus represent potential drug targets. To evaluate possible candidates for F508del-CFTR rescue, we screened a siRNA library targeting known CFTR interactors. Our analysis identified RNF5 as a protein whose inhibition promoted significant F508del-CFTR rescue and displayed an additive effect with the investigational drug VX-809. Significantly, RNF5 loss in F508del-CFTR transgenic animals ameliorated intestinal malabsorption and concomitantly led to an increase in CFTR activity in intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, we found that RNF5 is differentially expressed in human bronchial epithelia from CF vs. control patients. Our results identify RNF5 as a target for therapeutic modalities to antagonize mutant CFTR proteins.
Hidden non-Fermi liquid behavior caused by magnetic phase transition in Ni-doped Ba-122 pnictides
Authors: Lee Seokbae , Choi Ki-Young , Jung Eilho , Roh Seulki , Shin Soohyeon , Park Tuson , Hwang Jungseek
Published: July 2015

We studied two BaFe2−xNixAs2 (Ni-doped Ba-122) single crystals at two different doping levels (underdoped and optimally doped) using an optical spectroscopic technique. The underdoped sample shows a magnetic phase transition around 80 K. We analyze the data with a Drude-Lorentz model with two Drude components (D1 and D2). It is known that the narrow D1 component originates from electron carriers in the electron-pockets and the broad D2 mode is from hole carriers in the hole-pockets. While the plasma frequencies of both Drude components and the static scattering rate of the broad D2 component show negligible temperature dependencies, the static scattering rate of the D1 mode shows strong temperature dependence for the both samples. We observed a hidden quasi-linear temperature dependence in the scattering rate of the D1 mode above and below the magnetic transition temperature while in the optimally doped sample the scattering rate shows a more quadratic temperature dependence. The hidden non-Fermi liquid behavior in the underdoped sample seems to be related to the magnetic phase of the material.
Resilience and receptivity worked in tandem to sustain a geothermal mat community amidst erratic environmental conditions
Authors: Ghosh Wriddhiman , Roy Chayan , Roy Rimi , Nilawe Pravin , Mukherjee Ambarish , Haldar Prabir Kumar , Chauhan Neeraj Kumar , Bhattacharya Sabyasachi , Agarwal Atima , George Ashish , Pyne Prosenjit , Mandal Subhrangshu , Rameez Moidu Jameela , Bala Goutam
Published: July 2015

To elucidate how geothermal irregularities affect the sustainability of high-temperature microbiomes we studied the synecological dynamics of a geothermal microbial mat community (GMMC) vis-à-vis fluctuations in its environment. Spatiotemporally-discrete editions of a photosynthetic GMMC colonizing the travertine mound of a circum-neutral hot spring cluster served as the model-system. In 2010 a strong geyser atop the mound discharged mineral-rich hot water, which nourished a GMMC continuum from the proximal channels (PC) upto the slope environment (SE) along the mound’s western face. In 2011 that geyser extinguished and consequently the erstwhile mats disappeared. Nevertheless, two relatively-weaker vents erupted in the southern slope and their mineral-poor outflow supported a small GMMC patch in the SE. Comparative metagenomics showed that this mat was a relic of the 2010 community, conserved via population dispersal from erstwhile PC as well as SE niches. Subsequently in 2012, as hydrothermal activity augmented in the southern slope, ecological niches widened and the physiologically-heterogeneous components of the 2011 “seed-community” split into PC and SE meta-communities, thereby reclaiming either end of the thermal gradient. Resilience of incumbent populations and the community’s receptiveness towards immigrants, were the key qualities that ensured the GMMC’s sustenance amidst habitat degradation and dispersal to discrete environments.
Effects of Four Different Regulatory Mechanisms on the Dynamics of Gene Regulatory Cascades
Authors: Hansen Sabine , Krishna Sandeep , Semsey Szabolcs , Lo Svenningsen Sine
Published: July 2015

Gene regulatory cascades (GRCs) are common motifs in cellular molecular networks. A given logical function in these cascades, such as the repression of the activity of a transcription factor, can be implemented by a number of different regulatory mechanisms. The potential consequences for the dynamic performance of the GRC of choosing one mechanism over another have not been analysed systematically. Here, we report the construction of a synthetic GRC in Escherichia coli, which allows us for the first time to directly compare and contrast the dynamics of four different regulatory mechanisms, affecting the transcription, translation, stability, or activity of a transcriptional repressor. We developed a biologically motivated mathematical model which is sufficient to reproduce the response dynamics determined by experimental measurements. Using the model, we explored the potential response dynamics that the constructed GRC can perform. We conclude that dynamic differences between regulatory mechanisms at an individual step in a GRC are often concealed in the overall performance of the GRC and suggest that the presence of a given regulatory mechanism in a certain network environment does not necessarily mean that it represents a single optimal evolutionary solution.
Magneto-immunocapture with on-bead fluorescent labeling of amyloid-β peptides: towards a microfluidized-bed-based operation
Authors: Mai Thanh Duc , Pereiro Iago , Hiraoui Mohamed , Viovy Jean-Louis , Descroix Stéphanie , Taverna Myriam , Smadja Claire
Published: July 2015

Novel combination of Magneto-immunocapture and on-beads fluorescent labeling of Aβ peptides for their sensitive determination in cerebro spinal fluid samples.
Direct and fast detection of chlorothalonil in soil samples using laser desorption VUV single photon post-ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Ping , Hu Yongjun , Zhu Guichi , Yang Qing , Tao Yanmin
Published: July 2015

A novel laser desorption VUV single photon post-ionization mass spectrometry (LDPI-MS) method has been applied for the first time for the direct and fast detection of chlorothalonil in soil.
In situ simultaneous investigation of the transport of phenanthrene and fluoranthene adsorbed onto the root surfaces to tissues of mangrove seedlings
Authors: Li R. L. , Tan H. D. , Zhu Y. X. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2015

A simultaneous in situ determination of phenanthrene and fluoranthene adsorbed onto root surfaces was established, and the transport of PAHs from root surface to tissues was investigated.
Multicomponent covalent dye assembly for tight binding and sensitive sensing of l-DOPA
Authors: Chen Xuan-Xuan , Wu Xin , Zhang Peng , Zhang Miao , Song Bing-Nan , Huang Yan-Jun , Li Zhao , Jiang Yun-Bao
Published: July 2015

Exploitation of dye aggregation enables tight binding and sensitive sensing of bifunctional analyte l-DOPA, simply by mixing two monofunctional dyes.
Heavy water: a simple solution to increasing the brightness of fluorescent proteins in super-resolution imaging
Authors: Ong Wei Qiang , Citron Y. Rose , Schnitzbauer Joerg , Kamiyama Daichi , Huang Bo
Published: July 2015

D2O improves the photon yield of photoactivatable fluorescent proteins and thus the localization precision for super-resolution microscopy.
Synergetic functional properties of two-component single amino acid-based hydrogels
Authors: Fichman Galit , Guterman Tom , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Gazit Ehud
Published: July 2015

Hybrid hydrogels composed of the Fmoc-Tyr and Fmoc-DOPA building blocks present mechanical rigidity and redox activity.
Energy and temperature dependence of rigid unit modes in AlPO4-5
Authors: Berlie Adam , Kearley Gordon J. , Liu Yun , Yu Dehong , Mole Richard A. , Ling Chris D. , Withers Ray L.
Published: July 2015

Rigid unit modes are shown to be dynamic within the AlPO4-5 structure down to low temperatures where the static time-averaged structure cannot provide a true physical solution.
Thermal diffusivity measured using a single plasmonic nanoparticle
Authors: Heber André , Selmke Markus , Cichos Frank
Published: July 2015

Photothermal single particle microscopy is used to measure thermal diffusivities in solid and liquids.
Thin films of size-selected Mo clusters: growth modes and structures
Authors: Dollinger Andreas , Park Eun Ji , Strobel Christoph H. , Bleuel Hannes , Marsteller Alexander , Seo Hyun Ook , Kim Young Dok , Ganteför Gerd
Published: July 2015

The growth pattern of film highly depends on cluster size.
Density functional theory calculations of the hydrazine decomposition mechanism on the planar and stepped Cu(111) surfaces
Authors: Tafreshi Saeedeh S. , Roldan Alberto , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: July 2015

DFT calculations are used to investigate the reactivity and the decomposition mechanism of N2H4 on the terraces and steps of Cu(111) surfaces.
Dye adsorption mechanisms in TiO2 films, and their effects on the photodynamic and photovoltaic properties in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Jun , Shim Wang-Geun , Kim Youngjin , Kim Gunwoo , Choi Chulmin , Kang Sang Ook , Cho Dae Won
Published: July 2015

The dye adsorption kinetics (and dye adsorption amounts) in DSSC have influenced the photoelectric properties and the photodynamic processes.
Selective synthesis of TiO2 single nanocrystals and titanate nanotubes: a controllable atomic arrangement approach via NH4TiOF3 mesocrystals
Authors: Wang Penghua , Yi Qiuying , Xing Mingyang , Zhang Jinlong
Published: July 2015

Based on the atomic arrangement of ionic liquid-mediated NH4TiOF3 mesocrystals, TiO2 nanocrystals and titanate nanotubes are hydrothermally obtained in H3BO3 and NaOH media, respectively. The as-prepared TiO2 nanocrystals exhibit high photocatalytic activity and sedimentation rate.
Correction: New avenues for ligand-mediated processes – expanding metal reactivity by the use of redox-active catechol, o-aminophenol and o-phenylenediamine ligands
Authors: Broere Daniël L. J. , Plessius Raoul , Ivar van der Vlugt Jarl
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘New avenues for ligand-mediated processes – expanding metal reactivity by the use of redox-active catechol, o-aminophenol and o-phenylenediamine ligands’ by Daniël L. J. Broere et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00161g.
Research highlights: modelling to assess climate change impacts and promote development
Authors: Luxem Katja E. , Lin Vivian S.
Published: July 2015

This highlight features four recent publications on an ESPA project in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) delta system, emphasizing their balance between fundamental questions and user-oriented outputs.
Correction: Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass using the OrganoCat process
Authors: Grande Philipp M. , Viell Jörn , Theyssen Nils , Marquardt Wolfgang , Domínguez de María Pablo , Leitner Walter
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘Fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass using the OrganoCat process’ by Philipp M. Grande et al., Green Chem., 2015, 17, 3533–3539.
Size reduction of cosolvent-infused microbubbles to form acoustically responsive monodisperse perfluorocarbon nanodroplets
Authors: Seo Minseok , Williams Ross , Matsuura Naomi
Published: July 2015

Massively size-reduced, phase changeable, monodisperse perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanodroplets were generated for ultrasound medical imaging using condensation and dissolution of microfluidic-generated, cosolvent-incorporated PFC bubbles.
Charting the interactome of PDE3A in human cells using an IBMX based chemical proteomics approach
Authors: Corradini Eleonora , Klaasse Gruson , Leurs Ulrike , Heck Albert J. R. , Martin Nathaniel I. , Scholten Arjen
Published: July 2015

We characterized a new resin for the enrichment of multiple phosphodiesterases and their interactors.
Dendritic molecular assemblies for singlet oxygen generation: meso-tetraphenylporphyrin-based biphotonic sensitizers with remarkable luminescence
Authors: Yao Dandan , Hugues Vincent , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Mongin Olivier , Paul-Roth Christine O. , Paul Frédéric
Published: July 2015

Thanks to its 2-ethynylflorenyl-containing arms, dendrimer1sensitizes molecular oxygen in 70% yield and exhibits a fluorescence yield of 20%.
POZylation: a new approach to enhance nanoparticle diffusion through mucosal barriers
Authors: Mansfield Edward D. H. , Sillence Katy , Hole Patrick , Williams Adrian C. , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: July 2015

The permeation of thiolated silica nanoparticles through porcine gastric mucosa can be significantly enhanced by their functionalization with either 5 kDa poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) or poly(ethylene glycol). The enhancement of nanoparticle permeability through mucus gel is due to the “stealth” properties of these polymers.
Ligand switch in photoinduced copper-mediated polymerization: synthesis of methacrylate–acrylate block copolymers
Authors: Chuang Ya-Mi , Wenn Benjamin , Gielen Sam , Ethirajan Anitha , Junkers Tanja
Published: July 2015

The use of photo-induced copper-mediated radical polymerization (photoCMP) to synthesize mixed acrylate/methacrylate (methyl acrylate, MA and methyl methacrylate, MMA) block copolymers is investigated.
Structural and magnetic tuning from a field-induced single-ion magnet to a single-chain magnet by anions
Authors: Shao Dong , Zhao Xin-Hua , Zhang Shao-Liang , Wu Dong-Qing , Wei Xiao-Qin , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: July 2015

By choosing different anions, a mononuclear field-induced single-ion magnet and a one-dimensional single-chain magnet were selectively prepared and characterized.
Fast and clean functionalization of MWCNTs by DBD plasma and its influence on mechanical properties of C–epoxy composites
Authors: Krushnamurty K. , Srikanth I. , Rao G. H. , Prasad P. S. R. , Ghosal P. , Subrahmanyam Ch.
Published: July 2015

TPD profile of various MWCNTs samples before and after air plasma treatment: (a) CO2 evolution, (b) CO evolution.
Photocatalytic mineralization of anionic dyes using bismuth doped CdS–Ta2O5 composite
Authors: Ghugal Sachin G. , Umare Suresh S. , Sasikala Rajamma
Published: July 2015

A stable, efficient and reusable bismuth doped CdS–Ta2O5 heterostructure exhibit enhanced photocatalytic degradation as well as mineralization of anionic dyes. Hydroxyl radicals, holes and superoxide are active species in photodegradation.
Tribological behavior of WS2-based solid/liquid lubricating systems dominated by the surface properties of WS2 crystallographic planes
Authors: Quan Xin , Gao Xiaoming , Weng Lijun , Hu Ming , Jiang Dong , Wang Desheng , Sun Jiayi , Liu Weimin
Published: July 2015

WS2-based solid/liquid systems were established successfully by combining pure WS2 films with different oil-based liquid lubricants. The tribological performance, adsorption and wear mechanism of the composite systems were investigated.
Heterojunctions generated in SnO2–CuO nanocatalysts for improved catalytic property in the Rochow reaction
Authors: Zou Shanying , Ji Yongjun , Wang Guangna , Zhu Yongxia , Liu Hezhi , Jia Lihua , Guo Xiangfeng , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: July 2015

SnO2–CuO mace-like hybrid nanocatalysts exhibited significantly enhanced performance in the Rochow reaction due to the generated heterojunctions.
Synthesis of inter-crystalline mesoporous ZSM-5 generated by self-interlocked MFI nanosheet stacks
Authors: Wei Ruicong , Yang Hong , Zhang Dongke
Published: July 2015

ZSM-5 products with inter-crystalline mesopores originating from the SI-ONSs can be produced in the ternary composition domain established.
Visible-light triggered photoswitching systems based on fluorescent azulenyl-substituted dithienylcyclopentenes
Authors: Dragu Eugenia Andreea , Ion Adrian E. , Shova Sergiu , Bala Daniela , Mihailciuc Constantin , Voicescu Mariana , Ionescu Sorana , Nica Simona
Published: July 2015

Novel azulenyl functionalized dithienylethenes were synthesized, and their photochromic reactivity, fluorescent and electrochemical properties were investigated.
CO2 capture in rht metal–organic frameworks: multiscale modeling from molecular simulation to breakthrough prediction
Authors: Zhang Kang , Nalaparaju Anjaiah , Jiang Jianwen
Published: July 2015

A multiscale modeling study is reported for CO2 capture in rht metal–organic frameworks.
Strongly phosphorescent platinum(ii) complexes supported by tetradentate benzazole-containing ligands
Authors: Wang Bin , Liang Feng , Hu Hailiang , Liu Yuan , Kang Zhenhui , Liao Liang-Sheng , Fan Jian
Published: July 2015

A family of rigid platinum(ii) complexes based on tetradentate benzazole-containing ligands has been prepared as efficient dopants for high performance phosphorescent green/yellow OLEDs.
A biophysical study on molecular physiology of the uncoupling proteins of the central nervous system
Authors: Hoang Tuan , Kuljanin Miljan , Smith Matthew D. , Jelokhani-Niaraki Masoud
Published: July 2015

Mitochondrial inner membrane uncoupling proteins (UCPs) facilitate transmembrane (TM) proton flux and consequently reduce the membrane potential and ATP production. It has been proposed that the three neuronal human UCPs (UCP2, UCP4 and UCP5) in the central nervous system (CNS) play significant roles in reducing cellular oxidative stress. However, the structure and ion transport mechanism of these proteins remain relatively unexplored. Recently, we reported a novel expression system for obtaining functionally folded UCP1 in bacterial membranes and applied this system to obtain highly pure neuronal UCPs in high yields. In the present study, we report on the structure and function of the three neuronal UCP homologues. Reconstituted neuronal UCPs were dominantly helical in lipid membranes and transported protons in the presence of physiologically-relevant fatty acid (FA) activators. Under similar conditions, all neuronal UCPs also exhibited chloride transport activities that were partially inhibited by FAs. CD, fluorescence and MS measurements and semi-native gel electrophoresis collectively suggest that the reconstituted proteins self-associate in the lipid membranes. Based on SDS titration experiments and other evidence, a general molecular model for the monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric functional forms of UCPs in lipid membranes is proposed. In addition to their shared structural and ion transport features, neuronal UCPs differ in their conformations and proton transport activities (and possibly mechanism) in the presence of different FA activators. The differences in FA-activated UCP-mediated proton transport could serve as an essential factor in understanding and differentiating the physiological roles of UCP homologues in the CNS.
Effect Size for Single-Subject Design in Phonological Treatment
Authors: Gierut Judith A. , Morrisette Michele L. , Dickinson Stephanie L.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to document, validate, and corroborate effect size (ES) for single-subject design in treatment of children with functional phonological disorders; to evaluate potential child-specific contributing variables relative to ES; and to establish benchmarks for interpretation of ES for the population.

Method

Data were extracted from the Developmental Phonologies Archive for 135 preschool children with phonological disorders who previously participated in single-subject experimental treatment studies. Standard mean difference
all with correction for continuity
was computed to gauge the magnitude of generalization gain that accrued longitudinally from treatment for each child with the data aggregated for purposes of statistical analyses.

Results

ES ranged from 0.09 to 27.83 for the study population. ES was positively correlated with conventional measures of phonological learning and visual inspection of learning data on the basis of procedures standard to single-subject design. ES was linked to children's performance on diagnostic assessments of phonology but not other demographic characteristics or related linguistic skills and nonlinguistic skills. Benchmarks for interpretation of ES were estimated as 1.4, 3.6, and 10.1 for small, medium, and large learning effects, respectively.

Conclusion

Findings have utility for single-subject research and translation of research to evidence-based practice for children with phonological disorders.
Enhanced covariances matrix sparse representation method for DOA estimation
Authors: Cui Wei , Qian Tong , Tian Jing
Published: July 2015

An enhanced covariances sparse representation method for direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation is proposed. The method can estimate coherent sources with low computation complexity. The cross‐Kronecker product terms of the steering vector are introduced as an extra basis to improve the sparse model. Based on the enhanced model and iteration operation, the proposed method has greater precision in multiple coherent sources situations. Compared with several existing DOA estimation methods, simulation experiments have validated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Electrically doped dynamically configurable field‐effect transistor for low‐power and high‐performance applications
Authors: Lahgere A. , Sahu C. , Singh J.
Published: July 2015

The concept of an electrically doped dynamically configurable field‐effect transistor (FET) is presented, which provides freedom to dynamically switch between a high‐performance MOSFET and a low‐power tunnel FET that can be ideal for complementary circuit implementation. The charge carrier concentration, polarity and conduction mechanism of the device are precisely controlled by the appropriate application of an external polarity control signal, instead of the conventional ion‐implantation process. Two‐dimensional TCAD simulation results confirm the dynamic configuration of the proposed device and good functionality agreement with existing devices as well as it having the requisite qualities for low‐power and high‐performance applications.
K‐band bandpass filter using fully micromachined substrate integrated waveguide platform with dual copper posts in glass dielectrics
Authors: Hyeon Ik‐Jae , Baek Chang‐Wook
Published: July 2015

A K‐band bandpass filter (BPF) based on the fully micromachined substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) structure has been demonstrated. In the proposed SIW platform, borosilicate glass reflowed into the silicon trench is used as a dielectric substrate, and the vias are formed by filling the glass mould with electroplated copper after removing the embedded silicon part. The BPF's characteristics are realised by introducing dual inductive post structures into the SIW platform. The insertion loss and 3 dB bandwidth of the fabricated BPF were measured to be 2.46 dB at 29 GHz and 7.2%, respectively. The proposed BPF platform has high potential for low‐loss, compact SIW‐based millimetre‐wave tunable filters owing to its mechanical robustness and integrity with MEMS tuning devices.
Syndrome‐based scheduling: simple adaptive scheduling technique for decoding LDPC codes
Authors: Sever M. , Cavus E.
Published: July 2015

A very simple adaptive scheduling method is introduced to improve the convergence rate of low‐density parity‐check decoders. Although the standard decoding method does not impose any constraint on the process order of check nodes, the proposed scheme adopts a dynamic scheduling method for check node message updating based on syndrome values. The proposed technique is applied to lower‐density parity check (LDPC) codes of the 802.11n and 802.15.3c standards. Compared with sequential scheduling, the proposed approach provides a faster convergence speed from 28 to 51% for a WER of 10−4 and 10−2, respectively. Consequently, the introduced adaptive scheduling achieves a target performance with less number of iterations, which leads to reduced power consumption with minimal additional decoding complexity.
High‐Q photonic crystal cavities realised using deep ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Welna K. , Debnath K. , Krauss T.F. , O'Faolain L.
Published: July 2015

Deep‐ultraviolet lithography is essential for the mass production of silicon devices. To date, restrictions in the process have prevented the realisation of high‐Q‐factor optical resonators. This reported work demonstrates photonic crystal cavities with Q‐factor values of ∼200 000 using an optimised design.
Density‐based region search with arbitrary shape for object localisation
Authors: Zhao Ji , Meng Deyu , Ma Jiayi
Published: July 2015

Region search is widely used for object localisation in computer vision. After projecting the score of an image classifier into an image plane, region search aims to find regions that precisely localise desired objects. The recently proposed region search methods, such as efficient subwindow search and efficient region search, usually find regions with maximal score. For some classifiers and scenarios, the projected scores are nearly all positive or very noisy, then maximising the score of a region results in localising nearly the entire images as objects, or causes localisation results unstable. In this study, the authors observe that the projected scores with large magnitudes are mainly concentrated on or around objects. On the basis of this observation, they propose a region search method for object localisation, named level set maximum‐weight connected subgraph (LS‐MWCS). It localises objects by searching regions by graph mode‐seeking rather than the maximal score. The score density by localised region can be controlled by a parameter flexibly. They also prove an interesting property of the proposed LS‐MWCS, which guarantees that the region with desired density can be found. Moreover, the LS‐MWCS can be efficiently solved by the belief propagation scheme. The effectiveness of the author's method is validated on the problem of weakly‐supervised object localisation. Quantitative results on synthetic and real data demonstrate the superiorities of their method compared to other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
On the derivation of the semiclassical approximation to the quantum propagator
Authors: Fischer Stefan G. , Buchleitner Andreas
Published: July 2015

In order to rigorously derive the amplitude factor of the semiclassical approximation to the quantum propagator, we extend an existing method originally devised to evaluate Gaussian path-integral expressions. Using a result which relates the determinant of symmetric block-tridiagonal matrices to the determinants of their blocks, two difference equations are obtained. The first one allows to establish the connection of the amplitude factor to Jacobi’s accessory equations in the continuous-time limit, while the second one leads to an additional factor which, however, contributes to the final result only in exceptional cases. In order to demonstrate the wide applicability of these difference equations, we treat explicitly the case where the time-sliced Lagrangian is written in generalized coordinates, for which a general derivation has so far been unavailable.
Dark-bright soliton solutions with nontrivial polarization interactions for the three-component defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonzero boundary conditions
Authors: Prinari Barbara , Vitale Federica , Biondini Gino
Published: July 2015

We derive novel dark-bright soliton solutions for the three-component defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonzero boundary conditions. The solutions are obtained within the framework of a recently developed inverse scattering transform for the underlying nonlinear integrable partial differential equation, and unlike dark-bright solitons in the two component (Manakov) system in the same dispersion regime, their interactions display non-trivial polarization shift for the two bright components.
Low-lying electronic structure of EuH, EuOH, and EuO neutrals and anions determined by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Kafader Jared O. , Ray Manisha , Jarrold Caroline Chick
Published: July 2015

The anion photoelectron (PE) spectra of EuH− and the PE spectrum of overlapping EuOH− and EuO− anions are presented and analyzed with supporting results from density functional theory calculations on the various anions and neutrals. Results point to ionically bound, high-spin species. EuH and EuOH anions and neutrals exhibit analogous electronic structures: Transitions from 8Σ− anion ground states arising from the 4f7σ6s2 superconfiguration to the close-lying neutral 9Σ− and 7Σ− states arising from the 4f7σ6s superconfiguration are observed spaced by an energy interval similar to the free Eu+ [4f76s] 9S - 7S splitting. The electron affinities (EAs) of EuH and EuOH are determined to be 0.771 ± 0.009 eV and 0.700 ± 0.011 eV, respectively. Analysis of spectroscopic features attributed to EuO− photodetachment is complicated by the likely presence of two energetically competitive electronic states of EuO− populating the ion beam. However, based on the calculated relative energies of the close-lying anion states arising from the 4f7σ6s and 4f6σ6s2 configurations and the relative energies of the one-electron accessible 4f7 and 4f6σ6s neutral states based on ligand-field theory [M. Dulick, E. Murad, and R. F. Barrow, J. Chem. Phys. 85, 385 (1986)], the remaining features are consistent with the 4f6σ6s2  7Σ− and 4f7σ6s7Σ− anion states lying very close in energy (the former was calculated to be 0.15 eV lower in energy than the latter), though the true anion ground state and neutral EA could not be established unambiguously. Calculations on the various EuO anion and neutral states suggest 4f-orbital overlap with 2p orbitals in species with 4f6 occupancy.