bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely High Brightness from Polymer-Encapsulated Quantum Dots for Two-photon Cellular and Deep-tissue Imaging
Authors: Fan Yanyan , Liu Helin , Han Rongcheng , Huang Lu , Shi Hao , Sha Yinlin , Jiang Yuqiang
Published: April 2015

Materials possessing high two photon absorption (TPA) are highly desirable for a range of fields, such as three-dimensional data storage, TP microscopy (TPM) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Specifically, for TPM, high TP excitation (TPE) brightness (σ × ϕ, where σ is TPA cross-sections and ϕ is fluorescence quantum yield), excellent photostability and minimal cytotoxicity are highly desirable. However, when TPA materials are transferred to aqueous media through molecule engineering or nanoparticle formulation, they usually suffer from the severely decrease of quantum yield (QY). Here, we report a convenient and efficient method for preparing polymer-encapsulated quantum dots (P-QD). Interestingly, the QY was considerably enhanced from original 0.33 (QDs in THF) to 0.84 (P-QD in water). This dramatic enhancement in QY is mainly from the efficiently blocking nonradiative decay pathway from the surface trap states, according to the fluorescence decay lifetimes analysis. The P-QD exhibits extremely high brightness (σ × ϕ up to 6.2 × 106 GM), high photostability, excellent colloidal stability and minimal cytotoxicity. High quality cellular TP imaging with high signal-to-background ratio (> 100) and tissue imaging with a penetration depth of 2200 μm have been achieved with P-QD as probe.
Droplet-interface-bilayer assays in microfluidic passive networks
Authors: Schlicht Bárbara , Zagnoni Michele
Published: April 2015

Basic biophysical studies and pharmacological processes can be investigated by mimicking the intracellular and extracellular environments across an artificial cell membrane construct. The ability to reproduce in vitro simplified scenarios found in live cell membranes in an automated manner has great potential for a variety of synthetic biology and compound screening applications. Here, we present a fully integrated microfluidic system for the production of artificial lipid bilayers based on the miniaturisation of droplet-interface-bilayer (DIB) techniques. The platform uses a microfluidic design that enables the controlled positioning and storage of phospholipid-stabilized water-in-oil droplets, leading successfully to the scalable and automated formation of arrays of DIBs to mimic cell membrane processes. To ensure robustness of operation, we have investigated how lipid concentration, immiscible phase flow velocities and the device geometrical parameters affect the system performance. Finally, we produced proof-of-concept data showing that diffusive transport of molecules and ions across on-chip DIBs can be studied and quantified using fluorescence-based assays.
Aptamer conjugated silver nanoparticles for the colorimetric detection of arsenic ions using response surface methodology
Authors: Divsar Faten , Habibzadeh Kazhal , Shariati Shahab , Shahriarinour Mahdi
Published: April 2015

Aptamer conjugated silver nanoparticles were synthesized for the colorimetric detection of As(iii) ions in solution. A central composite design combined with response surface methodology was employed to maximize the efficiency of sensing.
The growth and assembly of the multidimensional hierarchical Ni3S2 for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Bin , Yu Lei , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Yang Wanlu , Zhang Hongsen , Wang Feihong , Hu Songxia , Yuan Yi , Wang Jun
Published: April 2015

We synthesized the mushroom-like Ni3S2 with step by step growth that is the thin film growing on the nanorod arrays with one-step hydrothermal process, which is a novel ways to fabricate the multidimensional hierarchical electrode materials for high performance energy storage.
A safe and efficient hepatocyte-selective carrier system based on myristoylated preS1/21-47 domain of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Zhang Quan , Zhang Xuanmiao , Chen Tijia , Wang Xinyi , Fu Yao , Jin Yun , Sun Xun , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong
Published: April 2015

A safe and efficient liver targeted PEGylated liposome (PEG-Lip) based on N-terminal myristoylated preS1/21-47 (preS1/21-47myr) of hepatitis B virus was successfully developed.
SelW regulates inflammation-related cytokines in response to H2O2in Se-deficient chicken liver
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Hui , Khoso Pervez Ahmed , Yao Hai-Dong , Zhang Zi-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Ying , Xu Shi-wen
Published: April 2015

Selenium (Se) deficiency-induced liver damage is related to oxidative stress, and the alternative transcription of cytokines has been linked to liver disease.
An efficient aqueous phase synthesis of benzimidazoles/benzothiazoles in the presence of β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Katla Ramesh , Chowrasia Rakhi , Manjari Padma Sunitha , Domingues Nelson Luís C.
Published: April 2015

Benzimidazoles/benzothiazoles were synthesized in water under neutral conditions by the reaction of aromatic aldehydes, o-phenylenediamine/2-amino thiophenol mediated by β-cyclodextrin in high yields.
Non-enzymatic glucose sensing by enhanced Raman spectroscopy on flexible ‘as-grown’ CVD graphene
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surojit , Li Mau-Shiun , Kumar Roy Pradip , Wu C. T.
Published: April 2015

Unmodified, as-grown few layer graphene (on copper) have been used for glucose sensing using Raman spectroscopy. The origin of the graphene enhanced Raman spectroscopy (GERS) signal of glucose is attributed to a charge transfer from glucose to graphene.
Speciation of inorganic arsenic in rice using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS)
Authors: Cerveira Camila , Pozebon Dirce , de Moraes Diogo Pompéu , Silva de Fraga Jéssica Camila
Published: April 2015

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is very toxic. iAs in rice was determined using selective hydride generation conditions and atomic absorption spectrometry.
A novel electrochemical aptasensor based on MWCNTs–BMIMPF6 and amino functionalized graphene nanocomposite films for determination of kanamycin
Authors: Qin Xiaoli , Guo Wenjuan , Yu Huijing , Zhao Juan , Pei Meishan
Published: April 2015

A simple and cost-efficient electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive and specific detection of kanamycin was reported.
Gold nanoparticles biofunctionalized (grafted) with chiral amino acids: a practical approach to determining the enantiomeric percentage of racemic mixtures
Authors: Keshvari Foroogh , Bahram Morteza , Farshid Amir Abbas
Published: April 2015

The importance of stereochemistry in chiral drugs is due to the different pharmacological behavior of enantiomers.
New insights into the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane on borate-modified nanodiamond
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Ding Yuxiao , Zhang Bingsen , Huang Rui , Su Dang Sheng
Published: April 2015

For the first time, we give a fundamental understanding of the effect of borate-modified nanodiamond on propane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction.
The fluorescence regulation mechanism of the paramagnetic metal in a biological HNO sensor
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Chen Xuebo , Su Huizhen , Fang Weihai , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2015

A theoretical model was developed to reveal the origin of paramagnetic metal induced fluorescence quenching.
Spinach RNA aptamer detects lead(ii) with high selectivity
Authors: DasGupta Saurja , Shelke Sandip A. , Li Nan-sheng , Piccirilli Joseph A.
Published: April 2015

Spinach sensor is the first RNA-based sensor that detects Pb2+ with high selectivity.
A naphthalene diimide dyad for fluorescence switch-on detection of G-quadruplexes
Authors: Doria F. , Oppi A. , Manoli F. , Botti S. , Kandoth N. , Grande V. , Manet I. , Freccero M.
Published: April 2015

A non-fluorescent dimeric naphthalene diimide dye becomes red emitting upon G-quadruplex binding.
The development of a nucleus staining fluorescent probe for dynamic mitosis imaging in live cells
Authors: Ghosh Krishna Kanta , Jeong Yun-Mi , Kang Nam-Young , Lee JungYeol , Si Yan Diana Wan , Kim Jun-Young , Yoo Jaeduk , Kim Dohee , Kim Yun Kyung , Chang Young-Tae
Published: April 2015

The rapid and efficient synthesis of a novel fluorescent xanthone library (AX) and its application for the development of a new nucleus staining fluorescent probe (CDb12) for monitoring real-time mitosis progression in live cells is presented.
Multiphoton luminescence imaging of chemically functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in cells and solid tumors
Authors: Rubio N. , Hirvonen L. M. , Chong E. Z. , Wang J. T. W. , Bourgognon M. , Kafa H. , Hassan H. A. F. M. , Al-Jamal W. T. , McCarthy D. , Hogstrand C. , Festy F. , Al-Jamal K. T.
Published: April 2015

A simplified scheme showing the non-linear photoluminescence properties of f-MWNTs and their potential use as imaging tools in cells and tumors.
A polymorph of the 6,13-dichloropentacene organic semiconductor: crystal structure, semiconductor measurements and band structure calculations
Authors: Hatcher Peggy V. , Reibenspies Joseph H. , Haddon Robert C. , Li Dawen , Lopez Nereo , Chi Xiaoliu
Published: April 2015

A new polymorph of the 6,13-dichloropentacene organic semiconductor was discovered, and its properties were compared with those of an earlier reported polymorph.
Photoelectrochemical epitaxy of silver oxide clathrate Ag7O8M (M = NO3, HSO4) on rutile-type Nb-doped TiO2single crystals
Authors: Tanaka Ryohei , Takahashi Ryota , Takata Shintaro , Lippmaa Mikk , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: April 2015

Silver oxide clathrate Ag7O8NO3epitaxial films were synthesized photo-electrochemically on rutile-type Nb-doped TiO2(110) single-crystal substrates.
Reversible adsorption and separation of chlorocarbons and BTEX based on Cu(ii)-metal organic framework
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Qi-Kui , Ma Jian-Ping , Li Yan-An , Wang Ke-Xin , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: April 2015

A new porous Cu(ii)-MOF which is able to effectively separate VOCs such as chlorocarbons or BTEX is reported.
Transient low-barrier hydrogen bond in the photoactive state of green fluorescent protein
Authors: Nadal-Ferret Marc , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M.
Published: April 2015

A transient low-barrier hydrogen bond has been found directly after photoexcitation using quantum dynamics to study the excited-state process in GFP.
Photocurrent generation with two-dimensional van der Waals semiconductors
Authors: Buscema Michele , Island Joshua O. , Groenendijk Dirk J. , Blanter Sofya I. , Steele Gary A. , van der Zant Herre S. J. , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: April 2015

We review photodetectors based on transition metal dichalcogenides, novel van der Waals materials, black phosphorus, and heterostructures.
Nickel and cobalt phosphides as effective catalysts for oxygen removal of dibenzofuran: role of contact time, hydrogen pressure and hydrogen/feed molar ratio
Authors: Infantes-Molina A. , Gralberg E. , Cecilia J. A. , Finocchio Elisabetta , Rodríguez-Castellón E.
Published: April 2015

The catalytic activity of nickel and cobalt phosphides, with a metal loading of 5 wt.%, supported on silica was investigated in the hydrodeoxygenation reaction (HDO) of dibenzofuran (DBF) as a model oxygenated compound at different contact times, H2 pressures and H2/DBF molar ratios.
Platinum carbon bond formation via Cu(i) catalyzed Stille-type transmetallation: reaction scope and spectroscopic study of platinum-arylene complexes
Authors: Gundogan Ali S. , Meng Xiangli , Winkel Russell W. , Schanze Kirk S.
Published: April 2015

The preparation of Pt(ii) complexes of the type trans-L2Pt(Ar)Cl, L2Pt(Ar)2, and L2Pt(Ar)(Ar′) (L = PBu3, Ar = arylene) by CuI catalyzed reaction of cis-(PBu3)2PtCl2 with aryl-stannanes is reported.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of manganese carbonyl complexes with different coordination modes of 3,4,5-triaryl-1,2-diphospholide ligands
Authors: Miluykov Vasili A. , Bezkishko Ilya A. , Kochetkova Liliya R. , Kataeva Olga N. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Katsyuba Sergey A. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Lönnecke Peter , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Parameswaran Anupama , Krupskaya Yulia , Kataev Vladislav , Büchner Bernd
Published: April 2015

The set of binuclear manganese complexes (2a–c) undergo an irreversible rearrangement to mononuclear 3,4,5-triaryl-1,2-diphosphacymantrenes(3a–c).
Functional up-converting SrTiO3:Er3+/Yb3+ nanoparticles: structural features, particle size, colour tuning and in vitro RBC cytotoxicity
Authors: Pazik R. , Maczka M. , Malecka M. , Marciniak L. , Ekner-Grzyb A. , Mrowczynska L. , Wiglusz R. J.
Published: April 2015

SrTiO3 nanoparticles co-doped with a broad concentration range of Er3+ and Yb3+ ions were fabricated using the citric route as a function of annealing temperatures of 500–1000 °C.
The Maillard reaction of a shrimp by-product protein hydrolysate: chemical changes and inhibiting effects of reactive oxygen species in human HepG2 cells
Authors: Zha Fengchao , Wei Binbin , Chen Shengjun , Dong Shiyuan , Zeng Mingyong , Liu Zunying
Published: April 2015

A shrimp by-product protein hydrolysate via the Maillard reaction could alleviate cellular damage, but result in higher HMF and loss of nutritional quality.
Formaldehyde production via hydrogenation of carbon monoxide in the aqueous phase
Authors: Bahmanpour Ali Mohammad , Hoadley Andrew , Tanksale Akshat
Published: April 2015

Discovery of a low temperature route to produce formaldehyde via catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide in the aqueous phase.
Integrated proteomic platforms for the comparative characterization of medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma pediatric brain tumors: a preliminary study
Authors: Martelli Claudia , Iavarone Federica , D'Angelo Luca , Arba Morena , Vincenzoni Federica , Inserra Ilaria , Delfino Daniela , Rossetti Diana Valeria , Caretto Marta , Massimi Luca , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Di Rocco Concezio , Caldarelli Massimo , Messana Irene , Castagnola Massimo , Sanna Maria Teresa , Desiderio Claudia
Published: April 2015

The proteomic study of pediatric brain tumors tissues by top-down/bottom-up platforms revealed different expression profiles and potential malignancy biomarkers.
Dissolution and reduction of cobalt ions in the polyol process using ethylene glycol: identification of the active species and its role
Authors: Matsumoto Takatoshi , Takahashi Kazuma , Kitagishi Keisuke , Shinoda Kozo , Cuya Huaman Jhon L. , Piquemal Jean-Yves , Jeyadevan Balachandran
Published: April 2015

The monoanionic state of ethylene glycol was theoretically and experimentally confirmed to be the active species during reduction reaction of metal salts.
Introduction to the themed issue on Foldamer Chemistry
Authors: Aitken David J.
Published: April 2015

This themed issue of NJC features a collection of papers highlighting the latest developments in foldamer chemistry.
Muscarine-like compounds derived from a pyrolysis product of cellulose
Authors: Defant Andrea , Mancini Ines , Matucci Rosanna , Bellucci Cristina , Dosi Federico , Malferrari Danilo , Fabbri Daniele
Published: April 2015

Starting from a hydroxylactone anhydrosugar available from catalytic cellulose pyrolysis, five new muscarine-like compounds have been synthesized and studied for their binding affinity to human subtype muscarine receptors, obtaining results supported by docking calculation.
Binding of pixantrone to DNA at CpA dinucleotide sequences and bulge structures
Authors: Konda Shyam K. , Wang Haiqiang , Cutts Suzanne M. , Phillips Don R. , Collins J. Grant
Published: April 2015

The anti-cancer drug pixantrone intercalates predominantly from the minor groove at adenine bulge sites, but with approximately equal frequency from the minor and major grooves at CpA sites.
Ring size in cyclic endomorphin-2 analogs modulates receptor binding affinity and selectivity
Authors: Piekielna Justyna , Kluczyk Alicja , Gentilucci Luca , Cerlesi Maria Camilla , Calo’ Girolamo , Tomböly Csaba , Łapiński Krzysztof , Janecki Tomasz , Janecka Anna
Published: April 2015

A series of endomorphin-2 cyclic analogs with 17- to 14-membered rings was synthesized and evaluated in terms of opioid affinity and selectivity. Conformational studies enabled us to rationalize biological results.
pH-Responsive polymeric Janus containers for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Zhao Ziguang , Zhu Feiyan , Qu Xiaozhong , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Qian , Zhang Guolin , Liang Fuxin
Published: April 2015

In this study, we have successfully designed and fabricated pH-responsive polymeric Janus hollow spheres for controlled drug release.
Mechanism evolution for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethyl benzene to styrene over V2O5/TiO2 catalyst: computational and kinetic approach
Authors: Sharma Prabhakar , Dwivedi Reena , Dixit Rajiv , Batra Manohar , Prasad Rajendra
Published: April 2015

A kinetic study of the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene has been performed in a differential flow reactor over a V2O5/TiO2 catalyst.
Synthesis and characterization of MHa-g-poly(HEMA)PO42−2H+ cation exchanger-effective removal of methylene blue from waste water
Authors: Kaith Balbir Singh , Dhiman Jitender , Bhatia Jaspreet Kaur
Published: April 2015

Poly(HEMA) chain grafted chemically modified Holarrhena antidysenterica fiber was converted into a cation-exchanger using phosphorylation and p-doping technique.
Enzymology and thermal stability of phytase appA mutants
Authors: Wang Xi , Yao Mingze , Yang Binsheng , Fu Yuejun , Hu Fengyun , Liang Aihua
Published: April 2015

(A) The comparison of different melting temperature (Tm) of appA (), appAM8 () and appAM10 (). TheTmvalues were 60 °C for appA, 64.1 °C for appAM8, and 67.5 °C for appAM10. (B) Titration curves of the addition TNS to appAM10 (a) and appA (b).
Stability limits and chemical quenching of methane–air flame in plane micro-channels with different walls
Authors: Chen Junjie , Gao Xuhui , Xu Deguang
Published: April 2015

Experiment and numerical simulation with detailed chemistry kinetics schemes were employed to investigate the stability limits and chemical quenching behaviors of methane–air flame in plane micro-channels with different wall materials.
Phosphate removal by a nano-biosorbent from the synthetic and real (Persian Gulf) water samples
Authors: Arshadi M. , Gholtash J. Etemad , Zandi H. , Foroughifard S.
Published: April 2015

The NZVI has been synthesized and immobilized on the ostrich bone waste with high chemical stability to uptake P ions from (Persian Gulf) water. XRD results confirmed the presence of Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O on the B-HNO3-NZVI-P.
Electrodeposition of SmCo alloy nanowires with a large length-diameter ratio from SmCl3–CoCl2–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid without template
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Wang Heng , Li Bing
Published: April 2015

SmCo alloy nanowires were first electrodeposited from SmCl3–CoCl2–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIC) ionic liquid at constant potential without template.
Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene/poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) tri-layer core–shell nanoparticles and their postpolymerization modification via catalytic latex hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Hui , Yang Lijuan , Rempel Garry L.
Published: April 2015

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene/poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) tri-layer core–shell elastomeric nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile and robust one-pot semibatch emulsion polymerization technique which allows for scale-up.
The interaction of QDs with RAW264.7 cells: nanoparticle quantification, uptake kinetics and immune responses study
Authors: Gladkovskaya O. , Gerard V. A. , Nosov M. , Gun'ko Y. K. , O'Connor G. M. , Rochev Y.
Published: April 2015

Exposure to small QDs in high concentration in continuous cell culture results in cell death by apoptosis and necrosis co-existing within the same cell population.
MR imaging and targeting of human breast cancer cells with folate decorated nanoparticles
Authors: Arosio Paolo , Orsini Francesco , Piras Anna M. , Sandreschi Stefania , Chiellini Federica , Corti Maurizio , Masa Marc , Múčková Marta , Schmidtová Ľudmila , Ravagli Costanza , Baldi Giovanni , Nicolato Elena , Conti Giamaica , Marzola Pasquina , Lascialfari Alessandro
Published: April 2015

Folate decorated organic nanocarriers loaded with magnetite nanoparticles and paclitaxel provide a specific and prolonged negative contrast of breast cancers on T2-weighted MR images.
Iodine-catalyzed C–H/S–H oxidative coupling: from 1,3-diketones and thiophenols to β-dicarbonyl thioethers
Authors: Cao Hao , Yuan Jiwen , Liu Chao , Hu Xinquan , Lei Aiwen
Published: April 2015

A novel I2-catalyzed Csp3-H/S–H oxidative coupling between alkyl 1,3-diketones and thiophenols to form β-carbonyl thioethers was demonstrated.
Exploring the influence of electron donating/withdrawing groups on hexamolybdate-based derivatives for efficient p-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Sun Lin Lin , Zhang Ting , Wang Jing , Li Hong , Yan Li Kai , Su Zhong Min
Published: April 2015

A series of POM-based organic–inorganic hybrids with different substituting groups are investigated as sensitizers for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Advanced asymmetric supercapacitors based on Ni3(PO4)2@GO and Fe2O3@GO electrodes with high specific capacitance and high energy density
Authors: Li Jia-Jia , Liu Mao-Cheng , Kong Ling-Bin , Wang Dan , Hu Yu-Mei , Han Wei , Kang Long
Published: April 2015

Ni3(PO4)2@GO and Fe2O3@GO have been successfully synthesized as electrode materials, and they have been used to assemble an asymmetric supercapacitor (Fe2O3@GO//Ni3(PO4)2@GO), which exhibited a high energy density.
Interface energy barrier tailoring the morphological structure evolution from ZnO nano/micro rod arrays to microcrystalline thin films by Mn doping
Authors: Soundarrajan P. , Sethuraman K.
Published: April 2015

Hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of pure and Mn doped ZnO nano/micro rod arrays (N/MRAs) thin films have been grown on ZnO nuclei layers by a cost effective chemical bath deposition (CBD).
Electrocatalytic activity of Mn/Cu doped Fe2O3–PANI–rGO composites for fuel cell applications
Authors: Mohanraju Karuppannan , Cindrella Louis
Published: April 2015

Low cost catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction synthesized from a Mn/Cu doped Fe2O3–polyaniline (PANI) composite supported on reduced graphene oxide.
Synthesis of 6-membered cyclic carbonates from 1,3-diols and low CO2pressure: a novel mild strategy to replace phosgene reagents
Authors: Gregory Georgina L. , Ulmann Marion , Buchard Antoine
Published: April 2015

Low pressure CO2is used for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from 1,3-diols in a novel mild alternative to phosgene derivatives.
A giant polymer lattice in a polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal
Authors: Kikuchi H. , Izena S. , Higuchi H. , Okumura Y. , Higashiguchi K.
Published: April 2015

Ultra-small angle X-ray diffraction patterns of a polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal and a possible three-dimensional giant polymer lattice with body-centered cubic O8− symmetry formed in it.
Preparation and properties of graphene oxide-modified poly(melamine-formaldehyde) microcapsules containing phase change material n-dodecanol for thermal energy storage
Authors: Chen Zhonghua , Wang Jianchuan , Yu Fei , Zhang Zhengguo , Gao Xuenong
Published: April 2015

Graphene oxide-modified poly(melamine-formaldehyde) microcapsules containing phase change material were synthesized with thermal conductivity improved by more than 50% and a high enthalpy of 125.2 J g−1.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of statins: an update on pleiotropic effects
Authors: Satoh Mamoru , Takahashi Yuji , Tabuchi Tsuyoshi , Minami Yoshitaka , Tamada Makiko , Takahashi Kan , Itoh Tomonori , Morino Yoshihiro , Nakamura Motoyuki
Published: April 2015

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The efficacy and safety of statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) in primary and secondary prevention of CAD are confirmed in several large studies. It is well known that statins have some pleiotropic, anti-atherosclerotic effects. We review the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of statins revealed in recently published studies. Endothelial cell injury is regarded as the classic stimulus for the development of atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, the inflammatory process plays an important role in the aetiology of atherosclerosis. In particular, chronic inflammation plays a key role in coronary artery plaque instability and subsequent occlusive thrombosis. Our previous reports and others have demonstrated beneficial effects of statins on endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation in CAD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effectiveness of statins against atherosclerosis may provide a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis. The present review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanism of statins against coronary atherosclerosis.
Edge detection based on the Shannon Entropy by piecewise thresholding on remote sensing images
Authors: Kiani Abbas , Sahebi Mahmod Reza
Published: April 2015

Edge detection is one of the most important concepts used in processing of remote sensing images. The aim of edge detection is to mark the points of an image at which the rate of brightness changes sharply. Sharp changes in image features often represent important events and changes in environmental properties. In other words, edges can be defined as the boundary between two regions separated by two relatively distinct grey level properties. Most classic mathematical methods for edge detection are based on deriving original image pixels such as Laplacian gradient operator. In remote sensing images, because of the high variation rate, the edge detection operators may have some weaknesses in correct detection of the scope of complications. This study provides a novel approach for detecting the edges based on the features of remote sensing images. In this method, at first, thresholds of different regions of the image were determined in a piecewise manner; then, by using the proposed methods, appropriate thresholds were extracted, and finally, the boundary between these regions was extracted using Shannon entropy. The obtained results were compared with some standard algorithms and it was observed that the method was efficiently able to detect edges.
Measurement‐based correlation approach for power system dynamic response estimation
Authors: Bai Feifei , Liu Yong , Liu Yilu , Sun Kai , Bhatt Navin , Del Rosso Alberto , Farantatos Evangelos , Wang Xiaoru
Published: April 2015

Understanding power system dynamics is essential for online stability assessment and control applications. Global positioning system‐synchronised phasor measurement units and frequency disturbance recorders (FDRs) make power system dynamics visible and deliver an accurate picture of the overall operation condition to system operators. However, in the actual field implementations, some measurement data can be inaccessible for various reasons, for example, most notably failure of communication. In this study, a measurement‐based approach is proposed to estimate the missing power system dynamics. Specifically, a correlation coefficient index is proposed to describe the correlation relationship between different measurements. Then, the auto‐regressive with exogenous input identification model is employed to estimate the missing system dynamic response. The US Eastern Interconnection is utilised in this study as a case study. The robustness of the correlation approach is verified by a wide variety of case studies as well. Finally, the proposed correlation approach is applied to the real FDR data for power system dynamic response estimation. The results indicate that the correlation approach could help select better input locations and thus improve the response estimation accuracy.
Evolution of rogue waves in dusty plasmas
Authors: Tolba R. E. , Moslem W. M. , El-Bedwehy N. A. , El-Labany S. K.
Published: April 2015

The evolution of rogue waves associated with the dynamics of positively charged dust grains that interact with streaming electrons and ions is investigated. Using a perturbation method, the basic set of fluid equations is reduced to a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). The rational solution of the NLSE is presented, which proposed as an effective tool for studying the rogue waves in Jupiter. It is found that the existence region of rogue waves depends on the dust-acoustic speed and the streaming densities of the ions and electrons. Furthermore, the supersonic rogue waves are much taller than the subsonic rogue waves by ∼25 times.
Automatized and desktop AC-susceptometer for the in situ and real time monitoring of magnetic nanoparticles’ synthesis by coprecipitation
Authors: Fernández-García M. P. , Teixeira J. M. , Machado P. , Oliveira M. R. F. F. , Maia J. M. , Pereira C. , Pereira A. M. , Freire C. , Araujo J. P.
Published: April 2015

The main purpose of this work was to design, develop, and construct a simple desktop AC susceptometer to monitor in situ and in real time the coprecipitation synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. The design incorporates one pair of identical pick-up sensing coils and one pair of Helmholtz coils. The picked up signal is detected by a lock-in SR850 amplifier that measures the in- and out-of-phase signals. The apparatus also includes a stirrer with 45°-angle blades to promote the fast homogenization of the reaction mixture. Our susceptometer has been successfully used to monitor the coprecipitation reaction for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles.
Effect of ion compensation of the beam space charge on gyrotron operation
Authors: Fokin A. P. , Glyavin M. Yu. , Nusinovich G. S.
Published: April 2015

In gyrotrons, the coherent radiation of electromagnetic waves takes place when the cyclotron resonance condition between the wave frequency and the electron cyclotron frequency or its harmonic holds. The voltage depression caused by the beam space charge field changes the relativistic cyclotron frequency and, hence, can play an important role in the beam-wave interaction process. In long pulse and continuous-wave regimes, the beam space charge field can be partially compensated by the ions, which appear due to the beam impact ionization of neutral molecules of residual gases in the interaction space. In the present paper, the role of this ion compensation of the beam space charge on the interaction efficiency is analyzed. We also analyze the effect of the electron velocity spread on the limiting currents and discuss some effects restricting the ion-to-beam electron density ratio in the saturation stage. It is shown that the effect of the ion compensation on the voltage depression caused by the beam space charge field can cause significant changes in the efficiency of gyrotron operation and, in some cases, even result in the break of oscillations.
Open volume defects and magnetic phase transition in Fe60Al40 transition metal aluminide
Authors: Liedke M. O. , Anwand W. , Bali R. , Cornelius S. , Butterling M. , Trinh T. T. , Wagner A. , Salamon S. , Walecki D. , Smekhova A. , Wende H. , Potzger K.
Published: April 2015

Magnetic phase transition in the Fe60Al40 transition metal aluminide from the ferromagnetic disordered A2-phase to the paramagnetic ordered B2-phase as a function of annealing up to 1000 °C has been investigated by means of magneto-optical and spectroscopy techniques, i.e., Kerr effect, positron annihilation, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The positron annihilation spectroscopy has been performed in-situ sequentially after each annealing step at the Apparatus for In-situ Defect Analysis that is a unique tool combining positron annihilation spectroscopy with temperature treatment, material evaporation, ion irradiation, and sheet resistance measurement techniques. The overall goal was to investigate the importance of the open volume defects onto the magnetic phase transition. No evidence of variation in the vacancy concentration in matching the magnetic phase transition temperature range (400–600 °C) has been found, whereas higher temperatures showed an increase in the vacancy concentration.
Photoionized plasmas induced in neon with extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray pulses produced using low and high energy laser systems
Authors: Bartnik A. , Wachulak P. , Fok T. , Węgrzyński Ł. , Fiedorowicz H. , Pisarczyk T. , Chodukowski T. , Kalinowska Z. , Dudzak R. , Dostal J. , Krousky E. , Skala J. , Ullschmied J. , Hrebicek J. , Medrik T.
Published: April 2015

A comparative study of photoionized plasmas created by two soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (SXR/EUV) laser plasma sources with different parameters is presented. The two sources are based on double-stream Xe/He gas-puff targets irradiated with high (500 J/0.3 ns) and low energy (10 J/1 ns) laser pulses. In both cases, the SXR/EUV beam irradiated the gas stream, injected into a vacuum chamber synchronously with the radiation pulse. Irradiation of gases resulted in formation of photoionized plasmas emitting radiation in the SXR/EUV range. The measured Ne plasma radiation spectra are dominated by emission lines corresponding to radiative transitions in singly charged ions. A significant difference concerns origin of the lines: K-shell or L-shell emissions occur in case of the high and low energy irradiating system, respectively. In high energy system, the electron density measurements were also performed by laser interferometry, employing a femtosecond laser system. A maximum electron density for Ne plasma reached the value of 2·1018 cm−3. For the low energy system, a detection limit was too high for the interferometric measurements, thus only an upper estimation for electron density could be made.
The effect of magnetic islands on Ion Temperature Gradient turbulence driven transport
Authors: Hill P. , Hariri F. , Ottaviani M.
Published: April 2015

In this work, we address the question of the influence of magnetic islands on the perpendicular transport due to steady-state ITG turbulence on the energy transport time scale. We demonstrate that turbulence can cross the separatrix and enhance the perpendicular transport across magnetic islands. As the perpendicular transport in the interior of the island sets the critical island size needed for growth of neoclassical tearing modes, this increased transport leads to a critical island size larger than that predicted from considering collisional conductivities, but smaller than that using anomalous effective conductivities. We find that on Bohm time scales, the turbulence is able to re-establish the temperature gradient across the island for islands widths w ≲ λturb, the turbulence correlation length. The reduction in the island flattening is estimated by comparison with simulations retaining only the perpendicular temperature and no turbulence. At intermediate island widths, comparable to λturb, turbulence is able to maintain finite temperature gradients across the island.
Dynamics of three-dimensional helical domain wall in cylindrical NiFe nanowires
Authors: Wong D. W. , Chandra Sekhar M. , Gan W. L. , Purnama I. , Lew W. S.
Published: April 2015

We report on a micromagnetic study on the dynamics of current-driven helical domain wall (DW) in cylindrical NiFe nanowires. The helical DW is a three-dimensional transition region between magnetizations with clockwise and anticlockwise vortex orientations. A minimum current density is needed to overcome an intrinsic pinning to drive the helical DW, and the propagation along the nanowire is accompanied by a rotational motion. As the driving current strength is increased, the rotation ceases while the DW propagates at an increased velocity. However, a velocity barrier is experienced which results in the decrease of the DW mobility. Throughout its motion, the propagated helical DW maintains a stable profile without showing any sign of structural breakdown even at relatively high driving current.
Reactive scattering calculations for 87Rb+87RbHe→Rb2(3Σu+,v)+He from ultralow to intermediate energies
Authors: Rodríguez-Cantano Rocío , González-Lezana Tomás , Prosmiti Rita , Delgado-Barrio Gerardo , Villarreal Pablo , Jellinek Julius
Published: April 2015

We investigate atom-diatom reactive collisions, as a preliminary step, in order to assess the possibility of forming Rb2 molecules in their lowest triplet electronic state by cold collisions of rubidium atoms on the surface of helium nanodroplets. A simple model related to the well-known Rosen treatment of linear triatomic molecules [N. Rosen, J. Chem. Phys. 1, 319 (1933)] in relative coordinates is used, allowing to estimate reactive probabilities for different values of the total angular momentum. The best available full dimensional potential energy surface [Guillon et al., J. Chem. Phys. 136, 174307 (2012)] is employed through the calculations. Noticeable values of the probabilities in the ultracold regime, which numerically fulfill the Wigner threshold law, support the feasibility of the process. The rubidium dimer is mainly produced at high vibrational states, and the reactivity is more efficient for a bosonic helium partner than when the fermion species is considered.
Temporally and spatially resolved plasma spectroscopy in pulsed laser deposition of ultra-thin boron nitride films
Authors: Glavin Nicholas R. , Muratore Christopher , Jespersen Michael L. , Hu Jianjun , Fisher Timothy S. , Voevodin Andrey A.
Published: April 2015

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) has recently been investigated as a viable, alternative growth technique for two-dimensional materials with multiple benefits over other vapor deposition synthesis methods. The high kinetic energies and chemical reactivities of the condensing species formed from PVD processes can facilitate growth over large areas and at reduced substrate temperatures. In this study, chemistry, kinetic energies, time of flight data, and spatial distributions within a PVD plasma plume ablated from a boron nitride (BN) target by a KrF laser at different pressures of nitrogen gas were investigated. Time resolved spectroscopy and wavelength specific imaging were used to identify and track atomic neutral and ionized species including B+, B*, N+, N*, and molecular species including N2*, N2+, and BN. Formation and decay of these species formed both from ablation of the target and from interactions with the background gas were investigated and provided insights into fundamental growth mechanisms of continuous, amorphous boron nitride thin films. The correlation of the plasma diagnostic results with film chemical composition and thickness uniformity studies helped to identify that a predominant mechanism for BN film formation is condensation surface recombination of boron ions and neutral atomic nitrogen species. These species arrive nearly simultaneously to the substrate location, and BN formation occurs microseconds before arrival of majority of N+ ions generated by plume collisions with background molecular nitrogen. The energetic nature and extended dwelling time of incident N+ ions at the substrate location was found to negatively impact resulting BN film stoichiometry and thickness. Growth of stoichiometric films was optimized at enriched concentrations of ionized boron and neutral atomic nitrogen in plasma near the condensation surface, providing few nanometer thick films with 1:1 BN stoichiometry and good thicknesses uniformity over macroscopic areas.
A 10-GHz film-thickness-mode cavity optomechanical resonator
Authors: Han Xu , Fong King Y. , Tang Hong X.
Published: April 2015

We report on the advance of chip-scale cavity optomechanical resonators to beyond 10 GHz by exploiting the fundamental acoustic thickness mode of an aluminum nitride micro-disk. By engineering the mechanical anchor to minimize the acoustic loss, a quality factor of 1830 and hence a frequency-quality factor product of 1.9 × 1013 Hz are achieved in ambient air at room temperature. Actuated by strong piezo-electric force, the micro-disk resonator shows an excellent electro-optomechanical transduction efficiency. Our detailed analysis of the electro-optomechanical coupling allows identification and full quantification of various acoustic modes spanning from super-high to X-band microwave frequencies measured in the thin film resonator.
NiCo-lead zirconium titanate-NiCo trilayered magnetoelectric composites prepared by electroless deposition
Authors: Zhou M. H. , Fan H. P. , Zhao Z. S. , Wang Y. G. , Bi K.
Published: April 2015

The NiCo layers with various Ni/Co atomic ratio have been successfully electroless deposited on PZT layers by varying the bath composition. As the cobalt atomic ratio in the deposited layer increases from 17.2 to 54.8 wt%, the magnetostrictive coefficient decreases. The magnetoelectric effect depends strongly on the magnetostrictive properties of magnetostrictive phase. The magnetoelectric coefficient of NiCo/PZT/NiCo trilayers increases with Ni/Co atomic ratio of the deposited NiCo layers increasing from 45:55 to 83:17. A maximum ME voltage coefficient of αE,31 = 2.8 V ⋅ cm−1 ⋅ Oe−1 is obtained at a frequency of about 88 kHz, which makes these trilayers suitable for applications in actuators, transducers and sensors.
Prediction of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre concentration in residues of in situ ruminal degradation of pasture samples by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Keim J. P. , Charles H. , Alomar D.
Published: April 2015

An important constraint of in situ degradability studies is the need to analyse a high number of samples and often with insufficient amount of residue, especially after the longer incubations of high-quality forages, that impede the study of more than one nutritional component. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been established as a reliable method for predicting composition of many entities, including forages and other animal feedstuffs. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of NIRS for predicting the crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration in rumen incubation residues of permanent and sown temperate pastures in a vegetative stage. In situ residues (n = 236) from four swards were scanned for their visible-NIR spectra and analysed for CP and NDF. Selected equations developed by partial least-squares multivariate regression presented high coefficients of determination (CP = 0.99, NDF = 0.95) and low standard errors (CP = 4.17 g/kg, NDF = 7.91 g/kg) in cross-validation. These errors compare favourably to the average concentrations of CP and NDF (146.5 and 711.2 g/kg, respectively) and represent a low fraction of their standard deviation (CP = 38.2 g/kg, NDF = 34.4 g/kg). An external validation was not as successful, with R2 of 0.83 and 0.82 and a standard error of prediction of 14.8 and 15.2 g/kg, for CP and NDF, respectively. It is concluded that NIRS has the potential to predict CP and NDF of in situ incubation residues of leafy pastures typical of humid temperate zones, but more robust calibrations should be developed.
Effects of Arginase Inhibition in Hypertensive Hyperthyroid Rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Isabel , Manuel Moreno Juan , Jimenez Rosario , Quesada Andrés , Montoro-Molina Sebastian , Vargas-Tendero Pablo , Wangensteen Rosemary , Vargas Félix
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

This study analyzed the effects of chronic administration of N[omega]-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA), an inhibitor of arginase, on the hemodynamic, oxidative stress, morphologic, metabolic, and renal manifestations of hyperthyroidism in rats.

METHODS

Four groups of male Wistar rats were used: control, nor-NOHA-treated (10mg/kg/day), thyroxine (T4)-treated (75 μg/rat/day), and thyroxine- plus nor-NOHA-treated rats. All treatments were maintained for 4 weeks. Body weight, tail systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded weekly. Finally, morphologic, metabolic, plasma, and renal variables were measured. Arginase I and II protein abundance and arginase activity were measured in aorta, heart, and kidney.

RESULTS

The T4 group showed increased arginase I and II protein abundance, arginase activity, SBP, HR, plasma nitrates/nitrites (NOx), brainstem and urinary isoprostanes, proteinuria and cardiac and renal hypertrophy in comparison to control rats. In hyperthyroid rats, chronic nor-NOHA prevented the increase in SBP and HR and decreased proteinuria in association with an increase in plasma NOx and a decrease in brainstem and urinary isoprostanes. In normal rats, nor-NOHA treatment did not significantly change any hemodynamic, morphologic, or renal variables. Acute nor-NOHA administration did not affect renal or systemic hemodynamic variables in normal or T4-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Hyperthyroidism in rats is associated with the increased expression and activity of arginase in aorta, heart, and kidney. Chronic arginase inhibition with nor-NOHA suppresses the characteristic hemodynamic manifestations of hyperthyroidism in association with a reduced oxidative stress. These results indicate an important role for arginase pathway alterations in the cardiovascular and renal abnormalities of hyperthyroidism.
ESPRESSO: taking into account assessment errors on outcome and exposures in power analysis for association studies
Authors: Gaye Amadou , Burton Thomas W. Y. , Burton Paul R.
Published: April 2015

Motivation: Very large studies are required to provide sufficiently big sample sizes for adequately powered association analyses. This can be an expensive undertaking and it is important that an accurate sample size is identified. For more realistic sample size calculation and power analysis, the impact of unmeasured aetiological determinants and the quality of measurement of both outcome and explanatory variables should be taken into account. Conventional methods to analyse power use closed-form solutions that are not flexible enough to cater for all of these elements easily. They often result in a potentially substantial overestimation of the actual power.

Results: In this article, we describe the Estimating Sample-size and Power in R by Exploring Simulated Study Outcomes tool that allows assessment errors in power calculation under various biomedical scenarios to be incorporated. We also report a real world analysis where we used this tool to answer an important strategic question for an existing cohort.

Availability and implementation: The software is available for online calculation and downloads at http://espresso-research.org. The code is freely available at https://github.com/ESPRESSO-research.

Contact:  louqman@gmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Policy in palliative care
Authors: Currow David C. , Kaasa Stein
Published: April 2015

Hospice and palliative care services have developed in very different ways around the world. Most have been built on the momentum of visionary clinicians and funders who have responded to perceived needs from health-care providers, patients, families, and communities rather than in response to well-formed national policies with an adequately funded planning and development phase. This chapter describes the work that is being done at pan-national, national, and sub-national levels to create effective policies that can further the key work of hospice/palliative care, often after a large number of apparently unconnected local services have been well established. The chapter highlights that there are particular challenges in forming public policy on hospice/palliative care, especially the end-of-life component, and notes the importance of ‘patients’ voices’-the voice of the community which helps to inform health policies including end-of-life care. The chapter ends by describing a variety of country-specific and World Health Organization policy documents and legislation.