bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine-powered microbial fuel cell using a hyperpiliated pilT mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Shreeram Devesh Dadhich , Hassett Daniel J , Schaefer Dale W
Published: December 2015

This report documents the first observation of a urine-powered microbial fuel cell operating with a genetically engineered bacterial strain. Under identical conditions, a pilT mutant of the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a 2.7-fold increase in peak power density compared to the wild-type strain, PAO1. The reduced twitching motility and hyperpiliation of the pilT mutant enhances the formation of electrogenic biofilms. For both strains, the observed high internal resistance near open-circuit voltage is attributed to sluggish redox reactions on the anode surface and not to slow bacterial metabolism. This work lays the groundwork for optimization of multiple bacterial traits leading to increased electroactive properties and opens new opportunities for urine-based mini-devices.
Biobutanol production from C5/C6 carbohydrates integrated with pervaporation: experimental results and conceptual plant design
Authors: Van Hecke Wouter , Vandezande Pieter , Dubreuil Marjorie , Uyttebroek Maarten , Beckers Herman , De Wever Heleen
Published: December 2015

In this study, a simulated lignocellulosic hydrolyzate was used in a continuous two-stage fermentor setup for production of acetone, butanol and ethanol. An organophilic pervaporation unit was coupled to the second fermentor. The dilution rate in the first fermentor was kept constant at 0.109 h−1, while the dilution rate in the second fermentor was gradually decreased from 0.056 to 0.020 h−1. Glucose was completely consumed, while 61 % of the xylose was consumed at the lowest dilution rate, leading to an overall solvent productivity of 0.65 g L−1 h−1 and a high concentration of 185 g kg−1 solvents in the permeate in the last fermentation zone during 192 h. Based on the experimental results, a process integrated with organophilic pervaporation was conceptually designed and compared with a base-case. Chemcad simulations indicate an energy reduction of ~50 % when organophilic pervaporation is used. This study also demonstrates significant reductions in process flows and energy consumption by the use of organophilic pervaporation as in situ product recovery technology.
Synthesis of Ecofriendly Functionalized Oxadiazole, Imidazole, Triazole and Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: El‐Sayed Refat , Shaldom Amani , Mazrouee Layla Al
Published: December 2015

5‐Pentadecyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐amine (2) was employed as key intermediate for the synthesis of some new functionalized five and six membered heterocyclic derivatives. The synthesized compounds were reacted with propylene oxide to obtain surface active agents having good surface activity, high solubility in water and good biodegradability. Moreover, the functionalized surfactants showed good antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive organisms. The new compounds are easily synthesized, economical and environmentally friendly and are expected to constitute an important class of organic compounds for medicinal purposes in the future.
Sulfonated Beet Pulp as Solid Catalyst in One‐Step Esterification of Industrial Palm Fatty Acid Distillate
Authors: Babadi Farahnaz Eghbali , Hosseini Soraya , Soltani Salman Masoudi , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Shamiri Ahmad , Samadi Mahtab
Published: December 2015

In this research a new heterogeneous catalyst has been prepared for biodiesel production. The catalyst was prepared by sulfonating industrial sugar waste. Unlike homogeneous catalysts, which require further purification and separation from the biodiesel production reaction media, this inexpensive synthetic catalyst does not need to go through an additional separation process. This advantage consequently minimizes the total application costs. The catalyst was prepared by partially carbonizing sugar beet pulp at 400 °C. The carbonization product was then sulfonated with concentrated H2SO4 vapor in order to produce a solid catalyst. The prepared catalyst was used in the esterification reaction between palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and methanol. The effects of the temperature, methanol/PFAD ratio, reaction time and catalyst dosage on the efficiency of the production were individually investigated. The optimum biodiesel production occurred at 85 °C, a reaction time of 300 min, catalyst dosage of 3 g and methanol/PFAD ratio of 5:1 (mol/mol), lowering the acid value from 198 to 13.1 (mg KOH/g oil) or the equivalent, with a fatty acid methyl ester yield of around 92 %. The results suggest that the synthesized inexpensive catalyst is useful for biodiesel production from PFAD.
The Greatest Art is the Greatest Propaganda: The Fascinating and Tragic Life of Margaret Walker Alexander
Authors: Favors Jelani M.
Published: December 2015

In 1949, the famed author and poet Margaret Walker took a position of employment with the English Department at Jackson State University, an appointment that she would hold for the next 30 years. Her tenure at Jackson State coincided with the rise of the Modern Civil Rights Movement and her diary entries during these turbulent years illustrate a woman in flux and tragically silenced as the black freedom struggle unfolded. This article discusses Walker's dilemma as it related to feeling voiceless in Mississippi's closed society but it also examines the ways in which Walker molded her students and in doing so, made contributions to their politicization and development as change agents. Walker's career would become a source of inspiration for later artists and writers of the Black Power and Black Arts Movements.
The Impact of Nighttime Intensivists on Medical Intensive Care Unit Infection-Related Indicators
Authors: Trivedi Abhaya , McMullen Kathleen M. , Babcock Hilary M. , Kollef Marin H.
Published: December 2015

In 2013, a before-and-after intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effect 24-hour intensivist coverage on length of stay and rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, central-line associated blood stream infection, and ventilator-associated events. Intensivist coverage for 24 hours did not decrease length of stay or result in a decrease in any specific infection rate.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):352–354
Contact With the Workplace During Long-Term Sickness Absence and Worker Expectations of Return to Work
Authors: Selander John , Tjulin Åsa , Müssener Ulrika , Ekberg Kerstin
Published: December 2015

Since long-term sickness absence constitutes a problem in most western countries, research that can facilitate return to work (RTW) is important. Today there is evidence that the social context at the workplace has a significant impact on return to work. The dual aims of the study was firstly to investigate the pattern and quality of contact between employees on long-term sick leave and different actors at the workplace, and secondly to investigate whether contacts with the workplace were associated with expectations regarding return to work. An explorative method and descriptive design was used for the first aim. For the second aim, the data was analysed in a multivariate logistic regression model. The results show that employees had frequent and, in most cases, appreciated contact with their supervisor and co-workers. Contact with other workplace actors; that is, the occupational health unit, the union representative, and the human resources department, were less frequent. Employees who experienced the contact as supportive and constructive were far more positive and optimistic than others regarding return to work. It is concluded that supervisors and co-workers should be aware that they play a significant role in the return-to-work process, and that quality of contact is what matters.
Aging Workers: Work Environment as a Factor in Employee Mental Health
Authors: Coduti Wendy A. , Tugman Kristin , Bruyère Susanne M. , Malzer Valerie
Published: December 2015

In 2014, the health and productivity team of the disability insurance provider, Unum, conducted a mixed methods study that included qualitative interviews with internal mental health disability claims professionals, and external interviews with employers. Quantitative data of 15 employers were analysed to identify descriptive statistics involving mental health short-term disability (STD) claims. Workplace factors were examined to understand best practices among companies, related to mental health STD, to identify work environments that may increase or decrease mental health disabilities. Quantitative data found workers aged 40 to 49 had the highest rates of mental health STD claims and workers aged 50 to 59 had the longest duration of absence. Anxiety and depression were the main reasons for mental health absences from work. Results from the qualitative interviews showed a supportive work culture (i.e., work–life balance, good benefits, successful wellness programs) may lead to higher STD claim rates, demonstrating workers in these environments may feel more comfortable disclosing and seeking help for mental health disabilities. Conclusions from this study indicate that although presenteeism rates for mental health are high and impact employers financially, having higher STD claim rates may be more cost effective than having employees with mental health conditions remain at work instead of filing STD claims, seeking treatment and returning to productive employment. Employee age can impact rate and duration of mental health STD claims, meaning employers should implement workplace practices that support overall mental health of employees.
The lunar observatory hypothesis at Carnac: a reconsideration
Authors: Hadingham Evan
Published: December 2015

One of the most spectacular of all the theories recently advanced in archaeoastronomy concerns the standing stones of Carnac in southern Brittany. The possibility that the famous prehistoric megaliths or ‘menhirs’ in this region represent the remains of an extensive, highly accurate lunar observatory has excited much interest in both academic and popular literature. In the company of two experienced archaeologists I recently set out to re-examine and record the field evidence on which the lunar observatory theory is based. The result of this work is to cast serious doubt on the theory, and to illustrate the difficulties of assessing the astronomy of the megalith builders.
The piglet as a model for studying dietary components in infant diets: effects of galacto-oligosaccharides on intestinal functions
Authors: Alizadeh A. , Akbari P. , Difilippo E. , Schols H. A. , Ulfman L. H. , Schoterman M. H. C. , Garssen J. , Fink-Gremmels J. , Braber S.
Published: December 2015

Prebiotic oligosaccharides, including galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are used in infant formula to mimic human milk oligosaccharides, which are known to have an important role in the development of the intestinal microbiota and the immune system in neonates. The maturation of the intestines in piglets closely resembles that of human neonates and infants. Hence, a neonatal piglet model was used to study the multi-faceted effect of dietary GOS in early life. Naturally farrowed piglets were separated from the mother sow 24–48 h postpartum and received a milk replacer with or without the addition of GOS for 3 or 26 d, whereafter several indicators of intestinal colonisation and maturation were measured. Dietary GOS was readily fermented in the colon, leading to a decreased pH, an increase in butyric acid in caecum digesta and an increase in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria numbers at day 26. Histomorphological changes were observed in the intestines of piglets fed a GOS diet for 3 or 26 d. In turn, differences in the intestinal disaccharidase activity were observed between control and GOS-fed piglets. The mRNA expression of various tight junction proteins was up-regulated in the intestines of piglet fed a GOS diet and was not accompanied by an increase in protein expression. GOS also increased defensin porcineβ-defensin-2in the colon and secretory IgA levels in saliva. In conclusion, by applying a neonatal piglet model, it could be demonstrated that a GOS-supplemented milk replacer promotes the balance of the developing intestinal microbiota, improves the intestinal architecture and seems to stimulate the intestinal defence mechanism.
Magnetic relaxation and the Taylor conjecture
Authors: Moffatt H. K.
Published: December 2015

A one-dimensional model of magnetic relaxation in a pressureless low-resistivity plasma is considered. The initial two-component magnetic field $\boldsymbol{b}(\boldsymbol{x},t)$ is strongly helical, with non-uniform helicity density. The magnetic pressure gradient drives a velocity field that is dissipated by viscosity. Relaxation occurs in two phases. The first is a rapid initial phase in which the magnetic energy drops sharply and the magnetic pressure becomes approximately uniform; the helicity density is redistributed during this phase but remains non-uniform, and although the total helicity remains relatively constant, a Taylor state is not established. The second phase is one of slow diffusion, in which the velocity is weak, though still driven by persistent weak non-uniformity of magnetic pressure; during this phase, magnetic energy and helicity decay slowly and at constant ratio through the combined effects of pressure equalisation and finite resistivity. The density field, initially uniform, develops rapidly (in association with the magnetic field) during the initial phase, and continues to evolve, developing sharp maxima, throughout the diffusive stage. Finally it is proved that, if the resistivity is zero, the spatial mean $\langle (\boldsymbol{b}\boldsymbol{\cdot }\boldsymbol{{\rm\nabla}}\times \boldsymbol{b})/b^{2}\rangle$ is an invariant of the governing one-dimensional induction equation.
Trace metal bioavailabilities in the Thames estuary: continuing decline in the 21st century
Authors: Johnstone Keera M. , Rainbow Philip S. , Clark Paul F. , Smith Brian D. , Morritt David
Published: December 2015

Levels of pollution, including contamination by toxic metals, in the Thames estuary reduced over the last four decades of the 20th century. This 2014 study investigates whether the declines in the bioavailabilities of trace metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) have continued in the 21st century, using a suite of littoral biomonitors also employed in 2001 – the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, the strandline, talitrid amphipod Orchestia gammarellus and the estuarine barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus. Bioaccumulated concentrations represent relative measures of the total bioavailabilities of each metal to the biomonitor over a previous time period, and can be compared over space and over time. Trace metal bioavailabilities varied along the estuary, and, in general, fell between 2001 and 2014, a reflection of the continuing remediation of the Thames estuary from its severely polluted state in the middle of the 20th century.
The effect of breakfast on appetite regulation, energy balance and exercise performance
Authors: Clayton David J. , James Lewis J.
Published: December 2015

The belief that breakfast is the most important meal of day has been derived from cross-sectional studies that have associated breakfast consumption with a lower BMI. This suggests that breakfast omission either leads to an increase in energy intake or a reduction in energy expenditure over the remainder of the day, resulting in a state of positive energy balance. However, observational studies do not imply causality. A number of intervention studies have been conducted, enabling more precise determination of breakfast manipulation on indices of energy balance. This review will examine the results from these studies in adults, attempting to identify causal links between breakfast and energy balance, as well as determining whether consumption of breakfast influences exercise performance. Despite the associations in the literature, intervention studies have generally found a reduction in total daily energy intake when breakfast is omitted from the daily meal pattern. Moreover, whilst consumption of breakfast supresses appetite during the morning, this effect appears to be transient as the first meal consumed after breakfast seems to offset appetite to a similar extent, independent of breakfast. Whether breakfast affects energy expenditure is less clear. Whilst breakfast does not seem to affect basal metabolism, breakfast omission may reduce free-living physical activity and endurance exercise performance throughout the day. In conclusion, the available research suggests breakfast omission may influence energy expenditure more strongly than energy intake. Longer term intervention studies are required to confirm this relationship, and determine the impact of these variables on weight management.
Not Too Old, Not Too Young: Older Women’s Perceptions of Physicians
Authors: MacRae Hazel
Published: December 2015

Les femmes plus âgées interagissent avec les médecins plus souvent que les hommes âgés et les personnes plus jeunes; pourtant, la connaissance et la compréhension de leurs expériences avec les médecins sont limitées. Le but de cette étude était d'étudier les perceptions des femmes âgées de leurs interactions avec les médecins et d'identifier ce que les femmes veulent de leurs médecins. Les entrevues en profondeur avec 30 femmes âgées montrent que la majorité veulent être impliquée activement dans leurs propres soins de santé. Dans la relation patient-médecin, les femmes donnent généralement la priorité aux qualités personnelles de médecins et leur comportement à l'égard du patient. Pour de nombreuses femmes, l'âge et le sexe du médecin ont aussi leur importance.
Patients' perspectives on information from physicians during palliative chemotherapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Martinsson Lisa , Axelsson Bertil , Melin-Johansson Christina
Published: December 2015

Objective:

During the course of their disease, patients with cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy receive extensive amounts of information from physicians. The objective of our study was to describe patients' perspectives on the information they received from physicians during palliative chemotherapy with regard to their cancer diagnosis, treatments, prognosis, and future planning.

Method:

A total of 15 semistructured face-to-face interviews with patients who had incurable cancer were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Three categories were defined during the analytical process: “having a chronic disease,” “depending on chemotherapy,” and “living with an unpredictable future.”

Significance of results:

Our study demonstrated that patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy perceived that their disease was incurable and chronic, that they were dependent on chemotherapy, and that their future was uncertain. Compared with other studies, the patients in our study seemed to be more aware of their prognosis and the goals of care.
Retraction Experience, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations for Clinician Researchers
Authors: Kullgren Kristin A. , Carter Bryan D.
Published: December 2015

To further the science and practice of any discipline, avoidance of errors in collecting, analyzing, and reporting study data is paramount in supporting the evidence-base of our profession and poses a serious challenge to researchers and journal editors alike. And although retraction rates have risen in the research literature, there has been limited treatment of the process and procedures detailing how to prevent and ethically handle research errors. In response to their experience in the retraction of the “Inpatient Pediatric Psychology Consultation–Liaison Practice Survey” manuscript ( Kullgren et al., 2015b ), the authors make specific recommendations for the prevention, discovery, disclosure, and correction of errors in research and publication that are particularly applicable to busy clinician researchers. The authors focus on increasing awareness of risks for mistakes, ways to improve the research process, being mindful of research competencies, and creating a culture of integrity and honesty with colleagues and trainees, and provide suggestions for journal reviewers and editors.
Spin-orbit engineering in transition metal dichalcogenide alloy monolayers
Authors: Wang Gang , Robert Cedric , Suslu Aslihan , Chen Bin , Yang Sijie , Alamdari Sarah , Gerber Iann C. , Amand Thierry , Marie Xavier , Tongay Sefaattin , Urbaszek Bernhard
Published: December 2015

Binary transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers share common properties such as a direct optical bandgap, spin-orbit splittings of hundreds of meV, light–matter interaction dominated by robust excitons and coupled spin-valley states. Here we demonstrate spin-orbit-engineering in Mo(1−x)WxSe2 alloy monolayers for optoelectronics and applications based on spin- and valley-control. We probe the impact of the tuning of the conduction band spin-orbit spin-splitting on the bright versus dark exciton population. For MoSe2 monolayers, the photoluminescence intensity decreases as a function of temperature by an order of magnitude (4–300 K), whereas for WSe2 we measure surprisingly an order of magnitude increase. The ternary material shows a trend between these two extreme behaviours. We also show a non-linear increase of the valley polarization as a function of tungsten concentration, where 40% tungsten incorporation is sufficient to achieve valley polarization as high as in binary WSe2.
Efficient quasi-monoenergetic ion beams from laser-driven relativistic plasmas
Authors: Palaniyappan Sasi , Huang Chengkun , Gautier Donald C. , Hamilton Christopher E. , Santiago Miguel A. , Kreuzer Christian , Sefkow Adam B. , Shah Rahul C. , Fernández Juan C.
Published: December 2015

Table-top laser–plasma ion accelerators have many exciting applications, many of which require ion beams with simultaneous narrow energy spread and high conversion efficiency. However, achieving these requirements has been elusive. Here we report the experimental demonstration of laser-driven ion beams with narrow energy spread and energies up to 18 MeV per nucleon and ∼5% conversion efficiency (that is 4 J out of 80-J laser). Using computer simulations we identify a self-organizing scheme that reduces the ion energy spread after the laser exits the plasma through persisting self-generated plasma electric (∼1012 V m−1) and magnetic (∼104 T) fields. These results contribute to the development of next generation compact accelerators suitable for many applications such as isochoric heating for ion-fast ignition and producing warm dense matter for basic science.
Draxin from neocortical neurons controls the guidance of thalamocortical projections into the neocortex
Authors: Shinmyo Yohei , Asrafuzzaman Riyadh M. , Ahmed Giasuddin , Bin Naser Iftekhar , Hossain Mahmud , Takebayashi Hirohide , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Ohta Kunimasa , Tanaka Hideaki
Published: December 2015

The thalamocortical tract carries sensory information to the neocortex. It has long been recognized that the neocortical pioneer axons of subplate neurons are essential for thalamocortical development. Herein we report that an axon guidance cue, draxin, is expressed in early-born neocortical neurons, including subplate neurons, and is necessary for thalamocortical development. In draxin−/− mice, thalamocortical axons do not enter the neocortex. This phenotype is sufficiently rescued by the transgenic expression of draxin in neocortical neurons. Genetic interaction data suggest that draxin acts through Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and Neogenin (Neo1), to regulate thalamocortical projections in vivo. Draxin promotes the outgrowth of thalamic axons in vitro and this effect is abolished in thalamic neurons from Dcc and Neo1 double mutants. These results suggest that draxin from neocortical neurons controls thalamocortical projections into the neocortex, and that this effect is mediated through the DCC and Neo1 receptors.
Inverted polymer fullerene solar cells exceeding 10% efficiency with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) nanodots on electron-collecting buffer layers
Authors: Nam Sungho , Seo Jooyeok , Woo Sungho , Kim Wook Hyun , Kim Hwajeong , Bradley Donal D. C. , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: December 2015

Polymer solar cells have been spotlighted due to their potential for low-cost manufacturing but their efficiency is still less than required for commercial application as lightweight/flexible modules. Forming a dipole layer at the electron-collecting interface has been suggested as one of the more attractive approaches for efficiency enhancement. However, only a few dipole layer material types have been reported so far, including only one non-ionic (charge neutral) polymer. Here we show that a further neutral polymer, namely poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOz) can be successfully used as a dipole layer. Inclusion of a PEOz layer, in particular with a nanodot morphology, increases the effective work function at the electron-collecting interface within inverted solar cells and thermal annealing of PEOz layer leads to a state-of-the-art 10.74% efficiency for single-stack bulk heterojunction blend structures comprising poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-alt-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-2-carboxylate] as donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester as acceptor.
Yb- and Er-doped fiber laser Q-switched with an optically uniform, broadband WS2 saturable absorber
Authors: Zhang M. , Hu Guohua , Hu Guoqing , Howe R. C. T. , Chen L. , Zheng Z. , Hasan T.
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate a ytterbium (Yb) and an erbium (Er)-doped fiber laser Q-switched by a solution processed, optically uniform, few-layer tungsten disulfide saturable absorber (WS2-SA). Nonlinear optical absorption of the WS2-SA in the sub-bandgap region, attributed to the edge-induced states, is characterized by 3.1% and 4.9% modulation depths with 1.38 and 3.83 MW/cm2saturation intensities at 1030 and 1558 nm, respectively. By integrating the optically uniform WS2-SA in the Yb- and Er-doped laser cavities, we obtain self-starting Q-switched pulses with microsecond duration and kilohertz repetition rates at 1030 and 1558 nm. Our work demonstrates broadband sub-bandgap saturable absorption of a single, solution processed WS2-SA, providing new potential efficacy for WS2in ultrafast photonic applications.
Composition formulas of binary eutectics
Authors: Ma Y. P. , Dong D. D. , Dong C. , Luo L. J. , Wang Q. , Qiang J. B. , Wang Y. M.
Published: December 2015

The present paper addresses the long-standing composition puzzle of eutectic points by introducing a new structural tool for the description of short-range-order structural unit, the cluster-plus-glue-atom model. In this model, any structure is dissociated into a 1st-neighbor cluster and a few glue atoms between the clusters, expressed by a cluster formula [cluster]gluex. This model is applied here to establish the structural model for eutectic liquids, assuming that a eutectic liquid consist of two subunits issued from the relevant eutectic phases, each being expressed by the cluster formula for ideal metallic glasses, i.e., [cluster](glue atom)1 or 3. A structural unit is then composed of two clusters from the relevant eutectic phases plus 2, 4, or 6 glue atoms. Such a dual cluster formulism is well validated in all boron-containing (except those located by the extreme phase diagram ends) and in some commonly-encountered binary eutectics, within accuracies below 1 at.%. The dual cluster formulas vary extensively and are rarely identical even for eutectics of close compositions. They are generally formed with two distinctly different cluster types, with special cluster matching rules such as cuboctahedron plus capped trigonal prism and rhombidodecahedron plus octahedral antiprism.
Screening of the key volatile organic compounds of Tuber melanosporum fermentation by aroma sensory evaluation combination with principle component analysis
Authors: Liu Rui-Sang , Jin Guang-Huai , Xiao Deng-Rong , Li Hong-Mei , Bai Feng-Wu , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: December 2015

Aroma results from the interplay of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the attributes of microbial-producing aromas are significantly affected by fermentation conditions. Among the VOCs, only a few of them contribute to aroma. Thus, screening and identification of the key VOCs is critical for microbial-producing aroma. The traditional method is based on gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), which is time-consuming and laborious. Considering the Tuber melanosporum fermentation system as an example, a new method to screen and identify the key VOCs by combining the aroma evaluation method with principle component analysis (PCA) was developed in this work. First, an aroma sensory evaluation method was developed to screen 34 potential favorite aroma samples from 504 fermentation samples. Second, PCA was employed to screen nine common key VOCs from these 34 samples. Third, seven key VOCs were identified by the traditional method. Finally, all of the seven key VOCs identified by the traditional method were also identified, along with four others, by the new strategy. These results indicate the reliability of the new method and demonstrate it to be a viable alternative to the traditional method.
Differential Plasmodium falciparum surface antigen expression among children with Malarial Retinopathy
Authors: Abdi Abdirahman I. , Kariuki Symon M , Muthui Michelle K. , Kivisi Cheryl A. , Fegan Gregory , Gitau Evelyn , Newton Charles R , Bull Peter C.
Published: December 2015

Retinopathy provides a window into the underlying pathology of life-threatening malarial coma (“cerebral malaria”), allowing differentiation between 1) coma caused by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the brain and 2) coma with other underlying causes. Parasite sequestration in the brain is mediated by PfEMP1; a diverse parasite antigen that is inserted into the surface of infected erythrocytes and adheres to various host receptors. PfEMP1 sub-groups called “DC8” and “DC13” have been proposed to cause brain pathology through interactions with endothelial protein C receptor. To test this we profiled PfEMP1 gene expression in parasites from children with clinically defined cerebral malaria, who either had or did not have accompanying retinopathy. We found no evidence for an elevation of DC8 or DC13 PfEMP1 expression in children with retinopathy. However, the proportional expression of a broad subgroup of PfEMP1 called “group A” was elevated in retinopathy patients suggesting that these variants may play a role in the pathology of cerebral malaria. Interventions targeting group A PfEMP1 may be effective at reducing brain pathology.
Facile Isolation of Adsorbent-Free Long and Highly-Pure Chirality-Selected Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using A Hydrogen-bonding Supramolecular Polymer
Authors: Toshimitsu Fumiyuki , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: December 2015

The ideal form of semiconducting-single-walled carbon nanotubes (sem-SWNTs) for science and technology is long, defect-free, chirality pure and chemically pure isolated narrow diameter tubes. While various techniques to solubilize and purify sem-SWNTs have been developed, many of them targeted only the chiral- or chemically-purity while sacrificing the sem-SWNT intrinsic structural identities by applying strong ultra-sonication and/or chemical modifications. Toward the ultimate purification of the sem-SWNTs, here we report a mild-conditioned extraction of the sem-SWNTs using removable supramolecular hydrogen-bonding polymers (HBPs) that are composed of dicarboxylic- or diaminopyridyl-fluorenes with ~70%-(8,6)SWNT selective extraction. Replacing conventional strong sonication techniques by a simple shaking using HPBs was found to provide long sem-SWNTs (>2.0 μm) with a very high D/G ratio, which was determined by atomic force microscopy observations. The HBPs were readily removed from the nanotube surfaces by an outer stimulus, such as a change in the solvent polarities, to provide chemically pure (8,6)-enriched sem-SWNTs. We also describe molecular mechanics calculations to propose possible structures for the HBP-wrapped sem-SWNTs, furthermore, the mechanism of the chiral selectivity for the sorted sem-SWNTs is well explained by the relationship between the molecular surface area and mass of the HBP/SWNT composites.
A meta-analysis of interaction between Epstein-Barr virus and HLA-DRB1*1501 on risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Xiao Di , Ye Xingguang , Zhang Na , Ou Meiling , Guo Congcong , Zhang Baohuan , Liu Yang , Wang Man , Yang Guang , Jing Chunxia
Published: December 2015

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HLA-DRB1*1501-positivity is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), but whether an interaction between these two factors causes MS is unclear. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of the interaction between HLA-DRB1*1501 and EBV infection on MS. Searches of PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Wanfan databases through February 2015 yielded 5 studies that met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. EBV infection and HLA-DRB1*1501-positivity were dichotomized. The additive (S) and multiplicative interaction indexes (OR) between EBV infection and HLA-DRB1*1501 and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for each study and then combined in a meta-analysis. EBV infection was significantly associated with MS (OR = 2.60; 95%CI, 1.48–4.59). HLA-DRB1*1501 was associated with a significantly increased risk of MS (OR, 3.06; 95%CI, 2.30–4.08). An interaction effect between EBV infection and HLA-DRB1*1501 on MS was observed on the additive scale (S, 1.43; 95%CI, 1.05–1.95, P = 0.023), but no interaction effect was observed on the multiplicative scale (OR, 0.86, 95%CI, 0.59–1.26). This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that EBV alone, HLA-DRB1*1501 alone or their interaction is associated with an elevated risks of MS.
Determination of the source of SHG verniers in zebrafish skeletal muscle
Authors: Dempsey William P. , Hodas Nathan O. , Ponti Aaron , Pantazis Periklis
Published: December 2015

SHG microscopy is an emerging microscopic technique for medically relevant imaging because certain endogenous proteins, such as muscle myosin lattices within muscle cells, are sufficiently spatially ordered to generate detectable SHG without the use of any fluorescent dye. Given that SHG signal is sensitive to the structural state of muscle sarcomeres, SHG functional imaging can give insight into the integrity of muscle cells in vivo. Here, we report a thorough theoretical and experimental characterization of myosin-derived SHG intensity profiles within intact zebrafish skeletal muscle. We determined that “SHG vernier” patterns, regions of bifurcated SHG intensity, are illusory when sarcomeres are staggered with respect to one another. These optical artifacts arise due to the phase coherence of SHG signal generation and the Guoy phase shift of the laser at the focus. In contrast, two-photon excited fluorescence images obtained from fluorescently labeled sarcomeric components do not contain such illusory structures, regardless of the orientation of adjacent myofibers. Based on our results, we assert that complex optical artifacts such as SHG verniers should be taken into account when applying functional SHG imaging as a diagnostic readout for pathological muscle conditions.
IM3D: A parallel Monte Carlo code for efficient simulations of primary radiation displacements and damage in 3D geometry
Authors: Li Yong Gang , Yang Yang , Short Michael P. , Ding Ze Jun , Zeng Zhi , Li Ju
Published: December 2015

SRIM-like codes have limitations in describing general 3D geometries, for modeling radiation displacements and damage in nanostructured materials. A universal, computationally efficient and massively parallel 3D Monte Carlo code, IM3D, has been developed with excellent parallel scaling performance. IM3D is based on fast indexing of scattering integrals and the SRIM stopping power database and allows the user a choice of Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) or Finite Element Triangle Mesh (FETM) method for constructing 3D shapes and microstructures. For 2D films and multilayers, IM3D perfectly reproduces SRIM results and can be ∼102 times faster in serial execution and > 104 times faster using parallel computation. For 3D problems, it provides a fast approach for analyzing the spatial distributions of primary displacements and defect generation under ion irradiation. Herein we also provide a detailed discussion of our open-source collision cascade physics engine, revealing the true meaning and limitations of the “Quick Kinchin-Pease” and “Full Cascades” options. The issues of femtosecond to picosecond timescales in defining displacement versus damage, the limitation of the displacements per atom (DPA) unit in quantifying radiation damage (such as inadequacy in quantifying degree of chemical mixing), are discussed.
A novel single-chain antibody redirects adenovirus to IL13Rα2-expressing brain tumors
Authors: Kim Julius W. , Young Jacob S. , Solomaha Elena , Kanojia Deepak , Lesniak Maciej S. , Balyasnikova Irina V.
Published: December 2015

The generation of a targeting agent that strictly binds to IL13Rα2 will significantly expand the therapeutic potential for the treatment of IL13Rα2-expressing cancers. In order to fulfill this goal, we generated a single-chain antibody (scFv47) from our parental IL13Rα2 monoclonal antibody and tested its binding properties. Furthermore, to demonstrate the potential therapeutic applicability of scFv47, we engineered an adenovirus by incorporating scFv47 as the targeting moiety in the viral fiber and characterized its properties in vitro and in vivo. The scFv47 binds to human recombinant IL13Rα2, but not to IL13Rα1 with a high affinity of 0.9 · 10−9 M, similar to that of the parental antibody. Moreover, the scFv47 successfully redirects adenovirus to IL13Rα2 expressing glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our data validate scFv47 as a highly selective IL13Rα2 targeting agent and justify further development of scFv47-modified oncolytic adenovirus and other therapeutics for the treatment of IL13Rα2-expressing glioma and other malignancies.
Identification of mycoparasitism-related genes in Clonostachys rosea 67-1 active against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Sun Zhan-Bin , Sun Man-Hong , Li Shi-Dong
Published: December 2015

Clonostachys rosea is a mycoparasite that has shown great potential in controlling various plant fungal pathogens. In order to find mycoparasitism-related genes in C. rosea, the transcriptome of the efficient isolate 67-1 in association with sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was sequenced and analysed. The results identified 26,351 unigenes with a mean length of 1,102 nucleotides, among which 18,525 were annotated in one or more databases of NR, KEGG, Swiss-Prot, GO and COG. Differentially expressed genes at 8 h, 24 h and 48 h after sclerotial induction were analysed and 6,890 unigenes were upregulated compared with the control without sclerotia. 713, 1,008 and 1,929 genes were specifically upregulated expressed, while 1,646, 283 and 529 genes were specifically downregulated, respectively. Gene ontology terms analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in metabolism of biological process, catalysis of molecular function and cellular component. The expression levels of 12 genes that were upregulated after encountering with S. sclerotiorum were monitored using real-time PCR. The results indicated that the quantitative detection was consistent with the transcriptome analysis. The study provides transcriptional gene expression information on C. rosea parasitizing S. sclerotiorum and forms the basis for further investigation of mycoparasitism-related genes of C. rosea.
Synergistic effect of ATP for RuvA–RuvB–Holliday junction DNA complex formation
Authors: Iwasa Takuma , Han Yong-Woon , Hiramatsu Ryo , Yokota Hiroaki , Nakao Kimiko , Yokokawa Ryuji , Ono Teruo , Harada Yoshie
Published: December 2015

TheEscherichia coliRuvB hexameric ring motor proteins, together with RuvAs, promote branch migration of Holliday junction DNA. Zero mode waveguides (ZMWs) constitute of nanosized holes and enable the visualization of a single fluorescent molecule under micromolar order of the molecules, which is applicable to characterize the formation of RuvA–RuvB–Holliday junction DNA complex. In this study, we used ZMWs and counted the number of RuvBs binding to RuvA–Holliday junction DNA complex. Our data demonstrated that different nucleotide analogs increased the amount of Cy5-RuvBs binding to RuvA–Holliday junction DNA complex in the following order: no nucleotide, ADP, ATPγS and mixture of ADP and ATPγS. These results suggest that not only ATP binding to RuvB but also ATP hydrolysis by RuvB facilitates a stable RuvA–RuvB–Holliday junction DNA complex formation.
Influence of Water on Chemical Vapor Deposition of Ni and Co thin films from ethanol solutions of acetylacetonate precursors
Authors: Weiss Theodor , Zielasek Volkmar , Bäumer Marcus
Published: December 2015

In chemical vapor deposition experiments with pulsed spray evaporation (PSE-CVD) of liquid solutions of Ni and Co acetylacetonate in ethanol as precursors, the influence of water in the feedstock on the composition and growth kinetics of deposited Ni and Co metal films was systematically studied. Varying the water concentration in the precursor solutions, beneficial as well as detrimental effects of water on the metal film growth, strongly depending on the concentration of water and the β-diketonate in the precursor, were identified. For 2.5 mM Ni(acac)2 precursor solutions, addition of 0.5 vol% water improves growth of a metallic Ni film and reduces carbon contamination, while addition of 1.0 vol% water and more leads to significant oxidation of deposited Ni. By tuning the concentration of both, Ni(acac)2 and water in the precursor solution, the fraction of Ni metal and Ni oxide in the film or the film morphology can be adjusted. In the case of Co(acac)2, even smallest amounts of water promote complete oxidation of the deposited film. All deposited films were analyzed with respect to chemical composition quasi in situ by XPS, their morphology was evaluated after deposition by SEM.
Akbu-LAAO exhibits potent anti-tumor activity to HepG2 cells partially through produced H2O2 via TGF-β signal pathway
Authors: Guo Chunmei , Liu Shuqing , Dong Panpan , Zhao Dongting , Wang Chengyi , Tao Zhiwei , Sun Ming-Zhong
Published: December 2015

Previously, we characterized the biological properties of Akbu-LAAO, a novel L-amino acid oxidase from Agkistrodon blomhoffii ussurensis snake venom (SV). Current work investigated its in vitro anti-tumor activity and underlying mechanism on HepG2 cells. Akbu-LAAO inhibited HepG2 growth time and dose-dependently with an IC50 of ~38.82 μg/mL. It could induce the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Akbu-LAAO exhibited cytotoxicity by inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis of HepG2 as it showed no effect on its cell cycle. The inhibition of Akbu-LAAO to HepG2 growth partially relied on enzymatic-released H2O2 as catalase only partially antagonized this effect. cDNA microarray results indicated TGF-β signaling pathway was linked to the cytotoxicity of Akbu-LAAO on HepG2. TGF-β pathway related molecules CYR61, p53, GDF15, TOB1, BTG2, BMP2, BMP6, SMAD9, JUN, JUNB, LOX, CCND1, CDK6, GADD45A, CDKN1A were deregulated in HepG2 following Akbu-LAAO stimulation. The presence of catalase only slightly restored the mRNA changes induced by Akbu-LAAO for differentially expressed genes. Meanwhile, LDN-193189, a TGF-β pathway inhibitor reduced Akbu-LAAO cytotoxicity on HepG2. Collectively, we reported, for the first time, SV-LAAO showed anti-tumor cell activity via TGF-β pathway. It provides new insight of SV-LAAO exhibiting anti-tumor effect via a novel signaling pathway.
The association between statin use and risk of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Ma Le , Wang Yafeng , Du Junhui , Wang Mingxu , Zhang Rui , Fu Yihao
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between statin use and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE and ISI web of science databases was used to identify eligible published literatures without language restrictions up to April 2015. Summary relative ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using a fixed-effect or random-effects model. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. No significant association was observed between statin use and the risk of any AMD (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74–1.15); and stratified analysis showed that statins had a significantly different effects on early and late stages of AMD. For early AMD, statin use significantly reduced the risk approximately 17% (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.66–0.99). At the late stage, we observed a significant protective association of statin use with exudative AMD (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80–0.99), in contrast with the absent association between statins and geographic atrophy (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77–1.56). These results demonstrated that statin use was protective for early and exudative AMD. Additional large prospective cohort studies and RCTs are required to determine the potential effect of statins on AMD prevention.
A colorimetric detection of acrylamide in potato chips based on nucleophile-initiated thiol–ene Michael addition
Authors: Hu Qinqin , Fu Yingchun , Xu Xiahong , Qiao Zhaohui , Wang Ronghui , Zhang Ying , Li Yanbin
Published: December 2015

A visible, highly sensitive colorimetric biosensor based on thiol–ene Michael addition reaction was first reported to detect acrylamide (AA) in potato chips.
Aminocalix[4]arene monolayers as magnetoelastic sensor sensing elements for selective detection of benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Lin Hai-Lan , Li Zhi-Huang , Liu Pei , Song Bing-Bing , Cai Qing-Yun , Grimes Craig A.
Published: December 2015

A wireless magnetoelastic-sensing device for the selective detection of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is reported using aminocalix[4]arene (AC4) monolayers as the sensor sensing elements and AC4-modified Au nanoparticles (AC4-Au NPs) as signal-amplifying tags.
Catalytic σ-activation of carbon–carbon triple bonds: reactions of propargylic alcohols and alkynes
Authors: Kumar Rapolu Kiran , Bi Xihe
Published: December 2015

A variety of organic transformations have been developed based on conceptually novel catalytic σ-activation of CC bonds of alkynes.
Specific self-monitoring of metal-associated amyloid-β peptide disaggregation by a fluorescent chelator
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Changli , Ma Xiang , Wang Kun , Wang Yanqing , Luo Jian , Yang Liu , Yao Cheng , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: December 2015

A dual-functional fluorescent chelator can specifically target and disassemble metal-associated Aβ aggregates and simultaneously self-monitor the disaggregation by fluorescence in brain homogenates of mice with Alzheimer's disease.
‘Quasi-isostructural polymorphism’ in molecular crystals: inputs from interaction hierarchy and energy frameworks
Authors: Dey Dhananjay , Thomas Sajesh P. , Spackman Mark A. , Chopra Deepak
Published: December 2015

The polymorphs of (Z)-2-fluoro-N′-phenyl benzamidamide with multiple Z′ form “equi-energetic” crystal structures and exhibit “quasi-isostructurality”.
Dinitrogen-supported coordination polymers
Authors: Hsu Wayne , Thapa Kedar Bahadur , Yang Xiang-Kai , Chen Kuan-Ting , Chang Han-Yun , Chen Jhy-Der
Published: December 2015

Two novel three-dimensional dinitrogen-supported coordination polymers adopting the (53·73)2(54·82) and (53)4(58·64·78·84·94)2-3,8T16 topologies are reported.
Effect of viscosity on photodegradation rates in complex secondary organic aerosol materials
Authors: Hinks Mallory L. , Brady Monica V. , Lignell Hanna , Song Mijung , Grayson James W. , Bertram Allan K. , Lin Peng , Laskin Alexander , Laskin Julia , Nizkorodov Sergey A.
Published: December 2015

This work explores the effect of environmental conditions on the photodegradation rates of atmospherically relevant, photolabile, organic molecules embedded in a film of viscous secondary organic material (SOM).