bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fretting fatigue phenomenon in bolted high‐strength steel plate connections
Authors: Hämäläinen Olli‐Pekka , Björk Timo
Published: August 2015

Fretting fatigue is a major obstacle for bolted joints used as an alternative to welding. Several studies of the subject so far have concerned aluminium or titanium joints, but due to the recently developed high‐strength steels that can be challenging to weld, the steel industry would also like to explore this field. This paper presents the experimental fatigue test results of double‐lap joints in S355 and S960QC steels. The results are compared and analysed using the SWT parameter and an FE model of the test specimen. The noticeable difference in fretting fatigue behaviour of these materials will be explained and the controversial crack initiation issue addressed.
Dynamic response of steel pipe rack structures subjected to explosion loads
Authors: Aarønæs Anton , Nilsson Hanna , Neumann Nicolas
Published: August 2015

This paper describes a parametric study of the dynamic behaviour of steel pipe rack structures subjected to explosion loading. The pipe rack design is assumed to be a multi‐planar lattice girder consisting of rectangular or square hollow sections. Numerical analysis with the finite element method was performed on a series of 54 pipe racks in total, varying parameters such as mass distribution and aspect ratio. The study provides a deeper understanding – and forms the basis for a more accurate prediction – of the dynamic response of multi‐planar lattice girder structures such as steel pipe racks.
The App Map
Authors: Israelson Madeleine Heins
Published: August 2015

As portable devices become increasingly available in elementary classrooms teachers are expected to use these new technologies to engage students in both traditional print‐based literacy learning and digital literacies practices, such as multimodal composing. Teachers face the daunting task of integrating apps into their current research‐based literacy practices. This article describes “The App Map,” a framework for elementary teachers’ selection of apps for early literacy instruction. The App Map guides teachers as they draw upon their knowledge of research‐based best practices for literacy instruction to systematically evaluate apps, identify affordances, and determine value added to instruction through the use of apps for literacy learning. This systematic approach to selecting apps supports teachers in their efforts to use apps that complement best practices for literacy instruction while fostering 21st century learning skills and digital literacies.
Role of particle size, shape, and stiffness in design of intravascular drug delivery systems: insights from computations, experiments, and nature
Authors: Sen Gupta Anirban
Published: August 2015

Packaging of drug molecules within microparticles and nanoparticles has become an important strategy in intravascular drug delivery, where the particles are designed to protect the drugs from plasma effects, increase drug residence time in circulation, and often facilitate drug delivery specifically at disease sites. To this end, over the past few decades, interdisciplinary research has focused on developing biocompatible materials for particle fabrication, technologies for particle manufacture, drug formulation within the particles for efficient loading, and controlled release and refinement of particle surface chemistries to render selectivity toward disease site for site‐selective action. Majority of the particle systems developed for such purposes are spherical nano and microparticles and they have had low‐to‐moderate success in clinical translation. To refine the design of delivery systems for enhanced performance, in recent years, researchers have started focusing on the physicomechanical aspects of carrier particles, especially their shape, size, and stiffness, as new design parameters. Recent computational modeling studies, as well as, experimental studies using microfluidic devices are indicating that these design parameters greatly influence the particles’ behavior in hemodynamic circulation, as well as cell‐particle interactions for targeted payload delivery. Certain cellular components of circulation are also providing interesting natural cues for refining the design of drug carrier systems. Based on such findings, new benefits and challenges are being realized for the next generation of drug carriers. The current article will provide a comprehensive review of these findings and discuss the emerging design paradigm of incorporating physicomechanical components in fabrication of particulate drug delivery systems. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:255–270. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1362

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Child Protection
Authors: Parton Nigel , Thorpe David , Wattam Corinne
Published: August 2015

Drawing on original research, this book provides a major critique of contemporary child protection research, policy and practice. In particular, it challenges current attempts to reorder priorities and reconstruct the balance between family support and child protection. In the process, it provides a unique insight into the nature of child protection work and the way practitioners respond to the inherent tensions and difficulties involved. It is essential reading for anyone interested in this major personal and social issue.
Ex Vivo Intra‐arterial Methylene Blue Injection in Rectal Cancer Specimens Increases the Lymph‐Node Harvest, Especially After Preoperative Radiation
Authors: Münster Maria , Hanisch Uwe , Tuffaha Muin , Kube Rainer , Ptok Henry
Published: August 2015

Background

The examination of as large a number of lymph nodes as possible in rectal carcinoma resectates is important for exact staging. However, after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT), it can be difficult to obtain a sufficient number of lymph nodes. We therefore investigated whether staining with methylene blue via the inferior mesenteric artery can lead to an increase in the yield of lymph nodes in rectal carcinoma tissue after neoadjuvant RCT.

Methods

In a prospective, unicentric study rectal carcinoma resectates from three consecutive groups of patients were examined (Group I, no staining; Group II, staining with methylene blue; Group III, again no staining). The numbers of lymph nodes examined were compared (a) between the groups and (b) between patients who had not, or who had, received neoadjuvant RCT.

Results

In all, 75 rectal carcinoma preparations were assessed. The yield of lymph nodes investigated before the use of staining (Group I) increased when staining was introduced (Group II), both for the patients without neoadjuvant RCT (20.9 vs. 31.3, p = 0.018) and for those who did receive this (15.0 vs. 35.1; p = 0.003). After withdrawal of the staining procedure (Group III), the lymph‐node yield remained high for the patients without neoadjuvant RCT (31.3 vs. 30.4; p = 0.882), but it reverted to a lower value for those who did receive neoadjuvant RCT (35.1 vs. 24.2; p = 0.029). Before the introduction of staining (Group I), significantly fewer lymph nodes were examined for patients who received neoadjuvant RCT (15.0 vs. 20.9; p = 0.039). However, with staining (Group II), no difference was found associated with the use or non‐use of neoadjuvant RCT (31.3 vs. 35.1; p = 0.520).

Conclusion

The use of methylene blue staining of rectal carcinoma preparations leads to a significant increase in the number of lymph nodes examined after neoadjuvant RCT. This can be expected to improve the accuracy of lymph‐node staging of neoadjuvant‐treated rectal carcinoma.
Chemistry of Supraglacial Ponds in the Debris-Covered Area of Lirung Glacier in Central Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Bhatt Maya P. , Takeuchi Nozomu , Acevedo Miguel F.
Published: August 2015

Glacial meltwater samples were collected from 15 supraglacial ponds at elevations ranging between 3989 and 4292 m above sea level in the debris-covered area of Lirung glacier in central Nepal Himalayas, from November 2010 to October 2011 on a bimonthly basis. We examined elevation trends, and their control by seasonality, dominant geochemical processes, and seasonal dynamics in these supraglacial ponds. Concentration of some parameters showed a decreasing trend with elevation but with high variability and modulation by seasons, being more prevalent in the post-monsoon. Sulfate is the only parameter showing significant elevation trends regardless of the season, although the trend is also affected by the monsoon. The concentrations of major chemical solutes were highest during post-monsoon season and lower in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, indicating influence of seasonality on dissolution, dilution, and hydrological processes. Contribution to chemical loads from marine aerosols to these pond water appeared to be minor except for sodium and magnesium. Chemical weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals fueled by dissolution of pyrite appeared as the dominant geochemical processes.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Use of Rapid Molecular Testing for Staphylococcus aureus for Patients With Cutaneous Abscesses in the Emergency Department With Standard of Care
Authors: May Larissa S. , Rothman Richard E. , Miller Loren G. , Brooks Gillian , Zocchi Mark , Zatorski Catherine , Dugas Andrea F. , Ware Chelsea E. , Jordan Jeanne A.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether real-time availability of rapid molecular results of Staphylococcus aureus would impact emergency department clinician antimicrobial selection for adults with cutaneous abscesses.

DESIGN

We performed a prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing a rapid molecular test with standard of care culture-based testing. Follow-up telephone calls were made at between 2 and 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge.

SETTING

Two urban, academic emergency departments.

PATIENTS

Patients at least 18 years old presenting with a chief complaint of abscess, cellulitis, or insect bite and receiving incision and drainage were eligible. Seven hundred seventy-eight people were assessed for eligibility and 252 met eligibility criteria.

METHODS

Clinician antibiotic selection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. An ad hoc outcome of test performance was performed.

RESULTS

We enrolled 252 patients and 126 were randomized to receive the rapid test. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus–positive patients receiving rapid test results were prescribed beta-lactams more often than controls (absolute difference, 14.5% [95% CI, 1.1%–30.1%]) whereas methicillin-resistant S. aureus–positive patients receiving rapid test results were more often prescribed anti–methicillin-resistant S. aureus antibiotics (absolute difference, 21.5% [95% CI, 10.1%–33.0%]). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in 1-week or 3-month clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Availability of rapid molecular test results after incision and drainage was associated with more-targeted antibiotic selection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01523899

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1423–1430
Dietary carbohydrate and lipid source affect cholesterol metabolism of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles
Authors: Castro Carolina , Corraze Geneviève , Pérez-Jiménez Amalia , Larroquet Laurence , Cluzeaud Marianne , Panserat Stéphane , Oliva-Teles Aires
Published: August 2015

Plant feedstuffs (PF) are rich in carbohydrates, which may interact with lipid metabolism. Thus, when considering dietary replacement of fishery by-products with PF, knowledge is needed on how dietary lipid source (LS) and carbohydrates affect lipid metabolism and other metabolic pathways. For that purpose, a 73-d growth trial was performed with European sea bass juveniles (IBW 74 g) fed four diets differing in LS (fish oil (FO) or a blend of vegetable oils (VO)) and carbohydrate content (0 % (CH–) or 20 % (CH+) gelatinised starch). At the end of the trial no differences among diets were observed on growth and feed utilisation. Protein efficiency ratio was, however, higher in the CH+ groups. Muscle and liver fatty acid profiles reflected the dietary LS. Dietary carbohydrate promoted higher plasma cholesterol and phospholipids (PL), whole-body and hepatic (mainly 16 : 0) lipids and increased muscular and hepatic glycogen. Except for PL, which were higher in the FO groups, no major alterations between FO and VO groups were observed on plasma metabolites (glucose, TAG, cholesterol, PL), liver and muscle glycogen, and lipid and cholesterol contents. Activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme – lipogenesis-related enzymes – increased with carbohydrate intake. Hepatic expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism was up-regulated with carbohydrate (HMGCR and CYP3A27) and VO (HMGCR and CYP51A1) intake. No dietary regulation of long-chain PUFA biosynthesis at the transcriptional level was observed. Overall, very few interactions between dietary carbohydrates and LS were observed. However, important insights on the direct relation between dietary carbohydrate and the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in European sea bass were demonstrated.
Differences in gluten metabolism among healthy volunteers, coeliac disease patients and first-degree relatives
Authors: Caminero Alberto , Nistal Esther , Herrán Alexandra R. , Pérez-Andrés Jénifer , Ferrero Miguel A. , Vaquero Ayala Luis , Vivas Santiago , Ruiz de Morales José M. G. , Albillos Silvia M. , Casqueiro Francisco Javier
Published: August 2015

Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy resulting from exposure to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten proteins are partially digested by human proteases generating immunogenic peptides that cause inflammation in patients carryingHLA-DQ2andDQ8genes. Although intestinal dysbiosis has been associated with patients with CD, bacterial metabolism of gluten has not been studied in depth thus far. The aim of this study was to analyse the metabolic activity of intestinal bacteria associated with gluten intake in healthy individuals, CD patients and first-degree relatives of CD patients. Faecal samples belonging to twenty-two untreated CD patients, twenty treated CD patients, sixteen healthy volunteers on normal diet, eleven healthy volunteers on gluten-free diet (GFD), seventy-one relatives of CD patients on normal diet and sixty-nine relatives on GFD were tested for several proteolytic activities, cultivable bacteria involved in gluten metabolism, SCFA and the amount of gluten in faeces. We detected faecal peptidasic activity against the gluten-derived peptide 33-mer. CD patients showed differences in faecal glutenasic activity (FGA), faecal tryptic activity (FTA), SCFA and faecal gluten content with respect to healthy volunteers. Alterations in specific bacterial groups metabolising gluten such asClostridiumorLactobacilluswere reported in CD patients. Relatives showed similar parameters to CD patients (SCFA) and healthy volunteers (FTA and FGA). Our data support the fact that commensal microbial activity is an important factor in the metabolism of gluten proteins and that this activity is altered in CD patients.
DOES AENEAS VIOLATE THE TRUCE IN AENEID 11?
Authors: Carstairs-McCarthy Andrew
Published: August 2015

At the beginning of Aeneid 12, a truce is agreed so that Aeneas and Turnus can fight each other in single combat (12.161-215). But this truce is violated through the instigation of Turnus’ sister Juturna (222–56), who in turn has been instigated by Juno (134–60). The Italian Tolumnius casts a spear that kills an Etruscan warrior (257–82). Aeneas pleads for calm and the maintenance of the truce, but he in turn is wounded by an arrow (311–23). Turnus, seeing the Trojans in disarray, rushes into battle, and a general engagement ensues (324–82). So Turnus, even if he did not instigate the breach, does nothing to heal it, and for that reason alone (in the eyes of some commentators) is a criminal, who deserves his ultimate death at the hands of Aeneas.
Diet-induced modulation of pharmacokinetics of albendazole in Sahiwal cattle
Authors: Sanyal P.K. , Rawte D. , Kerketta A.E. , Kumbhakar N.K. , Kumar D. , Pal S. , Baghel K.R. , Bisen S.
Published: August 2015

The influence of diet type and pre-treatment fasting on the kinetic disposition of albendazole was evaluated in Sahiwal heifers following oral and intra-ruminal administration of the drug. The anthelmintically active moiety albendazole sulphoxide appeared early and was eliminated early in cattle offered green fodder, with decreased maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under concentration–time curve (AUC) when the drug was administered both through oral and intra-ruminal routes. Further, the elimination half-life (t½β) revealed significantly increased values for albendazole sulphoxide in cattle administered albendazole through the intra-ruminal route. An increased AUC and t½β is reflective of increased bioavailability of albendazole in animals offered dry fodder. Increased values (P <  0.05) of Cmax, time to Cmax (Tmax), AUC and t½β for albendazole sulphoxide occurred in cattle with a pre-treatment 24-h fast, resulting in its increased bioavailability. Extrapolation of data of the active metabolite albendazole sulphoxide levels in terms of drug–parasite contact revealed increased exposure of parasites to the drug in cattle administered albendazole through the intra-ruminal route and with 24-h pre-treatment fasting.
Empirical Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Case Definition for Neuropsychological Impairment in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Beauchamp Miriam H. , Brooks Brian L. , Barrowman Nick , Aglipay Mary , Keightley Michelle , Anderson Peter , Yeates Keith O. , Osmond Martin H. , Zemek Roger
Published: August 2015

Neuropsychological assessment aims to identify individual performance profiles in multiple domains of cognitive functioning; however, substantial variation exists in how deficits are defined and what cutoffs are used, and there is no universally accepted definition of neuropsychological impairment. The aim of this study was to derive and validate a clinical case definition rule to identify neuropsychological impairment in children and adolescents. An existing normative pediatric sample was used to calculate base rates of abnormal functioning on eight measures covering six domains of neuropsychological functioning. The dataset was analyzed by varying the range of cutoff levels [1, 1.5, and 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the mean] and number of indicators of impairment. The derived rule was evaluated by bootstrap, internal and external clinical validation (orthopedic and traumatic brain injury). Our neuropsychological impairment (NPI) rule was defined as “two or more test scores that fall 1.5 SDs below the mean.” The rule identifies 5.1% of the total sample as impaired in the assessment battery and consistently targets between 3 and 7% of the population as impaired even when age, domains, and number of tests are varied. The NPI rate increases in groups known to exhibit cognitive deficits. The NPI rule provides a psychometrically derived method for interpreting performance across multiple tests and may be used in children 6–18 years. The rule may be useful to clinicians and scientists who wish to establish whether specific individuals or clinical populations present within expected norms versus impaired function across a battery of neuropsychological tests. (JINS, 2015, 21, 596–609)
Effects of the Danish saturated fat tax on the demand for meat and dairy products
Authors: Jensen Jørgen Dejgaard , Smed Sinne , Aarup Lars , Nielsen Erhard
Published: August 2015

Objective

Taxation of unhealthy food is considered a regulation tool to improve diets. In 2011 Denmark introduced a tax on saturated fat in food products, the first country in the world to do so. The objective of the present paper is to investigate the effects of the tax on consumers’ intake of saturated fat within three different types of food product group: minced beef, regular cream and sour cream.

Design

We use an augmented version of the Linearized Almost Ideal Demand System (LAIDS) functional form for econometric analysis, allowing for tax-induced structural breaks.

Setting

Data originate from one of the largest retail chains in Denmark (Coop Danmark) and cover January 2010 to October 2012, with monthly records of sales volume, sales revenue and information about specific campaigns from 1293 stores.

Results

The Danish fat tax had an insignificant or small negative effect on the price for low- and medium-fat varieties, and led to a 13–16 % price increase for high-fat varieties of minced beef and cream products. The tax induced substitution effects, budget effects and preference change effects on consumption, yielding a total decrease of 4–6 % in the intake of saturated fat from minced beef and regular cream, and a negligible effect on the intake from sour cream.

Conclusions

The Danish introduction of a tax on saturated fat in food in October 2011 had statistically significant effects on the sales of fat in minced beef and cream products, but the tax seems to have reduced the beyond-recommendation saturated fat intake to only a limited extent.
Sonic Patterns and Compositional Strategies in Queen's ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
Authors: BRAAE NICK
Published: August 2015

Queen's ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (1975) has been the subject of many academic analyses; the song has not been considered, however, in the context of Queen's wider output. This article examines ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in relation to Queen's idiolect as identified from the group's songs written between 1973 and 1975. ‘Idiolect’ refers to the common musical details of an artist's output or segment of their output. I subdivide the category of an idiolect to include sonic patterns and compositional strategies. The former accounts for patterns that are consistent in their presentation across songs, the latter accounts for patterns that differ in their presentation across songs. The formal and harmonic structures of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ reflect the group's common compositional strategies; the song's textural arrangements highlight Queen's sonic patterns. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ occupies a unique place in Queen's output, as the first song to present all the major elements of the group's idiolect.
Dual-topology insertion of a dual-topology membrane protein
Authors: Woodall Nicholas B. , Yin Ying , Bowie James U.
Published: August 2015

Some membrane transporters are dual-topology dimers in which the subunits have inverted transmembrane topology. How a cell manages to generate equal populations of two opposite topologies from the same polypeptide chain remains unclear. For the dual-topology transporter EmrE, the evidence to date remains consistent with two extreme models. A post-translational model posits that topology remains malleable after synthesis and becomes fixed once the dimer forms. A second, co-translational model, posits that the protein inserts in both topologies in equal proportions. Here we show that while there is at least some limited topological malleability, the co-translational model likely dominates under normal circumstances.
A stem acrodontan lizard in the Cretaceous of Brazil revises early lizard evolution in Gondwana
Authors: Simões Tiago R. , Wilner Everton , Caldwell Michael W. , Weinschütz Luiz C. , Kellner Alexander W. A.
Published: August 2015

Iguanians are one of the most diverse groups of extant lizards (>1,700 species) with acrodontan iguanians dominating in the Old World, and non-acrodontans in the New World. A new lizard species presented herein is the first acrodontan from South America, indicating acrodontans radiated throughout Gondwana much earlier than previously thought, and that some of the first South American lizards were more closely related to their counterparts in Africa and Asia than to the modern fauna of South America. This suggests both groups of iguanians achieved a worldwide distribution before the final breakup of Pangaea. At some point, non-acrodontans replaced acrodontans and became the only iguanians in the Americas, contrary to what happened on most of the Old World. This discovery also expands the diversity of Cretaceous lizards in South America, which with recent findings, suggests sphenodontians were not the dominant lepidosaurs in that continent as previously hypothesized.
Multiple loss-of-function variants of taste receptors in modern humans
Authors: Fujikura Kohei
Published: August 2015

Despite recent advances in the knowledge of interindividual taste differences, the underlying genetic backgrounds have remained to be fully elucidated. Much of the taste variation among different mammalian species can be explained by pseudogenization of taste receptors. Here I investigated whether the most recent disruptions of taste receptor genes segregate with their intact forms in modern humans by analyzing 14 ethnically diverse populations. The results revealed an unprecedented prevalence of 25 segregating loss-of-function (LoF) taste receptor variants, identifying one of the most pronounced cases of functional population diversity in the human genome. LoF variant frequency in taste receptors (2.10%) was considerably higher than the overall LoF frequency in human genome (0.16%). In particular, molecular evolutionary rates of candidate sour (14.7%) and bitter (1.8%) receptors were far higher in humans than those of sweet (0.02%), salty (0.05%) and umami (0.17%) receptors compared with other carnivorous mammals, although not all of the taste receptors were identified. Many LoF variants are population-specific, some of which arose even after population differentiation, not before divergence of the modern and archaic human. I conclude that modern humans might have been losing some sour and bitter receptor genes because of high-frequency LoF variants.
The natural compound forskolin synergizes with dexamethasone to induce cell death in myeloma cells via BIM
Authors: Follin-Arbelet Virginie , Misund Kristine , Hallan Naderi Elin , Ugland Hege , Sundan Anders , Kiil Blomhoff Heidi
Published: August 2015

We have previously demonstrated that activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway kills multiple myeloma (MM) cells both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we have investigated the potential of enhancing the killing of MM cell lines and primary MM cells by combining the cAMP-elevating compound forskolin with the commonly used MM therapeutic drugs melphalan, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, bortezomib and dexamethasone. We observed that forskolin potentiated the killing induced by all the tested agents as compared to treatment with the single agents alone. In particular, forskolin had a synergistic effect on the dexamethasone-responsive cell lines H929 and OM-2. By knocking down the proapoptotic BCL-2 family member BIM, we proved this protein to be involved in the synergistic induction of apoptosis by dexamethasone and forskolin. The ability of forskolin to maintain the killing of MM cells even at lower concentrations of the conventional agents suggests that forskolin may be used to diminish treatment-associated side effects. Our findings support a potential role of forskolin in combination with current conventional agents in the treatment of MM.
Correction: Corrigendum: Real sequence effects on the search dynamics of transcription factors on DNA
Authors: Bauer Maximilian , Rasmussen Emil S. , Lomholt Michael A. , Metzler Ralf
Published: August 2015

Recent experiments show that transcription factors (TFs) indeed use the facilitated diffusion mechanism to locate their target sequences on DNA in living bacteria cells: TFs alternate between sliding motion along DNA and relocation events through the cytoplasm. From simulations and theoretical analysis we study the TF-sliding motion for a large section of the DNA-sequence of a common E. coli strain, based on the two-state TF-model with a fast-sliding search state and a recognition state enabling target detection. For the probability to detect the target before dissociating from DNA the TF-search times self-consistently depend heavily on whether or not an auxiliary operator (an accessible sequence similar to the main operator) is present in the genome section. Importantly, within our model the extent to which the interconversion rates between search and recognition states depend on the underlying nucleotide sequence is varied. A moderate dependence maximises the capability to distinguish between the main operator and similar sequences. Moreover, these auxiliary operators serve as starting points for DNA looping with the main operator, yielding a spectrum of target detection times spanning several orders of magnitude. Auxiliary operators are shown to act as funnels facilitating target detection by TFs.
Restoration of Physiologically Responsive Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis in Genetically Deficient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ramakrishnan Venkat M. , Yang Jeong-Yeh , Tien Kevin T. , McKinley Thomas R. , Bocard Braden R. , Maijub John G. , Burchell Patrick O. , Williams Stuart K. , Morris Marvin E. , Hoying James B. , Wade-Martins Richard , West Franklin D. , Boyd Nolan L.
Published: August 2015

Acquiring sufficient amounts of high-quality cells remains an impediment to cell-based therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) may be an unparalleled source, but autologous iPSC likely retain deficiencies requiring correction. We present a strategy for restoring physiological function in genetically deficient iPSC utilizing the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) deficiency Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) as our model. FH fibroblasts were reprogrammed into iPSC using synthetic modified mRNA. FH-iPSC exhibited pluripotency and differentiated toward a hepatic lineage. To restore LDLR endocytosis, FH-iPSC were transfected with a 31 kb plasmid (pEHZ-LDLR-LDLR) containing a wild-type LDLR (FH-iPSC-LDLR) controlled by 10 kb of upstream genomic DNA as well as Epstein-Barr sequences (EBNA1 and oriP) for episomal retention and replication. After six months of selective culture, pEHZ-LDLR-LDLR was recovered from FH-iPSC-LDLR and transfected into Ldlr-deficient CHO-a7 cells, which then exhibited feedback-controlled LDLR-mediated endocytosis. To quantify endocytosis, FH-iPSC ± LDLR were differentiated into mesenchymal cells (MC), pretreated with excess free sterols, Lovastatin, or ethanol (control) and exposed to DiI-LDL. FH-MC-LDLR demonstrated a physiological response, with virtually no DiI-LDL internalization with excess sterols and an ~2-fold increase in DiI-LDL internalization by Lovastatin compared to FH-MC. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of functionalizing genetically deficient iPSC using episomal plasmids to deliver physiologically responsive transgenes.
Modulation of protein behavior through light responses of TiO2 nanodots films
Authors: Cheng Kui , Hong Yi , Yu Mengfei , Lin Jun , Weng Wenjian , Wang Huiming
Published: August 2015

In this work, the behavior of protein molecules adsorbed on TiO2 nanodots films are modulated through the light responses of the nanodots. TiO2 nanodots films are first prepared through phase separation induced self assembly. Then, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is adsorbed on TiO2 nanodots films and exposed to ultraviolet (365 nm) illumination. It is found the conformation of surface-bound BSA molecules changes with ultraviolet illumination. Moreover, the BSA molecules conjugate to the surface-bound molecules, which are in the overlayer, are released. The reason is ascribed to that TiO2 nanodots absorb ultraviolet and result in the increase of surface hydroxyl groups on nanodots. Such increase further leads to intensified attraction of -NH3 groups in the surface-bound BSA molecules. That not only changes the conformation of the surface-bound BSA molecules, but also weaken the conjugation between surface-bound molecules and other BSA molecules in the overlayer. Eventually, the overlayer of BSA molecules is released. It is believed that such protein conformation variation and release behavior induced through light responses of TiO2 nanodots are crucial in understanding the biomedical performance of TiO2 nanostructures. Also, it could be widely utilized in tailoring of the materials-protein interactions.
The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia in mainland China: evidence from epidemiological surveys
Authors: Wang Wenying , Guo Yuwen , Zhang Daoxin , Tian Ye , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: August 2015

The epidemiological characteristics of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in mainland China are not completely understood. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of BPH from 1989 through 2014. A total of 14 articles and 19 datasets were included. The pooled overall prevalence of BPH among men aged 40 years and older was 36.6% [95% CI, 32.3–44.8]. The occurrence rate of BPH in the age groups 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years, 70–79 years and 80 years and older was 2.9%, 29.0%, 44.7%, 58.1% and 69.2%, respectively. The pooled occurrence rate of BPH was 41.5% [95% CI, 34.5–48.4] in urban areas and 38.6% [95% CI, 22.7–54.6] in rural areas; this difference in prevalence was not statistically significant [OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.97–2.36]. BPH is highly prevalent in mainland China and its prevalence increased with age. The trend in the prevalence of BPH in mainland China was not steady; the prevalence map based on a geographic information system (GIS) showed an unequal geographic distribution. High-quality surveys on BPH with a larger sample size are needed throughout mainland China to confirm these findings.
Mixed perovskite based on methyl-ammonium and polymeric-ammonium for stable and reproducible solar cells
Authors: Yao Kai , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Fan , Zhou Lang
Published: August 2015

Mixed perovskite by incorporation of 2D perovskites into MAPbI3 provides potential breakthrough for critical issues of reproducibility and moisture stability.
Combined near-infrared excited SEHRS and SERS spectra of pH sensors using silver nanostructures
Authors: Gühlke Marina , Heiner Zsuzsanna , Kneipp Janina
Published: August 2015

Combined surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering (SEHRS) of a pH sensor, consisting of silver nanostructures and para-mercaptobenzoic acid and operating with near-IR excitation, is studied.
Reactivity of platinum alkyne complexes towards N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide: formation of platinum compounds bearing a β-fluorovinyl ligand
Authors: Berger Josefine , Braun Thomas , Herrmann Roy , Braun Beatrice
Published: August 2015

Fluorination reactions at platinum(0) alkyne complexes with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) occur either at the metal centre or at the metal bound alkyne to give β-fluorovinyl complexes.
An insight into the process and mechanism of a mechanically activated reaction for synthesizing AlH3 nano-composites
Authors: Duan Congwen , Hu Lianxi , Sun Yu , Zhou Haiping , Yu Huan
Published: August 2015

An investigation into the mechanism of the solid state reaction between aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and nanocrystalline magnesium hydride (MgH2) is reported.
Tuneable ultra high specific surface area Mg/Al-CO3layered double hydroxides
Authors: Chen Chunping , Wangriya Aunchana , Buffet Jean-Charles , O'Hare Dermot
Published: August 2015

We report the synthesis of tuneable ultra high specific surface area Aqueous Miscible Organic solvent-Layered Double Hydroxides (AMO-LDHs).
Alkoxide coordination of iron(iii) protoporphyrin IX by antimalarial quinoline methanols: a key interaction observed in the solid-state and solution
Authors: Gildenhuys Johandie , Sammy Chandre J. , Müller Ronel , Streltsov Victor A. , le Roex Tanya , Kuter David , de Villiers Katherine A.
Published: August 2015

Quinoline methanol antimalarial drugs coordinate to ferriprotoporphyrin IX via their alkoxide oxygen atom in both the solid-state and non-aqueous solution.
Two porous luminescent metal–organic frameworks: quantifiable evaluation of dynamic and static luminescent sensing mechanisms towards Fe3+
Authors: Jin Jun-Cheng , Pang Ling-Yan , Yang Guo-Ping , Hou Lei , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: August 2015

Two novel porous MOFs have been constructed and highly sensitive sensor to Fe3+. The quenching mechanisms are studied and the dynamic and static mechanisms for MOFs are discussed.
Sulfasalazine in ionic liquid form with improved solubility and exposure
Authors: Shadid M. , Gurau G. , Shamshina J. L. , Chuang B.-C. , Hailu S. , Guan E. , Chowdhury S. K. , Wu J.-T. , Rizvi S. A. A. , Griffin R. J. , Rogers R. D.
Published: August 2015

An ionic liquid form of sulfasalazine demonstrates improved solubility (4000×), bioavailability (2.5×), andin vivoexposure over the neutral drug.
The first report on SILAR deposited nanostructured uranyl sulphide thin films and their chemical conversion to silver sulphide
Authors: Garole Dipak J. , Tetgure Sandesh R. , Borse Amulrao U. , Toda Yogesh R. , Garole Vaman J. , Sankapal Babasaheb R. , Baviskar Prashant K.
Published: August 2015

Successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is employed to deposit nano-sized UO2S thin films and their chemical conversion to Ag2S thin films based on negative free energy of formation.
Detection of the insulating gap and conductive filament growth direction in resistive memories
Authors: Yalon E. , Karpov I. , Karpov V. , Riess I. , Kalaev D. , Ritter D.
Published: August 2015

The insulating gap and conductive filament growth direction in valence change RRAM devices were studied using the metal-insulator-semiconductor bipolar transistor structure.
High temperature continuous flow synthesis of CdSe/CdS/ZnS, CdS/ZnS, and CdSeS/ZnS nanocrystals
Authors: Naughton Matt S. , Kumar Vivek , Bonita Yolanda , Deshpande Kishori , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: August 2015

High temperature (up to 250 °C) continuous flow synthesis of high-quality, multi-layered Cd-based nanoparticles.
Sustained drug release from an ultrathin hydrogel film
Authors: Zhu Weipu , Xiong Lu , Wang Huan , Zha Guangyu , Du Hong , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan
Published: August 2015

We reported a facile strategy to prepare a camptothecin-loaded ultrathin hydrogel film, which showed a sustained release of camptothecin in PBS.
Growth and humidity-dependent electrical properties of bulk-like MoS2 thin films on Si
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Hao L. Z. , Gao W. , Liu Y. M. , Li G. X. , Xue Q. Z. , Guo W. Y. , Yu L. Q. , Wu Z. P. , Liu X. H. , Zeng H. Z. , Zhu J.
Published: August 2015

Bulk-like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films were deposited on Si substrates using a dc magnetron sputtering technique and n-MoS2/p-Si junctions show excellent humidity sensing characteristics at room temperature.
Homogeneously magnetically concentrated silver nanoparticles for uniform “hot spots” in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Frank Andrew J. , McEneny-King Alanna , Cathcart Nicole , Kitaev Vladimir
Published: August 2015

Same-charge maghemite NPs act as a hydrodynamic net to concentrate SERS active AgJ13NPs, enabling uniform “hot spots” and reproducible Raman detection of low analyte concentrations.
Functionalization of nano-emulsions with an amino-silica shell at the oil–water interface
Authors: Attia Mohamed F. , Anton Nicolas , Bouchaala Redouane , Didier Pascal , Arntz Youri , Messaddeq Nadia , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Mély Yves , Vandamme Thierry F.
Published: August 2015

A new and simple method of modify and functionalize the liquid/liquid interface of nano-emulsion droplets.
3D welan gum–graphene oxide composite hydrogels with efficient dye adsorption capacity
Authors: Yu Menghong , Song Aixin , Xu Guiying , Xin Xia , Shen Jinglin , Zhang Han , Song Zhaohua
Published: August 2015

In this article, welan gum-graphene oxide (GO) composite hydrogels were prepared by simple self-assembly of both components in aqueous media and the effects of GO on the gelation of welan gum were systematically studied.
Strategy to prepare 4-hydroxylphenyl propargyl ether-based benzoxazine from bisphenol A
Authors: Huang Chun Chieh , Lin Ching Hsuan , Dai Shenhong A.
Published: August 2015

Due to the same reactivity of hydroxyls of hydroquinone, the 4-hydroxylphenyl propargyl/aniline benzoxazine (HPPE-a) is hard to prepare from hydroquinone without tedious route. This report shows a simple strategy to prepareHPPE-afrom bisphenol A.
Novel Averrhoa carambola extract stabilized magnetite nanoparticles: a green synthesis route for the removal of chlorazol black E from wastewater
Authors: Ahmed Md. Juned K. , Ahmaruzzaman M. , Bordoloi Mushtaq H.
Published: August 2015

Averrhoa carambolaextract (ACE) is a novel green stabilizer exploited for the synthesis of stabilized magnetite nanoparticles (SMNPs).
Synthesis of Sn/MoS2/C composites as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Qing-Yu , Pan Qi-Chang , Yang Guan-Hua , Lin Xi-Le , Yan Zhi-Xiong , Wang Hong-Qiang , Huang You-Guo
Published: August 2015

A facile hydrothermal method to fabricate Sn/MoS2/C composite as anode material for lithium ion batteries with outstanding performance.
Facile preparation of hierarchical TiO2nanowire–nanoparticle/nanotube architecture for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Fu Nianqing , Liu Yan , Liu Yanchun , Lu Wei , Zhou Limin , Peng Feng , Huang Haitao
Published: August 2015

Hierarchical TiO2architecture with a remarkably improved surface area and light scattering effect was preparedviaone-step post-treatment for dye-sensitized solar cells, achieving a high efficiency of 8.82%.
Optimum current‐voltage characteristics of GaAs/AlAs intraband microwave devices
Authors: Yang Chih Chin , Su Yan Kuin , Chang Ting Chang
Published: August 2015

In this reported work, both high peak current density and high peak‐to‐valley current ratio (PVCR) in AlAs/GaAs triple‐barrier quantum‐well intraband resonant tunnelling diodes (TBQW IRTDs) were accomplished. The valley current density (JV) of TBQW IRTDs can be degraded as the barrier thickness reaches 4 nm thickness. This result suggests narrow barrier thickness is due to the slight band bending effect in the conduction band of i ‐AlAs barrier layers. The peak current density (JP) of the TBQW IRTDs will be <2.43 KA/cm2 as the i ‐AlAs barriers thickness of the TBQW IRTD reaches 5 nm thickness. The optimal thickness of barrier layers should be selected at 4 nm thickness to obtain the highest PVCR value (about 4270), in which the sample with barrier layers of 4 nm thickness possesses the lowest valley current density.
On the field-induced switching of molecular organization in a biaxial nematic cell and its relaxation
Authors: Ricci Matteo , Berardi Roberto , Zannoni Claudio
Published: August 2015

We investigate the switching of a biaxial nematic filling a flat cell with planar homogeneous anchoring using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. We have found that an aligning field applied across the film, and acting on specific molecular axes, can drive the reorientation of the secondary biaxial director up to one order of magnitude faster than that for the principal director. While the π/2 switching of the secondary director does not affect the alignment of the long molecular axes, the field-driven reorientation of the principal director proceeds via a concerted rotation of the long and transversal molecular axes. More importantly, while upon switching off a (relatively) weak or intermediate field, the biaxial nematic liquid crystal is always able to relax to the initial surface aligned director state; this is not the case when using fields above a certain threshold. In that case, while the secondary director always recovers the initial state, the principal one remains, occasionally, trapped in a nonuniform director state due to the formation of domain walls.
The n-type conduction of indium-doped Cu2O thin films fabricated by direct current magnetron co-sputtering
Authors: Cai Xing-Min , Su Xiao-Qiang , Ye Fan , Wang Huan , Tian Xiao-Qing , Zhang Dong-Ping , Fan Ping , Luo Jing-Ting , Zheng Zhuang-Hao , Liang Guang-Xing , Roy V. A. L.
Published: August 2015

Indium-doped Cu2O thin films were fabricated on K9 glass substrates by direct current magnetron co-sputtering in an atmosphere of Ar and O2. Metallic copper and indium disks were used as the targets. X-ray diffraction showed that the diffraction peaks could only be indexed to simple cubic Cu2O, with no other phases detected. Indium atoms exist as In3+ in Cu2O. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed that the transmittance of the samples was relatively high and that indium doping increased the optical band gaps. The Hall effect measurement showed that the samples were n-type semiconductors at room temperature. The Seebeck effect test showed that the films were n-type semiconductors near or over room temperature (<400 K), changing to p-type at relatively high temperatures. The conduction by the samples in the temperature range of the n-type was due to thermal band conduction and the donor energy level was estimated to be 620.2–713.8 meV below the conduction band. The theoretical calculation showed that indium doping can raise the Fermi energy level of Cu2O and, therefore, lead to n-type conduction.
Elastocaloric effect dependence on pre-elongation in natural rubber
Authors: Xie Zhongjian , Sebald Gael , Guyomar Daniel
Published: August 2015

In the context of solid-state-cooling, the elastocaloric effect offers a very large controlled entropy change based in low-cost polymers, especially natural rubber which is environmentally friendly. However, large elastocaloric activity requires large elongation (>5), which makes this material impractical for cooling systems due to the large change in sample's area. By performing a pre-elongation, area change is limited, and β=−∂γ/∂λ (where γ is the specific entropy and λ is the elongation) is larger. The highest β value is obtained when pre-elongation is right before (at the “eve”) the onset of the strain-induced crystallization, which is also interpreted in the view of molecular conformation. Experimental results obtained on a natural rubber sample showed an adiabatic temperature change of 4.3 °C for pre-elongation of 4 with further elongation of 4 (true strain change of 69%). Furthermore, the entropy exhibits a quasi-linear dependence on elongation, and the β value is found to be 6400 J K−1 m−3.
Electronic structure of the polymer-cathode interface of an organic electroluminescent device investigated using operando hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Ikeuchi J. , Hamamatsu H. , Miyamoto T. , Tanaka S. , Yamashita Y. , Yoshikawa H. , Ueda S.
Published: August 2015

The electronic structure of a polymer-cathode interface of an operating organic light-emitting diode (OLED) was directly investigated using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The potential distribution profile of the light-emitting copolymer layer as a function of the depth under the Al/Ba cathode layer in the OLED depended on the bias voltage. We found that band bending occurred in the copolymer of 9,9-dioctylfluorene (50%) and N-(4-(2-butyl)-phenyl)diphenylamine (F8-PFB) layer near the cathode at 0 V bias, while a linear potential distribution formed in the F8-PFB when a bias voltage was applied to the OLED. Direct observation of the built-in potential and that band bending formed in the F8-PFB layer in the operating OLED suggested that charges moved in the F8-PFB layer before electron injection from the cathode.