bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ evaluation of DGT techniques for measurement of trace metals in estuarine waters: a comparison of four binding layers with open and restricted diffusive layers
Authors: Shiva Amir Houshang , Bennett William W. , Welsh David T. , Teasdale Peter R.
Published: December 2015

Four different DGT binding layers were used to make selective measurements of trace metals in coastal waters within The Broadwater (Gold Coast, Queensland).
The hemicellulose extract from Cynara cardunculus: a source of value-added biomolecules produced by xylanolytic thermozymes
Authors: Finore Ilaria , Poli Annarita , Di Donato Paola , Lama Licia , Trincone Antonio , Fagnano Massimo , Mori Mauro , Nicolaus Barbara , Tramice Annabella
Published: December 2015

The hemicellulose fraction fromCynara cardunculuswas efficiently degraded and converted into xylo-conjugates by the thermophilic xylanolytic enzymatic systems ofGeobacillus thermantarcticus.
A novel topological centrality measure capturing biologically important proteins
Authors: Karabekmez Muhammed Erkan , Kirdar Betul
Published: December 2015

In the present study, a novel metric of centrality—weighted sum of loads eigenvector centrality (WSL-EC)—based on graph spectra is defined and its performance in identifying topologically and biologically important nodes is comparatively investigated with common metrics of centrality in a human protein–protein interaction network.
Magnetoelectric micromachines with wirelessly controlled navigation and functionality
Authors: Chen Xiang-Zhong , Shamsudhin Naveen , Hoop Marcus , Pieters Roel , Siringil Erdem , Sakar Mahmut Selman , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: December 2015

A magnetoelectric micromachine manipulated by magnetic field for both locomotion and on-demand function triggering enlighten the concept of unisource-powered microdevices.
New tools for reconstruction and heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Luo Yunzi , Enghiad Behnam , Zhao Huimin
Published: December 2015

Here we describe recent advances in DNA assembly and host engineering and highlight their applications in natural product discovery and engineering.
Anomalous liquid imbibition at the nanoscale: the critical role of interfacial deformations
Authors: Kelly Shaina , Torres-Verdín Carlos , Balhoff Matthew T.
Published: December 2015

Phenomenological models for deformation of nanoscale menisci and effective conduit diameters are required to explain stymied imbibition of various liquids into 2D lyophilic nanochannels and potentially other nanoporous domains.
Impact of cation–π interactions on the cell voltage of carbon nanotube-based Li batteries
Authors: Gao Shaohua , Shi Guosheng , Fang Haiping
Published: December 2015

A highly favourable impact of cation–π interactions on the cell voltage of CNT-based Li batteries is reported.
DNA-directed spatial assembly of photosynthetic light-harvesting proteins
Authors: Henry Sarah L. , Withers Jamie M. , Singh Ishwar , Cooper Jonathan M. , Clark Alasdair W. , Burley Glenn A. , Cogdell Richard J.
Published: December 2015

This manuscript describes the surface immobilization of a light-harvesting complex to prescribed locations directed by the sequence-selective recognition of duplex DNA.
An unprecedented protocol for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-phenacyloxindole derivatives with indolin-2-ones and α-substituted ketones
Authors: Bai Mei , You Yong , Chen Yong-Zheng , Xiang Guang-Yan , Xu Xiao-Ying , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: December 2015

A reaction between indolin-2-ones and α-substituted ketones was developed and a wide range of 3-hydroxy-3-phenacyloxindoles were obtained in good yield.
Synthesis, morphology, and electrical memory application of oligosaccharide-based block copolymers with π-conjugated pyrene moieties and their supramolecules
Authors: Sun Han-Sheng , Chen Yougen , Lee Wen-Ya , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: December 2015

Transistor memory applications of maltoheptaose-block-poly(1-pyrenylmethyl methacrylate), and their supramolecules with (4-pyridyl)-acceptor-(4-pyridyl).
A novel intrinsically microporous ladder polymer and copolymers derived from 1,1′,2,2′-tetrahydroxy-tetraphenylethylene for membrane-based gas separation
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Pinnau Ingo
Published: December 2015

A novel intrinsically microporous polymer was synthesized by polycondensation reaction of 1,1′,2,2′-tetrahydroxy-tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTPN).
Synthesis of cyclic peptide disulfide–PHPMA conjugates via sequential active ester aminolysis and CuAAC coupling
Authors: Günay Kemal Arda , Klok Harm-Anton
Published: December 2015

A synthetic strategy for the preparation of cyclic peptide disulfide–polymer conjugates that does not require peptide protecting groups is reported.
Equilibrium acidities of cinchona alkaloid organocatalysts bearing 6′-hydrogen bonding donors in DMSO
Authors: Ni Xiang , Li Xin , Cheng Jin-Pei
Published: December 2015

The pKa values of 18 cinchona alkaloid based organocatalysts bearing 6′-hydrogen bonding donors were determined by the overlapping indicator method in DMSO via UV spectrophotometric titrations. The pKa values are in the range of 6.76–20.24.
Filter paper derived cross-linked interconnected BaBi0.2Co0.35Fe0.45O3−δ morphology with an enhanced oxygen permeation property
Authors: Islam Quazi Arif , Raja Mir Wasim , Bysakh Sandip , Basu Rajendra Nath
Published: December 2015

Membrane synthesized by filter paper templating method shows higher oxygen permeation flux than similar type membranes developed by conventional methodologies.
Silver(i)–N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed multicomponent reactions: a facile synthesis of multisubstituted pyridines
Authors: Kankala Shravankumar , Pagadala Ramakanth , Maddila Suresh , Vasam Chandra Sekhar , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: December 2015

A room temperature four component reaction between aromatic aldehydes, CH2(CN)2and NH4OAc with ketones mediated by Ag(i)–NHC pre-catalysts to produce multisubstituted pyridines in a short reaction time in eco-friendly ethanol was described.
Enhanced magneto-capacitance response in BaTiO3–ferrite composite systems
Authors: Pachari Sreenivasulu , Pratihar Swadesh K. , Nayak Bibhuti B.
Published: December 2015

Combined effect of BaTiO3 morphology and magnetoresistance or magnetostriction led to enhance the magneto-capacitance response of BaTiO3 : ferrite composite systems.
Solvothermal synthesis of a dendritic TiNxOy nanostructure for oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis
Authors: Ren Yaqi , Ren Zhonghua , Li Jianpeng , Wang Shuguang , Yu Jie
Published: December 2015

A novel dendritic TiNxOy microsphere structure composed of nanowires of 15–20 nm with high electrocatalytic activity for ORR is reported.
Efficient photo-degradation of dyes using CuWO4 nanoparticles with electron sacrificial agents: a combination of experimental and theoretical exploration
Authors: Xie Xinjian , Liu Mengyin , Wang Changhong , Chen Lei , Xu Jianping , Cheng Yahui , Dong Hong , Lu Feng , Wang Wei-Hua , Liu Hui , Wang Weichao
Published: December 2015

Photocatalytic process of CuWO4 in the presence of electron sacrificial agents.
Room-temperature palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of arylboric acid with aryl chlorides
Authors: Wang Dan , Chen Hong-Guan , Tian Xin-Chuan , Liang Xiao-Xia , Chen Feng-Zhen , Gao Feng
Published: December 2015

The first room-temperature Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of aryl-boronic acid with aryl chlorides catalyzed by a Pd(OAc)2/NiXantphos-based system is communicated.
Investigation of the non-covalent interactions of molecular self-assembly by scanning tunneling microscopy using the association of aromatic structures in pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone and phenanthrene-9,10-dione molecules
Authors: Zhao Huiling , Zhang Shuai , Li Shuang , Song Xin , Liu Wei , Liu Bo , Dong Mingdong
Published: December 2015

The self-assembled monolayers of aromatic molecules (pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone and phenanthrene-9,10-dione) were investigated at the liquid/solid (1-phenyloctane/graphite) interface using scanning tunneling microscopy, respectively.
Dispersed gold nanoparticles on NiO coated with polypyrrole for non-enzymic amperometric sensing of glucose
Authors: Chen Jiao , Sheng Qinglin , Zheng Jianbin
Published: December 2015

Schematic illustration for the preparation of NiO@PPy/Au electrode.
Organoamido zirconium(iv) and titanium(iv) complexes and their catalysis towards ethylene polymerization
Authors: Zhou Meisu , Yang Qiaokun , Tong Hongbo , Yan Lei , Wang Xiaoyang
Published: December 2015

Novel organoamido zirconium(iv) and titanium(iv) complexes, their structural features and catalytic activity in the polymerization of ethylene are reported.
Band gap modified boron doped NiO/Fe3O4nanostructure as the positive electrode for high energy asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Saha Sanjit , Jana Milan , Khanra Partha , Samanta Pranab , Koo Hyeyoung , Chandra Murmu Naresh , Kuila Tapas
Published: December 2015

A boron doped NiO/Fe3O4nanostructure was successfully synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method and used as the positive electrode material in asymmetric supercapacitor.
Carbon dots isolated from chromatographic fractions for sensing applications
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Feng Feng , Paau Man Chin , Hu Qin , Liu Yang , Chen Zezhong , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: December 2015

An as-synthesised C-dots sample derived from acetic acid, NAC and P2O5 can be separated and fractionated into various C-dots species by HPLC. The brighter C-dots fractions can be used as fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+.
Fluorescence response of a thiazolidine carboxylic acid derivative for the selective and nanomolar detection of Zn(ii) ions: quantum chemical calculations and application in real samples
Authors: Balakrishnan C. , Theetharappan M. , Natarajan Satheesh , Thalamuthu S. , Neelakantan M. A.
Published: December 2015

A turn-on fluorescent sensor (L) for Zn2+detection in nano molar scale was synthesized and characterized. L shows fluorescence withKlebsiella pneumoniaandE. coli. L was utilized to detect Zn2+ions and bacteria in environmental water samples.
Dehydrochlorination mechanism of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane degraded by dehydrochlorinase LinA from Sphingomonas paucimobilis UT26
Authors: Tang Xiaowen , Zhang Ruiming , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: December 2015

The biotransformation pathway from γ-HCH to 1,3,4,6-TCDN catabolized by dehydrochlorinase LinA contains two discontinuous dehydrochlorination reactions and a conformational transition for the product of the first dehydrochlorination reaction.
In situ solution polymerization for preparation of MDI-modified graphene/hyperbranched poly(ether imide) nanocomposites and their properties
Authors: Li Quantao , Chen Wenqiu , Yan Wei , Zhang Quanyuan , Yi Changfeng , Wang Xianbao , Xu Zushun
Published: December 2015

Two kinds of (GE-MDI/HBPEI) nanocomposites with highly enhanced thermal, mechanical and gas barrier properties, were preparedvia in situsolution polymerization, as well as subsequent synchronous thermal imidization and reduction.
Facile synthesis of free-standing Fe2O3/carbon nanotube composite films as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Deming , Xu Shanshan , Dong Shuilang , Liu Jiachen , Guo Anran , Yan Xiao , Hou Feng
Published: December 2015

Continuous Fe nanoparticles (NPs)/carbon nanotube (CNTs) composite films have been fabricated with the CVD gas flow reaction using ferrocene as a catalyst and ethanol as a carbon precursor.
Properties of edible films based on pullulan–chitosan blended film-forming solutions at different pH
Authors: Li Yue , Yokoyama Wallace , Wu Jia , Ma Jianguo , Zhong Fang
Published: December 2015

Influences of solution pH on the properties of pullulan–chitosan blended (Pul–Chi) films and the rheological properties of film-forming solutions were investigated.
Seeing is believing: atomic force microscopy imaging for nanomaterial research
Authors: Zhong Jian , Yan Juan
Published: December 2015

Atomic force microscopy can image nanomaterial properties such as the topography, elasticity, adhesion, friction, electrical properties, and magnetism.
An extremely superhydrophobic and intrinsically stable Si/fluorocarbon energetic composite based on upright nano/submicron-sized Si wire arrays
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Zhu Ying , Zhang Kaili , Lu Jian , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2015

The extreme superhydrophobicity, together with the chemical inertness of Si element, makes the fabricated Si/fluorocarbon nanostructured energetic composite intrinsically stable.
Students' representations of the atomic structure – the effect of some individual differences in particular task contexts
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Markos Angelos , Zarkadis Nikolaos
Published: December 2015

The current study aims to investigate students' representations of the atomic structure in a number of student cohorts with specific characteristics concerning age, grade, class curriculum and some individual differences, such as formal reasoning and field dependence/independence. Two specific task contexts, which were designed in accordance with corresponding teaching contexts for the atomic structure, one based on Bohr's model and the other on the quantum mechanical model, were examined as for their potential to differentiate initial students' representations of the atomic structure (when no specific context was provided). Participants (n= 421) were students of 8th, 10th and 12th grades of secondary schools from Northern Greece. Results showed that, although developmental factors, like formal reasoning, were associated with a better representation of the atomic structure, the task context appeared to have the dominant role, since positive associations were found between student cohort characteristics and representation of the atomic structure in context dependent tasks, even after accounting for the effects of individual differences.
Bimetallic iron–iron and iron–zinc complexes of the redox-active ONO pincer ligand
Authors: Wong Janice L. , Higgins Robert F. , Bhowmick Indrani , Cao David Xi , Szigethy Géza , Ziller Joseph W. , Shores Matthew P. , Heyduk Alan F.
Published: December 2015

Synthetic and magnetic studies of homo- and heterobimetallic complexes of the redox-active ONO pincer ligand.
Encapsulation of an organometallic cationic catalyst by direct exchange into an anionic MOF
Authors: Grigoropoulos Alexios , Whitehead George F. S. , Perret Noémie , Katsoulidis Alexandros P. , Chadwick F. Mark , Davies Robert P. , Haynes Anthony , Brammer Lee , Weller Andrew S. , Xiao Jianliang , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: December 2015

Direct cation-exchange of a homogeneous organometallic cationic molecular catalyst inside the pores of an anionic MOF is conclusively demonstrated.
Understanding and removing surface states limiting charge transport in TiO2 nanowire arrays for enhanced optoelectronic device performance
Authors: Sheng Xia , Chen Liping , Xu Tao , Zhu Kai , Feng Xinjian
Published: December 2015

An effective wet-chemistry approach is demonstrated to minimize the trap states that limit electron transport in rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays, this leads to an over 20-fold enhancement in the electron diffusion coefficient.
Switchable π-electronic network of bis(α-oligothienyl)-substituted hexaphyrins between helical versus rectangular circuit
Authors: Oh Juwon , Mori Hirotaka , Sung Young Mo , Kim Woojae , Osuka Atsuhiro , Kim Dongho
Published: December 2015

The switching phenomena of conformation with π-electronic network through deprotonation–protonation processes were investigated by employing a series of 5,20-bis(α-oligothienyl) substituted hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1).
Molecular design for growth of supramolecular membranes with hierarchical structure
Authors: Helen Zha R. , Velichko Yuri S. , Bitton Ronit , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: December 2015

Computational and experimental investigation of interfacial self-assembly between peptide amphiphiles and polyelectrolytes into microstructured membranes.
Optically transparent high temperature shape memory polymers
Authors: Xiao Xinli , Qiu Xueying , Kong Deyan , Zhang Wenbo , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: December 2015

Optically transparent shape memory polyimide exhibiting a glass transition temperature higher than those of other transparent shape memory polymers is reported.
Assembly of emulsion droplets into fibers by microfluidic wet spinning
Authors: Bell Robert V. , Parkins Christopher C. , Young Robert A. , Preuss Corinna M. , Stevens Molly M. , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: December 2015

Emulsion droplets stabilized by branched copolymers and nano-sized clay are assembled into fibers using a microfluidic wet spinning process.
Dipolar relaxation and impedance of an yttria-stabilised zirconia ceramic electrolyte
Authors: Hernandez Miguel A. , West Anthony R.
Published: December 2015

Equivalent circuit analysis of ac impedance data for yttria-stabilised zirconia ceramics shows evidence for dipole relaxation at intermediate frequencies in addition to the long range, oxide ion conduction.
PEG based anti-cancer drug conjugated prodrug micelles for the delivery of anti-cancer agents
Authors: Senevirathne Suchithra A. , Washington Katherine E. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: December 2015

Development of polymer prodrug conjugates has evolved recently in the nano-medicine field for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on the development of different types of PEG based polymer drug conjugates used for the delivery of anti-cancer agents.
Facile synthesis of porous Ag microspheres via Cu2+‐mediated reduction of AgCl
Authors: Zhu Jun , Xu Xiufang , Yao Maomao , Zheng Yiqun , Hou Shifeng
Published: December 2015

A facile approach to producing silver (Ag) microspheres with a porous structure via a one‐pot synthesis is described. The success of this work relies on the use of Cu2+ to mediate the reduction of silver chloride by oleylamine. The type of additives, amount of copper(II) chloride, type of Ag precursor and reaction temperature were systematically investigated to reveal their roles in the formation of the unique porous structure. The method described provides a convenient route for fabricating porous Ag micro/nanocrystals and could be potentially extended to similar synthesis of other noble metals.
Symptomatic Triple-Region Spinal Stenosis Treated with Simultaneous Surgery: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schaffer Joseph C. , Raudenbush Brandon L. , Molinari Christine , Molinari Robert W.
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objectives

Symptomatic triple-region spinal stenosis (TRSS), defined as spinal stenosis in three different regions of the spine, is extremely rare. To our knowledge, treatment with simultaneous decompressive surgery is not described in the literature. We report a case of a patient with TRSS who was treated successfully with simultaneous decompressive surgery in three separate regions of the spine.

Methods

A 50-year-old man presented with combined progressive cervical and thoracic myelopathy along with severe lumbar spinal claudication and radiculopathy. He underwent simultaneous decompressive surgery in all three regions of his spine and concomitant instrumented fusion in the cervical and thoracic regions.

Results

Estimated blood loss for the procedure was 600 mL total (250 mL cervical, 250 mL thoracic, 100 mL lumbar) and operative time was ∼3.5 hours. No changes were noted on intraoperative monitoring. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. The patient was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation on postoperative day (POD) 7 and discharged home on POD 11. At 6-month follow-up, his gait and motor function was improved and returned to normal in all extremities. He remains partially disabled due to chronic back pain.

Conclusions

This report is the first of symptomatic TRSS treated with simultaneous surgery in three different regions of the spine. Simultaneous triple region stenosis surgery appears to be an effective treatment option for this rare condition, but may be associated with prolonged hospital stay after surgery.
Triple templating of graphitic carbon nitride to enhance photocatalytic properties
Authors: Yang Z. , Danks A. E. , Wang J. , Zhang Y. , Schnepp Z.
Published: December 2015

Graphitic carbon nitride materials show some promising properties for applications such as photocatalytic water splitting. However, the conversion efficiency is still low due to factors such as a low surface area and limited light absorption. In this paper, we describe a “triple templating” approach to generating porous graphitic carbon nitride. The introduction of pores on several length-scales results in enhanced photocatalytic properties.
Synchronization patterns in geometrically frustrated rings of relaxation oscillators
Authors: Goldstein Daniel , Giver Michael , Chakraborty Bulbul
Published: December 2015

Diffusively coupled chemical oscillators can exhibit a wide variety of complex spatial patterns. In this paper, we show that a ring of relaxation oscillators diffusively coupled through the inhibitory species leads to remarkable spatiotemporal patterns in the regime where there is a large separation of time scales between the activator and the inhibitor dynamics. The origin of these complex patterns can be traced back to a preponderance of antiphase synchronized states in the space of attractors. We provide an analytical explanation for the existence and stability of the antiphase synchronized states by examining the limit of extreme time scale separation. Numerical results on rings with small numbers of oscillators show that an explosion of patterns occurs for a ring with five oscillators.
Acoustic radiation force on a rigid elliptical cylinder in plane (quasi)standing waves
Authors: Mitri F. G.
Published: December 2015

The acoustic radiation force on a 2D elliptical (non-circular) cylinder centered on the axis of wave propagation of plane quasi-standing and standing waves is derived, based on the partial-wave series expansion (PWSE) method in cylindrical coordinates. A non-dimensional acoustic radiation force function, which is the radiation force per unit length, per characteristic energy density and per unit cross-sectional surface of the ellipse, is defined in terms of the scattering coefficients that are determined by applying the Neumann boundary condition for an immovable surface. A system of linear equations involving a single numerical integration procedure is solved by matrix inversion. Numerical simulations showing the transition from the quasi-standing to the (equi-amplitude) standing wave behaviour are performed with particular emphasis on the aspect ratio a/b, where a and b are the ellipse semi-axes, as well as the dimensionless size parameter kb (where k is the wavenumber), without the restriction to a particular range of frequencies. It is found that at high kb values > 1, the radiation force per length with broadside incidence is larger, whereas the opposite situation occurs in the long-wavelength limit (i.e., kb < 1). The results are particularly relevant in acoustic levitation of elliptical cylinders, the acoustic stabilization of liquid columns in a host medium, acousto-fluidics devices, and other particle dynamics applications to name a few. Moreover, the formalism presented here may be effectively applied to compute the acoustic radiation force on other 2D surfaces of arbitrary shape such as super-ellipses, Chebyshev cylindrical particles, or other non-circular geometries.
Nonlocally induced (fractional) bound states: Shape analysis in the infinite Cauchy well
Authors: Żaba Mariusz , Garbaczewski Piotr
Published: December 2015

Fractional (Lévy-type) operators are known to be spatially nonlocal. This becomes an issue if confronted with a priori imposed exterior Dirichlet boundary data. We address spectral properties of the prototype example of the Cauchy operator (−Δ)1/2 in the interval D = (−1, 1) ⊂ R, with a focus on functional shapes of first few eigenfunctions and their fall-off at the boundary of D. New high accuracy formulas are deduced for approximate eigenfunctions. We analyze how their shape reproduction fidelity is correlated with the evaluation finesse of the corresponding eigenvalues.
Laser absorption, power transfer, and radiation symmetry during the first shock of inertial confinement fusion gas-filled hohlraum experiments
Authors: Pak A. , Dewald E. L. , Landen O. L. , Milovich J. , Strozzi D. J. , Berzak Hopkins L. F. , Bradley D. K. , Divol L. , Ho D. D. , MacKinnon A. J. , Meezan N. B. , Michel P. , Moody J. D. , Moore A. S. , Schneider M. B. , Town R. P. J. , Hsing W. W. , Edwards M. J.
Published: December 2015

Temporally resolved measurements of the hohlraum radiation flux asymmetry incident onto a bismuth coated surrogate capsule have been made over the first two nanoseconds of ignition relevant laser pulses. Specifically, we study the P2 asymmetry of the incoming flux as a function of cone fraction, defined as the inner-to-total laser beam power ratio, for a variety of hohlraums with different scales and gas fills. This work was performed to understand the relevance of recent experiments, conducted in new reduced-scale neopentane gas filled hohlraums, to full scale helium filled ignition targets. Experimental measurements, matched by 3D view factor calculations, are used to infer differences in symmetry, relative beam absorption, and cross beam energy transfer (CBET), employing an analytic model. Despite differences in hohlraum dimensions and gas fill, as well as in laser beam pointing and power, we find that laser absorption, CBET, and the cone fraction, at which a symmetric flux is achieved, are similar to within 25% between experiments conducted in the reduced and full scale hohlraums. This work demonstrates a close surrogacy in the dynamics during the first shock between reduced-scale and full scale implosion experiments and is an important step in enabling the increased rate of study for physics associated with inertial confinement fusion.
Alpha particles diffusion due to charge changes
Authors: Clauser C. F. , Farengo R.
Published: December 2015

Alpha particles diffusion due to charge changes in a magnetized plasma is studied. Analytical calculations and numerical simulations are employed to show that this process can be very important in the pedestal-edge-SOL regions. This is the first study that presents clear evidence of the importance of atomic processes on the diffusion of alpha particles. A simple 1D model that includes inelastic collisions with plasma species, “cold” neutrals, and partially ionized species was employed. The code, which follows the exact particle orbits and includes the effect of inelastic collisions via a Monte Carlo type random process, runs on a graphic processor unit (GPU). The analytical and numerical results show excellent agreement when a uniform background (plasma and cold species) is assumed. The simulations also show that the gradients in the density of the plasma and cold species, which are large and opposite in the edge region, produce an inward flux of alpha particles. Calculations of the alpha particles flux reaching the walls or divertor plates should include these processes.
Accurate determination of electronic transport properties of silicon wafers by nonlinear photocarrier radiometry with multiple pump beam sizes
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Bincheng
Published: December 2015

In this paper, photocarrier radiometry (PCR) technique with multiple pump beam sizes is employed to determine simultaneously the electronic transport parameters (the carrier lifetime, the carrier diffusion coefficient, and the front surface recombination velocity) of silicon wafers. By employing the multiple pump beam sizes, the influence of instrumental frequency response on the multi-parameter estimation is totally eliminated. A nonlinear PCR model is developed to interpret the PCR signal. Theoretical simulations are performed to investigate the uncertainties of the estimated parameter values by investigating the dependence of a mean square variance on the corresponding transport parameters and compared to that obtained by the conventional frequency-scan method, in which only the frequency dependences of the PCR amplitude and phase are recorded at single pump beam size. Simulation results show that the proposed multiple-pump-beam-size method can improve significantly the accuracy of the determination of the electronic transport parameters. Comparative experiments with a p-type silicon wafer with resistivity 0.1–0.2 Ω·cm are performed, and the electronic transport properties are determined simultaneously. The estimated uncertainties of the carrier lifetime, diffusion coefficient, and front surface recombination velocity are approximately ±10.7%, ±8.6%, and ±35.4% by the proposed multiple-pump-beam-size method, which is much improved than ±15.9%, ±29.1%, and >±50% by the conventional frequency-scan method. The transport parameters determined by the proposed multiple-pump-beam-size PCR method are in good agreement with that obtained by a steady-state PCR imaging technique.
Exploring the stochastic dynamics of correlated movement of receptor proteins in plasma membranes in vivo
Authors: Huang Jung Y. , Lin Chien Y.
Published: December 2015

Ligand-induced receptor dimerization plays a crucial role in the signaling process of living cells. In this study, we developed a theoretical model and performed single-molecule tracking to explore the correlated diffusion processes of liganded epidermal growth factor receptors prior to dimer formation. We disclosed that both an attractive potential between liganded receptor proteins in proximity and correlated fluctuations in the local environments of the proteins play an important role to produce the observed correlated movement of the receptors. This result can serve as the foundation to shed light on the way in which receptor functions are regulated in plasma membranes in vivo.
A universal equation to predict methane production of forage-fed cattle in Australia
Authors: Charmley E. , Williams S. R. O. , Moate P. J. , Hegarty R. S. , Herd R. M. , Oddy V. H. , Reyenga P. , Staunton K. M. , Anderson A. , Hannah M. C.
Published: December 2015

The methods for estimating methane emissions from cattle as used in the Australian national inventory are based on older data that have now been superseded by a large amount of more recent data. Recent data suggested that the current inventory emissions estimates can be improved. To address this issue, a total of 1034 individual animal records of daily methane production (MP) was used to reassess the relationship between MP and each of dry matter intake (DMI) and gross energy intake (GEI). Data were restricted to trials conducted in the past 10 years using open-circuit respiration chambers, with cattle fed forage-based diets (forage >70%). Results from diets considered to inhibit methanogenesis were omitted from the dataset. Records were obtained from dairy cattle fed temperate forages (220 records), beef cattle fed temperate forages (680 records) and beef cattle fed tropical forages (133 records). Relationships were very similar for all three production categories and single relationships for MP on a DMI or GEI basis were proposed for national inventory purposes. These relationships were MP (g/day) = 20.7 (±0.28) × DMI (kg/day) (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.001) and MP (MJ/day) = 0.063 (±0.008) × GEI (MJ/day) (R2 = 0.93, P < 0.001). If the revised MP (g/day) approach is used to calculate Australia’s national inventory, it will reduce estimates of emissions of forage-fed cattle by 24%. Assuming a global warming potential of 25 for methane, this represents a 12.6 Mt CO2-e reduction in calculated annual emissions from Australian cattle.
Influence of seed dimorphism and provenance on seed morphology, dispersal, germination and seedling growth of Brachyscome ciliaris (Asteraceae)
Authors: Aleman Rina , Jusaitis Manfred , Gibbs Joan , Ainsley Phillip , Tiver Fleur , Petit Sophie
Published: December 2015

Brachyscome ciliaris is a floriferous Australian native daisy, with potential for use as a horticultural species. The species is hardy and seeds are relatively easy to germinate, but it is unique within the Brachyscome genus in that seeds are distinctly dimorphic. Within a fruiting capitulum, ray seeds are smooth and narrow with a minute pappus, whereas disc seeds have broad flat wings with curled hairs and a longer pappus than that of ray seeds. Both seed morphs, collected from five populations of the species, were tested to determine differences in their morphology, germination speed and percentage, seedling growth and wind-dispersal characteristics. Ray seeds were generally lighter and smaller than disc seeds and their length varied significantly with provenance. Dormancy levels of the two seed morphs and growth of ray- and disc-derived seedlings did not differ significantly, but differences were significant among the five populations tested. Seeds germinated readily, and germination was optimal under winter or summer conditions and lower in spring or autumn. Seed production by plants raised from ray or disc seeds was identical, but Noora-sourced plants yielded more seed than did plants sourced from the other provenances tested. Seed size, germination and plant growth of B. ciliaris varied significantly among populations. Winged disc seeds were dispersed slightly further by wind than were wingless ray seeds. We concluded that dormancy, germination and seed-yield characteristics of B. ciliaris were all influenced more by seed provenance than by seed morph (ray or disc).
Gut bacteria mediate aggregation in the German cockroach
Authors: Wada-Katsumata Ayako , Zurek Ludek , Nalyanya Godfrey , Roelofs Wendell L. , Zhang Aijun , Schal Coby
Published: December 2015

Significance

There is great interest in elucidating the diverse roles of microbes in biology, in general and, specifically, in mediating animal communication. We demonstrate that the gut bacterial community plays a pivotal role in production of aggregation pheromones in the German cockroach. The feces of normal and gut bacteria-inoculated cockroaches emits highly attractive volatile carboxylic acids (VCAs) that elicit aggregation whereas bacteria-free feces contains few VCAs and is relatively unattractive. VCAs may reflect the gut microbiota and, in turn, the cockroach's local environment, explaining why divergent chemical structures have been proposed as aggregation pheromones. This new insight emphasizes the importance of gut microbes in insect–insect communication and highlights the plasticity of the chemistry and function of fecal aggregation pheromones.
Detecting long-term metabolic shifts using isotopomers: CO2-driven suppression of photorespiration in C3plants over the 20th century
Authors: Ehlers Ina , Augusti Angela , Betson Tatiana R. , Nilsson Mats B. , Marshall John D. , Schleucher Jürgen
Published: December 2015

Significance

Decadal-scale metabolic responses of plants to environmental changes, including the magnitude of the “CO2fertilization” effect, are a major knowledge gap in Earth system models, in agricultural models, and for societal adaptation. We introduce intramolecular isotope distributions (isotopomers) as a methodology for detecting shifts in plant carbon metabolism over long times. Trends in a deuterium isotopomer ratio allow quantification of a biogeochemically relevant shift in the metabolism of C3plants toward photosynthesis, driven by increasing atmospheric CO2since industrialization. Isotopomers strongly increase the information content of isotope archives, and may therefore reveal long-term acclimation or adaptations to environmental changes in general. The metabolic information encoded in isotopomers of plant archives bridges a fundamental gap between experimental plant science and paleoenvironmental studies.
Tmem178 acts in a novel negative feedback loop targeting NFATc1 to regulate bone mass
Authors: Decker Corinne E. , Yang Zhengfeng , Rimer Ryan , Park-Min Kyung-Hyun , Macaubas Claudia , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Novack Deborah V. , Faccio Roberta
Published: December 2015

Significance

Excessive osteoclast (OC) activation and joint erosion are often observed in arthritis patients, including children suffering from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), even in the absence of active systemic symptoms. Herein, we identify a previously uncharacterized protein, transmembrane protein 178 (Tmem178), as a novel downstream target of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/phospholipase C gamma-2 signaling axis in the OC. Surprisingly, Tmem178 functions as a negative regulator of OC differentiation in basal and inflammatory conditions by controlling NFATc1 induction via modulation of Ca
2+
fluxes. Importantly, Tmem178 is dysregulated in the context of sJIA, where defective Tmem178 expression is associated with enhanced OC differentiation and erosive disease. These findings represent a novel mechanism of negative feedback that limits osteoclastogenesis and consequent resorptive activity to maintain skeletal integrity.
Continuous 1.3-million-year record of East African hydroclimate, and implications for patterns of evolution and biodiversity
Authors: Lyons Robert P. , Scholz Christopher A. , Cohen Andrew S. , King John W. , Brown Erik T. , Ivory Sarah J. , Johnson Thomas C. , Deino Alan L. , Reinthal Peter N. , McGlue Michael M. , Blome Margaret W.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Lake Malawi is one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes, with >1,000 species of endemic cichlid fish; its water bottom anoxia prevents bioturbation of deep-water sediments, which preserve exceptional paleoclimate signals. The Lake Malawi Drilling Project recovered the first continuous 1.3-My record of past climates of the African interior. These sediments show that the catchment experienced 24 dry periods over that time, when lake levels dropped more than 200 m. After ∼800,000 years ago, the lake was commonly deeper and overflowing, indicating wetter conditions, but lowstand intervals became more prolonged and extreme. These changes promoted the evolution of the endemic cichlid fishes, through shifting of habitats, and through isolation and restriction of populations.
Repeatable and adjustable on-demand sciatic nerve block with phototriggerable liposomes
Authors: Rwei Alina Y. , Lee Jung-Jae , Zhan Changyou , Liu Qian , Ok Meryem T. , Shankarappa Sahadev A. , Langer Robert , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: December 2015

Significance

We demonstrate an injectable drug-delivery system that would allow patients to adjust the timing, duration, and intensity of local anesthesia in painful parts of the body. Such on-demand analgesia could greatly enhance the management of a variety of pain states. Light-sensitive liposomes containing the potent local anesthetic tetrodotoxin induced sensory and motor nerve block in vivo upon irradiation with a 730-nm laser. The timing, duration, and intensity of the nerve blockade were adjustable by the timing, irradiance, and duration of irradiation. Tissue reaction to the formulation and associated irradiation was benign.
Endohedral gallide cluster superconductors and superconductivity in ReGa
5
Authors: Xie Weiwei , Luo Huixia , Phelan Brendan F. , Klimczuk Tomasz , Cevallos Francois Alexandre , Cava Robert Joseph
Published: December 2015

Significance

The prediction of new superconductors remains an elusive goal. It is often chemists who find new superconductors, although it is difficult to translate the physics of superconductivity into chemical requirements for discovering new superconducting compounds. There are many strategies for finding new superconductors, one being to postulate that superconductivity runs in structural families. Here we show that a previously unappreciated structural family, the endohedral gallium cluster phases, is favored for superconductivity, and then use the understanding we develop to find a superconductor. More broadly, our work shows that molecule-based electron counting and stability rules can provide a useful chemistry-based design paradigm for finding new superconductors. Using these ideas to search for new superconductors will be of significant future interest.
Effects of ABA and CaCl2 on GABA accumulation in fava bean germinating under hypoxia-NaCl stress
Authors: Yang Runqiang , Hui Qianru , Gu Zhenxin
Published: December 2015

Effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and CaCl2 on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation of germinated fava bean under hypoxia-NaCl stress were investigated. Exogenous ABA resulted in the enhancement of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity as well as GABA content in cotyledon and shoot. CaCl2 increased both enzyme activities in shoot and GABA content in cotyledon and shoot. ABA downregulated GAD expression in cotyledon and radicle, while upregulated that in shoot; it also upregulated DAO expression in each organ. CaCl2 upregulated GAD expression in cotyledon, while downregulated that in radicle. However, it upregulated DAO expression in shoot, downregulated that in radicle. ABA inhibitor fluridon and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibited GAD and DAO activities significantly so that inhibited GABA accumulation through reducing ABA biosynthesis and chelating Ca2+, respectively. However, they upregulated GAD and DAO expression in varying degrees. These results indicate that ABA and Ca2+ participate in GABA biosynthesis in fava bean during germination under hypoxia-NaCl stress.
Central limit theorems for biorthogonal ensembles and asymptotics of recurrence coefficients
Authors: Breuer Jonathan , Duits Maurice
Published: December 2015

We study fluctuations of linear statistics corresponding to smooth functions for certain biorthogonal ensembles. We study those biorthogonal ensembles for which the underlying biorthogonal family satisfies a finite term recurrence and describe the asymptotic fluctuations using right limits of the recurrence matrix. As a consequence, we show that whenever the right limit is a Laurent matrix, a central limit theorem holds. We will also discuss the implications for orthogonal polynomial ensembles. In particular, we obtain a central limit theorem for the orthogonal polynomial ensemble associated with any measure belonging to the Nevai class of an interval. Our results also extend previous results on unitary ensembles in the one-cut case. Finally, we will illustrate our results by deriving central limit theorems for the Hahn ensemble for lozenge tilings of a hexagon and for the Hermitian two matrix model.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Cardiac Changes After Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Magnusson Martin , Holm Hannes , Bachus Erasmus , Nilsson Peter , Leosdottir Margret , Melander Olle , Jujic Amra , Fedorowski Artur
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) increases the risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in population-based cohort studies. Whether OH is associated with development of cardiac anomalies has not been sufficiently explored.

METHODS

In the prospective population-based Malmö Preventive Project (MPP), a subset of 974 non-diabetic individuals (mean age: 67 years; 29% women) were examined with echocardiography after a mean follow-up period of 23±4 years from baseline. The association of increased left ventricular mass (LVM), pathological cardiac chamber volumes, echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in relation to the presence of OH at baseline, defined as decrease in systolic ≥20mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥10mm Hg upon standing, was studied.

RESULTS

Among reexamined MPP participants, 40 (4.1%) met OH criteria during baseline screening. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, taking demographics, BP, and antihypertensive treatment (AHT) into account, OH predicted left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (hazard ratio (HR): 1.97, 1.01–3.84; P = 0.047), decreased right chamber volume (HR: 1.74, 1.19–2.57; P = 0.005), and reduced early diastolic tissue velocity in septal wall (HR: 1.47, 1.01–2.14; P = 0.045). No significant associations were seen between OH and atrial chamber volumes, LV volume, and LV systolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of OH among middle-aged adults is associated with the development of structural cardiac changes such as LVH and declining right chamber volume, as well as with the development of diastolic dysfunction, independently of traditional risk factors. These findings may contribute to the understanding of how prevalent OH impacts the risk of CVD.
Improved topology prediction using the terminal hydrophobic helices rule
Authors: Peters Christoph , Tsirigos Konstantinos D. , Shu Nanjiang , Elofsson Arne
Published: December 2015

Motivation: The translocon recognizes sufficiently hydrophobic regions of a protein and inserts them into the membrane. Computational methods try to determine what hydrophobic regions are recognized by the translocon. Although these predictions are quite accurate, many methods still fail to distinguish marginally hydrophobic transmembrane (TM) helices and equally hydrophobic regions in soluble protein domains. In vivo, this problem is most likely avoided by targeting of the TM-proteins, so that non-TM proteins never see the translocon. Proteins are targeted to the translocon by an N-terminal signal peptide. The targeting is also aided by the fact that the N-terminal helix is more hydrophobic than other TM-helices. In addition, we also recently found that the C-terminal helix is more hydrophobic than central helices. This information has not been used in earlier topology predictors.

Results: Here, we use the fact that the N- and C-terminal helices are more hydrophobic to develop a new version of the first-principle-based topology predictor, SCAMPI. The new predictor has two main advantages; first, it can be used to efficiently separate membrane and non-membrane proteins directly without the use of an extra prefilter, and second it shows improved performance for predicting the topology of membrane proteins that contain large non-membrane domains.

Availability and implementation: The predictor, a web server and all datasets are available at http://scampi.bioinfo.se/.

Contact:  arne@bioinfo.se

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
OpenFDA: an innovative platform providing access to a wealth of FDA’s publicly available data
Authors: Kass-Hout Taha A , Xu Zhiheng , Mohebbi Matthew , Nelsen Hans , Baker Adam , Levine Jonathan , Johanson Elaine , Bright Roselie A
Published: December 2015

Objective The objective of openFDA is to facilitate access and use of big important Food and Drug Administration public datasets by developers, researchers, and the public through harmonization of data across disparate FDA datasets provided via application programming interfaces (APIs).

Materials and Methods Using cutting-edge technologies deployed on FDA’s new public cloud computing infrastructure, openFDA provides open data for easier, faster (over 300 requests per second per process), and better access to FDA datasets; open source code and documentation shared on GitHub for open community contributions of examples, apps and ideas; and infrastructure that can be adopted for other public health big data challenges.

Results Since its launch on June 2, 2014, openFDA has developed four APIs for drug and device adverse events, recall information for all FDA-regulated products, and drug labeling. There have been more than 20 million API calls (more than half from outside the United States), 6000 registered users, 20,000 connected Internet Protocol addresses, and dozens of new software (mobile or web) apps developed. A case study demonstrates a use of openFDA data to understand an apparent association of a drug with an adverse event.

Conclusion With easier and faster access to these datasets, consumers worldwide can learn more about FDA-regulated products.