bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of usingMemriseon student perceptions of learning Latin vocabulary and on long-term memory of words
Authors: Walker Louise
Published: January 2016

During my PGCE I had a class of eight students in Year 11 studying for the OCR GCSE in Latin who had to master knowledge of 475 words for their exams. Their recent unseen translations demonstrated weak performances due to poor vocabulary knowledge. On interviewing the students, most lacked a systematic approach to learning vocabulary. Since the end-goal of studying Latin today is more often the reading of ancient texts, the requirements for vocabulary learning differs from that of other languages. Composing sentences in Latin is an increasingly rare skill too. Thus by rarely needing to produce Latin, students have no means of actively practising the language. Whilst students often find learning vocabulary arduous, I found that with Latin students find it particularly difficult to retain knowledge. In the school the GCSE Latin lessons are teacher-led and mostly involve the dissemination of information for the students to record and process. The pressure of covering the exam syllabus and difficulty of integrating vocabulary activities into this class led me to the possible solution presented byMemrise.
Ātman Returns. (Re)introducing Sanskrit Into UK Schools
Authors: Ruppel Antonia
Published: January 2016

At a time when the Classics offerings across the country are forced to dwindle, when many schools are unable to offer Greek or even Latin, one school has bucked the trend by offering a classical language new to the UK curriculum. Since their foundation 40 years ago, St James' Independent Schools have pioneered the teaching of Sanskrit in a Western environment. Sanskrit has been developed as an academic subject with resources that take complete beginners to IGCSE and beyond to AS and A level.
Teaching Roman Food at Key Stage 3: Building Knowledge Through an Enquiry Question
Authors: Hunt Steven
Published: January 2016

Apromenade lesson is when the learners get up and source, identify and evaluate information from materials attached to the walls of the classroom or a corridor or some other space in the school. The students have to walk around the ‘exhibits’ to find out something and note it down as they go. This activity can forms a part of a sequence of tasks in a lesson. It works well for any subject matter which is highly visual, such as images taken from Pompeian wall-paintings, for example, or even for enlarged text selections.
The Biochemical Role of Macro and Micro-Minerals in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and its Associated Complications: A Review
Authors: Mwiti Kibiti Cromwell , Jide Afolayan Anthony
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic physiological glucose metabolic disorder. Its high prevalence globally has a significant impact on the quality of life. The management of diabetes includes non-pharmacological and glucose lowering agents. Although these methods are effective, they have drawbacks. This has led to a search for alternative therapy in macro and micro-minerals from dietary foods and plants. There is therefore a need to review, identify and classify their modes of action in diabetes mellitus therapy. Materials and Methods: This review was carried out using comprehensive literature reports on the use of mineral elements in the management of diabetes. Empirical online searches were conducted for different elements that have been studied for their anti-diabetic potentials both in vivo and in vitro. The University of Fort Hare’s online database was also used. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that magnesium, molybdenum, zinc, vanadium and manganese facilitate glucose catabolism. Chromium, vanadium, zinc, molybdenum and magnesium can enhance insulin activity while molybdenum, manganese and zinc stimulate lipogenesis. Zinc and iron can modulate glucose, metabolizing enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and limit oxidative stress, respectively. These agents have similar mechanisms to conventional drugs in ameliorating diabetic status and other associated complications. Conclusion: The mechanisms of these elements are well known, however, the synergetic effects of their combinations are still obscure. Literature on their safe dose(s) is still scanty. Evaluation of other useful macro and micro-minerals should also be undertaken. It is envisaged that the use of mineral supplements will promote good health in diabetics.
Sundew plant, a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents, selectively induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through upregulation of p53 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio
Authors: Ghate NB , Das A , Chaudhuri D , Panja S , Mandal N
Published: January 2016

The worldwide cancer incidences are remarkable despite the advancement in cancer drug discovery field, highlighting the need for new therapies focusing on cancer cell and its microenvironment, including inflammation. Several species of Drosera (family: Droseraceae) are used in various traditional as well as homeopathic systems of medicine. Drosera burmannii Vahl. is also enlisted in French Pharmacopoeia in 1965 for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including chronic bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. The present study is designed to substantiate the potential of D. burmannii in in vitro anticancer activity and its relation with anti-inflammatory property. In vitro anticancer study revealed that DBME is inhibiting the proliferation of MCF-7 cells without affecting the viability of other malignant and non-malignant cells. DBME induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by suppressing the expression of cyclin A1, cyclin B1 and Cdk-1 and increasing the expression of p53, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio leading to activation of caspases and PARP degradation. Presence of caspase-8 (Z-IETD-fmk) and caspase-9 (Z-LEHD-fmk) inhibitors alone did prevent the apoptosis partially while apoptosis prevention was significantly observed when used in combination, suggesting vital role of caspases in DBME-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. DBME also downregulated LPS-induced increased expression of iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α along with suppression on intracellular ROS production that confirms the potential of DBME as anti-inflammatory extract. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of four major compounds hexadecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecen-1-ol, trans-9 and 1-tetradecanol along with some other fatty acid derivatives and carotenoids (Beta-doradecin) in DBME. These findings confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of DBME, which is already listed in French Pharmacopeia in 1965. Here we have additionally reported the anti-breast cancer activity of DBME and its relation to the anti-inflammatory potential. Hence, an ethnopharmacological approach can be considered as useful tool for the discovery of new drug leads.
Single-cell activity of freshwater aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria and their contribution to biomass production
Authors: Garcia-Chaves Maria C , Cottrell Matthew T , Kirchman David L , Ruiz-González Clara , del Giorgio Paul A
Published: January 2016

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria are photoheterotrophs that despite their low abundances have been hypothesized to play an ecologically and biogeochemically important role in aquatic systems. Characterizing this role requires a better understanding of the in situ dynamics and activity of AAP bacteria. Here we provide the first assessment of the single-cell activity of freshwater AAP bacteria and their contribution to total bacterial production across lakes spanning a wide trophic gradient, and explore the role of light in regulating AAP activity. The proportion of cells that were active in leucine incorporation and the level of activity per cell were consistently higher for AAP than for bulk bacteria across lakes. As a result, AAP bacteria contributed disproportionately more to total bacterial production than to total bacterial abundance. Interestingly, although environmentally driven patterns in activity did not seem to differ largely between AAP and bulk bacteria, their response to light did, and exposure to light resulted in increases in the proportion of active AAP bacteria with no clear effect on their cell-specific activity. This suggests that light may play a role in the activation of AAP bacteria, enabling these photoheterotrophs to contribute more to the carbon cycle than suggested by their abundance.
Segregating metabolic processes into different microbial cells accelerates the consumption of inhibitory substrates
Authors: Lilja Elin E , Johnson David R
Published: January 2016

Different microbial cell types typically specialize at performing different metabolic processes. A canonical example is substrate cross-feeding, where one cell type consumes a primary substrate into an intermediate and another cell type consumes the intermediate. While substrate cross-feeding is widely observed, its consequences on ecosystem processes is often unclear. How does substrate cross-feeding affect the rate or extent of substrate consumption? We hypothesized that substrate cross-feeding eliminates competition between different enzymes and reduces the accumulation of growth-inhibiting intermediates, thus accelerating substrate consumption. We tested this hypothesis using isogenic mutants of the bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri that either completely consume nitrate to dinitrogen gas or cross-feed the intermediate nitrite. We demonstrate that nitrite cross-feeding eliminates inter-enzyme competition and, in turn, reduces nitrite accumulation. We further demonstrate that nitrite cross-feeding accelerates substrate consumption, but only when nitrite has growth-inhibiting effects. Knowledge about inter-enzyme competition and the inhibitory effects of intermediates could therefore be important for deciding how to best segregate different metabolic processes into different microbial cell types to optimize a desired biotransformation.
Isotope dependence of the Zeeman effect in lithium-like calcium
Authors: Köhler Florian , Blaum Klaus , Block Michael , Chenmarev Stanislav , Eliseev Sergey , Glazov Dmitry A. , Goncharov Mikhail , Hou Jiamin , Kracke Anke , Nesterenko Dmitri A. , Novikov Yuri N. , Quint Wolfgang , Minaya Ramirez Enrique , Shabaev Vladimir M. , Sturm Sven , Volotka Andrey V. , Werth Günter
Published: January 2016

The magnetic moment μ of a bound electron, generally expressed by the g-factor μ=−g μBs ħ−1 with μB the Bohr magneton and s the electron’s spin, can be calculated by bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BS-QED) to very high precision. The recent ultra-precise experiment on hydrogen-like silicon determined this value to eleven significant digits, and thus allowed to rigorously probe the validity of BS-QED. Yet, the investigation of one of the most interesting contribution to the g-factor, the relativistic interaction between electron and nucleus, is limited by our knowledge of BS-QED effects. By comparing the g-factors of two isotopes, it is possible to cancel most of these contributions and sensitively probe nuclear effects. Here, we present calculations and experiments on the isotope dependence of the Zeeman effect in lithium-like calcium ions. The good agreement between the theoretical predicted recoil contribution and the high-precision g-factor measurements paves the way for a new generation of BS-QED tests.
An evaluation of the accuracy and speed of metagenome analysis tools
Authors: Lindgreen Stinus , Adair Karen L. , Gardner Paul P.
Published: January 2016

Metagenome studies are becoming increasingly widespread, yielding important insights into microbial communities covering diverse environments from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to human skin and gut. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing platforms, the use of large scale shotgun sequencing approaches is now commonplace. However, a thorough independent benchmark comparing state-of-the-art metagenome analysis tools is lacking. Here, we present a benchmark where the most widely used tools are tested on complex, realistic data sets. Our results clearly show that the most widely used tools are not necessarily the most accurate, that the most accurate tool is not necessarily the most time consuming and that there is a high degree of variability between available tools. These findings are important as the conclusions of any metagenomics study are affected by errors in the predicted community composition and functional capacity. Data sets and results are freely available from http://www.ucbioinformatics.org/metabenchmark.html
Alcohol drinking as an unfavorable prognostic factor for male patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yu-Pei , Zhao Bing-Cheng , Chen Chen , Lei Xin-Xing , Shen Lu-Jun , Chen Gang , Yan Fang , Wang Guan-Nan , Chen Han , Jiang Yi-Quan , Xia Yun-Fei
Published: January 2016

The relationship between alcohol drinking and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown. To investigate the prognostic value of alcohol drinking on NPC, this retrospective study was conducted on 1923 male NPC patients. Patients were classified as current, former and non-drinkers according to their drinking status. Furthermore, they were categorized as heavy drinkers and mild/none drinkers based on the intensity and duration of alcohol drinking. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. We found that current drinkers had significantly lower overall survival (OS) rate (5-year OS: 70.2% vs. 76.4%, P < 0.001) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate (5-year LRFS: 69.3% vs. 77.5%, P < 0.001) compared with non-drinkers. Drinking ≥14 drinks/week and drinking ≥20 years were both independent unfavorable prognostic factors for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.81, P = 0.022; HR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.75, P = 0.007). Stratified analyses further revealed that the negative impacts of alcohol were manifested mainly among older patients and among smokers. In conclusion, alcohol drinking is a useful predictor of prognosis in male NPC patients; drinkers, especially heavy drinkers have poorer prognosis.
Role of Carbonyl Modifications on Aging-Associated Protein Aggregation
Authors: Tanase Maya , Urbanska Aleksandra M. , Zolla Valerio , Clement Cristina C. , Huang Liling , Morozova Kateryna , Follo Carlo , Goldberg Michael , Roda Barbara , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Santambrogio Laura
Published: January 2016

Protein aggregation is a common biological phenomenon, observed in different physiological and pathological conditions. Decreased protein solubility and a tendency to aggregate is also observed during physiological aging but the causes are currently unknown. Herein we performed a biophysical separation of aging-related high molecular weight aggregates, isolated from the bone marrow and splenic cells of aging mice and followed by biochemical and mass spectrometric analysis. The analysis indicated that compared to younger mice an increase in protein post-translational carbonylation was observed. The causative role of these modifications in inducing protein misfolding and aggregation was determined by inducing carbonyl stress in young mice, which recapitulated the increased protein aggregation observed in old mice. Altogether our analysis indicates that oxidative stress-related post-translational modifications accumulate in the aging proteome and are responsible for increased protein aggregation and altered cell proteostasis.
Enhancement of human sodium iodide symporter gene therapy for breast cancer by HDAC inhibitor mediated transcriptional modulation
Authors: Kelkar Madhura G. , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Jadhav Smita , Gupta Sudeep , Ahn Beyong-Cheol , De Abhijit
Published: January 2016

The aberrant expression of human sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in breast cancer (BC) has raised the possibility of using targeted radioiodide therapy. Here we investigate modulation of endogenous, functional NIS expression by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter based initial screening of six different HDACi shows 2–10 fold enhancement of NIS promoter activity in majority of the cell types tested. As a result of drug treatment, endogenous NIS transcript and protein shows profound induction in BC cells. To get an insight on the mechanism of such transcriptional activation, role of Stat4, CREB and other transcription factors are revealed by transcription factor profiling array. Further, NIS-mediated intracellular iodide uptake also enhances substantially (p < 0.05) signifying functional relevance of the transcriptional modulation strategy. Gamma camera imaging confirms 30% higher uptake in VPA or NaB treated BC tumor xenograft. Corroborating with such functional impact of NIS, significant reduction in cell survival (p < 0.005) is observed in VPA, NaB or CI994 drug and 131I combination treatment in vivo indicating effective radioablation. Thus, for the first time this study reveals the mechanistic basis and demonstrates functional relevance of HDACi pre-treatment strategy in elevating NIS gene therapy approach for BC management in clinic.
The episodic ataxia type 1 mutation I262T alters voltage-dependent gating and disrupts protein biosynthesis of human Kv1.1 potassium channels
Authors: Chen Szu-Han , Fu Ssu-Ju , Huang Jing-Jia , Tang Chih-Yung
Published: January 2016

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are essential for setting neuronal membrane excitability. Mutations in human Kv1.1 channels are linked to episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1). The EA1-associated mutation I262T was identified from a patient with atypical phenotypes. Although a previous report has characterized its suppression effect, several key questions regarding the impact of the I262T mutation on Kv1.1 as well as other members of the Kv1 subfamily remain unanswered. Herein we show that the dominant-negative effect of I262T on Kv1.1 current expression is not reversed by co-expression with Kvβ1.1 or Kvβ2 subunits. Biochemical examinations indicate that I262T displays enhanced protein degradation and impedes membrane trafficking of Kv1.1 wild-type subunits. I262T appears to be the first EA1 mutation directly associated with impaired protein stability. Further functional analyses demonstrate that I262T changes the voltage-dependent activation and Kvβ1.1-mediated inactivation, uncouples inactivation from activation gating and decelerates the kinetics of cumulative inactivation of Kv1.1 channels. I262T also exerts similar dominant effects on the gating of Kv1.2 and Kv1.4 channels. Together our data suggest that I262T confers altered channel gating and reduced functional expression of Kv1 channels, which may account for some of the phenotypes of the EA1 patient.
Ptychographic Imaging of Branched Colloidal Nanocrystals Embedded in Free-Standing Thick Polystyrene Films
Authors: De Caro Liberato , Altamura Davide , Arciniegas Milena , Siliqi Dritan , Kim Mee R. , Sibillano Teresa , Manna Liberato , Giannini Cinzia
Published: January 2016

Research on composite materials is facing, among others, the challenging task of incorporating nanocrystals and their superstructures, in polymer matrices. Electron microscopy can typically image nanometre-scale structures embedded in thin polymer films, but not in films that are micron size thick. Here, X-ray Ptychography was used to visualize, with a resolution of a few tens of nanometers, how CdSe/CdS octapod-shaped nanocrystals self-assemble in polystyrene films of 24 ± 4 μm, providing a unique means for non-destructive investigation of nanoparticles distribution and organization in thick polymer films.
Gel electrophoresis in a polyvinylalcohol coated fused silica capillary for purity assessment of modified and secondary-structured oligo- and polyribonucleotides
Authors: Barciszewska Martyna , Sucha Agnieszka , Bałabańska Sandra , Chmielewski Marcin K.
Published: January 2016

Application of a polyvinylalcohol-coated (PVA-coated) capillary in capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) enables the selective separation of oligoribonucleotides and their modifications at high resolution. Quality assessment of shorter oligomers of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is of key importance for ribonucleic acid (RNA) technology which is increasingly being applied in medical applications. CGE is a technique of choice for calculation of chemically synthesized RNAs and their modifications which are frequently obtained as a mixture including shorter oligoribonucleotides. The use of CGE with a PVA-coated capillary to analyze siRNA mixtures presents an alternative to conventionally employed techniques. Here, we present study on identification of the length and purity of RNA mixture ingredients by using PVA-coated capillaries. Also, we demonstrate the use of PVA-coated capillaries to identify and separate phosphorylated siRNAs and secondary structures (e.g. siRNA duplexes).
Structural understanding of the recycling of oxidized ascorbate by dehydroascorbate reductase (OsDHAR) from Oryza sativa L. japonica
Authors: Do Hackwon , Kim Il-Sup , Jeon Byoung Wook , Lee Chang Woo , Park Ae Kyung , Wi Ah Ram , Shin Seung Chul , Park Hyun , Kim Young-Saeng , Yoon Ho-Sung , Kim Han-Woo , Lee Jun Hyuck
Published: January 2016

Dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) is a key enzyme involved in the recycling of ascorbate, which catalyses the glutathione (GSH)-dependent reduction of oxidized ascorbate (dehydroascorbate, DHA). As a result, DHAR regenerates a pool of reduced ascorbate and detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS). In previous experiments involving transgenic rice, we observed that overexpression of DHAR enhanced grain yield and biomass. Since the structure of DHAR is not available, the enzymatic mechanism is not well-understood and remains poorly characterized. To elucidate the molecular basis of DHAR catalysis, we determined the crystal structures of DHAR from Oryza sativa L. japonica (OsDHAR) in the native, ascorbate-bound and GSH-bound forms and refined their resolutions to 1.9, 1.7 and 1.7 Å, respectively. These complex structures provide the first information regarding the location of the ascorbate and GSH binding sites and their interacting residues. The location of the ascorbate-binding site overlaps with the GSH-binding site, suggesting a ping-pong kinetic mechanism for electron transfer at the common Cys20 active site. Our structural information and mutagenesis data provide useful insights into the reaction mechanism of OsDHAR against ROS-induced oxidative stress in rice.
A network analysis of cofactor-protein interactions for analyzing associations between human nutrition and diseases
Authors: Scott-Boyer Marie Pier , Lacroix Sébastien , Scotti Marco , Morine Melissa J. , Kaput Jim , Priami Corrado
Published: January 2016

The involvement of vitamins and other micronutrients in intermediary metabolism was elucidated in the mid 1900’s at the level of individual biochemical reactions. Biochemical pathways remain the foundational knowledgebase for understanding how micronutrient adequacy modulates health in all life stages. Current daily recommended intakes were usually established on the basis of the association of a single nutrient to a single, most sensitive adverse effect and thus neglect interdependent and pleiotropic effects of micronutrients on biological systems. Hence, the understanding of the impact of overt or sub-clinical nutrient deficiencies on biological processes remains incomplete. Developing a more complete view of the role of micronutrients and their metabolic products in protein-mediated reactions is of importance. We thus integrated and represented cofactor-protein interaction data from multiple and diverse sources into a multi-layer network representation that links cofactors, cofactor-interacting proteins, biological processes and diseases. Network representation of this information is a key feature of the present analysis and enables the integration of data from individual biochemical reactions and protein-protein interactions into a systems view, which may guide strategies for targeted nutritional interventions aimed at improving health and preventing diseases.
A dimethacrylate cross-linker cleavable under thermolysis or alkaline hydrolysis conditions: synthesis, polymerization, and degradation
Authors: Elladiou Marios , Patrickios Costas S.
Published: January 2016

2,6-Pyridinediethanol diesters can be incorporated in polymers conveying selective alkaline hydrolytic lability and acid stability, in addition to thermolyzability.
Effect of the ordered meso–macroporous structure of Co/SiO2 on the enhanced activity of hydrogenation of CO to hydrocarbons
Authors: Koo Hyun Mo , Tran-Phu Thanh , Yi Gi-Ra , Shin Chae-Ho , Chung Chan-Hwa , Bae Jong-Wook
Published: January 2016

Ordered meso–macroporous silica (MMS) was applied for the cobalt-based FTS reaction, and the enhanced activity on the Co/MMS was mainly due to the larger macropore cavity by enhancing the mass transfer rate which can be easily regenerated by in situ feeding of liquid hydrocarbons.
Integrating the opposites of biofuel production: absorption of short-chain alcohols into oleaginous yeast cells for butanol recovery and wet-extraction of microbial oil
Authors: Sipponen Mika Henrikki , Pihlajaniemi Ville , Vainio Heidi , Palonen Essi , Hokkanen Sanna , Vahvaselkä Marjatta , Pastinen Ossi , Nyyssölä Antti , Laakso Simo
Published: January 2016

Absorption of butanol from water into oleaginous yeast cells with subsequent microbial oil separation by wet-extraction is a step towards hybrid biofuel production.
Green one step morphosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial and anticancerous activities
Authors: Maity Dipanwita , Pattanayak Sutanuka , Mollick Md. Masud Rahaman , Rana Dipak , Mondal Dibyendu , Bhowmick Biplab , Dash Sandeep Kumar , Chattopadhyay Sourav , Das Balaram , Roy Somenath , Chakraborty Mukut , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: January 2016

Bioactive sodium cholate stabilized silver nanoparticles and their biomedical applications.
Bargellini condensation of ninhydrin as a ketone and substituted anilines as nucleophiles
Authors: Rashid Zahra , Ghahremanzadeh Ramin , Naeimi Hossein
Published: January 2016

In the present study, a series of novel α-amino acids based on ninhydrin were synthesized by using various substituted anilines with ninhydrin in the presence of chloroform and NaOH as base.
Target identification by image analysis
Authors: Fetz V. , Prochnow H. , Brönstrup M. , Sasse F.
Published: January 2016

Biologically active compounds induce phenotypic changes in target cells, which can be used to predict their modes of action. Such changes were initially detected by a visual inspection of images, while recent studies are based on high content analysis (HCA) methods using automated microscopy and analysis software.
Carbamide promoted polyol synthesis and transmittance properties of silver nanocubes
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Jigang , Guo Ming , Wiley Benjamin J. , Li Chunhong , Hu Changwen
Published: January 2016

Ag nanocubes of different sizes were rapidly synthesized via a polyol approach promoted by CO(NH2)2 and the transmittance properties have been detected.
Synthesis and properties of a millable polyurethane nanocomposite based on castor oil and halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Gong Bing , Ouyang Chunfa , Gao Qun , Zhao Liang , Zhao Zhengchuang
Published: January 2016

Elastomeric gum polyurethane nanocomposites were synthesised.
Triboelectric generator for wearable devices fabricated using a casting method
Authors: Lee Chang Jun , Choi A. Young , Choi Changsoon , Sim Hyeon Jun , Kim Seon Jeong , Kim Youn Tae
Published: January 2016

We fabricate an efficient triboelectric generator (TEG) using inexpensive materials that are readily available in our surroundings. By casting PDMS, we perform micropatterning on the surface of sandpaper.
Cyclodextrin polymers as carriers for the platinum-based anticancer agent LA-12
Authors: Giglio Valentina , Viale Maurizio , Monticone Massimiliano , Aura Angela M. , Spoto Giuseppe , Natile Giovanni , Intini Francesco P. , Vecchio Graziella
Published: January 2016

Cyclodextrin-based drug nanocarriers look very promising for improving the cytotoxicity of LA-12.
In situ formation of multiple stimuli-responsive poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)]-based supramolecular hydrogels by inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin and azobenzene
Authors: Ma Xiaoe , Zhou Naizhen , Zhang Tianzhu , Guo Zhenchao , Hu Wanjun , Zhu Changhao , Ma Dandan , Gu Ning
Published: January 2016

Stimuli-responsive poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)]-based supramolecular hydrogels were prepared in situ by inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin and azobenzene. They may have high potential in biomedical applications.
Chemical and electrochemical characterization of Nafion containing silver nanoparticles in a stripe-like distribution
Authors: Domènech B. , Romero V. , Vázquez M. I. , Avila M. , Benavente J. , Muñoz M. , Macanás J.
Published: January 2016

Study of the effect of Ag-NPs stripes in Nafion: evaluation of chemical, electrochemical and mechanical properties.
Discovery of neuroprotective compounds by machine learning approaches
Authors: Fang Jiansong , Pang Xiaocong , Yan Rong , Lian Wenwen , Li Chao , Wang Qi , Liu Ai-Lin , Du Guan-Hua
Published: January 2016

The classification models were constructed to discover neuroprotective compounds against glutamate or H2O2-induced neurotoxicity through machine learning approaches.
Phthalazinone structure-based covalent triazine frameworks and their gas adsorption and separation properties
Authors: Yuan Kuanyu , Liu Cheng , Han Jianhua , Yu Guipeng , Wang Jinyan , Duan Hongmin , Wang Zhonggang , Jian Xigao
Published: January 2016

In this work, new classes of phthalazinone-based covalent triazine frameworks (PHCTFs) were prepared by ionothermal synthesis from two full rigid dicyano building blocks with rigid, thermostable and asymmetric N-heterocycle-containing structures.
A new detection mechanism involving keto–enol tautomerization: selective fluorescence detection of Al(iii) by dehydration of secondary alcohols in mixed DMSO/aqueous media
Authors: Alaparthi Madhubabu , Mariappan Kadarkaraisamy , Dufek Eric , Hoffman Mariah , Sykes Andrew G.
Published: January 2016

Selective chemodosimetric detection of Al(iii) via hydrolysis of secondary alcohols involving a unique keto–enol tautomerization reaction.
Preparation of a carbon nanofibers–carbon matrix–sulfur composite as the cathode material of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Xuebing , Zhu Wen , Cao Guobao , Zhao Xudong
Published: January 2016

Sulfur is a promising cathode material for lithium batteries as it possesses high theoretical specific capacity and low cost.
Analysis of sphingomyelin in plasma membrane at single cells using luminol electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Chen Yao , Liu Yanan , Xia Juan , Liu Jing , Jiang Dechen , Jiang Depeng
Published: January 2016

Luminol electrochemiluminescence was applied to detect sphingomyelin in plasma membrane at single cells that exhibited the high cellular heterogeneity.
Synthesis of Cu3P nanocubes and their excellent electrocatalytic efficiency for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic solution
Authors: Ma Lianbo , Shen Xiaoping , Zhou Hu , Zhu Jun , Xi Chunyan , Ji Zhenyuan , Kong Lirong
Published: January 2016

A novel Cu3P product with excellent electrocatalytic activity toward HER was prepared through an efficient two-step strategy.
Sunlight assisted degradation of dye molecules and reduction of toxic Cr(vi) in aqueous medium using magnetically recoverable Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Boruah Purna K. , Borthakur Priyakshree , Darabdhara Gitashree , Kamaja Chaitanya K. , Karbhal Indrapal , Shelke Manjusha V. , Phukan Pallabi , Saikia Dulen , Das Manash R.
Published: January 2016

In view of the significant impact of magnetically recoverable catalysts in photocatalytic applications, Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized and utilized as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of dye molecules and reduction of the toxic Cr(vi).
Low temperature sintering process of copper fine particles under nitrogen gas flow with Cu2+-alkanolamine metallacycle compounds for electrically conductive layer formation
Authors: Yonezawa Tetsu , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Yong Yingqiong , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Matsubara Masaki
Published: January 2016

A novel low cost sintering process of copper fine particles to a copper conductive layer with Cu2+-alkanolamine metallacycle complexes at as low as 100 °C without reductive gas flow.
Microfibrous-structured Al-fiber@ns-Al2O3 core–shell composite functionalized by Fe–Mn–K via surface impregnation combustion: as-burnt catalysts for synthesis of light olefins from syngas
Authors: Han Lupeng , Wang Chunzheng , Ding Jia , Zhao Guofeng , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: January 2016

Microfibrous-structured Al-fiber@ns-Al2O3 core–shell composite is functionalized by Fe–Mn–K via surface impregnation combustion for synthesis of light olefins from syngas.
Isolation of proton transfer complexes containing 4-picolinium as cation and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate complex as anion: crystallographic and spectral investigations, antioxidant activities and molecular docking studies
Authors: Ansari Istikhar A. , Sama Farasha , Shahid M. , Rahisuddin Rahisuddin , Arif Rizwan , Khalid Mohd , Siddiqi Zafar A.
Published: January 2016

Three novel proton transfer complexes have been synthesized and characterized by spectral and X-ray studies. Antioxidant activity and molecular docking is also examined for the complexes.
Facile one-step synthesis of hierarchical porous carbon monoliths as superior supports of Fe-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Dai Chengyi , Zhang Anfeng , Liu Min , Li Junjie , Song Fangyu , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: January 2016

A versatile strategy involving one-step desilication of coke-deposited spent zeolite catalyst was successfully developed to prepare hierarchical porous carbon monoliths (HPCMs).
Filling nanoporous polymer thin films: an easy route toward the full control of the 3D nanostructure
Authors: Li-Destri G. , Tummino A. , Malfatti Gasperini A. A. , Parellada Monreal L. , Messina G. M. L. , Spampinato V. , Ceccone G. , Konovalov O.
Published: January 2016

A fully controllable interpenetrated 3D nanostructure is obtained by filling a nanoporous polymer ultrathin film with a second organic component.
Estradiol functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as renovated strategy for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Jain Sanyog , Thanki Kaushik , Pandi Nagesh Kumar , Kushwah Varun
Published: January 2016

The present work focuses on the development and characterization of the estradiol functionalized CNTs for efficient gene delivery applications.
Synthesis, structure and properties of an octahedral dinuclear-based Cu12 nanocage of trimesoyltri(l-alanine)
Authors: Chen Zilu , Liu Xianlin , Wu Anfu , Liang Yuning , Wang Xinyu , Liang Fupei
Published: January 2016

We report here a Mo6C184+-like dinuclear-based octahedral nanocage, presenting antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(ii) ions and nice selectivity on gas adsorption.
Smart stimuli-responsive fluorescent vesicular sensor based on inclusion complexation of cyclodextrins with Tyloxapol
Authors: Shen Jinglin , Pang Jinyu , Xu Guiying , Xin Xia , Yang Yingjie , Luan Xiaoyu , Yuan Shiling
Published: January 2016

Novel fluorescent vesicles based on inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) with Tyloxapol were constructed.
Cation-sensitive compartmentalization in metallacarborane containing polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Ďorďovič Vladimír , Uchman Mariusz , Reza Mehedi , Ruokolainen Janne , Zhigunov Alexander , Ivankov Olexandr I. , Matějíček Pavel
Published: January 2016

The inner structure of hybrid nanoparticles based on metallacarborane complexation with diblock copolymer PEO–POX is sensitive to alkaline cations.
Explicit solution of min–max model predictive control for uncertain systems
Authors: Gao Yu , Ning Sun Li
Published: January 2016

For a discrete‐time linear system with uncertain model perturbations and additive disturbances, the authors develop an approach to evaluate the explicit state feedback solution of the constrained min–max model predictive control problem. By considering a quadratic cost function and a robust reformulation of constraints, the problem is transferred to an equivalent multi‐parametric programming problem. The control policy is determined to be a continuous and piecewise affine function of the state vector. Meanwhile, the feasible state space is partitioned into polyhedral cones corresponding to the control law. The results are shown via computer simulations by applying the method to a numerical example.
Exponential consensus for hierarchical multi‐agent systems with switching topology and inter‐layer communication delay
Authors: Duan Zhaoxia , Zhai Guisheng , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: January 2016

This study studies the exponential state consensus problem for hierarchical multi‐agent dynamical systems with switching topology and inter‐layer communication delay. A Lyapunov function is introduced to quantify the total disagreement among the nodes of a hierarchical multi‐agent system. By using the stability theory of switched system and graph theory of hierarchical network topology, delay dependent sufficient conditions are proposed to achieve the exponential hierarchical average consensus with the average dwell time of the switching law larger than a minimum bound. Illustrative examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Robust output feedback controller design of discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems: a non‐monotonic Lyapunov approach
Authors: Nasiri Alireza , Kiong Nguang Sing , Swain Akshya , J. Almakhles Dhafer
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a robust dynamic output feedback controller design for a class of discrete‐time non‐linear systems described by Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy models using a non‐monotonic Lyapunov approach. In the non‐monotonic Lyapunov approach, the monotonicity requirement of the standard Lyapunov approach is not required. Based on the non‐monotonic Lyapunov approach, sufficient conditions for the existence of an output stabilising feedback controller for discrete T–S fuzzy systems with and without uncertainties are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The proposed design significantly reduces the conservativeness of the existing output feedback controller designs. An numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Real‐time vehicle detection with foreground‐based cascade classifier
Authors: Zhuang Xiaobin , Kang Wenxiong , Wu Qiuxia
Published: January 2016

The strategy based on Haar‐like features and the cascade classifier for vehicle detection systems has captured growing attention for its effectiveness and robustness; however, such a vehicle detection strategy relies on exhaustive scanning of an entire image with different sizes sliding windows, which is tedious and inefficient, since a vehicle only occupies a small part of the whole scene. Therefore, the authors propose a real‐time vehicle detection algorithm which is based on the improved Haar‐like features and combines motion detection with a cascade of classifiers. They adopt a visual background extractor, accompanied by morphological processing, to obtain foregrounds. These foregrounds retain vehicle features and provide the positions within images where vehicles are most likely to be located. Subsequently, vehicle detection is performed only at these positions by using a cascade of classifiers instead of a single strong classifier, which is able to improve the detection performance. The authors’ algorithm has been successfully evaluated on the public datasets, which demonstrates its robustness and real‐time performance.
Investigation of a K-band large coaxial relativistic backward wave oscillator
Authors: Zeng Fanzheng , Du Guangxing , Wang Honggang , Shi Difu
Published: January 2016

A K-band large coaxial relativistic backward wave oscillator has been investigated by the 2.5-D particle-in-cell code. This device can generate high-power microwave at a constant frequency with a constant efficiency by increasing the radius of the electron beam and the average radius of the slow-wave structure. The simulation results show that the power conversion efficiency can reach 38.8% at the frequency of 25.48 GHz with the output power of 1.65 GW, while the electron beam has the energy of 196 kV and carries the current of 21.6 kA guided by the magnetic field of 2.5 T.
A volatile fluid assisted thermo-pneumatic liquid metal energy harvester
Authors: Tang Jianbo , Wang Junjie , Liu Jing , Zhou Yuan
Published: January 2016

A close-cycle self-driving thermal energy harvester using liquid metal as energy carrier fluid has been proposed. The driving force that pushes the liquid metal against flow resistance and gravity is provided by a resistively heated volatile fluid based on thermo-pneumatic principle. The tested harvester prototype demonstrated its capability to extract thermal energy between small temperature gradient, at a scale of 10 °C. During a 5-h operation, it further demonstrated robust liquid metal recirculating performance at a time-average volume flow rate of 14 ml/min with a 12.25 W heating load. The prototype also managed to self-adjust to variable working conditions which indicated the reliability of this method. Advantages of this method include simple-structural design, rigid-motion free operation, and low-temperature actuation. These advantages make it uniquely suited for solar energy and low-grade heat harvesting, high heat flux electronics cooling, as well as autonomous machines actuating.
Light harvesting by a spherical silicon microcavity
Authors: Garín M. , Fenollosa R. , Ortega P. , Meseguer F.
Published: January 2016

Silicon colloids are presented as efficient absorbers in the VIS-NIR region. The theory of resonant absorption by Mie modes in a single high-index sphere is reviewed and engineering rules established. The presented model predicts enhanced absorption in the crystalline silicon band-to-band absorption region, with absorption efficiencies exceeding one in the VIS and excellent NIR response. A maximum resonant absorption efficiency close to 4 can be obtained at the violet region (425 nm), and values above 0.25 are possible in the bandgap edge at wavelengths up to 1400 nm. Silicon colloids are proposed as a promising cost-effective, silicon saving, sunlight harvesters with improved VIS and NIR response.
Electrostatic properties of two-dimensional WSe2 nanostructures
Authors: Hao Guolin , Kou Liangzhi , Lu Donglin , Peng Jie , Li Jin , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: January 2016

Recently, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides have intrigued much attention due to their promising applications in optoelectronics. The electrostatic property investigation of WSe2 nanostructures is essential for device application. Here, the interlayer screening effects of WSe2 nanoplates with different thicknesses were investigated by measuring surface potential employing Kelvin probe force microscopy. Simultaneously, charges can be injected into WSe2 nanoplate by means of conducting atomic force microscopy to tune the electrostatic properties of WSe2 nanostructures. Our experimental results have some important implications for improving performance of WSe2-based optoelectronic devices through interface or surface engineering.
Visible-active photocatalytic behaviors observed in nanostructured lead chalcogenides PbX (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Qiao Li-Na , Wang H.C. , Shen Y. , Lin Yuan-Hua , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: January 2016

Nanostructured lead chalcogenides (PbX, X = Te, Se, S) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. The powder samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, SAED and DRS. Phase composition and microstructure analysis indicate that these samples are pure lead chalcogenides phases and have similar morphologies. These lead chalcogenides display efficient absorption in the UV-visible light range. The photocatalytic properties of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles were evaluated by the photodegradation of Congo red under UV-visible light irradiation in air atmosphere. The Congo red solution can be efficiently degraded under visible light in the presence of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of lead chalcogenides generally increase with increasing their band gaps and shows no appreciable loss after repeated cycles. Our results may be useful for developing new photocatalyst systems responsive to visible light among narrow band gap semiconductors.
A novel symbiotic relationship between sociable weaver birds (Philetairus socius) and a new cheliferid pseudoscorpion (Pseudoscorpiones : Cheliferidae) in southern Africa
Authors: Harvey Mark S. , Lopes Patricia C. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Halajian Ali , Hillyer Mia J. , Huey Joel A.
Published: January 2016

Birds harbour a wide array of other taxa in their nests or in their plumage, which either have an ectoparasitic or commensal relationship with the host. We report on the discovery of a cheliferid pseudoscorpion found in the plumage and nests of the sociable weaver bird (Philetairus socius) in southern Africa. The nests of these communal birds are the largest of any bird, and may contain up to 500 individuals. The pseudoscorpion is likely to have a mutualistic relationship with the birds, most likely preying on other small invertebrates in the nests. Molecular data derived from two populations of the pseudoscorpion found divergence levels of 1.1% in cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1), and an analysis of CO1 and two rRNA genes (18S and 28S) found a close relationship with Chelifer and Parachelifer in the tribe Cheliferini, which is supported by the morphology of the male genitalia. The molecular analysis also suggests that Beierius may not belong to the Cheliferini. The pseudoscorpion found in association with the sociable weaver represents a new genus and species, Sociochelifer metoecus Harvey, sp. nov.