bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hydrothermally synthesized titanium nanotubes on the behaviour of polypropylene for antimicrobial applications
Authors: Zenteno Andrés , Guerrero Sichem , Ulloa María Teresa , Palza Humberto , Zapata Paula A
Published: May 2015

TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2‐Ntbs) synthesized by a hydrothermal method were used as filler to prepare polypropylene (PP) composites by melt blending. Their structural properties as well as their biocidal potential were studied. Nanotubes were used either as‐synthesized or organically modified with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (Mod‐TiO2). These nanoparticles form secondary structures with sizes around 100 nm that are well dispersed in the polymer matrix, but not homogeneously because agglomerates larger than 1 µm are also seen by transmission electron microscopy. Regarding the properties of the composites, the incorporation of the nanoparticles increased the polymer's crystallinity and thermal stability. The maximum decomposition temperature of the matrix increased by ca 13 °C compared to virgin PP. The nanotubes further increase the spherulite nucleation density, and therefore a reduction in the diameter of spherulites and an increase in their number were observed. Despite the above, the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles did not modify the mechanical properties of PP. The PP/TiO2‐Ntb nanocomposites exposed to UVA radiation showed a biocidal behaviour, reducing a colony of Escherichia coli by 81%. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A unique binding mode of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E for guiding the design of novel peptide inhibitors
Authors: Di Marino Daniele , D'Annessa Ilda , Tancredi Holly , Bagni Claudia , Gallicchio Emilio
Published: May 2015

The interaction between the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and eIF4E binding proteins (4E‐BP) is a promising template for the inhibition of eIF4E and the treatment of diseases such as cancer and a spectrum of autism disorders, including the Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here, we report an atomically detailed model of the complex between eIF4E and a peptide fragment of a 4E‐BP, the cytoplasmic Fragile X interacting protein (CYFIP1). This model was generated using computer simulations with enhanced sampling from an alchemical replica exchange approach and validated using long molecular dynamics simulations. 4E‐BP proteins act as post‐transcriptional regulators by binding to eIF4E and preventing mRNA translation. Dysregulation of eIF4E activity has been linked to cancer, FXS, and autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, the study of the mechanism of inhibition of eIF4E by 4E‐BPs is key to the development of drug therapies targeting this regulatory pathways. The results obtained in this work indicate that CYFIP1 interacts with eIF4E by an unique mode not shared by other 4E‐BP proteins and elucidate the mechanism by which CYFIP1 interacts with eIF4E despite having a sequence binding motif significantly different from most 4E‐BPs. Our study suggests an alternative strategy for the design of eIF4E inhibitor peptides with superior potency and specificity than currently available.
Formation of hydroxylapatite on CVD deposited titania layers
Authors: Baryshnikova Marina , Filatov Leonid , Mishin Maxim , Kondrateva Anastasia , Alexandrov Sergey
Published: May 2015

Bioactive coatings on medical implants can be prepared from titanium dioxide due to its ability to induce the formation of hydroxylapatite (HA) from physiological solutions. In this study TiO2 layers were formed by chemical vapor deposition at different substrate temperatures in order to controllably change their structure from amorphous to consisting of preferentially oriented anatase crystallites. To evaluate the influence of phase composition and surface morphology of the deposited layers on their ability to form HA titania samples were immersed in Dulbecco's phosphate‐buffered saline (DPBS). The obtained results showed that structure of TiO2 layers determines the structure of HA formed on their surface. Polycrystalline titania layers with random orientation of anatase crystallites are the most favorable for intensive nucleation and formation of continuous HA coatings in DPBS solution. The textured TiO2 layers with smooth surface enhanced formation of HA deposits which consisted of sparsely distributed large separate grains. On the basis of the experimental results it was proposed that formation of hydroxylapatite nuclei on the surface of titania layers occurs by a mechanism of epitaxial growth. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probe‐assisted spin manipulation in one‐dimensional quantum dots
Authors: Gindikin Yasha , Sablikov Vladimir A.
Published: May 2015

We study a spin structure that arises in a one‐dimensional quantum dot with zero total spin under the action of a charged tip of a scanning probe microscope in the presence of a weak magnetic field. The evolution of spin structure with changing the probe position is traced to show that the movable probe can be an effective tool to manipulate the spin. The spin structures are formed when the probe is located in certain regions along the dot due to Coulomb interaction of electrons as they are redistributed between the two sections in which the quantum dot is divided by the potential barrier created by the probe. There are two main states: spin‐polarized and non‐polarized ones. The transition between them is accompanied by a spin precession governed by the Rashba spin–orbit interaction induced by the electric field of the probe. In the transition region the spin density changes strongly while charge distribution remains nearly unchanged. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry: a complementary approach for the chemical analysis of atmospheric aerosols
Authors: Parshintsev Jevgeni , Vaikkinen Anu , Lipponen Katriina , Vrkoslav Vladimir , Cvačka Josef , Kostiainen Risto , Kotiaho Tapio , Hartonen Kari , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa , Kauppila Tiina J.
Published: May 2015

Rationale

On‐line chemical characterization methods of atmospheric aerosols are essential to increase our understanding of physicochemical processes in the atmosphere, and to study biosphere‐atmosphere interactions. Several techniques, including aerosol mass spectrometry, are nowadays available, but they all suffer from some disadvantages. In this research, desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization high‐resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometry (DAPPI‐HRMS) is introduced as a complementary technique for the fast analysis of aerosol chemical composition without the need for sample preparation.

Methods

Atmospheric aerosols from city air were collected on a filter, desorbed in a DAPPI source with a hot stream of toluene and nitrogen, and ionized using a vacuum ultraviolet lamp at atmospheric pressure. To study the applicability of the technique for ambient aerosol analysis, several samples were collected onto filters and analyzed, with the focus being on selected organic acids. To compare the DAPPI‐HRMS data with results obtained by an established method, each filter sample was divided into two equal parts, and the second half of the filter was extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

Results

The DAPPI results agreed with the measured aerosol particle number. In addition to the targeted acids, the LC/MS and DAPPI‐HRMS methods were found to detect different compounds, thus providing complementary information about the aerosol samples.

Conclusions

DAPPI‐HRMS showed several important oxidation products of terpenes, and numerous compounds were tentatively identified. Thanks to the soft ionization, high mass resolution, fast analysis, simplicity and on‐line applicability, the proposed methodology has high potential in the field of atmospheric research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smart gateway diversity techniques and transport‐layer issues for future satellite networks
Authors: Giambene Giovanni , Luong Doanh Kim , Le Van Anh , de Cola Tomaso
Published: May 2015

Next‐generation satellite networks will build on smart gateway diversity (SGD) architectures based on the large capacity offered by high‐frequency bands (Q, V, and W) in order to achieve very high system availability figures (greater than 99%). Despite the numerous studies about system design, little literature has explored the networking problems arising when switching traffic flows from one gateway, subject to feeder link outage, to an alternate one. In this regard, particularly promising multi‐path strategies are represented by multi‐path transmission control protocol (MP‐TCP) and concurrent multipath transfer‐stream control transmission protocol, which are the main aim of this paper along with the management of quality of service (QoS) requirements. This work shows the attractive advantages offered by MP‐TCP in various operative SGD scenarios and also explores how multi‐path strategies can be efficiently combined with QoS‐based scheduling strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy band alignment of SnO2/SrTiO3 epitaxial heterojunction studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Ke Chang , Zhu Weiguang , Zhang Zheng , Tok Eng Soon , Pan Jisheng
Published: May 2015

(200) SnO2//(111) SrTiO3 (STO) epitaxial heterojunctions were fabricated using the laser molecular epitaxy technique. Sharp junction interface was confirmed by the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The valence band offset and conduction band offset of the SnO2/STO heterojunction were determined to be 0.85 ± 0.20 and 0.45 ± 0.20 eV using XPS, respectively. It is found that a type‐II band alignment forms at the SnO2/STO interface. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensile Behavior of Intercritically Annealed Ultra‐Fine Grained 8% Mn Multi‐Phase Steel
Authors: Lee Sangwon , De Cooman Bruno C.
Published: May 2015

The room temperature tensile behavior of intercritically annealed hot‐rolled Fe‐8%Mn‐0.4%C‐3%Al‐2%Si‐(0–0.2)%V steel, with an ultra‐fine grained austeno‐ferritic microstructure was investigated. An initial athermal martensite microstructure provided a high density of ferrite nucleation sites during intercritical annealing, resulting in an ultra‐fine grained microstructure. Carbon and manganese were partitioned to austenite during intercritical annealing. The austenite phase exhibited the plasticity‐enhancing TWIP + TRIP effect, i.e., deformation twinning and strain‐induced martensite transformation occurring in succession, which resulted in a superior work hardening rate. The intercritically annealed hot‐rolled Fe‐8%Mn‐0.4%C‐3%Al‐2%Si‐0.2%V steel exhibited a total elongation of 40%, a yield strength of 920 MPa, and tensile strength of 1200 MPa.
SRY and OCT4 Are Required for the Acquisition of Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties and Are Potential Differentiation Therapy Targets
Authors: Murakami Shigekazu , Ninomiya Wataru , Sakamoto Erina , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Akiyama Hirotada , Tashiro Fumio
Published: May 2015

The acquisition of stemness is a hallmark of aggressive human hepatocellular carcinoma (hHCC). The stem cell marker OCT4 is frequently expressed in HCCs, and its expression correlates with those of putative cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and CSC properties. Here, we describe a novel mechanism of CSC maintenance by SRY through OCT4. We previously reported that Sry is involved in tumor malignancy in rodent HCCs. However, the oncogenic function of SRY in hHCCs is poorly understood. Ectopic expression of SRY increased multiple stem cell factors, including OCT4 and CD13. The OCT4 promoter contained SRY-binding sites that were directly activated by SRY. In HCC-derived cells, SRY knockdown decreased OCT4 expression and cancer stem-like phenotypes such as self-renewal, chemoresistance, and tumorigenicity. Conversely, OCT4 and SRY overexpression promoted cancer stem-like phenotypes. OCT4 knockdown in SRY clones downregulated the self-renewal capacity and chemoresistance. These data suggest that SRY is involved in the maintenance of cancer stem-like characteristics through OCT4. Moreover, CSCs of HCC-derived cells differentiated into Tuj1-positive neuron-like cells by retinoic acid. Noteworthily, SRY was highly expressed in some hHCC patients. Taken together, our findings imply a novel therapeutic strategy against CSCs of hHCCs. Stem Cells  2015;33:2652–2663
CD49f Acts as an Inflammation Sensor to Regulate Differentiation, Adhesion, and Migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Dong Ping , Fu Xin , Li Qiuchen , Ma Shize , Wu Dongying , Kang Ning , Liu Xia , Yan Li , Xiao Ran
Published: May 2015

The advent of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies has been an exciting innovation for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. However, the surface markers that accurately reflect the self-renewal and differentiation potential of MSCs and their sensitivity to environmental cues remain poorly defined. Here, we studied the role of CD49f in bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) and the mechanism by which it regulates the behavior of BMSCs under inflammatory conditions. We found that CD49f is preferentially expressed in fetal cells rather than adult cells, CD49f-positive BMSCs possess higher CFU-F formation ability and differentiation potential than CD49f negative cells, and the CD49f expression of BMSCs gradually decreases during in vitro passaging. CD49f knockdown dramatically decreased the differentiation of BMSCs and isoform A was demonstrated to be the main functional form that enhanced the differentiation ability of BMSCs. The influences of inflammatory cytokines on BMSCs revealed that TNF-α downregulated CD49f in BMSCs with impaired differentiation, decreased adhesion to laminins, and increased migration. Moreover, tissue transglutaminase was found to work together with CD49f to regulate the behavior of BMSCs. Finally, we showed that mTOR signaling rather than NF-κB activation mediated CD49f downregulation induced by TNF-α and maintained CD49f homeostasis in BMSCs. Our findings suggest that CD49f is a stemness marker of BMSCs and is tightly correlated with the behavioral changes of BMSCs under inflammatory conditions. These data demonstrate a novel role for CD49f in sensing inflammation through mTOR pathway to further modulate the behavior of MSCs to fulfill the requirements of the body. Stem Cells  2015;33:2798—2810
Group vertical handoff management in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Walid Abdellaziz , Kobbane Abdellatif , Mabrouk Abdelfettah , Sabir Essaid , Taleb Tarik , El Koutbi Mohammed
Published: May 2015

Traditional vertical handover schemes postulate that vertical handovers (VHOs) of users come on an individual basis. This enables users to know previously the decision already made by other users, and then the choice will be accordingly made. However, in case of group mobility, almost all VHO decisions of all users, in a given group (e.g., passengers on board a bus or a train equipped with smart phones or laptops), will be made at the same time. This concept is called group vertical handover (GVHO). When all VHO decisions of a large number of users are made at the same time, the system performance may degrade and network congestion may occur. In this paper, we propose two fully decentralized algorithms for network access selection, and that is based on the concept of congestion game to resolve the problem of network congestion in group mobility scenarios. Two learning algorithms, dubbed Sastry Algorithm and Q‐Learning Algorithm, are envisioned. Each one of these algorithms helps mobile users in a group to reach the nash equilibrium in a stochastic environment. The nash equilibrium represents a fair and efficient solution according to which each mobile user is connected to a single network and has no intention to change his decision to improve his throughput. This shall help resolve the problem of network congestion caused by GVHO. Simulation results validate the proposed algorithms and show their efficiency in achieving convergence, even at a slower pace. To achieve fast convergence, we also propose a heuristic method inspired from simulated annealing and incorporated in a hybrid learning algorithm to speed up convergence time and maintain efficient solutions. The simulation results also show the adaptability of our hybrid algorithm with decreasing step size‐simulated annealing (DSS‐SA) for high mobility group scenario. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction and evaluation of nitric oxide generating vascular graft material loaded with organoselenium catalyst via layer-by-layer self-assembly
Authors: An Jun , Chen SiYuan , Gao JingChen , Zhang Xu , Wang YuanYuan , Li YanDong , Mikhalovsky Sergey , Kong DeLing , Wang ShuFang
Published: May 2015

A new biomimetic material for artificial blood vessel with in situ catalytic generation of nitric oxide (NO) was prepared in this study. Organoselenium immobilized polyethyleneimine as NO donor catalyst and sodium alginate were alternately loaded onto the surface of electrospun polycaprolactone matrix via electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly. This material revealed significant NO generation when contacting NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). Adhesion and spreading of smooth muscle cells were inhibited on this material in the presence of GSNO, while proliferation of endothelial cells was promoted. In vitro platelet adhesion and arteriovenous shunt experiments demonstrated good antithrombotic properties of this material, with inhibited platelet activation and aggregation, and prevention of acute thrombosis. This study may provide a new method of improving cellular function and antithrombotic property of vascular grafts.
Clinical Applications of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Greeley Elizabeth T. , Kessler Kimberly A. , Vohra Nidhi
Published: May 2015

Prenatal screening for aneuploidy provides individualized risk assessment that helps patients and clinicians decide who may choose invasive diagnostic testing. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a new technology that analyzes cell-free fetal DNA in maternal serum to screen for trisomy 21 and other common aneuploidies. Compared to existing prenatal screening tests, NIPT can be performed earlier in pregnancy, around 9–10 weeks of gestation, and has the best detection accuracy for screening. However, it does not replace invasive, diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Current guidelines recommend that women at an increased risk for aneuploidy can be screened using NIPT. There is insufficient data to recommend that low-risk patients or women with multiple gestations may benefit from NIPT. Various technologies achieve results with high sensitivity and specificity that significantly decrease the number of invasive diagnostic procedures performed. Limitations of NIPT include detection of only a few chromosomal abnormalities, test failure, and false positive and false negative results from various maternal, placental, and fetal conditions. A confirmatory diagnostic test is recommended following a positive NIPT result. The American College of Genetics and Genomics recommends use of the term noninvasive prenatal screening instead of NIPT to emphasize the screening nature of this test. It is essential that women are offered pre-test and post-test counseling to explain the performance and limitations of the test and the significance of a positive result.
Tuning in to teens: Improving parental responses to anger and reducing youth externalizing behavior problems
Authors: Havighurst Sophie S. , Kehoe Christiane E. , Harley Ann E.
Published: May 2015

Parent emotion socialization plays an important role in shaping emotional and behavioral development during adolescence. The Tuning in to Teens (TINT) program aims to improve parents' responses to young people's emotions with a focus on teaching emotion coaching. This study examined the efficacy of the TINT program in improving emotion socialization practices in parents and whether this reduced family conflict and youth externalizing difficulties. Schools were randomized into intervention and control conditions and 225 primary caregiving parents and 224 youth took part in the study. Self‐report data was collected from parents and youth during the young person's final year of elementary school and again in their first year of secondary school. Multilevel analyses showed significant improvements in parent's impulse control difficulties and emotion socialization, as well as significant reductions in family conflict and youth externalizing difficulties. This study provides support for the TINT program in reducing youth externalizing behavior problems.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence Studies in Transsexualism
Authors: Arcelus J. , Bouman W.P. , Van Den Noortgate W. , Claes L. , Witcomb G. , Fernandez-Aranda F.
Published: May 2015

Background

Over the last 50 years, several studies have provided estimates of the prevalence of transsexualism. The variation in reported prevalence is considerable and may be explained by factors such as the methodology and diagnostic classification used and the year and country in which the studies took place. Taking these into consideration, this study aimed to critically and systematically review the available literature measuring the prevalence of transsexualism as well as performing a meta-analysis using the available data.

Methods

Databases were systematically searched and 1473 possible studies were identified. After initial scrutiny of the article titles and removal of those not relevant, 250 studies were selected for further appraisal. Of these, 211 were excluded after reading the abstracts and a further 18 after reading the full article. This resulted in 21 studies on which to perform a systematic review, with only 12 having sufficient data for meta-analysis. The primary data of the epidemiological studies were extracted as raw numbers. An aggregate effect size, weighted by sample size, was computed to provide an overall effect size across the studies. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The relative weighted contribution of each study was also assessed.

Results

The overall meta-analytical prevalence for transsexualism was 4.6 in 100,000 individuals; 6.8 for trans women and 2.6 for trans men. Time analysis found an increase in reported prevalence over the last 50 years.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of transsexualism reported in the literature is increasing. However, it is still very low and is mainly based on individuals attending clinical services and so does not provide an overall picture of prevalence in the general population. However, this study should be considered as a starting point and the field would benefit from more rigorous epidemiological studies acknowledging current changes in the classification system and including different locations worldwide.
Proximity, Defence and Boundaries with Children and Care-Givers: A Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Perspective
Authors: Ogden Pat
Published: May 2015

Traumatised children can be easily dysregulated by relational dynamics. These children often experience the sequential or simultaneous stimulation of attachment and defence characteristic of disorganised/disoriented attachment patterns. Expressing their relational needs for proximity and distance can be fraught with conflict, confusion, frustration and fear. Parents/care-givers are often baffled about how to balance boundaries and limit setting with closeness and proximity in a way that is effective for themselves and their children. Additionally, parents/care-givers themselves may have histories of trauma and attachment failure that impair their own ability to balance closeness and distance. Both proximity seeking or closeness and defense or boundary setting actions are organized by innate, psychobiological systems of attachment and defense, and for parents/caregivers, the caregiving system as well. Each action system has to meet particular goals to achieve proximity to and security with a trusted other (attachment system); to defend and protect when needed (defence systems) and to protect and care for offspring (care-giving system). The legacy of trauma and attachment failure, with their consequential neuropsychological deficits, can constrain and disrupt adaptive responses to the arousal of these three systems. This paper clarifies the inborn systems that drive actions of proximity and distance. A case study will explore the interactions of these systems in child/care-giver therapy. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy will be described and somatic relational techniques will be illustrated to address proximity and defence/boundaries in the context of child therapy and care-giver/child therapy.
Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to Healthcare Worker Gowns and Gloves During Care of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Roghmann Mary-Claire , Johnson J. Kristie , Sorkin John D. , Langenberg Patricia , Lydecker Alison , Sorace Brian , Levy Lauren , Mody Lona
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission to gowns and gloves worn by healthcare workers (HCWs) interacting with nursing home residents to better inform infection prevention policies in this setting

DESIGN

Observational study

SETTING

Participants were recruited from 13 community-based nursing homes in Maryland and Michigan

PARTICIPANTS

Residents and HCWs from these nursing homes

METHODS

Residents were cultured for MRSA at the anterior nares and perianal or perineal skin. HCWs wore gowns and gloves during usual care activities. At the end of each activity, a research coordinator swabbed the HCW’s gown and gloves.

RESULTS

A total of 403 residents were enrolled; 113 were MRSA colonized. Glove contamination was higher than gown contamination (24% vs 14% of 954 interactions; P<.01). Transmission varied greatly by type of care from 0% to 24% for gowns and from 8% to 37% for gloves. We identified high-risk care activities: dressing, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens, and toileting the resident (OR >1.0; P<.05). We also identified low-risk care activities: giving medications and performing glucose monitoring (OR<1.0; P<.05). Residents with chronic skin breakdown had significantly higher rates of gown and glove contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

MRSA transmission from MRSA-positive residents to HCW gown and gloves is substantial; high-contact activities of daily living confer the highest risk. These activities do not involve overt contact with body fluids, skin breakdown, or mucous membranes, which suggests the need to modify current standards of care involving the use of gowns and gloves in the nursing home setting.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1050–1057
The use of grafted seedlings increases the success of conservation translocations of Manglietia longipedunculata (Magnoliaceae), a Critically Endangered tree
Authors: Ren Hai , Liu Hong , Wang Jun , Yuan Lianlian , Cui Xiaodong , Zhang Qianmei , Fu Lin , Chen Hongfeng , Zhong Wenchao , Yang Keming , Guo Qinfeng
Published: May 2015

The distribution of the Critically Endangered tree Manglietia longipedunculata, of which there are only 11 known wild individuals, is restricted to the Nankunshan Nature Reserve in South China. The species is threatened with extinction because of its small number of individuals and the impediments to its reproduction (a combination of protogyny, a short period of stigma receptivity, and a lack of efficient pollinators). To reduce the risk of extinction we conducted two conservation translocation trials: one to augment the sole extant population, and the other 202 km north of the current range. The latter trial was a conservation introduction in which the goals were to increase the population and to buffer against the effects of climate change. We used emerged and grafted seedlings as translocation materials. We compared the survival, growth, and eco-physiological properties of emerged and grafted seedlings at the two sites. The survival rate and growth were higher for grafted seedlings than for emerged seedlings at both sites. Eco-physiological data indicated that grafted seedlings at both sites were as efficient or more so in light and water usage than wild individuals, whereas emerged seedlings were less efficient. Grafted seedlings attained the flowering stage sooner than emerged seedlings. Our study suggests that grafting can facilitate the augmentation and establishment of new populations of M. longipedunculata and perhaps of new populations of other threatened species facing reproductive difficulties and climate change.
No progression of the alterations in the cortical thickness of individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder: a three-year longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study of first-episode patients
Authors: Roiz-Santiáñez R. , Ortiz-García de la Foz V. , Ayesa-Arriola R. , Tordesillas-Gutiérrez D. , Jorge R. , Varela-Gómez N. , Suárez-Pinilla P. , Córdova-Palomera A. , Navasa-Melado J. M. , Crespo-Facorro B.
Published: May 2015

Background

Cortical thickness measurement offers an index of brain development processes. In healthy individuals, cortical thickness is reduced with increasing age and is related to cognitive decline. Cortical thinning has been reported in schizophrenia. Whether cortical thickness changes differently over time in patients and its impact on outcome remain unanswered.

Method

Data were examined from 109 patients and 76 healthy controls drawn from the Santander Longitudinal Study of first-episode schizophrenia for whom adequate structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were available (n = 555 scans). Clinical and cognitive assessments and MRIs were acquired at three regular time points during a 3-year follow-up period. We investigated likely progressive cortical thickness changes in schizophrenia during the first 3 years after initiating antipsychotic treatment. The effects of cortical thickness changes on cognitive and clinical variables were also examined along with the impact of potential confounding factors.

Results

There were significant diagnoses × scan time interaction main effects for total cortical thickness (F1,309.1 = 4.60, p = 0.033) and frontal cortical thickness (F1,310.6 = 5.30, p = 0.022), reflecting a lesser thinning over time in patients. Clinical and cognitive outcome was not associated with progressive cortical changes during the early years of the illness.

Conclusions

Cortical thickness abnormalities do not unswervingly progress, at least throughout the first years of the illness. Previous studies have suggested that modifiable factors may partly account for cortical thickness abnormalities. Therefore, the importance of implementing practical actions that may modify those factors and improve them over the course of the illness should be highlighted.
In vitro steroid-induced meiosis in Rhinella arenarum oocytes: role of pre-MPF activation
Authors: Arias Torres Ana Josefina , Bühler Marta Inés , Zelarayán Liliana Isabel
Published: May 2015

In this work we showed the relationship between seasonal periods and the response of R. arenarum follicles and oocytes to different steroids. Using in vitro germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) assays, we demonstrated that P4 is the main steroid capable of inducing maturation in R. arenarum oocytes and follicles. In the second part of this work we showed that androgens can activate pre-maturation promoting factors (pre-MPFs) such as P4, by cytoplasm microinjection experiments. The results indicated that the steroids assayed induced oocyte and follicle maturation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In oocytes, P4 was the most efficient steroid as a maturation inducer (EC50 of the reproductive period, 6 nM, EC50 of the non-reproductive period ≅ 30 nM). Androgens (DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; T, testosterone; and AD, androstenedione) were less efficient maturation inducers than P4 (EC50 reproductive period ≅ 50, 120 and 600 nM respectively). Similar results were obtained with intact follicles in both seasonal periods. Although the response of follicles to the different androgens was variable, in no case was it above the above the response induced by P4. Independently of the season, oocytes and follicles incubated in P4, P5 and T underwent GVBD after 6–10 h while oocytes and follicles incubated in DHEA and AD matured more slowly. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microinjection of mature cytoplasm from androgen-treated oocytes is sufficient to promote GVBD in immature recipient oocytes (DHEA, 57 ± 12%; AD, 60 ± 8%; T, 56 ± 13%). Thus, androgens such as DHEA, T and AD are as competent as P4 to activate pre-MPF.
Long-term effects of maternal undernutrition on offspring carotid artery remodeling: role of miR-29c
Authors: Khorram O. , Chuang T. D. , Pearce W. J.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that excess maternal glucocorticoids in response to maternal undernutrition programs the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components potentially by miR-29c. We measured the expression of mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein (Western blot) for collagen 3A1, collagen 4A5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in offspring carotid arteries from three groups of dams: 50% food-restricted in latter half of gestation [maternal undernutrition (MUN)], MUN dams who received metyrapone (MET) (500 mg/ml ) in drinking water from day 10 of gestation to term, and control dams fed anad libitumdiet. The expression of miR-29c was significantly decreased at 3 weeks, 3 months and 9 months in MUN carotid arteries, and these decreases in expression were partially blocked by treatment of dams with MET. The expression pattern of ECM genes that are targets of miR-29c correlated with miR-29c expression. Expression of mRNA was increased for elastin (ELN) and MMP2 mRNA in 3-week MUN carotids; in 9-month carotids there were also significant increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5. These changes in mRNA expression of ECM genes at 3 weeks and 9 months were blocked by MET treatment. Similarly, the expression of ELN and MMP2 proteins at 3 weeks were increased in MUN carotids, and by 9 months there were also increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5, which were blocked by MET in MUN carotids. Overall, the results demonstrate a close correlation between expression of miR-29c and the ECM proteins that are its targets thus supporting our central hypothesis.
Disorganized Attachment in Adulthood: Theory, Measurement, and Implications for Romantic Relationships
Authors: Paetzold Ramona L. , Rholes W. Steven , Kohn Jamie L.
Published: May 2015

Disorganized attachment has been studied extensively in the developmental attachment literature, particularly with regard to infants and children. It has not been studied from a social psychological perspective in adulthood. In this article we contribute to the social psychology literature by beginning to explore the meaning and consequences of disorganized attachment for adults. Based on the literature on disorganization in infants, childhood, and adolescence, we develop a dimensional measure for assessing disorganization in adults and demonstrate that it predicts similar internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors to those observed in children and adolescents. Thus, this scale instrument should provide social psychologists with a means to assess disorganization in adulthood and begin to look at its consequences for romantic relationships. We discuss some of those potential consequences, thereby providing avenues for future research.
A core–shell-structured molecularly imprinted polymer on upconverting nanoparticles for selective and sensitive fluorescence sensing of sulfamethazine
Authors: Tian Jinghan , Bai Jialei , Peng Yuan , Qie Zhiwei , Zhao Yufeng , Ning Baoan , Xiao Dan , Gao Zhixian
Published: May 2015

A core–shell-structured MIP sensor based on UCNPs which possess good binding capacity, fast response, high selectivity and specificity to SMZ is described.
Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive tool to quantify the comonomer content in ethylene/1-olefin copolymers
Authors: Sanoria Abhishek , Schuster Tobias , Brüll Robert
Published: May 2015

A new method for quantification of the comonomer content in ethylene/1-olefin copolymers has been introduced by using Raman spectroscopy.
Analysis of the techniques and materials of the coloured paintings in the Renshou Hall in the Summer Palace
Authors: Wang Liqin , Yang Lu , Zhou Wenhui , Yan Jing , Guo Rui
Published: May 2015

Integrated non-destructive analytical methods were used to characterize the materials and techniques used for ancient Chinese construction paintings.
Rapid, metal-free hydrosilanisation chemistry for porous silicon surface modification
Authors: Sweetman M. J. , McInnes S. J. P. , Vasani R. B. , Guinan T. , Blencowe A. , Voelcker N. H.
Published: May 2015

Here, we report a novel surface modification for porous silicon (pSi).
A facile Pt catalyst regeneration process significantly improves the catalytic activity of Pt–organic composites for the O2 reduction reaction
Authors: Huang Jing-Fang , Chen Wen-Yu
Published: May 2015

Combination of the “nano-size” effect and Cl− complexation ability causes massive electrodissolution of Pt under acidic conditions to promote the regeneration of Pt–organic composites and to significantly improve the catalytic performance of the O2 reduction reaction.
Template-free synthesis of β-Na0.33V2O5microspheres as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Tan Qinguang , Zhu Qinyu , Pan Anqiang , Wang Yaping , Tang Yan , Tan Xiaoping , Liang Shuquan , Cao Guozhong
Published: May 2015

Hierarchical nanosheet-assembled β-Na0.33V2O5microspheres have been fabricated by a solvothermal method with subsequent calcination in air, and exhibit high specific capacity and good rate capability.
Enhanced photocurrent density of hematite thin films on FTO substrates: effect of post-annealing temperature
Authors: Cho Eun Soo , Kang Myung Jong , Kang Young Soo
Published: May 2015

The hematite thin film prepared by the DA method by annealing at 973 K showed a promising photoelectrochemical current density of 0.39 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE.
Exploring the potential of gold(iii) cyclometallated compounds as cytotoxic agents: variations on the C^N theme
Authors: Bertrand B. , Spreckelmeyer S. , Bodio E. , Cocco F. , Picquet M. , Richard P. , Le Gendre P. , Orvig C. , Cinellu M. A. , Casini A.
Published: May 2015

New (C^N) cyclometallated Au(iii) complexes with cytotoxic properties shown to be potent inhibitors of the zinc finger protein PARP-1.
Microwave-assisted large scale synthesis of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), having a preferred conformation and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Bag Partha Pratim , Wang Xu-Sheng , Cao Rong
Published: May 2015

We have prepared 2 g Ln-MOF on a laboratory scale with high purity using microwave-assisted synthesis by changing the conformation of flexible ligand using Ln, which adopts only the preferred (energetically stable) conformation from green solvents (water and ethanol).
Relative energies of water nanoclusters (H2O)20: comparison of empirical and nonempirical double-hybrids with generalized energy-based fragmentation approach
Authors: Alipour Mojtaba
Published: May 2015

The applicability of recently developed parameterized and parameter-free double-hybrids for predicting the relative energies of water nanoclusters has been examined.
Enhanced crystalline morphology of a ladder-type polymer bulk-heterojunction device by blade-coating
Authors: Kim Jong H. , Jung Jae Woong , Williams Spencer T. , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P. , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: May 2015

A blade-coated bulk-heterojunction film based on PIDT-PhanQ/PC71BM exhibits exceptional nanoscale phase-separation with increased domain crystallinity, resulting in significantly enhanced photovoltaic performance compared to spin-coated device.
Hyperbranched poly(triazole) with thermal and metal ion dual stimuli-responsiveness
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Liu Wenmei , Han Huijing , Sun Ruyi , Xie Meiran , Liao Xiaojuan
Published: May 2015

Hyperbranched poly(triazole) bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) terminal groups is dual stimuli-responsive to thermal conditions and metal ions and is capable for the selective absorption of Ag+ ion on tuning temperature.
Electrochemical determination of phenanthrene based on anthraquinone sulfonate and poly diallyldimethylammonium chloride modified indium–tin oxide electrode
Authors: Wei Maochao , Duan Shuo , Liu Shan , Zheng Xiangli , Xia Fangquan , Zhou Changli
Published: May 2015

The amount of Phe could be quantified by the electrochemical oxidation peak current difference of AQS at AQS/PDDA/ITO through the specific interaction between AQS and Phe.
Oxidant free dehydrogenation of alcohols using chitosan/polyacrylamide entrapped Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Kurhe Deepak K. , Fernandes Thomson A. , Deore Tushar S. , Jayaram Radha V.
Published: May 2015

Silver nanoparticles encaged in nanoporous chitosan/polyacrylamide interpenetrating polymer network (Ag@IPN) were synthesized, characterized and used for oxidant free dehydrogenation of alcohols.
Azine or hydrazone? The dilemma in amidinohydrazones
Authors: Ramakrishnan Ashok , Chourasiya Sumit S. , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: May 2015

Amidinohydrazone, an important class of biologically active molecules, is generally represented as a hydrazone. This moiety prefers to exist in its azine tautomeric state and hence, influences the physical, chemical and receptor binding properties.
A terbium metal–organic framework with stable luminescent emission in a wide pH range that acts as a quantitative detection material for nitroaromatics
Authors: Wang Jinzeng , Sun Wei , Chang Siyuan , Liu Houting , Zhang Guonan , Wang Yanqin , Liu Zhiliang
Published: May 2015

This work reports a fascinating Tb-MOF which can efficiently and quantitatively detect nitroaromatics and maintain stable luminescent emission in a wide pH range.
A rechargeable sodium-ion battery using a nanostructured Sb–C anode and P2-type layered Na0.6Ni0.22Fe0.11Mn0.66O2 cathode
Authors: Hasa Ivana , Passerini Stefano , Hassoun Jusef
Published: May 2015

A promising example of a low cost, rechargeable sodium-ion battery efficiently combines a nanostructured Sb–C anode and P2-type layered Na0.6Ni0.22Fe0.11Mn0.66O2 cathode.
Fluorescent small Au nanodots prepared from large Ag nanoparticles for targeting and imaging cancer cells
Authors: Sun Yuanqing , Wang Dandan , Xu Lin , Zhao Tianxin , Wang Chuanxi , Sun Hongchen , Lin Quan
Published: May 2015

The fluorescent gold nanodots are conjugated with folic acid, which provides them with potential applications in targeted imaging of cancer cells.
Adhesion promoter for a multi-dielectric-layer on a digital microfluidic chip
Authors: Gao Jie , Chen Tianlan , Dong Cheng , Jia Yanwei , Mak Pui-In , Vai Mang-I. , Martins Rui P.
Published: May 2015

A silane-based adhesion promoter suitable for a multi-dielectric-layer coating on a digital microfluidic chip is reported.
Hyperpolarization of amino acid derivatives in water for biological applications
Authors: Glöggler S. , Wagner S. , Bouchard L.-S.
Published: May 2015

We report on the successful synthesis and hyperpolarization of N-unprotected α-amino acid ethyl propionate esters and extensively, on an alanine derivative hyperpolarized by PHIP (4.4 ± 1.0%13C-polarization), meeting required levels forin vivodetection.
Tubular growth and bead formation in the lyotropic lamellar phase of a lipid
Authors: Bhatia Tripta , Hatwalne Yashodhan , Madhusudana N. V.
Published: May 2015

Our fluorescence microscopy studies reveal that multilamellar tubules growing upon hydration of lipids often entrain lamellar patches, resulting in the formation of isolated beads. We develop appropriate models that enable a quantitative description of these structures, and use elasticity theory to account for their stability.
Lotus-like effect for metal filings recovery and particle removal on heated metal surfaces using Leidenfrost water droplets
Authors: Tan Cher Lin Clara , Sapiha Kostantyn , Leong Yoke Fun Hannah , Choi Siwon , Anariba Franklin , Thio Beng Joo Reginald
Published: May 2015

A “lotus-like” effect is applied to demonstrate the ability of the Leidenfrost water droplets to recover Cu particles on a heated Al substrate.
A facile nanocasting strategy to nitrogen-doped porous carbon monolith by treatment with ammonia for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Ma Ruguang , Zhou Yao , Liu Qian
Published: May 2015

A series of three-dimensional N-doped hierarchical macro- and meso-porous carbon monoliths (NCMs), which were prepared successfully using a facile nanocasting strategy in combination with pyrolysis in NH3, showed comparable catalytic activity but superior durability and methanol tolerance to Pt/C for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Effect of bridging group configuration on photophysical and photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Li Xin , Li Jing , Ågren Hans , Hua Jianli , Tian He
Published: May 2015

HECA-based DSSCs with 3-hexylthiophene as the building block show overall conversion efficiency of 9.11%.
Fabrication of hierarchical porous MnCo2O4 and CoMn2O4 microspheres composed of polyhedral nanoparticles as promising anodes for long-life LIBs
Authors: Li Guangda , Xu Liqiang , Zhai Yanjun , Hou Yaping
Published: May 2015

Uniform mesoporous MnCo2O4 and CoMn2O4 microspheres that consist of numerous polyhedral nanoparticles were prepared and further evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which exhibited excellent long-life cycling stability at high rate density.
An efficient green-emitting α-Ca1.65Sr0.35SiO4:Eu2+ phosphor for UV/n-UV w-LEDs: synthesis, luminescence and thermal properties
Authors: Li Kai , Xu Ju , Cai Xuechao , Fan Jian , Zhang Yang , Shang Mengmeng , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: May 2015

A series of Eu2+-doped α-Ca1.65Sr0.35SiO4 phosphors synthesized via the high-temperature solid-state reaction method can emit intense green light under UV/n-UV excitation, which show potential application in UV/n-UV-pumped white-light-emitting diodes.
Design of novel fluorescent mitochondria-targeted peptides with iron-selective sensing activity
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Reelfs Olivier , Hider Robert C. , Pourzand Charareh
Published: May 2015

Mitochondrial labile iron (LI) plays a crucial role in oxidative injuries and pathologies. At present, there is no organelle-specific sensitive iron sensor which can reside exclusively in the mitochondria and reliably monitor levels of LI in this organelle. In the present study, we describe the development of novel fluorescent and highly specific mitochondria iron sensors, using the family of mitochondria-homing ‘SS-peptides’ (short cell-permeant signal peptides mimicking mitochondrial import sequence) as carriers of highly specific iron chelators for sensitive evaluation of the mitochondrial LI. Microscopic analysis of subcellular localization of a small library of fluorescently labelled SS-like peptides identified dansyl (DNS) as the lead fluorophore for the subsequent synthesis of chimaeric iron chelator-peptides of either catechol (compounds 10 and 11) or hydroxypyridinone (compounds 13 and 14) type. The iron-sensing ability of these chimaeric compounds was confirmed by fluorescent quenching and dequenching studies both in solution and in cells, with compound 13 exhibiting the highest sensitivity towards iron modulation. The intramolecular fluorophore–chelator distance and the iron affinity both influence probe sensitivity towards iron. These probes represent the first example of highly sensitive mitochondria-directed fluorescent iron chelators with potential to monitor mitochondrial LI levels.