bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the distribution of a Vulnerable felid species: threats from human land use and climate change to the kodkodLeopardus guigna
Authors: Cuyckens Griet A.E. , Morales Miriam M. , Tognelli Marcelo F.
Published: October 2014

Climate change and habitat fragmentation are considered key pressures on biodiversity, and mammalian carnivores with a limited geographical distribution are particularly vulnerable. The kodkodLeopardus guigna, a small felid endemic to the temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina, has the smallest geographical range of any New World felid. Although the species occurs in protected areas in both countries, it is not known how well these areas protect the kodkod either currently or under climate change scenarios. We used species distribution models and spatial analyses to assess the distribution of the kodkod, examining the effects of changes in human land use and future climate change. We also assessed the species’ present representation in protected areas and in light of climate change scenarios. We found that the kodkod has already lost 5.5% of its range as a result of human land use, particularly in central areas of its distribution with intermediate habitat suitability. Climate change, together with human land use, will affect 40% of the kodkod's present potential distribution by the year 2050. Currently, 12.5% of the species’ potential distribution lies in protected areas and this will increase to 14% in the future. This increase does not, however, mean an increase in protected habitat but rather a reduction of the species' total potential range; a relatively larger percentage will be protected in Argentina than in Chile but the species is more susceptible to extinction in Argentina and the Chilean Matorral.
The Chinese Revolution and “Liberation”: Whose Tragedy?
Authors: Wemheuer Felix
Published: October 2014

Once upon a time in China, Ella Fitzgerald sang in Shanghai's jazz clubs; bright neon lights with English advertisements shone in the dark; and, even in provincial Kunming, people saw 166 shows of the Hollywood movieI Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now. This was before 1949, when the communist peasants' army entered the cities and turned China in the first decade of Maoist rule into “one of the worst tyrannies in the history of the twentieth century, sending to an early grave at least 5 million civilians and bringing misery to countless more” (p. xiii). This tyranny is the focus of Frank Dikötter'sThe Tragedy of Liberation: A History of the Chinese Revolution 1945–57.
The Influence of Fish Oil on Neurological Development and Function
Authors: Abu-Ouf Noran M. , Jan Mohammed M.
Published: October 2014

Fish oil originates from fish tissue rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Healthy individuals are advised to consume foods rich in fish oil at least twice a week. However, such intake varies depending on cultural or personal preference, and socio-economic status. Many families and patients with chronic neurological conditions consume supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. We are frequently requested to give advice and recommendations on using such agents to help improve neurological developmental and cognitive functions. The objective of this review is to discuss the available literature supporting the role of fish oils on brain development and function. There is a growing body of literature suggesting a potential benefit of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; however it is still unclear if there are response variations according to the developmental stage, age, and dose.
Has the Tea Party Era Radicalized the Republican Party? Evidence from Text Analysis of the 2008 and 2012 Republican Primary Debates
Authors: Medzihorsky Juraj , Littvay Levente , Jenne Erin K.
Published: October 2014

Much ink has been spilled to describe the emergence and likely influence of the Tea Party on the American political landscape. Pundits and journalists declared that the emergence of the Tea Party movement pushed the Republican Party to a more extreme ideological position, which is generally anti-Washington. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the ideological positions taken by candidates in the 2008 and 2012 pre-Iowa caucus Republican presidential-primary debates. To establish the positions, we used the debate transcripts and a text-analytic technique that placed the candidates on a single dimension. Findings show that, overall, the 2012 candidates moved closer to an anti-Washington ideology—associated with the Tea Party movement—and away from the more traditional social conservative Republican ideology, which was more salient in the 2008 debates. Both Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, the two candidates who ran in both elections, shifted significantly in the ideological direction associated with the Tea Party.
Secondary Students and the Deliberation of Public Issues
Authors: Avery Patricia G. , Levy Sara A. , Simmons Annette M. M.
Published: October 2014

Nine secondary teachers who were taught to use one model of deliberation, Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) (Johnson and Johnson 1979), were matched with nine teachers in their schools who taught similar grade levels and subjects. Teachers in the Deliberation Classes engaged students in three deliberations across six months. Deliberations focused on current public issues, such as whether violent juvenile offenders should be tried as adults. Five of the nine classroom pairs were analyzed using both pre- and post-questionnaires. There were no statistically significant differences in the pre- and post-questionnaire responses of students in the Deliberation Classes (n = 244) and Comparison Classes (n = 249) in terms of self-reported issue knowledge. Variance in student opinion in the Deliberation Classes showed a significant decrease. Students in the Deliberation Classes (n = 297) demonstrated greater perspective-taking abilities than students in the Comparison Classes (n = 238). Within classes, diversity of opinion regarding issues was evident.
Is It Better to Be Feared Than Loved? Investigating the Efficacy of Different Teaching Methods on the Learning of Specific Content
Authors: Amyot Robert P.
Published: October 2014

The use and efficacy of problem-based learning (PBL) exercises during single class periods, especially in political science courses, have largely been unstudied. This article explores the ability of a PBL exercise to provide better learning outcomes than a standard lecture-discussion presentation on a particular topic in an introductory political science course. The author finds that the PBL approach, as a one-time pedagogical exercise, is not more effective at producing learning. In exploring the data, however, the author finds that differences in course structure and methods of learning assessment can have a larger impact on learning outcomes than specific teaching techniques.
Disrupted Structural Connectome Is Associated with Both Psychometric and Real-World Neuropsychological Impairment in Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kim Junghoon , Parker Drew , Whyte John , Hart Tessa , Pluta John , Ingalhalikar Madhura , Coslett H. B. , Verma Ragini
Published: October 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is likely to disrupt structural network properties due to diffuse white matter pathology. The present study aimed to detect alterations in structural network topology in TBI and relate them to cognitive and real-world behavioral impairment. Twenty-two people with moderate to severe TBI with mostly diffuse pathology and 18 demographically matched healthy controls were included in the final analysis. Graph theoretical network analysis was applied to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to characterize structural connectivity in both groups. Neuropsychological functions were assessed by a battery of psychometric tests and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). Local connection-wise analysis demonstrated reduced structural connectivity in TBI arising from subcortical areas including thalamus, caudate, and hippocampus. Global network metrics revealed that shortest path length in participants with TBI was longer compared to controls, and that this reduced network efficiency was associated with worse performance in executive function and verbal learning. The shortest path length measure was also correlated with family-reported FrSBe scores. These findings support the notion that the diffuse form of neuropathology caused by TBI results in alterations in structural connectivity that contribute to cognitive and real-world behavioral impairment. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–10)
Breakfast intake is associated with nutritional status, Mediterranean diet adherence, serum iron and fasting glucose: the CYFamilies study
Authors: Lazarou Chrystalleni , Matalas Antonia-Leda
Published: October 2014

Objective

To assess the association of breakfast intake with Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity levels, obesity, selected cardiovascular risk markers and Fe status.

Design

Cross-sectional study. BMI, body fat percentage and waist circumference were assessed. Physical activity was assessed using a pedometer and diet quality was evaluated by applying the KIDMED index. Blood tests to assess blood lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting glucose, serum Fe and ferritin, as well as Hb, were performed.

Setting

Primary-school children of the Troodos mountainous area in Cyprus.

Subjects

Eighty-three Cypriot children (mean age 9·2 (sd1·7) years).

Results

Compared with breakfast skippers, regular breakfast eaters were 40 % more likely to have a KIDMED score higher by one point on average (OR=1·41; 95 % CI 1·08, 1·84) after accounting for obesity levels and other confounders. Breakfast skippers, on the other hand, were by about 14 % more likely to have a body fat percentage value higher by one unit, as well as higher values for both BMI and waist circumference. The relationship was significantly strengthened when combining body fat percentage and waist circumference into a composite variable (OR=0·20; 95 % CI 0·06, 0·69). Fasting glucose was inversely correlated to breakfast intake in descriptive analyses, whereas serum Fe was positively correlated to breakfast intake after considering age, gender and diet quality. The latter relationship disappeared, however, after considering physical activity levels.

Conclusions

Cypriot children who take breakfast regularly exhibit a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and have higher serum Fe concentrations and lower BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage and fasting glucose levels, compared with children who skip breakfast. Public health professionals, educators and parents should prioritize on actions that will motivate children to regularly eat breakfast.
A Multi-Step Transmission Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation Technique for Cracked, Heavily Damaged, Brittle Materials
Authors: Weiss Brennan Claire V. , Walck Scott D. , Swab Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2014

A new technique for the preparation of heavily cracked, heavily damaged, brittle materials for examination in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) is described in detail. In this study, cross-sectional TEM samples were prepared from indented silicon carbide (SiC) bulk ceramics, although this technique could also be applied to other brittle and/or multiphase materials. During TEM sample preparation, milling-induced damage must be minimized, since in studying deformation mechanisms, it would be difficult to distinguish deformation-induced cracking from cracking occurring due to the sample preparation. The samples were prepared using a site-specific, two-step ion milling sequence accompanied by epoxy vacuum infiltration into the cracks. This technique allows the heavily cracked, brittle ceramic material to stay intact during sample preparation and also helps preserve the true microstructure of the cracked area underneath the indent. Some preliminary TEM results are given and discussed in regards to deformation studies in ceramic materials. This sample preparation technique could be applied to other cracked and/or heavily damaged materials, including geological materials, archaeological materials, fatigued materials, and corrosion samples.
Beliefs about management of irritable bowel syndrome in primary care: cross-sectional survey in one locality
Authors: Shivaji Uday N. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To examine beliefs about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management among primary care physicians.

Background

There have been considerable advances in evidence synthesis concerning management of IBS in the last five years, with guidelines for its management in primary care published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey of 275 primary care physicians. We emailed a link to a SurveyMonkey questionnaire, containing 18 items, to all eligible primary care physicians registered with three clinical commissioning groups in Leeds, UK. Participants were given one month to respond, with a reminder sent out after two weeks.

Findings

One-hundred and two (37.1%) primary care physicians responded. Among responders, 70% believed IBS was a diagnosis of exclusion, and >80% checked coeliac serology often or always in suspected IBS. Between >50% and >70% believed soluble fibre, antispasmodics, peppermint oil, and psychological therapies were potentially efficacious therapies. The respondents were less convinced that antidepressants or probiotics were effective. Despite perceived efficacy of psychological therapies, 80% stated these were not easily available. Levels of use of soluble fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil were in the range of 40% to >50%. Most primary care physicians obtained up-to-date evidence about IBS management from NICE guidelines. Most primary care physicians still believe IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, and many are reluctant to use antidepressants or probiotics to treat IBS. More research studies addressing diagnosis and treatment of IBS based in primary are required.
Weaknesses of the Post-Soviet Religious Model: The Kremlin and “Traditional” Religions in face of Interethnic Tensions in Russia
Authors: Curanović Alicja
Published: October 2014

This article examines interethnic tensions in Russia within the framework of the “post-Soviet religious model.” This term is understood as a set of mechanisms of cooperation between the state and representatives of “traditional” religious organizations. The article includes an analytical overview of the state of interethnic relations in Russia and how this issue is approached by the state and “traditional” religions. Based on this analysis, the author tries to expose weaknesses of the model and point out possible future problems.
Mathematics and Science Achievements Predicted by Self-Concept and Subject Value Among 8th Grade Saudi Students: Invariance Across Gender
Authors: Abu-Hilal Maher M. , Abdelfattah Faisal A. , Shumrani Saleh A. , Dodeen Hamzah , Abduljabber Adel S. , Marsh Herbert W.
Published: October 2014

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationships among student’s self-perceptions, subject value, and achievement in mathematics and science in a single-sex educational milieu, and test whether the relationships were invariant across gender. The data for this study were obtained from the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007 database in which 4,099 eighth-grade Saudi students participated. The variables used in this study were mathematics and science self-concepts, subject value, and achievement in mathematics and science. The relationships among constructs were examined using structural equation modeling. The results revealed that the measurement and structural models were invariant across gender. Also, although the boys held more positive self-concepts (self-enhancing) about math and science, girls outperformed boys in both math and science (self-improving). The implication of the study is that intervention strategies should consider the conceptualization that self-concept and subject value are two distinct domain-specific constructs. Also, interventions may be differentially designed for boys and girls, especially in single-sex settings. However, more research should be conducted in which high-stake tests vs. low-stake tests like the TIMSS, are used as measures of achievement. Future research may study gender differences in self-concept, subject value, and achievement by using measurement models that provide more detailed information about measurement bias across gender groups.
A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Mental Health Care in Kuwait
Authors: Scull Nicholas C. , Khullar Neha , Al-Awadhi Nasser , Erheim Resha
Published: October 2014

Ten adult Kuwaitis (5 men and 5 women) participated in in-depth semistructured interviews regarding their perceptions of mental health care in Kuwait. The interviews were analyzed using grounded theory and the emergent theory identified stigma as being the overarching theme, supported by cultural factors, Islamic beliefs, and therapist characteristics. More specifically, participants described a relationship between the stigma of mental health care and prominent Kuwaiti cultural factors such as familialism, gossip, and the importance of reputation. Participants also discussed how Islam informs their perceptions of mental health care and ideal therapist characteristics that would possibly help reduce stigma. Implications for mental health care in Kuwait in light of the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan ( WHO, 2013 ) and directions for future research are also discussed.
Gigahertz single-trap electron pumps in silicon
Authors: Yamahata Gento , Nishiguchi Katsuhiko , Fujiwara Akira
Published: October 2014

Manipulation of single electrons is the key to developing ultimate electronics such as single-electron-based information processors and electrical standards in metrology. Especially, high-frequency and high-accuracy single-electron pumps are essential to realize practical current standards. While electrically defined quantum dots are widely used to build single-electron pumps, a localized state in semiconductors is also a potential candidate for accurate pumps because it can have a large activation energy for the captured electron. However, the transfer mechanism of such localized-state-mediated single-electron pumps for high-accuracy operation at a high frequency has not been well examined. Here we demonstrate a single-electron pump using a single-trap level with an activation energy of a few ten millielectron volts in Si nanotransistors. By means of gate control of capture and emission rates, the pump operates at a frequency of 3 GHz with an accuracy of better than 10−3 at 17 K, indicating that an electric field at the trap level lowers the capture and emission time to less than 25 ps.
ABRO1 suppresses tumourigenesis and regulates the DNA damage response by stabilizing p53
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Cao Mengmeng , Dong Jiahong , Li Changyan , Xu Wangxiang , Zhan Yiqun , Wang Xiaohui , Yu Miao , Ge Changhui , Ge Zhiqiang , Yang Xiaoming
Published: October 2014

Abraxas brother 1 (ABRO1) has been reported to be a component of the BRISC complex, a multiprotein complex that specifically cleaves ‘Lys-63’-linked ubiquitin. However, current knowledge of the functions of ABRO1 is limited. Here we report that ABRO1 is frequently downregulated in human liver, kidney, breast and thyroid gland tumour tissues. Depletion of ABRO1 in cancer cells reduces p53 levels and enhances clone formation and cellular transformation. Conversely, overexpression of ABRO1 suppresses cell proliferation and tumour formation in a p53-dependent manner. We further show that ABRO1 stabilizes p53 by facilitating the interaction of p53 with USP7. DNA-damage induced accumulation of endogenous ABRO1 as well as translocation of ABRO1 to the nucleus, and the induction of p53 by DNA damage is almost completely attenuated by ABRO1 depletion. Our study shows that ABRO1 is a novel p53 regulator that plays an important role in tumour suppression and the DNA damage response.
Long-distance endosome trafficking drives fungal effector production during plant infection
Authors: Bielska Ewa , Higuchi Yujiro , Schuster Martin , Steinberg Natascha , Kilaru Sreedhar , Talbot Nicholas J. , Steinberg Gero
Published: October 2014

To cause plant disease, pathogenic fungi can secrete effector proteins into plant cells to suppress plant immunity and facilitate fungal infection. Most fungal pathogens infect plants using very long strand-like cells, called hyphae, that secrete effectors from their tips into host tissue. How fungi undergo long-distance cell signalling to regulate effector production during infection is not known. Here we show that long-distance retrograde motility of early endosomes (EEs) is necessary to trigger transcription of effector-encoding genes during plant infection by the pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. We demonstrate that motor-dependent retrograde EE motility is necessary for regulation of effector production and secretion during host cell invasion. We further show that retrograde signalling involves the mitogen-activated kinase Crk1 that travels on EEs and participates in control of effector production. Fungal pathogens therefore undergo long-range signalling to orchestrate host invasion.
Coupled ferroelectric polarization and magnetization in spinel FeCr2S4
Authors: Lin L. , Zhu H. X. , Jiang X. M. , Wang K. F. , Dong S. , Yan Z. B. , Yang Z. R. , Wan J. G. , Liu J.-M.
Published: October 2014

One of the core issues for multiferroicity is the strongly coupled ferroelectric polarization and magnetization, while so far most multiferroics have antiferromagnetic order with nearly zero magnetization. Magnetic spinel compounds with ferrimagnetic order may be alternative candidates offering large magnetization when ferroelectricity can be activated simultaneously. In this work, we investigate the ferroelectricity and magnetism of spinel FeCr2S4 in which the Fe2+ sublattice and Cr3+ sublattice are coupled in antiparallel alignment. Well defined ferroelectric transitions below the Fe2+ orbital ordering termperature Too = 8.5 K are demonstrated. The ferroelectric polarization has two components. One component arises mainly from the noncollinear conical spin order associated with the spin-orbit coupling, which is thus magnetic field sensitive. The other is probably attributed to the Jahn-Teller distortion induced lattice symmetry breaking, occuring below the orbital ordering of Fe2+. Furthermore, the coupled ferroelectric polarization and magnetization in response to magnetic field are observed. The present work suggests that spinel FeCr2S4 is a multiferroic offering both ferroelectricity and ferrimagnetism with large net magnetization.
High-performance liquid chromatography with resonance Rayleigh scattering detection for determining four tetracycline antibiotics
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Zilong , Peng Jingdong , He Yuting
Published: October 2014

A new HPLC-RRS method for determining four tetracycline antibiotics was applied to water and serum samples without any matrix interference.
Rhodium(iii)-catalysed aerobic synthesis of highly functionalized indoles from N-arylurea under mild conditions through C–H activation
Authors: Kathiravan Subban , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: October 2014

A Rh(iii) catalysed amino arylation of alkynes using copper as the terminal oxidant for regeneration of the catalytically active species under aerobic conditions is described.
One-pot cascade reactions of 1-arylpenta-3,4-dien-2-ones leading to 2-arylphenols and dibenzopyroanones
Authors: He Yan , Zhang Xinying , Fan Xuesen
Published: October 2014

A one-pot tandem reaction of 1-arylpenta-3,4-dien-2-ones with activated ketones allowed for an efficient synthesis of 2-arylphenols. Moreover, this reaction was found to be also compatible and combinable with Pd-catalyzed C–H activation and carbonylation of the in situ formed 2-arylphenols to provide dibenzopyranones.
Acid- and base-functionalized core-confined bottlebrush copolymer catalysts for one-pot cascade reactions
Authors: Xiong Linfeng , Zhang Hui , Zhong Aiqing , He Zidong , Huang Kun
Published: October 2014

A novel method that enables the formation of core-confined bottlebrush copolymers (CCBCs) as catalyst supports for one-pot cascade reactions is reported for the first time.
Remarkable increase in luminol electrochemiluminescence by sequential electroreduction and electrooxidation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyun , Qi Wenjing , Gao Wenyue , Liu Zhongyuan , Zhang Wei , Gao Ying , Xu Guobao
Published: October 2014

Luminol electrochemiluminescence is dramatically increased by about five hundred times by coupling electrochemical reduction and electrochemical oxidation using simple linear sweep voltammetry, enabling sensitive detection.
Motorized Janus metal organic framework crystals
Authors: Tan Tristan T. Y. , Cham Jerald T. M. , Reithofer Michael R. , Andy Hor T. S. , Chin Jia Min
Published: October 2014

A Janus MOF crystal showing site-selective bubble ejection from the ZIF-67 covered surface.
pH responsive polymersome Pickering emulsion for simple and efficient Janus polymersome fabrication
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: October 2014

A versatile and easy to use method is reported for the preparation of Janus polymersomes via a Pickering emulsion strategy.
Catalytic SNAr of unactivated aryl chlorides
Authors: Walton James W. , Williams Jonathan M. J.
Published: October 2014

A catalytic cycle that involves a Ru(η6-arylchloride) intermediate facilitates nucleophilic aromatic substitution of an unactivated aryl chloride.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes via α,β-unsaturated acyl azoliums
Authors: Mondal Santigopal , Yetra Santhivardhana Reddy , Patra Atanu , Kunte Sunita S. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: October 2014

Highly enantioselective NHC-organocatalyzed synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes by the reaction of modified enals with malonic ester derivatives having a γ-benzoyl group is reported.
MMP-2 responsive polymeric micelles for cancer-targeted intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Chen Wei-Hai , Luo Guo-Feng , Lei Qi , Jia Hui-Zhen , Hong Sheng , Wang Qing-Rong , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: October 2014

Multifunctional Biotin-PEG-b-PLL(Mal)-peptide-DOX polymeric micelles were demonstrated to selectively eliminate cancer cells with significantly reduced side effects.
Selectivity assessment in host–guest complexes from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: the cavitand–alcohol case
Authors: De Zorzi Rita , Brancatelli Giovanna , Melegari Monica , Pinalli Roberta , Dalcanale Enrico , Geremia Silvano
Published: October 2014

The solid-state selectivity of a cavitand receptor towards short alkyl chain alcohols was evaluated by analysis of X-ray diffraction data of isomorphous single crystals grown in competition binding experiments.
Complexation mechanism of cucurbit[6]uril with hexamethylene diammonium cations in saline solution
Authors: Liu Peng , Shao Xueguang , Chipot Christophe , Cai Wensheng
Published: October 2014

Binding of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) with the hexamethylene diammonium cation (HD2+) in the presence of sodium ions is elucidated at the atomic level.
Combinatorial approaches for developing upconverting nanomaterials: high-throughput screening, modeling, and applications
Authors: Chan Emory M.
Published: October 2014

This review surveys the use of combinatorial and high-throughput techniques for the rapid discovery, optimization, and application of upconverting nanomaterials.
Small molecule-based ratiometric fluorescence probes for cations, anions, and biomolecules
Authors: Lee Min Hee , Kim Jong Seung , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: October 2014

Quantitative determination of specific analytes is essential for a variety of applications ranging from life sciences to environmental monitoring.
Continuous asymmetric Michael addition of ketones to β-nitroolefins over (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-DPEN-modified sulfonic acid resin
Authors: Tian Jun , Zhang Chao , Qi Xuefei , Yan Xilong , Li Yang , Chen Ligong
Published: October 2014

A trifunctional catalyst was successfully prepared by bonding (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-DPEN to sulfonic acid resin.
Ultra-rapid prototyping of flexible, multi-layered microfluidic devices via razor writing
Authors: Cosson Steffen , Aeberli Luc G. , Brandenberg Nathalie , Lutolf Matthias P.
Published: October 2014

A novel method for the prototyping of microfluidic devices is described.
Inhibition of respiratory Complex I by copper(ii)-bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complexes
Authors: Djoko Karrera Y. , Donnelly Paul S. , McEwan Alastair G.
Published: October 2014

The family of CuII-bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes inhibits Complex I of the respiratory chain without apparent release of bioavailable Cu ions.
Quick and easy access to N-Mannich bases of 1-isoindolinones by catalytic electroactivation of primary and secondary amines and tandem reaction with 2-formylbenzonitriles
Authors: Palombi Laura , Di Mola Antonia , Massa Antonio
Published: October 2014

Electrochemically initiated tandem reaction between 2-formylbenzonitriles and amines successfully leads toN-Mannich bases of 1-isoindolinones. Enantiopure isoindolinones have been obtained by resolution with chiral amines.
Reversible formation of Ag44 from selenolates
Authors: Chakraborty Indranath , Pradeep T.
Published: October 2014

The cluster Ag44SePh30, originally prepared from silver selenolate, upon oxidative decomposition by H2O2 gives the same cluster back, in an apparently reversible synthesis.
Ru-core/Cu-shell bimetallic nanoparticles with controlled size formed in one-pot synthesis
Authors: Helgadottir I. , Freychet G. , Arquillière P. , Maret M. , Gergaud P. , Haumesser P. H. , Santini C. C.
Published: October 2014

Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (ASAXS) experiments attest the core-shell structure of bimetallic nanoparticles Ru and Cu, synthesized by simultaneous decomposition of two organometallic compounds in an ionic liquid.
Electronic transport in nanoparticle monolayers sandwiched between graphene electrodes
Authors: Lu Chenguang , Zhang Datong , Zande Arend van der , Kim Philip , Herman Irving P.
Published: October 2014

The fabrication and characterization of a vertical heterostructure composed of van der Waals and nanoparticle monolayers, the graphene/CdSe nanoparticle monolayer/graphene sandwich, is presented.
Suppression of nanoparticle cytotoxicity approaching in vivo serum concentrations: limitations of in vitro testing for nanosafety
Authors: Kim Jong Ah , Salvati Anna , Åberg Christoffer , Dawson Kenneth A.
Published: October 2014

The adverse effects of cell death-inducing nanoparticles can be suppressed by increasing the serum concentration from typical in vitro to more realistic in vivo concentrations.
Topological crystalline insulator nanostructures
Authors: Shen Jie , Cha Judy J.
Published: October 2014

Topological crystalline insulators are topological insulators whose surface states are protected by the crystalline symmetry, instead of the time reversal symmetry.
Synthesis and LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine-CH2, a potential internal standard for the degraded elastin biomarker desmosine
Authors: Murakami Yuko , Suzuki Rina , Yanuma Hiroto , He Jiangtao , Ma Shuren , Turino Gerard M. , Lin Yong Y. , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: October 2014

Chemical synthesis and LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine-CH2, a potential internal standard for the degraded elastin biomarker desmosine, are achieved.
Synthesis of nitriles via palladium-catalyzed water shuffling from amides to acetonitrile
Authors: Zhang Wandi , Haskins Christopher W. , Yang Yang , Dai Mingji
Published: October 2014

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of nitriles from amides has been described.
Synthesis and characterization of the regiorandom homopolymer of 3-alkyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene for thin-film transistors
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Gongqiang , Qi Dongchen , Hoi-Ka Wong Ivy , Li Jun
Published: October 2014

Regiorandom homopolymers of 3-alkyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene were synthesized, characterized and used in OTFTs, showing an annealing-free hole mobility up to 0.048 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Induction of self-structure in polyriboadenylic acid by the benzophenanthridine plant alkaloid chelerythrine: a spectroscopic approach
Authors: Pradhan Ankur Bikash , Haque Lucy , Bhuiya Sutanwi , Das Suman
Published: October 2014

Induction of self-structure in polyriboadenylic acid by chelerythrine.
A new 12L-hexagonal perovskite Cs4Mg3CaF12: structural transition derived from the partial substitution of Mg2+with Ca2+
Authors: Wang Zheng , Jing Qun , Zhang Min , Dong Xiaoyu , Pan Shilie , Yang Zhihua
Published: October 2014

A new 12L-hexagonal perovskite fluoride Cs4Mg3CaF12originates from cubic CsMgF3by substituting 25% Mg2+with larger Ca2+. Larger Ca2+extrude the space for Mg2+, which lead to the structural transition.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels fabricated via click chemistry: well-defined α,ω-bis propargyl linear poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s as crosslinkers
Authors: Wang Jianquan , Kang Zeyu , Qi Bin , Zhou Qiushi , Xiao Shengyuan , Shao Ziqiang
Published: October 2014

This work provides a facile method to regulate swelling properties and/or to impart special functions for click poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogels, by adjusting the chain length of crosslinkers or by introducing other functional groups.
An efficient synthesis of novel dibenzoxdiazepine-fused heterocycles through a multicomponent reaction
Authors: Qian Zhiwei , Yang Anjiang , An Weiteng , Yu Ting , Wang Xin , Zhang Yongliang , Shen Jingkang , Meng Tao
Published: October 2014

A one-pot synthesis of 6-oxa-2,2a1,11-triazadibenzo[cd,g]azulenes by a three-component reaction of a 2-aminoheterocycle, aldehydes, and 2-isocyanophenyl acetate is presented.
Comparison of metal chloride-doped graphene electrode fabrication processes for GaN-based light emitting diodes
Authors: Chang Kwon Ki , Kim Buem Jun , Kim Cheolmin , Lee Jong-Lam , Kim Soo Young
Published: October 2014

The metal chloride doped graphene (D-G) enhanced the electrical properties of the light emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, avoiding the inductively coupled plasma etching step is better for D-G electrodes in GaN-based LEDs.
Monte Carlo simulation studies of cation selectivity in ion exchange of zeolites
Authors: Nakamura Hiroki , Okumura Masahiko , Machida Masahiko
Published: October 2014

The ion-exchange isotherms for various zeolites are investigated by Monte Carlo simulation to numerically evaluate their cation selectivity.0
Polyurea dendrimer for efficient cytosolic siRNA delivery
Authors: Restani Rita B. , Conde João , Baptista Pedro V. , Cidade Maria Teresa , Bragança Ana M. , Morgado Jorge , Correia Ilídio J. , Aguiar-Ricardo Ana , Bonifácio Vasco D. B.
Published: October 2014

PURE-type dendrimers are a useful gene silencing platform showing efficient cytosolic siRNA delivery with high transfection efficacy.
Assembling sulfur spheres on carbon fiber with graphene coated hybrid bulk electrodes for lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Zhi-Zheng , Wang Hui-Yuan , Zhong Xiao-Bin , Qi Wen , Wang Bang-Yong , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: October 2014

Assembling sulfur spheres on carbon fiber with graphene coated hybrid bulk electrodes for lithium sulfur batteries.
One-pot synthesis of thin Co(OH)2nanosheets on graphene and their high activity as a capacitor electrode
Authors: Jeong Gyoung Hwa , Lee Hae-Min , Lee Heewoong , Kim Chang-Koo , Piao Yuanzhe , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Ho , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: October 2014

We synthesized Co(OH)2/graphene composites from graphite without a graphene oxide (GO) step. The Co(OH)2/graphene composite exhibited a specific capacitance of 960 F g−1at a current density of 10 A g−1.
DFT investigations of the adsorption and hydrodesulfurization mechanism of thiophene catalyzed by Pd(111) surface
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhang Lianyang , Ni Zheming , Xia Shengjie , Xiao Xuechun
Published: October 2014

The adsorption of thiophene on Pd(111) surface at hollow site through the ring plane is the most stable. The direct hydrodesulfurization has more than one possible product and is difficult to control. The indirect hydrodesulfurization was the best fit for the 1,2-cis-hydrogenation.
Green chromatography-carbon footprint of columns packed with core–shell materials
Authors: Safaei Zahra , Bocian Szymon , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: October 2014

Acetonitrile and methanol are the most popular organic solvents employed in RP HPLC, so it is important to minimize the environmental impact of organic solvent and the use of environmentally friendly solvents.
Teaching the properties of chromium's oxidation states with a case study method
Authors: Ozdilek Zehra
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate how a mixed-method case study affects pre-service science teachers' awareness of hexavalent chromium pollution and content knowledge about the properties of chromium's different oxidation states. The study was conducted in Turkey with 55 sophomores during the fall semester of 2013–2014. The students were taught using a case study about chromium's properties, the qualitative and quantitative analysis methods used with chromium compounds, the effects of chromium compounds on human health, and the chemical techniques that can be used to remove hexavalent chromium from wastewater. Open-ended questions were applied to determine the students' pre- and post-knowledge before and after instruction. An open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interviews showed that the case study had a positive effect on all participants in terms of increasing their awareness of the hazardous effects of hexavalent chromium. Pair sample and independent samplet-test results revealed that the presenting and the audience groups significantly increased their content knowledge after instruction. On the other hand, while there was no statistically significant difference between the groups on verbal questions, there was a difference between the presenting and the audience groups on calculative questions. This finding shows that the mixed-method case instruction might not have affected all subjects in the same way.
In vivo visible light-triggered drug release from an implanted depot
Authors: Carling Carl-Johan , Viger Mathieu L. , Nguyen Huu Viet Anh , Garcia Arnold V. , Almutairi Adah
Published: October 2014

A visible light-degradable polymer allows on-demand in vivo photorelease of encapsulated dexamethasone from a subcutaneously implanted particle depot.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using nanocrystalline gallium oxynitride spinel
Authors: Dharmagunawardhane H. A. Naveen , Woerner William R. , Wu Quiyan , Huang Huafeng , Chen Xianyin , Orlov Alexander , Khalifah Peter G. , Parise John B.
Published: October 2014

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water was observed over nanocrystalline gallium oxynitride spinel under simulated solar light irradiation (320 nm <λ< 800 nm). Up to 8 μmol h−1of H2was evolved without co-catalyst loading.
Nitrogen-enriched electrospun porous carbon nanofiber networks as high-performance free-standing electrode materials
Authors: Nan Ding , Huang Zheng-Hong , Lv Ruitao , Yang Lu , Wang Jian-Gan , Shen Wanci , Lin Yuxiao , Yu Xiaoliang , Ye Ling , Sun Hongyu , Kang Feiyu
Published: October 2014

Nitrogen-enriched electrospun carbon nanofiber networks were prepared to use as a free-standing LIB anode material with ultrahigh capacity and good rate capability.
Dye sensitized solar cells with cobalt and iodine-based electrolyte: the role of thiocyanate-free ruthenium sensitizers
Authors: Wu Kuan-Lin , Hu Yue , Chao Chun-Tien , Yang Ya-Wen , Hsiao Ting-Yun , Robertson Neil , Chi Yun
Published: October 2014

Isomeric Ru(ii) sensitizers, with varied steric impediment on TiO2, show high efficiency using Co2+/3+ electrolyte, with higher efficiency for the more symmetric isomers.
New dry carbon nanotube coating of over-lithiated layered oxide cathode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Mun Junyoung , Park Jin-Hwan , Choi Wonchang , Benayad Anass , Park Jun-Ho , Lee Jae-Myung , Doo Seok-Gwang , Oh Seung M.
Published: October 2014

For high rate capability and energy density of lithium ion batteries, over-lithiated layered cathodes coated by multiwall carbon nanotube were prepared by a novel dry method without decay in the structure.
Flexible solid-state supercapacitors based on a conducting polymer hydrogel with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Xiong , Li Chen , Zhang Haitao , Sun Xianzhong , Xu Nansheng , Ma Yanwei
Published: October 2014

Conducting polymer hydrogels instead of traditional solid materials are used as the electrode materials to prepare high-performance flexible solid-state supercapacitors.
Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of Ga2O3thin films
Authors: Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Dendooven Jolien , Botterman Jonas , Pulinthanathu Sree Sreeprasanth , Poelman Dirk , Martens Johan A. , Poelman Hilde , Detavernier Christophe
Published: October 2014

We demonstrate an ALD process for Ga2O3that relies upon sequential pulsing of tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)gallium(iii), [Ga(TMHD)3] and O2plasma and enables the deposition from temperatures as low as 100 °C.
Rapid synthesis of mesoporous NixCo3−x(PO4)2hollow shells showing enhanced electrocatalytic and supercapacitor performance
Authors: Zhang Jingchao , Yang Yong , Zhang Zhicheng , Xu Xiaobin , Wang Xun
Published: October 2014

The design of cost-effective electrocatalysts and supercapacitor electrode materials with delicate hierarchical morphologies and enhanced functionalities has great potential in energy conversion and storage processes.
Triethylphosphite as a network forming agent enhances in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion protection of hybrid organic–inorganic sol–gel coatings for Ti6Al4V alloys
Authors: El hadad A. A. , Barranco V. , Jiménez-Morales A. , Hickman G. J. , Galván J. C. , Perry C. C.
Published: October 2014

Introduction of phosphorous into hybrid silica sol–gel coatings on Ti6Al4V gives materials demonstrating higher levels of intermolecular condensation and fibrinogen uptake as well as improved in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion protection.
Quantitative SERS-based detection using Ag–Fe3O4 nanocomposites with an internal reference
Authors: Joshi Padmanabh , Zhou Yan , Ahmadov Tevhide Ozkaya , Zhang Peng
Published: October 2014

We report a method for quantitative SERS measurements using Ag–Fe3O4 nanocomposites with an internal reference for detecting different analytes.
Molecular order of air-stable p-type organic thin-film transistors by tuning the extension of the π-conjugated core: the cases of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole and triindole semiconductors
Authors: Reig Marta , Puigdollers Joaquim , Velasco Dolores
Published: October 2014

Correlation of the OTFT performance with the molecular order in the semiconductor layers as a function of the extension of the π-conjugated core of a series of carbazole-based organic semiconductors.
Bioenergetic differences between MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells and their regulation by oestradiol and tamoxifen
Authors: Radde Brandie N. , Ivanova Margarita M. , Mai Huy Xuan , Salabei Joshua K. , Hill Bradford G. , Klinge Carolyn M.
Published: October 2014

Oestrogen receptor α (ERα+) breast tumours rely on mitochondria (mt) to generate ATP. The goal of the present study was to determine how oestradiol (E2) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) affect cellular bioenergetic function in MCF-7 and T47D ERα+ breast cancer cells in serum-replete compared with dextran-coated charcoal (DCC)-stripped foetal bovine serum (FBS)-containing medium (‘serum-starved’). Serum-starvation reduced oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), ATP-linked OCR and maximum mt capacity, reflecting lower ATP demand and mt respiration. Cellular respiratory stateapparent was unchanged by serum deprivation. 4-OHT reduced OCR independent of serum status. Despite having a higher mt DNA/nuclear DNA ratio than MCF-7 cells, T47D cells have a lower OCR and ATP levels and higher proton leak. T47D express higher nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and NRF-1-regulated, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial transcription factor TFAM and cytochrome c, but lower levels of cytochrome c oxidase, subunit IV, isoform 1 (COX4, COX4I1). Mitochondrial reserve capacity, reflecting tolerance to cellular stress, was higher in serum-starved T47D cells and was increased by 4-OHT, but was decreased by 4-OHT in MCF-7 cells. These data demonstrate critical differences in cellular energetics and responses to 4-OHT in these two ERα+ cell lines, likely reflecting cancer cell avoidance of apoptosis.
Experimental study for selection of electrode material for ZnO‐based memristors
Authors: Kumar A. , Baghini M.S.
Published: October 2014

The fabrication and characterisation of 400 nm‐thick zinc oxide (ZnO)‐based memristor devices with platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr) and gold (Au) metal electrodes are presented. The effect of these electrode materials on the performance of ZnO‐based memristors has been experimentally studied. Metal/ZnO contact limits the memristor switching mechanism, dominating during the resistive switching. It is observed that the ZnO‐based memristor with the Pt electrode shows a better hysteresis compared to Cr and Au metal electrodes. In the case of the Pt electrode, a current ratio of six times in magnitude is observed between the high resistive state and low resistive state at 1 V, where a maximum current density value of 1.25 A/cm2 is measured. The capacitance of these devices strongly depends on the charge distributed on the surface. Therefore, the capacitance–voltage (C–V) behaviour can be used to understand the charge distribution, under various bias conditions. The C–V behaviour of the Pt memristor, so as to understand the contact interface, where the maximum capacitance of 2.3 × 10−7 F/cm2 is obtained at 0 V, is also explained.
Behaviour‐based control approach for the trajectory tracking of an underactuated planar capsule robot
Authors: Huda M. Nazmul , Yu Hongnian , Cang Shuang
Published: October 2014

A miniature capsule robot (capsubot) – which has no external moving parts whereas a conventional robot has legs and/or wheels – is suitable for in‐vivo applications, engineering diagnosis and pipe inspection. This study addresses the trajectory‐tracking problem of an underactuated planar capsubot. A combining piecewise and behaviour‐based control algorithm is proposed for trajectory tracking. This study also proposes four motion behaviours, four switching behaviours and one stationary behaviour. A selection algorithm for behaviour‐based control and rules for inner mass (IM) motion control in all the behaviours are developed. The partial feedback linearisation control is used for low‐level IM motion control while the piecewise and behaviour‐based control is used for the capsubot trajectory tracking control.
Addendum to ‘H2 control of discrete‐time Markov jump linear systems with uncertain transition probability matrix: improved LMI relaxations and multi‐simplex modeling’
Authors: Morais Cecília F. , Braga Márcio F. , Oliveira Ricardo C. L. F. , Peres Pedro L. D.
Published: October 2014

This addendum is concerned with a remark about the conversion of interval uncertainties into a polytope.