bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combined pre-clinical meta-analysis and randomized confirmatory trial approach to improve data validity for therapeutic target validation
Authors: Kleikers Pamela WM. , Hooijmans Carlijn , Göb Eva , Langhauser Friederike , Rewell Sarah SJ. , Radermacher Kim , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Howells David W. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , HHW Schmidt Harald
Published: August 2015

Biomedical research suffers from a dramatically poor translational success. For example, in ischemic stroke, a condition with a high medical need, over a thousand experimental drug targets were unsuccessful. Here, we adopt methods from clinical research for a late-stage pre-clinical meta-analysis (MA) and randomized confirmatory trial (pRCT) approach. A profound body of literature suggests NOX2 to be a major therapeutic target in stroke. Systematic review and MA of all available NOX2-/y studies revealed a positive publication bias and lack of statistical power to detect a relevant reduction in infarct size. A fully powered multi-center pRCT rejects NOX2 as a target to improve neurofunctional outcomes or achieve a translationally relevant infarct size reduction. Thus stringent statistical thresholds, reporting negative data and a MA-pRCT approach can ensure biomedical data validity and overcome risks of bias.
Decreased Na+ influx lowers hippocampal neuronal excitability in a mouse model of neonatal influenza infection
Authors: Park Hoyong , Eun Yu Ji , Kim Sungmin , Nahm Sang-Soep , Chung ChiHye
Published: August 2015

Influenza virus infection is one of common infectious diseases occurring worldwide. The human influenza virus can infect the central nervous system and cause brain dysfunctions affecting cognition and spatial memory. It has been previously shown that infection with the influenza viral protein within the hippocampus decreases Ca2+ influx and reduces excitatory postsynaptic currents. However, the neuronal properties of animals surviving neonatal infection have not been investigated. Using a mouse model of neonatal influenza infection, we performed thorough electrophysiological analyses of hippocampal neurotransmission. We found that animals surviving the infection exhibited reduced spontaneous transmission with no significant defects in evoked neurotransmission. Interestingly, the hippocampus of the infected group conducted synaptic transmission with less fidelity upon repeated stimulations and failed to generate action potentials faithfully upon step current injections primarily due to reduced Na+ influx. The reversal potential for the Na+ current was hyperpolarized and the activation of Na+ channels was slower in the infected group while the inactivation process was minimally disturbed. Taken together, our observations suggest that neonatally infected offsprings exhibit noticeable deficits at rest and severe failures when higher activity is required. This study provides insight into understanding the cellular mechanisms of influenza infection-associated functional changes in the brain.
Identification of agents effective against multiple toxins and viruses by host-oriented cell targeting
Authors: Zilbermintz Leeor , Leonardi William , Jeong Sun-Young , Sjodt Megan , McComb Ryan , Ho Chi-Lee C. , Retterer Cary , Gharaibeh Dima , Zamani Rouzbeh , Soloveva Veronica , Bavari Sina , Levitin Anastasia , West Joel , Bradley Kenneth A. , Clubb Robert T. , Cohen Stanley N. , Gupta Vivek , Martchenko Mikhail
Published: August 2015

A longstanding and still-increasing threat to the effective treatment of infectious diseases is resistance to antimicrobial countermeasures. Potentially, the targeting of host proteins and pathways essential for the detrimental effects of pathogens offers an approach that may discover broad-spectrum anti-pathogen countermeasures and circumvent the effects of pathogen mutations leading to resistance. Here we report implementation of a strategy for discovering broad-spectrum host-oriented therapies against multiple pathogenic agents by multiplex screening of drugs for protection against the detrimental effects of multiple pathogens, identification of host cell pathways inhibited by the drug and screening for effects of the agent on other pathogens exploiting the same pathway. We show that a clinically used antimalarial drug, Amodiaquine, discovered by this strategy, protects host cells against infection by multiple toxins and viruses by inhibiting host cathepsin B. Our results reveal the practicality of discovering broadly acting anti-pathogen countermeasures that target host proteins exploited by pathogens.
Selective Connexin43 Inhibition Prevents Isoproterenol-Induced Arrhythmias and Lethality in Muscular Dystrophy Mice
Authors: Gonzalez J. Patrick , Ramachandran Jayalakshmi , Xie Lai-Hua , Contreras Jorge E. , Fraidenraich Diego
Published: August 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by an X-linked mutation that leads to the absence of dystrophin, resulting in life-threatening arrhythmogenesis and associated heart failure. We targeted the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) responsible for maintaining cardiac conduction. In mild mdx and severe mdx:utr mouse models of DMD and human DMD tissues, Cx43 was found to be pathologically mislocalized to lateral sides of cardiomyocytes. In addition, overall Cx43 protein levels were markedly increased in mouse and human DMD heart tissues examined. Electrocardiography on isoproterenol challenged mice showed that both models developed arrhythmias and died within 24 hours, while wild-type mice were free of pathology. Administering peptide mimetics to inhibit lateralized Cx43 function prior to challenge protected mdx mice from arrhythmogenesis and death, while mdx:utr mice displayed markedly improved ECG scores. These findings suggest that Cx43 lateralization contributes significantly to DMD arrhythmogenesis and that selective inhibition may provide substantial benefit.
Growth kinetics of Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound at liquid-solid interfaces in Cu/Sn/Cu interconnects under temperature gradient
Authors: Zhao N. , Zhong Y. , Huang M.L. , Ma H.T. , Dong W.
Published: August 2015

The growth behavior of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the liquid-solid interfaces in Cu/Sn/Cu interconnects during reflow at 250 °C and 280 °C on a hot plate was investigated. Being different from the symmetrical growth during isothermal aging, the interfacial IMCs showed clearly asymmetrical growth during reflow, i.e., the growth of Cu6Sn5 IMC at the cold end was significantly enhanced while that of Cu3Sn IMC was hindered especially at the hot end. It was found that the temperature gradient had caused the mass migration of Cu atoms from the hot end toward the cold end, resulting in sufficient Cu atomic flux for interfacial reaction at the cold end while inadequate Cu atomic flux at the hot end. The growth mechanism was considered as reaction/thermomigration-controlled at the cold end and grain boundary diffusion/thermomigration-controlled at the hot end. A growth model was established to explain the growth kinetics of the Cu6Sn5 IMC at both cold and hot ends. The molar heat of transport of Cu atoms in molten Sn was calculated as + 11.12 kJ/mol at 250 °C and + 14.65 kJ/mol at 280 °C. The corresponding driving force of thermomigration in molten Sn was estimated as 4.82 × 10−19 N and 6.80 × 10−19 N.
Quantum walk coherences on a dynamical percolation graph
Authors: Elster Fabian , Barkhofen Sonja , Nitsche Thomas , Novotný Jaroslav , Gábris Aurél , Jex Igor , Silberhorn Christine
Published: August 2015

Coherent evolution governs the behaviour of all quantum systems, but in nature it is often subjected to influence of a classical environment. For analysing quantum transport phenomena quantum walks emerge as suitable model systems. In particular, quantum walks on percolation structures constitute an attractive platform for studying open system dynamics of random media. Here, we present an implementation of quantum walks differing from the previous experiments by achieving dynamical control of the underlying graph structure. We demonstrate the evolution of an optical time-multiplexed quantum walk over six double steps, revealing the intricate interplay between the internal and external degrees of freedom. The observation of clear non-Markovian signatures in the coin space testifies the high coherence of the implementation and the extraordinary degree of control of all system parameters. Our work is the proof-of-principle experiment of a quantum walk on a dynamical percolation graph, paving the way towards complex simulation of quantum transport in random media.
Susceptibility loci in lung cancer and COPD: association of IREB2 and FAM13A with pulmonary diseases
Authors: Ziółkowska-Suchanek Iwona , Mosor Maria , Gabryel Piotr , Grabicki Marcin , Żurawek Magdalena , Fichna Marta , Strauss Ewa , Batura-Gabryel Halina , Dyszkiewicz Wojciech , Nowak Jerzy
Published: August 2015

Genome-wide association studies have identified loci at 15q25 (IREB2) and 4q22 (FAM13A), associated with lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of our research was to determine the association of IREB2 and FAM13A SNPs with LC and severe/very severe COPD patients. We examined IREB2 variants (rs2568494, rs2656069, rs10851906, rs13180) and FAM13A (rs1903003, rs7671167, rs2869967) among 1.141 participants (468 LC, 149 COPD, 524 smoking controls). The frequency of the minor IREB2 rs2568494 AA genotype, was higher in LC vs controls (P = 0.0081, OR = 1.682). The FAM13A rs2869967 was associated with COPD (minor CC genotype: P = 0.0007, OR = 2.414). The rs1903003, rs7671167 FAM13A variants confer a protective effect on COPD (both P < 0.002, OR < 0.405). Haplotype-based tests identified an association of the IREB2 AAAT haplotype with LC (P = 0.0021, OR = 1.513) and FAM13A TTC with COPD (P = 0.0013, OR = 1.822). Cumulative genetic risk score analyses (CGRS), derived by adding risk alleles, revealed that the risk for COPD increased with the growing number of the FAM13A risk alleles. OR (95% CI) for carriers of ≥5 risk alleles reached 2.998 (1.8 to 4.97) compared to the controls. This study confirms that the IREB2 variants contribute to an increased risk of LC, whereas FAM13A predisposes to increased susceptibility to COPD.
Surface Plasmon Enhanced Sensitive Detection for Possible Signature of Majorana Fermions via a Hybrid Semiconductor Quantum Dot-Metal Nanoparticle System
Authors: Chen Hua-Jun , Zhu Ka-Di
Published: August 2015

In the present work, we theoretically propose an optical scheme to detect the possible signature of Majorana fermions via the optical pump-probe spectroscopy, which is very different from the current tunneling measurement based on electrical methods. The scheme consists of a metal nanoparticle and a semiconductor quantum dot coupled to a hybrid semiconductor/superconductor heterostructures. The results show that the probe absorption spectrum of the quantum dot presents a distinct splitting due to the existence of Majorana fermions. Owing to surface plasmon enhanced effect, this splitting will be more obvious, which makes Majorana fermions more easy to be detectable. The technique proposed here open the door for new applications ranging from robust manipulation of Majorana fermions to quantum information processing based on Majorana fermions.
Damage evaluation in graphene underlying atomic layer deposition dielectrics
Authors: Tang Xiaohui , Reckinger Nicolas , Poncelet Olivier , Louette Pierre , Ureña Ferran , Idrissi Hosni , Turner Stuart , Cabosart Damien , Colomer Jean-François , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Hackens Benoit , Francis Laurent A.
Published: August 2015

Based on micro-Raman spectroscopy (μRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we study the structural damage incurred in monolayer (1L) and few-layer (FL) graphene subjected to atomic-layer deposition of HfO2 and Al2O3 upon different oxygen plasma power levels. We evaluate the damage level and the influence of the HfO2 thickness on graphene. The results indicate that in the case of Al2O3/graphene, whether 1L or FL graphene is strongly damaged under our process conditions. For the case of HfO2/graphene, μRS analysis clearly shows that FL graphene is less disordered than 1L graphene. In addition, the damage levels in FL graphene decrease with the number of layers. Moreover, the FL graphene damage is inversely proportional to the thickness of HfO2 film. Particularly, the bottom layer of twisted bilayer (t-2L) has the salient features of 1L graphene. Therefore, FL graphene allows for controlling/limiting the degree of defect during the PE-ALD HfO2 of dielectrics and could be a good starting material for building field effect transistors, sensors, touch screens and solar cells. Besides, the formation of Hf-C bonds may favor growing high-quality and uniform-coverage dielectric. HfO2 could be a suitable high-K gate dielectric with a scaling capability down to sub-5-nm for graphene-based transistors.
Enhanced tactile acuity through mental states
Authors: Philipp Sebastian T. , Kalisch Tobias , Wachtler Thomas , Dinse Hubert R.
Published: August 2015

Bodily training typically evokes behavioral and perceptual gains, enforcing neuroplastic processes and affecting neural representations. We investigated the effect on somatosensory perception of a three-day Zen meditation exercise, a purely mental intervention. Tactile spatial discrimination of the right index finger was persistently improved by only 6 hours of mental–sensory focusing on this finger, suggesting that intrinsic brain activity created by mental states can alter perception and behavior similarly to external stimulation.
Potential analgesic effects of a novel N-acylethanolamine acid amidase inhibitor F96 through PPAR-α
Authors: Yang Longhe , Li Long , Chen Ling , Li Yanting , Chen Huixia , Li Yuhang , Ji Guangnian , Lin Donghai , Liu Zuguo , Qiu Yan
Published: August 2015

Pharmacological blockade of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) activity is an available approach for inflammation and pain control through restoring the ability of endogenous PEA. But the recently reported NAAA inhibitors suffer from the chemical and biological unstable properties, which restrict functions of NAAA inhibition in vivo. It is still unrevealed whether systematic inhibition of NAAA could modulate PEA-mediated pain signalings. Here we reported an oxazolidinone imide compound 3-(6-phenylhexanoyl) oxazolidin-2-one (F96), which potently and selectively inhibited NAAA activity (IC50 = 270 nM). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of F96 (3–30 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced ear edema and restored PEA levels of ear tissues in 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced ear edema models. Furthermore, F96 inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing and increased spared nerve injury induced tactile allodynia thresholds in a dose-dependent manner. Pharmacological effects of F96 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on various animal models were abolished in PPAR-α−/− mice and were prevented by PPAR-α antagonist MK886 but not by canabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist Rimonabant nor canabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) antagonist SR144528. Zebrafish embryos experiments showed better security and lower toxicity for F96 than ibuprofen. These results revealed that F96 might be useful in treating inflammatory and neuropathic pain by NAAA inhibition depending on PPAR-α receptors.
Dependence of negative-mode electrospray ionization response factors on mobile phase composition and molecular structure for newly-authenticated neutral acylsucrose metabolites
Authors: Ghosh Banibrata , Jones A. Daniel
Published: August 2015

Amounts of newly-purified acylsugars were authenticated by saponification and stable isotope dilution UHPLC/MS/MS; acylsugar electrospray ionization response factors were determined.
Multi-matrix, dual polarity, tandem mass spectrometry imaging strategy applied to a germinated maize seed: toward mass spectrometry imaging of an untargeted metabolome
Authors: Feenstra Adam D. , Hansen Rebecca L. , Lee Young Jin
Published: August 2015

Mass spectrometry imaging strategy to allow for visualization and identification of compounds on tissue to help understand plant metabolism.
Assessment of the fitness for purpose utilisation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-fufural quantification analysis in FAPAS proficiency tests
Authors: Fields Bryden , Sykes Mark
Published: August 2015

A new protocol for HMF proficiency test assessment is suggested by combining all spectrophotometric and HPLC data and applying Horwitz.
Gaining insight into the catalysis by GH20 lacto-N-biosidase using small molecule inhibitors and structural analysis
Authors: Hattie Mitchell , Ito Tasuku , Debowski Aleksandra W. , Arakawa Takatoshi , Katayama Takane , Yamamoto Kenji , Fushinobu Shinya , Stubbs Keith A.
Published: August 2015

Synthesis and structural analysis of rationally developed inhibitors.
Measuring couplings in crowded NMR spectra: pure shift NMR with multiplet analysis
Authors: Foroozandeh M. , Adams R. W. , Kiraly P. , Nilsson M. , Morris G. A.
Published: August 2015

Integrating the PSYCHE method for pure shift NMR into 2D J spectroscopy allows each multiplet in a complex proton NMR spectrum to be cleanly extracted.
Application of organoselenides in the Suzuki, Negishi, Sonogashira and Kumada cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Stein A. L. , Bilheri F. N. , Zeni G.
Published: August 2015

A powerful tool for constructing new carbon–carbon bonds via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of unsaturated organoselenides is described.
Multicomponent ternary cocrystals of the sulfonamide group with pyridine-amides and lactams
Authors: Bolla Geetha , Nangia Ashwini
Published: August 2015

Ternary cocrystals of the sulfonamide group with pyridine carboxamide and lactams are engineered using a combination of hydrogen bond mimicry and geometric fit of the coformers.
Seed-mediated synthesis of hexameric octahedral PtPdCu nanocrystals with high electrocatalytic performance
Authors: Mao Junjie , Cao Tai , Chen Yuanjun , Wu Yuen , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: August 2015

In this work, we present a facile etching–reduction–selective epitaxial growth synergistic strategy to synthesize trimetallic nanocrystals.
Supramolecular interactions in boron hydrides: how non-classical bonding directs their crystal architecture
Authors: Wolstenholme David J. , Fradsham Eric J. , McGrady G. Sean
Published: August 2015

The nature and driving forces behind the formation of dihydrogen bonds are explored for several textbook boranes, and their influence on the crystalline architecture is revealed.
Chemical control of dissolution-driven convection in partially miscible systems: theoretical classification
Authors: Loodts V. , Rongy L. , De Wit A.
Published: August 2015

Dissolution-driven convection can be controlled by chemical reactions.
SEI-component formation on sub 5 nm sized silicon nanoparticles in Li-ion batteries: the role of electrode preparation, FEC addition and binders
Authors: Jaumann Tony , Balach Juan , Klose Markus , Oswald Steffen , Langklotz Ulrike , Michaelis Alexander , Eckert Jürgen , Giebeler Lars
Published: August 2015

Nanocrystalline silicon electrodes were exposed to long-term cycling in Li-ion batteries under different conditions and their SEI formation was investigated by diverse techniques.
The role of alkoxy radicals in the heterogeneous reaction of two structural isomers of dimethylsuccinic acid
Authors: Cheng Chiu Tung , Chan Man Nin , Wilson Kevin R.
Published: August 2015

The heterogeneous reaction of hydroxyl radicals with two isomers of dimethylsuccinic acid is used to explore how the location of branched methyl groups controls C–C bond scission and molecular weight growth reactions.
Effects of substituents on fluorometric detection of cyanide anions by indolium–coumarin dyads
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Masaya , Hirai Takayuki
Published: August 2015

Fluorometric detection of cyanide anions was carried out with indolium–coumarin dyads in aqueous media. Substituents on the dyads strongly affect the selectivity, sensitivity, and response to cyanide anions.
Anion and cation effects on the size control of Au nanoparticles prepared by sputter deposition in imidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Hatakeyama Yoshikiyo , Judai Ken , Onishi Kei , Takahashi Satoshi , Kimura Satoshi , Nishikawa Keiko
Published: August 2015

A conceptual diagram of the stabilization structure for AuNPs in imidazolium-based ILs.
Correction: A shock tube study of the branching ratios of propene + OH reaction
Authors: Badra Jihad , Khaled Fethi , Giri Binod Raj , Farooq Aamir
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘A shock tube study of the branching ratios of propene + OH reaction’ by Jihad Badra et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 2421–2431.
Synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic evaluation of hierarchical faujasite zeolites: milestones, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Verboekend D. , Nuttens N. , Locus R. , Van Aelst J. , Verolme P. , Groen J. C. , Pérez-Ramírez J. , Sels B. F.
Published: August 2015

The preparation of hierarchical faujasite catalysts is challenging yet rewarding.
HOMO–LUMO energy gap control in platinum(ii) biphenyl complexes containing 2,2′-bipyridine ligands
Authors: Rillema D. Paul , Stoyanov Stanislav R. , Cruz Arvin J. , Nguyen Huy , Moore Curtis , Huang Wei , Siam Khamis , Jehan Ali , KomReddy Venugopal
Published: August 2015

Electronic properties including the HOMO–LUMO energy gap in Pt(ii) complexes can be effectively controlled using electron-donating and electron-withdrawing moieties covalently bonded to the ligands.
Tri-chromatic white-light emission from a single-phase Ca9Sc(PO4)7:Eu2+,Tb3+,Mn2+ phosphor for LED applications
Authors: Jiang Lihong , Pang Ran , Li Da , Sun Wenzhi , Jia Yonglei , Li Haifeng , Fu Jipeng , Li Chengyu , Zhang Su
Published: August 2015

A wide range color-tunable tri-chromatic Ca9Sc(PO4)7:Eu2+,Tb3+,Mn2+ w-LED phosphor was obtained based on the efficient Eu2+ to Tb3+ and Eu2+ to Mn2+ energy transfer processes.
Differences in XPS and solid state NMR spectral data and thermo-chemical properties of iso-structural compounds in the series KTaF6, K2TaF7 and K3TaF8 and KNbF6, K2NbF7 and K3NbF8
Authors: Boča Miroslav , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Mlynáriková Jarmila , Hadzimová Eva , Vasková Zuzana , Mičušík Matej
Published: August 2015

A series of compounds KTaF6, K2TaF7 and K3TaF8 and KNbF6, K2NbF7 and K3NbF8 was investigated by means of XPS and MAS NMR spectroscopy and DSC measurements.
Synthesis of P-stereogenic diarylphosphinic amides by directed lithiation: transformation into tertiary phosphine oxides via methanolysis, aryne chemistry and complexation behaviour toward zinc(ii)
Authors: del Águila-Sánchez Miguel A. , Navarro Yolanda , García López Jesús , Guedes Guilherme P. , López Ortiz Fernando
Published: August 2015

A general synthesis of P-stereogenic compoundsviaDoLi–electrophilic quenching of phosphinic amides and subsequent derivatizations is reported.
A hybrid solid electrolyte for flexible solid-state sodium batteries
Authors: Kim Jae-Kwang , Lim Young Jun , Kim Hyojin , Cho Gyu-Bong , Kim Youngsik
Published: August 2015

Ceramic-based hybrid solid electrolyte (HSE) is designed to build a flexible pouch-type Na-ion battery.
Dielectric barrier discharge-optical emission spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of halogens
Authors: Zhang Deng-Ji , Cai Yi , Chen Ming-Li , Yu Yong-Liang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: August 2015

Dielectric barrier discharge micro-plasma as a radiation source was used for the simultaneous determination of halogens by optical emission spectrometry.
Understanding the growth and composition evolution of gold-seeded ternary InGaAs nanowires
Authors: Ameruddin A. S. , Caroff P. , Tan H. H. , Jagadish C. , Dubrovskii V. G.
Published: August 2015

A simple nanowire growth model is established to explain the observed growth trend of ternary InGaAs nanowires, in particular, their growth rate and composition.
Recent advances in engineering topography mediated antibacterial surfaces
Authors: Hasan Jafar , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: August 2015

Recent advances in the field of topography driven antibacterial surfaces are presented. Micro-structured antibiofouling and nano-structured bactericidal surfaces are reviewed.
Palladium(ii)-catalyzed direct alkenylation of dihydropyranones
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Chang Xihao , Tao Yu , Chen Haoming , Xia Yong
Published: August 2015

A palladium(ii)-catalyzed direct alkenylation reaction of dihydropyranones was developed.
Steering the azido–tetrazole equilibrium of 4-azidopyrimidines via substituent variation – implications for drug design and azide–alkyne cycloadditions
Authors: Thomann A. , Zapp J. , Hutter M. , Empting M. , Hartmann R. W.
Published: August 2015

Variations of substituents at 2-substituted 4-azidopyrimidines allowed us to shift the azido–tetrazole equilibrium to either of the two constitutional isomers. This can be exploited for click chemistry and fragment-based drug design.
γ-Lactams and furan bispyrrolidines via iodine mediated cyclisation of homoallylamines
Authors: Hama Salih Mariwan A. , Male Louise , Spencer Neil , Fossey John S.
Published: August 2015

1,3,5-Substituted pyrrolidin-2-ones were synthesisedviaan iodine mediated cyclisation of 3-methyl substituted homoallylamines in good to excellent yield, as mixtures of diastereoisomers. Furan bispyrrolidines were formed as single diastereoisomers when 3-phenyl homoallylamines were employed in an analogous reaction.
Nanoengineered drug-releasing aluminium wire implants: comparative investigation of nanopore geometry, drug release and osteoblast cell adhesion
Authors: Rahman Shafiur , Ormsby Renee , Santos Abel , Atkins Gerald J. , Findlay David M. , Losic Dusan
Published: August 2015

In this study, drug-releasing aluminium (Al) wire implants featuring nanoporous alumina (NPA) layers produced by different anodization approaches are systematically investigated as potential platforms for localized drug delivery and bone therapy.
Thermal and flame retardant properties of transparent UV-curing epoxy acrylate coatings with POSS-based phosphonate acrylate
Authors: Yu Bin , Tao Youji , Liu Lu , Shi Yongqian , Yang Hongyu , Jie Ganxin , Lo Siuming , Tai Qilong , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: August 2015

A novel branched phosphonate acrylate monomer containing phosphorus and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes was successfully synthesized and then incorporated into epoxy acrylate resins in different ratios using ultraviolet curing technology.
Optode sensor for on-site detection and quantification of hydroxide ions in highly concentrated alkali solutions
Authors: Thakur Neha , Kumar Sanjukta A. , Pandey Ashok K. , Kumar Sangita D. , Reddy A. V. R.
Published: August 2015

Development of a colorimetric strip sensor for visual detection and quantification of hydroxide ions in highly concentrated alkali solutions.
Conversion of iron oxide nanosheets to advanced magnetic nanocomposites for oil spill removal
Authors: Saber O. , Mohamed N. H. , Arafat S. A.
Published: August 2015

This study aims at developing magnetic materials through the combination of cobalt and iron oxide at the nanoscale for producing facile and environmentally friendly techniques to remove crude oil from water.
A simpler and highly efficient protocol for the preparation of biodiesel from soap stock oil using a BBSA catalyst
Authors: Savaliya Mehulkumar L. , Dholakiya Bharatkumar Z.
Published: August 2015

The present work deals with the synthesis of a highly promising bagasse based solid acid (BBSA) catalyst via sulfonation as well as partial carbonization of bagasse powder and is applied to the esterification of soap stock oil for the production of biodiesel.
Electrodeposited spinel NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays for glucose sensing application
Authors: Naik Kusha Kumar , Kumar Suresh , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: August 2015

Non-enzymatic glucose sensing properties of NiCo2O4 nanosheets show linear response with respect to the change in glucose concentration varying from 5 to 65 μM and exhibit the sensitivity value of 6.69 μA μM−1 cm−2 with a LOD value of 0.38 μM.
Reducing the cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles by a pre-formed protein corona in a supplemented cell culture medium
Authors: Yin Hong , Chen Rui , Casey Philip S. , Ke Pu Chun , Davis Thomas P. , Chen Chunying
Published: August 2015

The safety of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) remains a critical concern considering that they are a common constituent in cosmetics and sunscreen formulation.
Optimizing Wnt-3a and R-spondin1 concentrations for stem cell renewal and differentiation in intestinal organoids using a gradient-forming microdevice
Authors: Ahmad Asad A. , Wang Yuli , Sims Christopher E. , Magness Scott T. , Allbritton Nancy L.
Published: August 2015

A gradient-generating device assayed the impact of Wnt-3a and R-spondin1 on colonoids identifying concentrations required to yield a physiologically-relevant epithelium.
Chiral ion-pair organocatalyst promotes highly enantioselective 3-exo iodo-cycloetherification of allyl alcohols
Authors: Shen Zhigao , Pan Xixian , Lai Yisheng , Hu Jiadong , Wan Xiaolong , Li Xiaoge , Zhang Hui , Xie Weiqing
Published: August 2015

Enantioselective 3-exoiodo-cycloetherification of allyl alcohols was realized by employing a novel ion-pair organocatalyst.
Probing the reaction pathway in (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95MnO3+δ using libraries of thin film microelectrodes
Authors: Usiskin Robert E. , Maruyama Shingo , Kucharczyk Chris J. , Takeuchi Ichiro , Haile Sossina M.
Published: August 2015

Oxygen electro-reduction occurs preferentially at the exposed grain boundaries of (La,Sr)MnO3, as determined by automated impedance measurements of hundreds of microdot electrodes with varied geometrical and microstructural features.
Electrodeposition of a carbon dots/chitosan composite produced by a simple in situ method and electrically controlled release of carbon dots
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Wang Xia , Geng Zenghua , Xiong Yanfei , Wu Wencheng , Chen Yanjun
Published: August 2015

A carbon dots/chitosan composite that can be straightforwardly used for electrodeposition and controlled release was produced by a one-step microwave method.
Development of rare-earth-free phosphors for eco-energy lighting based LEDs
Authors: Boonsin Rachod , Chadeyron Geneviève , Roblin Jean-Philippe , Boyer Damien , Mahiou Rachid
Published: August 2015

Several phosphors without rare-earth elements were synthesized by a simple and practical method.
Soluble fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles based on pyrrole derivatives: synthesis, characterization and their structure dependent sensing properties
Authors: Alizadeh Naader , Akbarinejad Alireza
Published: August 2015

The synthesis, characterization and sensing properties of soluble fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles based on pyrrole derivatives are presented.
Tunable white light emission of Eu,Tb,Zn-containing copolymers by RAFT polymerization
Authors: Zhang Aiqin , Sun Naiqun , Li Liping , Yang Yamin , Zhao Xijin , Jia Husheng , Liu Xuguang , Xu Bingshe
Published: August 2015

In this work, a novel copolymer PS–Eu–Tb–Zn, which can match a 365 nm UV chip, was synthesized by the RAFT polymerization of Tb(p-BBA)3UA, Eu(TTA)2(Phen)MAA, Zn(BTZ)UA and styrene.
Transcriptional suppression of CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase by 25-hydroxycholesterol is mediated by nuclear factor-Y and Yin Yang 1
Authors: Ando Hiromi , Aoyama Chieko , Horibata Yasuhiro , Satou Motoyasu , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Itoh Masahiko , Hosaka Kohei , Sugimoto Hiroyuki
Published: August 2015

Pcyt2 (CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase) is the rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) biosynthesis. Previously, we reported that Pcyt2 mRNA levels increased in several types of cells after serum starvation, an effect that could be suppressed by supplementation with low-density lipoprotein or 25-HC (25-hydroxycholesterol). Transcription of Hmgcr, which encodes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, is also suppressed by 25-HC in the same dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, a sterol-regulatory element was not detected in the Pcyt2 promoter region. The important element for transcriptional control of Pcyt2 by 25-HC (1.25 μM) was determined to reside between −56 and −36 on the basis of analysis with several Pcyt2 promoter deletion–luciferase reporters in NIH 3T3 cells. Using the yeast one-hybrid system, we found that NF-Y (nuclear factor-Y) binds at C−37CAAT−41 and YY1 (Yin Yang1) binds at C−42AT−40 in the Pcyt2 promoter. Endogenous NF-Y and YY1 bind clearly and competitively to these sites and are important for basal Pcyt2 transcription. Moreover, NF-Y binds to the Hmgcr promoter at C−14CA−12 in gel-shift analysis, and suppression of the basal luciferase activity of the Hmgcr promoter–reporter construct (−30/+61) by 25-HC was abolished when C−14CA−12 was mutated. Furthermore, transcriptional suppression of Pcyt2 by 25-HC was reduced following knockdown targeting of NF-YA or YY1. ChIP analysis revealed that 25-HC inhibited the interaction between NF-Y and RNA polymerase II on the Pcyt2 and Hmgcr promoters. On the basis of these results, we conclude that NF-Y and YY1 are important for the basal transcription of Pcyt2 and that NF-Y is involved in the inhibitory effects of 25-HC on Pcyt2 transcription.
Design of self‐oscillating resonant converters based on a variable structure systems approach
Authors: Bonache‐Samaniego Ricardo , Olalla Carlos , Martínez‐Salamero Luís , Valderrama‐Blavi Hugo
Published: August 2015

A mathematical model is derived for the parallel resonant converter (PRC) in which a simple comparator circuit applied to the inductor current is used to establish stable oscillations at the resonant frequency in cases of high Q. Second order differential equations are solved to construct a piecewise phase‐plane trajectory explaining the generation of a stable limit cycle and predicting its amplitude and period. The self‐oscillating mechanism is explored in other resonant converters and verified by simulation. In all cases, switching between the two circuit configurations of the converter is produced by the change of the input inductor current sign. Measurements in a 100 W PRC prototype oscillating around 500 kHz are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Structure for multi‐input multi‐output dc–dc boost converter
Authors: Babaei Ebrahim , Abbasi Okhtay
Published: August 2015

In this study, a new structure for multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) dc–dc boost converter is proposed. The number of inputs and outputs of the converter are arbitrary and independent from each other. The proposed topology has the advantages of both dc–dc boost and switched‐capacitor converters. This converter is proper to use in applications like photovoltaic or fuel cell systems. The main advantages of the proposed structure are possibility of using energy supplies with different voltage‐current characteristics, continuous input current, high voltage gain without high duty cycle, and possibility of performing at high switching frequencies. First, the different operating modes of the proposed converter are explained. Then, the effect of equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the inductor and voltage drop of diodes and switches on the voltage gain is investigated. Finally, the correctness operation of the proposed converter is reconfirmed by the simulation and experimental results.
Real‐time simulation of modular multilevel converters for controller hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing
Authors: Matar Mahmoud , Paradis Dominic , Iravani Reza
Published: August 2015

This study presents a field programmable gate array (FPGA)‐based real‐time simulation platform for realistic‐size modular multilevel converters (MMCs). This development is primarily intended for controller hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) testing for MMC‐based high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. Although the real‐time simulation of MMC‐based systems is particularly challenging due to the presence of thousands of power electronic switches, yet, it is still possible based on adopting a computationally efficient MMC model and the use of a high‐performance parallel computational engine. This study focuses on the design and implementation of the parallel computational engine that solves the mathematical model of an enhanced computationally efficient MMC model on the FPGA platform. Moreover, provided are the implementation results and their verifications corresponding to the real‐time simulation of a 401‐level MMC and the HIL testing of the controllers of the 401‐level MMC‐HVDC link between France and Spain.
Three‐phase bidirectional dc/ac converter using a six‐leg inverter connected to a direct ac/ac converter
Authors: Waltrich Gierri , Duarte Jorge L. , Hendrix Marcel A.M.
Published: August 2015

In this study, a three‐phase bidirectional dc/ac converter is proposed using a direct ac/ac converter and a six‐leg converter, to avoid the use of dc‐link capacitors and to increase the current capability at the dc side. To link the six‐leg inverter to the direct ac/ac converter, three single‐phase high‐frequency transformers are implemented to simplify the topology, which will attract the industry. The direct ac/ac converter used in the study demonstrates reduced complexity and simpler modulation techniques compared with a conventional matrix converter. The analysis starts with the description of the proposed dc/ac converter for single phase, which is subsequently extended to a three‐phase dc/ac converter. A 20 kW prototype was built to verify and to validate the theoretical study of the proposed converter.
Estimation of the bifurcation point of a modulated‐hysteresis current‐controlled DC–DC boost converter: stability analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Gavagsaz‐Ghoachani Roghayeh , Phattanasak Matheepot , Zandi Majid , Martin Jean‐Philippe , Pierfederici Serge , Nahid‐Mobarakeh Babak , Davat Bernard
Published: August 2015

It is known that power electronic circuits such as DC–DC converters are rich in non‐linear phenomena. It is often necessary to determine when the system becomes unstable. The authors investigate a continuous‐time averaging model for a modulated‐hysteresis current controller. This model is applied to a boost converter working in continuous conduction mode to estimate the bifurcation point and to study the stability of the controlled system. This controller ensures a fixed‐switching frequency, a zero static error and high robustness properties of the system parameter variations. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed approach.
Range‐Doppler surface: a tool to analyse human target in ultra‐wideband radar
Authors: He Yuan , Molchanov Pavlo , Sakamoto Takuya , Aubry Pascal , Le Chevalier Francois , Yarovoy Alexander
Published: August 2015

A novel concept, called range‐Doppler surface (RDS), for human target analysis using ultra‐wideband radar is proposed. The construction of RDS involves range‐Doppler (RD) imaging, adaptive threshold detection and isosurface extraction. A Keystone‐transform‐based range migration compensation approach is proposed to allow high‐quality RD imaging using ultra‐wideband radar. Adaptive threshold detection is applied to detect the extended target in the RD image, and RDS is constructed by extracting an isosurface from a RD video sequence, which is defined as a sequence of RD images. In comparison with micro‐Doppler profiles and high‐resolution range profiles, RDS contains range, Doppler and time information simultaneously. An ellipsoid‐based human motion model is designed for validation. RDSs simulated for different human activities are demonstrated and discussed. Finally, experimental results for single/two‐people walking scenarios are presented to verify the simulation results. The use of the RDS opens a new area of human target analysis.
Flexible three‐dimensional printed antenna substrates
Authors: Bukhari Syed Sheheryar , Whittow William G. , Joubert Johan , Vardaxoglou John (Yiannis) Costas
Published: August 2015

Flexible heterogeneous substrates have been constructed, using three‐dimensional printing in a single process, by introducing air‐filled slots. These substrates have been used to substantially reduce the substrate losses for a flexible microstrip patch antenna causing an increase in its radiation efficiency. By combining transverse magnetic (TM)10 and TM01 modes the bandwidth of this antenna has also been increased.
Optimal allocation of distributed generation and remote control switches for reliability enhancement of a radial distribution system using oppositional differential search algorithm
Authors: Ray Saheli , Bhattacharya Aniruddha , Bhattacharjee Subhadeep
Published: August 2015

Reliability enhancement of power distribution system has attained much significance in the present competitive electricity market. Accordingly, methodologies to assess and improve distribution system reliability are also gaining much importance. This study proposes oppositional differential search (ODS) algorithm to solve reliability optimisation problem of radial distribution system. The objective of this study is to obtain the optimum number, size and location of distributed generation as well as optimal number and location of remote control switch simultaneously in radial distribution system in order to improve system reliability at a compromised cost. A multi‐objective function has been formulated here. Differential search (DS) algorithm imitates the seasonal migration behaviour of an organism in search of efficiency of food areas. Opposition‐based DS (ODS) algorithm has been used here to improve the quality of solution in minimum time. The proposed opposition‐based DS (ODS) algorithm utilises opposition‐based learning for Superorganism initialisation and also for iteration wise update operation. Simulation results obtained by ODS algorithm have been compared with that of DS algorithm and differential evolutionary algorithm. Simulation results reveal that ODS algorithm provides considerably superior performance, in terms of quality of solution obtained and computational efficiency.
Activation Volumes for the Hydration Reactions of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Conway William , Fernandes Debra , Rodríguez Carlos , Burns Robert , Martínez Manuel , Maeder Marcel
Published: August 2015

The hydration of CO2(aq) via reaction with H2O and OH– has been investigated using a high-pressure stopped flow apparatus, and the relevant rate constants for the reactions have been determined using a global analysis approach. The joint analysis of a series of kinetic measurements, for the formation and decomposition reactions, at a range of pressures from 400 to 1000 atm has been performed, and from the pressure dependence of the rate constants, the corresponding activation volume profiles determined for the two kinetic pathways. While a previous report exists for the hydration reaction with water, to our knowledge the activation volumes for the reaction of CO2 with hydroxide in this paper are the first to be reported in the literature. The extensive measurement data and robustness of the analysis approach, which additionally incorporates into, and corrects for, the effect of ionic strength on the kinetic data, positions the current data as the most reliable to date.
Volatile selenium fluxes from selenium-contaminated sediments in an Australian coastal lake
Authors: Ellwood Michael J. , Schneider Larissa , Potts Jaimie , Batley Graeme E. , Floyd John , Maher William A.
Published: August 2015

Environmental context
Methylation of sedimentary selenium to volatile dimethylselenide is a natural remediation process for contaminated aquatic systems. We present flux estimates for the loss of dimethylselenide from sediments of an anthropogenically affected lake and observe a 6-fold difference between late autumn–early winter and summer. The loss of dimethylselenide represents a significant sediment loss vector, of the same order as the diffusive loss flux for inorganic selenium across the sediment–water interface.

Abstract
Overflows from ash dams associated with the operation of coal-fired power stations in Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia, have been a historical source of selenium to the lake. Although dissolved selenium concentrations have been marginally elevated, sediments are the major sink. Methylation of sedimentary selenium to volatile dimethylselenide (DMSe) is known to be a natural remediation process. Sediments from north of Wyee Bay and the Vales Point Power Station were the subject of field sampling and monitoring to determine the extent to which selenium is being lost to the atmosphere as DMSe. Flux estimates were obtained by trapping volatile selenium species using benthic domes, followed by analysis in the field using a fully automated cryogenic trapping system with atomic fluorescence detection. The detection limit of the system was 0.1ngL–1 for DMSe and 1ngL–1 for dimethyl diselenide (DMDSe). Measurements in both summer and late autumn–early winter showed a distinct seasonal difference, with a higher summer DMSe flux of 53±25ng Se m–2h–1 (±s.d.) compared with 8±5ng Se m–2h–1 in late autumn–early winter. No DMDSe was detected. These fluxes are similar to those measured in Europe and North America, and represent an annual loss of 1.3kg of selenium per year from the nearby lake area. Lake-wide this would represent a significant loss to the atmosphere.
Electric condensation of divalent counterions by humic acid nanoparticles
Authors: van Leeuwen Herman P. , Town Raewyn M.
Published: August 2015

Environmental context
Humic acids are negatively charged soft nanoparticles that play a governing role in the speciation of many ionic and molecular compounds in the environment. The charge density in the humic acid nanoparticle can be very high and the binding of divalent cations such as Ca2+ appears to go far beyond traditional ion pairing or Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatics. A two-state approach, combining counterion condensation in the intraparticulate double layer and classical Donnan partitioning in the bulk of the particle, provides a satisfactory description of the physicochemical speciation.

Abstract
Experimental data for divalent counterion binding by soil humic acid nanoparticles are set against ion distributions as ensuing from continuous Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatics and a two-state condensation approach. The results demonstrate that Poisson–Boltzmann massively underestimates the extent of binding of Ca2+ by humic acid, and that electric condensation of these counterions within the soft nanoparticulate body must be involved. The measured stability of the Ca2+–humic acid associate is also much greater than that predicted for ion pairing between single Ca2+ ions and monovalent negative humic acid sites, which also points to extensive electrostatic cooperativity within the humic acid particle. At sufficiently high pH, the charge density inside the humic acid entity may indeed become so high that the bulk particle attains a very high and practically flat potential profile throughout. At this limit, all the intraparticulate Ca2+ is at approximately the same electrostatic potential and the status of individual ion pairs has become immaterial. A two-state model, combining counterion condensation in the charged intraparticulate part of the double layer at the particle–medium interface and Donnan partitioning in the uncharged bulk of the humic acid particle, seems to lead the way to adequate modelling of the divalent counterion binding for various particle sizes and different ionic strengths.