bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CMIP5 Earth System Models with biogeochemistry: a Ross Sea assessment
Authors: Rickard Graham , Behrens Erik
Published: May 2016

An assessment is made of the ability of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models to represent the seasonal cycles of biogeochemistry of the Ross Sea over the late twentieth century. In particular, sea surface temperature, sea ice concentration, surface chlorophyll a, nitrate, phosphate and silicate, and the depth of the seasonal thermocline (measuring vertical mixing) are examined to quantify the physical-biogeochemical capabilities of each model, and to provide for ‘ranked’ model ensembles. This permits critical assessment of modelled Ross Sea biogeochemical cycling, including less well observed variables such as iron and vertically integrated primary production. The assessment enables determination of model output confidence limits; these confidence limits are used to examine future model scenario projections for consideration of potential ecosystem changes. The future scenarios examined are the representative concentration pathways rcp4.5 and rcp8.5. Our study suggests that by the end of the twenty-first century under rcp4.5 and/or rcp8.5 that there will be average increases in sea surface temperature, surface chlorophyll a, integrated primary production and iron, average decreases in surface nitrate, phosphate and silicate, and relatively large decreases in the depth of the seasonal thermocline and percentage coverage by sea ice in the Ross Sea.
Infective endocarditis following Melody valve implantation: comparison with a surgical cohort
Authors: O’Donnell Clare , Holloway Rhonda , Tilton Elizabeth , Stirling John , Finucane Kirsten , Wilson Nigel
Published: May 2016

Background

Infective endocarditis has been reported post Melody percutaneous pulmonary valve implant; the incidence and risk factors, however, remain poorly defined. We identified four cases of endocarditis from our first 25 Melody implants. Our aim was to examine these cases in the context of postulated risk factors and directly compare endocarditis rates with local surgical valves.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients post Melody percutaneous pulmonary valve implant in New Zealand (October, 2009–May, 2015) and also reviewed the incidence of endocarditis in New Zealand among patients who have undergone surgical pulmonary valve implants.

Results

In total, 25 patients underwent Melody implantation at a median age of 18 years. At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, most were well with low valve gradient (median 27 mmHg) and only mild regurgitation. Two patients presented with life-threatening endocarditis and obstructive vegetations at 14 and 26 months post implant, respectively. Two additional patients presented with subacute endocarditis at 5.5 years post implant. From 2009 to May, 2015, 178 surgical pulmonic bioprostheses, largely Hancock valves and homografts, were used at our institution. At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, four patients (2%) had developed endocarditis in this group compared with 4/25 (16%) in the Melody group (p=0.0089). Three surgical valves have been replaced.

Conclusions

The Melody valve offers a good alternative to surgical conduit replacement in selected patients. Many patients have excellent outcomes in the medium term. Endocarditis, however, can occur and if associated with obstruction can be life threatening. The risk for endocarditis in the Melody group was higher in comparison with that in a contemporaneous surgical pulmonary implant cohort.
“THESE VERBAL PUZZLES”: WILKIE COLLINS, NEWSPAPER ENIGMAS, AND THE VICTORIAN READER AS SOLVER
Authors: Gilmore Dehn
Published: May 2016

In 1861, in a reviewof Wilkie Collins'sThe Woman in White, a critic for theSpectatorcomplained that, “We are threatened with a new variety of the sensation novel … the whole interest of which consists in the gradual unraveling of some carefully prepared enigma” (“The Enigma Novel” 20). He was hardly the only reviewer to use a vocabulary of “puzzlement” or “enigma” when discussing Collins's work. Whether we look to an earlier review ofThe Woman in Whiteto find Collins faulted as “not a great novelist … the fascination which he exercises … [is] that he is a good constructor. Each of his stories is a puzzle, the key to which is not handed to us till the third volume” (Rev. ofThe Woman in White249) – or whether we turn to a critic ofThe Moonstone, who found Collins and his latest production “[un]worthy”: “We are no especial admirers of the department of art to which he has devoted himself, any more than we are of double acrostics or anagrams, or any of the many kinds of puzzles on which it pleases some minds to exercise their ingenuity” (Page, ed. 171–72) – we come up against the fact that Collins's novels, and especially his sensation novels, were sometimes known as “enigma novels” in the Victorian period. We can see too that this was not necessarily intended as a complimentary label. Indeed, though our own contemporary tendency has been to employ this particular moniker in a more neutral, descriptive register – to denote simply some fictions' reliance on mystery – we quickly find that Victorian reviewers were not so dispassionate in their usage. Instead, tracking names like “conundrum novel” or “enigma novel,” and terms like “puzzle,” “enigma,” and even “anagram,” shows that Collins's critics often used such phrases to index some of the same kinds of problems or concerns they more familiarly described with a rhetoric of “sensation.” A short survey suggests that their language of “puzzles” and “enigmas,” like their language of shocks and nerves, expressed disappointment at Collins's tendency to create anticlimaxes (the novel fizzles when the “puzzle” is solved); his emphasis on plot – or “carefully prepared enigma[s]” – over character; and his potential to render readers amoral and passive – patient attendants of solutions (“the key to which is not handed to us”) – rather than creatively engaged thinkers or moral questers. A simple nickname would seem to be a damning label indeed, on fuller survey.
“THE TERRIBLE MÄELSTROM OF DEBT”: CREDIT, CONSUMPTION, AND MASCULINITY IN OXBRIDGE FICTION, 1841–1911
Authors: Shannon Brent
Published: May 2016

In 1907, writer and Oxford graduate Lionel Portmanbegan his novelThe Progress of Hugh Rendal: A 'Varsity Storywith an impassioned attack on the university system of fees and credit. “An unrighteous anomaly it seems that on entering Oxford University the first thing you have to do is to pay money,” Portman protests,

Once entered, apparently, you may owe it to the limit of your taste. The shops smile “Credit;” the streets sing of it, the breezes whisper “Put it down”; the whole spirit of the place assumes it as a matter of course; and that so sweet a symphony should begin on so harsh a chord appears an outrage unpardonable. But so in the wisdom of most colleges it is ordained. Thirty pounds, “caution money,” must be paid to the Bursar before he will write your name in his book of the Elect. And till this is paid, be your other debts what they may, you cannot owe to College or University. (1)

Upon enrolling in Oxford, the novel's earnest freshman hero Hugh is immediately subjected to a “baptism of debt,” and, by the end of his first year, he agonizes over the £58 in bills he owes to his grocer and other merchants (2, 102). Portman suggests that young undergraduates from families of modest means were ill-equipped to negotiate the consumer temptations that characterized the university experience and often met with painful – even disastrous – financial consequences. “What undergraduate,” the novelist asks his readers, “finding himself for the first time in the sublime position of having unlimited credit if very limited cash gives a thought to that distant but inevitable sunset, when he is informed that ‘The accounts of Mr. ––– have been placed in our hands for collection,’ etc., etc.?” (30).
BIFURCATION ANALYSIS OF A LOGISTIC PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM WITH DELAY
Authors: ÇELİK CANAN , ÇEKİÇ GÖKÇEN
Published: May 2016

We consider a coupled, logistic predator–prey system with delay. Mainly, by choosing the delay time${\it\tau}$as a bifurcation parameter, we show that Hopf bifurcation can occur as the delay time${\it\tau}$passes some critical values. Based on the normal-form theory and the centre manifold theorem, we also derive formulae to obtain the direction, stability and the period of the bifurcating periodic solution at critical values of ${\it\tau}$. Finally, numerical simulations are investigated to support our theoretical results.
Executive Functions as Predictors of School Performance and Social Relationships: Primary and Secondary School Students
Authors: Zorza Juan Pablo , Marino Julián , Acosta Mesas Alberto
Published: May 2016

This study examined the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and school performance in primary and secondary school students aged 8 to 13 years (N = 146, M = 10.4, 45.8% girls). EFs were evaluated using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Verbal Fluency (VF), and the Stroop Test. Students’ GPAs and teachers’ assessment of academic skills were used to measure school performance. To evaluate the students’ social behavior, participants were asked to rate all their classmates’ prosocial behavior and nominate three students with whom they preferred to do school activities; teachers also provided evaluations of students’ social skills. EF measures explained 41% (p = .003, f2 = .694) of variability in school performance and 29% (p = .005, f2 = .401) of variance in social behavior in primary school students. The predictive power of EFs was found to be lower for secondary school students, although the TMT showed significant prediction and explained 13% (p = .004, f2 = .149) of variance in school performance and 15% (p = .008, f2 = .176) in peer ratings of prosocial behavior. This paper discusses the relevance of EFs in the school environment and their different predictive power in primary and secondary school students.
Twin Chorionicity and the Risk of Hypertensive Disorders: Gestational Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Bartnik Pawel , Kosinska-Kaczynska Katarzyna , Kacperczyk Joanna , Ananicz Wojciech , Sierocińska Aleksandra , Wielgos Miroslaw , Szymusik Iwona
Published: May 2016

Twin gestation is known to be a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, the relationship between hypertensive disorders (pre-eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH)) and chorionicity of twin pregnancy is unclear, and published data is conflicting. We decided to analyze the relationship between placentation and prevalence of hypertensive disorders. It was a retrospective cohort study. 312 twin pregnancies delivered between 2009 and 2014 were analyzed, 79 of which were monochorionic and 233 dichorionic. The occurrence of PE and GH was established according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) guidelines. Hypertensive disorders were diagnosed significantly more often in dichorionic than in monochorionic twin pregnancies (19.7% vs. 8.9%; OR = 2.53 95% CI 1.04–6.45; p = .03). PE occurred more frequently in DCP (13.3% vs. 3.8%; OR = 3.88 95% CI 1.09–16.46; p = .02). There were no differences between those two groups in the prevalence of GH (6.4% vs. 5.1%; p = .79). The logistic regression model for the occurrence of PE included chorionicity, mother's age lower than 18 or higher than 40, pre-gestational obesity, in vitro fertilization, primiparity, gestational age at delivery, gestational diabetes, and active smoking. It showed that dichorionicity remained an independent risk factor for PE (adjusted OR = 4.97.0 95% CI 1.06–23.38; p = .04). Dichorionicity seems to be a risk factor for PE but not for GH development.
Osthole inhibits histamine-dependent itch via modulating TRPV1 activity
Authors: Yang Niu-Niu , Shi Hao , Yu Guang , Wang Chang-Ming , Zhu Chan , Yang Yan , Yuan Xiao-Lin , Tang Min , Wang Zhong-li , Gegen Tana , He Qian , Tang Kehua , Lan Lei , Wu Guan-Yi , Tang Zong-Xiang
Published: May 2016

Osthole, an active coumarin isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, has long been used in China as an antipruritic herbal medicine; however, the antipruitic mechanism of osthole is unknown. We studied the molecular mechanism of osthole in histamine-dependent itch by behavioral test, Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological experiments. First, osthole clearly remitted the scratching behaviors of mice induced with histamine, HTMT and VUF8430. Second, in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, osthole showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect to histamine. On the same neurons, osthole also decreased the response to capsaicin and histamine. In further tests, the capsaicin-induced inward currents were inhibited by osthole. These results revealed that osthole inhibited histamine-dependent itch by modulating TRPV1 activity. This study will be helpful in understanding how osthole exerts anti-pruritus effects and suggests that osthole may be a useful treatment medicine for histamine-dependent itch.
Blast shockwaves propagate Ca2+ activity via purinergic astrocyte networks in human central nervous system cells
Authors: Ravin Rea , Blank Paul S. , Busse Brad , Ravin Nitay , Vira Shaleen , Bezrukov Ludmila , Waters Hang , Guerrero-Cazares Hugo , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Lee Philip R. , Fields R. Douglas , Bezrukov Sergey M. , Zimmerberg Joshua
Published: May 2016

In a recent study of the pathophysiology of mild, blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) the exposure of dissociated, central nervous system (CNS) cells to simulated blast resulted in propagating waves of elevated intracellular Ca2+. Here we show, in dissociated human CNS cultures, that these calcium waves primarily propagate through astrocyte-dependent, purinergic signaling pathways that are blocked by P2 antagonists. Human, compared to rat, astrocytes had an increased calcium response and prolonged calcium wave propagation kinetics, suggesting that in our model system rat CNS cells are less responsive to simulated blast. Furthermore, in response to simulated blast, human CNS cells have increased expressions of a reactive astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and a protease, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9). The conjoint increased expression of GFAP and MMP-9 and a purinergic ATP (P2) receptor antagonist reduction in calcium response identifies both potential mechanisms for sustained changes in brain function following primary bTBI and therapeutic strategies targeting abnormal astrocyte activity.
Caffeine intake antagonizes salt sensitive hypertension through improvement of renal sodium handling
Authors: Yu Hao , Yang Tao , Gao Peng , Wei Xing , Zhang Hexuan , Xiong Shiqiang , Lu Zongshi , Li Li , Wei Xiao , Chen Jing , Zhao Yu , Arendshorst William J. , Shang Qianhui , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming
Published: May 2016

High salt intake is a major risk factor for hypertension. Although acute caffeine intake produces moderate diuresis and natriuresis, caffeine increases the blood pressure (BP) through activating sympathetic activity. However, the long-term effects of caffeine on urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure are rarely investigated. Here, we investigated whether chronic caffeine administration antagonizes salt sensitive hypertension by promoting urinary sodium excretion. Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats were fed with high salt diet with or without 0.1% caffeine in drinking water for 15 days. The BP, heart rate and locomotor activity of rats was analyzed and urinary sodium excretion was determined. The renal epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) expression and function were measured by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Chronic consumption of caffeine attenuates hypertension induced by high salt without affecting sympathetic nerve activity in Dahl-S rats. The renal α-ENaC expression and ENaC activity of rats decreased after chronic caffeine administration. Caffeine increased phosphorylation of AMPK and decrease α-ENaC expression in cortical collecting duct cells. Inhibiting AMPK abolished the effect of caffeine on α-ENaC. Chronic caffeine intake prevented the development of salt-sensitive hypertension through promoting urinary sodium excretion, which was associated with activation of renal AMPK and inhibition of renal tubular ENaC.
Localized surface plasmon enhanced photothermal conversion in Bi2Se3 topological insulator nanoflowers
Authors: Guozhi Jia , Peng Wang , Yanbang Zhang , Kai Chang
Published: May 2016

Localized surface plasmons (LSP), the confined collective excitations of electrons in noble metal and doped semiconductor nanostructures, enhance greatly local electric field near the surface of the nanostructures and result in strong optical response. LSPs of ordinary massive electrons have been investigated for a long time and were used as basic ingredient of plasmonics and metamaterials. LSPs of massless Dirac electrons, which could result in novel tunable plasmonic metamaterials in the terahertz and infrared frequency regime, are relatively unexplored. Here we report for first time the observation of LSPs in Bi2Se3 topological insulator hierarchical nanoflowers, which are consisted of a large number of Bi2Se3 nanocrystals. The existence of LSPs can be demonstrated by surface enhanced Raman scattering and absorbance spectra ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared. LSPs produce an enhanced photothermal effect stimulated by near-infrared laser. The excellent photothermal conversion effect can be ascribed to the existence of topological surface states, and provides us a new way for practical application of topological insulators in nanoscale heat source and cancer therapy.
A high definition Mueller polarimetric endoscope for tissue characterisation
Authors: Qi Ji , Elson Daniel S.
Published: May 2016

The contrast mechanism of medical endoscopy is mainly based on metrics of optical intensity and wavelength. As another fundamental property of light, polarization can not only reveal tissue scattering and absorption information from a different perspective, but can also provide insight into directional tissue birefringence properties to monitor pathological changes in collagen and elastin. Here we demonstrate a low cost wide field high definition Mueller polarimetric endoscope with minimal alterations to a rigid endoscope. We show that this novel endoscopic imaging modality is able to provide a number of image contrast mechanisms besides traditional unpolarized radiation intensity, including linear depolarization, circular depolarization, cross-polarization, directional birefringence and dichroism. This enhances tissue features of interest and additionally reveals tissue micro-structure and composition, which is of central importance for tissue diagnosis and image guidance for surgery. The potential applications of the Mueller polarimetric endoscope include wide field early epithelial cancer diagnosis, surgical margin detection and energy-based tissue fusion monitoring and could further benefit a wide range of endoscopic investigations through intra-operative guidance.
A Concerted Action Of Estradiol And Insulin Like Growth Factor I Underlies Sex Differences In Mood Regulation By Exercise
Authors: Munive Victor , Santi Andrea , Torres-Aleman Ignacio
Published: May 2016

Mood homeostasis present sexually dimorphic traits which may explain sex differences in the incidence of mood disorders. We explored whether diverse behavioral-setting components of mood may be differentially regulated in males and females by exercise, a known modulator of mood. We found that exercise decreases anxiety only in males. Conversely, exercise enhanced resilience to stress and physical arousal, two other important components of mood, only in females. Because exercise increases brain input of circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), a potent modulator of mood, we explored whether sex-specific actions of exercise on mood homeostasis relate to changes in brain IGF-I input. We found that exercise increased hippocampal IGF-I levels only in cycling females. Underlying mechanism involved activation of estrogen (E2) receptors in brain vessels that led to increased uptake of serum IGF-I as E2 was found to stimulate IGF-I uptake in brain endothelial cells. Indeed, modulatory effects of exercise on mood were absent in female mice with low serum IGF-I levels or after either ovariectomy or administration of an E2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that sex-specific brain IGF-I responses to physiological stimuli such as exercise contribute to dimorphic mood homeostasis that may explain sex differences in affective disorders.
Differential expression of transcriptional regulatory units in the prefrontal cortex of patients with bipolar disorder: potential role of early growth response gene 3
Authors: Pfaffenseller B , da Silva Magalhães P V , De Bastiani M A , Castro M A A , Gallitano A L , Kapczinski F , Klamt F
Published: May 2016

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness with a strong genetic component. Despite its high degree of heritability, current genetic studies have failed to reveal individual loci of large effect size. In lieu of focusing on individual genes, we investigated regulatory units (regulons) in BD to identify candidate transcription factors (TFs) that regulate large groups of differentially expressed genes. Network-based approaches should elucidate the molecular pathways governing the pathophysiology of BD and reveal targets for potential therapeutic intervention. The data from a large-scale microarray study was used to reconstruct the transcriptional associations in the human prefrontal cortex, and results from two independent microarray data sets to obtain BD gene signatures. The regulatory network was derived by mapping the significant interactions between known TFs and all potential targets. Five regulons were identified in both transcriptional network models: early growth response 3 (EGR3), TSC22 domain family, member 4 (TSC22D4), interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2), Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) and MAP-kinase-activating death domain (MADD). With a high stringency threshold, the consensus across tests was achieved only for the EGR3 regulon. We identified EGR3 in the prefrontal cortex as a potential key target, robustly repressed in both BD signatures. Considering that EGR3 translates environmental stimuli into long-term changes in the brain, disruption in biological pathways involving EGR3 may induce an impaired response to stress and influence on risk for psychiatric disorders, particularly BD.
Structural diversity and chemical synthesis of peroxide and peroxide-derived polyketide metabolites from marine sponges
Authors: Norris Matthew D. , Perkins Michael V.
Published: May 2016

The structural elucidation, chemical synthesis and therapeutic potential of peroxide and peroxide-derived sponge metabolites, with special focus on their intriguing structural similarities and differences from a biogenetic perspective, are reviewed.
Silver colloids as plasmonic substrates for direct label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis of DNA
Authors: Torres-Nuñez A. , Faulds K. , Graham D. , Alvarez-Puebla R. A. , Guerrini L.
Published: May 2016

Unraveling the role played by the surface chemistry of silver colloids in the direct SERS analysis of DNA.
Selective precipitation of alkyl dihalides using a newly synthesized water-soluble bisphosphorylpillar[5]arene
Authors: Cheng Wenjin , Tang Hao , Wang Rongrong , Wang Lingyun , Meier Herbert , Cao Derong
Published: May 2016

Bisphosphorylpillar[5]areneH2binds strongly to alkyldiammonium ions and alkyl dihalides. The halogen bonds betweenH2and alkyl dihalides lead to the rapid precipitation of the complex in water.
Time dependent DFT investigation of the optical properties of artificial light harvesting special pairs
Authors: Agnihotri Neha , Steer Ronald P.
Published: May 2016

Simulated absorption spectra of (ZnTriPP)2DPB dimer in which Q band is enhanced 50 times for visibility.
The influence of dopant concentration on temperature dependent emission spectra in LiLa1−x−yEuxTbyP4O12 nanocrystals: toward rational design of highly-sensitive luminescent nanothermometers
Authors: Marciniak L. , Bednarkiewicz A.
Published: May 2016

Luminescence nanothermometry is gaining great interest, and different excitation and readout schemes have been sought to improve temperature sensitivity and sensing range, or to simplify the readout.
Electronic structure of p-type perylene monoimide-based donor–acceptor dyes on the nickel oxide (100) surface: a DFT approach
Authors: Kontkanen O. V. , Niskanen M. , Hukka T. I. , Rantala T. T.
Published: May 2016

A p-type dye-sensitized solar cell, where the dye injects a hole into the semiconductor, could be combined with a typical Grätzel cell to create an efficient tandem device.
Fragment molecular orbital study of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalyzed phosphoryl transfer: a comparison with the differential transition state stabilization method
Authors: Öberg H. , Brinck T.
Published: May 2016

The importance of key residues to the activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalyzed phosphoryl transfer and to the stabilization of the transition state of the reaction has been investigated by means of the fragment molecular orbital method.
One-pot production of 2,5-dimethylfuran from fructose over Ru/C and a Lewis–Brønsted acid mixture in N,N-dimethylformamide
Authors: Wei Zuojun , Lou Jiongtao , Li Zhenbin , Liu Yingxin
Published: May 2016

A one-pot process for the production of 2,5-dimethylfuran from fructose by using Ru/C and a Lewis–Brønsted acid mixture as catalysts.
Metallocalixarene catalysts: α-olefin polymerization and ROP of cyclic esters
Authors: Redshaw Carl
Published: May 2016

This perspective review discusses metallocalix[n]arene complexes that have been employed in either α-olefin polymerization or in the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters over the last 5 years.
New [(η5-C5H5)Ru(N–N)(PPh3)][PF6] compounds: colon anticancer activity and GLUT-mediated cellular uptake of carbohydrate-appended complexes
Authors: Florindo Pedro R. , Pereira Diane M. , Borralho Pedro M. , Costa Paulo J. , Piedade M. F. M. , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Fernandes Ana C.
Published: May 2016

Ruthenium glycoconjugates, with privileged passage through HCT116 colon cancer cell membranesviaglucose transporters, are reported.
Luminescence behaviour of Mn4+ions in seven coordination environments of K3ZrF7
Authors: Tan Huiying , Rong Meizhu , Zhou Yayun , Yang Zhiyu , Wang Zhengliang , Zhang Qiuhan , Wang Qin , Zhou Qiang
Published: May 2016

A single-phased K3ZrF7:Mn4+has been successfully synthesized, in which Mn4+playing as the luminescent center to absorb blue light and emit red light. Obvious warm white light can be observed from the WLED based on this red phosphor.
Translating vibrational spectroscopy into clinical applications – vision or reality?
Authors: Petrich Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

The Faraday Discussion meeting “Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy for Biomedical Applications” provided an excellent opportunity to share and discuss recent research and applications on a highly interdisciplinary level. Spectral pathology, single cell analysis, data handling, clinical spectroscopy, and the spectral analysis of biofluids were among the topics covered during the meeting. The focus on discussion rather than “merely” presentation was highly appreciated and fruitful discussions evolved around the interpretation of the amide-bands, optical resolution, the role of diffraction and data analysis procedure, to name a few. The meeting made clear that the spectroscopy of molecular vibrations in biomolecules has evolved from a purely academic research tool to a technology used in clinical practice in some cases. In this sense, biomedical vibrational spectroscopy has reached a pivotal point at which questions like diagnostic value, therapeutic consequence and financial viability are gaining more and more importance.
Genetic incorporation of 1,2-aminothiol functionality for site-specific protein modification via thiazolidine formation
Authors: Bi Xiaobao , Pasunooti Kalyan Kumar , Tareq Ahmad Hussen , Takyi-Williams John , Liu Chuan-Fa
Published: May 2016

Thiazolidine ligation was used to modify site-specifically proteins harbouring a 1,2-aminothiol moiety introduced by amber codon suppression technology.
Development of a novel biomimetic micro/nano-hierarchical interface for enhancement of osseointegration
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhu Songsong , Li Jihua , Zhang Li , Liao Yunmao , Hu Jing
Published: May 2016

In the present study, a novel biomimetic micro/nano-hierarchical interface was obtained and an unexpected trabecular bone-like interface was given.
A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence sensor for sensitive detection of fluoride ions in water and toothpaste
Authors: Qiu Bo , Zeng Yi , Cao Lixia , Hu Rui , Zhang Xiaohui , Yu Tianjun , Chen Jinping , Yang Guoqiang , Li Yi
Published: May 2016

The colorimetric and ratiometric sensor shows significant spectral response towards fluoride ions in water with a detection limit as low as 2.7 ppb, enabling direct observation with the bare eye as well as quantitative determination of F− in toothpaste.
Antioxidant and dual dose-dependent antigenotoxic and genotoxic properties of an ethanol extract of propolis
Authors: Cruz M. , Antunes P. , Paulo L. , Ferreira A. M. , Cunha A. , Almeida-Aguiar C. , Oliveira R.
Published: May 2016

Propolis is a resinous product made by honeybees from plant-derived materials, with high content of polyphenols associated to beneficial bioactivities with potential use as a natural food additive for preservation and as a functional food ingredient.
Exploring structural requirements for the inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase-4 (PfCDPK-4) using multiple in silico approaches
Authors: Aher Rahul Balasaheb , Roy Kunal
Published: May 2016

Plasmodial protein kinases represent one of the most important thrust areas for antimalarial drug discovery.
A facile construction of quaternized polymer brush-grafted graphene modified polysulfone based composite anion exchange membranes with enhanced performance
Authors: Hu Bo , Liu Lingdi , Zhao Yanxu , Lü Changli
Published: May 2016

Novel quaternized polymer brush-functionalized graphenes (QPbGs) were synthesized and a series of composite anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells were fabricated by incorporating different amounts of QPbGs into quaternized polysulfone.
Colorimetric detection of influenza A (H1N1) virus by a peptide-functionalized polydiacetylene (PEP-PDA) nanosensor
Authors: Song Sinae , Ha Kab , Guk Kyeonghye , Hwang Seul-Gee , Choi Jong Min , Kang Taejoon , Bae Pankee , Jung Juyeon , Lim Eun-Kyung
Published: May 2016

​We developed a peptide-functionalized polydiacetylene nanosensor for pH1N1 virus detection with the naked eye.
Magnetic BiFeO3 grafted with MWCNT hybrids as advanced photocatalysts for removing organic contamination with a high concentration
Authors: Wang XiaoFei , Fan JinChen , Qian Fei , Min YuLin
Published: May 2016

This work focuses on a novel visible light responsive photocatalysis system for removing organic contamination employing MWCNTs as a scaffold and an efficient electron relay mediator and visible light and magnetically responsive BiFeO3.
Mechanical and thermal behaviours of graphite flake-reinforced acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene composites and their correlation with entanglement density, adhesion, reinforcement and C factor
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar , Kumar Ravindra , Kachhavah Vashu Singh , Kar Kamal K.
Published: May 2016

Dynamic mechanical properties of the polymer composites prepared by melt compounding of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and graphite flakes (GFs).
Graphene quantum dots from fishbone carbon nanofibers
Authors: Torres D. , Pinilla J. L. , Gálvez E. M. , Suelves I.
Published: May 2016

Photoluminescent graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQD) obtained from chemically oxidized fishbone carbon nanofibers (CNF) and separated by degressive differential centrifugation.
Ultrathin annealing-free polymer layers: new opportunity to enhance mobility and stability of low-voltage thin-film organic transistors
Authors: Ji Deyang , Wang Chengliang , Hu Wenping , Fuchs Harald
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate an ultrathin annealing-free polymer layer with compact structure and perfect surface state which makes the application of ultra-thin devices and low-power consumption possible.
Electrostatic self-assembled graphene oxide-collagen scaffolds towards a three-dimensional microenvironment for biomimetic applications
Authors: Girão André F. , Gonçalves Gil , Bhangra Kulraj S. , Phillips James B. , Knowles Jonathan , Irurueta Gonzalo , Singh Manoj K. , Bdkin Igor , Completo António , Marques Paula A. A. P.
Published: May 2016

The manipulation of the interactions between the cationic amine groups from collagen and the anionic carboxylic groups from graphene oxide mediate the synthesis of a self-assembled hydrogel capable of generate suitable 3D cellular microenvironments.
Carbon nanotube containing Ag catalyst layers for efficient and selective reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Ma Sichao , Luo Raymond , Gold Jake I. , Yu Aaron Z. , Kim Byoungsu , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: May 2016

The incorporation of MWCNT in the Ag electrode catalyst layer improves charge transfer within the catalyst layer, therefore significantly enhancing catalyst utilization for the electroreduction of CO2to CO.
Graphene-based porous carbon-Pd/SnO2 nanocomposites with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability for methanol oxidation
Authors: Nan Lirui , Fan Zetan , Yue Wenbo , Dong Qiao , Zhu Lisha , Yang Liu , Fan Louzhen
Published: May 2016

Pd nanoparticles with a trace of SnO2 are prepared on a novel graphene-based porous carbon and they show dramatically improved electrocatalytic activity and durability for methanol oxidation compared to porous carbon supported Pd catalysts with SnO2 or graphene-based porous carbon supported Pd catalysts without SnO2.
Efficiency and long-term durability of a nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanotube electrocatalyst synthesized by defluorination-assisted nanotube-substitution for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yokoyama Koji , Yokoyama Shun , Sato Yoshinori , Hirano Kazutaka , Hashiguchi Shinji , Motomiya Kenichi , Ohta Hiromichi , Takahashi Hideyuki , Tohji Kazuyuki , Sato Yoshinori
Published: May 2016

A nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanotube electrocatalyst synthesized by defluorination-assisted nanotube-substitution exhibits excellent performances for oxygen reduction reaction.
Thermoelectric–photoelectric composite nanocables induced a larger efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: He Hongcai , Zhang Chuanbo , Liu Tao , Cao Yonghai , Wang Ning , Guo Zhanhu
Published: May 2016

A significantly increased energy usage efficiency was reported to arise from the thermoelectric electromotive force caused by the temperature gradient in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Paramagnetic albumin decorated CuInS2/ZnS QDs for CD133+ glioma bimodal MR/fluorescence targeted imaging
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hao Guangyu , Yao Chenfei , Hu Su , Hu Chunhong , Zhang Bingbo
Published: May 2016

A sensitive, specific, accurate and biocompatible molecular nanoprobe is constructed, by rational design of the structure and an advanced surface engineering strategy, with MR/fluorescence imaging modalities for CD133+ glioma bimodal targeted imaging.
Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue: stem cells
Authors: Suggs Laura J. , Marra Kacey G.
Published: May 2016

Guest editors Laura J. Suggs and Kacey G. Marra introduce this Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on stem cells.
Highly luminescent monolayer protected Ag56Se13S15clusters
Authors: Manju C. K. , Chakraborty Indranath , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: May 2016

Highly luminescent monolayer protected mixed silver chalcogenide clusters showing high sensitivity towards mercury ions.
Third-order nonlinear optical properties of methylammonium lead halide perovskite films
Authors: Johnson Justin C. , Li Zhen , Ndione Paul F. , Zhu Kai
Published: May 2016

We report third-order nonlinear coefficient values and decay time kinetics vs. halide composition (CH3NH3PbBr3 and CH3NH3PbBr2I), temperature, and excitation wavelength.
Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution based predictive handoff for heterogeneous networks
Authors: Kabiri Sepideh , Kalbkhani Hashem , Lotfollahzadeh Tahereh , Shayesteh Mahrokh G. , Solouk Vahid
Published: May 2016

This study presents an efficient handoff algorithm for heterogeneous networks comprising macrocells, microcells, picocells, and femtocells. The proposed algorithm is based on call admission control (CAC) for selecting target base station (BS) from a list of neighbouring candidate BSs, as well as using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) as decision method. The introduced algorithm takes into account multiple criteria including measured received signal strength (RSS) and signal‐to‐interference‐plus noise ratio (SINR), predicted RSS and SINR, and number of free resource blocks of neighbouring BSs. With the use of TOPSIS, neighbouring BSs are ordered based on their priority determined using the five mentioned criteria. Selection of target BS from ordered list is then performed using CAC. Also, coverage expansion is used to retain the connection when there is not any BS for handoff. In addition, in order to predict the RSS and SINR samples, the logistic smooth transition autoregressive model is used. Performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in terms of ping‐pong rate, outage probability, and throughput. The results indicate efficiency of the proposed algorithm in reducing number of unnecessary handoffs while significantly increasing throughput and decreasing connection dropping when compared with conventional algorithms.
Ultra‐high birefringent and dispersion‐flattened low loss single‐mode terahertz wave guiding
Authors: Rana Sohel , Ali Sharafat , Ahmed Nasim , Islam Raonaqul , Aljunid Syed Alwee
Published: May 2016

This study proposes a dielectric terahertz (THz) porous core fibre with ultra‐high birefringence and near zero dispersion‐flattened properties. The finite element method is used to design and analyse properties of the proposed THz fibre. The proposed porous core crystal fibre has a triangular lattice with microstructured circular air holes in the outer cladding and elliptical air holes in the core. The design exhibits a high birefringence of 7 × 10−2 and a low effective material loss of 0.1 cm−1 at the operating frequency of f = 1 THz. It also shows nearly zero flattened dispersion with an absolute dispersion variation of ±0.05 ps/THz/cm in the frequency range of 1.3 to 2.2 THz. Power fraction and confinement loss are also reported in this study. The proposed THz porous fibre is deemed suitable for polarisation‐maintaining THz wave guidance.
Performance enhancement of asymmetrical underlap 3D‐cylindrical GAA‐TFET with low spacer width
Authors: Beohar Ankur , Vishvakarma Santosh K.
Published: May 2016

A comparative study of cylindrical gate‐all‐around (Cyl‐GAA) tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) based on underlaps with varying spacer width is presented. Extensively, simulation results show that asymmetrical underlap (AU) GAA‐TFET with low spacer width enhances the fringing field within the spacer. The proposed device structure has high ION (6.9 × 10−4A/µm), low IOFF (2.5 × 10−17A/µm), and an enhanced ION/IOFF (1013). This is due to the high series resistance at drain channel junction caused by AU. Furthermore, the proposed structure exhibits a steeper subthreshold swing (30 mV/dec) when compared with symmetrical underlap (SU) Cyl‐GAA‐TFET.
Fundamental form of the electrostatic δf-PIC algorithm and discovery of a converged numerical instability
Authors: Wilkie George J. , Dorland William
Published: May 2016

The δf particle-in-cell algorithm has been a useful tool in studying the physics of plasmas, particularly turbulent magnetized plasmas in the context of gyrokinetics. The reduction in noise due to not having to resolve the full distribution function indicates an efficiency advantage over the standard (“full-f”) particle-in-cell. Despite its successes, the algorithm behaves strangely in some circumstances. In this work, we document a fully resolved numerical instability that occurs in the simplest of multiple-species test cases: the electrostatic ΩH mode. There is also a poorly understood numerical instability that occurs when one is under-resolved in particle number, which may require a prohibitively large number of particles to stabilize. Both of these are independent of the time-stepping scheme, and we conclude that they exist if the time advancement were exact. The exact analytic form of the algorithm is presented, and several schemes for mitigating these instabilities are also presented.
Two touching spherical drops in a uniaxial compressional flow: The effect of interfacial slip
Authors: Goel Sachin , Ramachandran Arun
Published: May 2016

This study presents a semi-analytical solution for the problem of two touching drops with slipping interfaces pushed against each other in a uniaxial compressional flow at low capillary and Reynolds numbers. The jump in the tangential velocity at the liquid-liquid interface is modeled using the Navier slip condition. Analytical solutions of the contact force, the drop-scale stresses, and the drop-scale pressure are provided as functions of the slip coefficient α, the viscosity ratio κ, and the drop size ratio k. Since unequal drop sizes are considered, two problems are solved in the tangent sphere co-ordinate system to determine the steady state position: a pair of touching drops with its contact point at the origin of an axisymmetric straining flow, and two touching drops placed in a uniform flow parallel to the axis of symmetry of the drops. A general observation is that the effect of slip is manifested most strongly for drops whose viscosity is much greater than the suspending fluid κ≫1. For highly viscous drops, the flow and stress fields transition from those corresponding to solid particles for ακ ≪ 1, to those for inviscid drops in the limit ακ ≫ 1. The analytical expressions provided here for the contact force and the stress distributions will serve to provide the restrictions that complete the definition of the lubrication flow problem in the thin film between the two colliding drops. While the contact force that drains fluid out of the thin film is relatively unaffected by slip, the tangential stress and pressure in the near-contact region are mitigated significantly for ακ ≫ 1. The latter is expected to assist coalescence at high capillary numbers.
Temperature of maximum density and excess thermodynamics of aqueous mixtures of methanol
Authors: González-Salgado D. , Zemánková K. , Noya E. G. , Lomba E.
Published: May 2016

In this work, we present a study of representative excess thermodynamic properties of aqueous mixtures of methanol over the complete concentration range, based on extensive computer simulation calculations. In addition to test various existing united atom model potentials, we have developed a new force-field which accurately reproduces the excess thermodynamics of this system. Moreover, we have paid particular attention to the behavior of the temperature of maximum density (TMD) in dilute methanol mixtures. The presence of a temperature of maximum density is one of the essential anomalies exhibited by water. This anomalous behavior is modified in a non-monotonous fashion by the presence of fully miscible solutes that partly disrupt the hydrogen bond network of water, such as methanol (and other short chain alcohols). In order to obtain a better insight into the phenomenology of the changes in the TMD of water induced by small amounts of methanol, we have performed a new series of experimental measurements and computer simulations using various force fields. We observe that none of the force-fields tested capture the non-monotonous concentration dependence of the TMD for highly diluted methanol solutions.
Characterization of the equilibrium configuration for modulated beams in a plasma wakefield accelerator
Authors: Martorelli Roberto , Pukhov Alexander
Published: May 2016

We analyze the equilibrium configuration for a modulated beam with sharp boundaries exposed to the fields self-generated by the interaction with a plasma. Through a semi-analytical approach, we show the presence of multiple equilibrium configurations and we determine the one more suitable for wakefield excitation. Once pointed out the absence of confinement for the front of the beam and the consequently divergence driven by the emittance, we study the evolution of the equilibrium configuration while propagating in the plasma, discarding all the other time-dependencies. We show the onset of a rigid backward drift of the equilibrium configuration, and we provide an explanation in the increasing length of the first bunch.
Singularity and Bohm criterion in hot positive ion species in the electronegative ion sources
Authors: Aslaninejad Morteza , Yasserian Kiomars
Published: May 2016

The structure of the discharge for a magnetized electronegative ion source with two species of positive ions is investigated. The thermal motion of hot positive ions and the singularities involved with it are taken into account. By analytical solution of the neutral region, the location of the singular point and also the values of the plasma parameter such as electric potential and ion density at the singular point are obtained. A generalized Bohm criterion is recovered and discussed. In addition, for the non-neutral solution, the numerical method is used. In contrast with cold ion plasma, qualitative changes are observed. The parameter space region within which oscillations in the density and potential can be observed has been scanned and discussed. The space charge behavior in the vicinity of edge of the ion sources has also been discussed in detail.
Ultrasonic power measurement system based on acousto-optic interaction
Authors: He Liping , Zhu Fulong , Chen Yanming , Duan Ke , Lin Xinxin , Pan Yongjun , Tao Jiaquan
Published: May 2016

Ultrasonic waves are widely used, with applications including the medical, military, and chemical fields. However, there are currently no effective methods for ultrasonic power measurement. Previously, ultrasonic power measurement has been reliant on mechanical methods such as hydrophones and radiation force balances. This paper deals with ultrasonic power measurement based on an unconventional method: acousto-optic interaction. Compared with mechanical methods, the optical method has a greater ability to resist interference and also has reduced environmental requirements. Therefore, this paper begins with an experimental determination of the acoustic power in water contained in a glass tank using a set of optical devices. Because the light intensity of the diffraction image generated by acousto-optic interaction contains the required ultrasonic power information, specific software was written to extract the light intensity information from the image through a combination of filtering, binarization, contour extraction, and other image processing operations. The power value can then be obtained rapidly by processing the diffraction image using a computer. The results of this work show that the optical method offers advantages that include accuracy, speed, and a noncontact measurement method.