bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of an artificial reef system on the transient fish assemblages – south-eastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Da Rocha Diogo Fonseca , Franco Marcos Alberto Lima , Gatts Pedro Vianna , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: October 2014

Artificial reefs (ARs) are often used to improve fishing and, consequently, the economy of a region. However, the way in which the species use the reefs may vary between fish assemblages. An assessment was made of the influence of an AR complex on the transient fish population off the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state and, therefore, two control areas were sampled. Gillnets were used to capture individual fish in six sampling surveys. Cumulative abundance and biomass curves (ABC) were used to assess the possible effects of the reefs on the community's functional structure. In the dry season, during which the influence of the Paraíba do Sul River is smaller, a larger richness ofr-strategy species and juveniles ofK-strategy species was observed in the reef area compared with the control areas, suggesting that the AR acts as a protective environment for these species. During the lower river discharge period the results indicated a potential disturbance in the functional structure of the AR fish community and, therefore, a less stable environment relative to the control areas. This ‘instability’ warrants a positive connotation, as it indicates that the artificial reefs are harbouring species that are particularly sensitive to predation, making the reef a powerful tool for maintaining these populations on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro.
Malthus is still wrong: we can feed a world of 9–10 billion, but only by reducing food demand
Authors: Smith Pete
Published: October 2014

In 1798, Thomas Robert Malthus published ‘An essay on the principle of population’ in which he concluded that: ‘The power of population is so superior to the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race.’ Over the following century he was criticised for underestimating the potential for scientific and technological innovation to provide positive change. Since then, he has been proved wrong, with a number of papers published during the past few decades pointing out why he has been proved wrong so many times. In the present paper, I briefly review the main changes in food production in the past that have allowed us to continue to meet ever growing demand for food, and I examine the possibility of these same innovations delivering food security in the future. On the basis of recent studies, I conclude that technological innovation can no longer be relied upon to prove Malthus wrong as we strive to feed 9–10 billion people by 2050. Unless we are prepared to accept a wide range of significant, undesirable environmental consequences, technology alone cannot provide food security in 2050. Food demand, particularly the demand for livestock products, will need to be managed if we are to continue to prove Malthus wrong into the future.
THE AGORA OF GYTHEUM
Authors: Kanellopoulos Chrysanthos , Zavvou Eleni
Published: October 2014

The Roman ‘Agora’ of Gytheum appears to be a large compound with an interior peristyle; its width is 52 m and its length at least 61 m. Excavations have revealed the remains of the north-east corner and a portion of the west wing. The extant architectural blocks allow the reconstruction of the colonnades. Column shafts were made of local red limestone and at least some of them were crowned with lotus-and-acanthus capitals. Three different interaxial column spacings are present. A single column must have stood on each corner of the peristyle. The style of the column capital suggests a date after the yearad100. The entablature is almost identical, in both style and dimensions, to the one found on the Captives' Facade at Corinth. The inscription on two epistyles reveals the private dedication of an exedra totheoi Sebastoiand the city. Most probably the exedra was behind the colonnaded space; the mention oftheoi Sebastoimight suggest imperial cult either in the exedra alone or both in the exedra and in the entire colonnaded compound. Quite possibly, and following A. Themos' suggestion, a large part of the colonnaded compound that is conventionally termed the ‘Agora’ can be identified with the Sebasteum/Caesareum of Gytheum; this latter structure is attested in other inscriptions from the city.
High-efficiency acceleration by the combination of laser and electrostatic field
Authors: Lin H. , Liu C.P. , Wang C. , Shen B.F.
Published: October 2014

A new scheme of particle acceleration is verified by the investigation on single-body dynamics of charged particle in a compound field setup. This compound field setup contains a linear polarized laser field and a DC electric field which is along the direction of laser magnetic field. This setup can cause a charged particle to be of aperiodic motion and significantly high kinetic energy. Moreover, the contribution from the motion vertical to accelerating electric field is fully taken into account and is found to be essential to efficient acceleration. The efficiency of such a setup in acceleration is higher than that of a single laser.
Chemically induced enucleation of activated bovine oocytes: chromatin and microtubule organization and production of viable cytoplasts
Authors: Saraiva Naiara Zoccal , Oliveira Clara Slade , Leal Cláudia Lima Verde , de Lima Marina Ragagnin , Del Collado Maite , Vantini Roberta , Monteiro Fabio Morato , Niciura Simone Cristina Méo , Garcia Joaquim Mansano
Published: October 2014

As the standard enucleation method in mammalian nuclear transfer is invasive and damaging to cytoplast spatial organization, alternative procedures have been developed over recent years. Among these techniques, chemically induced enucleation (IE) is especially interesting because it does not employ ultraviolet light and reduces the amount of cytoplasm eliminated during the procedure. The objective of this study was to optimize the culture conditions with demecolcine of pre-activated bovine oocytes for chemically IE, and to evaluate nuclear and microtubule organization in cytoplasts obtained by this technique and their viability. In the first experiment, a negative effect on oocyte activation was verified when demecolcine was added at the beginning of the process, reducing activation rates by approximately 30%. This effect was not observed when demecolcine was added to the medium after 1.5 h of activation. In the second experiment, although a reduction in the number of microtubules was observed in most oocytes, these structures did not disappear completely during assessment. Approximately 50% of treated oocytes presented microtubule reduction at the end of the evaluation period, while 23% of oocytes were observed to exhibit the complete disappearance of these structures and 28% exhibited visible microtubules. These findings indicated the lack of immediate microtubule repolymerization after culture in demecolcine-free medium, a fact that may negatively influence embryonic development. However, cleavage rates of 63.6–70.0% and blastocyst yield of 15.5–24.2% were obtained in the final experiment, without significant differences between techniques, indicating that chemically induced enucleation produces normal embryos.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, vascular risk factors and events: a systematic literature review
Authors: Keller Amelie , Heitmann Berit L , Olsen Nanna
Published: October 2014

Objective

A high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been linked to weight gain, obesity and type 2 diabetes; however, the influence on CVD risk remains unclear. Therefore, our objective was to summarize current evidence for an association between SSB consumption and cardiovascular risk factors and events.

Design

The article search was performed in August 2013. Two independent researchers performed the article search and selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Eligible studies reported the intake of SSB and one of the following outcomes: change in blood pressure, blood lipid or blood sugar, or CVD events such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Only intervention and longitudinal studies were included.

Subjects

Only studies in adults (aged 18+ years old) were considered.

Results

Two of four prospective studies found clear direct associations between SSB consumption and CHD, while two of three studies, including both men and women, found direct associations between SSB consumption and stroke; however, the association was significant among women only. All included studies examining vascular risk factors found direct associations between SSB consumption and change in blood pressure, blood lipid or blood sugar.

Conclusions

The reviewed studies generally showed that SSB intake was related to vascular risk factors, whereas associations with vascular events were less consistent. Due to a limited number of published papers, especially regarding vascular events, the strength of the evidence is still limited and hence more studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
Low-insertion loss phase shifter for millimeter-wave phased array antennas
Authors: Abdellatif Ahmed Shehata , Taeb Aidin , Ranjkesh Nazy , Gigoyan Suren , Nenasheva Elizaveta , Safavi-Naeini Safieddin
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes a compact, low-loss, and low-cost phase shifter for millimeter-wave/sub-THz applications. The basic idea is to perturb the propagation constant of a high resistivity silicon image guide by high-dielectric constant barium lanthanide tetratitanates (BLT) ceramic loading. Three different BLT ceramic samples have been tested. The measured maximum phase-shift variation reaches 150° at 100 GHz with an average insertion loss of 2.85 dB and an insertion loss variation <0.7 dB for a sample of a 5-mm length. The proposed phase shifter has a bandwidth from 95 to 105 GHz. A low-cost fabrication technology has been developed and used to realize this phase shifter.
Direct optic nerve sheath (DONS) application of Schwann cells prolongs retinal ganglion cell survival in vivo
Authors: Guo L , Davis B , Nizari S , Normando E M , Shi H , Galvao J , Turner L , Shi J , Clements M , Parrinello S , Cordeiro M F
Published: October 2014

Cell-based therapies are increasingly recognized as a potential strategy to treat retinal neurodegenerative disease. Their administration, however, is normally indirect and complex, often with an inability to assess in real time their effects on cell death and their migration/integration into the host retina. In the present study, using a partial optic nerve transection (pONT) rat model, we describe a new method of Schwann cell (SC) delivery (direct application to injured optic nerve sheath, SC/DONS), which was compared with intravitreal SC delivery (SC/IVT). Both SC/DONS and SC/IVT were able to be assessedin vivousing imaging to visualize retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis and SC retinal integration. RGC death in the pONT model was best fitted to the one-phase exponential decay model. Although both SC/DONS and SC/IVT altered the temporal course of RGC degeneration in pONT, SC/DONS resulted in delayed but long-lasting effects on RGC protection, compared with SC/IVT treatment. In addition, their effects on primary and secondary degeneration, and axonal regeneration, were also investigated, by histology, whole retinal counting, and modelling of RGC loss. SC/DONS was found to significantly reduce RGC apoptosisin vivoand significantly increase RGC survival by targeting secondary rather than primary degeneration. Both SC/DONS and SC/IVT were found to promote RGC axonal regrowth after optic nerve injury, with evidence of GAP-43 expression in RGC somas and axons. SC/DONS may have the potential in the treatment of optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma. We show that SC transplantation can be monitored in real time and that the protective effects of SCs are associated with targeting secondary degeneration, with implications for translating cell-based therapies to the clinic.
Involvement of FoxO1 in the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on inhibition of apoptosis in mouse granulosa cells
Authors: Shen M , Liu Z , Li B , Teng Y , Zhang J , Tang Y , Sun S-C , Liu H
Published: October 2014

In mammalian ovaries, follicular atresia occurs periodically and destroys almost all the follicles in the ovary. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts as the primary survival factor during follicular atresia by preventing apoptosis in granulosa cells. FoxO1 is a critical factor in promoting follicular atresia and granulosa cell apoptosis. FSH inhibits the induction of FoxO1. In this report, we investigated the role of FSH-FoxO1 pathway in mouse follicular atresia. FSH dampened stress-induced apoptosis and the expression of FoxO1 and pro-apoptosis genes in mouse granulosa cells (MGCs). In contrast, overexpression of FoxO1 inhibited the viability of MGCs and induced the expression of endogenous FoxO1. The signaling cascades involved in regulating FoxO1 activity upon FSH treatment were identified using FSH signaling antagonists. Blocking protein kinase A (PKA), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) or protein kinase B (AKT) restored the upregulation of FoxO1 and apoptotic signals, which was suppressed by FSH. Moreover, inhibition of PKA or PI3K impaired FSH-induced AKT activity, but inactivation of PI3K or AKT had little effect on PKA activity in the presence of FSH. Correspondingly, constitutive activation of FoxO1 (all three AKT sites were replaced by alanines) also promoted MGC apoptosis despite FSH administration. Furthermore, both luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that FoxO1 directly bound to a FoxO-recognized element site within the FoxO1 promoter and contributed to the regulation of FoxO1 expression in response to FSH. Taken together, we propose a novel model in which FSH downregulates FoxO1-dependent apoptosis in MGCs by coordinating the PKA–PI3K–AKT–FoxO1 axis and FoxO1–FoxO1 positive feedback.
Inhibition of human positive cofactor 4 radiosensitizes human esophageal squmaous cell carcinoma cells by suppressing XLF-mediated nonhomologous end joining
Authors: Qian D , Zhang B , Zeng X-L , Le Blanc J M , Guo Y-H , Xue C , Jiang C , Wang H-H , Zhao T-S , Meng M-B , Zhao L-J , Hao J-H , Wang P , Xie D , Lu B , Yuan Z-Y
Published: October 2014

Radiotherapy has the widest application to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Factors associated with DNA damage repair have been shown to function in cell radiosensitivity. Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) has a role in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and is involved in DNA damage repair. However, the clinical significance and biological role of PC4 in cancer progression and cancer cellular responses to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remain largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of PC4 in the radiosensitivity of ESCC. In this study, we showed that knockdown of PC4 substantially increased ESCC cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe (MC). Importantly, we demonstrated that silencing of PC4 suppressed NHEJ by downregulating the expression of XLF in ESCC cells, whereas reconstituting the expression of XLF protein in the PC4-knockdown ESCC cells restored NHEJ activity and radioresistance. Moreover, high expression of PC4 positively correlated with ESCC resistance to CRT and was an independent predictor for short disease-specific survival of ESCC patients in both of our cohorts. These findings suggest that PC4 protects ESCC cells from IR-induced death by enhancing the NHEJ-promoting activity of XLF and could be used as a novel radiosensitivity predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ESCCs.
HDAC8 and STAT3 repress BMF gene activity in colon cancer cells
Authors: Kang Y , Nian H , Rajendran P , Kim E , Dashwood W M , Pinto J T , Boardman L A , Thibodeau S N , Limburg P J , Löhr C V , Bisson W H , Williams D E , Ho E , Dashwood R H
Published: October 2014

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials as anticancer agents, but some exhibit resistance mechanisms linked to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 functions, such as BH3-only protein silencing. HDAC inhibitors that reactivate BH3-only family members might offer an improved therapeutic approach. We show here that a novel seleno-α-keto acid triggers global histone acetylation in human colon cancer cells and activates apoptosis in a p21-independent manner. Profiling of multiple survival factors identified a critical role for the BH3-only member Bcl-2-modifying factor (Bmf). On the corresponding BMF gene promoter, loss of HDAC8 was associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/specificity protein 3 (Sp3) transcription factor exchange and recruitment of p300. Treatment with a p300 inhibitor or transient overexpression of exogenous HDAC8 interfered with BMF induction, whereas RNAi-mediated silencing of STAT3 activated the target gene. This is the first report to identify a direct target gene of HDAC8 repression, namely, BMF. Interestingly, the repressive role of HDAC8 could be uncoupled from HDAC1 to trigger Bmf-mediated apoptosis. These findings have implications for the development of HDAC8-selective inhibitors as therapeutic agents, beyond the reported involvement of HDAC8 in childhood malignancy.
Artesunate induces necrotic cell death in schwannoma cells
Authors: Button R W , Lin F , Ercolano E , Vincent J H , Hu B , Hanemann C O , Luo S
Published: October 2014

Established as a potent anti-malaria medicine, artemisinin-based drugs have been suggested to have anti-tumour activity in some cancers. Although the mechanism is poorly understood, it has been suggested that artemisinin induces apoptotic cell death. Here, we show that the artemisinin analogue artesunate (ART) effectively induces cell death in RT4 schwannoma cells and human primary schwannoma cells. Interestingly, our data indicate for first time that the cell death induced by ART is largely dependent on necroptosis. ART appears to inhibit autophagy, which may also contribute to the cell death. Our data in human schwannoma cells show that ART can be combined with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) to potentiate the cell death. Thus, this study suggests that artemisinin-based drugs may be used in certain tumours where cells are necroptosis competent, and the drugs may act in synergy with apoptosis inducers or autophagy inhibitors to enhance their anti-tumour activity.
Enrichment of c-Met+ tumorigenic stromal cells of giant cell tumor of bone and targeting by cabozantinib
Authors: Liu L , Aleksandrowicz E , Fan P , Schönsiegel F , Zhang Y , Sähr H , Gladkich J , Mattern J , Depeweg D , Lehner B , Fellenberg J , Herr I
Published: October 2014

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a very rare tumor entity, which is little examined owing to the lack of established cell lines and mouse models and the restriction of available primary cell lines. The stromal cells of GCTB have been made responsible for the aggressive growth and metastasis, emphasizing the presence of a cancer stem cell population. To identify and target such tumor-initiating cells, stromal cells were isolated from eight freshly resected GCTB tissues. Tumorigenic properties were examined by colony and spheroid formation, differentiation, migration, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, immunohistochemistry, antibody protein array, Alu in situ hybridization, FACS analysis and xenotransplantation into fertilized chicken eggs and mice. A sub-population of the neoplastic stromal cells formed spheroids and colonies, differentiated to osteoblasts, migrated to wounded regions and expressed the metastasis marker CXC-chemokine receptor type 4, indicating self-renewal, invasion and differentiation potential. Compared with adherent-growing cells, markers for pluripotency, stemness and cancer progression, including the CSC surface marker c-Met, were enhanced in spheroidal cells. This c-Met-enriched sub-population formed xenograft tumors in fertilized chicken eggs and mice. Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of c-Met in phase II trials, eliminated CSC features with a higher therapeutic effect than standard chemotherapy. This study identifies a c-Met+ tumorigenic sub-population within stromal GCTB cells and suggests the c-Met inhibitor cabozantinib as a new therapeutic option for targeted elimination of unresectable or recurrent GCTB.
Deficient Wnt signalling triggers striatal synaptic degeneration and impaired motor behaviour in adult mice
Authors: Galli Soledad , Lopes Douglas M. , Ammari Rachida , Kopra Jaakko , Millar Sarah E. , Gibb Alasdair , Salinas Patricia C.
Published: October 2014

Synapse degeneration is an early and invariant feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, synapse loss occurs prior to neuronal degeneration and correlates with the symptom severity of these diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger synaptic loss remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that deficient Wnt signalling elicits synaptic degeneration in the adult striatum. Inducible expression of the secreted Wnt antagonist Dickkopf1 (Dkk1) in adult mice (iDkk1) decreases the number of cortico-striatal glutamatergic synapses and of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor clusters. Synapse loss occurs in the absence of axon retraction or cell death. The remaining excitatory terminals contain fewer synaptic vesicles and have a reduced probability of evoked transmitter release. IDkk1 mice show impaired motor coordination and are irresponsive to amphetamine. These studies identify Wnts as key endogenous regulators of synaptic maintenance and suggest that dysfunction in Wnt signalling contributes to synaptic degeneration at early stages in neurodegenerative diseases.
Erratum: Building capacity to improve respiratory care: the education strategy of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group 2014–2020
Authors: McDonnell Juliet , Correia de Sousa Jaime , Baxter Noel , Pinnock Hilary , Román-Rodríguez Miguel , van der Molen Thys , Williams Sian
Published: October 2014

Correction to: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2014) 24, 14072; doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2014.72; published online 25 September 2014 Since the online publication of the above article, it has been noted that the names of the second and fifth authors were published incorrectly. The correct names aregiven above.
Probing excitonic states in suspended two-dimensional semiconductors by photocurrent spectroscopy
Authors: Klots A. R. , Newaz A. K. M. , Wang Bin , Prasai D. , Krzyzanowska H. , Lin Junhao , Caudel D. , Ghimire N. J. , Yan J. , Ivanov B. L. , Velizhanin K. A. , Burger A. , Mandrus D. G. , Tolk N. H. , Pantelides S. T. , Bolotin K. I.
Published: October 2014

The optical response of semiconducting monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is dominated by strongly bound excitons that are stable even at room temperature. However, substrate-related effects such as screening and disorder in currently available specimens mask many anticipated physical phenomena and limit device applications of TMDCs. Here, we demonstrate that that these undesirable effects are strongly suppressed in suspended devices. Extremely robust (photogain > 1,000) and fast (response time < 1 ms) photoresponse allow us to study, for the first time, the formation, binding energies and dissociation mechanisms of excitons in TMDCs through photocurrent spectroscopy. By analyzing the spectral positions of peaks in the photocurrent and by comparing them with first-principles calculations, we obtain binding energies, band gaps and spin-orbit splitting in monolayer TMDCs. For monolayer MoS2, in particular, we obtain an extremely large binding energy for band-edge excitons, Ebind ≥ 570 meV. Along with band-edge excitons, we observe excitons associated with a van Hove singularity of rather unique nature. The analysis of the source-drain voltage dependence of photocurrent spectra reveals exciton dissociation and photoconversion mechanisms in TMDCs.
In vitro HER2 protein-induced affinity dissociation of carbon nanotube-wrapped anti-HER2 aptamers for HER2 protein detection
Authors: Niazi Javed H. , Verma Sandeep K. , Niazi Sarfaraj , Qureshi Anjum
Published: October 2014

HER2-protein induced affinity dissociation of anti-HER2 aptamers wrapped on carbon nanotubes.
Unprecedented magnetic relaxation via the fourth excited state in low-coordinate lanthanide single-ion magnets: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Singh Saurabh Kumar , Gupta Tulika , Shanmugam Maheswaran , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: October 2014

How to enhance the barrier heights in lanthanide based SIMs? Using ab initio calculations, we have explored the role of symmetry and the coordination number on the magnetization dynamics of four three-coordinate Ln(iii) SIMs.
Refractive index dependent real-time plasmonic nanoprobes on a single silver nanocube for ultrasensitive detection of the lung cancer-associated miRNAs
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Ying , Hu Yanling , Fan Quli , Yang Wenjing , Li Anran , Li Shuzhou , Huang Wei , Wang Lianhui
Published: October 2014

We developed a novel method for the real-time monitoring of the delicate change in refractive index (RI) when DNA or RNA hybridize near a DNA-capped silver nanocube (AgNC) surface.
Orthogonal selectivity with cinnamic acids in 3-substituted benzofuran synthesis through C–H olefination of phenols
Authors: Agasti Soumitra , Sharma Upendra , Naveen Togati , Maiti Debabrata
Published: October 2014

A palladium catalyzed intermolecular annulation of cinnamic acids and phenols has been achieved for the selective synthesis of 3-substituted benzofurans.
N-terminal and C-terminal modulation of Hsp90 produce dissimilar phenotypes
Authors: Wang Y. , McAlpine S. R.
Published: October 2014

Classic oncogenic heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors target the N-terminus of the protein, triggering a survival mechanism in cancer cells referred to as the heat shock response (HSR).
Framework stabilization of Si-rich LTA zeolite prepared in organic-free media
Authors: Conato Marlon T. , Oleksiak Matthew D. , Peter McGrail B. , Motkuri Radha K. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2014

Zeolite HOU-2 (LTA type) is prepared with the highest silica content (Si/Al = 2.1) reported for organic-free syntheses.
A lithium-rich composite metal oxide used as a SALDI-MS matrix for the determination of small biomolecules
Authors: Li Ze , Zhang Yi-Wei , Xin Yue-Long , Bai Yu , Zhou Heng-Hui , Liu Hu-Wei
Published: October 2014

A lithium-rich composite metal oxide material used as a SALDI matrix for high throughput analysis of small molecules.
Stereoselective synthesis of ε-lactones or spiro-heterocycles through NHC-catalyzed annulation: divergent reactivity by catalyst control
Authors: Wang Min , Rong Zi-Qiang , Zhao Yu
Published: October 2014

NHC-catalyzed divergent annulation of enals with heterocyclic enones was developed to produce benzofuran/indole-containing ε-lactones or spiro-heterocycles in a highly diastereo- and enantioselective fashion.
Methyl rotors in flavoproteins
Authors: Martínez Jesús I. , Alonso Pablo J. , García-Rubio Inés , Medina Milagros
Published: October 2014

ENDOR evidence shows that methyl groups in flavin behave as quantum locked rotors.
To explore a new class of material (X-type hexaferrites) for N2O decomposition
Authors: Ul-ain B. , Zafar A. , Ahmed S.
Published: October 2014

Monophasic X-type Mn- and Cr-doped Ba–Co ferrites, synthesized by co-precipitation, catalytically decomposed N2O gas while remaining stable at 1000 K.
Intercalation of triethylphosphine oxide bearing a phosphoryl group into Dion–Jacobson-type ion-exchangeable layered perovskites
Authors: Toihara Nagisa , Yoneyama Yoriyoshi , Shimada Akira , Tahara Seiichi , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2014

Triethylphosphine oxide [(C2H5)3PO; TEPO] was intercalated into protonated Dion–Jacobson-type ion-exchangeable layered perovskites, HLaNb2O7·xH2O and HCa2Nb3O10·xH2O, by hydrolysis of their n-decoxy derivatives in the presence of TEPO.
Spectroelectrochemical identification of charge-transfer excited states in transition metal-based polypyridyl complexes
Authors: Brown Allison M. , McCusker Catherine E. , McCusker James K.
Published: October 2014

In this report, we demonstrate how spectroelectrochemistry can be used to help characterize dynamics associated with charge-transfer excited states of transition metal-based chromophores as measured by ultrafast electronic absorption spectroscopy.
Light emission in nonlocal plasmonic metamaterials
Authors: Podolskiy Viktor A. , Ginzburg Pavel , Wells Brian , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: October 2014

We present analytical and computational studies of light emission in nonlocal metamaterials formed by arrays of aligned plasmonic nanowires. We demonstrate that the emission lifetime in these composites is a complex function of geometrical and material parameters of the system that cannot be reduced to the “trivial” hyperbolic or elliptical dispersion topology of a homogenised metamaterial. In particular, our studies suggest that the Purcell factor can often be maximized when the composite operates in the elliptic regime, with strong radiation coupling to an additional TM-polarized mode supported by the nonlocal composite, in contrast to the accepted “hyperbolicity related” enhancement.
Percolating plasmonic networks for light emission control
Authors: Gaio Michele , Castro-Lopez Marta , Renger Jan , van Hulst Niek , Sapienza Riccardo
Published: October 2014

Optical nanoantennas have revolutionised the way we manipulate single photons emitted by individual light sources in a nanostructured photonic environment. Complex plasmonic architectures allow for multiscale light control by shortening or stretching the light wavelength for a fixed operating frequency, meeting the size of the emitter and that of propagating modes. Here, we study self-assembled semi-continuous gold films and lithographic gold networks characterised by large local density of optical state (LDOS) fluctuations around the electrical percolation threshold, a regime where the surface is characterised by large metal clusters with fractal topology. We study the formation of plasmonic networks and their effect on light emission from embedded fluorescent probes in these systems. Through fluorescence dynamics experiments we discuss the role of global long-range interactions linked to the degree of percolation and to the network fractality, as well as the local near-field contributions coming from the local electro-magnetic fields and the topology. Our experiments indicate that local properties dominate the fluorescence modification.
Ex vivo digestion of carp muscle tissue – ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the obtained hydrolysates
Authors: Borawska J. , Darewicz M. , Vegarud G. E. , Iwaniak A. , Minkiewicz P.
Published: October 2014

This paper reports that carp muscle tissue hydrolysates obtained afterex vivodigestion show the ACE inhibitory and antioxidative activities.
Imprinted gold 2D nanoarray for highly sensitive and convenient PSA detection via plasmon excited quantum dots
Authors: Song Hong Yan , Wong Ten It , Sadovoy Anton , Wu Lin , Bai Ping , Deng Jie , Guo Shifeng , Wang Yi , Knoll Wolfgang , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: October 2014

Schematic representation of our immunodetection set-up, which uses a Nikon Ti Eclipse microscope to detect the plasmonic nanochip with quantum dot based bioassay established.
Synthesis and conformational studies of a stable peptidomimetic β-hairpin based on a bifunctional diketopiperazine turn inducer
Authors: Vahdati Leila , Fanelli Roberto , Bernadat Guillaume , Correia Isabelle , Lequin Olivier , Ongeri Sandrine , Piarulli Umberto
Published: October 2014

A new β-hairpin mimic foldamer based on the assembly of a reverse turn inducer, a peptidomimetic strand, and a tetrapeptide sequence was prepared, and its conformation in solution was assessed by NMR and computational investigations.
ZnS anisotropic nanocrystals using a one-pot low temperature synthesis
Authors: Buffard Aude , Nadal Brice , Heuclin Hadrien , Patriarche Gilles , Dubertret Benoit
Published: October 2014

Low temperature, scalable and air stable synthesis of ZnS nanowires and nanoplatelets.
Rational construction of metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Ou Sha , Wu Chuan-De
Published: October 2014

The recently developed strategies on designed synthesis of porous metal–organic framework catalysts and their interesting catalytic properties are summarized in this short review.
Microfluidic chip for monitoring Ca2+transport through a confluent layer of intestinal cells
Authors: Huang C. , Ramadan Q. , Wacker J. B. , Tekin H. C. , Ruffert C. , Vergères G. , Silacci P. , Gijs M. A. M.
Published: October 2014

Microfluidic-based Caco-2 culture model provides a useful tool for investigating of metabolites transport and nutrikinetics studies.
Natural nitric oxide (NO) inhibitors from Aristolochia mollissima
Authors: Dong Zhen , Gu Qiong , Cheng Bao , Cheng Zhong-Bin , Tang Gui-Hua , Sun Zhang-Hua , Zhang Jun-Sheng , Bao Jing-Mei , Yin Sheng
Published: October 2014

Six new sesquiterpenoids, including one with a new skeleton, and 24 known analogues were isolated fromAristolochia mollissima.
Original biobased nonisocyanate polyurethanes: solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis, thermal properties and rheological behaviour
Authors: Carré Camille , Bonnet Lara , Avérous Luc
Published: October 2014

Novel biobased NonIsocyanate PolyUrethanes (NIPUs) were synthesized from dimer-based diamines and sebacic biscyclocarbonate in bulk, and without catalyst.
Solvothermal synthesis, crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of four Cd(ii) coordination polymers with different topological structures
Authors: Yan Zhi-Hao , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Pang Haiduo , Zhang Yiheng , Sun Daofeng , Wang Lei
Published: October 2014

Four coordination polymers assembled by tetrabromoterephthalic acid and various bis(imidazole) ligands: synthesis, topological structures and luminescence properties.
Synthesis and blue phosphorescent device performances of a new bipolar host material containing pyrazino[2,3-b]indole moiety
Authors: Jang Hong-Gu , Jeon Sang Kyu , Lee Jun Yeob , Hwang Seok-Ho
Published: October 2014

Newly designed bipolar host material (CzPhPz) consisting of 5H-pyrazino[2,3-b]indole unit was synthesized and exhibited good electron transport properties with a high triplet energy of 2.83 eV for FIrpic-based blue PHOLEDs.
Identification of a small molecule preventing BMSC senescence in vitro by improving intracellular homeostasis via ANXA7 and Hmbox1
Authors: Wang Fang-Wu , Zhao Fei , Qian Xing-Yang , Yu Zhe-Zhen , Zhao Jing , Su Le , Zhang Yun , Zhang Shang-Li , Zhao Bao-Xiang , Miao Jun-Ying
Published: October 2014

ABO was discovered to be a novel anti-aging chemical in cultured BMSCs by improving intracellular homeostasis.
Delivering curcumin and gemcitabine in one nanoparticle platform for colon cancer therapy
Authors: Tan Manhong , Luo Jia , Tian Ying
Published: October 2014

As gemcitabine and curcumin have different targets in colon cancer cells, combination of them may bring benefits.
Intrinsic and extrinsic proton conductivity in metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Tominaka S. , Cheetham A. K.
Published: October 2014

Hydrated interparticle phases are considered to make a considerable contribution to proton conduction in many metal-organic frameworks.
Structure defects in g-C3N4 limit visible light driven hydrogen evolution and photovoltage
Authors: Wu Po , Wang Jiarui , Zhao Jing , Guo Liejin , Osterloh Frank E.
Published: October 2014

Two kinds of defects in g-C3N4 caused by high temperature calcination limit the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. These defects are identified as amino/imino groups and controlling them will be key to improving the performance of the material for solar energy conversion.
The roles of alkyl halide additives in enhancing perovskite solar cell performance
Authors: Chueh Chu-Chen , Liao Chien-Yi , Zuo Fan , Williams Spencer T. , Liang Po-Wei , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: October 2014

C–X bond of alky halide additives cleavages during thermal annealing, resulting in frees halide ions to participate in perovskite formation.
Engineering electronic properties of metal–MoSe2 interfaces using self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Çakır Deniz , Sevik Cem , Peeters François M.
Published: October 2014

The electronic properties of MoSe2 can be modified by manipulating its interaction with metal electrodes using a self-assembled monolayer of polar molecules.
Modulation by miR-29b of intestinal epithelium homoeostasis through the repression of menin translation
Authors: Ouyang Miao , Su Weijie , Xiao Lan , Rao Jaladanki N. , Jiang Liping , Li Yanwu , Turner Douglas J. , Gorospe Myriam , Wang Jian-Ying
Published: October 2014

Menin regulates distinct cellular functions by regulating gene transcription through its interaction with partner transcription factors, but the exact mechanisms that control menin levels remain largely unknown. In the present study we report that Men1 mRNA, encoding menin, is a novel target of miR-29b and that miR-29b/Men1 mRNA association regulates menin expression post-transcriptionally in rat intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Overexpression of a miR-29b precursor lowered the levels of Men1 mRNA modestly, but reduced new synthesis of menin robustly; conversely, antagonism of miR-29b enhanced menin protein synthesis and steady-state levels. The repressive effect of miR-29b on menin expression was mediated through a single binding site in the coding region of Men1 mRNA, because point mutation of this site prevented miR-29b-induced repression of menin translation. Increasing cellular polyamines due to overexpression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) enhanced menin translation by reducing miR-29b, whereas polyamine depletion by inhibiting ODC increased it, thus suppressing menin expression. Moreover, an increase in menin abundance in an miR-29b-silenced population of IECs led to increased sensitivity to apoptosis, which was prevented by silencing menin. These findings indicate that miR-29b represses translation of Men1 mRNA, in turn affecting intestinal epithelial homoeostasis by altering IEC apoptosis.
Revisiting the Roco G-protein cycle
Authors: Terheyden Susanne , Ho Franz Y. , Gilsbach Bernd K. , Wittinghofer Alfred , Kortholt Arjan
Published: October 2014

Mutations in leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most frequent cause of late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 belongs to the Roco family of proteins which share a conserved Ras-like G-domain (Roc) and a C-terminal of Roc (COR) domain tandem. The nucleotide state of small G-proteins is strictly controlled by guanine–nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Because of contradictory structural and biochemical data, the regulatory mechanism of the LRRK2 Roc G-domain and the RocCOR tandem is still under debate. In the present study, we solved the first nucleotide-bound Roc structure and used LRRK2 and bacterial Roco proteins to characterize the RocCOR function in more detail. Nucleotide binding induces a drastic structural change in the Roc/COR domain interface, a region strongly implicated in patients with an LRRK2 mutation. Our data confirm previous assumptions that the C-terminal subdomain of COR functions as a dimerization device. We show that the dimer formation is independent of nucleotide. The affinity for GDP/GTP is in the micromolar range, the result of which is high dissociation rates in the s−1 range. Thus Roco proteins are unlikely to need GEFs to achieve activation. Monomeric LRRK2 and Roco G-domains have a similar low GTPase activity to small G-proteins. We show that GTPase activity in bacterial Roco is stimulated by the nucleotide-dependent dimerization of the G-domain within the complex. We thus propose that the Roco proteins do not require GAPs to stimulate GTP hydrolysis but stimulate each other by one monomer completing the catalytic machinery of the other.
Muscle Weakness and Speech in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Neel Amy T. , Palmer Phyllis M. , Sprouls Gwyneth , Morrison Leslie
Published: October 2014

Purpose

We documented speech and voice characteristics associated with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). Although it is a rare disease, OPMD offers the opportunity to study the impact of myopathic weakness on speech production in the absence of neurologic deficits in a relatively homogeneous group of speakers.

Methods

Twelve individuals with OPMD and 12 healthy age-matched controls underwent comprehensive assessment of the speech mechanism including spirometry (respiratory support), nasometry (resonance balance), phonatory measures (pitch, loudness, and quality), articulatory measures (diadochokinetic rates, segment duration measures, spectral moments, and vowel space), tongue-to-palate strength measures during maximal isometric and speechlike tasks, quality-of-life questionnaire, and perceptual speech ratings by listeners.

Results

Individuals with OPMD had substantially reduced tongue strength compared to the controls. However, little impact on speech and voice measures or on speech intelligibility was observed except for slower diadochokinetic rates.

Conclusions

Despite having less than half the maximal tongue strength of healthy controls, the individuals with OPMD exhibited minimal speech deficits. The threshold of weakness required for noticeable speech impairment may not have been reached by this group of adults with OPMD.
The Speech-Language Pathologist's Role Assessing Cultural Variations with Patients Receiving Palliative Care
Authors: Voyzey George
Published: October 2014

Speech-language pathologists not only encounter communication impairments due to specific causes such as stroke or a specific disease such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, but also the unique parameters of culture and ethnicity differences. These issues become more paramount especially when considering palliative care. The speech-language pathologist must synthesize these considerations for the success of therapy and the comfort of both the patient and family.
School Practicum Supervision: Encouraging A Successful Experience and A Positive Attitude
Authors: Block Frances K.
Published: October 2014

Public school practicum is an extraordinary experience for graduate students. Regardless of where students see themselves working after graduation, there is much to be learned about children in the educational environment, and how speech-language services are delivered in the most natural of all settings. This unique perspective will be invaluable in planning treatments that merge a focus on communication needs with a realistic understanding of how the child is part of the entire educational milieu. Appropriate supervision during the school practicum maximizes the student teacher's experience both during student teaching, and as a future form of reference. The purpose of this paper is to describe a successful school practicum program.
Finger vein identification system using two cameras
Authors: Lu Yu , Yoon Sook , Park Dong Sun
Published: October 2014

Taking advantage of the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of finger veins located inside a finger, a novel finger vein identification system (FVIS) using two cameras with different fusion techniques is proposed. Compared with the traditional single‐camera‐based FVIS, the proposed system can generate more discriminative information by fusing information from two simultaneous captured images and can enhance the matching accuracy. Experimental results obtained using the authors' established database containing 436 fingers from 109 subjects verify the feasibility of the proposed system.
Coset‐based QC‐LDPC codes without small cycles
Authors: Wang Juhua , Zhang Guohua , Zhou Quan
Published: October 2014

A simple and efficient search method based on the coset concept is proposed to construct (3, L) quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity‐check (QC‐LDPC) codes without small cycles. Compared with the random search method, the chance to find large‐girth codes is remarkably increased for the new method. Compared with Tanner's construction, the proposed method is much more flexible in the selection of row weight L. Some new codes are constructed with the shortest lengths compared with those constructed by the existing well‐known methods. Simulation results show that the novel codes with moderate length perform well in the additive white Gaussian noise channel.
Design of linearity and efficiency improved Doherty PA using microstrip resonant cell
Authors: Lotfi A. , Hayati M.
Published: October 2014

A Doherty power amplifier (DPA) using a novel front‐coupled tapered microstrip resonant cell (TMRC) is proposed for linearity and efficiency improvement. The suppression of the second‐ and higher‐order harmonics of the output of the main amplifier is achieved by incorporating the proposed TMRC. Moreover, the compensation of the phase delay and the impedance inversion are performed without any lumped element. The designed power amplifier has been simulated, and measurements of the fabricated power amplifier were made. The third‐order inter‐modulation distortion of the proposed DPA is reduced by 33 dB compared with the conventional ones.
CMOS temperature compensated logarithmic converter based on master–slave control
Authors: Bai Chunfeng , Wu Jianhui
Published: October 2014

A logarithmic converter employing the proposed temperature compensating method based on a master–slave control is presented. With the help of a raised master–slave circuit, the proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) coefficient of the logarithmic converter is compensated by that of the PTAT current in the bandgap reference, which makes the CMOS implementation of the logarithmic converter employing no external component possible. The logarithmic converter provides a 45 dB linear range with < 3 dB error as the temperature varies from 0 to 90°C.
Maximum‐likelihood‐based Doppler centroid estimation algorithm for MC‐HRWS SAR system
Authors: Li Jianbing , Li Xiaoping , Lin Mingfu , Shi Jungang , Zhang Shuangxi
Published: October 2014

For the multi‐channel in azimuth high‐resolution and wide‐swath (MC‐HRWS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a novel maximum‐likelihood‐based Doppler centroid estimation algorithm is developed. During the estimation process, the Doppler centroid is estimated by using the maximum‐likelihood approach to combine the range‐frequency‐variant Doppler characteristics in each channel, such as the cross‐functions between neighbouring channels in the range‐frequency domain. In addition, the channel mismatch in phase and along azimuth baseline position measurement error can also be estimated. Finally, the experimental results of some real squint mode MC‐HRWS SAR data are utilised to validate the theoretical investigations and the proposed approach.
0.25 μm emitter InP/InAlGaAs/GaAsSb double heterojunction bipolar transistor with passivation ledge exhibiting a current gain of over 100
Authors: Kashio N. , Kurishima K. , Ida M. , Matsuzaki H.
Published: October 2014

A suitable emitter structure for the fabrication of InP/InAlGaAs/GaAsSb double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) with a passivation ledge is reported. With a composite emitter structure consisting of an InP and thin InAlGaAs, a passivation ledge can be easily fabricated by wet etching. A high current gain of 117 is obtained even for a 0.25 μm emitter DHBT with a base sheet resistance of about 1100 Ω/sq. The fabricated HBT also exhibits an fmax of more than 330 GHz while maintaining a breakdown voltage of more than 9 V.
Pose compensation framework with explicit loop closing for multiple robots
Authors: Lee Kong‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Lee Beom‐Hee
Published: October 2014

A novel pose compensation framework based on a new type of explicit loop closing heuristics (ELCHs) is proposed for multiple robots, which provides a fast and very accurate solution to loop closing. The proposed framework efficiently compensates the poses of robots in the case of not only rendezvous but also of sharing a common place between the two robots. Two experiments show a significant improvement in pose accuracy by comparing the state‐of‐the‐art map‐merging technique and the original ELCH simultaneously.