bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and experimental investigations of elastic and creep properties of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zicāns Jānis , Merijs Meri Remo , Kalniņš Mārtiņš , Maksimovs Roberts , Jansons Juris
Published: June 2015

The study is devoted to prediction of elastic and creep properties of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites reinforced with anisodiametric nanoadditives (either carbon nanotubes, CNTs, or montmorillonite clay, MMT) by considering structural hierarchy of the nanocomposites and the nanofillers itself. The nanocomposites analysed have been based on both synthetic and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer matrices (polyethylene, PE, and plasticized starch, PS, respectively) with potential applications in packaging, building/construction and energetics. It has been demonstrated that modulus of elasticity, stress at break as well as stress at yield of the investigated polymer nanocomposites significantly increase upon introduction of a minor amounts of the aforementioned nanofillers into the polymer matrices. Gain in the modulus of elasticity of the investigated PS based nanocomposites has been described by applying the algorithm of stage‐by‐stage calculation of the elastic constants of the multiphase‐systems containing anisodiametric plate‐like nanoparticles with complex structure. Change of the modulus of elasticity of the investigated PE based nanocomposites has been described by applying the theoretical model based on micromechanics approach in consideration of distribution quality of CNTs within the polymer matrix. Creep resistance of neat PE and its nanocomposites in the investigated time frame has been described according to the Findley power law, in spite of the fact, that addition of CNTs increases creep rate to some extent, being the consequence of the nanofiller effect on both crystallinity degree of the polymer matrix as well as viscoelastic properties in the interfacial regions.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Cephalophagus Conjoined Twins by Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kapoor Ravi , Bansal Ashutosh , Aggarwal Abhinav , Aggarwal Aakriti Kapoor , Taneja Radhika Batra
Published: June 2015

Cephalopagus is the rarest type of conjoined twins. Early antenatal diagnosis is important in view of extremely poor prognosis as surgical separation is not possible in such cases. Fetal MRI is an excellent complementary tool to prenatal sonography in assessment of complex fetal anomalies.
Brief report: Moving prevention into schools: The impact of a trauma‐informed school‐based intervention
Authors: Mendelson Tamar , Tandon S. Darius , O'Brennan Lindsey , Leaf Philip J. , Ialongo Nicholas S.
Published: June 2015

Adolescents in disadvantaged communities have high rates of exposure to stress and trauma, which can negatively impact emotion regulation and executive functioning, increasing likelihood of school problems. This pilot study evaluated RAP Club, a 12‐session school‐based trauma‐informed group intervention co‐facilitated by a mental health counselor and young adult community member that utilizes evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral and mindfulness strategies. Seventh and eighth graders at two urban public schools serving low‐income communities were assigned to receive RAP Club (n = 29) or regular school programming (n = 20). RAP Club improved teacher‐rated emotion regulation, social and academic competence, classroom behavior, and discipline. Higher program dose predicted improvements in several teacher‐rated outcomes. Student self‐report outcomes, however, did not vary by study group or dose. Even students with low baseline depression showed improvement in teacher‐rated outcomes following program participation, supporting a model of universal program delivery to all students. Findings suggest RAP Club merits further study.
Cristina Gómez Álvarez, Navegar con libros: el comercio de libros entre España y Nueva España: una visión cultural de la Independencia (1750-1820), México, D.F., Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Madrid, España, Trama editorial, 2011, 173 pp. (Colección Barlovento). ISBN (México) 978-607-02-2459-1; ISBN (España) 978-84-92755-46-2
Authors: Meneses Tello Felipe
Published: June 2015

Reseña sobre Cristina Gómez Álvarez, Navegar con libros: el comercio de libros entre España y Nueva España: una visión cultural de la Independencia (1750-1820), México, D.F., Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Madrid, España, Trama Editorial, 2011.
Faithful expression of imprinted genes in donor cells of SCNT cloned pigs
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Yuan Lin , Sui Tingting , Song Yuning , Lv Qingyan , Wang Anfeng , Li Zhanjun , Lai Liangxue
Published: June 2015

To understand if the genomic imprinting status of the donor cells is altered during the process of SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer), cloned pigs were produced by SCNT using PEF (porcine embryonic fibroblast) and P‐PEF (parthenogenetic‐PEF) cells as donors. Then, the gene expression and methylation patterns of H19, IGF2, NNAT and MEST were compared between PEF vs. C‐PEF (cloned‐PEF), P‐PEF vs. CP‐PEF (cloned‐P‐PEF), respectively. Taken together, the results revealed that there was no significant difference in the expression of imprinted genes and conserved genomic imprints between the donor and cloned cells.
Germans 25 years after reunification — How much do they know about the German Democratic Republic and what is their value judgment of the socialist regime?
Authors: Stockemer Daniel , Elder Greg
Published: June 2015

In this article, we evaluate German residents’ level of knowledge and their value judgment, that is, positive or negative, of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Based on a simple random internet survey that asked 100 citizens from the East and 100 citizens from the West to describe life in the former GDR in at least 200 characters, we have found some nuanced results with regard to our two themes: First, our results indicate that the average German citizen has some decent knowledge of the Alltag or everyday life in the former East, with older individuals having significantly more knowledge than younger individuals. Second, we discover a clear pattern pertaining to peoples’ value judgment of life in communist Germany. Citizens born in the East have more positive memories of their Alltag in the GDR than citizens in the West who have not experienced life behind the Wall.
COMPARISON OF APPROXIMATIONS FOR COMPOUND POISSON PROCESSES
Authors: Seri Raffaello , Choirat Christine
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we compare the error in several approximation methods for the cumulative aggregate claim distribution customarily used in the collective model of insurance theory. In this model, it is usually supposed that a portfolio is at risk for a time period of length t. The occurrences of the claims are governed by a Poisson process of intensity μ so that the number of claims in [0,t] is a Poisson random variable with parameter λ = μ t. Each single claim is an independent replication of the random variable X, representing the claim severity. The aggregate claim or total claim amount process in [0,t] is represented by the random sum of N independent replications of X, whose cumulative distribution function (cdf) is the object of study. Due to its computational complexity, several approximation methods for this cdf have been proposed. In this paper, we consider 15 approximations put forward in the literature that only use information on the lower order moments of the involved distributions. For each approximation, we consider the difference between the true distribution and the approximating one and we propose to use expansions of this difference related to Edgeworth series to measure their accuracy as λ = μ t diverges to infinity. Using these expansions, several statements concerning the quality of approximations for the distribution of the aggregate claim process can find theoretical support. Other statements can be disproved on the same grounds. Finally, we investigate numerically the accuracy of the proposed formulas.
Immunological correlates of behavioral problems in school-aged children living with HIV in Kayunga, Uganda
Authors: Ruiseñor-Escudero H. , Familiar I. , Nakasujja N. , Bangirana P. , Opoka R. , Giordani B. , Boivin M.
Published: June 2015

Background.

HIV can affect the neuropsychological function of children, including their behavior. We aim to identify immunological correlates of behavioral problems among children living with HIV in Uganda.

Methods.

Children participating in a parent randomized control trial in Kayunga, Uganda were assessed with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We constructed simple and multiple linear regression models to identify immunological correlates of behavioral problems.

Results.

A total of 144 children living with HIV (50% male) with a mean age of 8.9 years [Standard Deviation (s.d.) = 1.9] were included in the analysis. Eighty-two children were on antiretroviral therapy. Mean CD4 cell count % was 35.1 cells/μl (s.d. = 15.0), mean CD4 cell activation 5.7% (s.d. = 5.1), mean CD8 cell activation was 17.5% (s.d. = 11.2) and 60 children (41.7%) had a viral load of <4000 copies/ml. In the adjusted models for the BRIEF, higher scores were associated with higher viral loads (aβ = 16.7 × 10−6, 95% CI −5.00 × 10−6to 28.4 × 10−6), specifically on the behavioral regulation index. Higher mean CD8 activation % was associated with higher scores on the Externalizing Problems  and Total Problems  scales of the CBCL (aβ = 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.31 and aβ = 0.15, 95% CI 0.00–0.28, respectively).

Conclusions.

Poorer behavioral outcomes were associated with higher viral loads while higher CD8 activation was associated with poorer emotional and behavioral outcomes. Complete immunological assessments for children living with HIV could include commonly used viral and immunological parameters to identify those at higher risk of having negative behavior outcomes and who would benefit the most from behavioral interventions.
Impact of Neonatal Intensive Care Bed Configuration on Rates of Late-Onset Bacterial Sepsis and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization
Authors: Julian Samuel , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Sellenriek Patricia , Shannon William D. , Hamvas Aaron , Tarr Phillip I. , Warner Barbara B.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Infections cause morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The association between nursery design and nosocomial infections is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether rates of colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), late-onset sepsis, and mortality are reduced in single-patient rooms.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

NICU in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Our NICU is organized into single-patient and open-unit rooms. Clinical data sets including bed location and microbiology results were examined over 29 months. Differences in outcomes between bed configurations were determined by χ2 and Cox regression.

PATIENTS

All NICU patients.

RESULTS

Among 1,823 patients representing 55,166 patient-days, single-patient and open-unit models had similar incidences of MRSA colonization and MRSA colonization-free survival times. Average daily census was associated with MRSA colonization rates only in single-patient rooms (hazard ratio, 1.31; P=.039), whereas hand hygiene compliance on room entry and exit was associated with lower colonization rates independent of bed configuration (hazard ratios, 0.834 and 0.719 per 1% higher compliance, respectively). Late-onset sepsis rates were similar in single-patient and open-unit models as were sepsis-free survival and the combined outcome of sepsis or death. After controlling for demographic, clinical, and unit-based variables, multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that bed configuration had no effect on MRSA colonization, late-onset sepsis, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

MRSA colonization rate was impacted by hand hygiene compliance, regardless of room configuration, whereas average daily census affected only infants in single-patient rooms. Single-patient rooms did not reduce the rates of MRSA colonization, late-onset sepsis, or death.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1173–1182
Political and Economic News in the Age of Multinationals
Authors: Tworek Heidi J. S.
Published: June 2015

This article compares two media multinationals that supplied different genres of news, political and economic. Most media companies provided both genres, and these categories often overlapped. Still, investigating two firms founded in twentieth-century Germany shows how product differentiation affects the organization, geographical orientation, and business models of multinationals. While political news had the greatest impact when it was free and ubiquitous, economic news was most effective when it was expensive and exclusive.
Institutionalizing a Weak State: Law and Jurisdictional Conflict between Bureaucratic and Communal Institutions in the Albanian Highlands
Authors: Pula Besnik
Published: June 2015

Why do some states fail to establish the capacity of legal regulation among significant sections of their population, and instead allow alternative norms of social order to take the place of those promoted by the state? Existing models of state building in the sociological literature treat the building of modern bureaucratic authority as a political process in which weak state authority results from a state's inability to defeat rival bases of power. On the other hand, neo-institutionalist theory highlights the significant effects that institutional environments have on organization building, but its elaborations of state building have mainly emphasized processes of the diffusion of world society models as central to the making of the modern nation-state. Both models fail to explain how limitations in new states' capacities to govern populations emerge in cases when states fulfill conditions specified by each model. I use the case of state building in the Albanian highlands to show that jurisdictional struggles and resistance that emerge out of distinct cultures of legality are key to understanding why organizationally capable states may fail to establish durable mechanisms of governance among marginal social groups.
Citizenship, Cowardice, and Freedom of Conscience: British Pacifists in the Second World War
Authors: Kelly Tobias
Published: June 2015

Freedom of conscience is widely claimed as a central principle of liberal democracy, but what is conscience and how do we know what it looks like? Rather than treat conscience as a transcendent category, this paper examines claims of conscience as rooted in distinct cultural and political histories. I focus on debates about conscientious objection in Second World War Britain, and argue that, there, persuasive claims of conscience were widely associated with a form of “detached conviction.” Yet evidence of such “detached convictions” always verged on being interpreted as deliberate manipulation and calculation. More broadly, I argue that the protection of freedom of conscience is necessarily incomplete and unstable. The difficulties in recognizing individual conscience point to anxieties within liberal democracy. Not only strangers are suspect and mistrusted, but also those who claim to stand most strongly by the principles of liberal citizenship.
Positivity in Kähler–Einstein theory
Authors: DI CERBO GABRIELE , DI CERBO LUCA F.
Published: June 2015

Tian initiated the study of incomplete Kähler–Einstein metrics on quasi–projective varieties with cone-edge type singularities along a divisor, described by the cone-angle 2π(1-α) for α∈ (0, 1). In this paper we study how the existence of such Kähler–Einstein metrics depends on α. We show that in the negative scalar curvature case, if such Kähler–Einstein metrics exist for all small cone-angles then they exist for every α∈((n+1)/(n+2), 1), wherenis the dimension. We also give a characterisation of the pairs that admit negatively curved cone-edge Kähler–Einstein metrics with cone angle close to 2π. Again if these metrics exist for all cone-angles close to 2π, then they exist in a uniform interval of angles depending on the dimension only. Finally, we show how in the positive scalar curvature case the existence of such uniform bounds is obstructed.
The Metacognitive Anger Processing (MAP) Scale: Preliminary Testing
Authors: Moeller Stine Bjerrum
Published: June 2015

Background: Few studies have explored the metacognitive components of anger, and at present there is no metacognitive framework on anger incorporating both positive and negative beliefs about anger and distinct maladaptive processing routines, such as rumination. Aims: The aim of the present preliminary studies was to apply a metacognitive framework to anger and put forward a new anger self-report scale, the Metacognitive Anger Processing (MAP) scale, intended as a supplement to existing measures of anger disposition and to enhance anger treatment targets. Method: The new measure was tested in a nonclinical and a clinical sample together with measures of anger and metacognition to establish factor structure, reliability, concurrent, and convergent validity. Results: The MAP showed a reliable factor structure with three factors - Positive Beliefs about anger, Negative Beliefs about anger, and Rumination; good internal reliability, and test-retest reliability. The subscales showed positive correlations with anger and the pattern of correlation with the general metacognitive measure supported the idea that the MAP represents dimensions of metacognition as it relates to anger. Conclusions: The present data indicate that positive as well as negative beliefs are involved in the tendency to ruminate about angry emotions. Clinical interventions may benefit from an exploration of the patient´s experience of anger, as structured by the MAP's factors and their interrelationships. The psychometric properties of the MAP should be further investigated in clinical samples using larger test batteries and objective measures of aggression.
Diminishing Returns: Lone Mothers’ Financial Work Incentives and Incomes under the Coalition
Authors: Kowalewska Helen
Published: June 2015

Lone mothers in the UK are a key target group of tax-benefit measures designed to ‘make work pay’. This article assesses how the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition's ‘make work pay’ agenda since 2010 has potentially affected single mothers. It calculates two lone mothers’ incomes and incentives for a range of working hours and wage rates under the Coalition and previous New Labour government. While the Coalition's measures substantially improve the lone mothers’ incentives to work in mini-jobs of fewer than sixteen hours, their incentives to work longer are still weak, if not weaker than under Labour. Furthermore, the financial returns to progressing in work begin to diminish once hours exceed just six at average wage and nine at minimum wage. While tougher conditionality may still push many lone parents to work longer, weak labour demand and reduced employment supports could undermine their abilities to meet increased work expectations.
Divided loyalty? Identification and political participation of dual citizens in Switzerland
Authors: Schlenker Andrea
Published: June 2015

In spite of the recent increase in dual citizenship, there are widespread fears that this double status undermines loyalty towards the state, understood as identification with and political participation in the country of residence. We analyze whether there are systematic differences between dual citizens, mono citizens, and foreign residents in this respect, based on data from a 2013 survey of dual citizens in Switzerland with very different migration backgrounds. The results reveal that controlling for migration-related and socio-demographic factors, dual citizens are more loyal in many respects than foreign residents, but there are no significant differences between dual citizens and mono citizens in their level of identification with Switzerland and political participation there. They are even more likely than mono citizens to participate in serving its interests. In addition, there is no trade-off between these forms of loyalty to the country of residence and identification and political participation in the country of descent. On the contrary, they are positively related. Transnational loyalties seem to co-exist or even to be mutually reinforcing. Thus, dual citizenship does not seem to diminish loyalty to the country of residence and countries therefore do not stand to lose anything by allowing it.
Autonomy-Supportive and Controlling Styles of Teaching
Authors: Amoura Camille , Berjot Sophie , Gillet Nicolas , Caruana Sylvain , Cohen Joanna , Finez Lucie
Published: June 2015

Autonomy-supportive and controlling styles of teaching are usually considered to be the opposite ends of a single continuum. An alternative view, however, is that individuals can perceive both styles simultaneously, which suggests that they are different constructs ( Bartholomew, Ntoumanis, Ryan, Bosch, & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, 2011 ). Using cluster analysis, Study 1 (N = 160) confirmed that both teaching styles were perceived by students. Four clusters appeared depending on the student’s score on the measures of autonomy and controlling styles (high autonomy–high control; low autonomy–low control; high autonomy–low control; low autonomy–high control). Participants in the high autonomy–low control cluster reported the highest self-determined motivation in their studies. Using path analysis and mediational analyses, Study 2 (N = 127) tested the independence of the two styles by studying the process through which they influenced motivation. The results showed that need satisfaction (specifically, the need for autonomy) mediated the path between perceived autonomy-supportive teacher behavior and motivation, and that need-thwarting (specifically, the need for autonomy and relatedness) mediated the path between perceived controlling teacher behavior and self-determined motivation, which in turn predicted academic performance. These results add to the existing literature supporting the independence of the two styles.
Tailpipe Study: Newer Trucks Emit More Black Carbon
Authors: Laursen Lucas
Published: June 2015

A surprising increase is reported in Europe regarding the global warming agent as tougher emissions standards are unveiled in the United States for trucks.
Cellular IAP proteins and LUBAC differentially regulate necrosome-associated RIP1 ubiquitination
Authors: de Almagro M C , Goncharov T , Newton K , Vucic D
Published: June 2015

Necroptosis is a caspase-independent regulated type of cell death that relies on receptor-interacting protein kinases RIP1 (receptor-interacting protein kinases 1) and RIP3. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-stimulated assembly of the TNFR1 (TNF receptor 1)-associated signaling complex leads to the recruitment of RIP1, whose ubiquitination is mediated by the cellular inhibitors of apoptosis (c-IAPs). Translocation of RIP1 to the cytoplasm and association of RIP1 with the necrosome is believed to correlate with deubiquitination of RIP1. However, we found that RIP1 is ubiquitinated with K63 and linear polyubiquitin chains during TNFα, IAP antagonist BV6 and caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk-induced necroptotic signaling. Furthermore, ubiquitinated RIP1 is associated with the necrosome, and RIP1 ubiquitination in the necrosome coincides with RIP3 phosphorylation. Both cellular IAPs and LUBAC (linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex) modulate RIP1 ubiquitination in IAP antagonist-treated necrotic cells, but they use different mechanisms. c-IAP1 regulates RIP1 recruitment to the necrosome without directly affecting RIP1 ubiquitination, whereas HOIP and HOIL1 mediate linear ubiquitination of RIP1 in the necrosome, but are not essential for necrosome formation. Knockdown of the E3 ligase c-IAP1 decreased RIP1 ubiquitination, necrosome assembly and necroptosis induced by TNFα, BV6 and zVAD-fmk. c-IAP1 deficiency likely decreases necroptotic cell death through the activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway and consequent c-IAP2 upregulation. The ability to upregulate c-IAP2 could determine whether c-IAP1 absence will have a positive or negative impact on TNFα-induced necroptotic cell death and necrosome formation. Collectively, these results reveal unexpected complexity of the roles of IAP proteins, IAP antagonists and LUBAC in the regulation of necrosome assembly.
Silicon carbide-free graphene growth on silicon for lithium-ion battery with high volumetric energy density
Authors: Son In Hyuk , Hwan Park Jong , Kwon Soonchul , Park Seongyong , Rümmeli Mark H. , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Song Hyun Jae , Ku Junhwan , Choi Jang Wook , Choi Jae-man , Doo Seok-Gwang , Chang Hyuk
Published: June 2015

Silicon is receiving discernable attention as an active material for next generation lithium-ion battery anodes because of its unparalleled gravimetric capacity. However, the large volume change of silicon over charge–discharge cycles weakens its competitiveness in the volumetric energy density and cycle life. Here we report direct graphene growth over silicon nanoparticles without silicon carbide formation. The graphene layers anchored onto the silicon surface accommodate the volume expansion of silicon via a sliding process between adjacent graphene layers. When paired with a commercial lithium cobalt oxide cathode, the silicon carbide-free graphene coating allows the full cell to reach volumetric energy densities of 972 and 700 Wh l−1 at first and 200th cycle, respectively, 1.8 and 1.5 times higher than those of current commercial lithium-ion batteries. This observation suggests that two-dimensional layered structure of graphene and its silicon carbide-free integration with silicon can serve as a prototype in advancing silicon anodes to commercially viable technology.
Two-dimensional isobutyl acetate production pathways to improve carbon yield
Authors: Tashiro Yohei , Desai Shuchi H. , Atsumi Shota
Published: June 2015

For an economically competitive biological process, achieving high carbon yield of a target chemical is crucial. In biochemical production, pyruvate and acetyl-CoA are primary building blocks. When sugar is used as the sole biosynthetic substrate, acetyl-CoA is commonly generated by pyruvate decarboxylation. However, pyruvate decarboxylation during acetyl-CoA formation limits the theoretical maximum carbon yield (TMCY) by releasing carbon, and in some cases also leads to redox imbalance. To avoid these problems, we describe here the construction of a metabolic pathway that simultaneously utilizes glucose and acetate. Acetate is utilized to produce acetyl-CoA without carbon loss or redox imbalance. We demonstrate the utility of this approach for isobutyl acetate (IBA) production, wherein IBA production with glucose and acetate achieves a higher carbon yield than with either sole carbon source. These results highlight the potential for this multiple carbon source approach to improve the TMCY and balance redox in biosynthetic pathways.
Strong piezoelectricity in single-layer graphene deposited on SiO2 grating substrates
Authors: da Cunha Rodrigues Gonçalo , Zelenovskiy Pavel , Romanyuk Konstantin , Luchkin Sergey , Kopelevich Yakov , Kholkin Andrei
Published: June 2015

Electromechanical response of materials is a key property for various applications ranging from actuators to sophisticated nanoelectromechanical systems. Here electromechanical properties of the single-layer graphene transferred onto SiO2 calibration grating substrates is studied via piezoresponse force microscopy and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The correlation of mechanical strains in graphene layer with the substrate morphology is established via Raman mapping. Apparent vertical piezoresponse from the single-layer graphene supported by underlying SiO2 structure is observed by piezoresponse force microscopy. The calculated vertical piezocoefficient is about 1.4 nm V−1, that is, much higher than that of the conventional piezoelectric materials such as lead zirconate titanate and comparable to that of relaxor single crystals. The observed piezoresponse and achieved strain in graphene are associated with the chemical interaction of graphene’s carbon atoms with the oxygen from underlying SiO2. The results provide a basis for future applications of graphene layers for sensing, actuating and energy harvesting.
Quantification of recombinant immunotoxin delivery to solid tumors allows for direct comparison of in vivo and in vitro results
Authors: Mason-Osann Emily , Hollevoet Kevin , Niederfellner Gerhard , Pastan Ira
Published: June 2015

Solid tumors present challenges for delivery of protein therapeutics; current methods cannot quantify the functional effects of these agents. RG7787 (anti-mesothelin recombinant immunotoxin) is highly cytotoxic to pancreatic cancer cell lines, but with limited activity in vivo. To investigate this discrepancy, we developed a flow cytometry method to quantify the amount of RG7787 internalized per cell in tumors and used it to analyze tumor responses by determining the number of molecules of RG7787 internalized per cell in vivo and comparing it to that needed to kill cells in vitro. At a maximum tolerated dose of 7.5 mg/kg, tumor cells in vivo internalized a wide range of RG7787 with the average amount equivalent to the amount that induced growth arrest in vitro. However, 20% of cells accumulated 20,300 ITs per cell, sufficient to kill cells in vitro. At 2.5 mg/kg the top 20% of cells internalized enough RG7787 to only induce growth arrest. These data are in agreement with tumor responses; 22% regression following a 7.5 mg/kg dose and growth stabilization following 2.5 mg/kg. Comparing amounts of RIT delivered in vivo and in vitro can explain tumor responses and should facilitate the development of more active immunotoxins and other antibody based agents.
Photon Devil’s staircase: photon long-range repulsive interaction in lattices of coupled resonators with Rydberg atoms
Authors: Zhang Yuanwei , Fan Jingtao , Liang J.-Q. , Ma Jie , Chen Gang , Jia Suotang , Nori Franco
Published: June 2015

The realization of strong coherent interactions between individual photons is a long-standing goal in science and engineering. In this report, based on recent experimental setups, we derive a strong photon long-range repulsive interaction, by controlling the van der Waals repulsive force between Cesium Rydberg atoms located inside different cavities in extended Jaynes-Cummings-Hubbard lattices. We also find novel quantum phases induced by this photon long-range repulsive interaction. For example, without photon hopping, a photon Devil’s staircase, induced by the breaking of long-range translation symmetry, can emerge. If photon hopping occurs, we predict a photon-floating solid phase, due to the motion of particle- and hole-like defects. More importantly, for a large chemical potential in the resonant case, the photon hopping can be frozen even if the hopping term exists. We call this new phase the photon-frozen solid phase. In experiments, these predicted phases could be detected by measuring the number of polaritons via resonance fluorescence.
Unique human orbital morphology compared with that of apes
Authors: Denion Eric , Hitier Martin , Guyader Vincent , Dugué Audrey-Emmanuelle , Mouriaux Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Humans’ and apes’ convergent (front-facing) orbits allow a large overlap of monocular visual fields but are considered to limit the lateral visual field extent. However, humans can greatly expand their lateral visual fields using eye motion. This study aimed to assess whether the human orbital morphology was unique compared with that of apes in avoiding lateral visual field obstruction. The orbits of 100 human skulls and 120 ape skulls (30 gibbons; 30 orangutans; 30 gorillas; 30 chimpanzees and bonobos) were analyzed. The orbital width/height ratio was calculated. Two orbital angles representing orbital convergence and rearward position of the orbital margin respectively were recorded using a protractor and laser levels. Humans have the largest orbital width/height ratio (1.19; p < 0.001). Humans and gibbons have orbits which are significantly less convergent than those of chimpanzees / bonobos, gorillas and orangutans (p < 0.001). These elements suggest a morphology favoring lateral vision in humans. More specifically, the human orbit has a uniquely rearward temporal orbital margin (107.1°; p < 0.001), suitable for avoiding visual obstruction and promoting lateral visual field expansion through eye motion. Such an orbital morphology may have evolved mainly as an adaptation to open-country habitat and bipedal locomotion.
A comparison of light-harvesting performance of silicon nanocones and nanowires for radial-junction solar cells
Authors: Li Yingfeng , Li Meicheng , Fu Pengfei , Li Ruike , Song Dandan , Shen Chao , Zhao Yan
Published: June 2015

Silicon nanorod based radial-junction solar cells are competitive alternatives to traditional planar silicon solar cells. In various silicon nanorods, nanocone is always considered to be better than nanowire in light-absorption. Nevertheless, we find that this notion isn’t absolutely correct. Silicon nanocone is indeed significantly superior over nanowire in light-concentration due to its continuous diameters and thus resonant wavelengths excited. However, the concentrated light can’t be effectively absorbed and converted to photogenerated carriers, since its propagation path in silicon nanocone is shorter than that in nanowire. The results provide critical clues for the design of silicon nanorod based radial-junction solar cells.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress impairment in the spinal dorsal horn of a neuropathic pain model
Authors: Zhang Enji , Yi Min-Hee , Shin Nara , Baek Hyunjung , Kim Sena , Kim Eunjee , Kwon Kisang , Lee Sunyeul , Kim Hyun-Woo , Chul Bae Yong , Kim Yonghyun , Kwon O.-Yu , Lee Won Hyung , Kim Dong Woon
Published: June 2015

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, but its role in neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, we examined the ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) activation in a L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced rat neuropathic pain model. SNL-induced neuropathic pain was assessed behaviorally using the CatWalk system and histologically with microglial activation in the dorsal spinal horn. L5 SNL induced BIP upregulation in the neuron of superficial laminae of dorsal spinal horn. It also increased the level of ATF6 and intracellular localization into the nuclei in the neurons. Moreover, spliced XBP1 was also markedly elevated in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. The PERK-elF2 pathway was activated in astrocytes of the spinal dorsal horn in the SNL model. In addition, electron microscopy revealed the presence of swollen cisternae in the dorsal spinal cord after SNL. Additionally, inhibition of the ATF6 pathway by intrathecal treatment with ATF6 siRNA reduced pain behaviors and BIP expression in the dorsal horn. The results suggest that ER stress might be involved in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, a disturbance in UPR signaling may render the spinal neurons vulnerable to peripheral nerve injury or neuropathic pain stimuli.
Adenosine accelerates the healing of diabetic ischemic ulcers by improving autophagy of endothelial progenitor cells grown on a biomaterial
Authors: Chen Wen , Wu Yangxiao , Li Li , Yang Mingcan , Shen Lei , Liu Ge , Tan Ju , Zeng Wen , Zhu Chuhong
Published: June 2015

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) seeded on biomaterials can effectively promote diabetic ischemic wound healing. However, the function of transplanted EPCs is negatively affected by a high-glucose and ischemic microenvironment. Our experiments showed that EPC autophagy was inhibited and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was increased in diabetic patients, while adenosine treatment decreased the energy requirements and increased the autophagy levels of EPCs. In animal experiments, we transplanted a biomaterial seeded with EPCs onto the surface of diabetic wounds and found that adenosine-stimulated EPCs effectively promoted wound healing. Increased microvascular genesis and survival of the transplanted cells were also observed in the adenosine-stimulated groups. Interestingly, our study showed that adenosine increased the autophagy of the transplanted EPCs seeded onto the biomaterial and maintained EPC survival at 48 and 96 hours. Moreover, we observed that adenosine induced EPC differentiation through increasing the level of autophagy. In conclusion, our study indicated that adenosine-stimulated EPCs seeded onto a biomaterial significantly improved wound healing in diabetic mice; mechanistically, adenosine might maintain EPC survival and differentiation by increasing high glucose-inhibited EPC autophagy and maintaining cellular energy metabolism.
An Alternative Phosphorylation Switch in Integrin β2 (CD18) Tail for Dok1 Binding
Authors: Gupta Sebanti , Chit Joel Chia-Yeong , Feng Chen , Bhunia Anirban , Tan Suet-Mien , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: June 2015

Integrins are involved in cell migration and adhesion. A large number of proteins interact with the cytoplasmic tails of integrins. Dok1 is a negative regulator of integrin activation and it binds to the phosphorylated membrane proximal NxxY motif in a number of integrin β tails. The β tail of the β2 integrins contains a non-phosphorylatable NxxF motif. Hence it is unclear how Dok1 associates with the β2 integrins. We showed in this study using NMR and cell based analyses that residues Ser745 and Ser756 in the integrin β2 tail, which are adjacent to the NxxF motif, are required for Dok1 interaction. NMR analyses detected significant chemical shift changes and higher affinity interactions between Dok1 phospho-tyrosine binding (PTB) domain and integrin β2 tail peptide containing pSer756 compared to pSer745. The phosphorylated β2 peptide occupies the canonical ligand binding pocket of Dok1 based on the docked structure of the β2 tail-Dok1 PTB complex. Taken together, our data suggest an alternate phosphorylation switch in β2 integrins that regulates Dok1 binding. This could be important for cells of the immune system and their functions.
Demonstrating quantum contextuality of indistinguishable particles by a single family of noncontextuality inequalities
Authors: Su Hong-Yi , Chen Jing-Ling , Liang Yeong-Cherng
Published: June 2015

Quantum theory has the intriguing feature that is inconsistent with noncontextual hidden variable models, for which the outcome of a measurement does not depend on which other compatible measurements are being performed concurrently. While various proofs of such contextual behavior of quantum systems have been established, relatively little is known concerning the possibility to demonstrate this intriguing feature for indistinguishable particles. Here, we show in a simple and systematic manner that with projective measurements alone, it is possible to demonstrate quantum contextuality for such systems of arbitrary Hilbert space dimensions, including those corresponding to a qubit. Our demonstration is applicable to a single fermion as well as multiple fermions and thus also a composite boson formed from an even number of fermions. In addition, our approach gives a clear demonstration of the intimate connection between complementarity and contextuality, two seemingly unrelated aspects of quantum theory.
Microelectromechanically tunable multiband metamaterial with preserved isotropy
Authors: Pitchappa Prakash , Ho Chong Pei , Qian You , Dhakar Lokesh , Singh Navab , Lee Chengkuo
Published: June 2015

We experimentally demonstrate a micromachined reconfigurable metamaterial with polarization independent characteristics for multiple resonances in terahertz spectral region. The metamaterial unit cell consists of eight out-of-plane deformable microcantilevers placed at each corner of an octagon ring. The octagon shaped unit cell geometry provides the desired rotational symmetry, while the out-of-plane movable cantilevers preserves the symmetry at different configurations of the metamaterial. The metamaterial is shown to provide polarization independent response for both electrical inductive-capacitive (eLC) resonance and dipolar resonance at all states of actuation. The proposed metamaterial has a switching range of 0.16 THz and 0.37 THz and a transmission intensity change of more than 0.2 and 0.7 for the eLC and dipolar resonances, respectively for both TE and TM modes. Further optimization of the metal layer thickness, provides an improvement of up to 80% modulation at 0.57 THz. The simultaneously tunable dual band isotropic metamaterial will enable the realization of high performance electro-optic devices that would facilitate numerous terahertz applications such as compressive terahertz imaging, miniaturized terahertz spectroscopy and next generation high speed wireless communication possible in the near future.
SNP rs2057482 in HIF1A gene predicts clinical outcome of aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma patients after surgery
Authors: Guo Xu , Li Deyang , Chen Yibing , An Jiaze , Wang Kan , Xu Zhuding , Chen Zhinan , Xing Jinliang
Published: June 2015

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Genetic variations of HIF1A gene have been shown to influence the developing risk and prognosis in many types of human malignancies. However, their association with clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains unclear. To investigate the predictive role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HIF1A gene in HCC patients’ outcomes, we genotyped three functional SNPs (rs2057482, rs1957757 and rs2301113) in HIF1A gene and assessed their associations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of 492 surgical HCC patients. The patients with variant alleles (CT+TT) of SNP rs2057482 had a significantly lower recurrence risk when compared with patients with the CC genotype. In stratified analysis, the protective effect of rs2057482 CT+TT genotype was more evident in patients with adverse strata, compared with patients with favorable strata. Additionally, strong joint predictive effect between rs2057482 genotypes and AFP level, stage or differentiation were observed. Functional assay also indicated the significant effect of rs2057482 on gene expression. In conclusion, SNP rs2057482 in HIF1A gene is significantly associated with clinical outcomes of Chinese HCC patients after surgery, especially in those with aggressive status, which warrants further validation in other patient populations.
Formation of porous calcite mesocrystals from CO2–H2O–Ca(OH)2 slurry in the presence of common domestic drinks
Authors: Montes-Hernandez G. , Renard F. , Findling N. , Auzende A.-L.
Published: June 2015

Simple method to synthesize porous calcite mesocrystals by aqueous carbonation of portlandite in presence of common domestic drinks.
NKT cell-dependent glycolipid–peptide vaccines with potent anti-tumour activity
Authors: Anderson Regan J. , Compton Benjamin J. , Tang Ching-wen , Authier-Hall Astrid , Hayman Colin M. , Swinerd Gene W. , Kowalczyk Renata , Harris Paul , Brimble Margaret A. , Larsen David S. , Gasser Olivier , Weinkove Robert , Hermans Ian F. , Painter Gavin F.
Published: June 2015

Glycolipid–peptide conjugates designed to release vaccine components within target cells ensuring potent CD1d dependent T cell responses.
Development of an analytical method to determine malondialdehyde as an oxidative marker in cryopreserved bovine semen
Authors: Yonny Melisa E. , Reineri Pablo S. , Palma Gustavo A. , Nazareno Mónica A.
Published: June 2015

A new methodology more sensitive to determine MDA in cryopreserved bovine semen as a biomarker of oxidative stress was developed and validated by HPLC in comparison to the conventional spectrophotometric method.
Double CO2 activation by 14-electron η8-permethylpentalene titanium dialkyl complexes
Authors: Cooper Robert T. , Chadwick F. Mark , Ashley Andrew E. , O'Hare Dermot
Published: June 2015

The synthesis of new 14-electron permethylpentalene complexes and their subsequent activation of CO2.
A cyclic dodecanuclear cobalt cluster based on a derivative of the rhodamine 6G dye with unusual magnetization
Authors: Xu Hong , Wang Qian , Qin Jian-Hua , Zang Shuang-Quan , Langley Stuart K. , Murray Keith. S. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Batten Stuart R. , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: June 2015

A novel cyclic dodecanuclear cluster [CoII12(L)6(OH)6(Ac)6]·2DMF (1) decorated by a rhodamine 6G derivative (H2L) presents dominant intracluster antiferromagnetic interactions with S-shaped M vs. H plots.
In situ production of silver nanoparticles on an aldehyde-equipped conjugated porous polymer and subsequent heterogeneous reduction of aromatic nitro groups at room temperature
Authors: Liu Jie , Cui Jieshun , Vilela Filipe , He Jun , Zeller Matthias , Hunter Allen D. , Xu Zhengtao
Published: June 2015

Silver lining on porous polymer – all from heating Tollen's reagent and a polymer host deriving its versatile functions from pendant aldehyde groups and rigid thioether joints.
Cyclic voltammetry of fast conducting electrocatalytic films
Authors: Costentin Cyrille , Savéant Jean-Michel
Published: June 2015

In the framework of contemporary energy challenges, cyclic voltammetry is a particularly useful tool for deciphering the kinetics of catalytic films.
Strong electron donation induced differential nonradiative decay pathways for para and meta GFP chromophore analogues
Authors: Chatterjee Tanmay , Mandal Mrinal , Gude Venkatesh , Bag Partha Pratim , Mandal Prasun K.
Published: June 2015

Charge transfer induced nonradiative internal conversion for meta GFP chromophore analogues is studied.
Maleimide fused boron–fluorine complexes: synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Thale Pranila B. , Borase Pravin N. , Shankarling Ganapati S.
Published: June 2015

Novel boron fluorine complex molecules were designed and synthesized using the maleimide core moiety.
A high tap density secondary silicon particle anode fabricated by scalable mechanical pressing for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Dingchang , Lu Zhenda , Hsu Po-Chun , Lee Hye Ryoung , Liu Nian , Zhao Jie , Wang Haotian , Liu Chong , Cui Yi
Published: June 2015

Large-scale fabrication of a high-tape-density and high-performance nanostructured Si anode was achieved by a mechanical approach.
Quantitative structure–activity relationship correlation between molecular structure and the Rayleigh enantiomeric enrichment factor
Authors: Jammer S. , Rizkov D. , Gelman F. , Lev O.
Published: June 2015

The enantiomeric enrichment caused by enzymatic enantioselective hydrolysis is studied for a homologous series, revealing a correlation between substrate molecular features and the Rayleigh enantiomeric enrichment factor,εER.