bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis of Sorcin-mediated calcium-dependent signal transduction
Authors: Ilari Andrea , Fiorillo Annarita , Poser Elena , Lalioti Vasiliki S. , Sundell Gustav N. , Ivarsson Ylva , Genovese Ilaria , Colotti Gianni
Published: November 2015

Sorcin is an essential penta-EF hand calcium binding protein, able to confer the multi-drug resistance phenotype to drug-sensitive cancer cells and to reduce Endoplasmic Reticulum stress and cell death. Sorcin silencing blocks cell cycle progression in mitosis and induces cell death by triggering apoptosis. Sorcin participates in the modulation of calcium homeostasis and in calcium-dependent cell signalling in normal and cancer cells. The molecular basis of Sorcin action is yet unknown. The X-ray structures of Sorcin in the apo (apoSor) and in calcium bound form (CaSor) reveal the structural basis of Sorcin action: calcium binding to the EF1-3 hands promotes a large conformational change, involving a movement of the long D-helix joining the EF1-EF2 sub-domain to EF3 and the opening of EF1. This movement promotes the exposure of a hydrophobic pocket, which can accommodate in CaSor the portion of its N-terminal domain displaying the consensus binding motif identified by phage display experiments. This domain inhibits the interaction of sorcin with PDCD6, a protein that carries the Sorcin consensus motif, co-localizes with Sorcin in the perinuclear region of the cell and in the midbody and is involved in the onset of apoptosis.
Sequential splicing of a group II twintron in the marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium
Authors: Pfreundt Ulrike , Hess Wolfgang R.
Published: November 2015

The marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is unusual in its genomic architecture as 40% of the genome is occupied by non-coding DNA. Although the majority of it is transcribed into RNA, it is not well understood why such a large non-coding genome fraction is maintained. Mobile genetic elements can contribute to genome expansion. Many bacteria harbor introns whereas twintrons, introns-in-introns, are rare and not known to interrupt protein-coding genes in bacteria. Here we show the sequential in vivo splicing of a 5400 nt long group II twintron interrupting a highly conserved gene that is associated with RNase HI in some cyanobacteria, but free-standing in others, including Trichodesmium erythraeum. We show that twintron splicing results in a putatively functional mRNA. The full genetic arrangement was found conserved in two geospatially distinct metagenomic datasets supporting its functional relevance. We further show that splicing of the inner intron yields the free intron as a true circle. This reaction requires the spliced exon reopening (SER) reaction to provide a free 5′ exon. The fact that Trichodesmium harbors a functional twintron fits in well with the high intron load of these genomes and suggests peculiarities in its genetic machinery permitting such arrangements.
ERK2 mediates inner hair cell survival and decreases susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Kurioka Takaomi , Matsunobu Takeshi , Satoh Yasushi , Niwa Katsuki , Endo Shogo , Fujioka Masato , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: November 2015

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a member of the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and coordinately regulates a multitude of cellular processes. In response to a variety of extracellular stimuli, phosphorylation of both threonine and tyrosine residues activates ERK. Recent evidence indicates that ERK is activated in response to cellular stress such as acoustic trauma. However, the specific role of ERK isoforms in auditory function is not fully understood. Here, we show that the isoform ERK2 plays an important role in regulating hair cell (HC) survival and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in mice (C57BL/6J). We found that conditional knockout mice deficient for Erk2 in the inner ear HCs had hearing comparable to control mice and exhibited no HC loss under normal conditions. However, we found that these knockout mice were more vulnerable to noise and had blunted recovery from NIHL compared to control mice. Furthermore, we observed a significantly lower survival rate of inner hair cells in these mice compared to control mice. Our results indicate that ERK2 plays important roles in the survival of HC in NIHL.
Impact of doping on the carrier dynamics in graphene
Authors: Kadi Faris , Winzer Torben , Knorr Andreas , Malic Ermin
Published: November 2015

We present a microscopic study on the impact of doping on the carrier dynamics in graphene, in particular focusing on its influence on the technologically relevant carrier multiplication in realistic, doped graphene samples. Treating the time- and momentum-resolved carrier-light, carrier-carrier and carrier-phonon interactions on the same microscopic footing, the appearance of Auger-induced carrier multiplication up to a Fermi level of 300 meV is revealed. Furthermore, we show that doping favors the so-called hot carrier multiplication occurring within one band. Our results are directly compared to recent time-resolved ARPES measurements and exhibit an excellent agreement on the temporal evolution of the hot carrier multiplication for n- and p-doped graphene. The gained insights shed light on the ultrafast carrier dynamics in realistic, doped graphene samples.
Decoupling gain and feedback in coherent random lasers: experiments and simulations
Authors: Consoli Antonio , López Cefe
Published: November 2015

We propose and demonstrate a coherent random laser in which the randomly distributed scattering centres are placed outside the active region. This architecture is implemented by enclosing a dye solution between two agglomerations of randomly positioned titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The same spectral signature, consisting of sharp spikes with random spectral positions, is detected emerging from both ensembles of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. We interpret this newly observed behaviour as due to the optical feedback given by back-scattered light from the scattering agglomerations, which also act as output couplers. A simple model is presented to simulate the observed behaviour, considering the amplitude and phase round trip conditions that must be satisfied to sustain lasing action. Numerical simulations reproduce the experimental reports, validating our simple model. The presented results suggest a new theoretical and experimental approach for studying the complex behavior of coherent random lasers and stimulate the realization of new devices based on the proposed architecture, with different active and scattering materials.
Novel electrochemical redox-active species: one-step synthesis of polyaniline derivative-Au/Pd and its application for multiplexed immunoassay
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Feng Feng , Ma Zhanfang
Published: November 2015

Electrochemical redox-active species play crucial role in electrochemically multiplexed immunoassays. A one-pot method for synthesizing four kinds of new electrochemical redox-active species was reported using HAuCl4 and Na2PdCl4 as dual oxidating agents and aniline derivatives as monomers. The synthesized polyaniline derivative-Au/Pd composites, namely poly(N-methyl-o-benzenediamine)-Au/Pd, poly(N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine)-Au/Pd, poly(N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine)-Au/Pd and poly(3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine)-Au/Pd, exhibited electrochemical redox activity at −0.65 V, −0.3 V, 0.12 V and 0.5 V, respectively. Meanwhile, these composites showed high H2O2 electrocatalytic activity because of the presence of Au/Pd. The as-prepared composites were used as electrochemical immunoprobes in simultaneous detection of four tumor biomarkers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA724) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP)). This immunoassay shed light on potential applications in simultaneous gastric cancer (related biomarkers: CEA, CA199, CA724) and liver cancer diagnosis (related biomarkers: CEA, CA199, AFP). The present strategy to the synthesize redox species could be easily extended to other polymers such as polypyrrole derivatives and polythiophene derivatives. This would be of great significance in the electrochemical detection of more analytes.
Peritoneal VEGF-A expression is regulated by TGF-β1 through an ID1 pathway in women with endometriosis
Authors: Young Vicky J. , Ahmad Syed F. , Brown Jeremy K. , Duncan W. Colin , Horne Andrew W.
Published: November 2015

VEGF-A, an angiogenic factor, is increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The cytokine TGF-β1 is thought to play a role in the establishment of endometriosis lesions. Inhibitor of DNA binding (ID) proteins are transcriptional targets of TGF-β1 and ID1 has been implicated in VEGF-A regulation during tumor angiogenesis. Herein, we determined whether peritoneal expression of VEGF-A is regulated by TGF-β1 through the ID1 pathway in women with endometriosis. VEGF-A was measured in peritoneal fluid by ELISA (n = 16). VEGF-A and ID1 expression was examined in peritoneal biopsies (n = 13) and primary peritoneal and immortalized mesothelial cells (MeT5A) by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and ELISA. VEGF-A was increased in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis and levels correlated with TGF-β1 concentrations (P < 0.05). VEGF-A was immunolocalized to peritoneal mesothelium and TGF-β1 increased VEGFA mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.05) in mesothelial cells. ID1 was increased in peritoneum from women with endometriosis and TGF-β1 increased concentrations of ID1 mRNA (P < 0.05) in mesothelial cells. VEGF-A regulation through ID1 was confirmed by siRNA in MeT5A cells (P < 0.05). Our data supports role for ID1 in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, as an effector of TGFβ1 dependent upregulation of VEGF-A and highlights a novel potential therapeutic target.
The Chemistry of Cosmic Dust
Authors: Williams David A , Cecchi-Pestellini C
Published: November 2015

It has been firmly established over the last quarter century that cosmic dust plays important roles in astrochemistry. The consequences of these roles affect the formation of planets, stars and even galaxies. Cosmic dust has been a controversial topic but there is now a considerable measure of agreement as to its nature and roles in astronomy, and its initiation of astrobiology. The subject has stimulated an enormous research effort, with researchers in many countries now involved in laboratory research and in ab initio computations.

This is the first book devoted to a study of the chemistry of cosmic dust, presenting current thinking on the subject distilled from many publications in surface and solid-state science, and in astronomy. The authors discuss the nature of dust, its formation and evolution, the chemistry it can promote on its surfaces, and the consequences of these functions. The purpose of this book is to review current understanding and to indicate where future work is required.

Mainly intended for researchers in the field of astrochemistry, the book could also be used as the basis of a course for postgraduate students who have an interest in astrochemistry.
A ligand-controlled switch of regioselectivity in ring-opening coupling of diarylmethylenecyclopropa[b]naphthalenes with Grignard reagents
Authors: Cao Jian , Huang Xian , Wu Luling
Published: November 2015

A ligand-controlled regioselectivity switch of ring-opening coupling reaction of diarylmethylenecyclopropa[b]naphthalenes with Grignard reagents providing differently substituted β-vinylic naphthalenes in moderate to excellent yields was reported. Based on careful NMR study, we concluded that it may be explained by the ligand effect.
Surface plasmon resonance biosensors for simultaneous monitoring of amyloid-beta oligomers and fibrils and screening of select modulators
Authors: Yi Xinyao , Feng Chengting , Hu Shengqiang , Li Hengfeng , Wang Jianxiu
Published: November 2015

Aβ samples incubated alone or with modulators were serially flowed over the two channels preimmobilized with A11 and OC antibodies, and the SPR signals reflecting the distribution of the oligomers and fibrils were determined.
Rapid screening and identification of non-target flavonoid components in invasive weeds by LC/MS-IT-TOF
Authors: Wang Minchao , Cao Aocheng , Ouyang Canbin , Li Yuan , Wei Yun
Published: November 2015

The paper presents a novel and universally applicable strategy to rapidly screen and identify nontarget flavonoid components from invasive weeds by LC/MS-IT-TOF. The developed strategy was successfully validated to be very useful and powerful for the identification of flavonoid components from three kinds of invasive weeds.
Catalytic self-assembly of a DNA dendritic complex for efficient gene silencing
Authors: Lv Yifan , Peng Ruizi , Zhou Yu , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong
Published: November 2015

A catalytic self-assembled DNA dendritic complex was herein reported for efficient and convenient siRNA-based gene silencing with low cytotoxicity.
Same data, different structures: diastereoisomers with substantially identical NMR data from nature
Authors: Wang Chuan-Xi , Chen Guo-Dong , Feng Chun-Chi , He Rong-Rong , Qin Sheng-Ying , Hu Dan , Chen He-Ru , Liu Xing-Zhong , Yao Xin-Sheng , Gao Hao
Published: November 2015

Two sets of interesting examples of diastereoisomers with substantially identical NMR data, called apparent-equivalent diastereoisomers, were discovered from nature.
Is it all in the hinge? A kryptoracemate and three of its alternative racemic polymorphs of an aminonitrile
Authors: Laubenstein R. , Şerb M.-D. , Englert U. , Raabe G. , Braun T. , Braun B.
Published: November 2015

A kryptoracemate, a racemic crystal in a Sohncke space group, and three additional polymorphs, well-ordered racemic structures.
Synthesis, X-ray characterization, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis studies of carbohydrazone based on Zn(ii) complexes
Authors: Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Bauzá Antonio , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Garczarek Piotr , Kaminsky Werner , Frontera Antonio
Published: November 2015

Five Zn(ii) complexes based on a N4O core carbohydrazone ligand have been synthesized and X-ray characterized. The noncovalent interactions that govern the crystal packing have been rationalized by means of DFT calculations.
Proton transfer in acetylacetone and its α-halo derivatives
Authors: Dolati Fatemeh , Tayyari Sayyed Faramarz , Vakili Mohammad , Wang Yan Alexander
Published: November 2015

A two-dimensional potential energy function has been applied to study the bent intramolecular H-bonds within acetylacetone and its α-halo derivatives. The theoretically predicted proton transfer barrier heights correlate very well with geometrical parameters and electronic properties related to the H-bond strength.
Density functional study on the hole doping of single-layer SnS2with metal element X (X = Li, Mg, and Al)
Authors: Yu Dandan , Liu Yanyu , Sun Lili , Wu Ping , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2015

Li-doped single-layer SnS2is active for overall water splitting whereas Mg(Al)-doped SnS2is suitable only for photo-oxidation.
From linear to cyclic oligoparaphenylenes: electronic and molecular changes traced in the vibrational Raman spectra and reformulation of the bond length alternation pattern
Authors: Peña-Alvarez Miriam , Qiu Lili , Taravillo Mercedes , Baonza Valentín G. , Delgado M. Carmen Ruiz , Yamago Shigeru , Jasti Ramesh , Navarrete Juan T. López , Casado Juan , Kertesz Miklos
Published: November 2015

Linear versus cyclic π-electron conjugation is discussed in oligoparaphenylenes.
Initial hydration behavior of sodium iodide dimer: photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations
Authors: Li Ren-Zhong , Hou Gao-Lei , Liu Cheng-Wen , Xu Hong-Guang , Zhao Xiang , Gao Yi Qin , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: November 2015

We investigated (NaI)2−(H2O)n (n = 0–6) clusters to examine the initial solvation process of (NaI)2 in water, using negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Probing the microsolvation of a quaternary ion complex: gas phase vibrational spectroscopy of (NaSO4−)2(H2O)n=0–6, 8
Authors: Wende Torsten , Heine Nadja , Yacovitch Tara I. , Asmis Knut R. , Neumark Daniel M. , Jiang Ling
Published: November 2015

We report infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra of cryogenically-cooled (NaSO4−)2(H2O)ndianions (n= 0–6, 8) in the fingerprint spectral region, which provide evidence for a remarkable stability of the quaternary ion complex upon microhydration.
Electrochemo-dynamical characterization of polypyrrole actuators coated on gold electrodes
Authors: Martinez J. G. , Otero T. F. , Jager E. W. H.
Published: November 2015

Parallel reactions may have an important effect on conducting polymer actuation.
Structure–performance relationships of Cr/Ti/SiO2catalysts modified with TEAl for oligomerisation of ethylene: tuning the selectivity towards 1-hexene
Authors: Cicmil D. , van Ravenhorst I. K. , Meeuwissen J. , Vantomme A. , Weckhuysen B. M.
Published: November 2015

Ethylene oligomerisation properties of TEAl-modified Cr/Ti/SiO2ethylene polymerisation Phillips-type catalysts studied within situUV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.
CuII bis(oxamato) end-grafted poly(amidoamine) dendrimers
Authors: Rühlig Karoline , Mothes Robert , Aliabadi Azar , Kataev Vladislav , Büchner Bernd , Buschbeck Roy , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich
Published: November 2015

“Magneto-dendrimers” comprising up to ten endgrafted {Cu3(3,4-bopb)(pmdta)2}2− complex fragments have been synthesized to determine their magnetic properties.
Exploring the reducing role of boron: added insights from theory
Authors: Dangat Yuvraj , Vanka Kumar
Published: November 2015

Why are boron containing systems so effective at CO coupling? Full quantum chemical calculations with density functional theory (DFT) provide interesting insights into why recently reported CO coupling by diboryne systems is such a facile process.
Efficient extraction of sulfate from water using a Zr-metal–organic framework
Authors: Howarth Ashlee J. , Wang Timothy C. , Al-Juaid Salih S. , Aziz Saadullah G. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: November 2015

A Zr-based metal–organic framework, NU-1000, is used to extract sulfate from aqueous solutions containing competitive anions. This is of interest for application in the safe disposal and storage of nuclear waste where sulfate anions are known to interfere with the waste vitrification process.
Exploring the role of the sampler housing in limiting uptake of semivolatile organic compounds in passive air samplers
Authors: Zhang Xianming , Hoang Michelle , Lei Ying D. , Wania Frank
Published: November 2015

The PCB concentration gradient in the sampling sorbent with increasing distance from the housing’s opening was measured under different indoor and outdoor conditions.
Nutritional marginal zinc deficiency disrupts placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 modulation
Authors: Huang Y. L. , Supasai S. , Kucera H. , Gaikwad N. W. , Adamo A. M. , Mathieu P. , Oteiza P. I.
Published: November 2015

This paper investigated if marginal zinc nutrition during gestation could affect fetal exposure to glucocorticoids as a consequence of a deregulation of placental 11βHSD2 expression.
Genome-wide metabolic model to improve understanding of CD4+T cell metabolism, immunometabolism and application in drug design
Authors: Han Feifei , Li Gonghua , Dai Shaoxing , Huang Jingfei
Published: November 2015

Model-based investigation of the metabolism and immunometabolism of CD4+T cells (CD4T1670) and the application of CD4T1670 in drug development.
Target identification of natural products and bioactive compounds using affinity-based probes
Authors: Pan Sijun , Zhang Hailong , Wang Chenyu , Yao Samantha C. L. , Yao Shao Q.
Published: November 2015

Direct capture of drug–target complexesin situby using affinity-based probes allows target identification of natural products and bioactive compounds, even if the binding is reversible with moderate affinity.
Reduction of thermal conductivity through nanostructuring enhances the thermoelectric figure of merit in Ge1−xBixTe
Authors: Perumal Suresh , Roychowdhury Subhajit , Biswas Kanishka
Published: November 2015

Nano/meso-structuring reduces the thermal conductivity in Ge1−xBixTe samples, which results in a thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, of 1.3 in Ge1−xBixTe.
Asymmetric total synthesis of Lycopodium alkaloids α-obscurine, N-desmethyl-α-obscurine, β-obscurine and N-desmethyl-β-obscurine
Authors: Fu Jian-Guo , Xu Guang-Qiang , Ding Rui , Lin Guo-Qiang , Sun Bing-Feng
Published: November 2015

We report herein the asymmetric total synthesis of α-obscurine (1), β-obscurine (2), N-desmethyl-α-obscurine (3), and N-desmethyl-β-obscurine (4).
Identification of the over alkylation sites of a protein by IAM in MALDI-TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Mengzhe , Weng Guofeng , Yin Dengyang , Hu Xunxiu , Han Jie , Du Yan , Liu Yaqin , Tang Daoquan , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: November 2015

Overalkylation often appears during the proteolytic digestion process when using iodoacetamide (IAM) to protect the produced side chain thiol of Cys from disulfide bonds.
Maximizing fibroblast adhesion on protein-coated surfaces using microfluidic cell printing
Authors: Davidoff S. N. , Au D. , Gale B. K. , Brooks B. D. , Brooks A. E.
Published: November 2015

Translation ofin vitrocell based assays toin vivocellular response is imprecise at best.
One step preparation of quantum dot-embedded lipid nanovesicles by a microfluidic device
Authors: Zacheo A. , Quarta A. , Zizzari A. , Monteduro A. G. , Maruccio G. , Arima V. , Gigli G.
Published: November 2015

Synthetic carriers that mimic “natural lipid-based vesicles” (micro/nanovesicles, exosomes) have found broad application in biomedicine for the delivery of biomolecules and drugs. Here, an innovative approach for their production is presented.
Regioisomerized atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of olefins with dichlorofluorocarbons
Authors: Zhao Bo , Lu Ju-You , Li Yang , Tu Dong-Huai , Liu Zhao-Tie , Liu Zhong-Wen , Lu Jian
Published: November 2015

The Cu(i) catalysed atom transfer radical addition of dichlorofluorocarbons to olefins via C–Cl bond homolysis is successfully carried out.
Tunable tissue scaffolds fabricated by in situ crosslink in phase separation system
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Chen Wenjian , Gustafson Carl T. , Miller II A. Lee , Waletzki Brian E. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Lu Lichun
Published: November 2015

A combined method byin situcrosslink polymers under phase separation condition was developed for tunable 3-D porous scaffolds fabrication.
A fluorescent biosensor of lysozyme-stabilized copper nanoclusters for the selective detection of glucose
Authors: Wang Chan , Shu Shili , Yao Yagang , Song Qijun
Published: November 2015

Fluorescent copper nanoclusters (Lys-CuNCs) were synthesized using lysozyme as a template, displaying smart response to glucose concentration with high sensitivity. The visualization variation of Lys-CuNCs may further enable the rapid and simple detection of blood glucose.
Enhanced and homogeneous oxygen availability during incubation of microfluidic droplets
Authors: Mahler Lisa , Tovar Miguel , Weber Thomas , Brandes Susanne , Rudolph Martin Michael , Ehgartner Josef , Mayr Torsten , Figge Marc Thilo , Roth Martin , Zang Emerson
Published: November 2015

Up to now, droplets have been statically incubated, resulting in limited and inhomogeneous oxygenation affecting encapsulated cells. Dynamic droplet incubation is presented as a solution.
Polybenzimidazole and polybenzimidazole/MoS2hybrids as an active nitrogen sites: hydrogen generation application
Authors: Dinari Mohammad , Nabiyan Afshin , Ensafi Ali. A. , Jafari-Asl Mehdi
Published: November 2015

High active nitrogen site polybenzimidazole network was synthesized through polycondensation and it was modified with amorphous MoS2for hydrogen generation.
Thermal and electroactive shape memory behaviors of poly(l-lactide)/thermoplastic polyurethane blend induced by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shao Li-na , Dai Jian , Zhang Zhi-xing , Yang Jing-hui , Zhang Nan , Huang Ting , Wang Yong
Published: November 2015

Selectively located CNTs endowed the PLLA/TPU/CNT blend composites with good shape memory behaviors.
In the searching for zwitterionic intermediates on reaction paths of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thiocyclobutanone S-methylide and polymerizable olefins
Authors: Jasiński Radomir
Published: November 2015

DFT calculations show that the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thiocyclobutanone S-methylide with nitroethene takes place according to a polar, two-step mechanism with a zwitterionic intermediate.
Triisopropylsilylacetylene-functionalised anthracene-alt-benzothiadiazole copolymers for application in bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Cartwright Luke , Taylor Lois. J. , Yi Hunan , Iraqi Ahmed , Zhang Yiwei , Scarratt Nicholas. W. , Wang Tao , Lidzey David. G.
Published: November 2015

Triisopropylsilylacetylene-functionalised anthracene-based donor–acceptor polymers are presented along with their optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties in bulk heterojunction solar cells.
High performance system for protein assays: synergistic effect of terminal protection strategy and graphene oxide platform
Authors: He Yue , Jiao Bi-ning
Published: November 2015

A straightforward biosensor for protein assay has been developed based on terminal protection of small molecule-linked DNA by target protein and the difference in affinity of graphene oxide for ssDNA containing different numbers of bases in length.
An algal process treatment combined with the Fenton reaction for high concentrations of amoxicillin and cefradine
Authors: Li Haitao , Pan Yu , Wang Zhizhi , Chen Shan , Guo Ruixin , Chen Jianqiu
Published: November 2015

The goal of the current study was to create a combined technique for the removal of two common antibiotics (amoxicillin and cefradine) using Fenton and an algal action process.
A colorimetric and ultrasensitive immunosensor for one-step pathogen detection via the combination of nanoparticle-triggered signal amplification and magnetic separation
Authors: Chen Yiping , Xie Mengxia
Published: November 2015

Colorimetric and ultrasensitive immunosensor for one-step pathogen detection via the combination of nanoparticle-triggered signal amplification and magnetic separation.
Ammonium persulfate activated DMSO as a one-carbon synthon for the synthesis of methylenebisamides and other applications
Authors: Mahajan Pankaj S. , Tanpure Subhash D. , More Namita A. , Gajbhiye Jayant M. , Mhaske Santosh B.
Published: November 2015

Activation of DMSO to work as an economical and environmentally benign one-carbon synthon has been achieved by using a bench-top reagent ammonium persulfate for general and efficient access to symmetrical methylenebisamides from primary amides.
Non-photolithographic plastic-mold-based fabrication of cylindrical and multi-tiered poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels for biomimetic lab-on-a-chip applications
Authors: Jang Minjeong , Kwon Young Jik , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: November 2015

Cylindrical and multi-tiered PDMS microchannels were fabricated from two thermoplastic molds having large difference in glass transition temperatures, and were used for constructing LOC platforms mimicking human microvasculature and liver sinusoid.
An alumina stabilized graphene oxide wrapped SnO2 hollow sphere LIB anode with improved lithium storage
Authors: Liu Xiang , Sun Qian , Ng Alan M. C. , Djurišić A. B. , Xie Maohai , Dai Baohu , Tang Jinyao , Surya Charles , Liao Changzhong , Shih Kaimin
Published: November 2015

SnO2 hollow spheres were stabilized by graphene oxide wrapping, by alumina coating deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), or the combination of the two methods and used in lithium ion battery anodes.
Significantly enhancing the stability of a Cu2ZnSnS4 aqueous/ethanol-based precursor solution and its application in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells
Authors: Xiao Zhen-Yu , Li Yong-Feng , Yao Bin , Ding Zhan-Hui , Deng Rui , Zhao Hai-Feng , Zhang Li-Gong , Zhang Zhen-Zhong
Published: November 2015

In this work, we report a systematic investigation on the stability of a metal/thiourea aqueous/ethanol-based precursor solution used for fabricating Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films.
Selective capture of hexavalent chromium from an anion-exchange column of metal organic resin–alginic acid composite
Authors: Rapti Sofia , Pournara Anastasia , Sarma Debajit , Papadas Ioannis T. , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Tsipis Athanassios C. , Lazarides Theodore , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Manos Manolis J.
Published: November 2015

An ion-exchange column of metal organic resin (MOR-1)–alginic acid (HA) composite shows remarkable efficiency and selectivity for sorption of Cr(vi).
Directional imbibition on a chemically patterned silicon micropillar array
Authors: Jokinen Ville
Published: November 2015

Unidirectional, bidirectional and tridirectional imbibition of oils is demonstrated on silicon micropillar arrays with overlaid surface chemistry patterns.
The effect of adsorption kinetics on the rate of surfactant-enhanced spreading
Authors: Kovalchuk N. M. , Matar O. K. , Craster R. V. , Miller R. , Starov V. M.
Published: November 2015

A comparison of the kinetics of spreading of aqueous solutions of two different surfactants on an identical substrate and their short time adsorption kinetics at the water/air interface has shown that the surfactant which adsorbs slower provides a higher spreading rate.
Preparation of small-sized graphene oxide sheets and their biological applications
Authors: Zhang Minfang , Okazaki Toshiya , Iizumi Yoko , Miyako Eijiro , Yuge Ryota , Bandow Shunji , Iijima Sumio , Yudasaka Masako
Published: November 2015

Small-sized graphene oxide (S-GO) sheets with lengths of 20–50 nm and widths of 2–10 nm are prepared from carbon nanohorns. Because of their appropriate sizes, abundant carboxylic groups, and strong fluorescence, the S-GO sheets may be superior choices for biomedical and diagnostic applications.
Rapid, one-pot synthesis of luminescent MoS2nanoscrolls using supercritical fluid processing
Authors: Thangasamy Pitchai , Sathish Marappan
Published: November 2015

A rapid, one-pot synthesis of surfactant-free MoS2nanoscrolls by supercritical fluid processing is demonstrated. The MoS2nanoscrolls showed size dependent luminescence behaviour. This method is promising for the direct exfoliation of other 2D layered materials.
Pancreatic progenitor-derived hepatocytes are viable and functional in a 3D high density bioreactor culture system
Authors: Richter M. , Fairhall E. A. , Hoffmann S. A. , Tröbs S. , Knöspel F. , Probert P. M. E. , Oakley F. , Stroux A. , Wright M. C. , Zeilinger K.
Published: November 2015

The rat pancreatic progenitor cell line B-13 is of interest for research on drug metabolism and toxicity since the cells trans-differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells (B-13/H) when treated with glucocorticoids. In this study we investigated the trans-differentiation and liver-specific functions of B-13/H cells in a three-dimensional (3D) multi-compartment bioreactor, which has already been successfully used for primary liver cell culture. Undifferentiated B-13 cells were inoculated into the bioreactor system and exposed to dexamethasone to promote hepatic trans-differentiation (B-13/HT). In a second approach, pre-differentiated B-13 cells were cultured in bioreactors for 15 days to evaluate the maintenance of liver-typical functions (B-13/HP). During trans-differentiation of B-13 cells into hepatocyte-like cells in the 3D bioreactor system (approach B-13/HT), an increase in glucose metabolism and in liver-specific functions (urea and albumin synthesis; cytochrome P450 [CYP] enzyme activity) was observed, whereas amylase – characteristic for exocrine pancreas and undifferentiated B-13 cells – decreased over time. In bioreactors with pre-differentiated cells (approach B-13/HP), the above liver-specific functions were maintained over the whole culture period. Results were confirmed by gene expression and protein analysis showing increased expression of carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS-1), albumin, CYP2E1, CYP2C11 and CYP3A1 with simultaneous loss of amylase. Immunohistochemical studies showed the formation of 3D structures with expression of liver-specific markers, including albumin, cytokeratin (CK) 18, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBP-β), CYP2E1 and multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2). In conclusion, successful culture and trans-differentiation of B-13 cells in the 3D bioreactor was demonstrated. The requirement for only one hormone and simple culture conditions to generate liver-like cells makes this cell type useful for in vitro research using 3D high-density culture systems.
Biophysical characterization of laforin–carbohydrate interaction
Authors: Dias David M. , Furtado Joana , Wasielewski Emeric , Cruz Rui , Costello Bernard , Cole Lindsay , Faria Tiago Q. , Baaske Philipp , Brito Rui M.  M. , Ciulli Alessio , Simões Isaura , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Faro Carlos , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Castanheira Pedro
Published: November 2015

Laforin is a human dual-specificity phosphatase (DSP) involved in glycogen metabolism regulation containing a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). Mutations in the gene coding for laforin are responsible for the development of Lafora disease, a progressive fatal myoclonus epilepsy with early onset, characterized by the intracellular deposition of abnormally branched, hyperphosphorylated insoluble glycogen-like polymers, called Lafora bodies. Despite the known importance of the CBM domain of laforin in the regulation of glycogen metabolism, the molecular mechanism of laforin–glycogen interaction is still poorly understood. Recently, the structure of laforin with bound maltohexaose was determined and despite the importance of such breakthrough, some molecular interaction details remained missing. We herein report a thorough biophysical characterization of laforin–carbohydrate interaction using soluble glycans. We demonstrated an increased preference of laforin for the interaction with glycans with higher order of polymerization and confirmed the importance of tryptophan residues for glycan interaction. Moreover, and in line with what has been described for other CBMs and lectins, our results confirmed that laforin–glycan interactions occur with a favourable enthalpic contribution counter-balanced by an unfavourable entropic contribution. The analysis of laforin–glycan interaction through the glycan side by saturation transfer difference (STD)–NMR has shown that the CBM-binding site can accommodate between 5 and 6 sugar units, which is in line with the recently obtained crystal structure of laforin. Overall, the work in the present study complements the structural characterization of laforin and sheds light on the molecular mechanism of laforin–glycan interaction, which is a pivotal requisite to understand the physiological and pathological roles of laforin.
Comparison of African American Children's Performances on a Minimal Competence Core for Morphosyntax and the Index of Productive Syntax
Authors: Stockman Ida J. , Newkirk-Turner Brandi L. , Swartzlander Elaina , Morris Lekeitha R.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This study is a response to the need for evidence-based measures of spontaneous oral language to assess African American children under the age of 4 years. We determined if pass/fail status on a minimal competence core for morphosyntax (MCC-MS) was more highly related to scores on the Index of Productive Syntax (IPSyn)—the measure of convergent criterion validity—than to scores on 3 measures of divergent validity: number of different words (Watkins, Kelly, Harbers, & Hollis, 1995), Percentage of Consonants Correct–Revised (Shriberg, Austin, Lewis, McSweeney, & Wilson, 1997), and the Leiter International Performance Scale–Revised (Roid & Miller, 1997).

Method

Archival language samples for 68 African American 3-year-olds were analyzed to determine MCC-MS pass/fail status and the scores on measures of convergent and divergent validity.

Results

Higher IPSyn scores were observed for 60 children who passed the MCC-MS than for 8 children who did not. A significant positive correlation,
r

pb

= .73, between MCC-MS pass/fail status and IPSyn scores was observed. This coefficient was higher than MCC-MS correlations with measures of divergent validity:
r

pb

= .13 (Leiter International Performance Scale–Revised),
r

pb

= .42 (number of different words in 100 utterances), and
r

pb

= .46 (Percentage of Consonants Correct–Revised).

Conclusion

The MCC-MS has convergent criterion validity with the IPSyn. Although more research is warranted, both measures can be potentially used in oral language assessments of African American 3-year-olds.
English Language Learners' Nonword Repetition Performance: The Influence of Age, L2 Vocabulary Size, Length of L2 Exposure, and L1 Phonology
Authors: Duncan Tamara Sorenson , Paradis Johanne
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This study examined individual differences in English language learners' (ELLs) nonword repetition (NWR) accuracy, focusing on the effects of age, English vocabulary size, length of exposure to English, and first-language (L1) phonology.

Method

Participants were 75 typically developing ELLs (mean age 5;8 [years;months]) whose exposure to English began on average at age 4;4. Children spoke either a Chinese language or South Asian language as an L1 and were given English standardized tests for NWR and receptive vocabulary.

Results

Although the majority of ELLs scored within or above the monolingual normal range (71%), 29% scored below. Mixed logistic regression modeling revealed that a larger English vocabulary, longer English exposure, South Asian L1, and older age all had significant and positive effects on ELLs' NWR accuracy. Error analyses revealed the following L1 effect: onset consonants were produced more accurately than codas overall, but this effect was stronger for the Chinese group whose L1s have a more limited coda inventory compared with English.

Conclusion

ELLs' NWR performance is influenced by a number of factors. Consideration of these factors is important in deciding whether monolingual norm referencing is appropriate for ELL children.
Parent Reports of Young Spanish–English Bilingual Children's Productive Vocabulary: A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Mancilla-Martinez Jeannette , Gámez Perla B. , Vagh Shaher Banu , Lesaux Nonie K.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This 2-phase study aims to extend research on parent report measures of children's productive vocabulary by investigating the development (
n
= 38) of the Spanish Vocabulary Extension and validity (
n
= 194) of the 100-item Spanish and English MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories Toddler Short Forms and Upward Extension (Fenson et al., 2000, 2007; Jackson-Maldonado, Marchman, & Fernald, 2013) and the Spanish Vocabulary Extension for use with parents from low-income homes and their 24- to 48-month-old Spanish–English bilingual children.

Method

Study participants were drawn from Early Head Start and Head Start collaborative programs in the Northeastern United States in which English was the primary language used in the classroom. All families reported Spanish or Spanish–English as their home language(s). The MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories as well as the researcher-designed Spanish Vocabulary Extension were used as measures of children's English and Spanish productive vocabularies.

Results

Findings revealed the forms' concurrent and discriminant validity, on the basis of standardized measures of vocabulary, as measures of productive vocabulary for this growing bilingual population.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that parent reports, including our researcher-designed form, represent a valid, cost-effective mechanism for vocabulary monitoring purposes in early childhood education settings.
Wideband frequency‐scanning phased‐array feed network using novel composite right/left‐handed unit cell
Authors: Zong Bin‐Feng , Wang Guangming , Liang JiangGang , Zhang XuChun , Wang D.
Published: November 2015

Based on a novel composite right/left‐handed unit cell, a wideband frequency‐scanning network with a large scanning angle ranging towards both negative and positive elevation angles is proposed. The measured results show that the insertion loss variation of the designed frequency‐scanning network is 7.2 ± 1 dB when the frequency ranges from 4.33 to 8.53 GHz and the phase differences of adjacent output ports scan from −50° to 50° when the frequency ranges from 4.76 to 8.26 GHz (53.8%). The proposed network can be used in wideband systems that require a large scanning angle range.
Simplified model‐free predictive current control for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Kai , Yu Jen‐te , Lai Yen‐Shin , Yu Hsing‐Cheng , Lin Yan‐Hong , Chen Fu‐Min
Published: November 2015

A simplified model‐free predictive current control (SMFPCC) for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive system is presented. The SMFPCC requires neither pulse width modulation nor a regulator. Unlike existing model‐based predictive current controllers (MBPCCs), the proposed method is based on stator current detection, meaning that system parameters such as stator resistance, stator inductance, and back‐EMF are not needed. In each sampling period, the stator current is detected only once, rather than twice, thus simplifying the process. Furthermore, to reduce both the switching losses of the inverter and the time consumed, one of four (rather than eight) candidate switching states is selected via the minimisation of a cost function. To compare their performance, both the SMFPCC and the MBPCC are realised on an IPMSM drive system and implemented through a digital signal processor.
Generalised random switching circuits: A time‐domain technique
Authors: Naudé J.A. , Hofsajer I.W.
Published: November 2015

A probabilistic solution of the time‐domain performance of an arbitrary switching circuit driven by a generalised random switching sequence is presented. A generalised random switching sequence is the superset of all clock‐based random pulse‐width modulation schemes and has the best possible spectral spreading. The switching circuits considered are linear and time invariant, have a constant DC input and contain at least one ideal switch. The mean of the probability density updates exactly like a discrete time solution to state‐space averaging, with probability replacing the duty cycle. The covariance matrix of the probability density updates using a difference equation. The value of this work is in the prediction of the statistics of transients for randomly switched power converters. A boost converter is presented as an example.
Simple and robust current‐mode maximum (MAX) circuit
Authors: Butun I.
Published: November 2015

A high‐performance current‐mode, multi‐input winner‐take‐all maximum circuit is introduced. Owing to low‐impedance low‐capacitance input nodes involved, the speed of the new circuit is higher than major counterparts. Simulation results show that the new circuit exhibits superior performance compared with well‐known rival counterparts in terms of speed, area, dynamic range and power dissipation.
Sensing‐throughput optimisation for multichannel cooperative spectrum sensing with imperfect reporting channels
Authors: Dehghani Firouzabadi Abbas , Rabiei Amir Masoud
Published: November 2015

The problem of multiband cooperative spectrum sensing with imperfect reporting channels is considered. It is assumed that the secondary users (SUs) make use of an energy detection scheme to sense a number of frequency subbands (assigned to primary users) and report their sensing results to a fusion centre through noisy channels. Exact expressions for the opportunistic throughput, false alarm and missed detection probabilities are derived in terms of the overall sensing‐plus‐reporting time, sensing subintervals, reporting subintervals and decision thresholds for each SU in each subband. Then, an optimisation problem is formulated that aims to maximise the opportunistic throughput of the cognitive radio network so as to maintain the interference incident on the primary network below a given level. The constraints of the optimisation problem are shown to be non‐convex and the conditions under which these constraints become convex are examined. It is also shown that the objective function of the problem is non‐convex and two suboptimal techniques are introduced to effectively solve the problem using the algorithms developed for solving convex optimisation problems.
Subtype Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: Approach to Different
Clinical Scenarios
Authors: Burrello J. , Monticone S. , Tetti M. , Rossato D. , Versace K. , Castellano I. , Williams T. A. , Veglio F. , Mulatero P.
Published: November 2015

Identification and management of patients with primary aldosteronism are of
utmost importance because it is a frequent cause of endocrine hypertension, and
affected patients display an increase of cardio- and cerebro-vascular events,
compared to essential hypertensives. Distinction of primary aldosteronism
subtypes is of particular relevance to allocate the patients to the appropriate
treatment, represented by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for bilateral
forms and unilateral adrenalectomy for patients with unilateral aldosterone
secretion. Subtype differentiation of confirmed hyperaldosteronism comprises
adrenal CT scanning and adrenal venous sampling. In this review, we will discuss
different clinical scenarios where execution, interpretation of adrenal vein
sampling and subsequent patient management might be challenging, providing the
clinician with useful information to help the interpretation of controversial
procedures.
Developments of fast emittance monitors for ion sources at RCNP
Authors: Yorita T. , Hatanaka K. , Fukuda M. , Shimada K. , Yasuda Y. , Saito T. , Tamura H. , Kamakura K.
Published: November 2015

Recently, several developments of low energy beam transport line and its beam diagnostic systems have been performed to improve the injection efficiency of ion beam to azimuthally varying field cyclotron at Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University. One of those is the fast emittance monitor which can measure within several seconds for the efficient beam development and a Pepper-Pot Emittance Monitor (PPEM) has been developed. The PPEM consists of pepper-pot mask, multichannel plate, fluorescent screen, mirror, and CCD camera. The CCD image is taken via IEEE1394b to a personal computer and analyzed immediately and frequently, and then real time measurement with about 2 Hz has been achieved.