bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo visualization and ex vivo quantification of murine breast cancer cells in the mouse brain using MRI cell tracking and electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Danhier Pierre , Magat Julie , Levêque Philippe , De Preter Géraldine , Porporato Paolo E. , Bouzin Caroline , Jordan Bénédicte F. , Demeur Gladys , Haufroid Vincent , Feron Olivier , Sonveaux Pierre , Gallez Bernard
Published: January 2015

Cell tracking could be useful to elucidate fundamental processes of cancer biology such as metastasis. The aim of this study was to visualize, using MRI, and to quantify, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), the entrapment of murine breast cancer cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) in the mouse brain after intracardiac injection.

For this purpose, luciferase‐expressing murine 4 T1‐luc breast cancer cells were labeled with fluorescent Molday ION Rhodamine B SPIOs. Following intracardiac injection, SPIO‐labeled 4 T1‐luc cells were imaged using multiple gradient‐echo sequences. Ex vivo iron oxide quantification in the mouse brain was performed using EPR (9 GHz). The long‐term fate of 4 T1‐luc cells after injection was characterized using bioluminescence imaging (BLI), brain MRI and immunofluorescence.

We observed hypointense spots due to SPIO‐labeled cells in the mouse brain 4 h after injection on T2*‐weighted images. Histology studies showed that SPIO‐labeled cancer cells were localized within blood vessels shortly after delivery. Ex vivo quantification of SPIOs showed that less than 1% of the injected cells were taken up by the mouse brain after injection. MRI experiments did not reveal the development of macrometastases in the mouse brain several days after injection, but immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that these cells found in the brain established micrometastases. Concerning the metastatic patterns of 4 T1‐luc cells, an EPR biodistribution study demonstrated that SPIO‐labeled 4 T1‐luc cells were also entrapped in the lungs of mice after intracardiac injection. BLI performed 6 days after injection of 4 T1‐luc cells showed that this cell line formed macrometastases in the lungs and in the bones.

Conclusively, EPR and MRI were found to be complementary for cell tracking applications. MRI cell tracking at 11.7 T allowed sensitive detection of isolated SPIO‐labeled cells in the mouse brain, whereas EPR allowed the assessment of the number of SPIO‐labeled cells in organs shortly after injection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum principle for optimal control of anticipated forward–backward stochastic differential delayed systems with regime switching
Authors: Lv Siyu , Tao Ran , Wu Zhen
Published: January 2015

This paper is concerned with a Pontryagin maximum principle for optimal control problem of stochastic system, which is described by an anticipated forward–backward stochastic differential delayed equation and modulated by a continuous‐time finite‐state Markov chain. We establish a necessary maximum principle and sufficient verification theorem for the optimal control by virtue of the duality method and convex analysis. To illustrate the theoretical results, we apply them to a recursive utility investment‐consumption problem, and the optimal consumption rate is derived explicitly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acaricidal activity of compounds from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl against the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus
Authors: Chen Yijuan , Dai Guanghui
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) is one of the most important, highly polyphagous pests of a wide range of field and greenhouse crops throughout the world. The control of this mite is still based primarily on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. In this study, we screened eight plant extracts from China and evaluated the natural compounds showing acaricidal properties from the plant extract, considering their potential use as an alternative to synthetic pesticides.

RESULTS

In bioassay screening assays, the Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl extract showed significantly greater acaricidal activity against T. cinnabarinus than the other seven plant extracts tested. Five compounds were identified from the C. camphora extract via repeated column chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. All the compounds presented acaricidal activity, with 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol and ethyl oleate exhibiting the greatest activity. At 7 days after treatment in a potted seedling experiment, the LC50 values of 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol and ethyl oleate were found to be 1850.94 and 2481.65 mg kg−1 respectively. Microscopic observations showed that the mites displayed the symptomology of poisoning.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the C. camphora extract and its two active components show the potential to be developed as new natural acaricides for controlling carmine spider mites. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The Potential of NanoCellulose in the Packaging Field: A Review
Authors: Li Fei , Mascheroni Erika , Piergiovanni Luciano
Published: January 2015

Nanocellulose has potential applications across several industrial sectors and allows the development of innovative materials, as well as the enhancement of conventional materials properties. The nanocellulose particles can be utilized as fillers, in composites manufacture, as coating and as self‐standing thin films, achieving always very interesting and promising properties. Very few of the several reviews that recently appeared on this topic in the scientific literature, however, summarized the potential of cellulose in nanoform specifically for the packaging field rather focusing on different aspects, ranging from the chemistry and the morphology of nanocellulose particles to the preparation methods, the industrial applications and the patents released. In the present review, the remarkable chemical and physical properties of nanocellulose are introduced and discussed with specific reference to the packaging needs. First, the cellulose resources and structure are introduced, then the process methods to reach the nanoscale, the corresponding morphologies and nomenclatures are summarized, mentioning also the possible chemical modifications of nanocellulose and, finally, its practical and potential applications for packaging materials, especially food packaging materials, are tentatively proposed and discussed. Although the review might not cover every aspect on nanocellulose, yet the key points, particularly those related to safety and biodegradability issues, are regarded and considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration Model of Toxic Metals from Ceramic Food Contact Materials into Acid Food
Authors: Dong Zhan‐hua , Lu Li‐xin , Liu Zhi‐gang
Published: January 2015

Migration studies of lead and cadmium from ceramic food contact materials into acid food simulants were conducted under various time–temperature conditions to investigate the kinetics of the leaching of lead and cadmium. A mathematical model based on one‐dimensional Fickian diffusion theory was derived in order to describe the migration behaviour of lead and cadmium. Moreover, diffusion coefficients of toxic metals were obtained by fitting the short‐time (24 h) migration data to the model. Comparisons of model solutions with experimental data obtained from the medium‐time tests (up to 600 h) and long‐time tests (up to 130 days) were carried out to verify the proposed model and the values of diffusion coefficients obtained from the short‐time test. Results show that the model fits the experimental data obtained under 20 and 40°C well but fails to fit the experimental data at 60°C. This indicates a change of the migration mechanisms from ion exchange to glass network dissolution as a result of higher temperature. Furthermore, results of migration experiments also reveal that the effects of temperature on the diffusion of lead and cadmium follow the Arrhenius law and that the leaching amounts of lead and cadmium decrease with pH value of the food simulant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of coverage and solvent on H2S adsorption on the Cu(100) surface: A DFT study
Authors: Chen Shenghui , Sun Shuangqing , Ma Yunfei , Lian Bingjie , Hu Songqing
Published: January 2015

Density functional theory is used to investigate the effects of coverage and solvent on the adsorption of H2S on the Cu(100) surface. In this work, the adsorption energies, structural parameters and Mulliken charges of the adsorbed H2S are calculated. The results show that when the coverage of H2S is high (1 ML), H2S molecule cannot adsorb on the Cu(100) surface spontaneously, and the decomposition of H2S preferentially occurs at the bridge site. When the coverage decreases to 1/4 ML coverage, H2S molecule does not exhibit the decomposition, but bonds to the top Cu atom with the tilted adsorption. Furthermore, when the coverage is 1/9, 1/16 and 1/25 ML, H2S adsorption remains stable. In addition, the stability of H2S adsorption on the Cu(100) surface improves rapidly when the solvent dielectric constant (ε) increases from 1 to 12.3 corresponding to the vacuum and pyridine, respectively. For the higher ε (≥24.3), the effect of the solvent on the H2S adsorption was greatly reduced. In this work, both coverage and solvent are shown to have an important effect on the H2S adsorption on the Cu(100) surface, which might be useful to improve the future similar simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processes discriminating adaptive and maladaptive Internet use among European adolescents highly engaged online
Authors: Tzavela Eleni C. , Karakitsou Chryssoula , Dreier Michael , Mavromati Foteini , Wölfling Klaus , Halapi Eva , Macarie George , Wójcik Szymon , Veldhuis Lydian , Tsitsika Artemis K.
Published: January 2015

Today adolescents are highly engaged online. Contrary to common concern, not all highly engaged adolescents develop maladaptive patterns of internet use. The present qualitative study explored the experiences, patterns and impact of use of 124 adolescents (Mage = 16.0) reporting signs of internet addictive behaviors. The focus was to discern adaptive and maladaptive use patterns, which promote or interfere with adolescents' development, respectively. Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted in seven European countries (Greece, Spain, Poland, Germany, Romania, Netherlands and Iceland) and qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory. Considerable variability emerged in the way adolescents satisfied their personal needs online and offline, in the experienced impact from high online engagement and functional value ascribed to the internet, and in the self‐regulatory processes underlying use. Variability in these discriminating processes was linked to adaptive or maladaptive adolescent internet use patterns. The emerged processes can provide direction for designing prevention and intervention programs promoting adaptive use.
Key sectors in the post-communist CEE economies: What does the transition data say?
Authors: Gurgul Henryk , Lach Łukasz
Published: January 2015

This paper is the first study dedicated to the extensive examination of the dynamics of key sectors in CEE transition economies based on an application of the WIOD — an extensive database recently launched under the patronage of European Commission, Research Directorate General.We propose a modified approach to key sector analysis which extends applicability of the traditional methodology to the case of examining groups of countries over a period of time. More formally, the research was based on the maximum entropy decomposition of the Leontief inverse applied to the input—output tables covering the period 1995–2011. The results allow formulating the list of sectors, which, more or less, have preserved the status of the key sectors in CEE transition economies. In turn some sectors, especially the manufacturing ones, have significantly derailed while the sector of construction as well as the financial sphere and travel and tourism related sectors, have clearly gained in importance.
Recommended dairy product intake modulates circulating fatty acid profile in healthy adults: a multi-centre cross-over study
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad M. H. , Cyr Audrey , Lépine Marie-Claude , Labonté Marie-Ève , Couture Patrick , Jones Peter J. H. , Lamarche Benoît
Published: January 2015

Dairy products are rich sources of an array of fatty acids (FA) that have been shown individually and in certain clusters to exert varying effects on cardiovascular health, for which the circulating lipid profile is a powerful biomarker. Whether the profile of these FA is reflected in blood upon short terms of intake, possibly contributing to the lipid-related health impacts of dairy products, remains to be fully established. The objectives of the present study were to assess a recommended dairy product consumption in relation to circulating FA and lipid profiles, and to evaluate certain FA in dairy fat as potential biomarkers of intake. In a free-living, multi-centre, cross-over design, 124 healthy individuals consumed 3 servings/d of commercial dairy (DAIRY; 1 % fat milk, 1·5 % fat yogurt and 34 % fat cheese) or energy-equivalent control (CONTROL; fruit and vegetable juice, cashews and a cookie) products for 4 weeks each, separated by a 4-week washout period. Plasma FA and serum lipid profiles were assessed by standard methods at the end of each dietary phase. After 4 weeks of intake, plasma levels of FA pentadecanoic acid (15 : 0) and heptadecanoic acid (17 : 0) were higher (0·26v.0·22 % and 0·42v.0·39 % of the total identified FA, respectively) after the DAIRY phase than after the CONTROL phase (P< 0·0001). This was accompanied by a small but significant increase in serum LDL-cholesterol levels after the DAIRY phase compared with the CONTROL phase (+0·08 mmol/l;P= 0·04). In conclusion, intake of 3 servings/d of conventional dairy products may modify certain circulating FA and lipid profiles within 4 weeks, where 15 : 0 and 17 : 0 may be potential short-term biomarkers of intake.
From Babylon to Baghdad: Cultural Heritage and Constitutional Law in the Republic of Iraq
Authors: Davis Tess
Published: January 2015

The Constitution of the Republic of Iraq entered force in 2005, placing such “national treasures” as “antiquities, archeological sites, cultural buildings, manuscripts, and coins” under federal jurisdiction to be “managed in cooperation with the regions and governorates.” This provision may not immediately appear significant or controversial, but it is both. Federalism remains a heated and even deadly issue in Iraq, which is still balancing authority between its capital and other parts of the country. The Constitution’s handling of heritage—like its comparable treatment of oil and gas—therefore raises many questions. The answers to these have massive implications, as they not only determine who governs culture in Iraq but also could void much existing domestic law and unravel the country’s entire heritage management system. This study thus aims to clarify the Constitution’s treatment of antiquities and archaeology, resolving who controls one of Iraq’s most important historic, cultural, and economic resources.
The first pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticabioserotype 4/O:3 strain isolated from a hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Poland
Authors: BANCERZ-KISIEL A. , PLATT-SAMORAJ A. , SZCZERBA-TUREK A. , SYCZYŁO K. , SZWEDA W.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to identify the bioserotypes and virulence markers ofYersinia enterocoliticastrains isolated from wild boars in Poland. Bacteriological examination of 302 rectal swabs from 151 wild boars resulted in the isolation of 40Y. enterocoliticastrains. The majority of the examined strains (n= 30), belonged to bioserotype 1A/NI. The presence of individualY. enterocoliticastrains belonging to bioserotypes 1B/NI (3), 1A/O:8 (2), 1A/O:27 (2), 2/NI (1), 2/O:9 (1) and 4/O:3 (1) was also demonstrated. Amplicons corresponding toailandystAgenes were observed only in oneY. enterocoliticastrain – bioserotype 4/O:3. TheailandystBgene amplicons were noted in 11Y. enterocoliticabiotype 1A strains, although single amplicons ofystBgene were found in 28 of the tested samples. In four out of eight cases when twoY. enterocoliticastrains were isolated from the same animal, the strains differed in biotype, serotype or virulence markers. The European population of wild boars continues to grow and spread to new areas, therefore, wild boars harbouring potentially pathogenicY. enterocolitica4/O:3 strains pose a challenge to public health.
Vascular chronic Q fever: quality of life
Authors: HAGENAARS J. C. J. P. , WEVER P. C. , SHAMELIAN S. O. A. , VAN PETERSEN A. S. , HILBINK M. , RENDERS N. H. M. , DE JAGER-LECLERCQ G. L. , MOLL F. L. , KONING O. H. J.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients with vascular chronic Q fever at time of diagnosis and during follow-up. Based upon the SF-36 questionnaire, the mean physical and mental health of each patient were assessed at 3-month intervals for up to 18 months. A total of 26 patients were included in the study. At time of diagnosis, the mean physical health and mental health score was 50·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 46·7–54·4] and 44·6 (95% CI 41·6–47·5), respectively. During treatment, the mean physical health score declined significantly by 1·7 points each 3 months (P < 0·001) to 40·8 (95% CI 34·4–45·1). The mean mental health score significantly and steadily increased towards 51·2 (95% CI 46·9–54·3) during follow-up (P = 0·026). A total of 23% of patients were cured after 18 months of follow-up. In conclusion, quality of life at time of diagnosis for patients with vascular chronic Q fever is lower compared to a similar group of patients, matched for age and gender, with an aortic abdominal aneurysmal disease, and physical health decreases further after starting treatment. Considering the low percentage of cure, the current treatment of vascular chronic Q fever patients may require a separate strategy from that of endocarditis in order to increase survival.
Bmi1 regulates auditory hair cell survival by maintaining redox balance
Authors: Chen Y , Li L , Ni W , Zhang Y , Sun S , Miao D , Chai R , Li H
Published: January 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation are involved in noise- and ototoxic drug-induced hair cell loss, which is the major cause of hearing loss. Bmi1 is a member of the Polycomb protein family and has been reported to regulate mitochondrial function and ROS level in thymocytes and neurons. In this study, we reported the expression of Bmi1 in mouse cochlea and investigated the role of Bmi1 in hair cell survival. Bmi1 expressed in hair cells and supporting cells in mouse cochlea. Bmi1−/− mice displayed severe hearing loss and patched outer hair cell loss from postnatal day 22. Ototoxic drug-induced hair cells loss dramatically increased in Bmi1−/− mice compared with that in wild-type controls both in vivo and in vitro, indicating Bmi1−/− hair cells were significantly more sensitive to ototoxic drug-induced damage. Cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL staining demonstrated that apoptosis was involved in the increased hair cell loss of Bmi1−/− mice. Aminophenyl fluorescein and MitoSOX Red staining showed the level of free radicals and mitochondrial ROS increased in Bmi1−/− hair cells due to the aggravated disequilibrium of antioxidant–prooxidant balance. Furthermore, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine rescued Bmi1−/− hair cells from neomycin injury both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that ROS accumulation was mainly responsible for the increased aminoglycosides sensitivity in Bmi1−/− hair cells. Our findings demonstrate that Bmi1 has an important role in hair cell survival by controlling redox balance and ROS level, thus suggesting that Bmi1 may work as a new therapeutic target for the prevention of hair cell death.
Age-related proteostasis and metabolic alterations in Caspase-2-deficient mice
Authors: Wilson C H , Shalini S , Filipovska A , Richman T R , Davies S , Martin S D , McGee S L , Puccini J , Nikolic A , Dorstyn L , Kumar S
Published: January 2015

Ageing is a complex biological process for which underlying biochemical changes are still largely unknown. We performed comparative profiling of the cellular proteome and metabolome to understand the molecular basis of ageing in Caspase-2-deficient (Casp2−/−) mice that are a model of premature ageing in the absence of overt disease. Age-related changes were determined in the liver and serum of young (6–9 week) and aged (18–24 month) wild-type and Casp2−/− mice. We identified perturbed metabolic pathways, decreased levels of ribosomal and respiratory complex proteins and altered mitochondrial function that contribute to premature ageing in the Casp2−/− mice. We show that the metabolic profile changes in the young Casp2−/− mice resemble those found in aged wild-type mice. Intriguingly, aged Casp2−/− mice were found to have reduced blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance. These results demonstrate an important role for caspase-2 in regulating proteome and metabolome remodelling during ageing.
NF-κB-dependent and -independent epigenetic modulation using the novel anti-cancer agent DMAPT
Authors: Nakshatri H , Appaiah H N , Anjanappa M , Gilley D , Tanaka H , Badve S , Crooks P A , Mathews W , Sweeney C , Bhat-Nakshatri P
Published: January 2015

The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is constitutively active in several cancers and is a target of therapeutic development. We recently developed dimethylaminoparthenolide (DMAPT), a clinical grade water-soluble analog of parthenolide, as a potent inhibitor of NF-κB and demonstrated in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities in multiple cancers. In this study, we show DMAPT is an epigenetic modulator functioning in an NF-κB-dependent and -independent manner. DMAPT-mediated NF-κB inhibition resulted in elevated histone H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), which could be recapitulated through genetic ablation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB or inhibitor-of-kappaB alpha super-repressor overexpression. DMAPT treatment and p65 ablation increased the levels of H3K36 trimethylases NSD1 (KMT3B) and SETD2 (KMT3A), suggesting that NF-κB directly represses their expression and that lower H3K36me3 is an epigenetic marker of constitutive NF-κB activity. Overexpression of a constitutively active p65 subunit of NF-κB reduced NSD1 and H3K36me3 levels. NSD1 is essential for DMAPT-induced expression of pro-apoptotic BIM, indicating a functional link between epigenetic modification and gene expression. Interestingly, we observed enhanced H4K20 trimethylation and induction of H4K20 trimethylase KMT5C in DMAPT-treated cells independent of NF-κB inhibition. These results add KMT5C to the list NF-κB-independent epigenetic targets of parthenolide, which include previously described histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC-1) and DNA methyltransferase 1. As NSD1 and SETD2 are known tumor suppressors and loss of H4K20 trimethylation is an early event in cancer progression, which contributes to genomic instability, we propose DMAPT as a potent pharmacologic agent that can reverse NF-κB-dependent and -independent cancer-specific epigenetic abnormalities.
Interaction of differentiated human adipocytes with macrophages leads to trogocytosis and selective IL-6 secretion
Authors: Sárvári A K , Doan-Xuan Q-M , Bacsó Z , Csomós I , Balajthy Z , Fésüs L
Published: January 2015

Obesity leads to adipose tissue inflammation that is characterized by increased release of proinflammatory molecules and the recruitment of activated immune cells. Although macrophages are present in the highest number among the immune cells in obese adipose tissue, not much is known about their direct interaction with adipocytes. We have introduced anex vivoexperimental system to characterize the cellular interactions and the profile of secreted cytokines in cocultures of macrophages and human adipocytes differentiated from either mesenchymal stem cells or a preadipocyte cell line. As observed by time-lapse microscopy, flow, and laser-scanning cytometry, macrophages phagocytosed bites of adipocytes (trogocytosis), which led to theirde novo,phagocytosis and NF-κB-dependent synthesis, then release of interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. IL-6 secretion was not accompanied by secretion of other proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-αand IL-8, except MCP-1. LPS-induced release of TNF-α, IL-8 and MCP-1 was decreased in the presence of the differentiated adipocytes but the IL-6 level did not subside suggesting that phagocytosis-dependent IL-6 secretion may have significant regulatory function in the inflamed adipose tissue.
Analyzing large-scale samples confirms the association between rs16892766 polymorphism and colorectal cancer susceptibility
Authors: Liao Mingzhi , Wang Guangyu , Quan Baoku , Qi Xingsi , Yu Zhihui , Feng Rennan , Zhang Liangcai , Jiang Yongshuai , Zhang Yanqiao , Liu Guiyou
Published: January 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common complex disease caused by the combination of genetic variants and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed and reported some novel CRC susceptibility variants. The rs16892766 (8q23.3) polymorphism was first identified to be significantly associated with CRC in European ancestry. The following studies investigated this association in Chinese, Japanese, Romanian, Swedish, African American, European American and Croatian populations. These studies reported consistent and inconsistent results. Here, we reevaluated this association using the relatively large-scale samples from 13 studies (N = 59737, 26237 cases and 33500 controls) using a meta-analysis by searching the PubMed, Google Scholar and CRCgene databases. We observed no significant heterogeneity among the included studies. Our results showed significant association between rs16892766 polymorphism and CRC (P = 1.33E-35, OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.20-1.27). Collectively, our analysis further supports previous findings that the rs16892766 polymorphism is significantly associated with CRC susceptibility. We believe that our findings will be very useful for future genetic studies on CRC.
An organocatalytic Michael-cyclization cascade of 4-oxa-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with aldehydes: facile synthesis of chiral γ-lactols and trisubstituted γ-lactones
Authors: Lin Jun-Bing , Xu Shi-Ming , Xie Ji-Kang , Li Hong-Yu , Xu Peng-Fei
Published: January 2015

An organocatalytic Michael-cyclization cascade of 4-oxa-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with aldehydes has been developed, enabling highly enantioselective synthesis of γ-lactols, trisubstituted γ-lactones and γ-lactams.
Time-resolved luminescent biosensing based on inorganic lanthanide-doped nanoprobes
Authors: Zheng Wei , Tu Datao , Huang Ping , Zhou Shanyong , Chen Zhuo , Chen Xueyuan
Published: January 2015

In this feature article, we review the latest advancements in lanthanide-doped luminescent nanocrystals as time-resolved luminescent nano-bioprobes, from their fundamental optical properties to their potential applications for ultrasensitive biodetection and high-resolution bioimaging.
Special adhesion of natural honeycomb walls and their application
Authors: Guo Tianqi , Li Muchen , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2015

We investigated the wettability and adhesive behavior of a natural honeycomb wall for water and honey droplets. The cell walls have hydrophobic and highly adhesive properties for both water and honey. The cell wall film can hold water and honey in air, even though the film is turned upside down.
N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of group 4 transition metals
Authors: Zhang Dao , Zi Guofu
Published: January 2015

This review summarizes the progress in the synthesis and catalytic activity of group 4 NHC–metal complexes.
UV-visible spectroscopy of macrocyclic alkyl, nitrosyl and halide complexes of cobalt and rhodium. Experiment and calculation
Authors: Hull Emily A. , West Aaron C. , Pestovsky Oleg , Kristian Kathleen E. , Ellern Arkady , Dunne James F. , Carraher Jack M. , Bakac Andreja , Windus Theresa L.
Published: January 2015

Visible light photolysis of Co(NH3)5CH32+ generates alkyl radicals, unlike the halide complexes Co(NH3)5X2+ which produce halogen anions, X−.
Heteroleptic Ir(iii) complexes based on 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine and bisthienylethene: structures, luminescence and photochromic properties
Authors: Cao Deng-Ke , Wei Ruo-Hong , Li Xiao-Xiong , Chen Jun-Feng , Ward Michael D.
Published: January 2015

Bisthienylethenes L1H and L2H, and their Ir(iii) complexes have been synthesized. Their crystal structures, luminescences and photochromisms have been studied.
Designed synthesis of size-tunable Ag2S nanoclusters via distinguishable C–S bond cleavage reaction of alkyl- and aryl-thiolates
Authors: Chen Hang-Qing , He Xin , Guo Hui , Fu Nan-Yan , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2015

We report herein the synthesis of two aryl- and alkyl-thiolates silver clusters. The two complexes exhibited biased C–S bond cleavage rates upon removing protective ligands and applied for fabricating silver sulfide nanoclusters with variable sizes.
Ultrasonic bonding method for heterogeneous microstructures using self-balancing jig
Authors: Lee Kyoung G. , Shin Sujeong , Kim Byeong Il , Bae Nam Ho , Lee Moon-Keun , Lee Seok Jae , Lee Tae Jae
Published: January 2015

Self-balancing jig has been adapted for fabricating and bonding of heterogeneous microstructures in thermoplastic-based microfluidic device.
A greener approach to synthesize visible light responsive nanoporous S-doped TiO2 with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Sharotri Nidhi , Sud Dhiraj
Published: January 2015

A visible light responsive nanoporous sulfur doped TiO2 nanophotocatalyst was prepared by a greener approach using ultrasonic irradiation.
Synthesis of Ni3N/SiO2 nanocomposites and investigation of their intrinsic static and dynamic magnetic properties
Authors: Jia Yongshuai , Pan Haoshuai , Meng Hongjie , Liu Haojie , Wang Zeqian , Li Xiao , Zhu Longlong , Chai Peng , Gong Chunhong
Published: January 2015

Ni3N/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared via nitriding of a Ni/SiO2 nanocomposite precursor in flowing ammonia.
Self-doped 3-hexylthiophene-b-sodium styrene sulfonate block copolymer: synthesis and its organization with CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Wang Jin , Guo Chenchen , Yu Yongqiang , Yin Huabing , Liu Xueting , Jiang Yang
Published: January 2015

A strategy was developed for producing a conjugated polymer with both doped stability during repeated electric cycle and compatibility with inorganic semiconductor materials.
One-pot three-component synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazoles from 1-copper(i) alkyne, azide and molecular iodine
Authors: Zhang Jianlan , Chen Wenwen , Wang Bo , Zhao Zhouxing , Wang Xinyan , Hu Yuefei
Published: January 2015

The desired 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized conveniently without using the pre-made 1-iodoalkynes as substrates.
Magnetic core–shell titanium dioxide nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for domino Knoevenagel–Michael-cyclocondensation reaction of malononitrile, various aldehydes and dimedone
Authors: Khazaei Ardeshir , Gholami Fatemeh , Khakyzadeh Vahid , Moosavi-Zare Ahmad Reza , Afsar Javad
Published: January 2015

Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2efficiently catalysed the preparation of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans by a one-pot three component reaction of aldehydes, dimedone and malononitrile at 100 °C under solvent-free conditions.
Effect of electrospinning parameters and polymer concentrations on mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion of randomly-oriented electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber mats
Authors: Shao Hao , Fang Jian , Wang Hongxia , Lin Tong
Published: January 2015

Electrospun PVDF nanofibers with uniform fiber-morphology, smaller diameter and higher β crystal phase content show higher mechanical-to-electric energy conversion ability.
Sphere to ring morphological transformation in drying nanofluid droplets in a contact-free environment
Authors: Miglani Ankur , Basu Saptarshi
Published: January 2015

We report first observations and elucidate the buckling instability induced morphological transition in an acoustically levitated, heated nanosuspension droplet using a dynamic energy balance.
Total synthesis of the proposed structure of a polyketide from Phialomyces macrosporus
Authors: Abe Hideki , Itaya Satoko , Sasaki Kei , Kobayashi Toyoharu , Ito Hisanaka
Published: January 2015

Total synthesis of the proposed structure of a polyketide isolated from Phialomyces macrosporus was accomplished. This synthesis features chemoselective epoxidation, regioselective epoxide ring opening, chemo- and diastereoselective dihydroxylation, and vinylation of lactone accompanied by the formation of a furan ring.
Predicting and Influencing Voice Therapy Adherence Using Social–Cognitive Factors and Mobile Video
Authors: van Leer Eva , Connor Nadine P.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Patient adherence to voice therapy is an established challenge. The purpose of this study was (a) to examine whether adherence to treatment could be predicted from three social–cognitive factors measured at treatment onset: self-efficacy, goal commitment, and the therapeutic alliance, and (b) to test whether the provision of clinician, self-, and peer model mobile treatment videos on MP4 players would influence the same triad of social cognitive factors and the adherence behavior of patients.

Method

Forty adults with adducted hyperfunction with and without benign lesions were prospectively randomized to either 4 sessions of voice therapy enhanced by MP4 support or without MP4 support. Adherence between sessions was assessed through self-report. Social cognitive factors and voice outcomes were assessed at the beginning and end of therapy. Utility of MP4 support was assessed via interviews.

Results

Self-efficacy and the therapeutic alliance predicted a significant amount of adherence variance. MP4 support significantly increased generalization, self-efficacy for generalization, and the therapeutic alliance. An interaction effect demonstrated that MP4 support was particularly effective for patients who started therapy with poor self-efficacy for generalization.

Conclusion

Adherence may be predicted and influenced via social–cognitive means. Mobile technology can extend therapy to extraclinical settings.
Fault‐tolerant permanent magnet synchronous machine – phase, pole and slot number selection criterion based on inductance calculation
Authors: Prieto Borja , Martínez‐Iturralde Miguel , Fontán Luis , Elosegui Ibon
Published: January 2015

Interest in permanent magnet synchronous machines for safety‐critical applications has been increasing over the years. One of the most common methods for providing fault tolerance to a permanent magnet machine is the active control from the drive side. This method requires designing machines with the lowest possible mutual coupling between phases and a self‐inductance that is high enough to limit the fault currents. Fractional‐slot concentrated windings have been proposed as the most advantageous solution to meet these requirements. When comparing the numerous combinations of phases, poles and slots that give rise to a fractional‐slot concentrated winding, the usual criteria only focus on obtaining a single‐layer winding and do not actually consider the relationship between the self‐inductance and the mutual inductance between phases. Moreover, they give no recommendations regarding the optimal number of phases from a magnetic point of view. The present work aims to cover this gap by obtaining analytical expressions for the calculation of the inductances in a permanent magnet machine. The derived expressions are investigated regardless of the geometry of the machine, and the criteria for selecting the most promising combinations in terms of the machine's fault tolerance are extracted.
Comment on “Solitons, Bäcklund transformation, and Lax pair for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Boiti-Leon- Pempinelli equation for the water waves” [J. Math. Phys. 51, 093519 (2010)]
Authors: Gao Xin-Yi
Published: January 2015

Recent studies on the water waves have been impressive. Of current interest in fluid physics, Jiang et al. [J. Math. Phys. 51, 093519 (2010)] have reported certain soliton interactions along with binary-Bell-polynomial-type Bäcklund transformation and Lax pair for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Boiti-Leon-Pempinelli system for water waves. However, the story introduced by that paper can be made more complete, since in fluid physics and other fields, the variable-coefficient models can describe many physical processes more realistically than their constant-coefficient counterparts. Hereby, on a (2 + 1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Boiti-Leon-Pempinelli generalization, water-wave symbolic computation is performed. For the horizontal velocity of the water wave as well as the wave elevation, variable-coefficient-dependent auto-Bäcklund transformation is constructed out, along with some variable-coefficient-dependent shock-wave-type solutions. Relevant variable-coefficient constraints are also given, with respect to water waves.
Epi-detected quadruple-modal nonlinear optical microscopy for label-free imaging of the tooth
Authors: Wang Zi , Zheng Wei , Stephen Hsu Chin-Ying , Huang Zhiwei
Published: January 2015

We present an epi-detected quadruple-modal nonlinear optical microscopic imaging technique (i.e., coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), second-harmonic generation (SHG), third-harmonic generation (THG), and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF)) based on a picosecond (ps) laser-pumped optical parametric oscillator system for label-free imaging of the tooth. We demonstrate that high contrast ps-CARS images covering both the fingerprint (500–1800 cm−1) and high-wavenumber (2500–3800 cm−1) regions can be acquired to uncover the distributions of mineral and organic biomaterials in the tooth, while high quality TPEF, SHG, and THG images of the tooth can also be acquired under ps laser excitation without damaging the samples. The quadruple-modal nonlinear microscopic images (CARS/SHG/THG/TPEF) acquired provide better understanding of morphological structures and biochemical/biomolecular distributions in the dentin, enamel, and the dentin-enamel junction of the tooth without labeling, facilitating optical diagnosis and characterization of the tooth in dentistry.
Zero temperature coefficient of resistivity induced by photovoltaic effect in Y Ba2Cu3O6.96 ceramics
Authors: Yang Feng , Han Mengyuan , Chang Fanggao
Published: January 2015

I-V characteristics of YBCO-Ag system under blue laser (λ = 450 nm) illumination were studied from 100 to 300 K and obvious photovoltaic effects were observed. All the I-V curves in the temperature range intersect at a point in the first quadrant while the laser points to the cathode electrode, indicating a zero temperature coefficient of resistivity. This implies that the outputting voltage keeps constant in a broad temperature range when a critical bias current is assigned. The intersection points of different laser intensities fall in a straight line, the slope of which (Rc) is independent of temperature and laser intensity.
Estimation of the temperature dependent interaction between uncharged point defects in Si
Authors: Kamiyama Eiji , Vanhellemont Jan , Sueoka Koji
Published: January 2015

A method is described to estimate the temperature dependent interaction between two uncharged point defects in Si based on DFT calculations. As an illustration, the formation of the uncharged di-vacancy V2 is discussed, based on the temperature dependent attractive field between both vacancies. For that purpose, all irreducible configurations of two uncharged vacancies are determined, each with their weight given by the number of equivalent configurations. Using a standard 216-atoms supercell, nineteen irreducible configurations of two vacancies are obtained. The binding energies of all these configurations are calculated. Each vacancy is surrounded by several attractive sites for another vacancy. The obtained temperature dependent of total volume of these attractive sites has a radius that is closely related with the capture radius for the formation of a di-vacancy that is used in continuum theory. The presented methodology can in principle also be applied to estimate the capture radius for pair formation of any type of point defects.
Antibody repertoire diversification through VH gene replacement in mice cloned from an IgA plasma cell
Authors: Kumar Rashmi , Bach Martina P. , Mainoldi Federica , Maruya Mikako , Kishigami Satoshi , Jumaa Hassan , Wakayama Teruhiko , Kanagawa Osami , Fagarasan Sidonia , Casola Stefano
Published: January 2015

Significance

Antibodies produced by B cells provide a protective barrier to our organism against the penetration and dissemination of microorganisms. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen through variable (V) region domains of pairs of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) and light (L) chains. In mammals, VDJ recombination generates a highly diversified preimmune pool of VHand VLdomains. Acquisition of a functional VHrearrangement is thought to prevent further VDJ recombination at the IgH locus. Instead, mice cloned from a terminally differentiated B cell unravel the ability of VDJ recombination to revise a functionally rearranged VHgene through VH replacement. We show that up to 20% of the antibody V gene repertoire of mature B-lymphocytes can be generated through VH replacement.
Structural insight into the active site of a Bombyx mori unclassified glutathione transferase
Authors: Tofazzal Hossain M D , Yamamoto Kohji
Published: January 2015

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are major detoxification enzymes that play central roles in the defense against various environmental toxicants as well as oxidative stress. Here, we identify amino acid residues of an unclassified GST from Bombyx mori, bmGSTu-interacting glutathione (GSH). Site-directed mutagenesis of bmGSTu mutants indicated that amino acid residues Asp103, Ser162, and Ser166 contribute to catalytic activity.
Formative assessment: translating high‐level curriculum principles into classroom practice
Authors: Clark Ian
Published: January 2015

The curriculum is the totality of experiences which are planned for young learners through their education, wherever they are being educated. It determines the ethos of the school as a learning community, curriculum subjects and areas, interdisciplinary learning, and opportunities to attain personal and learning goals. An effective curriculum, which meets the needs of the twenty‐first century learner improves numeracy and literacy, promotes health and well‐being, and supports the social and technical skills required for learning, life and work (lifelong learning). Relatively recent developments in the policy frameworks of numerous nations have seen the implementation of an interactive style of teaching and learning called formative assessment. Formative classroom assessment is a potentially powerful instructional process because the practice of sharing assessment information that supports learning is embedded into the instructional process by design. This article uses a range of sources, including policy and framework documentation relating to the development and implementation of a curriculum which drives interactive assessment practices designed to make evidence of learning visible as assessment data with potentially lifelong effects. The purpose of this article is to delineate a ‘formative curriculum’ designed to drive classroom practices that create responsible citizens, confident individuals, effective contributors, and successful learners.
Conflicting Expert Testimony and the Search for Gravitational Waves
Authors: Almassi Ben
Published: January 2015

How can we make informed decisions about whom to trust given expert disagreement? Can experts on both sides be reasonable in holding conflicting views? Epistemologists have engaged the issue of reasonable expert disagreement generally; here I consider a particular expert dispute in physics, given conflicting accounts from Harry Collins and Allan Franklin, over Joseph Weber's alleged detection of gravitational waves. Finding common ground between Collins and Franklin, I offer a characterization of the gravity wave dispute as both social and evidential. While experimental evidence alone may not have forced resolution of the dispute, there were also credibility-based reasons warranting epistemic trust and distrust. Thus we see how social factors can have evidential significance and how expert disagreement can be reasonable.
On the Existence of “Time Machines” in General Relativity
Authors: Manchak John Byron
Published: January 2015

Within the context of general relativity, we consider one definition of a “time machine” proposed by Earman, Smeenk, and Wüthrich. They conjecture that, under their definition, the class of time machine spacetimes is not empty. Here, we prove this conjecture.
The Evolution of Cooperative Behavior and Its Implications for Ethics
Authors: Morris Stephen G.
Published: January 2015

While many philosophers agree that evolutionary theory has important implications for the study of ethics, there has been no consensus on what these implications are. I argue that we can better understand these implications by examining two related yet distinct issues in evolutionary theory: the evolution of our moral beliefs and the evolution of cooperative behavior. While the prevailing evolutionary account of morality poses a threat to moral realism, a plausible model of how altruism evolved in human beings provides the grounding for a research program that focuses on achieving some of the more practical goals shared by ethicists.
Functional Stability and Systems Level Causation
Authors: Strand Anders , Oftedal Gry
Published: January 2015

A wide range of gene knockout experiments shows that functional stability is an important feature of biological systems. On this backdrop, we present an argument for higher-level causation based on counterfactual dependence. Furthermore, we sketch a metaphysical picture providing resources to explain the metaphysical nature of functional stability, higher-level causation, and the relevant notion of levels. Our account aims to clarify the role empirical results and philosophical assumptions should play in debates about reductionism and higher-level causation. It thereby contributes to the development of a philosophical foundation for systems biology.
What Does It Mean to Be 75% Pumpkin? The Units of Comparative Genomics
Authors: Piotrowska Monika
Published: January 2015

Comparative genomicists seem to be convinced that the unit of measurement employed in their studies is a gene that drives the function of cells and ultimately organisms. As a result, they have come to some substantive conclusions about how similar humans are to other organisms based on the percentage of genetic makeup they share. I argue that the actual unit of measurement employed in the studies corresponds to a structural rather than a functional gene concept, thus rendering many of the implications drawn from comparative genomic studies largely unwarranted, if not completely mistaken.
Core Affect and Natural Affective Kinds
Authors: Scarantino Andrea
Published: January 2015

It is commonly assumed that the scientific study of emotions should focus on discrete categories such as fear, anger, sadness, joy, disgust, shame, guilt, and so on. This view has recently been questioned by the emergence of the “core affect movement,” according to which discrete emotions are not natural kinds. Affective science, it is argued, should focus on core affect, a blend of hedonic and arousal values. Here, I argue that the empirical evidence does not support the thesis that core affect is a more “natural” category than discrete emotions. I conclude by recommending a splitting strategy in our search for natural affective kinds.