bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plate waste and intake of school lunch based on the new Nordic diet and on packed lunches: a randomised controlled trial in 8- to 11-year-old Danish children
Authors: Thorsen Anne V. , Lassen Anne D. , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Christensen Lene M. , Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Andersen Rikke , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Tetens Inge
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to compare total food intake, total and relative edible plate waste and self-reported food likings between school lunch based on the new Nordic diet (NND) and packed lunch from home. In two 3-month periods in a cluster-randomised controlled unblinded cross-over study 3rd- and 4th-grade children (n187) from two municipal schools received lunch meals based on NND principles and their usual packed lunch (control). Food intake and plate waste (n1558) were calculated after weighing lunch plates before and after the meal for five consecutive days and self-reported likings (n905) assessed by a web-based questionnaire. Average food intake was 6 % higher for the NND period compared with the packed lunch period. The quantity of NND intake varied with the menu (P< 0·0001) and was positively associated with self-reported likings. The edible plate waste was 88 (sd80) g for the NND period and 43 (sd60) g for the packed lunch period whereas the relative edible plate waste was no different between periods for meals having waste (n1050). Edible plate waste differed between menus (P< 0·0001), with more waste on soup days (36 %) and vegetarian days (23 %) compared with the packed lunch period. Self-reported likings were negatively associated with percentage plate waste (P< 0·0001). The study suggests that portion sizes need to be considered in new school meal programmes. New strategies with focus on reduction of plate waste, children's likings and nutritious school meals are crucial from both a nutritional, economic and environmental point of view.
Delineating site-specific management zones for precision agriculture
Authors: FARID H. U. , BAKHSH A. , AHMAD N. , AHMAD A. , MAHMOOD-KHAN Z.
Published: May 2015

Delineating site-specific management zones within fields can be helpful in addressing spatial variability effects for adopting precision farming practices. A 3-year (2008/09 to 2010/11) field study was conducted at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to identify the most important soil and landscape attributes influencing wheat grain yield, which can be used for delineating management zones. A total of 48 soil samples were collected from the top 300 mm of soil in 8-ha experimental field divided into regular grids of 24 × 67 m prior to sowing wheat. Soil and landscape attributes such as elevation, % of sand, silt and clay by volume, soil electrical conductivity (EC), pH, soil nitrogen (N) and soil phosphorus (P) were included in the analysis. Artificial neural network (ANN) analysis showed that % sand, % clay, elevation, soil N and soil EC were important variables for delineating management zones. Different management zone schemes ranging from three to six were developed and evaluated based on performance indicators using Management Zone Analyst (MZA V0·1) software. The fuzziness performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy NCE indices showed minimum values for a four management zone scheme, indicating its appropriateness for the experimental field. The coefficient of variation values of soil and landscape attributes decreased for each management zone within the four management zone scheme compared to the entire field, which showed improved homogeneity. The evaluation of the four management zone scheme using normalized wheat grain yield data showed distinct means for each management zone, verifying spatial variability effects and the need for its management. The results indicated that the approach based on ANN and MZA software analysis can be helpful in delineating management zones within the field, to promote precision farming practices effectively.
Prospects for observing the magnetorotational instability in the plasma Couette experiment
Authors: Flanagan K. , Clark M. , Collins C. , Cooper C. M. , Khalzov I. V. , Wallace J. , Forest C. B.
Published: May 2015

Many astrophysical disks, such as protoplanetary disks, are in a regime where non-ideal, plasma-specific magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects can significantly influence the behaviour of the magnetorotational instability (MRI). The possibility of studying these effects in the plasma Couette experiment (PCX) is discussed. An incompressible, dissipative global stability analysis is developed to include plasma-specific two-fluid effects and neutral collisions, which are inherently absent in analyses of Taylor–Couette flows (TCFs) in liquid metal experiments. It is shown that with boundary driven flows, a ion-neutral collision drag body force significantly affects the azimuthal velocity profile, thus limiting the flows to regime where the MRI is not present. Electrically driven flow (EDF) is proposed as an alternative body force flow drive in which the MRI can destabilize at more easily achievable plasma parameters. Scenarios for reaching MRI relevant parameter space and necessary hardware upgrades are described.
FRAMEWORK FOR USER INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: VIEWS OF HEALTH MANAGERS, USER REPRESENTATIVES, AND CLINICIANS
Authors: Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Desmartis Marie , Gagnon Johanne , St-Pierre Michèle , Rhainds Marc , Coulombe Martin , Tantchou Mylène Dipankui , Légaré France
Published: May 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore stakeholders’ points of views regarding the applicability and relevance of a framework for user involvement in health technology assessment (HTA) at the local level. We tested this framework in the context of the assessment of alternative measures to restraint and seclusion among hospitalized adults and those living in long-term-care facilities.

Methods: Twenty stakeholders (health managers, user representatives, and clinicians) from seven regions of Quebec participated in a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed.

Results: The findings highlighted the relevance and applicability of the framework to this specific HTA. According to interviewees, direct participation of users in the HTA process allows them to be part of the decision-making process. User consultation makes it possible to consider the views of a wide variety of people, such as marginalized and vulnerable groups, who do not necessarily meet the requirements for participating in HTA committees. However, some user representatives emphasized that user consultation should be integrated into a more holistic and participatory perspective. The most frequent barrier associated with user involvement in HTA was the top-down health system, which takes little account of the user's perspective.

Conclusions: The proposed framework was seen as a reference tool for making practitioners and health managers aware of the different mechanisms of user involvement in HTA and providing a structured way to classify and describe strategies. However, there is a need for more concrete instruments to guide practice and support decision making on specific strategies for user involvement in HTA at the local level.
L’évaluation de la mémoire rétrograde dans la population Québécoise âgée: Le PUB-40 et le PUB-12
Authors: Langlois Roxane , Joubert Sven , Benoit Sophie , Dostie Valérie , Rouleau Isabelle
Published: May 2015

Memory assessment represents an important part of the clinical neuropsychologist’s duties in a geriatric context. In fact, in Canada, about one-third of seniors report memory complaints, with different causes. Based on the underlying etiology, different components of memory may be affected in older adults. Nonautobiographical retrograde memory (public or semantic) is an important aspect of memory to assess; nevertheless, there is currently no reliable and standardized clinical tool to evaluate this aspect of memory in the elderly Quebecer population. The aims of this research were therefore: (1) to develop a protocol specifically aimed at assessing non-autobiographical retrograde memory in this population, the PUB-40; (2) to obtain reference data among 105 healthy subjects; and (3) to develop a short version based on the items which discriminated a group of 20 patients with amnestic Mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) from older healthy subjects.
Methylation of exons 1D, 1F, and 1Hof the glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter and exposure to adversity in preschool-aged children
Authors: Tyrka Audrey R. , Parade Stephanie H. , Eslinger Nicole M. , Marsit Carmen J. , Lesseur Corina , Armstrong David A. , Philip Noah S. , Josefson Brittney , Seifer Ronald
Published: May 2015

Epigenetic modifications to the genome are a key mechanism involved in the biological encoding of experience. Animal studies and a growing body of literature in humans have shown that early adversity is linked to methylation of the gene for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is a key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as well as a broad range of physiological systems including metabolic and immune function. One hundred eighty-four families participated, includingn= 74 with child welfare documentation of moderate-severe maltreatment in the past 6 months. Children ranged in age from 3 to 5 years, and were racially and ethnically diverse. Structured record review and interviews in the home were used to assess a history of maltreatment, other traumas, and contextual life stressors, and a composite variable assessed the number exposures to these adversities. Methylation of regions 1D, 1F, and 1Hof the GR gene was measured via sodium bisulfite pyrosequencing. The composite measure of adversity was positively correlated with methylation at exons 1Dand 1Fin the promoter of the GR gene. Individual stress measures were significantly associated with a several CpG sites in these regions. GR gene methylation may be a mechanism of the biobehavioral effects of adverse exposures in young children.
Emblems, Leadership, Social Interaction and Early Social Complexity: The Ancient Formative Period (1500 bc–ad 100) in the Desert of Northern Chile
Authors: Gallardo Francisco , Cabello Gloria
Published: May 2015

Social complexity is synonymous with inequality, a political form whose origin is associated with a reduction in residential mobility, the intensification of production, craft specialization, long-distance exchange, public architecture, the proliferation of prestige goods and ceremonial feasts. Archaeological evidence of these processes, however, is insufficient without the identification of practices related to prehistoric leadership. In the early Andean area, this social distinction was deposited in emblems or insignias of authority, objects of visual prestige whose value resided in myths and divinities. Similar arrangements of material culture, around the first millennium before Christ, appear contextually related with the first village-based communities in Northern Chile.
On lookahead equilibria in congestion games
Authors: BILÒ VITTORIO , FANELLI ANGELO , MOSCARDELLI LUCA
Published: May 2015

We investigate the issues of existence and efficiency of lookahead equilibria in congestion games. Lookahead equilibria, whose study has been initiated by Mirrokniet al.(2012), correspond to the natural extension of pure Nash equilibria in which the players, when making use of global information in order to predict subsequent reactions of the other ones, have computationally limited capabilities.
Multi-level dynamo and opinion spreading
Authors: BRUNETTI SARA , CORDASCO GENNARO , LODI ELENA , GARGANO LUISA , QUATTROCIOCCHI WALTER
Published: May 2015

We consider the following multi-level opinion spreading model on networks. Initially, each node gets a weight, from the set {0,. . .,k – 1}, which measures the individual conviction of a new idea or product. Then, by proceeding in rounds, each node updates its weight according to those of its neighbours. We study k-dynamos that are initial assignments of weights leading each node to get the value k – 1 – e.g. unanimous maximum level of acceptance – within a given number of rounds; the goal is to minimize the sum of the initial weights of the nodes. We determine lower bounds on the sum of the initial weights under the irreversible simple majority rules, where a node increases its weight if and only if the majority of its neighbours have a weight that is higher than its own. We study the relations among 2-dynamos and k-dynamos, with and without a bound on the number of rounds needed to reach the desired all-(k – 1) configuration. Moreover, we provide constructive tight upper bounds for some classes of regular topologies: rings, tori and cliques.
House Committee Approves Bills That Limit Earth Science Funding
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2015

The U.S. House of Representatives could vote later this month on legislation, approved by the science committee, to limit Earth science funding at several federal agencies.
What Can We Learn About Disaster Preparedness from Nepal's Quake?
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2015

In an interview with Eos, hazard mitigation expert Brian Tucker gives his views on disaster preparedness in the wake of the recent earthquake in Nepal.
Effect of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists on Clinically Relevant Outcomes after Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Laban Kamil G , Vergouwen Mervyn DI , Dijkhuizen Rick M , Sena Emily S , Macleod Malcolm R , Rinkel Gabriel JE , van der Worp H Bart
Published: May 2015

In clinical trials, endothelin receptor antagonists (ETRAs) reduced vasospasm but did not improve functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We assessed the effects of treatment with ETRAs on clinically relevant outcomes in animal studies modelling SAH by performing a systematic review of the literature for controlled animal studies of ETRAs for the treatment of SAH. Primary outcomes were neurobehavioral outcomes and case fatality. Secondary outcomes were cerebral vasospasm and cerebral blood flow. Summary estimates were calculated using normalized mean difference random effects meta-analysis. We included 27 studies (55 experiments, 639 animals). Neurobehavioral scores were reported in none of the experiments, and case fatality in 8 (15%). Treatment with ETRAs was associated with a pooled odds ratio for case fatality of 0.61 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27 to 1.39); a 54% increase (95% CI, 39 to 69) in cerebral arterial diameter; and a 93% increase (95% CI, 58 to 129) in cerebral blood flow. We conclude that there is no evidence from animal studies that treatment with an ETRA improves clinically relevant outcomes after SAH. The reduction in cerebral vasospasm observed in animal studies is consistent with that observed in clinical trials, an effect that is not associated with better functional outcome in patients.
Spatially and temporally resolved gas distributions around heterogeneous catalysts using infrared planar laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Zetterberg Johan , Blomberg Sara , Gustafson Johan , Evertsson Jonas , Zhou Jianfeng , Adams Emma C. , Carlsson Per-Anders , Aldén Marcus , Lundgren Edvin
Published: May 2015

Visualizing and measuring the gas distribution in close proximity to a working catalyst is crucial for understanding how the catalytic activity depends on the structure of the catalyst. However, existing methods are not able to fully determine the gas distribution during a catalytic process. Here we report on how the distribution of a gas during a catalytic reaction can be imaged in situ with high spatial (400 μm) and temporal (15 μs) resolution using infrared planar laser-induced fluorescence. The technique is demonstrated by monitoring, in real-time, the distribution of carbon dioxide during catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide above powder catalysts. Furthermore, we demonstrate the versatility and potential of the technique in catalysis research by providing a proof-of-principle demonstration of how the activity of several catalysts can be measured simultaneously, either in the same reactor chamber, or in parallel, in different reactor tubes.
Perovskite–fullerene hybrid materials suppress hysteresis in planar diodes
Authors: Xu Jixian , Buin Andrei , Ip Alexander H. , Li Wei , Voznyy Oleksandr , Comin Riccardo , Yuan Mingjian , Jeon Seokmin , Ning Zhijun , McDowell Jeffrey J. , Kanjanaboos Pongsakorn , Sun Jon-Paul , Lan Xinzheng , Quan Li Na , Kim Dong Ha , Hill Ian G. , Maksymovych Peter , Sargent Edward H.
Published: May 2015

Solution-processed planar perovskite devices are highly desirable in a wide variety of optoelectronic applications; however, they are prone to hysteresis and current instabilities. Here we report the first perovskite–PCBM hybrid solid with significantly reduced hysteresis and recombination loss achieved in a single step. This new material displays an efficient electrically coupled microstructure: PCBM is homogeneously distributed throughout the film at perovskite grain boundaries. The PCBM passivates the key PbI3− antisite defects during the perovskite self-assembly, as revealed by theory and experiment. Photoluminescence transient spectroscopy proves that the PCBM phase promotes electron extraction. We showcase this mixed material in planar solar cells that feature low hysteresis and enhanced photovoltage. Using conductive AFM studies, we reveal the memristive properties of perovskite films. We close by positing that PCBM, by tying up both halide-rich antisites and unincorporated halides, reduces electric field-induced anion migration that may give rise to hysteresis and unstable diode behaviour.
Highly Efficient Coupling of Nanolight Emitters to a Ultra-Wide Tunable Nanofibre Cavity
Authors: Schell Andreas W. , Takashima Hideaki , Kamioka Shunya , Oe Yasuko , Fujiwara Masazumi , Benson Oliver , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: May 2015

Solid-state microcavities combining ultra-small mode volume, wide-range resonance frequency tuning, as well as lossless coupling to a single mode fibre are integral tools for nanophotonics and quantum networks. We developed an integrated system providing all of these three indispensable properties. It consists of a nanofibre Bragg cavity (NFBC) with the mode volume of under 1 μm3 and repeatable tuning capability over more than 20 nm at visible wavelengths. In order to demonstrate quantum light-matter interaction, we establish coupling of quantum dots to our tunable NFBC and achieve an emission enhancement by a factor of 2.7.
Differential immune mechanism to HIV-1 Tat variants and its regulation by AEA
Authors: Krishnan Gopinath , Chatterjee Nivedita
Published: May 2015

In the retina, Müller glia is a dominant player of immune response. The HIV-1 transactivator viral protein (Tat) induces production of several neurotoxic cytokines in retinal cells. We show that HIV-1 clades Tat B and C act differentially on Müller glia, which is reflected in apoptosis, activation of cell death pathway components and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The harsher immune-mediated pathology of Tat B, as opposed to milder effects of Tat C, manifests at several signal transduction pathways, notably, MAPK, STAT, SOCS, the NFκB signalosome and TTP. In activated cells, anandamide (AEA), acting as an immune-modulator, suppresses Tat B effect through MKP-1 but Tat C action via MEK-1. AEA lowers nuclear NF-κB and TAB2 for both variants while elevating IRAK1BP1 in activated Müller glia. Müller glia exposed to Tat shows enhanced PBMC attachment. Tat-induced increase in leukocyte adhesion to Müller cells can be mitigated by AEA, involving both CB receptors. This study identifies multiple signalling components that drive immune-mediated pathology and contribute to disease severity in HIV clades. We show that the protective effects of AEA occur at various stages in cytokine generation and are clade-dependant.
The proportion of genes in a functional category is linked to mass-specific metabolic rate and lifespan
Authors: Takemoto Kazuhiro , Kawakami Yuko
Published: May 2015

Metabolic rate and lifespan are important biological parameters that are studied in a wide range of research fields. They are known to correlate with body mass, but their association with gene (protein) functions is poorly understood. In this study, we collected data on the metabolic rate and lifespan of various organisms and investigated the relationship of these parameters with their genomes. We showed that the proportion of genes in a functional category, but not genome size, was correlated with mass-specific metabolic rate and maximal lifespan. In particular, the proportion of genes in oxic reactions (which occur in the presence of oxygen) was significantly associated with these two biological parameters. Additionally, we found that temperature, taxonomy and mode-of-life traits had little effect on the observed associations. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the biological functions of genes when investigating the relationships between genome, metabolic rate and lifespan. Moreover, this provides further insights into these relationships and may be useful for estimating metabolic rate and lifespan in individuals and the ecosystem using a combination of body mass measurements and genomic data.
Chemically Induced Fluorescence Switching of Carbon-Dots and Its Multiple Logic Gate Implementation
Authors: Dhenadhayalan Namasivayam , Lin King-Chuen
Published: May 2015

Investigations were carried out on the carbon-dots (C-dots) based fluorescent off - on (Fe3 + - S2O32−) and on - off (Zn2 + - PO43−) sensors for the detection of metal ions and anions. The sensor system exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards the detection of biologically important Fe3 + , Zn2 +  metal ions and S2O32−, PO43− anions. It was found that the functional group on the C-dots surface plays crucial role in metal ions and anions detection. Inspired by the sensing results, we demonstrate C-dots based molecular logic gates operation using metal ions and anions as the chemical input. Herein, YES, NOT, OR, XOR and IMPLICATION (IMP) logic gates were constructed based on the selection of metal ions and anions as inputs. This carbon-dots sensor can be utilized as various logic gates at the molecular level and it will show better applicability for the next generation of molecular logic gates. Their promising properties of C-dots may open up a new paradigm for establishing the chemical logic gates via fluorescent chemosensors.
Nickel(ii) dithiocarbamate complexes containing the pyrrole moiety for sensing anions and synthesis of nickel sulfide and nickel oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sathiyaraj Ethiraj , Gurumoorthy Govindasamy , Thirumaran Subbiah
Published: May 2015

Rare anagostic interaction is observed in (N-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyl)-N-furfuryldithiocarbamato-S,S′)(thiocyanato-N)(triphenylphosphine)nickel(ii). Bis(N-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyl)-N-furfuryldithiocarbamato-S,S′)nickel(ii) is used for the preparation of spherical nickel sulfide and nickel oxide nanoparticles.
Sequential separation of ultra-trace U, Th, Pb, and lanthanides using a simple automatic system
Authors: Miyamoto Yutaka , Yasuda Kenichiro , Magara Masaaki
Published: May 2015

Uranium, thorium, lead, and the lanthanides at sub-ng level were automatically and sequentially separated with combination of a small single anion-exchange column and highly pure mineral acids. The elements of interest were fully recovered.
Editorial – in vivo analysis
Authors: Mao Lanqun
Published: May 2015

This Editorial introduces Analyst's themed collection on In Vivo Analysis, guest edited by Lanqun Mao.
The carbon isotopic (13C/12C) signature of sugarcane bioethanol: certifying the major source of renewable fuel from Brazil
Authors: Neves Laura A. , Sarmanho Gabriel F. , Cunha Valnei S. , Daroda Romeu J. , Aranda Donato A. G. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Fasciotti Maíra
Published: May 2015

GC/IRMS was used to measure the carbon isotopic signature (δ13CV-PDB) of the Brazilian sugarcane bioethanol.
A useful method based on cell-free hemoglobin analysis for evaluating antioxidant activity
Authors: Bellik Yuva , Iguer-Ouada Mokrane
Published: May 2015

A new and efficient approach based on cell-free hemoglobin assessment is proposed to evaluate antioxidant activity. The method provides biologically relevant data.
Colorimetric determination of nitrite in clinical, food and environmental samples using microfluidic devices stamped in paper platforms
Authors: Cardoso Thiago M. G. , Garcia Paulo T. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: May 2015

Paper microfluidic devices were explored to perform the colorimetric determination of nitrite in saliva, sausage, ham, preservative water and river water samples with no statistical difference from a reference method.
Fluorescence polarization technique: a new method for vegetable oils classification
Authors: Mu Taotao , Chen Siying , Zhang Yinchao , Meng Fandong , Guo Pan , Chen He , Liu Xiaohua
Published: May 2015

Polarization of fluorescence is firstly employed in edible oil analysis. It is found that the degrees of polarization of edible oils are distinct from each other which provides favorable conditions for edible oil classification.
Indirect antiglobulin paper test for red blood cell antigen typing by flow-through method
Authors: Yeow Natasha , McLiesh Heather , Garnier Gil
Published: May 2015

Simple flow-through based indirect antiglobulin paper test.
Elucidating the relationship between superoxide anion levels and lifespan using an enhanced two-photon fluorescence imaging probe
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Xin , Li Ping , Huang Fang , Wang Hui , Zhang Wei , Tang Bo
Published: May 2015

We report a new reversible fluorescent two-photon (TP) probe (PY-CA) with high TP absorption cross section and pH-independent fluorescence response, which allow monitoring of O2˙−fluxes dynamically, selectively and sensitively.
Stereoselective synthesis of organosulfur compounds incorporating N-aromatic heterocyclic motifs and quaternary carbon centers via a sulfa-Michael triggered tandem reaction
Authors: Qin Tianyou , Cheng Lu , Zhang Sean Xiao-An , Liao Weiwei
Published: May 2015

The novel sulfa-Michael addition (SMA)-triggered tandem reaction was developed by combining a SMA reaction with a simultaneous rearomatization process.
The promotion effect of isolated potassium atoms with hybridized orbitals in catalytic oxidation
Authors: Xu Fei , Huang Zhiwei , Hu Pingping , Chen Yaxin , Zheng Lei , Gao Jiayi , Tang Xingfu
Published: May 2015

The promotion effect of isolated potassium atoms in catalytic oxidation was investigated by studying their geometric and electronic structures.
The determination of DNA methyltransferase activity by quenching of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium electrogenerated chemiluminescence with ferrocene
Authors: Luo Xiaoe , Li Yan , Zheng Jianbin , Qi Honglan , Liang Zhenxing , Ning Xiaohui
Published: May 2015

An electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensing method for the determination of DNA methyltransferase activity is developed by the quenching of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium ECL by ferrocene.
Recent applications of carbon nanomaterials in fluorescence biosensing and bioimaging
Authors: Wen Jia , Xu Yongqian , Li Hongjuan , Lu Aiping , Sun Shiguo
Published: May 2015

A review of recent applications of carbon nanomaterials in fluorescence biosensing and bioimaging.
Tailored electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding and thermal transport in polymeric blends with graphene sheets decorated with nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Pawar Shital Patangrao , Stephen Samuel , Bose Suryasarathi , Mittal Vikas
Published: May 2015

Electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) materials were designed using PC (polycarbonate)/SAN [poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)] blends containing few-layered graphene nanosheets decorated with nickel nanoparticles (G-Ni).
The influence of yttrium dopant on the properties of anatase nanoparticles and the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhao Bingxin , Wang Jinshu , Li Hongyi , Wang Hong , Jia Xinjian , Su Penglei
Published: May 2015

TiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles (NPs) doped with yttrium (Y) ions are fabricated via an environmentally friendly and facile solvothermal method to serve as a photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
An electrochemical investigation of rutile TiO2 microspheres anchored by nanoneedle clusters for sodium storage
Authors: Zhang Yan , Pu Xuli , Yang Yingchang , Zhu Yirong , Hou Hongshuai , Jing Mingjun , Yang Xuming , Chen Jun , Ji Xiaobo
Published: May 2015

Rutile TiO2 microspheres anchored by nanoneedle clusters are successfully employed as anodes for sodium-ion batteries for the first time, and manifested excellent sodium storage properties.
New insights into the mixing of gold and copper in a nanoparticle from a structural study of Au–Cu nanoalloys synthesized via a wet chemistry method and pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Prunier Hélène , Nelayah Jaysen , Ricolleau Christian , Wang Guillaume , Nowak Sophie , Lamic-Humblot Anne-Félicie , Alloyeau Damien
Published: May 2015

Insights into the mixing of gold and copper atoms at the nanoscale for the controlled synthesis of Au–Cu nanoalloys.
Mapping the intriguing transient morphologies and the demixing behavior in PS/PVME blends in the presence of rod-like nanoparticles
Authors: Xavier Priti , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: May 2015

The demixing behavior, transient morphologies and mechanism of phase separation in PS/PVME blends were greatly altered in the presence of a very low concentration of rod-like particles (multiwall carbon nanotubes, MWNTs).
Surface behavior of amphiphiles in aqueous solution: a comparison between different pentanol isomers
Authors: Walz M.-M. , Caleman C. , Werner J. , Ekholm V. , Lundberg D. , Prisle N. L. , Öhrwall G. , Björneholm O.
Published: May 2015

Molecular-level understanding of concentration-dependent changes in the surface structure of different amphiphilic isomers at the water–vapor interface was gained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Chemical modifications and stability of phosphorene with impurities: a first principles study
Authors: Boukhvalov D. W. , Rudenko A. N. , Prishchenko D. A. , Mazurenko V. G. , Katsnelson M. I.
Published: May 2015

We perform a systematic first-principles study of phosphorene in the presence of typical monovalent (hydrogen and fluorine) and divalent (oxygen) impurities.
Sporopollenin as an efficient green support for covalent immobilization of a lipase
Authors: de Souza Stefânia P. , Bassut Jonathan , Alvarez Heiddy M. , Junior Ivaldo I. , Miranda Leandro S. M. , Huang Youkui , Mackenzie Grahame , Boa Andrew N. , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A.
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘Sporopollenin as an efficient green support for covalent immobilization of a lipase' by Stefânia P. de Souza et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4cy01682c.
Olefin polymerisation catalysts: when perfection is not enough
Authors: Cipullo R. , Melone P. , Yu Y. , Iannone D. , Busico V.
Published: May 2015

Despite decades of thorough mechanistic investigations, it is still hard to predict the activity of a novel olefin polymerisation catalyst, even when the precursor is a well-defined molecular entity. Kinetic studies using quenched-flow methods can help to understand why.
A flow-free droplet-based device for high throughput polymorphic crystallization
Authors: Yang Shih-Mo , Zhang Dapeng , Chen Wang , Chen Shih-Chi
Published: May 2015

Arrays of NaCl crystal nucleation and crystal growth on a flow-free droplet-based device.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel N-3-benzimidazolephenylbisamide derivatives for antiproliferative and Hedgehog pathway inhibitory activity
Authors: Sun Chiyu , Li Yangsheng , Shi Ailong , Zhang Jingzhou , Li Yafei , Zhao Mingming , Zhang Lijuan , Zheng Huachuan , Meng Ying , Ding Huaiwei , Song Hongrui
Published: May 2015

7m, as a novel Hedgehog inhibitor, interacted closely with the smoothened receptor at the co-crystallized ligand (taledegib) site.
Exploring the halogen bond specific solvent effects in halogenated solvent systems by ESR probe
Authors: Pang Xue , Jin Wei Jun
Published: May 2015

The halogen bond specific solvent effect was proved by ESR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, crystallographic study and calculation method.
The remarkable catalytic activity of ultra-small free-CeO2 nanoparticles in selective carbon–carbon bond formation reactions in water at room temperature
Authors: Banerjee Subhash
Published: May 2015

A simple and efficient protocol for selective bis-Michael addition and mono-allylation of active methylene compounds has been demonstrated using ultra-small size (∼5 nm) uncapped cerium oxide nanoparticles (free-CeO2 NPs) as a reusable catalyst in water at room temperature.
Surfactant-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ultrafine CoMoO4·0.9H2O nanorods towards high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Linrui , Hua Hui , Liu Sijia , Pang Gang , Yuan Changzhou
Published: May 2015

1D ultrafine CMO-CTMAB nanorods were controllably fabricated via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal strategy, and utilized as intriguing electrodes with excellent capacitance at high rates for supercapacitors.
Electroactive and bioactive films of random copolymers containing terthiophene, carboxyl and Schiff base functionalities in the main chain
Authors: Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , Cianga Luminita , del Valle Luis J. , Cianga Ioan , Alemán Carlos
Published: May 2015

Copolymers made of a bis-thienyl monomer with preformed azomethine linkages and terthiophene are promising functional biomaterials.
Synthesis and self-assembly of temperature-responsive copolymers based on N-vinylpyrrolidone and triethylene glycol methacrylate
Authors: Jumeaux Coline , Chapman Robert , Chandrawati Rona , Stevens Molly M.
Published: May 2015

Synthesis of well-defined block copolymers of PVP-co-pTEGMA from a dual RAFT/ATRP CTA and study of their temperature-responsive properties driving self-assembly.
Assessment of the therapeutic potential of hesperidin and proteomic resolution of diabetes-mediated neuronal fluctuations expediting Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Khowal Sapna , Mustufa Malik M. A. , Chaudhary Naveen K. , Naqvi Samar Husain , Parvez Suhel , Jain Swatantra K. , Wajid Saima
Published: May 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been proposed as type III diabetes mellitus. Prognosis and early stage diagnosis of AD is essentially required in diabetes to avoid extensive irreversible neuronal damage.
Large scale bi-layer graphene by suppression of nucleation from a solid precursor
Authors: Ahmed Mohsin , Kishi Naoki , Soga Tetsuo
Published: May 2015

Nucleation was controlled and suppressed by two-way carrier gas insertion and continuous bilayer graphene was synthesized from a botanical derivative, camphor.
A new method to prepare vanadium oxide nano-urchins as a cathode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jichao , Cui Chaojun , Gao Guohua , Zhou Xiaowei , Wu Jiandong , Yang Huiyu , Li Qiang , Wu Guangming
Published: May 2015

Urchin-like vanadium oxide nanotubes clusters and post-annealed clusters synthesized by a new method acted as the cathodes for Li-ion battery.
Electrochemiluminescence sensor for dopamine with a dual molecular recognition strategy based on graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets/3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid hybrids
Authors: Fu Xiaomin , Feng Jiahui , Tan Xingrong , Lu Qiyi , Yuan Ruo , Chen Shihong
Published: May 2015

Preparation of an ECL sensor and graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets/3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid hybrids.
Long-term thermal stabilities of ammonium ionic liquids designed as potential absorbents of ammonia
Authors: Lorenzo M. , Vilas M. , Verdía P. , Villanueva M. , Salgado J. , Tojo E.
Published: May 2015

Searching for potential absorbents in working pairs with NH3, a series of new ammonium ionic liquids related to choline, were designed and synthesized. Their thermal stabilities in both non-isothermal and isothermal conditions were studied.
Is Cu3SbSe3 a promising thermoelectric material?
Authors: Wei Tian-Ran , Wu Chao-Feng , Sun Wei , Pan Yu , Li Jing-Feng
Published: May 2015

Cu3SbSe3 characterized by ultralow thermal conductivity is a wide-gap, nondegenerate semiconductor with a large effective mass and deformation potential, yielding zTmax = 0.25.
New developments in direct functionalization of C–H and N–H bonds of purine bases via metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Abdoli Morteza , Mirjafary Zohreh , Saeidian Hamid , Kakanejadifard Ali
Published: May 2015

This review provides a concise overview on the cross-coupling reactions in direct functionalization of purine bases in recent years.
Synthesis and characterization of fluconazole-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a catalyst for the synthesis of 3-aryl and 3-amino-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines
Authors: Jafarzadeh Mohammad , Soleimani Ebrahim , Sepahvand Heshmatollah , Adnan Rohana
Published: May 2015

Fluconazole immobilised on modified Fe3O4–SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles was synthesised, characterised and used as a catalyst in synthesis of 3-aryl and 3-amino-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.
Improving the electrochemical performance of a lithium–sulfur battery with a conductive polymer-coated sulfur cathode
Authors: Li Yanrong , Yuan Lixia , Li Zhen , Qi Yizi , Wu Chao , Liu Jing , Huang Yunhui
Published: May 2015

A pristine sulfur electrode with simple PEDOT:PSS coating achieves significant enhancement in both sulfur utilization and capacity retention.
Microstructure, mechanical and swelling properties of microgel composite hydrogels with high microgel content and a microgel cluster crosslinker
Authors: Zhao Fang , Qin Xuping , Feng Shengyu
Published: May 2015

Microgel composite hydrogels with high microgel content and a microgel cluster crosslinker.
Tuning the thermotropic properties of liquid crystalline p-substituted aroylhydrazones
Authors: Singh Hemant Kumar , Singh Sachin Kumar , Nandi Rajib , Singh Madan Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Singh Ranjan K. , Rao D. S. Shankar , Prasad S. Krishna , Singh Bachcha
Published: May 2015

Lamellar smectic A to columnar mesophase crossover is observed in p-substituted aroylhydrazones by variation of the alkoxy chain density at peripherals.
Multifunctional Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) metal complexes for tunable luminescence properties and highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gao Song , Fan Rui Qing , Wang Xin Ming , Qiang Liang Sheng , Wei Li Guo , Wang Ping , Yang Yu Lin , Wang Yu Lei , Luan Tian Zhu
Published: May 2015

Complexes Zn1 and Cd1 exhibit tunable luminescence properties and they can serve as co-sensitizers to enhance the power-conversion efficiency.
An efficient heterogenized palladium catalyst for N-alkylation of amines and α-alkylation of ketones using alcohols
Authors: Dang Tuan Thanh , Shan Siah Pei , Ramalingam Balamurugan , Seayad Abdul Majeed
Published: May 2015

Silica supported palladium–NiXantphos complex is an efficient and high turnover heterogeneous catalyst for N-alkylation of amines and α-alkylation of ketones using alcohols under neat conditions at 120–140 °C following hydrogen borrowing strategy.
Study on flame-retardant and UV-protection properties of cotton fabric functionalized with ppy–ZnO–CNT nanocomposite
Authors: Bharathi Yazhini Kumanan , Gurumallesh Prabu Halliah
Published: May 2015

Cotton fabric was modified with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid as cross-linking agent in the presence of sodium hypophosphite as catalyst.
Synthesis of imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c]-1,2,4-triazine-2,8-diones via a rearrangement of imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b]-1,2,4-triazine-2,7-diones in the reaction with isatins
Authors: Gazieva Galina A. , Izmest'ev Alexei N. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Kolotyrkina Natalya G. , Zanin Igor E. , Kravchenko Angelina N.
Published: May 2015

An aldol condensation/skeletal rearrangement protocol for the synthesis of 7-ylideneimidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c]-1,2,4-triazines via the reaction of imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b]-1,2,4-triazines and isatins has been developed.
Enhanced photoluminescence of pyrrolic-nitrogen enriched graphene quantum dots
Authors: Hao Ya-Nan , Guo Hui-Lin , Tian Lei , Kang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2015

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) are prepared through hydrothermal methods using GQDs as precursors and urea as dopants. The enhanced photoluminescent properties are attributed to the formation of the pyrrolic-N rings in GQDs domains.
Tailoring of the desired selectivity and the turn-on detection range in a self-assembly-based fluorescence sensory system
Authors: Noguchi Takao , Roy Bappaditya , Yoshihara Daisuke , Tsuchiya Youichi , Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Shinkai Seiji
Published: May 2015

A new assembly-based fluorescent sensor exhibits much improved selectivity for ATP over ADP and a broad detection range under adjusted salt conditions, providing insight into a pivotal binding mechanism in the self-assembly process.
Aqueous- and vapor-phase detection of nitroaromatic explosives by a water-stable fluorescent microporous MOF directed by an ionic liquid
Authors: Qin Jianhua , Ma Bing , Liu Xiao-Fei , Lu Hong-Lin , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan , Hou Hongwei
Published: May 2015

Aqueous- and vapor-phase detection of nitroaromatic explosives by a water-stable fluorescent microporous MOF directed by an ionic liquid.
Improved AlPO-18 membranes for light gas separation
Authors: Wang Bin , Hu Na , Wang Huamei , Zheng Yihong , Zhou Rongfei
Published: May 2015

AlPO-18 membranes synthesized using low-cost symmetric alumina supports showed high performance for light gas separation beyond polymeric membranes and most zeolite membranes.
Hysteresis-free and highly stable perovskite solar cells produced via a chlorine-mediated interdiffusion method
Authors: Tripathi Neeti , Yanagida Masatoshi , Shirai Yasuhiro , Masuda Takuya , Han Liyuan , Miyano Kenjiro
Published: May 2015

Perovskite solar cells fabricated using chlorine-mediated interdiffusion method showed promising stability over 2 months with encapsulation and no immediate degradation under continuous light exposure.
Nanoscale MIL-101 supported RhNi nanoparticles: an efficient catalyst for hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine
Authors: Zhao Pingping , Cao Nan , Luo Wei , Cheng Gongzhen
Published: May 2015

Nanoscale MIL-101 has been controlled, synthesized, and further used as the support for immobilizing RhNi nanoparticles (NPs) as efficient catalysts toward hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine in alkaline solution.
Salicylate activates AMPK and synergizes with metformin to reduce the survival of prostate and lung cancer cells ex vivo through inhibition of de novo lipogenesis
Authors: O’Brien Andrew J. , Villani Linda A. , Broadfield Lindsay A. , Houde Vanessa P. , Galic Sandra , Blandino Giovanni , Kemp Bruce E. , Tsakiridis Theodoros , Muti Paola , Steinberg Gregory R.
Published: May 2015

Aspirin, the pro-drug of salicylate, is associated with reduced incidence of death from cancers of the colon, lung and prostate and is commonly prescribed in combination with metformin in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Salicylate activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by binding at the A-769662 drug binding site on the AMPK β1-subunit, a mechanism that is distinct from metformin which disrupts the adenylate charge of the cell. A hallmark of many cancers is high rates of fatty acid synthesis and AMPK inhibits this pathway through phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). It is currently unknown whether targeting the AMPK–ACC-lipogenic pathway using salicylate and/or metformin may be effective for inhibiting cancer cell survival. Salicylate suppresses clonogenic survival of prostate and lung cancer cells at therapeutic concentrations achievable following the ingestion of aspirin (<1.0 mM); effects not observed in prostate (PNT1A) and lung (MRC-5) epithelial cell lines. Salicylate concentrations of 1 mM increased the phosphorylation of ACC and suppressed de novo lipogenesis and these effects were enhanced with the addition of clinical concentrations of metformin (100 μM) and eliminated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in AMPK β1. Supplementation of media with fatty acids and/or cholesterol reverses the suppressive effects of salicylate and metformin on cell survival indicating the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis is probably important. Pre-clinical studies evaluating the use of salicylate based drugs alone and in combination with metformin to inhibit de novo lipogenesis and the survival of prostate and lung cancers are warranted.
Rosuvastatin improves hepatopulmonary syndrome through inhibition of inflammatory angiogenesis of lung
Authors: Chang Ching-Chih , Wang Sun-Sang , Hsieh Hsian-Guey , Lee Wen-Shin , Chuang Chiao-Lin , Lin Han-Chieh , Lee Fa-Yauh , Lee Shou-Dong , Huang Hui-Chun
Published: May 2015

The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by hypoxia and increased intrapulmonary shunts in cirrhotic patients. Emerging evidence showed promising results of treating HPS by abolishment of intrapulmonary inflammation and angiogenesis. Rosuvastatin is a kind of 3-hydroxy-methyl-3-glutamyl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor. In addition to lipid-lowering effects, it has anti-inflammation and anti-angiogenesis properties. We postulated that rosuvastatin treatment can ameliorate HPS. Common bile duct ligation (CBDL) was applied in an experimental HPS animal model. CBDL rats received 2-week rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg/day) treatments from the fifteenth day after operation. The haemodynamic data, blood gas analysis, liver biochemistries, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined after rosuvastatin treatment. The liver and lung tissues were dissected for histopathological studies and protein analyses. In the parallel groups, intrapulmonary shunts were determined. The haemodynamic and liver biochemistries were not changed after rosuvastatin treatment in CBDL rats, but the alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure gradient was significantly decreased, implying that HPS-induced hypoxia was reversed after rosuvastatin treatment. In addition, rosuvastatin treatment reduced intrapulmonary shunts and plasma levels of VEGF and TNF-α. Besides, the intrapulmonary protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1,2 and Rho-associated A kinase were significantly down-regulated and the intrapulmonary angiogenesis was ameliorated. We concluded that rosuvastatin alleviates experimental HPS through blockade of pulmonary inflammatory angiogenesis via TNF-α/NF-κB and VEGF/Rho-associated A kinase pathways down-regulation.
Design and measurement of class EF2 power oscillator
Authors: Madureira H. , Deltimple N. , Kerherve E. , Dematos M. , Haddad S.
Published: May 2015

A class EF2 power oscillator designed in standard 130 nm CMOS at 2.5 GHz frequency is presented. The oscillator relies on a direct path based on a power amplifier and a feedback path based on passive elements and an MOS varactor. Class EF2 is used to reduce voltage stress across the switch, enabling a higher output power for modern transistors with low breakdown voltage. The measurement on a class EF2 power oscillator at radio frequency (RF) is presented for the first time. The circuit achieves 17.65 dBm output power from a 2.5 V supply voltage with 27.1% DC‐RF efficiency and presents a 150 MHz tuning range. The measured phase noise is −101.6 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The circuit was implemented in standard 130 nm CMOS technology and consumed a total area of 1.95 mm2. To the authors' knowledge this class EF2 power circuit has never been presented either at RF frequencies or in an integrated technology.