bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of local ion transport in lamellar block copolymer electrolytes based on electron micrographs
Authors: Chintapalli Mahati , Higa Kenneth , Chen X. Chelsea , Srinivasan Venkat , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: December 2016

A method is presented to relate local morphology and ionic conductivity in a solid, lamellar block copolymer electrolyte for lithium batteries, by simulating conductivity through transmission electron micrographs. The electrolyte consists of polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) mixed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide salt (SEO/LiTFSI), where the polystyrene phase is structural phase and the poly(ethylene oxide)/LiTFSI phase is ionically conductive. The electric potential distribution is simulated in binarized micrographs by solving the Laplace equation with constant potential boundary conditions. A morphology factor, f, is reported for each image by calculating the effective conductivity relative to a homogenous conductor. Images from two samples are examined, one annealed with large lamellar grains and one unannealed with small grains. The average value of f is 0.45 ± 0.04 for the annealed sample, and 0.37 ± 0.03 for the unannealed sample, both close to the value predicted by effective medium theory, 1/2. Simulated conductivities are compared to published experimental conductivities. The value of fUnannealed/fAnnealed is 0.82 for simulations and 6.2 for experiments. Simulation results correspond well to predictions by effective medium theory but do not explain the experimental measurements. Observation of nanoscale morphology over length scales greater than the size of the micrographs (∼1 μm) may be required to explain the experimental results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 266–274
The biological effects of surface dielectric barrier discharge on seed germination and plant growth with barley
Authors: Park Yeunsoo , Oh Kyoung Suk , Oh Jaesung , Seok Dong Chan , Kim Seong Bong , Yoo Suk Jae , Lee Mi‐Ja
Published: December 2016

Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma has emerged as a very powerful technology to improve agricultural and food industries. Recently, various types of atmospheric pressure plasmas have applied to seed germination and plant growth. In this study, the barley (Hordeum vulgare) seeds have treated using a surface dielectric barrier discharge to investigate the biological effects on the seed germination, plant growth and functional metabolites. It was observed that the seed surface was cracked and eroded after plasma treatment, while the surface of non‐treated seed was intact. The growth of plasma treated barley was increased by at the lowest 15% and at the highest 110% depending on plasma treatment duration, respectively. GABA content of plasma treated Saechal barley was slightly increased under no germination process, while DPPH activity was decreased at the same condition. Plasma may affect the biological effects on seed germination, plant growth, and changing of secondary metabolites through physical and chemical interactions, but it needs further experimental investigations and verified data to clarify their mechanisms.
Increased Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Mediates the Anti‐Cancer Effects of WZ35 via Activating Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Minxiao , Zhou Bin , Zhong Peng , Rajamanickam Vinothkumar , Dai Xuanxuan , Karvannan Kanchana , Zhou Huiping , Zhang Xiuhua , Liang Guang
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

The limited treatment option for recurrent prostate cancer and eventual resistant to conventional chemotherapy drugs has fueled continued interest in finding new anti‐neoplastic agents. WZ35, a chemical analog of curcumin, had been demonstrated to have high chemical stability and potential anticancer effects in gastric cancer cells. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐prostate cancer effects of WZ35 in vitro and in vivo as well as the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Two prostate cancer cell lines RM‐1 and DU145 were utilized to test the anti‐cancer effects of WZ35 and the underlying mechanism. MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxic effect of WZ35. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, alteration of ROS, and [Ca2+]i level were evaluated using flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was applied to measure the levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and cell cycle. Immunofluorescence staining and Electron micrographs were used to evaluate activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Tumor models in nude mice were induced by injection of RM‐1 prostate cancer cells to test the in vivo anticancer action of WZ35.

RESULTS

Our results showed that WZ35 treatment induced loss of cell viability, cell apoptosis, and G2/M cycle arrest in both RM‐1 and DU145 cells, coupled with ROS overproduction, intracellular calcium surge, and activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in RM‐1 cells. Interestingly, all above changes induced by WZ35 were completely reversed by ROS blockage. In addition, prevention of [Ca2+]i elevation by BAPTA/AM also inhibited activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway induced by WZ35. In vivo studies, WZ35 treatment significantly inhibited RM‐1 homograft tumor growth along with increased ROS accumulation, mitochondrial disruption, and cell apoptosis in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this work provides a novel anticancer candidate for the treatment of prostate cancer and demonstrated that increased ROS mediate the anti‐cancer effects of WZ35 via activating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Importantly, this work also reveals that targeting ROS generation might be an effective strategy in human androgen‐resistant prostate cancer treatment. Prostate 77:489–504, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modes of governance in India's hydropower development
Authors: Alley Kelly D.
Published: December 2016

This paper takes a qualitative, context‐specific approach to governance in hydropower development in India by identifying and describing three modes that are important to planning and operations in this sector. Attention is given to the role of documents and citizen actions in the courts, expanding the coverage of water informality in India. Rent‐seeking is also identified as a mode of governance. This qualitative examination draws from policy and official documents, testimonies, and citizen‐justice interactions to shed light on cultural practices and rules that are opaque to the outsider. Analysis of the interplay of these modes of governance forms a deeper understanding of the human dimensions of hydroclimatic challenges across the Himalayas. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1198. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1198

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance
The Impact of Demographic Developments in Africa on Europe
Authors: Gursch-Adam Ruth , Benková Lívia
Published: December 2016

This article looks at the causes and impact of a range of current events related to migration, examining them from the perspective of present-day demographic trends in Africa and the Middle East. The quest for decent prospects in life acts as the incitement and rationale behind the push–pull factors which underlie the movements of people from these parts of the world. The article sheds light on the extraordinary nature of modern migration, which is creating pressure on policymakers to ensure appropriate policy and economic resolutions are formulated, as well as providing answers to how the formation of trenches between nations and nationalities occurs, which stems from collective identity discourses. By applying a structural and socio-economic feature-focused approach to explaining the migration process, the article highlights the impact of socio-psychological mechanisms on shared decision-making processes, and aims to build an improved and broader conceptual understanding of the ongoing demographic shifts.
Product Line Extension among New England Craft Breweries
Authors: Berning Joshua , McCullough Michael
Published: December 2016

The U.S. brewing industry was at a low point in the 1980s. Since that time, more than 4,000 new breweries of varying scales and scopes have entered the market. Given the rapid expansion in this industry, which involves large capital costs, it is useful to consider the competitive nature of individual firms. Using a sample of New England breweries, this study identifies several firm and geographic attributes that are linked to firms’ product offerings. We find that the breadth of product lines and nature of competition varies by brewery type and by the economic environment of the market.
Joel Barkan and Kenya
Authors: Throup David W.
Published: December 2016

Joel Barkan’s interest in Kenya as a high school student inspired a lifetime’s commitment to the country and wider East African region, reflected in his three edited volumes comparing political, economic, and policy developments in Kenya and Tanzania, his work as USAID’s Regional Democracy and Governance Advisor in the early 1990s, and his continuing engagement with the country’s political development through his work at CSIS and his role as founder and chair of the Kenya Working Group, the Washington, D.C.–based lobbying group.
Understanding Social Resistance to the Ebola Response in the Forest Region of the Republic of Guinea: An Anthropological Perspective
Authors: Fairhead James
Published: December 2016

Why did Ebola response initiatives in the Upper Guinea Forest Region regularly encounter resistance, occasionally violent? Extending existing explanations concerning local and humanitarian “culture” and “structural violence,” and drawing on previous anthropological fieldwork and historical and documentary research, this article argues that Ebola disrupted four intersecting but precarious social accommodations that had hitherto enabled radically different and massively unequal worlds to coexist. The disease and the humanitarian response unsettled social accommodations that had become established between existing burial practices and hospital medicine, local political structures and external political subjection, mining interests and communities, and those suspected of “sorcery” and those suspicious of them.
The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria
Authors: Kendler K. S.
Published: December 2016

This review seeks to determine the degree to which modern operationalized diagnostic criteria for mania reflect the clinical features of mania described historically by expert textbook authors. Clinical descriptions of mania appearing in 18 textbooks published between 1899 and 1956 were reviewed and compared to the criteria for mania from six modern operationalized diagnostic systems. Twenty-two prominent symptoms and signs were reported by five or more authors. Two symptoms (elevated mood and grandiosity) and four signs (hyperactivity, pressured speech, irritability, and new activities with painful consequences) were reported by every author. A strong relationship was seen between the frequency with which the clinical features were reported and the likelihood of their inclusion in modern diagnostic systems. However, many symptoms and signs including impulsivity, hypersexuality, mood lability, altered moral standards, increased humor, hypergraphia, and a vigorous physical appearance were not included in any modern criteria. Indeed, DSM-5 contains only eight of the historically noted clinical features. We conclude that modern operationalized criteria for mania well reflect symptoms and signs frequently reported by historical experts. This suggests that the clinical construct of mania has been relatively stable in western Psychiatry since the turn of the 20th century. However, many useful clinical features of mania described in these textbooks are missing from these criteria thereby illustrating the limitations of clinical evaluations restricted to the assessment of only current diagnostic criteria. The disorders we study and treat are considerably richer clinically than is reflected in the DSM criteria which we use to diagnose them.
NONPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF CONDITIONAL VALUE-AT-RISK AND EXPECTED SHORTFALL BASED ON EXTREME VALUE THEORY
Authors: Martins-Filho Carlos , Yao Feng , Torero Maximo
Published: December 2016

We propose nonparametric estimators for conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) and conditional expected shortfall (CES) associated with conditional distributions of a series of returns on a financial asset. The return series and the conditioning covariates, which may include lagged returns and other exogenous variables, are assumed to be strong mixing and follow a nonparametric conditional location-scale model. First stage nonparametric estimators for location and scale are combined with a generalized Pareto approximation for distribution tails proposed by Pickands (1975,Annals of Statistics3, 119–131) to give final estimators for CVaR and CES. We provide consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators under suitable normalization. We also present the results of a Monte Carlo study that sheds light on their finite sample performance. Empirical viability of the model and estimators is investigated through a backtesting exercise using returns on future contracts for five agricultural commodities.
A subtest analysis of The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): which subtests can best discriminate between healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Cecato Juliana Francisco , Martinelli José Eduardo , Izbicki Rafael , Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Aprahamian Ivan
Published: December 2016

The authors would like to apologise for a typographical error in the discussion of the above mentioned article.

In the discussion on page 830 of the article, paragraph ‘In the present sample, when we tested the accuracy of the MoCA to discriminate between MCI and healthy participants using ROC curves, the best cut-off score was 24 points, with good sensitivity and specificity (92% and 82%, respectively).’

Should read:

In the present sample, when we tested the accuracy of the MoCA to discriminate between MCI and healthy participants using ROC curves, the best cut-off score was 24 points, with good sensitivity and specificity (83% and 89%, respectively).
(IN)-STABILITY IN KALECKI’S EARLY MACROECONOMICS
Authors: Assous Michaël , Dutt Amitava , Fourchard Paul , Pottier Antonin
Published: December 2016

It is now almost eighty years since Michal Kalecki published his formal mathematical model of the business cycle. In this paper, we want to examine the vision embedded in that early model and the writings he published at around the same time. Sections II and III center on Kalecki’s approach to local and global (in)-stability, and section IV suggests a simplified model designed to pinpoint key aspects of Kalecki’s thinking related to the issue of endogenous cycles, ‘class struggle,’ and growth.
Grain neighbour effects on twin transmission in hexagonal close-packed materials
Authors: Arul Kumar M. , Beyerlein I. J. , McCabe R. J. , Tomé C. N.
Published: December 2016

Materials with a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) crystal structure such as Mg, Ti and Zr are being used in the transportation, aerospace and nuclear industry, respectively. Material strength and formability are critical qualities for shaping these materials into parts and a pervasive deformation mechanism that significantly affects their formability is deformation twinning. The interaction between grain boundaries and twins has an important influence on the deformation behaviour and fracture of hcp metals. Here, statistical analysis of large data sets reveals that whether twins transmit across grain boundaries depends not only on crystallography but also strongly on the anisotropy in crystallographic slip. We show that increases in crystal plastic anisotropy enhance the probability of twin transmission by comparing the relative ease of twin transmission in hcp materials such as Mg, Zr and Ti.
Polarization-independent split bull’s eye antennas for infrared nano-photodetectors
Authors: Yang Meng , Ren Fang-Fang , Pu Lin , Xiao Long , Sheng Yun , Wang Junzhuan , Lu Hai , Zheng Youdou , Shi Yi
Published: December 2016

Split bull’s eye (SBE) antennas exhibit much larger extraordinary optical transmission and strong polarization dependence rather than bull’s eye (BE) antennas in the infrared range due to the introduced sub-wavelength slit. Here, we demonstrate a dual-split bull’s eye (DSBE) antenna, which consists of two sub-wavelength slits crossing through the center of the BE antenna with an intersection angle θ. The polarization dependence in transmission can be flexibly tailored by adjusting the intersection angle, following a cos2 (Φ + θ/2) angular dependence on polarization angle Φ. When θ = 90°, the DSBE antenna yields high and polarization-independent transmission enhancement over the entire infrared spectrum. It presents highly promising applications for polarization-insensitive photodetectors and other optoelectronic devices.
Bursty properties revealed in large-scale brain networks with a point-based method for dynamic functional connectivity
Authors: Thompson William Hedley , Fransson Peter
Published: December 2016

The brain is organized into large scale spatial networks that can be detected during periods of rest using fMRI. The brain is also a dynamic organ with activity that changes over time. We developed a method and investigated properties where the connections as a function of time are derived and quantified. The point based method (PBM) presented here derives covariance matrices after clustering individual time points based upon their global spatial pattern. This method achieved increased temporal sensitivity, together with temporal network theory, allowed us to study functional integration between resting-state networks. Our results show that functional integrations between two resting-state networks predominately occurs in bursts of activity. This is followed by varying intermittent periods of less connectivity. The described point-based method of dynamic resting-state functional connectivity allows for a detailed and expanded view on the temporal dynamics of resting-state connectivity that provides novel insights into how neuronal information processing is integrated in the human brain at the level of large-scale networks.
Detection of Extremely Low Concentrations of Biological Substances Using Near-Field Illumination
Authors: Yasuura Masato , Fujimaki Makoto
Published: December 2016

An external force-assisted near-field illumination biosensor (EFA-NI biosensor) detects a target substance that is propelled through an evanescent field by an external force. The target substance is sandwiched between an antibody coupled to a magnetic bead and an antibody coupled to a polystyrene bead. The external force is supplied by a magnetic field. The magnetic bead propels the target substance and the polystyrene bead emits an optical signal. The detection protocol includes only two steps; mixing the sample solution with a detection reagent containing the antibody-coated beads and injecting the sample mixture into a liquid cell. Because the system detects the motion of the beads, the sensor allows detection of trace amounts of target substances without a washing step. The detection capability of the sensor was demonstrated by the detection of norovirus virus-like particles at a concentration of ~40 particles per 100 μl in contaminated water.
Genes encoding norcoclaurine synthase occur as tandem fusions in the Papaveraceae
Authors: Li Jing , Lee Eun-Jeong , Chang Limei , Facchini Peter J.
Published: December 2016

Norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) catalyzes the enantioselective Pictet-Spengler condensation of dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde as the first step in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) biosynthesis. NCS orthologs in available transcriptome databases were screened for variants that might improve the low yield of BIAs in engineered microorganisms. Databases for 21 BIA-producing species from four plant families yielded 33 assembled contigs with homology to characterized NCS genes. Predicted translation products generated from nine contigs consisted of two to five sequential repeats, each containing most of the sequence found in single-domain enzymes. Assembled contigs containing tandem domain repeats were detected only in members of the Papaveraceae family, including opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Fourteen cDNAs were generated from 10 species, five of which encoded NCS orthologs with repeated domains. Functional analysis of corresponding recombinant proteins yielded six active NCS enzymes, including four containing either two, three or four repeated catalytic domains. Truncation of the first 25 N-terminal amino acids from the remaining polypeptides revealed two additional enzymes. Multiple catalytic domains correlated with a proportional increase in catalytic efficiency. Expression of NCS genes in Saccharomyces cereviseae also produced active enzymes. The metabolic conversion capacity of engineered yeast positively correlated with the number of repeated domains.
Genome-wide Analysis of WD40 Protein Family in Human
Authors: Zou Xu-Dong , Hu Xue-Jia , Ma Jing , Li Tuan , Ye Zhi-Qiang , Wu Yun-Dong
Published: December 2016

The WD40 proteins, often acting as scaffolds to form functional complexes in fundamental cellular processes, are one of the largest families encoded by the eukaryotic genomes. Systematic studies of this family on genome scale are highly required for understanding their detailed functions, but are currently lacking in the animal lineage. Here we present a comprehensive in silico study of the human WD40 family. We have identified 262 non-redundant WD40 proteins, and grouped them into 21 classes according to their domain architectures. Among them, 11 animal-specific domain architectures have been recognized. Sequence alignment indicates the complicated duplication and recombination events in the evolution of this family. Through further phylogenetic analysis, we have revealed that the WD40 family underwent more expansion than the overall average in the evolutionary early stage, and the early emerged WD40 proteins are prone to domain architectures with fundamental cellular roles and more interactions. While most widely and highly expressed human WD40 genes originated early, the tissue-specific ones often have late origin. These results provide a landscape of the human WD40 family concerning their classification, evolution, and expression, serving as a valuable complement to the previous studies in the plant lineage.
Ferromagnetic glass-coated microwires with good heating properties for magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Talaat A. , Alonso J. , Zhukova V. , Garaio E. , García J. A. , Srikanth H. , Phan M. H. , Zhukov A.
Published: December 2016

The heating properties of Fe71.7Si11B13.4Nb3Ni0.9 amorphous glass-coated microwires are explored for prospective applications in magnetic hyperthermia. We show that a single 5 mm long wire is able to produce a sufficient amount of heat, with the specific loss power (SLP) reaching a value as high as 521 W/g for an AC field of 700 Oe and a frequency of 310 kHz. The large SLP is attributed to the rectangular hysteresis loop resulting from a peculiar domain structure of the microwire. For an array of parallel microwires, we have observed an SLP improvement by one order of magnitude; 950 W/g for an AC field of 700 Oe. The magnetostatic interaction strength essential in the array of wires can be manipulated by varying the distance between the wires, showing a decreasing trend in SLP with increasing wire separation. The largest SLP is obtained when the wires are aligned along the direction of the AC field. The origin of the large SLP and relevant heating mechanisms are discussed.
Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) serves as a potential prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mo Zhijing , Zheng Shunxin , Lv Zhilue , Zhuang Yuan , Lan Xiuwan , Wang Feng , Lu Xiaoling , Zhao Yongxiang , Zhou Sufang
Published: December 2016

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) has been identified as a tumor-related molecule of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its clinical significance and underlying mechanisms in HCC tissues, however, remain largely unexplored. We have demonstrated a preferentially expressed SMP30 in normal liver using a tissue microarray. By employing real-time quantitative PCR, two tissue microarrays and Oncomine database analysis, we have also shown that the SMP30 in HCC tissues has significantly reduced when compared with that in paired adjacent non-tumor tissues (P = 0.0037). The reduced expression of SMP30 is very noticeably related to larger tumor size (P = 0.012), enhanced TNM (P = 0.009) and worse survival (P < 0.0001) in HCC patients. The analyses using Cox regression have indicated that the decreased SMP30 expression is an independent risk to the reduced overall survival rate of HCC patients (P = 0.001), and the down-regulation of SMP30 in HCC might be mediated by DNA methylation. Moreover, genes co-expressed with SMP30 may affect the prognosis through apoptotic process, biological adhesion and blood coagulation by PANTHER analyses. Our studies have indicated that the SMP30 may serve as a candidate of HCC clinical prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target.
Wide-angle Spectrally Selective Perfect Absorber by Utilizing Dispersionless Tamm Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Xue Chun-hua , Wu Feng , Jiang Hai-tao , Li Yunhui , Zhang Ye-wen , Chen Hong
Published: December 2016

We theoretically investigate wide-angle spectrally selective absorber by utilizing dispersionless Tamm plasmon polaritons (TPPs) under TM polarization. TPPs are resonant tunneling effects occurring on the interface between one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) and metal slab, and their dispersion properties are essentially determined by that of 1DPCs. Our investigations show that dispersionless TPPs can be excited in 1DPCs containing hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) on metal substrate. Based on dispersionless TPPs, electromagnetic waves penetrate into metal substrate and are absorbed entirely by lossy metal, exhibiting a narrow-band and wide-angle perfect absorption for TM polarization. Our results exhibit nearly perfect absorption with a value over 98% in the angle of incidence region of 0–80 degree.
Correction: Corrigendum: Dual-species transcriptional profiling during systemic candidiasis reveals organ-specific host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Hebecker Betty , Vlaic Sebastian , Conrad Theresia , Bauer Michael , Brunke Sascha , Kapitan Mario , Linde Jörg , Hube Bernhard , Jacobsen Ilse D.
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 36055; published online: 03 November 2016; updated: 19 December 2016
Identification of disease comorbidity through hidden molecular mechanisms
Authors: Ko Younhee , Cho Minah , Lee Jin-Sung , Kim Jaebum
Published: December 2016

Despite multiple diseases co-occur, their underlying common molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Identification of comorbid diseases by considering the interactions between molecular components is a key to understand the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we developed a novel approach utilizing both common disease-causing genes and underlying molecular pathways to identify comorbid diseases. Our approach enables the analysis of common pathologies shared by comorbid diseases through molecular interaction networks. We found that the integration of direct genetic sharing and indirect high-level molecular associations revealed significantly strong consistency with known comorbid diseases. In addition, neoplasm-related diseases showed high comorbidity patterns within themselves as well as with other diseases, indicating severe complications. This study demonstrated that molecular pathway information could be used to discover disease comorbidity and hidden biological mechanism to understand pathogenesis and provide new insight on disease pathology.
Ubiquitylation Directly Induces Fold Destabilization of Proteins
Authors: Morimoto Daichi , Walinda Erik , Fukada Harumi , Sugase Kenji , Shirakawa Masahiro
Published: December 2016

Ubiquitin is a common post-translational modifier and its conjugation is a key signal for proteolysis by the proteasome. Because the molecular mass of ubiquitin is larger than that of other modifiers such as phosphate, acetyl, or methyl groups, ubiquitylation not only influences biochemical signaling, but also may exert physical effects on its substrate proteins by increasing molecular volume and altering shape anisotropy. Here we show that ubiquitylation destabilizes the fold of two proteins, FKBP12 and FABP4, and that elongation of the conjugated ubiquitin chains further enhances this destabilization effect. Moreover, NMR relaxation analysis shows that ubiquitylation induces characteristic structural fluctuations in the backbone of both proteins. These results suggest that the ubiquitylation-driven structural fluctuations lead to fold destabilization of its substrate proteins. Thus, physical destabilization by ubiquitylation may facilitate protein degradation by the proteasome.
ATB0,+ transporter-mediated targeting delivery to human lung cancer cells via aspartate-modified docetaxel-loading stealth liposomes
Authors: Luo Qiuhua , Yang Bin , Tao Wenhui , Li Jia , Kou Longfa , Lian He , Che Xin , He Zhonggui , Sun Jin
Published: December 2016

Tumor cells have an increased demand for amino acids to support their rapid growth and malignant metastasis.
Development of a reversible fluorescent probe for reactive sulfur species, sulfane sulfur, and its biological application
Authors: Takano Yoko , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Shimamoto Kazuhito , Miyamoto Ryo , Komatsu Toru , Ueno Tasuku , Terai Takuya , Kimura Hideo , Nagano Tetsuo , Urano Yasuteru
Published: December 2016

We developed a reversible fluorescent probe for sulfane sulfur. This probe enabled us to monitor concentration changes of sulfane sulfur.
Palladium-catalysed mono-α-alkenylation of ketones with alkenyl tosylates
Authors: Wu Yong , Fu Wai Chung , Chiang Chien-Wei , Choy Pui Ying , Kwong Fuk Yee , Lei Aiwen
Published: December 2016

The first general Pd-catalysed mono-α-alkenylation of ketones using alkenyl tosylates is reported. The combination of Pd(dba)2 and XPhos as the catalytic system exhibited excellent chemo- and monoselectivity at a relatively low catalyst loading (0.1–1.0 mol%).
Ar–P bond construction by the Pd-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of arylsilanes with H-phosphonates via C–Si bond cleavage
Authors: Luo Haiqing , Liu Haidong , Chen Xingwei , Wang Keke , Luo Xuzhong , Wang Kejun
Published: December 2016

A novel and efficient methodology that allows for the construction of Ar–P bonds via the Pd-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling reaction of various arylsilanes with H-phosphonates leading to valuable arylphosphonates has been developed.
[3+2] Cycloaddition of azide with aldehyde hydrazone through an aminyl radical-polar crossover strategy
Authors: Wu Zhongkai , Xu Pan , Zhou Nengneng , Duan Yingqian , Zhang Muliang , Zhu Chengjian
Published: December 2016

A novel approach to obtain functionalized tetrazoles through an aminyl radical-power crossover strategy is reported.
Catalyst-free N-methylation of amines using CO2
Authors: Niu Huiying , Lu Lijun , Shi Renyi , Chiang Chien-Wei , Lei Aiwen
Published: December 2016

In this study, we have developed a catalyst-free N-methylation of amines to prepare numerous methylamines using CO2 as a methyl source, utilizing 2 eq. PhSiH3 as the reductant.
A dual-functional polymer coating on a lithium anode for suppressing dendrite growth and polysulfide shuttling in Li–S batteries
Authors: Luo Jing , Lee Rung-Chuan , Jin Jian-Ting , Weng Yu-Ting , Fang Chia-Chen , Wu Nae-Lih
Published: December 2016

A dual-functional Nafion/PVDF polymer coating on lithium for suppressing dendrite growth and polysulfide shuttling in Li–S batteries.
Homoleptic organolanthanide compounds supported by the bis(dimethylsilyl)benzyl ligand
Authors: Boteju Kasuni C. , Ellern Arkady , Sadow Aaron D.
Published: December 2016

A β-SiH functionalized benzyl anion [C(SiHMe2)2Ph]− reacts with early rare earth halides to provide homoleptic tris(alkyl)lanthanides containing secondary interactions in an efficient and high yielding route.
Correction: Recent emergence of photon upconversion based on triplet energy migration in molecular assemblies
Authors: Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Recent emergence of photon upconversion based on triplet energy migration in molecular assemblies’ by Nobuhiro Yanai et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 5354–5370.
One-step hydroprocessing of fatty acids into renewable aromatic hydrocarbons over Ni/HZSM-5: insights into the major reaction pathways
Authors: Xing Shiyou , Lv Pengmei , Wang Jiayan , Fu Junying , Fan Pei , Yang Lingmei , Yang Gaixiu , Yuan Zhenhong , Chen Yong
Published: December 2016

We describe the production of renewable aromatic hydrocarbons by a new facile one-step hydroprocessing of fatty acids with an in-depth exploration of the major reaction pathways and catalytic mechanisms.
Shock wave studies of the pyrolysis of fluorocarbon oxygenates. I. The thermal dissociation of C3F6O and CF3COF
Authors: Cobos C. J. , Hintzer K. , Sölter L. , Tellbach E. , Thaler A. , Troe J.
Published: December 2016

The thermal decomposition of hexafluoropropylene oxide, C3F6O, to perfluoroacetyl fluoride, CF3COF, and CF2 has been studied in shock waves in Ar between 630 and 1000 K. The subsequent decomposition of CF3COF has been followed between 1400 and 1900 K.
Shock wave studies of the pyrolysis of fluorocarbon oxygenates. II. The thermal dissociation of C4F8O
Authors: Cobos C. J. , Hintzer K. , Sölter L. , Tellbach E. , Thaler A. , Troe J.
Published: December 2016

The thermal decomposition of octafluorooxalane, C4F8O, to C2F4 + CF2 + COF2 has been studied in shock waves in Ar between 1300 and 2200 K. Two pathways were identified.
X-ray and molecular dynamics studies of butylammonium butanoate–water binary mixtures
Authors: Salma Umme , Usula Marianna , Caminiti Ruggero , Gontrani Lorenzo , Plechkova Natalia V. , Seddon Kenneth R.
Published: December 2016

The nanostructural organisation of mixtures of the ionic liquid (butylammonium butanoate) and water at several mole fractions of water has been investigated using small and wide angle X-ray scattering (S-WAXS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Ultra-fast charge migration competes with proton transfer in the early chemistry of H2O˙+
Authors: Wang Furong , Schmidhammer Uli , de La Lande Aurélien , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: December 2016

Oxidation by the ultra-short lived radical cation of water, H2O˙+, can potentially take place at the interface of water and numerous heterogeneous systems involved in radiation therapy, energy and environmental industries.
π+–π+ stacking of imidazolium cations enhances molecular layering of room temperature ionic liquids at their interfaces
Authors: Tang Fujie , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Hasegawa Taisuke , Bonn Mischa , Nagata Yuki
Published: December 2016

The interfacial structure of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) is governed by the competing effects of the randomization due to the molecular polarizability and the ordered structure stabilized by π+–π+ interactions between the cationic molecules of RTILs.
Electrolyte-controlled discharge product distribution of Na–O2batteries: a combined computational and experimental study
Authors: Wang Beizhou , Zhao Ning , Wang Youwei , Zhang Wenqing , Lu Wencong , Guo Xiangxin , Liu Jianjun
Published: December 2016

Tuning the composition of discharge products is an important strategy to reduce charge potential, suppress side reactions, and improve the reversibility of metal–oxygen batteries.
Hierarchical nitrogen-doped porous graphene/reduced fluorographene/sulfur hybrids for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Zhixuan , Li Jie , Xiang Jingwei , Cheng Shuai , Wu Hao , Zhang Na , Yuan Lixia , Zhang Wenfeng , Xie Jia , Huang Yunhui , Chang Haixin
Published: December 2016

A novel hierarchical hybrid of nitrogen-doped porous graphene, reduced fluorographene and sulfur reveals great potentials in long-cycle-life Li–S batteries.
Free-standing reduced graphene oxide/MnO2–reduced graphene oxide–carbon nanotube nanocomposite flexible membrane as an anode for improving lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yong , Ye Daixin , Shi Bin , Liu Wen , Guo Rui , Pei Haijuan , Xie Jingying
Published: December 2016

Free-standing rGO/MnO2–rGO–CNT flexible membrane with a 2D/3D structure shows improved cycling and rate performance at flat and bending states.
Phase diagram and superconductivity of compressed zirconium hydrides
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Hu Zi-Yu , Huang Bing
Published: December 2016

It is known that pressure can be applied to fundamentally alter the bonding patterns between the chemical elements.
Zinc ion-induced conformational changes in new Delphi metallo-β-lactamase 1 probed by molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling
Authors: Chen Jianzhong , Wang Jinan , Zhu Weiliang
Published: December 2016

The hydrolysis of a β-lactam core ring caused by new Delphi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) with the help of two zinc cofactors induces significant resistance toward β-lactam antibiotics.
Sizing and Eddy currents in magnetic core nanoparticles: an optical extinction approach
Authors: Mendoza Herrera Luis J. , Bruvera Ignacio J. , Scaffardi Lucía B. , Schinca Daniel C.
Published: December 2016

We extend the typical analysis of the extinction spectrum of magnetic core NPs by solving Mie theory with a frequency dependent susceptibility and considering the effect of Eddy currents in order to obtain the size distribution of the cores and the coating layers.
Benzene-centered tripodal diglycolamides: synthesis, metal ion extraction, luminescence spectroscopy, and DFT studies
Authors: Leoncini Andrea , Ansari Seraj Ahmad , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar , Boda Anil , Musharaf Ali Sheikh , Sengupta Arijit , Huskens Jurriaan , Verboom Willem
Published: December 2016

Three benzene-centered tripodal diglycolamides (Bz-T-DGAs) were synthesized and evaluated for actinide, lanthanide, and fission product ion extraction.
Modelling the morphology and thermomechanical behaviour of low-bandgap conjugated polymers and bulk heterojunction films
Authors: Root Samuel E. , Jackson Nicholas E. , Savagatrup Suchol , Arya Gaurav , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: December 2016

Schematic diagram showing the information flow from molecular structure, to atomistic model, to a slice of the solid morphology under mechanical deformation and the stress–strain response.
Development of an integrated approach for α-pinene recovery and sugar production from loblolly pine using ionic liquids
Authors: Papa Gabriella , Kirby James , Murthy Konda N. V. S. N. , Tran Kim , Singh Seema , Keasling Jay D. , Peter Gary F. , Simmons Blake A.
Published: December 2016

In the southeastern US, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is widely used as a feedstock in the wood, pulp and paper industry.
Liquid-capped encoded microcapsules for multiplex assays
Authors: Song Younghoon , Jeong Yunjin , Kwon Taehong , Lee Daewon , Oh Dong Yoon , Park Tae-Joon , Kim Junhoi , Kim Jiyun , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: December 2016

Although droplet microfludics is a promising technology for handling a number of liquids of a single type of analyte, it has limitations in handling thousands of different types of analytes for multiplex assay.
Acoustic actuation of bioinspired microswimmers
Authors: Kaynak Murat , Ozcelik Adem , Nourhani Amir , Lammert Paul E. , Crespi Vincent H. , Huang Tony Jun
Published: December 2016

Acoustic actuation of bioinspired microswimmers is experimentally demonstrated.
N-doped ZnO–MoS2 binary heterojunctions: the dual role of 2D MoS2 in the enhancement of photostability and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation for tetracycline degradation
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Sharma Vipul , Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Krishnan Venkata
Published: December 2016

In this work, we demonstrate the dual role played by MoS2 in enhancing the photocatalytic performance and in increasing the photostability of the N-ZnO material.
Maternal Postpartum Depression and Communication Development in Infants: Is There a Role for the Speech-Language Pathologist?
Authors: Hall Nancy
Published: December 2016

Objective

To survey speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding their involvement in treating infants whose mothers experience postpartum depression.

Method

SIG 1 members were invited to participate in an 8-question survey examining their involvement with infant-mother pairs, including mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD).

Results

Results indicate that, while some SLPs frequently work with infant-mother pairs, few have knowledge regarding the diagnosis of PPD in the mothers.

Conclusions

It is likely that many SLPs are working with infant-mother pairs that include mothers who are experiencing PPD. Suggestions regarding the role of the SLP are offered, including providing support for these mothers in terms of obtaining services and helping these mothers use appropriate infant-directed speech to facilitate communication and cognitive development in their infants.
Feedback: What's New and Different?
Authors: McCready Vicki , Raleigh Louise , Schober-Peterson Debra , Wegner Jane
Published: December 2016

Although giving feedback has been frequently discussed in the supervision literature, there has been little attention given to two other important aspects, namely receiving and inviting feedback. This article will highlight the kinds of feedback, the triggers that are obstacles to receiving feedback, and suggestions to manage resistance to feedback. In addition, guidelines to giving feedback based on knowledge about receiving feedback will be presented, as well as five evidence-based insights into inviting feedback.
Lip Contact Pressure While Talking in Background Noise
Authors: Turner Greg , Roach Lauren , de Jonge Robert
Published: December 2016

Loudness manipulation is an important clinical tool in reducing functional communication limitations and increasing speaking participation in individuals with dysarthria. Increasing loudness appears to influence all domains of the speech production system (i.e., respiratory, laryngeal, and orofacial), resulting in increased effort and coordination. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence speaking under different levels of background noise has on lip contact pressure, a measure of physiological effort, during bilabial consonant production. Ten young adults ranging in age from 20 to 24 years read 30 sentences under three different levels of multitalker babble background noise (0, 40, & 80 dBHL). An Entran Pressure Transducer was used to acquire lip contact pressure for words containing the bilabial consonants /p/, /b/, and /m/. Intensity of the voice significantly increased across noise conditions; however, static and dynamic measures of articulatory contact pressures (ACP) were not significantly influenced by background noise. Increase in physiological effort as represented by ACP appears not be related to increasing intensity while speaking in background noise. Additional study of the factors influencing different aspects of articulatory contact pressure is recommended for individuals with and without motor speech disorders.
Primary Concurrent Chemoradiation in Head and Neck Cancers with Weekly Cisplatin Chemotherapy: Analysis of Compliance, Toxicity and Survival
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Chaw Cheng , Kovarik Josef , Aslam Shahzeena , Jackson Aaron , Kelly John , Dobrowsky Werner , Kelly Charles
Published: December 2016

Introduction Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of care in inoperable locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancers. The most widely accepted schedule of concomitant cisplatin is 100mg/m2 given on a 3 weekly basis but the optimal regime is unknown.

Objective The objective of this study is to assess the tolerability, compliance, and clinical outcomes of weekly cisplatin (40mg/m2).

Methods During the period of January 2007–December 2009, we analyzed retrospectively 122 patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and oral cavity) treated with definitive chemoradiation. All patients received 63 Gy in 30 daily fractions with concomitant weekly cisplatin 40mg/m2. We assessed treatment toxicities and patient compliance. We estimated overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results Sixty-eight percent of patients managed to complete all six cycles of chemotherapy while 87% of patients completed at least 5 cycles of weekly cisplatin. Incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity was as follows: mucositis 33%, dermatitis 41%, dysphagia 15%, mouth/neck pain 17%, neutropenia 2%, and renal impairment 3%. 53% patients required at least one hospital admission for symptom control. The 5-year overall survival rate was 60%.

Conclusion Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using weekly cisplatin at 40mg/m2 per week is an effective, well tolerated regimen allowing most patients to receive at least 5 cycles of chemotherapy. However, a phase III randomized control trial comparing the standard dose of 100mg/m2 cisplatin tri-weekly with a weekly regimen is needed to establish the long term clinical outcome.
Investigation of electron irradiation-induced magnetism in layered MoS2 single crystals
Authors: Han Sang Wook , Park Youngsin , Hwang Young Hun , Lee Wang G. , Hong S. C.
Published: December 2016

By using higher acceleration energies than the displacement energy of Mo atoms, the electron irradiation on the layered MoS2 single crystals is found to be an effective and simple method to induce the diamagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition persisting up to room temperature. The easy axis can be controllable by regulating the electron dose and the acceleration energy. The ferromagnetic states are largely attributed to the strain around the vacancies.
Self-aligned growth of thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells on various micropatterns
Authors: Duchatelet A. , Nguyen K. , Grand P.-P. , Lincot D. , Paire M.
Published: December 2016

We provide the demonstration of a self-aligned growth of thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells and microcells. We created Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells by direct localized electrodeposition and annealing on two patterns: lines of 1105 μm and 105 μm width and 1 cm long. We obtained up to 7.6% efficiency on the 1105 μm wide lines and 5.3% efficiency on 105 μm wide lines. This work demonstrates the possibility to directly grow efficient solar cells on tunable patterns, with very efficient material usage. This is important in the perspective of thin film micro-concentrators and also semi-transparent photovoltaic windows for building integrated applications.
Matrix effects in the C 1s photoabsorption spectra of condensed naphthalene
Authors: Schmidt Norman Anja , Wenzel Jan , Dreuw Andreas , Fink Rainer H. , Hieringer Wolfgang
Published: December 2016

High-resolution C 1s near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of naphthalene are investigated. By comparing the spectral signatures of condensed naphthalene molecules with those of naphthalene in the gas phase, we are able to unambiguously identify spectral features which are affected by the intermolecular interactions in the condensed phase. With the help of calculations using time-dependent density-functional theory and the second-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction scheme for the polarization propagator, resonances in the relevant energy range can be assigned to valence and Rydberg-like excitations. Thus, we obtain a more detailed identification of NEXAFS resonances beyond the present literature.