bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and physical properties of cyanate ester nanocomposites based on graphene
Authors: Reams Josiah T. , Guenthner Andrew J. , Lamison Kevin R. , Yandek Gregory R. , Swanson David D. , Mabry Joseph M.
Published: June 2014

We report the thermal, mechanical, and diffusion properties of bisphenol E based polycyanurate nanocomposites with three forms of graphene derived from sequential processing of the same carbon nanostructure. Edge‐functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were converted to graphene oxide (GO), then heated to produce thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO). All three reinforcements were individually mixed with the dicyanate ester of bisphenol E (LECy) at low loading levels and cured to form polycyanurate nanocomposites. GNP, with very low oxygen functionality, was incompatible with the cyanate ester, while the highly oxidized GO formed well‐dispersed (though not exfoliated) nanocomposites, with the TRGO forming a good dispersion on mixing but phase separating during cure. The addition of GO, and, to a lesser extent, TRGO, resulted in improved mechanical properties, particularly fracture toughness, with the addition of TRGO having a modestly negative effect on the glass transition temperature. Surprisingly, neither GO nor TRGO addition was effective at slowing down the diffusion of water in the polycyanurate, with the addition of both resulting in increased equilibrium moisture uptake. It thus appears that the trade‐off between dispersion and the required level of oxygen functionality acts in a manner to frustrate attempts at minimizing the permeation of water by addition of graphene‐based reinforcements. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1061–1070
Metal–oxide–diamond interface investigation by TEM: Toward MOS and Schottky power device behavior
Authors: Piñero J. C. , Araujo D. , Traoré A. , Chicot G. , Maréchal A. , Muret P. , Alegre M. P. , Villar M. P. , Pernot J.
Published: June 2014

Metal and oxide distribution in diamond metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) structures are characterized using several transmission electron microscopy (TEM) modes at nanometric scale. To understand their electrical behavior, oxygen distribution using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) through the layer structure, high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM), and annular dark field (ADF) observations are reported. Oxide thickness variations, as well as oxygen content variations have been identified and characterized at an atomic resolution. The latter allows to understand the related electrical behavior as, for example, leakages or shortcuts.
Fracture‐Based Fabrication of Normally Closed, Adjustable, and Fully Reversible Microscale Fluidic Channels
Authors: Kim Byoung Choul , Moraes Christopher , Huang Jiexi , Matsuoka Toshiki , Thouless M. D. , Takayama Shuichi
Published: June 2014

Adjustable fluidic structures play an important role in microfluidic systems. Fracture of multilayered materials under applied tension has been previously demonstrated as a convenient, simple, and inexpensive approach to fabricate nanoscale adjustable structures; here, it is demonstrated how to extend this concept to the microscale. This is achieved by a novel pairing of materials that leverages fracture mechanics to limit crack formation to a specified region, allowing to create size‐controllable and adjustable microfluidic structures. This technique can be used to fabricate “normally closed” microfluidic channels that are completely reversible, a feature that is challenging to achieve in conventional systems without careful engineering controls. The adjustable microfluidic channels are then applied to mechanically lyse single cells, and subsequently manipulate the released nuclear chromatin, creating new possibilities for epigenetic analysis of single cells. This simple, versatile, and robust technology provides an easily accessible pathway to construct adjustable microfluidic structures, which will be useful in developing complex assays and experiments even in resource‐limited settings.
Influence of miRNA in insulin signaling pathway and insulin resistance: micro‐molecules with a major role in type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Chakraborty Chiranjib , Doss C. George Priya , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Agoramoorthy Govindasamy
Published: June 2014

The prevalence of type‐2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing significantly throughout the globe since the last decade. This heterogeneous and multifactorial disease, also known as insulin resistance, is caused by the disruption of the insulin signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss the existence of various miRNAs involved in regulating the main protein cascades in the insulin signaling pathway that affect insulin resistance. The influence of miRNAs (miR‐7, miR‐124a, miR‐9, miR‐96, miR‐15a/b, miR‐34a, miR‐195, miR‐376, miR‐103, miR‐107, and miR‐146) in insulin secretion and beta (β) cell development has been well discussed. Here, we highlight the role of miRNAs in different significant protein cascades within the insulin signaling pathway such as miR‐320, miR‐383, miR‐181b with IGF‐1, and its receptor (IGF1R); miR‐128a, miR‐96, miR‐126 with insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins; miR‐29, miR‐384‐5p, miR‐1 with phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K); miR‐143, miR‐145, miR‐29, miR‐383, miR‐33a/b miR‐21 with AKT/protein kinase B (PKB) and miR‐133a/b, miR‐223, miR‐143 with glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels in the blood) have a strong connection with T2D and several miRNAs influence these clinical outcomes such as miR‐143, miR‐103, and miR‐107, miR‐29a, and miR‐27b. We also corroborate from previous evidence how these interactions are related to insulin resistance and T2D. The insights highlighted in this review will provide a better understanding on the impact of miRNA in the insulin signaling pathway and insulin resistance‐associated diagnostics and therapeutics for T2D. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:697–712. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1240

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Effect of Structure and Composition of Copper and Cobalt Complexes with Schiff Base Ligands on their DNA/Protein Interaction and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Li Peng , Niu Mao‐Fei , Niu Mei‐Ju , Hong Min
Published: June 2014

Four transition metal complexes, namely Cu2Cl2(HL1)2 (1), Co(HL1)2 (2), Cu(HL2)2 (3), Co(HL2)3 (4) {H2L1 = 2‐{[2‐(2‐hydroxy‐ethoxy)‐ethylimino]‐methyl}‐phenol, H2L2 = 3‐{[2‐(2‐hydroxy‐ethoxy)‐ethylimino]‐methyl}‐naphthalen‐2‐ol} were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The interactions of these copper and cobalt complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) were studied by absorption and emission titration spectroscopic methods. The interactions of these copper and cobalt complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were also investigated using fluorescence, UV/Vis, and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Further, the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the complexes are examined on human colon carcinoma cell lines (HCT‐116) and human lung carcinoma cell line (A549).
National trends in school victimization among Asian American adolescents
Authors: Cooc North , Gee Kevin A.
Published: June 2014

The “model minority” perception of Asian American students often ignores the academic and social challenges that many face in schools. One area that has received less attention is the school victimization experiences of Asian American adolescents. While some qualitative researchers have explored factors contributing to school victimization in recent years, missing in the literature is the scope of these incidents among Asian Americans. This paper contributes to this literature by (1) examining national trends in the victimization of Asian American adolescents in schools over the last decade and (2) investigating how victimization varies according to their gender, socioeconomic status, and achievement levels. The results show that although Asian American adolescents are consistently less likely to be bullied relative to other students, they are more likely to report experiences of racial discrimination. Victimization incidents for Asian Americans also differ by gender and academic achievement levels.
Mother–Adolescent conflict in African American and European American families: The role of corporal punishment, adolescent aggression, and adolescents' hostile attributions of mothers' intent
Authors: MacKinnon‐Lewis Carol , Lindsey Eric W. , Frabutt James M. , Chambers Jessica Campbell
Published: June 2014

The present study examined mothers' use of corporal punishment and adolescents' aggression as predictors of mother–youth conflict during early adolescence. Particular attention was given to the potential mediating role that adolescents' hostile attributions of intent (HAI) regarding mothers' behavior might play in connections between corporal punishment, youth aggression, and mother–adolescent conflict for European American (EA) and African American (AA) youth. Data were collected from 268 12‐ to 14‐year‐olds (154 European American; 114 African American; 133 girls; 135 boys) and their mothers over a period of 2 years. Questionnaires completed by both mothers and adolescents were used to assess maternal corporal punishment and adolescent aggression, and interviews concerning hypothetical situations were used to assess adolescent HAI in year one. In both year one and year two mother–adolescent conflict was observed in a laboratory interaction session. Data revealed that adolescent HAI mediated the link between maternal corporal punishment and mother–adolescent conflict for EA, but not AA youth. Adolescents' HAI mediated the link between adolescent aggression and mother–adolescent conflict for both EA and AA families.
Phosphoglucomutase1 is necessary for sustained cell growth under repetitive glucose depletion
Authors: Bae Eunju , Kim Hee Eun , Koh Eunjin , Kim Kyung-Sup
Published: June 2014

Phosphoglucomutase (PGM)1 catalyzes the reversible conversion reaction between glucose‐1‐phosphate (G‐1‐P) and glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P). Although both G‐1‐P and G‐6‐P are important intermediates for glucose and glycogen metabolism, the biological roles and regulatory mechanisms of PGM1 are largely unknown. In this study we found that T553 is obligatory for PGM1 stability and the last C‐terminal residue, T562, is critical for its activity. Interestingly, depletion of PGM1 was associated with declined cellular glycogen content and decreased rates of glycogenolysis and glycogenesis. Furthermore, PGM1 depletion suppressed cell proliferation under long‐term repetitive glucose depletion. Our results suggest that PGM1 is required for sustained cell growth during nutritional changes, probably through regulating the balance of G‐1‐P and G‐6‐P in order to satisfy the cellular demands during nutritional stress.
Sulforaphane induces autophagy through ERK activation in neuronal cells
Authors: Jo Chulman , Kim Sunhyo , Cho Sun-Jung , Choi Ki Ju , Yun Sang-Moon , Koh Young Ho , Johnson Gail V.W. , Park Sang Ick
Published: June 2014

Sulforaphane (SFN), an activator of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), has been reported to induce autophagy in several cells. However, little is known about its signaling mechanism of autophagic induction. Here, we provide evidence that SFN induces autophagy with increased levels of LC3‐II through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation in neuronal cells. Pretreatment with NAC (N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine), a well‐known antioxidant, completely blocked the SFN‐induced increase in LC3‐II levels and activation of ERK. Knockdown or overexpression of Nrf2 did not affect autophagy. Together, the results suggest that SFN‐mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces autophagy via ERK activation, independent of Nrf2 activity in neuronal cells.
Comprehensive enzymatic analysis of the amylolytic system in the digestive fluid of the sea hare, Aplysia kurodai: Unique properties of two α‐amylases and two α‐glucosidases
Authors: Tsuji Akihiko , Nishiyama Nami , Ohshima Miki , Maniwa Saori , Kuwamura Shuji , Shiraishi Masataka , Yuasa Keizo
Published: June 2014

Sea lettuce (Ulva pertusa) is a nuisance species of green algae that is found all over the world. East‐Asian species of the marine gastropod, the sea hare Aplysia kurodai, shows a clear feeding preference for sea lettuce. Compared with cellulose, sea lettuce contains a higher amount of starch as a storage polysaccharide. However, the entire amylolytic system in the digestive fluid of A. kurodai has not been studied in detail. We purified α‐amylases and α‐glucosidases from the digestive fluid of A. kurodai and investigated the synergistic action of these enzymes on sea lettuce. A. kurodai contain two α‐amylases (59 and 80 kDa) and two α‐glucosidases (74 and 86 kDa). The 59‐kDa α‐amylase, but not the 80‐kDa α‐amylase, was markedly activated by Ca2+ or Cl−. Both α‐amylases degraded starch and maltoheptaose, producing maltotriose, maltose, and glucose. Glucose production from starch was higher with 80‐kDa α‐amylase than with 59‐kDa α‐amylase. Kinetic analysis indicated that 74‐kDa α‐glucosidase prefers short α‐1,4‐linked oligosaccharide, whereas 86‐kDa α‐glucosidase prefers large α‐1,6 and α‐1,4‐linked polysaccharides such as glycogen. When sea lettuce was used as a substrate, a 2‐fold greater amount of glucose was released by treatment with 59‐kDa α‐amylase and 74‐kDa α‐glucosidase than by treatment with 45‐kDa cellulase and 210‐kDa β‐glucosidase of A. kurodai. Unlike mammals, sea hares efficiently digest sea lettuce to glucose by a combination of two α‐amylases and two α‐glucosidases in the digestive fluids without membrane‐bound maltase–glucoamylase and sucrase–isomaltase complexes.
Adolescent Mouse Takes on An Active Transcriptomic Expression During Postnatal Cerebral Development
Authors: Xu Wei , Xin Chengqi , Lin Qiang , Ding Feng , Gong Wei , Zhou Yuanyuan , Yu Jun , Cui Peng , Hu Songnian
Published: June 2014

Postnatal cerebral development is a complicated biological process precisely controlled by multiple genes. To understand the molecular mechanism of cerebral development, we compared dynamics of mouse cerebrum transcriptome through three developmental stages using high-throughput RNA-seq technique. Three libraries were generated from the mouse cerebrum at infancy, adolescence and adulthood, respectively. Consequently, 44,557,729 (infancy), 59,257,530 (adolescence) and 72,729,636 (adulthood) reads were produced, which were assembled into 15,344, 16,048 and 15,775 genes, respectively. We found that the overall gene expression level increased from infancy to adolescence and decreased later on upon reaching adulthood. The adolescence cerebrum has the most active gene expression, with expression of a large number of regulatory genes up-regulated and some crucial pathways activated. Transcription factor (TF) analysis suggested the similar dynamics as expression profiling, especially those TFs functioning in neurogenesis differentiation, oligodendrocyte lineage determination and circadian rhythm regulation. Moreover, our data revealed a drastic increase in myelin basic protein (MBP)-coding gene expression in adolescence and adulthood, suggesting that the brain myelin may be generated since mouse adolescence. In addition, differential gene expression analysis indicated the activation of rhythmic pathway, suggesting the function of rhythmic movement since adolescence; Furthermore, during infancy and adolescence periods, gene expression related to axon repulsion and attraction showed the opposite trends, indicating that axon repulsion was activated after birth, while axon attraction might be activated at the embryonic stage and declined during the postnatal development. Our results from the present study may shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the postnatal development of the mammalian cerebrum.
What We Know and Don't Know about Online Word-of-Mouth: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: King Robert Allen , Racherla Pradeep , Bush Victoria D.
Published: June 2014

Electronic word-of mouth (eWOM) has attracted considerable interest from researchers in the past decade. Although the extant research has helped us to develop a good understanding of a number of the issues pertaining to eWOM, several research and managerial questions remain. Furthermore, no attempt has been made to consolidate and synthesize this stream of research. With consumers’ increasing reliance on online retailing and information seeking, as well as the continued growth of social media, the importance of eWOM cannot be overstated. Based on a systematic review of 190 studies, we conduct a multi-dimensional analysis of eWOM communication. We present the key issues in current and emerging literature and propose important questions for future research.
Revisiting gender differences: What we know and what lies ahead
Authors: Meyers‐Levy Joan , Loken Barbara
Published: June 2014

Efforts to identify and understand gender differences have a long history that has sparked lively debate and generated much public interest. Although understanding gender differences is pivotal to consumer researchers and marketers, investigations into this issue by such individuals have been few in number, often weak in theory, and rather limited in progress made. This paper strives to reinvigorate such inquiry. We begin by describing four major theories of gender differences (socio‐cultural, evolutionary, hormone‐brain, and the selectivity hypothesis) and then assess relevant research from 2000 to 2013 in marketing, psychology, and biomedicine. From this, five conclusions emerge: Males are more self‐oriented, while females are more other‐oriented; females are more cautious responders; females are more responsive to negative data; males process data more selectively and females more comprehensively; and females are more sensitive to differentiating conditions and factors. We conclude by identifying several areas of opportunity for advancing our understanding of gender differences.
Current Trends and Impact of Smoking Cessation Interventions for Adult Smokers in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Owotomo Olusegun
Published: June 2014

Objective: This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on the current developments and impact of smoking cessation interventions targeted toward adult smokers in low and middle income countries (LMICs).

Methods: Major databases were searched with the following selection criteria: (1) studies based on empirical findings that demonstrate the impact of smoking cessation interventions in LMICs; (2) studies conducted in or focused on LMICs; (3) studies targeted at the adult smoking population; (4) studies focused on smoking cessation component of tobacco control; (5) studies that reported on the capacity for smoking cessation intervention and current developments in LMICs; (6) published in peer review journals between 2003 and April, 2013; (7) studies written or transcribed in English.

Results: A total of 23 articles (23 studies) were included in the review. Six studies assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation intervention types in some LMICs. Four studies explored the reach, adoption and institutionalisation of cessation interventions. Six studies assessed physicians’ capacity to provide cessation interventions, and seven studies provided insights on current developments.

Conclusion: Smoking cessation interventions are not readily available and affordable in LMICs. Extensive research is needed to determine the most cost-effective and culturally appropriate smoking cessation interventions for adult smokers in LMICs.
Decision Maker Preferences for International Legal Cooperation
Authors: Hafner-Burton Emilie M. , LeVeck Brad L. , Victor David G. , Fowler James H.
Published: June 2014

Why do some decision makers prefer big multilateral agreements while others prefer cooperation in small clubs? Does enforcement encourage or deter institutional cooperation? We use experiments drawn from behavioral economics and cognitive psychology—along with a substantive survey focused on international trade—to illustrate how two behavioral traits (patience and strategic reasoning) of individuals who play key roles in negotiating and ratifying an international treaty shape their preferences for how treaties are designed and whether they are ratified. Patient subjects were more likely to prefer treaties with larger numbers of countries (and larger long-term benefits), as were subjects with the skill to anticipate how others will respond over multiple iterations of strategic games. The presence of an enforcement mechanism increased subjects' willingness to ratify treaties; however, strategic reasoning had double the effect of adding enforcement to a trade agreement: more strategic subjects were particularly likely to favor ratifying the agreement. We report these results for a sample of 509 university students and also show how similar patterns are revealed in a unique sample of ninety-two actual US policy elites. Under some conditions certain types of university student convenience samples can be useful for revealing elite-dominated policy preferences—different types of people in the same situation may prefer to approach decision-making tasks and reason through trade-offs in materially different ways.
Barriers to Disaster Coordination: Health Sector Coordination in Banda Aceh following the South Asia Tsunami
Authors: Zoraster Richard M.
Published: June 2014

Ecological disasters impact large populations every year, and hundreds of nongovernmental organizations, thousands of aid workers, and billions of dollars are sent in response. Yet, there have been recurring problems with coordination, leading to wasted efforts and funds. The humanitarian response to the December 2004 Earthquake and Tsunami in Asia was one of the largest ever, and coordination problems were apparent.

The coordination processes and attempts at coordination are discussed in this paper. Specific barriers to cooperation are discussed, such as weak leadership, the absence of accountability, the lack of credentialing, the diverse goals of the responding agencies, and the weaknesses in the coordination process itself.
Detailed assessment of activities of daily living in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Authors: GALASKO D. , SCHMITT F. , THOMAS R. , JIN S. , BENNETT D. , FERRIS S.
Published: June 2014

Patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) who have reached a stage of moderate to severe dementia are capable of completing a restricted range of cognitive tests and performing a limited range of activities of daily living (ADL). As part of an initiative to develop instruments to evaluate AD, we analyzed data describing the performance of a large number of ADL and scores on cognitive and global assessment measures in a cohort of patients with AD with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score ranging from 0–15 (out of 30). From the large pool of ADL, 19 met criteria of applicability, reliability, good scaling, concordant validity, and sensitivity to detect change in performance over 6–12 months. A total score derived from these 19 ADL ratings, comprising a scale termed the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study ADL-sev, correlated strongly with measures of cognition and of global dementia severity. Patients with moderate to severe AD showed a decline on the ADL-sev and cognitive measures over 6 and 12 months, consistent with the progression of AD. Detailed evaluation of ADL may provide a useful index to evaluate patients with moderate to severe AD and may complement cognitive assessment, especially for characterizing change in interventional or therapeutic studies. (JINS, 2005,11, 446–453.)
3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Ischemia Tolerance in the Rat Brain is Mediated by Reduced Metabolic Activity and Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Bracko Oliver , Pietro Valentina Di , Lazzarino Giacomo , Amorini Angela M , Tavazzi Barbara , Artmann Judith , Wong Eric C , Buxton Richard B , Weller Michael , Luft Andreas R , Wegener Susanne
Published: June 2014

Tissue tolerance to ischemia can be achieved by noxious stimuli that are below a threshold to cause irreversible damage (‘preconditioning’). Understanding the mechanisms underlying preconditioning may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for diseases such as stroke. We here used the oxidative chain inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) to induce ischemia tolerance in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and structural integrity were characterized by longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with behavioral, histologic, and biochemical assessment of NPA-preconditioned animals and controls. Using this approach we show that the ischemia-tolerant state is characterized by a lower energy charge potential and lower CBF, indicating a reduced baseline metabolic demand, and therefore a cellular mechanism of neural protection. Blood vessel density and structural integrity were not altered by NPA treatment. When subjected to MCAO, preconditioned animals had a characteristic MRI signature consisting of enhanced CBF maintenance within the ischemic territory and intraischemic reversal of the initial cytotoxic edema, resulting in reduced infarct volumes. Thus, our data show that tissue protection through preconditioning occurs early during ischemia and indicate that a reduced cellular metabolism is associated with tissue tolerance to ischemia.
Role of Akt and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Functional Outcome after Concussive Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxia , Park Juyeon , Golinski Julianne , Qiu Jianhua , Khuman Jugta , Lee Christopher CH , Lo Eng H , Degterev Alexei , Whalen Michael J
Published: June 2014

Akt (protein kinase B) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cell death and cognitive outcome after cerebral contusion in mice; however, a role for Akt/mTOR in concussive brain injury has not been well characterized. In a mouse closed head injury (CHI) concussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) model, phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt), mTOR (p-mTOR), and S6RP (p-S6RP) was increased by 24 hours in cortical and hippocampal brain homogenates ( P < 0.05 versus sham for each), and p-S6RP was robustly induced in IBA-1 + microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive (GFAP +) astrocytes. Pretreatment with inhibitors of Akt or mTOR individually by the intracerebroventricular route reduced phosphorylation of their respective direct substrates FOXO1 ( P < 0.05) or S6RP ( P < 0.05) after CHI, confirming the activity of inhibitors. Rapamycin pretreatment significantly worsened hidden platform ( P < 0.01) and probe trial ( P < 0.05) performance in CHI mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) before CHI increased hippocampal Akt and S6RP phosphorylation and improved place learning (probe trials, P < 0.001 versus vehicle), whereas co-administration of rapamycin or Akt inhibitor with Nec-1 eliminated improved probe trial performance. These data suggest a beneficial role for Akt/mTOR signaling after concussion TBI independent of cell death that may contribute to improved outcome by Nec-1.
Soft Hybrid Nanoparticles: from Preparation to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jamshaid Talha , Eissa Mohamed , Zine Nadia , Errachid El-Salhi Abdelhamid , Ahmad Nasir M. , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: June 2014

Hybrid particles are a class of materials that include both organic and inorganic moieties at the same time and possess interesting magnetic, optical and mechanical properties. Extensive research is being carried out to develop soft hybrid nanoparticles utilizing their superparamagnetic, biodegradable and fluorescence properties and to explore their biomedical applications. This chapter discusses the important methods for the development of different types of soft hybrid nanoparticles, including polymer immobilization on preformed particles, adsorption of polymers on colloidal particles, adsorption of polymers via layer-by-layer self-assembly, adsorption of nanoparticles on colloidal particles, chemical grafting of preformed polymers, polymerization from and on to colloidal particles, click chemistry, atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer radical (RAFT) polymerization, nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) and conventional seed radical polymerization. With current rapid advances in nanomedicine, colloidally engineered hybrid particles are gaining immense importance in fields such as cancer therapy, gene therapy, disease diagnosis and bioimaging. The applications of soft hybrid nanoparticles with respect to diagnosis are discussed briefly and a comprehensive account of their applications in the capture and extraction of nucleic acids, proteins and viruses is presented in this chapter.
Towards single-cell LC-MS phosphoproteomics
Authors: Polat Ayse Nur , Özlü Nurhan
Published: June 2014

Protein phosphorylation is a ubiquitous posttranslational modification, which is heavily involved in signal transduction.
Comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography for analyzing complex samples: recent new advances
Authors: Shi Xianzhe , Wang Shuangyuan , Yang Qin , Lu Xin , Xu Guowang
Published: June 2014

This review highlights the new advances and applications of comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography for complex samples.
Artificial microniches for probing mesenchymal stem cell fate in 3D
Authors: Ma Yujie , Neubauer Martin P. , Thiele Julian , Fery Andreas , Huck W. T. S.
Published: June 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells are encapsulated in a 3D fibrinogen–hyaluronic acid culture through droplet microfluidics, whose morphology, multipotency and differentiation are studied.
A nanoporous Ag(i)-MOF showing unique selective adsorption of benzene among its organic analogues
Authors: Cheng Jun-Yan , Wang Peng , Ma Jian-Ping , Liu Qi-Kui , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: June 2014

A 3D porous Ag(i)-MOF which is able to reversibly absorb and separate benzene from its six-membered cyclic organic analogues is reported.
A new ternary ferroelectric crystal of Pb(Y1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3
Authors: Li Xiuzhi , Wang Zujian , Liu Ying , He Chao , Long Xifa
Published: June 2014

A ternary piezo-/ferroelectric crystal of PYN–PMN–PT (22/44/34) with dimensions of 26 × 26 × 10 mm3 has been grown by the TSSG method for the first time with a purpose of exploring new ferroelectric single crystals with high piezoelectric properties, and which was characterized by structural analysis and electrical measurements.
Hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on Zn substrates and their application in degradation of azo dyes under ambient conditions
Authors: Cai Xiaoyan , Han Bingqian , Deng Shaojuan , Wang Yan , Dong Chengjun , Wang Yude , Djerdj Igor
Published: June 2014

ZnO nanorod arrays on Zn substrates with different definite crystal surfaces can efficiently degrade azo dyes (Congo red and methyl orange) under ambient conditions, requiring neither light illumination nor additional energy (agitation, ultrasonic, etc.).
Excited states of multiply-charged anions probed by photoelectron imaging: riding the repulsive Coulomb barrier
Authors: Verlet Jan R. R. , Horke Daniel A. , Chatterley Adam S.
Published: June 2014

Recent progress towards understanding the repulsive Coulomb barrier in multiply-charged anion using photoelectron spectroscopy is discussed.
Double bubbles: a new structural motif for enhanced electron–hole separation in solids
Authors: Sokol A. A. , Farrow M. R. , Buckeridge J. , Logsdail A. J. , Catlow C. R. A. , Scanlon D. O. , Woodley S. M.
Published: June 2014

Edge-sharing (GaN)12@(ZnO)48 framework, with the hole (excited electron) localised on nitrogen (zinc) within the inner (outer) bubbles.
Experimental and theoretical study of enol–keto prototropic tautomerism and photophysics of azomethine–BODIPY dyads
Authors: Pan Zhong-Hua , Zhou Jing-Wei , Luo Geng-Geng
Published: June 2014

Enol ↔ keto prototropic tautomerism can be exploited to modulate the photophysics of BODIPY chromophores based on proton-coupled photoinduced electron transfer processes.
The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide using platinum promoted gold–palladium catalysts
Authors: Edwards Jennifer K. , Pritchard James , Miedziak Peter J. , Piccinini Marco , Carley Albert F. , He Qian , Kiely Christopher J. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: June 2014

The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide using platinum promoted gold–palladium catalysts.
Oxygen insertion reactions of mixed N-heterocyclic carbene–oxazolinylborato zinc alkyl complexes
Authors: Xu Songchen , Everett William C. , Ellern Arkady , Windus Theresa L. , Sadow Aaron D.
Published: June 2014

An oxazolinyl–carbene borate zinc ethyl compound reacts with O2 at room temperature to provide a monometallic zinc ethylperoxide.
A fully automated direct injection nebulizer (d-DIHEN) for MC-ICP-MS isotope analysis: application to boron isotope ratio measurements
Authors: Louvat Pascale , Moureau Julien , Paris Guillaume , Bouchez Julien , Noireaux Johanna , Gaillardet Jérôme
Published: June 2014

This work presents a fully automated setup for using direct injection nebulization as an introduction system for solution measurements by MC-ICP-MS, here applied to boron isotopes in pure boric acid solutions and natural samples.
Complementarity of MALDI and LA ICP mass spectrometry for platinum anticancer imaging in human tumor
Authors: Bianga Juliusz , Bouslimani Amina , Bec Nicole , Quenet François , Mounicou Sandra , Szpunar Joanna , Bouyssiere Brice , Lobinski Ryszard , Larroque Christian
Published: June 2014

The follow-up of the Heated Intraoperative Chemotherapy (HIPEC) of peritoneal carcinomatosis would benefit from the monitoring of the penetration, distribution and metabolism of the drug within the tumor.
Synthesis of Bi nanowire networks and their superior photocatalytic activity for Cr(vi) reduction
Authors: Zhao Jin , Han Qiaofeng , Zhu Junwu , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Xin
Published: June 2014

Bi nanowire networks prepared in EG using CA as a stabilizer exhibited superior photoreduction activity for Cr(vi).
Copper catalyzed C–O bond formation via oxidative cross-coupling reaction of aldehydes and ethers
Authors: Wang Quan , Zheng Hao , Chai Wen , Chen Dianyu , Zeng Xiaojun , Fu Renzhong , Yuan Rongxin
Published: June 2014

A practical and efficient construction of C–O bonds via oxidative cross-coupling reaction of aldehydes and ethers has been realized under open air. When 2 mol% copper was used as the catalyst, various α-acyloxy ethers were obtained with up to 93% isolated yield.
Selective recognition of anionic cell membranes using targeted liposomes coated with zinc(ii)-bis(dipicolylamine) affinity units
Authors: Turkyilmaz Serhan , Rice Douglas R. , Palumbo Rachael , Smith Bradley D.
Published: June 2014

Liposomes containing phospholipid-PEG conjugates with terminal zinc(ıı)-bis(dipicolylamine) affinity units selectively target anionic membrane surfaces including the exterior of bacterial and dead/dying mammalian cells.
Molecular dynamics of itraconazole confined in thin supported layers
Authors: Mapesa Emmanuel Urandu , Tarnacka Magdalena , Kamińska Ewa , Adrjanowicz Karolina , Dulski Mateusz , Kossack Wilhelm , Tress Martin , Kipnusu Wycliffe Kiprop , Kamiński Kamil , Kremer Friedrich
Published: June 2014

While glassy dynamics remain largely uninfluenced by confinement, the δ-relaxation process slows down close to the glass transition.
Photoelectrochemical response and electronic structure analysis of mono-dispersed cuboid-shaped Bi2Fe4O9 crystals with near-infrared absorption
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Guo Yiping , Duan Huanan , Li Hua , Yang Lei , Wang Pei , Sun Chongyang , Xu Biyi , Liu Hezhou
Published: June 2014

The [001]-oriented cuboid-shaped Bi2Fe4O9 with an indirect bandgap of 1.29 eV and strong absorption in all solar spectrum shows distinct photocurrent as photoanode.
Synthesis of a 3D-network polymer supported Bronsted acid ionic liquid based on calix[4]resorcinarene via two post-functionalization steps: a highly efficient and recyclable acid catalyst for the preparation of symmetrical bisamides
Authors: Mouradzadegun Arash , Elahi Somayeh , Abadast Fatemeh
Published: June 2014

We report a straightforward route for the synthesis of a novel functional polymer bearing ionic liquid as an efficient and green acidic catalyst for the preparation of bisamides.
Light harvesting of CdSe/CdS quantum dots coated with β-cyclodextrin based host–guest species through resonant energy transfer from the guests
Authors: Villafiorita-Monteoleone Francesca , Daita Valentina , Quarti Claudio , Perdicchia Dario , Del Buttero Paola , Scavia Guido , Zoppo Mirella del , Botta Chiara
Published: June 2014

Nano-hybrids based on red emitting QDs covered by β-cyclodextrin hosting a green emitting nitrobenzoxadiazole derivative show emission harvested by the host–guest organic system.
Recent advances in Michael addition of H-phosphonates
Authors: Rulev A. Yu.
Published: June 2014

The review discusses recent achievements in the development of more environmentally friendly and economically competitive processes for the synthesis of biologically and synthetically important phosphorus-bearing compounds by conjugate addition of hydrogen-phosphonates to different Michael acceptors.
One-pot low-temperature synthesis of a MnFe2O4–graphene composite for lithium ion battery applications
Authors: Tang Huang , Gao Peibo , Xing An , Tian Shuang , Bao Zhihao
Published: June 2014

A MnFe2O4–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a one-pot low-temperature process by coprecipitation of Mn ions produced in the modified Hummer's method and in situ reduction of GO at 90 °C.
Fe3O4/PANI/m-SiO2 as robust reactive catalyst supports for noble metal nanoparticles with improved stability and recyclability
Authors: Han Jie , Lu Song , Jin Chenjing , Wang Minggui , Guo Rong
Published: June 2014

Fe3O4/PANI/Au/m-SiO2 hybrid catalysts have been demonstrated that have high stability and recyclability in liquid phase reactions.
Cadmium removal in waste water by nanostructured TiO2 particles
Authors: Zha Ruhua , Nadimicherla Reddeppa , Guo Xin
Published: June 2014

Schematic diagram of Cd(ii) adsorption by nanostructured TiO2 particles.
Recent progress in polymer/sulphur composites as cathodes for rechargeable lithium–sulphur batteries
Authors: Cheng Hong , Wang Shengping
Published: June 2014

Currently, studies with sulphur electrode materials are focused primarily on carbon/sulphur and polymer/sulphur composites.
Synthesis, structure, and characterization of new low-firing microwave dielectric ceramics: (Ca1−3xBi2xΦx)MoO4
Authors: Guo Jing , Randall Clive A. , Zhang Gaoqun , Zhou Di , Chen Yuyan , Wang Hong
Published: June 2014

A series of A-site defective scheelite (Ca1−3xBi2xΦx)MoO4compositions were formed as a solid solution, and their local structures indicate that Bi–O polyhedrons become more distorted withxvalue.
Multiple Memory Systems and Their Support of Language
Authors: Kurczek Jake , Vanderveen Natalie , Duff Melissa C.
Published: June 2014

There is a long history of research linking the various forms of memory to different aspects of language. Clinically, we see this memory-language connection in the prevalence of language and communication deficits in populations that have concomitant impairments in memory and learning. In this article, we provide an overview of how the demands of language use and processing are supported by multiple memory systems in the brain, including working memory, declarative memory and nondeclarative memory, and how disruptions in different forms of memory may affect language. While not an exhaustive review of the literature, special attention is paid to populations who speech-language pathologists (SLPs) routinely serve. The goal of this review is to provide a resource for clinicians working with clients with disorders in memory and learning in helping to understand and anticipate the range of disruptions in language and communication that can arise as a consequence of memory impairment. We also hope this is a catalyst for more research on the contribution of multiple memory systems to language and communication.
A portable high-resolution soft x-ray and extreme ultraviolet spectrometer designed for the Shanghai EBIT and the Shanghai low energy EBITs
Authors: Shi Zhan , Zhao Ruifeng , Li Wenxian , Tu Bingsheng , Yang Yang , Xiao Jun , Huldt Sven , Hutton Roger , Zou Yaming
Published: June 2014

A portable high resolution soft x-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrometer has been developed for spectroscopic research at the Shanghai Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) laboratory. A unique way of aligning the grazing incidence spectrometer using the zero order of the grating is introduced. This method is realized by extending the range of the movement of the CCD detector to cover the zero order. The alignment can be done in a few minutes, thus leading to a portable spectrometer. The high vacuum needed to be compatible with the EBITs is reached by mounting most of the translation and rotation stages outside the chamber. Only one high vacuum compatible linear guide is mounted inside the chamber. This is to ensure the convenient interchange of the gratings needed to enable wavelength coverage of the whole range of 10 to 500 Å. Spectra recorded with one of our low energy EBITs shows that a resolving power of above 800 can be achieved. In the slitless configuration used in this work, we found the resolving power to be limited by the width of the EBIT plasma. When mounted on the Shanghai EBIT which is a high energy EBIT and has a narrower EBIT plasma width, the estimated resolving power will be around 1400 at 221.15 Å.
High sensitivity gas sensor based on high-Q suspended polymer photonic crystal nanocavity
Authors: Clevenson Hannah , Desjardins Pierre , Gan Xuetao , Englund Dirk
Published: June 2014

We present high-sensitivity, multi-use optical gas sensors based on a one-dimensional photonic crystal cavity. These devices are implemented in versatile, flexible polymer materials which swell when in contact with a target gas, causing a measurable cavity length change. This change causes a shift in the cavity resonance, allowing precision measurements of gas concentration. We demonstrate suspended polymer nanocavity sensors and the recovery of sensors after the removal of stimulant gas from the system. With a measured quality factor exceeding 104, we show measurements of gas concentration as low as 600 parts per million (ppm) and an experimental sensitivity of 10 ppm; furthermore, we predict detection levels in the parts-per-billion range for a variety of gases.
Generalized current-voltage analysis and efficiency limitations in non-ideal solar cells: Case of Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 and Cu2Zn(SnyGe1−y)(SxSe1−x)4
Authors: Hages Charles J. , Carter Nathaniel J. , Agrawal Rakesh , Unold Thomas
Published: June 2014

Detailed electrical characterization of nanoparticle based Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTSSe) and Cu2Zn(SnyGe1−y)(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTGeSSe) solar cells has been conducted to understand the origin of device limitations in this material system. Specifically, temperature dependent current-voltage analysis has been considered, with particular application to the characterization of solar cells with non-ideal device behavior. Due to the presence of such non-ideal device behavior, typical analysis techniques—commonly applied to kesterite-type solar cells—are found to be insufficient to understand performance limitations, and an analysis methodology is presented to account for the non-idealities. Here, the origin of non-ideal device behavior is chiefly considered in terms of electrostatic and band gap potential fluctuations, low minority carrier lifetimes, temperature dependent band edges, high surface/bulk recombination rates, and tunneling enhanced recombination. For CZTSSe and CZTGeSSe, the main limitations to improved device performance (voltage limitations) are found to be associated with significant EA deficits (EA–EG) at 300 K, large ideality factors, and voltage-dependent carrier collection, which we associate with the bulk material properties of the absorbers. The material origin of these non-ideal electrical properties is considered. Additionally, for CZTGeSSe, the effect of Ge-incorporation on the electrical properties of the solar cells is discussed, with improvements in the electrical properties characterized for the Ge-alloyed devices.
Chaotic behavior of three interacting vortices in a confined Bose-Einstein condensate
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Nikos , Koukouloyannis Vassilis , Skokos Charalampos , Kevrekidis Panayotis G.
Published: June 2014

Motivated by recent experimental works, we investigate a system of vortex dynamics in an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), consisting of three vortices, two of which have the same charge. These vortices are modeled as a system of point particles which possesses a Hamiltonian structure. This tripole system constitutes a prototypical model of vortices in BECs exhibiting chaos. By using the angular momentum integral of motion, we reduce the study of the system to the investigation of a two degree of freedom Hamiltonian model and acquire quantitative results about its chaotic behavior. Our investigation tool is the construction of scan maps by using the Smaller ALignment Index as a chaos indicator. Applying this approach to a large number of initial conditions, we manage to accurately and efficiently measure the extent of chaos in the model and its dependence on physically important parameters like the energy and the angular momentum of the system.
High resolution measurements supported by electronic structure calculations of two naphthalene derivatives: [1,5]- and [1,6]-naphthyridine—Estimation of the zero point inertial defect for planar polycyclic aromatic compounds
Authors: Gruet S. , Goubet M. , Pirali O.
Published: June 2014

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) molecules are suspected to be present in the interstellar medium and to participate to the broad and unresolved emissions features, the so-called unidentified infrared bands. In the laboratory, very few studies report the rotationally resolved structure of such important class of molecules. In the present work, both experimental and theoretical approaches provide the first accurate determination of the rotational energy levels of two diazanaphthalene: [1,5]- and [1,6]-naphthyridine. [1,6]-naphthyridine has been studied at high resolution, in the microwave (MW) region using a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer and in the far-infrared (FIR) region using synchrotron-based Fourier transform spectroscopy. The very accurate set of ground state (GS) constants deduced from the analysis of the MW spectrum allowed the analysis of the most intense modes in the FIR (ν38-GS centered at about 483 cm−1 and ν34-GS centered at about 842 cm−1). In contrast with [1,6]-naphthyridine, pure rotation spectroscopy of [1,5]-naphthyridine cannot be performed for symmetry reasons so the combined study of the two intense FIR modes (ν22-GS centered at about 166 cm−1 and ν18-GS centered at about 818 cm−1) provided the GS and the excited states constants. Although the analysis of the very dense rotational patterns for such large molecules remains very challenging, relatively accurate anharmonic density functional theory calculations appeared as a highly relevant supporting tool to the analysis for both molecules. In addition, the good agreement between the experimental and calculated infrared spectrum shows that the present theoretical approach should provide useful data for the astrophysical models. Moreover, inertial defects calculated in the GS (ΔGS) of both molecules exhibit slightly negative values as previously observed for planar species of this molecular family. We adjusted the semi-empirical relations to estimate the zero-point inertial defect (Δ0) of polycyclic aromatic molecules and confirmed the contribution of low frequency out-of-plane vibrational modes to the GS inertial defects of PAHs, which is indeed a key parameter to validate the analysis of such large molecules.