bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A repeat unit of Vibrio diarrheal T3S effector subverts cytoskeletal actin homeostasis via binding to interstrand region of actin filaments
Authors: Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Fujii Takashi , Hiyoshi Hirotaka , Makino Fumiaki , Inoue Hajime , Motooka Daisuke , Kodama Toshio , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Kobayashi Yuji , Nakamura Shota , Namba Keiichi , Iida Tetsuya
Published: June 2015

A novel bacterial type III secretion effector, VopV, from the enteric pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus has been identified as a key factor in pathogenicity due to its interaction with cytoskeletal actin. One of the repeat units in the long repetitive region of VopV, named VopVrep1, functions as an actin-binding module. Despite its importance in pathogenesis, the manner in which the effector binds to actin and the subsequent effects on actin dynamics remain unclear. Here, we report the molecular basis of the VopVrep1/actin interaction. VopVrep1 exists as an unstructured protein in solution but potently and specifically binds filamentous actin (F-actin) and not globular actin (G-actin). The F-actin/VopVrep1 complex was directly visualized at 9.6-Å resolution using electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) and helical image reconstitution. The density map revealed the binding site of VopVrep1 at the interface between two actin strands, which is close to the binding site of the bicyclic heptapeptide toxin phalloidin. Consistent with this observation, VopVrep1 alone prevented the depolymerization of F-actin. Overall, VopVrep1 demonstrated unique characteristics in comparison to known actin-binding proteins, but was relatively similar to phalloidin. The phalloidin-like behavior, targeting the interstrand region of actin filaments to stabilize the filament structure, likely contributes to the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus.
A New Approach to Reduce Toxicities and to Improve Bioavailabilities of Platinum-Containing Anti-Cancer Nanodrugs
Authors: Liu Li , Ye Qing , Lu Maggie , Lo Ya-Chin , Hsu Yuan-Hung , Wei Ming-Cheng , Chen Yu-Hsiang , Lo Shen-Chuan , Wang Shian-Jy , Bain Daniel J. , Ho Chien
Published: June 2015

Platinum (Pt) drugs are the most potent and commonly used anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. Nanoformulation of Pt drugs has the potential to improve the delivery to tumors and reduce toxic side effects. A major challenge for translating nanodrugs to clinical settings is their rapid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), hence increasing toxicities on off-target organs and reducing efficacy. We are reporting that an FDA approved parenteral nutrition source, Intralipid 20%, can help this problem. A dichloro (1, 2-diaminocyclohexane) platinum (II)-loaded and hyaluronic acid polymer-coated nanoparticle (DACHPt/HANP) is used in this study. A single dose of Intralipid (2 g/kg, clinical dosage) is administrated [intravenously (i. v.), clinical route] one hour before i.v. injection of DACHPt/HANP. This treatment can significantly reduce the toxicities of DACHPt/HANP in liver, spleen, and, interestingly, kidney. Intralipid can decrease Pt accumulation in the liver, spleen and kidney by 20.4%, 42.5% and 31.2% at 24-hr post nanodrug administration, respectively. The bioavailability of DACHPt/HANP increases by 18.7% and 9.4% during the first 5 and 24 hr, respectively.
Realization of high-luminous-efficiency InGaN light-emitting diodes in the “green gap” range
Authors: Jiang Yang , Li Yangfeng , Li Yueqiao , Deng Zhen , Lu Taiping , Ma Ziguang , Zuo Peng , Dai Longgui , Wang Lu , Jia Haiqiang , Wang Wenxin , Zhou Junming , Liu Wuming , Chen Hong
Published: June 2015

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the wavelength region of 535–570 nm are still inefficient, which is known as the “green gap” problem. Light in this range causes maximum luminous sensation in the human eye and is therefore advantageous for many potential uses. Here, we demonstrate a high-brightness InGaN LED with a normal voltage in the “green gap” range based on hybrid multi-quantum wells (MQWs). A yellow-green LED device is successfully fabricated and has a dominant wavelength, light output power, luminous efficiency and forward voltage of 560 nm, 2.14 mW, 19.58 lm/W and 3.39 V, respectively. To investigate the light emitting mechanism, a comparative analysis of the hybrid MQW LED and a conventional LED is conducted. The results show a 2.4-fold enhancement of the 540-nm light output power at a 20-mA injection current by the new structure due to the stronger localization effect and such enhancement becomes larger at longer wavelengths. Our experimental data suggest that the hybrid MQW structure can effectively push the efficient InGaN LED emission toward longer wavelengths, connecting to the lower limit of the AlGaInP LEDs’ spectral range, thus enabling completion of the LED product line covering the entire visible spectrum with sufficient luminous efficacy.
A rapid, efficient and facile solution for dental hypersensitivity: The tannin–iron complex
Authors: Oh Dongyeop X. , Prajatelistia Ekavianty , Ju Sung-Won , Jeong Kim Hyo , Baek Soo-Jin , Joon Cha Hyung , Ho Jun Sang , Ahn Jin-Soo , Soo Hwang Dong
Published: June 2015

Dental hypersensitivity due to exposure of dentinal tubules under the enamel layer to saliva is a very popular and highly elusive technology priority in dentistry. Blocking water flow within exposed dentinal tubules is a key principle for curing dental hypersensitivity. Some salts used in “at home” solutions remineralize the tubules inside by concentrating saliva ingredients. An “in-office” option of applying dense resin sealants on the tubule entrance has only localized effects on well-defined sore spots. We report a self-assembled film that was formed by facile, rapid (4 min) and efficient (approximately 0.5 g/L concentration) dip-coating of teeth in an aqueous solution containing a tannic acid–iron(III) complex. It quickly and effectively occluded the dentinal tubules of human teeth. It withstood intense tooth brushing and induced hydroxyapatite remineralisation within the dentinal tubules. This strategy holds great promise for future applications as an effective and user-friendly desensitizer for managing dental hypersensitivity.
Gene Perturbation Atlas (GPA): a single-gene perturbation repository for characterizing functional mechanisms of coding and non-coding genes
Authors: Xiao Yun , Gong Yonghui , Lv Yanling , Lan Yujia , Hu Jing , Li Feng , Xu Jinyuan , Bai Jing , Deng Yulan , Liu Ling , Zhang Guanxiong , Yu Fulong , Li Xia
Published: June 2015

Genome-wide transcriptome profiling after gene perturbation is a powerful means of elucidating gene functional mechanisms in diverse contexts. The comprehensive collection and analysis of the resulting transcriptome profiles would help to systematically characterize context-dependent gene functional mechanisms and conduct experiments in biomedical research. To this end, we collected and curated over 3000 transcriptome profiles in human and mouse from diverse gene perturbation experiments, which involved 1585 different perturbed genes (microRNAs, lncRNAs and protein-coding genes) across 1170 different cell lines/tissues. For each profile, we identified differential genes and their associated functions and pathways, constructed perturbation networks, predicted transcription regulation and cancer/drug associations and assessed cooperative perturbed genes. Based on these transcriptome analyses, the Gene Perturbation Atlas (GPA) can be used to detect (i) novel or cell-specific functions and pathways affected by perturbed genes, (ii) protein interactions and regulatory cascades affected by perturbed genes and (iii) perturbed gene-mediated cooperative effects. The GPA is a user-friendly database to support the rapid searching and exploration of gene perturbations. Particularly, we visualized functional effects of perturbed genes from multiple perspectives. In summary, the GPA is a valuable resource for characterizing gene functions and regulatory mechanisms after single-gene perturbations. The GPA is freely accessible at http://biocc.hrbmu.edu.cn/GPA/.
Genetically assembled fluorescent biosensor for in situ detection of bio-synthesized alkanes
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhang Lei , Yao Lun , Tan Xiaoming , Liu Xufeng , Lu Xuefeng
Published: June 2015

Construction of highly efficient microbial cell factories producing drop-in biofuel alkanes is severely limited due to the lack of a fast detection method against alkanes. Here we first developed a sensitive fluorescent biosensor for rapid and in situ monitoring of intracellular alkane synthesis. Using GFP as reporter, the biosensor could actively respond to the intracellular alkane products, especially for the mid- and long-chain alkanes synthesized in the recombinant Escherichia coli and give a concentration-dependent fluorescence response. Our results also suggested the feasibility of developing high-throughput strategies basing on the alkane biosensor device in E. coli and thus will greatly facilitate the application of directed evolution strategies to further improve the alkane-producing microbial cell factories.
Dual yolk-shell structure of carbon and silica-coated silicon for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang L. Y. , Li H. Z. , Liu J. , Sun Z. Q. , Tang S. S. , Lei M.
Published: June 2015

Silicon batteries have attracted much attention in recent years due to their high theoretical capacity, although a rapid capacity fade is normally observed, attributed mainly to volume expansion during lithiation. Here, we report for the first time successful synthesis of Si/void/SiO2/void/C nanostructures. The synthesis strategy only involves selective etching of SiO2in Si/SiO2/C structures with hydrofluoric acid solution. Compared with reported results, such novel structures include a hard SiO2-coated layer, a conductive carbon-coated layer and two internal void spaces. In the structures, the carbon can enhance conductivity, the SiO2layer has mechanically strong qualities and the two internal void spaces can confine and accommodate volume expansion of silicon during lithiation. Therefore, these specially designed dual yolk-shell structures exhibit a stable and high capacity of 956 mA h g−1after 430 cycles with capacity retention of 83%, while the capacity of Si/C core-shell structures rapidly decreases in the first ten cycles under the same experimental conditions. The novel dual yolk-shell structures developed for Si can also be extended to other battery materials that undergo large volume changes.
Efficacy comparison between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yi-He , Lin Hui , Xie Cheng-Long , Zhang Xiao-Ting , Li Yi-Gang
Published: June 2015

We perform this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. By searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases from March 1986 to September 2014, 7 randomized clinical trials were included. Acute (risk ratio[RR]: 0.93; P = 0.14) and long-term (RR: 0.94; P = 0.08) success rate were slightly lower in cryoablation group than in radiofrequency ablation group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the fluoroscopy time was nonsignificantly reduced (weighted mean difference[WMD]: −2.83; P = 0.29), whereas procedure time was significantly longer (WMD: 25.95; P = 0.01) in cryoablation group compared with radiofrequency ablation group. Furthermore, Pain perception during the catheter ablation was substantially less in cryoabaltion group than in radiofrequency ablation group (standardized mean difference[SMD]: −2.36; P < 0.00001). Thus, our meta-analysis demonstrated that cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation produce comparable acute and long-term success rate for patients with cavotricuspid valve isthmus dependent atrial flutter. Meanwhile, cryoablation ablation tends to reduce the fluoroscopy time and significantly reduce pain perception in cost of significantly prolonged procedure time.
Plant tolerance to excess light energy and photooxidative damage relies on plastoquinone biosynthesis
Authors: Ksas Brigitte , Becuwe Noëlle , Chevalier Anne , Havaux Michel
Published: June 2015

Plastoquinone-9 is known as a photosynthetic electron carrier to which has also been attributed a role in the regulation of gene expression and enzyme activities via its redox state. Here, we show that it acts also as an antioxidant in plant leaves, playing a central photoprotective role. When Arabidopsis plants were suddenly exposed to excess light energy, a rapid consumption of plastoquinone-9 occurred, followed by a progressive increase in concentration during the acclimation phase. By overexpressing the plastoquinone-9 biosynthesis gene SPS1 (SOLANESYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1) in Arabidopsis, we succeeded in generating plants that specifically accumulate plastoquinone-9 and its derivative plastochromanol-8. The SPS1-overexpressing lines were much more resistant to photooxidative stress than the wild type, showing marked decreases in leaf bleaching, lipid peroxidation and PSII photoinhibition under excess light. Comparison of the SPS1 overexpressors with other prenyl quinone mutants indicated that the enhanced phototolerance of the former plants is directly related to their increased capacities for plastoquinone-9 biosynthesis.
Fine tuning of nanopipettes using atomic layer deposition for single molecule sensing
Authors: Sze Jasmine Y. Y. , Kumar Shailabh , Ivanov Aleksandar P. , Oh Sang-Hyun , Edel Joshua B.
Published: June 2015

ALD modified pipettes provides a quick and efficient method for fine-tuning the nanopore diameter which can be used for a broad range of applications including the detection of small biomolecules at the single molecule level.
Investigation of the salbutamol residue level in human urinary samples by a sensitive direct competitive ELISA
Authors: Lei Yajing , Yao Xiaoyan , Zhang Dai , Zhou Lifang , Lu Weixian , Chen Shuqing
Published: June 2015

A sensitive direct competitive ELISA was developed to assess the exposure of humans to salbutamol.
Rapid identification of lichen compounds based on the structure–fragmentation relationship using ESI-MS/MS analysis
Authors: Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Kanwal Nayab , Thadhani Vinitha M. , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: June 2015

Lichens are symbiotic composites of algae and fungi which produce characteristic secondary metabolites of interest.
Laccase wiring on free-standing electrospun carbon nanofibres using a mediator plug
Authors: Bourourou M. , Holzinger M. , Elouarzaki K. , Le Goff A. , Bossard F. , Rossignol C. , Djurado E. , Martin V. , Curtil D. , Chaussy D. , Maaref A. , Cosnier S.
Published: June 2015

The enzyme laccase was wired on a free-standing electrospun carbon fiber mat using a cross-linker plug based on the pyrene modified electron shuttle ABTS.
Pressure-dependent helix inversion of poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s containing chiral side chains in non-aqueous solvents
Authors: Nagata Yuuya , Takeda Ryohei , Suginome Michinori
Published: June 2015

Poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s with chiral (S)-2-butoxymethyl side chains dissolved in 1,2-dichloroethane experience a reversible pressure-dependent helix inversion fromP- toM-helical structures between 0.1 MPa and 200 MPa.
Chemical compartmentalisation by membranes: from biological mechanism to biomimetic applications
Authors: Beales Paul A. , Ciani Barbara
Published: June 2015

This issue presents a themed collection on investigating, harnessing and mimicking biological compartmentalisation using in vitro model systems, where biophysical mechanisms and biomembrane engineering are essential for realisation of the potential of membrane-bound compartments.
Life cycle assessment of PEM FC applications: electric mobility and μ-CHP
Authors: Notter Dominic A. , Kouravelou Katerina , Karachalios Theodoros , Daletou Maria K. , Haberland Nara Tudela
Published: June 2015

This work presents a life cycle assessment of a cutting edge PEM FC for transportation and stationary applications.
The WNT/β-catenin pathway is involved in the anti-adipogenic activity of cerebrosides from the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Fei , Wang Jingfeng , Xu Jie , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: June 2015

Both adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia lead to obesity.
Antioxidant properties of chemical extracts and bioaccessible fractions obtained from six Spanish monovarietal extra virgin olive oils: Assays in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Borges Thays H. , Cabrera-Vique Carmen , Seiquer Isabel
Published: June 2015

The antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of six Spanish commercial monovarietal extra virgin olive oils were evaluated in chemical extracts and in bioaccessible fractions obtained after in vitro digestion.
New insights into the curing of epoxidized linseed oil with dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Ding Cheng , Shuttleworth Peter S. , Makin Sarah , Clark James H. , Matharu Avtar S.
Published: June 2015

A systematic study of the synthesis and characterization of epoxy thermosets derived from ELO cured with different DCAs in the presence of DMAP at 160 °C for 1 h.
Microfluidic droplet handling by bulk acoustic wave (BAW) acoustophoresis
Authors: Leibacher Ivo , Reichert Peter , Dual Jürg
Published: June 2015

Droplet fusion, focusing, sorting and medium exchange are achieved by acoustophoresis with bulk acoustic standing waves.
Progress and challenges in predicting protein methylation sites
Authors: Shi Shao-Ping , Xu Hao-Dong , Wen Ping-Ping , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: June 2015

We review the progress in the prediction of protein methylation sites in the past 10 years and discuss the challenges that are faced while developing novel predictors in the future.
Facile synthesis of monodisperse Ag@C@Ag core–double shell spheres for application in the simultaneous sensing of thymol and phenol
Authors: Gan Tian , Lv Zhen , Deng Yaping , Sun Junyong , Shi Zhaoxia , Liu Yanming
Published: June 2015

A facile, effective and reproducible method has been carried out for the synthesis of Ag@carbon@Ag core–shell spheres as a high-performance electrochemical platform.
Mapping plasmonic topological states at the nanoscale
Authors: Sinev Ivan S. , Mukhin Ivan S. , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P. , Poddubny Alexander N. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Samusev Anton K. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: June 2015

We report on the first experimental observation of topological edge states in zigzag chains of plasmonic nanodisks.
Tryptophan prenyltransferases showing higher catalytic activities for Friedel–Crafts alkylation of o- and m-tyrosines than tyrosine prenyltransferases
Authors: Fan Aili , Xie Xiulan , Li Shu-Ming
Published: June 2015

Better conversion of l-o- and l-m-tyrosine to their C-prenylated derivatives by tryptophan prenyltransferases (Trp-PTs) than tyrosine O-prenyltransferases (Tyr-O-PT).
Anion–dipole interactions regulating the self-assembled nanostructures of polymers
Authors: Wang Long-Hai , Ting Wu , You Ye-Zi
Published: June 2015

The morphology controls of formed polymer nanomaterials are very important for developing suitable nanomaterials.
Calorimetric evaluation indicates that lignin conversion to advanced biofuels is vital to improving energy yields
Authors: Gardner James L. , He Wei , Li Chenlin , Wong Jessica , Sale Kenneth L. , Simmons Blake A. , Singh Seema , Tanjore Deepti
Published: June 2015

Energy density measurements using bomb calorimetry were applied along with mass yields to calculate energy yields from and lignocellulosic feedstocks conversion processes.
Preparation of a novel anti-fouling β-cyclodextrin–PVDF membrane
Authors: Yu Zongxue , Pan Yang , He Yi , Zeng Guangyong , Shi Heng , Di Haihui
Published: June 2015

A novel β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)–PVDF membrane was preparedviaan interfacial reaction, using Trimesoyl Chloride (TMC) and β-CD as cross-linking and modification agents, respectively. The membranes were modified by a simple dip-coating method.
In situ synthesis of natural rubber latex-supported gold nanoparticles for flexible SERS substrates
Authors: Tao Jinlong , He Dongning , Tang Bin , Kong Lingxue , Luo Yongyue , Zhao Pengfei , Gong Wei , Peng Zheng
Published: June 2015

Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis was used as a matrix to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), leading to an organic–inorganic hybrid latex of NRL-supported AuNPs (AuNPs@NRL).
Engineering thermal rectification in MoS2nanoribbons: a non-equilibrium molecular dynamics study
Authors: Medrano Sandonas Leonardo , Gutierrez Rafael , Dianat Arezoo , Cuniberti Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Asymmetric MoS2nanoribbons display thermal rectification the magnitude of which sensitively depends on their transversal size and on the localization degree of the vibrational modes.
High aspect ratio TiO2 nanowires tailored in concentrated HCl hydrothermal condition for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Su Jinzhan , Guo Liejin
Published: June 2015

Discrete high aspect ratio TiO2 nanowire arrays were synthesized with its structure as an optimal structure for photoelectrochemical applications.
Effects of morphology on the electrochemical performances of Li3V2(PO4)3cathode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wei Chuanliang , He Wen , Zhang Xudong , Xu Fengxiu , Liu Qinze , Sun Caiyun , Song Xin
Published: June 2015

The effects of various morphologies on the electrochemical performances of Li3V2(PO4)3(LVP) were summarized and discussed.
Fabrication and photoelectrochemical characteristics of CuInS2 and PbS quantum dot co-sensitized TiO2 nanorod photoelectrodes
Authors: Han Minmin , Jia Junhong , Yu Limin , Yi Gewen
Published: June 2015

A cascade structured PbS/CuInS2/TiO2 photoelectrode with co-sensitization effect obtains the energy conversion efficiency of 4.11% under one sun illumination.
Influence of the carbon nanotube surface modification on the microstructure of thermoplastic binders
Authors: Larin S. V. , Glova A. D. , Serebryakov E. B. , Nazarychev V. M. , Kenny J. M. , Lyulin S. V.
Published: June 2015

The structural properties of polymer nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polyimides filled with surface-modified carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been studied by means of fully-atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations.
A novel Pd/C-catalyzed conversion of glucose to 1,2-propanediol by water splitting with Zn
Authors: Wang Jie , Yao Guodong , Wang Yuanqing , Zhang Hua , Huo Zhibao , Jin Fangming
Published: June 2015

A novel Pd/C-catalysed conversion of glucose to 1,2-propanediol by water splitting with Zn was proposed.
Unsymmetrically functionalized benzoporphyrins
Authors: Jinadasa R. G. Waruna , Fang Yuanyuan , Deng Yongming , Deshpande Rohit , Jiang Xiaoqin , Kadish Karl M. , Wang Hong
Published: June 2015

Unsymmetrical push–pull benzoporphyrins were synthesized, displaying subtle substituent effects on the electronic and optical properties.
Effects of morphology and exposed facets of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals on photocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Xiang Quanjun , Chen Gui , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: June 2015

The catalytic activity of α-Fe2O3 nanocubes, nanoplates, nanoflakes and nanoparticles for visible light-driven water oxidation is strongly morphology-dependent; α-Fe2O3 nanocubes with exposed {012} facets exhibit far higher activity than nanosheets with exposed {001} facets.
Bio-inspired laminated graphite nanosheets/copper composites
Authors: Wang P. , Liu W. , Chen L. , Mu C. , Qi G. , Bian F.
Published: June 2015

Bio-inspired laminated graphite nanosheets/copper composites with modified mechanical properties.
Correlating experimental electrochemistry and theoretical calculations in 2′-hydroxy chalcones: the role of the intramolecular hydrogen bond
Authors: Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Salazar Ricardo , Escobar Carlos A. , Weiss-López Boris E. , Santos Leonardo S. , Araya-Maturana Ramiro
Published: June 2015

The molecular structure and electrochemical behaviour of a series of 2′-hydroxychalcones were studied. Results show the importance of the intramolecular hydrogen bond and the methoxy substituent pattern on the redox properties of these compounds.
One pot synthesis of nickel foam supported self-assembly of NiWO4 and CoWO4 nanostructures that act as high performance electrochemical capacitor electrodes
Authors: He Guanjie , Li Jianmin , Li Wenyao , Li Bo , Noor Nuruzzaman , Xu Kaibing , Hu Junqing , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: June 2015

Novel NiWO4 and CoWO4 nanostructures showed excellent electrochemical properties for supercapacitor electrodes, better than those previously reported for these materials.
A-site deficient chromite perovskite with in situ exsolution of nano-Fe: a promising bi-functional catalyst bridging the growth of CNTs and SOFCs
Authors: Sun Yi-Fei , Li Jian-Hui , Wang Meng-Ni , Hua Bin , Li Jian , Luo Jing-Li
Published: June 2015

A bi-functional Fe-doped chromite perovskite with A-site deficiency facilitates the in situ exsolution of Fe nanoparticles. The material provides high-density reaction sites for fuel oxidation in SOFCs and growth of carbon nanotubes which further enhances the electrochemical performance of SOFCs.
Biofunctionalized titanium with anti-fouling resistance by grafting thermo-responsive polymer brushes for the prevention of peri-implantitis
Authors: Lee Sang Jin , Heo Dong Nyoung , Lee Hak Rae , Lee Donghyun , Yu Seung Jung , Park Su A , Ko Wan-Kyu , Park Se Woong , Im Sung Gap , Moon Ji-Hoi , Kwon Il Keun
Published: June 2015

In the last decade, titanium has been effectively used in the dental field for oral surgery as an implant material.
Stimuli responsive hydrogels derived from a renewable resource: synthesis, self-assembly in water and application in drug delivery
Authors: Lalitha Krishnamoorthy , Prasad Y. Siva , Maheswari C. Uma , Sridharan Vellaisamy , John George , Nagarajan Subbiah
Published: June 2015

We report coumarin-tris based hydrogel and curcumin encapsulated composite gel for stimuli responsive drug delivery applications.
Endosulfan inducing blood hypercoagulability and endothelial cells apoptosis via the death receptor pathway in Wistar rats
Authors: Wei Jia-Liu , Zhang Lian-Shuang , Wang Jing-Jing , Guo Fang-Zi , Li Yan-Bo , Zhou Xian-Qing , Sun Zhi-Wei
Published: June 2015

Endosulfan induces blood hypercoagulability by causing vWF release from endothelial cell apoptosis in Wistar rats.
Throughput and delay analysis of MAC protocol based on frame slotted aloha for low energy critical infrastructure sensor networks
Authors: Ullah Niamat , Choi Bong D. , Kwak Kyung‐sup
Published: June 2015

The frame slotted aloha‐based medium access control (MAC) protocol for low energy critical infrastructure monitoring networks under non‐saturated traffic scenarios (packets arrive to and queue in the buffer) is analysed. The results can be used in the design of a system by providing optimum system parameters for endpoints satisfying a given quality of service. The model is validated against simulation.
Automated segmentation of the epidermis area in skin whole slide histopathological images
Authors: Lu Cheng , Ma Zhen , Mandal Mrinal
Published: June 2015

With the development of high‐speed, high‐resolution whole slide histology digital scanners, glass slides of tissue specimen can now be digitised at high magnification to create the whole slide image. Quantitative image analysis tools are then desirable to help the pathologist for their routine examination. Epidermis area is a very important observation area for the cancer diagnosis. Therefore, in order to build up a computer‐aided diagnosis system, segmentation of the epidermis area is often the very first and crucial step. An improved computer‐aided epidermis segmentation technique for the whole slide skin histopathological image is proposed in this study. The proposed technique first obtains an initial segmentation result with the help of global thresholding and shape analysis. A template matching method, with adaptive template intensity value, is then applied. Finally, a threshold is calculated based on the probability density function of the response value image. Experimental results show that the proposed technique overcomes the limitation of the existing technique and provides superior performance, with sensitivity of 95.68%, specificity of 99.41% and precision of 93.13%. The performance of the proposed technique is satisfactory for future clinical use.
Circulação colateral por vasa vasorum da artéria carótida interna ocluída – Breve relato de nove casos
Authors: Darwich Rogério Zenóbio , Capanema Ana Cláudia de Assis , Santos Fernanda Bretz Gomes dos , Lana Ricardo Penteado , Sant'anna Romeu Vale , Brito Rodrigo Menezes Xavier de , Santos Augusto César de Jesus
Published: June 2015

A recanalização da artéria carótida interna (ACI) via vasa vasorum é um evento incomum. A confirmação de seu diagnóstico é dada pela arteriografia cerebral, que tem capacidade para a adequada identificação anatômica. A existência desse padrão de neovascularização está intimamente relacionada à obstrução carotídea por doença aterosclerótica. Relata-se série de nove casos com revascularização carotídea por vasa vasorum, com ênfase em sua angioarquitetura. A conduta foi conservadora em todos os pacientes. É de fundamental importância sua adequada e correta interpretação, para que não se promova intervenções desnecessárias.
Facile Synthesis of Hierarchical CuO Microspheres and their Gas Sensing Properties for NOx at Room Temperature
Authors: Song Wanzhen , Wu Hongyuan , Wang Jingchao , Lin Yufei , Song Jiabao , Xie Yu , Li Li , Shi Keying
Published: June 2015

In this research, hierarchical CuO microspheres have been successfully synthesised by a facile reflux method. Scanning electron microscopy results clearly revealed that the hierarchical CuO microspheres were composed of two-dimensional nanosheets. The morphology of the prepared products could be tailored by changing the precursor concentration. The CuO-2 sample shows a higher NOx gas sensing performance with a low detection limit of 0.97 ppm, high gas response of 64.93 %, and short response time of 5.33 s to 97.0 ppm NOx at room temperature. The CuO-2 sensor also presents good selectivity and stability. The significantly improved gas response was concluded to be related to the well aligned microstructures and the improved conductivity of the CuO-2 sample. The unique hierarchical structure allows effective and rapid gas diffusion towards the sensing surfaces. In addition, the sensing mechanism based on the hierarchical CuO microspheres is discussed.
Water use, transpiration efficiency and yield in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) across water regimes
Authors: Halilou Oumarou , Hamidou Falalou , Taya Boulama Katzelma , Mahamane Saadou , Vadez Vincent
Published: June 2015

Genotypic variation in crop response to drought depends on agronomic, environmental and genetic factors, and only limited work has compared responses of crop species to water limitation. Twenty genotypes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) were tested in lysimeters under well-watered (WW) and water-stress (WS) conditions during two seasons, a post-rainy season with high evapotranspiration and a rainy season with low evapotranspiration (ET), in order to assess: (i) variability in the agronomic response to stress within and between species across the seasons; (ii) the water requirement of the two crops in each season; and (iii) the stress effect on harvest index (HI), transpiration efficiency (TE), pod yield and haulm yield. Cowpea required less water than peanut during the two seasons, and water use in cowpea varied less across seasons than in peanut. Peanut yield was more sensitive to water stress than cowpea yield, although its water use under WS was higher than in cowpea. Also, under WS conditions, TE, HI and pod yield were more stable across season in cowpea than in peanut. In the post-rainy season, the decrease in pod yield and HI under WS was higher in peanut (95% and 80%, respectively) than in cowpea (70% and 35%). In addition, TE was less affected by WS in cowpea (5%) than in peanut (24%). HI explained a large part of yield variation in both crops, especially under WS. Under WW, water use explained a large portion of the residual yield variations unexplained by HI, although TE also explained a substantial part of the variation in cowpea. Under WS, the main determinant of residual yield variations in both crops was TE. Generally, genetic variation for water use, TE and HI was found in both species across water regimes and seasons. A notable exception was the absence of variation in peanut water use and TE in the rainy season. Our results showed that cowpea, with lower water requirement and efficient water use under a high-ET season, was more resilient to water-limited and high-ET conditions than peanut.
Monodisperse aqueous microspheres encapsulating high concentration of l-ascorbic acid: insights of preparation and stability evaluation from straight-through microchannel emulsification
Authors: Khalid Nauman , Kobayashi Isao , Neves Marcos A , Uemura Kunihiko , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Nabetani Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Stabilization of l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) is a challenging task for food and pharmaceutical industries. The study was conducted to prepare monodisperse aqueous microspheres containing enhanced concentrations of l-AA by using microchannel emulsification (MCE). The asymmetric straight-through microchannel (MC) array used here constitutes 11 × 104 μm microslots connected to a 10 μm circular microholes. 5–30% (w/w) l-AA was added to a Milli-Q water solution containing 2% (w/w) sodium alginate and 1% (w/w) magnesium sulfate, while the continuous phase constitutes 5% (w/w) tetraglycerol condensed ricinoleate in water-saturated decane. Monodisperse aqueous microspheres with average diameters (dav) of 18.7–20.7 μm and coefficients of variation (CVs) below 6% were successfully prepared via MCE regardless of the l-AA concentrations applied. The collected microspheres were physically stable in terms of their dav and CV for >10 days of storage at 40°C. The aqueous microspheres exhibited l-AA encapsulation efficiency exceeding 70% during the storage.
Finite time blowup for an averaged three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equation
Authors: Tao Terence
Published: June 2015

The Navier-Stokes equation on the Euclidean space

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

can be expressed in the form

∂
t

u
=
Δ
u
+
B
(
u
,
u
)

\partial _t u = \Delta u + B(u,u)

, where

B
B

is a certain bilinear operator on divergence-free vector fields

u
u

obeying the cancellation property

⟨
B
(
u
,
u
)
,
u
⟩
=
0

\langle B(u,u), u\rangle =0

(which is equivalent to the energy identity for the Navier-Stokes equation). In this paper, we consider a modification

∂
t

u
=
Δ
u
+

B
~

(
u
,
u
)

\partial _t u = \Delta u + \tilde B(u,u)

of this equation, where

B
~

\tilde B

is an averaged version of the bilinear operator

B
B

(where the average involves rotations, dilations, and Fourier multipliers of order zero), and which also obeys the cancellation condition

⟨

B
~

(
u
,
u
)
,
u
⟩
=
0

\langle \tilde B(u,u), u \rangle = 0

(so that it obeys the usual energy identity). By analyzing a system of ordinary differential equations related to (but more complicated than) a dyadic Navier-Stokes model of Katz and Pavlovic, we construct an example of a smooth solution to such an averaged Navier-Stokes equation which blows up in finite time. This demonstrates that any attempt to positively resolve the Navier-Stokes global regularity problem in three dimensions has to use a finer structure on the nonlinear portion

B
(
u
,
u
)

B(u,u)

of the equation than is provided by harmonic analysis estimates and the energy identity. We also propose a program for adapting these blowup results to the true Navier-Stokes equations.
Information percolation and cutoff for the stochastic Ising model
Authors: Lubetzky Eyal , Sly Allan
Published: June 2015

We introduce a new framework for analyzing Glauber dynamics for the Ising model. The traditional approach for obtaining sharp mixing results has been to appeal to estimates on spatial properties of the stationary measure from within a multi-scale analysis of the dynamics. Here we propose to study these simultaneously by examining “information percolation” clusters in the space-time slab.

Using this framework, we obtain new results for the Ising model on

(

Z

/

n

Z

)
d

(\mathbb Z/n\mathbb Z)^d

throughout the high temperature regime: total-variation mixing exhibits cutoff with an

O
(
1
)

O(1)

-window around the time at which the magnetization is the square root of the volume. (Previously, cutoff in the full high temperature regime was only known in dimensions

d
≤
2

d\leq 2

, and only with an

O
(
log
⁡
log
⁡
n
)

O(\log \log n)

-window.)

Furthermore, the new framework opens the door to understanding the effect of the initial state on the mixing time. We demonstrate this on the 1D Ising model, showing that starting from the uniform (“disordered”) initial distribution asymptotically halves the mixing time, whereas almost every deterministic starting state is asymptotically as bad as starting from the (“ordered”) all-plus state.
Analytic characterizations of gaugeability for generalized Feynman-Kac functionals
Authors: Kim Daehong , Kuwae Kazuhiro
Published: June 2015

We give analytic characterizations of gaugeability for generalized Feynman-Kac functionals including continuous additive functional of zero quadratic variation in the framework of symmetric Markov processes. Our result improves the previous work on the analytic characterization due to Z.-Q. Chen (2003) even if we restrict ourselves to deal with non-local perturbations. We also prove that such a characterization is also equivalent to semi-conditional gaugeability and to the subcriticality of the Schrödinger operator associated to our generalized Feynman-Kac semigroup under the conditional (semi-)Green-tightness of related measures.
Relative benthic disturbances of conventional and novel otter boards
Authors: McHugh Matthew J. , Broadhurst Matt K. , Sterling David J. , Millar Russell B. , Skilleter Greg , Kennelly Steven J.
Published: June 2015

Reducing otter-board angle of attack (AOA) has been proposed as a way to limit the habitat impacts of demersal trawls, but there are few quantitative assessments. This study tested the hypothesis that a novel otter-board design, termed the “batwing” (comprising a 0.1-m wide sled with an offset sail at 20° AOA) would have relatively fewer bottom impacts than a conventional flat-rectangular otter board (35° AOA, with a similar hydrodynamic spreading force). Pairs of each otter board were suspended beneath a purpose-built rig comprising a beam and posterior semi-pelagic collection net and repeatedly deployed across established trawl grounds in an Australian estuary. Compared with the conventional otter boards, the batwings displaced significantly fewer empty shells (Anadara trapezia and Spisula trigonella) by 89% and school prawns (Metapenaeus macleayi) by up to 78%. These rates were similar to the difference in base-plate bottom contact (87%). Further, the batwing damaged proportionally fewer damaged shells, attributed to their displacement away from the board's surface area. Other debris (lighter pieces of wood) and benthic fish (bridled gobies, Arenigobius bifrenatus) were not as greatly mobilised (i.e. reduced by 50 and 25%, respectively); possibly due to their position on or slightly off the bottom, and a similar influence of hydrodynamic displacement by the hydro-vane surface areas. Although the consequences of reducing otter-board bottom contact largely remain unknown, low AOA designs like the batwing may represent a practical option for fisheries where trawling is perceived to be hazardous to sensitive habitats.
9–28 d of exposure to elevated pCO2 reduces avoidance of predator odour but had no effect on behavioural lateralization or swimming activity in a temperate wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris)
Authors: Sundin Josefin , Jutfelt Fredrik
Published: June 2015

Most studies on the impact of near-future levels of carbon dioxide on fish behaviour report behavioural alterations, wherefore abnormal behaviour has been suggested to be a potential consequence of future ocean acidification and therefore a threat to ocean ecosystems. However, an increasing number of studies show tolerance of fish to increased levels of carbon dioxide. This variation among studies in susceptibility highlights the importance of continued investigation of the possible effects of elevated pCO2. Here, we investigated the impacts of increased levels of carbon dioxide on behaviour using the goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris), which is a common species in European coastal waters and widely used as cleaner fish to control sea lice infestation in commercial fish farming in Europe. The wrasses were exposed to control water conditions (370 μatm) or elevated pCO2 (995 μatm) for 1 month, during which time behavioural trials were performed. We investigated the possible effects of CO2 on behavioural lateralization, swimming activity, and prey and predator olfactory preferences, all behaviours where disturbances have previously been reported in other fish species after exposure to elevated CO2. Interestingly, we failed to detect effects of carbon dioxide for most behaviours investigated, excluding predator olfactory cue avoidance, where control fish initially avoided predator cue while the high CO2 group was indifferent. The present study therefore shows behavioural tolerance to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the goldsinny wrasse. We also highlight that individual fish can show disturbance in specific behaviours while being apparently unaffected by elevated pCO2 in other behavioural tests. However, using experiments with exposure times measured in weeks to predict possible effects of long-term drivers, such as ocean acidification, has limitations, and the behavioural effects from elevated pCO2 in this experiment cannot be viewed as proof that these fish would show the same reaction after decades of evolution.
Pursuing Attainment versus Maintenance Goals: The Interplay of Self-Construal and Goal Type on Consumer Motivation
Authors: Yang Haiyang , Stamatogiannakis Antonios , Chattopadhyay Amitava
Published: June 2015

This research examines how self-construal (i.e., independent vs. interdependent) and goal type (i.e., attainment vs. maintenance) are conceptually linked and jointly impact consumer behavior. The results of five experiments and one field study involving different operationalizations of self-construal and goal pursuit activities suggest that attainment (maintenance) goals can be more motivating for participants with a more independent (interdependent) self-construal and that differences in salient knowledge about pursuing the goals are one potential mechanism underlying this effect. This interaction effect was found within a single culture, between cultures, when self-construal was experimentally manipulated or measured, and when potential confounding factors like regulatory focus were controlled for. The effect was also found to impact consumer behavior in real life—self-construal, as reflected by the number of social ties consumers had, impacted the likelihood that they opted to reduce versus maintain their bodyweight. Further, after setting their goal, consumers who were more independent exhibited more (less) motivation, as measured by the amount of money they put at stake, when their goal was weight reduction (maintenance). These findings shed light on the relationship between self-construal and goal type, and offer insights, to both consumers and managers, on how to increase motivation for goal pursuit.
What Is Opera?
Authors: Carter Tim
Published: June 2015

Chapter 1 provides an overview of possible answers to the question of its title by establishing the terminology, then moving through considerations of what one might call the opera industry and the institutions that support it, of the artists who engage in it in the theater, of the repertory from the Baroque period to modern times, and of the issues and techniques that might underpin a given libretto and how it is set to music. This leads to a discussion of the oft-claimed exoticism and irrationality of opera and how one might best respond.
Genre
Authors: Senici Emanuele
Published: June 2015

Opera counts among the very few genres in the history of artistic creation in which theory came before practice: rather than recognized as a genre after it had been in existence for some time, as usually happens, opera was famously “invented.” At the same time, perhaps no other genre relies on convention as heavily as opera. How could such a convention-bound genre be “invented”? This chapter attempts to answer this question, discussing first the “invention” of opera, and then the ways in which the category of genre has been employed in the aesthetic and historiographical discourse on opera, with special focus on a few emblematic cases such as Don Giovanni, Fidelio, Carmen, Wagner’s music dramas, and modernist music theater.
Operatorio?
Authors: Hennemann Monika
Published: June 2015

One of the commonplace theoretical distinctions between opera and oratorio is that the former is staged, and the latter is not; opera has dramatic movement, but oratorio is essentially static, contemplative, and by implication somewhat boring. But was the division between grippingly “secular” opera and reverently dull “sacred” oratorio really so clear-cut? There have in practice been numerous successful stagings of oratorios from Handel’s day to the present, albeit often overlooked or stigmatized in music historiography. This chapter chronicles and evaluates the concept of “dramatic” oratorio with special emphasis on the intriguing performance history of Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Liszt’s St. Elisabeth on the stage. In challenging the idea of a comfortably neat distinction between the genres of opera and oratorio, and providing a broader aesthetic perspective on the staging of these supposedly unstageable works, it attempts to reevaluate ideas of drama in both genres.
Oft-Told Tales
Authors: Giroud Vincent
Published: June 2015

Many operas are based on a subject treated in other operas, usually deriving from a common source—literary, mythological, or pseudo-historical. This chapter examines the various forms that those intertextual relationships can take in an operatic libretto, from faithful adaptation to parody and transposition, and illustrates the discussion with a survey of the many operatic versions of the myth of Ariadne, from Monteverdi to contemporary examples.
The Language of National Style
Authors: Frolova-Walker Marina
Published: June 2015

This chapter discusses the pursuit of national style in opera as a peculiarly nineteenth-century issue that first emerged among nations at the margins of operatic culture (Germany, Russia) but spread later in the century to the formerly confident operatic cultures of France and even Italy, in attempts to counteract Wagnerism. After a review of recent musicological studies that have examined the issue (with reference to Weber, Glinka, Charpentier, Verdi, and Puccini), the chapter then focuses on one type of practice in particular, the creation of a “national” style through the imitation of intonational and rhythmic patterns in spoken language, with a comparison of Musorgsky’s, Debussy’s, and Janáček’s “dialogue operas.”
Verisimilitude
Authors: Betzwieser Thomas
Published: June 2015

This chapter deals with the aesthetic paradigms in opera theory that concern the issue of verisimilitude. This issue has been the object of discussion and debate since the earliest days of opera until today, e.g. in music films. The importance of verisimilitude is mostly considered in regard to the function of music and the “reality” of singing. It was particularly prominent for such operatic genres in which two different media exist side by side, as, for example, in opéra comique. The chapter focuses primarily on the specific interplay of different media and the correspondent theoretical approaches by philosophers, writers, and scholars. By the example of opéra comique and its mixture of singing and speaking, the issue of verisimilitude could be detailed, since the evolving theoretical paradigms maintain their usefulness for later discussions, especially of the function of the orchestra or the issue of communication in theater.