bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the generalized multipole technique in band structure calculation of two‐dimensional solid/fluid phononic crystals
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Jie , Wang Yue‐Sheng , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: October 2014

A multiple monopole method based on the generalized multipole technique is presented for the calculation of band structures of two‐dimensional mixed solid/fluid phononic crystals. In this method, the fields are expanded by using the fundamental solutions with multiple origins. Besides the sources used to expand the wave fields, an extra monopole source is introduced as the external excitation. By varying the frequency of the excitation, the eigenvalues can be localized as the extreme points of an appropriately chosen function. By sweeping the frequency range of interest and sweeping the boundary of the irreducible first Brillouin zone, the band structure of the phononic crystals can be obtained. The method can consider the fluid–solid interface conditions and the transverse wave mode in the solid component strictly. Some typical examples are illustrated to discuss the accuracy of the present method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A non‐standard finite difference scheme for an advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation
Authors: Qin Wendi , Ding Deqiong , Ding Xiaohua
Published: October 2014

In this note, a non‐standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is proposed for an advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation with nonlinear reaction term. We first study the diffusion‐free case of this equation, that is, an advection‐reaction equation. Two exact finite difference schemes are constructed for the advection‐reaction equation by the method of characteristics. As these exact schemes are complicated and are not convenient to use, an NSFD scheme is derived from the exact scheme. Then, the NSFD scheme for the advection‐reaction equation is combined with a finite difference space‐approximation of the diffusion term to provide a NSFD scheme for the advection‐diffusion‐reaction equation. This new scheme could preserve the fixed points, the positivity, and the boundedness of the solution of the original equation. Numerical experiments verify the validity of our analytical results. Copyright © 2014 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the stability of impulsive functional differential equations with infinite delays
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Caraballo T. , Rakkiyappan R. , Han Xiuping
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the stability problem of impulsive functional differential equations with infinite delays is considered. By using Lyapunov functions and the Razumikhin technique, some new theorems on the uniform stability and uniform asymptotic stability are obtained. The obtained results are milder and more general than several recent works. Two examples are given to demonstrate the advantages of the results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the efficiency of large scale topology optimization through on‐the‐fly reduced order model construction
Authors: Gogu Christian
Published: October 2014

Topology optimization of large scale structures is computationally expensive, notably because of the cost of solving the equilibrium equations at each iteration. Reduced order models by projection, also known as reduced basis models, have been proposed in the past for alleviating this cost. We propose here a new method for coupling reduced basis models with topology optimization to improve the efficiency of topology optimization of large scale structures. The novel approach is based on constructing the reduced basis on the fly, using previously calculated solutions of the equilibrium equations. The reduced basis is thus adaptively constructed and enriched, based on the convergence behavior of the topology optimization. A direct approach and an approach with adjusted sensitivities are described, and their algorithms provided. The approaches are tested and compared on various 2D and 3D minimum compliance topology optimization benchmark problems. Computational cost savings by up to a factor of 12 are demonstrated using the proposed methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrative review of the characteristics of meaningful learning in healthcare professionals to enlighten educational practices in health care
Authors: Cadorin Lucia , Bagnasco Annamaria , Rocco Gennaro , Sasso Loredana
Published: October 2014

Aim

Knowledge does not transfer automatically, but requires an active, personal progress through meaningful learning. As posited by the constructivist paradigm, the aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of meaningful learning by analysing definitions and correlated methods found in the literature.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

Articles were sought on MEDLINE, CINAHL and SCOPUS; no language, time or study‐design restrictions were adopted. Only papers referring explicitly to the diverse types of learning were taken into account; 11 articles were included in this review.

Results

Findings from the literature revealed three different types of meaningful learning: (1) meaningful learning as ‘active building‐up process’; (2) meaningful learning as ‘change’; 3‐meaningful learning as ‘outcome of experience’. A focus on constructivism and meaningful learning provides a new outlook on healthcare professionals in learning, including nurses, who are gradually taking on greater responsibility in self‐ and ongoing education.
Loss of Rad51c accelerates tumourigenesis in sebaceous glands of Trp53‐mutant mice
Authors: Tumiati Manuela , Hemmes Annabrita , Uusivirta Sanna , Koopal Sonja , Kankainen Matti , Lehtonen Eero , Kuznetsov Sergey G
Published: October 2014

Germline mutations in RAD51C predispose to breast and ovarian cancers. However, the mechanism of RAD51C‐mediated carcinogenesis is poorly understood. We previously reported a first‐generation Rad51c‐knock‐out mouse model, in which a spontaneous loss of both Rad51c and Trp53 together resulted in a high incidence of sebaceous carcinomas, particularly in preputial glands. Here we describe a second‐generation mouse model, in which Rad51c is deleted, alone or together with Trp53, in sebaceous glands, using Cre‐mediated recombination. We demonstrate that deletion of Rad51c alone is not sufficient to drive tumourigenesis and may only cause keratinization of preputial sebocytes. However, deletion of Rad51c together with Trp53 leads to tumour development at around 6 months of age, compared to 11 months for single Trp53‐mutant mice. Preputial glands of double‐mutant mice are also characterized by increased levels of cell proliferation and DNA damage and form multiple hyperplasias, detectable as early as 2 months of age. Our results reveal a critical synergy between Rad51c and Trp53 in tumour progression and provide a predictable in vivo model system for studying mechanisms of Rad51c‐mediated carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substrate Phonon‐Mediated Plasmon Hybridization in Coplanar Graphene Nanostructures for Broadband Plasmonic Circuits
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , Kong Xiang‐Tian , Bai Bing , Li Zhenjun , Hu Hai , Qiu Xiaohui , Dai Qing
Published: October 2014

The mode hybridization between adjacent graphene nanoribbons determines the integration density of graphene‐based plasmonic devices. Here, plasmon hybridization in graphene nanostructures is demonstrated through the characterization of the coupling strength of plasmons in graphene nanoribbons as a function of charge density and inter‐ribbon spacing using Fourier transform infrared microscopy. In combination with numerical simulations, it is shown that the plasmon coupling is strongly mediated by the substrate phonons. For polar substrates, the plasmon coupling strength is limited by the plasmon–phonon interactions. In contrast, a nonpolar substrate affects neither the energy distribution of the original plasmon modes in graphene nanostructures nor their plasmon interactions, which increases exponentially as the inter‐ribbon spacing decreases. To further explore the potential of graphene broadband plasmonics on nonpolar substrates, a scheme is proposed that uses a metal–dielectric heterostructure to prevent the overlap of plasmons between neighboring graphene nanoribbons. The device structures retain the plasmon resonance frequency of the graphene ribbons and maximally isolate the plasmonic components from the surrounding electromagnetic environment, allowing modular design in integrated plasmonic circuits.
Moving to Assessment‐Guided Differentiated Instruction to Support Young Children's Alphabet Knowledge
Authors: Piasta Shayne B.
Published: October 2014

Early childhood educators are increasingly asked to support the alphabet knowledge development of children enrolled in their classrooms. Children in the same classroom, however, often show vastly different alphabet learning needs. Moreover, recent research suggests that some letters are more difficult to learn. These facts run counter to one‐size‐fits‐all whole‐class instructional approaches, which typically provide the same instruction to all children and for all letters. The purpose of this article is to encourage early childhood educators to move beyond whole‐class approaches and instead provide alphabet instruction that is aligned with current emphases on assessment‐driven decision making and differentiated instruction. The article reviews the importance of alphabet knowledge with respect to theory, research, and the current educational context, summarizes recent research concerning children's alphabet knowledge development, and provides a framework in which assessment guides differentiated alphabet instruction, along with empirically‐validated practices for such instruction.
Volume of intracranial structures on three‐dimensional ultrasound in fetuses with congenital heart disease
Authors: Zeng S. , Zhou Q. C. , Zhou J. W. , Li M. , Long C. , Peng Q. H.
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective

To investigate the volume of intracranial structures in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Total intracranial volume, frontal lobes volume, thalamus volume and cerebellar volume were prospectively evaluated and compared in 73 fetuses with CHD and 168 normal fetuses using three‐dimensional ultrasound combined with post‐processing software at 20 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for reduced volume of intracranial structures.

Results

From the 28th week of gestation onwards, total brain volumes and those of specific structures became progressively smaller in fetuses with CHD relative to those in controls (P < 0.05). The decrease was largest in frontal lobes volume, followed by total intracranial volume and cerebellar volume, and the smallest decrease was in thalamus volume (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that the diagnostic category (P < 0.001) was independently associated with smaller brain volumes in fetuses with CHD. The largest differences from controls occurred in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), followed by aortic hypoplasia, transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Conclusions

The volume of intracranial structures is smaller in fetuses with CHD, particularly in those with HLHS, aortic hypoplasia or TGA. This study highlights the need for routine brain screening and early intervention to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in fetuses with CHD. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
How can we measure bladder volumes in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse?
Authors: Cassadó J. , Espuña‐Pons M. , Díaz‐Cuervo H. , Rebollo P. ,   on behalf of the GISPEM Group
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To compare bladder volumes determined by three different formulae using measurements obtained from two‐dimensional translabial ultrasound (2D‐US), with true bladder volumes, in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

This was a prospective observational multicenter study of consecutive women on the waiting list for prolapse surgery in 24 gynecology departments. All women had a symptomatic genital prolapse Stage 2 or higher according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP‐Q). Bladder volumes were calculated before and after spontaneous voiding by 2D‐US, and true bladder volumes were determined by micturition and catheterization. Volumes determined by US were calculated using three formulae (Haylen, Dietz and Dicuio). Correlation was calculated between the volume determined by US measurement before micturition and the true volume, and also between the volume determined by US measurements after micturition and the true volume. Correlations (Spearman's rho) and concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) were estimated for each of the three formulae considered.

Results

One‐hundred and eighty‐six women with POP were included in the study. A total of 349 bladder volumes (186 before micturition and 163 after micturition) were obtained. Good correlation (rho, 0.818–0.849) and concordance (ICC, 0.827–0.898) were found between total measured volume (volume of spontaneous bladder voiding + volume obtained from catheterization) and the volume determined by US using the three different formulae, as well as between the post‐void residual volume measured by catheterization and the post‐void volume calculated by US using the three formulae (rho, 0.739–0.777; ICC, 0.840–0.877).

Conclusions

Bladder volumes in women with advanced POP can be measured easily by 2D‐US. Volumes determined using the three different formulae show good correlations and concordance with true bladder volume. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Detection of man‐in‐the‐middle attacks using physical layer wireless security techniques
Authors: Wang Le , Wyglinski Alexander M.
Published: October 2014

Compared with a wired network, a wireless network is not protected by the cable transmission medium. Information is broadcasted over the air and it can be intercepted by anyone within the transmission range. Even though the transmissions could potentially be protected by security authentication mechanisms, malicious users can still intercept the information by mimicking the characteristics of normal user or a legitimate access point. This scenario is referred as a man‐in‐the‐middle (MITM) attack. In the MITM attack, the attackers can bypass the security mechanisms, intercept the unprotected transmission packets, and sniff the information. Because of several vulnerabilities in the IEEE 802.11 protocol, it is difficult to defend against a wireless MITM attack. In this paper, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI)‐based detection mechanism for MITM attacks is proposed. RSSI information is an arbitrary integer that indicates the power level being received by the antenna. The random RSSI values are processed via a sliding window, yielding statistic information about the signal characteristics such as mean and standard deviation profiles. By analyzing those profiles, the detection mechanism can detect if a rogue access point, the key component of an MITM attack, is launched. Our proposed approach has been validated via hardware experimentation using Backtrack 5 tools and MATLAB software suite. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges with effective nutrient supplementation for amphibians: A review of cricket studies
Authors: Livingston Shannon , Lavin Shana R. , Sullivan Kathleen , Attard Lydia , Valdes Eduardo V.
Published: October 2014

Over the last 25 years, numerous studies have investigated the impact of insect supplementation on insect nutrient content. In light of recent nutrition related challenges with regards to zoo amphibians fed an insect based diet, this review attempts to comprehensively compile both anecdotal and published data in the context of practical application on this topic. Insects, primarily crickets, used for amphibian diets historically demonstrate low concentrations of key nutrients including calcium and vitamin A. Commonly used practices for supplementation involving powder dusting or gut loading have been shown to improve delivery of calcium and vitamin A, though often not reaching desired nutrient concentrations. The large variety of factors influencing insect nutrient content are difficult to control, making study design, and results often inconsistent. Formulation and availability of more effective gut loading diets, combined with a standardized protocol for insect husbandry and dietary management may be the most effective way to supplement insects for use in amphibian feeding programs. Ideally, the nutritional improvement of feeder insects would begin at the breeder level; however, until this becomes a viable choice, we confirm that supplementation of crickets through both gut‐loading and dusting appear necessary to support the nutritional health of amphibians and other insectivores in managed collections. Zoo Biol. 33:565–576, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Mechanism of proanthocyanidins-induced alcoholic fermentation enhancement inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Zhao Hongwei , Huang Weidong
Published: October 2014

Our previous work revealed proanthocyanidins (PAs) could pose significant enhancement on the activity of H+-ATPase and fermentation efficiency after a transient initial inhibition (Li et al in Am J Enol Vitic 62(4):512–518, 2011). The aim of the present work was to understand the possible mechanism for this regulation. At Day 0.5 the gene expression level of PMA1 in AWRI R2 strain supplemented with 1.0 mg/mL PAs was decreased by around 54 % with a 50 % and a 56.5 % increase in the concentration of intracellular ATP and NADH/NAD+ ratio, respectively, compared to that of control. After the transient adaptation, the gene expression levels of PMA1 and HXT7 in PAs-treated cells were enhanced significantly accompanied by the decrease of ATP contents and NADH/NAD+ ratio, which resulted in the high level of the activities of rate-limiting enzymes. PAs could pose significant effects on the fermentation via glucose transport, the energy and redox homeostasis as well as the activities of rate-limiting enzymes in glycolysis.
Geschichte des Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes – von den Anfängen bis heute
Authors: Locher Wolfgang G.
Published: October 2014

Einleitung

Seit vielen Jahrhunderten kommt dem Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD) bei der Abwehr von Gesundheitsgefahren sowie bei der Erhaltung und Förderung der Gesundheit eine Schlüsselrolle zu. Die Figur des mit dem ÖGD verbundenen Arztes ist von viel historischer Kontinuität geprägt. Allerdings haben sich Aufgabenprofil und Selbstverständnis des sog. Amtsarztes in Abhängigkeit vom gesellschaftlichen und politischen Umfeld im Laufe der Geschichte doch auch beständig gewandelt.
Harninkontinenz – was kann der Grundversorger machen und wann braucht es den Urologen?
Authors: Keller Isabelle Sonja , Brachlow Jan Frederic , Padevit Christian , Kurz Michael , John Hubert
Published: October 2014

Etwa 15% der Frauen und 10% der Männer im Alter von über 65 Jahren leiden an einer Harninkontinenz. Die Unterscheidung zwischen einer Drang-, einer Belastungs- und einer Überlaufinkontinenz kann meist durch eine genaue Anamnese erfolgen und ist für die Therapie entscheidend. Die ersten Abklärungsschritte können in der Hausarztpraxis erfolgen, insbesondere der Ausschluss eines Harnwegsinfektes oder einer Überlaufblase. Die Beratung von Patienten über Änderungen der Trinkgewohnheiten und des Miktionsverhaltens sowie die Beratung bezüglich geeigneter Inkontinenzprodukte sind wichtige erste Schritte bei den Therapiemassnahmen. Ebenso können medikamentöse Therapiemassnahmen bereits durch den Grundversorger ergriffen werden. Die therapierefraktäre Harninkontinenz, insbesondere die auf Anticholinergika nicht ansprechende Dranginkontinenz, gehört urologisch abgeklärt, da ein Blasentumor oder andere Erkrankungen der Blase als Ursache vorliegen können.
The Influence of Acute Intense Exercise on Exogenous Spatial Attention Depends on Physical Fitness Level
Authors: Llorens Francesc , Sanabria Daniel , Huertas Florentino
Published: October 2014

We investigated the effect of a previous bout of intense exercise on exogenous spatial attention. In Experiment 1, a group of participants performed an exogenous spatial task at rest (without prior effort), immediately after intense exercise, and after recovering from an intense exercise. The analyses revealed that the typical “facilitation effect” (i.e., faster reaction times on cued than on uncued trials) immediately after exercise was positively correlated with participants’ fitness level. In Experiment 2, a high-fit and a low-fit group performed the same task at rest (without prior effort) and immediately after an intense exercise. Results revealed that, after the bout of exercise, only low-fit participants showed reduced attentional effects compared to the rest condition. We argue that the normal functioning of exogenous attention was influenced by intense effort, affecting low-fit participants to a larger extent than to high-fit participants. As a consequence, target processing was prioritized over irrelevant stimuli.
Optimization and Reliability of Multiple Postlabeling Delay Pseudo-Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling during Rest and Stimulus-Induced Functional Task Activation
Authors: Mezue Melvin , Segerdahl Andrew R , Okell Thomas W , Chappell Michael A , Kelly Michael E , Tracey Irene
Published: October 2014

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequences that incorporate multiple postlabeling delay (PLD) times allow estimation of when arterial blood signal arrives within a region of interest. Sequences that account for such variability may improve the reliability of ASL and therefore make the technique well suited for future clinical and experimental investigations of cerebral perfusion. This study assessed the within- and between-session reproducibility of an optimized pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) sequence that incorporates multiple postlabeling delays (multi-PLD pCASL). Healthy subjects underwent four identical scans separated by 30 minutes, 1 week, and 1 month using multi-PLD pCASL to image absolute perfusion (cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial arrival time (AAT)) during both rest and a visual-cued motor task. We show good test-retest reliability, with strong consistency across subjects and sessions during rest (inter-session within-subject coefficient of variation: gray matter (GM) CBF = 6.44%; GM AAT = 2.20%). We also report high sensitivity and reproducibility during the functional task, where we show robust task-related decreases in AAT corresponding with regions of increased CBF. Importantly, these results give insight into optimal PLD selection for future investigations using single-PLD ASL to image different brain regions, and highlight the necessity of multi-PLD ASL when imaging perfusion in the whole brain.
Simple knockout by electroporation of engineered endonucleases into intact rat embryos
Authors: Kaneko Takehito , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Mashimo Tomoji
Published: October 2014

Engineered endonucleases, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system, provide a powerful approach for genome editing in animals. However, the microinjection of endonucleases into embryos requires a high skill level, is time consuming and may cause damage to embryos. Here, we demonstrate that the electroporation of endonuclease mRNAs into intact embryos can induce editing at targeted loci and efficiently produce knockout rats. It is noteworthy that the electroporation of ZFNs resulted in an embryonic survival rate (91%) and a genome-editing rate (73%) that were more than 2-fold higher than the corresponding rates from conventional microinjection. Electroporation technology provides a simple and effective method to produce knockout animals.
Optical trapping reveals propulsion forces, power generation and motility efficiency of the unicellular parasites Trypanosoma brucei brucei
Authors: Stellamanns Eric , Uppaluri Sravanti , Hochstetter Axel , Heddergott Niko , Engstler Markus , Pfohl Thomas
Published: October 2014

Unicellular parasites have developed sophisticated swimming mechanisms to survive in a wide range of environments. Cell motility of African trypanosomes, parasites responsible for fatal illness in humans and animals, is crucial both in the insect vector and the mammalian host. Using millisecond-scale imaging in a microfluidics platform along with a custom made optical trap, we are able to confine single cells to study trypanosome motility. From the trapping characteristics of the cells, we determine the propulsion force generated by cells with a single flagellum as well as of dividing trypanosomes with two fully developed flagella. Estimates of the dissipative energy and the power generation of single cells obtained from the motility patterns of the trypanosomes within the optical trap indicate that specific motility characteristics, in addition to locomotion, may be required for antibody clearance. Introducing a steerable second optical trap we could further measure the force, which is generated at the flagellar tip. Differences in the cellular structure of the trypanosomes are correlated with the trapping and motility characteristics and in consequence with their propulsion force, dissipative energy and power generation.
A naphthalimide based PET probe with Fe3+ selective detection ability: theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Chereddy Narendra Reddy , Niladri Raju M. V. , Nagaraju Peethani , Krishnaswamy Venkat Raghavan , Korrapati Purna Sai , Bangal Prakriti Ranjan , Rao Vaidya Jayathirtha
Published: October 2014

A naphthalimide based Fe3+ selective fluorescence ‘turn-on’ probe that operates based on a PET mechanism has been synthesized, and its application in the detection of Fe3+ ions in aqueous samples and in live cells is explored.
Facile colorimetric detection of human chorionic gonadotropin based on the peptide-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Chang Chia-Chen , Chen Chen-Yu , Chen Chie-Pein , Lin Chii-Wann
Published: October 2014

A facile and rapid optical detection method of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was developed by using the hCG-binding peptide and the anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
The invertible electrochemical properties and thermal response of a series of gel-type ionic liquids based on polyoxometalates
Authors: Wu Xuefei , Li Yunyan , Wu Qingyin , Ding Hong , Yan Wenfu
Published: October 2014

This paper is about the invertible electrochemical and thermal response properties of several gel-type ionic liquids based on polyoxometalates.
Protection of DNA against low-energy electrons by amino acids: a first-principles molecular dynamics study
Authors: Gu Bin , Smyth Maeve , Kohanoff Jorge
Published: October 2014

The physical shielding and chemical stabilizing of the low energy electron by glycine around the thymine through proton transfer.
Light trapping in bendable organic solar cells using silica nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Yun Jungheum , Wang Wei , Kim Soo Min , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Sunghun , Kim Donghwan , Lee Gun-Hwan , Lee Hae-Seok , Song Myungkwan
Published: October 2014

A highly efficient light-scattering layer based on a silica nanoparticle array was fabricated on a flexible polymer substrate by employing a direct vacuum deposition process at room temperature, facilitating a power conversion efficiency of 7.42% from a flexible organic solar cell.
Lithium–sulfur batteries—the solution is in the electrolyte, but is the electrolyte a solution?
Authors: Barghamadi Marzieh , Best Adam S. , Bhatt Anand I. , Hollenkamp Anthony F. , Musameh Mustafa , Rees Robert J. , Rüther Thomas
Published: October 2014

Whether lithium–sulfur batteries succeed hinges largely on taming sulfur's complex electrochemistry, over which, choice of electrolyte exerts an equally complex influence.
Precious metal carborane polymer nanoparticles: characterisation of micellar formulations and anticancer activity
Authors: Barry Nicolas P. E. , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Romero-Canelón Isolda , Tran Johanna , Soldevila-Barreda Joan J. , Hands-Portman Ian , Smith Corinne J. , Kirby Nigel , Dove Andrew P. , O'Reilly Rachel K. , Sadler Peter J.
Published: October 2014

We report the encapsulation of highly hydrophobic 16-electron organometallic ruthenium and osmium carborane complexes [Ru/Os(p-cymene)(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecarborane-1,2-dithiolate)] (1and2) in Pluronic® triblock copolymer P123 core–shell micelles. The spherical nanoparticlesRuMsandOsMs, dispersed in water, were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS; diameterca.15 and 19 nm, respectively). Complexes1and2were highly active towards A2780 human ovarian cancer cells (IC500.17 and 2.50 μM, respectively) and the encapsulated complexes, asRuMsandOsMsnanoparticles, were less potent (IC506.69 μM and 117.5 μM, respectively), but more selective towards cancer cells compared to normal cells.
Oleic acid content of a meal promotes oleoylethanolamide response and reduces subsequent energy intake in humans
Authors: Mennella Ilario , Savarese Maria , Ferracane Rosalia , Sacchi Raffaele , Vitaglione Paola
Published: October 2014

HOSO and VOO induce a postprandial higher response of plasma oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and a concomitant reduction of energy intake at subsequent meals in humans.
A bubble-based microfluidic gas sensor for gas chromatographs
Authors: Bulbul Ashrafuzzaman , Kim Hanseup
Published: October 2014

This work is a new proof-of-concept bubble-based gas sensor for a gas chromatography system, which utilizes the unique relationship between the diameters of the produced bubbles with the gas types and mixture ratios as a sensing element.
Two-dimensional acoustic particle focusing enables sheathless chip Coulter counter with planar electrode configuration
Authors: Grenvall Carl , Antfolk Christian , Bisgaard Christer Zoffmann , Laurell Thomas
Published: October 2014

We present how acoustic particle prefocusing enables sensitive erythrocyte size measurements in an easy-to-manufacture sheathless chip Coulter counter.
Design and synthesis of a new dimeric xanthone derivative: enhancement of G-quadruplex selectivity and telomere damage
Authors: Franceschin Marco , Nocioni Daniele , Biroccio Annamaria , Micheli Emanuela , Cacchione Stefano , Cingolani Chiara , Venditti Alessandro , Zizza Pasquale , Bianco Armandodoriano , Altieri Alessandro
Published: October 2014

Dimerization of the xanthone core greatly enhances G-quadruplex binding and biological activity.
Fischer indolisation ofN-(α-ketoacyl)anthranilic acids into 2-(indol-2-carboxamido)benzoic acids and 2-indolyl-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones and their NMR study
Authors: Proisl Karel , Kafka Stanislav , Urankar Damijana , Gazvoda Martin , Kimmel Roman , Košmrlj Janez
Published: October 2014

A new approach to 2-indolyl functionalized anthranilic acids and 3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones.
Radical reactions of borohydrides
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: October 2014

This review article focuses on state-of-the-art borohydride based radical reactions, also covering earlier work, kinetics and some DFT calculations with respect to the hydrogen transfer mechanism.
Aqueous radical addition-coupling polymerization for the synthesis of hydrophilic periodic polymer
Authors: Tao Fangqi , Li Junjie , Wang Qi
Published: October 2014

A hydrophilic polymer possessing a [ABxAC]n (A = ester, B = ethylene oxide, C = N–O) repeating sequence was synthesized by an aqueous radical addition-coupling polymerization using water-soluble dibromide and a nitroso compound in the presence of a CuBr/ligand.
Effect of the type of fluorofunctional organosilicon compounds and the method of their application onto the surface on its hydrophobic properties
Authors: Maciejewski H. , Karasiewicz J. , Dutkiewicz M. , Nowicki M. , Majchrzycki Ł.
Published: October 2014

Different fluorofunctional organosilicon compounds were used for glass surface modification and the influence of their structure on the surface hydrophobic properties was investigated.
A novel pH probe based on a rhodamine–rhodamine platform
Authors: Zhao Xuan-Xuan , Chen Xin-Peng , Shen Shi-Li , Li Dong-Peng , Zhou Shuai , Zhou Ze-Quan , Xiao Yu-Hao , Xi Gang , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: October 2014

A novel pH probe based on rhodamine–rhodanine platform.
Controlled fragrance release from galactose-based pro-fragrances
Authors: Kuhnt Tobias , Herrmann Andreas , Benczédi Daniel , Weder Christoph , Foster E. Johan
Published: October 2014

Conjugating α,β-unsaturated ketonesviaa thioether linkage to carbohydrates is an efficient way to modulate the polarity of the precursors and thus to influence the release of damascones in functional perfumery.
Synthesis of different crystallographic Al2O3 nanomaterials from solid waste for application in dye degradation
Authors: Singh Seema , Srivastava Vimal Chandra , Mandal Tapas Kumar , Mall Indra Deo
Published: October 2014

Recycling of sludge generated during electrochemical treatment to synthesize alumina nanomaterials with different crystallographic orientations.
Yonemitsu-type condensations catalysed by proline and Eu(OTf)3
Authors: Renzetti Andrea , Boffa Emanuela , Colazzo Marco , Gérard Stéphane , Sapi Janos , Chan Tak-Hang , Nakazawa Hiroshi , Villani Claudio , Fontana Antonella
Published: October 2014

The reaction of aromatic heterocycles, aldehydes, and active methylene compounds affords polyfunctionalised heterocycles. The reaction is green and provides access to compounds that cannot be obtained by classical methodology.
New supramolecular compounds based on porphyrin and polyoxometalate: synthesis, characterization and nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties
Authors: Shi Zonghai , Zhou Yunshan , Zhang Lijuan , Mu Cuncun , Ren Haizhou , Hassan Daf ul , Yang Di , Asif Hafiz Muhammad
Published: October 2014

Compounds composed of [SW12−nVnO40](2+n)− and [H2TPP]2+ show significant nonlinear absorption, self-defocusing behavior and excellent optical limiting performance.
Metal-free synthesis of substituted pyridines from aldehydes and NH4OAc under air
Authors: Yan Rulong , Zhou Xiaoqiang , Li Ming , Li Xiaoni , Kang Xing , Liu Xingxing , Huo Xing , Huang Guosheng
Published: October 2014

A metal-free and efficient method for the synthesis of substituted pyridines with aldehydes and NH4OAc under mild conditions using air as the oxidant was developed.
Highly efficient perovskite solar cells based on a nanostructured WO3–TiO2core–shell electron transporting material
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Swain Bhabani S. , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Amassian Aram
Published: October 2014

A novel core–shell nanostructured WO3is investigated in detail and shown to work successfully as an electron transporting material in hybrid perovskite solar cells. A thin TiO2shell reduces charge recombination while highly textured single-crystal WO3nanostructures promote fast electron transport leading to an efficiency above 11%.
TiO2 mesocrystals built of nanocrystals with exposed {001} facets: facile synthesis and superior photocatalytic ability
Authors: Guo Yanna , Li Hui , Chen Jin , Wu Xuejing , Zhou Lei
Published: October 2014

A totally novel, extremely easy, much greener and low-cost method has been developed to synthesize TiO2 mesocrystals. These materials are built of TiO2 nanocrystals with similar crystallographic orientation and largely exposed {001} facets. Their unique structure optimizes the relationship between specific surface area, crystallite size and active facets, and therefore leads to superior photocatalytic activity.
Compatibility balanced antibacterial modification based on vapor-deposited parylene coatings for biomaterials
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Yeh Shu-Yun , Lee Bing-Heng , Hsu Che-Wei , Chen Yung-Chih , Chen Chia-Jie , Lin Ting-Ju , Hung-Chih Chen Mark , Huang Ching-Tsan , Chen Hsien-Yeh
Published: October 2014

An advanced antibacterial modification technique is conducted by immobilizing antibacterial agents to reduce bacterial attachment and show balanced biocompatibility.
Site-specific immobilization of DNA on silicon surfaces by using the thiol–yne reaction
Authors: Escorihuela Jorge , Bañuls María-José , Puchades Rosa , Maquieira Ángel
Published: October 2014

Covalent immobilization of ssDNA fragments onto silicon-based materials was performed using the thiol–yne reaction.
Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of SnSe2 armchair nanoribbons via edge hydrogenation
Authors: Huang Yucheng , Ling Chongyi , Liu Hai , Wang Sufan
Published: October 2014

Versatile electronic phases and magnetic properties can be displayed through controlling the partial pressure or chemical potential of hydrogen on SnSe2 nanoribbons.
The SARS-coronavirus membrane protein induces apoptosis via interfering with PDK1–PKB/Akt signalling
Authors: Tsoi Ho , Li Li , Chen Zhefan S. , Lau Kwok-Fai , Tsui Stephen K. W. , Chan Ho Yin Edwin
Published: October 2014

A number of viral gene products are capable of inducing apoptosis by interfering with various cellular signalling cascades. We previously reported the pro-apoptotic property of the SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) M (membrane)-protein and a down-regulation of the phosphorylation level of the cell-survival protein PKB (protein kinase B)/Akt in cells expressing M-protein. We also showed that overexpression of PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1), the immediate upstream kinase of PKB/Akt, suppressed M-induced apoptosis. This illustrates that M-protein perturbs the PDK1 and PKB/Akt cell survival signalling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrated that the C-terminus of M-protein interacts with the PH (pleckstrin homology) domain of PDK1. This interaction disrupted the association between PDK1 and PKB/Akt, and led to down-regulation of PKB/Akt activity. This subsequently reduced the level of the phosphorylated forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1 and ASK (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase), and led to the activation of caspases 8 and 9. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the SARS-CoV M-protein induces apoptosis through disrupting the interaction of PDK1 with PKB/Akt, and this causes the activation of apoptosis. Our work highlights that the SARS-CoV M protein is highly pro-apoptotic and is capable of simultaneously inducing apoptosis via initiating caspases 8 and 9. Preventing the interaction between M-protein and PDK1 is a plausible therapeutic approach to target the pro-apoptotic property of SARS-CoV.
Inpp5e increases the Rab5 association and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate accumulation at the phagosome through an interaction with Rab20
Authors: Segawa Tomohiro , Hazeki Kaoru , Nigorikawa Kiyomi , Morioka Shin , Guo Ying , Takasuga Shunsuke , Asanuma Ken , Hazeki Osamu
Published: October 2014

Phosphoinositide 5′-phosphatases have been implicated in the regulation of phagocytosis. However, their precise roles in the phagocytic process are poorly understood. We prepared RAW264.7 macrophages deficient in Inpp5e (shInpp5e) to clarify the role of this lipid phosphatase. In the shInpp5e cells, the uptake of solid particles was increased and the rate of phagosome acidification was accelerated. As expected, levels of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(3,4)P2 were increased and decreased respectively, on the forming phagocytic cups of these cells. Unexpectedly, the most prominent consequence of the Inpp5e deficiency was the decreased accumulation of PtdIns3P and Rab5 on the phagosome. The expression of a constitutively active form of Rab5b in the shInpp5e cells rescued the PtdIns3P accumulation. Rab20 has been reported to regulate the activity of Rabex5, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab5. The association of Rab20 with the phagosome was remarkably abrogated in the shInpp5e cells. Over-expression of Rab20 increased phagosomal PtdIns3P accumulation and delayed its elimination. These results suggest that Inpp5e, through functional interactions with Rab20 on the phagosome, activates Rab5, which, in turn, increases PtdIns3P and delays phagosome acidification.
Communication Recovery Groups for Persons with Aphasia: A Replicable Program for Medical and University Settings
Authors: Vickers Candace , Hagge Darla
Published: October 2014

This article describes Communication Recovery Groups (CRG), an aphasia group program that is sponsored by a medical setting and more recently a university setting. CRG's history and approach and its model of service in light of current healthcare challenges are summarized. The article also provides a detailed discussion regarding the logistics of offering conversation groups to persons with aphasia which are sponsored by medical and/or university settings, the intake process for new group members, and the training of student volunteers to help lead conversation groups.
Alternative Service Delivery Model: A Group Communication Training Series for Partners of Persons with Aphasia
Authors: Hagge Darla
Published: October 2014

Providing education and partner training for the primary communication partners of persons with aphasia is often challenging for medical-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Today's healthcare environment is fraught with barriers to obtaining services for individuals with aphasia and their significant others. This article describes a proposed alternative service delivery model for the partners of persons with aphasia.
Field structure for tubular linear permanent magnet machines
Authors: Crozier R. , Mueller M.
Published: October 2014

A novel structure for the field component of a class of linear tubular permanent magnet machines is presented. The new structure offers a reduction in the required steel for a given design, and offers the possibility to achieve a more efficient cooling of the field component, and therefore magnets. Finite element simulations of example designs are presented, which show that the form and magnitude of the flux linkage in the coils can be maintained with the reduced mass structure.
Recursive method for generating column weight 3 low‐density parity‐check codes based on three‐partite graphs
Authors: Esmaeili Morteza , Ahmadi Mahnaz , Aaron Gulliver T.
Published: October 2014

In this study, a method is presented to construct column weight 3 (CW3) low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes using three‐partite graphs. Let Gb be a bipartite graph and Ng be the set of all minimum length cycles in Gb. Using Gb and Ng, a three‐partite graph denoted G(Gb, Ng), or simply Gt, is formed. Let T be the set of length 3 cycles in Gt and Ta be the set of three element subsets of vertices in Gt such that each of these subsets form a subgraph with no edges in Gt and has precisely one element in each section of Gt. Furthermore, let H be the binary matrix in which the set of rows represent the set of vertices of Gt, the columns represent the elements of V:= T ∪ Ta, and hij = 1 if and only if the ith vertex of Gt belongs to the jth three element set in V. Then H is a CW3 binary matrix. Using the Tanner graph representing H, a recursive construction for CW3 LDPC codes is provided. Applying a simple restriction on T and Ta, codes free of length 4 cycles are generated. Euclidean and finite geometry codes are used as the base codes for generating new CW3 LDPC codes. Results are presented which show that these new codes perform well in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with the iterative sum‐product decoding algorithm.
Performance of optimal three‐phase two‐way system with relay interference
Authors: Mandpura Anup K. , Prakriya Shankar
Published: October 2014

In this work, the authors consider an amplify‐and‐forward (AF)‐based three‐phase two‐way system with interference at the relay. An optimum scheme to minimise the outage probability is formulated, and a closed form expression for the ‘channel‐dependent’ combining coefficient ‘α’ at the relay is derived. A novel approach is presented to derive an expression for the overall outage probability of the proposed three‐phase outage‐optimal two‐way relaying (3P‐OTWR) system. The authors also perform finite signal‐to‐noise (SNR) diversity‐multiplexing tradeoff and throughput analysis of the system. Furthermore, the problem of outage‐optimum power allocation is investigated. Using the asymptotic expression for the outage probability, it is shown that there is loss of diversity owing to interference at the relay. The authors perform Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate that the 3P‐OTWR system outperforms a conventional three‐phase two‐way scheme. With outage‐optimum power allocation, the proposed scheme achieves a gain of approximately 3 dB in the medium‐to‐high SNR regime over a conventional scheme with α = 0.5 and equal power at terminals. The proposed three‐phase scheme in presence of co‐channel interference can provide a better throughput for higher transmission rates as compared with a two‐phase scheme when operated in the high SNR regime. Numerical results demonstrate accuracy of the derived expressions.
Simplified log likelihood ratio calculation in soft ordered successive interference cancellation for multiple‐input multiple‐output digital video broadcasting‐second generation terrestrial receivers
Authors: Kang In‐Woong , Lee Young‐Jun , Kim Youngmin , Seo Jae Hyun , Kim Heung Mook , Kim Hyoung‐Nam
Published: October 2014

This study proposes a soft ordered successive interference cancellation (OSIC) receiver accompanied by a simplified log‐likelihood ratio calculation method for a dual‐polarised multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) digital video broadcasting‐second generation terrestrial system. The future terrestrial transmission systems will be required to provide high data rates for ultra‐high definition television service. For this purpose, dual‐polarised MIMO techniques with a little cross‐antenna interference and high‐order modulation schemes have been considered. As the cross‐antenna interference needs to be removed, a soft OSIC receiver can be used effectively. However, the receiver has to endure high computational complexity for calculating soft values. To reduce it, the authors simplified the calculation based on the decision threshold (DT) method. The main contribution of this study is to extend the conventional DT method, which is restricted to only low‐order modulations, to an algorithmic process applicable to any modulation order. The proposed soft OSIC receiver has about 1 dB degradation from the soft OSIC receiver with the maximum‐likelihood calculation of soft values. The degradation can be fully rewarded by the significantly reduced computational complexity. Furthermore, this study presents an additional possibility of improving the decoding performance by modelling the OSIC equaliser as a biased estimator.
Variational approach for multi‐source image fusion
Authors: Tang Sizhang , Fang Faming , Zhang Guixu
Published: October 2014

In this study, the authors propose a variational model for image fusion using a gradient field to describe the features of all input images. The authors’ model is based on energy minimisation and the fused image corresponds to the minimiser of the energy functional. The authors first construct the gradient of fused image by using a weighted sum of the input gradients. Next, to increase the contrast in the fused image, the authors subtract the norm of gradient in the fused image from the functional. Finally, for the purpose of visual uniformity, the authors integrate the inputs using a ‘gray world’ assumption. The authors implement the algorithm using the augmented Lagrangian method. Three sets of images are used to verify the proposed method. Comparisons with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms show that the proposed algorithm obtains remarkable results.