bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current attitudes of parents and patients toward hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell anemia
Authors: Meier Emily Riehm , Dioguardi Jacqueline V. , Kamani Naynesh
Published: March 2015

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only available cure for sickle cell anemia (SCA). HSCT‐associated risks are one of many barriers to its widespread use for SCA. The study objective was to assess parent and patient perceptions of HSCT in the era of more widespread knowledge about HSCT for SCA.

Procedure

We surveyed parents of children with SCA and adolescents with SCA using the standard reference gamble paradigm. Survey responses between Africans (A) and African Americans (AA) and between parents and adolescents were compared.

Results

Seventy‐two percent (64/89) of the respondents were willing to accept ≥5% risk of mortality, while 57% said they would accept a risk of ≥10% of graft versus host disease (GVHD). Twenty‐two percent were unwilling to accept any risk of mortality or GVHD. Risk averseness did not differ between A or AA respondents. Fifty‐six percent of respondents were willing to accept infertility post‐HSCT.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the majority of parents and adolescents are willing to accept the current risks associated with matched sibling HSCT for SCA. However, there continue to be significant numbers of parents and adolescents who are unwilling to accept any risk of HSCT‐associated mortality or GVHD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1277–1284. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metformin protects primary rat hepatocytes against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: de la Rosa Laura Conde , Vrenken Titia E. , Buist‐Homan Manon , Faber Klaas Nico , Moshage Han
Published: March 2015

The majority of chronic liver diseases are accompanied by oxidative stress, which induces apoptosis in hepatocytes and liver injury. Recent studies suggest that oxidative stress and insulin resistance are important in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the pathophysiology of diabetes complications. Metformin has been shown to be hepatoprotective in the insulin‐resistant and leptin‐deficient ob/ob mouse model of NAFLD. However, the mechanism involved in the protective effects of metformin has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of metformin against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis. Primary rat hepatocytes were exposed to the oxidative stress‐generating compound menadione in the presence and absence of metformin. Apoptosis was determined by measuring caspase activity and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐cleavage, and necrosis was measured by Sytox Green nuclear staining. We demonstrate that (1) Metformin inhibits menadione‐induced caspase‐9,‐6,‐3 activation and PARP‐cleavage in a concentration‐dependent manner. (2) Metformin increases menadione‐induced heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression and inhibits c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)‐phosphorylation. (3) Metformin does not induce necrosis in primary hepatocytes. Metformin protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress‐induced caspase activation, PARP‐cleavage and apoptosis. The anti‐apoptotic effect of metformin is in part dependent on HO‐1 and bcl‐xl induction and inhibition of JNK activation and independent of insulin signaling. Our results elucidate novel protective mechanisms of metformin and indicate that metformin could be investigated as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of oxidative stress‐related liver diseases.
Ab initio‐based bulk and surface thermodynamics of InGaN alloys: Investigating the effects of strain and surface polarity
Authors: Duff Andrew I. , Lymperakis Liverios , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: March 2015

The growth of high In content InGaN with sufficiently high crystal quality is challenging due to the differences in the GaN and InN thermodynamics. The surprisingly different thermodynamics is due to a complex competition between strain and chemistry and mediated by the different indium and gallium atomic radii as well as their different bonding enthalpies with nitrogen. In the present work, we investigate bulk and surface thermodynamics of molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of InxGa1−xN for the technologically relevant (0001) and growth planes by means of density functional theory calculations. Our calculations confirm that coherent growth fully suppresses phase separation through spinodal decomposition. However, the biaxial strain is found to have a marginal effect on the critical temperatures for InxGa1−xN decomposition. Furthermore, the thermal stability of excess indium is found to be remarkably higher on N‐polar surfaces than on the Ga‐polar surfaces.

Phase diagram of In covered (a) Ga‐polar and (b) N‐polar surfaces as function of In pressure.
O– centers in LuAG:Ce,Mg ceramics
Authors: Hu Chen , Liu Shuping , Fasoli Mauro , Vedda Anna , Nikl Martin , Feng Xiqi , Pan Yubai
Published: March 2015

Electron traps are known to a have great influence on the carriers transport process in Ce based scintillators. On the other hand, the role of hole traps in the scintillation process has been less considered. By means of electron spin resonance (ESR), we detected hole traps in highly Ce‐doped LuAG:Ce,Mg ceramics in the form of σ‐type O– centers. The g ‐tensor components turn out to be g⊥ = 2.0103, and g|| = 2.0023, revealing the axial symmetry of these defects. Mg‐perturbed variants of O– centers are proposed to exist in LuAG:Ce,Mg. Their occurrence is related to an elongated Mg–O bond as evidenced by DFT calculations. Finally, the multiple role of O– centers in the scintillation process is discussed.

magnified image

(© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Manage challenges, embrace opportunities of social‐media world
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2015

ORLANDO, FLA. — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Yik Yak. The breakneck speed at which the social‐media world continues to grow and change presents an array of challenges for colleges and universities struggling to keep pace. Institutions face a difficult balance between boosting their social‐media presence and steering clear of legal hot water and PR nightmares.
Take steps to increase sense of community on your campus
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2015

STANLEY E. HENDERSON, RETIRED VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & STUDENT LIFE, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN‐DEARBORN
Hybrid Films of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes for High Performance Chemical and Temperature Sensing Applications
Authors: Tung Tran Thanh , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Janowska Izabela , Kim TaeYoung , Castro Mickael , Feller Jean‐Francois
Published: March 2015

A hybrid composite material of graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) for high performance chemical and temperature sensors is reported. Integration of 1D and 2D carbon materials into hybrid carbon composites is achieved by coupling graphene and CNT through poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) mediated‐hybridization. The resulting CNT/PIL/graphene hybrid materials are explored as active materials in chemical and temperature sensors. For chemical sensing application, the hybrid composite is integrated into a chemo‐resistive sensor to detect a general class of volatile organic compounds. Compared with the graphene‐only devices, the hybrid film device showed an improved performance with high sensitivity at ppm level, low detection limit, and fast signal response/recovery. To further demonstrate the potential of the hybrid films, a temperature sensor is fabricated. The CNT/PIL/graphene hybrid materials are highly responsive to small temperature gradient with fast response, high sensitivity, and stability, which may offer a new platform for the thermoelectric temperature sensors.
The structure of two‐layered objects reconstructed using EDXRF‐analysis and internal X‐ray ratios
Authors: Cesareo Roberto , Buccolieri Giovanni , Castellano Alfredo , Lopes Ricardo T. , De Assis Joaquim T. , Ridolfi Stefano , Brunetti Antonio , Bustamante Angel
Published: March 2015

Many objects of common use (tools, utensils, metals, knick‐knacks, dishes and glasses) and artifacts (for example paintings of all types) are composed of two or more layers. In many cases, it would be useful to determine the correct location, composition and thickness of the various layers.

Non‐destructive and non‐invasive methods are described, based on energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence which are able to ‘reconstruct' the complete structure of a multilayered sample. These methods use, in different ways, the ratios of characteristic X‐rays emitted by the elements of the layers, and, in particular, two effects can be usefully employed, effects which are based on the differential attenuation of Kα and Kβ or Lα and Lβ X‐rays:

Different self‐attenuation of K or L X‐rays emitted by an element characterizing a layer because of the different energy of the two K or L X‐rays;

Different attenuation of the two K or L X‐rays of an element characterizing a layer by a second superimposed layer.

Furthermore, the ratio of the Kα (or Lα) X‐rays emitted by an element characterizing the internal layer, to the Kα (or Lα) X‐rays emitted by an element characterizing a second superimposed layer, can also be employed in the ‘reconstruction’ of the layers.

In this paper, the theoretical background of all these methods is described, and typical examples are shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GARY BECKER’S CONTRIBUTIONS IN HEALTH ECONOMICS
Authors: Soares Rodrigo R.
Published: March 2015

Gary Becker's contributions to health economics started somewhat indirectly. The early development in human capital theory, to which Becker was one of the main contributors, had obvious implications to the analysis of expenditures on health, but were almost exclusively focused on schooling and training (Schultz 1960; Becker 1962, 1964). Human capital theory advanced the idea that actions that imply present costs but enhanced individual productivity in the future could be seen as investments in a form of capital. Expenditures in health had many dimensions where such trade-offs were present. A good diet or exercising might not be very much fun, but potentially delivered long-term benefits in the form of a longer and healthier life. Preventive medical care demanded time and money, but might also improve future health prospects. This was recognized early on (Mushkin, 1962), but the first explorations of health as human capital were conceptually timid and did not give the field a push that remotely resembled that received by the economic research on education. For the years that followed, health economics persisted mostly as a field dealing with the analysis of health systems and delivery of health technologies.
THE THEME OF HOSPITALITY IN PINDAR'S FOURTH PYTHIAN
Authors: Potamiti Anna
Published: March 2015

The relevance of Pindaric myth to its literary and historical context is a problem presented by many of Pindar's odes. In the case ofPythian4 it is the plea for the return of Damophilus that has proved difficult to relate to the myth of the Argonautic expedition – so much so, that some scholars have denied that any connection exists between the myth and this part of the ode. Those who seek to establish a correlation between the myth and the plea have, for the most part, considered parallels between the relationship, circumstances, and character traits of Jason and Pelias and those of Arcesilas and Damophilus. The limitations, however, of looking for exact correspondence are generally acknowledged. Carey in particular postulates that Pindar ‘simply presents in the myth a number of themes, any or all of which may be applied to the situation in Cyrene’. It is the contention of this article that the theme of hospitality, as it develops in the myth, is central to understanding the relevance of the myth to the plea for Damophilus.
PUBLIC FINANCE AND WAR IN ANCIENT GREECE
Authors: Pritchard David M.
Published: March 2015

Before the Persian Wars the Greeks did not rely on public finance to fight each other. Their hoplites armed and fed themselves. But in the confrontation with Persia this private funding of war proved to be inadequate. The liberation of the Greek states beyond the Balkans required the destruction of Persia's sea power. In 478bcAthens agreed to lead an alliance to do just this. It already had Greece's largest fleet. But each campaign of this ongoing war would need tens of thousands of sailors and would go on for months. No single Greek city-state could pay for such campaigns. The alliance thus agreed to adopt the Persian method for funding war: its members would pay a fixed amount of tribute annually. This enabled Athens to force Persia out of the Dardanelles and Ionia. But the Athenians also realized that their military power depended on tribute, and so they tightened their control of its payers. In so doing they turned the alliance into an empire.
Evaluation of an anti-parasitic compound extracted from Streptomyces sp. HL-2-14 against fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: GAO YUN-HANG , SHAN XIAO-FENG , KANG YUAN-HUAN , SHENG YU-XUAN , CHEN LONG , WANG WEI , MA HONG-XIA
Published: March 2015

The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-parasitic activity of a pure compound from Streptomyces sp. HL-2-14 against fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and elucidate its chemical structure. By electron ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1H NMR and 13C NMR), the compound was identified as amphotericin B (AmB). The in vitro trials revealed that AmB can effectively kill the theronts and tomonts of I. multifiliis with the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0·8 mg L−1 at 30 min for the theronts and 4·3 mg L−1 at 2 h for the tomonts, respectively. AmB at 5 mg L−1 significantly reduced I. multifiliis infectivity prevalence and intensity on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and consequently decreased fish mortality, from 100% in control group to 30% in treated group. The 72 h acute toxicity (LC50) of AmB on grass carp was 20·6 mg L−1, but fish mortality was occurred when exposure to 13·0 mg L−1. These results indicated that AmB was effective in the therapy of I. multifiliis infection, but the safety concentration margin is relatively narrow. Further efforts aiming to decrease the toxicity and improve the therapeutic profile remain to be needed.
Prohibition Plebiscites on the Prairies: (Not-So) Direct Legislation and Liquor Control in Alberta, 1915–1932
Authors: Hamill Sarah E.
Published: March 2015

Since its introduction into North America in the late nineteenth century, direct democracy, particularly in the form of direct legislation, has periodically piqued the interest of legal scholars. A handful of studies have examined the history of direct legislation in the United States and in Canada; however, these studies often fail to examine how direct legislation was actually used. Brief references might be given to which initiatives the voters attempted to secure via direct legislation, but the actual mechanics of the vote, and questions such as what the ballot said, for example, are typically overlooked.
Comparison of weight-for-height and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in a therapeutic feeding programme in South Sudan: is MUAC alone a sufficient criterion for admission of children at high risk of mortality?
Authors: Grellety Emmanuel , Krause L Kendall , Shams Eldin Manal , Porten Klaudia , Isanaka Sheila
Published: March 2015

Objective

The present study was performed to describe the operational implications of using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as a single admission criterion for treatment of severe acute malnutrition in South Sudan.

Design

We performed a retrospective analysis of routine programme data of children with severe acute malnutrition aged 6–59 months admitted to a therapeutic feeding programme using weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and/or MUAC. To understand the implications of using MUAC as a single admission criterion, we compared patient characteristics and treatment outcomes for children admitted with MUAC<115 mm (irrespective of WHZ) v. children admitted with WHZ<−3 and MUAC≥115 mm.

Results

Of 2205 children included for analysis, 719 (32·6 %) were admitted to the programme with MUAC<115 mm and 1486 (67·4 %) with WHZ<−3 and MUAC≥115 mm. Children who would have been admitted using a single MUAC<115 mm criterion were more severely malnourished and more likely to be female and younger. Compared with children admitted with WHZ<−3 and MUAC≥115 mm, children who would have been admitted using MUAC<115 mm were less likely to recover (54 % v. 69 %) and had higher risk of death (4 % v. 1 %), but responded to treatment with greater weight and MUAC gains. MUAC<115 mm would have failed to identify 33 % of deaths, while 98 % were identified by WHZ<−3 alone and 100 % by MUAC<130 mm.

Conclusions

The study shows that MUAC<115 mm identified more severely malnourished children with a higher risk of mortality but failed to identify a third of the children who died. Admission criteria for therapeutic feeding should be adapted to the programmatic context with consideration for both operational and public health implications.
Systematics of jets using multi-wavelength data
Authors: Shastri Prajval , Gomez Estrella Jimenez , Gupta Maitrayee , Madejski Grzegorz
Published: March 2015

We investigate the systematics of the properties of highly relativistic jets at multiple frequencies, including Fermi, and MOJAVE data. We test the hypothesis that the blazar divide constitutes a dichotomy. We also explore possible measures of the Doppler factor for these highly Doppler-beamed active galactic nuclei.
To BEam or not to BEam. . .
Authors: Izzo Luca , Valle Massimo Della , Amati Lorenzo
Published: March 2015

We discuss the lack of a clear jet-break in the optical and X-ray afterglow light curve of GRB 130427A, which suggests that a very large isotropic energy is emitted in this burst.
‘Life just kind of sparkles’: clients’ experiences of being in cognitive behavioural group therapy and its impact on reducing shame in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Spragg Melanie , Cahill Sharon
Published: March 2015

This study explored the personal accounts of service users relating to their experiences of being in group cognitive behavioural therapy (GCBT) for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Eight participants were purposively selected from two groups whose therapy had finished. These participants were interviewed, the data transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes were generated: ‘Engagement in the group process’, ‘Normalizing’, ‘Courage to fight’, ‘Being my own therapist’ and ‘Restrictedvs. engagement with life’. The findings in this study have implications for theory in terms of the relevance of shame-based appraisals in conceptualizations of OCD. Suggestions for future groups include the importance of exploring the development of the problem in the group setting and highlight an important role for the group in terms of increasing motivation and preventing dropout. Directions for future research and implications for theory are explored.
Hybrid MoM–PO analysis of multilayered SIW slot antenna with a dielectric slab radome
Authors: Bayderkhani Reza , Forooraghi Keyvan , Arnieri Emilio , Abbasi-Arand Bijan
Published: March 2015

A fast and efficient full-wave hybrid method for the analysis of a multilayered substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based slot antenna/array radiating into a dielectric slab radome is presented. The antenna structure is modeled as a stacked parallel-plate waveguide hosting metallic posts and coupling and/or radiating slots. To account the radome effects on the SIW antenna, the physical optics method in conjunction with three-dimensional ray trace technique are used to analyze a dielectric slab radome staked on the aperture of the antenna. The field in the SIW structure is expressed by using an expansion in terms of vectorial cylindrical eigenfunctions. Enforcing the boundary conditions on posts yield the scattering amplitude, while slots are modeled as unknown magnetic currents which are found by solving the integral equation derived from the continuity of the field on the slot surface. A double-layered SIW cavity backed slot antenna radiating into a dielectric slab radome is analyzed, and the results compared with high frequency simulation software (HFSS) simulations. It will be shown that the proposed method is fast and efficient and gives results in very good agreement with the most common simulation tools.
Trained immunity in newborn infants of HBV-infected mothers
Authors: Hong Michelle , Sandalova Elena , Low Diana , Gehring Adam J. , Fieni Stefania , Amadei Barbara , Urbani Simonetta , Chong Yap-Seng , Guccione Ernesto , Bertoletti Antonio
Published: March 2015

The newborn immune system is characterized by an impaired Th1-associated immune response. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmitted from infected mothers to newborns is thought to exploit the newborns’ immune system immaturity by inducing a state of immune tolerance that facilitates HBV persistence. Contrary to this hypothesis, we demonstrate here that HBV exposure in utero triggers a state of trained immunity, characterized by innate immune cell maturation and Th1 development, which in turn enhances the ability of cord blood immune cells to respond to bacterial infection in vitro. These training effects are associated with an alteration of the cytokine environment characterized by low IL-10 and, in most cases, high IL-12p40 and IFN-α2. Our data uncover a potentially symbiotic relationship between HBV and its natural host, and highlight the plasticity of the fetal immune system following viral exposure in utero.
Flexible Membranes of MoS2/C Nanofibers by Electrospinning as Binder-Free Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiong Xiaoqin , Luo Wei , Hu Xianluo , Chen Chaoji , Qie Long , Hou Dongfang , Huang Yunhui
Published: March 2015

A flexible membrane consisting of MoS2/carbon nanofibers has been fabricated by a simple electrospinning method. MoS2 nanosheets are uniformly encapsulated in the inter-connected carbon nanofibers with diameters of ~150 nm. When evaluated as a binder-free electrode for sodium-ion batteries, the as-obtained electrode demonstrates high performances, including high reversible capacity of 381.7 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and superior rate capability (283.3, 246.5 and 186.3 mA h g−1 at 0.5, 1 and 2 A g−1, respectively). Most importantly, the binder-free electrode made of MoS2 and carbon nanofibers can still deliver a charge capacity of 283.9 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at a current density of 100 m A g−1, indicating a very promising anode for long-life SIBs.
Directed natural product biosynthesis gene cluster capture and expression in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Li Yongxin , Li Zhongrui , Yamanaka Kazuya , Xu Ying , Zhang Weipeng , Vlamakis Hera , Kolter Roberto , Moore Bradley S. , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: March 2015

Bacilli are ubiquitous low G+C environmental Gram-positive bacteria that produce a wide assortment of specialized small molecules. Although their natural product biosynthetic potential is high, robust molecular tools to support the heterologous expression of large biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus hosts are rare. Herein we adapt transformation-associated recombination (TAR) in yeast to design a single genomic capture and expression vector for antibiotic production in Bacillus subtilis. After validating this direct cloning “plug-and-play” approach with surfactin, we genetically interrogated amicoumacin biosynthetic gene cluster from the marine isolate Bacillus subtilis 1779. Its heterologous expression allowed us to explore an unusual maturation process involving the N-acyl-asparagine pro-drug intermediates preamicoumacins, which are hydrolyzed by the asparagine-specific peptidase into the active component amicoumacin A. This work represents the first direct cloning based heterologous expression of natural products in the model organism B. subtilis and paves the way to the development of future genome mining efforts in this genus.
Circumferential electrocautery of the patella in primary total knee replacement without patellar replacement: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Fan Lihong , Ge Zhaogang , Zhang Chen , Li Jia , Yu Zefeng , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Kunzheng
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to identify and assess whether circumferential electrocautery is useful for improving outcomes after primary total knee replacement(TKR). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Knowledge, OVID CINAHL, OVID EBM and Google Scholar and included articles published through January 2014. A total of 6 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of the 776 cases included in the analysis, 388 cases involved patellar denervation and 388 cases were designated as the control group. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of anterior knee pain (AKP, p = 0.18) or in the visual analogue scale score (VAS, p = 0.23) between the two groups. In addition, AKSS Function Score indicated no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.28). However, the OKS (p = 0.02), patellar score (p = 0.01), AKSS-Knee Score (p = 0.004), range of motion (ROM, p < 0.0001) and WOMAC Score (p = 0.0003) indicated that circumpatellarelectrocautery improved clinical outcomes compared with non-electrocautery. The results indicate that circumferential electrocautery of the patella does not significantly improve AKP compared with non-electrocautery techniques but that circumferential electrocautery significantly improves patients' knee function after surgery. Therefore, we believe that circumferential electrocautery is beneficial to the outcome of primary TKR surgery without patellar replacement.
The loss of Tm7sf gene accelerates skin papilloma formation in mice
Authors: Bellezza I. , Gatticchi L. , Sordo R. del , Peirce M. J. , Sidoni A. , Roberti R. , Minelli A.
Published: March 2015

The 3β-hydroxysterol Δ14-reductase, encoded by the Tm7sf2 gene, is an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Cholesterol and its derivatives control epidermal barrier integrity and are protective against environmental insults. To determine the role of the gene in skin cholesterol homeostasis, we applied 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to the skin of Tm7sf2+/+ and Tm7sf2-/- mice. TPA increased skin cholesterol levels by inducing de novo synthesis and up-take only in Tm7sf2+/+ mouse, confirming that the gene maintains cholesterol homeostasis under stress conditions. Cholesterol sulfate, one of the major players in skin permeability, was doubled by TPA treatment in the skin of wild-type animals but this response was lost in Tm7sf2-/- mice. The expression of markers of epidermal differentiation concomitant with farnesoid-X-receptor and p38 MAPK activation were also disrupted in Tm7sf2-/- mice. We then subjected Tm7sf2+/+ and Tm7sf2-/- mice to a classical two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol. We found that the loss of Tm7sf2 increased incidence and multiplicity of skin papillomas. Interestingly, the null genotype showed reduced expression of nur77, a gene associated with resistance to neoplastic transformation. In conclusion, the loss of Tm7sf2 alters the expression of proteins involved in epidermal differentiation by reducing the levels of cholesterol sulfate.
Electromers of the benzene dimer radical cation
Authors: Błoch-Mechkour Anna , Bally Thomas
Published: March 2015

The benzene dimer cation, which is prorotypical for dimer radical cations, has been re-investigated computationally. Thereby it was found that it exists in the form of two distinct, but energetically very close-lying “electromers” which both reside on very flat potential surfaces.
Protein recognition using synthetic small-molecular binders toward optical protein sensing in vitro and in live cells
Authors: Kubota Ryou , Hamachi Itaru
Published: March 2015

This review describes the recognition and sensing techniques of proteins and their building blocks by use of small synthetic binders.
Systems biology of the microvasculature
Authors: Clegg Lindsay E. , Mac Gabhann Feilim
Published: March 2015

Integrated multi-scale physiological models are used to simulate the maintenance, pathological disruption, and therapeutic rebalancing of vascular networks.
3D-nanoflowers of rutile TiO2as a film grown on conducting and non-conducting glass substrates for in vitro biocompatibility studies with mouse MC3T3 osteoblast and human HS-5 cells
Authors: Park Kyung-Hee , Dhayal Marshal
Published: March 2015

Thin films of 3D-nanoflowers of rutile TiO2on conducting (FTO and ITO) and non-conducting (glass) substrates were grown using a surfactant free one-step hydrothermal process.
An ultrasensitive impedimetric glycan biosensor with controlled glycan density for detection of lectins and influenza hemagglutinins
Authors: Hushegyi A. , Bertok T. , Damborsky P. , Katrlik J. , Tkac J.
Published: March 2015

Ultrasensitive impedimetric analysis of lectins and viral agglutinins was achieved by a glycan biosensor built on a mixed SAM (left) with controlled glycan density (right).
A mitochondrion targeting fluorescent probe for imaging of intracellular superoxide radicals
Authors: Si Fang , Liu Yang , Yan Kelu , Zhong Wenwan
Published: March 2015

A fluorogenic probe with mitochondria targeting capability was prepared for detection of superoxide radical generation inside mitochondria in living cells.
DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of nucleotides modified with a G-quadruplex-derived DNAzyme
Authors: Verga D. , Welter M. , Steck A.-L. , Marx A.
Published: March 2015

Nucleotides which are modified with a G-quadruplex-derived DNAzyme are substrates for DNA polymerases.
Isotopomeric polymorphism in a “doubly-polymorphic” multi-component molecular crystal
Authors: Schmidtmann Marc , Middlemiss Derek S. , Wilson Chick C.
Published: March 2015

Isotopomeric polymorphism is observed in complexes of isonicotinamide with oxalic acid, highly unusual here in that each isotopic complex is itself polymorphic, a situation of “double polymorphism”. The four polymorphic forms exhibit different degrees of hydron transfer.
Structural and optical characterization of ball-milled copper-doped bismuth vanadium oxide (BiVO4)
Authors: Merupo Victor-Ishrayelu , Velumani Subramaniam , Ordon Karolina , Errien Nicolas , Szade Jacek , Kassiba Abdel-Hadi
Published: March 2015

Mechano-chemical synthesis of Cu-doped BiVO4 monoclinic nanopowders and investigation of structural, optical and electronic properties.
Tinene: a two-dimensional Dirac material with a 72 meV band gap
Authors: Cai Bo , Zhang Shengli , Hu Ziyu , Hu Yonghong , Zou Yousheng , Zeng Haibo
Published: March 2015

Tinene, monolayer gray tin, was predicted as a new two-dimensional material with high dynamic stability, Dirac electronic characteristics, as well as a remarkable 72 meV bandgap, which make it a possibility for the “more than Moore” materials and devices.
Energetics of sodium–calcium exchanged zeolite A
Authors: Sun H. , Wu D. , Guo X. , Shen B. , Navrotsky A.
Published: March 2015

Enthalpies of formation for sodium–calcium exchanged zeolite A.
Atomic layer deposition of quaternary oxide (La,Sr)CoO3−δ thin films
Authors: Ahvenniemi E. , Matvejeff M. , Karppinen M.
Published: March 2015

An atomic layer deposition (ALD) process has been developed to fabricate quaternary oxide (La,Sr)CoO3 thin films in a well-controlled manner within a wide composition range. A post-deposition treatment crystallizes the films in a perovskite structure. The new process has true potential to be employed in future applications like IT-SOFCs.
Co3O4-based binder-free cathodes for lithium–oxygen batteries with improved cycling stability
Authors: Xu Shu-Mao , Zhu Qian-Cheng , Du Fei-Hu , Li Xin-Hao , Wei Xiao , Wang Kai-Xue , Chen Jie-Sheng
Published: March 2015

A novel binder-free electrode for lithium–oxygen batteries has been prepared by electrodepositing a Co3O4 layer onto a pretreated TiO2 fiber mesh formed on nickel foam by an electrospinning method.
1,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)triazenides of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and strontium
Authors: Kalden Diana , Krieck Sven , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: March 2015

1,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)triazenide anions act as bidentate ligands toward s-block metals; in the calcium derivative π-stacking of the aromatic rings leads to additional stabilization of the complex.
From isolated 1H-pyrazole cryptand anion receptors to hybrid inorganic–organic 1D helical polymeric anion receptors
Authors: Pitarch-Jarque Javier , Belda Raquel , García-España Laura , Llinares José M. , Pan FangFang , Rissanen Kari , Navarro Pilar , García-España Enrique
Published: March 2015

We report a 1-D helical coordination polymer formed by protonated polyamine 1H-pyrazole cryptands interconnected by Cu2+metal ions that are able to encapsulate chloride anions behaving as a multianion receptor.
Synthesis of 6,8,9 poly-substituted purine analogue libraries as pro-apoptotic inducers of human leukemic lymphocytes and DAPK-1 inhibitors
Authors: Pineda de las Infantas Maria J. , Torres-Rusillo Sara , Unciti-Broceta Juan Diego , Fernandez-Rubio Pablo , Luque-Gonzalez Maria Angelica , Gallo Miguel A. , Unciti-Broceta Asier , Molina Ignacio J. , Diaz-Mochon Juan J.
Published: March 2015

Purines to study DAPK1 role in apoptosis.
Sonochemistry-synthesized CuO nanoparticles as an anode interfacial material for efficient and stable polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Jiantai , Fu Yingying , Zhang Baohua , Xie Zhiyuan
Published: March 2015

Solution-processible CuO nanoparticles were prepared via sonochemistry and applied as an anode interfacial layer to fabricate high-performance polymer solar cells.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of n-type Bi2S3with added ZnO for power generation
Authors: Du Xueli , Shi Rongna , Ma Yongchang , Cai Fengshi , Wang Xuewei , Yuan Zhihao
Published: March 2015

A peakZTvalue of 0.66 at 675 K is reached for Bi2S3added with 1.0 mol% ZnO.
Adsorption and photocatalytic behavior of titanate nanotubes sensitized with zinc tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin
Authors: Wang Huigang , Fu Ying , Han Tiehu , Wan Junmin , Zheng Xuming
Published: March 2015

Effect of calcination temperature and ZnTCPP sensitizer on the morphology of ZnTCPP–TNTS.
Development of floating in situ gelling system as an efficient anti-ulcer formulation: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Bothiraja C. , Kumbhar Vijay , Pawar Atmaram , Shaikh Karimunnisa , Kamble Ravindra
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present work was to design gellan gum and calcium carbonate based floating in situ gel as an efficient anti-ulcer formulation using andrographolide (AG) as a model drug.
Determination of the formation and range of stability of the SEI on glassy carbon by local electrochemistry
Authors: Zampardi Giorgia , La Mantia Fabio , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

The formation of the solid electrolyte interphase was detected in operando on glassy carbon electrodes in presence of different cations.
Studies on salophen anchored micro/meso porous activated carbon fibres for the removal and recovery of uranium
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Dwivedi Jaya , Kumar Amar , Sankararamakrishnan Nalini
Published: March 2015

Stringent environmental regulations emphasize the removal of uranium from aqueous systems.
Self-assembly of block copolymer-based ionic supramolecules based upon multi-tail amphiphiles
Authors: Asad Ayoubi M. , Almdal K. , Zhu K. , Nyström B. , Olsson U. , Piculell L.
Published: March 2015

Using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), self-assembly of ionic supramolecules based upon diblock copolymers of poly(styrene)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) and multi-tail (2- or 4-tail) alkyl quaternary ammonium amphiphiles is investigated.
Hydrogen bond breaking of TPU upon heating: understanding from the viewpoints of molecular movements and enthalpy
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Zhou Tao , Li Lin , Zhang Jihai , Liu Xifei , Ke Xiaolin , Zhang Aiming
Published: March 2015

Hydrogen bond breaking of TPU based on 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)/1,4-butanediol (BDO) upon heating was studied and elucidated from molecular movements and enthalpy.
Fiber-optic array using molecularly imprinted microspheres for antibiotic analysis
Authors: Carrasco Sergio , Benito-Peña Elena , Walt David R. , Moreno-Bondi María C.
Published: March 2015

In this article we describe a new class of high-density optical microarrays based on molecularly imprinted microsphere sensors that directly incorporate specific recognition capabilities to detect enrofloxacin (ENRO), an antibiotic widely used for both human and veterinary applications.
Quasi-graphene-envelope Fe-doped Ni2P sandwiched nanocomposites for enhanced water splitting and lithium storage performance
Authors: Feng Yangyang , OuYang Ya , Peng Liang , Qiu Huajun , Wang Hailiang , Wang Yu
Published: March 2015

We report a sandwich-like graphene-based composite, which exhibits enhanced performance for both electrochemical water splitting and lithium ion batteries.
Organic solvent vapor sensitive methylammonium lead trihalide film formation for efficient hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lian Jiarong , Wang Qi , Yuan Yongbo , Shao Yuchuan , Huang Jinsong
Published: March 2015

Organic solvent vapor introduced during the formation of hybrid perovskite films changes the grain orientation and reduces charge recombination.
Giant spontaneous Hall effect in zero-moment Mn2RuxGa
Authors: Thiyagarajah Naganivetha , Lau Yong-Chang , Betto Davide , Borisov Kiril , Coey J. M. D. , Stamenov Plamen , Rode Karsten
Published: March 2015

Spin-dependent transport properties of Mn2RuxGa thin-films are studied as function of the Ru concentration and the substrate-induced strain. The large spontaneous Hall angle of 7.7% twenty times bigger than in other 3d metals is a signature of its half-metallicity. The compensation temperature where the magnetization of the two inequivalent antiferromagnetically coupled Mn sublattices cancel can be tuned by varying x or the biaxial strain. This zero-moment half metal is free from demagnetizing forces and creates no stray field, effectively removing two obstacles to integrating magnetic elements in densely packed, nanometer-scale memory elements, and millimeter-wave generators.
Isotope-enriched protein standards for computational amide I spectroscopy
Authors: Reppert Mike , Roy Anish R. , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: March 2015

We present a systematic isotope labeling study of the protein G mutant NuG2b as a step toward the production of reliable, structurally stable, experimental standards for amide I infrared spectroscopic simulations. By introducing isotope enriched amino acids into a minimal growth medium during bacterial expression, we induce uniform labeling of the amide bonds following specific amino acids, avoiding the need for chemical peptide synthesis. We use experimental data to test several common amide I frequency maps and explore the influence of various factors on map performance. Comparison of the predicted absorption frequencies for the four maps tested with empirical assignments to our experimental spectra yields a root-mean-square error of 6-12 cm−1, with outliers of at least 12 cm−1 in all models. This means that the predictions may be useful for predicting general trends such as changes in hydrogen bonding configuration; however, for finer structural constraints or absolute frequency assignments, the models are unreliable. The results indicate the need for careful testing of existing literature maps and shed light on possible next steps for the development of quantitative spectral maps.
Direct production of hard magnetic ribbons with enhanced magnetic properties by controlling cooling rate of melt
Authors: Zhou Weifei , Chang Chuntao , Inoue Akihisa , Wang Xinmin , Li Fushan , Huo Juntao
Published: March 2015

We produced a high-quality hard magnetic Fe81Co2Nb1Nd10B6 alloy by melt spinning without additional treatment. The as-spun ribbons produced at a wheel speed of ∼25 m/s had the best hard magnetic properties: a remanence Br, coercive force Hc, and maximum energy product (BH)max of 0.97 T, 676 kA/m, and 140 kJ/m3, respectively. The Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite phases had grain sizes of ∼10–30 nm. We investigated how the magnetic properties changed with wheel speed, finding that they depended on the as-spun structure and magnetic structure, which changed upon over- and under-quenching from the melt.
Amplitude equations for collective spatio-temporal dynamics in arrays of coupled systems
Authors: Yanchuk S. , Perlikowski P. , Wolfrum M. , Stefański A. , Kapitaniak T.
Published: March 2015

We study the coupling induced destabilization in an array of identical oscillators coupled in a ring structure where the number of oscillators in the ring is large. The coupling structure includes different types of interactions with several next neighbors. We derive an amplitude equation of Ginzburg-Landau type, which describes the destabilization of a uniform stationary state and close-by solutions in the limit of a large number of nodes. Studying numerically an example of unidirectionally coupled Duffing oscillators, we observe a coupling induced transition to collective spatio-temporal chaos, which can be understood using the derived amplitude equations.
Tri-axis magnetometer with in-plane giant magnetoresistance sensors for compass application
Authors: Chiang Chia-Yi , Jeng Jen-Tzong , Lai Bor-Lin , Luong Van Su , Lu Chih-Cheng
Published: March 2015

A tri-axis magnetometer comprising three giant-magnetoresistance sensors and a cylindrical fluxguide are implemented for compass application. The sensors are mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB) board with their sensing axes in a plane. A calibration process involving matrix manipulation was employed to make the device function as a tri-axis magnetometer with orthogonal sensing directions. The capability of the device for compass application was demonstrated by measuring its azimuth response to the geomagnetic field about different rotation axes. The proposed calibration technique can be used for the magnetometer system with either orthogonal or non-orthogonal sensor arrangement.
Tuning structure and mobility of solvation shells surrounding tracer additives
Authors: Carmer James , Jain Avni , Bollinger Jonathan A. , van Swol Frank , Truskett Thomas M.
Published: March 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations and a stochastic Fokker-Planck equation based approach are used to illuminate how position-dependent solvent mobility near one or more tracer particle(s) is affected when tracer-solvent interactions are rationally modified to affect corresponding solvation structure. For tracers in a dense hard-sphere fluid, we compare two types of tracer-solvent interactions: (1) a hard-sphere-like interaction, and (2) a soft repulsion extending beyond the hard core designed via statistical mechanical theory to enhance tracer mobility at infinite dilution by suppressing coordination-shell structure [Carmer et al., Soft Matter 8, 4083–4089 (2012)]. For the latter case, we show that the mobility of surrounding solvent particles is also increased by addition of the soft repulsive interaction, which helps to rationalize the mechanism underlying the tracer’s enhanced diffusivity. However, if multiple tracer surfaces are in closer proximity (as at higher tracer concentrations), similar interactions that disrupt local solvation structure instead suppress the position-dependent solvent dynamics.
On the dimensionally correct kinetic theory of turbulence for parallel propagation
Authors: Gaelzer R. , Yoon P. H. , Kim Sunjung , Ziebell L. F.
Published: March 2015

Yoon and Fang [Phys. Plasmas 15, 122312 (2008)] formulated a second-order nonlinear kinetic theory that describes the turbulence propagating in directions parallel/anti-parallel to the ambient magnetic field. Their theory also includes discrete-particle effects, or the effects due to spontaneously emitted thermal fluctuations. However, terms associated with the spontaneous fluctuations in particle and wave kinetic equations in their theory contain proper dimensionality only for an artificial one-dimensional situation. The present paper extends the analysis and re-derives the dimensionally correct kinetic equations for three-dimensional case. The new formalism properly describes the effects of spontaneous fluctuations emitted in three-dimensional space, while the collectively emitted turbulence propagates predominantly in directions parallel/anti-parallel to the ambient magnetic field. As a first step, the present investigation focuses on linear wave-particle interaction terms only. A subsequent paper will include the dimensionally correct nonlinear wave-particle interaction terms.
Exploring the alignment of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a liquid crystal matrix using coplanar electrodes
Authors: Volpati D. , Massey M. K. , Johnson D. W. , Kotsialos A. , Qaiser F. , Pearson C. , Coleman K. S. , Tiburzi G. , Zeze D. A. , Petty M. C.
Published: March 2015

We report on the use of a liquid crystalline host medium to align single-walled carbon nanotubes in an electric field using an in-plane electrode configuration. Electron microscopy reveals that the nanotubes orient in the field with a resulting increase in the DC conductivity in the field direction. Current versus voltage measurements on the composite show a nonlinear behavior, which was modelled by using single-carrier space-charge injection. The possibility of manipulating the conductivity pathways in the same sample by applying the electrical field in different (in-plane) directions has also been demonstrated. Raman spectroscopy indicates that there is an interaction between the nanotubes and the host liquid crystal molecules that goes beyond that of simple physical mixing.
A reanalysis of a strong-flow gyrokinetic formalism
Authors: Sharma A. Y. , McMillan B. F.
Published: March 2015

We reanalyse an arbitrary-wavelength gyrokinetic formalism [A. M. Dimits, Phys. Plasmas 17, 055901 (2010)], which orders only the vorticity to be small and allows strong, time-varying flows on medium and long wavelengths. We obtain a simpler gyrocentre Lagrangian up to second order. In addition, the gyrokinetic Poisson equation, derived either via variation of the system Lagrangian or explicit density calculation, is consistent with that of the weak-flow gyrokinetic formalism [T. S. Hahm, Phys. Fluids 31, 2670 (1988)] at all wavelengths in the weak flow limit. The reanalysed formalism has been numerically implemented as a particle-in-cell code. An iterative scheme is described which allows for numerical solution of this system of equations, given the implicit dependence of the Euler-Lagrange equations on the time derivative of the potential.
Electric field control of exchange-spring behavior
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhou Qianqian , Ding Jinjun , Yang Zhi , Zhu Benpeng , Yang Xiaofei , Chen Shi , Ou-Yang Jun
Published: March 2015

We study the electric field control of exchange-spring (ES) behavior in a piezoelectric/ES multi-layer using the micromagnetic simulation method. In the composite, PZT or PZN-PT forms the piezoelectric substrate, while the ES bilayer is composed of hard-magnetic (HM) CoFe2O4 (CFO) and soft-magnetic (SM) Fe3O4 or Co43Fe43B14 materials. The stress as a function of electric-field strength (E) and the external magnetic field was set to align in plane. The results reveal an E-sensitive magnetic property in the PZN-PT/Co43Fe43B14/CFO system. The ES bilayer in this system experienced a transition from rigid magnetism to ES behavior with E changing from 2 MV/m to −2 MV/m. The E-related nucleation field and switching field exhibit strong dependences on the thickness ratio between the HM and SM phases. Additionally, when the magnetic field was applied at an acute angle to the easy axis of the HM or the SM phase, a multi-jump hysteresis loop was observed under a negative E bias. These results may be attributed to a change in the effective magnetic anisotropy constant resulting from the transfer of stress from the piezoelectric substrate to the ES bilayer under an electric field.