bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene based widely-tunable and singly-polarized pulse generation with random fiber lasers
Authors: Yao B. C. , Rao Y. J. , Wang Z. N. , Wu Y. , Zhou J. H. , Wu H. , Fan M. Q. , Cao X. L. , Zhang W. L. , Chen Y. F. , Li Y. R. , Churkin D. , Turitsyn S. , Wong C. W.
Published: December 2015

Pulse generation often requires a stabilized cavity and its corresponding mode structure for initial phase-locking. Contrastingly, modeless cavity-free random lasers provide new possibilities for high quantum efficiency lasing that could potentially be widely tunable spectrally and temporally. Pulse generation in random lasers, however, has remained elusive since the discovery of modeless gain lasing. Here we report coherent pulse generation with modeless random lasers based on the unique polarization selectivity and broadband saturable absorption of monolayer graphene. Simultaneous temporal compression of cavity-free pulses are observed with such a polarization modulation, along with a broadly-tunable pulsewidth across two orders of magnitude down to 900 ps, a broadly-tunable repetition rate across three orders of magnitude up to 3 MHz and a singly-polarized pulse train at 41 dB extinction ratio, about an order of magnitude larger than conventional pulsed fiber lasers. Moreover, our graphene-based pulse formation also demonstrates robust pulse-to-pulse stability and wide-wavelength operation due to the cavity-less feature. Such a graphene-based architecture not only provides a tunable pulsed random laser for fiber-optic sensing, speckle-free imaging and laser-material processing, but also a new way for the non-random CW fiber lasers to generate widely tunable and singly-polarized pulses.
Serological Measures of Trachoma Transmission Intensity
Authors: Martin Diana L. , Wiegand Ryan , Goodhew Brook , Lammie Patrick , Black Carolyn M. , West Sheila , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Dize Laura , Mkocha Harran , Kasubi Mabula , Gambhir Manoj
Published: December 2015

Ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis can lead to trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness. Trachoma is targeted for elimination by 2020. Clinical grading for ocular disease is currently used for evaluating trachoma elimination programs, but serological surveillance can be a sensitive measure of disease transmission and provide a more objective testing strategy than clinical grading. We calculated the basic reproduction number from serological data in settings with high, medium and low disease transmission based on clinical disease. The data showed a striking relationship between age seroprevalence and clinical data, demonstrating the proof-of-principle that age seroprevalence predicts transmission rates and therefore could be used as an indicator of decreased transmission of ocular trachoma.
T cell responses are elicited against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the absence of signalling through TLRs, RLRs and IL-1R/IL-18R
Authors: Goritzka Michelle , Pereira Catherine , Makris Spyridon , Durant Lydia R. , Johansson Cecilia
Published: December 2015

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and cytokine receptors are key players in the initiation of immune responses to infection. PRRs detecting viral RNA, such as toll like receptor (TLR)-3, -7/8 and RIG-I like receptors (RLRs; RIG-I and MDA-5), as well as cytokine receptors such as interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R), have been implicated in responses to RNA viruses that infect the airways. The latter includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a human pathogen that can cause severe lower respiratory tract infections, especially in infants. To evaluate the collective contribution of PRRs and IL-1R signalling to RSV immunity, we generated Myd88/Trif/Mavs−/− mice that are deficient in signalling by all TLRs, RLRs and IL-1R, as well as other cytokine receptors such as IL-18 receptor. Early production of pro-inflammatory mediators and lung infiltration by immune cells were completely abrogated in infected Myd88/Trif/Mavs−/− mice. However, RSV-specific CD8+ T cells were elicited and recruited into the lungs and airways. Consistent with these findings, Myd88/Trif/Mavs−/− mice survived RSV infection but displayed higher viral load and weight loss. These data highlight an unappreciated level of redundancy in pathways that couple innate virus sensing to adaptive immunity, providing the host with remarkable resilience to infection.
High total antioxidant capacity of the porcine seminal plasma (SP-TAC) relates to sperm survival and fertility
Authors: Barranco Isabel , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Perez-Patiño Cristina , Parrilla Inmaculada , Ceron Jose J. , Martinez Emilio A. , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Roca Jordi
Published: December 2015

The study attempted to clarify the role of total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma (SP-TAC) on boar sperm survival and fertility after artificial insemination (AI). SP-TAC differed (P < 0.001) among boars (n° = 15) and, to a lesser degree, among ejaculates within male (4 ejaculates/boar). SP-TAC also differed (P < 0.001) among ejaculate fractions (43 ejaculates and 3 fractions per ejaculate), of which the sperm-peak portion of the sperm rich ejaculate fraction (SRF) had the highest SP-TAC. SP-TAC was not correlated with sperm quality (motility and viability) or functionality (intracellular ROS generation and lipid peroxidation) of liquid AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C for 72 h (90 AI-samples), but the decline in sperm quality was larger (P < 0.05) in ejaculates with low, compared with high SP-TAC (hierarchically grouped). The SP-TAC differences among ejaculate portions agree with sperm cryosurvival rates (14 ejaculates from 7 boars), showing sperm from sperm-peak portion better (P < 0.01) post-thaw quality and functionality than those from the entire ejaculate (mainly post-SRF). Boars (n° = 18) with high SP-TAC (hierarchically grouped) had higher (P < 0.05) fertility outcomes (5,546 AI-sows) than those with low SP-TAC. Measurement of SP-TAC ought to be a discriminative tool to prognosis fertility in breeding boars.
Antibiotic regimen based on population analysis of residing persister cells eradicates Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms
Authors: Yang Shoufeng , Hay Iain D. , Cameron David R. , Speir Mary , Cui Bintao , Su Feifei , Peleg Anton Y. , Lithgow Trevor , Deighton Margaret A. , Qu Yue
Published: December 2015

Biofilm formation is a major pathogenicity strategy of Staphylococcus epidermidis causing various medical-device infections. Persister cells have been implicated in treatment failure of such infections. We sought to profile bacterial subpopulations residing in S. epidermidis biofilms and to establish persister-targeting treatment strategies to eradicate biofilms. Population analysis was performed by challenging single biofilm cells with antibiotics at increasing concentrations ranging from planktonic minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) to biofilm MBCs (MBCbiofilm). Two populations of “persister cells” were observed: bacteria that survived antibiotics at MBCbiofilm for 24/48 hours were referred to as dormant cells; those selected with antibiotics at 8 X MICs for 3 hours (excluding dormant cells) were defined as tolerant-but-killable (TBK) cells. Antibiotic regimens targeting dormant cells were tested in vitro for their efficacies in eradicating persister cells and intact biofilms. This study confirmed that there are at least three subpopulations within a S. epidermidis biofilm: normal cells, dormant cells and TBK cells. Biofilms comprise more TBK cells and dormant cells than their log-planktonic counterparts. Using antibiotic regimens targeting dormant cells, i.e. effective antibiotics at MBCbiofilm for an extended period, might eradicate S. epidermidis biofilms. Potential uses for this strategy are in antibiotic lock techniques and inhaled aerosolized antibiotics.
Quantum-to-classical crossover near quantum critical point
Authors: Vasin M. , Ryzhov V. , Vinokur V. M.
Published: December 2015

A quantum phase transition (QPT) is an inherently dynamic phenomenon. However, while non-dissipative quantum dynamics is described in detail, the question, that is not thoroughly understood is how the omnipresent dissipative processes enter the critical dynamics near a quantum critical point (QCP). Here we report a general approach enabling inclusion of both adiabatic and dissipative processes into the critical dynamics on the same footing. We reveal three distinct critical modes, the adiabatic quantum mode (AQM), the dissipative classical mode [classical critical dynamics mode (CCDM)] and the dissipative quantum critical mode (DQCM). We find that as a result of the transition from the regime dominated by thermal fluctuations to that governed by the quantum ones, the system acquires effective dimension d + zΛ(T), where z is the dynamical exponent and temperature-depending parameter Λ(T) ∈ [0, 1] decreases with the temperature such that Λ(T = 0) = 1 and Λ(T → ∞) = 0. Our findings lead to a unified picture of quantum critical phenomena including both dissipation- and dissipationless quantum dynamic effects and offer a quantitative description of the quantum-to-classical crossover.
Biofunctionalization of Selenium Nanoparticle with Dictyophora Indusiata Polysaccharide and Its Antiproliferative Activity through Death-Receptor and Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Liao Wenzhen , Yu Zhiqiang , Lin Zehua , Lei Zhuogui , Ning Zhengxiang , Regenstein Joe M. , Yang Jiguo , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: December 2015

Bio-functionalized nanoparticles with semiconducting/metallic core encapsulated in a bio- or bio-derived materials are promising for applications in biology and especially in cancer diagnostic and healing. In this report, we report a facile, single-step, first-time synthesis and in-situ functionalization strategy for the preparation of monodispersed selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) functionalized using a novel polysaccharide (DP1) extracted from Dictyophora indusiata (a fungus). The DP1 functionalized SeNPs (DP1-SeNPs), where DP1 is attached to the surface via Se-O bond as well as physic-sorption had, an average diameter of 89 nm and were highly uniform, extremely stable compared to bare SeNPs. Detailed investigation of the biological properties of DP1-SeNP illustrated that they exhibit unprecedented, enhanced and selective antiproliferative activity through inducing cell apoptosis confirmed by nuclear condensation, DNA cleavage and accumulation of S phase cell arrest. The mechanism of the induced apoptosis was found to be a combination of the activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9, the Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. It is envisioned that the reported DP1-SeNPs will offer a new phase space for high-efficiency anticancer treatment with little side effect.
Contact rate modulates foraging efficiency in leaf cutting ants
Authors: Bouchebti S. , Ferrere S. , Vittori K. , Latil G. , Dussutour A. , Fourcassié V.
Published: December 2015

Lane segregation is rarely observed in animals that move in bidirectional flows. Consequently, these animals generally experience a high rate of head-on collisions during their journeys. Although these collisions have a cost (each collision induces a delay resulting in a decrease of individual speed), they could also have a benefit by promoting information transfer between individuals. Here we explore the impact of head-on collisions in leaf-cutting ants moving on foraging trails by artificially decreasing the rate of head-on collisions between individuals. We show that head-on collisions do not influence the rate of recruitment in these ants but do influence foraging efficiency, i.e. the proportion of ants returning to the nest with a leaf fragment. Surprisingly, both unladen and laden ants returning to the nest participate in the modulation of foraging efficiency: foraging efficiency decreases when the rate of contacts with both nestbound laden or unladen ants decreases. These results suggest that outgoing ants are able to collect information from inbound ants even when these latter do not carry any leaf fragment and that this information can influence their foraging decisions when reaching the end of the trail.
miRNA-132-3p inhibits osteoblast differentiation by targeting Ep300 in simulated microgravity
Authors: Hu Zebing , Wang Yixuan , Sun Zhongyang , Wang Han , Zhou Hua , Zhang Lianchang , Zhang Shu , Cao Xinsheng
Published: December 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can play important roles in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. However, the function of miRNAs in bone loss induced by microgravity remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the differentially expressed miRNAs in both the femur tissues of hindlimb unloading rats and primary rat osteoblasts (prOB) exposed to simulated microgravity. Specifically, miR-132-3p was found up-regulated and negatively correlated with osteoblast differentiation. Overexpression of miR-132-3p significantly inhibited prOB differentiation, whereas inhibition of miR-132-3p function yielded an opposite effect. Furthermore, silencing of miR-132-3p expression effectively attenuated the negative effects of simulated microgravity on prOB differentiation. Further experiments confirmed that E1A binding protein p300 (Ep300), a type of histone acetyltransferase important for Runx2 activity and stability, was a direct target of miR-132-3p. Up-regulation of miR-132-3p by simulated microgravity could inhibit osteoblast differentiation in part by decreasing Ep300 protein expression, which, in turn, resulted in suppression of the activity and acetylation of Runx2, a key regulatory factor of osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our findings are the first to demonstrate that miR-132-3p can inhibit osteoblast differentiation and participate in the regulation of bone loss induced by simulated microgravity, suggesting a potential target for counteracting decreases in bone formation.
A semi-automated luminescence based standard membrane feeding assay identifies novel small molecules that inhibit transmission of malaria parasites by mosquitoes
Authors: Vos Martijn W. , Stone Will J. R. , Koolen Karin M. , van Gemert Geert-Jan , van Schaijk Ben , Leroy Didier , Sauerwein Robert W. , Bousema Teun , Dechering Koen J.
Published: December 2015

Current first-line treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria rapidly clear the asexual stages of the parasite, but do not fully prevent parasite transmission by mosquitoes. The standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA) is the biological gold standard assessment of transmission reducing activity (TRA), but its throughput is limited by the need to determine mosquito infection status by dissection and microscopy. Here we present a novel dissection-free luminescence based SMFA format using a transgenic Plasmodium falciparum reporter parasite without resistance to known antimalarials and therefore unrestricted in its utility in compound screening. Analyses of sixty-five compounds from the Medicines for Malaria Venture validation and malaria boxes identified 37 compounds with high levels of TRA (>80%); different assay modes allowed discrimination between gametocytocidal and downstream modes of action. Comparison of SMFA data to published assay formats for predicting parasite infectivity indicated that individual in vitro screens show substantial numbers of false negatives. These results highlight the importance of the SMFA in the screening pipeline for transmission reducing compounds and present a rapid and objective method. In addition we present sixteen diverse chemical scaffolds from the malaria box that may serve as a starting point for further discovery and development of malaria transmission blocking drugs.
Enhanced Osteogenesis by Reduced Graphene Oxide/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Jong Ho , Shin Yong Cheol , Lee Sang-Min , Jin Oh Seong , Kang Seok Hee , Hong Suck Won , Jeong Chang-Mo , Huh Jung Bo , Han Dong-Wook
Published: December 2015

Recently, graphene-based nanomaterials, in the form of two dimensional substrates or three dimensional foams, have attracted considerable attention as bioactive scaffolds to promote the differentiation of various stem cells towards specific lineages. On the other hand, the potential advantages of using graphene-based hybrid composites directly as factors inducing cellular differentiation as well as tissue regeneration are unclear. This study examined whether nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) (rGO/HAp NCs) could enhance the osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts and promote new bone formation. When combined with HAp, rGO synergistically promoted the spontaneous osteodifferentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells without hindering their proliferation. This enhanced osteogenesis was corroborated from determination of alkaline phosphatase activity as early stage markers of osteodifferentiation and mineralization of calcium and phosphate as late stage markers. Immunoblot analysis showed that rGO/HAp NCs increase the expression levels of osteopontin and osteocalcin significantly. Furthermore, rGO/HAp grafts were found to significantly enhance new bone formation in full-thickness calvarial defects without inflammatory responses. These results suggest that rGO/HAp NCs can be exploited to craft a range of strategies for the development of novel dental and orthopedic bone grafts to accelerate bone regeneration because these graphene-based composite materials have potentials to stimulate osteogenesis.
A direct assay of carboxyl-containing small molecules by SALDI-MS on a AgNP/rGO-based nanoporous hybrid film
Authors: Hong Min , Xu Lidan , Wang Fangli , Geng Zhirong , Li Haibo , Wang Huaisheng , Li Chen-zhong
Published: December 2015

Here we prepared a nanoporous multilayer film for the direct analysis of carboxyl-containing small molecules by surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry with silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide through layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembling.
Analysis of carbohydrates in Fusarium verticillioides using size-exclusion HPLC – DRI and direct analysis in real time ionization – time-of-flight – mass spectrometry (DART-MS)
Authors: Roberts Ethan S. , Boudreau Beth A. , Brown Daren W. , McQuade Kristi L. , Remsen Edward E.
Published: December 2015

Direct analysis in real time – time of flight – mass spectrometry (DART-TOF-MS) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) are used to analyze carbohydrates inF. verticillioides, such as trehalose.
Synthesis of inherently chiral calixarenes via direct mercuration of the partial cone conformation
Authors: Slavík Petr , Kohout Michal , Böhm Stanislav , Eigner Václav , Lhoták Pavel
Published: December 2015

Regioselective mercuration of calix[4]arene in the partial cone conformation enabled a straightforward access to a novel type of inherently chiral calixarenes with a highly distorted cavity.
A Cu-mediated one-pot Michael addition/α-arylation strategy using a diaryliodonium salt: a direct and efficient approach to α-aryl-β-substituted cyclic ketone scaffolds
Authors: Pan Jin-Long , Chen Tao , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Zhang Fu-Min
Published: December 2015

The first Cu-mediated, one-pot Michael addition/α-arylation method for preparing α-aryl-β-substituted cyclic ketone scaffolds has been developed.
Sequential Mukaiyama–Michael reaction induced by carbon acids
Authors: Yanai Hikaru , Kobayashi Osamu , Takada Kenji , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: December 2015

Sequential Mukaiyama–Michael reaction using two different Michael acceptors proceeded using strong carbon acids as acid catalysts.
Molecular dynamics study of pressure-driven water transport through graphene bilayers
Authors: Liu Bo , Wu Renbing , Baimova Julia A. , Wu Hong , Law Adrian Wing-Keung , Dmitriev Sergey V. , Zhou Kun
Published: December 2015

Water molecules form layered structures inside graphene bilayers and ultra-high pressure-driven flow rates can be observed.
Novel superhard B–C–O phases predicted from first principles
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Oganov Artem R. , Qian Guangrui , Zhu Qiang , Dong Huafeng , Dong Xiao , Davari Esfahani M. Mahdi
Published: December 2015

Structure of B4CO4. The purple, black and red balls are boron, carbon and oxygen atoms, respectively.
Biicosahedral metallaboranes: aromaticity in metal derivatives of three-dimensional analogues of naphthalene
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Lupan Alexandru , Bruce King R.
Published: December 2015

The CpM units in the biicosahedral CpNiB20H17 and CpCoCB19H17 structures energetically prefer to be located at a meta vertex of the biicosahedron. Similar biicosahedral CpFeB20H17 structures are found with an agostic hydrogen atom bridging an Fe–B edge.
Paramagnetic spherical nanoparticles by the self-assembly of persistent trityl radicals
Authors: Marin-Montesinos I. , Paniagua J. C. , Peman Alejandro , Vilaseca M. , Luis F. , Van Doorslaer S. , Pons M.
Published: December 2015

The self-association of a water-soluble persistent trityl radical gives rise to paramagnetic nanoparticles: a new class of non-metallic high spin systems.
Intensified effects of multi-Cu modification on the electronic properties of the modified base pairs containing hetero-ring-expanded pyrimidine bases
Authors: Lu Nan , Bu Yuxiang , Wang Huatian
Published: December 2015

Multiple Cu decoration can intensify the effect of hetero-ring-expansion of pyrimidine bases on the conductive properties in the modified base pairs.
Synergistic effect of novel redox additives of p-nitroaniline and dimethylglyoxime for highly improving the supercapacitor performances
Authors: Nie Yong Fu , Wang Qian , Chen Xiang Ying , Zhang Zhong Jie
Published: December 2015

In present work, we demonstrate a simple but effective strategy for high-performance supercapacitors by adding the p-nitroaniline (PNA) into an alkaline electrolyte of KOH.
Protonated thiophene-based oligomers as formed within zeolites: understanding their electron delocalization and aromaticity
Authors: Valencia Diego , Whiting Gareth T. , Bulo Rosa E. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: December 2015

In an earlier work, protonated thiophene-based oligomers were identified inside ZSM-5 zeolites.
Theoretical analysis of NMR shieldings in XSe and XTe (X = Si, Ge, Sn and Pb): the spin-rotation constant saga
Authors: Demissie Taye Beyene
Published: December 2015

How the electronic contribution to the spin-rotation constant is close to the paramagnetic contribution of the NMR absolute shielding constant?
Dendrimer-encapsulated Pd(0) nanoparticles immobilized on nanosilica as a highly active and recyclable catalyst for the copper- and phosphine-free Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reactions in water
Authors: Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Sardarian Alireza , Javidi Jaber
Published: December 2015

Recyclable dendrimer-encapsulated Pd(0) nanoparticles immobilized on nanosilica in the Sonogashira–Hagihara reaction under copper(i) and phosphine ligand-free conditions in water.
Pt–Au/CeO2 catalysts for the simultaneous removal of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
Authors: Hong Xiaowei , Sun Ye , Zhu Tianle , Liu Zhiming
Published: December 2015

A series of Pt–Au/CeO2 catalysts were prepared via the impregnation deposition–precipitation (IDP) and reduction–deposition precipitation (RDP) methods.
When CuAAC 'Click Chemistry' goes heterogeneous
Authors: Chassaing S. , Bénéteau V. , Pale P.
Published: December 2015

Within the green chemistry context, heterogeneous catalysis is more and more applied to organic synthesis. The well known ‘click chemistry’ and especially its flagship, the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC), is now catch up by such heterogenisation process and copper ions or metals have been grafted or deposited on or into various solids, such as (bio)polymers, charcoal, silica, zeolites, POM or MOF.
Continuous ruthenium-catalyzed methoxycarbonylation with supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Stouten Stefan Christiaan , Noël Timothy , Wang Qi , Beller Matthias , Hessel Volker
Published: December 2015

The methoxycarbonylation of cyclohexene with carbon dioxide over a ruthenium catalyst was realized in a micro flow system under supercritical conditions.
Automated design of flexible linkers
Authors: Manion Charles , Arlitt Ryan , Campbell Matthew I. , Tumer Irem , Stone Rob , Greaney P. Alex
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a method for the systematic and automated design of flexible organic linkers for construction of metal organic-frameworks (MOFs) in which flexibility, compliance, or other mechanically exotic properties originate at the linker level rather than from the framework kinematics.
Role of snow and cold environment in the fate and effects of nanoparticles and select organic pollutants from gasoline engine exhaust
Authors: Nazarenko Yevgen , Kurien Uday , Nepotchatykh Oleg , Rangel-Alvarado Rodrigo B. , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: December 2015

A novel snow chamber system is used to examine the effects of snow and freezing temperatures on exhaust-derived air pollutants.
Raman spectroscopy for cytopathology of exfoliated cervical cells
Authors: Ramos I. R. , Meade A. D. , Ibrahim O. , Byrne H. J. , McMenamin M. , McKenna M. , Malkin A. , Lyng F. M.
Published: December 2015

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide but mortality can be decreased by early detection of pre-malignant lesions. The Pap smear test is the most commonly used method in cervical cancer screening programmes. Although specificity is high for this test, it is widely acknowledged that sensitivity can be poor mainly due to the subjective nature of the test. There is a need for new objective tests for the early detection of pre-malignant cervical lesions. Over the past two decades, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a promising new technology for cancer screening and diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for cervical cancer screening using both Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (SIL) classification terminology. ThinPrep® Pap samples were recruited from a cervical screening population. Raman spectra were recorded from single cell nuclei and subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Normal and abnormal ThinPrep® samples were discriminated based on the biochemical fingerprint of the cells using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Principal Component Analysis – Linear Discriminant Analysis (PCA-LDA) was employed to build classification models based on either CIN or SIL terminology. This study has shown that Raman spectroscopy can be successfully applied to the study of routine cervical cytology samples from a cervical screening programme and that the use of CIN terminology resulted in improved sensitivity for high grade cases.
Molecular composition of organic aerosols at urban background and road tunnel sites using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Tong Haijie , Kourtchev Ivan , Pant Pallavi , Keyte Ian J. , O'Connor Ian P. , Wenger John C. , Pope Francis D. , Harrison Roy M. , Kalberer Markus
Published: December 2015

Organic aerosol composition in the urban atmosphere is highly complex and strongly influenced by vehicular emissions which vary according to the make-up of the vehicle fleet. Normalized test measurements do not necessarily reflect real-world emission profiles and road tunnels are therefore ideal locations to characterise realistic traffic particle emissions with minimal interference from other particle sources and from atmospheric aging processes affecting their composition. In the current study, the composition of fine particles (diameter ≤2.5 μm) at an urban background site (Elms Road Observatory Site) and a road tunnel (Queensway) in Birmingham, UK, were analysed with direct infusion, nano-electrospray ionisation ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS). The overall particle composition at these two sites is compared with an industrial harbour site in Cork, Ireland, with special emphasis on oxidised mono-aromatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-aromatics. Different classification criteria, such as double bond equivalents, aromaticity index and aromaticity equivalent are used and compared to assess the fraction of aromatic components in the approximately one thousand oxidized organic compounds at the different sampling locations.
A high-efficiency superhydrophobic plasma separator
Authors: Liu Changchun , Liao Shih-Chuan , Song Jinzhao , Mauk Michael G. , Li Xuanwen , Wu Gaoxiang , Ge Dengteng , Greenberg Robert M. , Yang Shu , Bau Haim H.
Published: December 2015

A simple, high-efficiency, clamshell-style, superhydrophobic plasma separator for point-of-care applications.
Cyclic dinucleotide detection with riboswitch–G-quadruplex hybrid
Authors: Tsuji Genichiro , Sintim Herman O.
Published: December 2015

Fusing a c-di-GMP riboswitch with a split G-quadruplex leads to a sensing platform that can detect c-di-GMPviafluorescence and colorimetric means.
Aluminium phosphate behaviour in Na3AlF6–Al2O3 melts: a new insight from in situ high temperature NMR measurements
Authors: Rakhmatullin Aydar , Keppert Martin , Šimko František , Bessada Catherine
Published: December 2015

The formation of complex oxofluoroaluminate species containing bridging oxygen atoms from the chemical processes between AlPO4, Al2O3, and Na3AlF6.
Highly responsive and stable Y3+ doped NiMg–ferrite thick films as an efficient humidity sensor
Authors: Rao Pratibha , Chikate Rajeev C. , Bhagwat Sunita
Published: December 2015

Fast response–recovery time with less hysteresis characteristics exhibited by a screen printed Ni0.7Mg0.3Y0.1Fe1.9O4 thick film humidity sensor.
Cesium salts of niobo-tungstate isopolyanions with intermediate group V–group VI character
Authors: Sures Dylan J. , Molina Pedro I. , Miró Pere , Zakharov Lev N. , Nyman May
Published: December 2015

The physical and electronic structures of cesium salts of niobo-tungstate Lindqvist ions vary with Nb content, elucidated experimentally and computationally.
Highly cis-1,4-selective coordination polymerization of polar 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-butadiene and copolymerization with isoprene using a β-diketiminato yttrium bis(alkyl) complex
Authors: Yao Changguang , Liu Na , Long Shiyu , Wu Chunji , Cui Dongmei
Published: December 2015

A novel polar monomer 2-MOPB has been (co)polymerized to afford the highly cis-1,4 regulated P(2-MOPB) and P(2-MOPB-co-IP) of new plastics and rubber depending on the compositions.
Extraction of aniline from wastewater: equilibria, model, and fitting of apparent extraction equilibrium constants
Authors: Chai Wenshuai , Zhu Xinyan , Liu Wei , Zhang Weidong , Zhou Zhiyong , Ren Zhongqi
Published: December 2015

Reactive extraction complexes of aniline to D2EHPA or P507 in various diluents are obtained by the fitting equilibrium models presented.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of magnetically separable bactericidal CuFe2O4-embedded Ag-deposited ZnO nanosheets
Authors: Karunakaran Chockalingam , Vinayagamoorthy Pazhamalai , Jayabharathi Jayaraman
Published: December 2015

A charge carrier-non-quenching magnetic core implanted in nanocrystalline ZnO and deposited with metallic Ag for superior bactericidal and photocatalytic activities.
Properties and solar cell applications of Pb-free perovskite films formed by vapor deposition
Authors: Jung Min-Cherl , Raga Sonia R. , Qi Yabing
Published: December 2015

Planar CH3NH3SnBr3 perovskite solar cells were fabricated via vapor deposition with a protection against air exposure achieved by a thick MABr overlayer.
Utility of solid phase extraction for UV-visible spectrophotometric determination of gallium in environmental and biological samples
Authors: Amin Alaa S. , Moalla Sayed M. N.
Published: December 2015

Absorption spectra for 2 × 10−5 M BTAHN complexed with 0.5 μg mL−1 Ga(III) at the optimum conditions.
Methanol oxidation on Ru(0001) for direct methanol fuel cells: analysis of the competitive reaction mechanism
Authors: Lu Xiaoqing , Wang Weili , Deng Zhigang , Zhu Houyu , Wei Shuxian , Ng Siu-Pang , Guo Wenyue , Wu Chi-Man Lawrence
Published: December 2015

Competitive oxidation of CH3OH to CH2O occur via CH3OH → CH3O → CH2O vs. CH3OH → CH2OH → CH2O, further to COOH by the OH group via CH2O → CHO → CO + OH → COOH vs. CH2O + OH → CH2OOH → CHOOH → COOH, and finally oxidation to CO2 on Ru(0001).
Ripening and recrystallization of NaCl nanocrystals in humid conditions
Authors: Oliva-Ramirez M. , Macías-Montero M. , Borras A. , González-Elipe A. R.
Published: December 2015

This study shows that Ostwald ripening, a universal mechanism responsible for the increase of crystal size during precipitation, can be meditated by ion diffusion through condensed monolayers of water that connect separated nanocrystals.
Amphiphilic functional block copolymers bearing a reactive furfuryl group via RAFT polymerization; reversible core cross-linked micelles via a Diels–Alder “click reaction”
Authors: Pramanik Nabendu B. , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: December 2015

Amphiphilic BCPs, PFMA-b-PPEGMA were prepared via RAFT polymerization. They were self-assembled into micelles in aqueous medium with a hydrophobic PFMA core and hydrophilic PPEGMA corona. Core cross-linked micelles were prepared via the DA reaction.
Facile synthesis of TaOxNy photocatalysts with enhanced visible photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Ying , Lu Haiqiang , Wang Yuanyang , Qiu Jianhao , Wen Jing , Zhou Kang , Chen Li , Song Guanglei , Yao Jianfeng
Published: December 2015

N-doped TaOxNy is prepared using ethylenediamine as the nitrogen source by a sol–gel method.
Polydopamine-based synthesis of an In(OH)3–PDMS sponge for ammonia detection by switching surface wettability
Authors: Wang Jikui , Guo Jiahong , Si Pengxiang , Cai Wanping , Wang Yuming , Wu Genhua
Published: December 2015

An In(OH)3–PDMS sponge has been synthesized by covalent modification of PDA.
Degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction using Fe@Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zheng Pei , Bai Bo , Guan Weisheng , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: December 2015

In this work, a novel heterogeneous catalyst Fe@Bacillus subtiliswas firstly fabricatedviaa simple impregnation method and its catalytic efficiency was examined for removal of tetracycline hydrochloride.
Advances in the development of pyridinone derivatives as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: Vite-Caritino Hugo , Méndez-Lucio Oscar , Reyes Héctor , Cabrera Alberto , Chávez Daniel , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: December 2015

Medicinal chemistry, computational design and biological screening have advanced pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as a promising class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Environmental and economic assessment of glycerol oxidation to dihydroxyacetone over technical iron zeolite catalysts
Authors: Lari Giacomo M. , Mondelli Cecilia , Papadokonstantakis Stavros , Morales Merten , Hungerbühler Konrad , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: December 2015

Technical iron zeolite catalysts are developed for a glycerol to dihydroxyacetone process which is demonstrated more sustainable and economic than the conventional enzymatic technology.
Thermal fluctuations of vesicles and nonlinear curvature elasticity—implications for size-dependent renormalized bending rigidity and vesicle size distribution
Authors: Ahmadpoor Fatemeh , Sharma Pradeep
Published: December 2015

Both closed and open biological membranes noticeably undulate at physiological temperatures.
Current evidence and future directions for research into the use of tantalum in soft tissue re-attachment surgery
Authors: Gee Edward C. A. , Jordan Robert , Hunt John A. , Saithna Adnan
Published: December 2015

The use of tantalum is well established in orthopaedic surgery.
Bioactive SiO2@Ru nanoparticles for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via activation of Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Ying , Huang Na , Yu Yunfei , Zheng Chuping , Deng Ning , Liu Jie
Published: December 2015

The surface chemistry of materials has an interactive influence on cell behavior.
Biomimetic gelatin methacrylamide hydrogel scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Fang Xingxing , Xie Jin , Zhong Lixin , Li Jierong , Rong Dongming , Li Xiongshen , Ouyang Jun
Published: December 2015

The biomimetic GelMA scaffolds which have highly porous, interconnected macropores, and rough surface could promote ADSC to differentiate into osteoblasts and bone formation.
Low-voltage pentacene thin-film transistors using Hf-based blend gate dielectrics
Authors: Oh Jeong-Do , Kim Dae-Kyu , Kim Jang-Woon , Ha Young-Geun , Choi Jong-Ho
Published: December 2015

High-performance pentacene thin-film transistors operating at low voltages were fabricated using hafnium (Hf)-based blend gate dielectrics.
Supramolecularly assisted modulations in chromophoric properties and their possible applications: an overview
Authors: Sayed Mhejabeen , Pal Haridas
Published: December 2015

Macrocyclic host assisted modulations in the fluorescence and acid–base properties of organic chromophoric dyes and their possible applications are reviewed comprehensively.
Low‐power DAC with charge redistribution sampling method for SAR ADCs
Authors: Yazdani B. , Khorami A. , Sharifkhani M.
Published: December 2015

A sampling and switching method for a binary weighted digital‐to‐analogue converter (DAC) in successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) is presented. This sampling method is proposed to reduce the switching energy. Thanks to the proposed switching method, only one reference voltage (Vcm = 1/2Vref) is required which helps to improve the precision of the DAC along with energy reduction compared with those methods that use more than one reference voltage. The switching energy and area of the DAC reduce by 97.66% and 50% compared with the conventional binary weighted DAC.
Design of generalised sidelobe canceller‐based adaptive wideband beamformer without pre‐steering delays
Authors: Wu Kai , Su Tao
Published: December 2015

Implementation errors of pre‐steering (PS) delays lead to severe performance degradation in the generalised sidelobe canceller‐based adaptive wideband beamformer (G‐AWBF). Therefore, a G‐AWBF without PS delays is proposed. To eliminate PS delays, the G‐AWBF is designed in the linear space spanned by the generalised steering vector (GSV) which is defined as the Kronecker product of spatial and temporal steering vectors. Based on GSVs, the quiescent weight and blocking matrix are constructed to substitute PS delays. Compared with the conventional G‐AWBF, due to the removal of PS delays, an improved signal to interference and noise ratio can be achieved with reduced system complexity. With less adaptive weights and various versions of unconstrained adaptive algorithms being applicable, the proposed G‐AWBF outperforms the existing Frost‐based AWBF without PS delays in terms of computational load and robustness. Numerical experiments illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed G‐AWBF.
Hybrid DC/DC converter based on dual three‐level circuit and half‐bridge circuit
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren
Published: December 2015

This study presents the system analysis and circuit implementation of a new hybrid DC/DC converter. The proposed circuit includes a dual three‐level converter and an un‐regulated half‐bridge converter. The un‐regulated half‐bridge converter, shared the lagging‐leg switches of three‐level converter, is adopted to extend the zero voltage switching (ZVS) range of lagging‐leg switches. The dual three‐level circuit based on phase‐shifted pulse‐width modulation is adopted to regulate the output voltage and reduce the current stress of passive components on the output side. To overcome the high circulating current losses in conventional three‐level converter, a resonant capacitor is used on the primary side to reduce the circulating current to zero in the freewheeling interval. The secondary windings of three‐level converter and half‐bridge converter are connected in series so that the rectified voltage on the secondary side is positive instead of zero voltage in the conventional three‐level converter. Therefore, the output current ripple can be reduced. The main advantages of the proposed converter are low circulating current losses, low voltage stress of switches, wide ZVS range and less output current ripple. Finally, experiments based on a 1920 W prototype are provided to validate the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Delayed Periorbital Abscess after Silicone Implant to Orbital Floor Fracture
Authors: Dedhia Raj , Tollefson Travis T.
Published: December 2015

There is a lack of consensus regarding preferred implant materials for orbital floor fracture reconstruction, leading to surgeon- and institution-dependent preferences. A variety of implants are used for orbital floor fracture reconstruction, each with their own complication profile. Knowledge of different implant materials is critical to identifying complications when they present. We report a delayed periorbital abscess 5 years after orbital floor reconstruction using a silicone implant.
Flying blind: trying to find solutions to Indigenous oral health
Authors: de Silva Andrea M. , Martin-Kerry Jacqueline , Geale Alexandra , Cole Deborah
Published: December 2015

Objective The aim of the present study was to identify all published evidence about oral health in Indigenous children in Australia and to determine trends in Indigenous oral health over time. Methods PubMed was used to search for published peer-reviewed articles that reported caries (decay) prevalence rates and/or caries experience (based on caries indices) in Indigenous children. Studies included in the analysis needed to report clinical oral health data (not self-reported dental experiences), and articles were excluded if they reported caries in only a select, specific or targeted sample (e.g. only children undergoing hospital admissions for dental conditions). Results The review identified 32 studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported data from the Northern Territory (n = 14), Western Australia (n = 7), South Australia (n = 7), Queensland (n = 7), New South Wales (n = 1), Australian Capital Territory (n = 1) and Tasmania (n = 1). Of the studies, 47% were in rural locations, 9% were in urban locations and 44% were in both rural and urban locations. Data are limited and predominantly for Indigenous children living in rural locations, and there are no published studies on caries in Indigenous children living in Victoria. Conclusions The present study documents the published prevalence and severity of caries in Indigenous children living in Australia and highlights that limited oral health data are available for this priority population. Although risk factors for oral disease are well known, most of the studies did not analyse the link between these factors and oral disease present. There is also inconsistency in how caries is reported in terms of age and caries criteria used. We cannot rely on the available data to inform the development of policies and programs to address the oral health differences in Indigenous populations living contemporary lives in metropolitan areas. What is known about the topic? Many studies report that Indigenous people have poorer general health in Australia compared with non-Indigenous people. What does this paper add? This paper documents the available published prevalence and experience of caries for Indigenous children in Australia. It demonstrates significant limitations in the data, including no Victorian data, inconsistency with reporting methods and most data being for Indigenous children who are living in rural locations. What are the implications for practitioners? It is important for practitioners to have access to oral health data for Indigenous children in Australia. However, the present study highlights significant knowledge gaps for this population group and identifies ways to collect data in future studies to enable more meaningful comparisons and policy development.
Edible plant tissue and soil calcium:magnesium ratios: data too sparse to assess implications for human health
Authors: Rosanoff Andrea , Capron Elizabeth , Barak Phillip , Mathews Bruce , Nielsen Forrest
Published: December 2015

Unlike yield, the plant calcium (Ca) : magnesium (Mg) ratio increases at higher soil Ca : Mg and decreases at lower soil Ca : Mg. Edible plant tissue Ca : Mg at various soil ratios has not been robustly studied. Such studies are appropriate because high Ca : Mg dietary ratios may be associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and human dietary Ca : Mg ratio is rising as populations integrate more processed foods into traditional diets. This review explores whether increasing the soil Ca : Mg ratio is likely to increase edible plant tissue Ca : Mg ratio, a result that could, if substantial, affect human health. A literature search gathered published articles reporting Ca and Mg values for plants grown in soils or nutrient solutions with various Ca : Mg ratios. For each study, soil or solution ratio was plotted against plant ratio, and Pearson’s r and 2-tailed P values were calculated. Findings reveal that reporting Ca and Mg content of edible plant tissues is rare in studies assessing the impact of soil Ca : Mg on crop yields, nutrient uptake or crop quality; Ca : Mg of whole plants and most shoots increases as soil Ca : Mg rises; leaf Ca : Mg of some but not all crops increases as soil Ca : Mg rises; Ca : Mg ratios of edible grain, fruit and root tissues are smaller than those of leaves or shoots of the same crop; and Ca : Mg of grain, bean and fruit tissue may not respond to changes in soil Ca : Mg as much as Ca : Mg of plants, shoots and leaves. However, the data are too sparse for conclusions or even speculation. Further measurements of Ca and Mg in edible tissues destined for human consumption are necessary to asses any impact of soil Ca : Mg on the rising dietary Ca : Mg of humans and its health consequences.
Building workforce capacity for ethical reflection in health promotion: a practitioner's experience
Authors: Axford Annabel , Carter Drew
Published: December 2015

Health promotion does not have a code of ethics, although attempts have been made to assist practitioners in their understanding and application of ethical concepts. This article describes and analyses one such attempt, sustained from 2006 to 2014 in rural South Australia. The attempt comprised capacity‐building activities that were informed by principles of organisational change management, especially the principle of creating champions. The article also presents a framework (largely comprising ethical questions) that may help practitioners as a prompt and guide to ethical reflection. The framework was developed to be as accessible as possible in light of the diverse educational backgrounds found in rural settings. Finally, the article highlights some philosophical dimensions to the framework and defends its role, proposing that ethical reflection is integral to good practice and never simply the province of theorists. The article does all this with a view to stimulating discussion on how to increase the frequency and quality of ethical reflection undertaken by health promotion practitioners.