bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing Place, Learning Together: Perspectives and Reflections on an Educational Partnership Formation With a Remote Indigenous Community School
Authors: Godinho Sally Caroline , Woolley Marilyn , Webb Jessie , Winkel Kenneth Daniel
Published: May 2015

Sustainable partnership formation in a remote Indigenous community involves social, cultural and political considerations. This article reports on the project, ‘Sharing Place, Learning Together: Supporting Sustainable Educational Partnerships to Advance Social Equity’, funded by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute (MSEI) at the University of Melbourne (UoM). The project's aims were to document insights into working with communities and educators in a remote community school in Western Arnhem Land, and to promote and raise Aboriginal students’ aspirations for engagement in further education through knowledge exchanges. Two project deliverables focus this paper: a participatory workshop conducted at UoM by educators and students from the school, and a qualitative research study that investigated the mutual partnership capacity building between the school community and UoM. The workshop provided an environment conducive to the participants sharing their cultural knowledge and perspectives on a two-way Learning on Country program with the wider UoM community. Extensive interview data collected from school and community-based participants identified the enabling and constraining factors impacting the formation of a sustainable partnership. The findings revealed the importance of prioritising relationship-building, the valuing of resource development, and the need for humility and openness to criticism when working with remote communities.
Detecting transmission areas of malaria parasites in a migratory bird species
Authors: GARCIA-LONGORIA LUZ , HELLGREN OLOF , BENSCH STAFFAN , DE LOPE FLORENTINO , MARZAL ALFONSO
Published: May 2015

The identification of the regions where vector-borne diseases are transmitted is essential to study transmission patterns and to recognize future changes in environmental conditions that may potentially influence the transmission areas. SGS1, one of the lineages ofPlasmodium relictum, is known to have active transmission in tropical Africa and temperate regions of Europe. Nuclear sequence data from isolates infected with SGS1 (based on merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) allelic diversity) have provided new insights on the distribution and transmission areas of these allelic variants. For example, MSP1 alleles transmitted in Africa differ from those transmitted in Europe, suggesting the existence of two populations of SGS1 lineages. However, no study has analysed the distribution of African and European transmitted alleles in Afro-Palearctic migratory birds. With this aim, we used a highly variable molecular marker to investigate whether juvenile house martins become infected in Europe before their first migration to Africa. We explored the MSP1 allelic diversity ofP. relictumin adult and juvenile house martins. We found that juveniles were infected with SGS1 during their first weeks of life, confirming active transmission of SGS1 to house martins in Europe. Moreover, we found that all the juveniles and most of adults were infected with one European transmitted MSP1 allele, whereas two adult birds were infected with two African transmitted MSP1 alleles. These findings suggest that house martins are exposed to different strains ofP. relictumin their winter and breeding quarters.
Applying developmental programming to clinical obstetrics: my ward round
Authors: Painter R. C.
Published: May 2015

The theory of developmental programming is supported by accumulating evidence, both observational and experimental. The direct application of the principles of developmental programming by clinicians to benefit pregnant women remains an area of limited attention. Examining a selection of inpatients at an obstetric referral center, I searched for situations in which clinical decision making could be driven by the principles of developmental programming. I also looked for situations in which the clinical research agenda could be dictated by these concepts. In the decision to undertake preventive measures to avoid preeclampsia, the offspring’s perspective may support more liberal application of calcium and aspirin. Consideration of the long-term health perspective of the offspring could drive choices in the management of obesity and diabetes in pregnancy. The administration of corticosteroids in women delivering by elective cesarean at term may have modest short-term benefits, but additional trials are necessary to investigate long-term offspring health. The offspring of women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum may benefit from nutritional therapy. The long-term health of the offspring could affect couples’ choice for IVF or expectant management. Applying the principles of developmental programming to the management of pregnant women could drive clinical decision making and is driving the clinical research agenda. Increasingly, developmental programming concepts are becoming an integral part of clinical practice, as well as determining the choice of outcomes in trials in obstetrics and fertility medicine. The presented cases underscore the need for more research to guide clinical practice.
Scientist's Field Season Ends with Nepal Quake
Authors: Bompey Nanci
Published: May 2015

A graduate student studying tectonics found himself caught in a disaster at the end of fieldwork in the Himalayas.
Altered Contralateral Sensorimotor System Organization after Experimental Hemispherectomy: A Structural and Functional Connectivity Study
Authors: Otte Willem M , van der Marel Kajo , van Meer Maurits PA , van Rijen Peter C , Gosselaar Peter H , Braun Kees PJ , Dijkhuizen Rick M
Published: May 2015

Hemispherectomy is often followed by remarkable recovery of cognitive and motor functions. This reflects plastic capacities of the remaining hemisphere, involving large-scale structural and functional adaptations. Better understanding of these adaptations may (1) provide new insights in the neuronal configuration and rewiring that underlies sensorimotor outcome restoration, and (2) guide development of rehabilitation strategies to enhance recovery after hemispheric lesioning. We assessed brain structure and function in a hemispherectomy model. With MRI we mapped changes in white matter structural integrity and gray matter functional connectivity in eight hemispherectomized rats, compared with 12 controls. Behavioral testing involved sensorimotor performance scoring. Diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were acquired 7 and 49 days post surgery. Hemispherectomy caused significant sensorimotor deficits that largely recovered within 2 weeks. During the recovery period, fractional anisotropy was maintained and white matter volume and axial diffusivity increased in the contralateral cerebral peduncle, suggestive of preserved or improved white matter integrity despite overall reduced white matter volume. This was accompanied by functional adaptations in the contralateral sensorimotor network. The observed white matter modifications and reorganization of functional network regions may provide handles for rehabilitation strategies improving functional recovery following large lesions.
Low-Level Light in Combination with Metabolic Modulators for Effective Therapy of Injured Brain
Authors: Dong Tingting , Zhang Qi , Hamblin Michael R , Wu Mei X
Published: May 2015

Vascular damage occurs frequently at the injured brain causing hypoxia and is associated with poor outcomes in the clinics. We found high levels of glycolysis, reduced adenosine triphosphate generation, and increased formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in neurons under hypoxia. Strikingly, these adverse events were reversed significantly by noninvasive exposure of injured brain to low-level light (LLL). Low-level light illumination sustained the mitochondrial membrane potential, constrained cytochrome c leakage in hypoxic cells, and protected them from apoptosis, underscoring a unique property of LLL. The effect of LLL was further bolstered by combination with metabolic substrates such as pyruvate or lactate both in vivo and in vitro. The combinational treatment retained memory and learning activities of injured mice to a normal level, whereas other treatment displayed partial or severe deficiency in these cognitive functions. In accordance with well-protected learning and memory function, the hippocampal region primarily responsible for learning and memory was completely protected by combination treatment, in marked contrast to the severe loss of hippocampal tissue because of secondary damage in control mice. These data clearly suggest that energy metabolic modulators can additively or synergistically enhance the therapeutic effect of LLL in energy-producing insufficient tissue–like injured brain.
Cell Tracking Technologies for Acute Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Gavins Felicity NE , Smith Helen K
Published: May 2015

Stem cell therapy has showed considerable potential in the treatment of stroke over the last decade. In order that these therapies may be optimized, the relative benefits of growth factor release, immunomodulation, and direct tissue replacement by therapeutic stem cells are widely under investigation. Fundamental to the progress of this research are effective imaging techniques that enable cell tracking in vivo. Direct analysis of the benefit of cell therapy includes the study of cell migration, localization, division and/or differentiation, and survival. This review explores the various imaging tools currently used in clinics and laboratories, addressing image resolution, long-term cell monitoring, imaging agents/isotopes, as well as safety and costs associated with each technique. Finally, burgeoning tracking techniques are discussed, with emphasis on multimodal imaging.
Method for Rapid MRI Quantification of Global Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Oxygen
Authors: Barhoum Suliman , Langham Michael C , Magland Jeremy F , Rodgers Zachary B , Li Cheng , Rajapakse Chamith S , Wehrli Felix W
Published: May 2015

A recently reported quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method denoted OxFlow has been shown to be able to quantify whole-brain cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) by simultaneously measuring oxygen saturation ( S v O 2) in the superior sagittal sinus and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the arteries feeding the brain in 30 seconds, which is adequate for measurement at baseline but not necessarily in response to neuronal activation. Here, we present an accelerated version of the method (referred to as F-OxFlow) that quantifies CMRO2 in 8 seconds scan time under full retention of the parent method's capabilities and compared it with its predecessor at baseline in 10 healthy subjects. Results indicate excellent agreement between both sequences, with mean bias of 2.2% ( P = 0.18, two-tailed t-test), 3.4% ( P = 0.08, two-tailed t-test), and 2.0% ( P = 0.56, two-tailed t-test) for SvO2, CBF, and CMRO2, respectively. F-OxFlow's potential to monitor dynamic changes in SvO2, CBF, and CMRO2 is illustrated in a paradigm of volitional apnea applied to five of the study subjects. The sequence captured an average increase in SvO2, CBF, and CMRO2 of 10.1 ± 2.5%, 43.2 ± 9.2%, and 7.1 ± 2.2%, respectively, in good agreement with literature values. The method may therefore be suited for monitoring alterations in CBF and SvO2 in response to neurovascular stimuli.
Chip-based analysis of exosomal mRNA mediating drug resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Shao Huilin , Chung Jaehoon , Lee Kyungheon , Balaj Leonora , Min Changwook , Carter Bob S. , Hochberg Fred H. , Breakefield Xandra O. , Lee Hakho , Weissleder Ralph
Published: May 2015

Real-time monitoring of drug efficacy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major clinical problem as serial re-biopsy of primary tumours is often not a clinical option. MGMT (O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase) and APNG (alkylpurine-DNA-N-glycosylase) are key enzymes capable of repairing temozolomide-induced DNA damages and their levels in tissue are inversely related to treatment efficacy. Yet, serial clinical analysis remains difficult, and, when done, primarily relies on promoter methylation studies of tumour biopsy material at the time of initial surgery. Here we present a microfluidic chip to analyse mRNA levels of MGMT and APNG in enriched tumour exosomes obtained from blood. We show that exosomal mRNA levels of these enzymes correlate well with levels found in parental cells and that levels change considerably during treatment of seven patients. We propose that if validated on a larger cohort of patients, the method may be used to predict drug response in GBM patients.
Molecular mechanism for USP7-mediated DNMT1 stabilization by acetylation
Authors: Cheng Jingdong , Yang Huirong , Fang Jian , Ma Lixiang , Gong Rui , Wang Ping , Li Ze , Xu Yanhui
Published: May 2015

DNMT1 is an important epigenetic regulator that plays a key role in the maintenance of DNA methylation. Here we determined the crystal structure of DNMT1 in complex with USP7 at 2.9 Å resolution. The interaction between the two proteins is primarily mediated by an acidic pocket in USP7 and Lysine residues within DNMT1’s KG linker. This intermolecular interaction is required for USP7-mediated stabilization of DNMT1. Acetylation of the KG linker Lysine residues impair DNMT1–USP7 interaction and promote the degradation of DNMT1. Treatment with HDAC inhibitors results in an increase in acetylated DNMT1 and decreased total DNMT1 protein. This negative correlation is observed in differentiated neuronal cells and pancreatic cancer cells. Our studies reveal that USP7-mediated stabilization of DNMT1 is regulated by acetylation and provide a structural basis for the design of inhibitors, targeting the DNMT1–USP7 interaction surface for therapeutic applications.
Quantification of thickness and wrinkling of exfoliated two-dimensional zeolite nanosheets
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Agrawal Kumar Varoon , Tsapatsis Michael , Mkhoyan K. Andre
Published: May 2015

Some two-dimensional (2D) exfoliated zeolites are single- or near single-unit cell thick silicates that can function as molecular sieves. Although they have already found uses as catalysts, adsorbents and membranes precise determination of their thickness and wrinkling is critical as these properties influence their functionality. Here we demonstrate a method to accurately determine the thickness and wrinkles of a 2D zeolite nanosheet by comprehensive 3D mapping of its reciprocal lattice. Since the intensity modulation of a diffraction spot on tilting is a fingerprint of the thickness, and changes in the spot shape are a measure of wrinkling, this mapping is achieved using a large-angle tilt-series of electron diffraction patterns. Application of the method to a 2D zeolite with MFI structure reveals that the exfoliated MFI nanosheet is 1.5 unit cells (3.0 nm) thick and wrinkled anisotropically with up to 0.8 nm average surface roughness.
Reliability of neuronal information conveyed by unreliable neuristor-based leaky integrate-and-fire neurons: a model study
Authors: Lim Hyungkwang , Kornijcuk Vladimir , Seok Jun Yeong , Kim Seong Keun , Kim Inho , Hwang Cheol Seong , Jeong Doo Seok
Published: May 2015

We conducted simulations on the neuronal behavior of neuristor-based leaky integrate-and-fire (NLIF) neurons. The phase-plane analysis on the NLIF neuron highlights its spiking dynamics – determined by two nullclines conditional on the variables on the plane. Particular emphasis was placed on the operational noise arising from the variability of the threshold switching behavior in the neuron on each switching event. As a consequence, we found that the NLIF neuron exhibits a Poisson-like noise in spiking, delimiting the reliability of the information conveyed by individual NLIF neurons. To highlight neuronal information coding at a higher level, a population of noisy NLIF neurons was analyzed in regard to probability of successful information decoding given the Poisson-like noise of each neuron. The result demonstrates highly probable success in decoding in spite of large variability – due to the variability of the threshold switching behavior – of individual neurons.
Insights into the Anaerobic Biodegradation Pathway of n-Alkanes in Oil Reservoirs by Detection of Signature Metabolites
Authors: Bian Xin-Yu , Maurice Mbadinga Serge , Liu Yi-Fan , Yang Shi-Zhong , Liu Jin-Feng , Ye Ru-Qiang , Gu Ji-Dong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: May 2015

Anaerobic degradation of alkanes in hydrocarbon-rich environments has been documented and different degradation strategies proposed, of which the most encountered one is fumarate addition mechanism, generating alkylsuccinates as specific biomarkers. However, little is known about the mechanisms of anaerobic degradation of alkanes in oil reservoirs, due to low concentrations of signature metabolites and lack of mass spectral characteristics to allow identification. In this work, we used a multidisciplinary approach combining metabolite profiling and selective gene assays to establish the biodegradation mechanism of alkanes in oil reservoirs. A total of twelve production fluids from three different oil reservoirs were collected and treated with alkali; organic acids were extracted, derivatized with ethanol to form ethyl esters and determined using GC-MS analysis. Collectively, signature metabolite alkylsuccinates of parent compounds from C1 to C8 together with their (putative) downstream metabolites were detected from these samples. Additionally, metabolites indicative of the anaerobic degradation of mono- and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (2-benzylsuccinate, naphthoate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthoate) were also observed. The detection of alkylsuccinates and genes encoding for alkylsuccinate synthase shows that anaerobic degradation of alkanes via fumarate addition occurs in oil reservoirs. This work provides strong evidence on the in situ anaerobic biodegradation mechanisms of hydrocarbons by fumarate addition.
Limited Sexual Reproduction and Quick Turnover in the Population Genetic Structure of Phytophthora infestans in Fujian, China
Authors: Zhu Wen , Yang Li-Na , Wu E-Jiao , Qin Chun-Fang , Shang Li-Ping , Wang Zong-Hua , Zhan Jiasui
Published: May 2015

The mating system plays an important role in the spatiotemporal dynamics of pathogen populations through both its direct and indirect impact on the generation and distribution of genetic variation. Here, we used a combination of microsatellite and phenotypic markers to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of genetic variation inPhytophthora infestansisolates collected from Fujian, China and to determine the role of sexual reproduction in the dynamics. Although the pathogen populations in this region were dominated by self-fertile genotypes, sexual reproduction only occurred occasionally and its contributions to the population genetic structure ofP. infestansand epidemics of late blight in the region were limited. Only 49 genotypes were detected among the 534 isolates assayed and the pathogen populations displayed significant heterozygosity excess. Hierarchical analysis revealed that 21.42% of genetic variation was attributed to the difference among sampling years while only 4.45% was attributed to the difference among locations, suggesting temporal factors play a more important role in the population genetic dynamics ofP. infestansthan spatial factors in this region. We propose that clonal reproduction, combined with founder effects and long distance dispersal of sporangia, is responsible for the observed pattern of spatiotemporal dynamics inP. infestans.
Nano titania aided clustering and adhesion of beneficial bacteria to plant roots to enhance crop growth and stress management
Authors: Palmqvist N. G. M. , Bejai S. , Meijer J. , Seisenbaeva G. A. , Kessler V. G.
Published: May 2015

A novel use of Titania nanoparticles as agents in the nano interface interaction between a beneficial plant growth promoting bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UCMB5113) and oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus) for protection against the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicae is presented. Two different TiO2 nanoparticle material were produced by the Sol-Gel approach, one using the patented Captigel method and the other one applying TiBALDH precursor. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and nano particle tracking analysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the bacterium was living in clusters on the roots and the combined energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that titanium was present in these cluster formations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy further demonstrated an increased bacterial colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana roots and a semi-quantitative microscopic assay confirmed an increased bacterial adhesion to the roots. An increased amount of adhered bacteria was further confirmed by quantitative fluorescence measurements. The degree of infection by the fungus was measured and quantified by real-time-qPCR. Results showed that Titania nanoparticles increased adhesion of beneficial bacteria on to the roots of oilseed rape and protected the plants against infection.
Multielement stoichiometry of submerged macrophytes across Yunnan plateau lakes (China)
Authors: Xing Wei , Wu Haoping , Shi Qiao , Hao Beibei , Liu Han , Wang Zhixiu , Liu Guihua
Published: May 2015

Stoichiometric homeostasis of element composition is one of the central concepts of ecological stoichiometry. We analyzed concentrations of macroelements (C, N, P, Ca, K, Mg, S), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) and beneficial elements (Na, Se, Si) in submerged macrophytes, water and sediments across 20 Yunnan plateau lakes. We predicted that tissue element composition in submerged macrophytes is affected by lake trophic level and taxonomy and submerged macrophytes have weak stoichiometric homeostasis for all above 16 elements. Canonical discriminant analyses successfully discriminated among trophic level groups and taxa groups. Of all the elements, C, N, P and S most effectively discriminated among trophic level groups across 20 lakes, revealing lake trophic level mostly affect tissue macroelement composition in submerged macrophytes; while Ca, K and Se most effectively discriminated among submerged macrophytes taxa groups, suggesting taxonomy mostly affect compositions of macroelements and beneficial elements in submerged macrophytes. In addition, the stoichiometric homeostatic coefficient of 1/HCa:C for all five taxa of submerged macrophytes were less than zero, suggesting submerged macrophytes in Yunnan plateau lakes have strong Ca stoichiometric homeostasis. Our findings, not only broaden the knowledge of multielement stoichiometric homeostasis, but also help to choose most appropriate lake management strategy.
Caffeine-induced increase in voluntary activation and strength of the quadriceps muscle during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions
Authors: Behrens Martin , Mau-Moeller Anett , Weippert Matthias , Fuhrmann Josefin , Wegner Katharina , Skripitz Ralf , Bader Rainer , Bruhn Sven
Published: May 2015

This study investigated effects of caffeine ingestion (8 mg/kg) on maximum voluntary torque (MVT) and voluntary activation of the quadriceps during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Fourteen subjects ingested caffeine and placebo in a randomized, controlled, counterbalanced, double-blind crossover design. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and 1 h after oral caffeine and placebo intake. MVTs were measured and the interpolated twitch technique was applied during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions to assess voluntary activation. Furthermore, normalized root mean square of the EMG signal was calculated and evoked spinal reflex responses (H-reflex evoked at rest and during weak isometric voluntary contraction) as well as twitch torques were analyzed. Caffeine increased MVT by 26.4 N m (95%CI: 9.3-43.5 N m, P = 0.004), 22.5 N m (95%CI: 3.1-42.0 N m, P = 0.025) and 22.5 N m (95%CI: 2.2-42.7 N m, P = 0.032) for isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Strength enhancements were associated with increases in voluntary activation. Explosive voluntary strength and voluntary activation at the onset of contraction were significantly increased following caffeine ingestion. Changes in spinal reflex responses and at the muscle level were not observed. Data suggest that caffeine ingestion induced an acute increase in voluntary activation that was responsible for the increased strength regardless of the contraction mode.
Monitoring Brain Activity with Protein Voltage and Calcium Sensors
Authors: Storace Douglas A. , Braubach Oliver R. , Jin Lei , Cohen Lawrence B. , Sung Uhna
Published: May 2015

Understanding the roles of different cell types in the behaviors generated by neural circuits requires protein indicators that report neural activity with high spatio-temporal resolution. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP) voltage sensors, which optically report the electrical activity in distinct cell populations, are, in principle, ideal candidates. Here we demonstrate that the FP voltage sensor ArcLight reports odor-evoked electrical activity in the in vivo mammalian olfactory bulb in single trials using both wide-field and 2-photon imaging. ArcLight resolved fast odorant-responses in individual glomeruli and distributed odorant responses across a population of glomeruli. Comparisons between ArcLight and the protein calcium sensors GCaMP3 and GCaMP6f revealed that ArcLight had faster temporal kinetics that more clearly distinguished activity elicited by individual odorant inspirations. In contrast, the signals from both GCaMPs were a saturating integral of activity that returned relatively slowly to the baseline. ArcLight enables optical electrophysiology of mammalian neuronal population activity in vivo.
Deactivation of signal amplification by reversible exchange catalysis, progress towards in vivo application
Authors: Mewis Ryan E. , Fekete Marianna , Green Gary G. R. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: May 2015

The catalyst which is used in the signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) process can be rapidly deactivated, thereby lengthening the relaxation time of the substrate.
Ultrathin carbon layer coated MoO2 nanoparticles for high-performance near-infrared photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Qin , Sun Chunyang , He Qun , Liu Daobin , Khalil Adnan , Xiang Ting , Wu Ziyu , Wang Jun , Song Li
Published: May 2015

Uniform MoO2 nanoparticles coated with ultrathin carbon layers, synthesized by a solvothermal method, were demonstrated as a promising NIR photothermal agent by in vitro and in vivo tests.
Polyaromatic molecular tubes with a subnanometer pore and the guest-induced emission enhancement behavior
Authors: Hagiwara Keita , Otsuki Masafumi , Akita Munetaka , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: May 2015

New polyaromatic molecular tubes with a subnanometer pore (0.8 nm) can bind one molecule of hydrocarbon guests in water with accompanying guest-induced emission enhancement (up to ∼3 times).
The role of surface oxygenated-species and adsorbed hydrogen in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanism and product selectivity on Pd-based catalysts in acid media
Authors: Rahul R. , Singh R. K. , Bera B. , Devivaraprasad R. , Neergat M.
Published: May 2015

Surface adsorbed species can significantly alter the catalytic activity and product selectivity.
Influence of fluoro and cyano substituents in the aromatic and antiaromatic characteristics of cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Sánchez-Sanz Goar , Trujillo Cristina , Rozas Isabel , Alkorta Ibon
Published: May 2015

An exhaustive and systematic study of the structural and electronic properties of cyclooctatetraene (COT) upon substitution of hydrogen atoms by fluoro and cyano groups has been carried out in order to analyse the influence of both substituents on the aromaticity.
An impurity intermediate band due to Pb doping induced promising thermoelectric performance of Ca5In2Sb6
Authors: Feng Zhenzhen , Wang Yuanxu , Yan Yuli , Zhang Guangbiao , Yang Jueming , Zhang Jihua , Wang Chao
Published: May 2015

Pb doping introduces a partially filled intermediate band in the band gap of Ca5In2Sb6, which will increase the electrical conductivity and has little detrimental effect on its Seebeck coefficient.
Mechanical and molecular basis for the symmetrical division of the fission yeast nuclear envelope
Authors: Castagnetti Stefania , Božič Bojan , Svetina Saša
Published: May 2015

Experimental and theoretical evidence shows that symmetrical shapes of the fission yeast dividing nucleus originate from the SPB–chromosome attachments.
1-Naphthol as an ESPT fluorescent molecular probe for sensing thermotropic microenvironmental changes of pluronic F127 in aqueous media
Authors: Swain Jitendriya , Mishra Ashok Kumar
Published: May 2015

Thermotropic microenvironmental changes and the level of hydration in different microenvironments of pluronic F127 (PF127), (PEO106 PPO70 PEO106, average molar mass 13 000) in aqueous media have been studied using 1-naphthol, which is an ESPT fluorescent molecular probe.
Dynamics of single polyelectrolyte chains in salt-free dilute solutions investigated by analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Cao Zhonglin , Wu Sha , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: May 2015

Two concentration regimes are distinguished in polyelectrolyte salt-free dilute solution. The complex dynamics of polyelectrolytes arises due to the interchain electrostatic repulsion.
Correlation of electrochromic properties and oxidation states in nanocrystalline tungsten trioxide
Authors: Darmawi S. , Burkhardt S. , Leichtweiss T. , Weber D. A. , Wenzel S. , Janek J. , Elm M. T. , Klar P. J.
Published: May 2015

In nanocrystalline tungsten trioxide, the main coloration change can be attributed to the formation of W4+.
Aryl-substituted organomolybdenum(ii) complexes as olefin epoxidation catalysts
Authors: Graser Lilian , Reich Robert M. , Cokoja Mirza , Pöthig Alexander , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: May 2015

The epoxidation of selected olefins with a benzyl-substituted organomolybdenum complex and its fluorinated counterpart is described.
Synthesis, structure, and spectral and electrochemical properties of chromium(iii) tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinate)
Authors: Freitas Ana R. , Silva Mónica , Ramos M. Luísa , Justino Licínia L. G. , Fonseca Sofia M. , Barsan Madalina M. , Brett Christopher M. A. , Silva M. Ramos , Burrows Hugh D.
Published: May 2015

Having the HOMO of chromium(iii) tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinate) mainly on metal 3d orbitals and the LUMO on the ligand leads to increased electrochemical stability.
Double-malate bridging tri-lanthanoid cluster encapsulated arsenotungstates: syntheses, structures, luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Ma Pengtao , Wan Rong , Si Yanan , Hu Feng , Wang Yueyan , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: May 2015

Five members of a new family of POM-ligated double-malate bridging tri-lanthanoid clusters have been synthesized and characterized.
Toxicity of lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles in aquatic environments
Authors: Balusamy Brabu , Taştan Burcu Ertit , Ergen Seyda Fikirdesici , Uyar Tamer , Tekinay Turgay
Published: May 2015

The study demonstrated the ecotoxic potential of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles on fresh-water aquatic microalgae Chlorella sp. and the crustacean Daphnia magna. Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles showed no toxic effects on algae and severe toxic effects on the crustacean. Results may play a vital role in the risk assessment process for exposure of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles in aquatic environments.
Introductory lecture: nanoplasmonics
Authors: Brongersma Mark L.
Published: May 2015

Nanoplasmonics or nanoscale metal-based optics is a field of science and technology with a tremendously rich and colourful history. Starting with the early works of Michael Faraday on gold nanocolloids and optically-thin gold leaf, researchers have been fascinated by the unusual optical properties displayed by metallic nanostructures. We now can enjoy selecting from over 10 000 publications every year on the topic of plasmonics and the number of publications has been doubling about every three years since 1990. This impressive productivity can be attributed to the significant growth of the scientific community as plasmonics has spread into a myriad of new directions. With 2015 being the International Year of Light, it seems like a perfect moment to review some of the most notable accomplishments in plasmonics to date and to project where the field may be moving next. After discussing some of the major historical developments in the field, this article will analyse how the most successful plasmonics applications are capitalizing on five key strengths of metallic nanostructures. This Introductory Lecture will conclude with a brief look into the future.
Commercial process for the recovery of metals from ITO etching industry wastewater by liquid–liquid extraction: simulation, analysis of mechanism, and mathematical model to predict optimum operational conditions
Authors: Swain Basudev , Mishra Chinmayee , Hong Hyun Seon , Cho Sung-Soo , Lee Sung kyu
Published: May 2015

A commercial process for the recovery of metals from the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) etching industry wastewater by liquid–liquid extraction has been developed.
Suzuki cross-coupling in aqueous media
Authors: Hoffmann Ina , Blumenröder Bettina , Onodi neé Thumann Silvia , Dommer Sabine , Schatz Jürgen
Published: May 2015

Efficient and generally applicable ligand-less and ligand-supported Suzuki coupling reactions in pure water under aerobic conditions.
Morphology-controlled self-assembly of an amphiphilic perylenetetracarboxylic diimide dimer-based semiconductor: from flower clusters to hollow spheres
Authors: Xu Liuqun , Gao Dameng , Song Jingang , Shen Li , Chen Wenmiao , Chen Yanli , Zhang Shuxiang
Published: May 2015

Morphology-controlled self-assembly of a perylenetetracarboxylic diimide dimer was achieved in THF–H2O mixtures by changing the volume ratios of the solvents. The nanostructures showed a hydrazine-sensing response.
Facile synthesis of drug-conjugated PHPMA core-crosslinked star polymers
Authors: Tucker Bryan S. , Getchell Stephen G. , Hill Megan R. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: May 2015

Poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA), a biocompatible and non-immunogenic polymer, was used to form core-crosslinked star polymers for potential drug delivery applications.
Synthesis of electroconductive hydrogel films by an electro-controlled click reaction and their application to drug delivery systems
Authors: Choi Eun Jung , Shin Jisoo , Khaleel Zinah Hilal , Cha Inhwan , Yun Sang-Ho , Cho Seung-Woo , Song Changsik
Published: May 2015

Electroconductive hydrogels are composed of 3-dimensionally structured hydrogels and conducting molecules with electrical, optical, and reversible redox properties.
Polymers synthesized by RAFT as versatile macrophotoinitiators
Authors: Poly Julien , Cabannes-Boué Benjamin , Hebinger Laura , Mangin Rémy , Sauvage Aurore , Xiao Pu , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques
Published: May 2015

Enhancing the photodissociation efficiency of terminal functionalities in RAFT polymers makes them versatile macrophotoinitiators.
Synthesis and characterization of innovative well-defined difluorophosphonylated-(co)polymers by RAFT polymerization
Authors: The Ho Hien , Coupris Justine , Pascual Sagrario , Fontaine Laurent , Lequeux Thierry , Pham Thi Nhàn
Published: May 2015

Well-defined polymers incorporating difluorophosphonylated moieties in the side-chain and at the chain-end were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. The dealkylation of phosphonate ester groups was achieved in order to target difluorophosphonic acid functionalized polymers.
Ligand–metal-drug coordination based micelles for efficient intracellular doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Bai Lan , Song Fei , Wang Xiao-hui , Cao Jiang-yong-quan , Han Xue , Wang Xiu-li , Wang Yu-zhong
Published: May 2015

A ligand–metal-drug coordination architecture is exploited to construct polymeric micelles with the high efficient loading and pH-triggered release of anticancer drug.
Synthesis, structures, and properties of seven transition metal coordination polymers based on a long semirigid dicarboxylic acid ligand
Authors: Bing Yingying , Yu Meihui , Hu Ming
Published: May 2015

Seven coordination polymers based on a long dicarboxylic acid ligand present diverse structures. The photoluminescence and magnetic properties of some compounds were explored.
Nickel nanoparticles: a highly efficient and retrievable catalyst for the solventless Friedlander annulation of quinolines and their in silico molecular docking studies as histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: Angajala Gangadhara , Subashini Radhakrishnan
Published: May 2015

Highly efficient, solvent-free protocol for the synthesis of polysubstituted quinolinesviaFriedlander annulation using nickel nanoparticles fromAegle MarmelosCorrea aqueous leaf extract.
Synthesis of rattle-type magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@mSiO2@BiOBr hierarchical photocatalyst and investigation of its photoactivity in the degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Li Wei , Tian Yi , Li Peitao , Zhang Baoliang , Zhang Hepeng , Geng Wangchang , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: May 2015

The rattle-type Fe3O4@mSiO2@BiOBr photocatalyst, which is a superior alternative visible-light-driven photocatalyst, was successfully synthesized.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Dy5Pd2: role of magnetic irreversibility
Authors: Paramanik Tapas , Samanta Tapas , Ranganathan R. , Das I.
Published: May 2015

In this report the origin of giant inverse magnetocaloric effect at low temperature region has been studied in cluster glass intermetallic compound Dy5Pd2. In this context the procedure to obtain reversible magnetocaloric effect using Maxwell’s relation has been described.
Colour tuning by the ring roundabout: [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)]+ emitters with sulfonyl-substituted cyclometallating ligands
Authors: Ertl Cathrin D. , Cerdá Jesús , Junquera-Hernández José M. , Pertegás Antonio , Bolink Henk J. , Constable Edwin C. , Neuburger Markus , Ortí Enrique , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: May 2015

A series of fluorine-free blue and green emitting iridium complexes containing sulfone-substituted cyclometallating and pyrazolyl-pyridine ancillary ligands has been synthesized and their properties investigated.
Kinetic and thermodynamic study of polyaniline functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica for magnetic field guided dye adsorption
Authors: Mahto Triveni Kumar , Chandra Soumen , Haldar Chanchal , Sahu Sumanta Kumar
Published: May 2015

An eco-friendly magnetic mesoporous silica iron oxide (MS@Fe3O4) nanoparticles with a high surface area was fabricated using a colloidal chemical method.
Correction: Recent advances in crosslinking chemistry of biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels
Authors: Lin Chien-Chi
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘Recent advances in crosslinking chemistry of biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels’ by Chien-Chi Lin et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 39844–39853.
High rate capability Li3V2¬xNix(PO4)3/C (x = 0, 0.05, and 0.1) cathodes for Li-ion asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Secchiaroli Marco , Giuli Gabriele , Fuchs Bettina , Marassi Roberto , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Dsoke Sonia
Published: May 2015

Nanostructured Li3V2−xNix(PO4)3(x= 0, 0.05, and 0.1) cathodes, thanks to their high rate capability and excellent cycle stability, are proposed as excellent candidates for the development of high energy and high power density Li-ion asymmetric supercapacitors.
Synthesis of a SiO2 nanofibre confined Ni catalyst by electrospinning for the CO2 reforming of methane
Authors: Wen Shipeng , Liang Meili , Zou Junma , Wang Sun , Zhu Xiandong , Liu Li , Wang Zhou-jun
Published: May 2015

A SiO2 nanofibre confined Ni catalyst synthesized by the electrospinning technique exhibited slightly higher activity and much better stability for the carbon dioxide (CO2) reforming of methane.
Facile synthesis of a Co3O4@carbon nanotubes/polyindole composite and its application in all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Zhou Xi , Wang Anqi , Pan Yumei , Yu Chenfei , Zou Yun , Zhou Yang , Chen Qiang , Wu Shishan
Published: May 2015

An all-solid-state flexible supercapacitor that achieves a high specific capacitance of 442.5 F g−1was facilely synthesized based on a Co3O4@carbon nanotubes/polyindole composite.
Electrochemical properties of all-solid-state lithium batteries with amorphous MoS3 electrodes prepared by mechanical milling
Authors: Matsuyama Takuya , Hayashi Akitoshi , Ozaki Tomoatsu , Mori Shigeo , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: May 2015

All-solid-state lithium batteries with amorphous MoS3 showed high reversible capacities for 60 cycles.
Ammonium-based protic ionic liquid doped Nafion membranes as anhydrous fuel cell electrolytes
Authors: Sunda Anurag Prakash
Published: May 2015

The interfacial structure correlation of cation interactions with sulfonate groups (of anion or Nafion) in a [dema][TfO] doped Nafion composite is competitive and equivalent.
Microwave shielding properties of Co/Ni attached to single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Singh B. P. , Saket D. K. , Singh A. P. , Pati Santwana , Gupta T. K. , Singh V. N. , Dhakate S. R. , Dhawan S. K. , Kotnala R. K. , Mathur R. B.
Published: May 2015

Cobalt and nickel nanoparticles attached to single-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared by the dc-arc discharge technique and showed a microwave shielding effectiveness value of 24 dB for a 1.5 mm thick sample in the frequency range 12.4–18 GHz.
Facile synthesis of CoX (X = S, P) as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Jiayuan , Zhou Xuemei , Xia Zhaoming , Zhang Zhiyun , Li Jing , Ma Yuanyuan , Qu Yongquan
Published: May 2015

HER catalytic activity of CoX (X = S, P) nanocatalysts prepared through a facile and controllable synthesis by the chemical conversion of thin Co(OH)2 nanoplates was studied. The better HER performance of CoP could be derived from its intrinsically positive charged nature of the metal center Co, the long bond length of Co–P and the abundant catalytic active sites toward HER.
Deletion of the amino acid transporter Slc6a14 suppresses tumour growth in spontaneous mouse models of breast cancer
Authors: Babu Ellappan , Bhutia Yangzom D. , Ramachandran Sabarish , Gnanaprakasam Jaya P. , Prasad Puttur D. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: May 2015

SLC6A14 mediates Na+/Cl−-coupled concentrative uptake of a broad-spectrum of amino acids. It is expressed at low levels in many tissues but up-regulated in certain cancers. Pharmacological blockade of SLC6A14 causes amino acid starvation in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells and suppresses their proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we interrogated the role of this transporter in breast cancer by deleting Slc6a14 in mice and monitoring the consequences of this deletion in models of spontaneous breast cancer (Polyoma middle T oncogene-transgenic mouse and mouse mammary tumour virus promoter-Neu-transgenic mouse). Slc6a14-knockout mice are viable, fertile and phenotypically normal. The plasma amino acids were similar in wild-type and knockout mice and there were no major compensatory changes in the expression of other amino acid transporter mRNAs. There was also no change in mammary gland development in the knockout mouse. However, when crossed with PyMT-Tg mice or MMTV/Neu (mouse mammary tumour virus promoter-Neu)-Tg mice, the development and progression of breast cancer were markedly decreased on Slc6a14−/− background. Analysis of transcriptomes in tumour tissues from wild-type mice and Slc6a14-null mice indicated no compensatory changes in the expression of any other amino acid transporter mRNA. However, the tumours from the null mice showed evidence of amino acid starvation, decreased mTOR signalling and decreased cell proliferation. These studies demonstrate that SLC6A14 is critical for the maintenance of amino acid nutrition and optimal mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in ER+ breast cancer and that the transporter is a potential target for development of a novel class of anti-cancer drugs targeting amino acid nutrition in tumour cells.
Diagnostic value of nucleic acid amplification tests on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Panwen , Shen Yongchun , Wang Ye , Wan Chun , Feng Mei , Zhu Jing , Yang Ting , Chen Lei , Wen Fuqiang
Published: May 2015

The diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPT) remains a clinical challenge. Many studies suggest that nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) plays a role in diagnosing SNPT, but with considerable varying results. The current study aimed to summarize the overall diagnostic accuracy of NAATs assay on BALF for SNPT. A systematic literature search was performed and data were retrieved. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the overall diagnostic performance. All the statistical analysis was performed by using STATA 12.0 and Meta-DiSc 1.4 software. A total of nine studies with 1214 subjects were included this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.54 [95% CI (confidence interval): 0.48–0.59], 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98), 12.13 (95% CI: 8.23–17.88), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.23–0.56) and 44.71 (95% CI: 22.30–89.63) respectively. The AUC was 0.96. Estimated positive and negative post-probability values for a SNPT prevalence of 20% were 82% and 7% respectively. No publication bias was identified. Current available evidence indicated that NAATs on BALF may play a role in diagnosing SNPT, whereas the results should be interpreted in parallel with clinical information of patients and the results of traditional tests. Further studies should be performed to confirm our findings.
Secrecy outage analysis of MU‐MIMO transmit antenna selection systems with arbitrary number of eavesdropping users
Authors: Hu Yujia , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: May 2015

The secrecy outage performance of multiuser multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) transmit antenna selection systems is analysed, where some of the users overhear transmissions as long as they are not scheduled currently. A general closed‐form expression of secrecy outage probability is derived by ordering the qualities of paths and calculating the joint probability density functions. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the different impacts of multiuser diversity and antenna diversity on the secrecy performance.
Silica aerogel thick film, an alternative to micromachined air gap for thermal insulation
Authors: Seyedjalali M. , Madani M.R.
Published: May 2015

A uniform, smooth and crack‐free multilayer silica aerogel film as thick as 5 µm is successfully coated on top of a silicon wafer. The multilayer spin‐coated aerogel film was made possible by using the present authors' recently developed novel state‐of‐the‐art aerogel processing technique. The utilisation of the thick aerogel film for the thermal insulation of a microhotplate (µHP) is studied. The super heat insulator aerogel can replace the micromachined air cavity conventionally created under µHPs for the fabrication of metal oxide gas sensors. The thermal insulation capability of the unique aerogel film was investigated by measuring the temperature of the nichrome heaters built on the aerogel coated silicon wafers at different applied powers. The temperature coefficient of the resistivity of the heaters was measured by monitoring the change in the resistance of the heaters at different temperatures. Simulations were also performed using COMSOL multiphysics software for verification of the experimental results, showing good agreement.