bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Migration Patterns of US Female Teachers, 1860–80
Authors: Sohn Kitae
Published: October 2015

Recently, a shared understanding has emerged concerning the migration patterns of US female teachers from 1860 to 1880, but the evidence is scattered in the literature and largely qualitative. This paper provides a unifying understanding of their migration patterns based on the US census. Our quantitative findings generally confirm the shared understanding. First, teachers more often migrated to urban than rural areas; higher wages and other forms of compensation in urban areas appear to be the reason. Second, teachers born in the Northeast migrated the most, and the majority went to the Midwest; the Southern movement was never widespread, even during Reconstruction. Third, teachers born in Massachusetts migrated most commonly among teachers born in the Northeast; the oversupply of teachers in the state seems to have been the influencing factor.
PaidiameetsLudus: New York City Municipal Pools and the Infrastructure of Play
Authors: Adiv Naomi
Published: October 2015

From 1870 to the present, the city of New York has built and maintained municipal bathing places including river baths, indoor bathhouses, indoor pools, and outdoor pools, designed around competing motivations of hygiene, recreation, and play. In this paper, I consider what it means for different groups to play in public space using Caillois's (1961) division of ludus—competitive, rule-bound play, and paidia—exuberant, unstructured play. First, using historical examples, I show how these notions of play were expressed in two shifts in the construction of municipal swimming and bathing infrastructure in New York City. In 1870, the enclosure of formerly unstructured bathing spaces at the riverbanks, and the establishment of floating baths in the rivers was meant to structure both time and behavior in the water; in 1936, the construction of 11 enormous swimming pools under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses provided bathing spaces, with recreation at the center of their design program and social function. Second, I offer contemporary ethnographic data from two outdoor pools in Brooklyn to demonstrate how rules around acceptable play are differentially enforced inside of the same institution. Through these historical shifts and contemporary variations, I demonstrate how both the construction and everyday use of municipal bathing infrastructure has been the site of an ongoing tension between ludus and paidia, inflected with urban problematics of class and race.
CME: Therapie der akuten Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Leuenberger Mona , Rudiger Alain
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Eine rasche Diagnosestellung mit umgehendem Behandlungsbeginn ist für den weiteren Verlauf essenziell. Zudem müssen bei Patienten mit akuter Herzinsuffizienz Herzfrequenz und -rhythmus, sowie Vor- und Nachlast optimiert werden. Katecholamine und Levosimendan sind bei reduzierter myokardialer Kontraktiliät indiziert. Wenn damit keine ausreichende Organperfusion hergestellt werden kann, muss ein mechanisches Herzunterstützungssystem evaluiert werden. Nach Stabilisierung des Patienten sollte dieser in eine Herzinsuffizienz-Sprechstunde eingebunden werden.
Evaluation of low doses BPA-induced perturbation of glycemia by toxicogenomics points to a primary role of pancreatic islets and to the mechanism of toxicity
Authors: Carchia E , Porreca I , Almeida P J , D'Angelo F , Cuomo D , Ceccarelli M , De Felice M , Mallardo M , Ambrosino C
Published: October 2015

Epidemiologic and experimental studies have associated changes of blood glucose homeostasis to Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. We took a toxicogenomic approach to investigate the mechanisms of low-dose (1 × 10−9M) BPA toxicity in ex vivo cultures of primary murine pancreatic islets and hepatocytes. Twenty-nine inhibited genes were identified in islets and none in exposed hepatocytes. Although their expression was slightly altered, their impaired cellular level, as a whole, resulted in specific phenotypic changes. Damage of mitochondrial function and metabolism, as predicted by bioinformatics analyses, was observed: BPA exposure led to a time-dependent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, to an increase of ROS cellular levels and, finally, to an induction of apoptosis, attributable to the bigger Bax/Bcl-2 ratio owing to activation of NF-κB pathway. Our data suggest a multifactorial mechanism for BPA toxicity in pancreatic islets with emphasis to mitochondria dysfunction and NF-κB activation. Finally, we assessed in vitro the viability of BPA-treated islets in stressing condition, as exposure to high glucose, evidencing a reduced ability of the exposed islets to respond to further damages. The result was confirmed in vivo evaluating the reduction of glycemia in hyperglycemic mice transplanted with control and BPA-treated pancreatic islets. The reported findings identify the pancreatic islet as the main target of BPA toxicity in impairing the glycemia. They suggest that the BPA exposure can weaken the response of the pancreatic islets to damages. The last observation could represent a broader concept whose consideration should lead to the development of experimental plans better reproducing the multiple exposure conditions.
Early Pliocene onset of modern Nordic Seas circulation related to ocean gateway changes
Authors: De Schepper Stijn , Schreck Michael , Beck Kristina Marie , Matthiessen Jens , Fahl Kirsten , Mangerud Gunn
Published: October 2015

The globally warm climate of the early Pliocene gradually cooled from 4 million years ago, synchronous with decreasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. In contrast, palaeoceanographic records indicate that the Nordic Seas cooled during the earliest Pliocene, before global cooling. However, a lack of knowledge regarding the precise timing of Nordic Seas cooling has limited our understanding of the governing mechanisms. Here, using marine palynology, we show that cooling in the Nordic Seas was coincident with the first trans-Arctic migration of cool-water Pacific mollusks around 4.5 million years ago, and followed by the development of a modern-like Nordic Seas surface circulation. Nordic Seas cooling precedes global cooling by 500,000 years; as such, we propose that reconfiguration of the Bering Strait and Central American Seaway triggered the development of a modern circulation in the Nordic Seas, which is essential for North Atlantic Deep Water formation and a precursor for more widespread Greenland glaciation in the late Pliocene.
Torso-like mediates extracellular accumulation of Furin-cleaved Trunk to pattern the Drosophila embryo termini
Authors: Johnson Travis K. , Henstridge Michelle A. , Herr Anabel , Moore Karyn A. , Whisstock James C. , Warr Coral G.
Published: October 2015

Patterning of the Drosophila embryonic termini is achieved by localized activation of the Torso receptor by the growth factor Trunk. Governing this event is the perforin-like protein Torso-like, which is localized to the extracellular space at the embryo poles and has long been proposed to control localized proteolytic activation of Trunk. However, a protease involved in terminal patterning remains to be identified, and the role of Torso-like remains unknown. Here we find that Trunk is cleaved intracellularly by Furin proteases. We further show that Trunk is secreted, and that levels of extracellular Trunk are greatly reduced in torso-like null mutants. On the basis of these and previous findings, we suggest that Torso-like functions to mediate secretion of Trunk, thus providing the mechanism for spatially restricted activation of Torso. Our data represent an alternative mechanism for the spatial control of receptor signalling, and define a different role for perforin-like proteins in eukaryotes.
Action of multiple intra-QTL genes concerted around a co-localized transcription factor underpins a large effect QTL
Authors: Dixit Shalabh , Kumar Biswal Akshaya , Min Aye , Henry Amelia , Oane Rowena H. , Raorane Manish L. , Longkumer Toshisangba , Pabuayon Isaiah M. , Mutte Sumanth K. , Vardarajan Adithi R. , Miro Berta , Govindan Ganesan , Albano-Enriquez Blesilda , Pueffeld Mandy , Sreenivasulu Nese , Slamet-Loedin Inez , Sundarvelpandian Kalaipandian , Tsai Yuan-Ching , Raghuvanshi Saurabh , Hsing Yue-Ie C. , Kumar Arvind , Kohli Ajay
Published: October 2015

Sub-QTLs and multiple intra-QTL genes are hypothesized to underpin large-effect QTLs. Known QTLs over gene families, biosynthetic pathways or certain traits represent functional gene-clusters of genes of the same gene ontology (GO). Gene-clusters containing genes of different GO have not been elaborated, except in silico as coexpressed genes within QTLs. Here we demonstrate the requirement of multiple intra-QTL genes for the full impact of QTL qDTY12.1 on rice yield under drought. Multiple evidences are presented for the need of the transcription factor ‘no apical meristem’ (OsNAM12.1) and its co-localized target genes of separate GO categories for qDTY12.1 function, raising a regulon-like model of genetic architecture. The molecular underpinnings of qDTY12.1 support its effectiveness in further improving a drought tolerant genotype and for its validity in multiple genotypes/ecosystems/environments. Resolving the combinatorial value of OsNAM12.1 with individual intra-QTL genes notwithstanding, identification and analyses of qDTY12.1has fast-tracked rice improvement towards food security.
Dietary fiber prevents obesity-related liver lipotoxicity by modulating sterol-regulatory element binding protein pathway in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol diet
Authors: Han Shufen , Jiao Jun , Zhang Wei , Xu Jiaying , Wan Zhongxiao , Zhang Weiguo , Gao Xiaoran , Qin Liqiang
Published: October 2015

Adequate intake of dietary fibers has proven metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, molecular mechanisms remain still limited. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of cereal dietary fiber on obesity-related liver lipotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat/cholesterol (HFC) diet and underlying mechanism. Forty-eight adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly given a reference chow diet, or a high fat/choleserol (HFC) diet supplemented with or without oat fiber or wheat bran fiber for 24 weeks. Our results showed mice fed oat or wheat bran fiber exhibtied lower weight gain, lipid profiles and insulin resistance, compared with HFC diet. The two cereal dietary fibers potently decreased protein expressions of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and key factors involved in lipogenesis, including fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in target tissues. At molecular level, the two cereal dietary fibers augmented protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and gamma, liver X receptor alpha and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in target tissues. Our findings indicated that cereal dietary fiber supplementation abrogated obesity-related liver lipotoxicity and dyslipidemia in C57BL/6J mice fed a HFC diet. In addition, the efficacy of oat fiber is greater than wheat bran fiber in normalizing these metabolic disorders and pathological profiles.
M2-polarized macrophages in keratocystic odontogenic tumor: relation to tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Zhong Wen-Qun , Chen Gang , Zhang Wei , Xiong Xue-Peng , Zhao Yi , Liu Bing , Zhao Yi-Fang
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of M2-polarized macrophages and their relationships to angiogenesis in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). M2-polarized macrophages were detected in KCOT samples by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Meanwhile, microvessel density measured with antibody against CD31 was closely correlated with the presence of M2-polarized macrophages. In addition, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) significantly contributed to the activation of M2-polarized macrophages. Moreover, the results of in vitro wound healing, cell migration and tube formation assays further revealed the pro-angiogenic function of M2-polarized macrophage-like cells. This function might be associated with secretion of angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9). This study demonstrates for the first time that M2-polarized macrophages are prevalent in KCOT and their presence is dependent on M-CSF expression. More importantly, these tumor-supportive cells can also promote tumor angiogenesis by secreting angiogenic cytokines.
Analyzing large-scale samples confirms the association between the rs1051730 polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility
Authors: Han Zhijie , Jiang Qinghua , Zhang Tianjiao , Wu Xiaoliang , Ma Rui , Wang Jixuan , Bai Yang , Wang Rongjie , Tan Renjie , Wang Yadong
Published: October 2015

The early genome-wide association studies (GWAS) found a significant association between lung cancer and rs1051730 (15q25) polymorphism. However, the subsequent studies reported consistent and inconsistent results in different populations. Three meta-analysis studies were thus performed to reevaluate the association. But their results remain inconsistent. After that, some new GWAS studies reported conflicting results again. We think that the divergence of these results may be due to small-scale samples or heterogeneity among different populations. Therefore, we reevaluated the association by collecting more samples (N = 33,617 cases and 116,639 controls) from 31 studies, which incorporate 8 new studies and 23 previous studies used by one or more of the three meta-analysis studies. We observed a significant association between lung cancer and rs1051730 in pooled population by using allele (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.27–1.34, P  <  0.0001), dominant (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.29–1.55, P < 0.0001), recessive (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.42–1.65, P < 0.0001) and additive (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.61–1.90, P < 0.0001) models. Through the subgroup analysis, we observed a significant heterogeneity only in East Asian population (P = 0.006, I2 = 66.9%) and the association is significant in all subgroups (OR = 1.2976, 95% CI = 1.2622–1.3339 (European ancestry), OR = 1.5025, 95% CI = 1.2465–1.8110 (African), OR = 1.7818, 95% CI = 1.3915–2.2815 (East Asian), P < 0.0001). We believe that these results will contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism of lung cancer.
Effect of Heat-Inactivated Clostridium sporogenes and Its Conditioned Media on 3-Dimensional Colorectal Cancer Cell Models
Authors: Bhave Madhura Satish , Hassanbhai Ammar Mansoor , Anand Padmaja , Luo Kathy Qian , Teoh Swee Hin
Published: October 2015

Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy continue to have limited efficacy due to tumor hypoxia. While bacterial cancer therapy has the potential to overcome this problem, it comes with the risk of toxicity and infection. To circumvent these issues, this paper investigates the anti-tumor effects of non-viable bacterial derivatives of Clostridium sporogenes. These non-viable derivatives are heat-inactivated C. sporogenes bacteria (IB) and the secreted bacterial proteins in culture media, known as conditioned media (CM). In this project, the effects of IB and CM on CT26 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells were examined on a 2-Dimensional (2D) and 3-Dimensional (3D) platform. IB significantly inhibited cell proliferation of CT26 to 6.3% of the control in 72 hours for the 2D monolayer culture. In the 3D spheroid culture, cell proliferation of HCT116 spheroids notably dropped to 26.2%. Similarly the CM also remarkably reduced the cell-proliferation of the CT26 cells to 2.4% and 20% in the 2D and 3D models, respectively. Interestingly the effect of boiled conditioned media (BCM) on the cells in the 3D model was less inhibitory than that of CM. Thus, the inhibitive effect of inactivated C. sporogenes and its conditioned media on colorectal cancer cells is established.
Antigenic sites on the HN domain of botulinum neurotoxin A stimulate protective antibody responses against active toxin
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Ayyar B. , Tajhya Rajeev B. , Beeton Christine , Zouhair Atassi M.
Published: October 2015

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most toxic substances known. BoNT intoxicates cells in a highly programmed fashion initiated by binding to the cell surface, internalization and enzymatic cleavage of substrate, thus, inhibiting synaptic exocytosis. Over the past two decades, immunological significance of BoNT/A C-terminal heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) domains were investigated extensively leading to important findings. In the current work, we explored the significance of BoNT/A heavy chain N-terminal (HN) region as a vaccine candidate. Mice were immunized with recombinant HN519–845 generating antibodies (Abs) that were found to be protective against lethal dose of BoNT/A. Immuno-dominant regions of HN519–845 were identified and individually investigated for antibody response along with synthetic peptides within those regions, using in vivo protection assays against BoNT/A. Results were confirmed by patch-clamp analysis where anti-HN antibodies were studied for the ability to block toxin-induced channel formation. This data strongly indicated that HN519–593 is an important region in generating protective antibodies and should be valuable in a vaccine design. These results are the first to describe and dissect the protective activity of the BoNT/A HN domain.
Association analyses of large-scale glycan microarray data reveal novel host-specific substructures in influenza A virus binding glycans
Authors: Zhao Nan , Martin Brigitte E. , Yang Chun-Kai , Luo Feng , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: October 2015

Influenza A viruses can infect a wide variety of animal species and, occasionally, humans. Infection occurs through the binding formed by viral surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin and certain types of glycan receptors on host cell membranes. Studies have shown that the α2,3-linked sialic acid motif (SA2,3Gal) in avian, equine and canine species; the α2,6-linked sialic acid motif (SA2,6Gal) in humans; and SA2,3Gal and SA2,6Gal in swine are responsible for the corresponding host tropisms. However, more detailed and refined substructures that determine host tropisms are still not clear. Thus, in this study, we applied association mining on a set of glycan microarray data for 211 influenza viruses from five host groups: humans, swine, canine, migratory waterfowl and terrestrial birds. The results suggest that besides Neu5Acα2–6Galβ, human-origin viruses could bind glycans with Neu5Acα2–8Neu5Acα2–8Neu5Ac and Neu5Gcα2–6Galβ1–4GlcNAc substructures; Galβ and GlcNAcβ terminal substructures, without sialic acid branches, were associated with the binding of human-, swine- and avian-origin viruses; sulfated Neu5Acα2–3 substructures were associated with the binding of human- and swine-origin viruses. Finally, through three-dimensional structure characterization, we revealed that the role of glycan chain shapes is more important than that of torsion angles or of overall structural similarities in virus host tropisms.
Plasma non-esterified docosahexaenoic acid is the major pool supplying the brain
Authors: Chen Chuck T. , Kitson Alex P. , Hopperton Kathryn E. , Domenichiello Anthony F. , Trépanier Marc-Olivier , Lin Lauren E. , Ermini Leonardo , Post Martin , Thies Frank , Bazinet Richard P.
Published: October 2015

Despite being critical for normal brain function, the pools that supply docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to the brain are not agreed upon. Using multiple kinetic models in free-living adult rats, we first demonstrate that DHA uptake from the plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) pool predicts brain uptake of DHA upon oral administration, which enters the plasma NEFA pool as well as multiple plasma esterified pools. The rate of DHA loss by the brain is similar to the uptake from the plasma NEFA pool. Furthermore, upon acute iv administration, although more radiolabeled lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-DHA enters the brain than NEFA-DHA, this is due to the longer plasma half-life and exposure to the brain. Direct comparison of the uptake rate of LPC-DHA and NEFA-DHA demonstrates that uptake of NEFA-DHA into the brain is 10-fold greater than LPC-DHA. In conclusion, plasma NEFA-DHA is the major plasma pool supplying the brain.
Alteration of intracellular protein expressions as a key mechanism of the deterioration of bacterial denitrification caused by copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Su Yinglong , Zheng Xiong , Chen Yinguang , Li Mu , Liu Kun
Published: October 2015

The increasing production and utilization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) result in the releases into the environment. However, the influence of CuO NPs on bacterial denitrification, one of the most important pathways to transform nitrate to dinitrogen in environment, has seldom been studied. Here we reported that CuO NPs caused a significant alteration of key protein expressions of a model denitrifier, Paracoccus denitrificans, leading to severe inhibition to denitrification. Total nitrogen removal efficiency was decreased from 98.3% to 62.1% with the increase of CuO NPs from 0.05 to 0.25 mg/L. Cellular morphology and integrity studies indicated that nanoparticles entered the cells. The proteomic bioinformatics analysis showed that CuO NPs caused regulation of proteins involved in nitrogen metabolism, electron transfer and substance transport. The down-regulation of GtsB protein (responsible for glucose transport) decreased the production of NADH (electron donor for denitrification). Also, the expressions of key electron-transfer proteins (including NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome) were suppressed by CuO NPs, which adversely affected electrons transfer for denitrification. Further investigation revealed that CuO NPs significantly inhibited the expressions and catalytic activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase. These results provided a fundamental understanding of the negative influences of CuO NPs on bacterial denitrification.
Nanoscale volume confinement and fluorescence enhancement with double nanohole aperture
Authors: Regmi Raju , Al Balushi Ahmed A. , Rigneault Hervé , Gordon Reuven , Wenger Jérôme
Published: October 2015

Diffraction ultimately limits the fluorescence collected from a single molecule and sets an upper limit to the maximum concentration to isolate a single molecule in the detection volume. To overcome these limitations, we introduce here the use of a double nanohole structure with 25 nm gap and report enhanced detection of single fluorescent molecules in concentrated solutions exceeding 20 micromolar. The nanometer gap concentrates the light into an apex volume down to 70 zeptoliter (10−21 L), 7000-fold below the diffraction-limited confocal volume. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and time-correlated photon counting, we measure fluorescence enhancement up to 100-fold, together with local density of optical states (LDOS) enhancement of 30-fold. The distinctive features of double nanoholes combining high local field enhancement, efficient background screening and relative nanofabrication simplicity offer new strategies for real time investigation of biochemical events with single molecule resolution at high concentrations.
A feedback regulatory loop involving p53/miR-200 and growth hormone endocrine axis controls embryo size of zebrafish
Authors: Jing Jing , Xiong Shuting , Li Zhi , Wu Junjie , Zhou Li , Gui Jian-Fang , Mei Jie
Published: October 2015

In vertebrates, growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis signaling plays a critical role in regulating somatic growth. Understanding the direct upstream regulators of GH/IGF axis remains a major challenge. Our studies of the zebrafish reveal that the conserved miR-200 family members are critical regulators of embryo size by targeting several GH/IGF axis genes, including GH, GHRa, GHRb and IGF2a. Overexpression of miR-200s led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and induced apoptotic responses during embryo development, thereby inhibiting somatic growth of zebrafish embryos. Intriguingly, GH induced expression of both p53 and miR-200s and miR-200s is a potential p53 transcriptional target, thus forming a negative feedback loop. Significantly, the up-regulation of miR-200s associated with GH activation is abolished in embryos with p53 mutation. By integrating these studies, we conclude that p53/miR-200 and GH/IGF signaling pathway form a negative regulatory loop to control embryo size, that provide critical insights into the long-standing puzzle of how body growth is determined during early development of teleosts.
Rotational dynamics of organic cations in the CH3NH3PbI3perovskite
Authors: Chen Tianran , Foley Benjamin J. , Ipek Bahar , Tyagi Madhusudan , Copley John R. D. , Brown Craig M. , Choi Joshua J. , Lee Seung-Hun
Published: October 2015

Rotational dynamics of organic cations in the CH3NH3PbI3perovskite are revealed by elastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering and group theoretical analysis.
Single-ion 4f element magnetism: an ab-initio look at Ln(COT)2−
Authors: Gendron Frédéric , Pritchard Benjamin , Bolvin Hélène , Autschbach Jochen
Published: October 2015

The orbital and spin magnetizations of the ground state of the Ln(COT)2− series are investigated at the ab-initio level.
[3]Ferrocenophanes with the bisphosphanotetryl bridge: inorganic rings on the way to tetrylenes
Authors: Kargin Denis , Kelemen Zsolt , Krekić Kristijan , Maurer Martin , Bruhn Clemens , Nyulászi László , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: October 2015

Stereoselective syntheses of [3]ferrocenophanes with functional P–E–P motifs (E = SiX2) are reported in which the Si–X bonding depends on the molecular vicinity.
Insertion and isomerisation of internal olefins at alkylaluminium hydride: catalysis with zirconocene dichloride
Authors: Weliange Nandita M. , McGuinness David S. , Gardiner Michael G. , Patel Jim
Published: October 2015

The insertion of internal olefins and chain walking isomerisation at di-n-octylaluminium hydride [Al(Oct)2H], promoted by zirconocene dichloride [Cp2ZrCl2] has been studied.
Thioiminium and thiaphospholanium derived from acetonitrile via nickel(ii)–(2-mercaptophenyl)phosphine complexation
Authors: Chang Hao-Ching , Hsu Yu-Chen , Chen Chia-Hui , Kuo Ting-Shen , Lee Way-Zen
Published: October 2015

The acid produced by nickel complexation drives incorporation of acetonitrile to yield uncommon thioiminium/phospholanium species.
Exploring the reactivity of manganese(iii) complexes with diphenolate-diamino ligands in rac-lactide polymerization
Authors: Daneshmand Pargol , Schaper Frank
Published: October 2015

Diamino-diphenolato manganese(iii) complexes polymerize rac-lactide via a coordination–insertion or an activated monomer mechanism, depending on the ancillary ligand.
Highly nucleophilic dipropanolamine chelated boron reagents for aryl-transmetallation to iron complexes
Authors: Dunsford Jay J. , Clark Ewan R. , Ingleson Michael J.
Published: October 2015

New arylborates chelated by dipropanolamine are readily synthesised from boronic acids and demonstrated to be highly nucleophilic reagents.
Acid–base dynamics in seawater reverse osmosis: experimental evaluation of a reactive transport algorithm
Authors: Nir Oded , Ophek Liron , Lahav Ori
Published: October 2015

An advanced simulation algorithm enabling accurate predictions of acid–base properties in RO brine and permeate was developed and experimentally tested.
New oligonucleotide derivatives as unreactive substrate analogues and potential inhibitors of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APE1
Authors: Kuznetsov Nikita A. , Kupryushkin Maxim S. , Abramova Tatyana V. , Kuznetsova Alexandra A. , Miroshnikova Anastasia D. , Stetsenko Dmitry A. , Pyshnyi Dmitrii V. , Fedorova Olga S.
Published: October 2015

Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APE1 is one of the key enzymes of the base excision DNA repair system.
How fast is the reaction of hydrated electrons with graphene oxide in aqueous dispersions?
Authors: Kahnt Axel , Flyunt Roman , Laube Christian , Knolle Wolfgang , Eigler Siegfried , Hermann Ralf , Naumov Sergej , Abel Bernd
Published: October 2015

Recently the UV photoreduction of graphene oxide in aqueous solution received considerable attention. Here we show that the photoreduction is not governed by the reaction of GO with solvated electrons originating from water.
Nanocrystalline Fe–Fe2O3 particle-deposited N-doped graphene as an activity-modulated Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Dhavale Vishal M. , Singh Santosh K. , Nadeema Ayasha , Gaikwad Sachin S. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: October 2015

A process is reported that is free of interference from surfactants/capping agents and which can ensure the size-controlled dispersion of nanocrystalline Fe–Fe2O3 particles on NGr to serve as a potential electrocatalyst for the ORR.
Tuning the LSPR in copper chalcogenide nanoparticles by cation intercalation, cation exchange and metal growth
Authors: Wolf Andreas , Kodanek Torben , Dorfs Dirk
Published: October 2015

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in copper chalcogenide nanoparticles is fine-tuned by various chemical approaches.
Nanoparticle self-assembly in mixtures of phospholipids with styrene/maleic acid copolymers or fluorinated surfactants
Authors: Vargas Carolyn , Arenas Rodrigo Cuevas , Frotscher Erik , Keller Sandro
Published: October 2015

The lipid interactions of unconventional surfactants are conceptualised in terms of a three-stage model, allowing for a new thermodynamic classification.
Effective and novel enantioselective preparation of pyranopyrazoles and pyranocoumarins that is catalyzed by a quinine-derived primary amine
Authors: Yang Sai , Shen Liu-lan , Kim Yoon-Jung , Jeong Jin-Hyun
Published: October 2015

In this study, we executed an effective and novel enantioselective Michael/cyclodehydration sequential reaction between pyrazolin-5-one (or 4-hydroxy-2-pyrone) and chalcones that is catalyzed by a quinine-derived primary amine L7 in the presence of Boc-d-Phg-OH.
Enantioselective oxidative boron Heck reactions
Authors: Lee A.-L.
Published: October 2015

This review highlights the use of the oxidative boron Heck reaction in enantioselective Heck-type couplings.
Chemical chain termination resolves the timing of ketoreduction in a partially reducing iterative type I polyketide synthase
Authors: Kage Hirokazu , Riva Elena , Parascandolo James S. , Kreutzer Martin F. , Tosin Manuela , Nett Markus
Published: October 2015

Feeding of Ralstonia solanacearum with synthetic probes unravels the programming of a partially reducing iterative type I polyketide synthase.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-secreted cyclic dipeptide – cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl) inhibits biofilm and virulence production in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gowrishankar Shanmugaraj , Kamaladevi Arumugam , Ayyanar Krishnasamy Sorimuthu , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: October 2015

The current study explores the inhibitory efficacy of cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl) (CLP), a cyclic dipeptide fromBacillus amyloliquefacienson the biofilm and virulence production of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).
Preparation of PVA nanocomposites using salep-reduced graphene oxide with enhanced mechanical and biological properties
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Pourbadiei Behzad , Doroudian Mohadeseh , Azari Shahram
Published: October 2015

Hydrogel and film nanocomposites based on PVA with desired mechanical properties are prepared using salep functionalized rGO and proposed as new biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.
A novel chiral electrochemiluminescence sensor that can discriminate proline enantiomers
Authors: Wang Qinghong , Lin Xia , Guo Dongmei , Xu Juanjuan , Xuan Chunzhi , Chen Cui , Fu Yingzi
Published: October 2015

A chiral stereoselective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was constructed by using Ru–AuNPs and β-CD–rGO composites to discriminate proline enantiomers.
Antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility of bio-based nanostructured carbon aerogels derived from silver nanoparticles deposited onto bacterial cellulose
Authors: Yan Ning , Zhou Yabin , Zheng Yudong , Qiao Shuang , Yu Qun , Li Zhongzheng , Lu Haiyang
Published: October 2015

p-BC/AgNP carbon aerogels with excellent reabsorption capacities and mechanical properties were prepared by in situ reduction and carbonization. The aerogels had better antibacterial behavior and biocompatibility due to their slow controlled release of silver.
Crucial role of intestinal barrier in the formation of transgenerational toxicity in quantum dot exposed nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Liu Zhifei , Zhou Xuefeng , Wu Qiuli , Zhao Yunli , Wang Dayong
Published: October 2015

CdTe QDs caused the formation of transgenerational toxicity in nematodes. The intestinal barrier may play a crucial role in combatting the transgenerational toxicity of CdTe QDs.
Injectable polysaccharide hybrid hydrogels as scaffolds for burn wound healing
Authors: Li Ziyi , Yuan Baoming , Dong Xiaoming , Duan Lijie , Tian Huayu , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi
Published: October 2015

In this study, the polysaccharide-based hydrogels were prepared by Schiff base reaction. Then, the hydrogels were applied to a burn wound model of rats, following by skin regeneration.
Synthesis and characterization of novel electrochromic poly(amide-imide)s with N,N′-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine units
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Huei , Teng Chia-Yin , Kung Yu-Ruei
Published: October 2015

Novel redox-stable and multi-colored electrochromic poly(amide-imide)s with N,N′-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine units were synthesized and characterized.
Synthesis, spectral characterization, structural studies, molecular docking and antimicrobial evaluation of new dioxidouranium(vi) complexes incorporating tetradentate N2O2Schiff base ligands
Authors: Ebrahimipour S. Yousef , Sheikhshoaie Iran , Castro Jesús , Dušek Michal , Tohidiyan Zeinab , Eigner Václav , Khaleghi Moj
Published: October 2015

Two new uranyl(vi) Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The antimicrobial activities of these complexes were also investigated against microorganisms.
Water-soluble star-shaped brush-like block copolymers: synthesis and application as multicompartment nanoreactors for fabrication of quantum dot colloidal nanocrystal clusters
Authors: Bai Junjing , Wang Xiaobing , Fu Peng , Cui Zhe , Zhao Qingxiang , Pang Xinchang , Liu Minying
Published: October 2015

Water-soluble multi-arm star-shaped brush-like block copolymers of (PEO-g-PAA)-b-PEO were synthesized and exploited as polymeric nanoreactors to structure-direct in situ fabrication of CdSe QD colloidal nanocrystal clusters.
Fabrication of Ag3PO4/α-Bi2O3 composites with enhanced photocatalytic properties under visible light
Authors: Ding Feng , Zhang Sizhao , Luo Xuegang , Lin Xiaoyan
Published: October 2015

Ag3PO4/α-Bi2O3 hierarchical heterostructures with an improved visible-light response were prepared using a facile and effective co-precipitation hydrothermal method.
Targeting antioxidant pathways with ferrocenylated N-heterocyclic carbene supported gold(i) complexes in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Arambula J. F. , McCall R. , Sidoran K. J. , Magda D. , Mitchell N. A. , Bielawski C. W. , Lynch V. M. , Sessler J. L. , Arumugam K.
Published: October 2015

Ferrocenylated-Au(i) carbenes were designed, synthesized, and studied for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and target antioxidant pathwaysviamultiple mechanisms.
Polydimethylsiloxane bilayer films with an embedded spontaneous curvature
Authors: Egunov A. I. , Korvink J. G. , Luchnikov V. A.
Published: October 2015

A spontaneous curvature is imparted to polydimethylsiloxane films by the extraction of a filler from one of the film layers, giving rise to a new material with self-shaping behavior.
A water-soluble tetraphenylethene based probe for luminescent carbon dioxide detection and its biological application
Authors: Ma Yun , Zeng Yi , Liang Hua , Ho Cheuk-Lam , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: October 2015

A water-soluble tetraphenylethene derivative (TPE-ONa) was developed for luminescent carbon dioxide detection in aqueous solution and porous film, which is able to monitor the variation of external CO2concentration of living cells.
LL-37-induced host cell cytotoxicity depends on cellular expression of the globular C1q receptor (p33)
Authors: Svensson Daniel , Wilk Laura , Mörgelin Matthias , Herwald Heiko , Nilsson Bengt-Olof
Published: October 2015

The human host-defence peptide (HDP) LL-37 not only displays anti-microbial activity but also immune-modulating properties that trigger intracellular signalling events in host cells. Since the cytolytic activity of high LL-37 concentrations affects cell viability, the function of LL-37 requires tight regulation. Eukaryotic cells therefore benefit from protective measures to prevent harmful effects of LL-37. p33, also known as globular C1q receptor (gC1qR), is reported to act as an LL-37 antagonist by binding the peptide, thereby reducing its cytotoxic activity. In the present report, we show that high levels of endogenous p33 correlate with an increased viability in human cells treated with LL-37. Sub-cellular localization analysis showed p33 distribution at the mitochondria, the plasma membrane and in the cytosol. Strikingly, cytosolic overexpression of p33 significantly antagonized detrimental effects of LL-37 on cell fitness, whereas the reverse effect was observed by siRNA-induced down-regulation of p33. However, modulation of p33 expression had no effect on LL-37-induced plasma membrane pore forming capacity pointing to an intracellular mechanism. A scavenging function of intracellular p33 is further supported by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, showing a direct interaction between intracellular p33 and LL-37. Thus, our findings support an important role of intracellular p33 in maintaining cell viability by counteracting LL-37-induced cytotoxicity.
Wavelet‐based index to discriminate between minor inter‐turn short‐circuit and resistive asymmetrical faults in stator windings of doubly fed induction generators: a simulation study
Authors: Roshanfekr Reza , Jalilian Alireza
Published: October 2015

This study investigates two common types of stator winding faults in doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) including inter‐turn short‐circuit fault (ITSCF) and winding resistive asymmetrical fault (WRAF), and compares them with the operation of DFIGs underpower grid voltage unbalance conditions. A complete magnetic equivalent circuit model has been used to model ITSCF and WRAF in the stator windings of DFIG. The aim of this investigation is to discriminate between these types of faults using the rotor‐reference‐voltage signals inside the rotor‐side‐converter control system. A new fault diagnostic index (FDI) is proposed based on normalised energy evaluation of the given signal using the discrete wavelet transform. The accuracy of the proposed FDI has been evaluated by simulation of DFIG performances with Matlab/Simulink software under low number of stator shorted turns conditions, different severities of winding resistive asymmetrical faults, various levels of grid voltage unbalance, various rotor speeds, and various output active powers. Analysis of the simulation results confirms that the proposed FDI can accurately discriminate between ITSCF even with minor shorted turns, WRAF or unbalanced voltages except for the cases with minor asymmetry and healthy conditions of stator winding.
Critical aspects on wavelet transforms based fault identification procedures in HV transmission line
Authors: Adly Ahmed R. , El Sehiemy Ragab A. , Abdelaziz Almoataz Youssef , Ayad Nabil M.A.
Published: October 2015

The fault identification process in transmission systems involves three functions: discrimination, classification and phase selection. The current study classifies the methods that applied for each function. Moreover, this study introduces criticism and assessment study that helps the power system protection engineer to choose the best fault identification scheme at responsible indices. Investigated solutions for the drawbacks appeared with the previous methods are suggested. This study also proposes sensitive and automated fault identification scheme to solve the existing challenges such as high‐impedance faults (HIFs), non‐linear modelling of arcing etc. Several simulation studies are employed using alternative transients program/electromagnetic transient program (ATP/EMTP) package on a sample 500 kV test system to ensure the performances of the proposed scheme compared with the previous methods. Simulation results concluded that: the proposed identification scheme has the ability to discriminate correctly between HIF and low‐impedance faults using current signal captured from one end only. Moreover, the proposed scheme alleviates perfectly the problems associated with load variations by adaptive threshold settings and reduces the impacts on the environmental and external phenomena.
Multiple‐input multiple‐output beam‐space for high‐speed wireless communication in underground mine
Authors: Ghaddar Mohamad , Nedil Mourad , Ben Mabrouk Ismail , Talbi Larbi
Published: October 2015

This study presents a new low‐cost multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) beam‐pace technique to increase the overall link capacity of wireless MIMO communications systems in scatter‐rich underground mines. This technique is based on generating multiple orthogonal beams for data spatial multiplexing using conformal cylindrical‐shape patch arrays. Hence, this study is intended to reveal interests towards the use of conformal MIMO systems for underground mine communications. Two separate 4 × 4 MIMO measurement campaigns are performed and then investigated in a comparative way; the first uses conformal microstrip patch arrays (CMPA), while the second uses conventional planar microstrip patch arrays (PMPA). Based on sweeping‐frequency technique (2.35–2.55) GHz, the channel performance is characterised in terms of path loss, fading distribution, capacity and RMS time dispersion parameters. Whether under a line of sight (LOS) or a non‐LOS (NLOS) condition, the extracted results confirm the performance priority of CMPA for underground mines communications as they further enhance the propagation characteristics and the capacity gain of the channel; under NLOS, a maximal capacity of 12.95 bits/s/Hz is achieved compared to 9.6 bits/s/Hz obtained using PMPA. For LOS and NLOS cases, maximal capacity boosts of up to 0.43 and 3.35 bits/s/Hz are achieved over PMPA, respectively.
Multimode step‐up bidirectional series resonant DC/DC converter using continuous current mode
Authors: Ibanez Federico Martin , Echeverria Jose Martin , Astigarraga Daniel , Fontan Luis
Published: October 2015

This study presents the analysis and results of a technique that allows the conventional series resonant DC/DC converter to work as a step‐up and step‐down converter. The controller can choose between several novel step‐up modes and the traditional step‐down mode. These modes are analysed by presenting their DC characteristics. The choice of mode is governed by the converter's main controller. The converter reduces the operation frequency range and maximises efficiency by selecting the appropriate mode for the particular load and voltage conversion ratio case. Experimental results in a 6 kW prototype validate the analysis and the proposed controller. Finally, the presented converter is compared with a step‐up fixed mode converter in order to appreciate the advantages.
Solar photovoltaic array fed water pump driven by brushless DC motor using Landsman converter
Authors: Singh Bhim , Kumar Rajan
Published: October 2015

This study deals with the use of a Landsman converter for maximum power point tracking in solar photovoltaic (SPV) array‐based water pump driven by a permanent magnet brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The primary function of a DC–DC Landsman converter is to optimise the power output of SPV array and it also provides the safe and soft starting of the BLDC motor with an appropriate control. Amongst various DC–DC converters, Landsman converter meets the desired performance of proposed water pumping system. The starting, dynamic and steady‐state behaviours of the SPV array fed BLDC motor driven water pump are presented to demonstrate the novelty of the proposed system. The SPV fed water pumping system under study is simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment and validated on a developed prototype of the system in order to manifest its performance under practical operating conditions.
Data‐mining‐based fault during power swing identification in power transmission system
Authors: Swetapadma Aleena , Yadav Anamika
Published: October 2015

This study proposes a decision‐tree‐based scheme for detection and classification of fault during power swing in double circuit transmission lines. The power swing may result due to switching in/out of heavy loads, switching of lines, clearance of short‐circuit faults, generator tripping or load shedding. The proposed decision tree approach makes the discrimination among no fault situation/power swing and fault during power swing. The fundamental components of currents and voltages and zero sequence currents measured at only one end of the double circuit line are used as input to decision tree. To ascertain validity of the proposed scheme, it is tested for variation in fault type, fault inception angle, fault location and fault resistance. The main advantage of this proposed scheme is that it detects fault during power swing within half cycle time and classify the type of fault and identify the faulty phase also.
Free-energy coarse-grained potential for C60
Authors: Edmunds D. M. , Tangney P. , Vvedensky D. D. , Foulkes W. M. C.
Published: October 2015

We propose a new deformable free energy method for generating a free-energy coarse-graining potential for C60. Potentials generated from this approach exhibit a strong temperature dependence and produce excellent agreement with benchmark fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Parameter sets for analytical fits to this potential are provided at four different temperatures.
A device for the application of uniaxial strain to single crystal samples for use in synchrotron radiation experiments
Authors: Gannon L. , Bosak A. , Burkovsky R. G. , Nisbet G. , Petrović A. P. , Hoesch M.
Published: October 2015

We present the design, construction, and testing of a straining device compatible with many different synchrotron radiation techniques, in a wide range of experimental environments (including low temperature, high field and ultra-high vacuum). The device has been tested by X-ray diffraction on single crystal samples of quasi-one-dimensional Cs2Mo6Se6 and K2Mo6Se6, in which microscopic strains up to a Δc/c = 0.12% ± 0.01% change in the c lattice parameters have been achieved. We have also used the device in an inelastic X-ray scattering experiment, to probe the strain-dependent speed of sound ν along the c axis. A reduction Δν/ν of up to −3.8% was obtained at a strain of Δc/c = 0.25% in K2Mo6Se6.