bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoactivation of pancreatic trypsinogen is controlled by carbohydrate‐specific interaction
Authors: Ogawa Haruko , Kusumi Izumi , Ogata Aya , Wada Arisa , Sakagami Hiromi , Mitsuhashi Kana , Date Kimie
Published: January 2015

Activation of bovine pancreatic trypsinogen (BPTG) by trypsin (BPT) was found to be inhibited by d GalN/GalNAc at pH 5.5, the pH of secretory granules in the pancreas. Binding studies with biotinylated sugar‐polymers indicated that BPTG and BPT bind to α‐GalNAc, α‐Man, and α‐Gal better at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.5. Ultraviolet‐difference spectra indicated that BPTG binding to α‐GalNAc differs substantially from BPTG binding to other sugars. The N‐α‐benzoyl‐d,l‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide hydrochloride‐hydrolyzing activity of BPT was only slightly affected by these sugars. The results indicate that the binding of GalNAc – containing glycoconjugates protects BPTG from autoactivation, and this may be a self‐defense mechanism against intrapancreatic activation.
Ligand binding specificity of RutR, a member of the TetR family of transcription regulators inEscherichia coli
Authors: Nguyen Le Minh Phu , de Cima Sergio , Bervoets Indra , Maes Dominique , Rubio Vicente , Charlier Daniel
Published: January 2015

RutR is a member of the large family of TetR transcriptional regulators inEscherichiacoli. It was originally discovered as the regulator of therutABCDEFG operon encoding a novel pathway for pyrimidine utilization, but its highest affinity target is the control region of thecarAB operon, encoding carbamoylphosphate synthase. Unlike most other TetR‐like regulators, RutR exerts both positive and negative effects on promoter activity. Furthermore, RutR exhibits a very narrow ligand binding specificity, unlike the broad effector specificity that characterizes some of the well‐studied multidrug resistance regulators of the family. Here we focus on ligand binding and ligand specificity of RutR. We construct single alanine substitution mutants of amino acid residues of the ligand‐binding pocket, study their effect onin vitro DNA binding in absence and presence of potential ligands, and analyse their effect on positive regulation of thecarP1 promoter and negative autoregulationin vivo. Although RutR structures have been determined previously, they were deposited in the Protein Data Bank without accompanying publications. All of them have uracil bound in the effector‐binding site, representing the inactive form of the regulator. We determined the crystal structure of an unliganded mutant RutR protein and provide a structural basis for the use of uracil as sole effector molecule and the exclusion of the very similar thymine from the ligand‐binding pocket.
Hyperplastic polyposis: a case report
Authors: Flauzino Thiago Almeida , Fardin Gabriela N.S. , Sena Adriana F. , Gama Leonardo R.F. , Ribeiro Flávia L.M. , Loureiro Giovanni J.Z. , Gama Luciano P.N. , Gama Rossini C.
Published: January 2015

Objective The authors present a case report of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome from the Coloproctology Service, Vitória Apart Hospital, Vitória-ES.

Case study Our case is a 24-year-old man who suffered from fatigue, malaise and microcytic and hypochromic anemia, whose upper digestive endoscopy presented several hyperplastic polyps in the stomach and whose colonoscopy revealed colonic polyposis mainly in the right colon; the histopathology showed tubular adenoma with moderate atypia in the ascending colon. Thus, a videolaparoscopic right colectomy was performed; the analysis of the surgical fragment showed multiple (more than 30) polyps distributed through the cecum and ascending colon.

Conclusion The histopathological diagnosis of hyperplastic polyposis is a challenging task. In general, most polyps are hyperplastic, but serrated and classic adenomas also occur. These associated adenomatous injuries can be the cause of malignant transformation. So far, there is no consensus about the appropriate treatment; however, a colectomy procedure may be beneficial in a scenario of a large number of hyperplastic polyps, concurrent serrated adenomas, or multiple high-risk adenomatous lesions.
Fecal occult blood test and flexible rectosigmoidoscopy: tools for the screening of colorectal neoplasms in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Jucá Mario Jorge , Assunção Paulo Roberto Torres , Hasten-Reiter Júnior Hermann Nogueira
Published: January 2015

Purpose To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible rectosigmoidoscopy (RSS), as tools used in the CRC screening, in asymptomatic patients, from 50 years of age.

Methods The study is transversal and presents a sample of 102 individuals. The FOBT used was the guaiaco, FECA-CULT® method, held at a single time, in feces collected from a complete evacuation. Individuals, who presented the positive FOBT, were sent to colonoscopy complement, although this is not primary variable examined in this study. All subjects underwent to flexible RSS, after bowel preparation, using a solution of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate.

Results Individuals showed minimum age of 50 years and maximum 82 years, 61.6 years average and standard deviation +8.1. Of the 102 individuals, 42 (41%) belong to the males, whereas 60 (58.8%) female. The FOBT presented 10 positive cases (9.8%) (IC 95%: 4.8–17.3%) and 92 negative cases (90.2%) (IC 95%; 82.7–95.2%). The FOBT was effective at 2.9% and presented false-positive result in 6.9%. The result of the FBOT association with flexible RSS showed that 70% of neoplastic polyps showed no bleeding. Its sensitivity was 30% (IC 95%: 0.00–63.40%), the value of the relative risk was 3.94 (IC 95%: 1.20–12.89) and 5.20 valued odds ratio (IC 95%: −23.15 to 1.21). The specificity was 92.40% (IC 95%: 86.43–98.35%). The flexible RSS detected 15 polyps, among which, after histopathological study, 10 were neoplastic, being 09 adenomatous polyps (60%) and 01 malignity (6.7%) (IC 95%: 0.20–31.90%) and 05 non-neoplastic polyps (33.3%), and 03 inflammatory polyps (20%) (IC 95%: 4.3–48.1%) and 02 hyperplastic polyps (13.3%) (IC 95%: 1.7–40.5%). Neoplastic polyps were present in 60% of individuals over 60 years of age. Among the adenomatous polyps, the adenomatous polyp tubular prevalence is 53.33%. Among the 102 individuals, flexible RSS detected 09 adenomatous polyps (8.82%) and 01 (0.98%) malignity polyp.

Conclusion The tools FOBT and flexible RSS presented feasibility and, when associated demonstrated statistical significance in detecting polyps in general and important clinical significance on the detection of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer.
Sonographically Guided Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injection: Technique and Validation
Authors: Smith Jay , Hackel Joshua G. , Khan Umar , Pawlina Wojciech , Sellon Jacob L.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To describe and validate a practical technique for sonographically guided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injections.

Design

Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation.

Setting

Procedural skills laboratory in a tertiary medical center.

Subjects

Ten unembalmed, cadaveric mid–thigh‐knee‐ankle foot specimens (5 left knees and 5 right knees; 5 male and 5 female) from 10 donors aged 76 to 93 years (mean 85.6 years) with body mass indices of 17.6 to 42.2 kg/m2 (mean 28.8 kg/m2).

Methods

A single, experienced operator used a 22‐gauge, 63.5‐mm stainless steel needle and a 12‐3–MHz linear transducer to inject 1.5 mL of diluted colored latex into the ACLs of 10 unembalmed cadaveric specimens via an in‐plane, caudad‐to‐cephalad approach, long axis to the ACL. At a minimum of 24 hours postinjection, specimens were dissected, and the presence and distribution of latex within the ACL assessed by a study co‐investigator.

Main Outcome

Presence and distribution of latex within the ACL.

Results

All 10 injections accurately delivered latex into the proximal (femoral), midsubstance, and distal (tibial) portions of the ACL. No specimens exhibited evidence of needle injury or latex infiltration with respect to the menisci, hyaline cartilage, or posterior cruciate ligament.

Conclusions

Sonographically guided intra‐ligamentous ACL injections are technically feasible and can be performed with a high degree of accuracy. Sonographically guided ACL injections could be considered for research and clinical purposes to directly deliver injectable agents into the healing ACL postinjury or postreconstruction.
“Bringing Down the Flag”: Removing the Contact Precautions Label for Non-hospitalized Patients with Prior Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection or Colonization
Authors: Carson Paul J. , Danford Mallory , Carson Grace , Hanish Christine , Thompson Jody , Orr Megan , Traynor Michael , Roth Felix , Guerrero Dubert
Published: January 2015

A policy consensus has not been reached regarding discontinuing contact precautions in patients with a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We found that as many as 72% of outpatients flagged for past MRSA were no longer carriers, and a single nasal PCR test provided a reasonable negative predictive value for removing contact precautions.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–3
Is Augustinian faith rational?
Authors: BOESPFLUG MARK
Published: January 2015

The Augustinian conception of faith – according to which faith and belief precede knowledge and understanding – appears to entail an epistemic violation. For Augustine, faith is exercised when a testimonial report that P is believed on the basis of that report. This reconfigures the factors involved in assessing whether what is believed on faith is believed rationally. The specific goal of this article is, however, to determine whether believing specifically Christian testimony – and, thus, faith – is rational. Jonathan Adler identifies six forms of background evidence that constitute epistemic reasons for believing testimony. At least five of them appear to be fulfilled for Augustine in the case of believing Christian testimony. Thus, Augustinian faith is supported by epistemic reasons, and should be considered rational.
Maximally and non-maximally fast escaping points of transcendental entire functions
Authors: SIXSMITH D. J.
Published: January 2015

We partition the fast escaping set of a transcendental entire function into two subsets, the maximally fast escaping set and the non-maximally fast escaping set. These sets are shown to have strong dynamical properties. We show that the intersection of the Julia set with the non-maximally fast escaping set is never empty. The proof uses a new covering result for annuli, which is of wider interest.

It was shown by Rippon and Stallard that the fast escaping set has no bounded components. In contrast, by studying a function considered by Hardy, we give an example of a transcendental entire function for which the maximally and non-maximally fast escaping sets each have uncountably many singleton components.
AMBONESE MUSLIM JIHADISTS, ISLAMIC IDENTITY, AND THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN–MUSLIM RIVALRY IN THE MOLUCCAS, EASTERN INDONESIA
Authors: Al Qurtuby Sumanto
Published: January 2015

From 1999 to 2004, communal violence between Christians and Muslims broke out in the Moluccas of northeastern Indonesia, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and displacing hundreds of thousands of others. Unlike previous studies and analyses that give much attention to the political economy of the conflict, the dynamics of national politics, and the role of security forces – particularly the army and the police – and non-Moluccas Muslim jihadists and combatants in initiating and orchestrating the violence, this article mainly focuses on the contributions of religion, especially Islam, the dynamics of the Moluccas' local history and politics, and the role of Ambonese or Moluccan Muslim social actors and jihadists during the carnage. Focusing mainly on Maluku province, this article discusses how the local militant religious leaders framed the violence, recruited, and mobilized the masses in the combat zone, and how the local ordinary Muslim fighters portrayed – and became involved in – the wars, used religious narratives, discourses, symbols, and teachings to give theological legitimacy to the battle, and transformed their everyday experiences through the fighting. Lastly, it examines factors that contributed to the militancy and radicalism of those involved in the violence and investigates a process of radicalization of various Muslim groupings in the Moluccas that could provide a rationale for the eruption of the interreligious violence.
MERCHANTS, MANDARINS, AND THE RAILWAY: INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE AND THE WUSONG RAILWAY, 1874–1877
Authors: Wang Hsien-Chun
Published: January 2015

This article is an institutional study on the history of the ill-fated Wusong Railway, China's first operational railway. The nine-mile light railway was built by the British firm Jardine, Matheson & Co. without the Qing government's permission. After negotiations with British diplomats, the Qing government agreed to purchase the line but the reformist governor-general Shen Baozhen later ordered it to be removed to Taiwan. Unfortunately funds were never provided for the rebuilding work. This article argues that it was the Qing government's failure to raise funds for capital-intensive projects that led to the railway's final destruction.
Comprehensive or BIT by BIT: The ACIA and Indonesia's BITs
Authors: LOSARI Junianto James
Published: January 2015

The entry into force of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) in 2012 brought ASEAN closer towards the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. Nonetheless, a new concern arises regarding the fate of twenty-six Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that exist among the ASEAN governments. This may raise confusion for the ASEAN governments regarding the applicable standards of investment protection to grant investors. Indonesia was chosen as a case-study because its Investment Coordinating Board recognizes the importance of understanding Indonesia's obligations under the BITs within the context of the ACIA regime, and is in the midst of reviewing its BITs. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding of the interactions between and among these agreements to ensure that the ASEAN governments’ policies comply with their legal obligations. It also provides recommendations on how they could streamline the standards and work towards a single regime of investment protection.
Effect of Menopausal Status on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Presence of Carotid Plaque in Chinese Women Generation Population
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wang Dandan , Yang Xin , Wang Anxin , Gao Xiang , Guo Yuming , Wu Shouling , Zhao Xingquan
Published: January 2015

Menopause is an important physiological stage in women's life. The potential association of menopause with carotid intima-media thickness as well as with occurrence and stability of carotid plaque in Chinese female population is unclear. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study by recruiting 2,131 participants aged above 40 years from northeast of China. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), presence of carotid plaque and its stability were evaluated by carotid duplex sonography. Among the participants, 1,133 (53.2%) were identified to be postmenopausal. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, presence of CIMT at 50th- 75th and ≥75th percentiles, carotid plaque and its unstable status were found to be significantly associated with the postmenopausal status (P < 0.001). When matched the participants by age, post-menopausal status was still associated with a higher risk of having unstable plaque. Moreover, our data show that postmenopausal status is a risk factor for intracranial arterial stenosis when compared with premenopausal status in the univariate analysis (OR = 1.314, P = 0.043) and such relationship is lost when the confounding factors are adjusted (OR = 0.828, P = 0.225). In conclusion, the vascular risk factors increase as the menopausal status changes. Compared with premenopausal status, postmenopausal status is associated with higher morbidity of CIMT, carotid plaque and its unstable status.
Novel codon-optimized mini-intronic plasmid for efficient, inexpensive and xeno-free induction of pluripotency
Authors: Diecke Sebastian , Lu Jiamiao , Lee Jaecheol , Termglinchan Vittavat , Kooreman Nigel G. , Burridge Paul W. , Ebert Antje D. , Churko Jared M. , Sharma Arun , Kay Mark A. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2015

The development of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has revolutionized the regenerative medicine field. This technology provides a powerful tool for disease modeling and drug screening approaches. To circumvent the risk of random integration into the host genome caused by retroviruses, non-integrating reprogramming methods have been developed. However, these techniques are relatively inefficient or expensive. The mini-intronic plasmid (MIP) is an alternative, robust transgene expression vector for reprogramming. Here we developed a single plasmid reprogramming system which carries codon-optimized (Co) sequences of the canonical reprogramming factors (Oct4, Klf4, Sox2 and c-Myc) and short hairpin RNA against p53 ("4-in-1 CoMiP"). We have derived human and mouse iPSC lines from fibroblasts by performing a single transfection. Either independently or together with an additional vector encoding for LIN28, NANOG and GFP, we were also able to reprogram blood-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into iPSCs. Taken together, the CoMiP system offers a new highly efficient, integration-free, easy to use and inexpensive methodology for reprogramming. Furthermore, the CoMIP construct is color-labeled, free of any antibiotic selection cassettes and independent of the requirement for expression of the Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen (EBNA), making it particularly beneficial for future applications in regenerative medicine.
Reference gene selection for cross-species and cross-ploidy level comparisons in Chrysanthemum spp.
Authors: Wang Haibin , Chen Sumei , Jiang Jiafu , Zhang Fei , Chen Fadi
Published: January 2015

The establishment of a (set of) stably expressed reference gene(s) is required to normalize transcription data. Polyploidy is very common in the plant kingdom, but it is not necessarily the case that a reference gene which works well at the diploid level will also work well at the polyploid level. Here, ten candidate reference genes are compared in the context of gene transcription in the genus Chrysanthemum. The robustness of some, but not all, of these was shown to be high across ploidy levels. MTP (metalloprotease) and ACTIN (actin) were the most stable in diploid and tetraploid C. nankingense, while PSAA (photosynthesis-related plastid gene representing photosystem I) and EF-1α (elongation factor-1α) were the most stable in tetraploid and hexaploid C. zawadskii.EF-1α and PGK (phosphoglycerate kinase) was the best combination for the complete set of four taxa. These results suggest that when making cross-species comparison of transcript abundance involving different ploidy levels, care needs to be taken in the selection of reference gene(s).
Universal enantioselective discrimination by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Noack Kristina
Published: January 2015

A novel Raman spectroscopy approach allows universal enantioselective discrimination, structural and compositional analysis, as well as investigating molecular interactions.
In-gel detection of biotin–protein conjugates with a green fluorescent streptavidin probe
Authors: Sorenson Alanna E. , Askin Samuel P. , Schaeffer Patrick M.
Published: January 2015

A simple quantitative in-gel detection system was developed for measuring production of biotin–protein conjugates using a green fluorescent streptavidin probe.
Core–shell SiO2@LDHs with tuneable size, composition and morphology
Authors: Chen Chunping , Felton Ryan , Buffet Jean-Charles , O'Hare Dermot
Published: January 2015

We present here a simple method for the synthesis of core–shell SiO2@LDH (LDH: layered double hydroxide) particles using an in situ co-precipitation method without any pretreatment.
Directed flexibility: self-assembly of a supramolecular tetrahedron
Authors: Ludlow III James M. , Xie Tingzheng , Guo Zaihong , Guo Kai , Saunders Mary Jane , Moorefield Charles N. , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Newkome George R.
Published: January 2015

Self-assembly of 4 terpyridine-modified, flexible crown ether ligands with 12 Zn2+ ions results in high yield tetrahedron construction.
The dielectric study of insulin-loaded reverse hexagonal (HII) liquid crystals
Authors: Mishraki-Berkowitz T. , Ben Ishai P. , Aserin A. , Feldman Yu. , Garti N.
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the structural, dynamic, and kinetic aspects of the insulin-loaded HII mesophase (containing GMO–TAG–water–glycerol–insulin) and the two empty reference systems (GMO–TAG–water and GMO–TAG–water–glycerol). Schematic representation of an insulin-loaded water–glycerol-filled HII cylinder, at 290 K.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of a “face-to-face” stacked tetracene dimer
Authors: Liu Heyuan , Nichols Valerie M. , Shen Li , Jahansouz Setarah , Chen Yuhan , Hanson Kerry M. , Bardeen Christopher J. , Li Xiyou
Published: January 2015

The first “face-to-face” stacked tetracene dimer is prepared and its photophysical properties are studied.
Decomposition of fluorophosphoryl diazide: a joint experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Li Dingqing , Li Hongmin , Zhu Bifeng , Zeng Xiaoqing , Willner Helge , Beckers Helmut , Neuhaus Patrik , Grote Dirk , Sander Wolfram
Published: January 2015

The stepwise decomposition of fluorophosphoryl diazide (FP(O)(N3)2), via nitrene (FP(O)(N3)N) and the cyclic intermediate (FP(O)N2), was experimentally and theoretically studied.
Low-cost, high-throughput fabrication of cloth-based microfluidic devices using a photolithographical patterning technique
Authors: Wu Peijing , Zhang Chunsun
Published: January 2015

Simple, low-cost and high-throughput fabrication of microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices (μCADs) using a photolithographical patterning technique.
Extravasation of Pt-based chemotherapeutics – bioimaging of their distribution in resectates using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
Authors: Egger Alexander E. , Kornauth Christoph , Haslik Werner , Hann Stephan , Theiner Sarah , Bayer Günther , Hartinger Christian G. , Keppler Bernhard K. , Pluschnig Ursula , Mader Robert M.
Published: January 2015

Spatially resolved quantification of platinum distribution in patients that exhibited extravasation was feasible up to 4 weeks upon drug application.
Iron-dependent turnover of IRP-1/c-aconitase in kidney cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Templeton Douglas M.
Published: January 2015

Iron decreases IRP-1 protein levels in renal cells in a ROS-independent manner, while increasing both aconitase activity and glutamate levels.
Size- and surface chemistry-dependent pharmacokinetics and tumor accumulation of engineered gold nanoparticles after intravenous administration
Authors: Wang Jing , Bai Ru , Yang Ru , Liu Jing , Tang Jinglong , Liu Ying , Li Jiayang , Chai Zhifang , Chen Chunying
Published: January 2015

It is important and essential to study the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of gold nanoparticles for safer and more efficient therapeutic purposes.
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of mono and dinuclear macrocyclic cobalt(ii) complexes with a new tetraaza m-xylyl-based macrocyclic ligand
Authors: Khandar Ali Akbar , Kirschbaum Kristin , Abedi Marjan , Mock Kristi , Tracy Greg , Spasojevic Vojislav , Hosseini-Yazdi Seyed Abolfazl
Published: January 2015

Synthesis, characterization, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic susceptibility and crystal structures of mono and dinuclear macrocyclic cobalt(ii) complexes have been investigated.
Silver modified carbon quantum dots for solvent-free selective oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Liu Naiyun , Qiao Shi , Liu Ruihua , Huang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: January 2015

The silver modified carbon quantum dots (Ag–CQDs) exhibit excellent catalytic ability for cyclohexane oxidation under visible light.
Silver nanoparticle-embedded polymersome nanocarriers for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections
Authors: Geilich Benjamin M. , van de Ven Anne L. , Singleton Gloria L. , Sepúlveda Liuda J. , Sridhar Srinivas , Webster Thomas J.
Published: January 2015

The combination of hydrophobic silver nanoparticles and hydrophilic ampicillin inside polymersomes inhibits the growth of drug resistantEscherichia coliin a synergistic, dose-dependent manner.
Exploration of the active site of β4GalT7: modifications of the aglycon of aromatic xylosides
Authors: Siegbahn Anna , Thorsheim Karin , Ståhle Jonas , Manner Sophie , Hamark Christoffer , Persson Andrea , Tykesson Emil , Mani Katrin , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla , Widmalm Göran , Ellervik Ulf
Published: January 2015

β4GalT7 is an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans. Modifications at the anomeric center of aromatic xylosides change the galactosylation efficiency significantly.
Continuous l-lactic acid production from defatted rice bran hydrolysate using corn stover bagasse immobilized carrier
Authors: Li Lun , Cai Di , Wang Chengyu , Han Juntian , Ren Wenqiang , Zheng Jia , Wang Zheng , Tan Tianwei
Published: January 2015

In this paper, l-lactic acid (LLA) was produced using defatted rice bran hydrolysate.
Diffusion of alkali metals in the first stage graphite intercalation compounds by vdW-DFT calculations
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Ratvik Arne Petter , Grande Tor , Selbach Sverre M.
Published: January 2015

The diffusion constant of alkali metals in graphite intercalation compounds is proportional to the graphene interlayer distance.
A sensitive electrochemical sensor for direct phoxim detection based on an electrodeposited reduced graphene oxide–gold nanocomposite
Authors: Zheng Yuhong , Wang Aiwu , Lin Haitao , Fu Li , Cai Wen
Published: January 2015

The principal objective of this study was to develop a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for phoxim detection based on a reduced graphene oxide–gold nanocomposite (RGO–Au) modified grassy carbon electrode (GCE).
Tetra-butylphosphonium arginine-based ionic liquid-promoted cyclization of 2-aminobenzonitrile with carbon dioxide
Authors: Lang Xian-Dong , Zhang Shuai , Song Qing-Wen , He Liang-Nian
Published: January 2015

Tetra-butylphosphonium arginine-based IL able to activate both amino-groups and CO2 proved to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones from 2-aminobenzonitriles and CO2 under solvent-free conditions.
One-pot synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from carbohydrates using an inexpensive FePO4 catalyst
Authors: Yang Li , Yan Xiaopei , Xu Siquan , Chen Hao , Xia Haian , Zuo Songlin
Published: January 2015

A “double character” FePO4 catalyst, which acts as a homogeneous catalyst at high temperature, was used to produce 5-HMF starting from cellulose and woody biomass without the addition of homogeneous acids.
Flexible organic field-effect transistors with high-reliability gate insulators prepared by a room-temperature, electrochemical-oxidation process
Authors: Sun Sheng , Lan Linfeng , Xiao Peng , Lin Zhenguo , Xu Hua , Xu Miao , Peng Junbiao
Published: January 2015

Flexible OFETs with electrochemically oxidized gate insulators (AlOx:Nd) covered by a thin layer of Cytop were fabricated on a PEN substrate. The device exhibited higher mobility and better electrical stability.
Xylene sensor based on α-MoO3nanobelts with fast response and low operating temperature
Authors: Jiang Dingsheng , Wang Ying , Wei Wei , Li Feng , Li Yujia , Zhu Linghui , Feng Caihui , Liu Caixia , Ruan Shengping
Published: January 2015

The best condition of the α-MoO3nanobelts was researchedviahydrothermal treatment strategy. α-MoO3nanobelts showed rapid response and low working temperature to xylene detection.
A novel tri-layered photoanode of hierarchical ZnO microspheres on 1D ZnO nanowire arrays for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kang Xiaohui , Jia Chunyang , Wan Zhongquan , Zhuang Jia , Feng Juan
Published: January 2015

A novel tri-layered ZnO nanostructure, consisting of ZnO nanowires as the underlayer, small ZnO hierarchical microspheres as the interlayer and large ZnO hierarchical microspheres as the overlayer, was designed and studied as a photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells.
A novel approach to size separation of gold nanoparticles by capillary electrophoresis–evaporative light scattering detection
Authors: Bouri Mohamed , Salghi Rachid , Algarra Manuel , Zougagh Mohammed , Ríos Angel
Published: January 2015

A simple and rapid methodology to separate and characterize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous medium by capillary electrophoresis–evaporative light scattering detection (CE–ELSD) is presented.
Engineering a FRET strategy to achieve a ratiometric two-photon fluorescence response with a large emission shift and its application to fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yuan Lin , Jin Fangping , Zeng Zebing , Liu Chengbin , Luo Shenglian , Wu Jishan
Published: January 2015

A FRET strategy was applied to develop a ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe with a large emission shift for imaging in cells and tissues.
High-performance lithium/sulfur batteries by decorating CMK-3/S cathodes with DNA
Authors: Li Qiyang , Zhou Chenggang , Ji Zhuan , Han Bo , Feng Liang , Wu Jinping
Published: January 2015

A small quantity of DNA incorporated into a CMK-3/S cathode anchors soluble polysulfides for considerable improvement in the cycling performance of Li/S batteries.
Effect of synthetic routes on the rate performance of Li-rich layered Li1.2Mn0.56Ni0.12Co0.12O2
Authors: Fu Fang , Wang Qi , Deng Ya-Ping , Shen Chong-Heng , Peng Xin-Xing , Huang Ling , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: January 2015

Different morphologies and compositions of Li-rich layered cathode materials of Li1.2Mn0.56Ni0.12Co0.12O2 (LMNCO) are successfully synthesized by solvothermal and coprecipitation methods. The sample prepared by the solvothermal method exhibits superior performance in rate capability and discharge capacity.
Metal and F dual-doping to synchronously improve electron transport rate and lifetime for TiO2 photoanode to enhance dye-sensitized solar cells performances
Authors: Duan Yandong , Zheng Jiaxin , Xu Ming , Song Xiaohe , Fu Nianqing , Fang Yanyan , Zhou Xiaowen , Lin Yuan , Pan Feng
Published: January 2015

The metal and F dual-doping can synchronously improve electron transport rate and lifetime for high performance TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells.
Biocompatible and antifouling coating of cell membrane phosphorylcholine and mussel catechol modified multi-arm PEGs
Authors: Dang Yuan , Quan Miao , Xing Cheng-Mei , Wang Yan-Bing , Gong Yong-Kuan
Published: January 2015

Phosphorylcholine and catechol doubly functionalized 8-arm PEGs simplify coating immobilization on material-independent substrates with improved biocompatibility.
Rhodium-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes via tetrazole-directed C–H activation
Authors: Chen Bin , Jiang Yan , Cheng Jiang , Yu Jin-Tao
Published: January 2015

A rhodium-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes with aryl tetrazoles through tetrazole-directed C–H activation was developed.
A GGCT fluorogenic probe: design, synthesis and application to cancer-related cells
Authors: Yoshiya Taku , Ii Hiromi , Tsuda Shugo , Kageyama Susumu , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro , Nishiuchi Yuji
Published: January 2015

Cancer-related γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) specifically decomposes γ-glutamyl amino acids. Here we report a novel GGCT fluorogenic probe “LISA-101”.
Controllable synthesis of high quality monolayer WS2 on a SiO2/Si substrate by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Fu Qi , Wang Wenhui , Yang Lei , Huang Jian , Zhang Jingyu , Xiang Bin
Published: January 2015

Tungsten disulfide (WS2), with its transformation from indirect to direct band transitions when scaled down to a monolayer, exhibits great potential for future micro-device applications.
Synthesis and properties of a bio-based epoxy resin from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)
Authors: Deng Jun , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Chao , Jiang Yanhua , Zhu Jin
Published: January 2015

Based on the properties comparison between FDCA-based epoxy and TPA-based epoxy, FDCA has been regarded as an ideal renewable platform chemical for the synthesis of thermosetting resins with high performance.
Green synthesis and pharmacological screening of polyhydroquinoline derivatives bearing a fluorinated 5-aryloxypyrazole nucleus
Authors: Karad Sharad C. , Purohit Vishal B. , Raval Dipak K. , Kalaria Piyush N. , Avalani Jemin R. , Thakor Parth , Thakkar Vasudev R.
Published: January 2015

Green synthesis, biological evaluation and SAR study of polyhydroquinoline scaffold bearing fluorinated 5-aryloxypyrazole nucleus is discussed.
Direct growth of FePO4/reduced graphene oxide nanosheet composites for the sodium-ion battery
Authors: Liu Yao , Xu Shuojiong , Zhang Shiming , Zhang Junxi , Fan Jinchen , Zhou Yirong
Published: January 2015

The direct growth of FePO4/reduced graphene oxide nanosheet composite cathode material for sodium-ion batteries via a micro-emulsion technique, which exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.
Acceptance Noise Level: Effects of the Speech Signal, Babble, and Listener Language
Authors: Shi Lu-Feng , Azcona Gabrielly , Buten Lupe
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The acceptable noise level (ANL) measure has gained much research/clinical interest in recent years. The present study examined how the characteristics of the speech signal and the babble used in the measure may affect the ANL in listeners with different native languages.

Method

Fifteen English monolingual, 16 Russian–English bilingual, and 24 Spanish–English bilingual listeners participated. The ANL was obtained in eight conditions varying in the language of the signal (English and Spanish), language of the babble (English and Spanish), and number of talkers in the babble (4 and 12). Test conditions were randomized across listeners. The ANL for each condition was based on a minimum of two trials.

Results

Russian–English bilinguals yielded higher ANLs than other listeners; the intergroup difference of 4–5 dB was statistically and clinically significant. Spanish signals yielded significantly higher ANLs than English signals, but this difference of 0.5 dB was clinically negligible. The language and composition of the babble had a significant effect on Russian–English bilinguals, who yielded higher ANLs with the Spanish than English 12-talker babble.

Conclusion

The above findings do not fully support the notion that the ANL is language- and population-independent. Clinicians should be aware of possible effects on ANL measures due to listeners' linguistic/cultural background.
The Efficacy of Stuttering Measurement Training: Evaluating Two Training Programs
Authors: Bainbridge Lauren A. , Stavros Candace , Ebrahimian Mineh , Wang Yuedong , Ingham Roger J.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Two stuttering measurement training programs currently used for training clinicians were evaluated for their efficacy in improving the accuracy of total stuttering event counting.

Method

Four groups, each with 12 randomly allocated participants, completed a pretest–posttest design training study. They were evaluated by their counts of stuttering events on eight 3-min audiovisual speech samples from adults and children who stutter. Stuttering judgment training involved use of either the Stuttering Measurement System (SMS), Stuttering Measurement Assessment and Training (SMAAT) programs, or no training. To test for the reliability of any training effect, SMS training was repeated with the 4th group.

Results

Both SMS-trained groups produced approximately 34% improvement, significantly better than no training or the SMAAT program. The SMAAT program produced a mixed result.

Conclusions

The SMS program was shown to produce a “medium” effect size improvement in the accuracy of stuttering event counts, and this improvement was almost perfectly replicated in a 2nd group. Half of the SMAAT judges produced a 36% improvement in accuracy, but the other half showed no improvement. Additional studies are needed to demonstrate the durability of the reported improvements, but these positive effects justify the importance of stuttering measurement training.
Position convergence of informed agents in flocking problem with general linear dynamic agents
Authors: Yazdani Sahar , Haeri Mohammad
Published: January 2015

In most existing works on the flocking problem, results were obtained for the case where a double integrator dynamic is used to describe motion of agents and virtual leader. These results, however, may not be generalised to agents with general linear dynamic. In this study, it is shown that in the flocking of agents with a linear dynamic, the velocity convergence of agents does not generally lead to the position convergence of informed agents and the position convergence is possible only for a specified group of linear dynamics. In this study, a control protocol is proposed to flock agents with specified linear dynamics and guarantee the velocity convergence of all agents as well as average position convergence of informed agents to those of the virtual leader.
Recognition improvement through the optimisation of learning instances
Authors: Wu Hao , Miao Zhenjiang , Chen Jingyue , Yang Jie , Gao Xing
Published: January 2015

Image recognition based on machine learning has been widely utilised in the computer vision field. In the image recognition process, quite a few positive and negative instances are needed for effective machine learning. However, some invalid instances selected from the instance candidates, particularly for negative instances, will result in reduced image recognition accuracy and wasted resources. When making the instance selections for machine learning, if a large number of negative instances are selected that exhibit a semantic distance too close to the positive instances, the recognition accuracy will be considerably reduced. The selection of valid negative instances from the instance candidates has become a new challenge in the field of computer vision. In this paper a new method containing several different algorithms is presented, that more effectively selects valid negative instances. In this innovative process, a Wordnet subtree, semantic distance based on feature descriptors and an improved K‐nearest neighbour model were all utilised. Experiments were implemented using a large database to determine the effectiveness of this method. The results have demonstrated that this method can significantly improve the recognition results.
Forward search algorithm based on dynamic programming for real‐time adaptive traffic signal control
Authors: Yin Biao , Dridi Mahjoub , El Moudni Abdellah
Published: January 2015

The scheduling of traffic signal at intersections is involved in an application of artificial intelligence system. This study presents a new forward search algorithm based on dynamic programming (FSDP) under a decision tree, and explores an efficient solution for real‐time adaptive traffic signal control policy. Traffic signal control with cases of fixed phase sequence and variable phase sequence are both considered in the algorithm. Owing to the properties of forward research dynamic programming and the process optimisation of repeated or invalid traffic states the authors proposed, FSDP algorithm reduces the number of states and saves much computation time. Consequently, FSDP is certain to be an on‐line algorithm through its application to a complicated traffic control problem. Moreover, the labelled position method is firstly proposed in the author's study to search the optimal policy after reaching the goal state. For practical operations, this new algorithm is extended by adding the rolling horizon approach, and some derived methods are compared with the optimal fixed‐time control and adaptive control on the evaluation of traffic delay. Experimental results obtained by the simulations of symmetrical and asymmetrical traffic flow scenarios show that the FSDP method can perform quite well with high efficiency and good qualities in traffic control.
Driving simulator‐based study of compliance behaviour with dynamic message sign route guidance
Authors: Ardeshiri Anam , Jeihani Mansoureh , Peeta Srinivas
Published: January 2015

This study uses a hybrid approach that incorporates a driving simulator (DS) in conjunction with a stated preference (SP) survey to analyse driver response behaviour under real‐time route guidance through dynamic message signs (DMSs). It seeks to better understand factors affecting the route choice decisions by bridging some of the key gaps that limit the applicability of SP approaches. A 400 km2 network southwest of the Baltimore metro area is used for the DS‐based analysis with over 100 participants. The results illustrate that past exposure to DMS, travel time savings, DMS information reliability and learning from past experience are important determinants of driver response behaviour in the real world. Moreover, in addition to travel time, inertia and anchoring effects can significantly influence choice decisions. This study also illustrates that the decisions revealed in the simulator experiments at the individual level can diverge significantly from those stated in the SP questionnaire, highlighting the need to go beyond stated intent to analyse the effectiveness of information‐based guidance strategies.
Hybrid‐bridge transformerless photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter
Authors: Cui Wenfeng , Luo Haoze , Gu Yunjie , Li Wuhua , Yang Bo , He Xiangning
Published: January 2015

The transformerless inverters with leakage current suppression have become an urgent application tendency in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems because of low cost and high efficiency concerns. In this study, the half‐bridge module and neutral point clamping (NPC) module are combined to derive an advanced hybrid‐bridge transformerless inverter, which not only suppresses leakage current, but also reduces the required bus voltage compared to the conventional half‐bridge or NPC inverters. A sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation strategy without dead time is presented to enhance both the grid‐connected power quality and system reliability. Furthermore, a detailed circuit performance comparison and practical evaluation are presented to show the clear advantages of the hybrid‐bridge transformerless inverter. It also provides practical solutions for the leakage current minimisation by considering the contributing factors such as circuit parasitic parameters. Finally, a 3 kW prototype is tested to verify the theoretical analysis and main contributions of the study.
Functional plasmonic nanoantennae as optical filters
Authors: Lv Jiangtao , Liu Hailong , Si Guangyuan
Published: January 2015

Plasmonic nanoantennae are important candidates for metamaterials in the visible range. However, the fabrication of dense nanoantennae with various designs and small dimensions is still very challenging for nanoscale features with high aspect ratios. Demonstrated is a series of geometries of plasmonic nanocrystals with different designs and ultrasmall gaps using a one‐step focused ion beam milling process. Optical characterisation of plasmonic nanoantennae has also been carried out to investigate the underlying physics. Theoretical calculations were also performed to verify the experimental results. The high fabrication quality nanostructures demonstrated may enable new applications in nanophotonics, giving rise to new opportunities for nanodevices.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of erbium‐doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles and their upconversion properties
Authors: Tang Quntao , Shen Honglie , Jiao Jing , Chen Weilong
Published: January 2015

A time‐ and energy‐saving microwave (MW)‐assisted method was adopted to synthesise yttrium oxide (Y2O3):erbium (Er) nanoparticles with upconversion (UC) luminescence properties within a few minutes, followed by a post‐calcination treatment. It was demonstrated that calcination of nanoparticles at 800°C fully removed the organic groups from them and consequently produced crystalline Y2O3 nanoparticles, which was evident from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and XRD analysis conﬁrmed that the Er element was successfully doped in Y2O3 nanoparticles. The growth process was monitored by time‐dependent experiments, during which ultra‐small particles would form first and then gradually dissolved and re‐growed on surfaces of big particles. A two‐photon process was demonstrated in the fabricated Y2O3:Er nanoparticles. As a cost‐effective and highly‐efficient method, the MW method can facilitate mass production and further application of UC nanomaterials into a variety of fields including solar cells, flat panel displays, sensors and UC lasers.
Ferroelectricity and competing interactions in Ho-deficient non-stoichiometric orthorhombic HoMnO3
Authors: Wang J. X. , Yan Z. B. , Xie Y. L. , Zhou X. H. , Liu J.-M.
Published: January 2015

We investigate the consequences of the Ho-deficient non-stoichiometry in orthorhombic HoMnO3 in terms of microscopic mechanisms for ferroelectricity modulation. It is suggested that the Ho-deficiency (then Mn excess) results in Ho-vacancies and then Mn occupation of the Ho-site with increasing non-stoichiometry. The Ho-deficiency enhances the Mn-Mn symmetric exchange striction by suppressing the independent Ho-Ho interaction, and thus benefits to the induced Ho spin ordering against the independent Ho spin ordering. The symmetric Ho-Mn exchange striction is thus enhanced by this induced Ho spin ordering, leading to remarkably enhanced ferroelectric polarization as observed. This work presents an alternative scheme to modulate the multiferroicity in rare-earth manganites of strong 4f-3d coupling.
230 s room-temperature storage time and 1.14 eV hole localization energy in In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots on a GaAs interlayer in GaP with an AlP barrier
Authors: Bonato Leo , Sala Elisa M. , Stracke Gernot , Nowozin Tobias , Strittmatter André , Ajour Mohammed Nasser , Daqrouq Khaled , Bimberg Dieter
Published: January 2015

A GaP n+p-diode containing In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots (QDs) and an AlP barrier is characterized electrically, together with two reference samples: a simple n+p-diode and an n+p-diode with AlP barrier. Localization energy, capture cross-section, and storage time for holes in the QDs are determined using deep-level transient spectroscopy. The localization energy is 1.14(±0.04) eV, yielding a storage time at room temperature of 230(±60) s, which marks an improvement of 2 orders of magnitude compared to the former record value in QDs. Alternative material systems are proposed for still higher localization energies and longer storage times.
Direct observation of electron emission and recombination processes by time domain measurements of charge pumping current
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Watanabe Tokinobu , Tsuchiya Toshiaki , Ono Yukinori
Published: January 2015

To analyze the charge pumping (CP) sequence in detail, the source/drain electron current and the substrate hole current under the CP mode of transistors are simultaneously monitored in the time domain. Peaks are observed in both the electron and hole currents, which are, respectively, attributed to the electron emission from the interface defects and to the recombination with holes. The peak caused by the electron emission is found to consist of two components, strongly suggesting that the present time-domain measurement can enable us to resolve different kinds of interface defects. Investigating the correlation between the number of emitted and recombined electrons reveals that only one of the two components contributes to the CP current for the gate-pulse fall time from 6.25 × 10−4 to 1.25 × 10−2 s.