bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of constitutive parameters – optimization strategies and applications
Authors: Vaz M. , Cardoso E. L. , Muñoz‐Rojas P. A. , Carniel T. A. , Luersen M. A. , Tomiyama M. , da Silva J. O. , Stahlschmidt J. , Trentin R. G.
Published: April 2015

The pursuit to reduce manufacturing costs and increase product quality has led industries to use commercial codes and appropriate material models to simulate a wide range of metal forming operations. This scenario has prompted a healthy discussion on the strategies to obtaining constitutive parameters able to yield accurate numerical predictions. Optimization‐based parameter identification techniques have opened completely new routes to determine material parameters for this class of forming problems. Notwithstanding, the most appropriate optimization strategy (or development of new ones) for the trinomial forming operation – constitutive model – constitutive parameters is still open to debate. This work highlights the important role that optimization strategies play to determine parameters of constitutive models. A brief description of gradient‐based, gradient‐free and hybrid optimization approaches is presented within the framework of parameter identification. Comparative studies and applications to classical and damaged material models are also discussed.
Efficient combination of circulating ultrasound‐assisted extraction and centrifugal partition chromatography for extraction and on‐line separation of chemical constituents from Stellera chamaejasme L.
Authors: Zhang Yuchi , Liu Chunming , Qi Yanjuan , Li Yuchun , Li Sainan , Wang Yuqi , Ren Junqi , Tang Ying
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Sample preparation is a crucial step in medicinal herb analysis because the desired chemical components need to be extracted from the herbal materials for further separation and characterisation. Thus, the development of " modern" sample preparation techniques with significant advantages over conventional methods is very important.

Objective

The aim of this study was the development of a new preparation method using circulating ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (CUAE) coupled with centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) for continuous extraction and on‐line isolation of chemical constituents from Stellera chamaejasme L.

Methodology

The stationary or mobile phase was used as the extraction solvent. Extraction parameters, including the ultrasound power, extraction time, temperature, and liquid:solid ratio, were optimised using a response surface methodology.

Results

The extraction time, temperature, and power considerably affected the extraction yield. The optimised extraction parameters were an ultrasound power of 800 W, extraction time of 30 min, extraction temperature of 70 °C, and liquid:solid ratio of 8 mL/g. The solvent system for CUAE and CPC was optimised using mathematical equations, and the two‐phase solvent system of n‐hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol:water at a volume ratio of 3:5:4:6 was calculated. Four target compounds (daphnoretin, chamaechromone, neochamaejasmin A, and isochamaejasmin) with purities above 96% were successfully extracted and isolated on‐line via CUAE/CPC.

Conclusion

Compared with the reference extraction methods, the instrumental setup achieved a scientific and systematic extraction and isolation of natural products and has great potential for industrial application. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Dynamics of Self–Esteem in Partner Relationships
Authors: Mund Marcus , Finn Christine , Hagemeyer Birk , Zimmermann Julia , Neyer Franz J.
Published: April 2015

Previous research on the role of self–esteem in partner relationships indicates that it is both predictive of and predicted by variables such as relationship satisfaction. However, most of these studies were constrained to only relationship satisfaction, cross–sectional or individual data. In the present study, we examine the dynamic interplay between self–esteem and both broad (i.e. relationship satisfaction) and specific aspects of relationship quality (independence and connectedness) reflecting the fulfilment of agentic and communal needs in stable partner relationships from both an intrapersonal perspective and an interpersonal perspective. Study 1 assessed 186 individuals at three measurement occasions over 15 years and suggests a common developmental dynamic between self–esteem and relationship satisfaction, as indicated by initial correlations and correlated changes. In Study 2, actor and partner effects in stable couples ( N = 2124 dyads) were examined over a period of three years. It was found that self–esteem and all three aspects of relationship quality are dynamically intertwined in such a way that both previous levels and changes in one domain predict later changes in the other domain. Together, the findings indicate that self–esteem is consequential for the development of a variety of relationship aspects but likewise influenced by these very aspects. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Structural characterisation of Cu2.04Zn0.91Sn1.05S2.08Se1.92
Authors: Gurieva G. , Dimitrievska M. , Zander S. , Pérez‐Rodríguez A. , Izquierdo‐Roca V. , Schorr S.
Published: April 2015

Quaternary Cu2ZnSn(S1‐xSex)4 compounds are promising semiconductor materials for absorber layer in thin film solar cells. Record efficiency devices (12.6%) exhibit an off‐stoichiometric composition of the absorber layer. These deviations from stoichiometry cause intrinsic point defects, which determine the electronic properties of the semiconductor significantly. A structural analysis of a nearly C‐type off‐stoichiometric Cu and Sn rich and Zn poor Cu2ZnSn(S1‐xSex)4 mixed crystal with x=0.48 by a neutron diffraction investigation was performed. The average neutron scattering length method was applied, showing that the mixed crystal adopts the kesterite type structure. A detailed cation distribution analysis revealed the occurrence of ZnCu(2a) and SnZn anti‐site point defects additional to the Cu‐Zn disorder in the planes at z=1/4 and 3/4. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Metallic conductivity and weak antilocalization in Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 thin films
Authors: Abdullayev Nadir A. , Kerimova Afet M. , Aliquliyeva Khayala V. , Shim Yong Gu , Mimura Kojiro , Wakita Kazuki , Alekperov Oktay Z. , Mamedov Nazim T. , Zverev Vladimir N.
Published: April 2015

Submicron thin films of Bi2Te2,7Se0,3 solid solution is synthesized by thermal vacuum evaporation. The films are then subjected to after‐growth vacuum annealing and characterized using X‐ray diffraction and confocal laser microscopy techniques. Electron transport in the synthesized films is studied over the temperature range of 1.4‐300 K at magnetic fields up to 8 T. Electron localization due to electron‐electron interaction, along with weak anti‐localization effect at weak magnetic fields and temperatures below 8 K is observed. The latter effect is commonly encountered in thin films of topological insulators grown by molecular beam epitaxy and has therefore been ascribed to the manifestation of the topological surface states. Finally, phase coherence length is estimated.
SAT‐OFDM: a satellite radio interface for the IMT‐advanced system
Authors: Kim Hee Wook , Kang Kunseok , Ku Bon‐Jun , Chang Dae‐Ig , Kim Sooyoung
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the satellite orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SAT‐OFDM) technology as a satellite radio interface for international mobile telecommunications (IMT)‐Advanced. The SAT‐OFDM radio interface is designed to provide various advanced IMT services in satellite environments. For cost‐effective deployment of a satellite IMT‐Advanced system, the radio interface must have a high degree of commonality with third‐generation partnership project long‐term evolution (3GPP LTE) technology for IMT‐Advanced, but it also has a number of different features. Those features are needed to adapt the 3GPP LTE technology for satellite‐specific environments such as long round‐trip delay, large cell size, and slow‐fading satellite channel. In this paper, we summarize the key features of the SAT‐OFDM technology and propose satellite specific features included in the SAT‐OFDM technology as an adaption way of LTE over satellite. Then we show the performance evaluation results of the SAT‐OFDM technology to see the feasibility of LTE over satellite. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The seventh zinc finger motif of A20 is required for the suppression of TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Noritaka , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: April 2015

The ubiquitin‐editing enzyme A20 suppresses nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced apoptosis in a deubiquitinating and ubiquitin ligase activity‐dependent manner. Although recent studies revealed that A20 regulates NF‐κB independently of its enzymatic activity through its seventh zinc finger motif (ZnF7), the involvement of ZnF7 in TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis is not clear. In this study, ZnF7 was found to be important for A20‐mediated suppression of TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. We also found that the ubiquitin ligases cIAP1/2 are required for A20 to suppress TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. Because A20 binds to cIAP1/2 through ZnF7, these results suggest that A20 may control cIAP1/2 when suppressing TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis.
The psychology of appraisal: Specific emotions and decision‐making
Authors: So Jane , Achar Chethana , Han DaHee , Agrawal Nidhi , Duhachek Adam , Maheswaran Durairaj
Published: April 2015

A growing stream of research has examined emotions and decision‐making based on the appraisal tendencies associated with emotions. This paper outlines two general approaches that can lead to further our understanding of the variety of ways emotions affect decision‐making and information processing. Specifically, future research can examine the nature of emotional appraisals or investigate the nature of decision contexts and underlying psychological processes influenced by emotions. To understand the nature of emotional appraisals, scholars could examine the interaction of two appraisal dimensions or identify novel appraisal tendencies. To understand the decision‐making contexts and psychological processes influenced by emotions, scholars could examine how emotions interact with contextual influences to shape judgments through a variety of processes such as providing information, priming goals, or activating mindsets. These approaches to the study of emotions and decision‐making will contribute to more nuanced theory development around emotions, nurture new empirical work, and encourage interest in exploring a broader set of emotions.
Ablation of an atriofascicular accessory pathway with a zero‐fluoroscopy procedure
Authors: Proietti Riccardo , Abadir Sylvia , Bernier Martin L. , Essebag Vidal
Published: April 2015

A 16‐year‐old patient with recurrent palpitations and documented left bundle branch block superior axis wide complex tachycardia underwent an electrophysiological study and ablation with a zero‐fluoroscopy procedure. The electrophysiological study showed a decremental antegrade conducting atriofascicular pathway. Three‐dimensional CARTO‐guided mapping of the tricuspid annulus in sinus rhythm was performed, and a distinct signal corresponding to the accessory pathway potential of the atriofascicular pathway was found in the posterolateral region. By using an SR0 sheath and a 4‐mm‐tip catheter, radiofrequency application was delivered at this point on the annulus and successfully eliminated conduction through the accessory pathway.
The Role of Social, Emotional and Mental Wellbeing on Bullying Victimisation and Perpetration of Secondary School Boarders
Authors: Lester Leanne , Mander David
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the social, emotional and mental wellbeing predictors of bullying victimisation and perpetration for boarding students following the transition from primary school to secondary boarding school. Longitudinal data on 76 male and 74 female boarding students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 was used from a larger longitudinal study of 3,462 students. A spike in frequency of bullying perpetration occurred immediately after the transition to secondary school and boarding school, with an increase in bullying perpetration continuing to occur throughout the following 2 years. Those boarding students reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were significantly more at risk of frequent bullying victimisation at the beginning of Grade 8, while boarding students experiencing conduct problems and emotional difficulties were more likely to engage in frequent bullying perpetration. Peer support and feeling safe were found to be factors most likely to decrease frequent bullying victimisation. The sustained nature of bullying behaviour highlights the importance of addressing attitudes towards bullying both prior to and immediately after the commencement of boarding school. It is recommended that boarding schools adopt a targeted and systematic whole school approach to bullying prevention, while promoting positive interactions and relationships with peers.
The Vienna Congress as an Event in Austrian History: Civil Society and Politics in the Habsburg Empire at the End of the Wars against Napoleon
Authors: Vick Brian
Published: April 2015

Historians usually portray theCongress ofViennain a European frame—and rightly so. The actors and the diplomatic flashpoints spanned the European continent, and the negotiations began before and continued after the Congress. The rulers and statesmen had already started parleying and planning the reconstruction of Europe as they followed behind the armies in the campaigns of 1813–1814, a process that continued while making peace with France in Paris in the spring of 1814, and amid the mixed celebrations and conversations during their visit to London that summer. Even the Congress, successful as it generally was, did not clear all the outstanding issues, which instead carried over into the discussions surrounding the Second Peace of Paris after Napoleon's renewed defeat at Waterloo in 1815 and into the ambassadors' conferences in Paris and London in succeeding years. Yet, there were good reasons why Vienna was selected as the venue for the main round of celebrations and negotiations in autumn 1814, and the location did help shape both the Congress and its diplomatic outcomes. Less often treated as a subject in its own right, however, is the question of what the Vienna Congress meant for and revealed about the history of the Habsburg monarchy, in European context to be sure, but with the focus on Austrian politics and society rather than on their contribution to the European narrative.
The Circulation of Scientific Knowledge in the Late Habsburg Monarchy: Multicultural Perspectives on Imperial Scholarship
Authors: Surman Jan
Published: April 2015

The question of how to categorize and study sciencein multicultural empires has in recent years increasingly occupied historians of science and of empires. Issues of intercultural mediation, brokerage, or cultural translation have been particularly influential in the study of science in colonial empires. However, the question for continental empires was about science as a reaction to pluricultural reality. Ernest Gellner, Deborah Coen, and Johannes Feichtinger, among others, have taken a similar approach to the Habsburg monarchy, which notwithstanding its legal status as a monarchy shared several characteristics of an empire. These reactions to empire also included nationalisms, which, as recent publications have shown, largely defined the shape of the late-nineteenth-century scientific landscape in Central Europe. In this article, I want to look at the imperial scientific landscape from yet another perspective, concentrating on itinerant scholars and the circulation of knowledge in the Habsburg Empire. In my view, this constitutes an imperial culture of its own that has not yet been thoroughly analyzed.
Corrugations of the basal planes in hexagonal boron nitride and their impact on the phase transition to cubic boron nitride
Authors: Schimpf C. , Schwarz M. , Lathe C. , Kroke E. , Rafaja D.
Published: April 2015

Among the microstructure defects in hexagonal graphitic boron nitride, the basal plane corrugations are of high relevance for the sp2to sp3phase transition under high pressures (HP) and high temperatures (HT). A microstructure model is described, which is capable of quantifying the amplitude of the basal plane corrugations on the basis of the anisotropic X-ray diffraction line broadening. It is illustrated that this model correctly reproduces the specific shape of the diffraction lines from corrugated basal planes, i.e., the characteristic splitting of the 00lpeaks. The results from XRD are verified by direct observation in the transmission electron microscope with high resolution. Subsequent HP/HT experiments were performed in order to highlight the difference in the phase transition kinetics between hexagonal boron nitride samples with different amount of basal plane corrugations. The effect of these microstructure defects on the conversion rate and on the obtained synthesis product is discussed.
Temperature dependence of the inversion degree in three-cation spinel solid solutions: experimental evaluation by XRD
Authors: Podwórny Jacek
Published: April 2015

The method of degree of inversion calculation presented in the present paper was based on the determination of several temperature-dependent parameters such as: oxygen positional parameter, lattice parameter, cation site occupancies, and a cation–anion distance in tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The theoretical basis of the method as well as the required derivation of formulae and the conditions of its application has been described.

The values of the measured temperature-dependent parameters were used to calculate the degree of inversion vs. temperature in the spinel structure. Initial temperatures of the order–disorder transformation were determined. The described method of investigating the order–disorder phase transformation based on three examples of spinel solid solutions: Mg(Al0.5Fe0.5)2O4, (Mg0.75Ni0.25)Al2O4, and (Mg0.75Co0.25)Al2O4 has been presented. Investigations by means of the high-temperature X-ray diffraction method at temperatures ranging from 25 to 1100 °C were carried out. It has been shown that using the present method, it is possible to determine the distribution of each cation in tetrahedral and octahedral sites at each temperature. In consequence, the unidirectional order–disorder phase transformation as well the bidirectional transformation in the spinel structure can be investigated. The advantages and disadvantages of the method have been discussed and its uncertainties presented.
Predictors of Adolescents’ Consent to Use Health Records for Research and Results from Data Collection in a Swedish Twin Cohort
Authors: Ullemar Vilhelmina , Lundholm Cecilia , Örtqvist Anne K. , Gumpert Clara Hellner , Anckarsäter Henrik , Lundström Sebastian , Almqvist Catarina
Published: April 2015

Introduction:Non-random selection into a study population due to differences between consenters and non-consenters may introduce participation bias. Past investigations of factors predicting consent to collection of medical health records for research imply that age, sex, health status, and education are of importance for participation, but disagree on the direction of effects. Very little is known about influences on consent from adolescents.

Methods:Two cohorts of Swedish 15-year-old twins (totaln= 4,611) previously invited to the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) responded to a questionnaire with information on sex, individual's health, height, weight, and parental factors. The questionnaire included a question for consent to collection of medical health records. Predictors for consent were analyzed using logistic regression. Additionally, regional differences in the collection of health records of consenters were evaluated.

Results:Males were significantly less likely to consent compared to females (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64–0.85). The twin siblings’ decision to consent was strongly associated with consent (OR 10.9, 95% CI 8.76–13.5), and individuals whose parents had responded to the original CATSS study were more likely to consent to record collection at age 15 (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.81–2.75). Results of the subsequent collection of consenters’ medical health records varied between geographical regions of Sweden.

Conclusion:We identified several predictors for adolescents’ consent to collection of their medical health records. Further selection was introduced through the subsequent record collection. Whether this will induce participation bias in future studies depends on the research questions’ relationship to the identified predictors.
Blood pressure and sodium: Association with MRI markers in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Heye Anna K , Thrippleton Michael J , Chappell Francesca M , Valdés Hernández Maria del C , Armitage Paul A , Makin Stephen D , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Sakka Eleni , Flatman Peter W , Dennis Martin S , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: April 2015

Dietary salt intake and hypertension are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke. We aimed to explore the influence of these factors, together with plasma sodium concentration, in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). In all, 264 patients with nondisabling cortical or lacunar stroke were recruited. Patients were questioned about their salt intake and plasma sodium concentration was measured; brain tissue volume and white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) load were measured using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while diffusion tensor MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were acquired to assess underlying tissue integrity. An index of added salt intake ( P = 0.021), pulse pressure ( P = 0.036), and diagnosis of hypertension ( P = 0.0093) were positively associated with increased WMH, while plasma sodium concentration was associated with brain volume ( P = 0.019) but not with WMH volume. These results are consistent with previous findings that raised blood pressure is associated with WMH burden and raise the possibility of an independent role for dietary salt in the development of cerebral SVD.
Longitudinal change of small-vessel disease-related brain abnormalities
Authors: Schmidt Reinhold , Seiler Stephan , Loitfelder Marisa
Published: April 2015

Knowledge about the longitudinal change of cerebral small-vessel disease–related magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities increases our pathophysiologic understanding of cerebral microangiopathy. The change of specific lesion types may also serve as secondary surrogate endpoint in clinical trials. A surrogate endpoint needs to progress fast enough to allow monitoring of treatment effects within a reasonable time period, and change of the brain abnormality needs to be correlated with clinical change. Confluent white matter lesions show fast progression and correlations with cognitive decline. Thus, the change of confluent white matter lesions may be used as a surrogate marker in proof-of-concept trials with small patient numbers needed to show treatment effects on lesion progression. Nonetheless if the expected change in cognitive performance resulting from treatment effects on lesion progression is used as outcome, the sample size needed to show small to moderate treatment effects becomes very large. Lacunes may also fulfill the prerequisites of a surrogate marker, but in the general population the incidence of lacunes over short observational periods is small. For other small-vessel disease–related brain abnormalities including microbleeds and microstructural changes in normal-appearing white matter longitudinal change and correlations with clinical decline is not yet fully determined.
Tunable solid-state fluorescent materials for supramolecular encryption
Authors: Hou Xisen , Ke Chenfeng , Bruns Carson J. , McGonigal Paul R. , Pettman Roger B. , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: April 2015

Tunable solid-state fluorescent materials are ideal for applications in security printing technologies. A document possesses a high level of security if its encrypted information can be authenticated without being decoded, while also being resistant to counterfeiting. Herein, we describe a heterorotaxane with tunable solid-state fluorescent emissions enabled through reversible manipulation of its aggregation by supramolecular encapsulation. The dynamic nature of this fluorescent material is based on a complex set of equilibria, whose fluorescence output depends non-linearly on the chemical inputs and the composition of the paper. By applying this system in fluorescent security inks, the information encoded in polychromic images can be protected in such a way that it is close to impossible to reverse engineer, as well as being easy to verify. This system constitutes a unique application of responsive complex equilibria in the form of a cryptographic algorithm that protects valuable information printed using tunable solid-state fluorescent materials.
Crystal structure of a mirror-image L-RNA aptamer (Spiegelmer) in complex with the natural L-protein target CCL2
Authors: Oberthür Dominik , Achenbach John , Gabdulkhakov Azat , Buchner Klaus , Maasch Christian , Falke Sven , Rehders Dirk , Klussmann Sven , Betzel Christian
Published: April 2015

We report the crystal structure of a 40mer mirror-image RNA oligonucleotide completely built from nucleotides of the non-natural L-chirality in complex with the pro-inflammatory chemokine L-CLL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), a natural protein composed of regular L-amino acids. The L-oligonucleotide is an L-aptamer (a Spiegelmer) identified to bind L-CCL2 with high affinity, thereby neutralizing the chemokine’s activity. CCL2 plays a key role in attracting and positioning monocytes; its overexpression in several inflammatory diseases makes CCL2 an interesting pharmacological target. The PEGylated form of the L-aptamer, NOX-E36 (emapticap pegol), already showed promising efficacy in clinical Phase II studies conducted in diabetic nephropathy patients. The structure of the L-oligonucleotide·L-protein complex was solved and refined to 2.05 Å. It unveils the L-aptamer’s intramolecular contacts and permits a detailed analysis of its structure–function relationship. Furthermore, the analysis of the intermolecular drug–target interactions reveals insight into the selectivity of the L-aptamer for certain related chemokines.
Two-dimensional gold nanostructures with high activity for selective oxidation of carbon–hydrogen bonds
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhu Yihan , Wang Jian-Qiang , Liu Fudong , Huang Jianfeng , Meng Xiangju , Basset Jean-Marie , Han Yu , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: April 2015

Efficient synthesis of stable two-dimensional (2D) noble metal catalysts is a challenging topic. Here we report the facile synthesis of 2D gold nanosheets via a wet chemistry method, by using layered double hydroxide as the template. Detailed characterization with electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that the nanosheets are negatively charged and [001] oriented with thicknesses varying from single to a few atomic layers. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals unusually low gold–gold coordination numbers. These gold nanosheets exhibit high catalytic activity and stability in the solvent-free selective oxidation of carbon–hydrogen bonds with molecular oxygen.
Radical cascade reaction of alkynes with N-fluoroarylsulfonimides and alcohols
Authors: Zheng Guangfan , Li Yan , Han Jingjie , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2015

Cascade reactions initiated by radical addition to alkynes are synthetically very attractive because they enable access to highly complex molecular skeletons in only few synthetic steps under usually mild conditions. Here we report a general radical cascade reaction of alkynes, N-fluoroarylsulfonimides and alcohols, enabling the efficient synthesis of important α-amino-α-aryl ketones from readily available starting materials via a single operation. During this process, the highly regioselective nitrogen-centred radical addition to internal and terminal alkynes generating vinyl radicals and the next explicit migration of aryl group from the nitrogen source lead the following efficient desulfonylation, oxygenation, and semi-pinacol rearrangement. In addition, the semi-pinacol rearrangement precursors, α-alkyloxyl-α,α-diaryl imines, could also be efficiently obtained under milder conditions. This methodology might open a new entry for designing intermolecular radical cascade reaction of alkynes.
Hypothermic temperature effects on organ survival and restoration
Authors: Ishikawa Jun , Oshima Masamitsu , Iwasaki Fumitaka , Suzuki Ryoji , Park Joonhong , Nakao Kazuhisa , Matsuzawa-Adachi Yuki , Mizutsuki Taro , Kobayashi Ayaka , Abe Yuta , Kobayashi Eiji , Tezuka Katsunari , Tsuji Takashi
Published: April 2015

A three-dimensional multicellular organism maintains the biological functions of life support by using the blood circulation to transport oxygen and nutrients and to regulate body temperature for intracellular enzymatic reactions. Donor organ transplantation using low-temperature storage is used as the fundamental treatment for dysfunctional organs. However, this approach has a serious problem in that donor organs maintain healthy conditions only during short-term storage. In this study, we developed a novel liver perfusion culture system based on biological metabolism that can maintain physiological functions, including albumin synthesis, bile secretion and urea production. This system also allows for the resurrection of a severely ischaemic liver. This study represents a significant advance for the development of an ex vivo organ perfusion system based on biological metabolism. It can be used not only to address donor organ shortages but also as the basis of future regenerative organ replacement therapy.
Direct ethanol production from starch using a natural isolate, Scheffersomyces shehatae: Toward consolidated bioprocessing
Authors: Tanimura Ayumi , Kikukawa Minako , Yamaguchi Shino , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Shima Jun
Published: April 2015

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), which integrates enzyme production, saccharification and fermentation into a one-step process, is a promising strategy for cost-effective ethanol production from starchy biomass. To gain insights into starch-based ethanol production using CBP, an extensive screening was undertaken to identify naturally occurring yeasts that produce ethanol without the addition of any amylases. Three yeast strains were capable of producing a significant amount of ethanol. Quantitative assays revealed that Scheffersomyces shehatae JCM 18690 was the strain showing the highest ethanol production ability. This strain was able to utilize starch directly and the ethanol concentration reached 9.21 g/L. We attribute the ethanol-producing ability of this strain to the high levels of glucoamylase activity, fermentation potential and ethanol stress tolerance. This study strongly suggests the possibility of starch-based ethanol production by consolidated bioprocessing using natural yeasts such as S. shehatae JCM 18690.
A Pure Inorganic ZnO-Co3O4 Overlapped Membrane for Efficient Oil/Water Emulsions Separation
Authors: Liu Na , Lin Xin , Zhang Weifeng , Cao Yingze , Chen Yuning , Feng Lin , Wei Yen
Published: April 2015

The earth's environmental problems, especially for water remediation, need effective methods to solve. Materials with special wettability are developed for the separation of oil/water mixtures. However, the separation of emulsified oil/water mixtures can be a real challenge. There is still much deficiencies, on account of the surfactant, which could link water molecules and oil molecules to form a stabilized system. Here we report a pure inorganic ZnO-Co3O4 overlapped membrane to give a brand new solution to emulsified oil/water mixture separation. Fabricated by an easy and cost-efficient way, such a membrane combines the properties of under-water superoleophobicity and under-oil superhydrophobicity, which can be successfully used for the efficient separation of both surfactant-free and surfactant-stabilized emulsions, solely driven by gravity. This ZnO-Co3O4 overlapped membrane shows great potential applications to industrial wastewater treatment, domestic sewage purification and other water remediation.
Prognostic value of pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase level in patients with solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Yao Yan-Hong , Li Bao-Guo , Yang Qing , Zhang Peng-Yu , Wang Hai-Tao
Published: April 2015

Although most studies have reported that high serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are associated with poor prognosis in several malignancies, the consistency and magnitude of the impact of LDH are unclear. We conducted the first comprehensive meta-analysis of the prognostic relevance of LDH in solid tumors. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome; progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were secondary outcomes. We identified a total of 68 eligible studies that included 31,857 patients. High LDH was associated with a HR for OS of 1.48 (95% CI = 1.43 to 1.53; P < 0.00001; I2 = 93%), an effect observed in all disease subgroups, sites, stages and cutoff of LDH. HRs for PFS and DFS were 1.70 (95% CI = 1.44 to 2.01; P < 0.00001; I2 = 13%) and 1.86(95% CI = 1.15 to 3.01; P = 0.01; I2 = 88%), respectively. Analysis of LDH as a continuous variable showed poorer OS with increasing LDH (HR 2.11; 95% CI = 1.35 to 3.28). Sensitivity analyses showed there was no association between LDH cutoff and reported HR for OS. High LDH is associated with an adverse prognosis in many solid tumors and its additional prognostic and predictive value for clinical decision-making warrants further investigation.
Solitons shedding from Airy beams and bound states of breathing Airy solitons in nonlocal nonlinear media
Authors: Shen Ming , Gao Jinsong , Ge Lijuan
Published: April 2015

We investigate the spatially optical solitons shedding from Airy beams and anomalous interactions of Airy beams in nonlocal nonlinear media by means of direct numerical simulations. Numerical results show that nonlocality has profound effects on the propagation dynamics of the solitons shedding from the Airy beam. It is also shown that the strong nonlocality can support periodic intensity distribution of Airy beams with opposite bending directions. Nonlocality also provides a long-range attractive force between Airy beams, leading to the formation of stable bound states of both in-phase and out-of-phase breathing Airy solitons which always repel in local media.
Red Queen dynamics in multi-host and multi-parasite interaction system
Authors: Rabajante Jomar F. , Tubay Jerrold M. , Uehara Takashi , Morita Satoru , Ebert Dieter , Yoshimura Jin
Published: April 2015

In host-parasite systems, dominant host types are expected to be eventually replaced by other hosts due to the elevated potency of their specific parasites. This leads to changes in the abundance of both hosts and parasites exhibiting cycles of alternating dominance called Red Queen dynamics. Host-parasite models with less than three hosts and parasites have been demonstrated to exhibit Red Queen cycles, but natural host-parasite interactions typically involve many host and parasite types resulting in an intractable system with many parameters. Here we present numerical simulations of Red Queen dynamics with more than ten hosts and specialist parasites under the condition of no super-host nor super-parasite. The parameter region where the Red Queen cycles arise contracts as the number of interacting host and parasite types increases. The interplay between inter-host competition and parasite infectivity influences the condition for the Red Queen dynamics. Relatively large host carrying capacity and intermediate rates of parasite mortality result in never-ending cycles of dominant types.
Graphene-based materials for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Shao Yuanlong , El-Kady Maher F. , Wang Lisa J. , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi , Mousavi Mir F. , Kaner Richard B.
Published: April 2015

The recent advances in developing graphene-based materials for flexible supercapacitors are summarized in this review.
Recent advances in heterobimetallic catalysis across a “transition metal–tin” motif
Authors: Das Debjit , Mohapatra Swapna Sarita , Roy Sujit
Published: April 2015

This review focuses on the efficacy of catalysts, based on a transition metal–tin (TM–Sn) motif and crafted on a single scaffold, in mediating a wide variety of organic transformations.
A novel flow injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of indole-3-acetic acid in biological samples by using trivalent silver
Authors: Fu Zhaofu , Li Gongke , Hu Yufei
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a novel flow-injection chemiluminescence method was developed for the determination of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).
Unprecedented χ isomers of single-side triol-functionalized Anderson polyoxometalates and their proton-controlled isomer transformation
Authors: Zhang Jiangwei , Liu Zhenhua , Huang Yichao , zhang Jin , Hao Jian , Wei Yongge
Published: April 2015

A series of unprecedented χ isomers of the triol functionalized organic–inorganic hybrids was obtained by regioselective activation of the μ2-O atom in the Anderson cluster and proton-controlled isomer transformation between δ and χ isomers was observed.
Structure and energetics of the anisole–Arn (n = 1, 2, 3) complexes: high-resolution resonant two-photon and threshold ionization experiments, and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Mazzoni Federico , Becucci Maurizio , Řezáč Jan , Nachtigallová Dana , Michels François , Hobza Pavel , Müller-Dethlefs Klaus
Published: April 2015

We present a concerted experimental and theoretical study of the anisole⋯Arn complexes with n = 1–3.
A correlation between thermodynamic properties, thermal expansion and electrical resistivity of Ag–28% Cu nanopowders processed by the mechanical alloying route
Authors: Tanasescu Speranta , Milea Alexandru , Gingu Oana , Maxim Florentina , Hornoiu Cristian , Preda Silviu , Sima Gabriela
Published: April 2015

The relative electrical resistivity, Gibbs free energy function and crystallite size of the Ag–28% Cu nanopowders as a function of temperature.
Review: monoclinic zirconia, its surface sites and their interaction with carbon monoxide
Authors: Kouva Sonja , Honkala Karoliina , Lefferts Leon , Kanervo Jaana
Published: April 2015

This review is focused on the surface sites of monoclinic zirconia, especially surface hydroxyls and their manipulation, and the interaction of CO with zirconia to form linearly adsorbed CO and formates.
Introduction of luminescent rhenium(i), ruthenium(ii), iridium(iii) and rhodium(iii) systems into rhodamine-tethered ligands for the construction of bichromophoric chemosensors
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Lam Ho-Chuen , Zhu Nianyong , Wong Keith Man-Chung
Published: April 2015

Several classes of rhenium(i), ruthenium(ii), iridium(iii) and rhodium(iii) complexes tethered with a rhodamine moiety have been synthesized and characterized, and their photophysical and ion-binding properties were investigated.
pH-Induced processes in wire-like multichromophoric homo- and heterotrimetallic complexes of Fe(ii), Ru(ii), and Os(ii)
Authors: Maity Dinesh , Mardanya Sourav , Karmakar Srikanta , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: April 2015

pH-Induced modulation of the absorption and emission spectroscopic properties of multichromophoric trimetallic complexes was carried out in a mixed acetonitrile–water medium.
Specificity of the Zn2+, Cd2+and Ni2+ion binding sites in the loop domain of the HypA protein
Authors: Kolkowska Paulina , Krzywoszynska Karolina , Potocki Slawomir , Chetana Parashurampura Renukaprasanna , Spodzieja Marta , Rodziewicz-Motowidlo Sylwia , Kozlowski Henryk
Published: April 2015

The role of the residues in the hypa loop on the stability of its complexes with Zn2+, Cd2+and Ni2+ions.
Synthesis of chelating diamido Sn(iv) compounds from oxidation of Sn(ii) and directly from Sn(iv) precursors
Authors: Mansell S. M. , Russell C. A. , Wass D. F.
Published: April 2015

Utilising Sn(ii) and Sn(iv) precursors allowed the synthesis of diamido Sn(iv) compounds with synthetically useful halide and amide substituents.
Oxidation of methane by an N-bridged high-valent diiron–oxo species: electronic structure implications on the reactivity
Authors: Ansari Mursaleem , Vyas Nidhi , Ansari Azaj , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: April 2015

Methane activation by dinuclear high-valent iron–oxo species: do we need two metals to activate such inert bonds? Our theoretical study using DFT methods where electronic structure details and mechanistic aspects are established answers this intriguing question.
Nano-sized Mn oxides as true catalysts for alcohol oxidation by a mononuclear manganese(ii) complex
Authors: Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Ebrahimi Foad , Amini Mojtaba , Rahimi Mohammad , El-Sawy Abdelhamid , Suib Steven L.
Published: April 2015

We propose that nano-sized Mn oxides are true catalysts for the oxidation of some alcohols to aldehydes in the presence of a mononuclear manganese(ii) complex, and Oxone as an oxidant.
Methylresorcinarene: a reaction vessel to control the coordination geometry of copper(ii) in pyridine N-oxide copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Puttreddy Rakesh
Published: April 2015

Methylresorcinarene templates uniquely 2 : 2 : 1 host–ligand–metal products with aromatic N-oxides and copper(ii), tuning the coordination sphere from cis to trans and from octahedral to square planar.
A highly sensitive, selective ratiometric fluorescent probe for cobalt(ii) and its applications for biological imaging
Authors: Zhang Shenyi , Zhao Mei , Zhu Weiping , Xu Yufang , Qian Xuhong
Published: April 2015

A novel fluorescent probe, E3, was designed, synthesized and evaluated. It responded to Co2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity under physiological neutral conditions specifically. Furthermore, notably, probe E3 was demonstrated to detect Co2+ in living cells, indicative of its practical application potential.
Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) stabilized aluminum nanoparticles obtained by the reaction of SiCl4 with LiAlH4
Authors: Gottapu Sanyasinaidu , Padhi Santanu Kumar , Krishna Mamidipudi Ghanashyam , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi
Published: April 2015

Isolation and stabilization of Al nanoparticles has been possible by the reaction between SiCl4 and LiAlH4 in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone).
The effect of fluorine on supramolecular hydrogelation of 4-fluorobenzyl-capped diphenylalanine
Authors: Wu Fang-Yi , Hsu Shu-Min , Cheng Hsun , Hsu Ling-Huang , Lin Hsin-Chieh
Published: April 2015

Due to the replacement of only one hydrogen atom by fluorine, 4-fluorobenzyl-diphenylalanine molecules self-assemble to form a transparent hydrogel.
I2-Catalyzed diamination of acetyl-compounds for the synthesis of multi-substituted imidazoles
Authors: Qu Jinpeng , Wu Ping , Tang Dong , Meng Xu , Chen Yongxin , Guo Shuaibo , Chen Baohua
Published: April 2015

We have successfully developed the I2-catalysed synthesis of substituted imidazole derivatives from amidines and ketones in good to excellent yields and 100% regioselectivity.
Cyclic polymers based on UV-induced strain promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Sun Peng , Tang Qingquan , Wang Zhenpeng , Zhao Yuming , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2015

A unique ring-closure method was developed for the preparation of cyclic polymers based on the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and UV-induced strain promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction.
Alcamines as corrosion inhibitors for reinforced steel and their effect on cement based materials and mortar performance
Authors: Fouda A. S. , Elewady G. Y. , Shalabi K. , Abd El-Aziz H. K.
Published: April 2015

Testing steel in solution has the advantage of avoiding the long time necessary for chlorides to penetrate the concrete cover.
Synthesis, crystal structure, sintering and electrical properties of a new alluaudite-like triple molybdate K0.13Na3.87MgMo3O12
Authors: Ennajeh Ines , Georges Samuel , Smida Youssef Ben , Guesmi Abderrahmen , Zid Mohamed Faouzi , Boughazala Habib
Published: April 2015

A new triple molybdate K0.13Na3.87MgMo3O12 was synthesized by solid state reaction.
Low cost carbon fiber aerogel derived from bamboo for the adsorption of oils and organic solvents with excellent performances
Authors: Yang Sudong , Chen Lin , Mu Lei , Hao Bin , Ma Peng-Cheng
Published: April 2015

Ultralight, re-resistant and flexible carbon fiber aerogel is prepared by using disposable bamboo chopsticks as precursor. The aerogel can be used for oil–water separation and recycled for many times by distillation, combustion or squeeze.
A non-covalent strategy for montmorillonite/xylose self-healing hydrogels
Authors: Qi Xianming , Guan Ying , Chen Gegu , Zhang Bing , Ren Junli , Peng Feng , Sun Runcang
Published: April 2015

The self-healing capability of hydrogels has become a hot topic in the area of hydrogel research.
Synthesis of surface nano-molecularly imprinted polymers for sensitive baicalin detection in biological samples
Authors: Gu Xiaoli , He Hongliang , Wang Chong-zhi , Gao Yankun , Zhang Hongjuan , Hong Junli , Du Shuhu , Chen Lina , Yuan Chun-su
Published: April 2015

Schematic representation of the possible process of MIP@SBA-15.
2,4-Bis(4-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: synthesis and tuning of optical properties by polar substituents
Authors: Bucevicius Jonas , Skardziute Lina , Dodonova Jelena , Kazlauskas Karolis , Bagdziunas Gintautas , Jursenas Saulius , Tumkevicius Sigitas
Published: April 2015

Novel D–π–A–π–D type chromophores – 2,4-bis(4-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were prepared and their photophysical, electrochemical properties in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations were investigated.
Antibacterial textiles functionalized by layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes and TiO2photocatalyst
Authors: Carré Gaëlle , Garnier Laurent , Moeller-Siegert Janina , Gies Jean-Pierre , Keller Valérie , André Philippe , Keller Nicolas
Published: April 2015

Antibacterial photocatalytic textiles with high self-decontaminating activity under solar light againstE. colihave been prepared by sprayed layer-by-layer assembly of TiO2and polyethylenimine or polyanionic poly(styrene sulfonate) polyelectrolyte.
One-pot synthesis of biomass-derived carbonaceous spheres for excellent microwave absorption at the Ku band
Authors: Wang Nana , Wu Fan , Xie A. Ming , Dai Xiaoqing , Sun Mengxiao , Qiu Yanyu , Wang Yuan , Lv Xuliang , Wang Mingyang
Published: April 2015

Micro carbonaceous spheres have been successfully synthesized from watermelonviaa one-pot hydrothermal reaction.
Photoresponsive structure transformation and emission enhancement based on a tapered azobenzene gelator
Authors: Shi Lili , Ran Xia , Li Yajie , Li Qiuyue , Qiu Weihong , Guo Lijun
Published: April 2015

Due to trans-to-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene unit, an enhanced fluorescence via J-aggregate molecular arrangement can be observed.
A novel lithium–sulfur battery cathode from butadiene rubber-caged sulfur-rich polymeric composites
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Han Dongmei , Song Shuqin , Chen Guohua , Meng Yuezhong
Published: April 2015

Novel sulfur-rich polymeric materials were readily preparedviafacile solution vulcanization of the commercial butadiene rubber (BR) and sulfur element, and were investigated as cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Exceptional CO2 working capacity in a heterodiamine-grafted metal–organic framework
Authors: Lee Woo Ram , Jo Hyuna , Yang Li-Ming , Lee Hanyeong , Ryu Dae Won , Lim Kwang Soo , Song Jeong Hwa , Min Da Young , Han Sang Soo , Seo Jeong Gil , Park Yong Ki , Moon Dohyun , Hong Chang Seop
Published: April 2015

The amine functionalized material 1-dmen shows a record high working capacity for CO2 capture at low regeneration temperatures compared with other MOFs. Furthermore, this performance is maintained upon exposure to humidity.