bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Neuroimaging in Neurology and Psychiatry
Authors: Sadek Joseph R. , Hammeke Thomas A.
Published: August 2016

How can functional neuroimaging be applied to clinical neurology and psychiatry? This article reviews selected contributions of functional neuroimaging to the clinical neurosciences. We review selected technical aspects of positron emission tomography, single photon emission tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging with a focus on the relative strengths and weaknesses of these techniques. Consumers of functional neuroimaging research are encouraged to consider the limitations of imaging techniques and theoretical pitfalls of cognitive task design when interpreting results of functional imaging studies. Then, we selectively review the contributions of functional neuroimaging to neurology and psychiatry, including the areas of epilepsy, stroke, chronic pain, schizophrenia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Future directions of functional neuroimaging research are offered, with the emphasis that the best conclusions are informed by a convergence of research from functional neuroimaging, neurophysiological, and lesion studies.
Neuropsychology and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Hermann Bruce , Seidenberg Michael
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this article is to review aspects of the neuropsychology of temporal lobe epilepsy. Evidence will be presented to demonstrate that the cognitive consequences of this focal seizure disorder can be more generalized in nature than expected. Consistent with the extratemporal neurocognitive findings, careful quantitative magnetic resonance imaging volumetrics have shown that structural brain changes may be detected outside the temporal lobes. Many factors can potentially affect cognition and brain structure. We focus on the potential neurodevelopmental impact of early-onset temporal lobe epilepsy on brain structure and cognition positing that this disorder can have both immediate and lifespan implications for cognition and psychosocial status.
Current Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Walters Arthur , Hening Wayne , Allen Richard
Published: August 2016

Medication treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) began with the opioids, which were first introduced as treatment in the 17th century and are still used today. Then came the benzodiazepines, the first “modern” treatment for RLS. Today, Sinemet and the dopamine agonists are first-line treatments—their efficacy make them the most commonly used medications.

The benzodiazepines are effective for mild cases of RLS, but are not typically used as a monotherapy and often necessitate combination with the opioids or a dopamine agonist. The opioids can be used in a number of clinical settings, and studies are being conducted to test their efficacy as a long-term monotherapy for certain patients.

The advent of dopamine agents, particularly Sinemet, has revolutionized RLS treatments. Studies show 90–100% initial efficacy. However, continued use of Sinemet can produce augmentation of a patient's symptoms. To combat augmentation a dopamine agonist like Permax is typically introduced, which has a much lower incidence of augmentation, but which must be built up slowly to enhance tolerability. Two new dopamine agonists, Mirapex and Requip, demonstrate therapeutic benefits but are not efficacious enough to replace the tested agonists.

While treatment of RLS has greatly improved over the history of the disorder, the search still continues for a single therapy that can effectively treat RLS patients over the long term without fear of augmentation and undesirable side effects.
Representation, Processing and Code-switching
Authors: TRUSCOTT JOHN , SHARWOOD SMITH MIKE
Published: August 2016

An account of code-switching should be a direct consequence of an understanding of representation and processing in the individual mind, rather than a separate domain of its own. In the absence of such an account, most studies have developed hypotheses strictly within a specific research domain. This paper seeks to apply to code-switching a reasonably well-developed account of the multilingual mind, the MOGUL framework, within which more specific accounts can be developed. After briefly summarizing the framework, we describe representation and processing as realized in MOGUL, focusing on aspects having particular relevance to code-switching, including social factors involved in switching but as seen in terms of their place in a cognitive system. We then show how a promising approach to code-switching can be derived from this general framework. Some specific examples of code-switching are analyzed, though the primary goal is to show the merits of a broader perspective.
FOOLS RUSH IN: SEX, ‘THE MEAN’ AND EPICUREANISM IN HORACE,SATIRES1.2
Authors: Kemp Jerome
Published: August 2016

This paper concerns Horace's treatment of ‘the mean’ inSatires1.2: his ironic demonstration of its elusiveness and changeability in the first part of the satire; and how this leads to the alignment of Epicurean moderation with a framework most associated with Aristotle. I argue that the irony in the sometimes apparently illogical, humorous expression of Peripatetic and Hellenistic ethics complements the satire's other ironic inconsistencies, while nevertheless serving a serious underlying philosophical purpose which some recent scholarship has denied.
Religious Identity and Descriptive Representation
Authors: Schmidt Walter , Miles Matthew R.
Published: August 2016

Drawing on the descriptive representation literature, we argue that religious identity is a social identity similar to gender or race, which leads a person to feel represented by someone who shares their religious identity. We argue that religious identity motivates approbation for public officials that is distinct from partisanship. We find that constituents who share the religious identity of their congressional representatives are significantly more likely to approve of their representative's performance in office. In addition, those who share a religious identity with President Obama are more trusting of him; particularly among those for whom religion is important. Finally, we find that shared religious identity moderates the relationship between partisanship and trust in the President. All else equal, Republicans who share a religious identity with President Obama are 500% more likely to trust him than a Republican who does not.
A printed wide-beamwidth circularly polarized antenna via two pairs of radiating slots placed in a square contour
Authors: Liu Neng-Wu , Zhu Lei , Choi Wai-Wa
Published: August 2016

A low-profile circularly polarized (CP) slot antenna to achieve a wide axial-ratio (AR) beamwidth is proposed in this paper. The radiating patch consists of two orthogonal pairs of parallel slots etched symmetrically onto a ground plane. Firstly, our theoretical study demonstrates that the CP radiation can be satisfactorily achieved at the broadside, when the vertical and horizontal paired-slots are excited in the same amplitude with 90° phase difference. Secondly, the principle of CP radiation of the proposed antenna on an infinite ground plane is described. Through analyzing the spacing between two parallel slots, the |Eθ| and |Eφ| radiation patterns can be made approximately identical with each other over a large angle range. As such, the slot antenna achieves a wide AR beamwidth. After that, the 3 dB AR beamwidth with respect to the size of a finite ground plane is investigated to constitute a practical CP antenna on a finite ground plane. In final, the proposed CP antenna with a 1–4 probe-to-microstrip feeding network is designed and fabricated on a finite ground plane of a dielectric substrate. Measured results are shown to be in good agreement with the simulated ones about the gain, reflection coefficient, AR bandwidth, and radiation patterns. Most importantly, a wide 3 dB AR beamwidth of 126° and low-profile property with the height of 0.036λ0 are achieved.
Wideband to concurrent tri-band frequency reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna for wireless communication
Authors: Sharma Sonia , Tripathi Chandra Charu
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a novel wideband to concurrent tri-band frequency reconfigurable microstrip antenna. The frequency reconfiguration is achieved by using a pair of PIN diodes in the antenna feed line to switch the antenna either in wideband mode or in concurrent tri-band mode. In order to improve the bandwidth and gain of the antenna for wideband operation, the properties of J-K inverter and split ring resonators are exploited. To demonstrate the versatility of this concept a prototype is fabricated and tested here. The tested results in wideband mode shows that the proposed antenna operates from 3.58 to –3.82 GHz, which is 4.08 times larger than the bandwidth of a simple microstrip patch antenna. In the concurrent tri-band mode frequency tuning is done by microstrip open stub at 1.5 GHz, 1.9 GHz, and 3.5 GHz. Gain of the proposed antenna is better than 2.7 dB in wideband mode and 2.7 dB in concurrent tri-band mode.
Regional Frontal Lobe Response Magnitudes During Affective Shifting	Covary With Resting Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Smith Ryan , Allen John J.B. , Thayer Julian F. , Lane Richard D.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We hypothesized that in healthy subjects differences in resting heart rate variability (rHRV) would be associated with differences in emotional reactivity within the medial visceromotor network (MVN). We also probed whether this MVN-rHRV relationship was diminished in depression. Eleven healthy adults and nine depressed subjects performed the emotional counting stroop task in alternating blocks of emotion and neutral words during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The correlation between rHRV outside the scanner and BOLD signal reactivity (absolute value of change between adjacent blocks in the BOLD signal) was examined in specific MVN regions. Significant negative correlations were observed between rHRV and average BOLD shift magnitude (BSM) in several MVN regions in healthy subjects but not depressed subjects. This preliminary report provides novel evidence relating emotional reactivity in MVN regions to rHRV. It also provides preliminary suggestive evidence that depression may involve reduced interaction between the MVN and cardiac vagal control.
Cutaneous wound healing through paradoxical MAPK activation by BRAF inhibitors
Authors: Escuin-Ordinas Helena , Li Shuoran , Xie Michael W. , Sun Lu , Hugo Willy , Huang Rong Rong , Jiao Jing , de-Faria Felipe Meira , Realegeno Susan , Krystofinski Paige , Azhdam Ariel , Komenan Sara Marie D. , Atefi Mohammad , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Pellegrini Matteo , Cochran Alistair J. , Modlin Robert L. , Herschman Harvey R. , Lo Roger S. , McBride William H. , Segura Tatiana , Ribas Antoni
Published: August 2016

BRAF inhibitors are highly effective therapies for the treatment of BRAFV600-mutated melanoma, with the main toxicity being a variety of hyperproliferative skin conditions due to paradoxical activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in BRAF wild-type cells. Most of these hyperproliferative skin changes improve when a MEK inhibitor is co-administered, as it blocks paradoxical MAPK activation. Here we show how the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib accelerates skin wound healing by inducing the proliferation and migration of human keratinocytes through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and cell cycle progression. Topical treatment with vemurafenib in two wound-healing mice models accelerates cutaneous wound healing through paradoxical MAPK activation; addition of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor reverses the benefit of vemurafenib-accelerated wound healing. The same dosing regimen of topical BRAF inhibitor does not increase the incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in mice. Therefore, topical BRAF inhibitors may have clinical applications in accelerating the healing of skin wounds.
Hijacking microglial glutathione by inorganic arsenic impels bystander death of immature neurons through extracellular cystine/glutamate imbalance
Authors: Singh Vikas , Gera Ruchi , Kushwaha Rajesh , Sharma Anuj Kumar , Patnaik Satyakam , Ghosh Debabrata
Published: August 2016

Arsenic-induced altered microglial activity leads to neuronal death, but the causative mechanism remains unclear. The present study showed, arsenic-exposed (10 μM) microglial (N9) culture supernatant induced bystander death of neuro-2a (N2a), which was further validated with primary microglia and immature neuronal cultures. Results indicated that arsenic-induced GSH synthesis by N9 unfavorably modified the extracellular milieu for N2a by lowering cystine and increasing glutamate concentration. Similar result was observed in N9-N2a co-culture. Co-exposure of arsenic and 250 μM glutamate, less than the level (265 μM) detected in arsenic-exposed N9 culture supernatant, compromised N2a viability which was rescued by cystine supplementation. Therefore, microglia executes bystander N2a death by competitive inhibition of system Xc- (xCT) through extracellular cystine/glutamate imbalance. We confirmed the role of xCT in mediating bystander N2a death by siRNA inhibition studies. Ex-vivo primary microglia culture supernatant from gestationally exposed mice measured to contain lower cystine and higher glutamate compared to control and N-acetyl cysteine co-treated group. Immunofluorescence staining of brain cryosections from treated group showed more dead immature neurons with no such effect on microglia. Collectively, we showed, in presence of arsenic microglia alters cystine/glutamate balance through xCT in extracellular milieu leading to bystander death of immature neurons.
Correction: Corrigendum: Surface modification of nanoparticles enables selective evasion of phagocytic clearance by distinct macrophage phenotypes
Authors: Qie Yaqing , Yuan Hengfeng , von Roemeling Christina A. , Chen Yuanxin , Liu Xiujie , Shih Kevin D. , Knight Joshua A. , Tun Han W. , Wharen Robert E. , Jiang Wen , Kim Betty Y. S.
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26269; published online: 19 May 2016; updated: 01 August 2016 In this Article, Wen Jiang is incorrectly affiliated with: Department of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville FL, 32224, USA. The correct affiliationis listed below:
Transferrin Receptor 2 Dependent Alterations of Brain Iron Metabolism Affect Anxiety Circuits in the Mouse
Authors: Pellegrino Rosa Maria , Boda Enrica , Montarolo Francesca , Boero Martina , Mezzanotte Mariarosa , Saglio Giuseppe , Buffo Annalisa , Roetto Antonella
Published: August 2016

The Transferrin Receptor 2 (Tfr2) modulates systemic iron metabolism through the regulation of iron regulator Hepcidin (Hepc) and Tfr2 inactivation causes systemic iron overload. Based on data demonstrating Tfr2 expression in brain, we analysed Tfr2-KO mice in order to examine the molecular, histological and behavioural consequences of Tfr2 silencing in this tissue. Tfr2 abrogation caused an accumulation of iron in specific districts in the nervous tissue that was not accompanied by a brain Hepc response. Moreover, Tfr2-KO mice presented a selective overactivation of neurons in the limbic circuit and the emergence of an anxious-like behaviour. Furthermore, microglial cells showed a particular sensitivity to iron perturbation. We conclude that Tfr2 is a key regulator of brain iron homeostasis and propose a role for Tfr2 alpha in the regulation of anxiety circuits.
A Comparative Analysis of Community Detection Algorithms on Artificial Networks
Authors: Yang Zhao , Algesheimer René , Tessone Claudio J.
Published: August 2016

Many community detection algorithms have been developed to uncover the mesoscopic properties of complex networks. However how good an algorithm is, in terms of accuracy and computing time, remains still open. Testing algorithms on real-world network has certain restrictions which made their insights potentially biased: the networks are usually small, and the underlying communities are not defined objectively. In this study, we employ the Lancichinetti-Fortunato-Radicchi benchmark graph to test eight state-of-the-art algorithms. We quantify the accuracy using complementary measures and algorithms’ computing time. Based on simple network properties and the aforementioned results, we provide guidelines that help to choose the most adequate community detection algorithm for a given network. Moreover, these rules allow uncovering limitations in the use of specific algorithms given macroscopic network properties. Our contribution is threefold: firstly, we provide actual techniques to determine which is the most suited algorithm in most circumstances based on observable properties of the network under consideration. Secondly, we use the mixing parameter as an easily measurable indicator of finding the ranges of reliability of the different algorithms. Finally, we study the dependency with network size focusing on both the algorithm’s predicting power and the effective computing time.
Phase transitions in two tunnel-coupled HgTe quantum wells: Bilayer graphene analogy and beyond
Authors: Krishtopenko S. S. , Knap W. , Teppe F.
Published: August 2016

HgTe quantum wells possess remarkable physical properties as for instance the quantum spin Hall state and the “single-valley” analog of graphene, depending on their layer thicknesses and barrier composition. However, double HgTe quantum wells yet contain more fascinating and still unrevealed features. Here we report on the study of the quantum phase transitions in tunnel-coupled HgTe layers separated by CdTe barrier. We demonstrate that this system has a 3/2 pseudo spin degree of freedom, which features a number of particular properties associated with the spin-dependent coupling between HgTe layers. We discover a specific metal phase arising in a wide range of HgTe and CdTe layer thicknesses, in which a gapless bulk and a pair of helical edge states coexist. This phase holds some properties of bilayer graphene such as an unconventional quantum Hall effect and an electrically-tunable band gap. In this “bilayer graphene” phase, electric field opens the band gap and drives the system into the quantum spin Hall state. Furthermore, we discover a new type of quantum phase transition arising from a mutual inversion between second electron- and hole-like subbands. This work paves the way towards novel materials based on multi-layered topological insulators.
The Genome of Undifilum oxytropis Provides Insights into Swainsonine Biosynthesis and Locoism
Authors: Lu Hao , Quan Haiyun , Ren Zhenhui , Wang Shuai , Xue Ruixu , Zhao Baoyu
Published: August 2016

Undifilum oxytropis is a fungal endophyte of locoweeds. It produces swainsonine, which is the principal toxic ingredient of locoweeds. However, the genes, pathways and mechanisms of swainsonine biosynthesis are not known. In this study, the genome of U. oxytropis was firstly sequenced and assembled into a 70.05 megabases (Mb) draft genome, which encoded 11,057 protein-coding genes, and 54% of them were similar to current publicly available sequences. U. oxytropis genes were annotated and 164 putative genes were annotated into enzymes, such as Saccharopine dehydrogenase, Saccharopine oxidase, and Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase, hypothesized to be involved in the biosynthesis pathway of swainsonine. The genome sequence and gene annotation of U. oxytropis will provide new insights into functional analyses. The characterization of genes in swainsonine biosynthesis will greatly facilitate locoweed poisoning research and help direct locoism management.
Erratum: Steady State Ocean Response to Wind Forcing in Extratropical Frontal Regions
Authors: Cronin Meghan F. , Tozuka Tomoki
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28842; published online: 29 June 2016; updated: 01 August 2016 In the HTML version of this Article, there is a typographical error in the Introduction section, “We call this the “effective wind stress”: where is the stress associated with the pressure gradient-induced geostrophic shear, referred to hereinafter as the geostrophic shear stress.
Chemometrics for ion mobility spectrometry data: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Szymańska Ewa , Davies Antony N. , Buydens Lutgarde M. C.
Published: August 2016

This is the first comprehensive review on chemometric techniques used in ion mobility spectrometry data analysis.
Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of phenylethanoid glycosides and flavanoid compounds in Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun by HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF-MS/MS coupled with HPLC-DAD
Authors: Gong Jing , Miao Hui , Sun Xiu-man , Hou Wan-er , Chen Jia-hui , Xie Zhi-yong , Liao Qiong-feng
Published: August 2016

A total of 44 components were characterized inCallicarpa kwangtungensisChun (CK) by LC-ESI-IT-TOF and six index compounds were quantified in it by HPLC-DAD.
Catalytic enantio- and diastereoselective Mannich reaction of α-substituted isocyanoacetates and ketimines
Authors: de la Campa Raquel , Gammack Yamagata Adam D. , Ortín Irene , Franchino Allegra , Thompson Amber L. , Odell Barbara , Dixon Darren J.
Published: August 2016

The highly diastereo- and enantioselective Mannich reaction/cyclisation of α-substituted isocyanoacetates and ketimines catalysed by silver acetate and a cinchona-derived amino phosphine is reported.
Effects of water molecules on the chemical stability of MAGeI3 perovskite explored from a theoretical viewpoint
Authors: Sun Ping-Ping , Chi Wei-Jie , Li Ze-Sheng
Published: August 2016

The degradation of MAGeI3 will result in decomposition to HI, GeI2 and CH3NH2, causing a decrease in optical absorption.
Beneficial effects of dark chocolate on exercise capacity in sedentary subjects: underlying mechanisms. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Taub Pam R. , Ramirez-Sanchez Israel , Patel Minal , Higginbotham Erin , Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Román-Pintos Luis Miguel , Phillips Paul , Perkins Guy , Ceballos Guillermo , Villarreal Francisco
Published: August 2016

We wished to examine the effects of dark chocolate on sedentary individuals' exercise capacity and underlying mechanisms.
Pyrogallol, an absorbable microbial gallotannins-metabolite and mango polyphenols (Mangifera Indica L.) suppress breast cancer ductal carcinoma in situ proliferation in vitro
Authors: Nemec Matthew J. , Kim Hyemee , Marciante Alexandria B. , Barnes Ryan C. , Talcott Stephen T. , Mertens-Talcott Susanne U.
Published: August 2016

Mango polyphenols and pyrogallol, a microbial gallotannin-metabolite have an anti-proliferative effect in anin situbreast cancer cell, MCF10DCIS.COM.
Structural design approaches for creating fat droplet and starch granule mimetics
Authors: McClements David Julian , Chung Cheryl , Wu Bi-cheng
Published: August 2016

This article focuses on hydrogel-based strategies for creating reduced calorie foods with desirable physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional properties.
A nitrogen and sulphur functionalized graphene oxide–palladium nanoparticle hybrid catalyst for an efficient Heck coupling
Authors: Premi Chanchal , Jain Nidhi
Published: August 2016

A nanohybrid of Pd on GO functionalized with N and S has been fabricated, and demonstrated as an efficient catalyst for Heck coupling with a substantially low catalytic loading (0.02 mol%).
Cost effective biochar gels with super capabilities for heavy metal removal
Authors: Chen Pan-pan , Zhang Hong-ping , Liu Huan-de , Luo Xue-gang , Lin Xiao-yan , Lu Xiong , Tang Youhong
Published: August 2016

A novel KGM based biochar with super heavy metal removal capacities can be prepared conveniently.
Novel environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethane/hollow Ni0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite films: superior magnetic and mechanical properties
Authors: Chen Suli , Jin Tao , Wu Wenling , Zhao Guanghui
Published: August 2016

Superparamagnetic nanocomposite films based on waterborne polyurethane and hollow Ni0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanospheres (WPU/h-NZFO) were synthesized via an in situ polymerization technique.
A novel displacement-type colorimetric chemosensor for the detection of Cu2+and GSH in aqueous solution
Authors: You Ga Rim , Jang Hyo Jung , Jo Tae Geun , Kim Cheal
Published: August 2016

A new selective and sensitive chemosensor1for the sequential detection of Cu2+and GSHvianaked-eye has been developed.
Application of metal organic frameworks M(bdc)(ted)0.5 (M = Co, Zn, Ni, Cu) in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Peng Ling , Wu Shujie , Yang Xiaoyuan , Hu Jing , Fu Xiaoran , Huo Qisheng , Guan Jingqi
Published: August 2016

The selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde is an important process in heterogeneous catalysis and green organic chemistry.
Solvothermal synthesis and self-assembling mechanism of micro-nano spherical LiFePO4with high tap density
Authors: Jin Yuan , Tang Xincun , Wang Haiyan
Published: August 2016

Well-defined three-dimensional porous LiFePO4microspheres composed of nanosheets with a high tap density of 1.4 g cm−3were successfully synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method and their growth mechanism was also proposed.
Nanostructure and pore size control of template-free synthesised mesoporous magnesium carbonate
Authors: Cheung Ocean , Zhang Peng , Frykstrand Sara , Zheng Haoquan , Yang Taimin , Sommariva Marco , Zou Xiaodong , Strømme Maria
Published: August 2016

The structure of mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) first presented in 2013 is investigated using a bottom-up approach.
Design and synthesis of a rhodol isomer and its derivatives with high selectivity and sensitivity for sensing Hg2+and F−in aqueous media
Authors: Qin Jun , Yao Huirong , He Song , Zeng Xianshun
Published: August 2016

A fluorescent rhodol isomer has developed as a versatile fluorophore for the molecular design of chemosensors and fluorescent tracers.
A rhodamine-based “off–on” fluorescent chemosensor for selective detection of Fe3+ in aqueous media and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Chan Singming , Li Qinghua , Tse Hoyin , Lee Albert W. M. , Mak N. K. , Lung H. L. , Chan Wing-Hong
Published: August 2016

Rhodamine-based turn-on fluorescent probe FIS1 for selective detection of Fe3+ in aqueous media and live cell environment has been developed.
Mn4+doped (NH4)2TiF6and (NH4)2SiF6micro-crystal phosphors: synthesis through ion exchange at room temperature and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Xi Luqing , Pan Yuexiao , Huang Shaoming , Liu Guokui
Published: August 2016

Two red micro-crystal phosphors: (NH4)2TiF6:Mn4+and (NH4)2SiF6:Mn4+have been obtained through ion exchange at room temperature for a few hours. The reaction mechanism and luminescence properties of them have been comprehensively invested.
A new [4 + 1]/[4 + 2]bicycliaztion strategy for accessing functionalized indeno[1,2-b]pyran-2-ones
Authors: Jiang Bo , Fu Rong , Qiu Jiang-Kai , Yu Yan , Wang Shu-Liang , Tu Shu-Jiang
Published: August 2016

A new base-promoted bicyclization strategy for the synthesis of functionalized indeno[1,2-b]pyran-2-ones has been established from readily accessible o-phthalaldehydes (OPA) and the preformed 1-arylethylidenemalononitriles.
Structural exploration of acid sphingomyelinase at different physiological pH through molecular dynamics and docking studies
Authors: Vadlamudi Yellamandayya , Muthu Kannan , M. Suresh Kumar
Published: August 2016

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) hydrolysis the sphingomyelin at physiological pH 5.0 and subsequently leads to ceramide production.
Theoretical study on the mechanism of oxidative–extractive desulfurization in imidazolium-based ionic liquid
Authors: Yuan P. , Zhang T. T. , Cai A. F. , Cui C. S. , Liu H. Y. , Bao X. J.
Published: August 2016

The oxidation of TH to SP by H2O2 with the assistance of IL experiences two steps via two transition states.
Directly probing spin dynamics in a molecular magnet with femtosecond time-resolution
Authors: Johansson J. O. , Kim J.-W. , Allwright E. , Rogers D. M. , Robertson N. , Bigot J.-Y.
Published: August 2016

Femtosecond magneto-optical measurements detect the formation of a spin-excited state in the vanadium–chromium Prussian blue analogue, which is a molecule-based magnet.
Upcycling of nonporous coordination polymers: controllable-conversion toward porosity-tuned N-doped carbons and their electrocatalytic activity in seawater batteries
Authors: Jeoung Sungeun , Sahgong Sun Hye , Kim Jae Hyung , Hwang Soo Min , Kim Youngsik , Moon Hoi Ri
Published: August 2016

We report the preparation of porosity-tuned N-doped carbons via thermolysis of nonporous Zn-based coordination polymers constructed with nitrogen-containing ligands, in which especially mesoporosity is developed.
Core–shell stability of nanoparticles plays an important role for overcoming the intestinal mucus and epithelium barrier
Authors: Liu Min , Wu Lei , Zhu Xi , Shan Wei , Li Lian , Cui Yi , Huang Yuan
Published: August 2016

The stability of the core–shell structure plays an important role in the nanoparticles ability to overcome both the mucus and epithelium absorption barrier.
Relationship between α-MSH, soluble leptin receptor, MC4R polymorphism and BMI in Thai children and adolescents
Authors: Tungtrongchitr Rungsunn , Phonrat Benjaluck , Yamborisut Uruwan , Popruk Supaluk , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee
Published: August 2016

In order to evaluate the mechanism of disturbance of melanocortin signaling in different groups of Thai children and adolescents classified according to body mass index (BMI) percentile for age by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts, and α-melanocortin stimulating hormone (α-MSH), soluble leptin receptor and melanocortin −4 receptor (MC4R) polymorphism were studied. 149 male and 127 female children and adolescent Thai subjects with age range between 5–19 years were selected. Statistically significant difference of serum leptin receptor concentration between under weight (< 5th percentile), possible at risk for underweight (between 5th and 15th percentile), probably healthy (between 15th and 85th percentile); at risk for overweight (between the 85th and 95th percentile) and overweight (over the 95th percentile) were found. The levels of α-MSH were not significantly different when comparing the groups. Heterozygous of MC4R polymorphism (Val103Ile) were found in underweight, possible at risk for underweight and probably healthy group which might have been the cause of lower BMI for age even they have had normal serum α-MSH concentration. Using the logistic regression analysis, the group of risk for being overweight and overweight was statistically significant with α-MSH. This study supported a positive correlation between α-MSH and BMI with ages of Thai children and adolescents group.
Resonant cavities for efficient LT-GaAs photoconductors operating at λ = 1550 nm
Authors: Billet M. , Latzel P. , Pavanello F. , Ducournau G. , Lampin J.-F. , Peytavit E.
Published: August 2016

We show that photoconductors based on low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) can be efficiently operated by 1.55 μm telecom wavelength by using metallic mirror based optical cavities. Two different semi-transparent front mirrors are compared: the first one is a thin gold layer, whereas the second one consists of a gold grating. Light absorption in grating mirror based optical cavities is numerically, analytically, and experimentally investigated allowing for an appropriate optical design. We show a 3 times improvement of the LT-GaAs photoconductor photoresponse by using, as front mirror, the gold grating once compared with the thin gold layer. It reaches around 0.5 mA/W under continuous wave, whereas a transient photoresistivity (Ron) as low as 5 Ω is deduced from dc photocurrents measured under femtosecond pulsed laser excitation. This work paves the way to efficient and reliable optoelectronics systems for GHz or THz waves sampling driven by 1.55 μm pulsed lasers widely available.
Guided acoustic and optical waves in silicon-on-insulator for Brillouin scattering and optomechanics
Authors: Sarabalis Christopher J. , Hill Jeff T. , Safavi-Naeini Amir H.
Published: August 2016

We numerically study silicon waveguides on silica showing that it is possible to simultaneously guide optical and acoustic waves in the technologically important silicon on insulator (SOI) material system. Thin waveguides, or fins, exhibit geometrically softened mechanical modes at gigahertz frequencies with phase velocities below the Rayleigh velocity in glass, eliminating acoustic radiation losses. We propose slot waveguides on glass with telecom optical frequencies and strong radiation pressure forces resulting in Brillouin gains on the order of 500 and 50 000 W−1m−1 for backward and forward Brillouin scattering, respectively.
Single-mode optical waveguides on native high-refractive-index substrates
Authors: Grote Richard R. , Bassett Lee C.
Published: August 2016

High-refractive-index semiconductor optical waveguides form the basis for modern photonic integrated circuits (PICs). However, conventional methods for achieving optical confinement require a thick lower-refractive-index support layer that impedes large-scale co-integration with electronics and limits the materials on which PICs can be fabricated. To address this challenge, we present a general architecture for single-mode waveguides that confine light in a high-refractive-index material on a native substrate. The waveguide consists of a high-aspect-ratio fin of the guiding material surrounded by lower-refractive-index dielectrics and is compatible with standard top-down fabrication techniques. This letter describes a physically intuitive, semi-analytical, effective index model for designing fin waveguides, which is confirmed with fully vectorial numerical simulations. Design examples are presented for diamond and silicon at visible and telecommunications wavelengths, respectively, along with calculations of propagation loss due to bending, scattering, and substrate leakage. Potential methods of fabrication are also discussed. The proposed waveguide geometry allows PICs to be fabricated alongside silicon CMOS electronics on the same wafer, removes the need for heteroepitaxy in III-V PICs, and will enable wafer-scale photonic integration on emerging material platforms such as diamond and SiC.
The repeatability of textural wool handle
Authors: Preston J. W. V. , Hatcher S. , McGregor B. A.
Published: August 2016

Merino breeders use textural greasy wool handle in ram buying and breeding decisions. The effectiveness of the current wool handle scoring system has not been objectively evaluated. The assessor repeatability of textural wool handle was quantified using three different methods of assessment (on the live animal, as a greasy wool mid-side sample, and as a clean (scoured) wool mid-side sample). The aim of the study was to determine which method of assessment is the most repeatable. Three separately defined repeatability estimates were calculated based on knowledge about the operator. The first estimate was based on the assessor repeatability from the operators used in this study. The second estimate was calculated using replicate values obtained from the same random assessor and the third estimate was based on two results from independent random assessors. The results demonstrated that the assessor repeatability was the greatest when handle was assessed on the clean wool mid-side method, followed by the greasy wool mid-side assessment, and least in the live-animal assessment. However, there was significant variation in the repeatability estimates between the four assessors used in the study. Accounting for fixed effects such as sex, sire group, birth type and rearing type, decreased the variation observed and thus had a negative impact on the assessor repeatability of textural wool handle. The results in this study indicate that non-wool constituents negatively impact on the ability of an assessor to consistently assign a score for textual handle in the greasy wool mid-side method. It is likely that the added cost and time required for scouring to assess handle in the clean state may not be economically viable in most situations. However, the increase in repeatability by assessing handle in greasy wool mid-side method compared with the live-animal assessment indicates that sheep producers should use this strategy when evaluating the trait on-farm.
Preparation of Magnetic Surface-Imprinted Polymer Microspheres with Hydrophilic External Layers for Selective Extraction of Fluoroquinolones from Eggs
Authors: Lv Yun-Kai , Xiong Xue , Zhao Fang-Fang , Li Meng-Zhe , Wang Mian , Li Xiao-Yang
Published: August 2016

A novel method of one-pot covalently grafting a hydrophilic organic polymer imprinted layer on the surface of magnetic microspheres was developed for the preparation of restricted access materials–molecularly imprinted magnetic microspheres (RAM-MIMMs) with water compatibility and ability to exclude biomacromolecules and selectively enrich analytes. The magnetic nanoparticles were coated with silica gel, modified with vinyl groups, polymerized with the template (enrofloxacin), functional monomer (glycidyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid), and cross-linking agent (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) in chloroform, and then the hydrophilic surface was formed by a ring-opening reaction. The RAM-MIMMs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and adsorption experiments and demonstrated average diameters around 400 nm and a coating thickness in the range of 50 nm. They exhibited high selectivity of the imprinted cavities and hydrophilicity of the external surface with water compatibility and exclusion of biomacromolecules. The RAM-MIMMs were used for the magnetic dispersion microextraction of fluoroquinolones from egg samples with satisfactory results.
Isolation of rugosin A, B and related compounds as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors from rose bud extract powder
Authors: Kato Eisuke , Uenishi Yuta , Inagaki Yosuke , Kurokawa Mihoko , Kawabata Jun
Published: August 2016

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a protease responsible for the degradation of the incretin hormone. A number of DPP-IV inhibitors have been approved for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While these inhibitors are effective for this treatment, methods for the prevention of this disease are also required as diabetes patient numbers are currently increasing rapidly worldwide. We screened the DPP-IV inhibitory activities of edible plant extracts with the intention of using these extracts in a functional food supplement for the prevention of diabetes. Rose (Rosa gallica) bud extract powder was a promising material with high inhibitory activity. In this study, seven ellagitannins were isolated as active compounds through activity-guided fractionations, and their DPP-IV inhibitory activities were measured. Among them, rugosin A and B showed the highest inhibitory activities and rugosin B was shown as the major contributing compound in rose bud extract powder.
Monitoring the circadian clock in human blood using personalized machine learning
Authors: Hughey Jacob J.
Published: August 2016

The circadian clock and the rhythms it produces are crucial for human health, but frequently perturbed by the modern environment. At the same time, circadian rhythms may influence the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutics and the metabolic response to food intake. Measuring the body’s response to treatments for circadian dysfunction, as well as optimizing the daily timing of treatments for other health conditions, requires a simple and accurate method for monitoring the circadian clock. Here we used a recently developed method called ZeitZeiger to predict circadian time (CT, time of day according to the circadian clock) from genome-wide gene expression in human blood. In cross-validation on 498 samples from 60 individuals across three publicly available datasets, ZeitZeiger predicted CT in single samples with a median absolute error of 2.1 h. The predictor trained on all 498 samples used 15 genes, only two of which are part of the core circadian clock. We then extended ZeitZeiger to make predictions for groups of samples, and developed a general framework to personalize predictions using samples from only the respective individual. Each of these strategies improved prediction of CT by ~20%. Our results are an important step towards precision circadian medicine.
Local and Acute Disruption of the Yeast Cell Surface
Authors: Kono Keiko , Okada Hiroki , Ohya Yoshikazu
Published: August 2016

In nature, the yeast cell barrier encounters threats ranging from physical impact to abrupt changes in osmolality after rainfall. Genetic materials are protected from these environmental attacks by the rigid cell wall. Laboratory methods for challenging cell wall integrity have made an enormous contribution to the study of the yeast cell surface, but most have targeted whole-cell populations in place of single-cell analysis. This protocol describes pulse-laser-based acute disruption of the yeast cell surface, which enables the observation of single-cell response to submicron-scale damage.
Does compliance with corporate governance code hinder corporate entrepreneurship? Evidence from the UK
Authors: Elgharbawy Adel , Abdel-Kader Magdy
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the possible trade-off between accountability and enterprise in the context of comply or explain governance. The issue was addressed through examining the effect of compliance with the corporate governance code (CGC) on corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cross-sectional survey and content analysis of annual reports, the level of CE and compliance with the CGC were measured in the large and medium-listed companies in the UK during 2010. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results suggest no conflict between compliance with the CGC and CE in the UK, which can be attributed to the flexibility of the “comply or explain” approach. This implies that no trade-off between accountability and enterprise in the context of comply or explain governance.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence in support of the regulatory governance framework in the UK and the comply or explain approach at large. This evidence contributes to the debate on the rules-based or principles-based governance, which may affect future CG regulations. It can also guide the directors to achieve the balance between their conformance and performance roles.

Originality/value

The study bridges the gap between CG and CE disciplines through developing a theoretical model that integrate contingency and agency theories lenses. Adopting a holistic approach provides insights into the relationships between CG and CE, rather than investigating the effect of each of these practices separately on organisational performance.
Institutional shareholder activism in Nigeria
Authors: Uche Chinyere , Adegbite Emmanuel , John Jones Michael
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate institutional shareholder activism in Nigeria. It addresses the paucity of empirical research on institutional shareholder activism in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses agency theory to understand the institutional shareholder approach to shareholder activism in Nigeria. The data are collected through qualitative interviews with expert representatives from financial institutions.

Findings

The findings indicate evidence of low-level shareholder activism in Nigeria. The study provides empirical insight into the reasons why institutional shareholders might adopt an active or passive approach to shareholder activism. The findings suggest the pension structure involving two types of pension institutions affects the ability to engage in shareholder activism.

Research limitations/implications

The research study advances our understanding of the status quo of institutional shareholder activism in an African context such as Nigeria.

Practical implications

The paper makes a practical contribution by highlighting that regulators need to consider how the financial market conditions and characteristics affect effective promotion of better governance practices and performance through shareholder activism.

Originality/value

This study draws attention to the implication for shareholder activism of complexities associated with an institutional arrangement where two types of financial institutions are expected to operate and manage the private pension funds in a country.
MHD natural convection flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical porous plate with Newtonian heating in the presence of radiation
Authors: Narahari Marneni , Kamran M
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation on steady natural convection flow of a viscous incompressible fluid along a uniformly moving infinite vertical porous plate with Newtonian heating in the presence of transverse magnetic field. The governing non-linear boundary layer equations are solved by using homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of various system parameters on velocity and temperature fields are discussed graphically, and the numerical values for skin friction and Nusselt number are presented in tabular form.

Design/methodology/approach

– The problem is formulated using the Boussinesq approximation under the effects of thermal radiation and transverse magnetic field. The resulting coupled system of non-linear differential equations is solved using HAM with appropriate boundary conditions for Newtonian heating of the plate. HAM is a powerful method which provides rapidly converging series solution for the velocity and temperature fields. The effects of Prandtl number, Grashof number, suction parameter, magnetic field parameter, radiation parameter and Eckert number on the fluid velocity, temperature, skin friction and Nusselt number have been investigated.

Findings

– The HAM solution has been successfully applied to find the converging series solution for velocity and temperature fields in terms of pertinent system parameters. Comparison of the exact solution results agree well with the HAM solution results in the absence of Eckert number and this indicates that the HAM solutions are accurate. It is found that the velocity and temperature profiles decreases with the increase of thermal radiation and suction parameters. An increase in the magnetic field parameter leads to a rise in the fluid temperature and fall in the fluid velocity.

Research limitations/implications

– The present analysis is limited to steady state laminar natural convection flow only. Unsteady natural- /mixed-convection laminar flow in the presence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction and transverse magnetic field will be investigated in a future work.

Practical implications

– The study provides very useful information for heat transfer engineers to understand the heat transfer rate when the moving vertical porous surface temperature is not known a prior. The present results have immediate relevance in the design of nuclear reactors where vertical moving porous plates are using as control rods.

Originality/value

– The present research work is relatively original and illustrates the effects of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and transverse magnetic field on natural convection flow past a uniformly moving infinite vertical porous plate with Newtonian heating.