bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involving Medical Students in Informed Consent: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chiapponi Costanza , Meyer Frank , Jannasch Olof , Arndt Stephan , Stübs Patrick , Bruns Christiane J.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Studies have reported that patients often sign consent documents without understanding the content. Written paperwork, audio‐visual materials, and decision aids have shown to consistently improve patients’ knowledge. How informed consent should be taken is not properly taught at most universities in Germany.

Materials and methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated how much information about their procedure our patients retain. In particular, it should be elucidated whether an additional conversation between patients and properly prepared medical students shortly before surgery as an adjunct to informed consent can be introduced as a new teaching unit aimed to increase the understanding of surgery by patients and students. Informed consent of all patients had been previously obtained by three surgical residents 1–3 days in advance. All patients had received a copy of their consent form. The same residents developed assessment forms for thyroidectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, umbilical hernia repair, and Lichtenstein procedure for inguinal hernia, respectively, containing 3–4 major common complications (e.g., bile duct injury, hepatic artery injury, stone spillage, and retained stones for laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and briefed the medical students before seeing the patients. Structured one‐to‐one interviews between students (n = 9) and patients (n = 55) based on four different assessment forms were performed and recorded by students. Both patients and students were asked to assess the new teaching unit using a short structured questionnaire.

Results

Although 100 % of patients said at the beginning of their interview to have understood and memorized the risks of their imminent procedure, 5.8 % (3/55) were not even able to indicate the correct part of the body where the incision would take place. Only 18.2 % (10/55) of the patients were able to mention 2 or more complications, and 45.3 % (25/55) could not even recall a single one. 96.4 % (53/55) of the patients and 100 % (9/9) of the students taking part in this teaching unit found that this exercise represents a significant improvement of clinical teaching and recommended to introduce this teaching unit as a standard on the normal wards.

Conclusion and outlook

Students teaching patients (SteP) appears to be an easy and cost‐efficient tool to improve patients’ education and students’ learning. Students become aware of how difficult it is to explain surgical procedures and complications to patients and patients are better informed about their treatment. We plan to (i) introduce the STeP protocol as a standard teaching project in daily clinical routine and (ii) continue the pilot study to reach representative student and patient numbers for a possible final statement and derived recommendation.
p38α controls self‐renewal and fate decision of neurosphere‐forming cells in adult hippocampus
Authors: Yoshioka Kento , Namiki Kana , Sudo Tatsuhiko , Kasuya Yoshitoshi
Published: May 2015

Neural stem cells (NSC) from the adult hippocampus easily lose their activityin vitro. Efficientin vitro expansion of adult hippocampus‐derived NSC is important for generation of tools for research and cell therapy. Here, we show that a single copy disruption or pharmacological inhibition of p38α enables successful long‐term neurosphere culture of adult mouse hippocampal cells. Expanded neurospheres with high proliferative activity differentiated into the three neuronal lineages under differentiating conditions. Thus, inhibition of p38α can maintain adult hippocampal NSC activityin vitro.
Equilibrium similarity solution of the turbulent transport equation along the centreline of a round jet
Authors: Sadeghi H. , Lavoie P. , Pollard A.
Published: May 2015

A novel similarity-based form is derived of the transport equation for the second-order velocity structure function of$\langle ({\it\delta}q)^{2}\rangle$along the centreline of a round turbulent jet using an equilibrium similarity analysis. This self-similar equation has the advantage of requiring less extensive measurements to calculate the inhomogeneous (decay and production) terms of the transport equation. It is suggested that the normalised third-order structure function can be uniquely determined when the normalised second-order structure function, the power-law exponent of$\langle q^{2}\rangle$and the decay rate constants of$\langle u^{2}\rangle$and$\langle v^{2}\rangle$are available. In addition, the current analysis demonstrates that the assumption of similarity, combined with an inverse relation between the mean velocity$U$and the streamwise distance$x-x_{0}$from the virtual origin (i.e. $U\propto (x-x_{0})^{-1}$), is sufficient to predict a power-law decay for the turbulence kinetic energy ($\langle q^{2}\rangle \propto (x-x_{0})^{m}$), rather than requiring a power-law decay ($m=-2$) as an additionalad hocassumption. On the basis of the current analysis, it is suggested that the mean kinetic energy dissipation rate,$\langle {\it\epsilon}\rangle$, varies as$(x-x_{0})^{m-2}$. These theoretical results are tested against new experimental data obtained along the centreline of a round turbulent jet as well as previously published data on round jets for$11\,000\leqslant \mathit{Re}_{D}\leqslant 184\,000$over the range$10\leqslant x/D\leqslant 90$. For the present experiments,$\langle q^{2}\rangle$exhibits power-law behaviour with$m=-1.83$. The validity of this solution is confirmed using other experimental data where$\langle q^{2}\rangle$follows a power law with$-1.89\leqslant m\leqslant -1.78$. The present similarity form of the transport equation for$\langle ({\it\delta}q)^{2}\rangle$is also shown to be closely satisfied by the experimental data.
Chasing baboons or attending class: protected areas and childhood education in Uganda
Authors: MACKENZIE CATRINA A. , SENGUPTA RAJA R. , KAOSER RIDHWANA
Published: May 2015

The influence of protected areas on childhood education is often assumed to be positive, and integrated conservation and development programmes (ICDPs) typically support childhood education by building schools, providing scholarships and improving education quality, which in turn helps build conservation attitudes. In this paper, the impact of a protected area on childhood education is examined within the broader socioeconomic context of villages bordering Kibale National Park (Uganda). Survey data from households and primary schools indicated ICDPs improved primary school enrolment and education for girls. However, crop raiding by Park-protected animals reduced the probability of boys completing four years of primary education because they were preferentially held back from school to guard crops. Since population growth around protected areas is a threat to conservation, and since extending education for both boys and girls helps reduce birth rates and improve future employment opportunities, helping children attain primary school completion supports both conservation and development objectives. The findings highlight the need to continue supporting childhood education near protected areas; however, additional focus should be placed on boys’ educational attainment, and the need for wildlife authorities, governments and conservation organizations to invest in crop-raiding defences to mitigate crop-raiding losses.
X-ray powder diffraction analysis of two new magnesium selenate hydrates, MgSeO4·9H2O and MgSeO4·11H2O
Authors: Fortes A. Dominic
Published: May 2015

Several hitherto unknown hydrates of magnesium selenate have been formed by quenching aqueous solutions of MgSeO4 in liquid nitrogen. MgSeO4·11H2O is apparently isostructural with the mineral meridianiite (MgSO4·11H2O), being triclinic, $P{\rm \bar 1}$, Z = 2, with unit-cell parameters a = 6.779 00(8) Å, b = 6.965 16(9) Å, c = 17.4934(2) Å, α = 87.713(1)°, β = 89.222(1)°, γ = 63.121(1)°, and V = 736.15(1) Å3 at −25 °C. MgSeO4·9H2O represents a new hydration state in the MgSeO4–H2O system; it is monoclinic, space-group P21/c, Z = 4, with unit-cell parameters a = 7.270 24(6) Å, b = 10.510 94(9) Å, c = 17.4030(2) Å, β = 109.447(1)°, and V = 1254.02(1) Å3 at −22 °C. The heavy-atom structure of MgSeO4·9H2O has been determined by direct-space methods from X-ray powder diffraction data and consists of isolated Mg(H2O)62+ octahedra and SeO42− tetrahedra linked by hydrogen bonds. The remaining three water molecules occupy the space between the polyhedral ions, contributing to the H-bonded network, which comprises 4-, 5-, and 6-membered rings. A third phase has been observed to crystallise prior to the 11-hydrate upon warming of liquid-nitrogen-quenched glass, but this transforms rapidly to the meridianiite-structured 11-hydrate and the identity of this phase is unclear.
Statistical Study of Beam-Induced Motion of Gold Adatoms by a Scanning TEM
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Xin , Zhu Guo-zhen
Published: May 2015

In order to achieve reliable structural characterization by transmission electron microscopy, beam-induced structural changes should be clarified for any target material system. As an example, the movement of heavy adatoms on a thin carbon support has been repeatedly reported under the electron beam while the underlying reason for such motion is still in debate. By applying statistical analysis to the group behavior of gold adatoms, we investigated their motion under different beam conditions and detected features corresponding to beam-induced motion, under typical scanning transmission electron microscopy observation conditions. Our results are consistent with the theoretical prediction proposed by Egerton (2013).
Sexual violence in armed conflicts: A violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law
Authors: Gaggioli Gloria
Published: May 2015

Sexual violence is prevalent in contemporary armed conflicts. International humanitarian law and human rights law absolutely prohibit all forms of sexual violence at all times and against anyone; international criminal law moreover provides for the individual criminal responsibility of sexual crimes' perpetrators. These three bodies of law importantly reinforce each other in this field. The discrepancy between the facts on the ground and the law is a matter of concern that cannot be explained by potential legal gaps or uncertainties. What is needed is to find new ways of improving implementation for existing laws at the domestic and international levels.
Expression of the vault RNA protects cells from undergoing apoptosis
Authors: Amort Melanie , Nachbauer Birgit , Tuzlak Selma , Kieser Arnd , Schepers Aloys , Villunger Andreas , Polacek Norbert
Published: May 2015

Non-protein-coding RNAs are a functionally versatile class of transcripts exerting their biological roles on the RNA level. Recently, we demonstrated that the vault complex-associated RNAs (vtRNAs) are significantly upregulated in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected human B cells. Very little is known about the function(s) of the vtRNAs or the vault complex. Here, we individually express latent EBV-encoded proteins in B cells and identify the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) as trigger for vtRNA upregulation. Ectopic expression of vtRNA1-1, but not of the other vtRNA paralogues, results in an improved viral establishment and reduced apoptosis, a function located in the central domain of vtRNA1-1. Knockdown of the major vault protein has no effect on these phenotypes revealing that vtRNA1-1 and not the vault complex contributes to general cell death resistance. This study describes a NF-κB-mediated role of the non-coding vtRNA1-1 in inhibiting both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.
Post-transcriptional inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase-12 after focal cerebral ischemia attenuates brain damage
Authors: Chelluboina Bharath , Warhekar Aditi , Dillard Matt , Klopfenstein Jeffrey D. , Pinson David M. , Wang David Z. , Veeravalli Krishna Kumar
Published: May 2015

This study highlights the possible pathological role of MMP-12 in the context of ischemic stroke. Male rats were subjected to a two-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure. MMP-12 shRNA expressing plasmid formulation was administered to these rats twenty-four hours after reperfusion. The results showed a predominant upregulation of MMP-12 (approximately 47, 58, 143 and 265 folds on days 1, 3, 5, 7 post-ischemia, respectively) in MCAO subjected rats. MMP-12 expression was localized to neurons, oligodendrocytes and microglia, but not astrocytes. Transcriptional inactivation of MMP-12 significantly reduced the infarct size. The percent infarct size was reduced from 62.87 ± 4.13 to 34.67 ± 5.39 after MMP-12 knockdown compared to untreated MCAO subjected rats. Expression of myelin basic protein was increased and activity of MMP-9 was reduced in ischemic rat brains after MMP-12 knockdown. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the extent of apoptosis was noticed after MMP-12 knockdown. TNFα expression in the ipsilateral regions of MCAO-subjected rats was reduced after MMP-12 knockdown in addition to the reduced protein expression of apoptotic molecules that are downstream to TNFα signaling. Specific knockdown of MMP-12 after focal cerebral ischemia offers neuroprotection that could be mediated via reduced MMP-9 activation and myelin degradation as well as inhibition of apoptosis.
Non-volatile Clocked Spin Wave Interconnect for Beyond-CMOS Nanomagnet Pipelines
Authors: Dutta Sourav , Chang Sou-Chi , Kani Nickvash , Nikonov Dmitri E. , Manipatruni Sasikanth , Young Ian A. , Naeemi Azad
Published: May 2015

The possibility of using spin waves for information transmission and processing has been an area of active research due to the unique ability to manipulate the amplitude and phase of the spin waves for building complex logic circuits with less physical resources and low power consumption. Previous proposals on spin wave logic circuits have suggested the idea of utilizing the magneto-electric effect for spin wave amplification and amplitude- or phase-dependent switching of magneto-electric cells. Here, we propose a comprehensive scheme for building a clocked non-volatile spin wave device by introducing a charge-to-spin converter that translates information from electrical domain to spin domain, magneto-electric spin wave repeaters that operate in three different regimes - spin wave transmitter, non-volatile memory and spin wave detector and a novel clocking scheme that ensures sequential transmission of information and non-reciprocity. The proposed device satisfies the five essential requirements for logic application: nonlinearity, amplification, concatenability, feedback prevention and complete set of Boolean operations.
BMP7 and EREG Contribute to the Inductive Potential of Dental Mesenchyme
Authors: Gao Bo , Zhou Xin , Zhou Xuedong , Pi Caixia , Xu Ruoshi , Wan Mian , Yang Jing , Zhou Yue , Liu Chengcheng , Sun Jianxun , Zhang Yan , Zheng Liwei
Published: May 2015

Odontogenesis is accomplished by reciprocal signaling between the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. It is generally accepted that the inductive mesenchyme is capable of inducing the odontogenic commitment of both dental and non-dental epithelial cells. However, the duration of this signal in the developing dental mesenchyme and whether adult dental pulp tissue maintains its inductive capability remain unclear. This study investigated the contribution of growth factors to regulating the inductive potential of the dental mesenchyme. Human oral epithelial cells (OEs) were co-cultured with either human dental mesenchymal/papilla cells (FDPCs) or human dental pulp cells (ADPCs) under 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional conditions. Odontogenic-associated genes and proteins were detected by qPCR and immunofluorescence, respectively and significant differences were observed between the two co-culture systems. The BMP7 and EREG expression levels in FDPCs were significantly higher than in ADPCs, as indicated by human growth factor PCR arrays and immunofluorescence analyses. OEs co-cultured with ADPCs supplemented with BMP7 and EREG expressed ameloblastic differentiation genes. Our study suggests that BMP7 and EREG expression in late bell-stage human dental papilla contributes to the inductive potential of dental mesenchyme. Furthermore, adult dental pulp cells supplemented with these two growth factors re-established the inductive potential of postnatal dental pulp tissue.
Radical aryl migration reactions and synthetic applications
Authors: Chen Zhi-Min , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Tu Yong-Qiang
Published: May 2015

This review provides a comprehensive summary of radical aryl migration reactions, highlighting their mechanistic studies and synthetic applications.
Fabrication of flexible microlens arrays through vapor-induced dewetting on selectively plasma-treated surfaces
Authors: Bi Xiaopeng , Li Wen
Published: May 2015

A rapid and cost-effective method based on room-temperature, vapor-induced dewetting is developed to fabricate self-aligned microlens arrays on polymeric surfaces.
Fluorescence turn-on detection of cysteine over homocysteine and glutathione based on “ESIPT” and “AIE”
Authors: Liu Hualong , Wang Xiaoyan , Xiang Yu , Tong Aijun
Published: May 2015

A turn-on detection of cysteine (Cys) based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer and aggregation-induced emission properties of a salicylaldehyde azine derivative has been established.
A novel green approach for the chemical modification of silica particles based on deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Gu Tongnian , Zhang Mingliang , Chen Jia , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: May 2015

A new green synthetic method was developed for the chemical modification of silica materials based on the high dispersibility of silica spheres in DESs and non-volatility of DESs.
Femtosecond laser induced hierarchical ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces with switchable wettability
Authors: Yong Jiale , Chen Feng , Yang Qing , Fang Yao , Huo Jinglan , Hou Xun
Published: May 2015

A hierarchical rough ZnO layer is directly induced from the Zn substrate via a one-step femtosecond laser ablation and shows switchable wettability.
Tandem hydroformylation and hydrogenation of dicyclopentadiene by Co3O4 supported gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Yubo , Qing Shaojun , Gao Zhixian , Mamat Xamxikamar , Zhang Jing , Li Hongyi , Eli Wumanjiang , Wang Tianfu
Published: May 2015

One-pot synthesis of high-value monomer tricyclodecanedimethylol (TDDMO) directly from dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) by Co3O4 supported gold nanoparticles.
Effect of preparation method on the solid state properties and the deN2O performance of CuO–CeO2oxides
Authors: Konsolakis M. , Carabineiro S. A. C. , Papista E. , Marnellos G. E. , Tavares P. B. , Moreira J. Agostinho , Romaguera-Barcelay Y. , Figueiredo J. L.
Published: May 2015

The superiority of Cu–Ce mixed oxides prepared by precipitation (versusimpregnation and exotemplating) was ascribed to their excellent redox properties, linked to the Ce4+/Ce3+and Cu2+/Cu+redox pairs.
A cascade approach to hetero-pentanuclear manganese-oxide clusters in polyoxometalates and their single-molecule magnet properties
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Sato Rinta , Minato Takuo , Shinoe Masahiro , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: May 2015

Hetero-pentanuclear clusters {MMn4} with large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and SMM behavior were successfully synthesized by sequential introduction of metal cations into the trivacant lacunary polyoxometalates.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and mechanism study of a class of benzylideneindanone derivatives as novel anticancer agents
Authors: Hu Jinhui , Yan Jun , Chen Jie , Pang Yanqing , Huang Ling , Li Xingshu
Published: May 2015

Our findings revealed the benzylideneindanone moiety as a new attractive scaffold for mitosis-targeting drug discovery.
Heterometallic rare-earth metal complexes with imino-functionalized 8-hydroxyquinolyl ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity towards hydrophosphinylation of trans-β-nitroalkene
Authors: Yuan Qingbing , Zhou Shuangliu , Zhu Xiancui , Wei Yun , Wang Shaowu , Mu Xiaolong , Yao Fangshi , Zhang Guangchao , Chen Zheng
Published: May 2015

The heterobimetallic complexes exhibited high catalytic activities on the hydrophosphinylation of β-nitroalkenes.
Cell-targeted platinum nanoparticles and nanoparticle clusters
Authors: Papst Stefanie , Brimble Margaret A. , Evans Clive W. , Verdon Daniel J. , Feisst Vaughan , Dunbar P. Rod , Tilley Richard D. , Williams David E.
Published: May 2015

The facile preparation of cell-targeted platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) is described, using designed peptides that as a single molecule control PtNP cluster growth, stabilise clusters in aqueous suspension and enable attachment of a versatile range of cell-targeting ligands.
Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of the Zintl compounds Sr5Al2Sb6 and Ca5Al2Sb6: first-principles study
Authors: Ye Lingyun , Wang Yuan Xu , Yang Jueming , Yan Yuli , Zhang Jihua , Guo Libin , Feng Zhenzhen
Published: May 2015

A high carrier concentration may be realized by Na or Mn doping. The thermoelectric properties may be improved by tuning the carrier concentration.
Novel catalyst PTMA-PILC: structural properties and catalytic performance for the dehydration of bioethanol to ethylene
Authors: Xie Xianmei , Li Zheng , Li Baoru , Wu Xu , An Xia
Published: May 2015

Novel phosphomolybdic acid-pillared interlayer clay (PTMA-PILC) catalysts were prepared by three steps: acid treatment, ion-exchange and impregnation method.
Submicron ZnO raspberries as effective catalysts for Fries rearrangement
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Rahaman Hasimur , Pal Sudip Kumar , Kar Nikita , Ghosh Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2015

Water/o-xylene interface offers a viable platform for the synthesis of raspberry-like ZnO microstructures that act as environmentally benign catalysts for Fries rearrangement.
Synthesis of a copper(ii) complex covalently anchoring a (2-iminomethyl)phenol moiety supported on HAp-encapsulated-α-Fe2O3 as an inorganic–organic hybrid magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of primary and secondary amides
Authors: Mamaghani M. , Shirini F. , Sheykhan M. , Mohsenimehr M.
Published: May 2015

A novel hydroxyapatite-encapsulated-α-Fe2O3-based Cu(ii) organic–inorganic hybrid (interphase) catalyst was prepared.
Studies on the drastic improvement of photocatalytic degradation of acid orange-74 dye by TPPO capped CuO nanoparticles in tandem with suitable electron capturing agents
Authors: Sharma Aarti , Dutta Raj Kumar
Published: May 2015

Photocatalytic dye degradation of CuO nanoparticles in the presence of K2S2O8.
Extraction of lithium-ion battery electrolytes with liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide and additional solvents
Authors: Grützke Martin , Mönnighoff Xaver , Horsthemke Fabian , Kraft Vadim , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha
Published: May 2015

A flow-through method for the extraction of lithium-ion battery electrolytes with supercritical and liquid carbon dioxide under the addition of solvents has been developed and optimized to achieve quantitative extraction of the electrolyte from commercial 18 650 cells.
Preparation of sulfomethylated softwood kraft lignin as a dispersant for cement admixture
Authors: He Wenming , Fatehi Pedram
Published: May 2015

In this work, the production of sulfonated kraft lignin was assessed on a laboratory scale, and the performance of the product as a dispersant for a cement admixture was assessed.
Template-free synthesis of porous boron nitride using a single source precursor
Authors: Maleki Mahdi , Beitollahi Ali , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: May 2015

Porous boron nitride (BN) powder was prepared through a facile template-free synthesis route through the pyrolysis of controlled polymerized ammonia borane (AB) at 1300 °C.
Mesoporous carbon nitride as a metal-free catalyst for the removal of aniline
Authors: Sam Mei Shie , Tiong Peggy , Lintang Hendrik O. , Lee Siew Ling , Yuliati Leny
Published: May 2015

Metal-free mesoporous carbon nitride exhibited good activity for catalytic removal of aniline owing to the mesoporosity and favorable adsorption sites.
Ceramide increases free volume voids in DPPC membranes
Authors: Axpe E. , García-Arribas A. B. , Mujika J. I. , Mérida D. , Alonso A. , Lopez X. , García J. A. , Ugalde J. M. , Goñi F. M. , Plazaola F.
Published: May 2015

We have measured by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) that ceramide increases the size of the free volume holes in DPPC lipid membranes.
Ultrafine SnO2 nanoparticles decorated onto graphene for high performance lithium storage
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Gao Lijun , Yang Shubin
Published: May 2015

A SnO2–graphene nanocomposite shows a high level of homogeneous dispersion and exhibits a very high performance for lithium storage.
Thermosensitive mixed shell polymeric micelles decorated with gold nanoparticles at the outmost surface: tunable surface plasmon resonance and enhanced catalytic properties with excellent colloidal stability
Authors: Yin Tao , Liu Xue , Wang Jianzu , An Yingli , Zhang Zhenkun , Shi Linqi
Published: May 2015

Gold NPs are coupled to the outermost surface of mixed shell polymeric micelles with a PEG/PNIPAM shell, exhibit thermoresponsive surface plasmon resonance, enhanced catalytic properties and excellent colloidal stability.
The first catalyst and solvent-free synthesis of 2-arylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles: a comparative assessment of greenness
Authors: Wadhwa Preeti , Kaur Tanpreet , Sharma Anuj
Published: May 2015

A one-pot, three-component, catalyst and solvent free synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles utilizing 5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amines, aldehydes and isonitriles has been developed. The “greenness” was successfully evaluated within the ambits of green metrics.
Magnetic nano-Fe3O4@TiO2/Cu2O core–shell composite: an efficient novel catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles using a click reaction
Authors: Nemati Firouzeh , Heravi Majid M. , Elhampour Ali
Published: May 2015

An efficient and recoverable core–shell nanomagnetic composite was developed for regioselective synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles using a green procedure.
Noble metal clusters protected with mixed proteins exhibit intense photoluminescence
Authors: Mohanty Jyoti Sarita , Baksi Ananya , Lee Haiwon , Pradeep T.
Published: May 2015

Noble metal clusters in a mixed protein (BSA–Lyz) matrix lead to a better FRET and high fluorescence quantum yield.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of heat-resistant explosive materials: polynitroaromatic substituted difurazano[3,4-b:3′,4′-e]pyrazines
Authors: Liu Ning , Shu Yuan-jie , Li Hui , Zhai Lian-jie , Li Ya-nan , Wang Bo-zhou
Published: May 2015

Three heat-resistant explosive materials were synthesized and their thermal behaviors, sensitivities and calculated explosive performances were also reported.
Immobilization of cadmium ions to synthesis hierarchical flowerlike cadmium phosphates microspheres and their application in the degradation of organic pollutants under light irradiation
Authors: Yan Tingjiang , Guan Wenfei , Cui Liting , Xu Yanqiu , Tian Jun
Published: May 2015

Hierarchical flowerlike Cd5H2(PO4)4·4H2O and Cd5(PO4)2P2O7 microspheres were prepared by cadmium ion immobilization followed by an annealing treatment. Cd5(PO4)2P2O7 was applied as a novel photocatalyst toward dye degradation under light irradiation.
Competition between molecular and dissociative adsorption of hydrogen on palladium clusters deposited on defective graphene
Authors: Granja Alejandra , Alonso Julio A. , Cabria Iván , López María J.
Published: May 2015

The contribution of Pd doping to enhance the hydrogen storage capacity of porous carbon materials is investigated.
Electrostatically driven self-assembly of CdTe nanoparticles with organic chromophores probed via Ham effect
Authors: Gopi Arun , Vindhyasarumi Asarikal , Yoosaf Karuvath
Published: May 2015

The polarity difference between nanoparticle's surface and medium is utilized for studying electrostatically driven self-assembly; moreover, diminishing the repulsive forces via charge neutralization fosters the self-organization of QDs into 2D sheets.
Spatial imaging of carbon reactivity centers in Pd/C catalytic systems
Authors: Pentsak E. O. , Kashin A. S. , Polynski M. V. , Kvashnina K. O. , Glatzel P. , Ananikov V. P.
Published: May 2015

In the present study state-of-the-art experimental techniques involving ultra high resolution SEM/STEM microscopy (1 Å resolution), high brilliance X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations on truly nanoscale systems were utilized to reveal the role of carbon centers in the formation and nature of Pd/C catalytic materials.
Preparation of Pickering emulsions stabilized by metal organic frameworks using oscillatory woven metal micro-screen
Authors: Sabouni R. , Gomaa H. G.
Published: May 2015

Surfactant free Pickering emulsions were prepared using metal organic frameworks as stabilizers by oscillatory woven metal icro-screen (WMMS).
Insight into the electrochemical activation of carbon-based cathodes for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Dong Guofa , Fang Ming , Wang Hongtao , Yip Senpo , Cheung Ho-Yuen , Wang Fengyun , Wong Chun-Yuen , Chu Sai Tak , Ho Johnny C.
Published: May 2015

The anodic Pt dissolution, although widely ignored, should be taken into consideration during electrochemical tests when Pt metal is utilized as the counter electrode.
Stabilised columnar mesophases formed by 1 : 1 mixtures of hexaalkoxytriphenylenes with a hexaphenyltriphenylene-based polymer
Authors: McLaren Sholto R. , Tate Daniel J. , Lozman Owen R. , Mehl Georg H. , Bushby Richard J.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis is reported for a main chain polymer in which the repeat units are 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaphenyltriphenylene moieties linked through flexible dodecyl chains.
Tailoring melanins for bioelectronics: polycysteinyldopamine as an ion conducting redox-responsive polydopamine variant for pro-oxidant thin films
Authors: Della Vecchia Nicola Fyodor , Marega Riccardo , Ambrico Marianna , Iacomino Mariagrazia , Micillo Raffaella , Napolitano Alessandra , Bonifazi Davide , d'Ischia Marco
Published: May 2015

Polycysteinyldopamine (pCDA), a polydopamine-like polymer with ionic conductor behaviour, can be used for dip-coating various surfaces with pro-oxidant thin films.
Influence of a PbS layer on the optical and electronic properties of ZnO@PbS core–shell nanorod thin films
Authors: Misra Mrinmoy , Singh Suman , Paul A. K. , Singla Madan Lal
Published: May 2015

Energy diagram for the formation of cascade energy band matching by introducing the PbS layer between the ZnO and dye N719.
Construction of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 modified TiO2 nanotube array nanocomposite electrodes and their photoelectrocatalytic performance in the degradation of 2,4-DCP
Authors: Pan Jingqiang , Li Xinyong , Zhao Qidong , Li Tingting , Tade Moses , Liu Shaomin
Published: May 2015

Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 contributes to the enhanced photoelectrochemical properties and photoelectrocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotube arrays.
Inhibition of the lymphocyte metabolic switch by the oxidative burst of human neutrophils
Authors: Kramer Philip A. , Prichard Lynn , Chacko Balu , Ravi Saranya , Overton E. Turner , Heath Sonya L. , Darley-Usmar Victor
Published: May 2015

Activation of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2) in neutrophils is a critical process in the innate immune system and is associated with elevated local concentrations of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorous acid. Under pathological conditions, NOX-2 activity has been implicated in the development of autoimmunity, indicating a role in modulating lymphocyte effector function. Notably, T-cell clonal expansion and subsequent cytokine production requires a metabolic switch from mitochondrial respiration to aerobic glycolysis. Previous studies demonstrate that H2O2 generated from activated neutrophils suppresses lymphocyte activation but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that activated neutrophils would prevent the metabolic switch and suppress the effector functions of T-cells through a H2O2-dependent mechanism. To test this, we developed a model co-culture system using freshly isolated neutrophils and lymphocytes from healthy human donors. Extracellular flux analysis was used to assess mitochondrial and glycolytic activity and FACS analysis to assess immune function. The neutrophil oxidative burst significantly inhibited the induction of lymphocyte aerobic glycolysis, caused inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and suppressed lymphocyte activation through a H2O2-dependent mechanism. Hydrogen peroxide and a redox cycling agent, DMNQ, were used to confirm the impact of H2O2 on lymphocyte bioenergetics. In summary, we have shown that the lymphocyte metabolic switch from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis is prevented by the oxidative burst of neutrophils. This direct inhibition of the metabolic switch is then a likely mechanism underlying the neutrophil-dependent suppression of T-cell effector function.
Influence of grain size on optical properties of Sr2CeO4 nanocrystals
Authors: Stefanski M. , Marciniak L. , Hreniak D. , Strek W.
Published: May 2015

The absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of the Sr2CeO4 nanocrystals prepared by the modified sol–gel method were investigated. The impact of the average grain size of Sr2CeO4 nanocrystals on their optical properties was investigated. It was observed that with increasing the average grain size of Sr2CeO4 nanocrystals, the emission decay times decreased significantly. A similar behavior was observed for the emission quantum efficiencies and the Huang–Rhys factors. The grain size dependence of optical parameters of Sr2CeO4 nanocrystals was found well fitted by functions of the reciprocal of the grain diameter. It was shown that this dependence may be rationalized assuming that the correction for electric local field associated with effective refractive index affecting the spherical nanoparticle is governed by its shell.
Metal-interconnection-free integration of InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes with AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Liu Chao , Cai Yuefei , Liu Zhaojun , Ma Jun , Lau Kei May
Published: May 2015

We report a metal-interconnection-free integration scheme for InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) and AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) by combining selective epi removal (SER) and selective epitaxial growth (SEG) techniques. SER of HEMT epi was carried out first to expose the bottom unintentionally doped GaN buffer and the sidewall GaN channel. A LED structure was regrown in the SER region with the bottom n-type GaN layer (n-electrode of the LED) connected to the HEMTs laterally, enabling monolithic integration of the HEMTs and LEDs (HEMT-LED) without metal-interconnection. In addition to saving substrate real estate, minimal interface resistance between the regrown n-type GaN and the HEMT channel is a significant improvement over metal-interconnection. Furthermore, excellent off-state leakage characteristics of the driving transistor can also be guaranteed in such an integration scheme.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) micropumps under a spatially non-uniform magnetic field
Authors: Jian Yongjun , Chang Long
Published: May 2015

As an effective driven mechanism proved experimentally, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) micropump has attracted the attentions of many researchers in recent years. In this article, an analytical solution of EMHD velocity of an electrically conducting, incompressible and viscous fluid through a slit microchannel in presence of a lateral uniform electrical field and a spatially non-uniform vertical magnetic field is obtained by using the variation of parameter approach and Gauss numerical integration. In order to verify the validity of the exact solution, Chebyshev spectral collocation method is employed to give the numerical solutions. A very well agreement is reached when the analytical solutions are compared to those obtained by numerical simulation. The dependence of velocity profiles on Hartmann number Ha, electrical field strength parameter S and decay factor A of the magnetic field is interpreted graphically in detail. In addition, the comparison of our analytical results with available experimental data is presented.
A two-dimensional analytical model for short channel junctionless double-gate MOSFETs
Authors: Jiang Chunsheng , Liang Renrong , Wang Jing , Xu Jun
Published: May 2015

A physics-based analytical model of electrostatic potential for short-channel junctionless double-gate MOSFETs (JLDGMTs) operated in the subthreshold regime is proposed, in which the full two-dimensional (2-D) Poisson’s equation is solved in channel region by a method of series expansion similar to Green’s function. The expression of the proposed electrostatic potential is completely rigorous and explicit. Based on this expression, analytical models of threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, and subthreshold drain current for JLDGMTs were derived. Subthreshold behavior was studied in detail by changing different device parameters and bias conditions, including doping concentration, channel thickness, gate length, gate oxide thickness, drain voltage, and gate voltage. Results predicted by all the analytical models agree well with numerical solutions from the 2-D simulator. These analytical models can be used to investigate the operating mechanisms of nanoscale JLDGMTs and to optimize their device performance.
Crystal Structure Studies towards the Synthesis and Applications of N-heterocyclic Carbene–Metal Complexes Derived from [2.2]Paracyclophane
Authors: Duan Wenzeng , Ma Yudao , Huo Yanmin , Yao Qingxia
Published: May 2015

The crystal structures of six planar chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors and one NHC–Rh complex derived from [2.2]paracyclophane were described. The NHC–metal complexes were prepared to examine their catalytic activities toward the Rh-catalyzed asymmetric addition of phenylboronic acid to 1-naphthaldehyde. The results were correlated to the single-crystal crystallographic studies. The novel NHC precursor 5 can achieve high catalytic activity in the asymmetric addition of phenylboronic acid to 1-naphthaldehyde.
Identification of C2H2-ZF binding preferences from ChIP-seq data using RCADE
Authors: Najafabadi Hamed S. , Albu Mihai , Hughes Timothy R.
Published: May 2015

Summary: Current methods for motif discovery from chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) data often identify non-targeted transcription factor (TF) motifs, and are even further limited when peak sequences are similar due to common ancestry rather than common binding factors. The latter aspect particularly affects a large number of proteins from the Cys2His2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) class of TFs, as their binding sites are often dominated by endogenous retroelements that have highly similar sequences. Here, we present recognition code-assisted discovery of regulatory elements (RCADE) for motif discovery from C2H2-ZF ChIP-seq data. RCADE combines predictions from a DNA recognition code of C2H2-ZFs with ChIP-seq data to identify models that represent the genuine DNA binding preferences of C2H2-ZF proteins. We show that RCADE is able to identify generalizable binding models even from peaks that are exclusively located within the repeat regions of the genome, where state-of-the-art motif finding approaches largely fail.

Availability and implementation: RCADE is available as a webserver and also for download at http://rcade.ccbr.utoronto.ca/.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact:  t.hughes@utoronto.ca
BFC: correcting Illumina sequencing errors
Authors: Li Heng
Published: May 2015

Summary: BFC is a free, fast and easy-to-use sequencing error corrector designed for Illumina short reads. It uses a non-greedy algorithm but still maintains a speed comparable to implementations based on greedy methods. In evaluations on real data, BFC appears to correct more errors with fewer overcorrections in comparison to existing tools. It particularly does well in suppressing systematic sequencing errors, which helps to improve the base accuracy of de novo assemblies.

Availability and implementation:  https://github.com/lh3/bfc

Contact:  hengli@broadinstitute.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Working over Time: Dynamic Inconsistency in Real Effort Tasks
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Authors: Augenblick Ned , Niederle Muriel , Sprenger Charles
Published: May 2015

Experimental tests of dynamically inconsistent time preferences have largely relied on choices over time-dated monetary rewards. Several recent studies have failed to find the standard patterns of present bias. However, such monetary studies contain often-discussed confounds. In this article, we sidestep these confounds and investigate choices over consumption (real effort) in a longitudinal experiment. We pair this effort study with a companion monetary discounting study. We confirm very limited time inconsistency in monetary choices. However, subjects show considerably more present bias in effort. Furthermore, present bias in the allocation of work has predictive power for demand of a meaningfully binding commitment device. Therefore our findings validate a key implication of models of dynamic inconsistency, with corresponding policy implications.
Effect of 1.5% Topical Diclofenac on Clinical Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Ahmed Shihab U. , Zhang Yi , Chen Lucy , Cohen Abigail , St. Hillary Kristin , Vo Trang , Houghton Mary , Mao Jianren
Published: May 2015

AbstractAbstract

Using a blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial design, lower pain scores were observed after treatment with topical diclofenac. Several secondary endpoints and functional status were unchanged. Topical diclofenac was not associated with complications within the timeframe of the study.

Background:

Neuropathic pain is a condition resulting from injury to the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Despite extensive research over the last several decades, neuropathic pain remains difficult to manage.

Methods:

The authors conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and crossover clinical trial to examine the effect of 1.5% topical diclofenac (TD) on neuropathic pain. The authors hypothesized that 1.5% TD would reduce the visual pain score and improve both quantitative sensory testing and functional status in subjects with neuropathic pain. The authors recruited subjects with postherpetic neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome. The primary outcome was subject’s visual pain score.

Results:

Twenty-eight subjects completed the study (12 male and 16 female) with the mean age of 48.8 yr. After 2 weeks of topical application, subjects in 1.5% TD group showed lower overall visual pain score compared with placebo group (4.9 [1.9] vs. 5.6 [2.1], difference: 0.8; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.3; P = 0.04) as well as decreased burning pain (2.9 [2.6] vs. 4.3 [2.8], difference, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.6; P = 0.01). There were no statistical differences in constant pain, shooting pain, or hypersensitivity over the painful area between the groups. This self-reported improvement of pain was corroborated by the decreased pain summation detected by quantitative sensory testing. There were no statistically significant changes in functional status in these subjects. There were no complications in both groups.

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that 1.5% TD may serve as an effective treatment option for patients with neuropathic pain from postherpetic neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome.
Does Clubfoot Treatment Need to Begin As Soon As Possible?
Authors: Zionts Lewis E. , Sangiorgio Sophia N. , Cooper Shannon D. , Ebramzadeh Edward
Published: May 2015

Introduction:

Parents of an infant with an idiopathic clubfoot deformity are often urged by their primary care physician to seek treatment as soon as possible. This advice frequently appears in many general pediatric and pediatric orthopaedic textbooks and monographs on the subject. This recommendation has not changed since the wide acceptance of the minimally invasive Ponseti method to treat clubfoot. We determined the correlations among patient-related variables, early treatment variables, and the age at which the patient was first seen to begin treatment.

Methods:

Infants with moderate to very severe idiopathic clubfoot deformity were invited to participate. Age at which the patient presented to begin treatment was correlated against early treatment-related variables, including number of casts required, cast slippage, cast-related skin problems, brace-related skin problems, early noncompliance with brace wearing, and relapse before 1 year. Patient-related variables were also correlated against age at first visit.

Results:

Over 7 years, 176 infants met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in the aspects of the early management as a function of age at first visit, with the exception of cast slippage (P=0.05).

Conclusions:

The age at first visit influenced the incidence of cast slippage, but otherwise did not affect the early treatment of clubfoot.

Clinical Relevance:

The treatment of idiopathic clubfoot deformity should not be considered an orthopaedic emergency, and parents whose infants are born with this deformity should be counseled accordingly.
Comparison Between Buddy Taping With a Short-Arm Splint and Operative Treatment for Phalangeal Neck Fractures in Children
Authors: Park Kun Bo , Lee Kwang Jin , Kwak Yoon Hae
Published: May 2015

Background:

Phalangeal neck fractures in children are difficult to treat conservatively because of the difficulty in maintaining reduction, obtaining satisfactory follow-up x-rays, and the limited remodeling potential. The purpose of this study was to present the results after using buddy taping with a short-arm splint for phalangeal neck fracture in children and to compare with operative treatment.

Methods:

Thirty-seven patients below 12 years old who had phalangeal neck fractures were included. Nineteen patients were underwent conservative treatment and 18 patients were underwent operative fixation with Kirschner wires. Clinical outcome and radiographs between groups were compared.

Results:

There were no significant differences between conservative group and operative group in the sagittal angulation, coronal angulation, and translation at immediately after reduction, at the 6-week, and final follow-up examination.

Conclusion:

Buddy taping with a short-arm splint for treating phalangeal neck fractures had acceptable outcomes compared to that with surgical correction.