bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole exome sequencing of suspected mitochondrial patients in clinical practice
Authors: Wortmann Saskia B. , Koolen David A. , Smeitink Jan A. , den van Heuvel Lambert , Rodenburg Richard J.
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial disorders are characterized by a broad clinical spectrum. Identical clinical signs and symptoms can be caused by mutations in different mitochondrial or nuclear genes. Vice versa, the same mutation can lead to different phenotypes. Genetic syndromes and neuromuscular disorders mimicking mitochondrial disorders further complicate the diagnostic process. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is the state of the art next generation sequencing technique to identify genetic defects in mitochondrial disorders. Until recently it has mainly been used as a research tool. In this study, the use of WES in routine diagnostics is described. The WES data of 109 patients, referred under the suspicion of a mitochondrial disorder, were examined in two steps. First, the data were filtered using a virtual gene panel of genes known to be associated with mitochondrial disease. If negative, the entire exome was examined. A molecular diagnosis was achieved in 39 % of the heterogeneous cohort, and in 57 % of the subgroup of 42 patients with the highest suspicion for a mitochondrial disease. In addition to mutations in genes known to be associated with mitochondrial disorders (e.g. TUFM, MTFMT, FBXL4), in the subgroup of patients with the lowest suspicion for a mitochondrial disorder we found mutations in several genes associated with neuromuscular disorders (e.g. SEPN1, ACTA1) and genetic syndrome (e.g. SETBP1, ARID1B). Our results show that WES technology has been successfully implemented as a state‐of‐the‐art, molecular diagnostic test for mitochondrial disorders as well as for the mimicking disorders in daily clinical practice. It also illustrates that clinical and biochemical phenotyping is essential for successful application of WES to diagnose individual patients.
Synthesis of steel slag ceramics: chemical composition and crystalline phases of raw materials
Authors: Zhao Li-hua , Wei Wei , Bai Hao , Zhang Xu , Cang Da-qiang
Published: March 2015

Two types of porcelain tiles with steel slag as the main raw material (steel slag ceramics) were synthesized based on the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 and CaO-MgO-SiO2 systems, and their bending strengths up to 53.47 MPa and 99.84 MPa, respectively, were obtained. The presence of anorthite, α-quartz, magnetite, and pyroxene crystals (augite and diopside) in the steel slag ceramics were very different from the composition of traditional ceramics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) results illustrated that the addition of steel slag reduced the temperature of extensive liquid generation and further decreased the firing temperature. The considerable contents of glass-modifying oxide liquids with rather low viscosities at high temperature in the steel slag ceramic adobes promoted element diffusion and crystallization. The results of this study demonstrated a new approach for extensive and effective recycling of steel slag.
Msi1 confers resistance to TRAIL by activating ERK in liver cancer cells
Authors: Liu Nianli , Chen Tianran , Wang Xiaohong , Yang Darong , Xue Binbin , Zhu Haizhen
Published: March 2015

To investigate TRAIL resistance mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we isolated a stable TRAIL‐resistant sub‐population of the HCC cell line LH86, designated LH86‐TR. Differential activation of AKT was not responsible for acquisition of TRAIL resistance. Cells with both congenital and acquired resistance to TRAIL exhibited increased Msi1 expression, which conferred TRAIL resistance by activating ERK. Forced expression of Msi1 decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to TRAIL both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, shRNA‐mediated depletion of Msi1 enhanced TRAIL efficacy. SiRNA‐mediated depletion of ERK overcame TRAIL resistance. Hence, we conclude that Msi1 is a mediator of TRAIL resistance in HCC cells.
Analysis of a temperature‐sensitive mutation in Uba1: Effects of the click reaction on subsequent immunolabeling of proteins involved in DNA replication
Authors: Sugaya Kimihiko , Ishihara Yoshie , Inoue Sonoe
Published: March 2015

In our previous study, a Met‐to‐Ile substitution at amino acid 256 in the catalytic domain of Uba1 was determined in temperature‐sensitive CHO‐K1 mutant tsTM3 cells, which exhibited chromosomal instability and cell‐cycle arrest in the S to G2 phases with decreased DNA synthesis at the nonpermissive temperature, 39 °C. Mutant cells were also characterized by a significant decrease of Uba1 in the nucleus with decreased ubiquitination activity at 39 °C. Defects of ubiquitination activity in the nucleus resulted in an inappropriate balance between Cdt1 and geminin, a licensing factor of DNA replication and its inhibitor. In the present study, we found that the Cu(I)‐catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition (click) reaction inhibits the subsequent indirect immunolabeling of Cdt1 but allows for the detection of PCNA with nascent DNA. Using a procedure without the click reaction, we also demonstrated that Cdt1 remained close to active replication sites in tsTM3 cells at the nonpermissive temperature. Analysis of genome replication by DNA fiber spreading revealed that DNA synthesis continues for at least 10 h after incubation at 39 °C, suggesting that impaired ubiquitination in the nucleus, caused by the defect of Uba1, affected DNA replication only after a long delay.
Impact of Medicare’s Hospital-Acquired Condition Policy on Infections in Safety Net and Non–Safety Net Hospitals
Authors: Vaz Louise Elaine , Kleinman Kenneth P. , Kawai Alison Tse , Jin Robert , Kassler William J. , Grant Patricia S. , Rett Melisa D. , Goldmann Donald A. , Calderwood Michael S. , Soumerai Stephen B. , Lee Grace M.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Policymakers may wish to align healthcare payment and quality of care while minimizing unintended consequences, particularly for safety net hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the 2008 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital-Acquired Conditions policy had a differential impact on targeted healthcare-associated infection rates in safety net compared with non–safety net hospitals.

DESIGN

Interrupted time-series design.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Nonfederal acute care hospitals that reported central line–associated bloodstream infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia rates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Safety Network from July 1, 2007, through December 31, 2013.

RESULTS

We did not observe changes in the slope of targeted infection rates in the postpolicy period compared with the prepolicy period for either safety net (postpolicy vs prepolicy ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.84–1.09]) or non–safety net (0.99 [0.90–1.10]) hospitals. Controlling for prepolicy secular trends, we did not detect differences in an immediate change at the time of the policy between safety net and non–safety net hospitals (P for 2-way interaction, .87).

CONCLUSIONS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital-Acquired Conditions policy did not have an impact, either positive or negative, on already declining rates of central line–associated bloodstream infection in safety net or non–safety net hospitals. Continued evaluations of the broad impact of payment policies on safety net hospitals will remain important as the use of financial incentives and penalties continues to expand in the United States.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
Inertial rise of a meniscus on a vertical cylinder
Authors: O’Kiely Doireann , Whiteley Jonathan P. , Oliver James M. , Vella Dominic
Published: March 2015

We consider the inertia-dominated rise of a meniscus around a vertical circular cylinder. Previous experiments and scaling analysis suggest that the height of the meniscus, $h_{m}$, grows with the time following the initiation of rise, $t$, like $h_{m}\propto t^{1/2}$. This is in contrast to the rise on a vertical plate, which obeys the classic capillary–inertia scaling $h_{m}\propto t^{2/3}$. We highlight a subtlety in the scaling analysis that yielded $h_{m}\propto t^{1/2}$ and investigate the consequences of this subtlety. We develop a potential flow model of the dynamic problem, which we solve using the finite element method. Our numerical results agree well with previous experiments but suggest that the correct early time behaviour is, in fact, $h_{m}\propto t^{2/3}$. Furthermore, we show that at intermediate times the dynamic rise of the meniscus is governed by two parameters: the contact angle and the cylinder radius measured relative to the capillary length scale, $t^{2/3}$. This result allows us to collapse previous experimental results with different cylinder radii (but similar static contact angles) onto a single master curve.
Expressive Partisanship: Campaign Involvement, Political Emotion, and Partisan Identity
Authors: HUDDY LEONIE , MASON LILLIANA , AARØE LENE
Published: March 2015

Party identification is central to the study of American political behavior, yet there remains disagreement over whether it is largely instrumental or expressive in nature. We draw on social identity theory to develop the expressive model and conduct four studies to compare it to an instrumental explanation of campaign involvement. We find strong support for the expressive model: a multi-item partisan identity scale better accounts for campaign activity than a strong stance on subjectively important policy issues, the strength of ideological self-placement, or a measure of ideological identity. A series of experiments underscore the power of partisan identity to generate action-oriented emotions that drive campaign activity. Strongly identified partisans feel angrier than weaker partisans when threatened with electoral loss and more positive when reassured of victory. In contrast, those who hold a strong and ideologically consistent position on issues are no more aroused emotionally than others by party threats or reassurances. In addition, threat and reassurance to the party's status arouse greater anger and enthusiasm among partisans than does a threatened loss or victory on central policy issues. Our findings underscore the power of an expressive partisan identity to drive campaign involvement and generate strong emotional reactions to ongoing campaign events.
What Happens When Extremists Win Primaries?
Authors: HALL ANDREW B.
Published: March 2015

This article studies the interplay of U.S. primary and general elections. I examine how the nomination of an extremist changes general-election outcomes and legislative behavior in the U.S. House, 1980–2010, using a regression discontinuity design in primary elections. When an extremist—as measured by primary-election campaign receipt patterns—wins a “coin-flip” election over a more moderate candidate, the party’s general-election vote share decreases on average by approximately 9–13 percentage points, and the probability that the party wins the seat decreases by 35–54 percentage points. This electoral penalty is so large that nominating the more extreme primary candidate causes the district’s subsequent roll-call representation to reverse, on average, becoming more liberal when an extreme Republican is nominated and more conservative when an extreme Democrat is nominated. Overall, the findings show how general-election voters act as a moderating filter in response to primary nominations.
Effect of dust grains on propagation of electromagnetic wave in a cold quantum dusty plasma
Authors: Kumar Punit , Singh Abhisek Kumar
Published: March 2015

A one-dimensional nonlinear theoretical analysis for the interaction of intense laser pulse with high density electron-ion-dust quantum plasma. The linearly polarized radiation propagates in the presence of a constant magnetic field applied perpendicular to both the electric vector and the direction of propagation. Dispersion of the incident radiation and generation of its harmonics are studied.
The development of the causative construction in Persian child language
Authors: FAMILY NEILOUFAR , ALLEN SHANLEY E. M.
Published: March 2015

The acquisition of systematic patterns and exceptions in different languages can be readily examined using the causative construction. Persian allows four types of causative structures, including one productive multiword structure (i.e. the light verb construction). In this study, we examine the development of all four structures in Persian child speech between the ages of 1;11 and 6;7, in correspondence with their caregivers’ speech. We define developmental stages based on dendrograms derived from variability clustering (Gries & Stoll, 2009). These stages are further substantiated by qualitative data, including overgeneralization errors and alternating structures. We find that Persian-speaking children learn to exploit two (i.e. lexical and light verb construction causatives) of the four constructions. They go from relying on lexical causatives to forming progressively constrained templates for the more complex light verb construction. This first study of the development of Persian causatives supports a usage-based account of verb-by-verb learning in child language development.
ROC Working Party: Towards the Optimal Reserving Process. The Fast Close process
Authors: Bruce Neil , Lauder Alastair , Heath Cameron , Bennett Camilla , Wong Chi , Overton Gregory , Ryan Joe , Laidlar Katherine , Taylor Keith , Jenkins Tim
Published: March 2015

Our principal focus in this paper is on ways that a Fast Close process (or indeed any reserving process) can be structured to maximise the value added within the process given the time and resource available. This builds on the use of actual vs. expected techniques investigated in our previous paper, and also looks at forces external to the reserving function that may derail smooth progress. We highlight a number of practical ways that the balance can be restored in favour of adding value rather than crunching numbers. This paper forms the second in the TORP series.
Urbanization and Air Pollution: Then and Now
Authors: Parrish David D. , Stockwell William R.
Published: March 2015

Analysis of decades of mitigation efforts in Los Angeles demonstrates that air quality in megacities can be greatly improved.
Christopher B. Field Receives 2014 Roger Revelle Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Christopher B. Field was awarded the 2014 Roger Revelle Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “outstanding contributions in atmospheric sciences, atmosphere-ocean coupling, ­atmosphere-land coupling, biogeochemical cycles, climate, or related aspects of the Earth system.”
Committing to Publishing Data in the Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Hanson Brooks , Kerstin Lehnert Kerstin Lehnert , Cutcher-Gershenfeld Joel
Published: March 2015

A new initiative joins together publishers and data facilities to enable data stewardship.
How the Solar Wind May Affect Weather and Climate
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2015

The Sun's influence on the Earth's climate is complicated, but researchers are slowly figuring out how the solar wind can indirectly affect clouds over the poles.
Two- and Four-Year Colleges Team Up to Support Science Students
Authors: Hodder Janet , Macdonald R. Heather , Apple Jude K.
Published: March 2015

Faculty from community colleges play increasingly important roles in promoting science, technology, engineering, and math. What can faculty from four-year colleges and universities do to collaborate?
Meinrat O. Andreae Receives 2014 Waldo E. Smith Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Meinrat O. Andreae received the 2014 Waldo E. Smith Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an individual for “extraordinary service to geophysics.”
What Drove Sea Surface Temperature Change During the Pleistocene?
Authors: Orwig Jessica
Published: March 2015

New information suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was just one of the main drivers of warming sea surface temperatures in the Pleistocene.
Is increased time to diagnosis and treatment in symptomatic cancer associated with poorer outcomes? Systematic review
Authors: Neal R D , Tharmanathan P , France B , Din N U , Cotton S , Fallon-Ferguson J , Hamilton W , Hendry A , Hendry M , Lewis R , Macleod U , Mitchell E D , Pickett M , Rai T , Shaw K , Stuart N , Tørring M L , Wilkinson C , Williams B , Williams N , Emery J
Published: March 2015

Background:

It is unclear whether more timely cancer diagnosis brings favourable outcomes, with much of the previous evidence, in some cancers, being equivocal. We set out to determine whether there is an association between time to diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes, across all cancers for symptomatic presentations.

Methods:

Systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis.

Results:

We included 177 articles reporting 209 studies. These studies varied in study design, the time intervals assessed and the outcomes reported. Study quality was variable, with a small number of higher-quality studies. Heterogeneity precluded definitive findings. The cancers with more reports of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes were breast, colorectal, head and neck, testicular and melanoma.

Conclusions:

This is the first review encompassing many cancer types, and we have demonstrated those cancers in which more evidence of an association between shorter times to diagnosis and more favourable outcomes exists, and where it is lacking. We believe that it is reasonable to assume that efforts to expedite the diagnosis of symptomatic cancer are likely to have benefits for patients in terms of improved survival, earlier-stage diagnosis and improved quality of life, although these benefits vary between cancers.
Comparative analysis of metagenomes from three methanogenic hydrocarbon-degrading enrichment cultures with 41 environmental samples
Authors: Tan Boonfei , Jane Fowler S , Laban Nidal Abu , Dong Xiaoli , Sensen Christoph W , Foght Julia , Gieg Lisa M
Published: March 2015

Methanogenic hydrocarbon metabolism is a key process in subsurface oil reservoirs and hydrocarbon-contaminated environments and thus warrants greater understanding to improve current technologies for fossil fuel extraction and bioremediation. In this study, three hydrocarbon-degrading methanogenic cultures established from two geographically distinct environments and incubated with different hydrocarbon substrates (added as single hydrocarbons or as mixtures) were subjected to metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to test whether these differences affect the genetic potential and composition of the communities. Enrichment of different putative hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in each culture appeared to be substrate dependent, though all cultures contained both acetate- and H2-utilizing methanogens. Despite differing hydrocarbon substrates and inoculum sources, all three cultures harbored genes for hydrocarbon activation by fumarate addition (bssA, assA, nmsA) and carboxylation (abcA, ancA), along with those for associated downstream pathways (bbs, bcr, bam), though the cultures incubated with hydrocarbon mixtures contained a broader diversity of fumarate addition genes. A comparative metagenomic analysis of the three cultures showed that they were functionally redundant despite their enrichment backgrounds, sharing multiple features associated with syntrophic hydrocarbon conversion to methane. In addition, a comparative analysis of the culture metagenomes with those of 41 environmental samples (containing varying proportions of methanogens) showed that the three cultures were functionally most similar to each other but distinct from other environments, including hydrocarbon-impacted environments (for example, oil sands tailings ponds and oil-affected marine sediments). This study provides a basis for understanding key functions and environmental selection in methanogenic hydrocarbon-associated communities.
Dysregulation of transition metal ion homeostasis is the molecular basis for cadmium toxicity in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Begg Stephanie L. , Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Luo Zhenyao , Couñago Rafael M. , Morey Jacqueline R. , Maher Megan J. , Ong Cheryl-lynn Y. , McEwan Alastair G. , Kobe Bostjan , O’Mara Megan L. , Paton James C. , McDevitt Christopher A.
Published: March 2015

Cadmium is a transition metal ion that is highly toxic in biological systems. Although relatively rare in the Earth’s crust, anthropogenic release of cadmium since industrialization has increased biogeochemical cycling and the abundance of the ion in the biosphere. Despite this, the molecular basis of its toxicity remains unclear. Here we combine metal-accumulation assays, high-resolution structural data and biochemical analyses to show that cadmium toxicity, in Streptococcus pneumoniae, occurs via perturbation of first row transition metal ion homeostasis. We show that cadmium uptake reduces the millimolar cellular accumulation of manganese and zinc, and thereby increases sensitivity to oxidative stress. Despite this, high cellular concentrations of cadmium (~17 mM) are tolerated, with negligible impact on growth or sensitivity to oxidative stress, when manganese and glutathione are abundant. Collectively, this work provides insight into the molecular basis of cadmium toxicity in prokaryotes, and the connection between cadmium accumulation and oxidative stress.
Molecular magnetic switch for a metallofullerene
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Taishan , Feng Yongqiang , Zhang Zhuxia , Jiang Li , Wang Chunru
Published: March 2015

The endohedral fullerenes lead to well-protected internal species by the fullerene cages, and even highly reactive radicals can be stabilized. However, the manipulation of the magnetic properties of these radicals from outside remains challenging. Here we report a system of a paramagnetic metallofullerene Sc3C2@C80connected to a nitroxide radical, to achieve the remote control of the magnetic properties of the metallofullerene. The remote nitroxide group serves as a magnetic switch for the electronic spin resonance (ESR) signals of Sc3C2@C80via spin–spin interactions. Briefly, the nitroxide radical group can ‘switch off’ the ESR signals of the Sc3C2@C80moiety. Moreover, the strength of spin–spin interactions between Sc3C2@C80and the nitroxide group can be manipulated by changing the distance between these two spin centres. In addition, the ESR signals of the Sc3C2@C80moiety can be switched on at low temperatures through weakened spin–lattice interactions.
All-optical broadband ultrasonography of single cells
Authors: Dehoux T. , Ghanem M. Abi , Zouani O. F. , Rampnoux J.-M. , Guillet Y. , Dilhaire S. , Durrieu M.-C. , Audoin B.
Published: March 2015

Cell mechanics play a key role in several fundamental biological processes, such as migration, proliferation, differentiation and tissue morphogenesis. In addition, many diseased conditions of the cell are correlated with altered cell mechanics, as in the case of cancer progression. For this there is much interest in methods that can map mechanical properties with a sub-cell resolution. Here, we demonstrate an inverted pulsed opto-acoustic microscope (iPOM) that operates in the 10 to 100 GHz range. These frequencies allow mapping quantitatively cell structures as thin as 10 nm and resolving the fibrillar details of cells. Using this non-invasive all-optical system, we produce high-resolution images based on mechanical properties as the contrast mechanisms and we can observe the stiffness and adhesion of single migrating stem cells. The technique should allow transferring the diagnostic and imaging abilities of ultrasonic imaging to the single-cell scale, thus opening new avenues for cell biology and biomaterial sciences.
A practical topological insulator saturable absorber for mode-locked fiber laser
Authors: Yan Peiguang , Lin Rongyong , Ruan Shuangchen , Liu Aijiang , Chen Hao , Zheng Yuequn , Chen Sifan , Guo Chunyu , Hu Juguang
Published: March 2015

A novel saturable absorber (SA) was fabricated by coating the topological insulator (TI) film on microfiber using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The TISA device had an insertion loss of ~1.25 dB, a saturable intensity of 26.7 MW/cm2, a modulation depth of ~5.7% and a nonsaturable loss of 20.5%. Upon employing this SA device, we established a passively mode-locked EDFL and achieved nearly free-chirped soliton pulse with 286 fs of pulse duration and >73 dB of signal to noise ratio (SNR). This result clearly evidences that the PLD is an effective scheme for practical SA device fabrication.
Distance-dependent patterns of molecular divergences in tuatara mitogenomes
Authors: Subramanian Sankar , Mohandesan Elmira , Millar Craig D. , Lambert David M.
Published: March 2015

Population genetic models predict that populations that are geographically close to each other are expected to be genetically more similar to each other compared to those that are widely separate. However the patterns of relationships between geographic distance and molecular divergences at neutral and constrained regions of the genome are unclear. We attempted to clarify this relationship by sequencing complete mitochondrial genomes of the relic species Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) from ten offshore islands of New Zealand. We observed a positive relationship that showed a proportional increase in the neutral diversity at synonymous sites (dS), with increasing geographical distance. In contrast we showed that diversity at evolutionarily constrained sites (dC) was elevated in the case of comparisons involving closely located populations. Conversely diversity was reduced in the case of comparisons between distantly located populations. These patterns were confirmed by a significant negative relationship between the ratio of dC/dS and geographic distance. The observed high dC/dS could be explained by the abundance of deleterious mutations in comparisons involving closely located populations, due to the recent population divergence times. Since distantly related populations were separated over long periods of time, deleterious mutations might have been removed by purifying selection.
Facile construction of graphene-like Ni3S2 nanosheets through the hydrothermally assisted sulfurization of nickel foam and their application as self-supported electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Zhang Ping , Chen Yuejiao , Li Qiuhong
Published: March 2015

A facile and low-cost approach has been developed for the fabrication of large-area nickel sulfide nanosheets via the hydrothermally assisted sulfurization of Ni foam.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of poly(ionic liquid)-coated magnetic nanoparticles for the extraction of sulfonylurea herbicides from soil for HPLC
Authors: Yang Lu , Su Ping , Chen Xiaonan , Zhang Ruizhe , Yang Yi
Published: March 2015

Schematic illustration for synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@PIL, and extraction procedure of SUHs.
Development of fingerprinting for quality evaluation of Cyathula officinalis Kuan by LC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Fan Qiao-Jia , Liu Jin-Liang , Sun Lei , Zheng Shun-Lin , Yuan Ji-Chao , Tian Meng-Liang , Kong Fan-Lei
Published: March 2015

An LC-ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS method coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was developed for chemical fingerprinting of Cyathula officinalis Kuan.
Deprotonation of a dinuclear copper complex of 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole for high oxygen reduction activity
Authors: Kato Masaru , Kimijima Ken'ichi , Shibata Mari , Notsu Hideo , Ogino Kazuya , Inokuma Kiyoshi , Ohta Narumi , Uehara Hiromitsu , Uemura Yohei , Oyaizu Nobuhisa , Ohba Tadashi , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka , Yagi Ichizo
Published: March 2015

In situ XAFS studies of a copper catalyst revealed its coordination geometrical changes caused by deprotonation.
Anthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract improves markers of HDL function and reduces aortic cholesterol in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Farrell Nicholas , Norris Gregory , Lee Sang Gil , Chun Ock K. , Blesso Christopher N.
Published: March 2015

The ability of black elderberry to protect against HDL functional impairment and atherosclerosis in apoE−/−mice was evaluated.
In situ simultaneous measurement of Rb–Sr/Sm–Nd or Sm–Nd/Lu–Hf isotopes in natural minerals using laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS
Authors: Huang Chao , Yang Yue-Heng , Yang Jin-Hui , Xie Lie-Wen
Published: March 2015

This study presents a combined methodology of simultaneously measuring Rb–Sr/Sm–Nd or Sm–Nd/Lu–Hf isotopes in natural minerals by a means of two multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers connected to a 193 nm excimer laser ablation system.
Charge selective contacts, mobile ions and anomalous hysteresis in organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Ye , Liu Mingzhen , Eperon Giles E. , Leijtens Tomas C. , McMeekin David , Saliba Michael , Zhang Wei , de Bastiani Michele , Petrozza Annamaria , Herz Laura M. , Johnston Michael B. , Lin Hong , Snaith Henry J.
Published: March 2015

“Compact layer-free” perovskite devices yield negligible stabilised power output, in comparison to those with charge selective contacts, elucidating mechanism for hysteresis.
Effect of graphene content on the properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites
Authors: Valapa Ravi Babu , Pugazhenthi G. , Katiyar Vimal
Published: March 2015

Preparation of graphene reinforced poly(lactic acid) nanocompositesviasolution casting approach for packaging applications.
Formation and investigation of unstable complex hydrides from tetrabutylammonium fluoride, water and SO2
Authors: Duan Erhong , Yang Kun , Song Yu , Zhang Peng , Meng Wei , Yu Lei
Published: March 2015

A phase separation occurred when SO2 was introduced into the binary system of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) and water system.
A zinc sulfide-supported iron tetrakis (4-carboxyl phenyl) porphyrin catalyst for aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Jiang Yue-xiu , Su Tong-ming , Qin Zu-zeng , Huang Guan
Published: March 2015

Fe TCPP/ZnS catalyst, which possessed much higher catalytic activity than Fe TCPP, was conveniently prepared and was easily recovered by simple isolation from the reaction mixture, and it was a promising catalyst in industrial applications.
Design, synthesis and anticancer activity of furochromone and benzofuran derivatives targeting VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase
Authors: Abdelhafez Omaima M. , Ali Hamed I. , Amin Kamelia M. , Abdalla Mohamed M. , Ahmed Eman Y.
Published: March 2015

Furochromone and benzofuran derivatives were synthesized, docked and evaluated for their anti-VEGFR-2 activity, cytotoxicity, and in vivo antiprostate cancer activity.
Improved rate ability of low cost sulfur cathodes by using ultrathin graphite sheets with self-wrapped function as cheap conductive agent
Authors: Duan Xiaobo , Han Yamiao , Huang Liwu , Li Yanbing , Chen Yungui
Published: March 2015

In sulfur cathodes, sulfur particles are spontaneously partly wrapped by ultrathin graphite sheets (UGS) and better rate performances are obtained.
Controlling conductivity of carbon film for L-929 cell biocompatibility using magnetron sputtering plasmas
Authors: Kim Sung Il , Sahu Bibhuti Bhusan , Kim Si Eun , Ali Anser , Choi Eun Ha , Han Jeon Geon
Published: March 2015

The effectiveness of conductive carbon films for cell adhesion and growth was demonstrated.
Self-assembly of cytotoxic peptide conjugated poly(β-amino ester)s for synergistic cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Qiao Zeng-Ying , Hou Chun-Yuan , Zhang Di , Liu Ya , Lin Yao-Xin , An Hong-Wei , Li Xiao-Jun , Wang Hao
Published: March 2015

DOX-encapsulated self-assembled micelle formation by cytotoxic peptide conjugated poly(β-amino ester)s for synergistic cancer chemotherapy.
Mesoporous TiO2 films with regularly aligned slit-like nanovoids
Authors: Miyata Hirokatsu , Fukushima Yuta , Kanno Yosuke , Hayase Saeko , Hara Shintaro , Watanabe Masatoshi , Kitamura Shin , Takahashi Masahiko , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: March 2015

Mesoporous TiO2 films with aligned slit-like nanovoids are formed by calcination of a fully aligned mesostructured TiO2 film.
Shape control in engineering of polymeric nanoparticles for therapeutic delivery
Authors: Williford John-Michael , Santos Jose Luis , Shyam Rishab , Mao Hai-Quan
Published: March 2015

This review discusses methods for generating polymer nanoparticles with controlled shapes and identifies key effects of shape in biological systems.
meso-Methylhydroxy BODIPY: a scaffold for photo-labile protecting groups
Authors: Rubinstein Naama , Liu Pei , Miller Evan W. , Weinstain Roy
Published: March 2015

We developed a novel photo-protecting group excitable by green light based on meso-methylhydroxy modification to BODIPY chromophore.
Novel pseudo[2]rotaxanes constructed by the self-assembly of dibenzyl tetramethylene bis-carbamate derivatives and per-ethylated pillar[5]arene
Authors: Xiong Shuhan , Zhang Xiaoning , Meng Lu-Bo , Jiang Juli , Lin Chen , Wang Leyong
Published: March 2015

Novel pseudo[2]rotaxanes based on per-ethylated pillar[5]arene and neutral guests G1/G7 were successfully constructed. Particularly, the pseudo[2]rotaxane constructed from per-ethylated pillar[5]arene and G7 showed photoresponsive properties.
Impact of indigenous microbiota of subtidal sand on fecal indicator bacteria decay in beach systems: a microcosm study
Authors: Zhang Qian , He Xia , Yan Tao
Published: March 2015

Fecal contamination of coastal recreational water can adversely impact the public health and economic well-being of many coastal communities.
An integrated biorefinery concept for olive mill waste management: supercritical CO2extraction and energy recovery
Authors: Schievano Andrea , Adani Fabrizio , Buessing Li , Botto Alfonso , Casoliba Esteve N. , Rossoni Mara , Goldfarb Jillian L.
Published: March 2015

High-value extracts for nutraceutics, biofuels and heat are obtainable from olive mill waste in a new bio-refinery concept that integrates supercritical CO2extraction, pyrolysis and oxidation.
From simple organobromides or olefins to highly value-added bromohydrins: a versatile performance of dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Song Song , Huang Xiaoqiang , Liang Yu-Feng , Tang Conghui , Li Xinwei , Jiao Ning
Published: March 2015

A novel and efficient direct transformation of secondary bromides or olefins to highly value-added bromohydrins with DMSO has been disclosed.
Nanotubular structured Si-based multicomponent anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries with controllable pore size via coaxial electro-spinning
Authors: Ryu Jaegeon , Choi Sinho , Bok Taesoo , Park Soojin
Published: March 2015

Titanium silicide-coated Si nanotubes exhibiting high-performance electrochemical properties have been successfully fabricated via coaxial-electrospinning and subsequent aluminothermic reduction.
A high performance graphene/few-layer InSe photo-detector
Authors: Chen Zhesheng , Biscaras Johan , Shukla Abhay
Published: March 2015

We fabricated a graphene/few-layer InSe heterostructure photo-detector and solved a recurrent materials problem concerning degradation of ultra-thin atomic layers in air. This heterostructure has a largely enhanced performance explained by its fundamentally different mode of functioning with respect to the corresponding device without graphene.
Regioselective solid-phase synthesis of N-mono-hydroxylated and N-mono-methylated acylpolyamine spider toxins using an 2-(ortho-nitrophenyl)ethanal-modified resin
Authors: Pauli Denise , Bienz Stefan
Published: March 2015

Spider toxins such as AG432g and LF487A were divergently prepared by SPS and used for correlation with the natural products.
Chemical synthesis of the outer core oligosaccharide of Escherichia coli R3 and immunological evaluation
Authors: Shang Wenjing , Xiao Zhongying , Yu Zaikuan , Wei Na , Zhao Guohui , Zhang Qing , Wei Mohui , Wang Xuan , Wang Peng George , Li Tiehai
Published: March 2015

An all α-linkedEscherichia coliR3 outer core pentasaccharide was first synthesized. Its corresponding glycoconjugate can elicit specific anti-pentasaccharide antibodies within vitrobactericidal activity.
Peptide–DNA conjugates as tailored bivalent binders of the oncoprotein c-Jun
Authors: Pazos Elena , Portela Cecilia , Penas Cristina , Vázquez M. Eugenio , Mascareñas José L.
Published: March 2015

A designed disrupter of the DNA complexes of oncoproteins Fos and Jun is reported.
Film-type chemosensors based on boron diiminate polymers having oxidation-induced emission properties
Authors: Hirose Amane , Tanaka Kazuo , Yoshii Ryousuke , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: March 2015

We present here the film-type chemosensors based on stimuli-responsive emissive polymers composed of boron diiminate. Hydrogen peroxide can be monitored by the emission enhancement.
Polystyrene resin supported palladium(0) (Pd@PR) nanocomposite catalyzed synthesis of β-aryl and β,β-diaryl unsaturated scaffolds following tandem approaches
Authors: Shil Arun K. , Das Pralay
Published: March 2015

A one pot general tandem procedure is described for β-aryl and β,β-diaryl alkenes synthesis following an alternative to the classical approaches by using aryl aldehyde as one of the starting materials.
The effect of artificial grain boundaries on magneto-transport properties of charge ordered-ferromagnetic nanocomposites
Authors: Das Kalipada , Satpati B. , Das I.
Published: March 2015

Nanocomposites of charge ordered insulating Pr0.67Ca0.33MnO3(PCMO) and ferromagnetic metallic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3(LSMO) nanoparticles have been prepared by chemical synthesis.
Tunable band gap and coercivity of bismuth ferrite–polyaniline core–shell nanoparticles: the role of shell thickness
Authors: Chaturvedi Smita , Das Raja , Poddar Pankaj , Kulkarni Sulabha
Published: March 2015

We report a tunable band gap of bismuth ferrite–polyaniline core–shell nanoparticles from 2.24 to 1.98 eV and the variation of coercivity from 118 to 100 Oe, by varying the thickness of the polyaniline shell.
Inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne for cathode materials in Li–S batteries
Authors: Dirlam Philip T. , Simmonds Adam G. , Kleine Tristan S. , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Anderson Laura E. , Klever Adam O. , Florian Alexander , Costanzo Philip J. , Theato Patrick , Mackay Michael E. , Glass Richard S. , Char Kookheon , Pyun Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

High sulfur content copolymers were prepared via inverse vulcanization of sulfur with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne (DiPhDY) for use as the active cathode material in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Sodium alginate-assisted photosynthesis of complex silver microarchitectures
Authors: Guan Man , Zhou Zhimin , Duan Ruiping , Du Bo , Li Xuemin , Liu Lingrong , Zhang Qiqing
Published: March 2015

Flower-like, complex silver microarchitectures were synthesized under natural light irradiation; the Raman scattering activity facilitates potential biomedical detection.
Gallic acid: a versatile antioxidant with promising therapeutic and industrial applications
Authors: Badhani Bharti , Sharma Neha , Kakkar Rita
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stress, a result of an overproduction and accumulation of free radicals, is the leading cause of several degenerative diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, ageing and inflammatory diseases.
Synthesis and characterization of high-purity, single phase hexagonal Bi2Te3 nanostructures
Authors: Giri L. , Mallick G. , Jackson A. C. , Griep M. H. , Karna S. P.
Published: March 2015

Schematic solvothermal synthesis of Bi2Te3 (a) producing Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanoplates (TEM) (b) which was converted into pellet (c). The electrical characterization (d) of the Bi2Te3 pellet surface showed significantly high current (more than 100 times) than through the pellet.
Direct in vivo imaging of ferrous iron dyshomeostasis in ageing Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: James Simon A. , Roberts Blaine R. , Hare Dominic J. , de Jonge Martin D. , Birchall Ian E. , Jenkins Nicole L. , Cherny Robert A. , Bush Ashley I. , McColl Gawain
Published: March 2015

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging and metalloproteomics reveals a loss of iron homeostasis in ageing Caenorhabditis elegans.
Assembly and structure of Lys33-linked polyubiquitin reveals distinct conformations
Authors: Kristariyanto Yosua Adi , Choi Soo-Youn , Rehman Syed Arif Abdul , Ritorto Maria Stella , Campbell David G , Morrice Nicholas A , Toth Rachel , Kulathu Yogesh
Published: March 2015

Of the eight different polyubiquitin linkage types, very little is known about Lys33-linked polyubiquitin. Here the authors reveal that the HECT E3 ligase AREL1 assembles Lys33-linked polyubiquitin, and establish a method for large-scale assembly that enabled structural and biochemical studies.
Nitroxyl: a vasodilator of human vessels that is not susceptible to tolerance
Authors: Andrews Karen L. , Lumsden Natalie G. , Farry Julie , Jefferis Ann-Maree , Kemp-Harper Barbara K. , Chin-Dusting Jaye P. F.
Published: March 2015

Pre-clinical studies have identified nitroxyl (HNO), the reduced congener of nitric oxide (NO•), as a potent vasodilator which is resistant to tolerance development. The present study explores the efficacy of HNO in human blood vessels and describes, for the first time, a vasodilator for humans that is not susceptible to tolerance. Human radial arteries and saphenous veins were obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery graft surgery and mounted in organ baths. Repeated vasodilator responses to the HNO donor Angeli's salt (AS) and NO• donor glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) were determined. AS- and GTN-induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of both human radial arteries (AS pEC50: 6.5±0.2; −log M) and saphenous veins (pEC50: 6.7±0.1) with similar potency. In human radial arteries, GTN-induced relaxation was reduced by the NO• scavenger hydroxocobalamin (HXC; P<0.05) but was unaffected by the HNO scavenger L-cysteine. Alternately, AS was unaffected by HXC but was reduced by L-cysteine (5-fold shift, P<0.05). The sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) inhibitor ODQ abolished responses to both AS and GTN in arteries and veins (P<0.05). Inhibition of voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv channels) with 4-AP also significantly reduced responses to AS (pEC50: 5.5) and GTN, suggesting that the relaxation to both redox congeners is cGMP- and Kv channel-dependent. Critically, a concentration-dependent development of tolerance to GTN (1 and 10 μM; P<0.05), but not to AS, was observed in both saphenous veins and radial arteries. Like GTN, the HNO donor AS causes vasorelaxation of human blood vessels via activation of a cGMP-dependent pathway. Unlike GTN, however, it does not develop tolerance in human blood vessels.
Breaking up of prolonged sitting over three days sustains, but does not enhance, lowering of postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in overweight and obese adults
Authors: Larsen Robyn N. , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Robinson Carol , Hammond Louise , Cerin Ester , Shaw Jonathan E. , Healy Genevieve N. , Hamilton Marc T. , Owen Neville , Dunstan David W.
Published: March 2015

To compare the cumulative (3-day) effect of prolonged sitting on metabolic responses during a mixed meal tolerance test (MTT), with sitting that is regularly interrupted with brief bouts of light-intensity walking. Overweight/obese adults (n=19) were recruited for a randomized, 3-day, outpatient, cross-over trial involving: (1) 7-h days of uninterrupted sitting (SIT); and (2) 7-h days of sitting with light-intensity activity breaks [BREAKS; 2-min of treadmill walking (3.2 km/h) every 20 min (total: 17 breaks/day)]. On days 1 and 3, participants underwent a MTT (75 g of carbohydrate, 50 g of fat) and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated from hourly blood samples. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, treatment order and pre-prandial values to determine effects of time, condition and time × condition. The glucose iAUC was 1.3±0.5 and 1.5±0.5 mmol·h·l−1 (mean differences ± S.E.M.) higher in SIT compared with BREAKS on days 1 and 3 respectively (condition effect: P=0.001), with no effect of time (P=0.48) or time × condition (P=0.8). The insulin iAUC was also higher on both days in SIT (day 1: ∆151±73, day 3: ∆91±73 pmol·h·l−1, P=0.01), with no effect of time (P=0.52) or time × condition (P=0.71). There was no between-treatment difference in triglycerides (triacylglycerols) iAUC. There were significant between-condition effects but no temporal change in metabolic responses to MTT, indicating that breaking up of sitting over 3 days sustains, but does not enhance, the lowering of postprandial glucose and insulin.
Understanding and analysis on frequency dielectric parameter for quantitative diagnosis of moisture content in paper–oil insulation system
Authors: Liao Ruijin , Liu Jiefeng , Yang Lijun , Gao Jun , Zhang Yiyi , Lv YanDong , Zheng Hanbo
Published: March 2015

The ageing rate of cellulose insulation materials (paper/pressboard) in oil‐impregnated transformers is largely determined by moisture. In this paper, several experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to quantitatively diagnose the amount of moisture in cellulose insulation using frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) technique, which has been proven to be an effective tool to predict the insulation condition in oil‐impregnated power equipment. The frequency dielectric response in oil‐impregnated pressboards, moisture content as well as test temperature, was monitored carefully, and a new dielectric characteristic parameter for the diagnosis of moisture content was proposed. In addition, the master curve technique was introduced to calibrate the temperature effect on FDS measurement results. These experiments revealed that a strong correlation exists between frequency dielectric parameter and moisture content in cellulose insulation. Such correlation can be utilised for better prediction of moisture content in paper–oil insulation. A modified assessment method for the diagnosis of moisture content in paper–oil insulation was investigated and its effectiveness was also demonstrated using a case.
Investigation of a cross‐gain modulation in a semiconductor optical amplifier based on a quantum dot‐in‐a‐well structure
Authors: Ben Ezra Yosef , Lembrikov Boris I.
Published: March 2015

The authors theoretically investigated the cross‐gain modulation and the related cross‐phase modulation in a travelling wave quantum dot‐in‐a‐well (QDWELL) semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). They show that the strong enough pumping wave with an optical power in the range of 1 mW up to several milliwatts synchronises the carrier dynamics in the QDWELL SOA, increasing its operation rate to the frequency of 240 Gb/s and decreasing the patterning effect and chirp.
Observation of Au nanoparticles on the surface of silicon nanowire grown by rapid thermal chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Kwak Dong Wook , Lee Dong Wha , Cho Hoon Young
Published: March 2015

The size evolution of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) on the sidewall surface of silicon (Si) nanowires (NWs) has been investigated by thermal treatments, using high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The Si NWs grown at 550°C by rapid thermal chemical vapour deposition have been observed to be surrounded by Au NPs with less than 5 nm diameter and ∼1012 cm−2 density on the whole Si NW surface. To explore the size change of Au NPs, the Au NPs on the Si NW were annealed ex situ at the temperature range of 700–900°C for 20 min. The sizes of NPs for samples annealed at 700, 800 and 900°C represent Gaussian distribution with the average size of 4, 6 and 7 nm, respectively, while at high temperatures above 900°C, they change to a bimodal distribution. It is suggested that the surface diffusion rate of Au NPs on Si NW is much lower than that on the Si substrate because of the substitutional diffusion mechanism.