bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic susceptibility to testicular cancer: implications for personalised health care
Authors: Litchfield Kevin , Mitchell Jonathan S , Shipley Janet , Huddart Robert , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Skakkebæk Niels E , Houlston Richard S , Turnbull Clare
Published: October 2015

Background:

The increasing incidence of testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) combined with its strong heritable basis suggests that stratified screening for the early detection of TGCT may be clinically useful. We modelled the efficiency of such a personalised screening approach, based on genetic risk profiling in combination with other diagnostic tools.

Methods:

We compared the number of cases potentially detectable in the population under a number of screening models. The polygenic risk scoring (PRS) model was assumed to have a log-normal relative risk distribution across the 19 currently known TGCT susceptibility variants. The diagnostic performance of testicular biopsy and non-invasive semen analysis was also assessed, within a simulated combined screening programme.

Results:

The area under the curve for the TGCT PRS model was 0.72 with individuals in the top 1% of the PRS having a nine-fold increased TGCT risk compared with the population median. Results from population-screening simulations only achieved a maximal positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%, highlighting broader clinical factors that challenge such strategies, not least the rare nature of TGCT. In terms of future improvements, heritability estimates suggest that a significant number of additional genetic risk factors for TGCT remain to be discovered, identification of which would potentially yield improvement of the PPV to 80–90%.

Conclusions:

While personalised screening models may offer enhanced TGCT risk discrimination, presently the case for population-level testing is not compelling. However, future advances, such as more routine generation of whole genome data is likely to alter the landscape. More targeted screening programs may plausibly then offer clinical benefit, particularly given the significant survivorship issues associated with the successful treatment of TGCT.
Direct optical activation of skeletal muscle fibres efficiently controls muscle contraction and attenuates denervation atrophy
Authors: Magown Philippe , Shettar Basavaraj , Zhang Ying , Rafuse Victor F.
Published: October 2015

Neural prostheses can restore meaningful function to paralysed muscles by electrically stimulating innervating motor axons, but fail when muscles are completely denervated, as seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or after a peripheral nerve or spinal cord injury. Here we show that channelrhodopsin-2 is expressed within the sarcolemma and T-tubules of skeletal muscle fibres in transgenic mice. This expression pattern allows for optical control of muscle contraction with comparable forces to nerve stimulation. Force can be controlled by varying light pulse intensity, duration or frequency. Light-stimulated muscle fibres depolarize proportionally to light intensity and duration. Denervated triceps surae muscles transcutaneously stimulated optically on a daily basis for 10 days show a significant attenuation in atrophy resulting in significantly greater contractile forces compared with chronically denervated muscles. Together, this study shows that channelrhodopsin-2/H134R can be used to restore function to permanently denervated muscles and reduce pathophysiological changes associated with denervation pathologies.
TAK1 inhibition prevents the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice
Authors: Cao Hui , Lu Jingli , Du Jiao , Xia Fei , Wei Shouguo , Liu Xiulan , Liu Tingting , Liu Yang , Xiang Ming
Published: October 2015

Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase-1 (TAK1, Map3k7), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family, is essential in innate and adaptive immune responses. We postulated that blockade of TAK1 would affect autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Administration of 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (OZ), a TAK1 inhibitor, decreased the incidence and delayed the onset of autoimmune diabetes in both spontaneous and accelerated (cyclophosphamide-induced) experimental NOD mice. OZ also reduced insulitis, preserved islet function, increased the expression of α1- antitrypsin (AAT) and severely inhibited NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 signaling pathways in immune organs and pancreatic tissues. Importantly, TAK1 inhibition by OZ elicited a Th1 to Th2 cytokine shift and increased TGF-β1 production in cultured T lymphocytes supernatants. Systemic TAK1 inhibition induced immature DCs with lower expressions of MHC-II and CD86, attenuated DC-mediated T cell proliferation in allogeneic MLR and production of cytokine IL-12p70 in DCs suspensions. The results indicate that TAK1 inhibition with OZ was associated with a lower frequency of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. The net effect of TAK1 inhibition in NOD mice therefore appears to be protective rather than disease-enhancing. Strategies targeting TAK1 specifically in NOD mice might prove useful for the treatment of autoimmune diabetes in general.
Light-induced atomic desorption in a compact system for ultracold atoms
Authors: Torralbo-Campo Lara , Bruce Graham D. , Smirne Giuseppe , Cassettari Donatella
Published: October 2015

In recent years, light-induced atomic desorption (LIAD) of alkali atoms from the inner surface of a vacuum chamber has been employed in cold atom experiments for the purpose of modulating the alkali background vapour. This is beneficial because larger trapped atom samples can be loaded from vapour at higher pressure, after which the pressure is reduced to increase the lifetime of the sample. We present an analysis, based on the case of rubidium atoms adsorbed on pyrex, of various aspects of LIAD that are useful for this application. Firstly, we study the intensity dependence of LIAD by fitting the experimental data with a rate-equation model, from which we extract a correct prediction for the increase in trapped atom number. Following this, we quantify a figure of merit for the utility of LIAD in cold atom experiments and we show how it can be optimised for realistic experimental parameters.
Neuroleukin/Autocrine Motility Factor Receptor Pathway Promotes Proliferation of Articular Chondrocytes through Activation of AKT and Smad2/3
Authors: Tian Kang , Zhong Weiliang , Zheng Xifu , Zhang Jinrui , Liu Pixu , Zhang Weiguo , Liu Han
Published: October 2015

Cartilage defect is an intractable clinical problem. Therapeutic strategies for cartilage repair are far from optimal due to poor proliferation capacity of chondrocytes. Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a cell based therapy that uses in vitro amplified healthy chondrocytes from the patient. However, chondrocyte dedifferentiation during in vitro culture limits its application. Neuroleukin (NLK) is a multifunctional protein that stimulates cell growth and migration, together with its receptor autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR, also called gp78). We investigated expression of NLK and AMFR/gp78 during cartilage development in vivo and in cultured articular chondrocytes in vitro and found the pair associates with chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. While applied to isolated articular chondrocytes, NLK promotes cell proliferation and secretion of type II collagen, a marker of proliferating chondrocytes. Further work demonstrates that NLK up regulates pAKT and pSmad2/3, but down regulates pSmad1/5. In animals, NLK treatment also promotes chondrocyte proliferation while inhibits terminal differentiation, leading to expanded proliferating zone but decreased prehypertrophic and hypertrophic zones in the growth plate region. NLK is therefore a candidate factor that can be applied in the treatment of cartilage defects.
A reactive oxygen species activation mechanism contributes to JS-K-induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Qiu Mingning , Chen Lieqian , Tan Guobin , Ke Longzhi , Zhang Sai , Chen Hege , Liu Jianjun
Published: October 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidant stress are regulators of cancer cells. The alteration of redox status, which is induced by increased generation of ROS, results in increased vulnerability to oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) 1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (JS-K, C13H16N6O8) on proliferation and apoptosis in bladder cancer cells and explored possible ROS-related mechanisms. Our results indicated that JS-K could suppress bladder cancer cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and induce apoptosis and ROS accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. With increasing concentrations of JS-K, expression of proteins that are involved in cell apoptosis increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reversed JS-K-induced cell apoptosis; conversely, the prooxidant oxidized glutathione (GSSG) exacerbated JS-K-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that nitrites, which were generated from the oxidation of JS-K-released NO, induced apoptosis in bladder cancer cells to a lower extent through the ROS-related pathway. In addition, JS-K was shown to enhance the chemo-sensitivity of doxorubicin in bladder cancer cells. Taken together, the data suggest that JS-K-released NO induces bladder cancer cell apoptosis by increasing ROS levels and nitrites resulting from oxidation of NO have a continuous apoptosis-inducing effect.
Quantifying dynamical spillover in co-evolving multiplex networks
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Vikram S. , Noël Pierre-André , Maoz Zeev , D’Souza Raissa M.
Published: October 2015

Multiplex networks (a system of multiple networks that have different types of links but share a common set of nodes) arise naturally in a wide spectrum of fields. Theoretical studies show that in such multiplex networks, correlated edge dynamics between the layers can have a profound effect on dynamical processes. However, how to extract the correlations from real-world systems is an outstanding challenge. Here we introduce the Multiplex Markov chain to quantify correlations in edge dynamics found in longitudinal data of multiplex networks. By comparing the results obtained from the multiplex perspective to a null model which assumes layers in a network are independent, we can identify real correlations as distinct from simultaneous changes that occur due to random chance. We use this approach on two different data sets: the network of trade and alliances between nation states and the email and co-commit networks between developers of open source software. We establish the existence of “dynamical spillover” showing the correlated formation (or deletion) of edges of different types as the system evolves. The details of the dynamics over time provide insight into potential causal pathways.
Non-blinking (Zn)CuInS/ZnS Quantum Dots Prepared by In Situ Interfacial Alloying Approach
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Dong Chaoqing , Li Liang , Yin Jinjin , Liu Heng , Huang Xiangyi , Ren Jicun
Published: October 2015

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are very important optical nanomaterials with a wide range of potential applications. However, blinking behavior of single QD is an intrinsic drawback for some biological and photoelectric applications based on single-particle emission. Herein we present a rational strategy for fabrication of non-blinking (Zn)CuInS/ZnS QDs in organic phase through in situ interfacial alloying approach. This new strategy includes three steps: synthesis of CuInS QDs, eliminating the interior traps of QDs by forming graded (Zn)CuInS alloyed QDs, modifying the surface traps of QDs by introducing ZnS shells onto (Zn)CuInS QDs using alkylthiols as sulfur source and surface ligands. The suppressed blinking mechanism was mainly attributed to modifying QDs traps from interior to exterior via a step-by-step modification. Non-blinking QDs show high quantum yield, symmetric emission spectra and excellent crystallinity and will enable applications from biology to optoelectronics that were previously hindered by blinking behavior of traditional QDs.
Development of Microelectrode-based Biosensors for Biomedical Analysis
Authors: Guimerà Anton , Prats-Alfonso Elisabet , Villa Rosa , del Campo F. Javier
Published: October 2015

This chapter describes the most recent methods and technologies used in the development of microfabricated electrochemical devices for biomedical analysis. The chapter is structured in three main sections: the first part introduces the main aspects underpinning the design and development of miniaturized biosensing devices. The second part describes the fabrication of microelectrode detection systems, with a focus on biosensors in environment and biomedical analysis. This section covers the main aspects of microelectrode fabrication and packaging, and surface functionalization. Finally, representative applications in the field of biomedical electroanalysis, with an emphasis on the detection of cardiovascular disease biomarkers, is described and discussed. The aim is to illustrate the importance and potential of microelectrode-based detection systems in this area, which can be extrapolated to other cases.
Electrochemical Detection Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Silvester Debbie S. , Aldous Leigh
Published: October 2015

Ionic liquids are relatively new additions to the field of electrochemical sensing. Despite that, they have had a significant impact, and several major areas are covered herein. This includes the application of ionic liquids in the quantification of heavy metals, explosives, and chemical warfare agents, and in biosensors and bioanalysis. Also highlighted are the significant advantages ionic liquids inherently have with regards to gas sensors and carbon paste electrodes, by virtue of their non-volatility, inherent conductivity, and diversity of structure and function. Finally, their incorporation with carbon nanomaterials to form various gels, pastes, films, and printed electrodes is also highlighted.
Analysis of affinities between specific biological ligands using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Hu Xiao , Dinu Cerasela Zoica
Published: October 2015

We used atomic force microscopy to rank the energetics of biomolecular recognition events of protein–ligand complexes.
Hydrophobic–hydrophilic ionic liquids for the extraction and determination of metal ions with water-soluble reagents
Authors: Smirnova S. V. , Samarina T. O. , Pletnev I. V.
Published: October 2015

Water-immiscible water-rich ionic liquids + water-soluble analytical reagents = a novel extraction-based platform for the determination of metal ions.
Conformational control of cofactors in nature – the influence of protein-induced macrocycle distortion on the biological function of tetrapyrroles
Authors: Senge Mathias O. , MacGowan Stuart A. , O'Brien Jessica M.
Published: October 2015

The biological function of tetrapyrroles and their use in designer proteins is critically dependent on their conformational flexibility.
Visible light-triggered disruption of micelles of an amphiphilic block copolymer with BODIPY at the junction
Authors: Patil Naganath G. , Basutkar Nitin B. , Ambade Ashootosh V.
Published: October 2015

Photocleavable BODIPY functionalised with ATRP initiator and alkyne was used to obtain amphiphilic block copolymer in a single step. Micellar assembly of the polymer was disintegrated under visible light irradiation with controlled release of cargo.
Sequence-selective DNA recognition and enhanced cellular up-take by peptide–steroid conjugates
Authors: Ruiz García Yara , Iyer Abhishek , Van Lysebetten Dorien , Vladimir Pabon Y. , Louage Benoit , Honcharenko Malgorzata , De Geest Bruno G. , Edvard Smith C. I. , Strömberg Roger , Madder Annemieke
Published: October 2015

DNA recognition is achieved by graphting two GCN4 basic region peptides onto a cholic acid scaffold ensuring a correct binding geometry combined with enhanced cell uptake.
Oral delivery of a platinum anticancer drug using lipid assisted polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Qinqin , Shi Hongdong , Huang Hai , Cao Zhiting , Wang Jun , Liu Yangzhong
Published: October 2015

Self-assembled nanoparticles were prepared for oral delivery of a Pt(iv) prodrug, which increases oral bioavailability with a high anti-tumor effect and negligible toxicity.
Stable n-type doping of graphene via high-molecular-weight ethylene amines
Authors: Jo Insu , Kim Youngsoo , Moon Joonhee , Park Subeom , Moon Jin San , Park Won Bae , Lee Jeong Soo , Hong Byung Hee
Published: October 2015

We demonstrate a stable and strong n-type doping method to tune the electrical properties of graphene via vapor phase chemical doping with various high-molecular-weight ethylene amines.
Characterization of thin films of the solid electrolyte LixMg1−2xAl2+xO4 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25)
Authors: Put Brecht , Vereecken Philippe M. , Mees Maarten J. , Rosciano Fabio , Radu Iuliana P. , Stesmans Andre
Published: October 2015

RF-sputtered thin films of spinel LixMg1−2xAl2+xO4 were investigated for use as solid electrolyte in Li-ion batteries.
Unique insight into phase separation in polymer solar cells from their electric characteristics
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Fujun , An Qiaoshi , Sun Qianqian , Zhang Jian , Hu Bin
Published: October 2015

A simple approach is proposed to investigate donor/acceptor phase separation based on the J–V curves of corresponding electron-only devices under forward or revise bias.
Things go better with coke: the beneficial role of carbonaceous deposits in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Collett C. H. , McGregor J.
Published: October 2015

Carbonaceous deposits on heterogeneous catalysts are traditionally associated with catalyst deactivation. However, they can play a beneficial role in many catalytic processes, e.g. dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, alkylation, isomerisation, Fischer–Tropsch, MTO etc. This review highlights the role and mechanism by which coke deposits can enhance catalytic performance.
The cascade synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones via oxidative C–C coupling of ketones and primary alcohols over a ceria catalyst
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Wang Yehong , Wang Min , Lu Jianmin , Zhang Chaofeng , Li Lihua , Jiang Jingyang , Wang Feng
Published: October 2015

We herein report the oxidative C–C coupling of ketones and primary alcohols to produce α,β-unsaturated ketones in the absence of base additives.
Controlled ligand distortion and its consequences for structure, symmetry, conformation and spin-state preferences of iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Kroll Nicole , Theilacker Kolja , Schoknecht Marc , Baabe Dirk , Wiedemann Dennis , Kaupp Martin , Grohmann Andreas , Hörner Gerald
Published: October 2015

Angular constraints in the backbone of pentadentate ligands are employed to tune the electronic and geometric structure of iron(ii) complexes via incremental distortion of the ligand field.
Luminescent europium and terbium complexes of dipyridoquinoxaline and dipyridophenazine ligands as photosensitizing antennae: structures and biological perspectives
Authors: Dasari Srikanth , Patra Ashis K.
Published: October 2015

Luminescent europium and terbium complexes of quinoxaline and phenazine ligands were studied for their structures, luminescence properties, interaction with DNA, and photo-induced DNA cleavage activity.
Synthesis and properties of mono- and dimetal Fischer multicarbene complexes derived from thiophene and thieno[2,3-b]thiophene
Authors: Lamprecht Zandria , van Jaarsveld Nina A. , Bezuidenhout Daniela I. , Liles David C. , Lotz Simon
Published: October 2015

The syntheses, spectroscopic and structural properties of new mono- to tetracarbene mono- and dinuclear Fischer carbene complexes of (condensed) thiophene.
Isolation and structural characterization of a mainly ligand-based dimetallic radical
Authors: Li Shuyu , Wang Xingyong , Zhang Zaichao , Zhao Yue , Wang Xinping
Published: October 2015

The isolation and crystal structure of a mainly ligand-based dimetallic radical of ruthenium together with induced sp3 C–H bond activation were described.
Interplay between singlet and triplet excited states in a conformationally locked donor–acceptor dyad
Authors: Filatov Mikhail A. , Etzold Fabian , Gehrig Dominik , Laquai Frédéric , Busko Dmitri , Landfester Katharina , Baluschev Stanislav
Published: October 2015

The synthesis and photophysical characterization of a palladium(ii) porphyrin – anthracene dyad bridged via short and conformationally rigid bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene spacer were achieved.
Colloidal assembly by ice templating
Authors: Kumaraswamy Guruswamy , Biswas Bipul , Choudhury Chandan Kumar
Published: October 2015

We investigate ice templating of aqueous dispersions of polymer coated colloids and crosslinkers, at particle concentrations far below that required to form percolated monoliths. Freezing the aqueous dispersions forces the particles into close proximity to form clusters, that are held together as the polymer chains coating the particles are crosslinked. We observe that, with an increase in the particle concentration from about 106 to 108 particles per ml, there is a transition from isolated single particles to increasingly larger clusters. In this concentration range, most of the colloidal clusters formed are linear or sheet like particle aggregates. Remarkably, the cluster size distribution for clusters smaller than about 30 particles, as well as the size distribution of linear clusters, is only weakly dependent on the dispersion concentration in the range that we investigate. We demonstrate that the main features of cluster formation are captured by kinetic simulations that do not consider hydrodynamics or instabilities at the growing ice front due to particle concentration gradients. Thus, clustering of colloidal particles by ice templating dilute dispersions appears to be governed only by particle exclusion by the growing ice crystals that leads to their accumulation at ice crystal boundaries.
A simple process for lignin nanoparticle preparation
Authors: Lievonen Miikka , Valle-Delgado Juan José , Mattinen Maija-Liisa , Hult Eva-Lena , Lintinen Kalle , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Paananen Arja , Szilvay Géza R. , Setälä Harri , Österberg Monika
Published: October 2015

A simple method to produce stable aqueous dispersions of spherical anionic or cationic lignin nanoparticles from softwood kraft lignin was developed.
Cell wall-associated transition metals improve alkaline-oxidative pretreatment in diverse hardwoods
Authors: Bansal Namita , Bhalla Aditya , Pattathil Sivakumar , Adelman Sara L. , Hahn Michael G. , Hodge David B. , Hegg Eric L.
Published: October 2015

Cell wall-associated, redox-active transition metals play a critical role in the efficacy of oxidative delignification.
Co-generation of bio-butanol and bio-lipids under a hybrid process
Authors: Cai Di , Dong Zhongshi , Han Juntian , Yu Han , Wang Yating , Qin Peiyong , Wang Zheng , Tan Tianwei
Published: October 2015

An energy saving and environmentally friendly hybrid fermentation process for the production of bio-fuels was investigated in this research.
Swallowable fluorometric capsule for wireless triage of gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Nemiroski A. , Ryou M. , Thompson C. C. , Westervelt R. M.
Published: October 2015

A swallowable, capsular fluorometer simplifies detection of upper gastrointestinal bleeding by wirelessly detecting presence of fluorescein-spiked blood in the stomach.
Single chip SPR and fluorescent ELISA assay of prostate specific antigen
Authors: Breault-Turcot J. , Poirier-Richard H.-P. , Couture M. , Pelechacz D. , Masson J.-F.
Published: October 2015

A multi-channel system combining fluidics and micropatterned plasmonic materials with wavelength interrogation surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence detection was integrated from the combination of a small and motorized fluorescence microscope mounted on a portable 4-channel SPR instrument.
Patterns of biofilm structure and formation kinetics among Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates with different antibiotic resistance profiles
Authors: Dahdouh E. , Orgaz B. , Gómez-Gil R. , Mingorance J. , Daoud Z. , Suarez M. , San Jose C.
Published: October 2015

This study evaluates the rates of biofilm formation in light of the different characteristics of twelve A. baumannii clinical isolates.
Safety and efficacy of composite collagen–silver nanoparticle hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Alarcon Emilio I. , Udekwu Klas I. , Noel Christopher W. , Gagnon Luke B.-P. , Taylor Patrick K. , Vulesevic Branka , Simpson Madeline J. , Gkotzis Spyridon , Islam M. Mirazul , Lee Chyan-Jang , Richter-Dahlfors Agneta , Mah Thien-Fah , Suuronen Erik J. , Scaiano Juan C. , Griffith May
Published: October 2015

AgNPs–collagen materials showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Highly efficient and durable TiN nanofiber electrocatalyst supports
Authors: Kim Hyun , Cho Min Kyung , Kwon Jeong An , Jeong Yeon Hun , Lee Kyung Jin , Kim Na Young , Kim Min Jung , Yoo Sung Jong , Jang Jong Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Juhn , Nam Suk Woo , Lim Dong-Hee , Cho EunAe , Lee Kwan-Young , Kim Jin Young
Published: October 2015

We report the TiN nanofiber-based nonwoven structured materials to be constructed via electrospinning and subsequent two-step thermal treatment processes as a support for the PEMFC catalyst.
Controllable assembly of well-defined monodisperse Au nanoparticles on hierarchical ZnO microspheres for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic and antibacterial activity
Authors: Wang Yuan , Fang Hua-Bin , Zheng Yan-Zhen , Ye Rongqin , Tao Xia , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: October 2015

An excellent visible-light-driven photocatalyst composed of well-defined monodisperse Au nanoparticles on ZnO microspheres via a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique is demonstrated.
A curcumin-based molecular probe for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of tau fibrils in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Park Kwang-su , Seo Yujin , Kim Mi Kyoung , Kim Kyungdo , Kim Yun Kyung , Choo Hyunah , Chong Youhoon
Published: October 2015

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of tau fibrils for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Metal-free methylation of a pyridine N-oxide C–H bond by using peroxides
Authors: Li Gang , Yang Suling , Lv Bingjie , Han Qingqing , Ma Xingxing , Sun Kai , Wang Zhiyong , Zhao Feng , Lv Yunhe , Wu Hankui
Published: October 2015

Metal-free methylation of a pyridine N-oxide C–H bond was developed using peroxide as a methyl reagent under neat conditions. Pyridine N-oxide derivatives with various groups (e.g., Cl, NO2, and OCH3) were all suitable substrates.
Unimolecular antiparallel G-quadruplex folding topology of 2′–5′-isoTBA sequences remains unaltered by loop composition
Authors: Aher Manisha N. , Erande Namrata D. , Fernandes Moneesha , Kumar Vaijayanti A.
Published: October 2015

Unlike 3′–5′-linked TBA, the 2′–5′-linked isoTBA formed only unimolecular antiparallel G-quadruplexes independent of loop length.
Cyclometallated ruthenium(ii) complexes with ditopic thienyl–NHC ligands: syntheses and alkyne annulations
Authors: Xie Xiaoke , Huynh Han Vinh
Published: October 2015

Cycloruthenation of thienyl–NHC ligands and subsequent alkyne annulations allow for a facile preparation of unusual aza-heterocyclic-thiophenes.
Pickering emulsions stabilized by composite nanoparticles prepared from lysozyme and dopamine modified poly (γ-glutamic acid): effects of pH value on the stability of the emulsion and the activity of lysozyme
Authors: Zhang Cuige , Zhu Ye , Zhang Rongli , Xie Yanling , Wang Kangjing , Liu Xiaoya
Published: October 2015

Novel composite nanoparticles were prepared from lysozyme and modified poly (γ-glutamic acid) to be used as emulsifiers for Pickering emulsions. Increasing the pH value of the solution facilitated the formation of gel-like emulsions suitable for releasing lysozyme.
Development of a novel protocol for the permanent hydrophilic modification of a BOPP film for high quality printing with water-based ink
Authors: Chen W. X. , Yu J. S. , Chen G. L. , Qiu X. P. , Hu W. , Bai H. Y. , Shao J. Z.
Published: October 2015

This paper reports the successful modification of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films to permanently enhance their hydrophilic properties for potential flexible packing applications.
Biomaterials based nano-applications of Aloe vera and its perspective: a review
Authors: Balaji Arunpandian , Vellayappan Muthu Vignesh , John Agnes Aruna , Subramanian Aruna Priyadarshini , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , SelvaKumar M. , Mohd Faudzi Ahmad Athif bin , Supriyanto Eko , Yusof Mustafa
Published: October 2015

In modern biomedical researches, theAloe veraextract has been engaged in the synthesis of various micro and nanoformulations based smart structures, which increased its competence in wound healing, tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.
A novel solid-to-solid electrocatalysis of graphene oxide reduction on copper electrode
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhang Ling , Zhao Bo , Zhang Kai , Yuen Matthew M. F. , Xu Jian-Bin , Fu Xian-Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: October 2015

Graphene oxide could be efficiently reduced to graphene on Cu electrode through a novel electrocatalytic solid-to-solid reaction.
Superparamagnetic core/shell nanostructures for magnetic isolation and enrichment of DNA
Authors: Patil R. M. , Shete P. B. , Patil S. M. , Govindwar S. P. , Pawar S. H.
Published: October 2015

Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are promising candidates for various biomedical applications due to their extraordinary properties.
Eco-friendly synthesis and photodegradation of hierarchical nanostructures of β-FeOOH and α-Fe2O3
Authors: Li Zan , Meng Guoli , Chen Rufen , Song Xiuqin
Published: October 2015

β-FeOOH and α-Fe2O3 with different morphologies were synthesized via a facile method using urea or saccharide as the organic matrix.
An experimental study on the stability of PVDF hollow fiber membrane contactors for CO2 absorption with alkanolamine solutions
Authors: Sadoogh M. , Mansourizadeh A. , Mohammadinik H.
Published: October 2015

The stability of PVDF hollow fiber membrane contactors for CO2 absorption with alkanolamine solutions was investigated.
Highly porous N-doped TiO2 hollow fibers with internal three-dimensional interconnected nanotubes for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Kuang-I , Su Chung-Yi , Perng Tsong-Pyng
Published: October 2015

N-doped TiO2 hollow fibers with internal interconnected nanotubes possess a lower energy gap, greater light harvesting, and higher photocatalytic activity.
Thermally stable polylactides by stereocomplex formation and conjugation of both terminals with bio-based cinnamic acid derivatives
Authors: Tran Hang Thi , Ajiro Hiroharu , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: October 2015

A series of polylactide stereocomplexes with conjugation of both terminals showed high thermal stability and photoreactivity, and are useful as high performance polymers and photoreactive polymers based on natural products.
Ternary morphology facilitated thick-film organic solar cell
Authors: Mai Jiangquan , Lau Tsz-Ki , Xiao Ting , Su Chun-Jen , Jeng U-ser , Zhao Ni , Xiao Xudong , Lu Xinhui
Published: October 2015

We applied a ternary morphology to enhance light harvesting of a thick-film polymer solar cell.
Realization of a fast-response flexible ultraviolet photodetector employing a metal–semiconductor–metal structure InGaZnO photodiode
Authors: Zhou H. T. , Li L. , Chen H. Y. , Guo Z. , Jiao S. J. , Sun W. J.
Published: October 2015

A flexible UV photodetector (PD) has been fabricated based on the amorphous InGaZnO film. It shows good photoresponse characteristics before and after bending, and fast response speed compared with the most reported flexible UV PDs.
Cetyl alcohol mediated fabrication of forest of Ag/Mn3O4 nanowhiskers catalyst for the selective oxidation of styrene with molecular oxygen
Authors: Acharyya Shankha S. , Ghosh Shilpi , Sharma Sachin K. , Bal Rajaram
Published: October 2015

Cetyl alcohol-mediated water-based preparation of nanocrystalline Ag/Mn3O4 catalyst has been reported in a one-pot preparation method.
Equimolar mixtures of aqueous linear and branched SDBS surfactant simulated on single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Suttipong Manaswee , Striolo Alberto
Published: October 2015

The self-assembly of mixed SDBS surfactant aggregates is strongly dependent on surface coverage, but not on tube diameter.
Triazatriangulenium-based porous organic polymers for carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Hu Xin-Ming , Chen Qi , Sui Zhu-Yin , Zhao Zhi-Qiang , Bovet Nicolas , Laursen Bo W. , Han Bao-Hang
Published: October 2015

Reversible and preferred adsorption for CO2 is visible spectroscopically on triazatriangulenium-based cationic porous organic polymers.
Influence of facets and heterojunctions in photoactive bismuth oxyiodide
Authors: Han Aijuan , Sun Jiulong , Lin Xuanhao , Yuan Cheng-Hui , Chuah Gaik Khuan , Jaenicke Stephan
Published: October 2015

An investigation into the influence of facets versus heterojunctions in the photoactivity of bismuth oxyiodide composites.
ZnO/C microboxes derived from coordination polymer particles for superior lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Shen Lisha , Wang Chengxin
Published: October 2015

A CPPs-derived ZnO/C hollow microboxes Li-ion anode with superior capability and rate performance was achieved by a simple solvothermal method.
Zinc titanium glycolate acetate hydrate and its transformation to zinc titanate microrods: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Pan Guo-Hui , Hayakawa Tomokatsu , Nogami Masayuki , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Xia , Qu Xuesong , Zhang Jiahua
Published: October 2015

Heterobimetallic complex microrods of zinc titanium glycolate acetate hydrate tentatively formulated as Zn2Ti3(OCH2CH2O)4(OCH2CH2OH)5(CH3COO)3·2HOCH2CH2OH·H2O were synthesize by homogeneous precipitation.
Variation of exchange energy in δ-(Ga,Mn)As films under tensile strain: PBE and LDA+U calculations
Authors: Pan Y. , Wei X. Y. , Ji F. M. , Zhu Y. , Shi D. N. , Yang Z. Q.
Published: October 2015

PBE and LDA+U calculations were both used to clarify the variation of exchange energy in three kinds of δ-(Ga,Mn)As films under tensile strain.
In situ reductive regeneration of zerovalent iron nanoparticles immobilized on cellulose for atom efficient Cr(vi) adsorption
Authors: Sharma Archana Kumari , Kumar Rabindra , Mittal Sunil , Hussain Shamima , Arora Meenu , Sharma Ramesh Chand , Babu J. Nagendra
Published: October 2015

nZVI (11.8 ± 0.2% w/w) immobilized on microcrystalline cellulose (C-nZVI) shows unusual Cr(vi) adsorption (562.8 mg g−1of nZVI) as a consequence ofin situregeneration of nZVI upon oxidation of cellulose to cellulose dialdehyde.
Coarse-grained treatment of the self-assembly of colloids suspended in a nematic host phase
Authors: Püschel-Schlotthauer Sergej , Stieger Tillmann , Melle Michael , Mazza Marco G. , Schoen Martin
Published: October 2015

Plots of the three-dimensional defect topologies of a pair of colloids (grey spheres) immersed in a nematic host fluid for various anglesθbetween the center-of-mass distance vector r12and the far-field nematic director n̂0.
Transformation of worst weed into N-, S-, and P-tridoped carbon nanorings as metal-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Gao Shuyan , Wei Xianjun , Liu Haiying , Geng Keran , Wang Hongqiang , Moehwald Helmuth , Shchukin Dmitry
Published: October 2015

N-, S-, and P-tridoped carbon nanorings are sustainably derived from worst-weed that can serve as a metal-free and selective ORR electrocatalyst.
Design of an active and durable catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions using encapsulated Cu with N-doped carbon shells (Cu@N-C) activated by CO2treatment
Authors: Noh Seung Hyo , Seo Min Ho , Ye Xiao , Makinose Yuki , Okajima Takeyoshi , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Han Byungchan , Ohsaka Takeo
Published: October 2015

Cu@N-C with the Cu particles encapsulated in N-doped carbon shells, which was activated by CO2treatment, is an excellent electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
New biocompatible polymeric micelles designed for efficient intracellular uptake and delivery
Authors: Di Maria Francesca , Blasi Laura , Quarta Alessandra , Bergamini Giacomo , Barbarella Giovanna , Giorgini Loris , Benaglia Massimo
Published: October 2015

The disappearing of the FRET effect upon cell internalisation demonstrates the release from the micelles of the loaded fluorophores.
Incompletely condensed POSS-based spin-on-glass networks for impeccable ultra low-k integration
Authors: Lee Albert S. , Choi Seung-Sock , Oh Sung Yeoun , Lee He Seung , Kim Bomin , Hwang Seung Sang , Baek Kyung-Youl
Published: October 2015

The integration reliability of mechanically robust, ultra low-k spin-on-glass poly(methyl)silsesquioxanes incorporating incompletely condensed methyl-POSS were examined for next generation microelectronics.
Substitution of silicon within the rhombohedral boron carbide (B4C) crystal lattice through high-energy ball-milling
Authors: Kolel-Veetil Manoj K. , Gamache Raymond M. , Bernstein Noam , Goswami Ramasis , Qadri Syed B. , Fears Kenan P. , Miller Joel B. , Glaser Evan R. , Keller Teddy M.
Published: October 2015

Substitution of silicon within the rhombohedral boron carbide (B4C) crystal lattice at moderate temperatures (∼200–400 °C) achieved through high-energy ball-milling.
Synchronous frame current controllers design based on desired stationary frame transient performance
Authors: Kuperman A.
Published: October 2015

Stationary frame (AC) currents behaviour of three‐phase converters with synchronous frame (DC) controllers shaping is explicitly linked. It is revealed that closed‐loop synchronous frame dynamics determines amplitude behaviour of stationary frame signals without affecting their frequency and phase. Consequently, synchronous frame current controllers design should actually be based on desired stationary frame amplitude transient performance.
Improving z-tracking accuracy in the two-photon single-particle tracking microscope
Authors: Liu C. , Liu Y.-L. , Perillo E. P. , Jiang N. , Dunn A. K. , Yeh H.-C.
Published: October 2015

Here, we present a method that can improve the z-tracking accuracy of the recently invented TSUNAMI (Tracking of Single particles Using Nonlinear And Multiplexed Illumination) microscope. This method utilizes a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) to determine the particle's 3D position that maximizes the likelihood of the observed time-correlated photon count distribution. Our Monte Carlo simulations show that the MLE-based tracking scheme can improve the z-tracking accuracy of TSUNAMI microscope by 1.7 fold. In addition, MLE is also found to reduce the temporal correlation of the z-tracking error. Taking advantage of the smaller and less temporally correlated z-tracking error, we have precisely recovered the hybridization-melting kinetics of a DNA model system from thousands of short single-particle trajectories in silico. Our method can be generally applied to other 3D single-particle tracking techniques.
Luminescent coupling in planar opto-electronic devices
Authors: Wilkins Matthew , Valdivia Christopher E. , Gabr Ahmed M. , Masson Denis , Fafard Simon , Hinzer Karin
Published: October 2015

Effects of luminescent coupling are observed in monolithic 5 V, five-junction GaAs phototransducers. Power conversion efficiency was measured at 61.6% ± 3% under the continuous, monochromatic illumination for which they were designed. Modeling shows that photon recycling can account for up to 350 mV of photovoltage in these devices. Drift-diffusion based simulations including a luminescent coupling term in the continuity equation show a broadening of the internal quantum efficiency curve which agrees well with experimental measurements. Luminescent coupling is shown to expand the spectral bandwidth of the phototransducer by a factor of at least 3.5 for devices with three or more junctions, even in cases where multiple absorption/emission events are required to transfer excess carriers into the limiting junction. We present a detailed description of the novel luminescent coupling modeling technique used to predict these performance enhancements.
Geodesic acoustic mode in anisotropic plasma with heat flux
Authors: Ren Haijun
Published: October 2015

Geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) in an anisotropic tokamak plasma is investigated in fluid approximation. The collisionless anisotropic plasma is described within the 16-momentum magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid closure model, which takes into account not only the pressure anisotropy but also the anisotropic heat flux. It is shown that the GAM frequency agrees better with the kinetic result than the standard Chew-Goldberger-Low (CGL) MHD model. When zeroing the anisotropy, the 16-momentum result is identical with the kinetic one to the order of 1/q2, while the CGL result agrees with the kinetic result only on the leading order. The discrepancies between the results of the CGL fluid model and the kinetic theory are well removed by considering the heat flux effect in the fluid approximation.
Mitigation of upward and downward vertical displacement event heat loads with upper or lower massive gas injection in DIII-D
Authors: Hollmann E. M. , Commaux N. , Eidietis N. W. , Lasnier C. J. , Moyer R. A. , Parks P. B. , Shiraki D.
Published: October 2015

Intentionally triggered upward and downward vertical displacement events (VDEs) leading to disruptions were pre-emptively mitigated with neon massive gas injection (MGI) coming from either above or below the plasma. Global indicators of disruption mitigation effectiveness (conducted heat loads, radiated power, and vessel motion) do not show a clear improvement when mitigating with the gas jet located closer to the VDE impact area. A clear trend of improved mitigation is observed for earlier MGI timing relative to the VDE impact time. The plasma edge magnetic perturbation is seen to lock to a preferential phase during the VDE thermal quench, but this phase is not clearly matched by preliminary attempts to fit to the conducted heat load phase. Clear indications of plasma infra-red (IR) emission are observed both before and during the disruptions. This IR emission can affect calculation of disruption heat loads; here, the time decay of post-disruption IR signals is used to correct for this effect.
Projections of future meteorological drought and wet periods in the Amazon
Authors: Duffy Philip B. , Brando Paulo , Asner Gregory P. , Field Christopher B.
Published: October 2015

Significance

Recent severe droughts in the Amazon basin have increased interest in future climatological and ecological conditions of this region. Future changes in drought and wet periods could have enormous impacts on forest structure, biomass, and composition, but our ability to predict changes in the hydrological regime remains highly uncertain. We evaluate an ensemble of state-of-the-art climate models and demonstrate their accuracy in simulating processes influencing drought in Amazonia. These models provide projections of future properties of drought and wet periods, and indicate that different portions of the Amazon Basin undergo contrasting hydrological futures but will share a tendency toward more hydrological extremes.
Unconstrained muscle-tendon workloops indicate resonance tuning as a mechanism for elastic limb behavior during terrestrial locomotion
Authors: Robertson Benjamin D. , Sawicki Gregory S.
Published: October 2015

Significance

The fields of terrestrial biomechanics and bio-inspired robotics have identified spring-like limb mechanics as critical to stable and efficient gait. In biological systems, distal muscle groups cycling large amounts of energy in series tendons are a primary source of compliance. To investigate the origins of this behavior, we coupled a biological muscle-tendon to a feedback controlled servomotor simulating the inertial/gravitational environment of terrestrial gait. We drove this bio-robotic system via direct nerve stimulation across a range of frequencies to explore the influence of neural control on muscle-tendon interactions. This study concluded that by matching stimulation frequency to that of the passive biomechanical system, muscle-tendon interactions resulting in spring-like behavior occur naturally and do not require closed-loop neural control.
Shift toward prior knowledge confers a perceptual advantage in early psychosis and psychosis-prone healthy individuals
Authors: Teufel Christoph , Subramaniam Naresh , Dobler Veronika , Perez Jesus , Finnemann Johanna , Mehta Puja R. , Goodyer Ian M. , Fletcher Paul C.
Published: October 2015

Significance

Perceiving things that are not there and holding unfounded, bizarre beliefs (hallucinations and delusions, respectively) are psychotic symptoms that occur in particular syndromes including affective psychoses, paranoid states, and schizophrenia. We studied the emergence of this loss of contact with reality based on current models of normal brain function. Working with clinical individuals experiencing early psychosis and nonclinical individuals with high levels of psychosis proneness, we show that their visual perception is characterized by a shift that favors prior knowledge over incoming sensory evidence. Given that these alterations in information processing are evident early on in psychosis and even in association with subtle perceptual changes indicating psychosis proneness, they may be important factors contributing to the emergence of severe mental illnesses.
Catalytic mechanism and allosteric regulation of an oligomeric (p)ppGpp synthetase by an alarmone
Authors: Steinchen Wieland , Schuhmacher Jan S. , Altegoer Florian , Fage Christopher D. , Srinivasan Vasundara , Linne Uwe , Marahiel Mohamed A. , Bange Gert
Published: October 2015

Significance

The alarmones guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) and guanosine pentaphosphate (pppGpp) [collectively named “(p)ppGpp)”] are important for the adaptation of bacteria and plant chloroplasts to a variety of environmental stress conditions. Their synthesis is carried out by (p)ppGpp synthetases. We delineate the catalytic mechanism of (p)ppGpp synthesis by oligomeric and highly cooperative small alarmone synthetase 1 (SAS1) at atomic resolution. Our structural and biochemical analysis shows that only pppGpp—but not ppGpp—positively affects the activity of SAS1. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular description of a biological activity in which pppGpp and ppGpp execute different functional roles.
Helical antimicrobial polypeptides with radial amphiphilicity
Authors: Xiong Menghua , Lee Michelle W. , Mansbach Rachael A. , Song Ziyuan , Bao Yan , Peek Richard M. , Yao Catherine , Chen Lin-Feng , Ferguson Andrew L. , Wong Gerard C. L. , Cheng Jianjun
Published: October 2015

Significance

We developed antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPs) with unprecedented radial amphiphilicity. Unlike typical AMPs characterized by facial amphiphilicity or biomimetic antimicrobial polymers with randomly distributed charged and hydrophobic groups, this class of AMPs is made up of homo-polypeptides that feature a radially amphiphilic (RA) structure and adopt a stable α-helical conformation with a hydrophobic helical core and a charged exterior shell, which is formed by flexible hydrophobic side chains with terminal charge group. The RA polypeptides appear to offer several advantages over conventional AMPs with regard to stability against proteases and simplicity of design. They also exhibit high antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and low hemolytic activity. This design may become a general platform for developing AMPs to treat drug-resistant bacteria.