bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holographic microscopy and microfluidics platform for measuring wall stress and 3D flow over surfaces textured by micro-pillars
Authors: Bocanegra Evans Humberto , Gorumlu Serdar , Aksak Burak , Castillo Luciano , Sheng Jian
Published: June 2016

Understanding how fluid flow interacts with micro-textured surfaces is crucial for a broad range of key biological processes and engineering applications including particle dispersion, pathogenic infections and drag manipulation by surface topology. We use high-speed digital holographic microscopy (DHM) in combination with a correlation based de-noising algorithm to overcome the optical interference generated by surface roughness and to capture a large number of 3D particle trajectories in a microfluidic channel with one surface patterned with micropillars. It allows us to obtain a 3D ensembled velocity field with an uncertainty of 0.06% and 2D wall shear stress distribution at the resolution of ~65 μPa. Contrary to laminar flow in most microfluidics, we find that the flow is three-dimensional and complex for the textured microchannel. While the micropillars affect the velocity flow field locally, their presence is felt globally in terms of wall shear stresses at the channel walls. These findings imply that micro-scale mixing and wall stress sensing/manipulation can be achieved through hydro-dynamically smooth but topologically rough micropillars.
Vulnerability of the peatland carbon sink to sea-level rise
Authors: Whittle Alex , Gallego-Sala Angela V.
Published: June 2016

Freshwater peatlands are carbon accumulating ecosystems where primary production exceeds organic matter decomposition rates in the soil, and therefore perform an important sink function in global carbon cycling. Typical peatland plant and microbial communities are adapted to the waterlogged, often acidic and low nutrient conditions that characterise them. Peatlands in coastal locations receive inputs of oceanic base cations that shift conditions from the environmental optimum of these communities altering the carbon balance. Blanket bogs are one such type of peatlands occurring in hyperoceanic regions. Using a blanket bog to coastal marsh transect in Northwest Scotland we assess the impacts of salt intrusion on carbon accumulation rates. A threshold concentration of salt input, caused by inundation, exists corresponding to rapid acidophilic to halophilic plant community change and a carbon accumulation decline. For the first time, we map areas of blanket bog vulnerable to sea-level rise, estimating that this equates to ~7.4% of the total extent and a 0.22 Tg yr−1 carbon sink. Globally, tropical peatlands face the proportionally greatest risk with ~61,000 km2 (~16.6% of total) lying ≤5 m elevation. In total an estimated 20.2 ± 2.5 GtC is stored in peatlands ≤5 m above sea level, which are potentially vulnerable to inundation.
ASXL1 plays an important role in erythropoiesis
Authors: Shi Hui , Yamamoto Shohei , Sheng Mengyao , Bai Jie , Zhang Peng , Chen Runze , Chen Shi , Shi Lihong , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Xu Mingjiang , Zhou Yuan , Yang Feng-Chun
Published: June 2016

ASXL1 mutations are found in a spectrum of myeloid malignancies with poor prognosis. Recently, we reported that Asxl1+/− mice develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or MDS and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) overlapping diseases (MDS/MPN). Although defective erythroid maturation and anemia are associated with the prognosis of patients with MDS or MDS/MPN, the role of ASXL1 in erythropoiesis remains unclear. Here, we showed that chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) patients with ASXL1 mutations exhibited more severe anemia with a significantly increased proportion of bone marrow (BM) early stage erythroblasts and reduced enucleated erythrocytes compared to CMML patients with WT ASXL1. Knockdown of ASXL1 in cord blood CD34+ cells reduced erythropoiesis and impaired erythrocyte enucleation. Consistently, the BM and spleens of VavCre+;Asxl1f/f (Asxl1∆/∆) mice had less numbers of erythroid progenitors than Asxl1f/f controls. Asxl1∆/∆ mice also had an increased percentage of erythroblasts and a reduced erythrocyte enucleation in their BM compared to littermate controls. Furthermore, Asxl1∆/∆ erythroblasts revealed altered expression of genes involved in erythroid development and homeostasis, which was associated with lower levels of H3K27me3 and H3K4me3. Our study unveils a key role for ASXL1 in erythropoiesis and indicates that ASXL1 loss hinders erythroid development/maturation, which could be of prognostic value for MDS/MPN patients.
Tunable tapered waveguide for efficient compression of light to graphene surface plasmons
Authors: Cheng Bo Han , Chen Hong Wen , Jen Yi-Jun , Lan Yung-Chiang , Tsai Din Ping
Published: June 2016

Dielectric-graphene-dielectric (DGD) structure has been widely used to construct optical devices at infrared region with features of small footprint and low-energy dissipation. The optical properties of graphene can be manipulated by changing its chemical potential by applying a biased voltage onto graphene. However, the excitation efficiency of surface wave on graphene by end-fire method is very low because of large wavevector mismatch between infrared light and surface wave. In this paper, a dielectric-semiconductor-dielectric (DSD) tapered waveguide with magnetic tunability for efficient excitation of surface waves on DGD at infrared region is proposed and analyzed. Efficient excitation of surface waves on DGD with various chemical potentials in graphene layer and incident frequencies can be attained by merely changing the external magnetic field applied onto the DSD tapered waveguide. The electromagnetic simulations verify the design of the proposed structure. More importantly, the constituent materials used in the proposed structure are available in nature. This work opens the door toward various applications in the field of using surface waves.
The actin crosslinking protein palladin modulates force generation and mechanosensitivity of tumor associated fibroblasts
Authors: Azatov Mikheil , Goicoechea Silvia M. , Otey Carol A. , Upadhyaya Arpita
Published: June 2016

Cells organize actin filaments into higher-order structures by regulating the composition, distribution and concentration of actin crosslinkers. Palladin is an actin crosslinker found in the lamellar actin network and stress fibers, which are critical for mechanosensing of the environment. Palladin also serves as a molecular scaffold for α-actinin, another key actin crosslinker. By virtue of its close interactions with actomyosin structures in the cell, palladin may play an important role in cell mechanics. However, the role of palladin in cellular force generation and mechanosensing has not been studied. Here, we investigate the role of palladin in regulating the plasticity of the actin cytoskeleton and cellular force generation in response to alterations in substrate stiffness. Traction force microscopy revealed that tumor-associated fibroblasts generate larger forces on substrates of increased stiffness. Contrary to expectations, knocking down palladin increased the forces generated by cells and inhibited their ability to sense substrate stiffness for very stiff gels. This was accompanied by significant differences in actin organization, adhesion dynamics and altered myosin organization in palladin knock-down cells. Our results suggest that actin crosslinkers such as palladin and myosin motors coordinate for optimal cell function and to prevent aberrant behavior as in cancer metastasis.
Historical and contemporary factors generate unique butterfly communities on islands
Authors: Vodă Raluca , Dapporto Leonardo , Dincă Vlad , Shreeve Tim G. , Khaldi Mourad , Barech Ghania , Rebbas Khellaf , Sammut Paul , Scalercio Stefano , Hebert Paul D. N. , Vila Roger
Published: June 2016

The mechanisms shaping island biotas are not yet well understood mostly because of a lack of studies comparing eco-evolutionary fingerprints over entire taxonomic groups. Here, we linked community structure (richness, frequency and nestedness) and genetic differentiation (based on mitochondrial DNA) in order to compare insular butterfly communities occurring over a key intercontinental area in the Mediterranean (Italy-Sicily-Maghreb). We found that community characteristics and genetic structure were influenced by a combination of contemporary and historical factors, and among the latter, connection during the Pleistocene had an important impact. We showed that species can be divided into two groups with radically different properties: widespread taxa had high dispersal capacity, a nested pattern of occurrence, and displayed little genetic structure, while rare species were mainly characterized by low dispersal, high turnover and genetically differentiated populations. These results offer an unprecedented view of the distinctive butterfly communities and of the main processes determining them on each studied island and highlight the importance of assessing the phylogeographic value of populations for conservation.
Biochemical evidence for relaxed substrate specificity of Nα-acetyltransferase (Rv3420c/rimI) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pathak Deepika , Bhat Aadil Hussain , Sapehia Vandana , Rai Jagdish , Rao Alka
Published: June 2016

Nα-acetylation is a naturally occurring irreversible modification of N-termini of proteins catalyzed by Nα-acetyltransferases (NATs). Although present in all three domains of life, it is little understood in bacteria. The functional grouping of NATs into six types NatA - NatF, in eukaryotes is based on subunit requirements and stringent substrate specificities. Bacterial orthologs are phylogenetically divergent from eukaryotic NATs and only a couple of them are characterized biochemically. Accordingly, not much is known about their substrate specificities. Rv3420c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a NAT ortholog coding for RimIMtb. Using in vitro peptide-based enzyme assays and mass-spectrometry methods, we provide evidence that RimIMtb is a protein Nα-acetyltransferase of relaxed substrate specificity mimicking substrate specificities of eukaryotic NatA, NatC and most competently that of NatE. Also, hitherto unknown acetylation of residues namely, Asp, Glu, Tyr and Leu by a bacterial NAT (RimIMtb) is elucidated, in vitro. Based on in vivo acetylation status, in vitro assay results and genetic context, a plausible cellular substrate for RimIMtb is proposed.
Photonic Programmable Tele-Cloning Network
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Ming-Cheng
Published: June 2016

The concept of quantum teleportation allows an unknown quantum states to be broadcasted and processed in a distributed quantum network. The quantum information injected into the network can be diluted to distant multi-copies by quantum cloning and processed by arbitrary quantum logic gates which were programed in advance in the network quantum state. A quantum network combines simultaneously these fundamental quantum functions could lead to new intriguing applications. Here we propose a photonic programmable telecloning network based on a four-photon interferometer. The photonic network serves as quantum gate, quantum cloning and quantum teleportation and features experimental advantage of high brightness by photon recycling.
Fabrication of magnetic water-soluble hyperbranched polyol functionalized graphene oxide for high-efficiency water remediation
Authors: Hu Lihua , Li Yan , Zhang Xuefei , Wang Yaoguang , Cui Limei , Wei Qin , Ma Hongmin , Yan Liangguo , Du Bin
Published: June 2016

Magnetic water-soluble hyperbranched polyol functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposite (MWHPO-GO) was successfully prepared and applied to water remediation in this paper. MWHPO-GO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), magnetization curve, zeta potential, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses. MWHPO-GO exhibited excellent adsorption performance for the removal of synthetic dyes (methylene blue (MB) and methyl violet (MV)) and heavy metal (Pb(II)). Moreover, MWHPO-GO could be simply recovered from water with magnetic separation. The pseudo-second order equation and the Langmuir model exhibited good correlation with the adsorption kinetic and isotherm data, respectively, for these three pollutants. The thermodynamic results (ΔG < 0, ΔH < 0, ΔS < 0) implied that the adsorption process of MB, MV and Pb(II) was feasible, exothermic and spontaneous in nature. A possible adsorption mechanism has been proposed where π-π stacking interactions, H-bonding interaction and electrostatic attraction dominated the adsorption of MB/MV and chelation and electrostatic attraction dominated the adsorption of Pb(II). In addition, the excellent reproducibility endowed MWHPO-GO with the potential for application in water remediation.
Coherent destruction of tunneling in two-level system driven across avoided crossing via photon statistics
Authors: Miao Qiang , Zheng Yujun
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the nature of the multi-order resonance and coherent destruction of tunneling (CDT) for two-level system driven cross avoided crossing is investigated by employing the emitted photons 〈N〉 and the Mandel’s Q parameter based on the photon counting statistics. An asymmetric feature of CDT is shown in the spectrum of Mandel’s Q parameter. Also, the CDT can be employed to suppress the spontaneous decay and prolong waiting time noticeably. The photon emission pattern is of monotonicity in strong relaxation and homogeneity in pure dephasing regime, respectively.
A new mechanism for dendritic pattern formation in dense systems
Authors: Oikawa Noriko , Kurita Rei
Published: June 2016

Patterns are often formed when particles cluster: Since patterns reflect the connectivity of different types of material, the emergence of patterns affects the physical and chemical properties of systems and shares a close relationship to their macroscopic functions. A radial dendritic pattern (RDP) is observed in many systems such as snow crystals, polymer crystals and biological systems. Although most of these systems are considered as dense particle suspensions, the mechanism of RDP formation in dense particle systems is not yet understood. It should be noted that the diffusion limited aggregation model is not applicable to RDP formation in dense systems, but in dilute particle systems. Here, we propose a simple model that exhibits RDP formation in a dense particle system. The model potential for the inter-particle interaction is composed of two parts, a repulsive and an attractive force. The repulsive force is applied to all the particles all the time and the attractive force is exerted only among particles inside a circular domain, which expands at a certain speed as a wave front propagating from a preselected centre. It is found that an RDP is formed if the velocity of the wave front that triggers the attractive interaction is of the same order of magnitude as the time scale defined by the aggregation speed.
Two different mechanisms mediate chemotaxis to inorganic phosphate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rico-Jiménez Miriam , Reyes-Darias Jose Antonio , Ortega Álvaro , Díez Peña Ana Isabel , Morel Bertrand , Krell Tino
Published: June 2016

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a central signaling molecule that modulates virulence in various pathogens. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, low Pi concentrations induce transcriptional alterations that increase virulence. Also, under low Pi levels, P. aeruginosa exhibits Pi chemotaxis—a process mediated by the two non-paralogous receptors CtpH and CtpL. Here we show that the two receptors operate via different mechanisms. We demonstrate that the ligand binding domain (LBD) of CtpH but not CtpL binds Pi directly. We identify the periplasmic ligand binding protein PstS as the protein that binds in its Pi loaded state to CtpL, resulting in receptor stimulation. PstS forms part of the Pi transporter and has thus a double function in Pi transport and chemotaxis. The affinity of Pi for CtpH was modest whereas that for PstS very high, which may explain why CtpH and CtpL mediate chemotaxis to high and low Pi concentrations, respectively. The pstS/ctpH double mutant was almost devoid of Pi taxis, indicating that PstS is the only CtpL Pi-shuttle. Chemotaxis mechanisms based on indirect ligand recognition were unambiguously identified in enterobacteria. The discovery of a similar mechanism in a different bacterial order, involving a different chemoreceptor type and chemoeffector suggests that such systems are widespread.
A multi-nuclear magnetic resonance and density functional theory investigation of epitaxially grown InGaP2
Authors: Knijn P. J. , van Bentum P. J. M. , Fang C. M. , Bauhuis G. J. , de Wijs G. A. , Kentgens A. P. M.
Published: June 2016

NMR spectra of InGaP2, dependent on coordination and disorder. Experimental (left) and DFT modelling (right).
Selective mass spectrometric analysis of thiols using charge-tagged disulfides
Authors: Janusson Eric , McGarvey G. Bryce , Islam Farhana , Rowan Christine , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: June 2016

A simple chemical derivatization technique was developed for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in which thiols and disulfides may be selectively analyzed in a complex matrix and easily characterized.
Metal complexes as “protein surface mimetics”
Authors: Hewitt Sarah H. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

This feature article highlights the current state of the art in protein surface recognition using metal complexes as surface mimetics.
Cavity-containing supramolecular gels as a crystallization tool for hydrophobic pharmaceuticals
Authors: Kaufmann Lena , Kennedy Stuart R. , Jones Christopher D. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: June 2016

We present two approaches to low-molecular-weight supramolecular gels bearing hydrophobic cavities based on calixarene-containing building blocks.
Nonadiabatic dynamics of floppy hydrogen bonded complexes: the case of the ionized ammonia dimer
Authors: Chalabala Jan , Slavíček Petr
Published: June 2016

Non-adiabatic dynamics of a floppy hydrogen bonded ammonia dimer was studied by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.
Photoelectron spectroscopic and computational study of the PtMgH3,5− cluster anions
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Ganteför Gerd , Alexandrova Anastassia N. , Bowen Kit
Published: June 2016

The two cluster anions, PtMgH3− and PtMgH5−, were studied by photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Distribution and self-assisted diffusion of Be and Mg impurities in ZnO
Authors: Yong Dingyu , He Haiyan , Tang Zikang , Pan Bicai
Published: June 2016

By performing first-principles calculations, a deep insight into the distribution and diffusion behaviors of Be and Mg impurities in ZnO is provided.
Study of the interface between Na-rich and Li-rich phases in a Na-inserted spinel Li4Ti5O12 crystal for an electrode of a sodium-ion battery
Authors: Kitta Mitsunori , Kataoka Riki , Kohyama Masanori
Published: June 2016

Na-rich phase growth and phase-separation feature in the Na-inserted spinel Li4Ti5O12 negative electrode was revealed by XRD and TEM imaging.
Free energy of solvation of carbon nanotubes in pyridinium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Chaban Vitaly V. , Fileti Eudes Eterno
Published: June 2016

Numerous prospective applications require the availability of individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Selective detection and complete identification of triglycerides in cortical bone by high-resolution1H MAS NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Mroue Kamal H. , Xu Jiadi , Zhu Peizhi , Morris Michael D. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: June 2016

Using a1H-based constant-time uniform-sign cross-peak (CTUC) COSY-type MAS NMR experiment, we have identified a triglyceride layer as the main component of small lipid droplets embedded on the surface of collagen fibrils in compact bone.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over MOF-supported cobalt catalysts (Co@MIL-53(Al))
Authors: Isaeva V. I. , Eliseev O. L. , Kazantsev R. V. , Chernyshev V. V. , Davydov P. E. , Saifutdinov B. R. , Lapidus A. L. , Kustov L. M.
Published: June 2016

Novel nanohybrid materials were prepared by immobilizing Co nanoparticles on a microporous framework MIL-53(Al) as a porous host matrix.
Facile synthesis of N-rich porous azo-linked frameworks for selective CO2 capture and conversion
Authors: Wang Jinquan , Zhang Yugen
Published: June 2016

A novel N-rich porous azo-linked framework was synthesized and showed enhanced CO2 capture capacity and catalytic activity for the conversion of pure CO2 or mixture of gases into various cyclic carbonates.
Thermally robust and biomolecule-friendly room-temperature bonding for the fabrication of elastomer–plastic hybrid microdevices
Authors: Nguyen T. P. O. , Tran B. M. , Lee N. Y.
Published: June 2016

Room-temperature coating and bonding of a PDMS elastomer with plastics mediated by a single chemical enabled fast and reliable bonding with no prior oxidation making it suitable for embedding biomolecules or physically fragile microstructures prior to sealing the microdevice.
Enhancement of the efficiency of a salivary alpha amylase biomarker for the sympathetic nervous system by a nano-optical sensor Tb–acetyl acetone complex
Authors: Attia Mohamed S. , Youssef Ahmed O.
Published: June 2016

A new nano-optical sensor Tb–acetylacetone (Tb–ACAC) complex is developed for assessing the activity of a salivary alpha amylase enzyme.
Nanoconjugation prolongs endosomal signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor and enhances apoptosis
Authors: Wu L. , Xu F. , Reinhard B. M.
Published: June 2016

EGF nanoconjugation and its effect on trafficking, endosomal signaling and ligand-mediated apoptosis was investigated.
Iodine-mediated construction of polyfunctionalized arylazopyrazoles from β-ketoesters or 2-arylpyrazol-3-ones and arylhydrazines
Authors: Pandit Rameshwar Prasad , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Yong Rok
Published: June 2016

An iodine-promoted synthetic protocol for the construction of functionalized arylazopyrazoles was developed starting from β-ketoesters or 2-arylpyrazol-3-ones and arylhydrazines in the presence of silver catalysts.
α,α-Dicyanoolefins: versatile substrates in organocatalytic asymmetric transformations
Authors: Kaur Jasneet , Chauhan Pankaj , Chimni Swapandeep Singh
Published: June 2016

α,α-Dicyanoolefins have emerged as versatile reactants, finding use as vinylogous nucleophiles, Michael acceptors and dienophiles in a variety of organic reactions.
Multiblock thermoplastic elastomersviaone-pot thiol–ene reaction
Authors: Li Hongqiang , Thanneeru Srinivas , Jin Lei , Guild Curtis J. , He Jie
Published: June 2016

We report a facile approach to designing multiblock thermoplastic elastomers using a one-pot sequential thiol–ene reaction.
Characteristics of two-dimensional millimetric microarrays of TiO2 nanowires and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Fu Yunchong , Hou Chuanxin , Zhai Yanjie , Dang Feng , Lin Hong , Fan Yuqi
Published: June 2016

Two-dimensional millimetric microarrays of TiO2 nanowires were fabricated in this work.
High thermal conductivity and high impact strength of epoxy nanodielectrics with functionalized halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Mo Hailin , Yang Ke , Li Shengtao , Jiang Pingkai
Published: June 2016

In situgrafting HNTs were synthesized byin situas promising filler for epoxy nanodielectrics. The resulting nanodielectrics exhibit high thermal conductivity, high impact strength and lower dielectric loss.
Potential use of natural rubber to produce liquid fuels using hydrous pyrolysis – a review
Authors: Ahmad Nabeel , Abnisa Faisal , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan
Published: June 2016

Natural rubber is a tropical plantation crop that mainly consists of polyisoprene (cis-1,4-polyisoprene). It can be converted into fuels and other useful chemical commodities by depolymerization processes, with the hydrous pyrolysis being the most cost-effective.
The equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of polymeric surfactants based on epoxidized soybean oil grafted hydroxyethyl cellulose
Authors: Huang Xujuan , Liu He , Shang Shibin , Cai Zhaosheng , Song Jie
Published: June 2016

Analysis of the equilibrium and dynamic surface tension of epoxidized soybean oil grafted hydroxyethyl cellulose (H-ESO-HEC) surfactants with different molecular weights were carried out at pH values that ranged from 8 to 13.
Synthesis and optical properties of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules based on the ESIPT mechanism as pH- and Zn2+-responsive fluorescent sensors
Authors: Yan Liqiang , Qing Tingting , Li Renjie , Wang Zhongwei , Qi Zhengjian
Published: June 2016

A series salicylaldehyde derives with AIE properties were designed and synthesized, which can be used as potential pH and Zn2+ sensing.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: effect of Cu, Mn and Zn addition on activity and product selectivity of cobalt ferrite
Authors: Gnanamani Muthu Kumaran , Hamdeh Hussein H. , Jacobs Gary , Qian Dali , Liu Fang , Hopps Shelley D. , Thomas Gerald A. , Shafer Wilson D. , Xiao Qunfeng , Hu Yongfeng , Davis Burtron H.
Published: June 2016

The effect of Cu, Mn and Zn addition on cobalt ferrite was investigated for FT synthesis. The FT activity remains more or less the same for all four catalysts at higher temperatures. Zn and Mn were found to promote alcohol formation.
Facile crosslinking synthesis of hyperbranch-substrate nanonetwork magnetite nanocomposite for the fast and highly efficient removal of lead ions and anionic dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Mingqiang , Zhang Baochang , Wang Huicai , Zhao Fei , Chen Yuan , Sun Qiang
Published: June 2016

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of surface functional group density on the adsorption behaviors of functionalized mesoporous Fe3O4.
Predicted lithium–iron compounds under high pressure
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Xu Qiang , Zhu Chunye , Li Qian , Liu Hanyu , Wang Hui , Tse John. S.
Published: June 2016

Li–Fe intermetallics under pressure adopt host–guest-like structures similar to the self-clathrate incommensurate phases of group I and II elements.
Multiple pH responsive zwitterionic micelles for stealth delivery of anticancer drugs
Authors: Ma Jin , Kang Ke , Yi Qiangying , Zhang Zhirong , Gu Zhongwei
Published: June 2016

Subtle tumor micro-environmental pH gradient activates functionalization of the zwitterionic micelles for stealth delivery and intelligent release of anti-cancer drug doxorubicin.
Bio-based graphene/sodium alginate aerogels for strain sensors
Authors: Yuan Xue , Wei Yong , Chen Song , Wang Pingping , Liu Lan
Published: June 2016

Bio-based graphene aerogels are fabricated with graphene oxide and sodium alginate, showing great potential in flexible strain sensors due to the excellent mechanical stability and high sensitivity to compression and bending deformations.
DNA assembly of silicon quantum dots/gold nanoparticle nanocomposites
Authors: Inoue Asuka , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Yaku Hidenobu , Fujii Minoru
Published: June 2016

We report the formation of a nanocomposite composed of silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) and a gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) by DNA hybridization. The composites are dispersible in water and exhibit bright near infrared luminescence.
Ethanol promoted titanocene Lewis acid catalyzed synthesis of quinazoline derivatives
Authors: Luo Yanlong , Wu Ya , Wang Yunyun , Sun Huaming , Xie Zunyuan , Zhang Weiqiang , Gao Ziwei
Published: June 2016

An efficient strategy to activate air-stable Lewis acid precursor Cp2TiCl2 with alcoholic solvent for the rapid synthesis of quinazoline derivatives.
Protein partners of the calcium channel β subunit highlight new cellular functions
Authors: Rima Mohamad , Daghsni Marwa , Fajloun Ziad , M'rad Ridha , Brusés Juan L. , Ronjat Michel , De Waard Michel
Published: June 2016

Calcium plays a key role in cell signalling by its intervention in a wide range of physiological processes. Its entry into cells occurs mainly via voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), which are found not only in the plasma membrane of excitable cells but also in cells insensitive to electrical signals. VGCC are composed of different subunits, α1, β, α2δ and γ, among which the cytosolic β subunit (Cavβ) controls the trafficking of the channel to the plasma membrane, its regulation and its gating properties. For many years, these were the main functions associated with Cavβ. However, a growing number of proteins have been found to interact with Cavβ, emphasizing the multifunctional role of this versatile protein. Interestingly, some of the newly assigned functions of Cavβ are independent of its role in the regulation of VGCC, and thus further increase its functional roles. Based on the identity of Cavβ protein partners, this review emphasizes the diverse cellular functions of Cavβ and summarizes both past findings as well as recent progress in the understanding of VGCC.
Degradation of dyes using crude extract and a thermostable and pH-stable laccase isolated from Pleurotus nebrodensis
Authors: Yuan Xianghe , Tian Guoting , Zhao Yongchang , Zhao Liyan , Wang Hexiang , Ng Tzi Bun
Published: June 2016

Three laccase isoenzymes (Lac1, Lac2 and Lac3) have been purified to homogeneity from Pleurotus nebrodensis in our previous study. Lac2 was shown to be the dominant isoform, capable of oxidizing the majority of laccase substrates and manifesting good thermostability and pH stability. Hence, Lac2 was selected to decolourize structurally different dyes and the colour removal efficiencies of Lac2 and the crude extract of P. nebrodensis were compared. By monitoring the λmax of the reaction system during the course of biotransformation, clear hypsochromic shifts were observed for most of the dyes examined, illustrating that at least one peak disappeared as a result of laccase treatment. In general, Lac2 was more efficient within a short time (1 h) and the crude extract, in general, could achieve similar or even higher efficiency when the duration of treatment was extended to 24 h. Malachite green (MG) was chosen to study the detoxifying potential of Lac2, because of the relatively simple structure and high toxicity of the dye towards microorganisms. The toxicity of MG towards both bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Fusarium graminearum and Trichoderma harzianum) was dramatically decreased and the potential mechanism was estimated by GC–MS as to remove four methyl groups firstly and the two newly formed amine groups would be degraded or polymerized further. The present study facilitates an understanding of the application of P. nebrodensis laccases and furnishes evidence for the safety of their utilization in the treatment of wastewater emanating from textile industries.
Widening valid estimation range of multilook Pareto shape parameter with closed‐form estimators
Authors: Hu Chong , Luo Feng , Zhang Linrang , Fan Yifei , Chen Shuailin
Published: June 2016

Two improved estimators for estimating the shape parameter of multilook Pareto distribution are proposed. The proposed estimators are aimed at widening the valid estimation range of the shape parameter by using the assemble averages  and . Moreover, the estimators are closed‐form if r takes the negative integers. Compared with the existing estimators which are either non‐closed‐form or invalid for small shape parameters, the proposed estimators can estimate the shape parameter in the whole range from zero to infinity with closed forms. Simulation results demonstrate the better estimation performance of the proposed estimators.
Efficient and robust ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation detection method for wearable cardiac health monitoring devices
Authors: Prabhakararao Eedara , Manikandan M. Sabarimalai
Published: June 2016

In this Letter, the authors propose an efficient and robust method for automatically determining the VT and VF events in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The proposed method consists of: (i) discrete cosine transform (DCT)‐based noise suppression; (ii) addition of bipolar sequence of amplitudes with alternating polarity; (iii) zero‐crossing rate (ZCR) estimation‐based VTVF detection; and (iv) peak‐to‐peak interval (PPI) feature based VT/VF discrimination. The proposed method is evaluated using 18,000 episodes of different ECG arrhythmias taken from 6 PhysioNet databases. The method achieves an average sensitivity (Se) of 99.61%, specificity (Sp) of 99.96%, and overall accuracy (OA) of 99.92% in detecting VTVF and non‐VTVF episodes by using a ZCR feature. Results show that the method achieves a Se of 100%, Sp of 99.70% and OA of 99.85% for discriminating VT from VF episodes using PPI features extracted from the processed signal. The robustness of the method is tested using different kinds of ECG beats and various types of noises including the baseline wanders, powerline interference and muscle artefacts. Results demonstrate that the proposed method with the ZCR, PPI features can achieve significantly better detection rates as compared with the existing methods.
Joint distribution of power and angle of arrival for three‐dimensional channel model
Authors: Xu Jiakang , Liu Yuanan , Liu Fang , Wang Weiming
Published: June 2016

With the development of multi‐antenna systems, the channel mode is crucial for estimating the potential of multiple‐antenna, wireless communication systems. Various channel models have been proposed. However, most of them assume that multipath signals arrive with the same power. Therefore, they can only be used to investigate a very small number of all of the received signals. In this study, the joint distribution of power of arrival, horizontal angle of arrival (AOAθ) and vertical angle of arrival (AOAφ) is derived. Micro‐cell and macro‐cell environments are investigated, respectively. The results indicate that the received signals with different power/path loss have different angle distributions. Simulations are also performed to verify the derived results. Moreover, the influence on the channel model caused by antenna height and surrounding objectives is also discussed in this study.
Channel capacity analysis of a mixed dual‐hop radio‐frequency–free space optical transmission system with Málaga distribution
Authors: Vellakudiyan Jagadeesh , Ansari Imran Shafique , Palliyembil Vineeth , Muthuchidambaranathan Palanivel , Qaraqe Khalid A.
Published: June 2016

In this study, the channel capacity performance of a dual‐hop asymmetric radio‐frequency–free space optical (RF–FSO) communication system in the presence of pointing errors is presented. Here, both fixed‐gain amplify and forward (AF) and decode and forward (DF) relays are considered. The RF link experiences Rayleigh fading and the FSO link experiences Málaga distributed turbulence channel. For this mixed RF–FSO cooperative system, novel mathematical expressions for cumulative distributive function (CDF) and the channel capacity are derived and performance is analysed with both fixed‐gain AF and DF relays in the presence of pointing errors. In addition, the authors derive the asymptotic expressions for the CDF and the channel capacity derived earlier in terms of Meijer's G function in the high signal‐to‐noise ratio regime.
Non‐stationary additive noise modelling in direction‐of‐arrival estimation
Authors: Gholipour Atefeh , Zakeri Bijan , Mafinezhad Khalil
Published: June 2016

The authors report a numerical investigation of a non‐stationary noise model, based on the generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity time series, to perform a direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation. In many of the studies reported to date, DOA estimation algorithms have been proposed in the presence of stationary noise. The performance of the previous algorithms such as conventional maximum likelihood (CML) and iterative maximum likelihood (IML) is reduced in many practical applications such as sonar where the noise shows a non‐stationary behaviour. In this study, a modified IML estimation algorithm is proposed to include a non‐stationary noise model. Underwater DOA estimation is studied as an example of DOA estimation in a non‐stationary noise environment. To validate the noise model, the experimental data, measured by a single hydrophone 27 m underwater, is applied. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is able to provide a significant improvement compared with CML and IML in such environments.
Islanding detection technique based on relevance vector machine
Authors: Makwana Yogesh , Bhalja Bhavesh R.
Published: June 2016

This study present a new islanding detection technique based on relevance vector machine (RVM) containing various types of distributed generations (DGs). The proposed scheme is based on utilising negative sequence component of current (I2), acquired at the terminal of the target DG. Various islanding and non‐islanding events with variable real and reactive power, change in network topology and diverse X/R ratio have been generated by modelling IEEE 34 bus system in real time digital simulator (RTDS®/RSCAD) environment. The samples of I2 for one cycle duration from the inception of islanding/non‐islanding events are given as input to the proposed RVM classifier. The proposed classifier is able to discriminate between islanding and non‐islanding events with an accuracy of 98.62% by utilising only 40% of the total dataset in training. Moreover, it is capable to classify islanding condition rapidly and correctly even with perfect power balance situation. Furthermore, it remains immune to change in network configuration/entirely different network and X/R ratio of various types of DGs. Comparative analysis of the proposed scheme in terms of accuracy, testing time and number of relevance vectors (RVs) with the existing schemes shows its superiority in discriminating islanding situation with non‐islanding events.
Verbascum Thapsus: It Is Forbidden to Hang Out the Dirty Laundry
Authors: Leupen Alex
Published: June 2016

Alex Leupen has worked in the Homeopathic Doctors Centre in Utrecht, the Netherlands, since 1990. Eight colleagues work in this centre, including Jan Scholten. Alex is an experienced teacher (the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) on the underlying systems in the plant families, animal kingdom, sarcodes, nosodes, fungi and the periodic table of the elements pertaining to homeopathic practice. In this column he shares clinical tips.
First Do No Harm: Scientific Evidence Implicating Allopathic Vaccination
Authors: Miller Neil
Published: June 2016

Allopathic vaccination has many scientifically documented safety deficits that counteract well-publicised benefits. Thimerosal and aluminium, common ingredients in vaccines, can cause neurologic, immunologic and developmental harm. The pertussis vaccine has induced pertussis microorganisms associated with whooping cough to mutate and become more virulent. People vaccinated against pertussis can be asymptomatic carriers and transmitters of the disease, rendering herd immunity, or community immunity, unlikely. People vaccinated against measles can spread the disease to other fully vaccinated people. The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine increases the probability of requiring emergency care. It also increases the risk of seizures and thrombocytopenia, a serious bleeding disorder. Infections experienced during childhood, such as measles, mumps and chickenpox, encourage normal development of the immune system in most children, offering protection against heart disease, strokes and cancer in adulthood. Vaccines—which are designed to prevent infections—increase cancer rates.
Africa Malaria Prevention Project
Authors: Zee Harry
Published: June 2016

Malaria is the disease that has the biggest impact on the health and well-being of the peoples living in sub-Saharan Africa. Not only does malaria cause a lot of suffering and many deaths, the malaria miasm is also strongly connected to the inability to thrive and the frustration caused by that. The Africa Malaria Prevention Project (AMPP) aims at preventing malaria and treating its chronic effects by using PC240m—a genus epidemicus remedy designed to treat and prevent malaria. This article presents the first results and discusses a plan to roll out AMPP over all of sub-Saharan Africa.
A Brief History of Homeoprophylaxis in Cuba, 2004–2014
Authors: Bracho Gustavo , Golden Isaac
Published: June 2016

Homeoprophylaxis (HP) was first used by Hahnemann in 1798, and has been used around the world against most infectious diseases since then. The Cuban experience with HP has become widely known, and is totally unique in that it has mainly been undertaken by doctors and scientists from a scientific institute that researched and sold vaccines. It gave a level of credibility that was often denied to research by lay homeopaths. It also described the use of HP in literally millions of people as well as in smaller settings. This article provides a brief summary of the Cuban experience with HP from 2004 to 2014.
The Immunisation Dilemma—Part 6: Towards Agreement on Homeoprophylaxis
Authors: Golden Isaac
Published: June 2016

This paper restates a majority position on homeoprophylaxis (HP) determined through two international surveys of homeopaths. It examines the use of HP around the world and discusses the main points of contention. The need for more research into the safety and effectiveness of HP is highlighted, as is the need to improve the education about HP in Colleges around the world. In the end, Hahnemann's contribution to the prevention of infectious diseases is found to have stood the test of time, but not without difficulties or controversy. Yet HP remains a valuable asset in the classic homeopath's toolkit of safe and effective medicines.
Worldwide Use of Homeopathy as a Prophylactic: A Brief History and Listing of Results and Resources
Authors: Lemmon Cathy
Published: June 2016

There are many nations throughout the world where homeoprophylaxis (HP) has been in use for more than 200 years. This essay presents mainly what I, personally, have found in the nations of Germany, England, the Netherlands, Canada, the United States, Australia and India, with a brief mention of the nation of Turkey. Because of the international readership of LINKS, what I have compiled in this survey represents the beginning of an understanding of what is going on in these nations in reference to HP, hoping that it will offer an understanding and acceptance of HP for what it is—a nontoxic choice that is in increasing demand by the people—and a call to encourage further use of HP.
How Art Features in Remedy Choices
Authors: Hamilton Ian
Published: June 2016

An approach to solving cases, called ‘art and homeopathy’, is used to illustrate a case, which had remained only partially cured with the use of well-chosen polychrests. Adding ‘art’ into the mix produced the remedy that finally cured the case. The reader is invited to contribute to this new rubric by sending in cases in which ‘art’ played a role in intake or follow-up.
Zoledronic Acid Improves Bone Quality in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Rat through Affecting the Expression of the Osteoblast-Regulating Transcription Factors
Authors: Cui M. , Yu L.-Z , Zhang N. , Wang L.-J. , Sun J. , Cong J.
Published: June 2016

Aims To evaluate the short term effect of zoledronic acid on bone remodeling in the streptozotocin induced diabetes rats.

Materials and Methods Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The rats were treated with zoledronic acid (0.1 mg/kg) at the onset of diabetes (Z-I group) and 2 weeks later (Z-II group). Rats were sacrificed at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after the onset of diabetes. Real–time PCR and western blot were performed to detect the expression of the following osteogenic gene mRNAs and their proteins: bone morphogenetic proteins 2 (BMP2), Runx2, Osterix and Noggin. The bone mineral density (BMD) and the mechanical resistance test was measured.

Results BMP2, Runx2 and Osterix mRNA and protein expression in group D had regulated down, while Noggin expression increased. Z-I treatment could reverse the results. However group Z-II showed only a transient reversing effect. On the 5th week in group D, the BMD decreased, the bone trabecular distance increased, while the trabecular thickness and bone trabecular volume were reduced, the biomechanics index decreased significantly. Zoledronic acid treatment restored these alterations.

Conclusions Zoledronic acid administered in the early stage of the diabetes could prevent the osteopenia. The underlying mechanisms might be that zoledronic acid treatment reversed the effect of diabetes on the expression of osteoblast-regulating transcription factors: BMP2, Runx2 and Osterix.
Random sequential adsorption on imprecise lattice
Authors: Privman Vladimir , Yan Han
Published: June 2016

We report a surprising result, established by numerical simulations and analytical arguments for a one-dimensional lattice model of random sequential adsorption, that even an arbitrarily small imprecision in the lattice-site localization changes the convergence to jamming from fast, exponential, to slow, power-law, with, for some parameter values, a discontinuous jump in the jamming coverage value. This finding has implications for irreversible deposition on patterned substrates with pre-made landing sites for particle attachment. We also consider a general problem of the particle (depositing object) size not an exact multiple of the lattice spacing, and the lattice sites themselves imprecise, broadened into allowed-deposition intervals. Regions of exponential vs. power-law convergence to jamming are identified, and certain conclusions regarding the jamming coverage are argued for analytically and confirmed numerically.
Buckling of single-walled carbon nanotubes using two criteria
Authors: Gupta Shakti S. , Agrawal Pranav , Batra Romesh C.
Published: June 2016

We use molecular mechanics simulations with the MM3 potential to study instabilities in clamped-clamped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) deformed in torsion and axial compression. The following are the two criteria employed to find the critical buckling strain: (i) a sudden drop in the potential energy and (ii) an eigenvalue of the mass weighted Hessian of the deformed configuration becoming zero. The instability under axial compression is investigated for zigzag and armchair SWCNTs, and that under torsional deformations is also studied for chiral tubes. In general, values of critical strains from the 2nd criterion are found to be substantially less than those from the 1st criterion. For chiral SWCNTs, the critical strains from the 2nd criterion and the potential energies at the onset of instability markedly depend upon the twisting direction. Values of buckling strains predicted from the column and the shell buckling theories are found to agree well with those obtained using the 2nd criterion.
Electronic transitions of C5H+ and C5H: neon matrix and CASPT2 studies
Authors: Fulara Jan , Nagy Adam , Chakraborty Arghya , Maier John P.
Published: June 2016

Two electronic transitions at 512.3 and 250 nm of linear-C5H+ are detected following mass-selective deposition of m/z = 61 cations into a 6 K neon matrix and assigned to the 1 1Π←X 1Σ+ and 1 1Σ+←X 1Σ+ systems. Five absorption systems of l-C5H with origin bands at 528,7, 482.6, 429.0, 368.5, and 326.8 nm are observed after neutralization of the cations in the matrix and identified as transitions from the X 2Π to 1 2Δ, 1 2Σ −, 1 2Σ+, 2 2Π, and 3 2Π electronic states. The assignment to specific structures is based on calculated excitation energies, vibrational frequencies in the electronic states, along with simulated Franck–Condon profiles.