bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Option Weights Improve the Validity of a Multiple-Choice	Knowledge Test
Authors: Diedenhofen Birk , Musch Jochen
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Standard dichotomous scoring of multiple-choice test items grants no partial credit for partial knowledge. Empirical option weighting is an alternative, polychotomous scoring method that uses the point-biserial correlation between option choices and total score as a weight for each answer alternative. Extant studies demonstrate that the method increases reliability of multiple-choice tests in comparison to conventional scoring. Most previous studies employed a correlational validation approach, however, and provided mixed findings with regard to the validity of empirical option weighting. The present study is the first investigation using an experimental approach to determine the reliability and validity of empirical option weighting. To obtain an external validation criterion, we experimentally induced various degrees of knowledge in a domain of which participants had no knowledge. We found that in comparison to dichotomous scoring, empirical option weighting increased both reliability and validity of a multiple-choice knowledge test employing distractors that were appealing to test takers with different levels of knowledge. A potential application of the present results is the computation and publication of empirical option weights for existing multiple-choice knowledge tests that have previously been scored dichotomously.
Fear and Psychological Reactance
Authors: Shen Lijiang , Coles Valerie B.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Psychological reactance and related defensive processes have been long cited as an explanation for failure of fear appeal messages. The overwhelming majority of studies on fear and reactance have only examined the intensity of fear from a between-individuals perspective, in which individuals who have higher peak fear are predicted to experience stronger levels of psychological reactance. Recent development in the fear appeal research suggests an alternative perspective: Psychological reactance is activated when fear is aroused but not reduced within each individual; on the other hand, psychological reactance is mitigated or inhibited when fear is aroused and then reduced. Empirical data from a quasi-experimental study using graphic tobacco warning labels are used to test and compare the two approaches to studying the relationship between fear and psychological reactance. Implications for psychological reactance and fear appeal are discussed.
Reactance to (or Acceptance of) Stereotypes
Authors: de Lemus Soledad , Bukowski Marcin , Spears Russell , Telga Maïka
Published: December 2015

Abstract. We propose that reactance to threats to individual freedom can be broadened to include threats to group identity and its associated values and norms. In two studies we primed women and men with (counter) stereotypical roles and measured implicit activation of reactance versus acceptance goals, task persistence, and support for system justification beliefs and collective action. Although we found no direct evidence of reactance activation, men activated acceptance when primed with gender stereotypes, whereas women did not. Further, traditional women legitimize the system after counter-stereotypical exposure, whereas progressive women (feminist identifiers) persist more in solving a task stereotypically favoring men under these conditions (Study 1). Finally, nonsexist women show higher support for collective action after stereotypical exposure when threat to their identity is blatant (Study 2). We argue that reactions to identity threats depend on the content of that identity so that the specific form reactance takes may depend on the group norms being threatened.
PLK1 regulation of PCNT cleavage ensures fidelity of centriole separation during mitotic exit
Authors: Kim Jaeyoun , Lee Kwanwoo , Rhee Kunsoo
Published: December 2015

Centrioles are duplicated and segregated in close link to the cell cycle. During mitosis, daughter centrioles are disengaged and eventually separated from mother centrioles. New daughter centrioles may be generated only after centriole separation. Therefore, centriole separation is considered a licensing step for centriole duplication. It was previously known that separase specifically cleaves pericentrin (PCNT) during mitotic exit. Here we report that PCNT has to be phosphorylated by PLK1 to be a suitable substrate of separase. Phospho-resistant mutants of PCNT are not cleaved by separase and eventually inhibit centriole separation. Furthermore, phospho-mimetic PCNT mutants rescue centriole separation even in the presence of a PLK1 inhibitor. On the basis on these results, we propose that PLK1 phosphorylation is a priming step for separase-mediated cleavage of PCNT and eventually for centriole separation. PLK1 phosphorylation of PCNT provides an additional layer of regulatory mechanism to ensure the fidelity of centriole separation during mitotic exit.
Signal transduction in light–oxygen–voltage receptors lacking the adduct-forming cysteine residue
Authors: Yee Estella F. , Diensthuber Ralph P. , Vaidya Anand T. , Borbat Peter P. , Engelhard Christopher , Freed Jack H. , Bittl Robert , Möglich Andreas , Crane Brian R.
Published: December 2015

Light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) receptors sense blue light through the photochemical generation of a covalent adduct between a flavin-nucleotide chromophore and a strictly conserved cysteine residue. Here we show that, after cysteine removal, the circadian-clock LOV-protein Vivid still undergoes light-induced dimerization and signalling because of flavin photoreduction to the neutral semiquinone (NSQ). Similarly, photoreduction of the engineered LOV histidine kinase YF1 to the NSQ modulates activity and downstream effects on gene expression. Signal transduction in both proteins hence hinges on flavin protonation, which is common to both the cysteinyl adduct and the NSQ. This general mechanism is also conserved by natural cysteine-less, LOV-like regulators that respond to chemical or photoreduction of their flavin cofactors. As LOV proteins can react to light even when devoid of the adduct-forming cysteine, modern LOV photoreceptors may have arisen from ancestral redox-active flavoproteins. The ability to tune LOV reactivity through photoreduction may have important implications for LOV mechanism and optogenetic applications.
Capturing complex tumour biology in vitro: histological and molecular characterisation of precision cut slices
Authors: Davies Emma J. , Dong Meng , Gutekunst Matthias , Närhi Katja , van Zoggel Hanneke J. A. A. , Blom Sami , Nagaraj Ashwini , Metsalu Tauno , Oswald Eva , Erkens-Schulze Sigrun , Delgado San Martin Juan A. , Turkki Riku , Wedge Stephen R. , af Hällström Taija M. , Schueler Julia , van Weerden Wytske M. , Verschuren Emmy W. , Barry Simon T. , van der Kuip Heiko , Hickman John A.
Published: December 2015

Precision-cut slices of in vivo tumours permit interrogation in vitro of heterogeneous cells from solid tumours together with their native microenvironment. They offer a low throughput but high content in vitro experimental platform. Using mouse models as surrogates for three common human solid tumours, we describe a standardised workflow for systematic comparison of tumour slice cultivation methods and a tissue microarray-based method to archive them. Cultivated slices were compared to their in vivo source tissue using immunohistochemical and transcriptional biomarkers, particularly of cellular stress. Mechanical slicing induced minimal stress. Cultivation of tumour slices required organotypic support materials and atmospheric oxygen for maintenance of integrity and was associated with significant temporal and loco-regional changes in protein expression, for example HIF-1α. We recommend adherence to the robust workflow described, with recognition of temporal-spatial changes in protein expression before interrogation of tumour slices by pharmacological or other means.
Quantum metrology with spin cat states under dissipation
Authors: Huang Jiahao , Qin Xizhou , Zhong Honghua , Ke Yongguan , Lee Chaohong
Published: December 2015

Quantum metrology aims to yield higher measurement precisions via quantum techniques such as entanglement. It is of great importance for both fundamental sciences and practical technologies, from testing equivalence principle to designing high-precision atomic clocks. However, due to environment effects, highly entangled states become fragile and the achieved precisions may even be worse than the standard quantum limit (SQL). Here we present a high-precision measurement scheme via spin cat states (a kind of non-Gaussian entangled states in superposition of two quasi-orthogonal spin coherent states) under dissipation. In comparison to maximally entangled states, spin cat states with modest entanglement are more robust against losses and their achievable precisions may still beat the SQL. Even if the detector is imperfect, the achieved precisions of the parity measurement are higher than the ones of the population measurement. Our scheme provides a realizable way to achieve high-precision measurements via dissipative quantum systems of Bose atoms.
DNA methylation is stable during replication and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Vandiver Amy R. , Idrizi Adrian , Rizzardi Lindsay , Feinberg Andrew P. , Hansen Kasper D.
Published: December 2015

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification with important functions in development. Large-scale loss of DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer. Recent work has identified large genomic blocks of hypomethylation associated with cancer, EBV transformation and replicative senescence, all of which change the proportion of actively proliferating cells within the population measured. We asked if replication or cell-cycle arrest affects the global levels of methylation or leads to hypomethylated blocks as observed in other settings. We used fluorescence activated cell sorting to isolate primary dermal fibroblasts in G0, G1 and G2 based on DNA content and Ki67 staining. We additionally examined G0 cells arrested by contact inhibition for one week to determine the effects of extended arrest. We analyzed genome wide DNA methylation from sorted cells using whole genome bisulfite sequencing. This analysis demonstrated no global changes or large-scale hypomethylated blocks in any of the examined cell cycle phases, indicating that global levels of methylation are stable with replication and arrest.
Can live weight be used as a proxy for enteric methane emissions from pasture-fed sheep?
Authors: Moorby J. M. , Fleming H. R. , Theobald V. J. , Fraser M. D.
Published: December 2015

To test the hypothesis that sheep live weight (LW) could be used to improve enteric methane (CH4) emission calculations, mature ewes of 4 different breeds representative of the UK sheep industry were studied: Welsh Mountain, Scottish Blackface, Welsh Mule and Texel (n = 8 per breed). The ewes were housed and offered ad libitum access to fresh cut pasture of three different types, varying in digestibility: (a) a relatively high digestibility monoculture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), (b) a medium digestibility permanent pasture comprising a range of grass species and (c) a relatively low digestibility native grassland pasture comprising mainly Molinia caerulea. Individual LW, feed dry matter intake (DMI) and CH4 emissions in chambers were measured. The linear functional relationship between DMI and CH4 emissions was positive (r = 0.77) with little breed effect. The relationships between LW and DMI and LW and CH4 emissions were also positive but weaker, regardless of pasture type. It is concluded that change to LW was a poor indicator of DMI and has limited value in the prediction of enteric CH4 emissions from mature ewes.
The long-term fate of permafrost peatlands under rapid climate warming
Authors: Swindles Graeme T. , Morris Paul J. , Mullan Donal , Watson Elizabeth J. , Turner T. Edward , Roland Thomas P. , Amesbury Matthew J. , Kokfelt Ulla , Schoning Kristian , Pratte Steve , Gallego-Sala Angela , Charman Dan J. , Sanderson Nicole , Garneau Michelle , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Woulds Clare , Holden Joseph , Parry Lauren , Galloway Jennifer M.
Published: December 2015

Permafrost peatlands contain globally important amounts of soil organic carbon, owing to cold conditions which suppress anaerobic decomposition. However, climate warming and permafrost thaw threaten the stability of this carbon store. The ultimate fate of permafrost peatlands and their carbon stores is unclear because of complex feedbacks between peat accumulation, hydrology and vegetation. Field monitoring campaigns only span the last few decades and therefore provide an incomplete picture of permafrost peatland response to recent rapid warming. Here we use a high-resolution palaeoecological approach to understand the longer-term response of peatlands in contrasting states of permafrost degradation to recent rapid warming. At all sites we identify a drying trend until the late-twentieth century; however, two sites subsequently experienced a rapid shift to wetter conditions as permafrost thawed in response to climatic warming, culminating in collapse of the peat domes. Commonalities between study sites lead us to propose a five-phase model for permafrost peatland response to climatic warming. This model suggests a shared ecohydrological trajectory towards a common end point: inundated Arctic fen. Although carbon accumulation is rapid in such sites, saturated soil conditions are likely to cause elevated methane emissions that have implications for climate-feedback mechanisms.
A neural coding scheme reproducing foraging trajectories
Authors: Gutiérrez Esther D. , Cabrera Juan Luis
Published: December 2015

The movement of many animals may follow Lévy patterns. The underlying generating neuronal dynamics of such a behavior is unknown. In this paper we show that a novel discovery of multifractality in winnerless competition (WLC) systems reveals a potential encoding mechanism that is translatable into two dimensional superdiffusive Lévy movements. The validity of our approach is tested on a conductance based neuronal model showing WLC and through the extraction of Lévy flights inducing fractals from recordings of rat hippocampus during open field foraging. Further insights are gained analyzing mice motor cortex neurons and non motor cell signals. The proposed mechanism provides a plausible explanation for the neuro-dynamical fundamentals of spatial searching patterns observed in animals (including humans) and illustrates an until now unknown way to encode information in neuronal temporal series.
A High-Performing Sulfur-Tolerant and Redox-Stable Layered Perovskite Anode for Direct Hydrocarbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Ding Hanping , Tao Zetian , Liu Shun , Zhang Jiujun
Published: December 2015

Development of alternative ceramic oxide anode materials is a key step for direct hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Several lanthanide based layered perovskite-structured oxides demonstrate outstanding oxygen diffusion rate, favorable electronic conductivity and good oxygen surface exchange kinetics, owing to A-site ordered structure in which lanthanide and alkali-earth ions occupy alternate (001) layers and oxygen vacancies are mainly located in [LnOx] planes. Here we report a nickel-free cation deficient layered perovskite, (PrBa)0.95(Fe0.9Mo0.1)2O5 + δ (PBFM), for SOFC anode and this anode shows an outstanding performance with high resistance against both carbon build-up and sulfur poisoning in hydrocarbon fuels. At 800 °C, the layered PBFM showed high electrical conductivity of 59.2 S cm−1 in 5% H2 and peak power densities of 1.72 and 0.54 W cm−2 using H2 and CH4 as fuel, respectively. The cell exhibits a very stable performance under a constant current load of 1.0 A cm−2. To our best knowledge, this is the highest performance of ceramic anodes operated in methane. In addition, the anode is structurally stable at various fuel and temperature conditions, suggesting that it is a feasible material candidate for high-performing SOFC anode.
Profiles of microRNA networks in intestinal epithelial cells in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Lee Juneyoung , Park Eun Jeong , Yuki Yoshikazu , Ahmad Shandar , Mizuguchi Kenji , Ishii Ken J. , Shimaoka Motomu , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) accompany a critical loss of the frontline barrier function that is achieved primarily by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Although the gene-regulation pathways underlying these host-defense roles of IECs presumably are deranged during IBD pathogenesis, the quantitative and qualitative alterations of posttranscriptional regulators such as microRNAs (miRNAs) within the cells largely remain to be defined. We aimed to uncover the regulatory miRNA–target gene relationships that arise differentially in inflamed small- compared with large-IECs. Whereas IBD significantly increased the expression of only a few miRNA candidates in small-IECs, numerous miRNAs were upregulated in inflamed large-IECs. These marked alterations might explain why the large, as compared with small, intestine is more sensitive to colitis and shows more severe pathology in this experimental model of IBD. Our in-depth assessment of the miRNA–mRNA expression profiles and the resulting networks prompts us to suggest that miRNAs such as miR-1224, miR-3473a and miR-5128 represent biomarkers that appear in large-IECs upon IBD development and co-operatively repress the expression of key anti-inflammatory factors. The current study provides insight into gene-regulatory networks in IECs through which dynamic rearrangement of the involved miRNAs modulates the gene expression–regulation machinery between maintaining and disrupting gastrointestinal homeostasis.
A simple molecular beacon with duplex-specific nuclease amplification for detection of microRNA
Authors: Li Yingcun , Zhang Jiangyan , Zhao Jingjing , Zhao Likun , Cheng Yongqiang , Li Zhengping
Published: December 2015

A target recycling amplification method based on a simple molecular beacon and duplex-specific nuclease has been developed for microRNA detection.
Trapping chlorine radicals via substituting nitro radicals in the gas phase
Authors: Seto Akira , Ochi Yuki , Gotoh Hiroaki , Sakakibara Kazuhisa , Hatazawa Shota , Seki Kanekazu , Saito Naoaki , Mishima Yuji
Published: December 2015

Chlorine radicals (Cl˙), generated by the YAG laser photolysis (λ = 355 nm) of Cl2 in the gas phase, were captured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙) and were characterized using ion attachment ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry.
The role of bifurcation angles on collective smooth muscle cell biomechanics and the implication in atherosclerosis development
Authors: Zhang Ying , Menon Nishanth V. , Li Chuan , Chan Vincent , Kang Yuejun
Published: December 2015

A vascular bifurcation angle affects mechanotransduction of a smooth muscle cell sheet and reveals geometrical cues related to early localization of atherosclerosis.
Multifaceted and route-controlled “click” reactions based on vapor-deposited coatings
Authors: Sun Ting-Pi , Tai Ching-Heng , Wu Jyun-Ting , Wu Chih-Yu , Liang Wei-Chieh , Chen Hsien-Yeh
Published: December 2015

Multifaceted and route-controlled click reactions are realized using functionalized poly-para-xylylene coatings, and the concurrent display of orthogonal interface properties is demonstrated.
Ab initio calculations as a quantitative tool in the inelastic neutron scattering study of a single-molecule magnet analogue
Authors: Vonci Michele , Giansiracusa Marcus J. , Gable Robert W. , Van den Heuvel Willem , Latham Kay , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S. , Yu Dehong , Mole Richard A. , Soncini Alessandro , Boskovic Colette
Published: December 2015

Ab initio calculations of the electronic structure of Na9[Tb(W5O18)2] have allowed interpretation of the inelastic neutron scattering spectra, revealing the subtle relationship between molecular geometry and magnetic properties of two isostructural species.
Biochemistry-inspired direct synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus dual-doped microporous carbon spheres for enhanced electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Yun-Pei , Liu Yu-Ping , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: December 2015

N,P-doped microporous carbon spheres based on the self-polymerization peculiarity of dopamine show enhanced electrocatalytic performance in ORR and HER.
Nanostring-cluster hierarchical structured Bi2O3: synthesis, evolution and application in biosensing
Authors: Yu Ya-Nan , Lu Shi-Yu , Bao Shu-Juan , Sun Qiang-Qiang , Liao Sheng-Hui
Published: December 2015

A new Bi2O3 with a nanostring-cluster hierarchical structure was employed for glucose enzyme immobilization and was designed for biosensors.
Phospholamban spontaneously reconstitutes into giant unilamellar vesicles where it generates a cation selective channel
Authors: Smeazzetto S. , Tadini-Buoninsegni F. , Thiel G. , Berti D. , Montis C.
Published: December 2015

Reconstitution of phospholamban in giant unilamellar vesicles and generation of an ion channel.
1,1,2,2-Tetracyanocyclopropane (TCCP) as supramolecular synthon
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Mooibroek Tiddo J.
Published: December 2015

The 1,1,2,2-tetracyanocyclopropane (TCCP) unit presents a synthetically accessible and versatile synthon that can interact with lone-pair or π-electrons by ‘non-covalent Carbon bonding’.
Structural variety beyond appearance: high-pressure phases of CrB4in comparison with FeB4
Authors: Zhang Yunkun , Wu Lailei , Wan Biao , Zhao Yan , Gao Rui , Li Zhiping , Zhang Jingwu , Gou Huiyang , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: December 2015

The same initial structure and distinctive structure evolutions of CrB4and FeB4under pressure.
Mechanistic insights into selective hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived β-O-4 linkage to aromatic hydrocarbons in water
Authors: Luo Zhicheng , Zhao Chen
Published: December 2015

The route for selective hydrodeoxygenation of phenethoxybenzene (PEB, which represents the dominant β-O-4 linkage in lignin) to produce benzene and ethylbenzene is realized by employing a multi-functional Ru/sulfate zirconium (Ru/SZ) catalyst in the aqueous phase.
Ceria-based catalysts for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Tang Changjin , Zhang Hongliang , Dong Lin
Published: December 2015

Low-temperature NH3-SCR has attracted considerable attention owing to the vast demand in industrial furnaces and its energy-conserving feature. This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of ceria-based catalysts for low-temperature NH3-SCR.
Unusual behaviour of Au/ZnO catalysts in selective hydrogenation of butadiene due to the formation of a AuZn nanoalloy
Authors: Derrouiche Salim , La Fontaine Camille , Thrimurtulu Gode , Casale Sandra , Delannoy Laurent , Lauron-Pernot Hélène , Louis Catherine
Published: December 2015

The loss of activity observed when Au/ZnO was activated under H2 was explained by the formation of AuZn alloy.
Bimetallic nickel complexes for selective CO2 carbon capture and sequestration
Authors: Möller F. , Merz K. , Herrmann C. , Apfel U.-P.
Published: December 2015

Herein we report on the selective CO2 uptake from air by a dinickel azacryptand complex and its capability to act as a reversible CO2 storage system.
A graphene-like metallic cathode host for long-life and high-loading lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Pang Quan , Kundu Dipan , Nazar Linda F.
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured sulfur host materials that embrace both high electronic conductivity and strong chemisorption towards polysulfides are central to enable high performance Li–S batteries.
New mechanistic approach of inorganic palladium toxicity: impairment in mitochondrial electron transfer
Authors: Hosseini M.-J. , Jafarian I. , Farahani S. , Khodadadi R. , Tagavi S. H. , Naserzadeh P. , Mohammadi-Bardbori A. , Arghavanifard N.
Published: December 2015

Scheme of proposed mechanisms for Pd2+-induced mitochondrial toxicity.
Integrated copper–nickel oxide mesoporous nanowire arrays for high energy density aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Lin Zhijun , Ba Xin , Li Yuanyuan , Ding Ruimin , Liu Jinping
Published: December 2015

An integrated (Cu,Ni)O mesoporous nanowire array that delivers a high specific capacitance has been used to construct high-performance aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors of (Cu,Ni)O(+)//AC(−).
Heterotrimetallic sandwich complexes supported by sulfonamido ligands
Authors: Wallen Christian M. , Wielizcko Marika , Bacsa John , Scarborough Christopher C.
Published: December 2015

CoII complexes bearing sulfonamido ligands derived from tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (H6tren) assemble into complex architectures in the presence of Group II ions through interactions between the Group II ion and the sulfonyl oxygens.
Thermal treatment of heavy oily sludge: resource recovery and potential utilization of residual asphalt-like emulsion as a stabilization/solidification material
Authors: Li Gang , Guo Shuhai , Ye Hanfeng
Published: December 2015

An innovative application of oily sludge via a distillation modification treatment has been proposed.
Cyclopentadienylironphosphacarboranes: fragility of polyhedral edges in the 11-vertex system
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Lupan Alexandru , King R. Bruce
Published: December 2015

The central FeCPBn−3 polyhedra in all of the lowest energy CpFeCHP(CH3)Bn−3Hn−3. (n = 8 to 12) structures are the most spherical closo deltahedra with adjacent iron and phosphorus atoms and non-adjacent phosphorus and carbon atoms.
Self-assembly fabrication of a graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid material for suppressing potential heat radiation and toxic effluent
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Dong , Hu Yuan
Published: December 2015

Negative graphene oxide was combined with positive chitosan-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution and then thermally reduced to fabricate a multi-walled carbon nanotube/graphene (MWCNT/G) hybrid material.
Degradation and nano-patterning of ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) thin films with electron irradiation
Authors: Zhu Ren , Jenkins Kory , Yang Rusen
Published: December 2015

Low energy electrons were found to degrade the ferroelectricity of P(VDF-TrFE) and a new grayscale lithography was hence proposed.
Facile synthesis of viologen and its reversible lithium storage property in organic lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Mitra Sagar
Published: December 2015

The reversible lithium-ion storage property of viologen has been explored as organic lithium ion battery electrode.
Synthesis and characterization of a polyamide thin film composite membrane based on a polydopamine coated support layer for forward osmosis
Authors: Huang Yangbo , Jin Haiyang , Li Hao , Yu Ping , Luo Yunbai
Published: December 2015

In this study, a facile method has been developed to prepare high performance thin film composite forward osmosis membranes, which was conducted by coating the surface of a polysulfone substrate with polydopamine prior to the interfacial polymerization.
Fatty acyl incorporation in the biosynthesis of WAP-8294A, a group of potent anti-MRSA cyclic lipodepsipeptides
Authors: Chen Haotong , Olson Andrew S. , Su Wei , Dussault Patrick H. , Du Liangcheng
Published: December 2015

Incorporation of hydroxyfatty acid into the anti-MRSA WAP-8294A.
Facile and rapid fabrication of large-scale silver nanoparticles arrays with high SERS performance
Authors: Jiang Jiaolai , Wang Shaofei , Wu Haoxi , Zhang Jing , Li Haibo , Jia Jianping , Wang Xiaolin , Liao Junsheng
Published: December 2015

A facile and rapid self-assembly method for fabricating a high performance SERS substrate was reported here by using ascorbic acid as an active reagent.
An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of human immunoglobulin G based on Ag@BSA microspheres
Authors: Zhang Hongfang , Ning Danlei , Zheng Jianbin
Published: December 2015

Ag@BSA microspheres were applied as electroactive labels for signal amplification and the ultimate immunosensor exhibited an ultralow detection limit.
Flame retardant lignin-based silicone composites
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Fleury Etienne , Chen Yang , Brook Michael A.
Published: December 2015

The use of lignin as a filler for polymers to give composites provides both economic advantages and, in some cases, improved flame retardancy and mechanical performance.
ALD SnO2protective decoration enhances the durability of a Pt based electrocatalyst
Authors: Marichy Catherine , Ercolano Giorgio , Caputo Gianvito , Willinger Marc G. , Jones Deborah , Rozière Jacques , Pinna Nicola , Cavaliere Sara
Published: December 2015

Electrospinning and atomic layer deposition (ALD) have been coupled to prepare functional hetero-structures with potential application in fuel cells.
Thermoresponsive magnetic colloidal gels via surface-initiated polymerisation from functional microparticles
Authors: Braim S. A. , Shakesheff K. M. , Saunders B. R. , Alexander C.
Published: December 2015

Novel magnetothermally responsive core–shell microparticles have been synthesized.
Fabrication of keratin/fibroin membranes by electrospinning for vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Yen Ko-Chung , Chen Ching-Yun , Huang Jian-Yuan , Kuo Wei-Ting , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: December 2015

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are some of the leading causes of death and bypass surgery is one of the common treatment options for the critical CVD patients.
Spin-crossover in a homoleptic cobalt(ii) complex containing a redox-active NNO ligand
Authors: Taylor R. A. , Lough A. J. , Lemaire M. T.
Published: December 2015

We report the structural and variable temperature magnetic properties of divalent cobalt complex containing the ligand 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-phenanthrol (papl). This complex provides a rare example of spin-crossover in cobalt complexes with redox-active NNO donor ligands.
Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of chemically modified bi-fluorenylidenes
Authors: Wielopolski Mateusz , Marszalek Magdalena , Brunetti Fulvio G. , Joly Damien , Calbo Joaquín , Aragó Juan , Moser Jacques-E. , Humphry-Baker Robin , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Delgado Juan Luis , Grätzel Michael , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario
Published: December 2015

Unprecedented π-linkers suitable for dye sensitized solar cells.
Yeast mitochondrial HMG proteins: DNA-binding properties of the most evolutionarily divergent component of mitochondrial nucleoids
Authors: Bakkaiova Jana , Marini Victoria , Willcox Smaranda , Nosek Jozef , Griffith Jack D. , Krejci Lumir , Tomaska Lubomir
Published: December 2015

Yeast mtDNA is compacted into nucleoprotein structures called mitochondrial nucleoids (mt-nucleoids). The principal mediators of nucleoid formation are mitochondrial high-mobility group (HMG)-box containing (mtHMG) proteins. Although these proteins are some of the fastest evolving components of mt-nucleoids, it is not known whether the divergence of mtHMG proteins on the level of their amino acid sequences is accompanied by diversification of their biochemical properties. In the present study we performed a comparative biochemical analysis of yeast mtHMG proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScAbf2p), Yarrowia lipolytica (YlMhb1p) and Candida parapsilosis (CpGcf1p). We found that all three proteins exhibit relatively weak binding to intact dsDNA. In fact, ScAbf2p and YlMhb1p bind quantitatively to this substrate only at very high protein to DNA ratios and CpGcf1p shows only negligible binding to dsDNA. In contrast, the proteins exhibit much higher preference for recombination intermediates such as Holliday junctions (HJ) and replication forks (RF). Therefore, we hypothesize that the roles of the yeast mtHMG proteins in maintenance and compaction of mtDNA in vivo are in large part mediated by their binding to recombination/replication intermediates. We also speculate that the distinct biochemical properties of CpGcf1p may represent one of the prerequisites for frequent evolutionary tinkering with the form of the mitochondrial genome in the CTG-clade of hemiascomycetous yeast species.
Vertebral Artery Injury during Routine Posterior Cervical Exposure: Case Reports and Review of Literature
Authors: Molinari Robert W. , Chimenti Peter C. , Molinari Robert , Gruhn William
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Case series.

Objective

We report the unusual occurrence of vertebral artery injury (VAI) during routine posterior exposure of the cervical spine. The importance of preoperative planning to identify the course of the bilateral vertebral arteries during routine posterior cervical spine surgery is emphasized.

Methods

VAI is a rare but potentially devastating complication of cervical spinal surgery. Most reports of VAI are related to anterior surgical exposure or screw placement in the posterior cervical spine. VAI incurred during posterior cervical spinal exposure surgery is not adequately addressed in the existing literature. Two cases of VAI that occurred during routine posterior exposure of the cervical spine in the region of C2 are described.

Results

VAI was incurred unexpectedly in the region of the midportion of the posterior C1–C2 interval during the initial surgical exposure phase of the operation. An aberrant vertebral artery course in the V2 anatomical section in the region between C1 and C2 intervals was identified postoperatively in both patients. A literature review demonstrates a relatively high incidence of vertebral artery anomalies in the upper cervical spine; however, the literature is deficient in reporting vertebral artery injury in this region. Recommendations for preoperative vertebral artery imaging also remain unclear at this time.

Conclusions

Successful management of this unexpected complication was achieved in both cases. This case report and review of the literature highlights the importance of preoperative vertebral artery imaging and knowledge of the course of the vertebral arteries prior to planned routine posterior exposure of the upper cervical spine. In both cases, aberrancy of the vertebral artery was present and not investigated or detected preoperatively.
Is Hydronephrosis a Complication after Anterior Lumbar Surgery?
Authors: Parks Ruth M. , Behrbalk Eyal , Mosharraf Syed , Müller Roger M. , Boszczyk Bronek M.
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Prospective follow-up design.

Objective

Ureteral injury is a recognized complication following gynecologic surgery and can result in hydronephrosis. Anterior lumbar surgery includes procedures like anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and total disk replacement (TDR). Anterior approaches to the spine require mobilization of the great vessels and visceral organs. The vascular supply to the ureter arising from the iliac arteries may be compromised during midline retraction of the ureter, which could theoretically lead to ureter ischemia and stricture with subsequent hydronephrosis formation.

Methods

Potential candidates with previous ALIF or TDR via anterior retroperitoneal access between January 2008 and March 2012 were chosen from those operated on by a single surgeon in a university hospital setting ( n = 85). Renal ultrasound evaluation of hydronephrosis was performed on all participants. Simple descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generate results.

Results

A total of 37 voluntary participants were recruited (23 male, 14 female subjects; average age 51.8 years). The prevalence of hydronephrosis in our population was 0.0% (95% confidence interval 0 to 8.1%).

Conclusions

Retraction of the ureter across the midline in ALIF and TDR does not result in an increase in hydronephrosis and appears to be a safe surgical technique.
Comparison of Silicate-Substituted Calcium Phosphate (Actifuse) with Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (Infuse) in Posterolateral Instrumented Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Licina Paul , Coughlan Marc , Johnston Emma , Pearcy Mark
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the bone grafting substitute silicate-substituted calcium phosphate (SiCaP) compared with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) and to evaluate the clinical outcomes over a period of 2 years.

Methods

Patients undergoing PLF surgery for DDD at a single center were recruited and randomized to one of two groups: SiCaP ( n = 9) or rhBMP-2 ( n = 10). One patient withdrew prior to randomization and another from the rhBMP-2 group after randomization. The radiologic and clinical outcomes were examined and compared. Fusion was assessed at 12 months with computed tomography and plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by recording measures of pain, quality of life, disability, and neurologic status from 6 weeks to 2 years postoperatively.

Results

In the SiCaP and rhBMP-2 groups, fusion was observed in 9/9 and 8/9 patients, respectively. Pain and disability scores were reduced and quality of life increased in both groups. Leg pain, disability, and satisfaction scores were similar between the groups at each postoperative point; however, back pain was less at 6 weeks and quality of life was higher at 6 months in the SiCaP group than the rhBMP-2 group.

Conclusions

SiCaP and rhBMP-2 were comparable in terms of achieving successful bone growth and fusion. Both groups achieved similar alleviation of pain and improved quality of life and neurologic, satisfaction, and return to work outcomes following PLF surgery.
Nonoperative Management of Craniocervical Ligamentous Distraction Injury: Literature Review
Authors: Kaplan Nathan B. , Molinari Christine , Molinari Robert W.
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Literature review and case report.

Objective

Review the existing literature and report the successful nonoperative management of a two-level craniocervical ligamentous distraction injury.

Methods

A PubMed and Medline review revealed only three limited reports involving the nonoperative management of patients with craniocervical distraction injury. This article reviews the existing literature and reports the case of a 27-year-old man who was involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained multiple systemic injuries and ligamentous distraction injuries to both occipitocervical joints and both C1–C2 joints. The patient's traumatic brain injury and bilateral pulmonary contusions precluded safe operative management of the two-level craniocervical distraction injury. Therefore, the patient was placed in a halo immobilization device.

Results

The literature remains unclear as to the specific indications for nonoperative management of ligamentous craniocervical injuries. Nonoperative management was associated with poor outcomes in the majority of reported patients. We report a patient who was managed for 6 months in a halo device. Posttreatment computed tomography and flexion–extension radiographs demonstrated stable occipitocervical and C1–C2 joints bilaterally. The patient reported minimal neck pain and had excellent functional outcome with a Neck Disability Index score of 2 points at 41 months postoperatively. He returned to preinjury level of employment without restriction.

Conclusions

Further study is needed to determine which craniocervical injuries may be managed successfully with nonoperative measures.
Article Commentary: The Practical Application of Clinical Prediction Rules: A Commentary Using Case Examples in Surgical Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Tetreault Lindsay , Le David , C⊚té Pierre , Fehlings Michael
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Commentary.

Objective

This commentary aims to discuss the practical applications of a clinical prediction rule (CPR) developed to predict functional status in patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Methods

Clinical cases from the AOSpine CSM-North America study were used to illustrate the application of a prediction rule in a surgical setting and to highlight how this CPR can be used to ultimately enhance patient care.

Results

A CPR combines signs and symptoms, patient characteristics, and other predictive factors to estimate disease probability, treatment prognosis, or risk of complications. These tools can influence allocation of health care resources, inform clinical decision making, and guide the design of future research studies. In a surgical setting, CPRs can be used to (1) manage patients’ expectations of outcome and, in turn, improve overall satisfaction; (2) facilitate shared decision making between patient and physician; (3) identify strategies to optimize surgical results; and (4) reduce heterogeneity of care and align surgeons’ perceptions of outcome with objective evidence.

Conclusions

Valid and clinically-relevant CPRs have tremendous value in a surgical setting.
Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after Revision Lumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Haller Justin M. , Calvert Graham , Spiker William R. , Brodke Darrel S. , Lawrence Brandon D.
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

To report a case of remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) without intraoperative dural tear after revision lumbar spine surgery. RCH is a rare postoperative complication following spine surgery. RCH has previously been reported only in cases with intraoperative dural tear or durotomy.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Results

A 58-year-old woman underwent removal of L4–S1 posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) implants and L3–L4 decompressive laminectomy with PSIF. There was no intraoperative dural tear. After doing well initially, the patient developed new neurologic symptoms and was found to have RCH. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large dural defect. After repair of the dura, the patient had dramatic improvement of her neurologic symptoms. At 1-year follow-up, the patient continued to have no neurologic sequelae.

Conclusion

This report demonstrates that RCH can occur without intraoperative dural tear. Although rare, any patient with new onset of declining neurologic symptoms following spine surgery should have a brain MRI and should have RCH on the differential diagnosis.
Alternating current electrohydrodynamics in microsystems: Pushing biomolecules and cells around on surfaces
Authors: Vaidyanathan Ramanathan , Dey Shuvashis , Carrascosa Laura G. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Trau Matt
Published: December 2015

Electrohydrodynamics (EHD) deals with the fluid motion induced by an electric field. This phenomenon originally developed in physical science, and engineering is currently experiencing a renaissance in microfluidics. Investigations by Taylor on Gilbert's theory proposed in 1600 have evolved to include multiple contributions including the promising effects arising from electric field interactions with cells and particles to influence their behaviour on electrode surfaces. Theoretical modelling of electric fields in microsystems and the ability to determine shear forces have certainly reached an advanced state. The ability to deftly manipulate microscopic fluid flow in bulk fluid and at solid/liquid interfaces has enabled the controlled assembly, coagulation, or removal of microstructures, nanostructures, cells, and molecules on surfaces. Furthermore, the ability of electrohydrodynamics to generate fluid flow using surface shear forces generated within nanometers from the surface and their application in bioassays has led to recent advancements in biomolecule, vesicle and cellular detection across different length scales. With the integration of Alternating Current Electrohydrodynamics (AC-EHD) in cellular and molecular assays proving to be highly fruitful, challenges still remain with respect to understanding the discrepancies between each of the associated ac-induced fluid flow phenomena, extending their utility towards clinical diagnostic development, and utilising them in tandem as a standard tool for disease monitoring. In this regard, this article will review the history of electrohydrodynamics, followed by some of the recent developments in the field including a new dimension of electrohydrodynamics that deals with the utilization of surface shear forces for the manipulation of biological cells or molecules on electrode surfaces. Recent advances and challenges in the use of electrohydrodynamic forces such as dielectrophoresis and ac electrosmosis for the detection of biological analytes are also reviewed. Additionally, the fundamental mechanisms of fluid flow using electrohydrodynamics forces, which are still evolving, are reviewed. Challenges and future directions are discussed from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and potential applications of these nanoscaled shear forces in diagnostics.
Electronic transport in highly conducting Si-doped ZnO thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir L. , Vai Alex T. , Al-Mamouri Malek , Stuart Abell J. , Pepper Michael , Edwards Peter P.
Published: December 2015

Highly conducting (ρ = 3.9 × 10−4 Ωcm) and transparent (83%) polycrystalline Si-doped ZnO (SiZO) thin films have been deposited onto borosilicate glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition from (ZnO)1−x(SiO2)x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) ceramic targets prepared using a sol-gel technique. Along with their structural, chemical, and optical properties, the electronic transport within these SiZO samples has been investigated as a function of silicon doping level and temperature. Measurements made between 80 and 350 K reveal an almost temperature-independent carrier concentration consistent with degenerate metallic conduction in all of these samples. The temperature-dependent Hall mobility has been modeled by considering the varying contribution of grain boundary and electron-phonon scattering in samples with different nominal silicon concentrations.
Nonlinear optical sub-bandgap excitation of ZnO-based photonic resonators
Authors: Bader Christina A. , Zeuner Franziska , Bader Manuel H. W. , Zentgraf Thomas , Meier Cedrik
Published: December 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a versatile candidate for photonic devices due to its highly efficient optical emission. However, for pumping of ZnO photonic devices UV-sources are required. Here, we investigate the alternative usage of widely available pulsed near-infrared (NIR)-sources and compare the efficiency of linear and nonlinear excitation processes. We found that bulk ZnO, ZnO thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy, and ZnO/SiO2 microdisk devices exhibit strong nonlinear response when excited with NIR pulses (λ ≈ 1060 nm). In addition, we show that the ZnO/SiO2 microdisks exhibit sharp whispering gallery modes over the blue-yellow part of the visible spectrum for both excitation conditions and high Q-factors up to Q = 4700. The results demonstrate that nonlinear excitation is an efficient way to pump ZnO photonic devices.
Incorporation of indium on cubic GaN epitaxially induced on a nanofaceted Si(001) substrate by phase transition
Authors: Lee S. C. , Youngblood N. , Jiang Y. B. , Peterson E. J. , Stark C. J. M. , Detchprohm T. , Wetzel C. , Brueck S. R. J.
Published: December 2015

The incorporation of In on the non-polar, piezoelectric-free (001) facet of cubic (c-) GaN epitaxially grown over a Si(001) substrate by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy is reported. Relying on a hexagonal (h-) to c-phase transformation during epitaxy on an 800 nm-wide, Si(111)-faceted v-groove patterned into the substrate, the GaN epilayer at cross sectional view retains a triangular c-phase inside a chevron-shaped h-phase that results in a top surface bounded by a (001) facet parallel to Si(001) at the center and (11¯01) facets at both edges. A stack of five, ∼3 nm-thick, InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) was deposited on the double-phased top surface. The c-phase region up to the QWs keeps extremely small misfit (∼0.002) to the fully relaxed h-GaN underneath it and is in tensile stress implying undefected by the h-c phase interface. The In incorporation on a strained non-polar (001) of c-GaN is comparable with that on totally relaxed semi-polar (11¯01) of h-GaN without noticeable adatom migration across the phase boundary, and sufficient to provide the room-temperature green emission at 496 nm from the c-InxGa1−xN/GaN QWs on Si(001) in photoluminescence.