bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The invasive potential of Giardia intestinalis in an in vivo model
Authors: Reynoso-Robles R. , Ponce-Macotela M. , Rosas-López L. E. , Ramos-Morales A. , Martínez–Gordillo M. N. , González-Maciel A.
Published: October 2015

Giardiasis is a neglected parasitic disease that affects primarily children, in whom it delays physical and mental development. The pathophysiology of giardiasis in not well understood and most reports have identified Giardia intestinalis trophozoites only in the lumen and on the brush border of the small intestine. We identified Giardia trophozoites within the epithelium of the small intestine of a lactose intolerance patient. The Giardia trophozoites were obtained and cultured in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated Giardia trophozoite invasion in an animal model. Giardia trophozoites invaded the intestinal mucosa and submucosa of infected gerbils. The invasive trophozoites were observed at 21, 30 and 60 days age and the average numbers of invaded sites were 17 ± 5, 15 ± 4 and 9 ± 3, respectively. We found trophozoites between epithelial cells, at the base of empty goblet cells, in lacteal vessels and within the submucosa. The morphological integrity of the invasive trophozoites was demonstrated via electron microscopy. The analysis of the gerbils infected with the trophozoites of the WB reference strain did not show intraepithelial trophozoites. These results demonstrate another Giardia pathogenic mechanism, opening the door to numerous future studies.
The start of lightning: Evidence of bidirectional lightning initiation
Authors: Montanyà Joan , van der Velde Oscar , Williams Earle R.
Published: October 2015

Lightning flashes are known to initiate in regions of strong electric fields inside thunderstorms, between layers of positively and negatively charged precipitation particles. For that reason, lightning inception is typically hidden from sight of camera systems used in research. Other technology such as lightning mapping systems based on radio waves can typically detect only some aspects of the lightning initiation process and subsequent development of positive and negative leaders. We report here a serendipitous recording of bidirectional lightning initiation in virgin air under the cloud base at ~11,000 images per second and the differences in characteristics of opposite polarity leader sections during the earliest stages of the discharge. This case reveals natural lightning initiation, propagation and a return stroke as in negative cloud-to-ground flashes, upon connection to another lightning channel – without any masking by cloud.
Pterostilbine, an active component of blueberries, sensitizes colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity
Authors: Tolba Mai F. , Abdel-Rahman Sherif Z.
Published: October 2015

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the first line of therapy for this debilitating disease, treatment effectiveness is often hampered by the development of drug resistance and toxicity at high doses. ER-β can play an important role in CRC development and possibly in its response to therapy. Pterostilbene (PT) possesses antioxidant and anticancer effects that are mediated by ER-β. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that PT sensitizes colon cancer cells to 5-FU and we examine the underlying mechanism(s) by which PT exerts its cytotoxic effects in CRC cells. Our data indicate that PT exhibited a more potent cytotoxic effect in Caco-2 compared to HCT-116 cells. PT/5-FU co-treatment was more effective in Caco-2 cells. Our data indicate that ER-β is expressed at higher levels in Caco-2 cells and its levels are further boosted with PT treatment. PT significantly suppressed Akt and ERK phosphorylations and enhanced FOXO-1 and p27kip1 levels in Caco-2 cells. PT also induced a significant increase in Caco-2 cells at pre-G phase coupled with increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PARP cleavage. These results provide a rationale for novel combination treatment strategies, especially for patients with 5-FU-resistant tumors expressing ER-β protein.
Manganese-Mediated Coupling Reaction of Vinylarenes and Aliphatic Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Nai-Xing , Bai Cui-Bing , Wang Yan-Jing , Lan Xing-Wang , Xing Yalan , Li Yi-He , Wen Jia-Long
Published: October 2015

Alcohols and alkenes are the most abundant and commonly used organic building blocks in the large-scale chemical synthesis. Herein, this is the first time to report a novel and operationally simple coupling reaction of vinylarenes and aliphatic alcohols catalyzed by manganese in the presence of TBHP (tert-butyl hydroperoxide). This coupling reaction provides the oxyalkylated products of vinylarenes with good regioselectivity and accomplishes with the principles of step-economies. A possible reaction mechanism has also been proposed.
EGCG antagonizes Bortezomib cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells by an autophagic mechanism
Authors: Modernelli Alice , Naponelli Valeria , Giovanna Troglio Maria , Bonacini Martina , Ramazzina Ileana , Bettuzzi Saverio , Rizzi Federica
Published: October 2015

The proteasome inhibitors Bortezomib (BZM) and MG132 trigger cancer cell death via induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most bioactive green tea polyphenol, is known to display strong anticancer properties as it inhibits proteasome activity and induces ER stress. We investigated whether combined delivery of a proteasome inhibitor with EGCG enhances prostate cancer cell death through increased induction of ER stress. Paradoxically, EGCG antagonized BZM cytotoxicity even when used at low concentrations. Conversely, the MG132 dose-response curve was unaffected by co-administration of EGCG. Moreover, apoptosis, proteasome inhibition and ER stress were inhibited in PC3 cells simultaneously treated with BZM and EGCG but not with a combination of MG132 and EGCG; EGCG enhanced autophagy induction in BZM-treated cells only. Autophagy inhibition restored cytotoxicity concomitantly with CHOP and p-eIF2α up-regulation in cells treated with BZM and EGCG. Overall, these findings demonstrate that EGCG antagonizes BZM toxicity by exacerbating the activation of autophagy, which in turn mitigates ER stress and reduces CHOP up-regulation, finally protecting PC3 cells from cell death.
Artificial oxygen carriers rescue placental hypoxia and improve fetal development in the rat pre-eclampsia model
Authors: Li Heng , Ohta Hidenobu , Tahara Yu , Nakamura Sakiko , Taguchi Kazuaki , Nakagawa Machiko , Oishi Yoshihisa , Goto Yu-ichi , Wada Keiji , Kaga Makiko , Inagaki Masumi , Otagiri Masaki , Yokota Hideo , Shibata Shigenobu , Sakai Hiromi , Okamura Kunihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: October 2015

Pre-eclampsia affects approximately 5% of all pregnant women and remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The hypertension associated with pre-eclampsia develops during pregnancy and remits after delivery, suggesting that the placenta is the most likely origin of this disease. The pathophysiology involves insufficient trophoblast invasion, resulting in incomplete narrow placental spiral artery remodeling. Placental insufficiency, which limits the maternal-fetal exchange of gas and nutrients, leads to fetal intrauterine growth restriction. In this study, in our attempt to develop a new therapy for pre-eclampsia, we directly rescued placental and fetal hypoxia with nano-scale size artificial oxygen carriers (hemoglobin vesicles). The present study is the first to demonstrate that artificial oxygen carriers successfully treat placental hypoxia, decrease maternal plasma levels of anti-angiogenic proteins and ameliorate fetal growth restriction in the pre-eclampsia rat model.
Evidence of bacterioplankton community adaptation in response to long-term mariculture disturbance
Authors: Xiong Jinbo , Chen Heping , Hu Changju , Ye Xiansen , Kong Dingjiang , Zhang Demin
Published: October 2015

Understanding the underlying mechanisms that shape the temporal dynamics of a microbial community has important implications for predicting the trajectory of an ecosystem’s response to anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we evaluated the seasonal dynamics of bacterioplankton community composition (BCC) following more than three decades of mariculture disturbance in Xiangshan Bay. Clear seasonal succession and site (fish farm and control site) separation of the BCC were observed, which were primarily shaped by temperature, dissolved oxygen and sampling time. However, the sensitive bacterial families consistently changed in relative abundance in response to mariculture disturbance, regardless of the season. Temporal changes in the BCC followed the time-decay for similarity relationship at both sites. Notably, mariculture disturbance significantly (P < 0.001) flattened the temporal turnover but intensified bacterial species-to-species interactions. The decrease in bacterial temporal turnover under long-term mariculture disturbance was coupled with a consistent increase in the percentage of deterministic processes that constrained bacterial assembly based on a null model analysis. The results demonstrate that the BCC is sensitive to mariculture disturbance; however, a bacterioplankton community could adapt to a long-term disturbance via attenuating temporal turnover and intensifying species-species interactions. These findings expand our current understanding of microbial assembly in response to long-term anthropogenic disturbances.
Finite-key security analyses on passive decoy-state QKD protocols with different unstable sources
Authors: Song Ting-Ting , Qin Su-Juan , Wen Qiao-Yan , Wang Yu-Kun , Jia Heng-Yue
Published: October 2015

In quantum communication, passive decoy-state QKD protocols can eliminate many side channels, but the protocols without any finite-key analyses are not suitable for in practice. The finite-key securities of passive decoy-state (PDS) QKD protocols with two different unstable sources, type-II parametric down-convention (PDC) and phase randomized weak coherent pulses (WCPs), are analyzed in our paper. According to the PDS QKD protocols, we establish an optimizing programming respectively and obtain the lower bounds of finite-key rates. Under some reasonable values of quantum setup parameters, the lower bounds of finite-key rates are simulated. The simulation results show that at different transmission distances, the affections of different fluctuations on key rates are different. Moreover, the PDS QKD protocol with an unstable PDC source can resist more intensity fluctuations and more statistical fluctuation.
Possible Demonstration of a Polaronic Bose-Einstein(-Mott) Condensate in UO2(+x) by Ultrafast THz Spectroscopy and Microwave Dissipation
Authors: Conradson Steven D. , Gilbertson Steven M. , Daifuku Stephanie L. , Kehl Jeffrey A. , Durakiewicz Tomasz , Andersson David A. , Bishop Alan R. , Byler Darrin D. , Maldonado Pablo , Oppeneer Peter M. , Valdez James A. , Neidig Michael L. , Rodriguez George
Published: October 2015

Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) composed of polarons would be an advance because they would combine coherently charge, spin and a crystal lattice. Following our earlier report of unique structural and spectroscopic properties, we now identify potentially definitive evidence for polaronic BECs in photo- and chemically doped UO2(+x) on the basis of exceptional coherence in the ultrafast time dependent terahertz absorption and microwave spectroscopy results that show collective behavior including dissipation patterns whose precedents are condensate vortex and defect disorder and condensate excitations. That some of these signatures of coherence in an atom-based system extend to ambient temperature suggests a novel mechanism that could be a synchronized, dynamical, disproportionation excitation, possibly via the solid state analog of a Feshbach resonance that promotes the coherence. Such a mechanism would demonstrate that the use of ultra-low temperatures to establish the BEC energy distribution is a convenience rather than a necessity, with the actual requirement for the particles being in the same state that is not necessarily the ground state attainable by other means. A macroscopic quantum object created by chemical doping that can persist to ambient temperature and resides in a bulk solid would be revolutionary in a number of scientific and technological fields.
H3N2 Mismatch of 2014–15 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccines and Head-to-head Comparison between Human and Ferret Antisera derived Antigenic Maps
Authors: Xie Hang , Wan Xiu-Feng , Ye Zhiping , Plant Ewan P. , Zhao Yangqing , Xu Yifei , Li Xing , Finch Courtney , Zhao Nan , Kawano Toshiaki , Zoueva Olga , Chiang Meng-Jung , Jing Xianghong , Lin Zhengshi , Zhang Anding , Zhu Yanhong
Published: October 2015

The poor performance of 2014–15 Northern Hemisphere (NH) influenza vaccines was attributed to mismatched H3N2 component with circulating epidemic strains. Using human serum samples collected from 2009–10, 2010–11 and 2014–15 NH influenza vaccine trials, we assessed their cross-reactive hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody responses against recent H3 epidemic isolates. All three populations (children, adults and older adults) vaccinated with the 2014–15 NH egg- or cell-based vaccine, showed >50% reduction in HAI post-vaccination geometric mean titers against epidemic H3 isolates from those against egg-grown H3 vaccine strain A/Texas/50/2012 (TX/12e). The 2014–15 NH vaccines, regardless of production type, failed to further extend HAI cross-reactivity against H3 epidemic strains from previous seasonal vaccines. Head-to-head comparison between ferret and human antisera derived antigenic maps revealed different antigenic patterns among representative egg- and cell-grown H3 viruses characterized. Molecular modeling indicated that the mutations of epidemic H3 strains were mainly located in antibody-binding sites A and B as compared with TX/12e. To improve vaccine strain selection, human serologic testing on vaccination-induced cross-reactivity need be emphasized along with virus antigenic characterization by ferret model.
Observation of tunable electrical bandgap in large-area twisted bilayer graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Liu Jing-Bo , Li Ping-Jian , Chen Yuan-Fu , Wang Ze-Gao , Qi Fei , He Jia-Rui , Zheng Bin-Jie , Zhou Jin-Hao , Zhang Wan-Li , Gu Lin , Li Yan-Rong
Published: October 2015

Although there are already many efforts to investigate the electronic structures of twisted bilayer graphene, a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached. In particular, it is still a controversial issue whether a tunable electrical (or transport) bandgap exists in twisted bilayer graphene film until now. Herein, for the first time, it has been demonstrated that a tunable electrical bandgap can be opened in the twisted bilayer graphene by the combination effect of twist and vertical electrical fields. In addition, we have also developed a facile chemical vapor deposition method to synthesize large-area twisted bilayer graphene by introducing decaborane as the cocatalyst for decomposing methane molecules. The growth mechanism is demonstrated to be a defined-seeding and self-limiting process. This work is expected to be beneficial to the fundamental understanding of both the growth mechanism for bilayer graphene on Cu foil and more significantly, the electronic structures of twisted bilayer graphene.
Novel insights into the interplay between ventral neck muscles in individuals with whiplash-associated disorders
Authors: Peterson Gunnel , Nilsson David , Trygg Johan , Falla Deborah , Dedering Åsa , Wallman Thorne , Peolsson Anneli
Published: October 2015

Chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is common after whiplash injury, with considerable personal, social and economic burden. Despite decades of research, factors responsible for continuing pain and disability are largely unknown and diagnostic tools are lacking. Here, we report a novel model of mechanical ventral neck muscle function recorded from non-invasive, real-time, ultrasound measurements. We calculated the deformation area and deformation rate in 23 individuals with persistent WAD and compared them to 23 sex- and age-matched controls. Multivariate statistics were used to analyse interactions between ventral neck muscles, revealing different interplay between muscles in individuals with WAD and healthy controls. Although the cause and effect relation cannot be established from this data, for the first time, we reveal a novel method capable of detecting different neck muscle interplay in people with WAD. This non-invasive method stands to make a major breakthrough in the assessment and diagnosis of people following a whiplash trauma.
Oscillating high-aspect-ratio monolithic silicon nanoneedle array enables efficient delivery of functional bio-macromolecules into living cells
Authors: Matsumoto Daisuke , Rao Sathuluri Ramachandra , Kato Yoshio , Silberberg Yaron R. , Kawamura Ryuzo , Iwata Futoshi , Kobayashi Takeshi , Nakamura Chikashi
Published: October 2015

Delivery of biomolecules with use of nanostructures has been previously reported. However, both efficient and high-throughput intracellular delivery has proved difficult to achieve. Here, we report a novel material and device for the delivery of biomacromolecules into live cells. We attribute the successful results to the unique features of the system, which include high-aspect-ratio, uniform nanoneedles laid across a 2D array, combined with an oscillatory feature, which together allow rapid, forcible and efficient insertion and protein release into thousands of cells simultaneously.
The identification of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis DHFR inhibitors and the investigation of their binding preferences by using molecular modelling
Authors: Hong Wei , Wang Yu , Chang Zhe , Yang Yanhui , Pu Jing , Sun Tao , Kaur Sargit , Sacchettini James C. , Jung Hunmin , Lin Wong Wee , Fah Yap Lee , Fong Ngeow Yun , Paterson Ian C. , Wang Hao
Published: October 2015

It is an urgent need to develop new drugs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a recognised drug target. The crystal structures of methotrexate binding to mt- and h-DHFR separately indicate that the glycerol (GOL) binding site is likely to be critical for the function of mt-DHFR selective inhibitors. We have used in silico methods to screen NCI small molecule database and a group of related compounds were obtained that inhibit mt-DHFR activity and showed bactericidal effects against a test Mtb strain. The binding poses were then analysed and the influence of GOL binding site was studied by using molecular modelling. By comparing the chemical structures, 4 compounds that might be able to occupy the GOL binding site were identified. However, these compounds contain large hydrophobic side chains. As the GOL binding site is more hydrophilic, molecular modelling indicated that these compounds were failed to occupy the GOL site. The most potent inhibitor (compound 6) demonstrated limited selectivity for mt-DHFR, but did contain a novel central core (7H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinazoline-1,3-diamine), which may significantly expand the chemical space of novel mt-DHFR inhibitors. Collectively, these observations will inform future medicinal chemistry efforts to improve the selectivity of compounds against mt-DHFR.
Phase Equilibria, Crystal Structure and Hydriding/Dehydriding Mechanism of Nd4Mg80Ni8 Compound
Authors: Luo Qun , Gu Qin-Fen , Zhang Jie-Yu , Chen Shuang-Lin , Chou Kuo-Chih , Li Qian
Published: October 2015

In order to find out the optimal composition of novel Nd-Mg-Ni alloys for hydrogen storage, the isothermal section of Nd-Mg-Ni system at 400 °C is established by examining the equilibrated alloys. A new ternary compound Nd4Mg80Ni8 is discovered in the Mg-rich corner. It has the crystal structure of space group I41/amd with lattice parameters of a = b = 11.2743(1) Å and c = 15.9170(2) Å, characterized by the synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (SR-PXRD). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) is used to investigate the microstructure of Nd4Mg80Ni8 and its hydrogen-induced microstructure evolution. The hydrogenation leads to Nd4Mg80Ni8 decomposing into NdH2.61-MgH2-Mg2NiH0.3 nanocomposites, where the high density phase boundaries provide a great deal of hydrogen atoms diffusion channels and nucleation sites of hydrides, which greatly enhances the hydriding/dehydriding (H/D) properties. The Nd4Mg80Ni8 exhibits a good cycle ability. The kinetic mechanisms of H/D reactions are studied by Real Physical Picture (RPP) model. The rate controlling steps are diffusion for hydriding reaction in the temperature range of 100 ~ 350 °C and surface penetration for dehydriding reaction at 291 ~ 347 °C. In-situ SR-PXRD results reveal the phase transformations of Mg to MgH2 and Mg2Ni to Mg2NiH4 as functions of hydrogen pressure and hydriding time.
Anodic Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+ with CdSe Quantum Dots as Coreactant and Its Application in Quantitative Detection of DNA
Authors: Dong Yong-Ping , Gao Ting-Ting , Zhou Ying , Jiang Li-Ping , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: October 2015

In the present paper, we report that CdSe quantum dots (QDs) can act as the coreactant of Ru(bpy)32+ electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) in neutral condition. Strong anodic ECL signal was observed at ~1.10 V at CdSe QDs modified glassy carbon electrode (CdSe/GCE), which might be mainly attributed to the apparent electrocatalytic effect of QDs on the oxidation of Ru(bpy)32+. Ru(bpy)32+ can be intercalated into the loop of hairpin DNA through the electrostatic interaction to fabricate a probe. When the probe was bound to the CdSe QDs modified on the GCE, the intense ECL signal was obtained. The more Ru(bpy)32+ can be intercalated when DNA loop has larger diameter and the stronger ECL signal can be observed. The loop of hairpin DNA can be opened in the presence of target DNA to release the immobilized Ru(bpy)32+, which can result in the decrease of ECL signal. The decreased ECL signal varied linearly with the concentration of target DNA, which showed the ECL biosensor can be used in the sensitive detection of DNA. The proposed ECL biosensor showed an excellent performance with high specificity, wide linear range and low detection limit.
Marine medaka ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily and new insight into teleost Abch nomenclature
Authors: Jeong Chang-Bum , Kim Bo-Mi , Kang Hye-Min , Choi Ik-Young , Rhee Jae-Sung , Lee Jae-Seong
Published: October 2015

The ABC gene family is recognized as one of the largest gene families in all kingdoms of life. Although many genes involved in the ABC superfamily have been annotated from several fish species, information on large sets of the ABC superfamily and their evolutionary characterization are still unclear. In the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma, 50 ABC transporters were identified with bioinformatics-aided in silico analyses and their full-length cDNA sequences were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they could be classified into the eight subfamilies (A–H) that include all members of all ABC subfamilies. Interestingly, several teleosts’ Abcg members were closely clustered with Abch members in a distinctive clade. The abch gene was also observed in the coelacanth and the spotted gar, suggesting that this gene was retained from a bilaterian ancestor and that a gene loss event recently occurred in the tetrapod lineage. In teleosts, the nomenclature of previously annotated abcg genes should be considered carefully, as they form a distinctive clade with the marine medaka abch subfamily and other teleost abch genes, but not with the members of the Abcg subfamily.
Organic Resistor Memory Devices
Authors: Kurosawa Tadanori , Higashihara Tomoya , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: October 2015

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to application of resistor memory devices based on organic materials. They have been developed and studied because of several advantages, such as their low cost fabrication, flexible device structure, three-dimensional stacking capability, the possibility of modulating their properties through molecular design and chemical synthesis, etc. In this chapter, an overview of the development of resistor memory based on organic and polymeric materials is given in five sections covering the basics of resistor memory devices, materials, and a discussion of their underlying switching mechanisms. In addition, some of the recent studies on the applications of resistor memory devices will be presented in the final section.
Donor–Acceptor Organic Molecule Resistor Switching Memory Devices
Authors: Lu Jianmei , Li Hua , Xu Qing-Feng
Published: October 2015

Molecule based organic memory devices have attracted considerable attention for high density data storage. Recent studies have verified that organic molecules with donor (D)–acceptor (A) structures play a key role in memory performance. The relationship between their structure related effects (such as the choice of functional group, the arrangement of donor and acceptor in the molecule, etc.) and memory behavior is discussed in detail in this chapter.
Nonconjugated Polymers with Electroactive Chromophore Pendants
Authors: Ree Moonhor , Ko Yong-Gi , Song Sungjin , Ree Brian J.
Published: October 2015

Recently, polymers have attracted significant attention because their dimensions can easily be miniaturized and their properties can easily be tailored through chemical synthesis, which are critical advantages over inorganic silicon- and metal-oxide-based materials for memory device applications. In this chapter, the recent development of nonconjugated polymers with electroactive chromophore pendants is reviewed. Their memory mode and performance are discussed with insights into their switching mechanisms. Many p-type polymers have been reported in the literature whereas n-type polymers are rare. Thus, there is a need to put more effort into developing high performance n-type memory polymers. In addition, it is noted that understanding the detailed relationships between chemical and morphological structures, electrical memory mode, and performance remains an urgent challenge to the progress of developing higher memory performance polymers.
Polymer Composites for Electrical Memory Device Applications
Authors: Liu Cheng-Liang , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: October 2015

Polymers and their composites used in electrical memory devices have attracted much interest due to several advantages such as their low cost, easy processability and the possible development of three-dimensional stacking devices. In this chapter first we provide a short introduction to polymer composite-based electrical memory devices. Then we will discuss the up-to-date developments of polymer composite materials including polymer blends and multilayer hybrids for promising electrical switching behavior, mostly focusing on the role of these materials in memory functionality and the proposed mechanism.
Non-Volatile Memory Properties of Donor–Acceptor Block Copolymers
Authors: Kang Nam-Goo , Kim Myung-Jin , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: October 2015

Polymeric materials have unique properties, such as flexibility and easy processability via spin-coating, ink-jet printing, and roll-to-roll processing. Thus, polymer-based memory devices have received significant attention because of their many advantages, including low fabrication cost, good scalability, printability, simplicity of device structure, and three-dimensional stackability. Among polymeric materials, random polymers have been predominantly used for the development of several types of polymer-based memory device. This chapter describes non-volatile memory devices based on polymers containing electron-donating and/or accepting groups among various organic materials. Depending on the polymer structure, well-defined homopolymers, rod–coil block copolymers, and coil–coil block copolymers have been categorized, and various memory devices have been fabricated using each polymer; these devices showed biswitching behavior. The different performances of the devices have also been demonstrated using different electrodes and some additives.
Organic Transistor Memory Devices and Materials
Authors: Tseng Chiao-Wei , Tao Yu-Tai
Published: October 2015

In this chapter recent developments of transistor memory devices are reviewed, with particular focus on non-volatile organic-based transistor memory. After a brief introduction to the operation principles of memory devices, selected examples are introduced according to the mechanism through which the electric bistability is generated. These include the use of ferroelectrics, polymer electrets, polymer–molecular hybrids, molecular films, self-assembled monolayers, as well as nanoparticles incorporated at various locations in thin film transistors. A general perspective is provided in the conclusion.
Summary and Outlook
Authors: Chen Wen-Chang
Published: October 2015

Recent developments of organic electrical memory, including material design and device fabrication are introduced in this book. An overall summary and future perspectives are presented in this chapter.
Fire Types and Combustion Products
Authors: Purser David A.
Published: October 2015

The chemical composition and yields of toxic substances in fires and the development of fire hazards vary considerably under the differing decomposition conditions in different types of fires. It is possible to classify fires into a range of basic types or stages depending upon the combustion conditions and the setting in which they are burning (the fire scenario). This chapter describes the different types of fire scenarios, how they vary in terms of burning rates, yields of toxic products, fire development and fire effluent dispersal. The effects of these parameters on the development of different fire hazard scenarios are described. Challenges in creating representative fire scenarios experimentally and in sampling, analysis and characterisation of combustion products are discussed.
Dispersion of Fire Plumes in the Atmosphere
Authors: Hall David. J. , Spanton Angela m.
Published: October 2015

Direct exposure of populations and ground deposition of contaminants from fire plumes released to the outside environment are highly dependent on the characteristics of atmospheric dispersion. This chapter describes the main determinants of fire plume dispersion and the underlying parameters and functions that can be used for plume dispersion calculations. Data and calculation results are presented for a range of scenarios with illustrations of plumes from both large-scale and small-scale wind tunnel experiments. In general, factors such as the size and area distribution of fire sources and the manner of their release, directly from the ground or associated with buildings, control the initial conditions of the fire plume. These parameters and the wind speed are important as they control the initial spreading of the plume, and its initial buoyant rise, in the area near the source where plume concentrations are high and exposure is at its greatest. At long distances these source term effects tend to disappear as the plume eventually forgets the detailed conditions of its release. Plume buoyancy from the fire heat release is, however, normally conserved indefinitely. Its effects thus persist for much longer distances, though eventually even these also disappear. Topics covered include fire plume buoyancy scaling functions, basic properties and scaling for calculation of contaminant concentration; the effect of source buoyancy, shape and size; fire plume heat release from buildings in relation to shape size and orientation and fire plume ‘lift-off’; fire plume dispersion in urban areas; and deposition to the ground of particles and other components in fire plumes.
Hydrogen Cyanide—Physiological Effects of Acute Exposure during Fires
Authors: Purser David A.
Published: October 2015

Several materials commonly involved in fires contain both nitrogen and carbon. A proportion of this fuel nitrogen is released as hydrogen cyanide and a proportion of the fuel carbon is released as carbon monoxide. Both are asphyxiant gases and show additive toxicity, but the effects on exposed subjects and the time courses of their development are somewhat different. Over the short exposure periods of from a few minutes up to around an hour typical of fires, the effects of CO approximately follow Haber's rule, with incapacitation occurring after exposure to a Ct product dose capable of causing loss of consciousness at a blood carboxyhaemoglobin concentration of around 30–40%. This contrasts with the effects of HCN, which show large deviations from Haber's rule, so that exposure to high concentrations above approximately 150 ppm causes rapid incapacitation within a few minutes at a low Ct product dose. Exposure to concentrations below approximately 80 ppm causes minimal toxic effects over relatively long time scales. Also, while the blood carboxyhaemoglobin concentration in fire survivors at rescue and in post-mortem blood samples provides a reasonably good indication of the extent of CO exposure and the severity of toxic effects, the relationships are much more complex for blood cyanide concentrations. This chapter describes the physiological effects of acute HCN exposure and the relationship between exposure concentration and time to incapacitation (loss of consciousness). Expressions are derived for calculation of time to incapacitation in non-human primates and for humans for use in fire hazard calculations. The uptake and distribution dynamics of cyanide into and from the blood are then examined, including the relationship between cyanide concentrations in different body fluid compartments (erythrocytes, blood plasma, interstitial and intracellular fluids), signs of toxicity, and the possible role of hypocapnia as a contributory cause of incapacitation during HCN inhalation. Recovery after HCN exposure is considered, including rates of decrease in blood cyanide after exposure by metabolism and excretion, and effects of impaired oxidative metabolism due to cyanide poisoning on rates of cyanide metabolism. The implications for forensic interpretation of cyanide poisoning of uptake, distribution and metabolism dynamics, post-mortem losses in stored tissues, and changes in stored blood samples are then described.
Acute Lung Injury Following Inhalation of Irritant Products of Combustion
Authors: Baker David J.
Published: October 2015

Injury from inhalation of smoke that contains both particulates and various irritant gases remains the most familiar cause of inhalational lung injury and is an important part of the management of burn injury. Smokes contain particulate matter and irritant gases, which cause damage at all levels of the respiratory tract. Apart from early damage to the large and small airways, acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which affect the lung parenchyma, may ensue. These conditions have been the object of intense study over three decades, leading to a large amount of published specialised information. This chapter presents an outline of the pathophysiology and management of combustion inhalation injury for the non-specialist. There have been significant advances in management of ALI from the use of careful protective ventilation strategies. Pharmacological treatment measures have been studied in man and in large animal models for both combustion inhalation injury and the inhalation of toxic industrial chemicals, which have similar effects. The search for newer treatment strategies continues. A synopsis of current treatment measures is presented.
Health Effects in Groups Exposed to Wildland and Urban Fires
Authors: McAllister Jamie L.
Published: October 2015

Occupational and environmental exposure hazards from combustion events pose a risk to those intimate with the fire, as well as those remote from the fire origin. One of the main occupational exposure hazards for firefighters occurs via inhalation of combustion products predominantly after active firefighting procedures have ceased. The removal of respiratory protection or failure to use respiratory protection is linked to the assumed-risk culture of the fire service; exposure also occurs from a failure to recognize the respiratory risks present in the working environment and due to the encumbrance of personal protective equipment during firefighting and overhaul operations. The outcome of occupational exposures can vary, but epidemiological studies have clearly shown an increased risk for certain types of cancers and cardiac diseases in the fire service cohort. In the military and civil population, many studies have shown a relationship between acute increases in environmental air pollutants, such as PM10, and acute, non-life threatening respiratory symptoms such as asthma and bronchitis.
The World Trade Centre Disaster
Authors: Kendall Michaela , Cohen Mitchell , Chen Lung-Chi
Published: October 2015

The Twin Towers disaster followed the terrorist attack of 9th September 2001 on New York City's (NYC) World Trade Center (WTC). This man-made environmental disaster, known as 9/11, was caused by two airplanes being flown intentionally into two towers of the WTC and resulted in destruction and debris across a wide urban area of Lower Manhattan, NYC. In the immediate aftermath, during months of continuous fire and subsequent clean-up, there were recorded human exposures to WTC dust and smoke. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of NYC residents and workers, plus incoming responders to the incident, were exposed to some level of WTC contamination. While the disaster initiated a rapid military response to secure the area, the non-military, post-disaster management continued for years. Defining the occupational and environmental health consequences of this disaster is still a work in progress, as data collection on health effects continues into a second decade. In this chapter we limit our focus and review to the WTC dust release from Ground Zero (where the WTC buildings had previously stood) in the NYC environs only. We then summarise the latest findings of ongoing studies linking WTC dust and smoke exposures to specific health consequences. We summarise the events as they unfolded, and describe some of the key lessons that were learned during the disaster.
Providing Advice to those Exposed to Combustion Products
Authors: Murray Virginia
Published: October 2015

Coordinating planning and response by emergency services linking to public health and local authorities with the relevant governmental agencies is vital to enable appropriate procedures to implement the best strategies to protect the health of the population—one such of concern is the provisions of advice to those exposed to combustion products. Public health advice relates to sheltering using the message “go in, stay in, tune in” and to evacuation using the message of “get out, stay out and call 999”. This chapter, by describing eight case studies documented by the UK Health Protection Agency, shows that this advice is a complex but poorly researched area. These eight case studies illustrate the dilemmas identified by emergency services in providing the best advice to the public and the difficulties in making decisions in a multi-agency and timely way. Implementing these decisions may also be contentious, particularly when individuals may refuse to leave their homes. It was also noted that this advice is sometimes not shared clearly or well communicated. Many gaps in research are identified on the provisions of advice to those exposed to combustion products, including the need for a systematic study of the evidence base on the provision of advice to those exposed to combustion products and the need for standardised documentation of each event to allow improved assessment of the guidance offered and of its efficacy. It would be useful to broaden this systematic literature review to include all incidents, fire, chemical spills and other events, such as extreme weather events and other natural hazards, where sheltering and evacuation guidance is given to the public.
Enhancing tissue integration and angiogenesis of a novel nanocomposite polymer using plasma surface polymerisation, an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Griffin Michelle F. , Palgrave Robert G. , Seifalian Alexander M. , Butler Peter E. , Kalaskar Deepak M.
Published: October 2015

Enhancing tissue integration and angiogenesis of a novel nanocomposite polymer using plasma surface modification, anin vitroandin vivostudy.
Record high magnetic exchange and magnetization blockade in Ln2@C79N (Ln = Gd(iii) and Dy(iii)) molecules: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar , Yadav Neeraj , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: October 2015

Ln2@C79N EMFs are found to attain the largest magnetic coupling reported to date between Ln-radical paramagnetic centres. The obtained Ucal values are very large, and strong exchange likely to quench the QTM effects offers a great chance to obtain high blocking temperatures.
New formulation of old aspirin for better delivery
Authors: Kalathil Akil A. , Kumar Anil , Banik Bhabatosh , Ruiter Timothy A. , Pathak Rakesh K. , Dhar Shanta
Published: October 2015

A hydrophobic, cleavable aspirin analogue was constructed and optimized for its incorporation into delivery vehicles for target-oriented delivery of the widely used anti-inflammatory drug aspirin.
A near infrared luminescent metal–organic framework for temperature sensing in the physiological range
Authors: Lian Xiusheng , Zhao Dian , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong
Published: October 2015

A near infrared luminescent metal–organic framework thermometer Nd0.577Yb0.423BDC-F4 has been realized and shows excellent sensitivity in the physiological temperature range.
The regioselective iodination of quinolines, quinolones, pyridones, pyridines and uracil
Authors: Dutta Uttam , Deb Arghya , Lupton David W. , Maiti Debabrata
Published: October 2015

A radical based direct C–H iodination protocol for quinolines, quinolones, pyridones, pyridines, and uracil has been developed.
A template-free solvent-mediated synthesis of high surface area boron nitride nanosheets for aerobic oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Wu Peiwen , Zhu Wenshuai , Chao Yanhong , Zhang Jinshui , Zhang Pengfei , Zhu Huiyuan , Li Changfeng , Chen Zhigang , Li Huaming , Dai Sheng
Published: October 2015

Hexagonal BN nanosheets with high surface area are developedviamethanol-mediated synthesis, presenting outstanding catalytic performance in aerobic oxidative desulfurization.
Dynamic configuration of reduced graphene oxide in aqueous dispersion and its effect on thin film properties
Authors: Wang Yufei , Zhang Xuehua , Li Dan
Published: October 2015

The configuration of reduced graphene oxide sheets in an aqueous dispersion is found to be dynamic, showing a remarkable impact on their thin film properties.
Structure and bonding of [(SIPr)AgX] (X = Cl, Br, I and OTf)
Authors: Wong Valerie H. L. , White Andrew J. P. , Hor T. S. Andy , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: October 2015

A series of iso-structural complexes [(SIPr)AgX] (X = Cl, Br, I, OTf; SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidene) were synthesised, including the first example of a N-heterocyclic carbene silver(i) complex containing an O-bound triflate.
Near-IR mediated intracellular uncaging of NO from cell targeted hollow gold nanoparticles
Authors: Levy Elizabeth S. , Morales Demosthenes P. , Garcia John V. , Reich Norbert O. , Ford Peter C.
Published: October 2015

NIR light triggers NO delivery with unprecedented spatio-temporal control inside prostate cancer cells from surface-modified hollow gold nanoshells.
Synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry, and photophysical studies of triarylamine-containing zinc(ii) diimine bis-thiolate complexes
Authors: Yu Tao , Au Vonika Ka-Man , Tsang Daniel Ping-Kuen , Chan Mei-Yee , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: October 2015

A series of triarylamine-containing Zn(ii) diimine bis-thiolate complexes were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry and satisfactory elemental analysis.
Mono- and di-bromo platinum(iv) prodrugs via oxidative bromination: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Xu Zoufeng , Wang Zhigang , Yiu Shek-Man , Zhu Guangyu
Published: October 2015

Mono- and di-bromo platinum(iv) prodrugs were synthesized via oxidative bromination using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in different solvents.
Two Ti13-oxo-clusters showing non-compact structures, film electrode preparation and photocurrent properties
Authors: Hou Jin-Le , Luo Wen , Wu Yin-Yin , Su Hu-Chao , Zhang Guang-Lin , Zhu Qin-Yu , Dai Jie
Published: October 2015

Photoelectrodes are prepared by a wet coating process using solutions of two new Ti13 clusters that possess non-compact structures and the photocurrent response properties of the electrodes are studied.
Sequential structural transitions with distinct dielectric responses in a layered perovskite organic–inorganic hybrid material: [C4H9N]2[PbBr4]
Authors: Wang Zhong-Xia , Liao Wei-Qiang , Ye Heng-Yun , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2015

A novel organic–inorganic hybrid layered compound undergoes two phase transitions at 315 and 250 K, accompanied by distinct dielectric responses.
Structure and properties of Al-MIL-53-ADP, a breathing MOF based on the aliphatic linker molecule adipic acid
Authors: Reinsch Helge , Pillai Renjith S. , Siegel Renée , Senker Jürgen , Lieb Alexandra , Maurin Guillaume , Stock Norbert
Published: October 2015

A new breathing Al-MIL-53 framework incorporating adipic acid as linker molecules is reported and characterised in detail.
Correction: A probe with aggregation induced emission characteristics for screening of iodide
Authors: Chopra Rakesh , Kaur Paramjit , Singh Kamaljit
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘A probe with aggregation induced emission characteristics for screening of iodide’ by Rakesh Chopra, et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 16233–16237.
Accumulation of zinc, copper, or cerium in carrot (Daucus carota) exposed to metal oxide nanoparticles and metal ions
Authors: Ebbs Stephen D. , Bradfield Scott J. , Kumar Pawan , White Jason C. , Musante Craig , Ma Xingmao
Published: October 2015

The ionic forms of Zn, Cu, and Ce are transported into carrot taproots, while nanomaterial forms of ZnO, CuO, and CeO2 were largely screened by the taproot outer periderm layer.
Solid oxide electrolysis: Concluding remarks
Authors: Jun Areum , Ju Young-Wan , Kim Guntae
Published: October 2015

Renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, hydropower or geothermal energy have attracted significant attention in recent years. Renewable energy sources have to match supply with demand, therefore it is essential that energy storage devices (e.g., secondary batteries) are developed. However, secondary batteries are accompanied with critical problems such as high cost for the limited energy storage capacity and loss of charge over time. Energy storage in the form of chemical species, such as H2 or CO2, have no constraints on energy storage capacity and will also be essential. When plentiful renewable energy exists, for example, it could be used to convert H2O into hydrogen via water electrolysis. Also, renewable energy resources could be used to reduce CO2 into CO and recycle CO2 and H2O into sustainable hydrocarbon fuels in solid oxide electrolysis (SOE).
Rusted iron wire waste into high performance anode (α-Fe2O3) for Li-ion batteries: an efficient waste management approach
Authors: Mhamane Dattakumar , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Roh Kwang Chul , Srinivasan Madhavi , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: October 2015

Chain like interconnected α-Fe2O3nanoparticles are prepared from rusted iron wire waste. Suitability in real cells is realized with LiMn2O4as a cathode. This approach provides a sustainable preparation route for high performance materials.
Laccase-catalysed biotransformation of collismycin derivatives. A novel enzymatic approach for the cleavage of oximes
Authors: González-Sabín Javier , Ríos-Lombardía Nicolás , García Ignacio , Vior Natalia M. , Braña Alfredo F. , Méndez Carmen , Salas José A. , Morís Francisco
Published: October 2015

An unprecedented and eco-friendly method for the deprotection of oximes with a laccase/tempo system was developed.