bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple chaotic image scrambling on RGB – a random image encryption approach
Authors: Praveenkumar Padmapriya , Amirtharajan Rengarajan , Thenmozhi Karuppuswamy , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru
Published: April 2015

Multimedia is ruling the digital era where data storage and transmission have gained huge importance. The refuge of such data transfer has been a chief apprehension and becomes the study in the limelight, probably, forever. The universal phenomenon is to send the desired data in disguise so that only the beneficiary can avail it. In this paper, a combination of space‐filling curve with chaos has been used for encryption process. Initially, three chaotic sequences were generated using Chua's equations followed by quantification of those sequences. Key based on Hilbert curve is used for scrambling. For introducing confusion, the image is further scrambled using row and column shifting operations using the first two chaotic sequences used with space‐filling curve. Then pixel replacement has been done by bit XOR between scrambled image and the third chaotic sequence. Finally, Gould transform is applied to enhance image authentication and tamper proofing of the encrypted image. In addition, deoxyribonucleic acid‐based complementary addition rule is integrated to make the proposed scheme robust against statistical attacks, which also provides immense parallelism to generate the final encrypted image. The proposed methodology has been implemented in MATLAB 7.1. The results are compared with the existing methods. To validate the proposed system, image metrics like correlation coefficient, number of pixels change rate, unified average changing intensity, key sensitivity, cropping attacks, and noise have been computed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sexually transmitted infection screening algorithm based on semiparametric regression models
Authors: Li Zhuokai , Liu Hai , Tu Wanzhu
Published: April 2015

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States, disproportionately affecting young women. Because a significant portion of the infections present no symptoms, infection control relies primarily on disease screening. However, universal STI screening in a large population can be expensive. In this paper, we propose a semiparametric model‐based screening algorithm. The model quantifies organism‐specific infection risks in individual subjects and accounts for the within‐subject interdependence of the infection outcomes of different organisms and the serial correlations among the repeated assessments of the same organism. Bivariate thin‐plate regression spline surfaces are incorporated to depict the concurrent influences of age and sexual partners on infection acquisition. Model parameters are estimated by using a penalized likelihood method. For inference, we develop a likelihood‐based resampling procedure to compare the bivariate effect surfaces across outcomes. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the model fitting performance. A screening algorithm is developed using data collected from an epidemiological study of young women at increased risk of STIs. We present evidence that the three organisms have distinct age and partner effect patterns; for C. trachomatis, the partner effect is more pronounced in younger adolescents. Predictive performance of the proposed screening algorithm is assessed through a receiver operating characteristic analysis. We show that the model‐based screening algorithm has excellent accuracy in identifying individuals at increased risk, and thus can be used to assist STI screening in clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanistic Investigation of the Biological Effects of SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO Nanoparticles on Intestinal Cells
Authors: Setyawati Magdiel I. , Tay Chor Yong , Leong David T.
Published: April 2015

Silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) are currently among the most widely used nanoparticles (NPs) in the food industry. This could potentially lead to unintended exposure of the gastrointestinal tract to these NPs. This study aims to investigate the potential side‐effects of these food‐borne NPs on intestinal cells and to mechanistically understand the observed biological responses. Among the panel of tested NPs, ZnO NPs are the most toxic. Consistently in all three tested intestinal cell models, ZnO NPs invoke the most inflammatory responses from the cells and induce the highest intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The elevated ROS levels induce significant damage to the DNA of the cells, resulting in cell‐cycle arrest and subsequently cell death. In contrast, both SiO2 and TiO2 NPs elicit minimum biological responses from the intestinal cells. Overall, the study showcases the varying capability of the food‐borne NPs to induce a cellular response in the intestinal cells. In addition to physicochemical differences in the NPs, the genetic landscape of the intestinal cell models governs the toxicology profile of these food‐borne NPs.
(Il)Legitimate Language Skills and Membership: English Teachers' Perspectives on Early (English) Study Abroad Returnees inEFLClassrooms
Authors: Song Juyoung
Published: April 2015

Via globalization, an increasing number of young English language learners have gone to English‐speaking countries to acquire English skills as early as possible. As a result, quite a number of learners have returned to their countries of origin with new sets of skills and competencies. Focusing on this new group of English learners, this study examined English language teachers' perspectives on these study abroad returnees with respect to their English skills and classroom participation. Fourteen English teachers in secondary schools in South Korea participated in this study through interviews. The results show that English teachers were somewhat dismissive of returnees' “advanced” or “communicative” English skills that do not comply with local curriculum requirements and assessment standards. This disparity together with returnees' particular difficulties in adopting local norms and classroom participation potentially demands new approaches in language teaching and assessment. The article discusses how to develop more globalization‐responsive teaching practices to deal with the challenge brought by globalization in general and study abroad returnees in particular.
Hematotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluations in Swiss mice intraperitoneally exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis (var kurstaki) spore crystals genetically modified to express individually Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, or Cry2Aa
Authors: Mezzomo Bélin Poletto , Miranda‐Vilela Ana Luisa , Barbosa Lilian Carla Pereira , Albernaz Vanessa Lima , Grisolia Cesar Koppe
Published: April 2015

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been widely used in foliar sprays as part of integrated pest management strategies against insect pests of agricultural crops. Since the advent of genetically modified plants expressing Bt δ‐endotoxins, the bioavailability of Cry proteins has increased, and therefore for biosafety reasons their adverse effects should be studied, mainly for nontarget organisms. We evaluated, in Swiss mice, the hematotoxicity and genotoxicity of the genetically modified strains of Bt spore crystals Cry1Aa, 1Ab, 1Ac, or 2Aa at 27 mg/kg, and Cry1Aa, 1Ab and 2Aa also at 136 and 270 mg/kg, administered with a single intraperitoneal injection 24 h before euthanasia. Controls received filtered water or cyclophosphamide. Blood samples collected by cardiac puncture were used to perform hemogram, and bone marrow was extracted for the micronucleus test. Bt spore crystals presented toxicity for lymphocytes when in higher doses, which varied according to the type of spore crystal studied, besides promoting cytotoxic and genotoxic effects for the erythroid lineage of bone marrow, mainly at highest doses. Although the profile of such adverse side effects can be related to their high level of exposure, which is not commonly found in the environment, results indicated that these Bt spore crystals were not harmless to mice. This suggests that a more specific approach should be taken to increase knowledge about their toxicological properties and to establish the toxicological risks to nontarget organisms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 970–978, 2016.
Sublethal toxicity of quinalphos on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in a freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Hemalatha Devan , Amala Antony , Rangasamy Basuvannan , Nataraj Bojan , Ramesh Mathan
Published: April 2015

Extensive use of quinalphos, an organophosphorus pesticide, is likely to reach the aquatic environment and thereby posing a health concern for aquatic organisms. Oxidative stress and antioxidant responses may be good indicators of pesticide contamination in aquatic organisms. The data on quinalphos induced oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in carps are scanty. This study is aimed to assess the two sublethal concentrations of quinalphos (1.09 and 2.18 μL L−1) on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses of Cyprinus carpio for a period of 20 days. In liver, the malondialdehyde level was found to be significantly increased in both the concentrations. The results of the antioxidant parameters obtained show a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase activity in liver of fish. These results demonstrate that environmentally relevant levels of the insecticide quinalphos can cause oxidative damage and increase the antioxidant scavenging capacity in C. carpio. This may reflect the potential role of these parameters as useful biomarkers for the assessment of pesticide contamination. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1399–1406, 2016.
A Novel Technique of Anti‐reflux Esophagogastrostomy Following Left Thoracoabdominal Esophagectomy for Carcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction
Authors: Mine Shinji , Nunobe Souya , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: April 2015

We developed an anti‐reflux technique of intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy, based on the “Kamikawa procedure” or “Double flap technique”, which is sometimes used in Japan after open proximal gastrectomy for early upper gastric cancer. We applied this technique to four patients with tumors of the esophagogastric junction. All four patients underwent lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy via a left thoraco‐abdominal approach. This procedure includes four steps. Firstly, “double door” seromuscular flaps were created at the anterior wall of the gastric tube. Secondly, the inferior end of the mucosal “window” was opened. Thirdly, suturing was performed between the esophagus and the gastric mucosal “window”. Finally, the anastomosis was covered by the seromuscular flaps. No patient experienced post‐operative morbidity, or suffered from reflux, even in the Trendelenburg position, dysphagia, or belching. Although this procedure has only been applied to a limited number of patients, we consider that this anastomosis surgical technique is a promising approach to the prevention of reflux after esophagogastrostomy.
Surgeon Personality is Associated with Recommendation for Operative Treatment
Authors: Teunis Teun , Janssen Stein J. , Guitton Thierry G. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Goos Bert , Ring David
Published: April 2015

Purpose

When surgeons disagree about the role of surgery, patient values and preferences should drive decision-making, but there is evidence that surgeon preferences have substantial influence. Surgeon preferences may relate to surgeon personality. Our primary null hypothesis is that specific personality characteristics (work styles) are not associated with the recommendation for operative treatment accounting for surgeon demographics.

Patients and Methods

We invited members of the Science of Variation Group to assess images of 15 upper extremity injuries with debatable indications for surgery, recommended operative or non-operative treatment, and grade their confidence in this decision ( n=270); subsequently, participants completed the validated Octogram Work and Leadership Style Test ( n=223). We selected injuries that could be treated either operatively or non-operatively including fractures of the clavicle, scapula, humerus, and radius fractures, and proximal and distal bicep ruptures.

Results

A higher proportion of recommendations for surgery was independently associated with a higher Octogram test pioneer score (β regression coefficient [β] 0.0054, partial R2 0.065, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.0027–0.0080, P<.001) and practice location outside North America and Europe (β 0.13, partial R2 0.079, 95 % CI 0.073–0.020, P<.001) (adjusted R2 0.12, P<.001). No work styles were associated with more confidence in treatment.

Conclusions

A recommendation for discretionary surgery for musculoskeletal injury was related to surgeon personality. Surgeon self-awareness of how their work style can influence their recommendations might make them more receptive to techniques that ensure patient values have more influence than surgeon preferences on treatment decisions.
Detection of 14q32 rearrangements in multiple myeloma, using simultaneous FISH analysis combined with immunofluorescence
Authors: Abaza Hala MH , Youssef Soha R , Saad Abeer A , Kamal Gihan M , Hegazy Marwa GA , Ibrahim Rasha I , Annaka Layla MH
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND:

14q32 rearrangement has been identified as a recurrent hotspot of translocations in multiple myeloma (MM). The Fluorescence Immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a tool for the Investigation of Neoplasms (known as FICTION technique) for evaluation of chromosomal changes in MM. The aim of this work is to detect 14q32 rearrangement, using FICTION technique, on archival bone marrow (BM) slides of MM patients, and to study its prognostic value.

METHOD:

This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital. The FICTION technique, which uses CD138 and dual color, and the break-apart 14q32 rearrangement probe, was performed on archived smears of BM slides for 50 MM patients at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS:

A significantly higher percentage of cases were positive for 14q32 rearrangement by FICTION (32%) compared to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (12%) (p = 0.04). Cases positive by FICTION for the rearrangement were designated as Group A, while negative cases were designated as Group B. Significantly lower Hb and CRP levels were found among Group B when compared to Group A patients (p = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Serum albumin level and Bence Jones protein (BJP) significantly affect overall survival (OS) (p = 0.01, 0.007, respectively). However, a statistically non-significant shorter mean survival time was found in positive cases through FICTION versus negative cases.

CONCLUSION:

FICTION technique provides a sensitive tool for establishing clonal plasma cells (PC) infiltration of BM aspirates, and is amenable for use on archived as well as fresh smears.
The Impact of Market Competition on Search Advertising
Authors: Yang Yupin , Lu Qiang (Steven) , Tang Guanting , Pei Jian
Published: April 2015

Although search advertising has gained popularity in recent years, research on the content of search advertising is scarce. This study develops a conceptual framework to understand how market competition affects what a firm advertises in its search ads. Search advertisements from two industries (i.e., hotel and car industries) are used to test hypotheses developed from the conceptual framework. The findings indicate that in a highly competitive market (1) firms engage in more price advertising in their search ads and (2) intermediaries are more likely to increase price advertising in their search ads than brand suppliers. More interestingly, competition from intermediaries and brand suppliers has different effects on the content of search advertising by intermediaries and brand suppliers. These findings enhance the understanding of firms’ behaviors in determining their search advertising content based on the intensity of market competition.
The trapping in high-shear regions of slender bacteria undergoing chemotaxis in a channel
Authors: Bearon R. N. , Hazel A. L.
Published: April 2015

Recently published experimental observations of slender bacteria swimming in channel flow demonstrate that the bacteria become trapped in regions of high shear, leading to reduced concentrations near the channel’s centreline. However, the commonly used advection–diffusion equation, formulated in macroscopic space variables and originally derived for unbounded homogeneous shear flow, predicts that the concentration of bacteria is uniform across the channel in the absence of chemotactic bias. In this paper, we instead use a Smoluchowski equation to describe the probability distribution of the bacteria, in macroscopic (physical) and microscopic (orientation) space variables. We demonstrate that the Smoluchowski equation is able to predict the trapping phenomena and compare the full numerical solution of the Smoluchowski equation with experimental results when there is no chemotactic bias and also in the presence of a uniform cross-channel chemotactic gradient. Moreover, a simple analytic approximation for the equilibrium distribution provides an excellent approximate solution for slender bacteria, suggesting that the dominant effect on equilibrium behaviour is flow-induced modification of the bacteria’s swimming direction. A continuum framework is thus provided to explain how the equilibrium distribution of slender chemotactic bacteria is altered in the presence of spatially varying shear flow. In particular, we demonstrate that while advection is an appropriate description of transport due to the mean swimming velocity, the random reorientation mechanism of the bacteria cannot be simply modelled as diffusion in physical space.
Polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract exerts hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic effects in mice fed a diet containing high fat and cholesterol
Authors: Benn Tyler , Kim Bohkyung , Park Young-Ki , Yang Yue , Pham Tho X. , Ku Chai Siah , Farruggia Callie , Harness Ellen , Smyth Joan A. , Lee Ji-Young
Published: April 2015

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. We investigated whether polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) can prevent high fat/high cholesterol (HF/HC) diet-induced metabolic disturbances in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a modified AIN-93M diet containing HF/HC (16 % fat, 0·25 % cholesterol, w/w) or the same diet supplemented with 0·1 % BCE (w/w) for 12 weeks. There were no differences in total body weight and liver weight between groups. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and glucose levels were significantly lower in BCE group than in controls, while plasma TAG levels were not significantly different. There was a decreasing trend in hepatic TAG levels, and histological evaluation of steatosis grade was markedly lower in the livers of mice fed BCE. Although the mRNA levels of major regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, i.e. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and LDL receptor (LDLR), were not significantly altered by BCE supplementation, protein expression of mature sterol-regulatory element-binding protein and LDLR was significantly increased with no change in HMGR protein. The expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 that facilitates LDLR protein degradation, as well as one of its transcriptional regulators, i.e. hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, was significantly decreased in the livers of mice fed BCE. Taken together, BCE supplementation decreased plasma TC and glucose, and inhibited liver steatosis, suggesting that this berry may be consumed to prevent metabolic dysfunctions induced by diets high in fat and cholesterol.
Morphometric and molecular analyses of two digenean species from the mullet: Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1892) from Vietnam and Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 from the Russian southern Far East
Authors: Besprozvannykh V.V. , Atopkin D.M. , Ngo H.D. , Ermolenko A.V. , Ha N.V. , Tang N.V. , Beloded A.Yu.
Published: April 2015

Adults of Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1829) were found in the intestine of Liza engeli (Bleeker) from the coastal waters of Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam. Additionally, Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 was discovered in Liza haematocheila (Temminck & Schlegel) from Vostok Bay, Gulf of Peter the Great, southern Far-East Russia. Data concerning morphology, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA of these worms were obtained.The molecular data confirmed the validity of these species and showed that specimens identified as H. pachysomus are closely related to specimens of H. pachysomus found in Spain, and that P. crenimugilis is closely related to Haplosplanchnus purii. Molecular differentiation of P. crenimugilis and H. purii was 0.92% by combined ribosomal gene sequences that confirmed species validity. Molecular differentiation between P. crenimugilis and H. purii, on the one hand, and H. pachysomus, on the other hand, was much higher, suggesting that the sequence for H. purii in GenBank is for a misidentified species of the genus Provitellotrema Pan, 1984.
Forgetting Franz Ferdinand: The Archduke in Austrian Memory
Authors: Miller Paul
Published: April 2015

In 1909, at age forty-six,FranzFerdinand made a decision about his deaththat would shape the memory of his life: he would be buried beside his morganatic wife, Sophie Chotek, at his palace in Artstetten (Lower Austria). That may not seem like much from the perspective of our own era. But in the context of the 600-year-old tradition-bound Habsburg dynasty, and in view of the archduke's exalted place in it as nephew of the near octogenarian emperor and next in line for the imperial throne, it was pure rebellion. For what the successor had also determined was where he wouldnotbe interred—with his esteemed ancestors in Vienna'sKaisergruft(Kaiser Crypt), which was strictly off-limits to lesser nobility like the Duchess of Hohenberg.
The Bilateral Relationship between Austria-Hungary and the United States from April to December 1917
Authors: Horčička Václav
Published: April 2015

The significance of the collapse of theHabsburg monarchyin 1918 is unquestionable in the context of Central European history. Small countries were formed, replacing a multinational empire. These new countries, however, had to deal with the aftermath of the downfall of the monarchy in the political, economic, and social spheres for a long time thereafter. Because so much is known about the collapse of the Danubian Monarchy today, one may wonder what else could possibly be said about the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Countless authors at home and abroad, some of them distinguished and others unreliable, as well as eyewitnesses and professional historians, have all devoted time and energy to this subject throughout the nearly one hundred years that have passed since the old monarchy fell apart.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for diagnosis of 18 World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) notifiable viral diseases of ruminants, swine and poultry
Authors: Mansour Shimaa M. G. , Ali Haytham , Chase Christopher C. L. , Cepica Arnost
Published: April 2015

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a simple, powerful state-of-the-art gene amplification technique used for the rapid diagnosis and early detection of microbial diseases. Many LAMP assays have been developed and validated for important epizootic diseases of livestock. We review the LAMP assays that have been developed for the detection of 18 viruses deemed notifiable of ruminants, swine and poultry by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). LAMP provides a fast (the assay often takes less than an hour), low cost, highly sensitive, highly specific and less laborious alternative to detect infectious disease agents. The LAMP procedure can be completed under isothermal conditions so thermocyclers are not needed. The ease of use of the LAMP assay allows adaptability to field conditions and works well in developing countries with resource-limited laboratories. However, this technology is still underutilized in the field of veterinary diagnostics despite its huge capabilities.
The occurrence of the Mediterranean soft coral Maasella edwardsi (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) in the Aegean Sea coasts of Turkey
Authors: Özalp H. Bariş , Ateş A. Suat
Published: April 2015

The Mediterranean endemic coralMaasella edwardsi(de Lacaze-Duthiers, 1888) is recorded for the first time from the Aegean Sea coasts of Turkey. A dozen colonies of the species were observed on rocks and the rhizomes ofPosidonia oceanicameadows during the coral surveys carried out between 2012 and 2014. This record shows the northernmost occurrence of species in terms of geographic distribution in the Turkish coasts. The number of known species for the Anthozoan fauna of Turkey has increased to 76 with this new record.
A compact broadband printed monopole antenna with U-shaped slit and rectangular parasitic patches for multiple applications
Authors: Baudha Sudeep , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a compact broadband printed monopole antenna with U-shaped slit in the partial ground plane and rectangular parasitic patches adjacent to the microstrip line for multiple applications. The optimal dimensions of the proposed antenna are 35 × 25 × 1.5 mm3 and is fabricated on commercially available low-cost FR4 substrate with εr = 4.3 and 0.025 loss tangent. Due to introduction of rectangular parasitic patches and U-shaped slit large bandwidth has been achieved. The impedance bandwidth (return loss, magnitude of S11 < 10 dB) of the proposed antenna is 139% (2.9–16.3 GHz). The proposed antenna covers ultra wide band applications, 5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN bands, 3.5/5.5 GHz WiMAX bands, X band (8–12 GHz), satellite communication, and other wireless communication services. The study shows that there is good agreement in simulated and measured results. Nearly stable radiation patterns have been obtained throughout the operating band. Antenna results and details are discussed and elaborated.
Cohort Profile: Swedish Twin Study on Prediction and Prevention of Asthma (STOPPA)
Authors: Almqvist Catarina , Örtqvist Anne K. , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Lundholm Cecilia , Lichtenstein Paul , Magnusson Patrik K. E.
Published: April 2015

Asthma is a common childhood disease and several risk factors have been identified; however, the impact of genes and environment is not fully understood. The aim of the Swedish Twin study On Prediction and Prevention of Asthma (STOPPA) is to identify environmental (birth characteristics and early life) and genetic (including epigenetic) factors as determinants for asthmatic disease. Based on the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) (parental interview at 9 or 12 years, N ~23,900) and an asthma and/or wheezing algorithm, we identified a sample of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) same-sexed twin pairs. The twin pairs were classified as asthma concordant (ACC), asthma discordant (ADC) and healthy concordant (HCC). A sample of 9- to 14-year-old twins and their parents were invited to participate in a clinical examination. Background characteristics were collected in questionnaires and obtained from the National Health Registers. A clinical examination was performed to test lung function and capacity (spirometry with reversibility test and exhaled nitric oxide) and collect blood (serology and DNA), urine (metabolites), feces (microbiota), and saliva (cortisol). In total, 376 twin pairs (752 individual twins) completed the study, response rate 52%. All participating twins answered the questionnaire and >90% participated in lung function testing, blood-, and saliva sampling. This article describes the design, recruitment, data collection, measures, and background characteristics, as well as ongoing and planned analyses in STOPPA. Potential gains of the study include the identification of biomarkers, the emergence of candidates for drug development, and new leads for prevention of asthma and allergic disease.
Is the Shale Boom Reversing Progress in Curbing Ozone Pollution?
Authors: Schade Gunnar W. , Roest Geoffrey S.
Published: April 2015

Concentrations of volatile organic compounds—precursors to ground-level ozone formation—are on the rise in areas over and downwind of a major shale oil and gas field in Texas.
Genetic factors in cerebral small vessel disease and their impact on stroke and dementia
Authors: Haffner Christof , Malik Rainer , Dichgans Martin
Published: April 2015

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is among the most frequent causes of both stroke and dementia. There is a growing list of genes known to be implicated in Mendelian forms of SVD. Also, genome-wide association studies have identified common variants at a number of genetic loci that are associated with manifestations of SVD, among them loci for white matter hyperintensities, small vessel stroke, and deep intracerebral hemorrhage. Driven by these discoveries and new animal models substantial progress has been made in elucidating the molecular, cellular, and physiologic mechanisms underlying SVD. A major theme emerging from these studies is the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent findings include a role of structural constituents of the ECM such as type IV collagens in hereditary and sporadic SVD, the sequestration of proteins with a known role in ECM maintenance into aggregates of NOTCH3, and altered signaling through molecules known to interact with the ECM. Here, we review recent progress in the identification of genes involved in SVD and discuss mechanistic concepts with a particular focus on the ECM.
Late-Onset Thermal Hypersensitivity after Focal Ischemic Thalamic Infarcts as a Model for Central Post-Stroke Pain in Rats
Authors: Blasi Francesco , Hérisson Fanny , Wang Shuxing , Mao Jianren , Ayata Cenk
Published: April 2015

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome that often develops in a delayed manner after thalamic stroke. Here, we describe a new model of CPSP by stereotaxic thalamic injection of endothelin-1. Stroke rats ( n = 12), but not saline-injected controls ( n = 12), developed a progressive, contralateral cutaneous thermal hyperalgesia over 4 weeks, without motor deficits. Lesions were highly focal and mainly affected the ventral posterior thalamic complex. Tchis model reproduces the infarct location and delayed hypersensitivity typical of CPSP, and may be useful to investigate its pathophysiology and test therapies targeting recovery and pain after thalamic stroke.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Neurovascular Dysfunction in Mild Dementia and Alzheimer'S Disease
Authors: Sweeney Melanie D , Sagare Abhay P , Zlokovic Berislav V
Published: April 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related dementias. In addition to genetics, environment, and lifestyle, growing evidence supports vascular contributions to dementias including dementia because of AD. Alzheimer's disease affects multiple cell types within the neurovascular unit (NVU), including brain vascular cells (endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells), glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), and neurons. Thus, identifying and integrating biomarkers of the NVU cell-specific responses and injury with established AD biomarkers, amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, has a potential to contribute to better understanding of the disease process in dementias including AD. Here, we discuss the existing literature on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of the NVU cell-specific responses during early stages of dementia and AD. We suggest that the clinical usefulness of established AD biomarkers, Aβ and tau, could be further improved by developing an algorithm that will incorporate biomarkers of the NVU cell-specific responses and injury. Such biomarker algorithm could aid in early detection and intervention as well as identify novel treatment targets to delay disease onset, slow progression, and/or prevent AD.
Metallic glass nanostructures of tunable shape and composition
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Liu Jingbei , Sohn Sungwoo , Li Yanglin , Cha Judy J. , Schroers Jan
Published: April 2015

Metals of hybrid nano-/microstructures are of broad technological and fundamental interests. Manipulation of shape and composition on the nanoscale, however, is challenging, especially for multicomponent alloys such as metallic glasses. Although top–down approaches have demonstrated nanomoulding, they are limited to very few alloy systems. Here we report a facile method to synthesize metallic glass nanoarchitectures that can be applied to a broad range of glass-forming alloys. This strategy, using multitarget carousel oblique angle deposition, offers the opportunity to achieve control over size, shape and composition of complex alloys at the nanoscale. As a consequence, nanostructures of programmable three-dimensional shapes and tunable compositions are realized on wafer scale for metallic glasses including the marginal glass formers. Realizing nanostructures in a wide compositional range allows chemistry optimization for technological usage of metallic glass nanostructures, and also enables the fundamental study on size, composition and fabrication dependences of metallic glass properties.
NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence and association of lipids and keratin in adhesive gecko setae
Authors: Jain Dharamdeep , Stark Alyssa Y. , Niewiarowski Peter H. , Miyoshi Toshikazu , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: April 2015

Lipid and protein aggregates are one of the fundamental materials of biological systems. Examples include cell membranes, insect cuticle, vertebrate epidermis, feathers, hair and adhesive structures known as ‘setae’ on gecko toes. Until recently gecko setae were assumed to be composed entirely of keratin, but analysis of footprints left behind by geckos walking on surfaces revealed that setae include various kinds of lipids. However, the arrangement and molecular-level behavior of lipids and keratin in the setae is still not known. In the present study we demonstrate, for the first time, the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques to confirm the presence of lipids and investigate their association with keratin in ‘pristine' sheds, or natural molts of the adhesive toe pad and non-adhesive regions of the skin. Analysis was also carried on the sheds after they were ‘delipidized’ to remove surface lipids. Our results show a distribution of similar lipids in both the skin and toe shed but with different dynamics at a molecular level. The present study can help us understand the gecko system both biologically and for design of synthetic adhesives, but the findings may be relevant to the characteristics of lipid-protein interactions in other biological systems.
Transverse Domain Wall Profile for Spin Logic Applications
Authors: Goolaup S. , Ramu M. , Murapaka C. , Lew W. S.
Published: April 2015

Domain wall (DW) based logic and memory devices require precise control and manipulation of DW in nanowire conduits. The topological defects of Transverse DWs (TDW) are of paramount importance as regards to the deterministic pinning and movement of DW within complex networks of conduits. In-situ control of the DW topological defects in nanowire conduits may pave the way for novel DW logic applications. In this work, we present a geometrical modulation along a nanowire conduit, which allows for the topological rectification/inversion of TDW in nanowires. This is achieved by exploiting the controlled relaxation of the TDW within an angled rectangle. Direct evidence of the logical operation is obtained via magnetic force microscopy measurement.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon foams prepared from mesophase pitch through graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet templates
Authors: Xie Rui-Lun , Zong Zhi-Min , Liu Fang-Jing , Wang Yu-Gao , Yan Hui-Long , Wei Zhe-Hao , Mayyas Mohannad , Wei Xian-Yong
Published: April 2015

A scalable and facile method was developed to synthesize nitrogen-doped porous carbon foams (NPCFs) using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets as hard templates through the calcination of mesophase pitch.
Toward the development of versatile functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wan Qing , Liu Meiying , Tian Jianwen , Deng Fengjie , Dai Yanfeng , Wang Ke , Li Zhen , Zhang Qingsong , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: April 2015

A versatile and effective strategy combination of mussel inspired chemistry and SET-LRP has been developed for preparation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic carbon nanotubes for the first time.
Synthetic enzyme supercomplexes: co-immobilization of enzyme cascades
Authors: Kazenwadel F. , Franzreb M. , Rapp B. E.
Published: April 2015

A sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis is the use of enzymes as biocatalysts.
Self-assembly pipette tip-based cigarette filters for micro-solid phase extraction of ketoconazole cis-enantiomers in urine samples followed by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection
Authors: Andrade Roseane Teixeira , Santos da Silva Ricky Cássio , Pereira Arnaldo César , Borges Keyller Bastos
Published: April 2015

A simple stereoselective HPLC/DAD method was developed for the determination of ketoconazole (KTZ) cis-enantiomers in human urine.
High pressure induced charge transfer in 3d–4f bimetallic photomagnetic materials
Authors: Wu Lai-Chin , Nielsen Morten Bormann , Bremholm Martin , Madsen Solveig Røgild , Overgaard Jacob , Newville Matt , Chen Yu-Sheng , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: April 2015

A non-hydrostatic pressure induces ligand to metal charge transfer on the iron site of a 3d–4f photomagnetic material.
A self-healing PDMS polymer with solvatochromic properties
Authors: Jia Xiao-Yong , Mei Jin-Feng , Lai Jian-Cheng , Li Cheng-Hui , You Xiao-Zeng
Published: April 2015

Cobalt(ii) triazole complexes were incorporated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The resulting polymers show solvent-induced chromic behaviour as well as self-healing properties.
Synthesis and evaluation of [11C]PBD150, a radiolabeled glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor for the potential detection of Alzheimer's disease prior to amyloid β aggregation
Authors: Brooks Allen F. , Jackson Isaac M. , Shao Xia , Kropog George W. , Sherman Phillip , Quesada Carole A. , Scott Peter J. H.
Published: April 2015

This study reports the synthesis and initial pre-clinical evaluation of [11C]PBD150, a PET radiotracer for glutaminyl cyclase.
Nanoparticle characterization by means of scanning free grazing emission X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Kayser Yves , Sá Jacinto , Szlachetko Jakub
Published: April 2015

By means of scanning-free GEXRF the size and shapes of nanoparticles on the top of a substrate can accurately be differentiated.
Metal nanocluster light-emitting devices with suppressed parasitic emission and improved efficiency: exploring the impact of photophysical properties
Authors: Koh T.-W. , Hiszpanski A. M. , Sezen M. , Naim A. , Galfsky T. , Trivedi A. , Loo Y.-L. , Menon V. , Rand B. P.
Published: April 2015

Nanoclusters with different degrees of aggregation are synthesized and their electrochemical energy levels are measured to implement light-emitting devices with luminance >40 cd m−2 and EQE >0.1%, with suppressed parasitic emission.
Effect of preorganization on the affinity of synthetic DNA binding motifs for nucleotide ligands
Authors: Vollmer S. , Richert C.
Published: April 2015

Triple helices with an abasic bridge between two oligopurine segments bind ligands like ATP, FAD, and cAMP with dissociation constants as low as 30 nM.
An electrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of rutin based on a novel composite of activated silica gel and graphene
Authors: Xia Jianfei , Wang Zonghua , Cai Feng , Zhang Feifei , Yang Min , Xiang Wenjun , Bi Sai , Gui Rijun
Published: April 2015

A novel sensor based on a silica gel–graphene composite for sensitive and selective detection of rutin.
Natural kaolin derived stable SBA-15 as a support for Fe/BiOCl: a novel and efficient Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of 2-nitrophenol
Authors: Zhao Qihang , Liu Xiaoyan , Sun Menglin , Du Chunfang , Liu Zhiliang
Published: April 2015

The ordered mesoporous material SBA-15 (FCSBA-15) with an enhanced hydrothermal stability was successfully synthesized from natural kaolin in the presence of a fluorocarbon surfactant.
TEM study of the reaction mechanisms involved in the carbothermal reduction of hafnia
Authors: Réjasse Florian , Trolliard Gilles , Rapaud Olivier , Maître Alexandre , David Jérémy
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of HfCxOy oxycarbides through the carbothermal reaction of hafnia with carbon black was undertaken.
Sheet-like structure FeF3/graphene composite as novel cathode material for Na ion batteries
Authors: Shen Yongqiang , Wang Xianyou , Hu Hai , Jiang Miaoling , Bai Yansong , Yang Xiukang , Shu Hongbo
Published: April 2015

A sheet-like structure FeF3/graphene composite is successfully synthesized by a novel and facile sol–gel method.
Enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties in NaTNO/PVDF nanocomposites: a new flexible material for capacitor application
Authors: Bhadra D. , Sarkar S. C. , Chaudhuri B. K.
Published: April 2015

Polymer nanocomposites (PNC) showing improved physical properties are emerging as novel functional materials because of their adaptable physical properties for technological applications.
Characterization of DON in IOM derived from M. aeruginosa and its removal by sunlight/immobilized TiO2system
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wang Jie , Chen Wei , Zhu Haoqiang , Bi Hongkai
Published: April 2015

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is now considered as one of the most important precursors of nitrogenous disinfection byproducts (N-DBPs), and the algae cells were the main source of DON in eutrophic water sources.
Facile one-step mechanochemical synthesis of [Cu(tu)]Cl·1/2H2O nanobelts for high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Guo Di , Guo Hongxu , Ke Yingchang , Wang Dongfang , Chen Jianhua , Wang Qingxiang , Weng Wen
Published: April 2015

A facile one-step mechanochemical process from CuCl2·2H2O and thiourea to fabricate novel [Cu(tu)]Cl·1/2H2O nanobelts has been observed for the first time, and the nanobelts were used as an electrode material for a supercapacitor.
Development of a novel preparation method for conductive PES ultrafine fibers with self-formed thin PES/CNTs composite layer by vapor treatment
Authors: Wei Zhimei , Peng Minle , Qiu Fang , Wang Xiaojun , Shengru long Shengru long , Yang Jie
Published: April 2015

Conductive electrospun fibers have attracted widespread interest in the field of electromagnetics.
Theoretical studies on gas-phase kinetics and mechanism of H-abstraction reaction from methanol by ClO and BrO radicals
Authors: Begum Samiyara , Subramanian Ranga
Published: April 2015

The gas-phase kinetics and mechanism of two channel hydrogen (H) abstraction reaction either hydroxyl H-atom or methyl H-atom from methanol (CH3OH) by halogen monoxide (XO, X = Cl, Br) radical have been investigated using theoretical approach.
Molecular-level understanding of the adsorption mechanism of a graphite-binding peptide at the water/graphite interface
Authors: Penna M. J. , Mijajlovic M. , Tamerler C. , Biggs M. J.
Published: April 2015

The association of proteins and peptides with inorganic material has vast technological potential.
Correction: Redox-responsive, reversibly fluorescent nanoparticles from sustainable cellulose derivatives
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Wei , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Redox-responsive, reversibly fluorescent nanoparticles from sustainable cellulose derivatives’ by Wei Wang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 13675–13681.
Functional characterization of a mycothiol peroxidase in Corynebacterium glutamicum that uses both mycoredoxin and thioredoxin reducing systems in the response to oxidative stress
Authors: Si Meiru , Xu Yixiang , Wang Tietao , Long Mingxiu , Ding Wei , Chen Can , Guan Xinmeng , Liu Yingbao , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: April 2015

Previous studies have identified a putative mycothiol peroxidase (MPx) in Corynebacterium glutamicum that shared high sequence similarity to sulfur-containing Gpx (glutathione peroxidase; CysGPx). In the present study, we investigated the MPx function by examining its potential peroxidase activity using different proton donors. The MPx degrades hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides in the presence of either the thioredoxin/Trx reductase (Trx/TrxR) or the mycoredoxin 1/mycothione reductase/mycothiol (Mrx1/Mtr/MSH) regeneration system. Mrx1 and Trx employ different mechanisms in reducing MPx. For the Mrx1 system, the catalytic cycle of MPx involves mycothiolation/demycothiolation on the Cys36 sulfenic acid via the monothiol reaction mechanism. For the Trx system, the catalytic cycle of MPx involves formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys36 and Cys79 that is pivotal to the interaction with Trx. Both the Mrx1 pathway and the Trx pathway are operative in reducing MPx under stress conditions. Expression of mpx markedly enhanced the resistance to various peroxides and decreased protein carbonylation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The expression of mpx was directly activated by the stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function-σ (ECF-σ) factor [SigH]. Based on these findings, we propose that the C. glutamicum MPx represents a new type of GPx that uses both mycoredoxin and Trx systems for oxidative stress response.
Suppression of interferon β gene transcription by inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family members
Authors: Malik Nazma , Vollmer Stefan , Nanda Sambit Kumar , Lopez-Pelaez Marta , Prescott Alan , Gray Nathanael , Cohen Philip
Published: April 2015

PLK (Polo-like kinase) inhibitors, such as BI-2536, have been reported to suppress IFNB (encoding IFNβ, interferon β) gene transcription induced by ligands that activate TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3) and TLR4. In the present study, we found that BI-2536 is likely to exert this effect by preventing the interaction of the transcription factors IRF3 (interferon-regulatory factor 3) and c-Jun with the IFNB promoter, but without affecting the TBK1 {TANK [TRAF (tumour-necrosis-factor-receptor-associated factor)-associated nuclear factor κB activator]-binding kinase 1}-catalysed phosphorylation of IRF3 at Ser396, the dimerization and nuclear translocation of IRF3 or the phosphorylation of c-Jun and ATF2 (activating transcription factor 2). Although BI-2536 inhibits few other kinases tested, it interacts with BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) family members and displaces them from acetylated lysine residues on histones. We found that BET inhibitors that do not inhibit PLKs phenocopied the effect of BI-2536 on IFNB gene transcription. Similarly, BET inhibitors blocked the interaction of IRF5 with the IFNB promoter and the secretion of IFNβ induced by TLR7 or TLR9 ligands in the human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line GEN2.2, but without affecting the nuclear translocation of IRF5. We found that the BET family member BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) was associated with the IFNB promoter and that this interaction was enhanced by TLR3- or TLR4-ligation and prevented by BI-2536 and other BET inhibitors. Our results establish that BET family members are essential for TLR-stimulated IFNB gene transcription by permitting transcription factors to interact with the IFNB promoter. They also show that the interaction of the IFNB promoter with BRD4 is regulated by TLR ligation and that BI-2536 is likely to suppress IFNB gene transcription by targeting BET family members.