bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor-1α attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm progression through the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Tsai Shih-Hung , Huang Po-Hsun , Hsu Yu-Juei , Peng Yi-Jen , Lee Chien-Hsing , Wang Jen-Chun , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: July 2016

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway is associated with many vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, arterial aneurysms, pulmonary hypertension and chronic venous diseases. Significant HIF-1α expression could be found at the rupture edge at human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissues. While our initial in vitro experiments had shown that deferoxamine (DFO) could attenuate angiotensin II (AngII) induced endothelial activations; we unexpectedly found that DFO augmented the severity of AngII-induced AAA, at least partly through increased accumulation of HIF-1α. The findings promoted us to test whether aneurysmal prone factors could up-regulate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through aberrantly increased HIF-1α and promote AAA development. AngII induced AAA in hyperlipidemic mice model was used. DFO, as a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, stabilized HIF-1α and augmented MMPs activities. Aneurysmal-prone factors induced HIF-1α can cause overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and promote aneurysmal progression. Pharmacological HIF-1α inhibitors, digoxin and 2-ME could ameliorate AngII induced AAA in vivo. HIF-1α is pivotal for the development of AAA. Our study provides a rationale for using HIF-1α inhibitors as an adjunctive medical therapy in addition to current cardiovascular risk-reducing regimens.
Disproportionality in Power Plants’ Carbon Emissions: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Jorgenson Andrew , Longhofer Wesley , Grant Don
Published: July 2016

Past research on the disproportionality of pollution suggests a small subset of a sector’s facilities often produces the lion’s share of toxic emissions. Here we extend this idea to the world’s electricity sectors by calculating national-level disproportionality Gini coefficients for plant-level carbon emissions in 161 nations based on data from 19,941 fossil-fuel burning power plants. We also evaluate if disproportionalities in plant-level emissions are associated with increased national carbon emissions from fossil-fuel based electricity production, while accounting for other well-established human drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. Results suggest that one potential pathway to decreasing nations’ greenhouse gas emissions could involve reducing disproportionality among fossil-fuel power plants by targeting those plants in the upper end of the distribution that burn fuels more inefficiently to produce electricity.
Novel role of cortactin in G protein-coupled receptor agonist-induced nuclear export and degradation of p21Cip1
Authors: Janjanam Jagadeesh , Rao Gadiparthi N.
Published: July 2016

Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1) stimulates phosphorylation of cortactin on Y421 and Y446 residues in a time-dependent manner and phosphorylation at Y446 but not Y421 residue is required for MCP1-induced CDK-interacting protein 1 (p21Cip1) nuclear export and degradation in facilitating human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation. In addition, MCP1-induced cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation, p21Cip1 degradation and HASMC proliferation are dependent on Fyn activation. Upstream to Fyn, MCP1 stimulated C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) and Gi/o and inhibition of either one of these molecules using their specific antagonists or inhibitors attenuated MCP1-induced cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation, p21Cip1 degradation and HASMC proliferation. Cortactin phosphorylation at Y446 residue is also required for another G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist, thrombin-induced p21Cip1 nuclear export and its degradation in promoting HASMC proliferation. Quite interestingly, the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) agonist, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced p21Cip1 degradation and HASMC proliferation do not require cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation. Together, these findings demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin at Y446 residue is selective for only GPCR but not RTK agonist-induced nuclear export and proteolytic degradation of p21Cip1 in HASMC proliferation.
Motor planning of goal-directed action is tuned by the emotional valence of the stimulus: a kinematic study
Authors: Esteves P. O. , Oliveira L. A. S. , Nogueira-Campos A. A. , Saunier G. , Pozzo T. , Oliveira J. M. , Rodrigues E. C. , Volchan E. , Vargas C. D.
Published: July 2016

The basic underpinnings of homeostatic behavior include interacting with positive items and avoiding negative ones. As the planning aspects of goal-directed actions can be inferred from their movement features, we investigated the kinematics of interacting with emotion-laden stimuli. Participants were instructed to grasp emotion-laden stimuli and bring them toward their bodies while the kinematics of their wrist movement was measured. The results showed that the time to peak velocity increased for bringing pleasant stimuli towards the body compared to unpleasant and neutral ones, suggesting higher easiness in undertaking the task with pleasant stimuli. Furthermore, bringing unpleasant stimuli towards the body increased movement time in comparison with both pleasant and neutral ones while the time to peak velocity for unpleasant stimuli was the same as for that of neutral stimuli. There was no change in the trajectory length among emotional categories. We conclude that during the “reach-to-grasp” and “bring-to-the-body” movements, the valence of the stimuli affects the temporal but not the spatial kinematic features of motion. To the best of our knowledge, we show for the first time that the kinematic features of a goal-directed action are tuned by the emotional valence of the stimuli.
Charge storage in oxygen deficient phases of TiO2: defect Physics without defects
Authors: Padilha A. C. M. , Raebiger H. , Rocha A. R. , Dalpian G. M.
Published: July 2016

Defects in semiconductors can exhibit multiple charge states, which can be used for charge storage applications. Here we consider such charge storage in a series of oxygen deficient phases of TiO2, known as Magnéli phases. These Magnéli phases (TinO2n−1) present well-defined crystalline structures, i.e., their deviation from stoichiometry is accommodated by changes in space group as opposed to point defects. We show that these phases exhibit intermediate bands with an electronic quadruple donor transitions akin to interstitial Ti defect levels in rutile TiO2. Thus, the Magnéli phases behave as if they contained a very large pseudo-defect density: ½ per formula unit TinO2n−1. Depending on the Fermi Energy the whole material will become charged. These crystals are natural charge storage materials with a storage capacity that rivals the best known supercapacitors.
Negative regulation and developmental competence in Aspergillus
Authors: Lee Mi-Kyung , Kwon Nak-Jung , Lee Im-Soon , Jung Seunho , Kim Sun-Chang , Yu Jae-Hyuk
Published: July 2016

Asexual development (conidiation) in the filamentous fungusAspergillus nidulansis governed by orchestrated gene expression. The three key negative regulators of conidiation SfgA, VosA, and NsdD act at different control point in the developmental genetic cascade. Here, we have revealed that NsdD is a key repressor affecting the quantity of asexual spores inAspergillus. Moreover, nullifying bothnsdDandvosAresults in abundant formation of the development specific structure conidiophores even at 12 h of liquid culture, and near constitutive activation of conidiation, indicating that acquisition of developmental competence involves the removal of negative regulation exerted by both NsdD and VosA. NsdD’s role in repressing conidiation is conserved in other aspergilli, as deletingnsdDcauses enhanced and precocious activation of conidiation inAspergillus fumigatusorAspergillus flavus.In vivoNsdD-DNA interaction analyses identify three NsdD binding regions in the promoter of the essential activator of conidiationbrlA, indicating a direct repressive role of NsdD in conidiation. Importantly, loss offlbCorflbDencoding upstream activators ofbrlAin the absence ofnsdDresults in delayed activation ofbrlA, suggesting distinct positive roles of FlbC and FlbD in conidiation. A genetic model depicting regulation of conidiation inA. nidulansis presented.
A realistic fabrication and design concept for quantum gates based on single emitters integrated in plasmonic-dielectric waveguide structures
Authors: Kewes Günter , Schoengen Max , Neitzke Oliver , Lombardi Pietro , Schönfeld Rolf-Simon , Mazzamuto Giacomo , Schell Andreas W. , Probst Jürgen , Wolters Janik , Löchel Bernd , Toninelli Costanza , Benson Oliver
Published: July 2016

Tremendous enhancement of light-matter interaction in plasmonic-dielectric hybrid devices allows for non-linearities at the level of single emitters and few photons, such as single photon transistors. However, constructing integrated components for such devices is technologically extremely challenging. We tackle this task by lithographically fabricating an on-chip plasmonic waveguide-structure connected to far-field in- and out-coupling ports via low-loss dielectric waveguides. We precisely describe our lithographic approach and characterize the fabricated integrated chip. We find excellent agreement with rigorous numerical simulations. Based on these findings we perform a numerical optimization and calculate concrete numbers for a plasmonic single-photon transistor.
Band-like transport in highly crystalline graphene films from defective graphene oxides
Authors: Negishi R. , Akabori M. , Ito T. , Watanabe Y. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: July 2016

The electrical transport property of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin-films synthesized from defective GO through thermal treatment in a reactive ethanol environment at high temperature above 1000 °C shows a band-like transport with small thermal activation energy (Ea~10 meV) that occurs during high carrier mobility (~210 cm2/Vs). Electrical and structural analysis using X-ray absorption fine structure, the valence band photo-electron, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy indicate that a high temperature process above 1000 °C in the ethanol environment leads to an extraordinary expansion of the conjugated π-electron system in rGO due to the efficient restoration of the graphitic structure. We reveal thatEadecreases with the increasing density of states near the Fermi level due to the expansion of the conjugated π-electron system in the rGO. This means thatEacorresponds to the energy gap between the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band. The origin of the band-like transport can be explained by the carriers, which are more easily excited into the conduction band due to the decreasing energy gap with the expansion of the conjugated π-electron system in the rGO.
Image Quality Ranking Method for Microscopy
Authors: Koho Sami , Fazeli Elnaz , Eriksson John E. , Hänninen Pekka E.
Published: July 2016

Automated analysis of microscope images is necessitated by the increased need for high-resolution follow up of events in time. Manually finding the right images to be analyzed, or eliminated from data analysis are common day-to-day problems in microscopy research today, and the constantly growing size of image datasets does not help the matter. We propose a simple method and a software tool for sorting images within a dataset, according to their relative quality. We demonstrate the applicability of our method in finding good quality images in a STED microscope sample preparation optimization image dataset. The results are validated by comparisons to subjective opinion scores, as well as five state-of-the-art blind image quality assessment methods. We also show how our method can be applied to eliminate useless out-of-focus images in a High-Content-Screening experiment. We further evaluate the ability of our image quality ranking method to detect out-of-focus images, by extensive simulations, and by comparing its performance against previously published, well-established microscopy autofocus metrics.
Ultrasensitive multiplex optical quantification of bacteria in large samples of biofluids
Authors: Pazos-Perez Nicolas , Pazos Elena , Catala Carme , Mir-Simon Bernat , Gómez-de Pedro Sara , Sagales Juan , Villanueva Carlos , Vila Jordi , Soriano Alex , García de Abajo F. Javier , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A.
Published: July 2016

Efficient treatments in bacterial infections require the fast and accurate recognition of pathogens, with concentrations as low as one per milliliter in the case of septicemia. Detecting and quantifying bacteria in such low concentrations is challenging and typically demands cultures of large samples of blood (~1 milliliter) extending over 24–72 hours. This delay seriously compromises the health of patients. Here we demonstrate a fast microorganism optical detection system for the exhaustive identification and quantification of pathogens in volumes of biofluids with clinical relevance (~1 milliliter) in minutes. We drive each type of bacteria to accumulate antibody functionalized SERS-labelled silver nanoparticles. Particle aggregation on the bacteria membranes renders dense arrays of inter-particle gaps in which the Raman signal is exponentially amplified by several orders of magnitude relative to the dispersed particles. This enables a multiplex identification of the microorganisms through the molecule-specific spectral fingerprints.
Grazing effects on ecosystem CO2 fluxes differ among temperate steppe types in Eurasia
Authors: Hou Longyu , Liu Yan , Du Jiancai , Wang Mingya , Wang Hui , Mao Peisheng
Published: July 2016

Grassland ecosystems play a critical role in regulating CO2 fluxes into and out of the Earth’s surface. Whereas previous studies have often addressed single fluxes of CO2 separately, few have addressed the relation among and controls of multiple CO2 sub-fluxes simultaneously. In this study, we examined the relation among and controls of individual CO2 fluxes (i.e., GEP, NEP, SR, ER, CR) in three contrasting temperate steppes of north China, as affected by livestock grazing. Our findings show that climatic controls of the seasonal patterns in CO2 fluxes were both individual flux- and steppe type-specific, with significant grazing impacts observed for canopy respiration only. In contrast, climatic controls of the annual patterns were only individual flux-specific, with minor grazing impacts on the individual fluxes. Grazing significantly reduced the mean annual soil respiration rate in the typical and desert steppes, but significantly enhanced both soil and canopy respiration in the meadow steppe. Our study suggests that a reassessment of the role of livestock grazing in regulating GHG exchanges is imperative in future studies.
Natural variation of root exudates in Arabidopsis thaliana-linking metabolomic and genomic data
Authors: Mönchgesang Susann , Strehmel Nadine , Schmidt Stephan , Westphal Lore , Taruttis Franziska , Müller Erik , Herklotz Siska , Neumann Steffen , Scheel Dierk
Published: July 2016

Many metabolomics studies focus on aboveground parts of the plant, while metabolism within roots and the chemical composition of the rhizosphere, as influenced by exudation, are not deeply investigated. In this study, we analysed exudate metabolic patterns ofArabidopsis thalianaand their variation in genetically diverse accessions. For this project, we used the 19 parental accessions of the Arabidopsis MAGIC collection. Plants were grown in a hydroponic system, their exudates were harvested before bolting and subjected to UPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. Metabolite profiles were analysed together with the genome sequence information. Our study uncovered distinct metabolite profiles for root exudates of the 19 accessions. Hierarchical clustering revealed similarities in the exudate metabolite profiles, which were partly reflected by the genetic distances. An association of metabolite absence with nonsense mutations was detected for the biosynthetic pathways of an indolic glucosinolate hydrolysis product, a hydroxycinnamic acid amine and a flavonoid triglycoside. Consequently, a direct link between metabolic phenotype and genotype was detected without using segregating populations. Moreover, genomics can help to identify biosynthetic enzymes in metabolomics experiments. Our study elucidates the chemical composition of the rhizosphere and its natural variation inA. thaliana, which is important for the attraction and shaping of microbial communities.
The upper respiratory tract microbiome and its potential role in bovine respiratory disease and otitis media
Authors: Lima Svetlana F. , Teixeira Andre Gustavo V. , Higgins Catherine H. , Lima Fabio S. , Bicalho Rodrigo C.
Published: July 2016

The upper respiratory tract (URT) hosts a complex microbial community of commensal microorganisms and potential pathogens. Analyzing the composition and nature of the healthy URT microbiota and how it changes over time will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of pneumonia and otitis. A longitudinal study was conducted including 174 Holstein calves that were divided in four groups: healthy calves, calves diagnosed with pneumonia, otitis or both diseases. Deep pharyngeal swabs were collected on days 3, 14, 28 and 35 of life and next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene as well as quantitative PCR was performed. The URT of Holstein dairy calves aged 3 to 35 days revealed to host a highly diverse bacterial community. The relative abundances of the bacterial genera Mannheimia, Moraxella and Mycoplasma were significantly higher in diseased versus healthy animals and the total bacterial load of newborn calves at day 3 was higher for animals that developed pneumonia than for healthy animals. Our results corroborate the existing knowledge that species of Mannheimia and Mycoplasma are important pathogens in pneumonia and otitis. Furthermore, they suggest that species of Moraxella can potentially cause the same disorders (pneumonia and otitis) and that high neonatal bacterial load is a key contributor to the development of pneumonia.
The Maternal Legacy: Female Identity Predicts Offspring Sex Ratio in the Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Authors: Reneker Jaymie L. , Kamel Stephanie J.
Published: July 2016

In organisms with temperature-dependent sex determination, the incubation environment plays a key role in determining offspring sex ratios. Given that global temperatures have warmed approximately 0.6 °C in the last century, it is necessary to consider how organisms will adjust to climate change. To better understand the degree to which mothers influence the sex ratios of their offspring, we use 24 years of nesting data for individual female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) observed on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. We find that maternal identity is the best predictor of nest sex ratio in univariate and multivariate predictive models. We find significant variability in estimated nest sex ratios among mothers, but a high degree of consistency within mothers, despite substantial spatial and temporal thermal variation. Our results suggest that individual differences in nesting preferences are the main driver behind divergences in nest sex ratios. As such, a female’s ability to plastically adjust her nest sex ratios in response to environmental conditions is constrained, potentially limiting how individuals behaviorally mitigate the effects of environmental change. Given that many loggerhead populations already show female-biased offspring sex ratios, understanding maternal behavioral responses is critical for predicting the future of long-lived species vulnerable to extinction.
Three-dimensional protein assemblies directed by orthogonal non-covalent interactions
Authors: Yang Guang , Kochovski Zdravko , Ji Zhongwei , Lu Yan , Chen Guosong , Jiang Ming
Published: July 2016

In this report, an orthogonal non-covalent interaction strategy based on specific recognition between sugar and protein, and host–guest interaction, was employed to construct artificial three dimensional (3D) protein assemblies in the laboratory.
Synthesis of photoactivatable azido-acyl caged oxazine fluorophores for live-cell imaging
Authors: Anzalone Andrew V. , Chen Zhixing , Cornish Virginia W.
Published: July 2016

A new cell-permeable caged oxazine fluorophore was synthesized for protein specific labeling and photoactivation in living cells.
Sulfur resistant LaxCe1−xNi0.5Cu0.5O3 catalysts for an ultra-high temperature water gas shift reaction
Authors: Oemar Usman , Bian Zhoufeng , Hidajat Kus , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: July 2016

Synergistic effect of Ni–Cu with La2O3–CeO2 for high sulfur resistance in water gas shift reaction.
Ax(H3O)2−xMn5(HPO3)6 (A = Li, Na, K and NH4): open-framework manganese(ii) phosphites templated by mixed cationic species
Authors: Orive Joseba , Fernández de Luis Roberto , Fernández Jesús Rodríguez , Lezama Luis , Arriortua María I.
Published: July 2016

Four new manganese(ii) phosphites templated by alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+ and K+) and ammonium cations were achieved under mild hydrothermal conditions.
Enhanced biotic and abiotic transformation of Cr(vi) by quinone-reducing bacteria/dissolved organic matter/Fe(iii) in anaerobic environment
Authors: Huang Bin , Gu Lipeng , He Huan , Xu Zhixiang , Pan Xuejun
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the simultaneous transformation of Cr(vi)viaa closely coupled biotic and abiotic pathway in an anaerobic system of quinone-reducing bacteria/dissolved organic matters (DOM)/Fe(iii).
A dual-cocatalyst-loaded Au/BiOI/MnOx system for enhanced photocatalytic greenhouse gas conversion into solar fuels
Authors: Bai Yang , Ye Liqun , Wang Li , Shi Xian , Wang Pingquan , Bai Wei
Published: July 2016

A dual-cocatalyst-loaded Au/BiOI/MnOx system showed enhanced photocatalytic carbon dioxide conversion into solar fuels.
Point-of-use water filters can effectively remove disinfection by-products and toxicity from chlorinated and chloraminated tap water
Authors: Stalter Daniel , O'Malley Elissa , von Gunten Urs , Escher Beate I.
Published: July 2016

Tap water filters were evaluated for their efficacy to abate fluoride, bacteria, adsorbable organic halogens (sum parameter of halogenated DBPs), and mixtures of bioactive DBPs quantified by cell-based bioassays.
Concluding remarks: Faraday Discussion on chemistry in the urban atmosphere
Authors: Jimenez Jose L.
Published: July 2016

This article summarises the Concluding remarks from the Faraday Discussion on Chemistry in the Urban Atmosphere. The following themes are addressed: (a) new results that inform our understanding of the evolving sources and composition of the urban atmosphere (“News”); (b) results that identify gaps in our understanding that necessitate further work (“Gaps”); (c) the emerging instrumentation revolution and some of the challenges that it brings; (d) the structural issues of insufficient support for the analysis of field campaigns; and (e) some important areas that were missing from this Faraday Discussion and that should receive an increasing focus in the future.
Quantification of pharmaceutical peptides in human plasma by LC-ICP-MS sulfur detection
Authors: Møller Laura Hyrup , Macherius André , Hansen Thomas Hesselhøj , Nielsen Hanne Mørck , Cornett Claus , Østergaard Jesper , Stürup Stefan , Gammelgaard Bente
Published: July 2016

Quantification of pharmaceutical peptides in human plasma by RP-LC-ICP-MS and post column isotope dilution.
Plug and measure – a chip-to-world interface for photonic lab-on-a-chip applications
Authors: Ackermann Tobias Nils , Giménez-Gómez Pablo , Muñoz-Berbel Xavier , Llobera Andreu
Published: July 2016

A robust and reusable chip-to-world interface fabricated and assembled by low-cost methods to facilitate standard SMA-connector fiber-coupling to photonic labs-on-a-chip.
A paper-based lanthanide smart device for acid–base vapour detection, anti-counterfeiting and logic operations
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Hao , Kirillov Alexander M. , Xie Yujie , Shan Changfu , Wang Bingkai , Shi Chunling , Tang Yu
Published: July 2016

A paper-based lanthanide smart device was designed for naked-eye detection of acid–base vapors with quick response and good reversibility; the applications of this device were also expanded to anti-counterfeiting and logic operations.
High performance hybrid graphene–CsPbBr3−xIx perovskite nanocrystal photodetector
Authors: Kwak Do-Hyun , Lim Da-Hye , Ra Hyun-Soo , Ramasamy Parthiban , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate a highly sensitive hybrid photodetector based on graphene–CsPbBr3−xIx perovskite nanocrystals.
Additive effect of fluoroethylene and difluoroethylene carbonates for the solid electrolyte interphase film formation in sodium-ion batteries: a quantum chemical study
Authors: Purushotham Uppula , Takenaka Norio , Nagaoka Masataka
Published: July 2016

To reveal the FEC–DFEC mystery, the reduction decomposition mechanism study of Na+–PC, Na+–FEC and Na+–DFEC complexes is carried out by using DFT. This study concludes that the higher activation barrier and absence of NaF complexes make DFEC futile.
Theoretical insights into the alkaline metal M (M = Na and Cs) promotion mechanism for CO2 activation on the Cu(111) surface
Authors: Ou Lihui , Chen Yuandao , Jin Junling
Published: July 2016

The promotion effect of alkaline metals for CO2 reduction into hydrocarbons on Cu catalysts can be attributed to a reduction of the activation barrier for CO2 dissociation.
Graphene material prepared by thermal reduction of the electrochemically synthesized graphite oxide
Authors: Gurzęda B. , Florczak P. , Wiesner M. , Kempiński M. , Jurga S. , Krawczyk P.
Published: July 2016

The present work describes a simple and effective way to produce bulk quantities of graphene material.
OFF/ON galvanic replacement reaction for preparing divergent AuAg nano-hollows as a SERS-visualized drug delivery system in targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Huang Chih-Chia , Lin Pei-Hua , Lee Chien-Wei
Published: July 2016

3-D AuAg nano-hollows were fabricated by an anti-galvanic replacement reaction (off), followed by a proton exchange reaction (on). They exhibited superior Raman detection sensitivity for potentially imaging-guided and folic acid-targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer cells.
A feasible multilayer structure design for solid lubricant coatings in a lunar environment
Authors: Pu Jibin , Ren Siming , Lu Zhibin , Wang Liping
Published: July 2016

Solid lubricant coatings have received considerable research attention in space applications owing to their remarkably improved tribological characteristics.
Toward graphene chloride: chlorination of graphene and graphene oxide
Authors: Bouša D. , Luxa J. , Mazánek V. , Jankovský O. , Sedmidubský D. , Klímová K. , Pumera M. , Sofer Z.
Published: July 2016

Chlorinated graphene derivates with chlorine concentration exceeding 11 at% were synthesized by high temperature exfoliation in chlorine atmosphere. Halogen graphenes have a great potential for electronic and electrochemical devices.
A flipped classroom redesign in general chemistry
Authors: Reid Scott A.
Published: July 2016

The flipped classroom continues to attract significant attention in higher education. Building upon our recent parallel controlled study of the flipped classroom in a second-term general chemistry course (J. Chem. Educ., 2016, 93, 13–23), here we report on a redesign of the flipped course aimed at scaling up total enrollment while keeping discussion sizes small (i.e., <30 students), and maintaining equivalent contact hour load for faculty and workload for students. To that end, the course format featured lecture contact pushed outside of the classroom in the form of video lectures (mean duration 13 minutes) paired with online homework sets, and three parallel weekly one-hour discussion sections were held in adjoining lab rooms immediately prior to the three-hour laboratory session. As in our previous design, the discussion sections were led by teaching assistants; however, the weekly discussion meeting was shortened from 75 minutes to 50 minutes, and the primary instructor “floated” between the three parallel sessions. Two such sessions were held each week, affording a possible enrollment of 144; initial enrollment was 141, with students self-selecting into the course. We examine student performance in and satisfaction with the course using: (1) a pre-test/post-test design based on the paired questions American Chemical Society (ACS) first-term and second-term exams, (2) data on DFW (D, F, withdrawal) rates, and (3) student evaluations.
High-density platinum nanoparticle-decorated titanium dioxide nanofiber networks for efficient capillary photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Yao Chunhua , Wang Yi-Cheng , Mikael Solomon , Gunasekaran Sundaram , Ma Zhenqiang , Cai Zhiyong , Wang Xudong
Published: July 2016

A 3D nanofibrous Pt–TiO2 capillary photocatalytic system is developed to perform photocatalytic H2 production outside of the electrolyte body. Enhanced reaction kinetics and a higher yield of H2 are obtained in the capillary setup compared to the conventional in-electrolyte setup.
Enhanced visible light promoted antibacterial efficiency of conjugated microporous polymer nanoparticles via molecular doping
Authors: Ma Beatriz Chiyin , Ghasimi Saman , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai A. I.
Published: July 2016

A doping method of conjugated microporous polymer nanoparticles leads to high visible light-induced disinfection efficiency.
A novel, facile, layer-by-layer substrate surface modification for the fabrication of all-inkjet-printed flexible electronic devices on Kapton
Authors: Fang Yunnan , Hester Jimmy G. D. , deGlee Ben M. , Tuan Chia-Chi , Brooke Philip D. , Le Taoran , Wong Ching-ping , Tentzeris Manos M. , Sandhage Kenneth H.
Published: July 2016

Kapton HN films were surface modified, for the first time, by taking advantage of their additive and using only weak polyelectrolytes, for all-inkjet-printed flexible electronic devices.
Structural characterization suggests models for monomeric and dimeric forms of full-length ezrin
Authors: Phang Juanita M. , Harrop Stephen J. , Duff Anthony P. , Sokolova Anna V. , Crossett Ben , Walsh James C. , Beckham Simone A. , Nguyen Cuong D. , Davies Roberta B. , Glöckner Carina , Bromley Elizabeth H.C. , Wilk Krystyna E. , Curmi Paul M.G.
Published: July 2016

Ezrin is a member of the ERM (ezrin–radixin–moesin) family of proteins that have been conserved through metazoan evolution. These proteins have dormant and active forms, where the latter links the actin cytoskeleton to membranes. ERM proteins have three domains: an N-terminal FERM [band Four-point-one (4.1) ERM] domain comprising three subdomains (F1, F2, and F3); a helical domain; and a C-terminal actin-binding domain. In the dormant form, FERM and C-terminal domains form a stable complex. We have determined crystal structures of the active FERM domain and the dormant FERM:C-terminal domain complex of human ezrin. We observe a bistable array of phenylalanine residues in the core of subdomain F3 that is mobile in the active form and locked in the dormant form. As subdomain F3 is pivotal in binding membrane proteins and phospholipids, these transitions may facilitate activation and signaling. Full-length ezrin forms stable monomers and dimers. We used small-angle X-ray scattering to determine the solution structures of these species. As expected, the monomer shows a globular domain with a protruding helical coiled coil. The dimer shows an elongated dumbbell structure that is twice as long as the monomer. By aligning ERM sequences spanning metazoan evolution, we show that the central helical region is conserved, preserving the heptad repeat. Using this, we have built a dimer model where each monomer forms half of an elongated antiparallel coiled coil with domain-swapped FERM:C-terminal domain complexes at each end. The model suggests that ERM dimers may bind to actin in a parallel fashion.
The Development of Morphological Awareness in Young Bilinguals: Effects of Age and L1 Background
Authors: Lam Boji Pak-Wing , Sheng Li
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Current understanding about the effect of first language (L1) background on morphological awareness (MA) development in those who are bilingual is largely limited to school-aged second-language learners. This study examined the development of MA in bilingual Mandarin–English (ManEngBi) and Spanish–English (SpaEngBi) children ages 4 to 7 years, whose L1 is predominated by compounding and derivation, respectively.

Method

We targeted specific word formation rules that develop within different developmental time frames. Forty-two ManEngBi, 30 SpaEngBi, and 27 English monolingual children divided into 4- to 5-year-old and 6- to 7-year-old age groups produced English words using compounding, the derivational agentive
–er
suffix, and the derivational characteristic
–y
suffix for both real and novel word roots.

Results

The characteristic
–y
suffix consistently elicited the poorest performance. This finding held true regardless of language group, age, or novelty of prompts. Both older SpaEngBi and English monolingual children outperformed older ManEngBi children in the characteristic
–y
suffix, whereas the three groups performed comparably on the other two rules at both age intervals. Error analysis further suggested influence of cross-linguistic features.

Conclusions

L1 influence on English MA development is sensitive to the developmental time frame of word formation rules. Future studies on the development of MA in bilingual children should adopt a more fine-grained approach and include a wider age range.
Minimal Hearing Loss: From a Failure-Based Approach to Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Winiger Allison M. , Alexander Joshua M. , Diefendorf Allan O.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

A representative sample of the literature on minimal hearing loss (MHL) was reviewed to provide evidence of challenges faced by children with MHL and to establish the need for evidence-based options for early intervention.

Method

Research articles published from 1950 to 2013 were searched in the Medline database using the keywordsminimal hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss,andmild hearing loss. References cited in retrieved articles were also reviewed.

Results

In total, 69 articles contained relevant information about pediatric outcomes and/or intervention for unilateral hearing loss, 50 for mild hearing loss, and 6 for high-frequency hearing loss. Six challenges associated with MHL emerged, and 6 interventions were indicated. Evidence indicates that although some individuals may appear to have no observable speech-language or academic difficulties, others experience considerable difficulties. It also indicates that even though children with MHL may appear to catch up in some areas, difficulties in select domains continue into adulthood.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates significant risks associated with untreated MHL. Evidence also demonstrates the need for early intervention and identifies several appropriate intervention strategies; however, no single protocol is appropriate for all children. Therefore, families should be educated about the impact of MHL and about available interventions so that informed decisions can be made.
Barrier Function of the Laryngeal Mucosa
Authors: Erickson-DiRenzo Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

The larynx is exposed to nearly continuous insults from the airway, digestive tract, and through the mechanical stresses of vocal fold vibration. The protection from these insults offered by laryngeal mucosa is called barrier function. Two essential mucosal barriers include the epithelial barrier and the mucus barrier. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to our current knowledge of the laryngeal epithelial and mucus barriers. Specifically, the composition of these barriers will be discussed. Research generating novel model systems to study the epithelial and mucus barriers and investigations of how common insults impact barrier structure and function will be highlighted. Compromise of these barriers may substantially increase laryngeal susceptibility to injury and impact overarching laryngeal health. Despite recent gains in our understanding of the epithelial and mucus barriers, continued research is necessary in order to advance the field of laryngeal biology and develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve laryngeal barrier function.
A 312 ps response‐time LDO with enhanced super source follower in 28 nm CMOS
Authors: Lu Yan , Li Cheng , Zhu Yan , Huang Mo , U Seng‐Pan , Martins Rui P.
Published: July 2016

High quality fully integrated power supplies could notably improve the performances of the noise‐sensitive building block in the UWB communication systems. Double buffers are inserted into the cascode flipped‐voltage‐follower (FVF) topology to enable designing the dominant pole at the output node for better power supply rejection (PSR) and less voltage variation during load transient. An enhanced super source follower (E‐SSF) is proposed to further reduce the output impedance of the buffer that drives the power transistor. The FVF‐based low dropout regulator (LDO) with E‐SSF achieves a worst‐case PSR of −18.9 dB across the full spectrum and a transient response time of 312 ps. The proposed LDO is designed in a 28 nm CMOS process and consumes 100 μA quiescent current with 1.0 V input and 0.8 V output voltages. In total, 120 pF on‐chip capacitors are used for filtering.
Design, analysis and real time dynamic torque control of single‐rotor–single‐stator axial flux eddy current brake
Authors: Gulec Mehmet , Yolacan Ersin , Aydin Metin
Published: July 2016

This study presents design, analysis and real time dynamic torque control of a single‐rotor and single‐stator axial flux (AF) eddy current brake (ECB). Design of the AF‐ECB is accomplished based on magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) modelling. Influence of the key design parameters on braking torque including permeability and resistivity of the disc material is also investigated. Braking torque profile of the AF‐ECB is obtained by MEC modelling and numerical analyses are carried out by three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) to validate the MEC modelling and to obtain the braking torque profile. 3D magneto‐thermal FEA are also completed to identify working period at maximum braking torque. A prototype AF‐ECB is manufactured based on the analyses, and open‐loop torque profile is experimentally verified. Good agreement between the test, FEA and MEC results is achieved. A real time controller is developed and dynamic torque control of the brake for various torque and speed references is also obtained to illustrate the dynamic behaviours of the system.
Restoring oscillatory behavior from amplitude death with anti-phase synchronization patterns in networks of electrochemical oscillations
Authors: Nagao Raphael , Zou Wei , Kurths Jürgen , Kiss István Z.
Published: July 2016

The dynamical behavior of delay-coupled networks of electrochemical reactions is investigated to explore the formation of amplitude death (AD) and the synchronization states in a parameter region around the amplitude death region. It is shown that difference coupling with odd and even numbered ring and random networks can produce the AD phenomenon. Furthermore, this AD can be restored by changing the coupling type from difference to direct coupling. The restored oscillations tend to create synchronization patterns in which neighboring elements are in nearly anti-phase configuration. The ring networks produce frozen and rotating phase waves, while the random network exhibits a complex synchronization pattern with interwoven frozen and propagating phase waves. The experimental results are interpreted with a coupled Stuart-Landau oscillator model. The experimental and theoretical results reveal that AD behavior is a robust feature of delayed coupled networks of chemical units; if an oscillatory behavior is required again, even a small amount of direct coupling could be sufficient to restore the oscillations. The restored nearly anti-phase oscillatory patterns, which, to a certain extent, reflect the symmetry of the network, represent an effective means to overcome the AD phenomenon.
Broadband unidirectional acoustic cloak based on phase gradient metasurfaces with two flat acoustic lenses
Authors: Wang Xiao-Peng , Wan Le-Le , Chen Tian-Ning , Song Ai-Ling , Wang Fang
Published: July 2016

Narrow bandwidth and bulky configuration are the main obstacles for the realization and application of invisible cloaks. In this paper, we present an effective method to achieve broadband and thin acoustic cloak by using an acoustic metasurface (AMS). In order to realize this cloak, we use slitted unit cells to design the AMS due to the advantage of less energy loss, broad operation bandwidth, and subwavelength thickness. According to the hyperboloidal phase profile along the AMS, the incident plane waves can be focused at a designed focal spot by the flat lens. Furthermore, broadband acoustic cloak is obtained by combining two identical flat lenses. The incident plane waves are focused at the center point in between of the two lenses by passing through one lens, and then recovered by passing through the other one. However, they cannot reach the cloaked regions in between of the two lenses. The simulation results can verify the non-detectability effect of the acoustic cloak. Our study results provide an available and simple approach to experimentally achieve the acoustic cloak, which can be used in acoustic non-detectability for large objects.
Geometric and energetic considerations of surface fluctuations during ion transfer across the water-immiscible organic liquid interface
Authors: Karnes John J. , Benjamin Ilan
Published: July 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling free energy calculations are used to examine the thermodynamics, energetics, and structural fluctuations that accompany the transfer of a small hydrophilic ion (Cl−) across the water/nitrobenzene interface. By examining several constrained interface structures, we isolate the energetic costs of interfacial deformation and co-transfer of hydration waters during the ion transfer. The process is monitored using both energy-based solvation coordinates and a geometric coordinate recently introduced by Morita and co-workers to describe surface fluctuations. Our simulations show that these coordinates provide a complimentary description of the water surface fluctuations during the transfer and are necessary for elucidating the mechanism of the ion transfer.
Adlayer structure dependent ultrafast desorption dynamics in carbon monoxide adsorbed on Pd (111)
Authors: Hong Sung-Young , Xu Pan , Camillone Nina R. , White Michael G. , Camillone Nicholas
Published: July 2016

We report our ultrafast photoinduced desorption investigation of the coverage dependence of substrate–adsorbate energy transfer in carbon monoxide adlayers on the (111) surface of palladium. As the CO coverage is increased, the adsorption site population shifts from all threefold hollows (up to 0.33 ML), to bridge and near bridge (>0.5 to 0.6 ML) and finally to mixed threefold hollow plus top site (at saturation at 0.75 ML). We show that between 0.24 and 0.75 ML this progression of binding site motifs is accompanied by two remarkable features in the ultrafast photoinduced desorption of the adsorbates: (i) the desorption probability increases roughly two orders magnitude, and (ii) the adsorbate–substrate energy transfer rate observed in two-pulse correlation experiments varies nonmonotonically, having a minimum at intermediate coverages. Simulations using a phenomenological model to describe the adsorbate–substrate energy transfer in terms of frictional coupling indicate that these features are consistent with an adsorption-site dependent electron-mediated energy coupling strength, ηel, that decreases with binding site in the order: three-fold hollow > bridge and near bridge > top site. This weakening of ηel largely counterbalances the decrease in the desorption activation energy that accompanies this progression of adsorption site motifs, moderating what would otherwise be a rise of several orders of magnitude in the desorption probability. Within this framework, the observed energy transfer rate enhancement at saturation coverage is due to interadsorbate energy transfer from the copopulation of molecules bound in three-fold hollows to their top-site neighbors.
Mode localization in the cooperative dynamics of protein recognition
Authors: Copperman J. , Guenza M. G.
Published: July 2016

The biological function of proteins is encoded in their structure and expressed through the mediation of their dynamics. This paper presents a study on the correlation between local fluctuations, binding, and biological function for two sample proteins, starting from the Langevin Equation for Protein Dynamics (LE4PD). The LE4PD is a microscopic and residue-specific coarse-grained approach to protein dynamics, which starts from the static structural ensemble of a protein and predicts the dynamics analytically. It has been shown to be accurate in its prediction of NMR relaxation experiments and Debye-Waller factors. The LE4PD is solved in a set of diffusive modes which span a vast range of time scales of the protein dynamics, and provides a detailed picture of the mode-dependent localization of the fluctuation as a function of the primary structure of the protein. To investigate the dynamics of protein complexes, the theory is implemented here to treat the coarse-grained dynamics of interacting macromolecules. As an example, calculations of the dynamics of monomeric and dimerized HIV protease and the free Insulin Growth Factor II Receptor (IGF2R) domain 11 and its IGF2R:IGF2 complex are presented. Either simulation-derived or experimentally measured NMR conformers are used as input structural ensembles to the theory. The picture that emerges suggests a dynamical heterogeneous protein where biologically active regions provide energetically comparable conformational states that are trapped by a reacting partner in agreement with the conformation-selection mechanism of binding.
Plasma relaxation and topological aspects in electron magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Shivamoggi B. K.
Published: July 2016

Parker's formulation of isotopological plasma relaxation process toward minimum magnetics energy states in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is extended to electron MHD (EMHD). The lower bound on magnetic energy in EMHD is determined by both the magnetic field and the electron vorticity field topologies, and is shown to be reduced further in EMHD by an amount proportional to the sum of total electron-flow kinetic energy and total electron-flow enstrophy. The EMHD Beltrami condition becomes equivalent to the potential vorticity conservation equation in two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamics, and the torsion coefficient α turns out to be proportional to potential vorticity. The winding pattern of the magnetic field lines appears to evolve, therefore, in the same way as potential vorticity lines in 2D hydrodynamics.
Homogeneous cooling of mixtures of particle shapes
Authors: Hidalgo R. C. , Serero D. , Pöschel T.
Published: July 2016

In this work, we examine theoretically the cooling dynamics of binary mixtures of spheres and rods. To this end, we introduce a generalized mean field analytical theory, which describes the free cooling behavior of the mixture. The relevant characteristic time scale for the cooling process is derived, depending on the mixture composition and the aspect ratio of the rods. We simulate mixtures of spherocylinders and spheres using a molecular dynamics algorithm implemented on graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture. We systematically study mixtures composed of spheres and rods with several aspect ratios and varying the mixture composition. A homogeneous cooling state, where the time dependence of the system’s intensive variables occurs only through a global granular temperature, is identified. We find cooling dynamics in excellent agreement with Haff’s law, when using an adequate time scale. Using the scaling properties of the homogeneous cooling dynamics, we estimated numerically the efficiency of the energy interchange between rotational and translational degrees of freedom for collisions between spheres and rods.