bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of the Trace Elements Iron, Zinc and Selenium in Relation to Anatomical Structures in Bovine Ovaries by X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Ceko Melanie J. , Hummitzsch Katja , Bonner Wendy M. , Aitken Jade B. , Spiers Kathryn M. , Rodgers Raymond J. , Harris Hugh H.
Published: April 2015

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to image 40 histological cross-sections of bovine ovaries (n=19), focusing on structures including: antral follicles at different stages of growth or atresia, corpora lutea at three stages of development (II–IV), and capillaries, arterioles, and other blood vessels. This method identified three key trace elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)] within the ovarian tissue which appeared to be localized to specific structures. Owing to minimal preprocessing of the ovaries, important high-resolution information regarding the spatial distribution of these elements was obtained with elemental trends and colocalizations of Fe and Zn apparent, as well as the infrequent appearance of Se surrounding the antrum of large follicles, as previously reported. The ability to use synchrotron radiation to measure trace element distributions in bovine ovaries at such high resolution and over such large areas could have a significant impact on understanding the mechanisms of ovarian development. This research is intended to form a baseline study of healthy ovaries which can later be extended to disease states, thereby improving our current understanding of infertility and endocrine diseases involving the ovary.
Food Aid – Normalising the Abnormal in Finland
Authors: Silvasti Tiina
Published: April 2015

In Finland, food banks and bread lines emerged for the first time during the deep recession in the mid-1990s and, since then, have become permanent. This was partly an outcome of cutting or freezing social security costs during the economic slump, but there has also been an increasingly explicit transformation in national social policy. However, the emergence and persistence of food aid cannot be explained purely as a social and poverty policy issue. This article examines charity food aid as a solution to the hunger problem within the Nordic welfare regime and traces connections linking the establishment of food charity to the prevailing food system. This article focuses on different policy actions and economic developments that took place independently during the 1990s, producing, apparently accidently and without conscious co-ordination, entrenchment of charitable food aid in Finland.
Effect of roller-crimper technology on weed management in organic zucchini production in a Mediterranean climate zone
Authors: Ciaccia Corrado , Canali Stefano , Campanelli Gabriele , Testani Elena , Montemurro Francesco , Leteo Fabrizio , Delate Kathleen
Published: April 2015

Integrating cover crops into vegetable cropping systems can provide a wide range of ecological services, of which weed management is a key component. Cover crop effects on weed control, however, are dependent on termination methods and weed species present in specific cropping seasons. A 2-year weed management experiment with two cultivars of organic zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) in central Italy was carried out to compare the effect of a barley (Hordeum distichum L.) cover crop terminated with a modified roller-crimper (RC) to incorporated barley as green manure (GM) and a tilled control left fallow (FA) in the off-season. The effects of cover-crop management on crop competitiveness, yields and weed populations were evaluated by direct measurement, visual estimation and competition index methods. Results showed a significant reduction in weed biomass (>80%) and weed abundance with the RC compared to the GM and FA treatments. Moreover, the RC barley mulch maintained weed control in zucchini plots even under high weed pressure, as determined by the agronomic tolerance to competition (ATC) value of 67% in the RC treatment compared to 40 and 34% in the FA and GM treatments, respectively, averaged over both years of the experiment. The competitive balance (Cb), which quantified the ability of the zucchini crop to compete with weed populations, was also greater (+0.37) in the RC treatment compared to FA (−0.87) and GM (−0.69) treatments over the same period. Zucchini crop biomass was greatest in the RC treatment in 2011. Zucchini fruit yields varied from an average over both years of 1.4 Mg ha−1 in the RC treatment to 0.7 Mg ha−1 in the GM treatment, but yields in the FA treatment, 1.2 Mg ha−1, did not differ from the RC treatment. No differences in yield between ‘Dietary’ and ‘Every’ zucchini, or any significant interactions between cultivar and cover management related to fruit biomass, were observed. Our findings suggested the viability of the modified RC in creating a barley cover-crop mulch to effectively manage weeds and enhance yields in transplanted zucchini.
Finding of a rare Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chondrichthyes: Squatinidae) along the Tyrrhenian coast of the Strait of Messina and its maintenance in an aquarium
Authors: Cavallaro Mauro , Danze' Annalisa , Ammendolia Giovanni , Navarra Enrico
Published: April 2015

The finding of a rare specimen ofSquatina squatinaoff the Sicilian coast of the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea) and its maintenance in an aquarium is reported. The morphometric and meristic characters are presented. The record is proposed as a useful tool for raising attention to the state of this delicate species.
Le sport est-il vraiment si bon pour la santé?
Authors: Gojanovic Boris
Published: April 2015

Körperliche Aktivität ist für das Leben notwendig und eine der besten Möglichkeiten, die Gesundheit der Bevölkerung zu verbessern. Manchmal wird diese Aktivität mit Sport vermischt, der seinerseits Verletzungen oder akute kardiale Probleme verursachen kann. Einige Personen reagieren aber nach Aufnahme eines gut geplanten, gesundheitsfördernden Aktivitätsprogramms mit negativen Stoffwechselantworten. Diese Art von Intoleranz gegenüber körperlicher Aktivität hat gewisse genetische Grundlagen und bedingt nicht, auf körperliche Aktivität zu verzichten, sondern muss eher als Nebeneffekt einer Therapie betrachtet werden, die zu optimieren ist. Die Individualisierung der Empfehlungen für die körperliche Aktivität wird immer ein Follow-up beinhalten und muss anhand der Beobachtungen beim Patienten jeweils dynamisch angepasst werden.
Wenn der Gewebegeduldsfaden reisst …
Authors: Jäckel Kristian , Braschler Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2015

Wir berichteten über einen 65-jährigen Patienten, der sich mit einem A. axillaris-Aneurysma und einige Jahre später mit einer akuten Aortendissektion vom Typ Stanford A präsentierte. Nach chirurgischer Akutversorgung der Dissektion der Aorta konnte in der weiteren Abklärung keine spezifische Ätiologie gefunden werden. Die höchstwahrscheinliche Ursache war eine inadäquat eingestellte arterielle Hypertonie. Daher zielt die Nachsorge auf die Therapie jener Risikofaktoren ab, von denen man weiss, dass sie das Wachstum eines Aortenaneurysmas fördern können.
Aubrecht Receives 2014 Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2015

Christoph Aubrecht has been awarded the Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research. This award recognizes a promising young scientist engaged in studies of natural hazards and risks and is given in recognition of outstanding contributions achieved during their Ph.D. (or highest equivalent terminal degree) research. He was formally presented with the award at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 15-19 December in San Francisco, Calif.
Intraventricular Fibrinolysis with Tissue Plasminogen Activator is Associated with Transient Cerebrospinal Fluid Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kramer Andreas H , Jenne Craig N , Zygun David A , Roberts Derek J , Hill Michael D , Holodinsky Jessalyn K , Todd Stephanie , Kubes Paul , Wong John H
Published: April 2015

Locally administered tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) accelerates clearance of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), but its impact on neurologic outcomes remains unclear and preclinical research suggests it may have pro-inflammatory effects. We randomly allocated patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and IVH, treated with endovascular coiling and ventricular drainage, to receive either 2-mg intraventricular TPA or placebo every 12 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum cytokine and white blood cell (WBC) concentrations were measured before drug administration and daily for 72 hours. Cerebrospinal fluid D-dimer levels were assessed 6 and 12 hours after administration to quantify fibrinolysis. Six patients were randomized to each group. Patients treated with TPA developed higher CSF cytokine concentrations compared with placebo-treated patients ( P < 0.05 for tumor necrosis factor- α, interferon- γ, interleukin (IL)-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6), as well as higher CSF WBC counts ( P = 0.03). Differences were greatest after 24 hours and decreased over 48 to 72 hours. The magnitude of the inflammatory response was significantly associated with peak CSF D-dimer concentration and extent of IVH clearance. We conclude that intraventricular TPA administration produces a transient local inflammatory response, the severity of which is strongly associated with the degree of fibrinolysis, suggesting it may be induced by release of hematoma breakdown products, rather than the drug itself.
Long-Term Test–Retest Reliability of Striatal and Extrastriatal Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Binding: Study with [11C]Raclopride and High-Resolution PET
Authors: Alakurtti Kati , Johansson Jarkko J , Joutsa Juho , Laine Matti , Bäckman Lars , Nyberg Lars , Rinne Juha O
Published: April 2015

We measured the long-term test–retest reliability of [11C]raclopride binding in striatal subregions, the thalamus and the cortex using the bolus-plus-infusion method and a high-resolution positron emission scanner. Seven healthy male volunteers underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) [11C]raclopride assessments, with a 5-week retest interval. D2/3 receptor availability was quantified as binding potential using the simplified reference tissue model. Absolute variability (VAR) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values indicated very good reproducibility for the striatum and were 4.5%/0.82, 3.9%/0.83, and 3.9%/0.82, for the caudate nucleus, putamen, and ventral striatum, respectively. Thalamic reliability was also very good, with VAR of 3.7% and ICC of 0.92. Test-retest data for cortical areas showed good to moderate reproducibility (6.1% to 13.1%). Our results are in line with previous test–retest studies of [11C]raclopride binding in the striatum. A novel finding is the relatively low variability of [11C]raclopride binding, providing suggestive evidence that extrastriatal D2/3 binding can be studied in vivo with [11C]raclopride PET to be verified in future studies.
Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Induces Vascular Plasticity and Hemodynamics but Also Neuronal Degeneration and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Jing Zhen , Shi Changzheng , Zhu Lihui , Xiang Yonghui , Chen Peihao , Xiong Zhilin , Li Wenxian , Ruan Yiwen , Huang Li'an
Published: April 2015

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) induces cognitive impairment, but the compensative mechanism of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is not fully understood. The present study mainly investigated dynamic changes in CBF, angiogenesis, and cellular pathology in the cortex, the striatum, and the cerebellum, and also studied cognitive impairment of rats induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, immunochemistry, and Morris water maze were employed to the study. The CBF of the cortex, striatum, and cerebellum dramatically decreased after right common carotid artery occlusion (RCCAO), and remained lower level at 2 weeks after BCCAO. It returned to the sham level from 3 to 6 weeks companied by the dilation of vertebral arteries after BCCAO. The number of microvessels declined at 2, 3, and 4 weeks but increased at 6 weeks after BCCAO. Neuronal degeneration occurred in the cortex and striatum from 2 to 6 weeks, but the number of glial cells dramatically increased at 4 weeks after BCCAO. Cognitive impairment of ischemic rats was directly related to ischemic duration. Our results suggest that CCH induces a compensative mechanism attempting to maintain optimal CBF to the brain. However, this limited compensation cannot prevent neuronal loss and cognitive impairment after permanent ischemia.
Amyloid β 1-42 Induces Hypometabolism in Human Stem Cell-Derived Neuron and Astrocyte Networks
Authors: Tarczyluk Marta A , Nagel David A , Parri H Rhein , Tse Erin HY , Brown James E , Coleman Michael D , Hill Eric J
Published: April 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. Brain hypometabolism is a major feature of AD, appearing decades before cognitive decline and pathologic lesions. To date, the majority of studies on hypometabolism in AD have used transgenic animal models or imaging studies of the human brain. As it is almost impossible to validate these findings using human tissue, alternative models are required. In this study, we show that human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte cultures treated with oligomers of amyloid beta 1-42 (A β1-42) also display a clear hypometabolism, particularly with regard to utilization of substrates such as glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and glutamate. In addition, a significant increase in the glycogen content of cells was also observed. These changes were accompanied by changes in NAD+/NADH, ATP, and glutathione levels, suggesting a disruption in the energy-redox axis within these cultures. The high energy demands associated with neuronal functions such as memory formation and protection from oxidative stress put these cells at particular risk from A β-induced hypometabolism. Further research using this model may elucidate the mechanisms associated with A β-induced hypometabolism.
KRAS oncogene repression in colon cancer cell lines by G-quadruplex binding indolo[3,2-c]quinolines
Authors: Lavrado João , Brito Hugo , Borralho Pedro M. , Ohnmacht Stephan A. , Kim Nam-Soon , Leitão Clara , Pisco Sílvia , Gunaratnam Mekala , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Moreira Rui , Neidle Stephen , Paulo Alexandra
Published: April 2015

KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer, yet remaining undruggable. To explore a new therapeutic strategy, a library of 5-methyl-indolo[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives (IQc) with a range of alkyldiamine side chains was designed to target DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes (G4) in the promoter and 5′-UTR mRNA of the KRAS gene. Biophysical experiments showed that di-substituted IQc compounds are potent and selective KRAS G4 stabilizers. They preferentially inhibit the proliferation of KRAS mutant cancer cell lines (0.22 < IC50 < 4.80 μM), down-regulate KRAS promoter activity in a luciferase reporter assay and reduce both KRAS mRNA and p21KRAS steady-state levels in mutant KRAS colon cancer cell lines. Additionally, IQcs induce cancer cell death by apoptosis, explained in part by their capacity to repress KRAS expression. Overall, the results suggest that targeting mutant KRAS at the gene level with G4 binding small molecules is a promising anticancer strategy.
Luminescence studies on green emitting InGaN/GaN MQWs implanted with nitrogen
Authors: Sousa Marco A. , Esteves Teresa C. , Sedrine Nabiha Ben , Rodrigues Joana , Lourenço Márcio B. , Redondo-Cubero Andrés , Alves Eduardo , O'Donnell Kevin P. , Bockowski Michal , Wetzel Christian , Correia Maria R. , Lorenz Katharina , Monteiro Teresa
Published: April 2015

We studied the optical properties of metalorganic chemical vapour deposited (MOCVD) InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) subjected to nitrogen (N) implantation and post-growth annealing treatments. The optical characterization was carried out by means of temperature and excitation density-dependent steady state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, supplemented by room temperature PL excitation (PLE) and PL lifetime (PLL) measurements. The as-grown and as-implanted samples were found to exhibit a single green emission band attributed to localized excitons in the QW, although the N implantation leads to a strong reduction of the PL intensity. The green band was found to be surprisingly stable on annealing up to 1400°C. A broad blue band dominates the low temperature PL after thermal annealing in both samples. This band is more intense for the implanted sample, suggesting that defects generated by N implantation, likely related to the diffusion/segregation of indium (In), have been optically activated by the thermal treatment.
A novel autonomous real-time position method based on polarized light and geomagnetic field
Authors: Wang Yinlong , Chu Jinkui , Zhang Ran , Wang Lu , Wang Zhiwen
Published: April 2015

Many animals exploit polarized light in order to calibrate their magnetic compasses for navigation. For example, some birds are equipped with biological magnetic and celestial compasses enabling them to migrate between the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. The Vikings' ability to derive true direction from polarized light is also widely accepted. However, their amazing navigational capabilities are still not completely clear. Inspired by birds' and Vikings' ancient navigational skills. Here we present a combined real-time position method based on the use of polarized light and geomagnetic field. The new method works independently of any artificial signal source with no accumulation of errors and can obtain the position and the orientation directly. The novel device simply consists of two polarized light sensors, a 3-axis compass and a computer. The field experiments demonstrate device performance.
Reductively degradable α-amino acid-based poly(ester amide)-graft-galactose copolymers: facile synthesis, self-assembly, and hepatoma-targeting doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Lv Jiaolong , Sun Huanli , Zou Yan , Meng Fenghua , Dias Aylvin A. , Hendriks Marc , Feijen Jan , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: April 2015

Multifunctional nanoparticles mediate specific and efficient intracellular doxorubicin delivery to asialoglycoprotein receptor-overexpressing hepatoma cells.
An experimental and theoretical study of the photoisomerization and thermal reversion on 5-arylmethylene-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one
Authors: Pepino A. J. , Burgos Paci M. A. , Peláez W. J. , Argüello G. A.
Published: April 2015

Unraveling the photochemical behaviour of the GFP chromophore has attracted widespread attention among scientists. Results for a new chromophore analog are presented.
Hierarchical self-assembly of colloidal magnetic particles into reconfigurable spherical structures
Authors: Morphew Daniel , Chakrabarti Dwaipayan
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate hierarchical self-assembly of rationally designed charge-stabilised colloidal magnetic particles into reconfigurable spherical structures.
Electrospun composite nanofibres of PVA loaded with nanoencapsulated n-octadecane
Authors: Sirohi Sidhharth , Singh Dhirendra , Nain Ratyakshi , Parida Dambarudhar , Agrawal Ashwini K. , Jassal Manjeet
Published: April 2015

In this study composite nanofibres of PVA consisting of polystyrene/n-octadecane nanocapsules were prepared.
Suzuki–Miyaura reaction by heterogeneously supported Pd in water: recent studies
Authors: Paul Susmita , Islam Md. Mominul , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: April 2015

This review summarizes the progress made essentially in the last fifteen years in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction by heterogeneous palladium catalysis in water as the sole solvent.
Coding method for the study of the intrinsic mechanism of spectral analysis
Authors: Zhou Mei , Li Qingli , Li Gang , Lin Ling
Published: April 2015

The coding method which quantizes the size relation between absorbance of multi components can be used for spectral analysis.
Comparison of antioxidant capacity assays with chemometric methods
Authors: Rácz Anita , Papp Nóra , Balogh Emőke , Fodor Marietta , Héberger Károly
Published: April 2015

The antioxidant capacity assays are compared with principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The best candidate to replace all of the other methods is selected using sum of ranking differences and the pair correlation method.
A trispyrazolylborato iron cysteinato complex efficiently mimics the cysteine dioxygenation process: mechanistic insights
Authors: Alberto Marta E.
Published: April 2015

An accurate DFT investigation on the O2 activation mechanism by an efficient CDO biomimetic model is herein presented. The reaction proceeds with a feasible activation barrier via multistate reactivity patterns.
A reversible and selective chemosensor based on intramolecular NH⋯NH2 hydrogen bonding for cyanide and pH detection
Authors: Zhang Chuanxiu , Ji Kai , Wang Xinyu , Wu Hongwei , Liu Chuanxiang
Published: April 2015

A highly selective and reversible chemosensor for cyanide and pH detection was developed based on intramolecular NH⋯NH2 hydrogen bonding.
Self-assembling corroles
Authors: Orłowski Rafał , Vakuliuk Olena , Gullo Maria Pia , Danylyuk Oksana , Ventura Barbara , Koszarna Beata , Tarnowska Anna , Jaworska Nina , Barbieri Andrea , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: April 2015

Amide-corroles form self-assembled structures via interaction of the core-NH with CO.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with metal nanoparticles as counter electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Xing Yedi , Zheng Xiaojia , Wu Yihui , Li Mingrun , Zhang Wen-Hua , Li Can
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes confining Co and Ni nanoparticles are employed as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells, showing photovoltaic performance comparable to or superior to the devices with sputtered platinum as the CE.
Site-specific fluorescence spectrum detection and characterization of hASIC1a channels upon toxin mambalgin-1 binding in live mammalian cells
Authors: Wen Ming , Guo Xiaoqi , Sun Peibei , Xiao Liang , Li Juan , Xiong Ying , Bao Jin , Xue Tian , Zhang Longhua , Tian Changlin
Published: April 2015

Fluorescence spectrum detection in live mammalian cells was applied for conformational response analysis of hASIC1a channels upon toxin binding.
Site-specific enzymatic introduction of a norbornene modified unnatural base into RNA and application in post-transcriptional labeling
Authors: Domnick Christof , Eggert Frank , Kath-Schorr Stephanie
Published: April 2015

An unnatural nucleotide capable of Diels–Alder cycloaddition is site-specifically introduced into RNA via T7 in vitro transcription.
Fluorine-modified bisbenzimide derivative as a molecular probe for bimodal and simultaneous detection of DNAs by 19F NMR and fluorescence
Authors: Sakamoto Takashi , Hasegawa Daisaku , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: April 2015

A molecular probe that can detect DNA with 19F NMR/fluorescence bimodal manner was developed. The probe can discriminate and detect simultaneously DNA sequences around AATT binding site by 19F NMR.
Synthesis and characterization of Pd(ii) dispersed over diamine functionalized graphene oxide and its scope as a catalyst for selective oxidation
Authors: Rana Surjyakanta , Maddila Suresh , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: April 2015

Palladium(ii) dispersed over diamine functionalized graphene oxide as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation under mild reaction conditions and water medium.
Rod-like β-FeOOH@poly(dopamine)–Au–poly(dopamine) nanocatalysts with improved recyclable activities
Authors: Mao Ya , Jiang Wanquan , Xuan Shouhu , Fang Qunling , Leung Ken Cham-Fai , Ong Beng S. , Wang Sheng , Gong Xinglong
Published: April 2015

A novel rod-like β-FeOOH@poly(dopamine)–Au–poly(dopamine) core–shell nanocomposite with significantly improved recyclability is developed for catalysis.
AMS analyses of I-129 from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in the Pacific Ocean waters of the Coast La Jolla – San Diego, USA
Authors: Stan-Sion C. , Enachescu M. , Petre A. R.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the results of an experimental study we performed by using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) method with iodine 129 (T1/2 = 15.7 My), to determine the increase of the radionuclide content in the USA West Pacific Coast waters, two years after the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.
Reaction of isatins with 6-amino uracils and isoxazoles: isatin ring-opening vs. annulations and regioselective synthesis of isoxazole fused quinoline scaffolds in water
Authors: Poomathi Nataraj , Mayakrishnan Sivakalai , Muralidharan Doraiswamy , Srinivasan Rajagopal , Perumal Paramasivan T.
Published: April 2015

A straightforward approach for the one-pot synthesis of isoxazoloquinoline and spiroxindole derivatives in water has been established using p-toluene sulphonic acid as a catalyst.
Facile synthesis of new, highly efficient SnO2/carbon nitride composite photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Fettkenhauer Ch. , Clavel G. , Kailasam K. , Antonietti M. , Dontsova D.
Published: April 2015

Principally new SnO2/carbon nitride composites featuring high surface areas and high activity in HER under visible light were prepared by condensation of dicyandiamide in MCl/SnCl2-containing salt melts.
Chlorine isotope determination via the monitoring of the AlCl molecule by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry – a case study
Authors: Nakadi F. V. , da Veiga M. A. M. S. , Aramendía M. , García-Ruiz E. , Resano M.
Published: April 2015

This article demonstrates the potential of HR CS GFMAS for providing Cl isotopic information and the benefits of using isotope dilution.
Cu(i)/TF-BiphamPhos-catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition of cyclic ketimino esters to alkylidene malonates
Authors: Xue Zhi-Yong , Song Zhi-Min , Wang Chun-Jiang
Published: April 2015

Cu(i)-catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition of cyclic ketimino esters with alkylidene malonates has been developed for efficient construction of β-branched α-amino acids containing adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers in good yields with excellent diastereo-/enantioselectivities.
Functionalization of cyclometalated iridium(iii) polypyridine complexes for the design of intracellular sensors, organelle-targeting imaging reagents, and metallodrugs
Authors: Lo Kenneth Kam-Wing , Tso Karson Ka-Shun
Published: April 2015

We summarize the biological applications of selected organometallic iridium(iii) complexes as intracellular sensors, organelle-targeting imaging reagents, and metallodrugs.
Electro-optic and dielectric properties of a ferroelectric liquid crystal doped with chemically and thermally stable emissive carbon dots
Authors: Shukla R. K. , Mirzaei J. , Sharma A. , Hofmann D. , Hegmann T. , Haase W.
Published: April 2015

Dispersion of the C-dots in n-hexane under ambient light and under 366 nm illumination indicating the bright photoluminescence of the C-dots; PL spectra of C-dots at different excitation wavelengths (360 nm to 540 nm) increasing at 20 nm intervals.
Novel mixtures of ether-functionalized ionic liquids and non-flammable methylperfluorobutylether as safe electrolytes for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Fang Shaohua , Qu Long , Luo Dong , Shen Shumin , Yang Li , Hirano Shin-ichi
Published: April 2015

Li/LiFePO4cells using safe electrolytes composed of ether-functionalized ILs and non-flammable methylperfluorobutylether showed good rate performance.
Insights into the roles of two constituents CL-20 and HMX in the CL-20:HMX cocrystal at high pressure: a DFT-D study
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Wu Qiong , Zhu Weihua , Xiao Heming
Published: April 2015

The two constituents HMX and CL-20 produce different effects on the crystal structure of their cocrystal in different directions.
Efficient palladium and ruthenium nanocatalysts stabilized by phosphine functionalized ionic liquid for selective hydrogenation
Authors: Wu Zhifeng , Jiang Heyan
Published: April 2015

Palladium and ruthenium nanoparticles stabilized by novel phosphine functionalized ionic liquid are originally utilized as efficient catalysts for excellent chemoselective hydrogenation.
High stability and superior catalytic reactivity of nitrogen-doped graphene supporting Pt nanoparticles as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction: a density functional theory study
Authors: Tian Yu , Liu Yue-jie , Zhao Jing-xiang , Ding Yi-hong
Published: April 2015

We investigated the structural and electronic properties of Pt13 nanoparticles on various nitrogen (N)-doped graphene and their interaction with O by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Development of a novel and efficient H2O2 sensor by simple modification of a screen printed Au electrode with Ru nanoparticle loaded functionalized mesoporous SBA15
Authors: Hazra Subhenjit , Joshi Hrishikesh , Ghosh Barun Kumar , Ahmed Asif , Gibson Timothy , Millner Paul , Ghosh Narendra Nath
Published: April 2015

A novel and efficient electrochemical sensor has been developed to quantitatively measure H2O2 concentration by cyclic voltammetry.
Magnesium-based systems for carbon dioxide capture, storage and recycling: from leaves to synthetic nanostructured materials
Authors: Vitillo Jenny G.
Published: April 2015

Magnesium is used as leitmotif in this review in order to explore the systems involved in natural and artificial CO2cycles.
Crystallization and morphology development in polyethylene–octakis(n-octadecyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane nanocomposite blends
Authors: Heeley E. L. , Hughes D. J. , Taylor P. G. , Bassindale A. R.
Published: April 2015

A detailed study of the crystallization kinetics and morphology development of a novel set of polyethylene–Q8POSS blends.
Current improvement in hybrid quantum dot sensitized solar cells by increased light-scattering with a polymer layer
Authors: Esparza Diego , Oliva Jorge , López-Luke Tzarara , Carriles Ramón , Zarazúa Isaac , De la Rosa Elder
Published: April 2015

We investigate the effect of the incorporation of a material with efficient electron transport into a Hybrid Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cell (HyQDSSC).
Facile synthesis of bismuth oxide/bismuth vanadate heterostructures for efficient photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Ye Kai-Hang , Yu Xiang , Qiu Zhiguang , Zhu Yi , Lu Xihong , Zhang Yuanming
Published: April 2015

Bi2O3/BiVO4 heterostructures with a p–n junction have been successfully synthesized and exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical activity.
A sensitive dopamine biosensor based on ultra-thin polypyrrole nanosheets decorated with Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Ghadimi Hanieh , Mahmoudian M. R. , Basirun Wan Jefrey
Published: April 2015

A Pt/UltraPPy modified glassy carbon electrode is a highly sensitive new sensor for the detection of dopamine.
The hydrolysis of phenyl trifluoroacetate in AOT/n-heptane RMs as a sensor of the encapsulated water structure
Authors: Silva O. Fernando , de Rossi Rita H. , Correa N. Mariano
Published: April 2015

A study was carried out on the hydrolysis of phenyl trifluoroacetate (PTFA) in AOT/n-heptane/water reverse micelles.
Preparation of high performance lithium-ion batteries with a separator–cathode assembly
Authors: Xiao Wei , Zhao Lina , Gong Yaqun , Wang Shaoliang , Liu Jianguo , Yan Chuanwei
Published: April 2015

Comparison of the lithium-ion batteries with conventional separator (A) and separator–cathode assembly (B).
Supramolecular assemblies of 2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid and N-heterocycles via various strong hydrogen bonds and weak X⋯π (X = C–H, π) interactions
Authors: Pang Yanyan , Xing Peiqi , Geng Xiujuan , Zhu Yujing , Liu Faqian , Wang Lei
Published: April 2015

Hydrogen bonds and weak X⋯π (X = C–H, π) interactions in a series of multi-component molecules constructed from 2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid with N-heterocycles are discussed in context.
Sulfonated carbon nanotubes synergistically enhanced the proton conductivity of sulfonated polyarylene ether nitriles
Authors: Feng M. N. , Pu Z. J. , Zheng P. L. , Jia K. , Liu X. B.
Published: April 2015

The effect of sulfonated carbon nanotubes using an acyl chloride method on proton conductivity of sulfonated polyarylene ether nitriles was investigated.
3D porous hybrids of defect-rich MoS2/graphene nanosheets with excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Longsheng , Fan Wei , Tjiu Weng Weei , Liu Tianxi
Published: April 2015

3D porous hybrids of defect-rich MoS2/graphene nanosheets (dr-MoS2/GNS) exhibit extraordinary electrochemical performance as anode materials for high performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs).
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of BiSbTe-based composites incorporated with amorphous Si3N4 nanoparticles
Authors: Dou Y. C. , Qin X. Y. , Li D. , Li Y. Y. , Xin H. X. , Zhang J. , Liu Y. F. , Song C. J. , Wang L.
Published: April 2015

Thermoelectric properties of BiSbTe-based composites dispersed with a small amount (<1 vol%) of amorphous Si3N4 (a-Si3N4) nanoparticles (∼25 nm) were investigated in the temperature range from 303 K to 483 K.
Preparation of t-ZrO2 by a sol–gel process with carbon as a phase transformation promoter
Authors: Liu Yu , Chi Weidong , Liu Hui , Su Yueyang , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2015

Cubic phase ZrO2 can be synthesized with amorphous carbon as a phase transition promoter.
Quick synthesis, functionalization and properties of uniform, luminescent LuPO4-based nanoparticles
Authors: Becerro Ana I. , Ocaña Manuel
Published: April 2015

Nanometric, luminescent Eu:LuPO4 particles quickly (30 min) synthesised in the absence of organic additives and able to form stable colloidal suspensions in aqueous media.
Bis(imidazolium) salts derived from amino acids as receptors and transport agents for chloride anions
Authors: González-Mendoza Laura , Altava Belén , Burguete M. Isabel , Escorihuela Jorge , Hernando Elsa , Luis Santiago V. , Quesada Roberto , Vicent Cristian
Published: April 2015

Binding properties towards different anions and chloride transport activity have been studied using different bis(imidazolium) salts.
Nitrogen-self-doped carbon with a porous graphene-like structure as a highly efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Qidong , Wu Hui , Zhang Chenyu , Cheng Kun , Zhou Huang , Pan Mu , Mu Shichun
Published: April 2015

N-doped porous graphene-like carbon nanosheets are formed by a template-free method and show an ORR activity which outperforms that of Pt/C in alkaline media.
Cr(vi) removal by magnetic carbon nanocomposites derived from cellulose at different carbonization temperatures
Authors: Qiu Bin , Wang Yiran , Sun Dezhi , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xin , Weeks Brandon L. , O'Connor Ryan , Huang Xiaohua , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu
Published: April 2015

The carbon layer and iron of magnetic carbons play an important role in Cr(vi) removal from solutions with an initial pH of 7 and 2.
Carbides of group IVA, VA and VIA transition metals as alternative HER and ORR catalysts and support materials
Authors: Regmi Yagya N. , Waetzig Gregory R. , Duffee Kyle D. , Schmuecker Samantha M. , Thode James M. , Leonard Brian M.
Published: April 2015

Nano-carbides were synthesized and tested as catalysts and supports for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Compositional paradigms in multinary compound systems for photovoltaic applications: a case study of kesterites
Authors: Fairbrother Andrew , Dimitrievska Mirjana , Sánchez Yudania , Izquierdo-Roca Victor , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo
Published: April 2015

Utilizing a combinatorial approach, two distinct compositions for optimizing optoelectronic properties are found for Cu2ZnSnSe4-based solar cells.
Complicity of haem in some adverse drug-reactions
Authors: Vágány Viktoria , Smith Andrew G.
Published: April 2015

Genetic variants in haem metabolism enzymes can be predisposition factors for adverse reactions in some individuals. New areas of haem biology may also be associated with idiosyncratic effects which are yet to be identified.
Research Forum on Challenges in Hearing Health Care for the Oldest Older Adults
Authors: Dubno Judy R.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the invited Research Forum on challenges in hearing health care for the oldest older adults, which was presented at the 2014 HEaring Across the Lifespan conference (HEAL 2014).

Method

A brief overview of the three presentations in the special session is provided along with general conclusions.

Conclusions

Hearing health care needs of the oldest older adults are multifactorial and are related to auditory and cognitive declines; social, emotional, and lifestyle changes; and increasing physical disabilities and other comorbidities. Improved clinical outcomes for hearing health require personalized needs assessments by interprofessional teams and shared decision making on treatment options.
Design and application of high‐power cavity‐backed helical antenna with unit ceramic radome
Authors: Li Xiangqiang , Liu Qingxiang , Zhang Jianqiong
Published: April 2015

A high‐power cavity‐backed helical antenna with a unit ceramic radome is proposed and investigated for the first time. The helical antenna uses a unit ceramic radome to realise a vacuum seal for a single‐element antenna, and the radome is designed in a thin‐wall structure to maintain low insertion loss. The proposed antenna uses a backed cavity in a cylindrical structure to reduce the mutual coupling among elements. An S‐band antenna prototype with a centre frequency of 2.856 GHz is designed and optimised. The performance of the antenna is simulated, including radiation performances and the power‐handling capacity. This antenna is applied in an S‐band 16‐element sub‐array and a 256‐element array antenna. The experiment results validate that this antenna can realise favourable circularly polarised radiation in its axial direction in the frequency range of 2.7–3.0 GHz, and the average power‐handling capacity for a single‐element antenna is at least ∼4.7 MW.
Lossy transmission of correlated sources over multiple‐access wiretap channels
Authors: Salehkalaibar Sadaf , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2015

In this study, the authors study lossy communication of correlated sources over a multiple‐access wiretap channel (MAC‐WT). Consider a system with two transmitters, a receiver and an eavesdropper. There are two correlated sources where each of them is observed by the corresponding transmitter, separately. Each transmitter wishes to describe its source sequence to the receiver with a desired distortion. The sources need to be kept secret from the eavesdropper. They find an achievable region for the MAC‐WT with correlated sources by separation. A joint source‐channel coding scheme for the MAC‐WT is also proposed. They consider lossy communication of a bivariate Gaussian source over Gaussian MAC‐WT (GMAC‐WT). They propose a separation‐based achievable scheme for the GMAC‐WT. An achievable region for the GMAC‐WT based on uncoded transmission is also found. They compare the separate and the uncoded schemes for the symmetric GMAC‐WT, where the same constraint on the power of each transmitter is imposed and the same distortion on each source is achieved. For another case of source correlation coefficient, they compare the separate, uncoded and hybrid schemes. They obtain outer bounds to the rate‐distortion‐equivocation region of: (i) the degraded MAC‐WT where the output at the eavesdropper is a degraded version of the output at the receiver, (ii) the GMAC‐WT with independent sources and (iii) the symmetric GMAC‐WT when the correlation of the sources is maximum. Optimal regions for some cases are established.
Finite‐time attitude stabilisation for a class of stochastic spacecraft systems
Authors: Zhao Lin , Jia Yingmin
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the problem of finite‐time attitude stabilisation in probability for a class of stochastic spacecraft systems. Based on the stochastic finite‐time stability theorem, a continuous control law is proposed to guarantee the solution of the closed‐loop system will converge to the origin in finite time and stay at the origin thereafter with probability one. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Grid synchronisation technique without using trigonometric functions for accurate estimation of fundamental voltage parameters
Authors: Reza Md. Shamim , Ciobotaru Mihai , Agelidis Vassilios Georgios
Published: April 2015

This study proposes a single‐phase grid voltage synchronisation technique combining a quadrature signal generator and a frequency estimator to avoid the use of the computationally demanding trigonometric functions of a conventional phase‐locked loop. The quadrature signal generator consists of an anticonjugate decomposition process and a cascaded delayed signal cancellation (ACDSC) strategy. The technique can provide accurate estimation of the fundamental voltage amplitude, frequency and phase angle, and can also reject the negative effects caused by the presence of DC offset and harmonics. When compared with a phase‐locked loop based on the ACDSC, the proposed technique avoids the evaluation of the trigonometric functions, removes the phase loop, thus does not require tuning of loop filter, and also provides comparable estimation accuracy and dynamics. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the performance of the proposed technique.
Phase‐shift modulation in double half‐bridge inverter with common resonant capacitor for induction heating appliances
Authors: Carretero Claudio , Lucia Oscar , Acero Jesus , Burdio Jose Miguel
Published: April 2015

In this study, the application of the phase‐shift modulation to a double half‐bridge resonant inverter supplying inductive loads with a common resonant capacitor is analysed in order to control the output power provided to the load of each converter. This study is focused on the application of such modulation to a cost‐effective solution for domestic induction heating appliances with at least two burners heating up simultaneously two pots. The burners, also called inductor–pot systems, are usually electrically modelled by their equivalent impedances, Zcoil(ω). The proposed modulation is suitable to control the power provided to inductor–pot systems with different equivalent impedances. The control variables of each half‐bridge inverter, that is, switching frequency, fswo, and duty cycle, D, have been assumed identical to both inverters in order to simplify the analysis, but, a new control parameter, the phase‐shift between inverters, φ, is employed. In the analysis, it has been proved that the power dependence with respect to the phase‐shift between the inverter is almost totally due to the first harmonic contribution of the current. Finally, the main results of the analysis are checked by means of experimental measurements.
Le récepteur de l’apeline
Authors: Masri Bernard , Dray Cédric , Knauf Claude , Valet Philippe , Castan-Laurell Isabelle
Published: April 2015

Le gène codant pour le récepteur de l’apeline (APJ) a été cloné dès 1993, et son ligand identifié en 1998. L’expression du récepteur APJ au niveau du système nerveux central, notamment dans l’hypothalamus, ainsi que dans divers tissus (cœur, vaisseaux, estomac, etc.), en fait une cible pharmacologique de choix. En effet, les recherches sur APJ ont permis le développement de molécules essentiellement peptidiques permettant d’activer et/ou de bloquer le récepteur et, plus récemment, de découvrir un autre ligand endogène : apela. Parmi les fonctions régulées par le système APJ/apeline, le contrôle du métabolisme énergétique apparaît aujourd’hui au tout premier plan. Une meilleure connaissance de la pharmacologie du récepteur APJ devrait donc permettre d’envisager une approche thérapeutique innovante dans la lutte contre les maladies métaboliques.
Identification par deux criblages simultanés indépendants d’une famille d’inhibiteurs du métabolisme des glycérolipides
Authors: Chevalier Florian , Maréchal Éric
Published: April 2015

Chez les eucaryotes, l’acide phosphatidique (AP) et le diacylglycérol (DAG) forment un couple de métabolites interconvertibles qui constitue à la fois un véritablehubmétabolique, à la base de tous les glycérolipides membranaires, et un système de signalisation extrêmement versatile. Deux criblages pharmacologiques indépendants réalisés sur des cibles végétales et humaines ont conduit à l’identification d’une nouvelle classe de composés agissant sur des enzymes se liant à l’AP ou au DAG, dans des contextes biologiques qui semblaient à première vue indépendants. D’une part, chez les plantes, les monogalactosyldiacylglycérol synthases (MGDG synthases ou MGD) sont responsables de la production de MGDG, qui est le lipide le plus abondant des membranes photosynthétiques et, de ce fait, est essentiel au métabolisme et au développement. Les MGD utilisent comme substrat le DAG. D’autre part, chez les mammifères, les phospholipases de type D (PLD), qui produisent de l’AP par hydrolyse de glycérolipides, sont impliquées dans des cascades de signalisation contrôlant un large spectre de fonctions cellulaires, et jouent un rôle lors du développement des cancers. Les deux criblages pharmacologiques indépendants décrits dans cet article avaient pour objectif d’identifier des molécules inhibant, dans un cas, les MGD d’Arabidopsis, une plante modèle et, dans un autre cas, les PLD humaines. Les molécules obtenues sont dans les deux cas des dérivés des pipéridinyl-benzimidazolones, ce qui permet de proposer cette famille de molécules comme une nouvelle source d’inspiration dans la recherche de composés actifs sur le métabolisme des glycérolipides ; ces molécules pourraient être utiles dans d’autres contextes biologiques et thérapeutiques.
Les souffrances et les maladies dans l’histoire
Authors: Coste Joël
Published: April 2015

L’étude des souffrances et des maladies dans les écrits médicaux anciens apporte des données sur la réalité historique et la dynamique des phénomènes pathologiques, leur émergence, leur diffusion et leurs relations avec l’environnement physique et humain. Elle éclaire aussi la manière dont ont été élaborées les entités qualifiées de « maladie » ou considérées comme telles par la médecine, et questionne, au même titre que les études transculturelles, l’universalité des catégories pathologiques employées. L’intérêt de cette étude pour la médecine et la santé publique contemporaines est illustré par l’analyse de quelques textes choisis duxviiie siècle français.
The discrete Fourier transform algorithm for determining decay constants—Implementation using a field programmable gate array
Authors: Bostrom G. , Atkinson D. , Rice A.
Published: April 2015

Cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) uses the exponential decay constant of light exiting a high-finesse resonance cavity to determine analyte concentration, typically via absorption. We present a high-throughput data acquisition system that determines the decay constant in near real time using the discrete Fourier transform algorithm on a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A commercially available, high-speed, high-resolution, analog-to-digital converter evaluation board system is used as the platform for the system, after minor hardware and software modifications. The system outputs decay constants at maximum rate of 4.4 kHz using an 8192-point fast Fourier transform by processing the intensity decay signal between ringdown events. We present the details of the system, including the modifications required to adapt the evaluation board to accurately process the exponential waveform. We also demonstrate the performance of the system, both stand-alone and incorporated into our existing CRDS system. Details of FPGA, microcontroller, and circuitry modifications are provided in the Appendix and computer code is available upon request from the authors.