bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variants in the Insulin-like Growth Factor Pathway and Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: Simons Colinda C. J. M. , Schouten Leo J. , Godschalk Roger W. L. , van Engeland Manon , van den Brandt Piet A. , van Schooten Frederik J. , Weijenberg Matty P.
Published: September 2015

Interrelationships between insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), hyperinsulinaemia, diabetes and colorectal cancer (CRC) indicate involvement of IGFs in colorectal tumorigenesis. We investigated the CRC risk associated with 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 9 genes related to the IGF pathway and an IGF1 19-CA repeat polymorphism. Variants were selected from literature and genotyped in toenail DNA from 3,768 subcohort members and 2,580 CRC cases from the Netherlands Cohort Study, which has a case-cohort design (n = 120,852). We used the follow-up period 1986–2002. Eighteen SNPs were unequivocally associated with selected endpoints in the literature and unfavorable alleles were aggregated into a genetic sum score. Cox regression showed that a higher genetic sum score significantly increased CRC risk at all subsites, except the rectum, in men (highest vs. lowest tertile: HR for CRC = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.65; P-trend = 0.002). Single SNPs (except the IGF1 SNP rs5742694) were not associated with risk. Models including the total number of IGF1 19-CA repeats showed CRC risk was halved at all subsites in women carrying <38 repeats but not >38 repeats (≤36 versus 38 repeats: HR for CRC = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.58; P-trend < 0.001). These findings support a role for variants in IGF-related genes in colorectal tumorigenesis.
Quasi-two-dimensional superconductivity in FeSe0.3Te0.7 thin films and electric-field modulation of superconducting transition
Authors: Lin Zhu , Mei Chenguang , Wei Linlin , Sun Zhangao , Wu Shilong , Huang Haoliang , Zhang Shu , Liu Chang , Feng Yang , Tian Huanfang , Yang Huaixin , Li Jianqi , Wang Yayu , Zhang Guangming , Lu Yalin , Zhao Yonggang
Published: September 2015

We report the structural and superconducting properties of FeSe0.3Te0.7 (FST) thin films with different thicknesses grown on ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3O3 substrates. It was shown that the FST films undergo biaxial tensile strains which are fully relaxed for films with thicknesses above 200 nm. Electrical transport measurements reveal that the ultrathin films exhibit an insulating behavior and superconductivity appears for thicker films with Tc saturated above 200 nm. The current-voltage curves around the superconducting transition follow the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition behavior and the resistance-temperature curves can be described by the Halperin–Nelson relation, revealing quasi-two-dimensional phase fluctuation in FST thin films. The Ginzburg number decreases with increasing film thickness indicating the decrease of the strength of thermal fluctuations. Upon applying electric field to the heterostructure, Tc of FST thin film increases due to the reduction of the tensile strain in FST. This work sheds light on the superconductivity, strain effect as well as electric-field modulation of superconductivity in FST films.
Correction: Corrigendum: Responding to the challenge of untreatable gonorrhea: ETX0914, a first-in-class agent with a distinct mechanism-of-action against bacterial Type II topoisomerases
Authors: Basarab Gregory S. , Kern Gunther H. , McNulty John , Mueller John P. , Lawrence Kenneth , Vishwanathan Karthick , Alm Richard A. , Barvian Kevin , Doig Peter , Galullo Vincent , Gardner Humphrey , Gowravaram Madhusudhan , Huband Michael , Kimzey Amy , Morningstar Marshall , Kutschke Amy , Lahiri Sushmita D. , Perros Manos , Singh Renu , Schuck Virna J. A. , Tommasi Ruben , Walkup Grant , Newman Joseph V.
Published: September 2015

With the diminishing effectiveness of current antibacterial therapies, it is critically important to discover agents that operate by a mechanism that circumvents existing resistance. ETX0914, the first of a new class of antibacterial agent targeted for the treatment of gonorrhea, operates by a novel mode-of-inhibition against bacterial type II topoisomerases. Incorporating an oxazolidinone on the scaffold mitigated toxicological issues often seen with topoisomerase inhibitors. Organisms resistant to other topoisomerase inhibitors were not cross-resistant with ETX0914 nor were spontaneous resistant mutants to ETX0914 cross-resistant with other topoisomerase inhibitor classes, including the widely used fluoroquinolone class. Preclinical evaluation of ETX0914 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics showed distribution into vascular tissues and efficacy in a murine Staphylococcus aureus infection model that served as a surrogate for predicting efficacious exposures for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. A wide safety margin to the efficacious exposure in toxicological evaluations supported progression to Phase 1. Dosing ETX0914 in human volunteers showed sufficient exposure and minimal adverse effects to expect a highly efficacious anti-gonorrhea therapy.
Large Scale Synthesis and Light Emitting Fibers of Tailor-Made Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Park Hun , Hyun Noh Sung , Hye Lee Ji , Jun Lee Won , Yun Jaung Jae , Geol Lee Seung , Hee Han Tae
Published: September 2015

Graphene oxide (GO), which is an oxidized form of graphene, has a mixed structure consisting of graphitic crystallites of sp2 hybridized carbon and amorphous regions. In this work, we present a straightforward route for preparing graphene-based quantum dots (GQDs) by extraction of the crystallites from the amorphous matrix of the GO sheets. GQDs with controlled functionality are readily prepared by varying the reaction temperature, which results in precise tunability of their optical properties. Here, it was concluded that the tunable optical properties of GQDs are a result of the different fraction of chemical functionalities present. The synthesis approach presented in this paper provides an efficient strategy for achieving large-scale production and long-time optical stability of the GQDs and the hybrid assembly of GQD and polymer has potential applications as photoluminescent fibers or films.
Highly Stretchable and Conductive Silver Nanoparticle Embedded Graphene Flake Electrode Prepared by In situ Dual Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yoon Yeoheung , Samanta Khokan , Lee Hanleem , Lee Keunsik , Tiwari Anand P. , Lee JiHun , Yang Junghee , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: September 2015

The emergence of stretchable devices that combine with conductive properties offers new exciting opportunities for wearable applications. Here, a novel, convenient and inexpensive solution process was demonstrated to prepare in situ silver (Ag) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs)-embedded rGO hybrid materials using formic acid duality in the presence of AgNO3 or H2PtCl6 at low temperature. The reduction duality of the formic acid can convert graphene oxide (GO) to rGO and simultaneously deposit the positively charged metal ion to metal NP on rGO while the formic acid itself is converted to a CO2 evolving gas that is eco-friendly. The AgNP-embedded rGO hybrid electrode on an elastomeric substrate exhibited superior stretchable properties including a maximum conductivity of 3012 S cm-1 (at 0 % strain) and 322.8 S cm-1 (at 35 % strain). Its fabrication process using a printing method is scalable. Surprisingly, the electrode can survive even in continuous stretching cycles.
Activity of andrographolide against chikungunya virus infection
Authors: Wintachai Phitchayapak , Kaur Parveen , Lee Regina Ching Hua , Ramphan Suwipa , Kuadkitkan Atichat , Wikan Nitwara , Ubol Sukathida , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Smith Duncan R.
Published: September 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus that has recently engendered large epidemics around the world. There is no specific antiviral for treatment of patients infected with CHIKV and development of compounds with significant anti-CHIKV activity that can be further developed to a practical therapy is urgently required. Andrographolide is derived from Andrographis paniculata, a herb traditionally used to treat a number of conditions including infections. This study sought to determine the potential of andrographolide as an inhibitor of CHIKV infection. Andrographolide showed good inhibition of CHIKV infection and reduced virus production by approximately 3log10 with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 77 μM without cytotoxicity. Time-of-addition and RNA transfection studies showed that andrographolide affected CHIKV replication and the activity of andrographolide was shown to be cell type independent. This study suggests that andrographolide has the potential to be developed further as an anti-CHIKV therapeutic agent.
Nano-architecture of gustatory chemosensory bristles and trachea in Drosophila wings
Authors: Valmalette Jean Christophe , Raad Hussein , Qiu Nan , Ohara Satoshi , Capovilla Maria , Robichon Alain
Published: September 2015

In the Drosophila wing anterior margin, the dendrites of gustatory neurons occupy the interior of thin and long bristles that present tiny pores at their extremities. Many attempts to measure ligand-evoked currents in insect wing gustatory neurons have been unsuccessful for technical reasons. The functions of this gustatory activity therefore remain elusive and controversial. To advance our knowledge on this understudied tissue, we investigated the architecture of the wing chemosensory bristles and wing trachea using Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. We hypothesized that the wing gustatory hair, an open-ended capillary tube and the wing trachea constitute biological systems similar to nano-porous materials. We present evidence that argues in favour of the existence of a layer or a bubble of air beneath the pore inside the gustatory hair. We demonstrate that these hollow hairs and wing tracheal tubes fulfil conditions for which the physics of fluids applied to open-ended capillaries and porous materials are relevant. We also document that the wing gustatory hair and tracheal architectures are capable of trapping volatile molecules from the environment, which might increase the efficiency of their spatial detection by way of wing vibrations or during flight.
Acid stress mediated adaptive divergence in ion channel function during embryogenesis in Rana arvalis
Authors: Shu Longfei , Laurila Anssi , Räsänen Katja
Published: September 2015

Ion channels and pumps are responsible for ion flux in cells and are key mechanisms mediating cellular function. Many environmental stressors, such as salinity and acidification, are known to severely disrupt ionic balance of organisms thereby challenging fitness of natural populations. Although ion channels can have several vital functions during early life-stages (e.g. embryogenesis), it is currently not known i) how developing embryos maintain proper intracellular conditions when exposed to environmental stress and ii) to what extent environmental stress can drive intra-specific divergence in ion channels. Here we studied the moor frog, Rana arvalis, from three divergent populations to investigate the role of different ion channels and pumps for embryonic survival under acid stress (pH 4 vs 7.5) and whether populations adapted to contrasting acidities differ in the relative role of different ion channel/pumps. We found that ion channels that mediate Ca2+ influx are essential for embryonic survival under acidic pH, and, intriguingly, that populations differ in calcium channel function. Our results suggest that adaptive divergence in embryonic acid stress tolerance of amphibians may in part be mediated by Ca2+ balance. We suggest that ion flux may mediate adaptive divergence of natural populations at early life-stages in the face of environmental stress.
A comprehensive theoretical model for on-chip microring-based photonic fractional differentiators
Authors: Jin Boyuan , Yuan Jinhui , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu , Yan Binbin , Wu Qiang , Li Feng , Zhou Xian , Zhou Guiyao , Yu Chongxiu , Lu Chao , Yaw Tam Hwa , Wai P. K. A.
Published: September 2015

Microring-based photonic fractional differentiators play an important role in the on-chip all-optical signal processing. Unfortunately, the previous works do not consider the time-reversal and the time delay characteristics of the microring-based fractional differentiator. They also do not include the effect of input pulse width on the output. In particular, it cannot explain why the microring-based differentiator with the differentiation order n > 1 has larger output deviation than that with n < 1 and why the microring-based differentiator cannot reproduce the three-peak output waveform of an ideal differentiator with n > 1. In this paper, a comprehensive theoretical model is proposed. The critically-coupled microring resonator is modeled as an ideal first-order differentiator, while the under-coupled and over-coupled resonators are modeled as the time-reversed ideal fractional differentiators. Traditionally, the over-coupled microring resonators are used to form the differentiators with 1 < n < 2. However, we demonstrate that smaller fitting error can be obtained if the over-coupled microring resonator is fitted by an ideal differentiator with n < 1. The time delay of the differentiator is also considered. Finally, the influences of some key factors on the output waveform and deviation are discussed. The proposed theoretical model is beneficial for the design and application of the microring-based fractional differentiators.
Φ-score: A cell-to-cell phenotypic scoring method for sensitive and selective hit discovery in cell-based assays
Authors: Guyon Laurent , Lajaunie Christian , Fer Frédéric , Bhajun Ricky , Sulpice Eric , Pinna Guillaume , Campalans Anna , Radicella J. Pablo , Rouillier Philippe , Mary Mélissa , Combe Stéphanie , Obeid Patricia , Vert Jean-Philippe , Gidrol Xavier
Published: September 2015

Phenotypic screening monitors phenotypic changes induced by perturbations, including those generated by drugs or RNA interference. Currently-used methods for scoring screen hits have proven to be problematic, particularly when applied to physiologically relevant conditions such as low cell numbers or inefficient transfection. Here, we describe the Φ-score, which is a novel scoring method for the identification of phenotypic modifiers or hits in cell-based screens. Φ-score performance was assessed with simulations, a validation experiment and its application to gene identification in a large-scale RNAi screen. Using robust statistics and a variance model, we demonstrated that the Φ-score showed better sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility compared to classical approaches. The improved performance of the Φ-score paves the way for cell-based screening of primary cells, which are often difficult to obtain from patients in sufficient numbers. We also describe a dedicated merging procedure to pool scores from small interfering RNAs targeting the same gene so as to provide improved visualization and hit selection.
3D hierarchical porous graphene aerogel with tunable meso-pores on graphene nanosheets for high-performance energy storage
Authors: Ren Long , Hui K. N. , Hui K. S. , Liu Yundan , Qi Xiang , Zhong Jianxin , Du Yi , Yang Jianping
Published: September 2015

New and novel 3D hierarchical porous graphene aerogels (HPGA) with uniform and tunable meso-pores (e.g., 21 and 53 nm) on graphene nanosheets (GNS) were prepared by a hydrothermal self-assembly process and an in-situ carbothermal reaction. The size and distribution of the meso-pores on the individual GNS were uniform and could be tuned by controlling the sizes of the Co3O4 NPs used in the hydrothermal reaction. This unique architecture of HPGA prevents the stacking of GNS and promises more electrochemically active sites that enhance the electrochemical storage level significantly. HPGA, as a lithium-ion battery anode, exhibited superior electrochemical performance, including a high reversible specific capacity of 1100 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g, outstanding cycling stability and excellent rate performance. Even at a large current density of 20 A/g, the reversible capacity was retained at 300 mAh/g, which is larger than that of most porous carbon-based anodes reported, suggesting it to be a promising candidate for energy storage. The proposed 3D HPGA is expected to provide an important platform that can promote the development of 3D topological porous systems in a range of energy storage and generation fields.
Klotho-related Molecules Upregulated by Smoking Habit in Apparently Healthy Men: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nakanishi Kaori , Nishida Makoto , Harada Masaya , Ohama Tohru , Kawada Noritaka , Murakami Masaaki , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamauchi-Takihara Keiko
Published: September 2015

While aging is unavoidable, the aging mechanism is still unclear because of its complexity. Smoking causes premature death and is considered as an environmental aging accelerator. In the present study, we focused on the influence of smoking to the serum concentration of anti-aging protein α-klotho (αKl) and the β-klotho-associated protein fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 in men. Subjects consisted of apparently healthy men over 40 years of age who underwent health examination. Physical and biochemical parameters, including the levels of several cytokines and growth factors, were obtained from the subjects. Among middle-aged men (46.1 ± 5.1 years), serum levels of FGF-21, soluble αKl (sαKl) and inflammation-related cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly higher in smokers than in never-smokers. Serum levels of FGF-21 increased and correlated with alanine transaminase, γ guanosine-5′-triphosphate and total cholesterol only in smokers, suggesting FGF-21 as a metabolic disorder-related factor in smokers. In aged men (60.3 ± 1.7 years), although the serum levels of sαKl in never-smokers were low, smokers showed highly increased serum levels of sαKl. Serum levels of sαKl was correlated with IL-6 in middle-aged never-smokers, suggesting sαKl regulates IL-6. However, this correlation was disrupted in smokers and aged men.
Diabetic pdx1-mutant zebrafish show conserved responses to nutrient overload and anti-glycemic treatment
Authors: Kimmel Robin A. , Dobler Stefan , Schmitner Nicole , Walsen Tanja , Freudenblum Julia , Meyer Dirk
Published: September 2015

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by disrupted glucose homeostasis due to loss or dysfunction of insulin-producing beta cells. In this work, we characterize pancreatic islet development and function in zebrafish mutant for pdx1, a gene which in humans is linked to genetic forms of diabetes and is associated with increased susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes. Pdx1 mutant zebrafish have the key diabetic features of reduced beta cells, decreased insulin and elevated glucose. The hyperglycemia responds to pharmacologic anti-diabetic treatment and, as often seen in mammalian diabetes models, beta cells of pdx1 mutants show sensitivity to nutrient overload. This unique genetic model of diabetes provides a new tool for elucidating the mechanisms behind hyperglycemic pathologies and will allow the testing of novel therapeutic interventions in a model organism that is amenable to high-throughput approaches.
Small angle X-ray scattering studies of CTNNBL1 dimerization and CTNNBL1/CDC5L complex
Authors: Ahn Jae-Woo , Sik Jin Kyeong , Francis Son Hyeoncheol , Ho Chang Jeong , Kim Kyung-Jin
Published: September 2015

The hPrp19/CDC5L complex is a non-snRNP spliceosome complex that plays a key role in the spliceosome activation during pre-mRNA splicing and CTNNBL1 and CDC5L are essential components of the complex. In this study, to investigate the oligomeric state of CTNNBL1 in solution, we performed small angle X-ray scattering experiments in various concentrations of NaCl. We observed that CTNNBL1 existed as a dimer in physiological NaCl concentrations. Site-directed mutagenesis experiment of CTNNBL1 confirmed that N-terminal capping region and the first four ARM repeats are important for dimerization of the protein. We also found that the positively-charged NLS3-containing region (residues 197–235) of CDC5L bound to the negatively-charged patch of CTNNBL1 and that the CTNNBL1/CDC5L complex formed a heterotetramer consisting of one CTNNBL1 dimer and one CDC5L dimer. Moreover, reconstruction of 3D models of CTNNBL1/CDC5L complexes containing CTNNBL1 and three different truncated forms of CDC5L showed that the CDC5L141–196 region and the CDC5L236–377 region were positioned at the top of the N-terminal capping region and at the bottom of ARM VII of CTNNBL1, respectively.
Detection of thiocyanate through limiting growth of AuNPs with C-dots acting as reductant
Authors: Lu Qiujun , Liu Yalan , Hou Yuxin , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Youyu , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: September 2015

We have found that hydroxyl-rich carbon dots (C-dots) have the ability to reduce Au3+to form gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which can be used as an optical sensor to detect SCN−in raw milk with satisfactory results.
Correction: The development of paper microfluidic devices for presumptive drug detection
Authors: Musile Giacomo , Wang Ling , Bottoms Jashaun , Tagliaro Franco , McCord Bruce
Published: September 2015

Correction for ‘The development of paper microfluidic devices for presumptive drug detection’ by Giacomo Musile et al., Anal. Methods, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5ay01432h.
Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of azides with isocyanides
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Zongyang , Fu Bin , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: September 2015

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of azides with isocyanides is developed, providing a general synthetic route to unsymmetric carbodiimides.
K+ preference at the NaK channel entrance revealed by fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy analysis of site-specifically incorporated (7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine
Authors: Liu Sanling , Lv Pei , Li Dong , Guo Xiaoqi , Zhang Bo , Yu Mu , Li Dandan , Xiong Ying , Zhang Longhua , Tian Changlin
Published: September 2015

Fluorescence lifetime and time-resolved anisotropy measurements were used for characterizing the ion preference of the NaK channel.
Boron–nitrogen doped carbon scaffolding: organic chemistry, self-assembly and materials applications of borazine and its derivatives
Authors: Bonifazi Davide , Fasano Francesco , Lorenzo-Garcia M. Mercedes , Marinelli Davide , Oubaha Hamid , Tasseroul Jonathan
Published: September 2015

In this feature article we describe the past and recent developments in the organic synthesis and functionalisation of borazine, the isostructural inorganic analogue of benzene.
Temperature- and salt-responsive polyoxometalate–poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hybrid macromolecules in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yin Panchao , Chen Xinyue , Hu Lang , Liu Tianbo
Published: September 2015

New polyoxometalate–poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) macromolecular hybrids form blackberry structures and demonstrate temperature- and salt-responsiveness in aqueous solution.
Molecular dynamics simulation study of distribution and dynamics of aqueous solutions of uranyl ions: the effect of varying temperature and concentration
Authors: Chopra Manish , Choudhury Niharendu
Published: September 2015

Orientational distribution and dynamics of aqueous solutions of uranyl ions are studied at different concentrations and temperatures using molecular dynamics simulations.
Combined theoretical and time-resolved photoluminescence investigations of [Mo6Bri8Bra6]2−metal cluster units: evidence of dual emission
Authors: Costuas K. , Garreau A. , Bulou A. , Fontaine B. , Cuny J. , Gautier R. , Mortier M. , Molard Y. , Duvail J.-L. , Faulques E. , Cordier S.
Published: September 2015

Distinct emissive species have been identified in [Mo6Bri8Bra6]2−containing systems. Strong geometrical relaxations of the triplet excited states are responsible for the huge energy shift leading to intense red-NIR emission.
Probing hydrogen bonding orbitals: resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering of aqueous NH3
Authors: Weinhardt L. , Ertan E. , Iannuzzi M. , Weigand M. , Fuchs O. , Bär M. , Blum M. , Denlinger J. D. , Yang W. , Umbach E. , Odelius M. , Heske C.
Published: September 2015

Resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering was used to probe the hydrogen bonding orbitals in aqueous ammonia.
Carboxylate free μ-oxo bridged ferric wheel with a record exchange coupling
Authors: Ahmed Naushad , Upadhyay Apoorva , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Vaidya Shefali , Schnack Jürgen , Rajaraman Gopalan , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: September 2015

An oxo-bridged, carboxylate free ‘ferric wheel’ was isolated with the molecular formula [FeIII8(μ-O)4(L2−)8] (1). The strength of antiferromagnetic interaction between the Fe(iii) ions is revealed by magnetic simulation (J1 = −26.4 and J2 = −170 cm−1). The exchange value of −170 cm−1 is the largest exchange value known for any homometallic or heterometallic wheels reported to date.
Analysis of the electrostatics in DyIIIsingle-molecule magnets: the case study of Dy(Murex)3
Authors: Jung J. , Yi X. , Huang G. , Calvez G. , Daiguebonne C. , Guillou O. , Cador O. , Caneschi A. , Roisnel T. , Le Guennic B. , Bernot K.
Published: September 2015

A DyIII-based single-molecule magnet is reported.Ab initiocalculations highlight that molecular symmetry plays a predominant role over site symmetry in determining the shape and orientation of DyIIImagnetic anisotropy.
Magnetic field enhancement for femtosecond-laser-ablation mass spectrometry in ambient environments
Authors: Lu Y. , Zhou Y. S. , Qiu W. , Huang X. , Liu L. , Jiang L. , Silvain J. F. , Lu Y. F.
Published: September 2015

To improve the sensitivity of open-air femtosecond-laser-ablation mass spectrometry (fs-LA-MS), an external magnetic field was introduced to confine the propagation of the plasma, reduce the plasma neutralization rates, and drive charged particles towards the MS orifice.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beating cardiac tissues on paper
Authors: Wang Li , Xu Cong , Zhu Yujuan , Yu Yue , Sun Ning , Zhang Xiaoqing , Feng Ke , Qin Jianhua
Published: September 2015

We demonstrate the first attempt to differentiate human-iPSCs into cardiac microtissues on paper and create “a beating heart on paper.”
Manipulation of combustion waves in carbon-nanotube/fuel composites by highly reactive Mg nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Kang Yeol , Hwang Hayoung , Shin Dongjoon , Choi Wonjoon
Published: September 2015

Highly reactive Mg/MgO nanoparticles enable the amplification of chemical combustion in a hybrid composite of carbon nanotubes and chemical fuel.
Excitation of Ni nanorod colloids in oscillating magnetic fields: a new approach for nanosensing investigated by TISANE
Authors: Bender Philipp , Günther Annegret , Honecker Dirk , Wiedenmann Albrecht , Disch Sabrina , Tschöpe Andreas , Michels Andreas , Birringer Rainer
Published: September 2015

Time-dependent SANS experiments (TISANE) show that the orientation distribution of Ni nanorod colloids exposed to oscillating magnetic fields is frequency-independent.
A new synthesis of carbon encapsulated Fe5C2 nanoparticles for high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Hong Seok Yong , Chun Dong Hyun , Yang Jung-Il , Jung Heon , Lee Ho-Tae , Hong Sungjun , Jang Sanha , Lim Jung Tae , Kim Chul Sung , Park Ji Chan
Published: September 2015

A novel Fe5C2@C catalyst bearing small iron carbide particles ∼10 nm in diameter was prepared using a simple thermal treatment of iron oxalate dihydrate cubes, employed in high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Enhanced removal of diclofenac from water using a zeolitic imidazole framework functionalized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)
Authors: Andrew Lin Kun-Yi , Yang Hongta , Lee Wei-Der
Published: September 2015

A cationic surfactant, CTAB, is introduced to ZIF-67 to enhance the adsorption capacity for one of the most common PPCPs, diclofenac sodium.
CO2 and CH4 permeation through zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 membrane synthesized via in situ layer-by-layer growth: an experimental and modeling study
Authors: Lai Li Sze , Yeong Yin Fong , Lau Kok Keong , Shariff Azmi Mohd
Published: September 2015

In this work, a general model representing the permeation of CO2 and CH4 through Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 (ZIF-8) membrane synthesized via in situ layer-by-layer growth under microwave irradiation is developed.
Adsorption of aromatics on the (111) surface of PtM and PtM3 (M = Fe, Ni) alloys
Authors: Hensley Alyssa J. R. , Schneider Sebastian , Wang Yong , McEwen Jean-Sabin
Published: September 2015

Tuning the Pt/M ratio tailors the adsorption characteristics of aromatics, similar to Pd/Fe systems, with applications for hydrodeoxygenation catalysis.
Development of carbon adsorbents with high surface acidic and basic group contents from phosphoric acid activation of xylitol
Authors: Liu Hai , Zhang Jian , Jiang Li , Kang Yan , Cheng Cheng , Guo Zizhang , Zhang Chenglu
Published: September 2015

The present paper evaluated the feasibility of synthetizing activated carbons from xylitol with phosphoric acid activation at mild temperatures.
Theoretical investigations of the 2D chiral segregation induced by external directional fields
Authors: Woszczyk Aleksandra , Szabelski Paweł
Published: September 2015

Computer simulations demonstrate the possibility of inducing 2D chiral segregation using continuously adjustable external fields.
Differentiation of multi-metal ions based on fluorescent dual-emission carbon nanodots
Authors: Qu Fei , Wang Shuai , Liu Dongya , You Jinmao
Published: September 2015

The different functional groups on dual-emission carbon nanodots play a vital role in the differentiation of multi-metal ions.
Thermo- and glucose-responsive micelles self-assembled from phenylborate ester-containing brush block copolymer for controlled release of insulin at physiological pH
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Li Lulin , Zou Hui
Published: September 2015

The micelles present temperature- and glucose-responses, and can achieve the controlled release of insulin by altering temperature and glucose concentration.
Ionic liquid-assisted synthesis of morphology-controlled TiO2 particles with efficient photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Xue Zhimin , Xue Yiguo , Huang Zhaodan , Li Zhonghao , Hao Jingcheng
Published: September 2015

A facile ionic liquid-assisted route is proposed for the controllable synthesis of anatase TiO2 particles with efficient photocatalytic activity.
Ring-chain synergy in ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhu Qizhen , Chen Renjie , Chen Nan , Chen Yan , Li Li
Published: September 2015

The ionic liquid-based electrolyte containing ring-like Pyr1,2O1TFSI and chain-like DMS exhibits good overall performance in lithium-ion batteries.
Instability, self-organization and pattern formation in thin soft films
Authors: Mukherjee Rabibrata , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: September 2015

Instability mediated patterning of thin, soft films and their possible alignment by various strategies.
A vegetable oil-based organogel for use in pH-mediated drug delivery
Authors: Khuphe Mthulisi , Mukonoweshuro Blessing , Kazlauciunas Algy , Thornton Paul D.
Published: September 2015

Organogels prepared with vegetable oils as the liquid organic phase present an excellent platform for the controlled delivery of hydrophobic guest molecules.
Two bent-shaped π-organogelators: synthesis, fluorescence, self-assembly and detection of volatile acid vapours in gel films and in gel–gel states
Authors: Qian Xiaomin , Gong Weitao , Dhinakaran Manivannan Kalavathi , Gao Peng , Na Duo , Ning Guiling
Published: September 2015

A slight difference in the position of the N atom on the pyridine ring greatly affects fluorescence, gelation and sensing properties.
N and Ti3+ co-doped 3D anatase TiO2 superstructures composed of ultrathin nanosheets with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Guoliang , Li Jie , Li Gang , Jiang Guibin
Published: September 2015

A novel 3D-hierarchical anatase co-doped with N and Ti3+ was synthesized via a facile template-free solvothermal method for improved vis-photocatalytic activity.
The synthesis and flash memory behavior of alternate copolymer containing carbazole donor and perylenediimide derivatives acceptor by the hybridization of organo-silicon
Authors: Mi Ce , Tan Ruize , Sun Dianming , Ren Zhongjie , Sun Xiaoli , Yan Shouke
Published: September 2015

In this study, two new donor–acceptor alternate copolysiloxanes containing carbazole and PDI derivatives pendants (PCzMSi-alt-PDISi and PCzPhSi-alt-PDISi) were prepared.
Masked Repetition Priming in Treatment of Anomia: A Phase 2 Study
Authors: Silkes JoAnn P.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to masked primes may improve naming accuracy for individuals with anomia. This study investigates the effect of repeated exposures to masked identity primes paired with pictures over multiple trials, sessions, and days on the ability of people with anomia to name those pictures.

Method

Four participants with anomia completed this single-subject, multiple-baseline design study. Twelve treatment sessions were conducted for each of 2 semantic categories. Comparisons of performance on naming probes were made between items that were primed, unprimed but seen the same number of times, and unprimed and seen only during naming probes.

Results

All participants showed some gains in naming trained items although to varying degrees, and trained (primed) items generally showed greater improvement than untrained items seen the same number of times. Cross-category generalization was observed for some participants, but little to no within-category generalization occurred. Minimal changes occurred on measures of general language ability.

Conclusions

These data provide continued evidence that masked repetition priming can have a positive effect on naming for people with anomia. Factors that may influence participant response and additional questions that must be settled for this line of research to continue are discussed.
Effects of Steady-State Noise on Verbal Working Memory in Young Adults
Authors: Marrone Nicole , Alt Mary , DeDe Gayle , Olson Sarah , Shehorn James
Published: September 2015

Purpose

We set out to examine the impact of perceptual, linguistic, and capacity demands on performance of verbal working-memory tasks. The Ease of Language Understanding model (Rönnberg et al., 2013) provides a framework for testing the dynamics of these interactions within the auditory-cognitive system.

Methods

Adult native speakers of English (
n
= 45) participated in verbal working-memory tasks requiring processing and storage of words involving different linguistic demands (closed/open set). Capacity demand ranged from 2 to 7 words per trial. Participants performed the tasks in quiet and in speech-spectrum-shaped noise. Separate groups of participants were tested at different signal-to-noise ratios. Word-recognition measures were obtained to determine effects of noise on intelligibility.

Results

Contrary to predictions, steady-state noise did not have an adverse effect on working-memory performance in every situation. Noise negatively influenced performance for the task with high linguistic demand. Of particular importance is the finding that the adverse effects of background noise were not confined to conditions involving declines in recognition.

Conclusions

Perceptual, linguistic, and cognitive demands can dynamically affect verbal working-memory performance even in a population of healthy young adults. Results suggest that researchers and clinicians need to carefully analyze task demands to understand the independent and combined auditory-cognitive factors governing performance in everyday listening situations.
Preliteracy Speech Sound Production Skill and Linguistic Characteristics of Grade 3 Spellings: A Study Using the Templin Archive
Authors: Overby Megan S. , Masterson Julie J. , Preston Jonathan L.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

This archival investigation examined the relationship between preliteracy speech sound production skill (SSPS) and spelling in Grade 3 using a dataset in which children's receptive vocabulary was generally within normal limits, speech therapy was not provided until Grade 2, and phonological awareness instruction was discouraged at the time data were collected.

Method

Participants (N= 250), selected from the Templin Archive (Templin, 2004), varied on prekindergarten SSPS. Participants' real word spellings in Grade 3 were evaluated using a metric of linguistic knowledge, the Computerized Spelling Sensitivity System (Masterson & Apel, 2013). Relationships between kindergarten speech error types and later spellings also were explored.

Results

Prekindergarten children in the lowest SPSS (7th percentile) scored poorest among articulatory subgroups on both individual spelling elements (phonetic elements, junctures, and affixes) and acceptable spelling (using relatively more omissions and illegal spelling patterns). Within the 7th percentile subgroup, there were no statistical spelling differences between those with mostly atypical speech sound errors and those with mostly typical speech sound errors.

Conclusions

Findings were consistent with predictions from dual route models of spelling that SSPS is one of many variables associated with spelling skill and that children with impaired SSPS are at risk for spelling difficulty.
Compact dual‐band circularly polarised GNSS antenna
Authors: Sun Chao , Zheng Huili , Liu Ying
Published: September 2015

As is well known, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna always suffers from the size problem. The authors' propose that two shorting probes in parallel are loaded on a patch antenna and a dual‐band compact GNSS antenna, which has a smaller electrical size of only 60 mm (0.23λ) × 60 mm ×18 mm (0.07λ) × (λ being the wavelength in free space). A dual‐layer feed network is also designed to achieve circular polarised radiation. Simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna has good and stable performance over both dual operating bands.
Wearable tri‐band SIW based antenna on leather substrate
Authors: Mandal B. , Parui S.K.
Published: September 2015

A compact substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based wearable tri‐band leather antenna, designed for optimal on‐body performance in the 2.4 GHz (ISM), 3.51 GHz (WiMAX) and 4.69 GHz (Military application) bands is proposed. By using brass eyelets and a combination of conducting and non‐conductive leather materials, a substrate integrated waveguide cavity with a ground plane is realised. The antenna is very compact, flexible and directs radiation away from the wearer. Additional miniaturisation is achieved by introducing slits. The free space performance in the bands is found satisfactory with measured impedance bandwidths of 11, 7 and 5%, maximal measured free‐space gains of 1.1, 0.9 and 2.1 dBi, and efficiencies of 71.3%, 68.2% and 76.5% achieved for the proposed antenna.
High-overtone bulk-acoustic resonator gravimetric sensitivity: Towards wideband acoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Rabus D. , Friedt J. M. , Ballandras S. , Baron T. , Lebrasseur É. , Carry É.
Published: September 2015

In the context of direct detection sensors with compact dimensions, we investigate the gravimetric sensitivity of high-overtone bulk acoustic resonators, through modeling of their acoustic characteristics and experiment. The high frequency characterizing such devices is expected to induce a significant effect when the acoustic field boundary conditions are modified by a thin adlayer. Furthermore, the multimode spectral characteristics are considered for wideband acoustic spectroscopy of the adlayer, once the gravimetric sensitivity dependence of the various overtones is established. Finally, means of improving the gravimetric sensitivity by confining the acoustic field in a low acoustic-impedance layer is theoretically established.
Temperature measurements in microwave argon plasma source by using overlapped molecular emission spectra
Authors: Abdel-Fattah E. , Bazavan M. , Shindo H.
Published: September 2015

The electron excitation temperature Texc, vibrational Tvib, and rotational Trot temperatures were measured in a high-pressure line-shaped microwave plasma source in argon over a wide range of gas pressure and microwave power, by using optical emission spectra. The selected ArI transition lines 5p-4s and 4p-4s were chosen to calculate electron excitation temperature using Boltzmann's plot method. Meanwhile, the emission spectra of hydroxyl OH molecular (A2Σ+−X2Πi,Δν=0) band and the nitrogen N2 second positive system (C3Πu−B3Πg,Δν=+1), both second diffraction order, were used to evaluate the vibrational Tvib and rotational Trot temperatures using the method of comparing the measured and calculated spectra with a chi-squared minimization procedure. The components of the overlapped spectrum are greatly influenced by the gas pressure; however, they are independent on microwave power. For temperatures, it was found that the Texc dramatically decreases from 2.5 to 0.75 eV, which qualitatively agrees with Te deduced from zero-global model. Both of Tvib and Trot significantly decrease with as gas pressure increase from 0.4 to 50 Torr. Yet, they behave differently with microwave power.
Coulomb crystal mixtures in white dwarf cores and neutron star crusts
Authors: Kozhberov A. A. , Baiko D. A.
Published: September 2015

We calculate electrostatic, spectral, and thermal properties of two-component Coulomb crystals of ions and determine the limits of applicability of the linear mixing theory to such systems.
Effects of electron cyclotron current drive on the evolution of double tearing mode
Authors: Sun Guanglan , Dong Chunying , Duan Longfang
Published: September 2015

The effects of electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) on the double tearing mode (DTM) in slab geometry are investigated by using two-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamics equations. It is found that, mainly, the double tearing mode is suppressed by the emergence of the secondary island, due to the deposition of driven current on the X-point of magnetic island at one rational surface, which forms a new non-complete symmetric magnetic topology structure (defined as a non-complete symmetric structure, NSS). The effects of driven current with different parameters (magnitude, initial time of deposition, duration time, and location of deposition) on the evolution of DTM are analyzed elaborately. The optimal magnitude or optimal deposition duration of driven current is the one which makes the duration of NSS the longest, which depends on the mutual effect between ECCD and the background plasma. Moreover, driven current introduced at the early Sweet-Parker phase has the best suppression effect; and the optimal moment also exists, depending on the duration of the NSS. Finally, the effects varied by the driven current disposition location are studied. It is verified that the favorable location of driven current is the X-point which is completely different from the result of single tearing mode.
Contribution of counterions and degree of ionization for birefringence creation and relaxation kinetics parameters of PAH/PAZO films
Authors: Raposo Maria , Ferreira Quirina , Monteiro Timóteo Ana Rita , Ribeiro Paulo A. , do Rego Ana Maria Botelho
Published: September 2015

Photo induced birefringent materials can be used to develop optical and conversion energy devices, and consequently, the study of the variables that influences the creation and relaxation of birefringence should be carefully analyzed. In this work, the parameters of birefringence creation and relaxation kinetics curves obtained on layer-by-layer (LBL) films, prepared from azo-polyectrolyte poly[1-[4-(3-carboxy-4 hydroxyphenylazo) benzene sulfonamido]-1,2-ethanediyl, sodium salt] (PAZO) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride)(PAH), are related with the presence of counterions and the degree of ionization of the polyelectrolytes. Those kinetics curves obtained on PAH/PAZO LBL films, prepared from PAH solutions with different pHs and maintaining the pH of PAZO solution constant at pH = 9, were analyzed taking into account the films composition which was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The creation and relaxation birefringence curves are justified by two processes: one associated to local mobility of the azobenzene with a characteristic time 30 s and intensity constant and other associated with polymeric chains mobility with the characteristic time and intensity decreasing with pH. These results allow us to conclude that the birefringence creation process, associated to local mobility of azobenzenes is independent of the degree of ionization and of number of counterions or co-ions present while the birefringence creation process associated to mobility of chains have its characteristic time and intensity dependent of both degree of ionization and number of counterions. The birefringence relaxation processes are dependent of the degree of ionization. The analysis of the films composition revealed, in addition, the presence of a protonated secondary or tertiary amine revealing that PAZO may have positive charges and consequently a zwitterionic behavior.
Generating functions and multiplicity formulas: The case of rank two simple Lie algebras
Authors: Fernández Núñez José , García Fuertes Wifredo , Perelomov Askold M.
Published: September 2015

A procedure is described that makes use of the generating function of characters to obtain a new generating function H giving the multiplicities of each weight in all the representations of a simple Lie algebra. The way to extract from H explicit multiplicity formulas for particular weights is explained and the results corresponding to rank two simple Lie algebras are shown.
Axisymmetric model of drop spreading on a horizontal surface
Authors: Mistry Aashutosh , Muralidhar K.
Published: September 2015

Spreading of an initially spherical liquid drop over a textured surface is analyzed by solving an integral form of the governing equations. The mathematical model extends Navier-Stokes equations by including surface tension at the gas-liquid boundary and a force distribution at the three phase contact line. While interfacial tension scales with drop curvature, the motion of the contact line depends on the departure of instantaneous contact angle from its equilibrium value. The numerical solution is obtained by discretizing the spreading drop into disk elements. The Bond number range considered is 0.01–1. Results obtained for sessile drops are in conformity with limiting cases reported in the literature [J. C. Bird et al., “Short-time dynamics of partial wetting,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 234501 (2008)]. They further reveal multiple time scales that are reported in experiments [K. G. Winkels et al., “Initial spreading of low-viscosity drops on partially wetting surfaces,” Phys. Rev. E 85, 055301 (2012) and A. Eddi et al., “Short time dynamics of viscous drop spreading,” Phys. Fluids 25, 013102 (2013)]. Spreading of water and glycerin drops over fully and partially wetting surfaces is studied in terms of excess pressure, wall shear stress, and the dimensions of the footprint. Contact line motion is seen to be correctly captured in the simulations. Water drops show oscillations during spreading while glycerin spreads uniformly over the surface.
An adaptable multiple power source for mass spectrometry and other scientific instruments
Authors: Lin T.-Y. , Anderson G. A. , Norheim R. V. , Prost S. A. , LaMarche B. L. , Leach F. E. , Auberry K. J. , Smith R. D. , Koppenaal D. W. , Robinson E. W. , Paša-Tolić L.
Published: September 2015

An Adaptable Multiple Power Source (AMPS) system has been designed and constructed. The AMPS system can provide up to 16 direct current (DC) (±400 V; 5 mA), 4 radio frequency (RF) (two 500 VPP sinusoidal signals each, 0.5-5 MHz) channels, 2 high voltage sources (±6 kV), and one ∼40 W, 250 °C temperature-regulated heater. The system is controlled by a microcontroller, capable of communicating with its front panel or a computer. It can assign not only pre-saved fixed DC and RF signals but also profiled DC voltages. The AMPS system is capable of driving many mass spectrometry components and ancillary devices and can be adapted to other instrumentation/engineering projects.