bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Death receptor 5 (DR5) and a 5-gene apoptotic biomarker panel with significant differential diagnostic potential in colorectal cancer
Authors: Devetzi Marina , Kosmidou Vivian , Vlassi Margarita , Perysinakis Iraklis , Aggeli Chrysanthi , Choreftaki Theodosia , Zografos Georgios N. , Pintzas Alexander
Published: November 2016

High expression of Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) has been related to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, resistance to treatment and poor prognosis. TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) through its receptors DR4 (TRAIL-R1) and DR5 (TRAIL-R2) can selectively induce cancer cell apoptosis. The mRNA expression of DR4, DR5, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, XIAP and BIRC5/Survivin genes was examined in 100 paired (cancerous-normal) colorectal tissue specimens by real-time PCR, 50 of which were KRAS wild-type and 50 KRAS-mutant. DR5, XIAP and BIRC5/Survivin genes are significantly up-regulated (p < 0.0001, p = 0.012 and p = 0.0003, respectively), whereas c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 genes are significantly down-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in CRC (p < 0.0001 for both). ROC analyses showed that DR5, cIAP1 and cIAP2 expression has discriminatory value between CRC and normal tissue (AUC = 0.700, p < 0.0001 for DR5; AUC = 0.628, p = 0.011 for cIAP1; AUC = 0.673, p < 0.0001 for cIAP2). Combinatorial ROC analysis revealed the marginally fair discriminatory value of 5 genes as a panel (AUC = 0.685, p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed significant association of cIAP2 down-regulation in CRC with lower overall survival probability of CRC patients (p = 0.0098). DR5, BIRC5/Survivin, XIAP, c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 mRNA expression are significantly deregulated in CRC and could provide a panel of markers with significant discriminatory value between CRC and normal colorectal tissue.
Non-invasive cardiac pacing with image-guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Marquet Fabrice , Bour Pierre , Vaillant Fanny , Amraoui Sana , Dubois Rémi , Ritter Philippe , Haïssaguerre Michel , Hocini Mélèze , Bernus Olivier , Quesson Bruno
Published: November 2016

Currently, no non-invasive cardiac pacing device acceptable for prolonged use in conscious patients exists. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) can be used to perform remote pacing using reversibility of electromechanical coupling of cardiomyocytes. Here we described an extracorporeal cardiac stimulation device and study its efficacy and safety. We conducted experiments ex vivo and in vivo in a large animal model (pig) to evaluate clinical potential of such a technique. The stimulation threshold was determined in 10 different ex vivo hearts and different clinically relevant electrical effects such as consecutive stimulations of different heart chambers with a single ultrasonic probe, continuous pacing or the inducibility of ventricular tachycardia were shown. Using ultrasonic contrast agent, consistent cardiac stimulation was achievable in vivo for up to 1 hour sessions in 4 different animals. No damage was observed in inversion-recovery MR sequences performed in vivo in the 4 animals. Histological analysis revealed no differences between stimulated and control regions, for all ex vivo and in vivo cases.
Invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides suffers more severe herbivory pressure than native competitors in recipient communities
Authors: Fan Shufeng , Yu Haihao , Dong Xianru , Wang Ligong , Chen Xiuwen , Yu Dan , Liu Chunhua
Published: November 2016

Host-enemy interactions are vital mechanisms that explain the success or failure of invasive plants in new ranges. We surveyed the defoliation of invasiveAlternanthera philoxeroidesand co-occurring native plants on two islands during different seasons over three consecutive years and measured the leaf nitrogen content and the C/N ratio of each plant species. To evaluate the effects of herbivory onA. philoxeroides, an herbivore exclosure experiment was conducted. We found that the mean defoliation ofA. philoxeroideswas higher than that of native plants, regardless of whether the dominant species wasA. philoxeroidesor native plants.A. philoxeroidesdefoliation increased significantly as the months progressed, whereas the defoliation of the total population of native plants was constant. The leaf nitrogen content was positively correlated with defoliation, and it was highest inA. philoxeroides. Additionally,A. philoxeroidesin the herbivore exclusion treatment showed an increase in shoot biomass and total shoot length. Our study revealed that native generalist herbivores prefer the invasive plant to the natives because of the higher leaf nitrogen content. These results support the biotic resistance hypothesis, suggesting that native herbivore species can limit the population spread of invasive plants.
Meta-analysis of brain iron levels of Parkinson’s disease patients determined by postmortem and MRI measurements
Authors: Wang Jian-Yong , Zhuang Qing-Qing , Zhu Lan-Bing , Zhu Hui , Li Ting , Li Rui , Chen Song-Fang , Huang Chen-Ping , Zhang Xiong , Zhu Jian-Hong
Published: November 2016

Brain iron levels in patients of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are usually measured in postmortem samples or by MRI imaging including R2* and SWI. In this study we performed a meta-analysis to understand PD-associated iron changes in various brain regions, and to evaluate the accuracy of MRI detections comparing with postmortem results. Databases including Medline, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Embase were searched up to 19th November 2015. Ten brain regions were identified for analysis based on data extracted from thirty-three-articles. An increase in iron levels in substantia nigra of PD patients by postmortem, R2* or SWI measurements was observed. The postmortem and SWI measurements also suggested significant iron accumulation in putamen. Increased iron deposition was found in red nucleus as determined by both R2* and SWI, whereas no data were available in postmortem samples. Based on SWI, iron levels were increased significantly in the nucleus caudatus and globus pallidus. Of note, the analysis might be biased towards advanced disease and that the precise stage at which regions become involved could not be ascertained. Our analysis provides an overview of iron deposition in multiple brain regions of PD patients, and a comparison of outcomes from different methods detecting levels of iron.
Molecular basis for epitope recognition by non-neutralizing anti-gp41 antibody F240
Authors: Gohain Neelakshi , Tolbert William D. , Orlandi Chiara , Richard Jonathan , Ding Shilei , Chen Xishan , Bonsor Daniel A. , Sundberg Eric J. , Lu Wuyuan , Ray Krishanu , Finzi Andrés , Lewis George K. , Pazgier Marzena
Published: November 2016

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by non-neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) specific to the HIV envelope (Env) glycoproteins present at the surface of virus sensitized or infected cells plays a role in the effective adaptive immune response to HIV. Here, we explore the molecular basis for the epitope at the disulfide loop region (DLR) of the principal immunodominant domain of gp41, recognized by the well-known nnAb F240. Our structural studies reveal details of the F240-gp41 interface and describe a structure of DLR that is distinct from known conformations of this region studied in the context of either CD4-unliganded Env trimer or the gp41 peptide in the unbound state. These data coupled with binding and functional analyses indicate that F240 recognizes non-trimeric Env forms which are significantly overexpressed on intact virions but poorly represented at surfaces of cells infected with infectious molecular clones and endogenously-infected CD4 T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals. Furthermore, although we detect ADCC activities of F240 against cells spinoculated with intact virions, our data suggest that these activities result from F240 recognition of gp41 stumps or misfolded Env variants present on virions rather than its ability to recognize functional gp41 transition structures emerging on trimeric Env post CD4 receptor engagement.
Novel Culturing Techniques Select for Heterotrophs and Hydrocarbon Degraders in a Subantarctic Soil
Authors: van Dorst J. M. , Hince G. , Snape I. , Ferrari B. C.
Published: November 2016

The soil substrate membrane system (SSMS) is a novel micro-culturing technique targeted at terrestrial soil systems. We applied the SSMS to pristine and diesel fuel spiked polar soils, along with traditional solid media culturing and culture independent 454 tag pyrosequencing to elucidate the effects of diesel fuel on the soil community. The SSMS enriched for up to 76% of the total soil diversity within high diesel fuel concentration soils, in contrast to only 26% of the total diversity for the control soils. The majority of organisms originally recovered with the SSMS were lost in the transfer to solid media, with all 300 isolates belonging to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria or Bacteroidetes, the four phyla most frequently associated with soil culturing efforts. The soils spiked with high diesel fuel concentrations exhibited reduced species richness, diversity and a selection towards heterotrophs and hydrocarbon degraders in comparison to the control soils. Based on these observations and the unusually high level of overlap in microbial taxa observed between methods, we suggest the SSMS holds potential to exploit hydrocarbon degraders and other targets within simplified bacterial systems, yet is inadequate for soil ecology and ecotoxicology studies where identifying rare oligotrophic species is paramount.
Evidence for a dynamic role for mononuclear phagocytes during endometrial repair and remodelling
Authors: Cousins Fiona L. , Kirkwood Phoebe M. , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Gibson Douglas A.
Published: November 2016

In women, endometrial breakdown, which is experienced as menstruation, is characterised by high concentrations of inflammatory mediators and immune cells which account for ~40% of the stromal compartment during tissue shedding. These inflammatory cells are known to play a pivotal role in tissue breakdown but their contribution to the rapid scarless repair of endometrium remains poorly understood. In the current study we used a mouse model of menstruation to investigate dynamic changes in mononuclear phagocytes during endometrial repair and remodelling. Menstruation was simulated in MacGreen mice to allow visualisation of CSF1R+ mononuclear phagocytes. Immunohistochemistry revealed dynamic spatio-temporal changes in numbers and location of CSF1R-EGFP+ cells and Ly6G+ neutrophils. Flow cytometry confirmed a striking increase in numbers of GFP+ cells during repair (24 h): influxed cells were 66% F4/80+Gr-1+ and 30% F4/80−Gr-1+. Immunostaining identified distinct populations of putative ‘classical’ monocytes (GFP+F4/80−), monocyte-derived macrophages (GFP+F4/80+) and a stable population of putative tissue-resident macrophages (GFP-F4/80+) localised to areas of breakdown, repair and remodelling respectively. Collectively, these data provide the first compelling evidence to support a role for different populations of monocytes/macrophages in endometrial repair and provide the platform for future studies on the role of these cells in scarless healing.
PGE2 is a direct and robust mediator of anion/fluid secretion by human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Fujii Satoru , Suzuki Kohei , Kawamoto Ami , Ishibashi Fumiaki , Nakata Toru , Murano Tatsuro , Ito Go , Shimizu Hiromichi , Mizutani Tomohiro , Oshima Shigeru , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Nakamura Tetsuya , Araki Akihiro , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Okamoto Ryuichi , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: November 2016

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play an indispensable role in maintaining body fluid balance partly through their ability to regulate anion/fluid secretion. Yet in various inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, over-secretion of anions results in symptoms such as severe diarrhoea. Endogenous mediators, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), regulate intestinal anion/fluid secretion, but their direct effect on purified human IECs has never been described in detail. Based on a previously described intestinal organoid swelling model, we established a 3D-scanner-assisted quantification method to evaluate the anion/fluid secretory response of cultured human IECs. Among various endogenous secretagogues, we found that PGE2 had the lowest EC50 value with regard to the induction of swelling of the jejunal and colonic organoids. This PGE2-mediated swelling response was dependent on environmental Cl− concentrations as well as on several channels and transporters as shown by a series of chemical inhibitor studies. The concomitant presence of various inflammatory cytokines with PGE2 failed to modulate the PGE2-mediated organoid swelling response. Therefore, the present study features PGE2 as a direct and robust mediator of anion/fluid secretion by IECs in the human intestine.
Streptococcus pneumoniae resists intracellular killing by olfactory ensheathing cells but not by microglia
Authors: Macedo-Ramos Hugo , Ruiz-Mendoza Susana , Mariante Rafael M. , Guimarães Erick V. , Quadros-de-Souza Lucas C. , Paiva Mauricio M. , Ferreira Eliane de O. , Pinto Tatiana C. A. , Teixeira Lucia M. , Allodi Silvana , Baetas-da-Cruz Wagner
Published: November 2016

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a type of specialized glial cell currently considered as having a double function in the nervous system: one regenerative, and another immune. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major agent of severe infections in humans, including meningitis. It is commonly found in the nasopharynx of asymptomatic carriers, and, under certain still unknown conditions, can invade the brain. We evaluated whether pneumococcal cells recovered from lysed OECs and microglia are able to survive by manipulating the host cell activation. An intracellular-survival assay of S. pneumoniae in OECs showed a significant number of bacterial CFU recovered after 3 h of infection. In contrast, microglia assays resulted in a reduced number of CFU. Electron-microscopy analysis revealed a large number of pneumococci with apparently intact morphology. However, microglia cells showed endocytic vesicles containing only bacterial cell debris. Infection of OEC cultures resulted in continuous NF-κB activation. The IFN-γ-induced increase of iNOS expression was reversed in infected OECs. OECs are susceptible to S. pneumoniae infection, which can suppress their cytotoxic mechanisms in order to survive. We suggest that, in contrast to microglia, OECs might serve as safe targets for pneumococci, providing a more stable environment for evasion of the immune system.
Quantification of Articular Cartilage Microstructure by the Analysis of the Diffusion Tensor
Authors: Tourell Monique C. , Powell Sean K. , Momot Konstantin I.
Published: November 2016

In this chapter, we present approaches to the numerical simulation of the diffusion of water molecules in fibre networks that serve as models of articular cartilage. The simulations are intended as a tool for the translation of experimental diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data into quantitative microstructural and compositional characteristics of articular cartilage. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance and diffusion imaging, focusing on diffusion tensor imaging. It discusses the current limitations of diffusion MRI in quantifying articular cartilage microstructure beyond the predominant direction of collagen fibre alignment. We then detail the construction of aligned and partially aligned networks of fibres that can serve as models of articular cartilage. We discuss the methods for the simulation of the diffusion of tracer molecules through the model networks (especially Langevin dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques), and reconstruction of the diffusion tensor from the simulated molecular trajectories. The aim of these simulations is to quantitatively link the eigenvalues and the fractional anisotropy of cartilage diffusion tensor to collagen fibre volume fraction and the degree of collagen fibre alignment. The global aim of this work is to move diffusion tensor imaging of articular cartilage beyond determination of the predominant direction of fibre alignment, and towards quantification of the fibre orientation distribution.
Multi-Quantum Filtered NMR and MRI of Cartilage
Authors: Shinar Hadassah , Navon Gil
Published: November 2016

A study of cartilage using 1H, 2H and 23Na multiple quantum filtered nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is presented. Double quantum filtered (DQF) spectra are best suited for the observation of the quadrupolar splittings, and enable determination of the orientation of the collagen fibers in this tissue. Measurements of the quadrupolar splittings at different orientations of the tissue relative to the magnetic field show that the collagen fibers are randomly oriented in nasal cartilage and macroscopically ordered in mature articular cartilage. Unidirectional mechanical stress and isotropic osmotic stress exert different effects on the orientation of the collagen fibers. Depletion of the proteoglycans preserves the orientation of the fibers. Gradual ordering of the collagen fibers in porcine articular cartilage during maturation is demonstrated. The 23Na residual quadrupolar interaction in cartilage excised from osteoporotic human femoral heads is found to be considerably larger than that of controls. Proton DQF MRI was found to be useful in systems with large dipolar interactions, such as tendons.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using infrared spectroscopy of isolated blood samples followed by multivariate analyses
Authors: Mordechai S. , Shufan E. , Porat Katz B. S. , Salman A.
Published: November 2016

A simple blood test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using FTIR microscopy.
Trends in photonic lab-on-chip interferometric biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: González-Guerrero A. B. , Maldonado J. , Herranz S. , Lechuga L. M.
Published: November 2016

Portable point-of care (POC) devices forin vitrodiagnostics will be a milestone for the achievement of universal healthcare and environmental protection.
Palladium catalyzed selective distal C–H olefination of biaryl systems
Authors: Maity Soham , Hoque Ehtasimul , Dhawa Uttam , Maiti Debabrata
Published: November 2016

In this report, we disclose the distal C–H olefination of biphenyl systems with high regio- and stereo-selectivity and useful synthetic yields.
Photoinduced reversible phase transition of azobenzene-containing polydiacetylene crystals
Authors: Baek Woohyun , Heo Jung-Moo , Oh Seungwhan , Lee Sang-hwa , Kim Jaeyong , Joung Joonyoung F. , Park Sungnam , Chung Hesson , Kim Jong-Man
Published: November 2016

A photoinduced reversible phase transition with a simultaneous crystal tearing phenomenon was observed in an azobenzene-containing supramolecular polydiacetylene (PDA) crystal.
Triplex-forming PNA modified with unnatural nucleobases: the role of protonation entropy in RNA binding
Authors: Endoh Tamaki , Annoni Chiara , Hnedzko Dziyana , Rozners Eriks , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: November 2016

Protonation entropy of 2-aminopyridine is responsible for decreased association rate and stability of triplex between peptide nucleic acid and RNA at higher pH.
Surface reaction network of CO oxidation on CeO2/Au(110) inverse model catalysts
Authors: Ding Liangbing , Xiong Feng , Jin Yuekang , Wang Zhengming , Sun Guanghui , Huang Weixin
Published: November 2016

Various surface reaction pathways exist on the CeO2surface and at the Au–CeO2interface for CO oxidation catalyzed by Au/CeO2catalysts.
White polymer light emitting diodes based on PVK: the effect of the electron injection barrier on transport properties, electroluminescence and controlling the electroplex formation
Authors: Das Dipjyoti , Gopikrishna Peddaboodi , Narasimhan Rahul , Singh Ashish , Dey Anamika , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: November 2016

The influence of the electron injection barrier on charge transport, brightness and EL properties of WPLEDs with PVK as an emissive layer has been reported.
Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using organoindium reagents
Authors: Zhao Kai , Shen Liang , Shen Zhi-Liang , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: November 2016

This review highlights the versatility and significance of transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions employing mild and unique organoindium reagents with exceptional functional group compatibility and sometimes remarkable chemo- and stereoselectivities.
Aerosol-assisted CVD of cadmium diselenoimidodiphosphinate and formation of a new iPr2N2P3+ ion supported by combined DFT and mass spectrometric studies
Authors: Oyetunde Temidayo , Afzaal Mohammad , Vincent Mark A. , O'Brien Paul
Published: November 2016

Chemical vapour deposition and formation of a new ion involving Cd[(SePiPr2)2N]2 is reported and discussed.
A large area (70 cm2) monolithic perovskite solar module with a high efficiency and stability
Authors: Priyadarshi Anish , Haur Lew Jia , Murray Paul , Fu Dongchuan , Kulkarni Sneha , Xing Guichuan , Sum Tze Chien , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: November 2016

A large area and highly stable perovskite solar module (10 cm × 10 cm, active area ∼70 cm2) is demonstrated using low cost processing methods and materials.
Protein corona-induced modification of silver nanoparticle aggregation in simulated gastric fluid
Authors: Ault Andrew P. , Stark Diana I. , Axson Jessica L. , Keeney Justin N. , Maynard Andrew D. , Bergin Ingrid L. , Philbert Martin A.
Published: November 2016

This works shows enhanced aggregation of silver nanoparticles in simulated gastric fluid when pepsin protein is present.
Humic acid ameliorates nanoparticle-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Ong Kimberly J. , Felix Lindsey C. , Boyle David , Ede James D. , Ma Guibin , Veinot Jonathan G. C. , Goss Greg G.
Published: November 2016

Suwannee River humic acid ameliorates hatching inhibition and reduced head-tail angle in nanoparticle exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae.
Uracile based glycosyl-nucleoside-lipids as low molecular weight organogelators
Authors: Ramin Michael A. , Baillet Julie , Benizri Sébastien , Latxague Laurent , Barthélémy Philippe
Published: November 2016

A new low molecular weight alcogel based on glycosyl-nucleoside-lipids is reported. This material features high elastic moduli and thixotropic properties.
Synthetic analogs of stryphnusin isolated from the marine sponge Stryphnus fortis inhibit acetylcholinesterase with no effect on muscle function or neuromuscular transmission
Authors: Moodie Lindon W. K. , Žužek Monika C. , Frangež Robert , Andersen Jeanette H. , Hansen Espen , Olsen Elisabeth K. , Cergolj Marija , Sepčić Kristina , Hansen Kine Ø. , Svenson Johan
Published: November 2016

The current study describes the AChE inhibitory effect of natural marine neuroactive compounds.
Investigation of thiolysis of NBD amines for the development of H2S probes and evaluating the stability of NBD dyes
Authors: Song Fanbo , Li Zhifei , Li Jiayuan , Wu Shuai , Qiu Xianbo , Xi Zhen , Yi Long
Published: November 2016

Colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on probes based on thiolysis of NBD ether were explored for selective detection of H2S.
Importance of choosing the right polymerization method for in situ preparation of semiconducting nanoparticles from the P3HT block copolymer
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Choi Tae-Lim
Published: November 2016

Precise control on synthesis of P3HT-b-PT at the molecular level promotes more controlled in situ nanoparticlization to give more well-defined nanostructures.
Optimized miniaturized air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in bio-fluid samples
Authors: Asghari Alireza , Khanalipoor Forough , Barfi Behruz , Rajabi Maryam
Published: November 2016

A miniaturized air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of amlodipine, atorvastatin, and ibuprofen in some human bio-fluid samples prior to their determination using HPLC.
New N-acyl amino acid-functionalized biodegradable polyesters for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications
Authors: Taresco Vincenzo , Suksiriworapong Jiraphong , Styliari Ioanna D. , Argent Richard H. , Swainson Sadie M. E. , Booth Jonathan , Turpin Eleanor , Laughton Charles A. , Burley Jonathan C. , Alexander Cameron , Garnett Martin C.
Published: November 2016

Aminoacyl PGA: a biodegradable polyester modified with amino acids to provide a range of physicochemical characteristics for interaction with drugs.
Effect of heat treatment on structures and mechanical properties of electroless Ni–P–GO composite coatings
Authors: Jiang Jibo , Chen Haotian , Zhu Liying , Qian Wei , Han Sheng , Lin Hualin , Wu Huihui
Published: November 2016

In this work, graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into a nickel phosphorus (Ni–P) alloy matrix by electroless plating.
Dimethyl carbonate synthesis from carbon dioxide using ceria–zirconia catalysts prepared using a templating method: characterization, parametric optimization and chemical equilibrium modeling
Authors: Kumar Praveen , With Patrick , Srivastava Vimal Chandra , Shukla Kartikeya , Gläser Roger , Mishra Indra Mani
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a series of CexZr1−xO2 solid solution spheres were synthesized by exo- and endo-templating methods and tested for dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis using direct conversion of CO2.
Dual improvement of DNA-directed antibody immobilization utilizing magnetic fishing and a polyamine coated surface
Authors: Esmaeili Elaheh , Soleimani Masoud , Shamloo Amir , Mahmoudifard Matin , Vossoughi Manouchehr
Published: November 2016

The magnetic improvement of DNA-directed antibody immobilization in terms of a highly efficient sensing platform for anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen immobilization has been reported.
4-Thiazolidinone derivatives: synthesis, antimicrobial, anticancer evaluation and QSAR studies
Authors: Deep Aakash , Narasimhan Balasubrmanian , Lim Siong Meng , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Mani Vasudevan
Published: November 2016

A series of novel 4-thiazolidinone derivatives (1–18) was synthesized evaluated for its antimicrobial and anticancer potential.
Preparation of photochromic paper, using fibre-attached spiropyran polymer networks
Authors: Li W. , Trosien S. , Schenderlein H. , Graf M. , Biesalski M.
Published: November 2016

Spiropyran-based photochromic paper was prepared by covalent immobilisation of functional polymer networks. The sensitivity of the UV-induced colour change was dynamically adjusted by a damping method. Thereby, a colourimetric UV sensor was designed.
Hyperfine interaction vs. spin–orbit coupling in organic semiconductors
Authors: Niu L. B. , Chen L. J. , Chen P. , Cui Y. T. , Zhang Y. , Shao M. , Guan Y. X.
Published: November 2016

We report experimental and theoretical studies on hyperfine interaction vs. spin–orbit coupling in a thin film of organic semiconductor poly[9,9-di-n-hexylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl] and the dramatic influence of doping the PFO with bis[2-(2′-benzothienyl)pyridinato-N,C3′]Ir(acac).
Catalyst free decarboxylative trichloromethylation of aldimines
Authors: Ávila Eloah P. , de Souza Isabella F. , Oliveira Alline V. B. , Kartnaller Vinicius , Cajaiba João , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A. , Corrêa Charlane C. , Amarante Giovanni W.
Published: November 2016

A catalyst free decarboxylative trichloromethylation of imines to afford different trichloromethyl sulfonyl and sulfinyl amines has been presented.
Study of the influence of magnetic dilution over relaxation processes in a Zn/Dy single-ion magnet by correlation between luminescence and magnetism
Authors: Long Jérôme , Mamontova Ekaterina , Freitas Vania , Luneau Dominique , Vieru Veacheslav , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Félix Gautier , Guari Yannick , Carlos Luis D. , Larionova Joulia
Published: November 2016

We investigate the magnetic dilution effect on the relaxation mechanisms and the estimation of the energy barrier in a photo-luminescent Dy(iii)/Y(iii) based Single-Ion Magnet (SIM).
Copper(ii) incorporated functionalized polystyrene catalyzed N-arylation of amides under solvent free condition with broad substrate scope
Authors: Islam Md. Mominul , Halder Mita , Roy Anupam Singha , Chatterjee Sauvik , Bhaumik Asim , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: November 2016

A new polymer supported Cu(ii) catalyst has been reported for N-arylation of various amides with aryl halides under neat reaction conditions.
Discovery of novel cinnamylidene-thiazolidinedione derivatives as PTP-1B inhibitors for the management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Thareja Suresh , Verma Sant K. , Haksar Diksha , Bhardwaj Tilak R. , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2016

Synthesis, biological evaluation,in silicobinding affinity prediction and 3D-QSAR studies of cinnamylidene-thiazolidinedione derivatives was performed as inhibitors of PTP-1B.
Uncovering the metastable γ-Ag2WO4phase: a joint experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Roca Roman Alvarez , Lemos Pablo S. , Gracia Lourdes , Andrés Juan , Longo Elson
Published: November 2016

A combination of experiments and simulation provides a fundamental understanding of the structure of materials.
Formation and relaxation kinetics of starch–particle complexes
Authors: Iselau Frida , Phan Xuan Tuan , Trefalt Gregor , Matic Aleksandar , Holmberg Krister , Bordes Romain
Published: November 2016

The formation and relaxation kinetics of starch–particle complexes were investigated in this study.
Moisture exposed layered oxide electrodes as Na-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Han M. H. , Sharma N. , Gonzalo E. , Pramudita J. C. , Brand H. E. A. , López del Amo J. M. , Rojo T.
Published: November 2016

Mn-rich layered oxides of P2 Na2/3Mn0.8Fe0.1Ti0.1O2 have been shown to exhibit a remarkably stable electrochemical performance even after exposure to moisture for extended periods of time.
An ice-templated assembly strategy to construct graphene oxide/boron nitride hybrid porous scaffolds in phase change materials with enhanced thermal conductivity and shape stability for light–thermal–electric energy conversion
Authors: Yang Jie , Tang Li-Sheng , Bao Rui-Ying , Bai Lu , Liu Zheng-Ying , Yang Wei , Xie Bang-Hu , Yang Ming-Bo
Published: November 2016

Multifunctional phase change materials for light-thermal-electric energy conversion are fabricated by an ice-templated assembly strategy.
Photo-driven change in the polar environment tunes gelation in a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Vimala S. , Sathya S. M. , Nair Geetha G. , Prasad S. Krishna , Yelamaggad C. V.
Published: November 2016

The “dark” homeotropic and “bright” random planar nematic gel states in the absence and presence of UV-light, respectively.
Secure space-to-space interferometric communications and its nexus to the physics of quantum entanglement
Authors: Duarte F. J.
Published: November 2016

The history of the probability amplitude equation |ψ〉=(|x,y〉−|y,x〉) applicable to quanta pairs, propagating in different directions with entangled polarizations, is reviewed and traced back to the 1947–1949 period. The interferometric Dirac foundations common to |ψ〉=(|x,y〉−|y,x〉) and the generalized N-slit interferometric equation, for indistinguishable quanta, are also described. The results from a series of experiments on N-slit laser interferometers, with intra interferometric propagation paths up to 527 m, are reviewed. Particular attention is given to explain the generation of interferometric characters, for secure space-to-space communications, which immediately collapse on attempts of interception. The design of a low divergence N-slit laser interferometer for low Earth orbit-low Earth orbit (LEO-LEO), and LEO-geostationary Earth orbit (LEO-GEO), secure interferometric communications is described and a weight assessment is provided.
Monostatic cloaking using electrically thin inhomogeneous media
Authors: Ruphuy Miguel , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: November 2016

We introduce electrically thin cloaking devices that deflect a plane wave based on the principles of phase compensation and wave interference. An electrically large perfectly conducting object is cloaked by materials that control the phase velocity of the refracted wave. The design is based on gradient index materials to reflect incident waves in different directions resulting in a significant reduction in monostatic radar cross section. Unlike earlier cloaking devices that were constrained by specific geometry and involved complex media, the devices introduced here are electrically thin and can be made conformable to the surface of the structure to be cloaked. Numerical simulations are presented to validate the design concept presented here.
High-performance rectifiers fabricated on a flexible substrate
Authors: Etor David , Dodd Linzi E. , Wood David , Balocco Claudio
Published: November 2016

We report on the fabrication and testing of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes on a flexible substrate where the thin insulating layer self-assembles as a monolayer sandwiched between the two metal electrodes. The current-voltage characteristic has a strong asymmetry and non-linearity at zero-bias. The diodes have a typical zero-bias resistance of 80 kΩ, a zero-bias curvature coefficient of 5.5 V−1, and a voltage responsivity of 3.1 kV/W at a frequency of 1 GHz. The fabrication yield was over 90%, and an encapsulation method to prevent MIM junction degradation has also been developed. The diodes show no significant degradation in performance when the substrate is stressed in a one-off bending experiment, although extensive testing does produce some loss in quality. The fabrication process is simple, cost effective, and carried out at low temperature, opening up the possibility of roll-to-roll volume manufacturing of fast MIM diodes.
Near-forward Raman selection rules for the phonon-polariton in (Zn, Be)Se alloys
Authors: Dicko H. , Pagès O. , Firszt F. , Strzałkowski K. , Paszkowicz W. , Maillard A. , Jobard C. , Broch L.
Published: November 2016

The Raman selection rules of the (Zn-Se, Be-Se)-mixed phonon-polariton (PP) created by “alloying” in the three-mode [1 × (Zn-Se), 2 × (Be-Se)] Zn1−xBexSe system, whose dramatic S-like dispersion (∼200 cm−1) covers the large frequency gap between the Zn-Se and Be-Se spectral ranges, are studied in its wave vector (q) dependence by near-forward Raman scattering. Both the “collapse” regime away from the Γ point (q = 0) and the “reinforcement” regime near Γ are addressed, using appropriate laser lines and Be contents. We find that in both regimes the considered PP, in fact a transverse mode with the mixed mechanical-electrical character, obeys the same nominal Raman selection rules as its purely mechanical variant observed in the standard backscattering geometry. The discussion is supported by contour modeling of the multi-PP Raman lineshapes in their q-dependence within the linear dielectric approach.
Transmissive concentrator multijunction solar cells with over 47% in-band power conversion efficiency
Authors: Xu Qi , Ji Yaping , Krut Dimitri D. , Ermer Jim H. , Escarra Matthew D.
Published: November 2016

Transmissive concentrator multijunction (TCMJ) solar cells with over 47% in-band power conversion efficiency (PCE) have been designed and realized. These TCMJ solar cells have been characterized under 1 sun and concentrated 500 sun solar spectra, showing that the PCE for in-band light (photon energies above the cell's lowest bandgap) can reach up to 47.6% (29.5% for the full solar spectrum). Temperature coefficients of electrical parameters (Voc, Jsc, fill factor) have been derived from measurements within the temperature range of 20 °C–130 °C, showing linear variations versus temperature change. Optical measurements demonstrate that the cells show 76.5% solar-weighted optical transmission for the out-of-band light (photon energy below the cell's lowest bandgap). This TCMJ solar cell exhibits promising spectrum splitting capability, which has the potential for use in hybrid photovoltaic-solar thermal applications.
Occurrence and stability of chimera states in coupled externally excited oscillators
Authors: Dudkowski Dawid , Maistrenko Yuri , Kapitaniak Tomasz
Published: November 2016

We studied the phenomenon of chimera states in networks of non–locally coupled externally excited oscillators. Units of the considered networks are bi–stable, having two co–existing attractors of different types (chaotic and periodic). The occurrence of chimeras is discussed, and the influence of coupling radius and coupling strength on their co–existence is analyzed (including typical bifurcation scenarios). We present a statistical analysis and investigate sensitivity of the probability of observing chimeras to the initial conditions and parameter values. Due to the fact that each unit of the considered networks is individually excited, we study the influence of the excitation failure on stability of observed states. Typical transitions are shown, and changes in network's dynamics are discussed. We analyze systems of coupled van der Pol–Duffing oscillators and the Duffing ones. Described chimera states are robust as they are observed in the wide regions of parameter values, as well as in other networks of coupled forced oscillators.
Detrended fluctuation analysis of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process: Stationarity versus nonstationarity
Authors: Czechowski Zbigniew , Telesca Luciano
Published: November 2016

The stationary/nonstationary regimes of time series generated by the discrete version of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck equation are studied by using the detrended fluctuation analysis. Our findings point out to the prevalence of the drift parameter in determining the crossover time between the nonstationary and stationary regimes. The fluctuation functions coincide in the nonstationary regime for a constant diffusion parameter, and in the stationary regime for a constant ratio between the drift and diffusion stochastic forces. In the generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck equations, the Hurst exponent H influences the crossover time that increases with the decrease of H.
On the ions acceleration via collisionless magnetic reconnection in laboratory plasmas
Authors: Cazzola E. , Curreli D. , Markidis S. , Lapenta G.
Published: November 2016

This work presents an analysis of the ion outflow from magnetic reconnection throughout fully kinetic simulations with typical laboratory plasma values. A symmetric initial configuration for the density and magnetic field is considered across the current sheet. After analyzing the behavior of a set of nine simulations with a reduced mass ratio and with a permuted value of three initial electron temperatures and magnetic field intensity, the best ion acceleration scenario is further studied with a realistic mass ratio in terms of the ion dynamics and energy budget. Interestingly, a series of shock wave structures are observed in the outflow, resembling the shock discontinuities found in recent magnetohydrodynamic simulations. An analysis of the ion outflow at several distances from the reconnection point is presented, in light of possible laboratory applications. The analysis suggests that magnetic reconnection could be used as a tool for plasma acceleration, with applications ranging from electric propulsion to production of ion thermal beams.
Large enhancement of third-order nonlinear effects with a resonant all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Jafar-Zanjani Samad , Cheng Jierong , Liberman Vladimir , Chou Jeffrey B. , Mosallaei Hossein
Published: November 2016

A novel low-profile nonlinear metasurface, consisting of a single-layer of all-dielectric material, is proposed and numerically investigated by a nonlinear full-wave finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The proposed metasurface is transparent for low, and opaque for high values of incident light intensity. The metasurface design is broadly applicable to enhancement of intrinsic nonlinearities of any material with a sufficiently high refractive index contrast. We illustrate the ability of this design to enhance intrinsic nonlinear absorption of a transition metal oxide, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), with resonant metasurface elements. The complex third-order nonlinear susceptibility (χ(3)) for V2O5, representing both nonlinear refraction and absorption is considered in FDTD simulations. Our design achieves high initial transparency (>90%) for low incident light intensity. An order of magnitude decrease in the required input light intensity threshold for nonlinear response of the metasurface is observed in comparison with an unpatterend film. The proposed all-dielectric metasurface in this work is ultrathin and easy to fabricate. We envision a number of applications of this design for thin film coatings that offer protection against high-power laser radiation.
Analysis on the anisotropic electromechanical properties of lead magnoniobate titanate single crystal for ring type ultrasonic motors
Authors: Shi Xiang , Huang Wenbin , Li Fei , Li Zhenrong , Xu Zhuo , Jiang Xiaoning , Wei Xiaoyong
Published: November 2016

This work discussed the optimized cut of single crystal lead magnoniobate titanate (PMNT) for use of ring type travelling wave ultrasonic motors (USMs), according to anisotropic analysis on electromechanical properties. The selection criterion of crystal orientation relies on the circular uniformity of the induced travelling wave amplitude on the stator surface. By calculating the equivalent elastic coefficient c11 and lateral piezoelectric constant d31, the optimal crystal orientations were proposed for PMNT single crystals poled along different directions. For single crystal poled along <001>c directions, the optimal orientation lies along [001]c with d31=-1335pC/N and k31=0.87. The crystallographic orientation [025]c is the optimized orientation for single crystals poled along <011>c direction with d31=199pC/N and k31=0.55. The optimal orientation of 1R configuration is [332¯]c with a large enhancement of d31 = 1201 and k31=0.92.
Synthesis of Multicomponent Peptide-Based Vaccine Candidates against Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Hussein Waleed M. , Xu Jiaxin , Simerska Pavla , Toth Istvan
Published: November 2016

Group A streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes), known as the ‘flesh-eating bacterium’, is a human bacterial pathogen that normally causes benign infections (e.g. sore throat and pyoderma), but is also responsible for severe invasive infections (e.g. ‘flesh-eating’ disease and toxic shock syndrome), heart disease, and kidney failure. A safe commercial GAS vaccine is yet to be developed. Individual GAS antigens demonstrate potential universal expression across all GAS serotypes (>200 known), with dramatically reduced concern for autoimmune complications, and compelling efficacy in preclinical testing in mice. In this study, we developed a stepwise conjugation strategy, copper-catalysed alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC), followed by mercapto–maleimide conjugation, to synthesise a multiantigenic, self-adjuvanting, peptide-based vaccine candidate against GAS. This multiantigenic vaccine includes two GAS antigens, J8 and NS1, a T-helper epitope, PADRE, and a self-adjuvanting moiety, dipalmitoyl serine.
Glimpses of the Past from Portable Wooden Mineral Cases
Authors: Sutton Pat
Published: November 2016

This study briefly describes two wooden mineral cases that were found at the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University and the Central Deborah mine, Bendigo. It outlines their contents and provenances, traces the contributions to mineralogy of the original distributors of the boxes, and notes some aspects of late 19th century gold mining in Australia, and Bendigo in particular.
Potential effect of melanised endophytic fungi on levels of organic carbon within an Alfisol
Authors: Mukasa Mugerwa T. T. , McGee P. A.
Published: November 2016

Levels of organic carbon within agricultural soils in Australia continue to decline predominantly due to intensive cultivation. Such practices place sustainable use of agricultural soils at risk. The aim of the present study was to test whether selected melanised endophytic fungi could enhance organic carbon in an experimental soil. In a compartmental pot study, 20 melanised endophytic fungi significantly increased carbon in an aggregated carbon-rich Alfisol over 14 weeks, with increases of up to 17% measured. Two of these fungi increased organic carbon within microaggregates. This study demonstrates that some melanised endophytic fungi have the potential to increase levels of organic carbon within an experimental soil. Melanin, a polyaromatic compound present within the cell walls of melanised endophytic fungi, may have contributed towards increases in organic carbon, particularly if protected within soil aggregates. Deposition of aromatic carbon within aggregates would leave this carbon less susceptible to oxidation and contribute towards long-term carbon storage in soils.
The Evolution of Material Signification: Tracing the Origins of Symbolic Body Ornamentation through a Pragmatic and Enactive Theory of Cognitive Semiotics
Authors: Iliopoulos Antonis
Published: November 2016

Prehistoric archaeologists generally treat early body ornaments, such as the Blombos shell beads, as inherently symbolic artefacts that were created by symbolically capable brains. Essentially, they treat material signs in strictly linguistic terms and view them as the epiphenomenal products of internal representations that were used as templates. Yet material signification is neither inherently symbolic, nor the a priori product of innate neural structures. We must thus opt for a pragmatic semiotic theory that can describe the physical qualities and relations of material signs, and an enactive theory of cognition that can explain the anchoring of novel concepts to the material world. In synergistically fusing these strands, this article puts forth a pragmatic and enactive theory of cognitive semiotics. By applying this evolutionary epistemology to the case of early body ornamentation, this study traces the prehistoric process of semiotic scaffolding that eventually led to development of symbolic artefacts and practices.
Energetic particle driven geodesic acoustic mode in a toroidally rotating tokamak plasma
Authors: Ren Haijun
Published: November 2016

Energetic particle (EP) driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) in toroidally rotating tokamak plasmas are analytically investigated using the hybrid kinetic-fluid model and gyrokinetic equations. By ignoring high-order terms and ion Landau damping, the kinetic dispersion relation is reduced to the hybrid one in the large safety factor limit. There is one high-frequency branch with a frequency larger than

ω

t
0

, the transit frequency of EPs with initial energy, which is always stable. Two low-frequency solutions with a frequency smaller than

ω

t
0

are complex conjugates in the hybrid limit. In the presence of ion Landau damping, the growth rate of the unstable branch is decreased and the damping rate of the damped branch is increased. The toroidal Mach number is shown to increase

Ω

r

, the normalized real frequency of both branches. Although not affecting the instability critical condition, the Mach number decreases the growth rate when

Ω

r

is larger than a critical value

Ω

r

c
r
i

and enlarges the growth rate when

Ω

r

<

Ω

r

c
r
i

. The ion Landau damping effect is negligible for large M. But the discrepancy between the kinetic dispersion relation and the hybrid one becomes ignorable only for

q
≳
7

.