bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HETEROGENEOUS SYSTEMS IN DIMENSIONS: LOWER SPECTRUM
Authors: AMORE PAOLO
Published: November 2015

The lower part of the spectrum of the Helmholtz equation for a heterogeneous system in a finite region in$d$dimensions, where the solutions to the corresponding homogeneous system are known, can be systematically approximated by means of iterative methods. These methods only require the specification of an arbitrary ansatz and converge to the desired solution, regardless of the strength of the inhomogeneities, provided the ansatz has a finite overlap with it. In this paper, different boundary conditions at the borders of the domain are assumed, and some applications are used to illustrate the methods.
Legionella species diversity and dynamics from surface reservoir to tap water: from cold adaptation to thermophily
Authors: Lesnik René , Brettar Ingrid , Höfle Manfred G
Published: November 2015

Water samples of the Drinking Water Supply System (DWSS) of the city of Braunschweig were analysed for its Legionella species composition using genus-specific PCR amplicons and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) fingerprint analyses based on 16S rRNA genes. These analyses comprised the whole supply chain including raw water, treatment process and large-scale storage, and a seasonal study of finished drinking water sampled monthly from cold and hot tap water. Treatment of raw water had a major impact on Legionella species by reducing their diversity and abundances. The Legionella species composition of the tap water was highly distinct from that of both source waters. In cold water, 8–14 different phylotypes of Legionella (PTLs) were observed per sample with relative abundances ranging from >1% to 53%. In hot water, L. pneumophila was present during all seasons at high relative abundances (8–40%) accompanied by 5–14 other PTLs of which 6 PTLs were in common with cold water. This thermophilic Legionella community, including L. pneumophila, was able to grow in the hot water above 50 °C. Such thermophilic Legionella populations are of general relevance for drinking water management and public health, but also for the ecology and evolution of the genus Legionella.
Diamond formation due to a pH drop during fluid–rock interactions
Authors: Sverjensky Dimitri A. , Huang Fang
Published: November 2015

Diamond formation has typically been attributed to redox reactions during precipitation from fluids or magmas. Either the oxidation of methane or the reduction of carbon dioxide has been suggested, based on simplistic models of deep fluids consisting of mixtures of dissolved neutral gas molecules without consideration of aqueous ions. The role of pH changes associated with water–silicate rock interactions during diamond formation is unknown. Here we show that diamonds could form due to a drop in pH during water–rock interactions. We use a recent theoretical model of deep fluids that includes ions, to show that fluid can react irreversibly with eclogite at 900 °C and 5.0 GPa, generating diamond and secondary minerals due to a decrease in pH at almost constant oxygen fugacity. Overall, our results constitute a new quantitative theory of diamond formation as a consequence of the reaction of deep fluids with the rock types that they encounter during migration. Diamond can form in the deep Earth during water–rock interactions without changes in oxidation state.
The impact of premorbid and current intellect in schizophrenia: cognitive, symptom, and functional outcomes
Authors: Wells Ruth , Swaminathan Vaidy , Sundram Suresh , Weinberg Danielle , Bruggemann Jason , Jacomb Isabella , Cropley Vanessa , Lenroot Rhoshel , Pereira Avril M , Zalesky Andrew , Bousman Chad , Pantelis Christos , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Weickert Thomas W
Published: November 2015

Background:

Cognitive heterogeneity among people with schizophrenia has been defined on the basis of premorbid and current intelligence quotient (IQ) estimates. In a relatively large, community cohort, we aimed to independently replicate and extend cognitive subtyping work by determining the extent of symptom severity and functional deficits in each group.

Methods:

A total of 635 healthy controls and 534 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited through the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. Patients were classified into cognitive subgroups on the basis of the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (a premorbid IQ estimate) and current overall cognitive abilities into preserved, deteriorated, and compromised groups using both clinical and empirical (k-means clustering) methods. Additional cognitive, functional, and symptom outcomes were compared among the resulting groups.

Results:

A total of 157 patients (29%) classified as ‘preserved’ performed within one s.d. of control means in all cognitive domains. Patients classified as ‘deteriorated’ (n=239, 44%) performed more than one s.d. below control means in all cognitive domains except estimated premorbid IQ and current visuospatial abilities. A separate 138 patients (26%), classified as ‘compromised,’ performed more than one s.d. below control means in all cognitive domains and displayed greater impairment than other groups on symptom and functional measures.

Conclusions:

In the present study, we independently replicated our previous cognitive classifications of people with schizophrenia. In addition, we extended previous work by demonstrating worse functional outcomes and symptom severity in the compromised group.
UV-Enhanced Sacrificial Layer Stabilised Graphene Oxide Hollow Fibre Membranes for Nanofiltration
Authors: Chong J. Y. , Aba N. F. D. , Wang B. , Mattevi C. , Li K.
Published: November 2015

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have demonstrated great potential in gas separation and liquid filtration. For upscale applications, GO membranes in a hollow fibre geometry are of particular interest due to the high-efficiency and easy-assembly features at module level. However, GO membranes were found unstable in dry state on ceramic hollow fibre substrates, mainly due to the drying-related shrinkage, which has limited the applications and post-treatments of GO membranes. We demonstrate here that GO hollow fibre membranes can be stabilised by using a porous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sacrificial layer, which creates a space between the hollow fibre substrate and the GO membrane thus allowing stress-free shrinkage. Defect-free GO hollow fibre membrane was successfully determined and the membrane was stable in a long term (1200 hours) gas-tight stability test. Post-treatment of the GO membranes with UV light was also successfully accomplished in air, which induced the creation of controlled microstructural defects in the membrane and increased the roughness factor of the membrane surface. The permeability of the UV-treated GO membranes was greatly enhanced from 0.07 to 2.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 for water and 0.14 to 7.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 for acetone, with an unchanged low molecular weight cut off (~250 Da).
Genome-wide identification and characterization of reference genes with different transcript abundances for Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Li Shanshan , Wang Weishan , Li Xiao , Fan Keqiang , Yang Keqian
Published: November 2015

The lack of reliable reference genes (RGs) in the genus Streptomyces hampers effort to obtain the precise data of transcript levels. To address this issue, we aimed to identify reliable RGs in the model organism Streptomyces coelicolor. A pool of potential RGs containing 1,471 genes was first identified by determining the intersection of genes with stable transcript levels from four time-series transcriptome microarray datasets of S. coelicolor M145 cultivated in different conditions. Then, following a strict rational selection scheme including homology analysis, disturbance analysis, function analysis and transcript abundance analysis, 13 candidates were selected from the 1,471 genes. Based on real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR assays, SCO0710, SCO6185, SCO1544, SCO3183 and SCO4758 were identified as the top five genes with the most stable transcript levels among the 13 candidates. Further analyses showed these five genes also maintained stable transcript levels in different S. coelicolor strains, as well as in Streptomyces avermitilis MA-4680 and Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585, suggesting they could fulfill the requirements of accurate data normalization in streptomycetes. Moreover, the systematic strategy employed in this work could be used for reference in other microorganism to select reliable RGs.
Pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic cotton under greenhouse conditions is dependent on different pollinators
Authors: Yan Shuo , Zhu Jialin , Zhu Weilong , Li Zhen , Shelton Anthony M. , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie , Zhang Qingwen , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: November 2015

With the large-scale release of genetically modified (GM) crops, there are ecological concerns on transgene movement from GM crops to non-GM counterparts and wild relatives. In this research, we conducted greenhouse experiments to measure pollen-mediated gene flow (PGF) in the absence and presence of pollinators (Bombus ignitus, Apis mellifera and Pieris rapae) in one GM cotton (resistant to the insect Helicoverpa armigera and the herbicide glyphosate) and two non-GM lines (Shiyuan321 and Hai7124) during 2012 and 2013. Our results revealed that: (1) PGF varied depending on the pollinator species and was highest with B. ignitus (10.83%) and lowest with P. rapae (2.71%); (2) PGF with B. ignitus depended on the distance between GM and non-GM cottons; (3) total PGF to Shiyuan321 (8.61%) was higher than to Hai7124 (4.10%). To confirm gene flow, we tested hybrids carrying transgenes for their resistance to glyphosate and H. armigera and most hybrids showed strong resistance to the herbicide and insect. Our research confirmed that PGF depended on pollinator species, distance between plants and the receptor plant.
Understanding the structural transformation, stability of medium-sized neutral and charged silicon clusters
Authors: Ding Li Ping , Zhang Fang Hui , Zhu Yong Sheng , Lu Cheng , Kuang Xiao Yu , Lv Jian , Shao Peng
Published: November 2015

The structural and electronic properties for the global minimum structures of medium-sized neutral, anionic and cationic Sinμ (n = 20–30, μ = 0, −1 and +1) clusters have been studied using an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method in conjunction with first-principles calculations. A large number of low-lying isomers are optimized at the B3PW91/6-311 + G* level of theory. Harmonic vibrational analysis has been performed to assure that the optimized geometries are stable. The growth behaviors clearly indicate that a structural transition from the prolate to spherical-like geometries occurs at n = 26 for neutral silicon clusters, n = 27 for anions and n = 25 for cations. These results are in good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical predicted findings. In addition, no significant structural differences are observed between the neutral and cation charged silicon clusters with n = 20–24, both of them favor prolate structures. The HOMO-LUMO gaps and vertical ionization potential patterns indicate that Si22 is the most chemical stable cluster and its dynamical stability is deeply discussed by the vibrational spectra calculations.
Construction and analysis of dynamic transcription factor regulatory networks in the progression of glioma
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Shao Tingting , Jiang Chunjie , Bai Jing , Wang Zishan , Zhang Jinwen , Zhang Lili , Zhao Zheng , Xu Juan , Li Xia
Published: November 2015

The combinatorial cross-regulation of transcription factors (TFs) plays an important role in cellular identity and function; however, the dynamic regulation of TFs during glioma progression remains largely unknown. Here, we used the genome-wide expression of TFs to construct an extensive human TF network comprising interactions among 513 TFs and to analyse the dynamics of the TF-TF network during glioma progression. We found that the TF regulatory networks share a common architecture and that the topological structures are conserved. Strikingly, despite the conservation of the network architecture, TF regulatory networks are highly grade specific and TF circuitry motifs are dynamically rewired during glioma progression. In addition, the most frequently observed structure in the grade-specific TF networks was the feedforward loop (FFL). We described applications that show how investigating the behaviour of FFLs in glioblastoma can reveal FFLs (such as RARG-NR1I2-CDX2) that are associated with prognosis. We constructed comprehensive TF-TF networks and systematically analysed the circuitry, dynamics and topological principles of the networks during glioma progression, which will further enhance our understanding of the functions of TFs in glioma.
pH and redox sensitive albumin hydrogel: A self-derived biomaterial
Authors: Raja S Thirupathi Kumara , Thiruselvi T , Mandal Asit Baran , Gnanamani A
Published: November 2015

Serum albumin can be transformed to a stimuli (pH and redox) responsive hydrogel using the reduction process followed by oxidative refolding. The preparation of albumin hydrogel involves a range of concentrations (75, 150, 300, 450, 600 and 750 μM) and pH (2.0–10.0) values and the gelation begins at a concentration of 150 μM and 4.5–8.0 pH value. The hydrogel shows maximum swelling at alkali pH (pH > 9.0). The increase in albumin concentration increases hydrogel stability, rheological property, compressive strength, proteolytic resistance and rate of in vivo biodegradation. Based on the observed physical and biological properties of albumin hydrogel, 450 μM was determined to be an optimum concentration for further experiments. In addition, the hemo- and cytocompatibility analyses revealed the biocompatibility nature of albumin hydrogel. The experiments on in vitro drug (Tetracycline) delivery were carried out under non reducing and reducing conditions that resulted in the sustained and fast release of the drug, respectively. The methodology used in the preparation of albumin hydrogel may lead to the development of autogenic tissue constructs. In addition, the methodology can have various applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
What Has Caused Desertification in China?
Authors: Feng Qi , Ma Hua , Jiang Xuemei , Wang Xin , Cao Shixiong
Published: November 2015

Desertification is the result of complex interactions among various factors, including climate change and human activities. However, previous research generally focused on either meteorological factors associated with climate change or human factors associated with human activities and lacked quantitative assessments of their interaction combined with long-term monitoring. Thus, the roles of climate change and human factors in desertification remain uncertain. To understand the factors that determine whether mitigation programs can contribute to desertification control and vegetation cover improvements in desertified areas of China and the complex interactions that affect their success, we used a pooled regression model based on panel data to calculate the relative roles of climate change and human activities on the desertified area and on vegetation cover (using the normalized-difference vegetation index, NDVI, which decreases with increasing desertification) from 1983 to 2012. We found similar effect magnitudes for socioeconomic and environmental factors for NDVI but different results for desertification: socioeconomic factors were the dominant factor that affected desertification, accounting for 79.3% of the effects. Climate change accounted for 46.6 and 20.6% of the effects on NDVI and desertification, respectively. Therefore, desertification control programs must account for the integrated effects of both socioeconomic and natural factors.
Point-of-service, quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid in aqueous humor for evaluating anterior globe integrity
Authors: Gartia Manas R. , Misra Santosh K. , Ye Mao , Schwartz-Duval Aaron , Plucinski Lisa , Zhou Xiangfei , Kellner David , Labriola Leanne T. , Pan Dipanjan
Published: November 2015

Limited training, high cost and low equipment mobility leads to inaccuracies in decision making and is concerning with serious ocular injuries such as suspected ruptured globe or post-operative infections. Here, we present a novel point-of-service (POS) quantitative ascorbic acid (AA) assay with use of the OcuCheck Biosensor. The present work describes the development and clinical testing of the paper-based biosensor that measures the changes in electrical resistance of the enzyme-plated interdigitated electrodes to quantify the level of AA present in ocular fluid. We have demonstrated the proof-of-concept of the biosensor testing 16 clinical samples collected from aqueous humor of patients undergoing therapeutic anterior chamber paracentesis. Comparing with gold standard colorimetric assay for AA concentration, OcuCheck showed accuracy of >80%, sensitivity of >88% and specificity of >71%. At present, there are no FDA-approved POS tests that can directly measures AA concentration levels in ocular fluid. We envisage that the device can be realized as a handheld, battery powered instrument that will have high impact on glaucoma care and point-of-care diagnostics of penetrating ocular globe injuries.
Inhibition of HMGB1 release via salvianolic acid B-mediated SIRT1 up-regulation protects rats against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zeng Wenjing , Shan Wen , Gao Lili , Gao Dongyan , Hu Yan , Wang Guangzhi , Zhang Ning , Li Zhenlu , Tian Xiaofeng , Xu Wei , Peng Jinyong , Ma Xiaochi , Yao Jihong
Published: November 2015

The inflammatory mediator high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the regulation of HMGB1 in NAFLD, particularly through sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of SIRT1-mediated inhibition of HMGB1 release in NAFLD and the effect of salvianolic acid B (SalB), which is a water-soluble phenolic acid extracted from RadixSalvia miltiorrhiza, on NAFLD through SIRT1/HMGB1 signaling.In vivo, SalB treatment significantly attenuated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver damage, hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Importantly, SalB significantly inhibited HMGB1 nuclear translocation and release, accompanied by SIRT1 elevation. In HepG2 cells, palmitic acid (PA)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines release were blocked by HMGB1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Moreover, pharmacological SIRT1 inhibition by Ex527 induced HMGB1 translocation and release, whereas SIRT1 activation by resveratrol or SalB reversed this trend. SIRT1 siRNA abrogated the SalB-mediated inhibition of HMGB1 acetylation and release, suggesting that SalB-mediated protection occurs by SIRT1 targeting HMGB1 for deacetylation. We are the first to demonstrate that the SIRT1/HMGB1 pathway is a key therapeutic target for controlling NAFLD inflammation and that SalB confers protection against HFD- and PA-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation through SIRT1-mediated HMGB1 deacetylation.
Electron-Selective TiO2 Contact for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells
Authors: Hsu Weitse , Sutter-Fella Carolin M. , Hettick Mark , Cheng Lungteng , Chan Shengwen , Chen Yunfeng , Zeng Yuping , Zheng Maxwell , Wang Hsin-Ping , Chiang Chien-Chih , Javey Ali
Published: November 2015

The non-toxic and wide bandgap material TiO2 is explored as an n-type buffer layer on p-type Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layer for thin film solar cells. The amorphous TiO2 thin film deposited by atomic layer deposition process at low temperatures shows conformal coverage on the CIGS absorber layer. Solar cells from non-vacuum deposited CIGS absorbers with TiO2 buffer layer result in a high short-circuit current density of 38.9 mA/cm2 as compared to 36.9 mA/cm2 measured in the reference cell with CdS buffer layer, without compromising open-circuit voltage. The significant photocurrent gain, mainly in the UV part of the spectrum, can be attributed to the low parasitic absorption loss in the ultrathin TiO2 layer (~10 nm) with a larger bandgap of 3.4 eV compared to 2.4 eV of the traditionally used CdS. Overall the solar cell conversion efficiency was improved from 9.5% to 9.9% by substituting the CdS by TiO2 on an active cell area of 10.5 mm2. Optimized TiO2/CIGS solar cells show excellent long-term stability. The results imply that TiO2 is a promising buffer layer material for CIGS solar cells, avoiding the toxic CdS buffer layer with added performance advantage.
Cognitive impairment in a young marmoset reveals lateral ventriculomegaly and a mild hippocampal atrophy: a case report
Authors: Sadoun A. , Strelnikov K. , Bonté E. , Fonta C. , Girard P.
Published: November 2015

The number of studies that use the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) in various fields of neurosciences is increasing dramatically. In general, animals enter the study when their health status is considered satisfactory on the basis of classical clinical investigations. In behavioral studies, variations of score between individuals are frequently observed, some of them being considered as poor performers or outliers. Experimenters rarely consider the fact that it could be related to some brain anomaly. This raises the important issue of the reliability of such classical behavioral approaches without using complementary imaging, especially in animals lacking striking external clinical signs. Here we report the case of a young marmoset which presented a set of cognitive impairments in two different tasks compared to other age-matched animals. Brain imaging revealed a patent right lateral ventricular enlargement with a mild hippocampal atrophy. This abnormality could explain the cognitive impairments of this animal. Such a case points to the importance of complementing behavioral studies by imaging explorations to avoid experimental bias.
Experimental simulation of decoherence in photonics qudits
Authors: Marques B. , Matoso A. A. , Pimenta W. M. , Gutiérrez-Esparza A. J. , Santos M. F. , Pádua S.
Published: November 2015

We experimentally perform the simulation of open quantum dynamics in single-qudit systems. Using a spatial light modulator as a dissipative optical device, we implement dissipative-dynamical maps onto qudits encoded in the transverse momentum of spontaneous parametric down-converted photon pairs. We show a well-controlled technique to prepare entangled qudits states as well as to implement dissipative local measurements; the latter realize two specific dynamics: dephasing and amplitude damping. Our work represents a new analogy-dynamical experiment for simulating an open quantum system.
Intron V, not intron I of human thrombopoietin, improves expression in the milk of transgenic mice regulated by goat beta-casein promoter
Authors: Li Yan , Hao Hu , Zhou Mingqian , Zhou Hongwei , Ye Jianbin , Ning Lijun , Ning Yunshan
Published: November 2015

Introns near 5′ end of genes generally enhance gene expression because of an enhancer /a promoter within their sequence or as intron-mediated enhancement. Surprisingly, our previous experiments found that the vector containing the last intron (intron V) of human thromobopoietin (hTPO) expressed higher hTPO in cos-1 cell than the vector containing intron I regulated by cytomegalovirus promoter. Moreover, regulated by 1.0 kb rat whey acidic protein promoter, hTPO expression was higher in transgenic mice generated by intron V-TPOcDNA than in transgenic mice generated by TPOcDNA and TPOgDNA. However, it is unknown whether the enhancement of hTPO expression by intron I is decreased by uAUG7 at 5′-UTR of hTPO in vivo. Currently, we constructed vectors regulated by stronger 6.5kb β-casein promoter, including pTPOGA (containing TPOcDNA), pTPOGB (containing TUR-TPOcDNA, TUR including exon1, intron I and non-coding exon2 of hTPO gene), pTPOGC (containing ΔTUR-TPOcDNA, nucleotides of TUR from uAUG7 to physiological AUG were deleted), pTPOGD (containing intron V-TPOcDNA) and pTPOGE (containing TPOgDNA), to evaluate the effect of intron I on hTPO expression and to further verify whether intron V enhances hTPO expression in the milk of transgenic mice. The results demonstrated that intron V, not intron I improved hTPO expression.
Interleukin-17 promotes angiogenesis by stimulating VEGF production of cancer cells via the STAT3/GIV signaling pathway in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Bo , Shen Jing , Cao Jingyan , Zhou Yongxu , Shang Lihua , Jin Shi , Cao Shoubo , Che Dehai , Liu Fang , Yu Yan
Published: November 2015

The presence of IL-17-positive cells is observed in a variety of inflammatory associated cancers and IL-17 has been found to be involved in angiogenesis. However, it remains unclear how IL-17 might contribute to tumor angiogenesis. In our study, IL-17 enhanced the formation of vessel-like tubes in HUVECs both directly (when HUVECs were incubated with IL-17) and indirectly (when HUVECs were incubated in conditioned cell media (CCM) from IL-17-treated cancer cells). Our results from experiments using siRNA-mediated knockdowns of STAT3 and GIV suggest that the effects of IL-17 were mediated by activating STAT3/GIV signaling in NSCLC cells and subsequently up-regulating its downstream target VEGF. Consistent with these findings, immunostaining experiments on human NSCLC tissues indicated that IL-17 and GIV expression were significantly and positively associated with increased tumor vascularity. The clinical significance of IL-17 was authenticated by our finding that the combination of intratumoral IL-17 + cells and GIV expression served as a better prognosticator for survival than either marker alone. Therefore, our finding highlights a novel aspect of STAT3/GIV pathway in the IL-17 promotes tumor angiogenesis of NSCLC.
Electronic structure of quasi-one-dimensional superconductor K2Cr3As3 from first-principles calculations
Authors: Jiang Hao , Cao Guanghan , Cao Chao
Published: November 2015

The electronic structure of quasi-one-dimensional superconductor K2Cr3As3 is studied through systematic first-principles calculations. The ground state of K2Cr3As3 is paramagnetic. Close to the Fermi level, the "Equation missing", dxy and "Equation missing" orbitals dominate the electronic states and three bands cross EF to form one 3D Fermi surface sheet and two quasi-1D sheets. The electronic DOS at EF is less than 1/3 of the experimental value, indicating a large electron renormalization factor around EF. Despite of the relatively small atomic numbers, the antisymmetric spin-orbit coupling splitting is sizable (≈60 meV) on the 3D Fermi surface sheet as well as on one of the quasi-1D sheets. Finally, the imaginary part of bare electron susceptibility shows large peaks at Γ, suggesting the presence of large ferromagnetic spin fluctuation in the compound.
Coherent and Tunable Terahertz Radiation from Graphene Surface Plasmon Polarirons Excited by Cyclotron Electron Beam
Authors: Zhao Tao , Gong Sen , Hu Min , Zhong Renbin , Liu Diwei , Chen Xiaoxing , Zhang Ping , Wang Xinran , Zhang Chao , Wu Peiheng , Liu Shenggang
Published: November 2015

Terahertz (THz) radiation can revolutionize modern science and technology. To this date, it remains big challenges to develop intense, coherent and tunable THz radiation sources that can cover the whole THz frequency region either by means of only electronics (both vacuum electronics and semiconductor electronics) or of only photonics (lasers, for example, quantum cascade laser). Here we present a mechanism which can overcome these difficulties in THz radiation generation. Due to the natural periodicity of 2π of both the circular cylindrical graphene structure and cyclotron electron beam (CEB), the surface plasmon polaritions (SPPs) dispersion can cross the light line of dielectric, making transformation of SPPs into radiation immediately possible. The dual natural periodicity also brings significant excellences to the excitation and the transformation. The fundamental and hybrid SPPs modes can be excited and transformed into radiation. The excited SPPs propagate along the cyclotron trajectory together with the beam and gain energy from the beam continuously. The radiation density is enhanced over 300 times, up to 105 W/cm2. The radiation frequency can be widely tuned by adjusting the beam energy or chemical potential. This mechanism opens a way for developing desired THz radiation sources to cover the whole THz frequency regime.
Plastic straw: future of high-speed signaling
Authors: Song Ha Il , Jin Huxian , Bae Hyeon-Min
Published: November 2015

The ever-increasing demand for bandwidth triggered by mobile and video Internet traffic requires advanced interconnect solutions satisfying functional and economic constraints. A new interconnect called E-TUBE is proposed as a cost-and-power-effective all-electrical-domain wideband waveguide solution for high-speed high-volume short-reach communication links. The E-TUBE achieves an unprecedented level of performance in terms of bandwidth-per-carrier frequency, power and density without requiring a precision manufacturing process unlike conventional optical/waveguide solutions. The E-TUBE exhibits a frequency-independent loss-profile of 4 dB/m and has nearly 20-GHz bandwidth over the V band. A single-sideband signal transmission enabled by the inherent frequency response of the E-TUBE renders two-times data throughput without any physical overhead compared to conventional radio frequency communication technologies. This new interconnect scheme would be attractive to parties interested in high throughput links, including but not limited to, 100/400 Gbps chip-to-chip communications.
Dynamic nano-imaging of label-free living cells using electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscope
Authors: Fukuta Masahiro , Kanamori Satoshi , Furukawa Taichi , Nawa Yasunori , Inami Wataru , Lin Sheng , Kawata Yoshimasa , Terakawa Susumu
Published: November 2015

Optical microscopes are effective tools for cellular function analysis because biological cells can be observed non-destructively and non-invasively in the living state in either water or atmosphere condition. Label-free optical imaging technique such as phase-contrast microscopy has been analysed many cellular functions and it is essential technology for bioscience field. However, the diffraction limit of light makes it is difficult to image nano-structures in a label-free living cell, for example the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi body and the localization of proteins. Here we demonstrate the dynamic imaging of a label-free cell with high spatial resolution by using an electron beam excitation-assisted optical (EXA) microscope. We observed the dynamic movement of the nucleus and nano-scale granules in living cells with better than 100 nm spatial resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) around 10. Our results contribute to the development of cellular function analysis and open up new bioscience applications.
Bioinspired Reductionistic Peptide Engineering for Exceptional Mechanical Properties
Authors: Avinash M. B. , Raut Devaraj , Mishra Manish Kumar , Ramamurty Upadrasta , Govindaraju T.
Published: November 2015

A simple solution-processing and self-assembly approach that exploits the synergistic interactions between multiple hydrogen bonded networks and aromatic interactions was utilized to synthesize molecular crystals of cyclic dipeptides (CDPs), whose molecular weights (~0.2 kDa) are nearly three orders of magnitude smaller than that of natural structural proteins (50–300 kDa). Mechanical properties of these materials, measured using the nanoindentation technique, indicate that the stiffness and strength are comparable and sometimes better than those of natural fibres. The measured mechanical responses were rationalized by recourse to the crystallographic structural analysis and intermolecular interactions in the self-assembled single crystals. With this work we highlight the significance of developing small molecule based bioinspired design strategies to emulate biomechanical properties. A particular advantage of the successfully demonstrated reductionistic strategy of the present work is its amenability for realistic industrial scale manufacturing of designer biomaterials with desired mechanical properties.
Origins of Highly Stable Al-evaporated Solution-processed ZnO Thin Film Transistors: Insights from Low Frequency and Random Telegraph Signal Noise
Authors: Kim Joo Hyung , Kang Tae Sung , Yang Jung Yup , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: November 2015

One long-standing goal in the emerging field of flexible and transparent electronic devices is to meet the demand of key markets, such as enhanced output performance for metal oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs) prepared by a solution process. While solution-based fabrication techniques are cost-effective and ensure large-area coverage at low temperature, their utilization has the disadvantage of introducing large trap states into TFTs. Such states, the formation of which is induced by intrinsic defects initially produced during preparation, have a significant impact on electrical performance. Therefore, the ability to enhance the electrical characteristics of solution-processed TFTs, along with attaining a firm understanding of their physical nature, remains a key step towards extending their use. In this study, measurements of low-frequency noise and random telegraph signal noise are employed as generic alternative tools to examine the origins of enhanced output performance for solution-processed ZnO TFTs through the control of defect sites by Al evaporation.
Bio-grout based on microbially induced sand solidification by means of asparaginase activity
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Fu Qing-Long , Zhang Qiuzhuo , Achal Varenyam , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: November 2015

Bio-grout, a new ground improvement method, has been recently developed to improve the mechanical properties, decrease the permeability of porous materials, reinforce or repair cementitious materials and modify the properties of soil or sand. Bio-grout production depends on microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP), which is driven mainly by an enzyme, urease. However, urease-based MICP process produces excessive ammonia, in addition to secondary pollution generated by urea that is used as substrate in it. In the present study, we reported asparaginase-based MICP process for sand bio-grout development using Bacillus megaterium and results were also compared with urease-based bio-grouts. The asparaginase activity led to significantly less ammonia production compared to urease without compromising with desired properties of a novel grout. The UCS of bio-grout was obtained at 980 kPa, while the permeability was decreased substantially. The mineralogical composition of precipitated substance was identified as calcite using XRD and the crystal morphology was observed under SEM. The mass percentage of calcite in bio-grout was calculated by thermogravimetric analysis and XCT verified calcite precipitation in it. The results confirmed that biocalcification by means of bacterial asparaginase is a potential solution for geotechnical problems. The asparaginase-based MICP process could be of wider acceptance in future.
Effective emotion regulation strategies improve fMRI and ECG markers of psychopathology in panic disorder: implications for psychological treatment action
Authors: Reinecke A , Filippini N , Berna C , Western D G , Hanson B , Cooper M J , Taggart P , Harmer C J
Published: November 2015

Impairments in emotion regulation are thought to have a key role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, but the neurobiological underpinnings contributing to vulnerability remain poorly understood. It has been a long-held view that exaggerated fear is linked to hyperresponsivity of limbic brain areas and impaired recruitment of prefrontal control. However, increasing evidence suggests that prefrontal–cortical networks are hyperactive during threat processing in anxiety disorders. This study directly explored limbic–prefrontal neural response, connectivity and heart-rate variability (HRV) in patients with a severe anxiety disorder during incidental versus intentional emotion regulation. During 3 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging, 18 participants with panic disorder and 18 healthy controls performed an emotion regulation task. They either viewed negative images naturally (Maintain), or they were instructed to intentionally downregulate negative affect using previously taught strategies of cognitive reappraisal (Reappraisal). Electrocardiograms were recorded throughout to provide a functional measure of regulation and emotional processing. Compared with controls, patients showed increased neural activation in limbic–prefrontal areas and reduced HRV during incidental emotion regulation (Maintain). During intentional regulation (Reappraisal), group differences were significantly attenuated. These findings emphasize patients’ ability to regulate negative affect if provided with adaptive strategies. They also bring prefrontal hyperactivation forward as a potential mechanism of psychopathology in anxiety disorders. Although these results challenge models proposing impaired allocation of prefrontal resources as a key characteristic of anxiety disorders, they are in line with more recent neurobiological frameworks suggesting that prefrontal hyperactivation might reflect increased utilisation of maladaptive regulation strategies quintessential for anxiety disorders.
Molecularly imprinted polymers prepared using a porogenic solvent of an ionic liquid and a macromolecular crowding agent and their application in purification of oleanic acid
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Fang , Wang Si-Xi , Liu Zhao-Sheng , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: November 2015

A strategy to increase the affinity of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using a novel porogenic solvent was described based on the cooperative effect of ionic liquids and macromolecular crowding agents.
Isotopic analysis of depleted zinc in Zn-64 using thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Gautier Eduardo A. , Bavio Marta A. , Fernández Mauricio A.
Published: November 2015

A simple and precise method was developed for zinc isotopic measurements using TIMS. The method was successfully applied to control the Zn isotopic abundance in a ZnO sample.
The reduction of graphene oxide with hydrazine: elucidating its reductive capability based on a reaction-model approach
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2015

The reductive capability of hydrazine on graphene oxide is elucidated on small conjugated aromatic compounds as a reaction-model approach.
A FRET-based ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for dual-channel imaging of nitroxyl in living cells and tissues
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Xiong Mengyi , Liu Hong-wen , Mao Guo-jiang , Zhou Liyi , Zhang Jing , Hu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: November 2015

A FRET-based ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for nitroxyl was first proposed and successfully applied in living cell and tissue imaging.
Self-assembly of block copolymers on lithographically patterned template with ordered posts
Authors: Xu Dan , Liu Hong , Xue Yao-Hong , Sun Yan-Bo
Published: November 2015

Dissipative particle dynamics simulations are employed to study the self-assembly of block copolymers on a template modified with ordered posts.
Aromatic hydrocarbon production by catalytic pyrolysis of palm kernel shell waste using a bifunctional Fe/HBeta catalyst: effect of lignin-derived phenolics on zeolite deactivation
Authors: Rezaei Pouya Sirous , Shafaghat Hoda , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan
Published: November 2015

Lignin-derived phenolics are tightly bound with zeolite acid sites, and act as coke precursors. A bifunctional Fe/HBeta catalyst is efficient for upgrading of biomass materials with high lignin content.
Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a novel, selective 111In-labelled aminoproline-RGD-peptide for non-invasive melanoma tumor imaging
Authors: Sartori Andrea , Bianchini Francesca , Migliari Silvia , Burreddu Paola , Curti Claudio , Vacondio Federica , Arosio Daniela , Ruffini Livia , Rassu Gloria , Calorini Lido , Pupi Alberto , Zanardi Franca , Battistini Lucia
Published: November 2015

An 111In-labelled Amp-based RGD-DOTA conjugate was synthesized and evaluated in preclinical models of human melanoma as a novel integrin-targeted SPECT imaging tracer.
Synthesis of N-cyano-substituted sulfilimine and sulfoximine derivatives of S0859 and their biological evaluation as sodium bicarbonate co-transport inhibitors
Authors: Steinkamp Anne-Dorothee , Seling Nico , Lee Soojung , Boedtkjer Ebbe , Bolm Carsten
Published: November 2015

Two analogs of S0859 have been synthesized and their effects on Na+,HCO3− co-transport activity have been evaluated.
Arginine-linked neomycin B dimers: synthesis, rRNA binding, and resistance enzyme activity
Authors: Jin Yi , Watkins Derrick , Degtyareva Natalya N. , Green Keith D. , Spano Meredith N. , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie , Arya Dev P.
Published: November 2015

New dimeric aminoglycosides conjugated to arginine were synthesized and found to efficiently bind to human and bacterial RNA A-site and to evade the activity of resistance enzymes.
NMR analysis of the binding mode of two fungal endo-β-1,4-mannanases from GH5 and GH26 families
Authors: Marchetti Roberta , Berrin Jean-Guy , Couturier Marie , Ul Qader Shah Ali , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba
Published: November 2015

A different mode of action among two endo-β-1,4 mannanases from Podospora anserina has been revealed through an accurate NMR analysis.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of N-aryl-glyoxamide derivatives as structurally novel bacterial quorum sensing inhibitors
Authors: Nizalapur Shashidhar , Kimyon Önder , Biswas Nripendra Nath , Gardner Christopher R. , Griffith Renate , Rice Scott A. , Manefield Mike , Willcox Mark , Black David StC. , Kumar Naresh
Published: November 2015

Bacteria cooperatively regulate the expression of many phenotypes through a mechanism called quorum sensing (QS).
Par-4 secretion: stoichiometry of 3-arylquinoline binding to vimentin
Authors: Sviripa Vitaliy M. , Burikhanov Ravshan , Obiero Josiah M. , Yuan Yaxia , Nickell Justin R. , Dwoskin Linda P. , Zhan Chang-Guo , Liu Chunming , Tsodikov Oleg V. , Rangnekar Vivek M. , Watt David S.
Published: November 2015

3-Arylquinolines or arylquins bind to multiple sites on the intermediate filament protein, vimentin, as determined by a fluorescence binding assay and induce Par-4 secretion.
Continuous-flow thermolysis for the preparation of vinylglycine derivatives
Authors: Lamborelle Nicolas , Simon Justine F. , Luxen André , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: November 2015

The continuous-flow thermolysis of methionine sulfoxide derivatives in superheated toluene enabled the convenient, high-yielding and selective production of vinylglycine derivatives.
Total synthesis of a piperidine alkaloid, microcosamine A
Authors: Raji Reddy Chada , Latha Bellamkonda , Warudikar Kamalkishor , Singarapu Kiran Kumar
Published: November 2015

The first total synthesis of a novel piperidine alkaloid, microcosamine A, is achieved from commercially available d-serine, d-methyl lactate and 1-octyne as starting materials.
Automated glycan assembly of xyloglucan oligosaccharides
Authors: Dallabernardina Pietro , Schuhmacher Frank , Seeberger Peter H. , Pfrengle Fabian
Published: November 2015

We report the automated synthesis of oligosaccharide fragments related to the hemicellulose xyloglucan based on the linear assembly of mono- and disaccharide building blocks on solid support.
Triazine-mediated controlled radical polymerization: new unimolecular initiators
Authors: Areephong J. , Mattson K. M. , Treat N. J. , Poelma S. O. , Kramer J. W. , Sprafke H. A. , Latimer A. A. , Read de Alaniz J. , Hawker C. J.
Published: November 2015

Triazine-based unimolecular initiators are shown to mediate the controlled radical polymerization of several monomer classes, yielding polymers with low dispersities, targeted molecular weights, and active chain ends.
An amphiphilic PEG-b-PFPE-b-PEG triblock copolymer: synthesis by CuAAC click chemistry and self-assembly in water
Authors: Lopez Gérald , Guerre Marc , Schmidt Judith , Talmon Yeshayahu , Ladmiral Vincent , Habas Jean-Pierre , Améduri Bruno
Published: November 2015

A new PEG2000-b-PFPE1200-b-PEG2000 amphiphilic triblock copolymer that undergoes self-assembly into micelles in water was synthesized by copper(i)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC).
One-pot synthesis of poly(vinylidene fluoride) methacrylate macromonomers via thia-Michael addition
Authors: Guerre Marc , Ameduri Bruno , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: November 2015

A comparison of two one-pot methods to prepare methacrylate PVDF-macromonomers and the synthesis of PVDF-containing block copolymers.
Sensing properties of pristine, Al-doped, and defected boron nitride nanosheet toward mercaptans: a first-principles study
Authors: Heidari Hassan , Afshari Sadegh , Habibi Esmaeil
Published: November 2015

We report an Al-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet as a new adsorbent for mercaptans.
Application of aziridinium ring opening for preparation of optically active diamine and triamine analogues: highly efficient synthesis and evaluation of DTPA-based MRI contrast enhancement agents
Authors: Sun Xiang , Chen Yunwei , Wu Ningjie , Kang Chi Soo , Song Hyun A. , Jin Shengnan , Fu Yao , Bryant Henry , Frank Joseph A. , Chong Hyun-Soon
Published: November 2015

Ring opening of aziridinium ions with nitrogen nucleophiles was applied to highly efficient synthesis of optically active vicinal diamines and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) analogues.
Ene-nucleic acids: a different paradigm to DNA chemistry
Authors: Varada Manojkumar , Erande Namrata D. , Kumar Vaijayanti A.
Published: November 2015

The chemical reasoning would suggest that Ene-nucleic acid precursors with constrained flexibility and selectivity could be the missing link between the prochiral-acyclic and chiral-cyclic structures.
Cork extracts reduce UV-mediated DNA fragmentation and cell death
Authors: Araújo Ana R. , Pereira David M. , Aroso Ivo M. , Santos Tânia , Batista Maria T. , Cerqueira Mariana T. , Marques Alexandra P. , Reis Rui L. , Pires Ricardo A.
Published: November 2015

Cork extracts composed of vescalagin/castalagin, gallic acid and ellagic acid reduce UV-mediated cell damage in fibroblasts.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of carbonaceous nanocomposites for efficient decontamination of copper
Authors: Longlong Tian , Dan Liu , Lingxin Huang , Shiwei Cao , Wei Qi , Jing Lin , Qiang Wu , Zhan Li , Wangsuo Wu
Published: November 2015

Synthesizing materials for efficient wastewater treatment is still a big challenge and has great meaning in industry application. Here, cheap nanocomposites were easily synthesized and used to efficiently remove Cu(ii).
Microbial preparation of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Guangfei , Wang Ning , Zhou Jiti , Wang Aijie , Wang Jing , Jin Ruofei , Lv Hong
Published: November 2015

Magnetite/rGO nanocomposites synthesized by microbial cells can function as effective dye adsorbents and be regenerated through a Fenton-like reaction.
Hydroxyl-rich nanoporous carbon nanosheets synthesized by a one-pot method and their application in the in situ preparation of well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Guo Xiaodi , Liu Gaili , Yue Shuang , He Jing , Wang Lianying
Published: November 2015

Nanoporous carbon nanosheets (CNSs) with high surface area have been synthesized by pyrolysis of organic–inorganic precursor. The CNSs with rich hydroxyl groups display remarkable reactivity and capability for in situ loading ultrafine Ag NPs.
Optimization of production conditions for synthesis of chemically activated carbon produced from pine cone using response surface methodology for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Khalili S. , Khoshandam B. , Jahanshahi M.
Published: November 2015

A new insight to the production optimization of activated carbon from pine cone using RSM methodology for CO2 adsorption.