bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Civil disobedience and constituent power
Authors: Nobles Richard , Schiff David
Published: November 2015

This paper uses the example of civil disobedience to explore Luhmann's description of the constitution as structural coupling between law and politics. Civil disobedience highlights the paradox of constituent and constituted power. The claims made for constituent power provide a basis for challenging the current configuration and expression of constituted power. This paradox is first avoided in the legal system through that system's inability to recognise a legal right to disobey law. In turn, a political system that has, under conditions of modernity, increasingly second coded power as legality, has an ever decreasing capacity to include communications that acknowledge a right to disobey law. Civil disobedience is only able to operate within the political system in the form of protest, and is accommodated through the exercise of discretionary powers. However, juridification of those powers has the capacity to threaten this accommodation.
Dual/wideband hybrid DRA with reconfigurable operation
Authors: Gupta Ravi Dutt , Parihar Manoj Singh
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with a parasitic gap-coupled microstrip resonator (MSR) is investigated; analytically, and experimentally. The proposed antenna uses an open-ended half-wavelength MSR patch as a hybrid radiator. Radiating modes are identified for both the radiators. Two separate and fully independent modes are merged together to get an enhanced bandwidth. The antenna can offer three modes of operation, mode 1 (only DRA is active), mode 2 (only MSR is active), and the mode 3 (both DRA and MSR are active). In mode 3, the antenna offers a single wideband operation with ≈11% bandwidth by merging modes 1 and 2 with a broadside radiation pattern. Two switches are proposed to realize the three modes of operation. A p–i–n diode is utilized as switching element in simulations. Multiple antennas have been fabricated using a small metal strip as a switch to validate the proposal. Analytical, simulated, and measured results are found in harmony. A parametric study is done to describe the antenna characteristics. An approximate lumped element model is also extracted and presented.
Comparing the Performance of Multivariate Multilevel Modeling to Traditional Analyses With Complete and Incomplete Data
Authors: Park Ryoungsun , Pituch Keenan A. , Kim Jiseon , Chung Hyewon , Dodd Barbara G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A multivariate multilevel model (MVMM) extends standard multilevel modeling by including multiple dependent variables and thus could be used in place of traditional multivariate analyses. For a two-group study with two correlated dependent variables, a simulation study was conducted to compare the performance of MVMM to traditional MANOVA and a series of univariate analyses. The results showed that MVMM provides for virtually always greater power than other analyses, even for conditions that have been previously shown to favor univariate analysis. Further, this power advantage can be substantial even when no missing data are present and is often much greater when data are missing. While the Type I error rate for the overall multivariate null hypothesis can be somewhat elevated with MVMM, especially with small sample size and a large proportion of missing data, the Type I error rate for the test of a specific dependent variable is accurate.
Heteroscedastic Methods for Performing All Pairwise Comparisons of	Regression Lines Associated With J Independent	Groups
Authors: Wilcox Rand R. , Ma Jinxia
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The paper compares methods that allow both within group and between group heteroscedasticity when performing all pairwise comparisons of the least squares lines associated with J independent groups. The methods are based on simple extension of results derived by Johansen (1980) and Welch (1938) in conjunction with the HC3 and HC4 estimators. The probability of one or more Type I errors is controlled using the improvement on the Bonferroni method derived by Hochberg (1988) . Results are illustrated using data from the Well Elderly 2 study, which motivated this paper.
Two-dimensional single-cell patterning with one cell per well driven by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Collins David J. , Morahan Belinda , Garcia-Bustos Jose , Doerig Christian , Plebanski Magdalena , Neild Adrian
Published: November 2015

In single-cell analysis, cellular activity and parameters are assayed on an individual, rather than population-average basis. Essential to observing the activity of these cells over time is the ability to trap, pattern and retain them, for which previous single-cell-patterning work has principally made use of mechanical methods. While successful as a long-term cell-patterning strategy, these devices remain essentially single use. Here we introduce a new method for the patterning of multiple spatially separated single particles and cells using high-frequency acoustic fields with one cell per acoustic well. We characterize and demonstrate patterning for both a range of particle sizes and the capture and patterning of cells, including human lymphocytes and red blood cells infected by the malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparum. This ability is made possible by a hitherto unexplored regime where the acoustic wavelength is on the same order as the cell dimensions.
Compound heterozygous mutations in the noncoding RNU4ATAC cause Roifman Syndrome by disrupting minor intron splicing
Authors: Merico Daniele , Roifman Maian , Braunschweig Ulrich , Yuen Ryan K. C. , Alexandrova Roumiana , Bates Andrea , Reid Brenda , Nalpathamkalam Thomas , Wang Zhuozhi , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Gray Paul , Kakakios Alyson , Peake Jane , Hogarth Stephanie , Manson David , Buncic Raymond , Pereira Sergio L. , Herbrick Jo-Anne , Blencowe Benjamin J. , Roifman Chaim M. , Scherer Stephen W.
Published: November 2015

Roifman Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by growth retardation, cognitive delay, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia and antibody deficiency. Here we utilize whole-genome sequencing of Roifman Syndrome patients to reveal compound heterozygous rare variants that disrupt highly conserved positions of the RNU4ATAC small nuclear RNA gene, a minor spliceosome component that is essential for minor intron splicing. Targeted sequencing confirms allele segregation in six cases from four unrelated families. RNU4ATAC rare variants have been recently reported to cause microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism, type I (MOPD1), whose phenotype is distinct from Roifman Syndrome. Strikingly, all six of the Roifman Syndrome cases have one variant that overlaps MOPD1-implicated structural elements, while the other variant overlaps a highly conserved structural element not previously implicated in disease. RNA-seq analysis confirms extensive and specific defects of minor intron splicing. Available allele frequency data suggest that recessive genetic disorders caused by RNU4ATAC rare variants may be more prevalent than previously reported.
Loss of succinate dehydrogenase activity results in dependency on pyruvate carboxylation for cellular anabolism
Authors: Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Hollinshead Kate E. R. , Ludwig Christian , Menara Mélanie , Morin Aurélie , Castro-Vega Luis-Jaime , Parker Seth J. , Janin Maxime , Martinelli Cosimo , Ottolenghi Chris , Metallo Christian , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Favier Judith , Tennant Daniel A.
Published: November 2015

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a central metabolic pathway responsible for supplying reducing potential for oxidative phosphorylation and anabolic substrates for cell growth, repair and proliferation. As such it thought to be essential for cell proliferation and tissue homeostasis. However, since the initial report of an inactivating mutation in the TCA cycle enzyme complex, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in paraganglioma (PGL), it has become clear that some cells and tissues are not only able to survive with a truncated TCA cycle, but that they are also able of supporting proliferative phenotype observed in tumours. Here, we show that loss of SDH activity leads to changes in the metabolism of non-essential amino acids. In particular, we demonstrate that pyruvate carboxylase is essential to re-supply the depleted pool of aspartate in SDH-deficient cells. Our results demonstrate that the loss of SDH reduces the metabolic plasticity of cells, suggesting vulnerabilities that can be targeted therapeutically.
Human Odorant Reception in the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Nannan
Published: November 2015

The common bed bug Cimex lectularius is a temporary ectoparasite on humans and currently resurgent in many developed countries. The ability of bed bugs to detect human odorants in the environment is critical for their host-seeking behavior. This study deciphered the chemical basis of host detection by investigating the neuronal response of olfactory sensilla to 104 human odorants using single sensillum recording and characterized the electro-physiological responses of bed bug odorant receptors to human odorants with the Xenopus expression system. The results showed that the D type of olfactory sensilla play a predominant role in detecting the human odorants tested. Different human odorants elicited different neuronal responses with different firing frequencies and temporal dynamics. Particularly, aldehydes and alcohols are the most effective stimuli in triggering strong response while none of the carboxylic acids showed a strong stimulation. Functional characterization of two bed bug odorant receptors and co-receptors in response to human odorants revealed their specific responses to the aldehyde human odorants. Taken together, the findings of this study not only provide exciting new insights into the human odorant detection of bed bugs, but also offer valuable information for developing new reagents (attractants or repellents) for the bed bug control.
Using metamaterial nanoengineering to triple the superconducting critical temperature of bulk aluminum
Authors: Smolyaninova Vera N. , Zander Kathryn , Gresock Thomas , Jensen Christopher , Prestigiacomo Joseph C. , Osofsky M. S. , Smolyaninov Igor I.
Published: November 2015

Recent experiments have shown the viability of the metamaterial approach to dielectric response engineering for enhancing the transition temperature, Tc, of a superconductor. In this report, we demonstrate the use of Al2O3-coated aluminium nanoparticles to form the recently proposed epsilon near zero (ENZ) core-shell metamaterial superconductor with a Tc that is three times that of pure aluminium. IR reflectivity measurements confirm the predicted metamaterial modification of the dielectric function thus demonstrating the efficacy of the ENZ metamaterial approach to Tc engineering. The developed technology enables efficient nanofabrication of bulk aluminium-based metamaterial superconductors. These results open up numerous new possibilities of considerable Tc increase in other simple superconductors.
Physical realization of the Glauber quantum oscillator
Authors: Gentilini Silvia , Braidotti Maria Chiara , Marcucci Giulia , DelRe Eugenio , Conti Claudio
Published: November 2015

More than thirty years ago Glauber suggested that the link between the reversible microscopic and the irreversible macroscopic world can be formulated in physical terms through an inverted harmonic oscillator describing quantum amplifiers. Further theoretical studies have shown that the paradigm for irreversibility is indeed the reversed harmonic oscillator. As outlined by Glauber, providing experimental evidence of these idealized physical systems could open the way to a variety of fundamental studies, for example to simulate irreversible quantum dynamics and explain the arrow of time. However, supporting experimental evidence of reversed quantized oscillators is lacking. We report the direct observation of exploding n = 0 and n = 2 discrete states and Γ0 and Γ2 quantized decay rates of a reversed harmonic oscillator generated by an optical photothermal nonlinearity. Our results give experimental validation to the main prediction of irreversible quantum mechanics, that is, the existence of states with quantized decay rates. Our results also provide a novel perspective to optical shock-waves, potentially useful for applications as lasers, optical amplifiers, white-light and X-ray generation.
Strongly polarizing weakly coupled 13C nuclear spins with optically pumped nitrogen-vacancy center
Authors: Wang Ping , Liu Bao , Yang Wen
Published: November 2015

Enhancing the polarization of nuclear spins surrounding the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond has recently attracted widespread attention due to its various applications. Here we present an analytical formula that not only provides a clear physical picture for the recently observed polarization reversal of strongly coupled13C nuclei over a narrow range of magnetic field [H. J. Wang et al., Nat. Commun. 4, 1940 (2013)], but also demonstrates the possibility to strongly polarize weakly coupled13C nuclei. This allows sensitive magnetic field control of the 13C nuclear spin polarization for NMR applications and significant suppression of the 13C nuclear spin noise to prolong the NV spin coherence time.
Elasticity of polymeric nanocolloidal particles
Authors: Riest Jonas , Athanasopoulou Labrini , Egorov Sergei A. , Likos Christos N. , Ziherl Primož
Published: November 2015

Softness is an essential mechanical feature of macromolecular particles such as polymer-grafted nanocolloids, polyelectrolyte networks, cross-linked microgels as well as block copolymer and dendrimer micelles. Elasticity of individual particles directly controls their swelling, wetting and adsorption behaviour, their aggregation and self-assembly as well as structural and rheological properties of suspensions. Here we use numerical simulations and self-consistent field theory to study the deformation behaviour of a single spherical polymer brush upon diametral compression. We observe a universal response, which is rationalised using scaling arguments and interpreted in terms of two coarse-grained models. At small and intermediate compressions the deformation can be accurately reproduced by modelling the brush as a liquid drop, whereas at large compressions the brush behaves as a soft ball. Applicable far beyond the pairwise-additive small-strain regime, the models may be used to describe microelasticity of nanocolloids in severe confinement including dense disordered and crystalline phases.
Quantum-electrodynamical birefringence vanishing in a thermal relativistic pair plasma
Authors: Huang Y. S.
Published: November 2015

Quantum electrodynamical (QED) birefringence in a thermal relativistic pair plasma with the presence of the strong crossed field: "Equation missing", is proposed and investigated. We clarify the coupling relationship and competition between the QED effect and the plasma collective effect and find the critical condition that makes the birefringence vanish. In a relative weak electromagnetic field, the birefringence is dominated by the coupling of the QED-effect, the collective effect and the "Equation missing" drift effect. In a relative strong electromagnetic field, we obtain the formulations stating the competition between the QED effect and the collective effect and then the critical conditions so that they are canceled with each other and the birefringence vanishes. With our results, a new possible scheme is proposed to estimate the thickness of the magnetosphere in a millisecond pulsar and the plasma density of a pulsar, if the magnetic field is known beforehand.
Mechanism of bombesin-induced tonic contraction of the porcine lower esophageal sphincter
Authors: Tsai Ching-Chung , Chang Li-Ching , Lin Kai-Jen , Tey Shu-Leei , Su Yu-Tsun , Liu Ching-Wen , Tsai Tong-Rong , Huang Shih-Che
Published: November 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that is related to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Previous studies showed that bombesin could increase LES pressure in humans and opossums. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of bombesin on porcine LES contraction. We used the selective agonists, neuromedin B (NMB), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and [D-Tyr6,Apa-4Cl11,Phe13,Nle14]bombesin-(6-14) (DTACPN-BN), as well as receptor antagonists of bombesin receptor subtype 2 (BB2) and 3 (BB3) for ex vivo contraction studies. Atropine, nifedipine, tetrodotoxin and ω-conotoxin GVIA were used to explore the agonist-induced LES contraction mechanism. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect bombesin receptor expression. Our results indicate that GRP and DTACPN-BN, but not NMB, induced tonic contractions of the porcine LES in a dose-dependent manner and the contractions were inhibited with selective BB2 and BB3 antagonists. The GRP-induced contraction is mainly caused by L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated Ca2+ influx. However, DTACPN-BN-induced contractions are associated with neuronal conduction. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that BB2 and BB3 were expressed in the porcine LES. Bombesin-induced tonic contraction of the LES is mediated through BB2 and BB3. Bombesin, BB2, and BB3 agonists might have the potential to treat GERD.
Initial amplification of the HPV18 genome proceeds via two distinct replication mechanisms
Authors: Orav Marit , Geimanen Jelizaveta , Sepp Eva-Maria , Henno Liisi , Ustav Ene , Ustav Mart
Published: November 2015

Determining the mechanism of HPV18 replication is paramount for identifying possible drug targets against HPV infection. We used two-dimensional and three-dimensional gel electrophoresis techniques to identify replication intermediates arising during the initial amplification of HPV18 episomal genomes. We determined that the first rounds of HPV18 replication proceed via bidirectional theta structures; however, a notable accumulation of almost fully replicated HPV18 genomes indicates difficulties with the completion of theta replication. We also observed intermediates that were created by a second replication mechanism during the initial amplification of HPV18 genomes. The second replication mechanism does not utilize specific initiation or termination sequences and proceeds via a unidirectional replication fork. We suggest a significant role for the second replication mechanism during the initial replication of the HPV18 genome and propose that the second replication mechanism is recombination-dependent replication.
Novel High Content Screen Detects Compounds That Promote Neurite Regeneration from Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Whitlon Donna S. , Grover Mary , Dunne Sara F. , Richter Sonja , Luan Chi-Hao , Richter Claus-Peter
Published: November 2015

The bipolar spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) carry sound information from cochlear hair cells to the brain. After noise, antibiotic or toxic insult to the cochlea, damage to SGN and/or hair cells causes hearing impairment. Damage ranges from fiber and synapse degeneration to dysfunction and loss of cells. New interventions to regenerate peripheral nerve fibers could help reestablish transfer of auditory information from surviving or regenerated hair cells or improve results from cochlear implants, but the biochemical mechanisms to target are largely unknown. Presently, no drugs exist that are FDA approved to stimulate the regeneration of SGN nerve fibers. We designed an original phenotypic assay to screen 440 compounds of the NIH Clinical Collection directly on dissociated mouse spiral ganglia. The assay detected one compound, cerivastatin, that increased the length of regenerating neurites. The effect, mimicked by other statins at different optimal concentrations, was blocked by geranylgeraniol. These results demonstrate the utility of screening small compound libraries on mixed cultures of dissociated primary ganglia. The success of this screen narrows down a moderately sized library to a single compound which can be elevated to in-depth in vivo studies and highlights a potential new molecular pathway for targeting of hearing loss drugs.
Inhibition of tribbles protein-1 attenuates radioresistance in human glioma cells
Authors: Tang Bo , Wu Wei , Zhang Qing , Sun Yongjin , Cui Yifen , Wu Fei , Wei Xiaowei , Qi Guangying , Liang Xingsi , Tang Fang , Li Yunqian , Fan Wenhai
Published: November 2015

Radiotherapy is one of the remedies in the treatment of glioma. The radioresistance is a major drawback, of which the mechanism is unclear. Tribble protein and histone deacetylase are involved in the cancer pathogenesis. This study aims to test a hypothesis that the histone deacetylase inhibitors attenuate the radioresistance in human glioma cells. In this study, human glioma cells were cultured. The cells were treated with irradiation with or without a histone deacetylase inhibitor, butyrate. Apoptosis of the glioma cells was assessed by flow cytometry. The results showed that human glioma cells expressed a low level of Trib1, which was significantly up regulated by exposure to small doses (2 Gy/day for 4 days) of irradiation. Trib1-deficient glioma cells showed an enhanced response to irradiation-induced apoptosis. Exposure to small doses of irradiation, Trib1 formed a complex with pHDAC1 (phosphor histone deacetylase-1) to inhibit p53 expression in glioma cells. The presence of HDAC1 inhibitor, butyrate or parthenolide, significantly enforced irradiation-induced glioma cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the Trib1 plays a critical role in the development of radioresistance of glioma cells. The data suggest that inhibition of Trib1 or HDAC1 has the potential to prevent or attenuate the radioresistance.
Plastid control of abaxial-adaxial patterning
Authors: Mateo-Bonmatí Eduardo , Casanova-Sáez Rubén , Quesada Víctor , Hricová Andrea , Candela Héctor , Micol José Luis
Published: November 2015

Translational regulation, exerted by the cytosolic ribosome, has been shown to participate in the establishment of abaxial-adaxial polarity in Arabidopsis thaliana: many hypomorphic and null alleles of genes encoding proteins of the cytosolic ribosome enhance the leaf polarity defects of asymmetric leaves1 (as1) and as2 mutants. Here, we report the identification of the SCABRA1 (SCA1) nuclear gene, whose loss-of-function mutations also enhance the polarity defects of the as2 mutants. In striking contrast to other previously known enhancers of the phenotypes caused by the as1 and as2 mutations, we found that SCA1 encodes a plastid-type ribosomal protein that functions as a structural component of the 70S plastid ribosome and, therefore, its role in abaxial-adaxial patterning was not expected.
Mapping of multi-elements during melting and solidification using synchrotron X-rays and pixel-based spectroscopy
Authors: Liotti E. , Lui A. , Connolley T. , Dolbnya I.P. , Sawhney K.J.S. , Malandain A. , Wilson M.D. , Veale M.C. , Seller P. , Grant P.S.
Published: November 2015

A new synchrotron-based technique for elemental imaging that combines radiography and fluorescence spectroscopy has been developed and applied to study the spatial distribution of Ag, Zr and Mo in an Al alloy during heating and melting to 700 and then re-soldification. For the first time, multi-element distributions have been mapped independently and simultaneously, showing the dissolution of Ag- and Zr-rich particles during melting and the inter-dendritic segregation of Ag during re-solidification. The new technique is shown to have wide potential for metallurgical and materials science applications where the dynamics of elemental re-distribution and segregation in complex alloys is of importance.
NAA10 mutation causing a novel intellectual disability syndrome with Long QT due to N-terminal acetyltransferase impairment
Authors: Casey Jillian P. , Støve Svein I. , McGorrian Catherine , Galvin Joseph , Blenski Marina , Dunne Aimee , Ennis Sean , Brett Francesca , King Mary D. , Arnesen Thomas , Lynch Sally Ann
Published: November 2015

We report two brothers from a non-consanguineous Irish family presenting with a novel syndrome characterised by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, scoliosis and long QT. Their mother has a milder phenotype including long QT. X-linked inheritance was suspected. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel missense variant (c.128 A > C; p.Tyr43Ser) in NAA10 (X chromosome) as the cause of the family’s disorder. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mutation arose de novo in the carrier mother. NAA10 encodes the catalytic subunit of the major human N-terminal acetylation complex NatA. In vitro assays for the p.Tyr43Ser mutant enzyme showed a significant decrease in catalytic activity and reduced stability compared to wild-type Naa10 protein. NAA10 has previously been associated with Ogden syndrome, Lenz microphthalmia syndrome and non-syndromic developmental delay. Our findings expand the clinical spectrum of NAA10 and suggest that the proposed correlation between mutant Naa10 enzyme activity and phenotype severity is more complex than anticipated; the p.Tyr43Ser mutant enzyme has less catalytic activity than the p.Ser37Pro mutant associated with lethal Ogden syndrome but results in a milder phenotype. Importantly, we highlight the need for cardiac assessment in males and females with NAA10 variants as both patients and carriers can have long QT.
Generation of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene knockout rabbits by homologous recombination and gene trapping through somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Yin Mingru , Jiang Weihua , Fang Zhenfu , Kong Pengcheng , Xing Fengying , Li Yao , Chen Xuejin , Li Shangang
Published: November 2015

The rabbit is a common animal model that has been employed in studies on various human disorders and the generation of genetically modified rabbit lines is highly desirable. Female rabbits have been successfully cloned from cumulus cells and the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology is well established. The present study generated hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene knockout rabbits using recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated homologous recombination and SCNT. Gene trap strategies were employed to enhance the gene targeting rates. The male and female gene knockout fibroblast cell lines were derived by different strategies. When male HPRT knockout cells were used for SCNT, no live rabbits were obtained. However, when female HPRT+/− cells were used for SCNT, live, healthy rabbits were generated. The cloned HPRT+/− rabbits were fertile at maturity. We demonstrate a new technique to produce gene-targeted rabbits. This approach may also be used in the genetic manipulation of different genes or in other species.
The relationship between weight change and risk of hip fracture: meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Lv Qing-Bo , Fu Xin , Jin Hai-Ming , Xu Hai-Chao , Huang Zhe-Yu , Xu Hua-Zi , Chi Yong-Long , Wu Ai-Min
Published: November 2015

The relationship between weight change and risk of hip fracture is still controversial. We searched PubMed and Embase for studies on weight change and risk of hip fracture. Eight prospective studies were included. The weight loss studies included 85592 participants with 1374 hip fractures and the weight gain studies included 80768 participants with 732 hip fractures. Weight loss is more likely a risk factor of hip fracture, with an adjusted RR (Relative Risk) (95% CI) of 1.84 (1.45, 2.33). In contrast, weight gain can decrease the risk of hip fracture, with an adjusted RR (95% CI) of 0.73 (0.61, 0.89). Dose-response meta-analysis shows that the risk of hip fracture is an ascending curve, with an increase of weight loss above the line of RR = 1; this trend is consistent with the results of forest plots that examine weight loss and hip fracture. For weight gain and risk of hip fracture, the descending curve below the line of RR = 1; this trend is consistent with the results of forest plots that examine weight gain and hip fracture. Our meta-analysis suggests that weight loss may be a risk factor for hip fracture and that weight gain may be a protective factor for hip fracture.
Chronic lung infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is cured by L-Methionine in combination with antibiotic therapy
Authors: Gnanadhas Divya Prakash , Elango Monalisha , Datey Akshay , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: November 2015

Bacterial biofilms are associated with 80–90% of infections. Within the biofilm, bacteria are refractile to antibiotics, requiring concentrations >1,000 times the minimum inhibitory concentration. Proteins, carbohydrates and DNA are the major components of biofilm matrix.Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) biofilms, which are majorly associated with chronic lung infection, contain extracellular DNA (eDNA) as a major component. Herein, we report for the first time that L-Methionine (L-Met) at 0.5 μM inhibitsPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) biofilm formation and disassembles established PA biofilm by inducingDNaseexpression. FourDNasegenes (sbcB,endA,eddBandrecJ) were highly up-regulated upon L-Met treatment along with increased DNase activity in the culture supernatant. Since eDNA plays a major role in establishing and maintaining the PA biofilm, DNase activity is effective in disrupting the biofilm. Upon treatment with L-Met, the otherwise recalcitrant PA biofilm now shows susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. This was reflectedin vivo, in the murine chronic PA lung infection model. Mice treated with L-Met responded better to antibiotic treatment, leading to enhanced survival as compared to mice treated with ciprofloxacin alone. These results clearly demonstrate that L-Met can be used along with antibiotic as an effective therapeutic against chronic PA biofilm infection.
Selective and sensitive determination of ochratoxin A based on a molecularly imprinted electrochemical luminescence sensor
Authors: Wang Q. L. , Chen M. M. , Zhang H. Q. , Wen W. , Zhang X. H. , Wang S. F.
Published: November 2015

The fabrication process of the MIP-ECL sensor and the detection of OTA.
A simple excited-state intramolecular proton transfer probe based on a new strategy of thiol–azide reaction for the selective sensing of cysteine and glutathione
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yang Zihao , Li Hongjuan , Pei Zhichao , Sun Shiguo , Xu Yongqian
Published: November 2015

A simple azido-substituted fluorescent sensorAHBObased on the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution–rearrangement reactions showed selective turn-on response to cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH).
A new type of oxidative addition of an iodoarene to a Pd(ii) complex
Authors: Vicente-Hernández Inmaculada , Chicote María-Teresa , Vicente José , Bautista Delia
Published: November 2015

2-Iodophenyl isocyanide inserts into the C–Pd bond of an aryl Pd(ii) complex to give an iminobenzoyl complex, which after dehydroiodination and an oxidative addition reaction leads to a very stable Pd(iv) pincer complex.
A simple synthesis of urchin-like Pt–Ni bimetallic nanostructures as enhanced electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Choi Kwang-Hyun , Jang Youngjin , Chung Dong Young , Seo Pilseon , Jun Samuel Woojoo , Lee Ji Eun , Oh Myoung Hwan , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza , Jung Namgee , Yoo Sung Jong , Sung Yung-Eun , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: November 2015

Pt–Ni nanostructures have superior oxygen reduction reaction activities.
Competitive electron transfer in a novel, broad-band capturing, subphthalocyanine–AzaBODIPY–C60 supramolecular triad
Authors: Bandi Venugopal , D'Souza Fiona P. , Gobeze Habtom B. , D'Souza Francis
Published: November 2015

A V-configured SubPc–azaBODIPY–C60 supramolecular triad has been synthesized, and the occurrence of sequential energy and competitive electron transfer leading to charge separated states is demonstrated.
Large scale fabrication of dumbbell-shaped biomimetic SiC/SiO2 fibers
Authors: Liu Wenna , Chen Junhong , Chou Kuo-Chih , Hou Xinmei
Published: November 2015

The mechanical properties of dumbbell-shaped fiber-reinforced composites are expected to be improved via enhancing the interface adhesion between the matrix and the fibers from the viewpoint of biomimetics.
Methane partial oxidation using FeOx@La0.8Sr0.2FeO3−δ core–shell catalyst – transient pulse studies
Authors: Shafiefarhood Arya , Hamill Joseph Clay , Neal Luke Michael , Li Fanxing
Published: November 2015

Study on the mechanism of C–H bond activation and kinetic pathways of methane conversion using FeOx@La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 redox catalyst.
Nuclear dynamics in the metastable phase of the solid acid caesium hydrogen sulfate
Authors: Krzystyniak Maciej , Drużbicki Kacper , Fernandez-Alonso Felix
Published: November 2015

Neutron spectroscopy and first-principles calculations unveil the quantum character of atomic motions in the solid acid CsHSO4.
Identifying active sites of CoNC/CNT from pyrolysis of molecularly defined complexes for oxidative esterification and hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Cheng Tianyuan , Yu Hao , Peng Feng , Wang Hongjuan , Zhang Bingsen , Su Dangsheng
Published: November 2015

Cobalt chelate complexes bonded to 2 to 3 nitrogens in the graphene lattice are the active sites for the oxidative esterification of benzyl alcohol by molecular oxygen, the selective reduction of nitrobenzene by hydrogen and the hydrogenated coupling of nitrobenzene and benzaldehyde.
Fluorine
Authors: Love Jennifer A.
Published: November 2015

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions entitled ‘Fluorine’.
Efficient and selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols catalysed by MOF-derived Co catalysts
Authors: Bai Cuihua , Li Aiqin , Yao Xianfang , Liu Hongli , Li Yingwei
Published: November 2015

A magnetic Co-based heterogeneous catalyst derived from MOFs is highly efficient in selective oxidation of alcohols in neat water under an atmospheric pressure of air and base-free conditions.
Laser ablation-tandem ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS/MS) for direct Sr isotopic analysis of solid samples with high Rb/Sr ratios
Authors: Bolea-Fernandez Eduardo , Van Malderen Stijn J. M. , Balcaen Lieve , Resano Martín , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: November 2015

The combination of laser ablation and tandem ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS/MS) allows for successful Sr isotopic analysis of solid samples with high Rb/Sr ratios.
Discovery of urinary metabolomic biomarkers for early detection of acute kidney injury
Authors: Won A Jin , Kim Siwon , Kim Yoon Gyoon , Kim Kyu-Bong , Choi Wahn Soo , Kacew Sam , Kim Kyeong Seok , Jung Jee H. , Lee Byung Mu , Kim Suhkmann , Kim Hyung Sik
Published: November 2015

The molecular mechanism underlying the nephrotoxicity of 3-indoxyl sulfate. 3-Indoxyl sulfate accumulated in the blood and kidney of patient with acute kidney injury and then accelerates tubular cell injury.
Hierarchical architectures of Co3O4 ultrafine nanowires grown on Co3O4 nanowires with fascinating electrochemical performance
Authors: An Lei , Yu Li , Cao Yunjiu , Li Wenyao , Xu Kaibing , Ji Tao , Zou Rujia , Hu Junqing
Published: November 2015

The hierarchical Co3O4 nanowires@Co3O4 ultrafine nanowires as electrodes delivered high specific capacitance, superior rate performance and long lifespan.
A novel self-assembled sandwich nanomedicine for NIR-responsive release of NO
Authors: Fan Jing , He Nongyue , He Qianjun , Liu Yi , Ma Ying , Fu Xiao , Liu Yijing , Huang Peng , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2015

A sandwich nanomedicine self-assembled by GO nanosheets and BNN6 exhibits high drug loading capacity and NIR responsiveness for NO release.
Radical fluorination powered expedient synthesis of 3-fluorobicyclo[1.1.1]pentan-1-amine
Authors: Goh Yi Ling , Adsool Vikrant A.
Published: November 2015

This work describes an expedient synthesis of a potentially useful BCP derivative, 3-fluorobicyclo[1.1.1]pentan-1-amine, by employing a contemporary radical fluorination method.
Novel naphthalimide–amine based photoinitiators operating under violet and blue LEDs and usable for various polymerization reactions and synthesis of hydrogels
Authors: Zivic Nicolas , Zhang Jing , Bardelang David , Dumur Frédéric , Xiao Pu , Jet Thomas , Versace Davy-Louis , Dietlin Céline , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Gigmes Didier , Lalevée Jacques
Published: November 2015

A series of naphthalimide derivatives containing tertiary amine groups (DNNDs) have been prepared.
New developments of ketonitrones in organic synthesis
Authors: Shi Wei-Min , Ma Xiao-Pan , Su Gui-Fa , Mo Dong-Liang
Published: November 2015

Various vinyl ketonitrones are prepared using new strategies and were applied to synthesize heterocycles in organic synthesis.
Crystal structure, magnetic and catalytic oxidation properties of manganese(iii) tetrakis(ethoxycarbonyl)porphyrin
Authors: Wang Hua-Hua , Yuan Hui-Qing , Mahmood Mian H. R. , Jiang Yi-Yu , Cheng Fan , Shi Lei , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: November 2015

5,10,15,20-tetrakis(ethoxycarbonyl)porphyrin manganese(iii) chloride (MnIIITECPCl) existed as a Mn–O coordinated dimer. MnIIITECPCl gave high yield in oxidation of styrene by using TBHP or PhIO oxidant and was found recyclable.
Characterizing the distribution of organic matter during composting of sewage sludge using a chemical and spectroscopic approach
Authors: Wu Chuandong , Li Yunbei , Li Weiguang , Wang Ke
Published: November 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the evolution of organic matters during sewage sludge composting with different carbon additives including glucose, sucrose and straw.
Development of porous and antimicrobial CTS–PEG–HAP–ZnO nano-composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Bhowmick Arundhati , Pramanik Nilkamal , Manna Piyali Jana , Mitra Tapas , Raja Selvaraj Thirupathi Kumara , Gnanamani Arumugam , Das Manas , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: November 2015

We have developed porous, antimicrobial, biodegradable, and pH and blood compatible CTS–PEG–HAP–ZnO nanocomposites having good mechanical properties and osteoblast cell proliferation abilities to mimic cancellous bone in bone tissue engineering.
A hyaluronic acid–pentamidine bioconjugate as a macrophage mediated drug targeting delivery system for the treatment of leishmaniasis
Authors: Micale N. , Piperno A. , Mahfoudh N. , Schurigt U. , Schultheis M. , Mineo P. G. , Schirmeister T. , Scala A. , Grassi G.
Published: November 2015

A new HA–Pent bioconjugate was synthetized and proposed as drug targeting delivery system for the treatment of leishmaniasis, exploiting the specific biological recognition of HA by the macrophage.
Seed-assisted, solvent-free synthesis of a CHA-type aluminophosphate molecular sieve
Authors: Zhao Xinhong , Zhao Jiangbo , Gao Xiangping , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2015

Triclinic AlPO4-34 with CHA topology has been successfully synthesized under seed-assisted, solvent-free conditions.
Highly 3,4-selective living polymerization of 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene with amidino N-heterocyclic carbene ligated rare-earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes
Authors: Yao Changguang , Xie Hongyan , Cui Dongmei
Published: November 2015

2-Phenyl-1,3-butadiene was polymerized using an amidino N-heterocyclic carbene lutetium bis(alkyl) precursor in high 3,4-selectivity (96.9%) and a living mode to afford a new plastic polydiene with a high Tg of 56.1 °C.
Trivalent Gd-DOTA reagents for modification of proteins
Authors: Fisher Martin J. , Williamson Daniel J. , Burslem George M. , Plante Jeffrey P. , Manfield Iain W. , Tiede Christian , Ault James R. , Stockley Peter G. , Plein Sven , Maqbool Azhar , Tomlinson Darren C. , Foster Richard , Warriner Stuart L. , Bon Robin S.
Published: November 2015

The development of novel protein-targeted MRI contrast agents crucially depends on the ability to derivatise suitable targeting moieties with a high payload of relaxation enhancer without losing affinity for the target proteins.
Role of pentose phosphate pathway in lipid accumulation of oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Zhao Lina , Tang Xin , Luan Xiao , Chen Haiqin , Chen Yong Q. , Chen Wei , Song Yuanda , Ratledge Colin
Published: November 2015

Overexpressing the genes coding for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from the pentose phosphate pathway in the oleaginous fungusMucor circinelloidesincreased the lipid content of cell dry weight by 20–30%.
Distinction between Mn(iii) and Mn(ii) by using a colorimetric chemosensor in aqueous solution
Authors: Lee Seul Ah , Lee Jae Jun , You Ga Rim , Choi Ye Won , Kim Cheal
Published: November 2015

A new colorimetric chemosensor for Mn(iii) and Mn(ii) was developed and used to differentiate between Mn(iii) and Mn(ii).
LNA-enhanced DNA FIT-probes for multicolour RNA imaging
Authors: Hövelmann F. , Gaspar I. , Chamiolo J. , Kasper M. , Steffen J. , Ephrussi A. , Seitz O.
Published: November 2015

A surrogate nucleobase based on 4,4'-cyanine provided up to 195-fold enhancement of red fluorescence upon complementary RNA binding. A mixture of FIT probes allowed the localization of oskar mRNA and other polyadenylated mRNA molecules in developing oocytes from Drosphila melanogaster by wash-free FISH and STED.
A versatile synthetic route for the preparation of titanium metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zou Lanfang , Feng Dawei , Liu Tian-Fu , Chen Ying-Pin , Yuan Shuai , Wang Kecheng , Wang Xuan , Fordham Stephen , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: November 2015

Through a versatile synthetic strategy, High Valence Metathesis and Oxidation (HVMO), a series of Ti-MOFs with predesigned topologies and structures were synthesized.
Bright persistent luminescence from pure organic molecules through a moderate intermolecular heavy atom effect
Authors: Xue Pengchong , Wang Panpan , Chen Peng , Yao Boqi , Gong Peng , Sun Jiabao , Zhang Zhenqi , Lu Ran
Published: November 2015

A 6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexyl group linked to carbazole gives crystals that exhibit strong white photoluminescence with an efficiency of 72.6%, a ΦP of 39.5%, and a phosphorescence lifetime of 200 ms.
Earth-abundant and nano-micro composite catalysts of Fe3O4@reduced graphene oxide for green and economical mesoscopic photovoltaic devices with high efficiencies up to 9%
Authors: Zhou Huawei , Yin Jie , Nie Zhonghao , Yang Zhaojin , Li Dongjie , Wang Junhu , Liu Xin , Jin Changzi , Zhang Xianxi , Ma Tingli
Published: November 2015

The ideal liquid–solid heterogeneous electrocatalysis should have not only high catalytic activity but also free electron transport.
Synthesis and characterization of the first transparent silicon oxycarbide aerogel obtained through H2decarbonization
Authors: Dirè Sandra , Borovin Evgeny , Narisawa Masaki , Sorarù Gian Domenico
Published: November 2015

The first transparent silicon oxycarbide aerogel has been obtained through H2decarbonzation at 800 °C starting from an alkylene-bridged silicon alkoxide precursor.
Silica direct evaporation: a size-controlled approach to SiC/carbon nanosheet composites as Pt catalyst supports for superior methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Lu , Yu Peng , Tian Chungui , Sun Fanfei , Feng He , Zhou Wei , Wang Jianqiang , Fu Honggang
Published: November 2015

SiC/graphitic carbon nanosheet (SiC/GC) nanocomposites, with 17 nm SiC NPs dispersed on GC uniformly were synthesized via a novel vaporization–deposition–reduction strategy derived from coconut shells and silica ceramic chips, which can be used as excellent supports for Pt toward the MOR.
A fluorescent light-up probe based on AIE and ESIPT processes for β-galactosidase activity detection and visualization in living cells
Authors: Peng Lu , Gao Meng , Cai Xiaolei , Zhang Ruoyu , Li Kai , Feng Guangxue , Tong Aijun , Liu Bin
Published: November 2015

A fluorescent probe with both AIE and ESIPT characteristics is developed for a β-galactosidase activity study in solution and living cells.
Collective coherence in nearest neighbor coupled metamaterials: A metasurface ruler equation
Authors: Xu Ningning , Singh Ranjan , Zhang Weili
Published: November 2015

The collective coherent interactions in a meta-atom lattice are the key to myriad applications and functionalities offered by metasurfaces. We demonstrate a collective coherent response of the nearest neighbor coupled split-ring resonators whose resonance shift decays exponentially in the strong near-field coupled regime. This occurs due to the dominant magnetic coupling between the nearest neighbors which leads to the decay of the electromagnetic near fields. Based on the size scaling behavior of the different periodicity metasurfaces, we identified a collective coherent metasurface ruler equation. From the coherent behavior, we also show that the near-field coupling in a metasurface lattice exists even when the periodicity exceeds the resonator size. The identification of a universal coherence in metasurfaces and their scaling behavior would enable the design of novel metadevices whose spectral tuning response based on near-field effects could be calibrated across microwave, terahertz, infrared, and the optical parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electrical, optical, and electronic properties of Al:ZnO films in a wide doping range
Authors: Valenti Ilaria , Benedetti Stefania , di Bona Alessandro , Lollobrigida Valerio , Perucchi Andrea , Di Pietro Paola , Lupi Stefano , Valeri Sergio , Torelli Piero
Published: November 2015

The combination of photoemission spectroscopies, infrared and UV-VIS absorption, and electric measurements has allowed to clarify the mechanisms governing the conductivity and the electronic properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films in a wide doping range. The contribution of defect-related in-gap states to conduction has been excluded in optimally doped films (around 4 at. %). The appearance of gap states at high doping, the disappearance of occupied DOS at Fermi level, and the bands evolution complete the picture of electronic structure in AZO when doped above 4 at. %. In this situation, compensating defects deplete the conduction band and increase the electronic bandgap of the material. Electrical measurements and figure of merit determination confirm the high quality of the films obtained by magnetron sputtering, and thus allow to extend their properties to AZO films in general.
Correlation between stress-induced leakage current and dielectric degradation in ultra-porous SiOCH low-k materials
Authors: Wu C. , Li Y. , Leśniewska A. , Varela Pedreira O. , de Marneffe J.-F. , Ciofi I. , Verdonck P. , Baklanov M. R. , Bömmels J. , De Wolf I. , Tőkei Zs. , Croes K.
Published: November 2015

Stress-Induced Leakage Current (SILC) behavior during the dielectric degradation of ultra-porous SiOCH low-k materials was investigated. Under high voltage stress, SILC increases to a critical value before final hard breakdown. This SILC increase rate is mainly driven by the injected charges and is negligibly influenced by temperature and voltage. SILC is found to be transient and shows a t−1 relaxation behavior, where t is the storage time at low voltages. This t−1 transient behavior, described by the tunneling front model, is caused by both electron charging of neutral defects in the dielectric close to the cathode interface and discharging of donor defects close to the anode interface. These defects have a uniform density distribution within the probed depth range, which is confirmed by the observed flat band voltage shift results collected during the low voltage storage. By applying an additional discharging step after the low voltage storage, the trap energies and spatial distributions are derived. In a highly degraded low-k dielectric, the majority of defects have a trap depth between 3.4 eV and 3.6 eV and a density level of 1 × 1018 eV−1 cm−3. The relation between the defect density N and the total amount of the injected charges Q is measured to be sub-linear, N ∼ Q0.45±0.07. The physical nature of these stress-induced defects is suggested to be caused by the degradation of the Si-O based skeleton in the low-k dielectric.