bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans
Authors: Tyler William J. , Boasso Alyssa M. , Mortimore Hailey M. , Silva Rhonda S. , Charlesworth Jonathan D. , Marlin Michelle A. , Aebersold Kirsten , Aven Linh , Wetmore Daniel Z. , Pal Sumon K.
Published: September 2015

We engineered a transdermal neuromodulation approach that targets peripheral (cranial and spinal) nerves and utilizes their afferent pathways as signaling conduits to influence brain function. We investigated the effects of this transdermal electrical neurosignaling (TEN) method on sympathetic physiology under different experimental conditions. The TEN method involved delivering high-frequency pulsed electrical currents to ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the right trigeminal nerve and cervical spinal nerve afferents. Under resting conditions, TEN significantly suppressed basal sympathetic tone compared to sham as indicated by functional infrared thermography of facial temperatures. In a different experiment, subjects treated with TEN reported significantly lower levels of tension and anxiety on the Profile of Mood States scale compared to sham. In a third experiment when subjects were experimentally stressed TEN produced a significant suppression of heart rate variability, galvanic skin conductance and salivary α-amylase levels compared to sham. Collectively these observations demonstrate TEN can dampen basal sympathetic tone and attenuate sympathetic activity in response to acute stress induction. Our physiological and biochemical observations are consistent with the hypothesis that TEN modulates noradrenergic signaling to suppress sympathetic activity. We conclude that dampening sympathetic activity in such a manner represents a promising approach to managing daily stress.
Direct label-free measurement of the distribution of small molecular weight compound inside thick biological tissue using coherent Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Kawagishi Masahiko , Obara Yuki , Suzuki Takayuki , Hayashi Masumi , Misawa Kazuhiko , Terada Sumio
Published: September 2015

Distributions of small molecular weight (less than 300 Da) compounds inside biological tissue have been obscure because of the lack of appropriate methods to measure them. Although fluorescence techniques are widely used to characterise the localisation of large biomolecules, they cannot be easily applied to the cases with small molecule compounds. We used CARS spectroscopy to detect and identify a label-free small molecule compound. To facilitate detection in aqueous environment, we utilised time-resolved and phase-sensitive techniques to reduce non-resonant background generated from water. We applied this technique to detect small molecular weight compound, taurine, inside mouse cornea tissue immersed in taurine solution as an initial model experiment. We detected a Raman peak of taurine near wavenumber 1033 cm−1 inside cornea and successfully characterised its depth profile in the tissue. Our CARS spectra measurement can be a promising method to measure and visualise the distribution of small bio-related compounds in biological background without using any labeling, paving the way for new cell biological analysis in various disciplines.
Teaching brain-machine interfaces as an alternative paradigm to neuroprosthetics control
Authors: Iturrate Iñaki , Chavarriaga Ricardo , Montesano Luis , Minguez Javier , Millán José del R.
Published: September 2015

Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) usually decode movement parameters from cortical activity to control neuroprostheses. This requires subjects to learn to modulate their brain activity to convey all necessary information, thus imposing natural limits on the complexity of tasks that can be performed. Here we demonstrate an alternative and complementary BMI paradigm that overcomes that limitation by decoding cognitive brain signals associated with monitoring processes relevant for achieving goals. In our approach the neuroprosthesis executes actions that the subject evaluates as erroneous or correct and exploits the brain correlates of this assessment to learn suitable motor behaviours. Results show that, after a short user’s training period, this teaching BMI paradigm operated three different neuroprostheses and generalized across several targets. Our results further support that these error-related signals reflect a task-independent monitoring mechanism in the brain, making this teaching paradigm scalable. We anticipate this BMI approach to become a key component of any neuroprosthesis that mimics natural motor control as it enables continuous adaptation in the absence of explicit information about goals. Furthermore, our paradigm can seamlessly incorporate other cognitive signals and conventional neuroprosthetic approaches, invasive or non-invasive, to enlarge the range and complexity of tasks that can be accomplished.
Novel hemagglutinating, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of the intermediate subunit of Entamoeba histolytica lectin
Authors: Kato Kentaro , Yahata Kazuhide , Gopal Dhoubhadel Bhim , Fujii Yoshito , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: September 2015

Galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) inhibitable lectin of Entamoeba histolytica, a common protozoan parasite, has roles in pathogenicity and induction of protective immunity in mouse models of amoebiasis. The lectin consists of heavy (Hgl), light (Lgl) and intermediate (Igl) subunits. Hgl has lectin activity and Lgl does not, but little is known about the activity of Igl. In this study, we assessed various regions of Igl for hemagglutinating activity using recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. We identified a weak hemagglutinating activity of the protein. Furthermore, we found novel hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of the lectin, which resided in the carboxy-terminal region of the protein. Antibodies against Igl inhibited the hemolytic activity of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. This is the first report showing hemagglutinating, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of an amoebic molecule, Igl.
Turnover of the actomyosin complex in zebrafish embryos directs geometric remodelling and the recruitment of lipid droplets
Authors: Dutta Asmita , Kumar Sinha Deepak
Published: September 2015

Lipid droplets (LDs), reservoirs of cholesterols and fats, are organelles that hydrolyse lipids in the cell. In zebrafish embryos, the actomyosin complex and filamentous microtubules control the periodic regulation of the LD geometry. Contrary to the existing hypothesis that LD transport involves the kinesin-microtubule system, we find that their recruitment to the blastodisc depends on the actomyosin turnover and is independent of the microtubules. For the first time we report the existence of two distinct states of LDs, an inactive and an active state, that occur periodically, coupled weakly to the cleavage cycles. LDs are bigger, more circular and more stable in the inactive state in which the geometry of the LDs is maintained by actomyosin as well as microtubules. The active state has smaller and irregularly shaped LDs that show shape fluctuations that are linked to actin depolymerization. Because most functions of LDs employ surface interactions, our findings on the LD geometry and its regulation bring new insights to the mechanisms associated with specific functions of LDs, such as their storage capacity for fats or proteins, lipolysis etc.
Hexavalent chromium induces apoptosis in male somatic and spermatogonial stem cells via redox imbalance
Authors: Das Joydeep , Kang Min-Hee , Kim Eunsu , Kwon Deug-Nam , Choi Yun-Jung , Kim Jin-Hoi
Published: September 2015

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], an environmental toxicant, causes severe male reproductive abnormalities. However, the actual mechanisms of toxicity are not clearly understood and have not been studied in detail. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the mechanism of reproductive toxicity of Cr(VI) in male somatic cells (mouse TM3 Leydig cells and TM4 Sertoli cells) and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) because damage to or dysfunction of these cells can directly affect spermatogenesis, resulting in male infertility. Cr(VI) by inducing oxidative stress was cytotoxic to both male somatic cells and SSCs in a dose-dependent manner and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Although the mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity was similar in both somatic cells, the differences in sensitivity of TM3 and TM4 cells to Cr(VI) could be attributed, at least in part, to cell-specific regulation of P-AKT1, P-ERK1/2 and P-P53 proteins. Cr(VI) affected the differentiation and self-renewal mechanisms of SSCs, disrupted steroidogenesis in TM3 cells, while in TM4 cells, the expression of tight junction signaling and cell receptor molecules was affected as well as the secretory functions were impaired. In conclusion, our results show that Cr(VI) is cytotoxic and impairs the physiological functions of male somatic cells and SSCs.
Structural Heterogeneity of Mitochondria Induced by the Microtubule Cytoskeleton
Authors: Sukhorukov Valerii M. , Meyer-Hermann Michael
Published: September 2015

By events of fusion and fission mitochondria generate a partially interconnected, irregular network of poorly specified architecture. Here, its organization is examined theoretically by taking into account the physical association of mitochondria with microtubules. Parameters of the cytoskeleton mesh are derived from the mechanics of single fibers. The model of the mitochondrial reticulum is formulated in terms of a dynamic spatial graph. The graph dynamics is modulated by the density of microtubules and their crossings. The model reproduces the full spectrum of experimentally found mitochondrial configurations. In centrosome-organized cells, the chondriome is predicted to develop strong structural inhomogeneity between the cell center and the periphery. An integrated analysis of the cytoskeletal and the mitochondrial components reveals that the structure of the reticulum depends on the balance between anterograde and retrograde motility of mitochondria on microtubules, in addition to fission and fusion. We propose that it is the combination of the two processes that defines synergistically the mitochondrial structure, providing the cell with ample capabilities for its regulative adaptation.
Facile Discovery of a Diverse Panel of Anti-Ebola Virus Antibodies by Immune Repertoire Mining
Authors: Wang Bo , Kluwe Christien A. , Lungu Oana I. , DeKosky Brandon J. , Kerr Scott A. , Johnson Erik L. , Tanno Hidetaka , Lee Chang-Han , Jung Jiwon , Rezigh Alec B. , Carroll Sean M. , Reyes Ann N. , Bentz Janelle R. , Villanueva Itamar , Altman Amy L. , Davey Robert A. , Ellington Andrew D. , Georgiou George
Published: September 2015

The ongoing evolution of Ebolaviruses poses significant challenges to the development of immunodiagnostics for detecting emergent viral variants. There is a critical need for the discovery of monoclonal antibodies with distinct affinities and specificities for different Ebolaviruses. We developed an efficient technology for the rapid discovery of a plethora of antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies from immunized animals by mining the VH:VL paired antibody repertoire encoded by highly expanded B cells in the draining popliteal lymph node (PLN). This approach requires neither screening nor selection for antigen-binding. Specifically we show that mouse immunization with Ebola VLPs gives rise to a highly polarized antibody repertoire in CD138+ antibody-secreting cells within the PLN. All highly expanded antibody clones (7/7 distinct clones/animal) were expressed recombinantly and shown to recognize the VLPs used for immunization. Using this approach we obtained diverse panels of antibodies including: (i) antibodies with high affinity towards GP; (ii) antibodies which bound Ebola VLP Kissidougou-C15, the strain circulating in the recent West African outbreak; (iii) non-GP binding antibodies that recognize wild type Sudan or Bundibugyo viruses that have 39% and 37% sequence divergence from Ebola virus, respectively and (iv) antibodies to the Reston virus GP for which no antibodies have been reported.
Polymorphic transitions of diborane at sub- and near-megabar pressures
Authors: Torabi Amin , Murli Chitra , Song Yang , Staroverov Viktor N.
Published: September 2015

Recent theoretical investigations of high-pressure structures of diborane have yielded many intriguing predictions which have so far remained untested due to challenges of acquiring experimental data at extreme pressures. Here we report new pressure-induced polymorphic transformations of crystalline diborane observed between 36 and 88 GPa by in situ Raman spectroscopy and interpreted using electronic structure calculations. Two previously unknown phase transitions are identified near 42 and 57 GPa, as evidenced by significant changes in the Raman profiles. The corresponding new phases, labeled IV and V, consist of B2H6 molecules and have triclinic unit cells (P"Equation missing"), as deduced through evolutionary structure search and comparison of experimental and simulated Raman spectra. Density-functional calculations suggest that, at pressures above 110 GPa, phase V will form new molecular structures consisting of one-dimensional (BH3)n chains and will become metallic near 138 GPa. Our findings make a significant contribution to the elucidation of the structures and properties of diborane in the near-megabar pressure region.
Action mechanism of corticosteroids to aggravate Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Wang Yu-Zhong , Lv Hui , Shi Qi-Guang , Fan Xu-Tao , Li Lei , Yi Wong Anna Hiu , Hao Yan-Lei , Si Chuan-Ping , Li Cui-Lan , Yuki Nobuhiro
Published: September 2015

Corticosteroids have been proved to be ineffective for Guillain-Barré syndrome, but the mechanism remains unknown. In a rabbit model of axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome, treatment with corticosteroids significantly reduced macrophage infiltration in the spinal ventral roots and the survival rate as well as clinical improvement. On 30th day after onset, there was significantly higher frequency of axonal degeneration in the corticosteroids-treated rabbits than saline-treated rabbits. Corticosteroids may reduce the scavengers that play a crucial role for nerve regeneration, thus delay the recovery of this disease.
Relationships of wild and domesticated rices (Oryza AA genome species) based upon whole chloroplast genome sequences
Authors: Wambugu Peterson W. , Brozynska Marta , Furtado Agnelo , Waters Daniel L. , Henry Robert J.
Published: September 2015

Rice is the most important crop in the world, acting as the staple food for over half of the world’s population. The evolutionary relationships of cultivated rice and its wild relatives have remained contentious and inconclusive. Here we report on the use of whole chloroplast sequences to elucidate the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships in the AA genomeOryzaspecies, representing the primary gene pool of rice. This is the first study that has produced a well resolved and strongly supported phylogeny of the AA genome species. The pan tropical distribution of these rice relatives was found to be explained by long distance dispersal within the last million years. The analysis resulted in a clustering pattern that showed strong geographical differentiation. The species were defined in two primary clades with a South American/African clade with two species,O glumaepatula and O longistaminata, distinguished from all other species. The largest clade was comprised of an Australian clade including newly identified taxa and the African and Asian clades. This refined knowledge of the relationships between cultivated rice and the related wild species provides a strong foundation for more targeted use of wild genetic resources in rice improvement and efforts to ensure their conservation.
Proton beam radiation induces DNA damage and cell apoptosis in glioma stem cells through reactive oxygen species
Authors: Alan Mitteer R. , Wang Yanling , Shah Jennifer , Gordon Sherika , Fager Marcus , Butter Param-Puneet , Jun Kim Hyun , Guardiola-Salmeron Consuelo , Carabe-Fernandez Alejandro , Fan Yi
Published: September 2015

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most lethal of human malignancies. Most GBM tumors are refractory to cytotoxic therapies. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) significantly contribute to GBM progression and post-treatment tumor relapse, therefore serving as a key therapeutic target; however, GSCs are resistant to conventional radiation therapy. Proton therapy is one of the newer cancer treatment modalities and its effects on GSCs function remain unclear. Here, by utilizing patient-derived GSCs, we show that proton radiation generates greater cytotoxicity in GSCs than x-ray photon radiation. Compared with photon radiation, proton beam irradiation induces more single and double strand DNA breaks, less H2AX phosphorylation, increased Chk2 phosphorylation and reduced cell cycle recovery from G2 arrest, leading to caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, proton radiation generates a large quantity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is required for DNA damage, cell cycle redistribution, apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Together, these findings indicate that proton radiation has a higher efficacy in treating GSCs than photon radiation. Our data reveal a ROS-dependent mechanism by which proton radiation induces DNA damage and cell apoptosis in GSCs. Thus, proton therapy may be more efficient than conventional x-ray photon therapy for eliminating GSCs in GBM patients.
Latent virus infection upregulates CD40 expression facilitating enhanced autoimmunity in a model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Casiraghi Costanza , Citlali Márquez Ana , Shanina Iryna , Horwitz Marc Steven
Published: September 2015

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been identified as a putative environmental trigger of multiple sclerosis (MS) by multiple groups working worldwide. Previously, we reported that when experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in mice latently infected with murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (γHV-68), the murine homolog to EBV, a disease more reminiscent of MS developed. Specifically, MS-like lesions developed in the brain that included equal numbers of IFN-γ producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and demyelination, none of which is observed in MOG induced EAE. Herein, we demonstrate that this enhanced disease was dependent on the γHV-68 latent life cycle and was associated with STAT1 and CD40 upregulation on uninfected dendritic cells. Importantly, we also show that, during viral latency, the frequency of regulatory T cells is reduced via a CD40 dependent mechanism and this contributes towards a strong T helper 1 response that resolves in severe EAE disease pathology. Latent γ-herpesvirus infection established a long-lasting impact that enhances subsequent adaptive autoimmune responses.
GSTP1 and GSTO1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the response of bladder cancer patients to intravesical chemotherapy
Authors: Deng Xiaheng , Yang Xiao , Cheng Yidong , Liu Xuzhong , Li Xiao , Zhao Ruizhe , Qin Chao , Lu Qiang , Yin Changjun
Published: September 2015

SNPs may restrict cell detoxification activity and be a potential risk factor for cancer chemosensitivity. We evaluated the predictive value of these polymorphisms on the sensitivity of bladder cancer patients to epirubicin and mitomycin chemotherapy instillation as well as their toxicities. SNPs were analyzed by TaqMan genotyping assays in 130 patients treated with epirubicin and 114 patients treated with mitomycin. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the HRs were derived from multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. GSTP1 rs1695 and GSTO1 rs4925 were also associated with RFS in the epirubicin group. Patients carrying the GSTP1 AG+GG and GSTO1 AC+AA genotypes had an unfavorable RFS. Patients with the GSTP1 AA and GSTO1 CC genotypes had a reduced risk of recurrence after the instillation of epirubicin. In addition, patients with the GSTP1 rs1695 AA genotype had an increased risk of irritative voiding symptoms; while patients with the GSTO1 rs4925 CC genotype had a decreased risk of hematuria. Our results suggest that GSTP1 and GSTO1 polymorphisms are associated with epirubicin treatment outcomes as well as with epirubicin-related toxicity.
Metamaterial Absorber for Electromagnetic Waves in Periodic Water Droplets
Authors: Yoo Young Joon , Ju Sanghyun , Park Sang Yoon , Ju Kim Young , Bong Jihye , Lim Taekyung , Kim Ki Won , Rhee Joo Yull , Lee YoungPak
Published: September 2015

Perfect metamaterial absorber (PMA) can intercept electromagnetic wave harmful for body in Wi-Fi, cell phones and home appliances that we are daily using and provide stealth function that military fighter, tank and warship can avoid radar detection. We reported new concept of water droplet-based PMA absorbing perfectly electromagnetic wave with water, an eco-friendly material which is very plentiful on the earth. If arranging water droplets with particular height and diameter on material surface through the wettability of material surface, meta-properties absorbing electromagnetic wave perfectly in GHz wide-band were shown. It was possible to control absorption ratio and absorption wavelength band of electromagnetic wave according to the shape of water droplet–height and diameter– and apply to various flexible and/or transparent substrates such as plastic, glass and paper. In addition, this research examined how electromagnetic wave can be well absorbed in water droplets with low electrical conductivity unlike metal-based metamaterials inquiring highly electrical conductivity. Those results are judged to lead broad applications to variously civilian and military products in the future by providing perfect absorber of broadband in all products including transparent and bendable materials.
Rapid heterogeneous assembly of multiple magma reservoirs prior to Yellowstone supereruptions
Authors: Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Bindeman Ilya N. , Stern Richard A. , D’Abzac Francois-Xavier , Schaltegger Urs
Published: September 2015

Large-volume caldera-forming eruptions of silicic magmas are an important feature of continental volcanism. The timescales and mechanisms of assembly of the magma reservoirs that feed such eruptions as well as the durations and physical conditions of upper-crustal storage remain highly debated topics in volcanology. Here we explore a comprehensive data set of isotopic (O, Hf) and chemical proxies in precisely U-Pb dated zircon crystals from all caldera-forming eruptions of Yellowstone supervolcano. Analysed zircons record rapid assembly of multiple magma reservoirs by repeated injections of isotopically heterogeneous magma batches and short pre-eruption storage times of 103 to 104 years. Decoupled oxygen-hafnium isotope systematics suggest a complex source for these magmas involving variable amounts of differentiated mantle-derived melt, Archean crust and hydrothermally altered shallow-crustal rocks. These data demonstrate that complex magma reservoirs with multiple sub-chambers are a common feature of rift- and hotspot related supervolcanoes. The short duration of reservoir assembly documents rapid crustal remelting and two to three orders of magnitude higher magma production rates beneath Yellowstone compared to continental arc volcanoes. The short pre-eruption storage times further suggest that the detection of voluminous reservoirs of eruptible magma beneath active supervolcanoes may only be possible prior to an impending eruption.
Contribution of Raman spectroscopy in nephrology: a candidate technique to detect hydroxyethyl starch of third generation in osmotic renal lesions
Authors: Vuiblet V. , Nguyen T. T. , Wynckel A. , Fere M. , Van-Gulick L. , Untereiner V. , Birembaut P. , Rieu P. , Piot O.
Published: September 2015

Raman spectroscopy, a candidate tool for detection of HES, a volume expander administrated after hemodynamic instability, in the kidney.
Curcumisome nanovesicles generated by self-assembly of curcumin amphiphiles toward cancer theranostics
Authors: Nagahama Koji , Kumano Takayuki , Oyama Naho , Kawakami Junji
Published: September 2015

This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of novel anticancer, fluorescent, degradable nanovesicles, “curcumisomes”, through the self-assembly of curcumin–PEG amphiphilic conjugates for cancer theranostics.
Biomimetic vaterite formation at surfaces structurally templated by oligo(glutamic acid) peptides
Authors: Lu Hao , Hood Matthew A. , Mauri Sergio , Baio Joe E. , Bonn Mischa , Muñoz-Espí Rafael , Weidner Tobias
Published: September 2015

In this communication, we demonstrate that vaterite phase calcium carbonate can be structurally “self-templated” at surfaces by engineered peptides.
Sn@Ni3Sn4embedded nanocable-like carbon hybrids for stable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hou Xiaoyu , Hu Yanjie , Jiang Hao , Li Yunfeng , Niu Xiaofeng , Li Chunzhong
Published: September 2015

Metallic Sn@Ni3Sn4embedded nanocable-like carbon hybrids have been successfully prepared by a novel gas-phase process, and exhibit a long cycle life (360 mA h g−1at 1 A g−1after 1500 cycles) in lithium-ion batteries.
Length control of supramolecular polymeric nanofibers based on stacked planar platinum(ii) complexes by seeded-growth
Authors: Robinson Matthew E. , Lunn David J. , Nazemi Ali , Whittell George R. , De Cola Luisa , Manners Ian
Published: September 2015

We report the formation of high aspect ratio supramolecular polymeric nanofibers with small widths, and relatively narrow length distributions, from square planar Pt(ii) complexes using seed initiators under kinetic control.
Improved performances of PCDTBT:PC71BM BHJ solar cells through incorporating small molecule donor
Authors: Zhu Youqin , Yang Lin , Zhao Suling , Huang Yan , Xu Zheng , Yang Qianqian , Wang Peng , Li Yang , Xu Xurong
Published: September 2015

Incorporating SQ-BP into a PCDTBT:PC71BM host blend not only broadens the absorption spectrum but also decreases the energy loss of excited PCDTBT.
Efficient approach to include molecular polarizations using charge and atom dipole response kernels to calculate free energy gradients in the QM/MM scheme
Authors: Asada Toshio , Ando Kanta , Sakurai Koji , Koseki Shiro , Nagaoka Masataka
Published: September 2015

An efficient approach to evaluate free energy gradients within the QM/MM framework has been proposed to clarify reaction processes on the free energy surface.
Spectral and dynamical properties of a Zr-based MOF
Authors: Gutiérrez Mario , Sánchez Félix , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: September 2015

The work reports on the spectra and dynamics of a Zr-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (Zr-NDC) MOF in different diluted solvent suspensions and in a concentrated tetrahydrofuran (THF) one.
Thermal instabilities and Rayleigh breakup of ultrathin silver nanowires grown in helium nanodroplets
Authors: Volk Alexander , Knez Daniel , Thaler Philipp , Hauser Andreas W. , Grogger Werner , Hofer Ferdinand , Ernst Wolfgang E.
Published: September 2015

The degradation of ultrathin silver nanowires grown in helium nanodroplets is tracked experimentally and identified as Rayleigh breakup by application of a computational model.
Activity studies of vanadium, iron, carbon and mixed oxides based catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene: a review
Authors: Kainthla Itika , Bhanushali Jayesh T. , Keri Rangappa S. , Nagaraja Bhari Mallanna
Published: September 2015

The activity of V, Fe and carbon based catalysts depends on V5+, Fe3+and active carbon sites. The mixed oxide catalysts show superior activity than individual oxides.
Structural and luminescence modulation in 8-hydroxyquinolinate-based coordination polymers by varying the dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Yuan Guozan , Hu Guoli , Shan Weilong , Jin Suo , Gu Qingyun , Chen Jing
Published: September 2015

Using dicarboxylic acids as secondary auxiliary ligands, six coordination polymers are synthesized under solvothermal conditions. These polymers exhibited disparate fluorescence emission bands and lifetimes due to their different metal centers and supramolecular structures.
An amphidynamic inorganic–organic hybrid crystal of bromoplumbate with 1,5-bis(1-methylimidazolium)pentane exhibiting multi-functionality of a dielectric anomaly and temperature-dependent dual band emissions
Authors: Tong Yuan-Bo , Ren Li-Te , Duan Hai-Bao , Liu Jian-Lan , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2015

A hybrid crystal designed by the ‘multifunctional integrating strategy’, shows the bi-functionality of a dielectric anomaly and temperature-dependent dual band emissions.
Luminescence properties of a new green afterglow phosphor NaBaScSi2O7:Eu2+
Authors: Li Gen , Wang Yuhua , Zeng Wei , Chen Wenbo , Han Shaochun , Guo Haijie , Wang Xicheng
Published: September 2015

A novel green afterglow phosphor NaBaScSi2O7:Eu2+ was prepared by a solid state reaction under a reductive atmosphere.
Efficient pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole formation from 2-aminopyridines and cyclohexanones under metal-free conditions
Authors: Xie Yanjun , Wu Jun , Che Xingzong , Chen Ya , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: September 2015

Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives were selectively prepared from 2-aminopyridines and cyclohexanones under metal free conditions.
Can we predict the intracellular metabolic state of a cell based on extracellular metabolite data?
Authors: Granucci Ninna , Pinu Farhana R. , Han Ting-Li , Villas-Boas Silas G.
Published: September 2015

Based on the metabolic overflow concept, a given metabolite is secreted to the extracellular medium when its intracellular levels increase. But this phenomenon can only be truly observed experimentally by using dynamic metabolite level measurements of both intra and extracellular media under time series experiments.
C3 functionalization of indolizines via In(iii)-catalyzed three-component reaction
Authors: Jung Youngeun , Kim Ikyon
Published: September 2015

Post-functionalization at the C3 position of indolizines via In(iii)-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction with amines and aldehydes allowed rapid access to a new class of indolizines with diverse functional groups at the C3 position in good to excellent yields.
Nitric oxide-releasing polymeric furoxan conjugates
Authors: Wang Tengjiao , van der Vlies André J. , Uyama Hiroshi , Hasegawa Urara
Published: September 2015

Polymeric nitric oxide (NO) donors were prepared by the conjugation of the azide-containing furoxans and poly(ethylene glycol) having an alkyne end groupviathe copper-catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition.
A soil/Vulcan XC-72 hybrid as a highly-effective catalytic cathode for rechargeable Li–O2batteries
Authors: Hu Xiaofei , Fu Xiaorui , Chen Jun
Published: September 2015

We report for the first time a hybrid of soil and commercial Vulcan XC-72 carbon (labeled as soil/C) as a high-performance cathode catalyst for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries. It was found that soil as a low cost and metal-free void volume expander in the hybrid catalyst is promising in the application of rechargeable Li–O2batteries.
Direct borylation of benzyl alcohol and its analogues in the absence of bases
Authors: Cao Zhi-Chao , Luo Fei-Xian , Shi Wen-Juan , Shi Zhang-Jie
Published: September 2015

Direct borylation of arylmethanols to synthesize important and useful benzylboronates was carried out through Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed sp3 C–O activation.
Open-cage fullerene with a stopper acts as a molecular vial for a single water molecule
Authors: Xu Liang , Liang Sisi , Sun Jiahao , Gan Liangbing
Published: September 2015

An open-cage fullerene derivative with three carbonyl groups on the rim of the orifice reacts with o-diaminobenzene reversibly to form a tetrahydrofuran moiety above the orifice.
Profiling the interaction mechanism of indole-based derivatives targeting the HIV-1 gp120 receptor
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Li Yan , Yang Yinfeng , Zhang Jingxiao , Du Jian , Zhang Shuwei , Yang Ling
Published: September 2015

A glycoprotein exposed on a viral surface, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 is essential for virus entry into cells as it plays a vital role in seeking out specific cell surface receptors for entry.
Preparation and application of a waterborne acrylic copolymer-siloxane composite: improvement on the corrosion resistance of zinc-coated NdFeB magnets
Authors: Wang Shaocheng , Li Weiping , Han Dongxiao , Liu Huicong , Zhu Liqun
Published: September 2015

In order to improve the corrosion resistance of the zinc coating on NdFeB, a novel siloxane functionalised waterborne acrylic copolymer was prepared by combining the self-produced waterborne acrylic copolymer coating with the silica sol precursor.
α-Bi2O3 photoanode in DSSC and study of the electrode–electrolyte interface
Authors: M. J Jabeen Fatima , C. V Niveditha , S Sindhu
Published: September 2015

Photoanode activity of nanoparticles of α-Bi2O3 in a DSSC is checked with two different dyes by considering the attachment of the dye on to the metal oxide surface and its effects on back recombination at the electrode–electrolyte interface.
Part 10: chemically triggered alkoxyamine C–ON bond homolysis in ionic liquid solvents
Authors: Audran Gerard , Ibanou Matisse Batsiandzy , Brémond Paul , Joly Jean-Patrick , Marque Sylvain R. A.
Published: September 2015

The homolysis of the C–ON bond of three alkoxyamines – the non-activated alkoxyamine 1, its N-methylated version 2 and its N-oxidated version 3 – is investigated in several ionic liquids.
A microfluidic wireless power system
Authors: Lazarus N. , Meyer C. D. , Turner W. J.
Published: September 2015

A liquid metal circuit board is used to create a stretchable power system including embedded components and an inductor coil.
Fabrication of conductive oxidase-entrapping nanocomposite of mesoporous ceria–carbon for efficient electrochemical biosensor
Authors: Kang Eunae , Lee Jinwoo , Won Byoung Yeon , Kim Seongbeen , Shin Sujeong , Kim Moon Il , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: September 2015

A conductive oxidase-entrapping nanocomposite in mesostructured ceria (CeO2)–carbon is developed for electrochemical detection of H2O2 and glucose without any mediators.
Correction: Visualising mouse neuroanatomy and function by metal distribution using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Paul Bence , Hare Dominic J. , Bishop David P. , Paton Chad , Nguyen Van Tran , Cole Nerida , Niedzwiecki Megan M. , Andreozzi Erica , Vais Angela , Billings Jessica L. , Bray Lisa , Bush Ashley I. , McColl Gawain , Roberts Blaine R. , Adlard Paul A. , Finkelstein David I. , Hellstrom John , Hergt Janet M. , Woodhead Jon D. , Doble Philip A.
Published: September 2015

Correction for 'Visualising mouse neuroanatomy and function by metal distribution using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry imaging' by Bence Paul et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5sc02231b.
Rate-dependence of ‘wet’ biological adhesives and the function of the pad secretion in insects
Authors: Labonte David , Federle Walter
Published: September 2015

We combine detailed force measurements on isolated attachment organs of live insects with a theoretical approach based on fracture mechanics to show that viscous energy dissipation of ‘wet’ insect pads is akin to that of ‘dry’ elastomers.
Surface functionalized manganese ferrite nanocrystals for enhanced uranium sorption and separation in water
Authors: Lee Seung Soo , Li Wenlu , Kim Changwoo , Cho Minjung , Lafferty Brandon J. , Fortner John D.
Published: September 2015

Optimized engineered manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanocrystals, stabilized by tailorable organic acid bilayer structures, demonstrate ultra enhanced uranyl sorption capacities under environmental relevant aqueous conditions.
Ionic block copolymer doped reduced graphene oxide supports with ultra-fine Pd nanoparticles: strategic realization of ultra-accelerated nanocatalysis
Authors: Cho Kie Yong , Yeom Yong Sik , Seo Heun Young , Kumar Pradip , Lee Albert S. , Baek Kyung-Youl , Yoon Ho Gyu
Published: September 2015

We synthesized an ultra-fine Pd nanocatalyst supported by ionic block copolymer doped reduced graphene oxide (Pd-PIBrGO) for ultra-accelerated nanocatalysis.
Slow recombination in quantum dot solid solar cell using p–i–n architecture with organic p-type hole transport material
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Justo Yolanda , Maes Jorick , Walravens Willem , Zhang Jindan , Liu Jianhua , Hens Zeger , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: September 2015

The interfaces between different materials in the heterojunction colloidal quantum dot (QD) solar cell play an important role for charge carrier separation, recombination and collection.
Variable gradient refractive index engineering: design, growth and electro-deflective application of KTa1−xNbxO3
Authors: Tian Hao , Tan Peng , Meng Xiangda , Hu Chengpeng , Yao Bo , Shi Guang , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: September 2015

A variable gradient refractive index material is proposed, utilizing the controllable quadratic electro-optic coefficient distribution in single crystals of KTa1−xNbxO3.
Magnitude weighting selection: a method for peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction in transform domain communication system
Authors: Wang Shu , Da Xinyu , Chu Zhenyong , Liu Jian
Published: September 2015

One of major drawbacks of transform domain communication system (TDCS) is the high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of the transmitted signal. A novel method named magnitude weighting selection (MWS) for PAPR reduction in TDCS is proposed. The method is based on multiplying used subcarriers by magnitude weights which are determined by the modified backtracking search optimisation algorithm. The MWS algorithm can significantly reduce the computational complexity with a low PAPR. Furthermore, it guarantees the normality of transmission signals and reduces the multiple‐user interference. Analytic and simulation results demonstrate that the MWS method makes a good tradeoff between PAPR reduction and bit error rate degradation in a specified magnitude weighting range.
Directional antenna‐based single channel full duplex
Authors: Zhou Zhengjuan , Zhang Xing
Published: September 2015

Single‐channel full‐duplex (SCFD) radio has recently gained significant attention. It can not only double link throughput, but also provide the capability to solve a few challenging problems in half‐duplex wireless systems, including hidden terminals, loss of throughput due to congestion, and large end‐to‐end delays. Recent works on SCFD have achieved full‐duplex communication and claimed to have solved the aforementioned problems. However, when applied to a wireless network consisting of more than three nodes, they fail to solve these problems. One can conclude through analysis that, SCFD with omni‐directional antenna as both transmit and receive antennas is inherently incapable of solving these problems. In this study, the authors propose a directional antenna‐based solution of SCFD architecture, including a new SCFD radio prototype and a new medium access control (MAC) protocol [differential localization MAC (DL‐MAC)] for wireless networks. Experiments on real nodes verify the authors' solution and their radio prototype achieves up to 93% link through put gain over half‐duplex system. Numerical simulations show that the network capacity of their solution can be increased by nearly 200%, compared to a half‐duplex system in a large‐scale wire less network.
Optimal energy storage system allocation and operation for improving wind power penetration
Authors: Zheng Le , Hu Wei , Lu Qiuyu , Min Yong
Published: September 2015

In recent years, the energy storage system (ESS) has been demonstrated to be involved in many aspects of the integration of wind power. For ESS application, ESS allocation of the installation location, power rating, and energy rating is the first concern. Different from previous studies, this study emphasises the significance of the ESS operation in the study of ESS allocation. A bi‐level‐programming‐based model is proposed to take the interaction of allocation and operation into consideration at the same time, with the external level optimising allocation and the internal level optimising operation. The complexity assessment and solution algorithm of the model is also discussed. Next, a genetic numerical algorithm is proposed to solve the bi‐level model. The authors’ results were tested on a modified IEEE 39 bus system and a provincial regional power system to verify both the flexibility and applicability of the proposed model and algorithm. This model is useful for various types of ESS and provides a foundation for ESS application.
Metaphor in case study articles on Chinese university counseling service websites
Authors: Tay Dennis
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates metaphor use in case study articles (CSAs), which share knowledge and describe counseling processes, on a Chinese university counseling centre website. Metaphors from 27 CSAs were coded under the variables textual position, target, and source. Chi-squared tests of independence reveal a moderate association between metaphor targets and metaphor position within CSAs(Cramer’s V = 0.3897), but not between sources and position(Cramer’s V = 0.0751). Crosstabulation of targets and sources reveal prominent conceptual mappings in CSAs, which are analyzed with reference to communicative and cultural factors underpinning the counselor-student relationship. Implications and future directions are discussed.
The case of the conditional and the imperfect in variable mood-choice contexts in second-language and native-speaker Spanish
Authors: Gudmestad Aarnes
Published: September 2015

The current study builds on research on mood distinction in Spanish, which has focused on the subjunctive mood, by examining the full inventory of verb forms that second-language learners and native speakers (NSs) of Spanish use in mood-choice contexts. Twenty NSs and 130 learners corresponding to five proficiency levels completed three oral-elicitation tasks. The results show that participants use a wide repertoire of tense/mood/aspect forms in mood-choice contexts and that NSs and learners use largely the same forms. An analysis of the conditional and imperfect suggests that learners tend to restructure and strengthen their form-function connections between these verb forms and a range of functions.
El aprendizaje cultural en la enseñanza del inglés y su alcance en los libros de texto
Authors: Larrea Espinar Ángela Mª
Published: September 2015

This paper analyses three B1-level textbooks used in EFL in Spain to gather information about how culture is taught, given that language learning and culture learning are closely related. A model of culture learning based on previous work by Paige, Jorstad, Paulson, Klein, and Colby (1999) and Lee (2009) has been designed in order to examine the textbooks’ cultural content. This functional framework gathers every theme and aspect of culture needed to develop each of the competencies that are required to accomplish an integrated language and culture learning, i.e., to achieve intercultural communicative competence as the ultimate goal of language learning. Findings show that the invisible aspect of culture (small “c” target-culture learning), which is crucial to understanding the values and ways of thinking of a society, was neglected in all three textbooks. Thus, despite some promising changes in the way of addressing culture learning in EFL textbooks, we are still far from developing intercultural speakers.
La imagen metalingüística desery
Authors: Romo Simón Francisco
Published: September 2015

This paper analyzes the properties of the image as a tool for the description of grammar phenomena and peeks into its pedagogical potential through an application to the controverted dichotomy betweenserandestarin Spanish. The use of visual language as a device for the analysis and presentation of grammar has been one of the Cognitive Linguistics’ most characteristic traits. Nevertheless, the application of this powerful tool in the Spanish Language classroom is still scant, despite the description potential that the experts grant to it. This paper shows an analysis of some approaches toserandestarthrough Cognitive Grammar and themetalinguistic image, and proposes another possible interpretation based in those principles and aiming to be exportable to the Spanish as a Foreign Language classroom.
El lugar de la cultura y de la competencia intercultural para los maestros de francés lengua extranjera a nivel principante
Authors: Venel Marie-Dominique , González Albert Álvarez
Published: September 2015

This article explores teachers’ perceptions on the cultural and intercultural dimension in the teaching of French as a Foreign Language for beginners. Based on the correlations found between the educational and cultural profile of each French language teacher and their answers to a semi-structured interview concerning their vision of the culture and its importance in level 1, this paper argues that the most important variables for promoting intercultural teaching and for developing intercultural competence, are the teachers’ intercultural experience, a good knowledge of the target culture as well as of the learner’s culture, and a multidisciplinary training on social disciplines. The study also shows the need for both learners and teachers to work on their own implicit culture, since a lack of distance with regard to their own cultural references is a handicap for carrying out intercultural work in the classroom.
Emic approach to research on conversational gap in the foreign language classroom
Authors: Wanphet Phalangchok
Published: September 2015

An emic perspective, or insiders’ perspective, has been widely employed in social interactionism-inspired qualitative studies. This view claims that any interactional behavior can be examined from within the system. Applied to research in which talk is central, this view requires data to come from the participants who are involved in the talk because they document their social actions to each other within the details of their interaction. Researchers can access the perspective by adopting the same perspective as the participants. As a result, the findings yield high internal and ecological validity. Following this perspective, this study, which explores silence, or, to be more specific, gap, in institutionalized talk, demonstrates how interactional data is produced and analyzed by the participants as the talk emerges. This study shows that an emic view allows researchers to indirectly involve participants in the analysis and can be an alternative potential tool in descriptive communication research.
An inverse problem for the compressible Reynolds equation
Authors: Dager Rene , Negreanu Mihaela , Tello J.
Published: September 2015

We study the existence of solutions to a system of equations for equilibrium positions in lubricated journal bearings under load effects. The mechanism under consideration consists of two parallel cylinders, one inside the other, in close distance and relative motion. The unknowns of the problem are the equilibrium position of the inner cylinder and the pressure of the lubricant described by the compressible Reynolds equation. To complete the system, Newton’s second law gives the equilibrium of forces. We present results on existence of solutions for a range of applied forces

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