bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Roman imported red slip ware in the Metelis region (Alexandria, Egypt)
Authors: Mondin Cristina
Published: September 2016

The study of red slip ware (RSW) imports in the Metelis region was bolstered by the significant presence of fine wares at the site of Kom al-Ahmer. The ancient town is located 44 km southeast of Alexandria. The study of the pottery is based on over 32,000 sherds, of which 472 are fine ware and 364 are imports from the Mediterranean basin and Upper Egypt. The flow of imported fine wares reflects the political events affecting Africa Proconsularis, in particular the invasion of the Vandals. Imports from Africa represent almost a monopoly on fine pottery imports through the first half of the fifth century. After the invasion, these were significantly reduced. However, there was no decline in the number of imported vessels and, from the mid-fifth century onwards, a considerable amount of Cypriot RSW and a smaller quantity of examples from Upper Egypt could be found. Thus, the change in pottery imports involved their areas of origin. After the Byzantine Empire conquered the North African region, pottery imports from Africa resumed in many Mediterranean contexts. This does not seem to have been the case at Metelis, where Cypriot RSW remained dominant and the imports of Egyptian RSW A and Aswan fine ware increased.
Rediscovering the rural landscape of Carthage's hinterland: a reassessment of the Carthaginian Countryside survey
Authors: Sycamore Rachael A. , Buchanan Brian G.
Published: September 2016

This article discusses a GIS analysis of the results of the Carthaginian Countryside survey conducted by Joseph Greene from 1979 to 1983. The 136 sites identified by the project constitute one of the largest datasets of site locations recorded in the hinterland of Carthage from multiple time periods. The results of this survey have not generally been integrated into modern studies of the region because the project was never fully published and has not been digitised. This paper discusses the challenges of working with legacy data and the importance of using GIS to both preserve and analyse the Carthaginian Countryside survey. The results presented here reveal new insights into the antiquity of the rural landscape around the city of Carthage and the importance of revisiting legacy datasets to contextualise current research.
Chirurgische Behandlungsmöglichkeiten der degenerativ bedingten zervikalen Radikulopathie und Myelopathie
Authors: Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Bellut David , Actor Bertrand , Bozinov Oliver , Regli Luca
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Halswirbelsäule (HWS) ist der beweglichste Teil der Wirbelsäule und in Bezug auf degenerative Abnutzungserscheinungen neben der Lendenwirbelsäule am anfälligsten. Bis zu 20 % der Bevölkerung beklagen jährlich HWS-assoziierte Beschwerden, und etwa 2 % unterziehen sich einer medizinischen Behandlung. Multizentrische randomisierte prospektive Studien, die das konservative mit dem operativen Vorgehen als initiale Behandlung vergleichen, gibt es nicht, da in den meisten Fällen eine nicht-operative Behandlung eine Verbesserung der Beschwerden erreicht und somit vorrangig zu empfehlen ist. Jedoch gibt es für ein operatives Vorgehen absolute und relative Indikationen und eine grosse Anzahl an möglichen Operationsverfahren. Die Wahl eines adäquaten operativen Zugangs gehört neben der Indikationsstellung in das Beurteilungsermessen ärztlicher Kunst.
Schweres SIRS bei Rheumatoider Arthritis – auch an seltene Ursachen denken!
Authors: Anthony Dorothee , Diethelm Markus , Brändle Michael
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wir präsentieren den Fall eines aufgrund einer rheumatoiden Arthritis mit Azathioprin und Prednison immunsupprimierten 66-jährigen Mannes, der wegen Fieber, Schüttelfrost, Dyspnoe und Myalgien hospitalisiert wurde. Es waren alle Kriterien eines SIRS erfüllt bei jedoch weder laborchemisch noch bildgebend (inkl. Echokardiografie) nachweisbarem Entzündungs- oder Infektfokus. Obwohl es unter empirischer antibiotischer Therapie zu einer raschen Symptomregredienz kam, trat nach Wiederbeginn mit Azathioprin die gleiche Symptomatik wie bei Eintritt auf. Dies führte uns zur Diagnose einer Hypersensitivitätsreaktion auf Azathioprin mit SIRS.
Dual regulation of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial acetyl-CoA utilization for improved isoprene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lv Xiaomei , Wang Fan , Zhou Pingping , Ye Lidan , Xie Wenping , Xu Haoming , Yu Hongwei
Published: September 2016

Microbial production of isoprene from renewable feedstock is a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based processes. Currently, efforts to improve isoprenoid production inSaccharomyces cerevisiaemainly focus on cytoplasmic engineering, whereas comprehensive engineering of multiple subcellular compartments is rarely reported. Here, we propose dual metabolic engineering of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial acetyl-CoA utilization to boost isoprene synthesis inS. cerevisiae. This strategy increases isoprene production by 2.1-fold and 1.6-fold relative to the recombinant strains with solely mitochondrial or cytoplasmic engineering, respectively. By combining a modified reiterative recombination system for rapid pathway assembly, a two-phase culture process for dynamic metabolic regulation, and aerobic fed-batch fermentation for sufficient supply of acetyl-coA and carbon, we achieve 2527, mg l−1of isoprene, which is the highest ever reported in engineered eukaryotes. We propose this strategy as an efficient approach to enhancing isoprene production in yeast, which might open new possibilities for bioproduction of other value-added chemicals.
During acute experimental infection with the reticulotropic Trypanosoma cruzi strain Tulahuen IL-22 is induced IL-23-dependently but is dispensable for protection
Authors: Erdmann Hanna , Behrends Jochen , Hölscher Christoph
Published: September 2016

Protective immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, depends on the activation of macrophages by IFN-γ and IL-17A. In contrast, IL-10 prevents immunopathology. IL-22 belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family and has pleiotropic effects during host defense and immunopathology, however its role in protection and pathology during T. cruzi infection has not been analyzed yet. Therefore, we examined the role of IL-22 in experimental Chagas disease using the reticulotropic Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. During infection, IL-22 is secreted by CD4-positive cells in an IL-23-dependent fashion. Infected IL-22−/− mice exhibited an increased production of IFN-γ and TNF and displayed enhanced numbers of activated IFN-γ-producing T cells in their spleens. Additionally, the production of IL-10 was increased in IL-22−/− mice upon infection. Macrophage activation and by association the parasitemia was not affected in the absence of IL-22. Apart from a transient increase in the body weight loss, infected IL-22−/− mice did not show any signs for an altered immunopathology during the first fourteen days of infection. Taken together, although IL-22 is expressed, it seems to play a minor role in protection and pathology during the acute systemic infection with the reticulotropic Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi.
Switching Correlation and Noise Level in Pr3+:YSO Crystal via Dressing Nonlinear Phase
Authors: Ahmed Irfan , Zhang Zhaoyang , Wen Feng , Zhang Da , Li Changbiao , Wang Ruimin , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: September 2016

We propose and experimentally demonstrate that the intensity noise correlation and the noise level of intensity-difference and intensity-sum in Stokes and anti-Stokes channel can be well controlled by the relative nonlinear phase in spontaneous parametric four-wave mixing process. By modulating the relative nonlinear phase, including self-phase modulation and cross-phase modulation, switching the correlation into anti-correlation and the relative intensity noise level between the intensity-difference and intensity-sum are realized. We also show that the variation tendencies of the relative intensity noise level and the corresponding intensity fluctuations correlation are in accordance with each other.
Spatially resolved spectroscopic differentiation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains on individual insulin amyloid fibrils
Authors: Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Kurouski Dmitry , Hedegaard Martin A. B. , Singh Pushkar , Lednev Igor K. , Deckert Volker
Published: September 2016

The formation of insoluble β-sheet-rich protein structures known as amyloid fibrils is associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. A detailed understanding of the molecular structure of the fibril surface is of interest as the first contact with the physiological environment in vivo and plays a decisive role in biological activity and associated toxicity. Recent studies reveal that the inherent sensitivity and specificity of tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) renders this technique a compelling method for fibril surface analysis at the single-particle level. Here, the reproducibility of TERS is demonstrated, indicating its relevance for detecting molecular variations. Consequently, individual fibrils are systematically investigated at nanometer spatial resolution. Spectral parameters were obtained by band-fitting, particularly focusing on the identification of the secondary structure via the amide III band and the differentiation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains on the surface. In addition multivariate data analysis, specifically the N-FINDR procedure, was employed to generate structure-specific maps. The ability of TERS to localize specific structural domains on fibril surfaces shows promise to the development of new fibril dissection strategies and can be generally applied to any (bio)chemical surface when structural variations at the nanometer level are of interest.
MBD3 expression and DNA binding patterns are altered in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Bednarczyk Joanna , Dębski Konrad J. , Bot Anna M. , Lukasiuk Katarzyna
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present study was to examine involvement of MBD3 (methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 3), a protein involved in reading DNA methylation patterns, in epileptogenesis and epilepsy. We used a well-characterized rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy that is triggered by status epilepticus, evoked by electrical stimulation of the amygdala. Stimulated and sham-operated animals were sacrificed 14 days after stimulation. We found that MBD3 transcript was present in neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in both control and epileptic animals. We detected the nuclear localization of MBD3 protein in neurons, mature oligodendrocytes and a subpopulation of astrocytes but not in microglia. Amygdala stimulation significantly increased the level of MBD3 immunofluorescence. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and Western blot revealed that MBD3 in the adult brain assembles the NuRD complex, which also contains MTA2, HDAC2 and GATAD2B. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with deep sequencing, we observed differences in the occupancy of DNA regions by MBD3 protein between control and stimulated animals. This was not followed by subsequent changes in the mRNA expression levels of selected MBD3 targets. Our data demonstrate for the first time alterations in the MBD3 expression and DNA occupancy in the experimental model of epilepsy.
Vascular cambium regeneration and vessel formation in wounded inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis
Authors: Mazur Ewa , Benková Eva , Friml Jiří
Published: September 2016

Synchronized tissue polarization during regeneration or de novo vascular tissue formation is a plant-specific example of intercellular communication and coordinated development. According to the canalization hypothesis, the plant hormone auxin serves as polarizing signal that mediates directional channel formation underlying the spatio-temporal vasculature patterning. A necessary part of canalization is a positive feedback between auxin signaling and polarity of the intercellular auxin flow. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of this process are still poorly understood, not the least, because of a lack of a suitable model system. We show that the main genetic model plant, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) can be used to study the canalization during vascular cambium regeneration and new vasculature formation. We monitored localized auxin responses, directional auxin-transport channels formation and establishment of new vascular cambium polarity during regenerative processes after stem wounding. The increased auxin response above and around the wound preceded the formation of PIN1 auxin transporter-marked channels from the primarily homogenous tissue and the transient, gradual changes in PIN1 localization preceded the polarity of newly formed vascular tissue. Thus, Arabidopsis is a useful model for studies of coordinated tissue polarization and vasculature formation after wounding allowing for genetic and mechanistic dissection of the canalization hypothesis.
Erratum: Inhibition of DNA Methyltransferases Blocks Mutant Huntingtin-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Pan Yanchun , Daito Takuji , Sasaki Yo , Chung Yong Hee , Xing Xiaoyun , Pondugula Santhi , Swamidass S. Joshua , Wang Ting , Kim Albert H. , Yano Hiroko
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31022; published online: 12 August 2016; updated: 21 September 2016 This Article contains typographical errors. In the Results section under subheading ‘DNA demethylating agents protect neurons from mutant Htt-induced cytotoxicity.’ “Following validation assays of possible screen “hits” using the MTS assay, we identified the cytosine nucleoside-analog DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor decitabine, as the most effective drug in our mutant Htt neuroprotection screen (Fig.
Erratum: The anti-inflammatory properties of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil attenuate the effects of traumatic brain injuries in rats
Authors: Abbasloo Elham , Dehghan Fatemeh , Khaksari Mohammad , Najafipour Hamid , Vahidi Reza , Dabiri Shahriar , Sepehri Gholamreza , Asadikaram Gholamreza
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 31866; published online: 18 August 2016; updated: 21 September 2016 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Gholamreza Asadikaram, which was incorrectly given as Golamreza Asadikaram. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A novel method based on selective laser sintering for preparing high-performance carbon fibres/polyamide12/epoxy ternary composites
Authors: Zhu Wei , Yan Chunze , Shi Yunsong , Wen Shifeng , Liu Jie , Wei Qingsong , Shi Yusheng
Published: September 2016

A novel method based on selective laser sintering (SLS) process is proposed for the first time to prepare complex and high-performance carbon fibres/polyamide12/epoxy (CF/PA12/EP) ternary composites. The procedures are briefly described as follows: prepare polyamide12 (PA12) coated carbon fibre (CF) composite powder; build porous green parts by SLS; infiltrate the green parts with high-performance thermosetting epoxy (EP) resin; and finally cure the resin at high temperature. The obtained composites are a ternary composite system consisting of the matrix of novolac EP resin, the reinforcement of CFs and the transition thin layer of PA12 with a thickness of 595 nm. The SEM images and micro-CT analysis prove that the ternary system is a three-dimensional co-continuous structure and the reinforcement of CFs are well dispersed in the matrix of EP with the volume fraction of 31%. Mechanical tests show that the composites fabricated by this method yield an ultimate tensile strength of 101.03 MPa and a flexural strength of 153.43 MPa, which are higher than those of most of the previously reported SLS materials. Therefore, the process proposed in this paper shows great potential for manufacturing complex, lightweight and high-performance CF reinforced composite components in aerospace, automotive industries and other areas.
Discovery, screening and evaluation of a plasma biomarker panel for subjects with psychological suboptimal health state using 1H-NMR-based metabolomics profiles
Authors: Tian Jun-sheng , Xia Xiao-tao , Wu Yan-fei , Zhao Lei , Xiang Huan , Du Guan-hua , Zhang Xiang , Qin Xue-mei
Published: September 2016

Individuals in the state of psychological suboptimal health keep increasing, only scales and questionnaires were used to diagnose in clinic under current conditions, and symptoms of high reliability and accuracy are destitute. Therefore, the noninvasive and precise laboratory diagnostic methods are needed. This study aimed to develop an objective method through screen potential biomarkers or a biomarker panel to facilitate the diagnosis in clinic using plasma metabolomics. Profiles were based on H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) metabolomics techniques combing with multivariate statistical analysis. Furthermore, methods of correlation analysis with Metaboanalyst 3.0 for selecting a biomarker panel, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) drug intervention for validating the close relations between the biomarker panel and the state and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) analysis for evaluation of clinical diagnosis ability were carried out. 9 endogenous metabolites containing trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), glutamine, N-acetyl-glycoproteins, citrate, tyrosine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, valine and glucose were identified and considered as potential biomarkers. Then a biomarker panel consisting of phenylalanine, glutamine, tyrosine, citrate, N-acetyl-glycoproteins and TMAO was selected, which exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.971). This study provided critical insight into the pathological mechanism of psychological suboptimal health and would supply a novel and valuable diagnostic method.
Atmospheric transformation of plant volatiles disrupts host plant finding
Authors: Li Tao , Blande James D. , Holopainen Jarmo K.
Published: September 2016

Plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play important roles in plant-insect interactions. Atmospheric pollutants such as ozone (O3) can react with VOCs and affect the dynamics and fidelity of these interactions. However, the effects of atmospheric degradation of plant VOCs on plant-insect interactions remains understudied. We used a system comprising Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata (cabbage) and the specialist herbivore Plutella xylostella to test whether O3-triggered VOC degradation disturbs larval host orientation and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Larvae oriented towards both constitutive and larva-induced cabbage VOC blends, the latter being the more attractive. Such behaviour was, however, dramatically reduced in O3-polluted environments. Mechanistically, O3 rapidly degraded VOCs with the magnitude of degradation increasing with O3 levels. Furthermore, we used Teflon filters to collect VOCs and their reaction products, which were used as odour sources in behavioural tests. Larvae avoided filters exposed to O3-transformed VOCs and spent less time searching on them compared to filters exposed to original VOCs, which suggests that some degradation products may have repellent properties. Our study clearly demonstrates that oxidizing pollutants in the atmosphere can interfere with insect host location and highlights the need to address their broader impacts when evaluating the ecological significance of VOC-mediated interactions.
Somatically expressed germ-granule components, PGL-1 and PGL-3, repress programmed cell death in C. elegans
Authors: Al-Amin Mohammad , Min Hyemin , Shim Yhong-Hee , Kawasaki Ichiro
Published: September 2016

We previously reported that germline apoptosis in C. elegans increased by loss of PGL-1 and PGL-3, members of a family of constitutive germ-granule components, from germ cells in adult hermaphrodite gonads. In this study, we found that somatic apoptosis was reduced in synthetic multivulva class B (synMuv B) mutants due to ectopic expression of PGL-1 and PGL-3 in the soma. In synMuv B-mutant somatic cells, CED-4 expression level was reduced due to ectopic expression of PGL-1. Furthermore, in contrast to wild type, somatic apoptosis in synMuv B mutants increased following DNA damage in a SIR-2.1-dependent manner. Intriguingly, somatic apoptosis was repressed not only in synMuv B mutants but also by ectopically expressing pgl-1 and/or pgl-3 transgenes in wild-type somatic cells. Our study demonstrates that germ-granule components, PGL-1 and PGL-3, can serve as negative regulators of apoptosis not only in the germline but also in the soma in C. elegans.
Comparison of the specificity and affinity of surface immobilised Affimer binders using the quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Weckman Nicole E. , McRae Cassey , Ko Ferrigno Paul , Seshia Ashwin A.
Published: September 2016

This study investigates the performance of surface bound Affimer proteins, comparing the affinity and specificity of different binders for closely related immunoglobulin molecules using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D).
A rotationally-driven polyethylene terephthalate microdevice with integrated reagent mixing for multiplexed PCR amplification of DNA
Authors: DuVall Jacquelyn A. , Le Roux Delphine , Tsuei An-Chi , Thompson Brandon L. , Birch Christopher , Li Jingyi , Nelson Daniel A. , Mills Daniel L. , Ewing Margaret M. , McLaren Robert S. , Storts Douglas R. , Root Brian E. , Landers James P.
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate the capabilities of a centrifugal polyethylene terephthalate toner (PeT) microdevice for genetic analysis of short tandem repeats (STR) via PCR amplification.
Chiral signs of TPPS co-assemblies with chiral gelators: role of molecular and supramolecular chirality
Authors: Wang Qiuling , Zhang Li , Yang Dong , Li Tiesheng , Liu Minghua
Published: September 2016

The chirality of TPPS J aggregates followed the supramolecular chirality of assemblies from chiral molecules rather than the molecular chirality.
Grafting of gold onto spin-crossover nanoparticles: SCO@Au
Authors: Moulet Lucie , Daro Nathalie , Mornet Stéphane , Vilar-Vidal Noelia , Chastanet Guillaume , Guionneau Philippe
Published: September 2016

Nanoparticles of gold were successfully grafted onto nanoparticles of a 1D polymeric spin-crossover material leading to singular SCO@Au hybrid particles.
An efficient two-photon fluorescent probe for monitoring mitochondrial singlet oxygen in tissues during photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Hong-Wen , Xu Shuai , Wang Peng , Hu Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Jing , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: September 2016

A promising two-photon fluorescent probe MNAH for detecting1O2during the PDT process in mitochondria was proposed for the first time.
Visible-light-mediated generation of nitrile oxides for the photoredox synthesis of isoxazolines and isoxazoles
Authors: Svejstrup Thomas D. , Zawodny Wojciech , Douglas James J. , Bidgeli Damon , Sheikh Nadeem S. , Leonori Daniele
Published: September 2016

Visible-light photoredox catalysis enables the synthesis of biologically relevant isoxazolines and isoxazoles from hydroxyimino acids.
Single-step preparation of indium tin oxide nanocrystals dispersed in ionic liquids via oxidation of molten In–Sn alloys
Authors: Sugioka Daisuke , Kameyama Tatsuya , Yamamoto Takahisa , Kuwabata Susumu , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: September 2016

ITO nanocrystals were produced by oxidizing In–Sn alloys in an ionic liquid at 250 °C in air with vigorous stirring.
A modular approach for assembling turn-on fluorescence sensors using molecularly imprinted nanoparticles
Authors: Li Qianjin , Kamra Tripta , Ye Lei
Published: September 2016

Combining straightforward molecular imprinting with orthogonal click chemistry and accessible fluorescent dyes, a modular approach has been developed to assemble turn-on optical sensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer in molecularly imprinted nanoparticles.
Spatially well-defined carbohydrate nanoplatforms: synthesis, characterization and lectin interaction study
Authors: Timmer B. J. J. , Flos M. Abellán , Jørgensen L. Mønster , Proverbio D. , Altun S. , Ramström O. , Aastrup T. , Vincent S. P.
Published: September 2016

Two novel dodecasubstituted carbohydrate nanoplatforms have been prepared for use in evaluating the importance of the spatial distribution of carbohydrates in their interaction with lectins.
Bimetal–organic-frameworks-derived yolk–shell-structured porous Co2P/ZnO@PC/CNTs hybrids for highly sensitive non-enzymatic detection of superoxide anion released from living cells
Authors: Wang Min-Qiang , Ye Cui , Bao Shu-Juan , Zhang Yan , Xu Mao-Wen , Li Zhe
Published: September 2016

Bimetal-organic framework derived yolk–shell–structured porous Co2P/ZnO@PC/CNTs were used as highly active electrocatalysts for electrochemical sensing of superoxide anions.
A cupric ion triggered DNA diode based on a tandem linkage–cleavage reaction
Authors: Cao Ting , Nie Ji , Cai Liang-Yuan , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Zhang De-Wen , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang
Published: September 2016

A novel DNA functional element, a DNA diode, was developed based on a tandem linkage–cleavage process consisting of click chemistry and DNAzyme.
Coacervation of α-elastin studied by ultrafast nonlinear infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ragnoni Elena , Palombo Francesca , Green Ellen , Winlove C. Peter , Di Donato Mariangela , Lapini Andrea
Published: September 2016

Elastin is the main protein to confer elasticity to biological tissues, through the formation of a hierarchical network of fibres.
The effect of sulfate pre-treatment to improve the deposition of Au-nanoparticles in a gold-modified sulfated g-C3N4plasmonic photocatalyst towards visible light induced water reduction reaction
Authors: Patnaik Sulagna , Martha Satyabadi , Madras Giridhar , Parida Kulamani
Published: September 2016

Efficient hydrogen production over a AuNP loaded sulphated g-C3N4nanocomposite under visible light irradiation.
Metallic cyanoacetylides of copper, silver and gold: generation and structural characterization
Authors: Cabezas Carlos , Barrientos Carmen , Largo Antonio , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Alonso J. L.
Published: September 2016

Copper, silver and gold cyanoacetylides have been synthesized and characterized in the laboratory using a combination of a laser ablation technique and Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. A study of the chemical bonding helps to understand the preference for metal–C bonding over metal–N bonding.
Direct comparison of 3-centre and 4-centre HBr elimination pathways in methyl-substituted vinyl bromides
Authors: Pandit Shubhrangshu , Hornung Balázs , Orr-Ewing Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

HBr elimination from energized methyl vinyl bromide molecules can occur through competing 3- and 4-centre transition states.
Theoretical characterization of the conformational features of unnatural oligonucleotides containing a six nucleotide genetic alphabet
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Sheng Xiehuang , Zhang Shaolong , Huang Fang , Sun Chuanzhi , Liu Jianbiao , Chen Dezhan
Published: September 2016

The conformational features and noncovalent interactions of unnatural oligonucleotides containing a novel artificial base pair (P:Z).
Stochastic electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry of colloidal dye-sensitized anatase nanoparticles at a Pt ultramicroelectrode
Authors: Barakoti Krishna K. , Parajuli Suman , Chhetri Pushpa , Rana Ganesh R. , Kazemi Rezvan , Malkiewich Ryan , Alpuche-Aviles Mario A.
Published: September 2016

We report the stochastic interactions between dye sensitized anatase nanoparticles, suspended in a colloid, and a Pt ultramicroelectrode (UME) that result in step-wise behavior in the current vs. time response. The stochastic currents are observed in the dark and under illumination. In the dark, the currents are anodic, consistent with the oxidation of the dye N719 at the Pt surface. The electrochemical behavior of the dye was investigated in MeOH and MeCN with a quasireversible cyclic voltammogram (CV) observed at 1 V s−1. The anodic currents observed in the dark due to nanoparticles (NPs) at the Pt surface are consistent with the CVs in MeOH and MeCN. Under illumination cathodic steps are observed and assigned to the reduction of the oxidized form of the dye generated after electrons are injected into the TiO2 NPs. The colloidal behavior is a strong function of the history of the colloid with illumination time increasing the size of the agglomerates and with larger agglomerates being less photoelectrochemically active. Agglomerates of ca. 100 nm in diameter are proposed to be photoactive entities with a higher probability of detection that contribute to the staircase photocurrent response.
Emerging tools for studying single entity electrochemistry
Authors: Wang Yixian , Shan Xiaonan , Tao Nongjian
Published: September 2016

Electrochemistry studies charge transfer and related processes at various microscopic structures (atomic steps, islands, pits and kinks on electrodes), and mesoscopic materials (nanoparticles, nanowires, viruses, vesicles and cells) made by nature and humans, involving ions and molecules. The traditional approach measures averaged electrochemical quantities of a large ensemble of these individual entities, including the microstructures, mesoscopic materials, ions and molecules. There is a need to develop tools to study single entities because a real system is usually heterogeneous,e.g., containing nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes. Even in the case of “homogeneous” molecules, they bind to different microscopic structures of an electrode, assume different conformations and fluctuate over time, leading to heterogeneous reactions. Here we highlight some emerging tools for studying single entity electrochemistry, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and provide personal views on the need for tools with new capabilities for further advancing single entity electrochemistry.
Iron-catalyzed carbonylation of aryl halides with arylborons using stoichiometric chloroform as the carbon monoxide source
Authors: Zhao Hongyuan , Du Hongyan , Yuan Xiaorong , Wang Tianjiao , Han Wei
Published: September 2016

The highly effective iron-catalyzed carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura coupling using stoichiometric chloroform as the CO precursor has been developed.
Modeling of the mechano-chemical behaviour of the nuclear pore complex: current research and perspectives
Authors: Garcia Alberto , Rodriguez Matas Jose F. , Raimondi Manuela T.
Published: September 2016

This review opens the door to the consideration of how mechanosensing and mechanotransduction can affect the nanomechanics of the NPC.
Scanning-SAXS of microfluidic flows: nanostructural mapping of soft matter
Authors: Lutz-Bueno Viviane , Zhao Jianguo , Mezzenga Raffaele , Pfohl Thomas , Fischer Peter , Liebi Marianne
Published: September 2016

Microfluidics applies designed and well-controlled flow fields, while scanning-SAXS determines the local fluid structure. When combined, the relation between structural transitions and flow fields can be explored.
Facile preparation of tiny gold nanoparticle loaded magnetic yolk–shell carbon nanoreactors for confined catalytic reactions
Authors: Shao Yanming , Zhou Lincheng , Bao Chao , Wu Qiong , Wu Wenling , Liu Mingzhu
Published: September 2016

Facile one-step preparation of core/shell/shell nanospheres and tiny Au loaded magnetic yolk–shell carbon nanoreactors with excellent catalytic activity.
Anisotropy and domain state dependent enhancement of single domain ferrimagnetism in cobalt substituted Ni–Zn ferrites
Authors: Gawas Satu G. , Meena Sher Singh , Yusuf Seikh M. , Verenkar Vidhyadatta M. S.
Published: September 2016

Reluctance and favorable orientation of magnetic domain with the field at RT and blocking temperature (TB), respectively, as an effect of enhanced magnetic anisotropy by virtue of Co substitution.
Bioactive borophosphosilicate-polycaprolactone hybrid biomaterials via a non-aqueous sol gel process
Authors: Mondal Dibakar , Rizkalla Amin S. , Mequanint Kibret
Published: September 2016

A non-aqueous sol–gel process was utilized to prepare novel class II hybrid biomaterials based on functionalized polycaprolactone diol and borophosphosilicate glass for bone tissue engineering applications.
A waste to wealth approach through utilization of nano-ceramic tile waste as an accessible and inexpensive solid support to produce a heterogeneous solid acid nanocatalyst: to kill three birds with one stone
Authors: Kolvari Eskandar , Zolfagharinia Somayeh
Published: September 2016

Waste minimization through the utilization of cost-effective, available, and nontoxic nano-ceramic tile wastes for the heterogenization of sulfuric acid.
Direct gas-phase formation of complex core–shell and three-layer Mn–Bi nanoparticles
Authors: Mukherjee P. , Balamurugan B. , Shield J. E. , Sellmyer D. J.
Published: September 2016

STEM images and elemental maps of Mn and Bi showing formation of complex core–shell and three-layer structure.
PVA/PANI/rGO ternary electrospun mats as metal-free anti-bacterial substrates
Authors: Ghobadi Sajjad , Mehraeen Shayan , Bakhtiari Rokhsareh , Shamloo Bahar , Sadhu Veera , Papila Melih , Cebeci Fevzi Çakmak , Gürsel Selmiye Alkan
Published: September 2016

Successful performance of biocompatible hybrid systems in various biomedical applications such as wound healing patches, and scaffolds for stem cell preparation have been reported.
Quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles improve osteoprotective activity in an ovariectomized rat model: a preventive strategy for post-menopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Ahmad Naseer , Banala Venkatesh Teja , Kushwaha Priyanka , Karvande Anirudha , Sharma Shweta , Tripathi Ashish Kumar , Verma Ashwni , Trivedi Ritu , Mishra Prabhat Ranjan
Published: September 2016

A formulation of quercetin-based solid lipid nanoparticles (QSLNs) was developed to increase the bioavailability of quercetin, with an aim to evaluate its effects on bone health in comparison to free quercetin (Q).
A superrepellent coating with dynamic fluorine chains for frosting suppression: effects of polarity, coalescence and ice nucleation free energy barrier
Authors: Moriya Takeo , Manabe Kengo , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Suwabe Ken , Tsuchiya Hirotaka , Matsubayashi Takeshi , Navarrini Walter , Shiratori Seimei
Published: September 2016

We designed 3 types oleophobic smooth surface (DTMS, FAS13, FAS17) with dynamic molecular chains and investigated their anti-frosting property under freezing conditions.
Dielectric and ferroelectric behavior of an incipient ferroelectric Sr(1−3x/2)CexTiO3novel solid solution
Authors: Ullah Burhan , Lei Wen , Wang Xiao-Hong , Fan Gui-Fen , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Lu Wen-Zhong
Published: September 2016

Phase formation, chemical structure, microwave (MW) dielectric properties, and relaxor-to-ferroelectric phase transition behavior of a novel Sr(1−3x/2)CexTiO3solid solution ceramic sintered in nitrogen have been investigated.
Exploiting the hydrophobicity of calixarene macrocycles for catalysis under “on-water” conditions
Authors: De Rosa Margherita , La Manna Pellegrino , Soriente Annunziata , Gaeta Carmine , Talotta Carmen , Neri Placido
Published: September 2016

Thioureido-calixarene derivatives provide a rate acceleration for the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction (VMAR) under on-water conditions.
Hierarchical Cu/Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays grown on Cu foam as a high-performance 3D self-supported electrode for enzyme-free glucose sensing
Authors: Bie Lili , Luo Xue , He Qingqing , He Daiping , Liu Yan , Jiang Ping
Published: September 2016

Hierarchical Cu/Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays grown on Cu foam (Cu/Cu(OH)2 NRA/CF) were prepared via a three-step strategy involving the synthesis of Cu(OH)2 NRA/CF, the preparation of Cu NRA/CF, and the growth of Cu(OH)2 nanoparticles on Cu NRA/CF.
Diverse acetals from stoichiometric amounts of aldehydes and alcohols under very mild conditions: a new twist to PPh3–CCl4 reagent combination
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Nešić Milan S.
Published: September 2016

A very mild, stoichiometric PPh3–CCl4 method for the preparation of diverse acetals of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes was developed.
An efficient and rapid intramolecular cyclization of a quadruple Mannich reaction for one-pot synthesis of pentaazaphenalenes and their antimicrobial activities
Authors: EL-Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , EL-Sherief Hassan A. H.
Published: September 2016

An efficient, regioselective and one-pot synthesis of pentaazaphenalenes has been developed via a quadruple Mannich reaction. Most of the synthesized compounds showed significant antimicrobial activities.
A regenerable copper mesh based oil/water separator with switchable underwater oleophobicity
Authors: Chen Yi , Li Xinda , Glasper Mary J. , Liu Li , Chung Hyun-Joong , Nychka John A.
Published: September 2016

Cu2O coated Cu mesh with switchable wettability was used for both “water-removal” and “oil-removal” oil/water mixture separation modes.
Co-assembly of polyoxometalates and peptides towards biological applications
Authors: Gao Pengfan , Wu Yuqing , Wu Lixin
Published: September 2016

This review presents an overview of recent work focusing on the co-assembly of peptides and POMs, especially, their biological applications.
Nanocapsules containing salt hydrate phase change materials for thermal energy storage
Authors: Graham Michael , Shchukina Elena , De Castro Paula Felix , Shchukin Dmitry
Published: September 2016

Nanocapsules containing salt hydrate for latent heat storage were proven to be thermally and chemically stable over 100 cycles.
Enhanced decomposition of sulfur trioxide in the water-splitting iodine–sulfur process via a catalytic membrane reactor
Authors: Meng Lie , Kanezashi Masakoto , Yu Xin , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: September 2016

We achieved an enhanced conversion in SO3 decomposition via catalytic membrane reactors at 600 °C and provided the first report on the molecular size of the SO3 molecule.
Highly efficient CH3NH3PbI3−xClx mixed halide perovskite solar cells prepared by re-dissolution and crystal grain growth via spray coating
Authors: Heo Jin Hyuck , Lee Min Ho , Jang Min Hyeok , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: September 2016

We fabricated highly efficient planar type CH3NH3PbI3−xClx (MAPbI3−xClx) mixed halide perovskite solar cells via spray coating with a controlled composition of the solvents.
Novel planar chiral dopants with high helical twisting power and structure-dependent functions
Authors: Lu Jinjie , Gu Wei , Wei Jia , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhengbiao , Yu Yanlei , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: September 2016

Three kinds of novel planar chiral azobenzenophane with high HTP values were synthesized. Then, cholesteric liquid crystals with different screw directions were induced by them successfully. And reversible tuning between orange and green reflection colors was achieved.
An investigation of preparation, properties, characterization and the mechanism of zinc blende CdTe/CdS core/shell quantum dots for sensitive and selective detection of trace mercury
Authors: Yao Jun , Gou Xin
Published: September 2016

A convenient, non-enzyme, fluorescent nanosensor was synthesized for the rapid detection of trace mercury.
Diarylmaleimide fluorophores: intensely emissive low-band-gap guest for single white polymers with highly efficient electroluminescence
Authors: Wei Kexi , Wen Guixiu , Zhao Yan , Lin Zhenghuan , Mei Xiaofei , Huang Limei , Ling Qidan
Published: September 2016

Intensely emissive diarylmaleimides PM and TM were introduced into the backbone of polyfluorene (PF) to obtain single white polymers, PFPM and PFTM. PFPM showed highly efficient and white electroluminescence for effective energy transfer from the PF host to the maleimide guest.
Use of Baby Isao Simulator and Standardized Parents in Hearing Screening and Parent Counseling Education
Authors: Alanazi Ahmad A. , Nicholson Nannette , Atcherson Samuel R. , Franklin Clifford , Anders Michael , Nagaraj Naveen , Franklin Jennifer , Highley Patricia
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to test the effect of the combined use of trained standardized parents and a baby simulator on students' hearing screening and parental counseling knowledge and skills.

Method

A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design was used to assess self-ratings of confidence in knowledge and skills and satisfaction of the educational experience with standardized parents and a baby simulator. The mean age of the 14 audiology students participating in this study was 24.79 years (
SD
= 1.58). Participants completed a pre- and postevent questionnaire in which they rated their level of confidence for specific knowledge and skills. Six students (2 students in each scenario) volunteered to participate in the infant hearing screening and counseling scenarios, whereas others participated as observers. All participants participated in the briefing and debriefing sessions immediately before and after each of 3 scenarios. After the last scenario, participants were asked to complete a satisfaction survey of their learning experience using simulation and standardized parents.

Results

Overall, the pre- and post–simulation event questionnaire revealed a significant improvement in the participants' self-rated confidence levels regarding knowledge and skills. The mean difference between pre- and postevent scores was 0.52 (
p
< .01). The mean satisfaction level was 4.71 (range = 3.91–5.00;
SD
= 0.30) based on a Likert scale, where 1 =
not satisfied
and 5 =
very satisfied
.

Conclusions

The results of this novel educational activity demonstrate the value of using infant hearing screening and parental counseling simulation sessions to enhance student learning. In addition, this study demonstrates the use of simulation and standardized parents as an important pedagogical tool for audiology students. Students experienced a high level of satisfaction with the learning experience.
Electrical injection type‐II (GaIn)As/Ga(AsSb)/(GaIn)As single ‘W’‐quantum well laser at 1.2 µm
Authors: Fuchs C. , Berger C. , Möller C. , Weseloh M. , Reinhard S. , Hader J. , Moloney J.V. , Koch S.W. , Stolz W.
Published: September 2016

Highly efficient interface‐dominated electrical injection lasers in the near‐infrared regime based on the type‐II band alignment in (GaIn)As/Ga(AsSb)/(GaIn)As single ‘W’‐quantum wells are realised. The structure is designed by applying a fully microscopic theory, grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy, and characterised using electroluminescence measurements and broad‐area laser studies. A characteristic blue shift of 93 meV/(kA/cm2) with increasing charge carrier density is observed and compared with theoretical investigations. Low threshold current densities of 0.4 kA/cm2, high differential efficiencies of 66%, optical output powers of 1.4 W per facet, and internal losses of only 1.9 cm−1 are observed at a wavelength of 1164 nm for a cavity length of 930 µm. For a cavity length of 2070 µm, the threshold current density is reduced to 0.1 kA/cm2. No indication for type‐I related transitions for current densities up to 4.6 kA/cm2 is observed.
MGSO optimised TID‐based GCSC damping controller in coordination with AGC for diverse‐GENCOs multi‐DISCOs power system with considering GDB and GRC non‐linearity effects
Authors: Morsali Javad , Zare Kazem , Tarafdar Hagh Mehrdad
Published: September 2016

This study presents automatic generation control (AGC) in the presence of a gate controlled series capacitor (GCSC) to provide an effective frequency control ancillary service for a two‐area diverse‐GENCOs multi‐DISCOs power system. First, the contribution of the GCSC in tie‐line power exchange is formulated mathematically and then a tilt‐integral‐derivative (TID)‐based damping controller is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed TID‐based GCSC‐AGC coordinated controller is compared with just AGC, proportional‐integral‐derivative‐based GCSC‐AGC, thyristor controlled series capacitor‐AGC, static synchronous series compensator‐AGC, and thyristor controlled phase shifter‐AGC. A modified group search optimisation (MGSO) algorithm is employed to adjust the considered controllers. Physical limitations of generation rate constraint (GRC) non‐linearity and governor dead‐band (GDB) effect are taken into account in the evaluations to obtain realistic results. Bilateral contracts and pool‐co transactions are considered concurrently for the realisation of a competitive environment. Simulations reveal that the proposed controller outperforms the other controllers in providing better dynamic responses. Additional evaluations are performed under the un‐contracted step, sinusoidal and random load demands seen as contract violations to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed controller over other controllers. Sensitivity analyses are performed for different uncertainty scenarios to show the robustness of the proposed control approach.
Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression for Lumbar Disk Herniation and Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Technical Note
Authors: Eum Jin , Lee Sang , Sabal Luigi , Eun Sang
Published: September 2016

Background and Study Aims Endoscopic lumbar diskectomy through the interlaminar window is gaining recognition. Most of the literature describes these endoscopic procedures using specialized uniportal multichannel endoscopes. However, a single portal limits the motion of the instruments and obscures visualization of the operating field. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new technique that utilizes two portals to access the spinal canal. The biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression (BELD) technique uses two portals to treat difficult lumbar disk herniations and also lumbar spinal stenoses.

Patients and Methods Seventeen patients were treated with BELD for 11 lumbar disk herniations and 6 lumbar spinal stenoses. Preoperative back and leg visual analog scale (VAS-B and VAS-L, respectively) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded and compared with corresponding values on final follow-up.

Results There was an average follow-up of 14 months. For the disk herniation group, preoperative VAS-L (7.8750 ± 1.24) and ODI (51.73 ± 18.57) was significantly different from follow-up postoperative VAS-L (0.87 ± 0.64, p = 0.000) and ODI (9.37 ± 4.83, p = 0.001). For the stenosis group, preoperative VAS-B (6.17 ± 1.94), VAS-L(7.83 ± 1.47), and ODI (63.27 ± 7.67) were significantly different from follow-up postoperative values (2.5 ± 1.04, p = 0.022; 2.00 ± 1.67, p = 0.001; 24.00 ± 6.45, p = 0.000, respectively). One patient underwent revision microdiskectomy for incomplete decompression.

Conclusions BELD can achieve a similar decompression effect as microdiskectomy and unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression with a smaller incision than tubular diskectomy.
Dupuytren-Like Contracture of the Foot: Ledderhose Disease
Authors: Akdag Osman , Yildiran Gokce , Karamese Mehtap , Tosun Zekeriya
Published: September 2016

Introduction Plantar fibromatosis is a rare hyperproliferative disease of plantar aponeurosis and is also called Ledderhose disease. Case properties and treatment are discussed in this report.

Case Report A 30-year-old man presented with painful bilateral plantar nodules. He had multiple and bilateral fixed and solid nodules on the plantar and medial side of his feet measuring 1 cm each. Ultrasound was performed and hypoechoic homogeneous nodules were detected. The patient underwent surgery, and the nodes were removed via a plantar incision with 2-cm safety distance.

Discussion Ledderhose disease is a rare, hyperproliferative disorder of the plantar aponeurosis. The nodules are slow growing and found in the medial part of the plantar fascia. The precise etiology remains unknown. The treatment options are conservative management, steroid injections, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Conclusion The main cause of this disease remains uncertain. Related conditions should be evaluated, and a patient who presents with Dupuytren or Peyronie disease should also be investigated for Ledderhose disease.