bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Are the People? A Call for People-Centred Concepts and Measurements of Democracy
Authors: Doorenspleet Renske
Published: April 2015

This article aims to bring the people to the heart of democracy measurement. Existing measurements have reinforced the idea that democracy is the domain of the state with its procedures, institutions and political elites. But where are the people in those measurements? So far, when we measure democracy we rely on experts who determine what democracy is, while people’s views have been ignored. This happens not only during the phase of conceptualization, but also during operationalization. The specific way we measure democracy feeds elitism and is emblematic of how our discipline has developed, namely an ivory tower in which political scientists define and measure democracy without taking people’s views seriously. The article proposes new people-centred measures of democracy and discusses their effect on the rankings of countries and their strengths and weaknesses. The future of the study of democracy lies in developing new measures that challenge our current understanding of democracy and assist us in developing new perspectives, thus reinvigorating democracy studies.
Building Democracy . . . Which Democracy? Ideology and Models of Democracy in Post-Transition Latin America
Authors: Munck Gerardo L.
Published: April 2015

Politics in Latin America continued to be about democracy after the democratic transitions in Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s. An old concern – securing the minimal standard of democracy that had served as the goal of democratic transitions – remained relevant. But a new concern – the attainment of more than a minimal democracy – transformed politics about democracy. Actors who supported and opposed neoliberalism – the key axis of ideological conflict – advocated and resisted political changes in the name of different models of democracy. And the conflict overwhichmodel of democracy would prevail shaped Latin America’s post-transition trajectories, determininghowdemocracy developed and, in turn,whetherdemocracy endured.
Jaw-bearing polychaetes of the Silurian Eramosa Lagerstätte, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Eriksson Mats E. , von Bitter Peter H.
Published: April 2015

The Wenlock (middle Silurian) Eramosa Lagerstätte of the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada, is becoming known for its rich and diverse faunas, different preservational styles, and a combination of soft-body preservation associated with shelly body and trace fossils. Sampling for scolecodonts—the jaws of polychaete annelids—has yielded unique material.Hindenites parkheadensisnew species is described from abundant specimens, including apparatuses, from a monospecific fauna that has allowed the complete dorsal maxillary apparatus to be reconstructed. The new species was recovered by acid digestion of carbonates, which are interpreted as having been deposited in shallow, marginally marine environments; the species may become a useful paleoenvironmental indicator, and the occurrence ofHindenitesat Park Head, Ontario, is the first record of the genus outside of Baltoscandia. Bedding-plane material from Wiarton, Ontario, reveals a more diverse fauna of seven to nine additional polychaete taxa, most belonging toKettneritesandOenonites. Strata at Wiarton are interpreted as having been deposited in environments with good water circulation and open-marine conditions. The faunal composition of Eramosa polychaetes varied between localities of the Lagerstätte outcrop belt, supporting previous interpretations of differences in environment and/or taphonomic history. The relative abundance of scolecodonts suggests that jaw-bearing polychaetes played a significant role in the biotas that are now preserved in the Eramosa Lagerstätte. Moreover, the results underpin the notion that different polychaete species had variable environmental preferences and tolerances during the Silurian, and that polychaetaspids and paulinitids formed two of the most common and widely distributed families.
SECULAR GROWTH AND MATURATION CHANGES IN HUNGARY IN RELATION TO SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Authors: Bodzsar Eva B. , Zsakai Annamaria , Mascie-Taylor Nicholas
Published: April 2015

This paper analyses the secular changes in the body development patterns of Hungarian children between the 1910s and the beginning of the 2000s in relation to socioeconomic and demographic changes in the country. Individual growth data of children were available from two national growth studies (1983–86, 2003–06), while sample-size weighted means of children’s body dimensions were collected through regional studies between the 1920s and 1970s. Gross domestic product, Gini index, life expectancy at birth and under-5 mortality rate were used to assess the changes in economic status, income inequalities of the society and the population’s general health status, respectively. Secular changes in food consumption habits were also examined. The positive Hungarian secular changes in socioeconomic status were associated with a continuous increase in children’s body dimensions. The negative socioeconomic changes reflected only in wartime and post-war periods of children’s growth, and the considerable socioeconomic changes at the beginning of the 1990s did not appear to influence the positive trend in children’s growth. The positive secular trend in stature and body mass did not level off at the beginning of the 2000s: the socioeconomic conditions that support optimal growth and maturation could improve in Hungary.
Prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites in the globally-threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola
Authors: NETO JÚLIO MANUEL , PÉREZ-RODRÍGUEZ ANTÓN , HAASE MARTIN , FLADE MARTIN , BENSCH STAFFAN
Published: April 2015

The diversity and prevalence of malaria parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus were determined in the globally-threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. Birds were sampled during migration in Portugal and at the wintering quarters in Senegal and parasites were detected using molecular methods. Only three generalist parasite lineages (Plasmodium) were found. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of parasites between sexes in Europe, but adults had higher prevalence than first-year birds, and birds in Europe had higher prevalence than those captured in Africa. When comparing with other Acrocephalus species and taking sample size into account, Aquatic Warblers had the lowest prevalence and, together with another threatened species, the Seychelles Warbler Acrocephalus sechellensis, the lowest diversity of malaria parasites. We hypothesize that the low diversity of parasites and absence of specialist lineages of Aquatic Warblers are caused by its small population size and fragmented distribution. Furthermore, Aquatic Warblers’ extreme habitat specialization may decrease their exposure to malaria parasites, but other explanations such as high mortality (which would constraint the sampling of infected birds) or, in contrast, very efficient immunological system in clearing the infections cannot be ruled out. This study contributes to explain variation in prevalence and diversity of malaria parasites among hosts.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of aerosol particles in Antarctica
Authors: Rella Simona , Malitesta Cosimino
Published: April 2015

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of surface species on size-segregated atmospheric particulate collected in Antarctica during the 2010–11 summer was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This represents the first example of surface characterization of Antarctic aerosols. The size class with particle cut-off diameter of 3 μm was richest in terms of chemical elements. Peculiar findings of the application included detection of Ca (possibly surface-segregated) and surface enrichment of Mg. The determination of nitrate, ammonium and sulphate species on collection filters provides evidence for a possible advantage of XPS over more laborious techniques (e.g. ion chromatography). The presence of these species is in reasonable agreement with other recent reports from Antarctica.
Population constraints on the Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi: preliminary findings and proposals from south-west Grenada
Authors: BOLTON N. M. , van OOSTERHOUT C. , COLLAR N. J. , BELL D. J.
Published: April 2015

The Critically Endangered Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi has a very small total population size (< 190 individuals) and faces multiple threats. Over eight weeks in 2012 at the Mount Hartman Estate, we investigated the dove’s habitat selection, established a mongoose index of occupancy and recorded dove use of water sources to help determine key research and conservation needs. Of 12 habitat variables measured, greater levels of canopy cover were the best predictor of dove presence. Tracking tunnels indicated that introduced small Indian mongooses Herpestes auropunctatus, widely known for negatively impacting Caribbean bird populations, have a high level of occupancy in dove habitat, providing baseline mongoose data. Trail cameras revealed that Grenada Doves make good use of water from man-made wells and mongooses scent-mark tunnels. We urge fuller habitat selection studies and water-provision experiments to validate this evidence; strong and immediate control of mongooses and other potential predators, particularly at the nest; and a census backed by a banding programme to establish a monitoring baseline to guide conservation actions.
New technologies in the management of risk and violence in forensic settings
Authors: Tully John , Larkin Fintan , Fahy Thomas
Published: April 2015

Novel technological interventions are increasingly used in mental health settings. In this article, we describe 3 novel technological strategies in use for management of risk and violence in 2 forensic psychiatry settings in the United Kingdom: electronic monitoring by GPS-based tracking devices of patients on leave from a medium secure service in London, and closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring and motion sensor technology at Broadmoor high secure hospital. A common theme is the use of these technologies to improve the completeness and accuracy of data used by clinicians to make clinical decisions. Another common thread is that each of these strategies supports and improves current clinical approaches rather than drastically changing them. The technologies offer a broad range of benefits. These include less restrictive options for patients, improved accountability of both staff and patients, less invasive testing, improved automated record-keeping, and better assurance reporting. Services utilizing technologies need also be aware of limitations. Technologies may be seen as unduly restrictive by patients and advocates, and technical issues may reduce effectiveness. It is vital that the types of technological innovations described in this article should be subject to thorough evaluation that addresses cost effectiveness, qualitative analysis of patients’ attitudes, safety, and ethical considerations.
PROCEDURAL RIGHTS
Authors: Wellman Christopher Heath
Published: April 2015

In this essay, I argue that absent special circumstances, there are no moral, judicial procedural rights. I divide this essay into four main sections. First, I argue that there is no general moral right against double jeopardy. Next, I explain why punishing a criminal without first establishing her guilt via a fair trial does not necessarily violate her rights. In the third section, I respond to a number of possible objections. And finally, I consider the implications of my arguments for the human right to due process.
HOW TO EXPRESS SELF-REFERENTIAL PROBABILITY. A KRIPKEAN PROPOSAL
Authors: CAMPBELL-MOORE CATRIN
Published: April 2015

We present a semantics for a language that includes sentences that can talk about their own probabilities. This semantics applies a fixed point construction to possible world style structures. One feature of the construction is that some sentences only have their probability given as a range of values. We develop a corresponding axiomatic theory and show by a canonical model construction that it is complete in the presence of theω-rule. By considering this semantics we argue that principles such as introspection, which lead to paradoxical contradictions if naively formulated, should be expressed by using a truth predicate to do the job of quotation and disquotation and observe that in the case of introspection the principle is then consistent.
Historic Hurricane Data Give a Warning for the Future
Authors: Shultz David
Published: April 2015

Sediment cores from a Massachusetts pond help suggest that as ocean temperatures rise, the occurrence of severe hurricanes along North America's Atlantic coast will increase.
Acetylation of MAT IIα represses tumour cell growth and is decreased in human hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Yang Hong-Bin , Xu Ying-Ying , Zhao Xiang-Ning , Zou Shao-Wu , Zhang Ye , Zhang Min , Li Jin-Tao , Ren Feng , Wang Li-Ying , Lei Qun-Ying
Published: April 2015

Metabolic alteration is a hallmark of cancer. Dysregulation of methionine metabolism is implicated in human liver cancer. Methionine adenosyltransferase IIα (MAT IIα) is a key enzyme in the methionine cycle, catalysing the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a key methyl donor in cellular processes, and is associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer. Here we show that P300 acetylates MAT IIα at lysine residue 81 and destabilizes MAT IIα by promoting its ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Conversely, histone deacetylase-3 deacetylates and stabilizes MAT IIα by preventing its proteasomal degradation. Folate deprivation upregulates K81 acetylation and destabilizes MAT IIα to moderate cell proliferation, whereas a single mutation at K81 reverses the proliferative disadvantage of cancer cells upon folate deprivation. Moreover, MAT IIα K81 acetylation is decreased in human hepatocellular cancer. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of MAT IIα regulation by acetylation and ubiquitylation, and a direct functional link of this regulation to cancer development.
Photoemission study of the electronic structure and charge density waves of Na2Ti2Sb2O
Authors: Tan S. Y. , Jiang J. , Ye Z. R. , Niu X. H. , Song Y. , Zhang C. L. , Dai P. C. , Xie B. P. , Lai X. C. , Feng D. L.
Published: April 2015

The electronic structure of Na2Ti2Sb2O single crystal is studied by photon energy and polarization dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The obtained band structure and Fermi surface agree well with the band structure calculation of Na2Ti2Sb2O in the non-magnetic state, which indicates that there is no magnetic order in Na2Ti2Sb2O and the electronic correlation is weak. Polarization dependent ARPES results suggest the multi-band and multi-orbital nature of Na2Ti2Sb2O. Photon energy dependent ARPES results suggest that the electronic structure of Na2Ti2Sb2O is rather two-dimensional. Moreover, we find a density wave energy gap forms below the transition temperature and reaches 65 meV at 7 K, indicating that Na2Ti2Sb2O is likely a weakly correlated CDW material in the strong electron-phonon interaction regime.
Retinal Vessels Change in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: The Handan Eye Study
Authors: Gao Jianlu , Liang Yuanbo , Wang Fenghua , Shen Ran , Wong Tienyin , Peng Yi , Friedman David S. , Wang Ningli
Published: April 2015

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To examine the relationship between angle closure and the retinal vessel diameter in Chinese adults, we conducted Handan Eye Study (HES), a large population-based cross-sectional study, which enrolled 6830 participants >30 year-old living in 13 randomly selected villages of Yongnian County. After adjusting for age, gender, spherical equivalent (SE), diabetes and hypertension, the mean central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE, μm) was 127.1 ± 7.0 and 145.6 ± 4.4 in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), respectively; narrower than that in normal control (156.1 ± 0.4), primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) (156.3 ± 1.1) or primary angle closure (PAC) (156.0 ± 3.4) (P = 0.001). The mean central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE, μm) was 229.0 ± 5.9 and 215.8 ± 9.5 in POAG and PACG, respectively; narrower than that in normal control (238.3 ± 0.5), PACS (241.2 ± 1.4) or PAC (242.2 ± 4.6) (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean CRAE or CRVE between PACG and POAG. Compared to the normal control (0.66), the mean arterio-venous ratio (AVR) was smaller in POAG (0.64) and PACG (0.59), whereas larger in PACS (0.65) and PAC (0.67) (P = 0.003). To conclude, PACG and POAG individuals have narrower retinal arteries and veins.
SMIFH2 has effects on Formins and p53 that perturb the cell cytoskeleton
Authors: Isogai Tadamoto , van der Kammen Rob , Innocenti Metello
Published: April 2015

Formin proteins are key regulators of the cytoskeleton involved in developmental and homeostatic programs and human disease. For these reasons, small molecules interfering with Formins’ activity have gained increasing attention. Among them, small molecule inhibitor of Formin Homology 2 domains (SMIFH2) is often used as a pharmacological Formin blocker. Although SMIFH2 inhibits actin polymerization by Formins and affects the actin cytoskeleton, its cellular mechanism of action and target specificity remain unclear.

Here we show that SMIFH2 induces remodelling of actin filaments, microtubules and the Golgi complex as a result of its effects on Formins and p53.

We found that SMIFH2 triggers alternated depolymerization-repolymerization cycles of actin and tubulin, increases cell migration, causes scattering of the Golgi complex and also cytotoxicity at high dose. Moreover, SMIFH2 reduces expression and activity of p53 through a post-transcriptional, proteasome-independent mechanism that influences remodelling of the cytoskeleton.

As the action of SMIFH2 may go beyond Formin inhibition, only short-term and low-dose SMIFH2 treatments minimize confounding effects induced by loss of p53 and cytotoxicity.
Pharmacological Postconditioning with Lactic Acid and Hydrogen Rich Saline Alleviates Myocardial Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Zhang Guoming , Gao Song , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Lulu , Tan Hong , Xu Lin , Chen Yaoyu , Geng Yongjian , Lin Yanliang , Aertker Benjamin , Sun Yuanyuan
Published: April 2015

This study investigated whether pharmacological postconditioning with lactic acid and hydrogen rich saline can provide benefits similar to that of mechanical postconditioning. To our knowledge, this is the first therapeutic study to investigate the co-administration of lactic acid and hydrogen. SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Sham, R/I, M-Post, Lac, Hyd and Lac + Hyd. The left coronary artery was occluded for 45 min. Blood was withdrawn from the right atrium to measure pH. The rats were sacrificed at different time points to measure mitochondrial absorbance, infarct size, serum markers and apoptotic index. Rats in Lac + Hyd group had similar blood pH and ROS levels when compared to the M-Post group. Additionally, the infarct area was reduced to the same extent in Lac + Hyd and M-Post groups with a similar trends observed for serum markers of myocardial injury and apoptotic index. Although the level of P-ERK in Lac + Hyd group was lower, P-p38/JNK, TNFα, Caspase-8, mitochondrial absorbance and Cyt-c were all similar in Lac + Hyd and M-Post groups. The Lac and Hyd groups were able to partially mimic this protective role. These data suggested that pharmacological postconditioning with lactic acid and hydrogen rich saline nearly replicates the benefits of mechanical postconditioning.
Thermal invisibility based on scattering cancellation and mantle cloaking
Authors: Farhat M. , Chen P.-Y. , Bagci H. , Amra C. , Guenneau S. , Alù A.
Published: April 2015

We theoretically and numerically analyze thermal invisibility based on the concept of scattering cancellation and mantle cloaking. We show that a small object can be made completely invisible to heat diffusion waves, by tailoring the heat conductivity of the spherical shell enclosing the object. This means that the thermal scattering from the object is suppressed and the heat flow outside the object and the cloak made of these spherical shells behaves as if the object is not present. Thermal invisibility may open new vistas in hiding hot spots in infrared thermography, military furtivity and electronics heating reduction.
Mechanism of the Defect Formation in Supported Graphene by Energetic Heavy Ion Irradiation: the Substrate Effect
Authors: Li Weisen , Wang Xinwei , Zhang Xitong , Zhao Shijun , Duan Huiling , Xue Jianming
Published: April 2015

Although ion beam technology has frequently been used for introducing defects in graphene, the associated key mechanism of the defect formation under ion irradiation is still largely unclear. We report a systematic study of the ion irradiation experiments on SiO2-supported graphene and quantitatively compare the experimental results with molecular dynamic simulations. We find that the substrate is, in fact, of great importance in the defect formation process, as the defects in graphene are mostly generated through an indirect process by the sputtered atoms from the substrate.
K-space polarimetry of bullseye plasmon antennas
Authors: Osorio Clara I. , Mohtashami Abbas , Koenderink A. Femius
Published: April 2015

Surface plasmon resonators can drastically redistribute incident light over different output wave vectors and polarizations. This can lead for instance to sub-diffraction sized nanoapertures in metal films that beam and to nanoparticle antennas that enable efficient conversion of photons between spatial modes, or helicity channels. We present a polarimetric Fourier microscope as a new experimental tool to completely characterize the angle-dependent polarization-resolved scattering of single nanostructures. Polarimetry allows determining the full Stokes parameters from just six Fourier images. The degree of polarization and the polarization ellipse are measured for each scattering direction collected by a high NA objective. We showcase the method on plasmonic bullseye antennas in a metal film, which are known to beam light efficiently. We find rich results for the polarization state of the beamed light, including complete conversion of input polarization from linear to circular and from one helicity to another. In addition to uncovering new physics for plasmonic groove antennas, the described technique projects to have a large impact in nanophotonics, in particular towards the investigation of a broad range of phenomena ranging from photon spin Hall effects, polarization to orbital angular momentum transfer and design of plasmon antennas.
Trapping and assembling of particles and live cells on large-scale random gold nano-island substrates
Authors: Kang Zhiwen , Chen Jiajie , Wu Shu-Yuen , Chen Kun , Kong Siu-Kai , Yong Ken-Tye , Ho Ho-Pui
Published: April 2015

We experimentally demonstrated the use of random plasmonic nano-islands for optical trapping and assembling of particles and live cells into highly organized pattern with low power density. The observed trapping effect is attributed to the net contribution due to near-field optical trapping force and long-range thermophoretic force, which overcomes the axial convective drag force, while the lateral convection pushes the target objects into the trapping zone. Our work provides a simple platform for on-chip optical manipulation of nano- and micro-sized objects and may find applications in physical and life sciences.
Motility induced changes in viscosity of suspensions of swimming microbes in extensional flows
Authors: McDonnell Amarin G. , Gopesh Tilvawala C. , Lo Jennifer , O'Bryan Moira , Yeo Leslie Y. , Friend James R. , Prabhakar Ranganathan
Published: April 2015

Cell suspensions are model systems for studying properties of living materials. A comparison of theory against microfluidic experiments confirms that particle motility causes extensional viscosity to decrease in “pushers” and increase in “pushers”.
High efficiency pure blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules having 10H-phenoxaborin and acridan units
Authors: Numata Masaki , Yasuda Takuma , Adachi Chihaya
Published: April 2015

New materials emitting pure blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence achieve 20% external quantum efficiency and exhibit nearly concentration-independent photoluminescence.
Tailoring metal–oxide interfaces of inverse catalysts of TiO2/nanoporous-Au under hydrogen oxidation
Authors: Qadir Kamran , Quynh Bui Thi Phuong , Lee Hyosun , Moon Song Yi , Kim Sang Hoon , Park Jeong Young
Published: April 2015

The catalytic activity of nanoporous Au prepared from a Au–Si alloy is enhanced by engineering Au–TiO2 interfaces under H2 oxidation.
Properties of transition metal substituted zinc sulfide hexamers and dodecamers
Authors: Poggio Stefano , Wang Brendan , Gibson Ursula J. , BelBruno Joseph J.
Published: April 2015

TM-substituted ZnS clusters properties are compared for hexamers and dodecamers.
Insight into the formation mechanism of graphene quantum dots and the size effect on their electrochemical behaviors
Authors: Liu Yonghuan , Wang Rutao , Lang Junwei , Yan Xingbin
Published: April 2015

The formation mechanism of graphene quantum dots was studied, which showed a superior electrochemical performance and an ultra-high power response.
Optimization of the surface properties of nanostructured Ni–W alloys on steel by a mixed silane layer
Authors: Quiroga Argañaraz M. P. , Ramallo-López J. M. , Benítez G. , Rubert A. , Prieto E. D. , Gassa L. M. , Salvarezza R. C. , Vela M. E.
Published: April 2015

Optimization of the surface properties of nanostructured Ni–W coatings on steel by a mixed silane layer.
Integration of a semi-rigid proline ligand and 4,4′-bipyridine in the synthesis of homochiral metal–organic frameworks with helices
Authors: Xu Zhong-Xuan , Kang Yao , Han Min-Le , Li Dong-Sheng , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2015

A pair of 3D HMOFs have been synthesized, which contain helical chains and large open channels that are occupied by bipy.
Carbon bridged triphenolate lanthanide complexes: synthesis, characterization, DFT studies and catalytic activities for isoprene polymerization
Authors: Zhang Min , Liang Zhenhua , Ling Jun , Ni Xufeng , Shen Zhiquan
Published: April 2015

Lanthanide complexes supported by carbon bridged triphenolate ligands were synthesized and theoretical calculations were carried out on a Lu complex.
Excellent catalytic activity of magnetically recoverable Fe3O4–graphene oxide nanocomposites prepared by a simple method
Authors: Mandal Prasenjit , Chattopadhyay Asoke P.
Published: April 2015

An easy-to-prepare Fe3O4–graphene oxide nanocomposite which works well as a reusable catalyst for A3-coupling reactions.
Varying the ionic functionalities of conjugated polyelectrolytes leads to both p- and n-type carbon nanotube composites for flexible thermoelectrics
Authors: Mai Cheng-Kang , Russ Boris , Fronk Stephanie L. , Hu Nan , Chan-Park Mary B. , Urban Jeffrey J. , Segalman Rachel A. , Chabinyc Michael L. , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: April 2015

Selective doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes can be achieved by varying pendant ionic functionalities of conjugated polyelectrolytes.
DNA topology influences molecular machine lifetime in human serum
Authors: Goltry Sara , Hallstrom Natalya , Clark Tyler , Kuang Wan , Lee Jeunghoon , Jorcyk Cheryl , Knowlton William B. , Yurke Bernard , Hughes William L. , Graugnard Elton
Published: April 2015

Lifetimes and operational performance were investigated for a DNA nanomachine and linear probe in human serum and blood to elucidate design principles for future biomedical applications of DNA-based devices.
Poly(thiolactone) homo- and copolymers from maleimide thiolactone: synthesis and functionalization
Authors: Rudolph Tobias , Espeel Pieter , Du Prez Filip E. , Schacher Felix H.
Published: April 2015

We describe the synthesis of a thiolactone-functionalized maleimide (MITla), its copolymerization into poly(thiolactone) homo- and copolymers via controlled or free radical polymerization (CRP or FRP) techniques, and subsequent modification.
Chemically crosslinked yet reprocessable epoxidized natural rubber via thermo-activated disulfide rearrangements
Authors: Imbernon L. , Oikonomou E. K. , Norvez S. , Leibler L.
Published: April 2015

Disulfide crosslinks introduced into an ENR matrix enable the thermo-activated reprocessing of the chemically crosslinked rubber, studied in terms of stress relaxation and adhesion experiments.
Electrospinning of palladium/silica nanofibers for catalyst applications
Authors: Wen Shipeng , Liang Meili , Zou Rui , Wang Zhoujun , Yue Dongmei , Liu Li
Published: April 2015

A new inorganic supported catalyst of silica (SiO2)-supported palladium (Pd) nanofibers was successfully fabricated by the electrospinning followed by the calcination at high temperature and the reduction in H2 atmosphere.
Studies on MCM-41/PDMS based hybrid polybenzoxazine nanocomposites for interlayer low k dielectrics
Authors: Sasi kumar Ramachandran , Ariraman Mathivathanan , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: April 2015

The development of thermally stable mesoporous silica/siloxane based hybrid polybenzoxazine nanocomposites as an interlayer low k dielectric material.
Polymer nanocomposites from free-standing, macroscopic boron nitride nanotube assemblies
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Jakubinek Michael B. , Martinez-Rubi Yadienka , Ashrafi Behnam , Guan Jingwen , O'Neill K. , Plunkett Mark , Hrdina Amy , Lin Shuqiong , Dénommée Stéphane , Kingston Christopher , Simard Benoit
Published: April 2015

The fabrication of BNNT–polymer nanocomposites, including BNNT–epoxy and BNNT–polyurethane has been demonstrated for the first time from free-standing BNNT buckypapers.
Labelling of brassinosteroids by isotopes of hydrogen and carbon
Authors: Patil Mahadeo R. , Elbert Tomáš , Keri Rangappa S.
Published: April 2015

The present review will focus on the synthetic efforts made in this field from the time of discovery of labelled BRs until the present day.
Photocatalytic degradation and pathway of oxytetracycline in aqueous solution by Fe2O3–TiO2 nanopowder
Authors: Li Rong , Jia Yuefa , Wu Jun , Zhen Qiang
Published: April 2015

After photocatalytic degradation under UV/visible light by Fe2O3/TiO2 composites, the naphthol ring of oxytetracycline (C22H24N2O9) destructed to a partial ring-ruptured structure, such as C9H6O4.
Discovery of 4-benzoylpiperidine and 3-(piperidin-4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole derivatives as potential and selective GlyT1 inhibitors
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Lin , Duan Hongliang , Zhang Liming , Jiang Neng , Zhen Xuechu , Shen Jianhua
Published: April 2015

Two series of potential and selective GlyT1 inhibitors were discovered by bioisosteric replacement.23qwas effective on chronic PCP-treated schizophrenia-like behavioral models.
Stability and deactivation of Fe-ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol in a membrane reactor
Authors: Jiang Songshan , Zhang Huiping , Yan Ying , Zhang Xinya
Published: April 2015

Stability and deactivation of Fe-ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of phenol were studied in a membrane reactor.
Effects of agricultural waste-based conditioner on ultrasonic-aided activated sludge dewatering
Authors: Guo Shaodong , Qu Fangshu , Ding An , He Junguo , Yu Huarong , Bai Langming , Li Guibai , Liang Heng
Published: April 2015

The effects of agricultural wastes on ultrasonic-aided activated sludge dewaterability were investigated in this study.
Towards computational design of zeolite catalysts for CO2 reduction
Authors: Thornton A. W. , Winkler D. A. , Liu M. S. , Haranczyk M. , Kennedy D. F.
Published: April 2015

Computational search of structure database for CO2 reduction catalysts using molecular simulation and machine learning.
Metabolic pathways in cancers: key targets and implications in cancer therapy
Authors: Vijayakumar Sathya Narayanan , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: April 2015

Proliferation and self-sufficiency are two of the most important properties of cancer cells.
Palladium-catalyzed reductive coupling of phenols with anilines and amines: efficient conversion of phenolic lignin model monomers and analogues to cyclohexylamines
Authors: Chen Zhengwang , Zeng Huiying , Gong Hang , Wang Haining , Li Chao-Jun
Published: April 2015

A highly efficient Pd-catalyzed direct coupling of phenolic lignin model monomers and analogues with anilines to give cyclohexylamines using sodium formate as hydrogen donor is described.
Carbene catalyzed umpolung of α,β-enals: a reactivity study of diamino dienols vs. azolium enolates, and the characterization of advanced reaction intermediates
Authors: Yatham Veera Reddy , Neudörfl Jörg-M. , Schlörer Nils E. , Berkessel Albrecht
Published: April 2015

NMR/X-ray evidence is provided for hitherto postulated reactivity patterns of homoenolate vs. azolium enolate intermediates in NHC-catalyzed umpolung of enals.
Covalent grafting of polyethyleneimine on hydroxylated three-dimensional graphene for superior CO2 capture
Authors: Liu Fa-Qian , Li Wei , Zhao Jie , Li Wei-Hua , Chen Dong-Mei , Sun Li-Shui , Wang Lei , Li Rong-Xun
Published: April 2015

Covalently grafted polyethyleneimine–hydroxylated three-dimensional graphene nanocomposites prepared by ring-opening polymerization exhibit superior CO2 capture behavior.
Impact of large-scale meso- and macropore structures in adenosine-derived affordable noble carbon on efficient reversible oxygen electrocatalytic redox reactions
Authors: Sakaushi K. , Yang S. J. , Fellinger T.-P. , Antonietti M.
Published: April 2015

The pore structure of the cathode is an essence to control the electrochemical performance of lithium–O2battery systems.
Functionalized carbonaceous fibers for high performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Zheye , Xiao Fei , Xiao Jian , Wang Shuai
Published: April 2015

Two types of functionalized carbonaceous fibers,i.e., carbon fiber@reduced graphene oxide@manganese dioxide (CF@RGO@MnO2) and CF@thick RGO (CF@TRGO), were successfully prepared for high performance flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.
Perovskite solar cells based on small molecule hole transporting materials
Authors: Swetha T. , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: April 2015

The hole transporting materials in perovskite solar cells have received significant attention in recent years as a promising materials capable of developing high performance photovoltaic devices at low cost.
Nanoporous graphene/single wall carbon nanohorn heterostructures with enhanced capacitance
Authors: Annamalai K. P. , Gao Jianping , Liu Lile , Mei Jun , Lau Woonming , Tao Yousheng
Published: April 2015

Nanoporous graphene/single wall carbon nanohorns, a novel multicomponent of nanocarbons with enhanced capacitance, were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method.
Triarylamine-based crosslinked hole-transporting material with an ionic dopant for high-performance PEDOT:PSS-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Tsai Che-En , Liao Ming-Hung , Chen Yung-Lung , Cheng Sheng-Wen , Lai Yu-Ying , Cheng Yen-Ju , Hsu Chain-Shu
Published: April 2015

A triarylamine-based crosslinked hole-transporting material is integrated with an ionic dopant to achieve high-performance PEDOT:PSS-free polymer solar cells.
The impact of halogen ions on the guest dependent spin crossover behaviour and porosity of Co(ii) one-dimensional coordination polymers [CoX2(4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)] (X = Cl and Br)
Authors: Ohtani Ryo , Shimayama Kodai , Mishima Akio , Ohba Masaaki , Ishikawa Ryuta , Kawata Satoshi , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: April 2015

Halogen ions in the Co(ii) SCO–CPs [CoX2(pyterpy)] (X = Cl and Br) impacted on their SCO behaviour and porosity.
Metabolomic profiling in liver of adiponectin-knockout mice uncovers lysophospholipid metabolism as an important target of adiponectin action
Authors: Liu Ying , Sen Sanjana , Wannaiampikul Sivaporn , Palanivel Rengasamy , Hoo Ruby L. C. , Isserlin Ruth , Bader Gary D. , Tungtrongchitr Rungsunn , Deshaies Yves , Xu Aimin , Sweeney Gary
Published: April 2015

Adiponectin mediates anti-diabetic effects via increasing hepatic insulin sensitivity and direct metabolic effects. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive and unbiased metabolomic profiling of liver tissue from AdKO (adiponectin-knockout) mice, with and without adiponectin supplementation, fed on an HFD (high-fat diet) to derive insight into the mechanisms and consequences of insulin resistance. Hepatic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance induced by the HFD were reduced by adiponectin. The HFD significantly altered levels of 147 metabolites, and bioinformatic analysis indicated that one of the most striking changes was the profile of increased lysophospholipids. These changes were largely corrected by adiponectin, at least in part via direct regulation of PLA2 (phospholipase A2) as palmitate-induced PLA2 activation was attenuated by adiponectin in primary hepatocytes. Notable decreases in several glycerolipids after the HFD were reversed by adiponectin, which also corrected elevations in several diacyglycerol and ceramide species. Our data also indicate that stimulation of ω-oxidation of fatty acids by the HFD is enhanced by adiponectin. In conclusion, this metabolomic profiling approach in AdKO mice identified important targets of adiponectin action, including PLA2, to regulate lysophospholipid metabolism and ω-oxidation of fatty acids.
Integrated state/disturbance observers for two‐dimensional linear systems
Authors: Zhao Dong , Lin Zhiping , Wang Youqing
Published: April 2015

In this study, the problem of simultaneous estimation of system states and disturbances is addressed for two‐dimensional (2D) linear systems. The considered 2D systems can be described as Fornasini–Marchesini second local state–space model coupled with unknown disturbances in the measurement equation. Asymptotically stable and uniformly ultimately bounded integrated state/disturbance observers are proposed as solutions to the simultaneous estimation problem under different system conditions. For the asymptotically stable integrated state/disturbance observer, a necessary and sufficient condition for its existence is presented and proved. For the uniformly ultimately bounded integrated state/disturbance observer, a sufficient condition for its existence is given and proved, and it can be designed such that its estimation error has arbitrarily small upper bound. Moreover, some constructive design methods are given for the proposed integrated state/disturbance observers. Finally, a thermal process plant and another numerical example are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Mask-less patterning of organic light emitting diodes using electrospray and selective biasing on pixel electrodes
Authors: Lee Sangyeob , Koo Hyun , Cho Sunghwan
Published: April 2015

Wet process of soluble organic light emitting diode (OLED) materials has attracted much attention due to its potential as a large-area manufacturing process with high productivity. Electrospray (ES) deposition is one of candidates of organic thin film formation process for OLED. However, to fabricate red, green, and blue emitters for color display, a fine metal mask is required during spraying emitter materials. We demonstrate a mask-less color pixel patterning process using ES of soluble OLED materials and selective biasing on pixel electrodes and a spray nozzle. We show red and green line patterns of OLED materials. It was found that selective patterning can be allowed by coulomb repulsion between nozzle and pixel. Furthermore, we fabricated blue fluorescent OLED devices by vacuum evaporation and ES processes. The device performance of ES processed OLED showed nearly identical current-voltage characteristics and slightly lower current efficiency compared to vacuum processed OLED.
An in-situ neutron diffraction study of a multi-phase transformation and twinning-induced plasticity steel during cyclic loading
Authors: Saleh Ahmed A. , Brown Donald W. , Pereloma Elena V. , Clausen Bjørn , Davies Christopher H. J. , Tomé Carlos N. , Gazder Azdiar A.
Published: April 2015

In-situ neutron diffraction during cyclic tension-compression loading (∼+3.5% to −2.8%) of a 17Mn-3Al-2Si-1Ni-0.06C steel that exhibits concurrent transformation and twinning -induced plasticity effects indicated a significant contribution of intragranular back stresses to the observed Bauschinger effect. Rietveld analysis revealed a higher rate of martensitic transformation during tension compared to compression. Throughout cycling, α′-martensite exhibited the highest phase strains such that it bears an increasing portion of the macroscopic load as its weight fraction evolves. On the other hand, the ε-martensite strain remained compressive as it accommodated most of the internal strains caused by the shape misfit associated with the γ→ε and/or ε→α′ transformations.
Fluorescent silicon nanoparticles utilized as stable color converters for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Liu , Liu Yuan , Zhong Yi-Ling , Jiang Xiang-Xu , Song Bin , Ji Xiao-Yuan , Su Yuan-Yuan , Liao Liang-Sheng , He Yao
Published: April 2015

In this study, by employing fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) as a class of color converters, we introduce a type of small-sized (∼3.7 nm) SiNPs-based color converters for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The SiNPs with tunable fluorescent color ranging from blue to yellow-green could be achieved through an optimized microwave synthetic method. Of particular significance, the SiNPs exhibiting broadband yellow-green emission prepared at pH value of 4 are demonstrated to be suitable for forming the basis of a white spectrum, which are thus further employed as color converter for the construction of white LED. The resultant LED devices exhibit a luminous efficiency of 13 lm W−1, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.3041, 0.3129), color rendering index of 82, and correlated color temperature of 7982 K.
Broadband antireflective coatings based on two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength nanopores
Authors: Baranov D. A. , Dmitriev P. A. , Mukhin I. S. , Samusev A. K. , Belov P. A. , Simovski C. R. , Shalin A. S.
Published: April 2015

A broadband thin-film antireflective coating (ARC)—a regular array of nanopores in a dielectric substrate—is studied theoretically and experimentally. Tuning the geometrical parameters of the array allows for strong suppression of reflection. For a fused silica substrate, reflectivity is lower than 1% over a range with a relative bandwidth, 60%–70%, reaching 0.05% in the minimum. The underlying physics is the spatial dispersion in the porous medium which enables phase compensation for the partially reflected waves in a broad band. This allows for more broadband antireflection than any flat homogeneous single-layer ARC can provide. Importantly, the studied ARC is universal for any transparent dielectric substrate.
Resistive switching in a few nanometers thick tantalum oxide film formed by a metal oxidation
Authors: Ohno Takeo , Samukawa Seiji
Published: April 2015

Resistive switching in a Cu/Ta2O5/Pt structure that consisted of a few nanometer-thick Ta2O5 film was demonstrated. The Ta2O5 film with thicknesses of 2–5 nm was formed with a combination of Ta metal film deposition and neutral oxygen particle irradiation at room temperature. The device exhibited a bipolar resistive switching with a threshold voltage of 0.2 V and multilevel switching operation.
Ipilimumab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of regulatory T cells ex vivo by nonclassical monocytes in melanoma patients
Authors: Romano Emanuela , Kusio-Kobialka Monika , Foukas Periklis G. , Baumgaertner Petra , Meyer Christiane , Ballabeni Pierluigi , Michielin Olivier , Weide Benjamin , Romero Pedro , Speiser Daniel E.
Published: April 2015

Significance

mAbs directed to inhibitory immune receptors represent a very promising class of immunotherapeutics. This study suggests a potential mechanism of action of ipilimumab (a fully human anti–cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4), by which FcγRIIIA (CD16)-expressing nonclassical monocytes kill regulatory T cells ex vivo via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Notably, at baseline, responder patients display significantly higher peripheral frequencies of nonclassical monocytes and a selective enrichment in tumor-infiltrating CD68+CD16+macrophages compared with nonresponder patients. If further confirmed, these findings may contribute to the generation of predictive biomarker panels, antibody design, and the development of rational combination therapies to promote antitumor immunity.
Molecular blueprint of allosteric binding sites in a homologue of the agonist-binding domain of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Spurny Radovan , Debaveye Sarah , Farinha Ana , Veys Ken , Vos Ann M. , Gossas Thomas , Atack John , Bertrand Sonia , Bertrand Daniel , Danielson U. Helena , Tresadern Gary , Ulens Chris
Published: April 2015

Significance

In this study we take advantage of a recently described chimera of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), termed α7-AChBP. To date, more than 70 crystal structures have been determined for AChBP in complex with ligands that occupy the orthosteric binding site. Here, we use an innovative screening strategy to discover molecular fragments that occupy allosteric binding sites. In combination with X-ray crystallography we determine a molecular blueprint of three different allosteric sites in α7-AChBP. Using electrophysiological recordings on the human α7 nAChR we demonstrate that each of the three sites is involved in allosteric modulation of the receptor. Our study contributes to understanding the sites of allosteric binding in ion channels.
Reappraisal of hydrocarbon biomarkers in Archean rocks
Authors: French Katherine L. , Hallmann Christian , Hope Janet M. , Schoon Petra L. , Zumberge J. Alex , Hoshino Yosuke , Peters Carl A. , George Simon C. , Love Gordon D. , Brocks Jochen J. , Buick Roger , Summons Roger E.
Published: April 2015

Significance

The advent of oxygenic photosynthesis set the stage for the evolution of complex life on an oxygenated planet, but it is unknown when this transformative biochemistry emerged. The existing hydrocarbon biomarker record requires that oxygenic photosynthesis and eukaryotes emerged more than 300 million years before the Great Oxidation Event [∼2.4 billion years ago (Ga)]. We report that hopane and sterane concentrations measured in new ultraclean Archean drill cores from Australia are comparable to blank concentrations, yet their concentrations in the exteriors of conventionally collected cores of stratigraphic equivalence exceed blank concentrations by more than an order of magnitude due to surficial contamination. Consequently, previous hydrocarbon biomarker reports no longer provide valid evidence for the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis and eukaryotes by ∼2.7 Ga.
In vitro selection of a sodium-specific DNAzyme and its application in intracellular sensing
Authors: Torabi Seyed-Fakhreddin , Wu Peiwen , McGhee Claire E. , Chen Lu , Hwang Kevin , Zheng Nan , Cheng Jianjun , Lu Yi
Published: April 2015

Significance

Monovalent ions, such as Na
+
, play important roles in biology, yet few sensors that image intracellular Na
+
have been reported. Although deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes) have been shown to be a promising platform for detection of metal ions, most reported DNAzymes require multivalent metal ions for catalytic activity. Existing monovalent ion-responsive DNAzymes have poor selectivity for Na
+
, low catalytic rate, and require high ion concentrations for function. Here, we report in vitro selection of the first (to our knowledge) highly selective, sensitive, and efficient Na
+
-specific, RNA-cleaving DNAzyme and its conversion into a catalytic beacon sensor for imaging Na
+
in living cells, using an efficient cationic polypeptide delivery method, together with a photocaging strategy, to allow controllable activation of the DNAzyme probe inside cells.