bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetramerization‐defects of p53 result in aberrant ubiquitylation and transcriptional activity
Authors: Lang Valérie , Pallara Chiara , Zabala Amaia , Lobato-Gil Sofia , Lopitz-Otsoa Fernando , Farrás Rosa , Hjerpe Roland , Torres-Ramos Monica , Zabaleta Lorea , Blattner Christine , Hay Ronald T. , Barrio Rosa , Carracedo Arkaitz , Fernandez-Recio Juan , Rodríguez Manuel S. , Aillet Fabienne
Published: June 2014

The tumor suppressor p53 regulates the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, senescence and apoptosis. Here, we investigated the effect of single point mutations in the oligomerization domain (OD) on tetramerization, transcription, ubiquitylation and stability of p53. As predicted by docking and molecular dynamics simulations, p53 OD mutants show functional defects on transcription, Mdm2‐dependent ubiquitylation and 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation. However, mutants unable to form tetramers are well degraded by the 20S proteasome. Unexpectedly, despite the lower structural stability compared to WT p53, p53 OD mutants form heterotetramers with WT p53 when expressed transiently or stably in cells wild type or null for p53. In consequence, p53 OD mutants interfere with the capacity of WT p53 tetramers to be properly ubiquitylated and result in changes of p53‐dependent protein expression patterns, including the pro‐apoptotic proteins Bax and PUMA under basal and adriamycin‐induced conditions. Importantly, the patient derived p53 OD mutant L330R (OD1) showed the more severe changes in p53‐dependent gene expression. Thus, in addition to the well‐known effects on p53 stability, ubiquitylation defects promote changes in p53‐dependent gene expression with implications on some of its functions.
Time for a Revolution: Smart Energy and Microgrid Use in Disaster Response
Authors: Callaway David Wayne , Noste Erin , McCahill Peter Woods , Rossman A.J. , Lempereur Dominique , Kaney Kathleen , Swanson Doug
Published: June 2014

Modern health care and disaster response are inextricably linked to high volume, reliable, quality power. Disasters place major strain on energy infrastructure in affected communities. Advances in renewable energy and microgrid technology offer the potential to improve mobile disaster medical response capabilities. However, very little is known about the energy requirements of and alternative power sources in disaster response. A gap analysis of the energy components of modern disaster response reveals multiple deficiencies. The MED-1 Green Project has been executed as a multiphase project designed to identify energy utilization inefficiencies, decrease demands on diesel generators, and employ modern energy management strategies to expand operational independence. This approach, in turn, allows for longer deployments in potentially more austere environments and minimizes the unit's environmental footprint. The ultimate goal is to serve as a proof of concept for other mobile medical units to create strategies for energy independence. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–8)
ON-FARM ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ZERO-TILLAGE WHEAT: A CASE OF NORTH-WEST INDIA
Authors: ARYAL JEETENDRA PRAKASH , SAPKOTA TEK B. , JAT M L , BISHNOI DALIP K
Published: June 2014

Conducting farmers participatory field trials at 40 sites for 3 consecutive years in four rice-wheat system dominated districts of Haryana state of India, this paper tested the hypothesis that zero tillage (ZT) based crop production emits less greenhouse gases and yet provide adequate economic benefits to farmers compared to the conventional tillage (CT). In each farmer's field, ZT and CT based wheat production were compared side by side for three consecutive years from 2009–10 to 2011–12. In assessing the mitigation potential of ZT, we examined the differences in input use and crop management, especially those contributing to GHGs emissions, between ZT wheat and CT wheat. We employed Cool Farm Tool (CFT) to estimate emission of GHGs from various wheat production activities. In order to assess economic benefits, we examined the difference in input costs, net returns and cost-benefit analysis of wheat production under CT and ZT. Results show that farmers can save approximately USD 79 ha−1 in terms of total production costs and increase net revenue of about USD 97.5 ha−1 under ZT compared to CT. Similarly, benefit-cost ratio under ZT is 1.43 against 1.31 under CT. Our estimate shows that shifting from CT to ZT based wheat production reduces GHG emission by 1.5 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 season−1. Overall, ZT has both climate change mitigation and economic benefits, implying the win-win outcome of better agricultural practices.
Restoration of the genus Parasaccocoelium Zhukov, 1971 (Digenea: Haploporidae) and a description of two new species from mugilid fish in the Far East of Russia
Authors: Besprozvannykh V.V. , Atopkin D.M. , Ermolenko A.V. , Nikitenko A.Yu.
Published: June 2014

New data relating to the fauna of Haploporidae (Digenea) in mugilid fish from Primorsky Region of the south of the Russian Far East are presented. In the most recent revision of the family Haploporidae Nicoll, 1914, Parasaccocoelium Zhukov, 1971 was synonymized with Pseudohapladena Yamaguti, 1952 (Overstreet & Curran, 2005). Here, we restore the genus Parasaccocoelium. The species described by Zhukov can be distinguished from the species Pseudohapladena sensu Yamaguti, 1952 using a combination of the following features: (1) diffuse or absent eye-spot pigment; (2) subterminal or terminal oral sucker; (3) present or absent genital atrium; and (4) vitellarium with two large and compact vitelline masses, or vitelline follicles tubular and divided into two groups. For the species of Pseudohapladena, i.e. P. scatophagi, Yamaguti noted that the vitelline follicles occupy almost the entire post-testicular region, but in the present specimens, the vitelline follicles do not occupy the post-testicular region. Based on the diagnosis of Pseudohapladena by Overstreet & Curran (2005), the genus Parasaccocoelium differs in the following features: (1) a single testis that is longitudinal, longitudinally oval, spherical, transversally oval, irregular, bilobed or V-shaped, or a testis that is subspherical to irregular to elongate; (2) the vitellarium in the lateral fields formed from large compact follicles that have an irregular form and extend between the anterior margin of the ventral sucker or pharynx and posterior margin of the testis, and the vitelline follicles do not occupy post-testicular regions; or the vitellarium consists of elongate groups of follicles that usually extend at least one-half of a body length and extend to the posterior end of the body in some and to the posterior margin of the testis in others; (3) the eggs are operculate, unembryonated and developed when laid, or the eggs in some cases are only operculate; and (4) a developed miracidium with or without an eye spot. New data have been added to the description of Parasaccocoelium mugili Zhukov, 1971 based on new material, and two new species of this genus, Pa. haematocheilum n. sp. from Liza haematocheila and Pa. polyovum n. sp. from L. haematocheila and Mugil cephalus, are described using morphological and molecular approaches. We support the taxonomic status of the genus Parasaccocoelium and its inclusion within the sub-family Waretrematinae, and we consider Pseudohapladena lizae Liu et Yang, 2002 to be a junior synonym of Parasaccocoelium mugili Zhukov, 1971.
An ELISA kit with two detection modes for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Wongkamchai S. , Satimai W. , Loymek S. , Nochot H. , Boitano J.J.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost antifilarial immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 detection kit for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. The kit was designed to be used by minimally trained personnel without the constraints of expensive laboratory equipment. We provide a description of the development and validation of a single-serum-dilution based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit with ready-to-use reagents for measuring antifilarial IgG4 antibodies. The kit was tested on residents in Brugia malayi-endemic areas in southern Thailand. Detection was performed by naked-eye observation of the resultant colour of the immunological reactivity. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to assess the reproducibility of the results. Long-term stability was measured over a 6-month period. Sensitivity of the test kit was 97% when compared with microfilariae detection in thick blood smears. Specificity was 98.7% based on the sera of 57 patients living outside the endemic areas who were infected with other parasites and 100 parasite-free subjects. All positive CVs were < 10%. The test kit was remarkably stable over 6 months. Field validation was performed by the detection of antifilarial IgG4 in 4365 serum samples collected from residents of brugian filariasis-endemic areas and compared with outcome colours of the test samples by the naked eye. Subsequent ELISA evaluation of these results using an ELISA reader indicated high agreement by the kappa statistic. These results demonstrate that the test kit is efficient and useful for public health laboratories as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of lymphatic filarial infection.
Personalisation and Austerity in the Crosshairs: Government Perspectives on the Remaking of Adult Social Care
Authors: POWER ANDREW
Published: June 2014

Personalisation has now become centre-stage in adult social care and continues to have an enduring level of political commitment and on-going appeal for many disabled people. And yet its roll-out has taken place during a time of austerity where central governments in many neo-liberal countries are re-imagining (read: shrinking) their role in social care provision. This paper reports on findings from an empirical study of relevant government officials from different countries which have advanced personalisation: Canada, England and the US. It reports on their views on personalisation and the remaking of adult social care, and managing expectations for change. Despite the relative success of personalisation, the findings reveal a tempered, cautious account, with respondents aware of the pitfalls and risks inherent in self-led support, government limitations in changing systems and an end to the primary involvement by the state in the creation of a social care market. With this in mind, the study's findings make a strong case for forms of ‘progressive localism’, as imagined by Featherstoneet al. (2012), in galvanising local community resources alongside more radical politics in order to make self-led support achieve its desired outcomes on the ground.
Crying and suicidal, but not depressed. Pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis successfully treated with valproic acid: Case report and literature review
Authors: Johnson Bridgette , Nichols Scott
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Pseudobulbar affect/emotional incontinence is a potentially disabling condition characterized by expressions of affect or emotions out of context from the normal emotional basis for those expressions. This condition can result in diagnostic confusion and unrelieved suffering when clinicians interpret the emotional expressions at face value. In addition, the nomenclature, etiology, and treatment for this condition remain unclear in the medical literature.

Method:

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who was referred to an inpatient psychiatry unit with complaints of worsening depression along with hopelessness, characterized by unrelenting crying. Our investigation showed that her symptoms were caused by pseudobulbar affect/emotional incontinence stemming from multiple sclerosis.

Results:

The patient's history of multiple sclerosis and the fact that she identified herself as depressed only because of her incessant crying suggested that her symptoms might be due to the multiple sclerosis rather than to a depressive disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a new plaque consistent with multiple sclerosis lateral to her corpus callosum. Her symptoms resolved completely within three days on valproic acid but returned after she was cross-tapered to dextromethorphan plus quinidine, which is the FDA-approved treatment for this condition.

Significance of Results:

This case provides important additional information to the current literature on pseudobulbar affect/emotional incontinence. The existing literature suggests a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and dextromethorphan/quinidine (Nuedexta) as first-line treatments; however, our patient was taking an SSRI at the time of presentation without appreciable benefit, and her symptoms responded to valproic acid but not to the dextromethorphan/quinidine. In addition, the case and the literature review suggest that the current nomenclature for this constellation of symptoms can be misleading.
α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity in the peel and pulp of mixed-species blueberry hybrids
Authors: Ehlenfeldt Mark K. , Camp Mary J. , Wang Shiow Y.
Published: June 2014

Inhibition of α-glucosidase activity is considered an effective means for controlling diabetes by regulating glucose uptake, and blueberries have been shown to possess high levels of inhibitory activity. In the present study, we examined the variations in α-glucosidase inhibition, phenolic and anthocyanin levels, and antioxidant capacity in the peel and pulp of 16 mixed-species rabbiteye hybrids (Vaccinium asheiReade × Vacciniumspp.), one rabbiteye cultivar (V. ashei) and two highbush hybrids (Vaccinium corymbosum). Peel tissue had, on average, about four times higher levels of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than pulp, and exhibited significantly higher levels of all other measured activities, even though the peel comprised only a small portion of the fruit. Significant variations in the levels of antioxidant activity were observed; however, no consistent differences were observed between the hybrids with various species composition. Significant positive correlations (r≥ 0.84) were found among α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, total anthocyanin (TA) and phenolic levels, and scavenging activity against ROO∙, ∙OH,1O2and H2O2radicals in the extracts from the peel and pulp. There was a high correlation observed between α-glucosidase inhibitory activity levels and ROO∙(ORAC)peel(r= 0.95). A similarly high correlation with TApeel(r= 0.93) suggests that TA would be a suitable assay proxy if a broader genotypic evaluation of blueberry genotypes is desired.
The Vascular Steal Phenomenon is an Incomplete Contributor to Negative Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Arteaga Daniel F , Strother Megan K , Faraco Carlos C , Jordan Lori C , Ladner Travis R , Dethrage Lindsey M , Singer Robert J , Mocco J , Clemmons Paul F , Ayad Michael J , Donahue Manus J
Published: June 2014

‘Vascular steal’ has been proposed as a compensatory mechanism in hemodynamically compromised ischemic parenchyma. Here, independent measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) responses to a vascular stimulus in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease are recorded. Symptomatic intracranial stenosis patients ( n = 40) underwent a multimodal 3.0T MRI protocol including structural (T1-weighted and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) and hemodynamic (BOLD and CBF-weighted arterial spin labeling) functional MRI during room air and hypercarbic gas administration. CBF changes in regions demonstrating negative BOLD reactivity were recorded, as well as clinical correlates including symptomatic hemisphere by infarct and lateralizing symptoms. Fifteen out of forty participants exhibited negative BOLD reactivity. Of these, a positive relationship was found between BOLD and CBF reactivity in unaffected (stenosis degree <50%) cortex. In negative BOLD cerebrovascular reactivity regions, three patients exhibited significant ( P < 0.01) reductions in CBF consistent with vascular steal; six exhibited increases in CBF; and the remaining exhibited no statistical change in CBF. Secondary findings were that negative BOLD reactivity correlated with symptomatic hemisphere by lateralizing clinical symptoms and prior infarcts(s). These data support the conclusion that negative hypercarbia-induced BOLD responses, frequently assigned to vascular steal, are heterogeneous in origin with possible contributions from autoregulation and/or metabolism.
Mouse Intracerebral Hemorrhage Models Produce Different Degrees of Initial and Delayed Damage, Axonal Sprouting, and Recovery
Authors: Barratt Harriet E , Lanman Tyler A , Carmichael S Thomas
Published: June 2014

The mechanisms of delayed damage and recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remain poorly defined. Two rodent models of ICH are commonly used: injection of the enzyme collagenase (cICH) and injection of autologous blood (bICH). In mice, we compared the effects of these two models on initial and delayed tissue damage, motor system connections, and behavioral recovery. There is no difference in lesion size between models. Injection of autologous blood causes greater mass effect and early mortality. However, cICH produces greater edema, inflammation, and cell death. Injection of the enzyme collagenase causes greater loss of cortical connections and secondary shrinkage of the striatum. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs within the motor system connections of the striatum. Mapping of the projections of the forelimb motor area shows a significant sprouting in motor cortex projections only in cICH. Both models of ICH produce deficits in forelimb motor control. Behavioral recovery occurs by 5 weeks in cICH and 9 weeks in bICH. In summary, cICH and bICH differ in almost every facet of initial and delayed stroke pathophysiology, with cICH producing greater initial and secondary tissue damage and greater motor system axonal sprouting than bICH. Motor recovery occurs in both models, suggesting that motor system axonal sprouting in cICH is not causally associated with recovery.
Molecular simulation of gas adsorption and diffusion in a breathing MOF using a rigid force field
Authors: García-Pérez E. , Serra-Crespo P. , Hamad S. , Kapteijn F. , Gascon J.
Published: June 2014

Gas adsorption and diffusion of CO2 and CH4 in NH2-MIL-53(Al) using a linear combination of two crystallographic rigid structures.
The selective electrochemical detection of homocysteine in the presence of glutathione, cysteine, and ascorbic acid using carbon electrodes
Authors: Lee P. T. , Lowinsohn D. , Compton R. G.
Published: June 2014

The detection of homocysteine, HCys, was achieved with the use of catecholvia1,4-Michael addition reaction using carbon electrodes: a glassy carbon electrode and a carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode.
Electrochemiluminescence detection of chlorpromazine hydrochloride at bare and graphene oxide modified glassy carbon electrodes
Authors: Liu Fengyu , Shao Jiantao , Zhao Yinqi
Published: June 2014

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for the determination of CPZ (chlorpromazine hydrochloride) has been developed based on the ECL of Ru(bpy)32+/Ru(phen)32+.
Droplets-based microextraction assisted SPME for GC-MS analysis of polar compounds such as clopyralid in water
Authors: Ciucanu Ionel , Popa Petra Silvia , Agotici Vlad , Dehelean Gheorghe
Published: June 2014

The performance of liquid phase microextraction with droplets of organic solvent that assists solid phase microextraction with fiber was assessed for GC-MS analysis of polar compounds in water.
An engineered co-sensitization system for highly efficient dye solar cells
Authors: Agosta R. , Grisorio R. , De Marco L. , Romanazzi G. , Suranna G. P. , Gigli G. , Manca M.
Published: June 2014

Novel co-sensitizers have been structurally tailored and implemented in multi-sensitized devices demonstrating synergic efficiency enhancement.
Ionic nanoparticle networks: development and perspectives in the landscape of ionic liquid based materials
Authors: Neouze Marie-Alexandra , Kronstein Martin , Tielens Frederik
Published: June 2014

This article summarizes the research performed on ionic nanoparticle networks compared with other hybrid materials like ionogels or imidazolium modified nanoparticles.
Can silylenes rival transition metal systems in bond-strengthening π-back donation? A computational investigation
Authors: Pal Amrita , Vanka Kumar
Published: June 2014

Full quantum chemical calculations with density functional theory (DFT) show that bond-strengthening back-donation to a π-diborene, recently discovered for transition metal systems (Braunschweig and co-workers, Nat. Chem., 2013, 5, 115–121), would be just as favored for Main Group silylene complexes.
A copper(ii) perchlorate-promoted tandem reaction of internal alkynol and salicyl N-tosylhydrazone: direct access to isochromeno[3,4-b]chromene
Authors: Siyang Hai Xiao , Wu Xu Rui , Ji Xiao Yue , Wu Xin Yan , Liu Pei Nian
Published: June 2014

A copper(ii) perchlorate-promoted tandem reaction of internal alkynol and salicyl N-tosylhydrazone provides a novel, concise method for constructing isochromeno[3,4-b]chromene in 35–94% yields.
Tuning the wettability of mesoporous silica for enhancing the catalysis efficiency of aqueous reactions
Authors: Fu Luman , Li Shuru , Han Zhongyuan , Liu Huifang , yang Hengquan
Published: June 2014

A series of mesoporous silica-based catalysts with finely-tuned surface wettability have been synthesized. Their catalysis efficiency towards aqueous hydrogenations is highly dependent on their surface wettability and can be five times higher than that of the commercial Pd/C catalyst.
Pd(ii)-Catalyzed arylation of unactivated methylene C(sp3)–H bonds with aryl halides using a removable auxiliary
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yin Xue-Song , Zhao Sheng , Fang Sheng-Long , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: June 2014

Pd(ii)-catalyzed arylation of methylene C(sp3)–H bonds with ArBr directed by our newly developed PIP auxiliary was reported.
One-step synthesis of near-infrared emitting and size tunable CuInS2 semiconductor nanocrystals by adjusting kinetic variables
Authors: Xia Chenghui , Cao Lixin , Liu Wei , Su Ge , Gao Rongjie , Qu Hua , Shi Liang , He Guanghui
Published: June 2014

This paper aims to systematically optimize the preparation process of CuInS2 (CIS) QDs by intensively manipulating kinetic variables including reaction temperature, reaction time, In/Cu ratio and surface ligand.
Dipole-induced conductivity enhancement by n-type inclusion in a p-type system: α-Fe2O3–PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites
Authors: Raccis R. , Wortmann L. , Ilyas S. , Schläfer J. , Mettenbörger A. , Mathur S.
Published: June 2014

A novel method is presented for conductivity enhancement in p-type systems via the inclusion of an n-type phase.
New bonding modes of carbon and heavier group 14 atoms Si–Pb
Authors: Frenking Gernot , Tonner Ralf , Klein Susanne , Takagi Nozomi , Shimizu Takayazu , Krapp Andreas , Pandey Krishna K. , Parameswaran Pattiyil
Published: June 2014

Molecules which possess chemical bonds where a bare group-14 atom C–Pb is bonded to σ-donor ligands L or to a transition metal fragment [TM] through donor–acceptor interactions are discussed together with an analysis of the bonding situation with modern quantum chemical methods.
Probing solvent effects on mixed aggregates associating a chiral lithium amide and n-BuLi by NMR: from structure to reactivity
Authors: Barozzino-Consiglio Gabriella , Rouen Mathieu , Oulyadi Hassan , Harrison-Marchand Anne , Maddaluno Jacques
Published: June 2014

NMR shows a direct correlation between the concentration of a chiral lithium amide/n-BuLi complex and ees of a test reaction.
U–Pb dating of CA/non-CA treated zircons obtained by LA-ICP-MS and CA-TIMS techniques: impact for their geological interpretation
Authors: von Quadt A. , Gallhofer D. , Guillong M. , Peytcheva I. , Waelle M. , Sakata S.
Published: June 2014

Chemical Abrasion Isotope-Dilution Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) is known as a high precision technique for resolving lead loss and improving the interpretation of U–Pb zircon age data.
A lab-in-a-briefcase for rapid prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening from whole blood
Authors: Barbosa Ana I. , Castanheira Ana P. , Edwards Alexander D. , Reis Nuno M.
Published: June 2014

A “lab-in-a-briefcase” for point-of-care PSA screening that can perform 80 measurements of PSA levels in human blood in 15 minutes.
Multi-well fungal co-culture for de novo metabolite-induction in time-series studies based on untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Bertrand Samuel , Azzollini Antonio , Schumpp Olivier , Bohni Nadine , Schrenzel Jacques , Monod Michel , Gindro Katia , Wolfender Jean-Luc
Published: June 2014

A multi-well approach was developed for time series studies of de novo metabolite-induction by fungal co-culture using untargeted metabolomics.
Branched α-d-mannopyranosides: a new class of potent FimH antagonists
Authors: Tomašić Tihomir , Rabbani Said , Gobec Martina , Raščan Irena Mlinarič , Podlipnik Črtomir , Ernst Beat , Anderluh Marko
Published: June 2014

We report branched α-d-mannopyranosides as potent FimH antagonists that exploit the previously unexplored lipophilic region formed by Phe142 and Ile13.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel class of β-carboline derivatives
Authors: Chen Hao , Gao Pengchao , Zhang Meng , Liao Wei , Zhang Jianwei
Published: June 2014

β-Carboline was modified with amino acids and several novel β-carboline analogues were obtained.
One-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4(3H)-quinazolinones via ring-opening of isatoic anhydride and palladium-catalyzed oxidative isocyanide-insertion
Authors: Ji Fei , Lv Mei-Fang , Yi Wen-Bin , Cai Chun
Published: June 2014

An efficient and practical two-step process has been developed for the synthesis of 2-amino-4(3H)-quinazolinones via ring-opening of isatoic anhydride and palladium-catalyzed oxidative isocyanide-insertion in one pot.
A copper-mediated cross-coupling approach for the synthesis of 3-heteroaryl quinolone and related analogues
Authors: Shin Sanghye , Kim Yechan , Kim Kiho , Hong Sungwoo
Published: June 2014

An efficient and practical method for the direct cross-coupling between quinolones and a range of azoles was developed via copper-mediated C–H functionalization.
A novel POMos-based hybrid with penta-coordinated Mo in trigonal bipyramid: structure and an efficient precursor for hydrodesulfurization catalyst
Authors: Liang Ji-Lei , Lu Yu-Kun , Zhao Jin-chong , Li Xue-Hui , Pan Yuan , Wu Meng-Meng , Liu Yun-Qi , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: June 2014

The first POMos-based hybrid with penta-coordinated Mo in trigonal bipyramid for Mo–O clusters; an efficient precursor for hydrodesulfurization catalyst.
Cu(ii) PBS-bridged PMOs catalyzed one-pot synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in water through click chemistry
Authors: Prasad Avvari N. , Reddy Benjaram M. , Jeong Eun-Young , Park Sang-Eon
Published: June 2014

Efficient synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles using Cu(ii)-PBS-HPMO as a heterogeneous catalyst.
Generation of gold carbenes in water: efficient intermolecular trapping of the α-oxo gold carbenoids by indoles and anilines
Authors: Li Long , Shu Chao , Zhou Bo , Yu Yong-Fei , Xiao Xin-Yu , Ye Long-Wu
Published: June 2014

The efficient intermolecular reaction of gold carbene intermediates, generated via gold-catalyzed alkyne oxidation, with indoles and anilines has been realized in aqueous media.
Amphiphile self-assemblies in supercritical CO2 and ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Jianling , Peng Li , Han Buxing
Published: June 2014

The amphiphile self-assemblies in supercritical CO2 and ionic liquids are reviewed, including micelles, vesicles, liquid crystals, microemulsions and emulsions.
Colloidal Au single-atom catalysts embedded on Pd nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Kawashima Keisuke , Okumura Mitsutaka , Toshima Naoki
Published: June 2014

The activity for glucose oxidation of colloidal Au/Pd single-atom catalysts was 17 times higher than that of Au NCs with similar sizes.
Design and synthesis of sulfonated carbons with amphiphilic properties
Authors: Jia Rong , Ren Jiawen , Liu Xiaohui , Lu Guanzhong , Wang Yanqin
Published: June 2014

A new type of sulfonated carbon material with amphiphilic properties was synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of a mixture of furfural–sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate at 180 °C in an autoclave.
Water droplets bouncing on superhydrophobic soft porous materials
Authors: Lu Yao , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Song Jinlong , Xu Wenji , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: June 2014

A generic method is described to fabricate superhydrophobic soft porous materials; on which water droplets can stay as perfect spheres.
Hollow nanospheres of loosely packed Si/SiOx nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon shells with enhanced performance as lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Li Wenyue , Li Zhangpeng , Kang Wenpei , Tang Yongbing , Zhang Zhenyu , Yang Xia , Xue Hongtao , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: June 2014

A novel hollow Si/C nanosphere with enhanced lithium ion battery performance was successfully fabricated via a facile in situ carbonization/reduction method.
Light-healable hard hydrogels through photothermally induced melting–crystallization phase transition
Authors: Zhang Hongji , Han Dehui , Yan Qiang , Fortin Daniel , Xia Hesheng , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2014

An AuNP-containing hard hydrogel based on coexisting chemical and physical crosslinking can have its damage healed by laser exposure as a result of the melting–crystallization phase transition of the dangling hydrophobic side chains.
Robocasting of biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffolds using self-setting inks
Authors: Maazouz Y. , Montufar E. B. , Guillem-Marti J. , Fleps I. , Öhman C. , Persson C. , Ginebra M. P.
Published: June 2014

A new self-setting ceramic ink was developed for robocasting of biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffolds, based on alpha-tricalcium phosphate and gelatine. After setting a biomimetic hydroxyapatite is obtained, with higher reactivity and resorbability than high-temperature sintered hydroxyapatite. The setting reaction of the ink results in a significant increase of the mechanical properties of the scaffolds.
Antibacterial activity studies of plasma polymerised cineole films
Authors: Pegalajar-Jurado Adoracion , Easton Christopher D. , Styan Katie E. , McArthur Sally L.
Published: June 2014

Costs associated with bacterial infections in medical devices exceed $US 30 billion each year in the United States alone due to device revisions and patient treatment.
Dissection of the structure-forming activity from the structure-guiding activity of silicatein: a biomimetic molecular approach to print optical fibers
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Link Thorben , Schröder Heinz C. , Korzhev Michael , Neufurth Meik , Brandt David , Wang Xiaohong
Published: June 2014

The enzymatically inactive silicatein was used as the platform for the enzymatically active silicatein, which synthesized the silica waveguide.
Cellular mechanisms underlying the increased disease severity seen for patients with long QT syndrome caused by compound mutations in KCNQ1
Authors: Harmer Stephen C. , Mohal Jagdeep S. , Royal Alice A. , McKenna William J. , Lambiase Pier D. , Tinker Andrew
Published: June 2014

The KCNQ1 (potassium voltage-gated channel, KQT-like subfamily, member 1) gene encodes the Kv7.1 potassium channel which forms a complex with KCNE1 (potassium voltage-gated channel Isk-related family member 1) in the human heart to produce the repolarizing IKs (slow delayed rectifier potassium current). Mutations in KCNQ1 can perturb IKs function and cause LQT1 (long QT syndrome type 1). In LQT1, compound mutations are relatively common and are associated with increased disease severity. LQT1 compound mutations have been shown to increase channel dysfunction, but whether other disease mechanisms, such as defective channel trafficking, contribute to the increase in arrhythmic risk has not been determined. Using an imaging-based assay we investigated the effects of four compound heterozygous mutations (V310I/R594Q, A341V/P127T, T391I/Q530X and A525T/R518X), one homozygous mutation (W248F) and one novel compound heterozygous mutation (A178T/K422fs39X) (where fs denotes frameshift) on channel trafficking. By analysing the effects in the equivalent of a homozygous, heterozygous and compound heterozygous condition, we identify three different types of behaviour. A341V/P127T and W248F/W248F had no effect, whereas V310I/R594Q had a moderate, but not compound, effect on channel trafficking. In contrast, T391I/Q530X, A525T/R518X and A178T/K422fs39X severely disrupted channel trafficking when expressed in compound form. In conclusion, we have characterized the disease mechanisms for six LQT1 compound mutations and report that, for four of these, defective channel trafficking underlies the severe clinical phenotype.
Potent inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by myeloperoxidase-dependent oxidation of epicatechins
Authors: Dickerhof Nina , Magon Nicholas J. , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Kettle Anthony J. , Hampton Mark B.
Published: June 2014

MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) plays a central role in the promotion and maintenance of the inflammatory response. It is implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases including sepsis, arthritis and colitis, and in diseases with an inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. MIF has an unusual N-terminal proline with catalytic activity, and targeting of this residue by small-molecule inhibitors has been shown to interfere with the biological activity of MIF. The objective of the present study was to determine if MIF was susceptible to modification by epicatechins, a group of dietary flavonoids with known anti-inflammatory properties. Epicatechins are substrates for peroxidases including neutrophil-derived MPO (myeloperoxidase). In the present study we show that oxidation of the catechol moiety of epicatechins to an ο-quinone by MPO generates potent MIF inhibitors. Near complete inhibition of MIF by the MPO/H2O2/epicatechin system was achieved at equimolar concentrations of epicatechin and MIF, even in the presence of other MPO substrates. We have characterized the modification introduced by oxidized (−)-epicatechin on MIF by LC-MS (liquid chromatography MS) and found it to occur at the N-terminal proline. We propose that MIF inhibition by oxidized epicatechins contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds.
Multi‐functional high‐isolation dual antenna for controllable wireless charging and NFC communication
Authors: Lee W.‐S. , Kim D.‐Z. , Yu J.‐W.
Published: June 2014

For stable wireless charging and reliable data communications in mobile devices, the proposed high‐isolation dual antenna operates at two different frequency bands such as 6.78 MHz at wireless charging and 13.56 MHz at near‐field communication (NFC). To increase the isolation between antennas, the proposed dual antenna has an antiparallel coil structure. It has achieved approximately more than 20 dB isolation between antenna ports.
H∞ fault‐tolerant control of networked control systems with actuator failures
Authors: Wang Huijiao , Zhou Bo , Lim Cheng‐Chew , Lu Renquan , Xue Anke
Published: June 2014

The problem of H∞ fault‐tolerant control for networked control systems (NCSs) with actuator failures is addressed in this study. The authors consider the network‐induced delays, including sensor‐to‐controller delay and controller‐to‐actuator delay, to have both an upper bound and a non‐zero lower bound. By using a sampled‐data approach, a new model is formulated based on the updating instants of the ZOH. They derive the criteria which ensure that the sample‐data NCS is stable with H∞ norm γ. The authors design the H∞ fault‐tolerant controller that guarantees the closed‐loop NCS stability with H∞ norm γ, when all control components are operational, as well as when some actuators fail to operate. Simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness and less conservative needs of the proposed method.
Region minimised monitor design for deadlock‐prevention of S4 PR nets
Authors: Lida Dong , Dan Zhu , Chengcheng Zhu , Shanshan Xu
Published: June 2014

Constructing P‐invariants is a typical way to design deadlock‐prevention monitors for systems of sequential systems with shared resources (S4 PR) nets in the existing siphon‐based methods. When there are some certain structures in S4 PR nets, the existing siphon‐based methods are not suitable for monitor designing. This study advances siphon's max‐controlled conditions for P‐invariant construction. Accordingly, a region minimised optimisation (RMO) method for deadlock‐prevention monitor design is proposed, which is realised by using standardised mixed integer programming tool. In order to lower the limitation of monitors on system behaviour, the region under supervision is minimised. The RMO method is able to design monitors for S4 PR nets in which the existing methods are not suitable, is free of trivial construction of P‐invariants, and is applicable to S4 PR nets with unobservable transitions. Since RMO is originated from the basic idea of siphon control, it remains the advantage of high computational efficiency, and also can replace the existing siphon‐based monitor design methods.
Control‐theoretic scheduling of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Noble Sarah L.
Published: June 2014

Control technology has found widespread use in medical applications, including pharmacology and drug dosing. Although mental and behavioural health applications have much in common with these systems, only a few seminal works have applied control technology to inform treatment with non‐pharmacological interventions. Herein, a model‐based, predictive control strategy is proposed to optimise treatment for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A mathematical model is developed that captures the dynamic relationship between five PTSD treatments and three commonly‐employed PTSD assessment scales. The model supports an adaptive model predictive control strategy in which treatments are scheduled to achieve a therapeutic objective while recurrent assessment scale data are used to adaptively identify the patient model parameters. The model is corroborated against an independent data set, and the efficacy of the adaptive control strategy is demonstrated through Monte‐Carlo simulations. While this work represents only a preliminary step towards a quantitative tool for clinical use, the simulated treatment results indicate that the proposed model and control approach could provide valuable insight towards designing personalised intervention schedules that increase treatment adherence, lower treatment costs and provide PTSD patients with more effective care.
Observer‐based stabilisation of a class of fractional order non‐linear systems for 0 < α <2 case
Authors: Li Chuang , Wang Jingcheng , Lu Junguo , Ge Yang
Published: June 2014

This study focuses on the global asymptotic stability and observer‐based stabilisation problems of a class of fractional order non‐linear systems with the fractional order 0 < α  < 2. Based on the decay properties of the Mittag–Leffler function and the Gronwall–Bellman inequality, two sufficient conditions on the global asymptotic stability of fractional order non‐linear systems are derived for the fractional order 0 < α  < 1 and 1 < α  < 2, respectively. According to the proposed conditions, an iterative algorithm is presented to design the fractional order non‐linear observer and estimated state feedback control law. Finally, two numerical examples illustrate the advantages of the proposed iterative algorithm.
Saliency detection framework via linear neighbourhood propagation
Authors: Zhou Jingbo , Gao Shangbing , Yan Yunyang , Jin Zhong
Published: June 2014

In this study, a novel saliency detection algorithm based on linear neighbourhood propagation is proposed. The proposed algorithm is divided into three steps. First, the authors segment an input image into superpixels which are represented as the nodes in a graph. The weight matrix of the graph, which indicates the similarities between the nodes, is calculated by linear neighbourhood reconstruction. Second, the nodes, which are located at top, bottom, left and right of image boundary, are labelled as boundary priors. Then, based on weight matrix, label propagation is used to propagate the labels to unlabelled nodes. They rank the nodes according to the label information and select the nodes with minor information as saliency priors. Last, based on saliency priors, saliency detection is carried out by label propagation again. The nodes with more information are considered as saliency regions. Experimental results on three benchmark databases demonstrate the proposed method performs well when it is against the state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Smoothing joint integrated probabilistic data association
Authors: Kim Tae Han , Mušicki Darko , Song Taek Lyul , Lee Chul Mok
Published: June 2014

The authors extend the smoothing integrated probabilistic data association algorithm to multi‐target tracking in clutter, or alternatively, use smoothing to improve the joint integrated probabilistic data association (JIPDA) algorithm. The predictions of forward and backward JIPDA are fused to form the smoothing prediction, which is used for smoothing multi‐target data association.
Low-voltage polariton electroluminescence from an ultrastrongly coupled organic light-emitting diode
Authors: Gubbin Christopher R. , Maier Stefan A. , Kéna-Cohen Stéphane
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate electroluminescence from Frenkel molecular excitons ultrastrongly coupled to photons of a metal-clad microcavity containing a 2,7-bis[9,9-di(4-methylphenyl)-fluoren-2-yl]-9,9-di(4-methylphenyl)fluorene emissive layer. Thin layers of molybdenum oxide and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline are used as hole and electron injection layers, respectively. The fabricated devices exhibit an electroluminescence threshold of 3.1 V, a value that is below the bare exciton energy. This result is found to be independent of detuning and consistent with a two-step process for polariton formation. Moreover, we investigate the quantum efficiency of carrier to polariton to photon conversion and obtain an external quantum efficiency of 0.1% for the fabricated structures, an improvement of 5 orders of magnitude over previous reports.
Asymptotic solution of the diffusion equation in slender impermeable tubes of revolution. I. The leading-term approximation
Authors: Traytak Sergey D.
Published: June 2014

The anisotropic 3D equation describing the pointlike particles diffusion in slender impermeable tubes of revolution with cross section smoothly depending on the longitudinal coordinate is the object of our study. We use singular perturbations approach to find the rigorous asymptotic expression for the local particles concentration as an expansion in the ratio of the characteristic transversal and longitudinal diffusion relaxation times. The corresponding leading-term approximation is a generalization of well-known Fick-Jacobs approximation. This result allowed us to delineate the conditions on temporal and spatial scales under which the Fick-Jacobs approximation is valid. A striking analogy between solution of our problem and the method of inner-outer expansions for low Knudsen numbers gas kinetic theory is established. With the aid of this analogy we clarify the physical and mathematical meaning of the obtained results.
Molecular dynamics study of Si(100)-oxidation: SiO and Si emissions from Si/SiO2 interfaces and their incorporation into SiO2
Authors: Takahashi Norihiko , Yamasaki Takahiro , Kaneta Chioko
Published: June 2014

Dynamics of Si(100)-oxidation processes at the Si/SiO2 interface and in the SiO2 region are investigated focusing on SiO and Si emissions from the interface and the following incorporation into the SiO2 and/or substrate. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with variable charge interatomic potentials are performed to clarify these atomic processes. By incorporating oxygen atoms, two-folded Si atoms are formed after structural relaxation at the interface and are emitted as SiO molecules into SiO2. The energy barrier of the SiO emission is estimated to be 1.20 eV on the basis of the enthalpy change in an MD simulation. The emitted SiO molecule is incorporated into the SiO2 network through a Si-O rebonding process with generating an oxygen vacancy. The energy barrier of the SiO incorporation is estimated to be 0.79–0.81 eV. The elementary process of oxygen vacancy diffusion leading to the complete SiO incorporation is also simulated, and the energy barriers are found to be relatively small, 0.71–0.79 eV. The energy changes of Si emissions into the substrate and SiO2 are estimated to be 2.97–7.81 eV, which are larger than the energy barrier of the SiO emission. This result suggests that, at the ideally flat Si/SiO2 interface, the SiO emission into the SiO2 region occurs prior to the Si emission, which is consistent with previous theoretical and experimental studies. The above mentioned typical atomic processes are successfully extracted from some (or one) of MD simulations among many trials in which a statistical procedure is partly employed. Our results give a unified understanding of Si oxidation processes from an atomistic point of view.
The electric dipole moment of magnesium deuteride, MgD
Authors: Steimle Timothy C. , Zhang Ruohan , Wang Hailing
Published: June 2014

The (0,0) A2Π–X 2Σ+ band of a cold molecular beam sample of magnesium monodeuteride, MgD, has been recorded field-free and in the presence of a static electric field of up to 11 kV/cm. The lines associated with the lowest rotational levels are detected for the first time. The field-free spectrum was analyzed to produce an improved set of fine structure parameters for the A2Π (v = 0) state. The observed electric field induced splittings and shifts were analyzed to produce permanent electric dipole moments, $\vec \mu _{el}$μ⃗el of 2.567(10)D and 1.31(8)D for A2Π (v = 0) and X2Σ+(v = 0) states, respectively. The recommended value for $\vec \mu _{el}$μ⃗el(X2Σ+ (v = 0)) for MgH, based upon the measured value for MgD, is 1.32(8)D.
Search for a liquid-liquid critical point in models of silica
Authors: Lascaris Erik , Hemmati Mahin , Buldyrev Sergey V. , Stanley H. Eugene , Angell C. Austen
Published: June 2014

Previous research has indicated the possible existence of a liquid-liquid critical point (LLCP) in models of silica at high pressure. To clarify this interesting question we run extended molecular dynamics simulations of two different silica models (WAC and BKS) and perform a detailed analysis of the liquid at temperatures much lower than those previously simulated. We find no LLCP in either model within the accessible temperature range, although it is closely approached in the case of the WAC potential near 4000 K and 5 GPa. Comparing our results with those obtained for other tetrahedral liquids, and relating the average Si–O–Si bond angle and liquid density at the model glass temperature to those of the ice-like β-cristobalite structure, we conclude that the absence of a critical point can be attributed to insufficient “stiffness” in the bond angle. We hypothesize that a modification of the potential to mildly favor larger average bond angles will generate a LLCP in a temperature range that is accessible to simulation. The tendency to crystallize in these models is extremely weak in the pressure range studied, although this tendency will undoubtedly increase with increasing stiffness.