bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strandings of Beaked Whales (Ziphiidae) in Galicia (NW Spain) between 1990 and 2013
Authors: Covelo Pablo , Martínez-Cedeira Jose A. , Llavona Ángela , Díaz Juan I. , López Alfredo
Published: April 2015

In the coast of Galicia an average of 200 stranded cetaceans are reported annually. From 1990 to 2013, 21 individuals of four species of the family Ziphiidae were found: 15 Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), two Sowerby's beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens), one True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus) and one Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris), as well as two unidentified ones. These were the first records in Galicia for True's beaked whale and Blainville's beaked whale. The study of the distribution of oceanic species considering only stranded animals has limitations, but is a good approach to this not well-known cetacean family. Due to the small number of individuals of the different species, statistical analyses for geographic or seasonal patterns were only carried out for the Cuvier's beaked whales. Between the periods of 1990–2002 and 2003–2013 significant differences were found for geographic and seasonal occurrence patterns. Over the last decade strandings were located only in the north area of the region, mainly during the spring season, while in the previous decade they were located along the three considered areas and only in autumn and winter.
Harvesting of salep orchids in north-western Greece continues to threaten natural populations
Authors: Kreziou Anna , de Boer Hugo , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: April 2015

In several eastern Mediterranean countries orchids are collected from the wild for the production of salep, a beverage made of dried orchid tubers. The drivers of this collection and trade have changed over time. We investigated which genera and species are harvested for salep production, whether any cultivation takes place, the chain of commercialization, and the economic value of tuber collection. Fieldwork and interviews in north-western Greece included 25 collectors and street vendors, the owners of two companies, and one herbal shop. The results show that several orchid species are traded for the production of salep, and none are cultivated. Tubers collected in Greece, Albania and Turkey are sold in northern Greece for EUR 55–150 per kg on average. Recent catalysts such as the increasing demand for traditional, organic and alternative foodstuffs, and the 2009 economic downturn, have led to a revival of salep consumption, with an increasing number of salep harvesters from Greece and Albania scouring the mountains for harvestable tubers, using unsustainable harvesting practices.
Conceptualisations of Welfare Deservingness by Polish Migrants in the UK
Authors: OSIPOVIČ DOROTA
Published: April 2015

The issue of reconciling ethnic diversity with the welfare state is a subject of long-standing theoretical debate. In particular, it remains unclear to what extent a shared national identity is necessary for endorsing claims to welfare at the individual and societal levels. Surveys show that migrants are seen as the least deserving category of welfare recipients. Yet migrants’ own views are rarely considered. Based on a qualitative study, this paper explores how Polish migrants residing in London conceptualised their deservingness to British welfare benefits and social housing. It finds a strong preference for conditionality of welfare predicated on contributions through work, payment of taxes and law abidance. Such conditionality applied to both in-group and out-group members thus transcending identity-based claims. These contributions were seen as both necessary and sufficient for laying claims to the British welfare system. Solely needs-based claims were seen as problematic.
Self-shaping of a relativistic elliptically Gaussian laser beam in underdense plasmas
Authors: Huang T. W. , Zhou C. T. , He X. T.
Published: April 2015

Self-shaping and propagation of intense laser beams of different radial profiles in plasmas is investigated. It is shown that when a relativistic elliptically Gaussian beam propagates through an underdense plasma, its radial profile will self-organize into a circularly symmetric self-similar smooth configuration. Such self-similar propagation can be attributed to a soliton-like structure of the laser pulse. The anisotropic electron distribution results in a circular electric field that redistributes the electrons and modulates the laser pulse to a circular radial shape.
The Social Physics of Festuge: Odin Teatret at Home
Authors: Watson Ian
Published: April 2015

The Holstebro Festuge (festival week), which marked its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2014, is a huge undertaking organized by Odin Teatret every three years that involves the participation of many local people and a significant number of town and regional organizations as well as numerous international artists in a cultural extravaganza of performances, screenings, art exhibits, and barters that takes place over nine days in the city and surrounding region. In this article, Ian Watson examines the implications of the Festuge for Odin’s connection to and relationship with the city it has called home for a little under fifty years. As Watson points out, the tacitly accepted narrative, embedded in much of Eugenio Barba’s considerable body of writings, Odin’s performances and workshops as well as much of the material written about Barba and/or his company by scholars, is that the pursuit of an aesthetic is Barba’s primary if not sole preoccupation. Watson challenges this limited reading as he draws upon the sociologist Marcel Mauss’s study of ‘gifting’ in particular traditional societies, and the political scientist Robert Putnam’s parsing of social capital in Bowling Alone to examine the Festuge. Ian Watson is Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Department of Arts, Culture and Media at Rutgers University-Newark. Among other publications, he is author of Towards a Third Theatre and Negotiating Culture: Eugenio Barba and the Intercultural Debate.
Factors affecting the ecology of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovenia
Authors: KNAP N. , AVŠIČ-ŽUPANC T.
Published: April 2015

Recognition of factors that influence the formation of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) foci is important for assessing the risk of humans acquiring the viral infection and for establishing what can be done (within reasonable boundaries) to minimize that risk. In Slovenia, the dynamics of the TBE vector, i.e.Ixodes ricinus,was studied over a 4-year period and the prevalence of infection in ticks was established. Two groups of tick hosts were investigated: deer and small mammals. Red deer have been confirmed as having a direct influence on the incidence of TBE and rodents have been recognized as important sentinels for TBE infections, although their role in the enzootic cycle of the virus still remains to be elucidated. Last, forest and agricultural areas, which are influenced by human activity, are suitable habitats for ticks, and important for TBEV transmission and establishment. Human behaviour is also therefore an important factor and should always be considered in studies of TBE ecology.
Impacts of a farmers’ market incentive programme on fruit and vegetable access, purchase and consumption
Authors: Olsho Lauren EW , Payne Gayle Holmes , Walker Deborah Klein , Baronberg Sabrina , Jernigan Jan , Abrami Alyson
Published: April 2015

Objective

The present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers’ market incentive programme, on awareness of and access to farmers’ markets, and fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption in low-income New York City neighbourhoods.

Design

The evaluation used two primary data collection methods: (i) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers’ market shoppers; and (ii) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighbourhoods where the programme operates. Additionally, we conducted a quasi-experimental analysis examining differential time trends in consumption before and after programme introduction using secondary Community Health Survey (CHS) data.

Setting

New York City farmers’ markets and communities.

Subjects

Farmers’ market shoppers (n 2287) completing point-of-purchase surveys in a representative sample of New York City farmers’ markets in 2010; residents (n 1025) completing random-digit-dial telephone survey interviews in 2010; and respondents (n 35 606) completing CHS interviews in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2009.

Results

Greater Health Bucks exposure was associated with: (i) greater awareness of farmers’ markets; (ii) increased frequency and amount of farmers’ market purchases; and (iii) greater likelihood of a self-reported year-over-year increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. However, our CHS analysis did not detect impacts on consumption.

Conclusions

While our study provides promising evidence that use of farmers’ market incentives is associated with increased awareness and use of farmers’ markets, additional research is needed to better understand impacts on fruit and vegetable consumption.
Distance to slaughter, markets and feed sources used by small-scale food animal operations in the United States
Authors: Beam A.L. , Thilmany D.D. , Pritchard R.W. , Garber L.P. , Van Metre D.C. , Olea-Popelka F.J.
Published: April 2015

Distances to common production and marketing supply chain destinations may vary, and this has economic and animal health implications for small-scale food animal operations. Proximity to these destinations can affect the economic viability and marketing decisions of small-scale operations and may represent significant barriers to sustainability. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey conducted by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System in 2011 using a stratified systematic sample of 16,000 small-scale (gross annual farm sales between US$10,000 and 499,999) operations from all 50 states. A total of 7925 food-animal operations were asked about the farthest one-way distance (in miles) to slaughter facilities, destinations where they sold animals or products, and feed sources. Across all small-scale operations, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance animals or products were transported for sale was 241 km (150 miles) or less. For distance to slaughter facilities, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance was 145 km (90 miles) or less. For feed shipped by a supplier, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance was 322 km (200 miles) or less. The 95th percentile for distance increased as farm sales increased, indicating larger operations were more likely to travel long distances. The results of this study are an important benchmark for understanding the economic and animal health implications of long transportation distances for operations that are small and/or focused on direct marketing.
A forum on minds and institutions
Authors: FELIN TEPPO
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this special topic forum is to call for research on the topic of minds and institutions. I briefly discuss three specific research opportunities: (1) bounded rationalityversusmind, (2) many minds and the interfaces of institutions, (3) the affordances of institutions and arbitrage. I then briefly introduce the two special topic forum papers and highlight how they link to the topic of minds and institutions.
Simultaneous beam steering of multiple signals based on optical wavelength-selective switch
Authors: Serafino Giovanni , Malacarne Antonio , Porzi Claudio , Ghelfi Paolo , Presi Marco , D'Errico Antonio , Puleri Marzio , Bogoni Antonella
Published: April 2015

A novel, photonics-based scheme for the independent and simultaneous beam steering of multiple radio frequency signals at a wideband phased-array antenna is presented. As a proof of concept, a wavelength-selective switch (WSS) is employed both as a wavelength router to feed multiple antenna elements and as a tunable phase shifter to independently control the phase of each signal at any antenna element. In the experiment, two signals at 12.5 and 37.5 GHz are simultaneously fed to the four output ports of the WSS with independent and tunable phase shifts, emulating the independent steering of two signals in a four-element phased-array antenna. The results confirm the precision and flexibility of the proposed scheme, which can be realized both with bulk components or resorting to photonic integrated circuits, especially for wide-band applications. The architecture for a possible integrated implementation of the proposed solution is presented, employing a structure based on micro-ring resonator. Starting from these results, the feasibility of an integrated version of the presented architecture is also considered. The proposed photonic integrated circuit realizing the beam-forming network might be based on tunable true-time delay, as well as on phase shift through micro-ring resonators, and could be conveniently implemented with CMOS-compatible silicon technology.
Quality of Life and Stressors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Depending on Treatment
Authors: Martínez-Sanchis Sonia , Bernal M. Consuelo , Montagud José V. , Abad Anna , Crespo Josep , Pallardó Luis M.
Published: April 2015

This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a Spanish sample of chronic kidney disease patients (n= 90) undergoing different renal replacement therapies, considering the influence of treatment stressors, mood, anxiety and quality of sleep. While all patients had worse physical functioning than controls (p< .01), only those undergoing haemodialysis (HD) showed worse physical well-being, occupational functioning, spiritual fulfillment and more health interference with work (p< .05). They also obtained higher depression scores than renal transplant patients (TX) (p= .005). Those TX receiving the immunosuppressor sirolimus exhibited more cardiac/renal, cognitive and physical limitations than the rest (p< .05). Dialysis vintage correlated positively with sleep disturbances and depression scores and negatively with total Quality of Life (QLI) (p< .05). HD patients experienced more psychological distress than peritoneal dialysis patients (PD) (p= .036). Regression models including sleep, anxiety and depression were estimated for subscales of HRQOL. In TX patients, low depressive scores related to an optimal QLI in almost all subscales, while in HD patients they explained part of the variability in psychological well-being, interpersonal functioning and personal fulfillment. HD condition results in a QLI more distant to the standards of controls.
In-operando high-speed tomography of lithium-ion batteries during thermal runaway
Authors: Finegan Donal P. , Scheel Mario , Robinson James B. , Tjaden Bernhard , Hunt Ian , Mason Thomas J. , Millichamp Jason , Di Michiel Marco , Offer Gregory J. , Hinds Gareth , Brett Dan J.L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: April 2015

Prevention and mitigation of thermal runaway presents one of the greatest challenges for the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the application of high-speed synchrotron X-ray computed tomography and radiography, in conjunction with thermal imaging, to track the evolution of internal structural damage and thermal behaviour during initiation and propagation of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This diagnostic approach is applied to commercial lithium-ion batteries (LG 18650 NMC cells), yielding insights into key degradation modes including gas-induced delamination, electrode layer collapse and propagation of structural degradation. It is envisaged that the use of these techniques will lead to major improvements in the design of Li-ion batteries and their safety features.
A REDD1/TXNIP pro-oxidant complex regulates ATG4B activity to control stress-induced autophagy and sustain exercise capacity
Authors: Qiao Shuxi , Dennis Michael , Song Xiufeng , Vadysirisack Douangsone D. , Salunke Devika , Nash Zachary , Yang Zhifen , Liesa Marc , Yoshioka Jun , Matsuzawa Shu-Ichi , Shirihai Orian S. , Lee Richard T. , Reed John C. , Ellisen Leif W.
Published: April 2015

Macroautophagy (autophagy) is a critical cellular stress response; however, the signal transduction pathways controlling autophagy induction in response to stress are poorly understood. Here we reveal a new mechanism of autophagy control whose deregulation disrupts mitochondrial integrity and energy homeostasis in vivo. Stress conditions including hypoxia and exercise induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) through upregulation of a protein complex involving REDD1, an mTORC1 inhibitor and the pro-oxidant protein TXNIP. Decreased ROS in cells and tissues lacking either REDD1 or TXNIP increases catalytic activity of the redox-sensitive ATG4B cysteine endopeptidase, leading to enhanced LC3B delipidation and failed autophagy. Conversely, REDD1/TXNIP complex expression is sufficient to induce ROS, suppress ATG4B activity and activate autophagy. In Redd1−/− mice, deregulated ATG4B activity and disabled autophagic flux cause accumulation of defective mitochondria, leading to impaired oxidative phosphorylation, muscle ATP depletion and poor exercise capacity. Thus, ROS regulation through REDD1/TXNIP is physiological rheostat controlling stress-induced autophagy.
MicroRNA-33b Inhibits Breast Cancer Metastasis by Targeting HMGA2, SALL4 and Twist1
Authors: Lin Yancheng , Liu Allan Yi , Fan Chuannan , Zheng Hong , Li Yuan , Zhang Chuankai , Wu Shasha , Yu Donghong , Huang Zhengjie , Liu Fan , Luo Qi , Yang Chaoyong James , Ouyang Gaoliang
Published: April 2015

MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally either by inhibiting protein translation or by causing the degradation of target mRNAs. Current evidence indicates that miR-33b is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, cholesterol homeostasis, glucose metabolism and several human diseases; however, whether miR-33b contributes to the pathogenesis of human cancers and participates in the regulation of self-renewal of human cancer stem cells remains unknown. Here, we report the identification of miR-33b as a negative regulator of cell stemness and metastasis in breast cancer. Compared with paired normal breast tissues, miR-33b expression is downregulated in breast tumor samples and is inversely correlated with lymph node metastatic status. Ectopic overexpression of miR-33b in highly metastatic breast cancer cells suppresses cell self-renewal, migration and invasion in vitro and inhibits lung metastasis in vivo. Conversely, miR-33b knockdown promotes the self-renewal, migration and invasion capabilities of noncancerous mammary epithelial cells. The mechanism through which miR-33b inhibits the stemness, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells is by targeting HMGA2, SALL4 and Twist1. These data indicate that miR-33b acts as an onco-suppressive microRNA in breast cancer progression by inhibiting the stemness and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
Genome-wide methylation study on depression: differential methylation and variable methylation in monozygotic twins
Authors: Córdova-Palomera A , Fatjó-Vilas M , Gastó C , Navarro V , Krebs M-O , Fañanás L
Published: April 2015

Depressive disorders have been shown to be highly influenced by environmental pathogenic factors, some of which are believed to exert stress on human brain functioning via epigenetic modifications. Previous genome-wide methylomic studies on depression have suggested that, along with differential DNA methylation, affected co-twins of monozygotic (MZ) pairs have increased DNA methylation variability, probably in line with theories of epigenetic stochasticity. Nevertheless, the potential biological roots of this variability remain largely unexplored. The current study aimed to evaluate whether DNA methylation differences within MZ twin pairs were related to differences in their psychopathological status. Data from the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Beadchip was used to evaluate peripheral blood DNA methylation of 34 twins (17 MZ pairs). Two analytical strategies were used to identify (a) differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and (b) variably methylated probes (VMPs). Most DMPs were located in genes previously related to neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Remarkably, one of these DMPs (cg01122889) was located in the WDR26 gene, the DNA sequence of which has been implicated in major depressive disorder from genome-wide association studies. Expression of WDR26 has also been proposed as a biomarker of depression in human blood. Complementarily, VMPs were located in genes such as CACNA1C, IGF2 and the p38 MAP kinase MAPK11, showing enrichment for biological processes such as glucocorticoid signaling. These results expand on previous research to indicate that both differential methylation and differential variability have a role in the etiology and clinical manifestation of depression, and provide clues on specific genomic loci of potential interest in the epigenetics of depression.
Neuropsychological and functional outcomes in recent-onset major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lee R S C , Hermens D F , Naismith S L , Lagopoulos J , Jones A , Scott J , Chitty K M , White D , Robillard R , Scott E M , Hickie I B
Published: April 2015

Functional disability is the lead contributor to burden of mental illness. Cognitive deficits frequently limit functional recovery, although whether changes in cognition and disability are longitudinally associated in recent-onset individuals remains unclear. Using a prospective, cohort design, 311 patients were recruited and assessed at baseline. One hundred and sixty-seven patients met eligibility criteria (M=21.5 years old, s.d.=4.8) and returned for follow-up (M=20.6 months later, s.d.=7.8). Two-hundred and thirty participants were included in the final analysis, comprising clinically stable patients with major depression (n=71), bipolar disorder (BD; n=61), schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n=35) and 63 healthy controls. Neuropsychological functioning and self-rated functional disability were examined using mixed-design, repeated-measures analysis, across diagnoses and cognitive clusters, covarying for relevant confounds. Clinical, neuropsychological and functional changes did not differ between diagnoses (all P>0.05). Three reliable neuropsychological subgroups emerged through cluster analysis, characterized by psychomotor slowing, improved sustained attention, and improved verbal memory. Controlling for diagnosis and changes in residual symptoms, clusters with improved neuropsychological functioning observed greater reductions in functional disability than the psychomotor slowing cluster, which instead demonstrated a worsening in disability (P<0.01). Improved sustained attention was independently associated with greater likelihood of follow-up employment (P<0.01). Diagnosis of BD uniquely predicted both follow-up employment and independent living. Neuropsychological course appears to be independently predictive of subjective and objective functional outcomes. Importantly, cognitive phenotypes may reflect distinct pathophysiologies shared across major psychiatric conditions, and be ideal targets for personalized early intervention.
The Genetics of Schizophrenia
Authors: Samson James N. , Wong Albert H. C.
Published: April 2015

The heritability of schizophrenia has been estimated to be approximately 80%, but years of linkage and association studies have turned up few robust or overlapping results. However, improvements in genetic methods and increased sample sizes may yet account for the apparent “missing heritability”. The longstanding polygenetic hypothesis states that many common variants of low effect size contribute to the disorder. As sample sizes increase, these variants become detectable amidst the sea of noise. Rare, higher risk variants are also becoming detectable with improvements in genetic testing. With rare, high risk, but incompletely penetrant structural variations, and common, low risk variants highly subject to epistasis and environment, the true intricacy of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia is becoming clear. The manner in which genes conspire with the environment to generate psychiatric symptoms is complex and pleiotropic. Truly understanding the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia may require rethinking the concept of schizophrenia as a unified syndrome. Instead, the genetic origin of variation in endophenotypes, or in particular symptom domains, may be more easily discovered. Genetic testing may never be useful as a diagnostic tool for schizophrenia, but genetics is important for directing our efforts into understanding the biology of this complex disorder.
The Impact of Epigenetics in Schizophrenia Research
Authors: Gebicke-Haerter Peter J.
Published: April 2015

“It is all in the genes” was the general belief of many researchers in molecular biology for a long time. It spurred the imagination to find the keys for any disease in the sequence of the DNA and set in motion huge efforts to develop more and more advanced technologies for sequencing whole genomes within increasingly shorter timescales. The general consensus that mental disorders are multigenic in origin resulted in the abandonment of the sequencing of single candidate genes and directed the attention to studies of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of single or multiple mutations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) and to genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA). These approaches are discussed here in comparison with investigations aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms encoding the epigenome. It has already become very clear that the latter mechanisms are faster and more flexible than alterations inserted in the genome, but—almost expectedly—orders of magnitude more complex. Alongside the DNA methylome, we have to consider the incredibly high variability concealed in the histone code, the mutual interactions of both in response to environmental influences and their potential to be heritable. These features open up plenty of room for “writing”, “erasing” and storage of new information from the environment without changing the DNA sequence. Schizophrenia is believed to be a developmental disorder and, hence, is moulded in its progression by ample environmental impact. Consequently, this and other psychiatric disorders appear to bear a strong epigenetic component on top of less significant genetic predisposition.
Drugs that Target the Glutamate Synapse: Implications for the Glutamate Hypothesis of Schizophrenia
Authors: Mielnik Catharine A. , Ramsey Amy J.
Published: April 2015

This chapter describes a brief history and the recent evolution of the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia: from its divergence with the dopamine hypothesis to its implication in the widespread cortical and subcortical dysfunction found in schizophrenia. It also describes some of the working hypotheses about the integration of glutamate, along with other neurotransmitter systems, in the more generalized etiology of the disease, ultimately better clarifying the pathophysiology and conceivable therapeutic pharmacology of schizophrenia. Pertinent animal models of the disease state are highlighted to showcase some of the tools used in the development and verification of new pharmacological treatments that target the glutamate synapse, either through a direct or indirect improvement of glutamatergic signalling. The chapter concludes with a discussion of new potential therapeutic targets and strategies to improve neuronal function at the glutamate synapse.
GSK3 Networks in Schizophrenia
Authors: Khlghatyan Jivan , Fakhfouri Gohar , Beaulieu Jean-Martin
Published: April 2015

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase, was first identified in the late 1970s as a key enzyme in glucose metabolism. Its association with a multitude of neuronal events and signaling processes has emerged ever since and ample evidence now converges on a prominent role of this conserved kinase in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. First evidence came from the observations that many schizophrenia risk genes directly interact with or are the members of cascades signaling through GSK-3. The fact that both antipsychotics and psychosis-inducing agents influence GSK-3 activity either directly or indirectly position this regulatory enzyme at the crossroads of the pathways that lead to behavioral outcomes and cognitive functions. In this chapter, we describe the major signal transduction cascades regulating GSK-3 activity and the findings of human and animal studies on alteration or deregulation of the GSK-3 signaling partners and networks in schizophrenia. We elaborate on how GSK-3 interaction with its established and putative partners might culminate in behavioral phenotypes. We further speculate how these findings could be exploited to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia that target GSK-3 or its interacting molecules.
Direct-synthesis method towards copper-containing periodic mesoporous organosilicas: detailed investigation of the copper distribution in the material
Authors: Lin Feng , Meng Xiangyan , Kukueva Elena , Altantzis Thomas , Mertens Myrjam , Bals Sara , Cool Pegie , Van Doorslaer Sabine
Published: April 2015

A direct synthesis method to incorporate Cu in ethane-bridged PMOs is presented. EPR and TEM reveal the immobilization and distribution of Cu in the material.
Biomass conversion to H2 with substantially suppressed CO2 formation in the presence of Group I & Group II hydroxides and a Ni/ZrO2 catalyst
Authors: Stonor Maxim R. , Ferguson Thomas E. , Chen Jingguang G. , Park Ah-Hyung A.
Published: April 2015

Combination of hydroxides and metal catalysts enables the conversion of cellulose to high purity H2 and solid carbonates.
Effects of phenylhydrazine-4-sulfonic acid on the reduction of GO and preparation of hydrophilic graphene with broad pH stability and antioxidant activity
Authors: Wang Liqiu , Wang Pengjun , Liu Yang , Zheng Lihui , Sun Qi , Qiu Shaobo , Liu Changjiang
Published: April 2015

Sulfonated graphene had high solubility, broad pH stability and good antioxidative effect.
Luminescent platinum(ii) complexes with self-assembly and anti-cancer properties: hydrogel, pH dependent emission color and sustained-release properties under physiological conditions
Authors: Tsai Johnson Lui-Lui , Zou Taotao , Liu Jia , Chen Tianfeng , Chan Anna On-Yee , Yang Chen , Lok Chun-Nam , Che Chi-Ming
Published: April 2015

Luminescent platinum(ii) complexes show anti-cancer and pH-dependent self-assembly and sustained-release properties under physiological conditions.
Enantioselective installation of adjacent tertiary benzylic stereocentres using lithiation–borylation–protodeboronation methodology. Application to the synthesis of bifluranol and fluorohexestrol
Authors: Roesner Stefan , Blair Daniel J. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: April 2015

Highly hindered benzylic carbamates have been reacted with hindered boronic esters to give tertiary boronic esters with very high diastereo- and enantiocontrol and the methodology has been applied to otherwise difficult-to-access molecules.
Al(OH)3 facilitated synthesis of water-soluble, magnetic, radiolabelled and fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Authors: Cui X. , Green M. A. , Blower P. J. , Zhou D. , Yan Y. , Zhang W. , Djanashvili K. , Mathe D. , Veres D. S. , Szigeti K.
Published: April 2015

Radiolabelling, magnetic and fluorescent properties are incorporated in one single Fe3O4@HA nanoparticle with potential application as trimodal probes.
Cobalt(ii)/silver relay catalytic isocyanide insertion/cycloaddition cascades: a new access to pyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles
Authors: Gao Qian , Zhou Peng , Liu Feng , Hao Wen-Juan , Yao Changsheng , Jiang Bo , Tu Shu-Jiang
Published: April 2015

The combination of Co(acac)2 and AgOTf enables the bimetallic relay catalysis reaction of 2-ethynylanilines and isocyanides, allowing an easy and low-cost access to new densely functionalized pyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles.
Design of Lewis-acid centres in zeolitic matrices for the conversion of renewables
Authors: Dapsens Pierre Y. , Mondelli Cecilia , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: April 2015

We review preparative approaches to introduce Lewis-acid centres in zeolites, underlining the structure–performance relationship and highlighting directions to design improved materials of practical relevance.
Double-step CO2 sorption and guest-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation in a flexible porous framework
Authors: Wu Wei-Ping , Li Zhi-Sen , Liu Bo , Liu Ping , Xi Zheng-Ping , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: April 2015

A new 2D highly flexible and breathing porous coordination polymer has been synthesized, which exhibits selective and double-step hysteretic adsorption for CO2, and shows a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation induced by CH2Cl2 at room temperature.
Recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization of ferrocene derivatives
Authors: López Luis A. , López Enol
Published: April 2015

In this Perspective, recent advances in the emerging field of transition metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization of ferrocene derivatives are summarized.
Exosome isolation: a microfluidic road-map
Authors: Liga A. , Vliegenthart A. D. B. , Oosthuyzen W. , Dear J. W. , Kersaudy-Kerhoas M.
Published: April 2015

This review enables biologists and clinicians to assess the performance of microfluidics, and microfluidic engineers to discover these promising biomarkers.
Identifying the causative proteins of similar side effect pairs to explore the common molecular basis of these side effects
Authors: Wang Yunfeng , Chen Xiujie , Liu Lei , Chen Yuelong , Ma Hongzhe , Yang Ruizhi , Liu Xiangqiong
Published: April 2015

Drug side effects, or adverse drug reactions (ADRs), have become a major public health concern and often cause drug development failure and withdrawal.
Synthesis and testing of ZnO nanoparticles for photo-initiation: experimental observation of two different non-migration initiators for bulk polymerization
Authors: Schmitt M.
Published: April 2015

A new type of nanomaterial able to initiate photo-polymerization without migration or even fragmentation (“Norrish type II”) is presented. Solidification is monitored by recently introduced Raman UV-vis spectroscopy.
Surface- and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals spin-waves in iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Rodriguez Raul D. , Sheremet Evgeniya , Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Chaneac Corinne , Hietschold Michael , Deckert Volker , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: April 2015

Generating spin-waves by coupling photons with plasmon active tips and iron oxide nanoparticles.
Design and assembly of supramolecular dual-modality nanoprobes
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Pengcheng , Ray Banerjee Sangeeta , Xu Jiadi , Pomper Martin G. , Cui Honggang
Published: April 2015

We report the design and synthesis of self-assembling dual-modality molecular probes containing both a fluorophore for optical imaging and a metal ion chelator for imaging with MRI or radionuclide methods.
Investigation of cyano-bridged coordination nanoparticles Gd3+/[Fe(CN)6]3−/d-mannitol as T1-weighted MRI contrast agents
Authors: Perrier M. , Gallud A. , Ayadi A. , Kennouche S. , Porredon C. , Gary-Bobo M. , Larionova J. , Goze-Bac Ch. , Zanca M. , Garcia M. , Basile I. , Long J. , de Lapuente J. , Borras M. , Guari Y.
Published: April 2015

Ultra small Gd3+/[Fe(CN)6]3− nanoparticles are investigated in vivo as contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Stereoselective synthesis of 2-acetamido-1,2-dideoxynojirimycin (DNJNAc) and ureido-DNJNAc derivatives as new hexosaminidase inhibitors
Authors: de la Fuente Alex , Mena-Barragán Teresa , Farrar-Tobar Ronald A. , Verdaguer Xavier , García Fernández José M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Riera Antoni
Published: April 2015

A novel approach to the synthesis of 2-acetamido-1,2-dideoxynojirimycin (DNJNAc) and ureido-DNJNAc derivatives as potent hexosaminidase inhibitors is reported.
Thermodynamics of various F420 coenzyme models as sources of electrons, hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and protons in acetonitrile
Authors: Xia Ke , Shen Guang-Bin , Zhu Xiao-Qing
Published: April 2015

32 F420 coenzyme model were designed and synthesized; their thermodynamic driving forces to release electrons, hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and protons in acetonitrile were determined. The difference between F420 coenzyme and NADH coenzyme as sources of electrons, hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and protons was examined.
Efficient synthesis and stabilization of poly(propylene carbonate) from delicately designed bifunctional aluminum porphyrin complexes
Authors: Sheng Xingfeng , Wu Wei , Qin Yusheng , Wang Xianhong , Wang Fosong
Published: April 2015

Bifunctional aluminum porphyrin complexes were prepared, which showed good catalytic performance for copolymerization of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide, and the resulting poly(propylene carbonate) could be stabilized by treatment of aqueous HCl solution.
Pd-catalyzed Heck cyclization and in situ hydrocarboxylation or hydromethenylation via a hydrogen borrowing strategy
Authors: Liu Xianglei , Gu Zhenhua
Published: April 2015

A palladium-catalyzed Heck cyclization and in situ hydrocarboxylation reaction was developed using chloroform as a one-carbon elongation reagent.
Synthesis of polyurea–polyether nanoparticles via spontaneous nanoprecipitation
Authors: Locatelli Pietro , Woutters Steve , Lindsay Chris , Schroeder Sven L. M. , Hobdell John H. , Saiani Alberto
Published: April 2015

Synthesis of polyurea–polyether core–shell nano-particles via spontaneous precipitation.
High light absorption properties and optical structures in butterfly Heliophorus ila Lvcaenidae wing scales
Authors: Wu Liyan , Ren Wentao , Song Yuqiu , Xin Mingjin , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu
Published: April 2015

High light absorption property based on the resonant nanostructures of butterfly Heliophorus ila Lvcaenidae wing scales.
Copper nanoparticle/carbon quantum dots hybrid as green photocatalyst for high-efficiency oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Qiao Shi , Fan Baohu , Yang Yanmei , Liu Naiyun , Huang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: April 2015

Cu/CQDs hybrids as photocatalysts exhibit efficient photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of cyclohexane under visible light and mild conditions.
Graphene and Co-polymer composite based molecularly imprinted sensor for ultratrace determination of melatonin in human biological fluids
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Goyal Rajendra N.
Published: April 2015

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor based on a composite of graphene (GR) and a co-polymer of 4-amino-3-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (AHNSA) and melamine (MM) has been fabricated for detecting melatonin.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposite capacitors with a significantly enhanced dielectric constant and energy density by filling with surface-fluorinated Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 nanofibers
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Xiao Shi , Xiu Shaomei , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , An Zhenlian
Published: April 2015

Schematic diagrams of the fabrication of F-BST NF/PVDF nanocomposites.
HOTf-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination reactions of alkenes and alkynes with anilines
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhiqiang , Kong Manman
Published: April 2015

Intermolecular hydroamination of alkenes and alkynes with anilines catalyzed by HOTf under mild conditions has been developed.
Synthesis of a unique cross-linked polyzwitterion/anion with an aspartic acid residue and its use for Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Jamiu Zakariyah A. , Saleh Tawfik A. , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: April 2015

Aspartic acid-based novel adsorbent containing basic nitrogen as well as two carboxyl motifs as effective metal-chelation centers.
Design of a meso-structured Pd/NiO catalyst for highly efficient low temperature CO oxidation under ambient conditions
Authors: Li Gengnan , Li Liang , Jiang Dong , Shi Jianlin
Published: April 2015

A meso-structured Pd/NiO catalyst, fabricated through a controlled pyrolysis and in situ reduction protocol, showed much higher catalytic activity and stability for CO oxidation under ambient conditions.
Double functionalization of 2-amino-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-biaryls: synthesis of 4-nitro-dibenzofurans and benzofuro-indoles
Authors: Kumar Amit , Sattar Moh. , Verma Ajay , Dara Ankit , Kumar Sangit
Published: April 2015

A TM-free double functionalization of 2-amino-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-biaryls (see Scheme above) has been presented for the synthesis of 4-nitro-dibenzofurans.
Oxygen deficient α-Fe2O3 photoelectrodes: a balance between enhanced electrical properties and trap-mediated losses
Authors: Forster Mark , Potter Richard J. , Ling Yichuan , Yang Yi , Klug David R. , Li Yat , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: April 2015

Intrinsic doping of hematite through the inclusion of oxygen vacancies (VO) is being increasingly explored as a simple, low temperature route to preparing active water splitting α-Fe2O3−x photoelectrodes.
Investigating pyridazine and phthalazine exchange in a series of iridium complexes in order to define their role in the catalytic transfer of magnetisation from para-hydrogen
Authors: Appleby Kate M. , Mewis Ryan E. , Olaru Alexandra M. , Green Gary G. R. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: April 2015

Reaction of [Ir(IMes)(COD)Cl] with pyridazine (pdz) or phthalazine (phth) and H2 results in the formation of the para-hydrogen magnetisation transfer catalysts [Ir(H)2(IMes)(pdz)3]Cl and [Ir(H)2(IMes)(phth)3]Cl.
Multiplexed detection of serological cancer markers with plasmon-enhanced Raman spectro-immunoassay
Authors: Li Ming , Kang Jeon Woong , Sukumar Saraswati , Dasari Ramachandra Rao , Barman Ishan
Published: April 2015

A plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopic assay has been developed for multiplexed detection of breast cancer markers—with high sensitivity and exquisite specificity, offering the potential of evaluating the breast cancer burden accurately.
Mechanical response of adherent giant liposomes to indentation with a conical AFM-tip
Authors: Schäfer Edith , Vache Marian , Kliesch Torben-Tobias , Janshoff Andreas
Published: April 2015

Mechanical properties of giant liposomes with actin cortices are determined with atomic force microscopy.
Nanostructure formation mechanism and ion diffusion in iron–titanium composite materials with chemical looping redox reactions
Authors: Qin Lang , Cheng Zhuo , Fan Jonathan A. , Kopechek David , Xu Dikai , Deshpande Niranjani , Fan Liang-Shih
Published: April 2015

Fe–Ti microparticles and their oxidation and redox processes in chemical looping.
Sodium borohydride hydrazinates: synthesis, crystal structures, and thermal decomposition behavior
Authors: Mao Jianfeng , Gu Qinfen , Guo Zaiping , Liu Hua Kun
Published: April 2015

Sodium borohydride hydrazinates were synthesized via a facile solid–liquid reaction between NaBH4 and hydrazine in THF solution.
Decoration of Co/Co3O4 nanoparticles with Ru nanoclusters: a new strategy for design of highly active hydrogenation
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Yang Zhiqing , Zheng Jinbao , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Nuowei , Li Yunhua , Zhong Chuan-Jian , Ye Hengqiang , Chen Bing H.
Published: April 2015

Ru/Co/Co3O4/C (Ru nanoclusters-on-Co/Co3O4 nanoparticles) shows unexpected catalytic activity for benzene hydrogenation via the synergetic effect of Ru, Co and Co3O4 sites.
Eccentric magnetic microcapsules for orientation-specific and dual stimuli-responsive drug release
Authors: Huang Jingxian , Luo Chongdai , Li Wanbo , Li Yan , Zhang Yu Shrike , Zhou Jianhua , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2015

Uniform eccentric magnetic microcapsules show controlled-release behavior for orientation-specific and dual stimuli-responsive drug delivery under ultrasound and laser regulation.
Ultrastable green fluorescence carbon dots with a high quantum yield for bioimaging and use as theranostic carriers
Authors: Yang Chuanxu , Thomsen Rasmus Peter , Ogaki Ryosuke , Kjems Jørgen , Teo Boon M.
Published: April 2015

Green luminescent carbon dots with a high quantum yield and superior stability over a range of pH are synthesised for the first time via a new heating method. The carbon dots can be assembled into defined nanocomplexes as theranostic carriers for doxorubicin delivery.
Opto-electronics of PbS quantum dot and narrow bandgap polymer blends
Authors: Kahmann Simon , Mura Andrea , Protesescu Loredana , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Brabec Christoph J. , Loi Maria A.
Published: April 2015

Charge transfer between PbS QDs and PCPDTBT can only be observed in presence of short ligands.
Design of a dual‐polarised small base station antenna with a metallic isolator for micro‐cell systems
Authors: Lee Jung‐Nam , Kwon Heon‐Kook , Lee Kwang‐Chun
Published: April 2015

A dual‐polarised small base station (BS) with a metallic isolator is presented. A high isolation is achieved by using a shorted metallic isolation patch. The experimental results of the proposed BS antenna indicate a measured impedance bandwidth of 812–910 MHz, and an isolation of more than 25 dB. The proposed antenna exhibits good radiation patterns with a gain of 4 dBi.
High step‐up soft‐switched dual‐boost coupled‐inductor‐based converter integrating multipurpose coupled inductors with capacitor‐diode stages
Authors: Moradi Sizkoohi Hadi , Milimonfared Jafar , Taheri Meghdad , Salehi Sina
Published: April 2015

A soft‐switched dual‐boost coupled‐inductor‐based converter is proposed which possesses an intrinsic advantage, in terms of transferring the energy directly to output to provide the essential voltage and power for load. The fabulous characteristic of the proposed structure, the combination of forward and flyback converter, makes it possible to utilise one magnetic core for two coupled inductors, advancing the power density. Another implication of proposed converter is the fact that leakage inductances pave the way for the zero‐current‐switching implementation by confining the diodes current slope during turn‐off period. As regards the voltage conversion ratio, the secondary windings of the coupled inductors operate in series with the capacitors of both voltage‐doubler stage and capacitor‐diode stages; consequently, designer is under no obligation to use coupled inductors with extreme turn ratio. Concerning the mentioned features of converter besides its high‐efficiency power conversion over a broad range of input voltage, the proposed structure is well suited for the purpose of high step‐up dc–dc converter. Lastly, the results of laboratory prototype, working with switching frequency of 50 kHz and output voltage 380 V, are convincingly in line with the mathematical analysis.
Reduced sensor configuration of a power factor correction based single‐ended primary inductance converter fed brushless DC motor drive
Authors: Bist Vashist , Singh Bhim
Published: April 2015

This study presents a power factor correction‐based single‐ended primary inductance converter (PFC‐SEPIC) feeding brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive for low‐power household appliances. In a conventional scheme of BLDC motor, the speed is varied by controlling the duty ratio of high‐frequency pulse width modulation signals, which increase the switching losses in the voltage source inverter (VSI) feeding BLDC motor. However, this study presents a BLDC motor of which the speed is controlled by adjusting the DC bus voltage of the VSI feeding BLDC motor. Moreover, a fundamental switching frequency of VSI is employed for reduction of its switching losses by operating the BLDC motor in electronic commutation. A PFC‐based SEPIC is designed for its operation in discontinuous inductor current mode such that the voltage control is achieved using a single voltage sensor with inherent PFC at AC mains; which also makes it a cost effective solution for low power applications. The proposed drive is implemented on the developed converter for the performance evaluation. This drive shows high efficiency as compared with conventional schemes of BLDC motor drive with satisfactory power quality performance at various speeds satisfying IEC 61000‐3‐2 standard.