bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red fox genome assembly identifies genomic regions associated with tame and aggressive behaviours
Authors: Kukekova Anna V. , Johnson Jennifer L. , Xiang Xueyan , Feng Shaohong , Liu Shiping , Rando Halie M. , Kharlamova Anastasiya V. , Herbeck Yury , Serdyukova Natalya A. , Xiong Zijun , Beklemischeva Violetta , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Gulevich Rimma G. , Vladimirova Anastasiya V. , Hekman Jessica P. , Perelman Polina L. , Graphodatsky Aleksander S. , O’Brien Stephen J. , Wang Xu , Clark Andrew G. , Acland Gregory M. , Trut Lyudmila N. , Zhang Guojie
Published: August 2018

Strains of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with markedly different behavioural phenotypes have been developed in the famous long-term selective breeding programme known as the Russian farm-fox experiment. Here we sequenced and assembled the red fox genome and re-sequenced a subset of foxes from the tame, aggressive and conventional farm-bred populations to identify genomic regions associated with the response to selection for behaviour. Analysis of the re-sequenced genomes identified 103 regions with either significantly decreased heterozygosity in one of the three populations or increased divergence between the populations. A strong positional candidate gene for tame behaviour was highlighted:SorCS1, which encodes the main trafficking protein for AMPA glutamate receptors and neurexins and suggests a role for synaptic plasticity in fox domestication. Other regions identified as likely to have been under selection in foxes include genes implicated in human neurological disorders, mouse behaviour and dog domestication. The fox represents a powerful model for the genetic analysis of affiliative and aggressive behaviours that can benefit genetic studies of behaviour in dogs and other mammals, including humans.
The prognostic value of interaction between mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width in mortality in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kor Chew-Teng , Hsieh Yao-Peng , Chang Chia-Chu , Chiu Ping-Fang
Published: August 2018

Recently, both red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) have been associated with unfavorable outcomes in several medical conditions. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study of 1075 patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease to investigate whether interactions between RDW and MCV influence the risk of mortality. These patients were divided into four groups: group A (n = 415), RDW ≤ 14.9% and MCV ≤ 91.6 fL; group B (n = 232), RDW > 14.9% and MCV ≤ 91.6 fL; group C (n = 307), RDW ≤ 14.9% and MCV > 91.6 fL; and group D (n = 121), RDW > 14.9% and MCV > 91.6 fL. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality for group B versus group A was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.12, p = 0.02), group C versus group A 2.14 (95% CI, 1.31–3.48, p = 0.002), and group D versus group A 5.06 (95% CI, 3.06–8.37, p < 0.001). There was a multiplicative interaction between MCV and RDW in predicting patient mortality. The use of RDW in conjunction with MCV may improve healthcare by identifying those at an increased risk for mortality compared with the use of either RDW or MCV alone.
Antenatal IL-1-dependent inflammation persists postnatally and causes retinal and sub-retinal vasculopathy in progeny
Authors: Beaudry-Richard Alexandra , Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Prairie Élizabeth , Maurice Noémie , Heckel Émilie , Nezhady Mohammad , Pundir Sheetal , Madaan Ankush , Boudreault Amarilys , Hou Xin , Quiniou Christiane , Sierra Estefania Marin , Beaulac Alexandre , Lodygensky Gregory , Robertson Sarah A. , Keelan Jeffrey , Adams Waldorf Kristina M. , Olson David M. , Rivera Jose-Carlos , Lubell William D. , Joyal Jean-Sebastien , Bouchard Jean-François , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: August 2018

Antenatal inflammation as seen with chorioamnionitis is harmful to foetal/neonatal organ development including to eyes. Although the major pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β participates in retinopathy induced by hyperoxia (a predisposing factor to retinopathy of prematurity), the specific role of antenatal IL-1β associated with preterm birth (PTB) in retinal vasculopathy (independent of hyperoxia) is unknown. Using a murine model of PTB induced with IL-1β injectionin utero, we studied consequent retinal and choroidal vascular development; in this process we evaluated the efficacy of IL-1R antagonists. Eyes of foetuses exposed only to IL-1β displayed high levels of pro-inflammatory genes, and a persistent postnatal infiltration of inflammatory cells. This prolonged inflammatory response was associated with: (1) a marked delay in retinal vessel growth; (2) long-lasting thinning of the choroid; and (3) long-term morphological and functional alterations of the retina. Antenatal administration of IL-1R antagonists – 101.10 (a modulator of IL-1R) more so than Kineret (competitive IL-1R antagonist) – prevented all deleterious effects of inflammation. This study unveils a key role for IL-1β, a major mediator of chorioamnionitis, in causing sustained ocular inflammation and perinatal vascular eye injury, and highlights the efficacy of antenatal 101.10 to suppress deleterious inflammation.
The Overlap of Lung Tissue Transcriptome of Smoke Exposed Mice with Human Smoking and COPD
Authors: Obeidat Ma’en , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Li Xuan , Bossé Yohan , Brandsma Corry-Anke , Nickle David C. , Hansbro Philip M. , Faner Rosa , Agusti Alvar , Paré Peter D. , Stampfli Martin R. , Sin Don D.
Published: August 2018

Genome-wide mRNA profiling in lung tissue from human and animal models can provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While 6 months of smoke exposure are widely used, shorter durations were also reported. The overlap of short term and long-term smoke exposure in mice is currently not well understood, and their representation of the human condition is uncertain. Lung tissue gene expression profiles of six murine smoking experiments (n = 48) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and analyzed to identify the murine smoking signature. The “human smoking” gene signature containing 386 genes was previously published in the lung eQTL study (n = 1,111). A signature of mild COPD containing 7 genes was also identified in the same study. The lung tissue gene signature of “severe COPD” (n = 70) contained 4,071 genes and was previously published. We detected 3,723 differentially expressed genes in the 6 month-exposure mice datasets (FDR <0.1). Of those, 184 genes (representing 48% of human smoking) and 1,003 (representing 27% of human COPD) were shared with the human smoking-related genes and the COPD severity-related genes, respectively. There was 4-fold over-representation of human and murine smoking-related genes (P = 6.7 × 10−26) and a 1.4 fold in the severe COPD -related genes (P = 2.3 × 10−12). There was no significant enrichment of the mice and human smoking-related genes in mild COPD signature. These data suggest that murine smoke models are strongly representative of molecular processes of human smoking but less of COPD.
Amplification and next generation sequencing of near full-length human enteroviruses for identification and characterisation from clinical samples
Authors: Isaacs Sonia R. , Kim Ki Wook , Cheng Junipearl X. , Bull Rowena A. , Stelzer-Braid Sacha , Luciani Fabio , Rawlinson William D. , Craig Maria E.
Published: August 2018

More than 100 different enterovirus (EV) genotypes infect humans and contribute to substantial morbidity. However, current methods for characterisation of full-length genomes are based on Sanger sequencing of short genomic regions, which are labour-intensive and do not enable comprehensive characterisation of viral populations. Here, we describe a simple and sensitive protocol for the amplification and sequencing of near full-length genomes of human EV species using next generation sequencing. EV genomes were amplified from 89% of samples tested, with Ct values ranging between 15.7 and 39.3. These samples included 7 EV-A genotypes (CVA2, 5–7, 10, 16 and EV71), 19 EV-B genotypes (CVA9, CVB1-6, ECHO3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 16, 18, 25, 29, 30, and EV69), 3 EV-C genotypes (CVA19 and PV2, 3) and 1 EV-D genotype (EV70). We characterised 70 EVs from 58 clinical stool samples and eight reference strains, with a minimum of 100X depth. We found evidence of co-infection in four clinical specimens, each containing two distinct EV genotypes (CVB3/ECHO7, CVB3/ECHO18 and ECHO9/30). Characterisation of the complete genome provided conclusive genotyping of EVs, which can be applied to investigate the intra-host virus evolution of EVs, and allows further identification and investigation of EV outbreaks.
Textural features of cervical cancers on FDG-PET/CT associate with survival and local relapse in patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Shang-Wen , Shen Wei-Chih , Hsieh Te-Chun , Liang Ji-An , Hung Yao-Ching , Yeh Lian-Shung , Chang Wei-Chun , Lin Wu-Chou , Yen Kuo-Yang , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: August 2018

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 142 patients with stage IB–IIIB cervical cancer who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT before external beam radiotherapy plus intracavitary brachytherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. The patients were divided into training and validation cohorts to confirm the reliability of predictors for recurrence. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed and a Cox regression model was used to examine the effects of variables on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and pelvic relapse-free survival (PRFS). High gray-level run emphasis (HGRE) derived from gray-level run-length matrix most accurately and consistently predicted the presence of pelvic residual or recurrent tumors for both cohorts. In multivariate analysis, stages IIIA–IIIB (P = 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 4.07) and a low HGRE (P < 0.0001, HR = 4.34) were prognostic factors for low OS, whereas a low HGRE (P = 0.001, HR = 2.86) and nonsquamous cell histology (P = 0.003, HR = 2.76) were prognostic factors for inferior PFS. The nonsquamous cell histology (P < 0.0001, HR = 9.19) and a low HGRE (P = 0.001, HR = 4.69) were predictors for low PRFS. In cervical cancer patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy, pretreatment textural features on 18F-FDG-PET/CT can supplement the prognostic information.
Acupuncture modulates stress response by the mTOR signaling pathway in a rat post-traumatic stress disorder model
Authors: Oh Ju-Young , Kim Yu-Kang , Kim Seung-Nam , Lee Bombi , Jang Jae-Hwan , Kwon Sunoh , Park Hi-Joon
Published: August 2018

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disease that can form following exposure to a traumatic event. Acupuncture has been proposed as a beneficial treatment for PTSD, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated whether acupuncture improves depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced using a single prolonged stress (SPS) as a PTSD rat model. In addition, we investigated whether the effects were mediated by increased mTOR activity and its downstream signaling components, which contribute to protein synthesis required for synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. We found that acupuncture at HT8 significantly alleviated both depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced by SPS in rats, as assessed by the forced swimming, elevated plus maze, and open field tests; this alleviation was blocked by rapamycin. The effects of acupuncture were equivalent to those exerted by fluoxetine. Acupuncture regulated protein translation in the mTOR signaling pathway and enhanced the activation of synaptic proteins, PSD95, Syn1, and GluR1 in the hippocampus. These results suggest that acupuncture exerts antidepressant and anxiolytic effects on PTSD-related symptoms by increasing protein synthesis required for synaptic plasticity via the mTOR pathway in the hippocampus. Acupuncture may be a promising treatment for patients with PTSD and play a role as an alternative PTSD treatment.
Resolvin E1 attenuates murine psoriatic dermatitis
Authors: Sawada Yu , Honda Tetsuya , Nakamizo Satoshi , Otsuka Atsushi , Ogawa Narihito , Kobayashi Yuichi , Nakamura Motonobu , Kabashima Kenji
Published: August 2018

The potential of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as a therapeutic target for psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease of IL-23/IL-17 axis, is a long-disputed question, since various epidemiological studies have suggested the association between high-intake of omega-3 PUFAs and the reduced frequency and severity of psoriasis. However, their actual significance and the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. To address these issues, we focused on resolvin E1 (RvE1), an omega-3 PUFAs-derived metabolite, and examined its effects on psoriatic dermatitis, using an imiquimod-induced mouse psoriasis model. RvE1 potently suppressed the inflammatory cell infiltration and epidermal hyperplasia in the psoriatic skin. RvE1 decreased the mRNA expression of IL-23 in the skin. Consistently, RvE1 inhibited IL-23 production by dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Furthermore, RvE1 exerted inhibitory effects on migration of cutaneous DCs and γδ T cells, a major IL-17-producing cell population in mouse, both in vivo and in vitro. These suppressive effects of RvE1 were mediated by its antagonistic function on BLT1, a receptor of leukotriene B4, and were also observed in human DCs, Th17 and Tc17 cells. Our results indicate a novel mechanism of omega-3 PUFA-mediated amelioration of psoriasis, and suggest a potential of RvE1 as a therapeutic target for psoriasis.
An atom-to-circuit modeling approach to all-2D metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistors
Authors: Das Biswapriyo , Mahapatra Santanu
Published: August 2018

Vertical stacking of heterogeneous two-dimensional (2D) materials has received considerable attention for nanoelectronic applications. In the semiconductor industry, however, the process of integration for any new material is expensive and complex. Thus, first principles-based models that enable systematic performance evaluation of emerging 2D materials at device and circuit level are in great demand. Here, we propose an ‘atom-to-circuit’ modeling framework for all-2D MISFET (metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistor), which has recently been conceived by vertically stacking semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide (e.g., MoS2), insulating hexagonal boron nitride and semi-metallic graphene. In a multi-scale modeling approach, we start with the development of a first principles-based atomistic model to study fundamental electronic properties and charge transfer at the atomic level. The energy band-structure obtained is then used to develop a physics-based compact device model to assess transistor characteristics. Finally, the models are implemented in a circuit simulator to facilitate design and simulation of integrated circuits. Since the proposed modeling framework translates atomic level phenomena (e.g., band-gap opening in graphene or introduction of semiconductor doping) to a circuit performance metric (e.g., frequency of a ring oscillator), it may provide solutions for the application and optimization of new materials.
Polarization-based control of phonon laser action in a Parity Time-symmetric optomechanical system
Authors: Wang Bao , Liu Zeng-Xing , Jia Xiao , Xiong Hao , Wu Ying
Published: August 2018

Realizing a convenient way to control the phonon laser action is of great importance and may find applications in phonon laser devices engineering. Here we propose a vector parity time (PT)-symmetric optomechanical system to study the phonon laser action. We find that there is a specific region for the optimum mechanical gain appearing in parameter areas of the cavity gain and loss. The intensity of phonon laser action can be well controlled by adjusting the polarization of the pump field. The threshold value of phonon laser action manifests as a function relationship of the polarization directionθ.Furthermore, an ultralow threshold (even if threshold less) can be obtained around the exceptional point with the gain–loss balance. Our results indicate that the intensity and threshold of the phonon laser action can be continuously adjusted by only tuning the photon polarization, which provides a new degree of freedom to realize phonon laser regulation.
Femtosecond pulse generation beyond photon lifetime limit in gain-switched semiconductor lasers
Authors: Ito Takashi , Nakamae Hidekazu , Hazama Yuji , Nakamura Takahiro , Chen Shaoqiang , Yoshita Masahiro , Kim Changsu , Kobayashi Yohei , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: August 2018

Femtosecond semiconductor lasers are ideal devices to provide the ultrashort pulses for industrial and biomedical use because of their robustness, stability, compactness and potential low cost. In particular, gain-switched semiconductor lasers have significant advantages of flexible pulse shaping and repetition rate with the robustness. Here we first demonstrate our laser, which is initiated by very strong pumping of 100 times the lasing threshold density, can surpass the photon lifetime limit that has restricted the pulse width to picoseconds for the past four decades and produce an unprecedented ultrashort pulse of 670 fs with a peak power of 7.5 W on autocorrelation measurement. The measured phenomena are reproduced effectively by our numerical calculation based on rate equations including the non-equilibrium intraband carrier distribution, which reveal that the pulse width is limited by the carrier–carrier scattering time, instead of the photon lifetime.
Proposal for a tiered dietary bioaccumulation testing strategy for engineered nanomaterials using fish
Authors: Handy Richard D. , Ahtiainen Jukka , Navas José María , Goss Greg , Bleeker Eric A. J. , von der Kammer Frank
Published: August 2018

The scientific community has invested effort into standardising methodologies for the regulatory ecotoxicity testing of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), but the practical requirements for bioaccumulation testing of ENMs have been given less attention.
Reaction-based fluorescent probes for rapid detection of hydrogen sulfide in vivo
Authors: Jin Xilang , Wu Xianglong , Xie Pu , Liu Sha , Wu Jie , Wang Ting , Zhou Hongwei , Leng Xin , Chen Weixing
Published: August 2018

The probe exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response for real-time detection of H2S in vivo.
A bionanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode for the determination of 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diamine
Authors: Ghaani Masoud , Pucillo Flavia , Olsson Richard T. , Scampicchio Matteo , Farris Stefano
Published: August 2018

The analytical performance of a modified GCE for the determination of MDA increased with the degree of complexity of the bionanocomposite modification.
FeP nanorod arrays on carbon cloth: a high-performance anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wu Chunjin , Wu Zhenguo , Cui Guanwei , Xie Fengyu , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Xuping
Published: August 2018

FeP nanorod arrays on carbon cloth (CC) act as a superior anode for sodium batteries and it delivers 548 mA h g−1 with an excellent capacity retention of 99.8% even after 100 cycles.
Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed selective C–H difluoroalkylation of aniline derivatives with pyrimidyl auxiliaries
Authors: Wang Xin-Gang , Li Yuke , Zhang Lu-Lu , Zhang Bo-Sheng , Wang Qiang , Ma Jun-Wei , Liang Yong-Min
Published: August 2018

A ruthenium-catalyzed alternative para- and meta-difluoroalkylation of anilines is herein reported.
Distinguishing between two- and three-bond correlations for all 13C multiplicities in heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Gyöngyösi Tamás , Nagy Tamás Milán , E. Kövér Katalin , Sørensen Ole W.
Published: August 2018

Imposing heteronuclear multiple-quantum multiplets on a 13C single-quantum spectrum distinguishes between two- and three-bond correlations in an HMBC-type NMR spectrum.
Pushing the limits of sensitivity and resolution for natural abundance 43Ca NMR using ultra-high magnetic field (35.2 T)
Authors: Bonhomme Christian , Wang Xiaoling , Hung Ivan , Gan Zhehong , Gervais Christel , Sassoye Capucine , Rimsza Jessica , Du Jincheng , Smith Mark E. , Hanna John V. , Sarda Stéphanie , Gras Pierre , Combes Christèle , Laurencin Danielle
Published: August 2018

Natural abundance 43Ca solid state NMR experiments are reported for the first time at ultra-high magnetic field (35.2 T) on a series of Ca-(pyro)phosphate and Ca-oxalate materials, which are of biological relevance in relation to biomineralization processes and the formation of pathological calcifications.
Rhodium(ii)-catalysed generation of cycloprop-1-en-1-yl ketones and their rearrangement to 5-aryl-2-siloxyfurans
Authors: Marichev Kostiantyn O. , Wang Yi , Carranco Alejandra M. , Garcia Estevan C. , Yu Zhi-Xiang , Doyle Michael P.
Published: August 2018

A new mechanistic pathway for the formation of 2,5-disubstituted furans from cycloprop-1-en-1-yl ketones generated from silyl-protected enoldiazoketones.
A domino reaction of 2-isocyanophenyloxyacrylate and aryne to synthesize arenes with vicinal olefin and benzoxazole
Authors: Su Shikuan , Li Jianxiong , Sun Mingming , Zhao Hongbin , Chen Yali , Li Jian
Published: August 2018

An unusual domino reaction of 2-isocyanophenyloxyacrylate and aryne has been disclosed. The present strategy experiences nucleophilic addition, Michael addition, carbon–oxygen cleavage, and cyclization, thus enabling the quick aryne vicinal difunctionalization by the installation of a benzoxazole and an olefin.
Multiple states and roles of hydrogen in p-type SnS semiconductors
Authors: Xiao Zewen , Ran Fan-Yong , Liao Min , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Ide Keisuke , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: August 2018

The states and roles of hydrogen in p-type SnS are studied by hydrogen plasma treatment and density functional theory calculations.
Single particle study: size and chemical effects on plasmon damping at the interface between adsorbate and anisotropic gold nanorods
Authors: Moon Seong Woo , Tsalu Philippe Vuka , Ha Ji Won
Published: August 2018

Plasmon damping in gold nanorods (AuNRs) results in the broadening of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) linewidth.
Hydrogen adsorption and desorption from Cu(111) and Cu(211)
Authors: Cao Kun , Füchsel Gernot , Kleyn Aart W. , Juurlink Ludo B. F.
Published: August 2018

We present a combined experimental–theoretical study on structural and coverage dependences of the adsorption and desorption of molecular hydrogen on atomically flat Cu(111) and highly stepped Cu(211) surfaces.
Conformational investigation of the structure–activity relationship of GdFFD and its analogues on an achatin-like neuropeptide receptor of Aplysia californica involved in the feeding circuit
Authors: Do Thanh D. , Checco James W. , Tro Michael , Shea Joan-Emma , Bowers Michael T. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: August 2018

Computational modeling and ion-mobility mass spectrometry are used to understand and predict the activity of endogenous d-amino acid-containing neuropeptides at their cognate receptor.
Iron oxidation dynamics vs. temperature of synthetic potassic-ferro-richterite: a XANES investigation
Authors: Della Ventura G. , Galdenzi F. , Cibin G. , Oberti R. , Xu Wei , Macis S. , Marcelli A.
Published: August 2018

We investigated the oxidation behaviour of a synthetic potassic-ferro-richterite up to 750 °C by using simultaneous X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments with synchrotron radiation. This is a multi-step process implying a structural rearrangement and an electronic transition, which controls the conductivity vs. temperature.
Catalytic removal of 1,2-dichloroethane over LaSrMnCoO6/H-ZSM-5 composite: insights into synergistic effect and pollutant-destruction mechanism
Authors: Tian Mingjiao , Ma Mudi , Xu Bitao , Chen Changwei , He Chi , Hao Zhengping , Albilali Reem
Published: August 2018

The synergy between LaSrMnCoO6 and H-ZSM-5 in the catalytic destruction of 1,2-dichloroethane based on the dechlorination and dehydrochlorination processes.
Precise size control of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles through reconstruction using tripodal ligands
Authors: Kuroda Yoshiyuki , Oka Yuya , Yasuda Tadao , Koichi Tatsuyuki , Muramatsu Keisuke , Wada Hiroaki , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: August 2018

Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles were synthesized via reconstruction, suppressing crystal growth with tripodal ligands.
Design of oxophilic metalloporphyrins: an experimental and DFT study of methanol binding
Authors: Olsson Sandra , Dahlstrand Christian , Gogoll Adolf
Published: August 2018

Experimental binding constants are matched with computations to identify optimal host–guest systems for ligands with oxygen-containing functional groups.
Coordination of a stibine oxide to a Lewis acidic stiborane at the upper rim of the biphenylene backbone
Authors: Chen Chang-Hong , Gabbaï François P.
Published: August 2018

The biphenylene backbone is used to support a stibine oxide stabilized intramolecularly by a SbO → Sb(v) donor–acceptor interaction.
An anaerobic hybrid bioreactor for biologically enhanced primary treatment of domestic wastewater under low temperatures
Authors: Pfluger Andrew , Vanzin Gary , Munakata-Marr Junko , Figueroa Linda
Published: August 2018

Anaerobic hybrid reactor system for the generation of methane-rich biogas and energy. An energy-positive alternative to conventional primary treatment of raw domestic wastewater.
Effects of oat protein supplementation on skeletal muscle damage, inflammation and performance recovery following downhill running in untrained collegiate men
Authors: Xia Z. , Cholewa J. M. , Dardevet D. , Huang T. , Zhao Y. , Shang H. , Yang Y. , Ding X. , Zhang C. , Wang H. , Liu S. , Su Q. , Zanchi N. E.
Published: August 2018

Oat protein supplementation exhibits protective effects on muscles during eccentric exercise, but more research is needed to clarify the mechanism.
Application of a commercial digestive supplement formulated with enzymes and probiotics in lactase non-persistence management
Authors: Ferreira-Lazarte Alvaro , Moreno F. Javier , Villamiel Mar
Published: August 2018

Strategies to avoid lactose malabsorption, which affects 70% of the world's population, are focused on the restriction of milk and dairy products or the use of non-human β-galactosidases or probiotics endowed with β-galactosidase activity added at mealtime.
Using theoretical calculations to predict the redox potential of mononuclear manganese complexes
Authors: Puzzolo Juan L. , Drusin Salvador I. , Daier Verónica A. , Signorella Sandra , Moreno Diego M.
Published: August 2018

Prediction of redox potential allows chemists to rationally design metal complexes with a desired redox activity.
Multi-component hybrid films based on covalent post-synthetic functionalization of silicon chip using both ZIF-90 and lanthanide complexes for luminescence tuning
Authors: Ma Jing , Yan Bing
Published: August 2018

Multi-component hybrid films (Si-APTES-ZIF-90, Phen-Ln-MAPTMS-Si-APTES-ZIF-90 (Ln = Eu, Tb, Sm, Dy)) are prepared by a covalent functionalization strategy, and the photoluminescence tuning is studied in detail.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative multicomponent reaction: synthesis of imidazo fused heterocycles with molecular oxygen
Authors: Li Xianwei , Wang Tianzhang , Lu Yu-Jing , Ji Shaomin , Huo Yanping , Liu Bifu
Published: August 2018

An oxidative cascade that involves multicomponent reaction comprising a terminal alkyne, 2-amino N-heterocycle, benzyl or allylic bromide with molecular oxygen, delivering densely functionalized imidazo fused heterocycles, is achieved.
The implementation of the catalytic Staudinger–Vilarrasa reaction in polymer chemistry as a highly efficient chemistry strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiaoning , Zhang Shuangshuang , Miao Tengfei , Li Shuai , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin
Published: August 2018

A versatile and highly efficient chemistry strategy, the catalytic S–V reaction of acids with azides, was firstly implemented in polymer chemistry for the construction of various amide-containing polymers.
Chiral bisoxazoline catalyzed decarboxylative aldol reactions between β-carbonyl acids and trifluoroacetaldehyde hemiacetals as well as trifluoroacetaldehyde: the mechanism, the origin of enantioselectivity and the role of a catalyst
Authors: Yan Chao-Xian , Zhou Pan-Pan , Yang Fang-Ling , Wu Rui-Zhi , Yang Xing , Yang Fan , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: August 2018

The role of a catalyst in the decarboxylative aldol reactions between β-carbonyl acids and trifluoroacetaldehyde hemiacetals as well as trifluoroacetaldehyde catalyzed by chiral bisoxazoline were unveiled theoretically.
Reduction-responsive diblock copolymer-modified gold nanorods for enhanced cellular uptake
Authors: Li Yixia , Si Jianhao , Fan Haiyan , Yang Jinxian , Ye Xiaodong
Published: August 2018

Gold nanorod (AuNRs) modified by reduction-responsive amphiphilic copolymer poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly[(oligoethylene glycol)acrylate] (LA–PCL–SS–POEGA) can enhance the cellular uptake of AuNRs, presumably due to the aggregation under reducing environment in the cells.
Regenerable g-C3N4–chitosan beads with enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability
Authors: Zhao Chaocheng , Yan Qingyun , Wang Shuaijun , Dong Pei , Zhang Liang
Published: August 2018

In this study, a series of regenerable graphitic carbon nitride–chitosan (g-C3N4–CS) beads were successfully synthesized via the blend crosslinking method.
Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticle supported ionic liquid for green synthesis of antibacterially active 1-carbamoyl-1-phenylureas in water
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Issaabadi Zahra , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: August 2018

We have developed a novel and green method for the synthesis of antibacterially active 1-carbamoyl-1-phenylureas in water using {Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)35-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-SO3H/Cl} ([FSTet-SO3H]Cl) as a recyclable magnetic catalyst.
Adsorption characteristics of metal–organic framework MIL-101(Cr) towards sulfamethoxazole and its persulfate oxidation regeneration
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Hu Qi , Gao Lei , Hao Qirui , Wang Peng , Qin Dongli
Published: August 2018

A metal–organic framework, MIL-101(Cr), was used to adsorb sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in water and activated persulfate (PS) oxidation was investigated to regenerate SMZ-saturated MIL-101(Cr).
Walnut-structure Si–G/C materials with high coulombic efficiency for long-life lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xiao Chengmao , He Peng , Ren Jianguo , Yue Min , Huang Youyuan , He Xueqin
Published: August 2018

Nano-sized silicon is a potential high energy density anode material for lithium ion batteries.
Effect of grafting density on conformation of poly(acrylic acid) in solution by dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Xinlu , Zhao Kongshuang
Published: August 2018

The effect of grafting density of poly(ethylene oxide) and dodecyl groups on the conformation of poly(acrylic acid) in solution was clarified by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy over a frequency range from 40 Hz to 110 MHz.
The air entrapment under a drop impacting on a nano-rough surface
Authors: Langley Kenneth R. , Li Er Qiang , Vakarelski Ivan U. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T.
Published: August 2018

Drop impacts onto nano-rough surfaces entrap a thick band of microbubbles around the location of first contact.
A stable solid slippery surface with thermally assisted self-healing ability
Authors: Meng Xiangfu , Wang Zubin , Wang Lili , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2018

A solid slippery surface exhibits outstanding stability even when immersed in different pH solutions and rapid self-healing properties.
Nitrogen/oxygen co-doped monolithic carbon electrodes derived from melamine foam for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Rui , Jing Xiangxia , Chu Yanting , Wang Lei , Kang Wenjun , Wei Denghu , Li Haibo , Xiong Shenglin
Published: August 2018

A novel nitrogen/oxygen co-doped carbon sponge (NOCS) is directly applied as a monolithic binder-free electrode for supercapacitors. It exhibits a high specific capacitance and excellent electrochemical cyclability.
Iridium(iii) phosphors with bis(diphenylphorothioyl)amide ligand for efficient green and sky-blue OLEDs with EQE of nearly 28%
Authors: Xia Jing-Cheng , Liang Xiao , Yan Zhi-Ping , Wu Zheng-Guang , Zhao Yue , Zheng You-Xuan , Zhang Wen-Wei
Published: August 2018

A ligand, bis(diphenylphorothioyl)amide, containing phosphorus–sulfur (PS) bonds was synthesized as an ancillary ligand for four green or sky-blue iridium(iii) complexes with high quantum yields, good thermal stabilities and satisfactory device performances with EQE of nearly 28%.
Photocrosslinking polymeric ionic liquids via anthracene cycloaddition for organic electronics
Authors: Popere Bhooshan C. , Sanoja Gabriel E. , Thomas Elayne M. , Schauser Nicole S. , Jones Seamus D. , Bartels Joshua M. , Helgeson Matthew E. , Chabinyc Michael L. , Segalman Rachel A.
Published: August 2018

Polymeric ionic liquids are photocrosslinked without changing the ionic conductivity. This enables the simple processing necessary for fabrication of organic electronics.
Zn2Yb-Grafted and star-shaped metallopolymers for efficient near-infrared (NIR) polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs)
Authors: Fu Guorui , He Yani , Li Baoning , Liu Lin , Li Wentao , Zhang Zhao , Lü Xingqiang
Published: August 2018

The charge-facilitated and BCP-assisted carrier balance of Zn2Yb-grafted and star-shaped metallopolymer poly(3-co-NBE) was used to prepare a Yb3+-centered NIR-PLED that exhibited record electroluminescent performance (irradiance, 90.24 μW cm−2; EQE, 0.065%; Von, 5 V; and weak efficiency roll-off).
Reconstructing phosphorylation signalling networks from quantitative phosphoproteomic data
Authors: Invergo Brandon M. , Beltrao Pedro
Published: August 2018

Cascades of phosphorylation between protein kinases comprise a core mechanism in the integration and propagation of intracellular signals. Although we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge around some such pathways, this is subject to study biases and much remains to be uncovered. Phosphoproteomics, the identification and quantification of phosphorylated proteins on a proteomic scale, provides a high-throughput means of interrogating the state of intracellular phosphorylation, both at the pathway level and at the whole-cell level. In this review, we discuss methods for using human quantitative phosphoproteomic data to reconstruct the underlying signalling networks that generated it. We address several challenges imposed by the data on such analyses and we consider promising advances towards reconstructing unbiased, kinome-scale signalling networks.
Positive Social Interaction and Hearing Loss in Older Adults Living in Rural and Urban Communities
Authors: Hay-McCutcheon Marcia J. , Reed Paul E. , Cheimariou Spyridoula
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study explored the extent to which hearing loss affected positive social interactions in older adults living in rural and urban communities.

Method

Pure-tone behavioral hearing assessments were administered to 80 adults 60 years of age or older. In addition, all participants completed 2 questionnaires, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991) and the Patient Health Questionnaire–Ninth Edition (Kroenke, Spitzer, & Williams, 2001).

Results

The preliminary findings suggested that adults with hearing loss living in rural towns had poorer positive social interactions compared with their urban counterparts with hearing loss. Also, adults with hearing loss living in rural towns had more symptoms of depression than adults with normal hearing who lived in these same geographical regions.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings could indicate that older adults with hearing loss living in rural communities will face more isolation than adults with hearing loss living in urban settings. Increasing our understanding of the extent of social isolation in adults with hearing loss living in rural and urban populations will be necessary.
Predicting Language Difficulties in Middle Childhood From Early Developmental Milestones: A Comparison of Traditional Regression and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Armstrong Rebecca , Symons Martyn , Scott James G. , Arnott Wendy L. , Copland David A. , McMahon Katie L. , Whitehouse Andrew J. O.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The current study aimed to compare traditional logistic regression models with machine learning algorithms to investigate the predictive ability of (a) communication performance at 3 years old on language outcomes at 10 years old and (b) broader developmental skills (motor, social, and adaptive) at 3 years old on language outcomes at 10 years old.

Method

Participants (N= 1,322) were drawn from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study (Straker et al., 2017). A general developmental screener, the Infant Monitoring Questionnaire (Squires, Bricker, & Potter, 1990), was completed by caregivers at the 3-year follow-up. Language ability at 10 years old was assessed using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Third Edition (Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 1995). Logistic regression models and interpretable machine learning algorithms were used to assess predictive abilities of early developmental milestones for later language outcomes.

Results

Overall, the findings showed that prediction accuracies were comparable between logistic regression and machine learning models using communication-only performance as well as performance on communication and broader developmental domains to predict language performance at 10 years old. Decision trees are incorporated to visually present these findings but must be interpreted with caution because of the poor accuracy of the models overall.

Conclusions

The current study provides preliminary evidence that machine learning algorithms provide equivalent predictive accuracy to traditional methods. Furthermore, the inclusion of broader developmental skills did not improve predictive capability. Assessment of language at more than 1 time point is necessary to ensure children whose language delays emerge later are identified and supported.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6879719
Low phase noise oscillator stabilised by high quality factor AFSIW resonators
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Jinping , Wang Wenbo
Published: August 2018

A novel X‐band low phase noise oscillator is proposed by taking advantage of the enhanced quality factor of air‐filled substrate integrated waveguide (AFSIW) resonators. A pair of AFSIW resonators is embedded in a feedback loop, which forms a high‐selectivity bandpass filter, to greatly reduce the phase noise of a heterojunction FET oscillator. A prototype is designed, fabricated and measured. At an output signal of 9.85 GHz, the phase noise is −146.8 dBc/Hz and the figure of merit is −210.6 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency. An improvement of about 10 dB in phase noise performance is obtained compared with published substrate integrated waveguide resonator‐based oscillators.
Beam‐domain SWIPT in massive MIMO system with energy‐constrained terminals
Authors: Xu Kui , Shen Zhexian , Wang Yurong , Xia Xiaochen
Published: August 2018

In this study, the authors consider the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) protocol design for the massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system in the beam‐domain. In this system, the base station (BS) simultaneously serves a set of half‐duplex energy‐constrained terminals that are uniformly distributed within its coverage area. Based on the beam‐domain distributions of channels, the BS can intelligently schedule terminals to mitigate the interference between terminals and improve the transmission spectral efficiency. The entire protocol can be divided into two phases. The first phase is designed for terminals energy harvesting as well as downlink training. During this phase, the BS transmits energy signals to the terminals. The terminals utilise the received energy signals for energy harvesting and downlink channel estimation. In the second phase, the BS forms the receive beamformers to receive signals transmitted by terminals. The transmit powers at the BS and the time switching ratio are optimised under the constraints of the current available energy and minimum transmission rate of terminals, so that the system can achieve the maximum sum‐rate performance. Simulation results show that compared with traditional massive MIMO SWIPT protocols, the proposed SWIPT protocol can achieve better spectral efficiency performance.
Parameterised codebook design based on channel statistics for efficient multi‐rank MIMO transmission
Authors: Shin Sungin , Lee Hyukjun , Kim Changhyeon , Sung Wonjin , Park Jonghyun
Published: August 2018

As the number of antenna elements increases in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, an efficient feedback and beamforming strategy becomes more important to achieve the desired bandwidth efficiency required by the next‐generation wireless systems. The authors investigate the statistical characteristics of the MIMO channel generated by the three‐dimensional spatial channel model to recognise some of the limitations inherent in the existing codebooks adopted by the current third generation partnership project specifications. Such limitations include unnecessary co‐phasing combinations for cross‐polarised (X‐pol) antenna arrays and, in particular, long‐term codevector selections, which are not best suited to the channel distributions. In this study, the observed shortcomings are improved by proposing a new multi‐rank codebook applicable to the X‐pol array of antenna elements supporting up to the quadruple rank. The proposed beamforming codevectors are presented using variable parameters so that they can be adapted to changing channel characteristics. The efficiency of the proposed codebook is further improved by eliminating redundant co‐phasing values. The performance of the proposed codebook is evaluated using the TR 36.873 urban macro environment and its effectiveness is demonstrated by quantifying its gain over the existing codebooks.
Optimal design of brushless AC exciter for large synchronous generators considering grid codes requirements
Authors: Gorginpour Hamed
Published: August 2018

The performance of the excitation system plays a very important role in the voltage stability of the power grid. The brushless excitation system with a brushless alternating current exciter offers a lower failure rate and thus higher reliability in comparison with the static system with high‐rated power electronics converters, brushes, and slip rings. However, its dynamic response is impaired due to the exciter lag in producing the required field current. In this study, the optimal design of an exciter for the large‐scale power‐plant synchronous generator based on the magnetic equivalent circuit method is pursued. The design goals are reducing the overall volume, minimising the magnitudes of the cogging torque and the field current ripples while satisfying the grid code requirements such as the ceiling values of available field voltage and current, rise time and settling time of the rectified output voltage under dynamic conditions. In addition, the other electrical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical constraints are included in the design algorithm. The proposed design method is used for obtaining the optimal specifications of an exciter for a 25 MW, 11 kV power‐plant generator in order to attain superior characteristics than the existing one. The analytical results are validated using two‐dimensional finite‐element studies and experimental measurements.
Distributed optimal operation of hierarchically controlled microgrids
Authors: Wu Xiangyu , Chen Laijun , Shen Chen , Xu Yin , He Jinghan , Fang Chen
Published: August 2018

The hierarchical control structure is widely investigated for a microgrid. Conventionally, the tertiary control layer and the primary and secondary control layers are studied independently since they are separated in time scale. It is difficult for distributed generation (DG) units to directly track the optimal power references provided by the tertiary control because they are controlled to behave as voltage sources by the primary and secondary controls. Moreover, even if the DG unit can realise power tracking, improper coordination among the primary, secondary and tertiary controls may still lead to instability of the microgrid. To fill the gap among the three control layers, this study proposes a method for realising their distributed joint operation. With the proposed method, DG units can track the optimal power references in a distributed manner. Regarding the stability issues, this study also presents (i) a detailed stability analysis of the system based on the constructed small‐signal dynamic model and (ii) an adaptive regulation strategy of control parameters for enhancing the system stability. Finally, numerical studies and time‐domain simulation results are provided to validate the proposed method's ability to realise a distributed optimal and stable operation for a hierarchically controlled microgrid.
Steps towards numerical verification of the terahertz in‐line measurement of tablet mixing by means of discrete element modelling
Authors: Lin Hungyen , Pei Chunlei , Markl Daniel , Shen Yaochun , Elliott James A. , Zeitler J. Axel
Published: August 2018

In recent years, terahertz in‐line sensing has been used to monitor the film coating thickness of individual pharmaceutical tablets during the coating process. In the previous work, the in‐line measurements were verified against off‐line measurements of samples from the same population. Here, we report on our recent progress to further verify the validity of the terahertz in‐line measurement modality using discrete element modelling for an artificial lab‐scale tablet mixing process inside a tablet pan coater. By coupling discrete modelling with a ray‐tracing method, it is then possible to estimate the cumulative measurements taken, which in turn can guide towards the fine‐tuning of the selection criteria as part of measurement analysis.
Sub‐synchronous interactions in power systems with wind turbines: a review
Authors: Gu Kanghui , Wu Feng , Zhang Xiao‐Ping
Published: August 2018

The sub‐synchronous interactions (SSIs) observed in wind power plants have gained attention in recent years. These oscillations are characterised by the diversity of wind power generation types, power grids and power electronic devices. Two pure electrical oscillations, namely induction generator effect (IGE) and sub‐synchronous control interaction in wind farms, are firstly discussed on their different characteristics. Particularly, IGE normally falls into the category of sub‐synchronous resonance. Then two major types of wind turbines: doubly fed induction generator and permanent magnet synchronous generator with respect to their participations in SSI are reviewed according to the current research status. Several typical analysis and mitigation techniques in existing literature are also expounded in regard to their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the research on a grid‐connected voltage‐source converter in combination with the phase‐locked loop, which has caused instability issues including SSI, is briefly introduced. Conclusions are drawn and several perspectives on the future work are presented at the end of this study.