bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platinum clusters with precise numbers of atoms for preparative-scale catalysis
Authors: Imaoka Takane , Akanuma Yuki , Haruta Naoki , Tsuchiya Shogo , Ishihara Kentaro , Okayasu Takeshi , Chun Wang-Jae , Takahashi Masaki , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: September 2017

Subnanometer noble metal clusters have enormous potential, mainly for catalytic applications. Because a difference of only one atom may cause significant changes in their reactivity, a preparation method with atomic-level precision is essential. Although such a precision with enough scalability has been achieved by gas-phase synthesis, large-scale preparation is still at the frontier, hampering practical applications. We now show the atom-precise and fully scalable synthesis of platinum clusters on a milligram scale from tiara-like platinum complexes with various ring numbers (n = 5–13). Low-temperature calcination of the complexes on a carbon support under hydrogen stream affords monodispersed platinum clusters, whose atomicity is equivalent to that of the precursor complex. One of the clusters (Pt10) exhibits high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of styrene compared to that of the other clusters. This method opens an avenue for the application of these clusters to preparative-scale catalysis.
High-performance flexible BiCMOS electronics based on single-crystal Si nanomembrane
Authors: Seo Jung-Hun , Zhang Kan , Kim Munho , Zhou Weidong , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: September 2017

In this work, we have demonstrated for the first time integrated flexible bipolar-complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on a transferable single crystalline Si nanomembrane (Si NM) on a single piece of bendable plastic substrate. The n-channel, p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (N-MOSFETs & P-MOSFETs), and NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) were realized together on a 340-nm thick Si NM layer with minimized processing complexity at low cost for advanced flexible electronic applications. The fabrication process was simplified by thoughtfully arranging the sequence of necessary ion implantation steps with carefully selected energies, doses and anneal conditions, and by wisely combining some costly processing steps that are otherwise separately needed for all three types of transistors. All types of TFTs demonstrated excellent DC and radio-frequency (RF) characteristics and exhibited stable transconductance and current gain under bending conditions. Overall, Si NM-based flexible BiCMOS TFTs offer great promises for high-performance and multi-functional future flexible electronics applications and is expected to provide a much larger and more versatile platform to address a broader range of applications. Moreover, the flexible BiCMOS process proposed and demonstrated here is compatible with commercial microfabrication technology, making its adaptation to future commercial use straightforward.
Erratum: Electroconvulsive therapy-induced brain functional connectivity predicts therapeutic efficacy in patients with schizophrenia: a multivariate pattern recognition study
Authors: Li Peng , Jing Ri-xing , Zhao Rong-jiang , Ding Zeng-bo , Shi Le , Sun Hong-qiang , Lin Xiao , Fan Teng-teng , Dong Wen-tian , Fan Yong , Lu Lin
Published: September 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this article.
Neferine ameliorates cardiomyoblast apoptosis induced by doxorubicin: possible role in modulating NADPH oxidase/ROS-mediated NFκB redox signaling cascade
Authors: Priya Lohanathan Bharathi , Baskaran Rathinasamy , Huang Chih-Yang , Padma Viswanadha Vijaya
Published: September 2017

Doxorubicin (DOX) mediated cardiomyopathy is a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy. Redox-cycling of doxorubicin by flavoenzymes makes the heart more vulnerable to oxidative stress leading to cardiac dysfunction. The present study evaluates the role of neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, in curbing the molecular consequences of DOX-exposure in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Neferine pre-treatment increased cell viability upon DOX-exposure. DOX activates NADPH oxidase subunits, (p22phox, p47phox, gp91phox) as the primary event followed by peak in [Ca2+]i accumulation by 2 h, ROS by 3 h and activated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKinases, time dependently along with the activation and translocation of NFκB and up-regulated COX2 and TNF-α expressions. Neferine pre-treatment modulated NADPH oxidase/ROS system, inhibited MAPKinases and NFκB activation, reduced sub G1 cell population and concomitantly increased cyclin D1 expression reducing DOX-mediated apoptosis. The study demonstrates for the first time, the molecular sequential events behind DOX toxicity and the mechanism of protection offered by neferine with specific relevance to NADPH oxidase system, MAPKinases, inflammation and apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Our data suggests the use of neferine as a new approach in pharmacological interventions against cardiovascular disorders as secondary complications.
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Anti-RAGE Antibody Administration in a Rat Model of Crush Injury
Authors: Matsumoto Hisatake , Matsumoto Naoya , Shimazaki Junya , Nakagawa Junichiro , Imamura Yukio , Yamakawa Kazuma , Yamada Tomoki , Ikeda Mitsunori , Hiraike Hiroko , Ogura Hiroshi , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: September 2017

Crush injury patients often have systemic inflammatory response syndrome that leads to multiple organ failure. Receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) functions as a pattern recognition receptor that regulates inflammation. We evaluated the effects of anti-RAGE antibody in a crush injury model. Pressure was applied to both hindlimbs of rats for 6 h by 3.0-kg blocks and then released. Animals were randomly divided into the sham (RAGE-Sh) group, crush (RAGE-Ctrl) group or anti-RAGE antibody-treated crush (RAGE-Tx) group. Samples were collected at 3, 6 and 24 h after releasing pressure. In the RAGE-Ctrl group, fluorescent immunostaining in the lung showed upregulated RAGE expression at 3 h. The serum soluble RAGE (sRAGE) level, which reflects the amount of RAGE expression in systemic tissue, increased at 6 h. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6; systemic inflammation marker) increased immediately at 3 h. Histological analysis revealed lung injury at 6 and 24 h. Administration of anti-RAGE antibody before releasing compression inhibited upregulated RAGE expression in the lung alveoli, suppressed RAGE-associated mediators sRAGE and IL6, attenuated the lung damage and improved the 7-day survival rate. Collectively, our results indicated that the use of anti-RAGE antibody before releasing compression is associated with a favourable prognosis following crush injury.
Airway Changes after Cleft Orthognathic Surgery Evaluated by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Overnight Polysomnographic Study
Authors: Chang Chun-Shin , Wallace Christopher Glenn , Hsiao Yen-Chang , Hsieh Yuh-Jia , Wang Yi-Chin , Chen Ning-Hung , Liao Yu-Fang , Liou Eric Jen-Wein , Chen Philip Kuo-Ting , Chen Jyh-Ping , Chen Yu-Ray
Published: September 2017

Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly. Up to 60% of these patients will benefit from cleft orthognathic surgery, which consists primarily of maxillary advancement and mandibular setback to address midface retrusion and relative mandibular protrusion, respectively. It is believed that maxillary advancement can enlarge the airway whilst mandibular setback can reduce the airway, but this has not previously been quantified for cleft patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. This unique longitudinal prospective study of 18 patients was conducted between April 2013 and July 2016. No significant changes occurred by six months postoperatively in body mass index, apnoea-hypopnoea index or lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT). There was a mean increase of 0.73 cm3 in velopharyngeal volume, a mean decrease of 0.79 cm3 in oropharyngeal volume, an improvement in snoring index, and no statistically significant change in hypopharyngeal volume. In conclusion, cleft orthognathic surgery that produced anterior advancement of the maxilla, setback of the mandible and clockwise rotation of the maxillo-mandibular complex resulted in increased velopharyngeal, decreased oropharyngeal and unchanged hypopharyngeal airways, and improved snoring, but did not significantly alter objective sleep-related breathing function.
Fenugreek Compound (N55) Lowers Plasma Glucose through the Enhancement of Response of Physiological Glucagon-like peptide-1
Authors: Chou I-Wen , Cheng Yu-Hong , Chen Yet-Ran , Hsieh Patrick Ching-Ho , King Klim
Published: September 2017

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) analogues are approved for treating type 2 diabetes, but are known to activate GLP-1R signaling globally and constitutively. Active compound N55, previously isolated from fenugreek, enhances the potency of GLP-1 without activating GLP-1R. Here we investigated if N55 lowers plasma glucose base on physiological levels of GLP-1. N55 was found to dose-dependently lower plasma glucose in non-fasted mice but not in the fasted mice, with the effect attenuated by GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9–39) (Ex-9). On the other hand, when co-administered with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) -resistant [Aib8]-GLP-1(7–36) amide (GLP-1′), hypoglycemic response to N55 was observed in the fasted mice. This enhancement was also found to display dose dependency. N55 enhancement of the hypoglycemic and insulinotropic action of GLP-1′ was eliminated upon Ex-9 treatment. Both exendin-4 (Ex-4) and DPP4-resistant GLP-1 mutant peptide ([Aib8, E22, E30]-GLP-1(7–36) amide) activated GLP-1R and improved glucose tolerance but the enhancement effect of N55 was not observed in vivo or in vitro. In conclusions, N55 lowers plasma glucose according to prandial status by enhancing the response of physiological levels of GLP-1 and is much less likely to disrupt tight regulation of GLP-1R signaling as compare to GLP-1 analogues.
High-performance silicon photonic tri-state switch based on balanced nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Lu Zeqin , Celo Dritan , Mehrvar Hamid , Bernier Eric , Chrostowski Lukas
Published: September 2017

Absatrct

This work proposes a novel silicon photonic tri-state (cross/bar/blocking) switch, featuring high-speed switching, broadband operation, and crosstalk-free performance. The switch is designed based on a 2 × 2 balanced nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure with carrier injection phase tuning. As compared to silicon photonic dual-state (cross/bar) switches based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers with carrier injection phase tuning, the proposed switch not only has better performance in cross/bar switching but also provides an extra blocking state. The unique blocking state has a great advantage in applications of N × N switch fabrics, where idle switching elements in the fabrics can be configured to the blocking state for crosstalk suppression. According to our numerical experiments on a fully loaded 8 × 8 dilated Banyan switch fabric, the worst output crosstalk of the 8 × 8 switch can be dramatically suppressed by more than 50 dB, by assigning the blocking state to idle switching elements in the fabric. The results of this work can extend the functionality of silicon photonic switches and significantly improve the performance of on-chip N × N photonic switching technologies.
Dynamic Changes of Genome-Wide DNA Methylation during Soybean Seed Development
Authors: An Yong-qiang Charles , Goettel Wolfgang , Han Qiang , Bartels Arthur , Liu Zongrang , Xiao Wenyan
Published: September 2017

Seed development is programmed by expression of many genes in plants. Seed maturation is an important developmental process to soybean seed quality and yield. DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification regulating gene expression. However, little is known about the dynamic nature of DNA methylation and its effects on gene expression during plant development. Through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we showed that DNA methylation went through dynamic changes during seed maturation. An average of 66% CG, 45% CHG and 9% CHH contexts was methylated in cotyledons. CHH methylation levels in cotyledons changed greatly from 6% at the early stage to 11% at the late stage. Transcribed genes were approximately two-fold more likely to be differentially methylated than non-transcribed genes. We identified 40, 66 and 2136 genes containing differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with negative correlation between their expression and methylation in the CG, CHG and CHH contexts, respectively. The majority of the DMR genes in the CHH context were transcriptionally down-regulated as seeds mature: 99% of them during early maturation were down-regulated, and preferentially associated with DNA replication and cell division. The results provide novel insights into the dynamic nature of DNA methylation and its relationship with gene regulation in seed development.
Determinants of the assembly and function of antibody variable domains
Authors: Herold Eva Maria , John Christine , Weber Benedikt , Kremser Stephan , Eras Jonathan , Berner Carolin , Deubler Sabrina , Zacharias Martin , Buchner Johannes
Published: September 2017

The antibody Fv module which binds antigen consists of the variable domains VLand VH. These exhibit a conserved ß-sheet structure and comprise highly variable loops (CDRs). Little is known about the contributions of the framework residues and CDRs to their association. We exchanged conserved interface residues as well as CDR loops and tested the effects on two Fvs interacting with moderate affinities (KDs of ~2.5 µM and ~6 µM). While for the rather instable domains, almost all mutations had a negative effect, the more stable domains tolerated a number of mutations of conserved interface residues. Of particular importance for Fv association are VLP44 and VHL45. In general, the exchange of conserved residues in the VL/VHinterface did not have uniform effects on domain stability. Furthermore, the effects on association and antigen binding do not strictly correlate. In addition to the interface, the CDRs modulate the variable domain framework to a significant extent as shown by swap experiments. Our study reveals a complex interplay of domain stability, association and antigen binding including an unexpected strong mutual influence of the domain framework and the CDRs on stability/association on the one side and antigen binding on the other side.
An invertebrate infection model for evaluating anti-fungal agents against dermatophytosis
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Abe Shigeru , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: September 2017

Animal models of pathogenic infection are needed to evaluate candidate compounds for the development of anti-infectious drugs. Dermatophytes are pathogenic fungi that cause several infectious diseases. We established a silkworm dermatophyte infection model to evaluate anti-fungal drugs. Injection of conidia of the dermatophyte Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii into silkworms was lethal. A. vanbreuseghemii conidia germinated in liquid culture were more potent against silkworms than non-germinated conidia. Germinated conidia of other dermatophytes, Arthroderma benhamiae, Trichophyton rubrum, and Microsporum canis, also killed silkworms. Injection of heat-treated germinated A. vanbreuseghemii conidia did not kill silkworms, suggesting that only viable fungi are virulent. Injecting terbinafine or itraconazole, oral drugs used clinically to treat dermatophytosis, into the silkworm midgut had therapeutic effects against infection with germinated A. vanbreuseghemii conidia. When silkworms were injected with A. vanbreuseghemii expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), mycelial growth of the fungus was observed in the fat body and midgut. Injection of terbinafine into the silkworm midgut, which corresponds to oral administration in humans, inhibited the growth of A. vanbreuseghemii expressing eGFP in the fat body. These findings suggest that the silkworm infection model with eGFP-expressing dermatophytes is useful for evaluating the therapeutic activity of orally administered anti-fungal agents against dermatophytes.
Kinetic constraints on self-assembly into closed supramolecular structures
Authors: Michaels Thomas C. T. , Bellaiche Mathias M. J. , Hagan Michael F. , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: September 2017

Many biological and synthetic systems exploit self-assembly to generate highly intricate closed supramolecular architectures, ranging from self-assembling cages to viral capsids. The fundamental design principles that control the structural determinants of the resulting assemblies are increasingly well-understood, but much less is known about the kinetics of such assembly phenomena and it remains a key challenge to elucidate how these systems can be engineered to assemble in an efficient manner and avoid kinetic trapping. We show here that simple scaling laws emerge from a set of kinetic equations describing the self-assembly of identical building blocks into closed supramolecular structures and that this scaling behavior provides general rules that determine efficient assembly in these systems. Using this framework, we uncover the existence of a narrow range of parameter space that supports efficient self-assembly and reveal that nature capitalizes on this behavior to direct the reliable assembly of viral capsids on biologically relevant timescales.
Premature contractions of the bladder are suppressed by interactions between TRPV4 and SK3 channels in murine detrusor PDGFRα+ cells
Authors: Lee Haeyeong , Koh Byoung H. , Peri Lauren E. , Corrigan Robert D. , Lee Hyun-Tai , George Nikita E. , Bhetwal Bhupal P. , Xie Yeming , Perrino Brian A. , Chai Toby C. , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: September 2017

During filling, urinary bladder volume increases dramatically with little change in pressure. This is accomplished by suppressing contractions of the detrusor muscle that lines the bladder wall. Mechanisms responsible for regulating detrusor contraction during filling are poorly understood. Here we describe a novel pathway to stabilize detrusor excitability involving platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive (PDGFRα+) interstitial cells. PDGFRα+ cells express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) and TRPV4 channels. We found that Ca2+ entry through mechanosensitive TRPV4 channels during bladder filling stabilizes detrusor excitability. GSK1016790A (GSK), a TRPV4 channel agonist, activated a non-selective cation conductance that coupled to activation of SK channels. GSK induced hyperpolarization of PDGFRα+ cells and decreased detrusor contractions. Contractions were also inhibited by activation of SK channels. Blockers of TRPV4 or SK channels inhibited currents activated by GSK and increased detrusor contractions. TRPV4 and SK channel blockers also increased contractions of intact bladders during filling. Similar enhancement of contractions occurred in bladders of Trpv4−/− mice during filling. An SK channel activator (SKA-31) decreased contractions during filling, and rescued the overactivity of Trpv4−/− bladders. Our findings demonstrate how Ca2+ influx through TRPV4 channels can activate SK channels in PDGFRα+ cells and prevent bladder overactivity during filling.
Age of first exposure to American football and long-term neuropsychiatric and cognitive outcomes
Authors: Alosco M L , Kasimis A B , Stamm J M , Chua A S , Baugh C M , Daneshvar D H , Robbins C A , Mariani M , Hayden J , Conneely S , Au R , Torres A , McClean M D , McKee A C , Cantu R C , Mez J , Nowinski C J , Martin B M , Chaisson C E , Tripodis Y , Stern R A
Published: September 2017

Previous research suggests that age of first exposure (AFE) to football before age 12 may have long-term clinical implications; however, this relationship has only been examined in small samples of former professional football players. We examined the association between AFE to football and behavior, mood and cognition in a large cohort of former amateur and professional football players. The sample included 214 former football players without other contact sport history. Participants completed the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT), and self-reported measures of executive function and behavioral regulation (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version Metacognition Index (MI), Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI)), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)) and apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES)). Outcomes were continuous and dichotomized as clinically impaired. AFE was dichotomized into <12 and ⩾12, and examined continuously. Multivariate mixed-effect regressions controlling for age, education and duration of play showed AFE to football before age 12 corresponded with >2 × increased odds for clinically impaired scores on all measures but BTACT: (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): BRI, 2.16,1.19–3.91; MI, 2.10,1.17–3.76; CES-D, 3.08,1.65–5.76; AES, 2.39,1.32–4.32). Younger AFE predicted increased odds for clinical impairment on the AES (OR, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.76–0.97) and CES-D (OR, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.74–0.97). There was no interaction between AFE and highest level of play. Younger AFE to football, before age 12 in particular, was associated with increased odds for impairment in self-reported neuropsychiatric and executive function in 214 former American football players. Longitudinal studies will inform youth football policy and safety decisions.
Ketamine: differential neurophysiological dynamics in functional networks in the rat brain
Authors: Ahnaou A , Huysmans H , Biermans R , Manyakov N V , Drinkenburg W H I M
Published: September 2017

Recently, the N-methyl-d-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine has emerged as a fast-onset mechanism to achieve antidepressant activity, whereas its psychomimetic, dissociative and amnestic effects have been well documented to pharmacologically model schizophrenia features in rodents. Sleep–wake architecture, neuronal oscillations and network connectivity are key mechanisms supporting brain plasticity and cognition, which are disrupted in mood disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. In rats, we investigated the dynamic effects of acute and chronic subcutaneous administration of ketamine (2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) on sleep–wake cycle, multichannels network interactions assessed by coherence and phase–amplitude cross-frequency coupling, locomotor activity (LMA), cognitive information processing as reflected by the mismatch negativity-like (MMN) component of event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Acute ketamine elicited a short, lasting inhibition of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, increased coherence in higher gamma frequency oscillations independent of LMA, altered theta-gamma phase–amplitude coupling, increased MMN peak-amplitude response and evoked higher gamma oscillations. In contrast, chronic ketamine reduced large-scale communication among cortical regions by decreasing oscillations and coherent activity in the gamma frequency range, shifted networks activity towards slow alpha rhythm, decreased MMN peak response and enhanced aberrant higher gamma neuronal network oscillations. Altogether, our data show that acute and chronic ketamine elicited differential changes in network connectivity, ERPs and event-related oscillations (EROs), supporting possible underlying alterations in NMDAR–GABAergic signaling. The findings underscore the relevance of intermittent dosing of ketamine to accurately maintain the functional integrity of neuronal networks for long-term plastic changes and therapeutic effect.
Effects of organic solvents on immunosensing assays for small molecules based on an optofluidic immunosensing platform
Authors: Lou Xuening , Zhu Anna , Luo Qiang , Zhang Yan , Long Feng
Published: September 2017

The effect of organic solvents on the homogenous/heterogeneous interactions between small molecules and their respective antibodies was studied.
Extraction optimization and pixel-based chemometric analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds in groundwater
Authors: Christensen Peter , Tomasi Giorgio , Kristensen Mette , Holm Peter E. , Christensen Jan H.
Published: September 2017

Combined dual extraction steps provided high enrichment factors and separation of peaks from unresolved complex mixtures in groundwaters. For the first time, pixel-based analysis of summed extracted ion chromatograms (sEIC's) was used for the characterization of semi-VOCs.
Analysis of deferiprone in exhaled breath condensate using silver nanoparticle-enhanced terbium fluorescence
Authors: Mohamadian Esmail , Shayanfar Ali , Khoubnasabjafari Maryam , Jouyban-Gharamaleki Vahid , Ghaffary Saba , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: September 2017

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been proposed as an alternative non-invasive biological sample for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Structural diversity in Cu(i) complexes of the PNP ligand: from pincer to binuclear coordination modes and their effects upon the electrochemical and photophysical properties
Authors: Arce Pablo , Vera Cristian , Escudero Dayra , Guerrero Juan , Lappin Alexander , Oliver Allen , Jara Danilo H. , Ferraudi Guillermo , Lemus Luis
Published: September 2017

The versatility of PNP ligand in coordinating to Cu(i) resulted in the formation of emissive complexes with notable structural differences.
The development of aPanax notoginsengmedicinal liquor processing technology using the response surface method and a study of its antioxidant activity and its effects on mouse melanoma B16 cells
Authors: Peiran Liao , Ying Liu , Mingzhuo Zhao , Ye Yang , Xiuming Cui
Published: September 2017

The optimum process forPanax notoginsengmedicinal liquor was as following: ratio of solution to solid 32 : 1, alcohol content 53% and soaking time 35 d.Panax notoginsengmedicinal liquor could play the role of functional food in anti-oxidation and anti-melanin deposition.
Investigating the relationship between lentil carbohydrate fractions and in vivo postprandial blood glucose response by use of the natural variation in starch fractions among 20 lentil varieties
Authors: Ramdath D. Dan , Liu Qiang , Donner Elizabeth , Hawke Aileen , Kalinga Danusha , Winberg Jordan , Wolever Thomas M. S.
Published: September 2017

Using human studies we confirm that lentils lower blood glucose response, which is correlated to the rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch content.
Resveratrol: from diet to topical usage
Authors: Chedea Veronica Sanda , Vicaş Simona Ioana , Sticozzi Claudia , Pessina Federica , Frosini Maria , Maioli Emanuela , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Molecular pathways involved in resveratrol mediate skin protective effects against environmental insults.
Design, synthesis and preliminary antimicrobial evaluation of N-alkyl chain-tethered C-5 functionalized bis-isatins
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Nisha Nisha , Bains Trpta , Hahn Hye Jee , Liu Nicole , Tam Christina , Cheng Luisa W. , Kim Jong , Debnath Anjan , Land Kirkwood M. , Kumar Vipan
Published: September 2017

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of C-5 functionalized bis-isatins against pathogenic microorganisms.
Molecular mobility in carbon dioxide hydrates
Authors: Jendi Zeina M. , Servio Phillip , Rey Alejandro D.
Published: September 2017

This work highlights the significant influence of water vacancies and gas composition on carbon dioxide mobility in gas hydrates.
Electric field directed self-assembly of block copolymers for rapid formation of large-area complex nanopatterns
Authors: Jeon Hyun Uk , Jin Hyeong Min , Kim Ju Young , Cha Seung Keun , Mun Jeong Ho , Lee Kyung Eun , Oh Jung Jae , Yun Taeyeong , Kim Jun Soo , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: September 2017

We investigate the unusually rapid directed self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films by imposing an in-plane electric field.
Flexible quasi-solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor based on cellular graphene films
Authors: Shao Yuanlong , Li Jianmin , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong , Kaner Richard B.
Published: September 2017

Quasi-solid-state micro-supercapacitors with cellular graphene film as the active material and polyvinyl alcohol/H3PO4as the gel electrolyte have been fabricated. The 3D porous graphene films not only serve as high performance supercapacitor electrodes, but also provide an abundant ion reservoir for the gel electrolyte.
Toward rational nanoparticle synthesis: predicting surface intermixing in bimetallic alloy nanocatalysts
Authors: Roling Luke T. , Mavrikakis Manos
Published: September 2017

The relative barriers to hopping and substitution determine appropriate experimental conditions for the design of nanocatalysts with a given composition.
Macroscopically ordered hexagonal arrays by directed self-assembly of block copolymers with minimal topographic patterns
Authors: Choi Jaewon , Gunkel Ilja , Li Yinyong , Sun Zhiwei , Liu Feng , Kim Hyeyoung , Carter Kenneth R. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: September 2017

This study quantitatively characterizes BCP microdomains guided by topographic patterns using GISAXS, providing an in-depth understanding of the BCP morphology.
Magnetic-field-induced synthesis of magnetic wire-like micro- and nanostructures
Authors: Krajewski Marcin
Published: September 2017

This review highlights recent progress in the field of magnetic-field-induced synthesis which allows producing one-dimensional wire-like micro- and nanostructures.
A novel radical polymerization system initiated by a redox reaction with NHPI and xanthone
Authors: Yan Xu , Zhang Lihua , Liu Qian , Wang Guan , Liu Xiaofei , Yang Wantai
Published: September 2017

A novel redox reaction system consisting of xanthone (XT) andN-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) for radical polymerization is developed where NHPI and XT experience a one-electron-transfer reaction, which produces two kinds of radicals, PINO radicals and cycloketyl (CK) radicals.
A new class of gold(iii) complexes with saturated poly(benzyl ether) dendrons for solution-processable blue-green-emitting organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Tang Man-Chung , Tsang Daniel Ping-Kuen , Chan Mei-Yee , Wong Keith Man-Chung , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: September 2017

Blue-green-emitting solution-processable OLEDs have been realized by the incorporation of a saturated dendrimer onto alkynylgold(iii) complexes.
Characteristics of toluene decomposition and adsorbent regeneration based on electrically conductive charcoal particle-triggered discharge
Authors: Xiao Gang , Xu Weiping , Luo Zhongyang , Pang Hua
Published: September 2017

Electrically conductive charcoal particle-triggered discharge facilitates the desorption of adsorbed toluene and also decomposes ∼60% of the adsorbed toluene.
A statistical physics study of the interaction of [7]-helicene with alkali cations (K+ and Cs+): new insights on microscopic adsorption behavior
Authors: Ben Yahia Mohamed , Tounsi Moncef , Aouaini Fatma , Knani Salah , Ben Yahia Manel , Ben Lamine Abdelmottaleb
Published: September 2017

The adsorption of a metal ion to a polycyclic aromatic molecule such as helicene is the object of our study.
Improvement of the amphiphilic properties of a dialkyl phosphate by creation of a protic ionic liquid-like surfactant
Authors: Lépori Cristian M. O. , Silber Juana J. , Falcone R. Darío , Correa N. Mariano
Published: September 2017

Imim-DEHP, an interesting protic IL-like surfactant to create RMs in aliphatic and aromatic non-polar solvents and unilamellar vesicles in water.
Highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon for superior electric double-layer capacitors
Authors: Jeong Da Sol , Yun Je Moon , Kim Kwang-Ho
Published: September 2017

The highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon material pyrolyzed from one of PVP/NaOH mixtures with different NaOH contents exhibited a large specific surface area of up to 2400 m2 g−1 and an excellent supercapacitive performance of maximum 478 F g−1.
Yield prediction in parallel homogeneous assembly
Authors: Ipparthi Dhananjay , Winslow Andrew , Sitti Metin , Dorigo Marco , Mastrangeli Massimo
Published: September 2017

The parallel assembly of 2D target structures from homogeneous macroscopic components is studied experimentally and through a chemical reaction network-based model, highlighting the incompatible substructures problem.
Stretchable 3D lattice conductors
Authors: Li Tingyao , Jiang Yanhui , Yu Kunhao , Wang Qiming
Published: September 2017

3D-architected lattice conductors with high stretchability, low density, and high porosity enable large-deformation sensing and wastewater monitoring.
Estrogen deprivation aggravates cardiac hypertrophy in nonobese Type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats
Authors: Apaijai Nattayaporn , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Ittichaichareon Jitjiroj , Suntornsaratoon Panan , Krishnamra Nateetip , Aeimlapa Ratchaneevan , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: September 2017

Both Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and estrogen deprivation have been shown to be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiac remodeling. However, the role of estrogen deprivation on adverse cardiac remodeling in nonobese T2DM rats has not been clearly elucidated. We hypothesized that estrogen-deprivation aggravates adverse cardiac remodeling in Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats. Wild-type (WT) and GK rats at the age of 9 months old were divided into two subgroups to have either a sham operation (WTS, GKS) or a bilateral ovariectomy (WTO, GKO) (n = 6/subgroup). Four months after the operation, the rats were killed, and the heart was excised rapidly. Metabolic parameters, cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and biochemical parameters were determined. GK rats had hyperglycemia with hypoinsulinemia, and estrogen deprivation did not increase the severity of T2DM. Cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac oxidative stress, and phosphor-antinuclear factor κB were higher in WTO and GKS rats than WTS rats, and they markedly increased in GKO rats compared with GKS rats. Furthermore, cardiac fibrosis, transforming growth factor-β, Bax, phosphor-p38, and peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor γ coactivator-1α expression were increased in GKS and GKO rats compared with the lean rats. However, mitochondrial dynamics proteins including dynamin-related protein 1 and mitofusin-2 were not altered by T2DM and estrogen deprivation. Although estrogen deprivation did not aggravate T2DM in GK rats, it increased the severity of cardiac hypertrophy by provoking cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in nonobese GK rats.
Impact of liver fat on the differential partitioning of hepatic triacylglycerol into VLDL subclasses on high and low sugar diets
Authors: Umpleby A. Margot , Shojaee-Moradie Fariba , Fielding Barbara , Li Xuefei , Marino Andrea , Alsini Najlaa , Isherwood Cheryl , Jackson Nicola , Ahmad Aryati , Stolinski Michael , Lovegrove Julie A. , Johnsen Sigurd , Jeewaka R. Mendis A.S. , Wright John , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Hovorka Roman , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise , Frost Gary S. , Griffin Bruce A.
Published: September 2017

Dietary sugars are linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dyslipidaemia, but it is unknown if NAFLD itself influences the effects of sugars on plasma lipoproteins. To study this further, men with NAFLD (n = 11) and low liver fat ‘controls’ (n = 14) were fed two iso-energetic diets, high or low in sugars (26% or 6% total energy) for 12 weeks, in a randomised, cross-over design. Fasting plasma lipid and lipoprotein kinetics were measured after each diet by stable isotope trace-labelling.

There were significant differences in the production and catabolic rates of VLDL subclasses between men with NAFLD and controls, in response to the high and low sugar diets. Men with NAFLD had higher plasma concentrations of VLDL1-triacylglycerol (TAG) after the high (P<0.02) and low sugar (P<0.0002) diets, a lower VLDL1-TAG fractional catabolic rate after the high sugar diet (P<0.01), and a higher VLDL1-TAG production rate after the low sugar diet (P<0.01), relative to controls. An effect of the high sugar diet, was to channel hepatic TAG into a higher production of VLDL1-TAG (P<0.02) in the controls, but in contrast, a higher production of VLDL2-TAG (P<0.05) in NAFLD. These dietary effects on VLDL subclass kinetics could be explained, in part, by differences in the contribution of fatty acids from intra-hepatic stores, and de novo lipogenesis. The present study provides new evidence that liver fat accumulation leads to a differential partitioning of hepatic TAG into large and small VLDL subclasses, in response to high and low intakes of sugars.
Conformal MIMO loop antenna for ingestible capsule applications
Authors: Xu Li‐Jie , Li Bo , Zhang Ming , Bo Yaming
Published: September 2017

An MIMO antenna consisting two loop elements is presented at 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific and medical band. The two elements are attached on the inner surface of the capsule, so that inner capsule space is saved to its maximum extent. Additionally, by orthogonally placing the two elements at bottom and side of the capsule, different polarisation directions are achieved; therefore, resulting in good isolation without introducing additional decoupling structures. Furthermore, communication link of the MIMO antenna with outside dipole is evaluated, revealing reliable communication performance. Finally, simulation results are validated by experimental results with good agreement.
Decentralised fault‐tolerant control of tethered spacecraft formation: an interconnected system approach
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Yang Hao , Jiang Bin , Cocquempot Vincent , Cheng Yuehua
Published: September 2017

In this study, a novel control strategy of a three‐inline array tethered spacecraft formation is proposed, based on a simplified non‐linear model around the equilibrium point. The formation stability is analysed by using an interconnected system approach which deeply reveals the coupling characteristic among three spacecraft. It is shown that both individual control laws of spacecraft and the coupling effects can achieve the stability. The problems of fault‐tolerant control and fault propagation are further discussed. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Fair and efficient energy consumption scheduling algorithm using tabu search for future smart grids
Authors: Assaf Tasneem , Osman Ahmed H. , Hassan Mohamed S. , Mir Hasan
Published: September 2017

Group Autonomous Demand‐Side Management (ADSM) programs have the ability to reduce the energy cost and the peak‐to‐average ratio of the load profile. This can be done through the scheduling of the day‐ahead energy consumption profile. In this work, a group ADSM program in which customers cooperate to reduce the total energy generation cost is investigated. The requirements of smart appliances are mathematically modelled and an aggregative game is formulated to model the strategic behaviour of the customers. To reduce the computational complexity of the group ADSM programs, an efficient energy consumption scheduling (ECS) algorithm based on tabu search (TS) is proposed. To overcome the unfair billing that might be associated with current ADSM programs, a fair energy consumption billing mechanism is developed in which customers are charged according to their own energy consumption and commitment to the assigned schedules. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed TS‐based scheduling algorithm achieves a considerable reduction in the computational complexity as compared to ECS algorithms based on parallel‐Monte Carlo tree search and the benchmark branch and bound. Additionally, the results confirm that the proposed billing mechanism enhances the fairness level of the program.
Low‐complexity and efficient image coder/decoder with quad‐tree search model for embedded computing platforms
Authors: Ma Tao
Published: September 2017

Among the existing image coding methods, set partition in hierarchy tree (SPIHT) becomes a favourable choice for the energy‐constrained embedded computing system because of its simplicity and high coding efficiency. In this study, the authors presented a quad‐tree search model which is able to provide the higher coding efficiency than the model used in SPIHT. By applying this model, the authors proposed a new image codec, which is able to surpass SPIHT by 0.2–0.5 dB in peak signal‐to‐noise ratio over various code rates, and its performance is even comparable to SPIHT with adaptive arithmetic code and JPEG2000. Also an experiment is conducted to show the complexity of the proposed codec is the same as SPIHT without the complicated arithmetic codes. This property is critically favoured in embedded processing communication systems where energy consumption and speed are priority concerns.
Computational microwave imaging using 3D printed conductive polymer frequency‐diverse metasurface antennas
Authors: Yurduseven Okan , Flowers Patrick , Ye Shengrong , Marks Daniel L. , Gollub Jonah N. , Fromenteze Thomas , Wiley Benjamin J. , Smith David R.
Published: September 2017

A frequency‐diverse computational imaging system synthesised using three‐dimensional (3D) printed frequency‐diverse metasurface antennas is demonstrated. The 3D fabrication of the antennas is achieved using a combination of polylactic acid (PLA) polymer material and conductive polymer material (Electrifi), circumventing the requirement for expensive and time‐consuming conventional fabrication techniques, such as machine milling, photolithography, and laser‐etching. Using the 3D printed frequency‐diverse metasurface antennas, a composite aperture is designed and simulated for imaging in the K‐band frequency regime (17.5–26.5 GHz). The frequency‐diverse system is capable of imaging by means of a simple frequency‐sweep in an all‐electronic manner, avoiding mechanical scanning and active circuit components. Using the synthesised system, microwave imaging of objects is achieved at the diffraction limit. It is also demonstrated that the conductivity of the Electrifi polymer material significantly affects the performance of the 3D printed antennas and therefore is a critical factor governing the fidelity of the reconstructed images.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Juvenile and Adult Type 1 Diabetes in a German/Austrian Cohort
Authors: Reinauer Christina , Bollow Esther , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke , Laubner Katharina , Bergis Dominik , Schöfl Christof , Kempe Hans-Peter , Hummel Michael , Hennes Pia , Gollisch Katja , Haberland Holger , Datz Nicolin , Meissner Thomas , Holl Reinhard
Published: September 2017

Context While an association between PCOS and type 2 diabetes is well established, to date there have been few data on clinical care of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with PCOS.

Objective The aim of our study was to characterize T1D patients with the comorbidity of PCOS within the DPV cohort with regard to diabetes phenotype, therapy and metabolic control.

Design and Setting Clinical data from the prospective German/Austrian DPV cohort on patients with T1D and documented PCOS (n=76) were compared to female T1D controls (n=32,566) in reproductive age.

Results The age at T1D manifestation in PCOS patients was later than in the control group (14.9±8.2 vs. 11.8±7.0 years, p<0.001). PCOS patients had higher BMI-SDS (0.92±0.11 vs. 0.38±0.01, p<0.001), metformin and oral contraceptives were used more frequently (p<0.001). A1c levels were significantly lower (7.92 +/− 0.23% vs. 8.43±0.01%, p<0.05) despite of lower insulin requirements (0.76±0.04 IU/kg/d vs. 0.84±0.00 IU/kg/d, p<0.05). In the PCOS group, higher rates of dyslipidemia (63.4 vs. 48.7%, p =0.032) and thyroid disorders (42.2% vs. 21.2%, p<0.001) were present.

Discussion While patients with T1D and comorbid PCOS showed features of a “type 1.5 diabetes” phenotype, insulin requirements per kg body weight were not higher and metabolic control was better, which could be explained only partially by additional metformin therapy. A more precise genetic and metabolic characterisation of these patients is needed to answer open questions on the underlying autoimmune process and residual ß-cell function.
Purification and Characterization of the Soluble form of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (sRAGE): A Novel Fast, Economical and Convenient Method
Authors: Kumar Varun , Sulaj Alba , Fleming Thomas , Nawroth Peter
Published: September 2017

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand receptor which belongs to the pattern recognition receptor family and can bind to various ligands such as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), members of the S100 protein family, glycosaminoglycans, amyloid β peptides, high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and nucleic acids through its extracellular domain. The RAGE-ligand interaction leads to the activation of MAP kinase and NF-kB signaling pathways. Further ligand-induced up-regulation of RAGE is involved in various patho-physiological situations including late diabetic complications, Alzheimer disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases. A secreted soluble isoform of RAGE (sRAGE), corresponding to the extracellular domain only, has the ability to block RAGE-associated cellular activation and signaling. Further application of recombinant sRAGE has been shown to block RAGE-mediated pathophysiological conditions in various models of cancer or multiple sclerosis. These finding demonstrates sRAGE as a therapeutic tool to block RAGE-associated inflammatory signaling. In this manuscript, we describe a two-step simple, novel and convenient method for expressing and purifying scalable quantities of biologically active murine form of sRAGE by using E.coli as an expression host. The method we propose has several advantages over the current available methods particularly in terms of yield and quality of preparation. The sRAGE produced by this expression system retains all the secondary structural properties as analyzed by the ligand binding affinities. The produced protein also retains all the DNA-RAGE binding functional properties and thus can be a valuable tool for studying dynamics of this novel RAGE ligand. Moreover this method can be utilized by researchers to generate biologically active endotoxin-free sRAGE for in vivo applications to study and treat RAGE-associated pathologies.
Psychometrische Eigenschaften der deutschen Version des Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ)
Authors: Baumann Ines , Niemitz Mandy , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: September 2017

Der Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) erfasst die Auswirkungen einer Krebserkrankung eines Kindes auf gesunde Geschwister hinsichtlich intrafamiliärer Beziehungen und Kommunikation sowie individuelle krankheitsbezogene Wahrnehmungen und Ängste. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Untersuchung der psychometrischen Eigenschaften der ins Deutsche übersetzten Version des SPQ. Dazu wurden die Daten zu 216 gesunden Geschwistern mit 164 Fragebögen im Selbstbericht und 212 Elternberichten gesammelt. Anhand dessen wurden die 4 Subskalen „Interpersonale Schwierigkeiten“, „Intrapersonale Schwierigkeiten“, „offene Kommunikation“ und „Angst vor der Erkrankung“ mit insgesamt 23 Items untersucht. Es zeigten sich akzeptable bis gute Skalenkonsistenzen im Elternbericht (Cronbach’s α=0,73–0,87) und im Selbstbericht (α=0,59–0,80), mit Ausnahme der Skala Angst vor der Erkrankung (α=0,35 und 0,16). Im Hinblick auf die konvergente Validität zeigten sich ein deutlicher korrelativer Zusammenhang zwischen Skalen des SPQ und Skalen des Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) und des Lebensqualitätsinventars für Kinder (LQ-KID) (r=− 0,37; r=0,63; p≤0,001). Die deutsche Version des SPQ stellt sowohl als Selbst- und Elternbericht ein reliables und valides Instrument zur Erfassung der emotionalen Reaktion eines gesunden Kindes auf die Krebserkrankung eines Geschwisterkindes dar. Weitere Untersuchungen an unterschiedlichen Stichproben werden empfohlen.