bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connexin 43 is overexpressed in human fetal membrane defects after fetoscopic surgery
Authors: Barrett David W. , David Anna L. , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Mata Alvaro , Becker David L. , Engels Alex C. , Deprest Jan A. , Chowdhury Tina T.
Published: August 2016

Objective

We examined whether surgically induced membrane defects elevate connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the wound edge of the amniotic membrane (AM) and drives structural changes in collagen that affects healing after fetoscopic surgery.

Method

Cell morphology and collagen microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and second harmonic generation in fetal membranes taken from women who underwent fetal surgery. Immunofluoresence and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine Cx43 expression in control and wound edge AM.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy showed dense, helical patterns of collagen fibrils in the wound edge of the fetal membrane. This arrangement changed in the fibroblast layer with evidence of collagen fibrils that were highly polarised along the wound edge but not in control membranes. Cx43 was increased by 112.9% in wound edge AM compared with controls (p < 0.001), with preferential distribution in the fibroblast layer compared with the epithelial layer (p < 0.01). In wound edge AM, mesenchymal cells had a flattened morphology, and there was evidence of poor epithelial migration across the defect. Cx43 and COX‐2 expression was significantly increased in wound edge AM compared with controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overexpression of Cx43 in the AM after fetal surgery induces morphological and structural changes in the collagenous matrix that may interfere with normal healing mechanisms. © 2016 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced gauge symmetry in 6D F‐theory models and tuned elliptic Calabi‐Yau threefolds
Authors: Johnson Samuel B. , Taylor Washington
Published: August 2016

We systematically analyze the local combinations of gauge groups and matter that can arise in 6D F‐theory models over a fixed base. We compare the low‐energy constraints of anomaly cancellation to explicit F‐theory constructions using Weierstrass and Tate forms, and identify some new local structures in the “swampland” of 6D supergravity and SCFT models that appear consistent from low‐energy considerations but do not have known F‐theory realizations. In particular, we classify and carry out a local analysis of all enhancements of the irreducible gauge and matter contributions from “non‐Higgsable clusters,” and on isolated curves and pairs of intersecting rational curves of arbitrary self‐intersection. Such enhancements correspond physically to unHiggsings, and mathematically to tunings of the Weierstrass model of an elliptic CY threefold. We determine the shift in Hodge numbers of the elliptic threefold associated with each enhancement. We also consider local tunings on curves that have higher genus or intersect multiple other curves, codimension two tunings that give transitions in the F‐theory matter content, tunings of abelian factors in the gauge group, and generalizations of the “E8” rule to include tunings and curves of self‐intersection zero. These tools can be combined into an algorithm that in principle enables a finite and systematic classification of all elliptic CY threefolds and corresponding 6D F‐theory SUGRA models over a given compact base (modulo some technical caveats in various special circumstances), and are also relevant to the classification of 6D SCFT's. To illustrate the utility of these results, we identify some large example classes of known CY threefolds in the Kreuzer‐Skarke database as Weierstrass models over complex surface bases with specific simple tunings, and we survey the range of tunings possible over one specific base.
Mechanism of the formation of copper‐containing fractal‐like crystallites in metal‐organic thin films: Shape simulation and XANES analysis
Authors: Yalovega Galina , Myasoedova Tatiana , Funik Anton , Plugotarenko Nina , Brzhezinskaya Maria , Bahmatskaya Alexandra
Published: August 2016

Copper‐containing thin films were synthesized by a citrate sol–gel method using ethylene glycol. The evolution of the shape and local atomic structure of the copper‐containing fractal crystallites at different stages of growth was investigated by the combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. A surface morphological study of the deposited film samples was carried out using SEM. It revealed the evolution of the crystallite structures as a function of annealing temperature. To describe this mechanism diffusion‐limiting aggregation and cluster–cluster models were used. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES) was applied to show the dynamics of the local atomic structure of Cu ion and the copper oxidation state at different stages of crystallites formation. It was found that at temperatures up to 250 °C the Cu2Cl(OH)3 (atacamite phase) and chelate complex are formed. With temperature increases changes in the local atomic structure as well as in morphology take place and at 500 °C CuO formed. As a result of these processes, the fractal organization of the other level was observed.
Fabrication of polycrystalline silicon films by Al‐induced crystallization of silicon‐rich oxide films
Authors: Yoon Jong‐Hwan
Published: August 2016

Polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) films were fabricated by aluminum (Al)‐induced crystallization of Si‐rich oxide (SiOx) films. The fabrication was achieved by thermal annealing of SiOx /Al bilayers below the eutectic temperature of the Al–Si alloy. The poly‐Si film resulting from SiO1.45 exhibited good crystallinity with highly preferential (111) orientation, as deduced from Raman scattering, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The poly‐Si film is probably formed by the Al‐induced layer exchange mechanism, which is mediated by Al oxide.
Structure of a shear‐line polar low
Authors: Sergeev D. E. , Renfrew I. A. , Spengler T. , Dorling S. R.
Published: August 2016

During March 2013 a series of polar lows originated in a high‐vorticity (>10−3 s−1) shear zone that was associated with a prolonged marine cold‐air outbreak over the Norwegian Sea. A detailed analysis of one shear‐line polar low at the leading edge of the outbreak is presented using comprehensive observations from a well‐instrumented aircraft, dropsondes, scatterometer and CloudSat data, and numerical modelling output from a convection‐resolving configuration of the Met Office Unified Model. The maximum low‐level wind gradient across the shear line was 25 m s−1 over 50 km. High winds to the north and west were within the cold air mass and were associated with large surface turbulent heat fluxes and convective clouds. Low wind speeds to the south and east of the shear line were associated with low heat fluxes and a clear ‘eye’ in the polar low. Shear‐line meso‐gamma‐scale instabilities merging into the polar low appeared important to its structure and development. The model captured the shear line and the polar low structure very well–in particular the strength of the horizontal shear and the mesoscale thermodynamic fields. The spatial structure of convective cloud bands around the polar low was simulated reasonably well, but the model significantly underestimated the liquid water content and height of the cloud layers compared to the observations. Shear‐line polar lows are relatively common, however this case is arguably the first to be examined with a wide range of in situ and remote observations allied with numerical model output.
Technical feasibility and safety of an intraoperative head‐up display device during spine instrumentation
Authors: Yoon Jang W. , Chen Robert E. , Han Phillip K. , Si Phong , Freeman William D. , Pirris Stephen M.
Published: August 2016

Background

The primary aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of capturing and streaming neuronavigation images onto a head‐up display during spine instrumentation.

Methods

Using a novel device, neuronavigation images were captured and transferred wirelessly via a password‐encrypted network to the head‐up display. At the end of the procedure, the surgeons completed a survey to gather their opinions of the system.

Results

Forty pedicle screws were placed using the head‐up display. The average screw placement time was slightly shorter when the head‐up display was used (4.13 min with vs. 4.86 min without). The post‐procedure survey demonstrated that 79% of surgeon's responses were positive.

Conclusion

A wearable head‐up display can benefit current neuronavigation systems, but larger, outcomes‐based trials are needed. Higher processing speed would allow streaming of higher resolution images. Along with an enlarged display, these may significantly improve utilization of this technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Enacts Wnt Signaling in Intestinal Homeostasis and Contributes to the Instigation of Stemness in Diseases Entailing Epithelial Hyperplasia or Neoplasia
Authors: Oittinen Mikko , Popp Alina , Kurppa Kalle , Lindfors Katri , Mäki Markku , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Viiri Keijo
Published: August 2016

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates the homeostasis of intestinal epithelium by controlling the balance between intestinal stem cell self-renewal and differentiation but epigenetic mechanisms enacting the process are not known. We hypothesized that epigenetic regulator, Polycomb Repressive Complex-2 (PRC2), is involved in Wnt-mediated epithelial homeostasis on the crypt-villus axis and aberrancies therein are implicated both in celiac disease and in intestinal malignancies. We found that PRC2 establishes repressive crypt and villus specific trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) signature on genes responsible for, for example, nutrient transport and cell killing in crypts and, for example, proliferation and differentiation in mature villi, suggesting that PRC2 facilitates the Wnt-governed intestinal homeostasis. When celiac patients are on gluten-containing diet PRC2 is out-of-bounds active and consequently its target genes were found affected in intestinal epithelium. Significant set of effective intestinal PRC2 targets are also differentially expressed in colorectal adenoma and carcinomas. Our results suggest that PRC2 gives rise and maintains polar crypt and villus specific H3K27me3 signatures. As H3K27me3 is a mark enriched in developmentally important genes, identified intestinal PRC2 targets are possibly imperative drivers for enterocyte differentiation and intestinal stem cell maintenance downstream to Wnt-signaling. Our work also elucidates the mechanism sustaining the crypt hyperplasia in celiac disease and suggest that PRC2-dependent fostering of epithelial stemness is a common attribute in intestinal diseases in which epithelial hyperplasia or neoplasia prevails. Finally, this work demonstrates that in intestine PRC2 represses genes having both pro-stemness and pro-differentiation functions, fact need to be considered when designing epigenetic therapies including PRC2 as a drug target.
Yes-Associated Protein Inhibits Transcription of Myocardin and Attenuates Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell from Cardiovascular Progenitor Cell Lineage
Authors: Wang Lunchang , Qiu Ping , Jiao Jiao , Hirai Hiroyuki , Xiong Wei , Zhang Jifeng , Zhu Tianqing , Ma Peter X. , Chen Y. Eugene , Yang Bo
Published: August 2016

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) derived from cardiovascular progenitor cell (CVPC) lineage populate the tunica media of the aortic root. Understanding differentiation of VSMCs from CVPC will further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to aortic root aneurysms, and thus, facilitate the development of novel therapeutic agents to prevent this devastating complication. It is established that the yes-associated protein (YAP) and Hippo pathway is important for VSMC proliferation and phenotype switch. To determine the role of YAP in differentiation of VSMCs from CVPCs, we utilized the in vitro monolayer lineage specific differentiation method by differentiating human embryonic stem cells into CVPCs, and then, into VSMCs. We found that expression of YAP decreased during differentiation of VSMC from CVPCs. Overexpression of YAP attenuated expression of VSMC contractile markers and impaired VSMC function. Knockdown of YAP increased expression of contractile proteins during CVPC-VSMCs differentiation. Importantly, expression of YAP decreased transcription of myocardin during this process. Overexpression of YAP in PAC1 SMC cell line inhibited luciferase activity of myocardin proximal promoter in a dose dependent and NKX2.5 dependent manners. YAP protein interacted with NKX2.5 protein and inhibited binding of NKX2.5 to the 5′-proximal promoter region of myocardin in CVPC-derived VSMCs. In conclusion, YAP negatively regulates differentiation of VSMCs from CVPCs by decreasing transcription of myocardin in a NKX2.5-dependent manner.
Irx4 Marks a Multipotent, Ventricular-Specific Progenitor Cell
Authors: Nelson Daryl O. , Lalit Pratik A. , Biermann Mitch , Markandeya Yogananda S. , Capes Deborah L. , Addesso Luke , Patel Gina , Han Tianxiao , John Manorama C. , Powers Patricia A. , Downs Karen M. , Kamp Timothy J. , Lyons Gary E.
Published: August 2016

While much progress has been made in the resolution of the cellular hierarchy underlying cardiogenesis, our understanding of chamber-specific myocardium differentiation remains incomplete. To better understand ventricular myocardium differentiation, we targeted the ventricle-specific gene, Irx4, in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate a reporter cell line. Using an antibiotic-selection approach, we purified Irx4+ cells in vitro from differentiating embryoid bodies. The isolated Irx4+ cells proved to be highly proliferative and presented Cxcr4, Pdgfr-alpha, Flk1, and Flt1 on the cell surface. Single Irx4+ ventricular progenitor cells (VPCs) exhibited cardiovascular potency, generating endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and ventricular myocytes in vitro. The ventricular specificity of the Irx4+ population was further demonstrated in vivo as VPCs injected into the cardiac crescent subsequently produced Mlc2v+ myocytes that exclusively contributed to the nascent ventricle at E9.5. These findings support the existence of a newly identified ventricular myocardial progenitor. This is the first report of a multipotent cardiac progenitor that contributes progeny specific to the ventricular myocardium. Stem Cells  2016;34:2875–2888
Technique for venipuncture of the transverse facial vein in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Schlanser Justin R. , Bohart George W. , Paperd Deborah W. , Wagner Cynthia , Marquardt Mark , Harrison Tara M.
Published: August 2016

Through the use of operant conditioning, the authors developed a technique to facilitate obtaining blood samples from a black rhinoceros diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. The technique involved operant conditioning to facilitate venipuncture of the transverse facial vein, at an anatomic landmark on the lateral side of the face ventral to the medial canthus of the eye, and dorsal to the lateral commissure of the mouth. The investigators used standard operant conditioning protocols to train the animal for desensitization to a needle puncture in the facial vein. Blood samples obtained from the facial location were free of excessive hemolysis and allowed for large volumes to be collected. The procedure was well‐tolerated by the rhinoceros and could be performed regularly without complication. Zoo Biol. 35:570–573, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accuracy of preoperative tumor localization in large bowel using 3D magnetic endoscopic imaging: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Szura Miroslaw , Pasternak Artur , Solecki Rafal , Matyja Maciej , Szczepanik Antoni , Matyja Andrzej
Published: August 2016

Background

Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard treatment for colorectal cancer. A tumor that does not involve serosa is invisible intraoperatively, and manual palpation of the tumor during laparoscopy is not possible. Therefore, accurate localization of the neoplastic infiltrate remains one of the most important tasks prior to elective laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a magnetic endoscopic imaging (MEI) for precise preoperative endoscopic localization of neoplastic infiltrate within the large bowel.

Materials and methods

The study enrolled 246 patients who underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer in 2012–2015 with accurate preoperative colonoscopic localization of the tumor. The analysis concerned patients with neoplastic infiltrate localized more than 30 cm from the anal verge. For evaluative purposes and accuracy of localization, the intestine was divided anatomically into 13 parts. Colonoscopic examinations were conducted with two types of endoscopes: group I—with MEI and group II—without MEI. Patients were assigned to the groups by random allocation. Ultimate confirmation of the tumor localization was accomplished by intraoperative evaluation.

Results

Group I involved 127 patients and group II 129. The two groups were compared in terms of age, sex, BMI and frequency of previous abdominal procedures. Proper localization of the lesion was confirmed in 95.23 % of group I patients and in 83.19 % of group II patients (p < 0.05). The greatest discrepancy in localization occurred in 8.9 % of patients from group I and 20 % of patients from group II in which the lesion was assessed primarily in the distal sigmoid.

Conclusions

A magnetic endoscopic imaging allows more accurate localization of neoplastic infiltrate within the large intestine compared to standard colonoscopy alone, especially within the sigmoid colon. This method can be particularly useful in planning and performing laparoscopic procedures to diminish the likelihood of improper bowel segment resection.

ClinicalTrials.gov number

NCT01688557
CAR1deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 reduces formation of ethyl carbamate from ethanol fermentation bySaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chin Young-Wook , Kang Woo-Kyung , Jang Hae Won , Turner Timothy L , Kim Hyo Jin
Published: August 2016

Enormous advances in genome editing technology have been achieved in recent decades. Among newly born genome editing technologies, CRISPR/Cas9 is considered revolutionary because it is easy to use and highly precise for editing genes in target organisms. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also been applied for removing unfavorable target genes. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to reduce ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential carcinogen, which was formed during the ethanol fermentation process by yeast. Because the yeast CAR1 gene encoding arginase is the key gene to form ethyl carbamate, we inactivated the yeast CAR1 gene by the complete deletion of the gene or the introduction of a nonsense mutation in the CAR1 locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The engineered yeast strain showed a 98 % decrease in specific activity of arginase while displaying a comparable ethanol fermentation performance. In addition, the CAR1-inactivated mutants showed reduced formation of EC and urea, as compared to the parental yeast strain. Importantly, CRISPR/Cas9 technology enabled generation of a CAR1-inactivated yeast strains without leaving remnants of heterologous genes from a vector, suggesting that the engineered yeast by CRISPR/Cas9 technology might sidestep GMO regulation.
Regional variation of white matter development in the cat brain revealed by ex vivo diffusion MR tractography
Authors: Dai Guangping , Das Avilash , Hayashi Emiko , Chen Qin , Takahashi Emi
Published: August 2016

Three‐dimensional reconstruction of developing fiber pathways is essential to assessing the developmental course of fiber pathways in the whole brain. We applied diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) tractography to five juvenile ex vivo cat brains at postnatal day (P) 35, when the degree of myelination varies across brain regions. We quantified diffusion properties (fractional anisotropy [FA] and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) and other measurements (number, volume, and voxel count) on reconstructed pathways for projection (cortico‐spinal and thalamo‐cortical), corpus callosal, limbic (cingulum and fornix), and association (cortico‐cortical) pathways, and characterized regional differences in maturation patterns by assessing diffusion properties. FA values were significantly higher in cortico‐cortical pathways within the right hemisphere compared to those within the left hemisphere, while the other measurements for the cortico‐cortical pathways within the hemisphere did not show asymmetry. ADC values were not asymmetric in both types of pathways. Interestingly, tract count and volume were significantly larger in the left thalamo‐cortical pathways compared to the right thalamo‐cortical pathways. The bilateral thalamo‐cortical pathways showed high FA values compared to the other fiber pathways. On the other hand, ADC values did not show any differences across pathways studied. These results demonstrate that DSI tractography successfully depicted regional variations of white matter tracts during development when myelination is incomplete. Low FA and high ADC values in the cingulum bundle suggest that the cingulum bundle is less mature than the others at this developmental stage.
Kunsttherapeutische Ansätze bei Menschen mit Demenz
Authors: Tesky Valentina A. , Schall Arthur , Pantel Johannes
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Demenzielle Erkrankungen sind zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt überwiegend nicht heilbar, nehmen aber aufgrund des demographischen Wandels stetig zu. Neben den pharmakologischen Behandlungsmethoden wird mit Hilfe psychosozialer Ansätze unter anderem versucht, das Wohlbefinden und die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen zu erhöhen und psychopathologische Begleiterscheinungen der Erkrankung abzumildern. Kreativtherapeutische Interventionen, wie Musik- oder Kunsttherapie, stellen hierbei inzwischen zunehmend eingesetzte Herangehensweisen dar. Aufgrund der gegenwärtigen wissenschaftlichen Evidenz können allerdings nur einzelne positive Effekte benannt werden, deren Generalisierbarkeit bisher jedoch eingeschränkt ist. Der vorliegende Artikel bietet eine Übersicht wichtiger Projekte und Studien der letzten Jahre zum Einsatz kunsttherapeutischer Methoden bei Demenz und stellt anschließend ein aktuelles Praxis-Forschungsprojekt vor, welches sich zum Ziel setzt, ein spezielles Kunstvermittlungsangebot für Menschen mit Demenz (MmD) und ihre Angehörigen im laufenden Museumsbetrieb zu implementieren und durch begleitende wissenschaftliche Evaluation einige Forschungslücken auf diesem Gebiet zu schließen. Das Kernstück der Studie bildet die interaktive Auseinandersetzung mit Kunst und Kunstwerken im Rahmen von regelmäßig stattfindenden Museumsbesuchen und anschließender Atelierarbeit. Mit Hilfe eines randomisierten Wartekontrollgruppendesigns sollen die psychologischen und sozialen Wirkungen dieser Intervention auf MmD und ihre Angehörigen eingehend untersucht werden.
Förderung der musikalischen Entwicklung bei Kindern von der Geburt bis zum 5. Lebensjahr
Authors: Huisman Koops Lisa
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Dieser Aufsatz dokumentiert aus amerikanischer Perspektive den aktuellen Stand der frühen musikalischen Bildung. Nach einem kurzen historischen Abriss zur frühen musikalischen Bildung in den USA werden anhand einer selektiven Literatursichtung (2010 – 2015) aktuelle Forschungsfelder referiert. Dann werden vier forschungsbasierte Empfehlungen für Bildungsinitiativen und Interventionen in der frühen Kindheit gegeben, die herangezogen werden, um exemplarisch zwei Kooperationen zwischen öffentlichen Institutionen, Universitäten, Geldgebern und Familien zu würdigen (Early-On: Musikalische Spielgruppen für Kinder mit Behinderung oder Entwicklungsverzögerung; Musikalische Nachbarschaften: Klassenräume für Kinder in der Stadt musikalisch bereichern). In der Diskussion plädiert die Autorin für weitere Forschung (Meta-Analysen, Längsschnittstudien), betont die Vorteile von Interdisziplinarität für allgemeine Frühpädagogen (Erzieher) und Musikpädagogen und fordert mehr berufsbegleitende Fortbildungen.
HZSM-5 zeolites containing impurity iron species for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O
Authors: Tong Yuecong , Zhang Yingguang , Tong Na , Zhang Zizhong , Wang Ying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhu Shuying , Li Fuying , Wang Xuxu
Published: August 2016

The impurity [Fe3+–O2−] species in HZSM-5 zeolite is predominantly tetrahedrally coordinated and is the photoactive centre for photocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acid esters catalyzed by Ni on nano-sized MFI type zeolites
Authors: Schreiber Moritz W. , Rodriguez-Niño Daniella , Gutiérrez Oliver Y. , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: August 2016

Nanosized MFI type zeolite stabilizes small Ni particles enhancing deoxygenation rates. Turnover frequencies, however, are independent of support morphology.
A chitosan-coated liposome encapsulating antibacterial peptide, Apep10: characterisation, triggered-release effects and antilisterial activity in thaw water of frozen chicken
Authors: Pu Chuanfen , Tang Wenting
Published: August 2016

A chitosan-coated liposome encapsulating antibacterial peptide, Apep10, exhibits a toxin triggered-release effect and antilisterial activity in thaw water of frozen chicken.
Tailor-made thermoreversible functional polymer via RAFT polymerization in an ionic liquid: a remarkably fast polymerization process
Authors: Singha Nikhil K. , Pramanik Nabendu B. , Behera Prasanta K. , Chakrabarty Arindam , Mays Jimmy W.
Published: August 2016

Polymerization of furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) in an ionic liquid (IL) using CPDTC as RAFT reagent leads to a remarkably fast rate of polymerization due to formation of nano-droplets.
Computational evidence that hyperconjugative orbital interactions are responsible for the stability of intramolecular Te⋯O/Te⋯S non-covalent interactions and comparable to hydrogen bonds in quasi-cyclic systems
Authors: Si Mrinal Kanti , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: August 2016

The intramolecular secondary bonding interactions involving quasi-cyclic tellurium are comparable to H-bond strength and partially governed by orbital interactions.
A nitrogen-rich, azaindole-based microporous organic network: synergistic effect of local dipole–π and dipole–quadrupole interactions on carbon dioxide uptake
Authors: Chang Guanjun , Yang Li , Yang Junxiao , Huang Yawen , Cao Ke , Ma Jiajun , Wang Dapeng
Published: August 2016

A new type of microporous organic polymer with azaindole units (N-PEINK) has been designed.
Anionic conjugated polytriazole: direct preparation, aggregation-enhanced emission, and highly efficient Al3+ sensing
Authors: Dong Wenhui , Wu Haiqiang , Chen Ming , Shi Yang , Sun Jingzhi , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2016

AEE-active anionic conjugated polytriazole was directly prepared by Cu(i)-catalyzed click polymerization, which could be used to specifically and sensitively detect Al3+.
Multiple types of hydroxyl-rich cationic derivatives of PGMA for broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifouling coatings
Authors: Yuan Huimin , Yu Bingran , Fan Li-Hai , Wang Meng , Zhu Yiwen , Ding Xiaokang , Xu Fu-Jian
Published: August 2016

A series of hydroxyl-rich quaternized polymers with Ag ions have been proposed for broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifouling coatings.
Synthesis of α,ω-heterotelechelic PVP for bioconjugation, via a one-pot orthogonal end-group modification procedure
Authors: Reader Paul. W. , Pfukwa Rueben , Jokonya Simbarashe , Arnott Gareth E. , Klumperman Bert
Published: August 2016

A simple one pot orthogonal procedure for synthesizing α-aldehyde, ω-thiol heterotelechelic poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) is introduced.
Efficient and chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes by γ-Fe2O3 modified hollow mesoporous carbon microspheres
Authors: Tian Meng , Cui Xueliang , Liang Kun , Ma Jiantai , Dong Zhengping
Published: August 2016

A novel γ-Fe2O3 NP-modified hollow mesoporous carbon microsphere nanocatalyst was prepared and used as a magnetically recyclable catalyst for the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes with high conversion as well as 100% selectivity for aniline.
A novel graphene oxide coated biochar composite: synthesis, characterization and application for Cr(vi) removal
Authors: Shang Mei-rong , Liu Yun-guo , Liu Shao-bo , Zeng Guang-ming , Tan Xiao-fei , Jiang Lu-hua , Huang Xi-xian , Ding Yang , Guo Yi-ming , Wang Shu-fan
Published: August 2016

In the current work, a graphene oxide coated water hyacinth biochar composite (WHB-GO) was synthesized to remove Cr(vi) from aqueous solution.
Understanding the crystallization behavior of polyamide 6/polyamide 66 alloys from the perspective of hydrogen bonds: projection moving-window 2D correlation FTIR spectroscopy and the enthalpy
Authors: Ma Yanan , Zhou Tao , Su Gehong , Li Yan , Zhang Aiming
Published: August 2016

In this study, the crystallization behavior of PA6/PA66 alloys was studied using in situ FTIR spectroscopy, combined with Proj-MW2D correlation analysis and Van't Hoff analysis.
Biophysical insight into the interaction of the bioflavonoid kaempferol with triple and double helical RNA and the dual fluorescence behaviour of kaempferol
Authors: Haque Lucy , Bhuiya Sutanwi , Tiwari Richa , Pradhan Ankur Bikash , Das Suman
Published: August 2016

Binding of kaempferol with triple and double helical RNA.
Reactivity of hydroxylamine ionic liquid salts in the direct synthesis of caprolactam from cyclohexanone under mild conditions
Authors: Li Zhihui , Yang Qiusheng , Gao Liya , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Shufang , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: August 2016

Several novel hydroxylamine ionic liquid salts were prepared and employed in the direct synthesis of caprolactam from cyclohexanone under mild conditions.
Molecular weight effects of PEG on the crystal structure and photocatalytic activities of PEG-capped TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Meizhou , Lei Jinfeng , Shi Yifeng , Zhang Lina , Ye Youxin , Li Defu , Mu Changdao
Published: August 2016

The increasing molecular weight of PEG can increase the water dispersion but decrease the photocatalytic activity of PEG-capped TiO2.
A straightforward and versatile protocol for the direct conversion of benzylic azides to ketones and aldehydes
Authors: González-Calderón Davir , Morales-Reza Marco A. , Díaz-Torres Eduardo , Fuentes-Benítes Aydeé , González-Romero Carlos
Published: August 2016

We report that the benzyl azido group is directly converted to carbonyls in good yields through a rapid hydrolysis (basic conditions) of benzylideneamides generated readily/efficiently in situ under a very simple procedure involving conventional reagents.
Isocyanurate-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO-ICS): a highly efficient and recoverable nanocatalyst for the one-pot synthesis of substituted imidazoles and benzimidazoles
Authors: Dekamin Mohammad G. , Arefi Elham , Yaghoubi Amene
Published: August 2016

Isocyanurate bridging periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO-ICS) was shown to be a highly active and efficient recyclable nanocatalyst for three-component synthesis of trisubstituted imidazole as well as benzimidazole derivatives in EtOH.
Effects of 2-D transition metal carbide Ti2CTxon properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Libo , Zhou Aiguo , Shen Changjie , Dai Yahui , Liu Fanfan , Chen Jinfeng , Li Ping , Hu Qianku
Published: August 2016

By means ofin situintercalation polymerization Ti2CTx/EP nanocomposites were prepared, which possessed excellent mechanical and tribological properties.
Synthesis of nitrogen-functionalized macroporous carbon particles via spray pyrolysis of melamine-resin
Authors: Arif Aditya F. , Chikuchi Yohei , Balgis Ratna , Ogi Takashi , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: August 2016

In this study, we developed the first synthesis of macroporous carbon particles with high nitrogen content from a melamine resinviaspray pyrolysis.
A TiO2/PEO composite incorporated with in situ synthesized hyper-branched poly(amine-ester) and its application as a polymer electrolyte
Authors: Hou Gao-Ming , Zhang Ming-Qiu , Huang Yi-Fu , Ruan Wen-Hong
Published: August 2016

By in situ synthesizing hyper-branched poly(amine-ester) in TiO2/PEO nanocomposite, efficient ion transporting among the nano inclusions can be obtained.
A sodium modified reduced graphene oxide–Fe3O4nanocomposite for efficient lead(ii) adsorption
Authors: Kireeti Kota V. M. K. , G. Chandrakanth , Kadam Mahesh M. , Jha Neetu
Published: August 2016

A simple, cost-effective and facile route was employed to synthesize a hydrophobic sodium modified reduced graphene oxide-magnetic iron oxide (SMGI) nanocomposite for the removal of Pb(ii) from aqueous solutions via adsorption.
Removal of phosphate from aqueous solution by SiO2–biochar nanocomposites prepared by pyrolysis of vermiculite treated algal biomass
Authors: Wang Yu-Ying , Lu Hao-Hao , Liu Yu-Xue , Yang Sheng-Mao
Published: August 2016

The present work describes the fabrication of SiO2–biochar nanocomposites by pyrolysis of vermiculite treated algal biomass.
A facile one-pot solvothermal synthesis of CoFe2O4/RGO and its excellent catalytic activity on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Chen Teng , Du Ping , Jiang Wei , Liu Jie , Hao Gazi , Gao Han , Xiao Lei , Ke Xiang , Zhao Fengqi , Xuan Chunlei
Published: August 2016

A novel catalyst CoFe2O4/RGO has been synthesized and shows enhanced catalytic activity on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.
Inverted polymer light-emitting devices using a conjugated starburst macromolecule as an interlayer
Authors: Chu Shuangquan , Chen Yuehua , Zhang Mengke , Zhang Xinwen , Xu Weidong , Liu Bin , Xie Linghai , Fan Quli , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: August 2016

We have demonstrated efficient inverted polymer light-emitting diodes with an alcohol-soluble conjugated starburst macromolecule TrOH as the interlayer.
The simultaneous emergence of free exciton emission and d0 ferromagnetism for undoped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Ghose Srabantika , Gogurla N. , Ranganathan R. , Jana D.
Published: August 2016

Free excitonic emission is observed for the ferromagnetic undoped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by mechanical milling.
Promotion mechanism of pyridine N-doped carbocatalyst for SO2oxidation
Authors: Li Jieyuan , Liu Jie , Yin Shi , Liu Yongjun , Li Jianjun , Cen Wanglai , Chu Yinghao
Published: August 2016

Herein, we show the mechanism of SO2catalytic oxidation for saturated pyridine N-doped carbon materials. We demonstrate that single C atom vacancies doped with pyridine N atoms are the primary active centers for the catalytic oxidation of SO2.
A new fluorescent sensor for detecting p-nitrophenol based on β-cyclodextrin-capped ZnO quantum dots
Authors: Geng Shuo , Lin Shu Min , Liu Shi Gang , Li Nian Bing , Luo Hong Qun
Published: August 2016

Water-soluble fluorescent β-cyclodextrin-capped ZnO QDs were synthesized and used to detect p-NP, and the quenching mechanism was discussed.
Predicting surface tension for vegetable oil and biodiesel fuels
Authors: J. Thangaraja , K. Anand , Mehta Pramod S.
Published: August 2016

A unified methodology for predicting surface tension of oil and biodiesel is proposed. Effects of transesterification and compositional variations on surface tension of biodiesel are discussed and methods to address the variations are suggested.
Thermo-responsive rheological behavior of borinic acid polymer in dilute solution
Authors: Sun X. L. , Liu D. M. , Lv X. H. , Zhou P. , Sun M. , Wan W. M.
Published: August 2016

Borinic acid polymer is rheologically thermo-responsive in solution, which expands its application as a new type of “smart” polymer.
Benzothiophene-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole polymers: impact of isomeric frameworks on carrier mobilities
Authors: Huang Jianyao , Liu Xiaotong , Gao Dong , Wei Congyuan , Zhang Weifeng , Yu Gui
Published: August 2016

The influence of isomeric backbones on field-effect properties in benzothiophene-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole polymers was investigated.
The surfactant-free synthesis of hollow CuS nanospheres via clean Cu2O templates and their catalytic oxidation of dye molecules with H2O2
Authors: Bai Lei , Ye Xiangju , Song Changchun , Chen Houli , Cai Baogui , Bai Yuwei , Xu Chenchen , Li Zirong
Published: August 2016

Hollow CuS nanospheres were synthesized by clean Cu2O nanoaggregates as template. The hollow CuS nanospheres were highly efficient catalysts for dye degradation with H2O2 in the darkness.
The emerging role of AMPK in the regulation of breathing and oxygen supply
Authors: Evans A. Mark , Mahmoud Amira D. , Moral-Sanz Javier , Hartmann Sandy
Published: August 2016

Regulation of breathing is critical to our capacity to accommodate deficits in oxygen availability and demand during, for example, sleep and ascent to altitude. It is generally accepted that a fall in arterial oxygen increases afferent discharge from the carotid bodies to the brainstem and thus delivers increased ventilatory drive, which restores oxygen supply and protects against hypoventilation and apnoea. However, the precise molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. We recently identified as critical to this process the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is key to the cell-autonomous regulation of metabolic homoeostasis. This observation is significant for many reasons, not least because recent studies suggest that the gene for the AMPK-α1 catalytic subunit has been subjected to natural selection in high-altitude populations. It would appear, therefore, that evolutionary pressures have led to AMPK being utilized to regulate oxygen delivery and thus energy supply to the body in the short, medium and longer term. Contrary to current consensus, however, our findings suggest that AMPK regulates ventilation at the level of the caudal brainstem, even when afferent input responses from the carotid body are normal. We therefore hypothesize that AMPK integrates local hypoxic stress at defined loci within the brainstem respiratory network with an index of peripheral hypoxic status, namely afferent chemosensory inputs. Allied to this, AMPK is critical to the control of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and thus ventilation–perfusion matching at the lungs and may also determine oxygen supply to the foetus by, for example, modulating utero-placental blood flow.
When fast is better: protein folding fundamentals and mechanisms from ultrafast approaches
Authors: Muñoz Victor , Cerminara Michele
Published: August 2016

Protein folding research stalled for decades because conventional experiments indicated that proteins fold slowly and in single strokes, whereas theory predicted a complex interplay between dynamics and energetics resulting in myriad microscopic pathways. Ultrafast kinetic methods turned the field upside down by providing the means to probe fundamental aspects of folding, test theoretical predictions and benchmark simulations. Accordingly, experimentalists could measure the timescales for all relevant folding motions, determine the folding speed limit and confirm that folding barriers are entropic bottlenecks. Moreover, a catalogue of proteins that fold extremely fast (microseconds) could be identified. Such fast-folding proteins cross shallow free energy barriers or fold downhill, and thus unfold with minimal co-operativity (gradually). A new generation of thermodynamic methods has exploited this property to map folding landscapes, interaction networks and mechanisms at nearly atomic resolution. In parallel, modern molecular dynamics simulations have finally reached the timescales required to watch fast-folding proteins fold and unfold in silico. All of these findings have buttressed the fundamentals of protein folding predicted by theory, and are now offering the first glimpses at the underlying mechanisms. Fast folding appears to also have functional implications as recent results connect downhill folding with intrinsically disordered proteins, their complex binding modes and ability to moonlight. These connections suggest that the coupling between downhill (un)folding and binding enables such protein domains to operate analogically as conformational rheostats.
Examination of Individual Differences in Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Formal and Informal Individual Auditory Training Programs
Authors: Smith Sherri L. , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Chisolm Theresa H. , Frederick Melissa , Bailey Beth A.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if patient characteristics or clinical variables could predict who benefits from individual auditory training.

Method

A retrospective series of analyses were performed using a data set from a large, multisite, randomized controlled clinical trial that compared the treatment effects of at-home auditory training programs in bilateral hearing aid users. The treatment arms were (a) use of the 20-day computerized Listening and Communication Enhancement program, (b) use of the 10-day digital versatile disc Listening and Communication Enhancement program, (c) use of a placebo “books-on-tape” training, and (d) educational counseling (active control). Multiple linear regression models using data from 263 participants were conducted to determine if patient and clinical variables predicted short-term improvement on word-recognition-in-noise abilities, self-reported hearing handicap, and self-reported hearing problems.

Results

Baseline performance significantly predicted performance on each variable, explaining 11%–17% of the variance in improvement. The treatment arm failed to emerge as a significant predictor with other clinical variables explaining less than 9% of the variance.

Conclusion

These results suggest that hearing aid users who have poorer aided word-recognition-in-noise scores and greater residual activity limitations and participation restrictions will show the largest improvement in these areas.
Charge‐domain switched‐gm‐C CBPF using semi‐passive charge‐sharing technique
Authors: Xu Y. , Moon U.
Published: August 2016

A highly reconfigurable charge‐domain switched‐gm‐C complex bandpass filter (CBPF) topology that utilises a semi‐passive charge‐sharing technique is proposed. It uses only switches, capacitors, digital circuitry for three‐phase non‐overlapping clock generation and efficient gm‐stages. Simulated in a 65 nm CMOS, a first‐order CBPF operating at 1 GS/s sampling rate demonstrates flexible tunability of the centre frequency and bandwidth with a highly passive/digital implementation. The presented filter architecture features excellent power efficiency and compatibility with process scaling.
Channel estimation, equalisation, and evaluation for high‐mobility airborne hyperspectral data transmission
Authors: Vahidi Vahid , Pour Yazdanpanah Ali , Saberinia Ebrahim , Regentova Emma E.
Published: August 2016

In the past few years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a primary airborne platform for hyperspectral imager for studies on precision agriculture, defence, and the environment. The ‘push‐broom’ type of hyperspectral sensors require moving vehicle, and transmission and analysis of hyperspectral data by means of a UAV's high‐mobility channel is challenging. While high bandwidth of hyperspectral imaging justify using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for data transmission, the high speed of UAVs imposes intercarrier interference (ICI) on the transmitted OFDM signal because of the Doppler shift. This study proposes a technique for channel estimation and equalisation in order to compensate the ICI. This technique uses a complete channel matrix estimation in the frequency domain in contrast to conventional methods that only use diagonal elements when recovering the data. In order to evaluate the received data using this technique, a classification framework was designed that took into consideration both spectral and spatial information. In order to verify the robustness of the proposed model, the system was analysed using a Pavia Center hyperspectral dataset, and evaluated against speeds of 50 and 500 m/s. By using this method, improvement in both data transmission and the analysis was achieved.
Smart grid fault detection and classification with multi‐distributed generation based on current signals approach
Authors: Mahfouz Mohamed M.A. , El‐Sayed Mohamed A.H.
Published: August 2016

Smart grid (SG) containing clean distributed generation (DG) has gained intensive research for reliable digital protection against fault conditions. The main objective of this study is to develop and validate a fast and efficient fault detection and classification algorithm taking into account the dynamic behaviour of DG units. The proposed algorithm does not require additional measurements as it based only on the synchronised measured three‐phase currents through the communication facilities available in SG. The advanced communication technologies in SG are currently utilised for efficient and real‐time data transfer from the protective relays to the monitoring and protection centre. The transferred data are processed for fault diagnosing before taking the necessary trip actions. In the proposed algorithm, the statistical cross‐alienation coefficients are calculated for the measured current signals at sending and receiving ends of each feeder. Fault detection and classification process will be achieved taking into account the changes in the synchronised and discretised waveform of current signals within a movable window of (1/4 cycle). The proposed algorithm is tested on real system to detect and classify the different fault condition. The results indicated that the proposed technique is fast and reliable for SG digital protection schemes.
LFC enhancement concerning large wind power integration using new optimised PID controller and RFBs
Authors: Kouba Nour El Yakine , Menaa Mohamed , Hasni Mourad , Boudour Mohamed
Published: August 2016

To improve the frequency stability in an interconnected power system including renewable energy sources, the control actions need to be more robust and efficient. For this reason, this study proposes a new optimised proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller coordinated with redox flow batteries (RFBs) for the enhancement of load frequency control (LFC) of power system concerning large penetration of wind power generation. The PID controller parameters were obtained using a recently developed meta‐heuristic optimisation algorithm named Grey Wolf optimiser. To show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, the interconnected two‐area IEE Japan East 107‐bus‐30‐machine power system was investigated for the simulation. The system dynamic responses were obtained considering load change in area‐1 and large wind farm integration in area‐2. A comparative study of performance of the proposed strategy with some well‐known optimisation techniques was performed. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the proposed controller was also examined by varying the penetration range of the integrated wind farm. Dynamic responses obtained from the simulation satisfy the LFC requirements. In addition, the results reveal that the frequency control concept‐based optimised PID controller coordinated with the RFB will enhance the frequency stability in terms of settling time, peak undershoot, and peak overshoot.