bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD14 is critical for TLR2-mediated M1 macrophage activation triggered by N-glycan recognition
Authors: da Silva Thiago Aparecido , Zorzetto-Fernandes André L. V. , Cecílio Nerry T. , Sardinha-Silva Aline , Fernandes Fabrício Freitas , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina
Published: July 2017

Agonist interaction with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) induces T cell-mediated immunity, which is effective against intracellular pathogens. Consequently, TLR agonists are being tried as immunomodulatory agents. The lectin ArtinM targets TLR2 N-glycans on macrophages, induces cytokines production, and promotes T helper-1 immunity, a process that culminates in resistance to several parasitic and fungal infectionsin vivo. Because co-receptors influence agonist binding to TLRs, we investigated whether CD14 is required for macrophage activation induced by ArtinM. Macrophages from wild-type mice stimulated by ArtinM not only produced cytokines but also had the following activation profile: (i) expression of M1 polarization markers; (ii) nitrite oxide production; (iii) cellular migration; (iv) enhanced phagocytic and fungicide activity; (v) modulation of TLR2 expression; and (vi) activation of NF-κB pathway. This activation profile induced by ArtinM was evaluated in macrophages lacking CD14 that showed none of the ArtinM effects. We demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and sugar inhibition assays the physical interaction of ArtinM, TLR2, and CD14, which depends on recognition of the trimannoside that constitutes the core of N-glycans. Thus, our study showed that CD14 is critical for ArtinM-induced macrophage activation, providing fundamental insight into the design of anti-infective therapies based on carbohydrate recognition.
Unprecedented heat wave in December 2015 and potential for winter glacier ablation in the eastern Alps
Authors: Colucci Renato R. , Giorgi Filippo , Torma Csaba
Published: July 2017

We document the occurrence in December 2015 of unprecedented high monthly mean temperatures in the observational record of mountain sites in the eastern Alps. For the first time in the last 150 years mean December temperature exceeded 0 °C at elevations between 2100 and 2500 m, with December mean anomalies exceeding 6.5 °C with respect to the 1971–2000 mean. Along with the absence of snow cover, such temperatures might have lead to unprecedented winter ablation of glaciers in this elevation range. Smaller temperature anomalies occurred in surrounding low elevation sites, highlighting the key role of topography in this event. Specifically, strong inversions associated with the very stable synoptic conditions during the month amplified the anomalies at the high elevations of the mountain glacier sites. We analyze the processes underlying this exceptional event and place this anomaly within the context of future warming scenarios over the region.
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa modulate cardiovascular autonomic function in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Kai , Haase Rocco , Rüdiger Heinz , Reimann Manja , Reichmann Heinz , Wolz Martin , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: July 2017

We aimed to explore the effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa on cardiovascular autonomic function in Parkinson’s disease. Twenty-six Parkinson’s disease patients with bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in a stable state were tested under stimulation off and dopaminergic medication off (OFF-OFF), stimulation on and dopaminergic medication off (ON-OFF), and stimulation on and medication (levodopa) on (ON-ON) conditions by recording continuously blood pressure, ECG, and respiration at rest, during metronomic deep breathing, and head-up tilt test. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as orthostatic hypotension by head-up tilt test. Baroreflex sensitivity and spectral analyses were performed by trigonometric regressive spectral analysis. Subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa had multiple influences. (1) Systolic blood pressure during tilt-up was reduced by subthalamic nucleus stimulation, and then further by levodopa. (2) Subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa had different effects on sympathetic and parasympathetic regulations in Parkinson’s disease. (3) Levodopa decreased baroreflex sensitivity and RR interval only in the orthostatic hypotension group, and had opposite effects on the non-orthostatic hypotension group. These findings indicate that subthalamic nucleus stimulation and levodopa have different effects on cardiovascular autonomic function in Parkinson’s disease, which are modulated by the presence of orthostatic hypotension as well.
Descemet’s Membrane Supports Corneal Endothelial Cell Regeneration in Rabbits
Authors: Chen Jingyao , Li Zhiyuan , Zhang Liying , Ou Shangkun , Wang Yanzi , He Xin , Zou Dulei , Jia Changkai , Hu Qianqian , Yang Shu , Li Xian , Li Juan , Wang Junqi , Sun Huimin , Chen Yongxiong , Zhu Ying-Ting , Tseng Scheffer C. G. , Liu Zuguo , Li Wei
Published: July 2017

Descemet’s membrane (DM) helps maintain phenotype and function of corneal endothelial cells under physiological conditions, while little is known about the function of DM in corneal endothelial wound healing process. In the current study, we performed in vivo rabbit corneal endothelial cell (CEC) injury via CEC scraping, in which DM remained intact after CECs removal, or via DM stripping, in which DM was removed together with CECs. We found rabbit corneas in the CEC scraping group healed with transparency restoration, while there was posterior fibrosis tissue formation in the corneas after DM stripping on day 14. Following CEC scraping on day 3, cells that had migrated toward the central cornea underwent a transient fibrotic endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which was reversed back to an endothelial phenotype on day 14. However, in the corneas injured via DM stripping, most of the cells in the posterior fibrosis tissue did not originate from the corneal endothelium, and they maintained fibroblastic phenotype on day 14. We concluded that corneal endothelial wound healing in rabbits has different outcomes depending upon the presence or absence of Descemet’s membrane. Descemet’s membrane supports corneal endothelial cell regeneration in rabbits after endothelial injury.
FGF2 cooperates with IL-17 to promote autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Shao Xinrui , Chen Siyuan , Yang Daping , Cao Mengtao , Yao Yikun , Wu Zhengxi , Li Ningli , Shen Nan , Li Xiaoxia , Song Xinyang , Qian Youcun
Published: July 2017

IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have recently reported that FGF2 cooperates with IL-17 to protect intestinal epithelium during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Here, we report a pathogenic role of the FGF2-IL-17 cooperation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. Combined treatment with FGF2 and IL-17 synergistically induced ERK activation as well as the production of cytokines and chemokines in human synovial intimal resident fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Furthermore, ectopic expression of FGF2 in mouse joints potentiated IL-17-induced inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in the tissue. In the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, while ectopic expression of FGF2 in vivo exacerbated tissue inflammation and disease symptom in the wild-type controls, the effect was largely blunted in Il17a−/− mice. Taken together, our study suggests that FGF2 cooperates with IL-17 to promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis by cooperating with IL-17 to induce inflammatory response.
Hardening of shear band in metallic glass
Authors: Wang J. G. , Hu Y. C. , Guan P. F. , Song K. K. , Wang L. , Wang G. , Pan Y. , Sarac B. , Eckert J.
Published: July 2017

Strain hardening, originating from defects such as the dislocation, avails conventional metals of high engineering reliability in applications. However, the hardenability of metallic glass is a long-standing concern due to the lack of similar defects. In this work, we carefully examine the stress-strain relationship in three bulk monolithic metallic glasses. The results show that hardening is surely available in metallic glasses if the effective load-bearing area is considered instantly. The hardening is proposed to result from the remelting and ensuing solidification of the shear-band material under a hydrostatic pressure imposed by the normal stress during the shear banding event. This applied-pressure quenching densifies the metallic glass by discharging the free volume. On the other hand, as validated by molecular dynamics simulations, the pressure promotes the icosahedral short-range order. The densification and icosahedral clusters both contribute to the increase of the shear strength and therefore the hardening in metallic glasses.
MiR-202-5p is a novel germ plasm-specific microRNA in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Wei , Jin Yilin , Jia Peng , Jia Kuntong , Yi Meisheng
Published: July 2017

Gametogenesis is a complicated biological process by which sperm and egg are produced for genetic transmission between generations. In many animals, the germline is segregated from the somatic lineage in early embryonic development through the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of gametes for reproduction and fertility. In some species, such as fruit fly and zebrafish, PGCs are determined by the maternally provided germ plasm which contains various RNAs and proteins. Here, we identified a germ plasm/PGC-specific microRNA miR-202-5p for the first time in zebrafish. MiR-202-5p was specifically expressed in gonad. In female, it was expressed and accumulated in oocytes during oogenesis. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and whole mount in situ hybridization results indicated that miR-202-5p exhibited a typical germ plasm /PGC-specific expression pattern throughout embryogenesis, which was consistent with that of the PGC marker vasa, indicating that miR-202-5p was a component of germ plasm and a potential PGC marker in zebrafish. Our present study might be served as a foundation for further investigating the regulative roles of miRNAs in germ plasm formation and PGC development in zebrafish and other teleost.
The Oxygen Reduction Reaction Rate of Metallic Nanoparticles during Catalyzed Oxidation
Authors: Sun Ke , Xue Jinbo , Tai Kaiping , Dillon Shen J.
Published: July 2017

This work reports the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics of metal nanoparticle catalysts between 500 and 600 °C at low oxygen partial pressures. Ex situ and in situ TEM measurements demonstrate catalyzed nanowire growth initially follows linear kinetics; characteristic of being ORR rate limited. The ORR rates of Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pd, Rh and Pt measured at 600 °C form a volcano plot versus relative oxidation potential. Cu nanoparticles produce the maximum ORR rate under these conditions.
Effects of placental cord drainage in the third stage of labour: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Hang-lin , Chen Xiao-wen , Wang Pei , Wang Qiu-meng
Published: July 2017

Observational studies have demonstrated that placental cord drainage can shorten the length of the third stage of labour and reduce blood loss during vaginal deliveries. The aim of our work was to evaluate the existing evidence for the effectiveness of placental cord drainage in the third stage of labour. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar and 50 journals were searched up to the 4th of June, 2017. Randomized controlled trials comparing placental cord drainage with no cord drainage in the third stage of labour during vaginal delivery were included. Nine studies with 2653 participants were included. Compared with clamping the umbilical cord, umbilical cord drainage during the third stage of labour shortened the third-stage duration by 2.28 minutes (95% confidence interval (CI), −3.22 to −1.33), but did not reduce the amount of blood loss (−31.99 mL, −86.08 to 22.09). For women with normal vaginal deliveries, the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage was reduced by 3%. Placental cord drainage is a simple and non-invasive procedure that should be considered after delayed cord clamping. Further studies about the physiological processes and effects of placental cord drainage in additional circumstances are needed.
The Reverse Transcriptases Associated with CRISPR-Cas Systems
Authors: Toro Nicolás , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , González-Delgado Alejandro
Published: July 2017

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and associated proteins (Cas) act as adaptive immune systems in bacteria and archaea. Some CRISPR-Cas systems have been found to be associated with putative reverse transcriptases (RT), and an RT-Cas1 fusion associated with a type III-B system has been shown to acquire RNA spacers in vivo. Nevertheless, the origin and evolutionary relationships of these RTs and associated CRISPR-Cas systems remain largely unknown. We performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of these RTs and associated Cas1 proteins, and classified their CRISPR-Cas modules. These systems were found predominantly in bacteria, and their presence in archaea may be due to a horizontal gene transfer event. These RTs cluster into 12 major clades essentially restricted to particular phyla, suggesting host-dependent functioning. The RTs and associated Cas1 proteins may have largely coevolved. They are, therefore, subject to the same selection pressures, which may have led to coadaptation within particular protein complexes. Furthermore, our results indicate that the association of an RT with a CRISPR-Cas system has occurred on multiple occasions during evolution.
Analytical approaches to study domain formation in biomimetic membranes
Authors: Hasan Imad Younus , Mechler Adam
Published: July 2017

Novel characterization methods open new horizons in the study of membrane mixtures.
Surface-assisted dehydrogenative homocoupling and cyclodehydrogenation of mesityl groups on a copper surface
Authors: Leng Xinli , Lu Yan , Feng Gang , Wang Zhongping , Li Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Rongbin , Zhang Ning , Wang Li
Published: July 2017

A route via surface-assisted dehydrogenative homocoupling and cyclodehydrogenation of mesityl groups to form an ethylene unit and aromatic six-membered rings has been achieved.
Iridium-catalysed hydrosilylation of cyclopropanes via regioselective carbon–carbon bond cleavage
Authors: Murai Masahito , Nishiyama Atsushi , Nishinaka Naoki , Morita Haruka , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: July 2017

Catalytic and regioselective hydrosilylation of electronically unactivated cyclopropanes via the selective cleavage of proximal carbon–carbon bonds was developed.
Retracted Article: Typical and interstratified arrangements in Zn/Al layered double hydroxides: an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Priyadarshi , Bhattacharyya Krishna G
Published: July 2017

Zn/Al layered double hydroxides having typical and interstratified arrangements have been synthesized by a single step hydrothermal method and by microwave assisted route. The LDHs have been characterized with respect...
Self-assembly of conducting cocrystals via iodine⋯π(Cp) interactions
Authors: Torubaev Yury V. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Barzilovich Petro Y. , Saratov George A. , Shaikh Mobin M. , Singh Ajeet , Mathur Pradeep
Published: July 2017

Conducting crystals of alternating ferrocene and diiodoacetylene units assembled into supramolecular 1-D chains via I⋯π(Cp) halogen bonds were prepared and structurally characterized.
Sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy of methacrylate-based functional monomers at the hydrophilic solid–liquid interface
Authors: Adhikari Narendra M. , Premadasa Uvinduni I. , Cimatu Katherine L. A.
Published: July 2017

An SFGVS study showed H-bonding interactions between the carbonyl groups of methacrylate liquid monomers and surface silanol groups of amorphous quartz.
Short bent-core molecules: X-ray, polarization, dielectricity, texture and electro-optics investigations
Authors: Torgova S. , Sreenilayam S. P. , Panarin Yu. P. , Francescangeli O. , Vita F. , Vij J. K. , Pozhidaev E. , Minchenko M. , Ferrero C. , Strigazzi A.
Published: July 2017

Short bent-core LC mesogens (II) were synthesized and investigated. The existence of polar cybotactic clusters in nematic phase is confirmed and the biaxiality is indicated. It was found the presence only of flexoelectric polarization.
van der Waals heterostructures based on allotropes of phosphorene and MoSe2
Authors: Kaur Sumandeep , Kumar Ashok , Srivastava Sunita , Tankeshwar K.
Published: July 2017

The van der Waals heterostructures of allotropes of phosphorene (α- and β-P) with MoSe2 (H-, T-, ZT- and SO-MoSe2) are investigated in the framework of state-of-the-art density functional theory.
Frontiers of water oxidation: the quest for true catalysts
Authors: Li J. , Güttinger R. , Moré R. , Song F. , Wan W. , Patzke G. R.
Published: July 2017

Development of advanced analytical techniques is essential for the identification of water oxidation catalysts together with mechanistic studies.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) of urban water infrastructure: emerging approaches to balance objectives and inform comprehensive decision-making
Authors: Byrne Diana M. , Lohman Hannah A. C. , Cook Sherri M. , Peters Gregory M. , Guest Jeremy S.
Published: July 2017

This review describes the state of the art, identifies emerging opportunities, and develops a path forward for LCA to better address urban water system sustainability.
Bioactivity and chemical characterization of Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm. seed oil: potential food and pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Chahdoura Hassiba , Barreira João C. M. , Adouni Khawla , Mhadhebi Lamia , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Snoussi Mejdi , Majdoub Hatem , Flamini Guido , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Achour Lotfi
Published: July 2017

The oil obtained from Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm. showed a diverse phytochemical composition and high levels of different bioactivity types.
Structuring and calorie control of bakery products by templating batter with ultra melt-resistant food-grade hydrogel beads
Authors: Thompson Benjamin R. , Horozov Tommy S. , Stoyanov Simeon D. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: July 2017

We have utilised a melt resistant food-grade hydrogel to design a new method for the reduction of caloric density in bakery products and have demonstrated it on pancakes.
Facile synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@MgAl-LDH@STPOM nanocomposites for highly enhanced and selective degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Ghiasi Moaser Azra , Khoshnavazi Roushan
Published: July 2017

A novel layered and cauliflower-like Fe3O4@MgAl-LDH@Ce3W18 nanocomposite has been synthesized by the selective ion-exchange method.
Carrier photogeneration, drift and recombination in a semiconducting carbon nanotube network
Authors: Eckstein A. , Bertašius V. , Jašinskas V. , Namal I. , Hertel T. , Gulbinas V.
Published: July 2017

Photocurrent kinetics in SWNT–PCBM networks is governed by intra- and intertube hole drift on the 2 ns and microsecond timescales, respectively.
Photoluminescence and electroluminescence of deep red iridium(iii) complexes with 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline derivatives and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives ligands
Authors: Jing Yi-Ming , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: July 2017

OLEDs using efficient deep red iridium(iii) complexes display good electroluminescence performances with maximum current efficiency and external quantum efficiency of up to 14.0 cd A−1and 17.8%, respectively, and the efficiency roll-off is mild.
A sub-acute oral toxicity analysis and comparative in vivo anti-diabetic activity of zinc oxide, cerium oxide, silver nanoparticles, and Momordica charantia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats
Authors: Shanker Kalakotla , Naradala Jayarambabu , Mohan G. Krishna , Kumar G. S. , Pravallika P. L.
Published: July 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most threatening, non-communicable ailments worldwide.
Enhanced electrochemical response of activated carbon nanostructures from tree-bark biomass waste in polymer-gel active electrolytes
Authors: Momodu Damilola , Bello Abdulhakeem , Oyedotun Kabir , Ochai-Ejeh Faith , Dangbegnon Julien , Madito Moshawe , Manyala Ncholu
Published: July 2017

The enhancement in current response and operating voltage is observed based on the nature of the electrolyte and conductive additive used. This serves to enhance ion penetration and transport across the pores within the AC nanostructure network.
High-performance transparent ultraviolet photodetectors based on inorganic perovskite CsPbCl3 nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Wang Qian , Zhang Xisheng , Jiang Jiexuan , Gao Zhenfei , Jin Zhiwen , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: July 2017

Fully transparent ultraviolet photodetectors (PDs) based on the CsPbCl3 nanocrystals (NCs) were fabricated for the first time.
A ferrocene-based organogel with multi-stimuli properties and applications in naked-eye recognition of F− and Al3+
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Zhang Ye , Chen Anqi , Zhang Baohao , Zhang Bao , Song Jian
Published: July 2017

Ferrocene-based gelator F-6/chloroform gel exhibited multi-stimuli responsiveness, through which ‘naked eye’ recognition of both Al3+ and F− was realized.
Construction of chain segment structure models, and effects on the initial stage of the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Lv Yin , Liu Jia , Luo Zhidong , Wang Heyun , Wei Zhong
Published: July 2017

Comparing two models, the dehydrochlorination reaction of PVC was predominantly initiated at the internal allylic chlorine sites, further promoting degradation.
A push–pull silafluorene fluorophore for highly efficient luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Gianfaldoni Federico , De Nisi Francesca , Iasilli Giuseppe , Panniello Annamaria , Fanizza Elisabetta , Striccoli Marinella , Ryuse Daiki , Shimizu Masaki , Biver Tarita , Pucci Andrea
Published: July 2017

We report on the preparation of luminescent collectors based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films doped with a red-emitting 2-amino-7-acceptor-9-silafluorene, where the amino group is –N(CH3)2and the acceptor is –CHC(CN)2.
Synthesis and molecular weight control of poly(3-hexylthiophene) using electrochemical polymerization in a flow microreactor
Authors: Mizuno Masatsugu , Tateno Hiroyuki , Matsumura Yoshimasa , Atobe Mahito
Published: July 2017

A new approach for the synthesis and molecular weight control of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) using electrochemical polymerization in a flow microreactor is described.
Life cycle assessment of novel supercritical methyl propionate process with carbon dioxide feedstock
Authors: Stouten S. C. , Anastasopoulou A. , Hessel V. , Wang Q.
Published: July 2017

The alkoxycarbonylation reaction can be realized in continuous flow under supercritical conditions by utilizing CO2as a feedstock instead of CO.
Electrochemical maps and movies of the hydrogen evolution reaction on natural crystals of molybdenite (MoS2): basal vs. edge plane activity
Authors: Bentley Cameron L. , Kang Minkyung , Maddar Faduma M. , Li Fengwang , Walker Marc , Zhang Jie , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: July 2017

In this work, we report the first spatially-resolved voltammetric measurements of the hydrogen evolution reaction on natural crystals of molybdenite, unequivocally demonstrating enhanced catalytic activity on the edge plane relative to the basal plane.
Anchoring-driven spontaneous rotations in active gel droplets
Authors: Fialho A. R. , Blow M. L. , Marenduzzo D.
Published: July 2017

We characterise by computer simulations a new phenomenon involving spontaneous rotations in droplets of contractile and extensile active gels.
Mixed emulsion of liquid crystal microresonators: towards white laser systems
Authors: Petriashvili Gia , De Santo Maria Penelope , Hernandez Raul Josue , Barberi Riccardo , Cipparrone Gabriella
Published: July 2017

Mixed emulsions based on dye-doped chiral liquid crystal droplets are developed to create multicolor laser systems with full control of the lasing spectrum.
Cobalt-based nanosheet arrays as efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Bingrui , Zhang Ning , Ma Mingming
Published: July 2017

Herein we report a simple electrochemical approach to synthesize cobalt-based nanosheet arrays as efficient and robust electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in alkaline electrolytes.
A MnCo2S4nanowire array as an earth-abundant electrocatalyst for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Si Chongdian , Guo Xiaoxi , Kong Rongmei , Qu Fengli
Published: July 2017

A spinel-structured MnCo2S4nanowire array on Ti mesh (MnCo2S4NA/TM) acts as a superior electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction, needing an overpotential of 325 mV to drive 50 mA cm−2in 1.0 M KOH.
Ultrahigh pressure synthesis of highly efficient FeNx/C electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Guo Xin , Jia Xiaopeng , Song Ping , Liu Jing , Li Erling , Ruan Mingbo , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2017

An ultrahigh pressure (UHP) method was employed to rapidly synthesize (5 min) a high-efficiency ORR FeNx/C catalyst for the first time.
Effect of hydrogel material composition on hBMSC differentiation into zone-specific neo-cartilage: engineering human articular cartilage-like tissue with spatially varying properties
Authors: Parratt Kirsten , Smerchansky Madeline , Stiggers Qwantayvious , Roy Krishnendu
Published: July 2017

Material composition alone can be used to direct human bone marrow stromal cells into distinct, zone-specific cell phenotypes and spatially-varying, multi-layered material scaffolds can generate complex, patterned tissue structures.
High strength and self-healable gelatin/polyacrylamide double network hydrogels
Authors: Yan Xiaoqiang , Chen Qiang , Zhu Lin , Chen Hong , Wei Dandan , Chen Feng , Tang Ziqing , Yang Jia , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2017

Gelatin/polycrylamide double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of two different polymer networks with strong asymmetry are excellent structural platforms to integrate different mechanical properties into a single material.
Single-layer metal halides MX2 (X = Cl, Br, I): stability and tunable magnetism from first principles and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Kulish Vadym V. , Huang Wei
Published: July 2017

We present a computational study on a novel class of single-layer materials.
MinD directly interacting with FtsZ at the H10 helix suggests a model for robust activation of MinC to destabilize FtsZ polymers
Authors: Taviti Ashoka Chary , Beuria Tushar Kant
Published: July 2017

Cell division in bacteria is a highly controlled and regulated process. FtsZ, a bacterial cytoskeletal protein, forms a ring-like structure known as the Z-ring and recruits more than a dozen other cell division proteins. The Min system oscillates between the poles and inhibits the Z-ring formation at the poles by perturbing FtsZ assembly. This leads to an increase in the FtsZ concentration at the mid-cell and helps in Z-ring positioning. MinC, the effector protein, interferes with Z-ring formation through two different mechanisms mediated by its two domains with the help of MinD. However, the mechanism by which MinD triggers MinC activity is not yet known. We showed that MinD directly interacts with FtsZ with an affinity stronger than the reported MinC–FtsZ interaction. We determined the MinD-binding site of FtsZ using computational, mutational and biochemical analyses. Our study showed that MinD binds to the H10 helix of FtsZ. Single-point mutations at the charged residues in the H10 helix resulted in a decrease in the FtsZ affinity towards MinD. Based on our findings, we propose a novel model for MinCD–FtsZ interaction, where MinD through its direct interaction with FtsZ would trigger MinC activity to inhibit FtsZ functions.
LILRB4 deficiency aggravates the development of atherosclerosis and plaque instability by increasing the macrophage inflammatory response via NF-κB signaling
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Qin Juan-Juan , Zhang Yaxing , Cheng Wen-Lin , Ji Yan-Xiao , Gong Fu-Han , Zhu Xue-Yong , Zhang Yan , She Zhi-Gang , Huang Zan , Li Hongliang
Published: July 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is associated with the pathological processes of various inflammatory diseases. However, the potential function and underlying mechanisms of LILRB4 in atherogenesis remain to be investigated. In the present study, LILRB4 expression was examined in both human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques. The effects and possible mechanisms of LILRB4 in atherogenesis and plaque instability were evaluated in LILRB4-/-ApoE-/- and ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We found that LILRB4 was located primarily in macrophages, and its expression was up-regulated in atherosclerotic lesions from human coronary arteries and mouse aortic roots. LILRB4 deficiency significantly accelerated the development of atherosclerotic lesions and increased the instability of plaques, as evident by the increased infiltration of lipids, decreased amount of collagen components and smooth muscle cells. Moreover, LILRB4 deficiency in bone marrow derived cells promoted the development of atherosclerosis. In vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that the proinflammatory effects of LILRB4 deficiency were mediated by the increased activation of NF-κB signaling due to decreased src homolog 2 domain containing phosphatase (Shp) 1 phosphorylation. In conclusion, the present study indicates that LILRB4 deficiency promotes atherogenesis, at least partly, through reduced Shp1 phosphorylation, which subsequently enhances the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response. Thus, targetting the ‘LILRB4-Shp1’ axis may be a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis.
Energy‐efficient higher‐side‐reset‐and‐set switching scheme for SAR ADC
Authors: Zhang Hongshuai , Zhang Hong , Zhang Ruizhi
Published: July 2017

A high energy‐efficiency higher‐side‐reset‐and‐set (HSRS) switching scheme for a successive approximation register (SAR) ADC is presented, which consumes zero switching energy for the decision of the first two most significant bits without using any auxiliary circuit. The proposed HSRS scheme achieves 92.2% savings in switching energy and 50% reduction in total capacitance compared with a conventional SAR.
Comparison of spatial interpolation methods to determine exposure ratio to electric fields in urban environments
Authors: Santana T.A.A. , de Andrade H.D. , Queiroz Júnior I.S. , Tavares da Silva I.B.
Published: July 2017

The frequent advancement of telecommunications related technologies means that more regulatory organisations raise their concern about the possible effects that EM radiation can cause on people. Therefore, several parameters are established with the objective of evaluating if a region is within tolerance limits of radiation. Thus, it is necessary to know these evaluation parameters and how these fields are distributed throughout a region. The aim is to evaluate which method of interpolation, among the studied techniques, has the best performance to estimate accurately the intensity values of electric fields by analysing the parameters mean absolute error and RMS error. The exposure ratio was also verified aiming to check if it was within the limits established by international standards, in the range from 10 MHz to 8 GHz in the central region of the city of Mossoró, Brazil.
Predicting anxiety and depression in elderly patients using machine learning technology
Authors: Sau Arkaprabha , Bhakta Ishita
Published: July 2017

Anxiety and depression are two important mental health problems among the geriatric population. They are often undiagnosed and directly or indirectly responsible for various morbidities. Early and timely diagnosis has immense effect on appropriate management of anxiety and depression along with its co‐morbidities. Owing to time constraint and enormous patient load, especially in developing county such as India it is hardly possible for a physician or surgeon to identify a geriatric patient suffering from anxiety and depression using any psychometric analysis tool. So, it is of utmost importance to develop a predictive model for automated diagnosis of anxiety and depression among them. This Letter aims to develop an appropriate predictive model, to diagnose anxiety and depression among older patient from socio‐demographic and health‐related factors, using machine learning technology. Ten classifiers were evaluated with a data set of 510 geriatric patients and tested with ten‐fold cross‐validation method. Highest prediction accuracy of 89% was obtained with random forest (RF) classifier. This RF model was tested with another data set from separate 110 older patients for its external validity. Its predictive accuracy was found to be 91% and false positive (FP) rate was 10%, compared with gold standard tool.
Profiling the propagation of error from PPG to HRV features in a wearable physiological‐monitoring device
Authors: Morelli Davide , Bartoloni Leonardo , Colombo Michele , Plans David , Clifton David A.
Published: July 2017

Wearable physiological monitors are becoming increasingly commonplace in the consumer domain, but in literature there exists no substantive studies of their performance when measuring the physiology of ambulatory patients. In this Letter, the authors investigate the reliability of the heart‐rate (HR) sensor in an exemplar ‘wearable’ wrist‐worn monitoring system (the Microsoft Band 2); their experiments quantify the propagation of error from (i) the photoplethysmogram (PPG) acquired by pulse oximetry, to (ii) estimation of HR, and (iii) subsequent calculation of HR variability (HRV) features. Their experiments confirm that motion artefacts account for the majority of this error, and show that the unreliable portions of HR data can be removed, using the accelerometer sensor from the wearable device. The experiments further show that acquired signals contain noise with substantial energy in the high‐frequency band, and that this contributes to subsequent variability in standard HRV features often used in clinical practice. The authors finally show that the conventional use of long‐duration windows of data is not needed to perform accurate estimation of time‐domain HRV features.
Retrieval of striated toolmarks using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Keglevic Manuel , Sablatnig Robert
Published: July 2017

The authors propose TripNet as method for calculating similarities between striated toolmark images. The objective for this system is detecting and comparing characteristics of the tools while being invariant to varying parameters like angle of attack, substrate material, and lighting conditions. Instead of designing a handcrafted feature extractor customised for this task, the authors propose the use of a convolutional neural network. With the proposed system, one‐dimensional profiles extracted from images of striated toolmarks are mapped into an embedding. The system is trained by minimising a triplet loss function, so that a similarity measure is defined by the distance in this embedding. The performance is evaluated on the NFI Toolmark database containing 300 striated toolmarks of screwdrivers published by the Netherlands Forensic Institute. The system proposed is able to adapt to a large range of angles of attack, achieving a mean average precision of 0.95 for toolmark comparisons with differences in angle of attack of –. Furthermore, four different triplet selection approaches are proposed and their effect on the retrieval of toolmarks from a database of unseen tools is evaluated in detail.
Simplified methods for the analysis of self‐excited induction generators
Authors: Arthishri Krishnan , Anusha Kumaresan , Kumaresan Natarajan , Senthil Kumar Subramaniam
Published: July 2017

In this study, two simple methods for the steady‐state analysis of self‐excited induction generators (SEIGs) are proposed. These methods neither require lengthy mathematical derivations nor any advanced optimisation techniques to solve the equivalent circuit of SEIGs. First method involves a simple linear search algorithm and the second method employs a binary search algorithm to find the operating frequency at any given rotor speed, leading to the performance predetermination of SEIGs. To start the search techniques, a systematic approach has been formulated for fixing the boundary values required for the unknown pu frequency. The efficacy of the proposed methods has been demonstrated by presenting the predetermined performance characteristics of a three‐phase, 230 V, four‐pole, 50 Hz SEIG. The same SEIG was also tested in the laboratory using a DC motor as the prime mover. The closeness observed between the predetermined values and the experimental results further confirms the validity of the search algorithms. It has also been shown that the proposed methods can be extended with the same simplicity, for carrying out the performance predetermination of the short‐shunt configuration of SEIGs, used for obtaining improved voltage regulation with lagging power factor loads.
Torque elimination for integrated battery charger based on two permanent magnet synchronous motor drives for electric vehicles
Authors: Ali Syed Qaseem , Mascarella Diego , Joos Geza , Tan Longcheng
Published: July 2017

The study proposes a non‐isolated three‐phase integrated battery charger (IBC) based on electric vehicle drivetrains that have two permanent magnet synchronous motors with shafts coupled via a torque coupler. The windings of both machines are used as input filter inductances after reconfiguration and connected to a three‐phase grid in charging mode. Their existing traction inverters are operated as a three‐phase charger that controls the charging power from the grid. The total torque produced on the shaft during operation is analysed and a strategy to eliminate it is proposed. The strategy not only maintains a zero‐average torque but also eliminates the pulsating torque component on the shaft during operation. The topology allows conversion of the existing drive to an IBC through minor reconfiguration and provides an opportunity to reduce the effective THD injection into the grid via interleaving for machines with low winding inductance. A power balancing control is also proposed to reduce the second harmonic on the DC power output due to machine non‐ideality. Simulation and experimental results validate that the topology can be used as both a battery charger and as a distributed resource, while the resultant torque on the shaft remains eliminated by the proposed strategy.
Optimal scheduling of energy storage under forecast uncertainties
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Negash Ahlmahz , Kirschen Daniel S.
Published: July 2017

Recent studies have concluded that battery energy storage will soon be economically competitive if its cost continues to decline. The authors propose a two‐stage look‐ahead daily scheduling strategy for distributed energy storage located in distribution networks with a substantial photovoltaic (PV) penetration. They assume that the load serving entity operates this energy storage to harness simultaneously multiple streams of benefits: energy arbitrage, peak shaving, minimising deviations from the load forecast and regulation service. To determine the optimal capacity bid into the day‐ahead regulation market and address the price, load, and solar forecast uncertainties, they propose a two‐stage optimisation model that bids regulation capacity on the day ahead and determines the storage dispatch schedule in real time. At the day‐ahead stage, the load serving entity reserves a portion of the storage capacity for regulation, while the remaining capacity is dispatched for energy arbitrage, peak shaving and minimising the deviations from the forecast. Result suggests that regulation services account for the majority of these benefits. The energy storage is dispatched for peak shaving and forecast‐deviation minimisation from around noon to late evening. During the rest of day, storage is dispatched primarily for regulation services.
Radiation pattern optimisation of an antenna array on the spherical surface by using a varying number of optimisation parameters
Authors: Radivojević Vanja Mandrić , Rupčić Slavko , Grgić Krešimir
Published: July 2017

This study presents an optimisation of antenna arrays on the spherical surface with new elementary antenna distribution using the particle swarm optimisation method. Many distributions of antenna elements on the sphere are known and processed, like icosahedral, spiral, Leopardi and so on, but neither of them is optimal. In this study, optimisation of the antenna array includes radiation pattern optimisation in order to achieve a radiation pattern with a narrow main lobe and very low side lobes. Although distribution of antenna elements is not uniform, optimisation is performed for two planes using the average fitness function. Different applications of antenna arrays require different parameters and different optimisation/process control procedures, too. Spherical antenna arrays with optimised placement of elements are capable of producing a desired radiation pattern, providing electronic scan coverage over the entire sphere and satisfying requirements for many applications in different branches of communications. An antenna array analysed in this study is a spherical array with very low grating lobes and a very narrow main lobe, and it could be used in hemispherical scan coverage.
Neutral‐point potential balancing control strategy of three‐level active NPC inverter based on SHEPWM
Authors: Hu Cungang , Holmes Grahame , Shen Weixiang , Yu Xinghuo , Wang Qunjing , Luo Fanglin
Published: July 2017

This study proposes a novel control strategy for a three‐level active neutral‐point clamped (3L‐ANPC) inverter using selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation (SHEPWM). The proposed control strategy can effectively control the neutral‐point potential (NP) balancing and eliminate the selective harmonics simultaneously. The three‐phase SHEPWM line‐to‐line voltages of the inverter are considered as switching‐states. Among these switching states, the six pairs of redundant switching‐states generate the same line‐to‐line voltages and thus the same harmonic spectrums with each pair having opposite effects on NP balancing. As a result, the pair of switching‐states can be swapped to control the NP while still maintaining the same inverter output. The decision to make such swap will take into account directions of output currents, polarities of NP offsets and exclusion of directly switching between P and N states. The simulation and experimental results on a Matlab/Simulink model and prototype of a three‐phase 3L‐ANPC inverter are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Generating usable electric power while sensing glucose
Authors: Kulkarni Tanmany , Slaughter Gymama
Published: July 2017

Herein a system capable of simultaneously sensing glucose and harnessing sufficient energy to power a digital device is presented. This system is powered by an enzymatic glucose biofuel cell consisting of pyroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase‐modified bioanode and bilirubin oxidase‐modified biocathode. The electrical parameters from a single biofuel cell were amplified to 1.4 V using a charge pump circuit consisting of a capacitive element that senses glucose. Furthermore, a steady output DC supply of 3.2 V was obtained by interfacing a step‐up DC convertor circuit to the charge pump circuit. Such a system simultaneously senses glucose and harnesses energy in the presence of various glucose concentrations. The self‐powered glucose biosensor exhibited an improved sensitivity of 86.42 Hz/cm2 mM with a linear range extending to 20 mM when operating a digital device simultaneously. This is a 3.7‐fold increase in sensor sensitivity when compared with previous self‐powered glucose biosensors. This novel self‐powered glucose biosensing system shows a promising future for powering implantable devices and assessing patient health.
Recent Advances in Reactions of Heteroatom-Centered Radicals
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2017

Heteroatom-centered radicals show versatile reactivity and offer useful synthetic methods in organic chemistry. The development of new approaches for forming heteroatom-centered radicals has recently expanded the practicality of radical chemistry for synthesis. This review focuses on recent advances in reactions of representative heteroatom-centered radicals.

1 Introduction

2 Group 17 Elements: Chlorine and Bromine Radicals

3 Group 15 and Group 16 Elements

3.1 Nitrogen- and Oxygen-Centered Radicals

3.2 Phosphorus- and Sulfur-Centered Radicals

3.3 Other Radicals

4 Group 14 Elements: Silicon-Centered Radicals

5 Group 13 Elements: Boron-Centered Radicals

6 Conclusion
N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Activation of α-Chloroaldehydes: Asymmetric Synthesis of 5-Cyano-Substituted Dihydropyranones
Authors: Enders Dieter , Li Sun , Chen Xiang-Yu , Liu Qiang , Peuronen Anssi , Rissanen Kari
Published: July 2017

An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] annulation of (E)-2-benzoyl-3-phenylacrylonitriles with α-chloroaldehydes has been developed. The protocol leads to 5-cyano-substituted dihydropyranones in good to excellent yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 93% yield, >20:1 d.r. and 99% ee).
meta- and para-Functionalized Thermally Crosslinkable OLED-Materials through Selective Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Reggelin Michael , Hempe Matthias , Schnellbächer Lutz , Wiesner Tobias
Published: July 2017

Herein, a synthetic approach using selective transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions to thermally crosslinkable OLED materials­ based on vinyl-functionalized arylamines is reported. In a modular approach, 9,9-dialkyl-2,7-diiodo-9H-fluorene underwent a selective Ullmann cross-coupling reaction with bromo-substituted-diphenylamines to give 9,9-dialkyl-2,7-bis(bromo-substituted-diphenylamino)-9H-fluorenes that underwent end-functionalization by the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction using potassium vinyltrifluoroborate to give the corresponding 9,9-dialkyl-2,7-bis(vinyl-substituted-diphenylamino)-9H-fluorenes. Novel meta-functionalized materials were synthesized, which are difficult to prepare by traditional synthetic pathways. The thermal behavior of the compounds was investigated by DSC measurements, indicating a lower thermal sensitivity of the meta-substituted materials than their para-functionalized analogues.
Pediatric Sepsis: Genetic Considerations
Authors: Elek N. , Sandor S. , Balazs G. , Dahlem P.
Published: July 2017

The mortality of childhood sepsis continues to be rather high. When it comes to prevention and adequate therapy, individual differences and genetic alterations are becoming more and more important. These may affect molecules involved in pathogen recognition (e.g., lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, mannose-binding lectin, bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein, Toll-like receptors), signal transduction pathways (e.g., cRel), proinflammatory (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-6, IL-8) as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist), members of the coagulation cascade, and other molecules active in the process of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (e.g., heat shock proteins, complement system). The most common genetic polymorphisms are the so-called single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which entail the change of a single base. Genetic mutations have an impact on susceptibility, severity, and outcome of sepsis. Understanding such mutations may improve treatment efficiency; although there is a considerably limited choice of causal treatments today, they may become available upon future developments in genetic therapy.