bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calpain-mediated cleavage of collapsin response mediator protein-2 drives acute axonal degeneration
Authors: Zhang Jian-Nan , Michel Uwe , Lenz Christof , Friedel Caroline C. , Köster Sarah , d’Hedouville Zara , Tönges Lars , Urlaub Henning , Bähr Mathias , Lingor Paul , Koch Jan C.
Published: November 2016

Axonal degeneration is a key initiating event in many neurological diseases. Focal lesions to axons result in a rapid disintegration of the perilesional axon by acute axonal degeneration (AAD) within several hours. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAD are only incompletely understood. Here, we studied AAD in vivo through live-imaging of the rat optic nerve and in vitro in primary rat cortical neurons in microfluidic chambers. We found that calpain is activated early during AAD of the optic nerve and that calpain inhibition completely inhibits axonal fragmentation on the proximal side of the crush while it attenuates AAD on the distal side. A screening of calpain targets revealed that collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) is a main downstream target of calpain activation in AAD. CRMP2-overexpression delayed bulb formation and rescued impairment of axonal mitochondrial transport after axotomy in vitro. In vivo, CRMP2-overexpression effectively protected the proximal axon from fragmentation within 6 hours after crush. Finally, a proteomic analysis of the optic nerve was performed at 6 hours after crush, which identified further proteins regulated during AAD, including several interactors of CRMP2. These findings reveal CRMP2 as an important mediator of AAD and define it as a putative therapeutic target.
A submerged dielectric barrier discharge plasma inactivation mechanism of biofilms produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7, Cronobacter sakazakii, and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saiful Islam , Lee Eun-Jung , Kim Yun-Ji
Published: November 2016

A submerged dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor (underwater DBD) has been used to inactivate biofilm produced by three different food-borne pathogens, namelyEscherichia coliO157:H7 (ATCC 438),Cronobacter sakazakii(ATCC 29004), andStaphylococcus aureus(KCCM 40050). The inactivation that were obtained after 90 minutes of plasma operation were found to measure 5.50 log CFU/coupon, 6.88 log CFU/coupon and 4.20 log CFU/coupon forEscherichia coliO157:H7 (ATCC 438),Cronobacter sakazakii(ATCC 29004), andStaphylococcus aureus(KCCM 40050), respectively. Secondary Electron Images (SEI) obtained from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) show the biofilm morphology and its removal trend by plasma operation at different time intervals. An attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) measurement was performed to elucidate the biochemical changes that occur on the bacterial cell and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of biofilm during the plasma inactivation process. The ATR-FTIR measurement shows the gradual reduction of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipid and DNA peak regions with increased plasma exposure time. The presence of an EPS layer on the upper surface of the biofilm plays a negative and significant role in its removal from stainless steel (SS) coupons.
Effects of seasonal meteorological variables on E. coli persistence in livestock faeces and implications for environmental and human health
Authors: Oliver David M. , Page Trevor
Published: November 2016

Agriculture contributes significant volumes of livestock faeces to land. Understanding how faecal microbes respond to shifts in meteorological patterns of contrasting seasons is important in order to gauge how environmental (and human health) risks may alter under a changing climate. The aim of this study was to: (i) quantify the temporal pattern of E. coli growth within dairy faeces post defecation; and (ii) derive E. coli seasonal population change profiles associated with contrasting environmental drivers. Evaluation of the die-off dynamics of E. coli revealed that a treatment mimicking drought and warming conditions significantly enhanced persistence relative to E. coli in faeces that were exposed to field conditions, and that this pattern was consistent across consecutive years. The internal temperature of faeces was important in driving the rate of change in the E. coli population in the immediate period post defecation, with most E. coli activity (as either die-off or growth) occurring at low dry matter content. This study highlighted that the use of seasonal E. coli persistence profiles should be approached with caution when modelling environmental and human health risks given the increased likelihood of atypical seasonal meteorological variables impacting on E. coli growth and die-off.
Chikungunya virus infectivity, RNA replication and non-structural polyprotein processing depend on the nsP2 protease’s active site cysteine residue
Authors: Rausalu Kai , Utt Age , Quirin Tania , Varghese Finny S. , Žusinaite Eva , Das Pratyush Kumar , Ahola Tero , Merits Andres
Published: November 2016

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae, has a positive-stand RNA genome approximately 12 kb in length. In infected cells, the genome is translated into non-structural polyprotein P1234, an inactive precursor of the viral replicase, which is activated by cleavages carried out by the non-structural protease, nsP2. We have characterized CHIKV nsP2 using both cell-free and cell-based assays. First, we show that Cys478 residue in the active site of CHIKV nsP2 is indispensable for P1234 processing. Second, the substrate requirements of CHIKV nsP2 are quite similar to those of nsP2 of related Semliki Forest virus (SFV). Third, substitution of Ser482 residue, recently reported to contribute to the protease activity of nsP2, with Ala has almost no negative effect on the protease activity of CHIKV nsP2. Fourth, Cys478 to Ala as well as Trp479 to Ala mutations in nsP2 completely abolished RNA replication in CHIKV and SFV trans-replication systems. In contrast, trans-replicases with Ser482 to Ala mutation were similar to wild type counterparts. Fifth, Cys478 to Ala as well as Trp479 to Ala mutations in nsP2 abolished the rescue of infectious virus from CHIKV RNA transcripts while Ser482 to Ala mutation had no effect. Thus, CHIKV nsP2 is a cysteine protease.
Novel method to rescue a lethal phenotype through integration of target gene onto the X-chromosome
Authors: Sakata Kazuya , Araki Kimi , Nakano Hiroyasu , Nishina Takashi , Komazawa-Sakon Sachiko , Murai Shin , Lee Grace E. , Hashimoto Daisuke , Suzuki Chigure , Uchiyama Yasuo , Notohara Kenji , Gukovskaya Anna S. , Gukovsky Ilya , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Baba Hideo , Ohmuraya Masaki
Published: November 2016

The loss-of-function mutations of serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene are associated with human chronic pancreatitis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We previously reported that mice lackingSpink3, the murine homologue of humanSPINK1, die perinatally due to massive pancreatic acinar cell death, precluding investigation of the effects of SPINK1 deficiency. To circumvent perinatal lethality, we have developed a novel method to integrate humanSPINK1gene on the X chromosome using Cre-loxP technology and thus generated transgenic mice termed “X-SPINK1“. Consistent with the fact that one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated,X-SPINK1mice exhibit mosaic pattern ofSPINK1expression. Crossing ofX-SPINK1mice withSpink3+/−mice rescued perinatal lethality, but the resultingSpink3−/−;XXSPINK1mice developed spontaneous pancreatitis characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The results show that mice lacking a gene essential for cell survival can be rescued by expressing this gene on the X chromosome. TheSpink3−/−;XXSPINK1mice, in which this method has been applied to partially restore SPINK1 function, present a novel genetic model of chronic pancreatitis.
Roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in M1-polarized macrophages during mycobacterial infections
Authors: Lim Yun-Ji , Yi Min-Hee , Choi Ji-Ae , Lee Junghwan , Han Ji-Ye , Jo Sung-Hee , Oh Sung-Man , Cho Hyun Jin , Kim Dong Woon , Kang Min-Woong , Song Chang-Hwa
Published: November 2016

Alteration of macrophage function has an important regulatory impact on the survival of intracellular mycobacteria. We found that macrophages infected with attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain H37Ra had elevated expression of M1-related molecules, whereas the M2 phenotype was dominant in macrophages infected with virulent Mtb H37Rv. Further, the TLR signalling pathway played an important role in modulating macrophage polarization against Mtb infection. Interestingly, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was significantly increased in M1 polarized macrophages and these macrophages effectively removed intracellular Mtb, indicating that ER stress may be an important component of the host immune response to Mtb in M1 macrophages. This improved understanding of the mechanisms that regulate macrophage polarization could provide new therapeutic strategies for tuberculosis.
Profiling ribonucleotide and deoxyribonucleotide pools perturbed by gemcitabine in human non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Guo Jian-Ru , Chen Qian-Qian , Lam Christopher Wai Kei , Wang Cai-Yun , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Chang Zee-Fen , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2016

In this study, we investigated the dosage effect of gemcitabine, an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RR), on cellular levels of ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides using high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method. As anticipated, after 4-h incubation of non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells with gemcitabine at 0.5 and 2 μM, there were consistent reductions in levels of deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates (dNDP) and their corresponding deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTP). However, after 24-h exposure to 0.5 μM gemcitabine, the amounts of dNTP were increased by about 3 fold, whereas cells after 24-h 2 μM gemcitabine treatment exhibited deoxycytidine diphosphate (dCDP), deoxyadenosine diphosphate (dADP) and deoxyguanosine diphosphate (dGDP) levels less than 50% of control values, with deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) and deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) returning to the control level. Using cell cycle analysis, we found that 24-h incubation at 0.5 μM gemcitabine resulted in a significant increase in S phase arrest, while 2 μM treatment increased G0/G1 population. Our data demonstrated the correlation between the level of RR and the increased levels of dNTPs in the group of 0.5 μM treatment for 24-h with a markedly reduced level of dFdCTP. Accordingly, we proposed that the dosage of dFdC could determine the arrested phase of cell cycle, in turn affecting the recovery of dNTPs pools.
Identification of sex-specific urinary biomarkers for major depressive disorder by combined application of NMR- and GC–MS-based metabonomics
Authors: Zheng P , Chen J-J , Zhou C-J , Zeng L , Li K-W , Sun L , Liu M-l , Zhu D , Liang Z-H , Xie P
Published: November 2016

Women are more vulnerable to major depressive disorder (MDD) than men. However, molecular biomarkers of sex differences are limited. Here we combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)- and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics to investigate sex differences of urinary metabolite markers in MDD, and further explore their potential of diagnosing MDD. Consequently, the metabolite signatures of women and men MDD subjects were significantly different from of that in their respective healthy controls (HCs). Twenty seven women and 36 men related differentially expressed metabolites were identified in MDD. Fourteen metabolites were changed in both women and men MDD subjects. Significantly, the women-specific (m-Hydroxyphenylacetate, malonate, glycolate, hypoxanthine, isobutyrate and azelaic acid) and men-specific (tyrosine, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, N-methylnicotinamide, indoxyl sulfate, citrate and succinate) marker panels were further identified, which could differentiate men and women MDD patients from their respective HCs with higher accuracy than previously reported sex-nonspecific marker panels. Our findings demonstrate that men and women MDD patients have distinct metabonomic signatures and sex-specific biomarkers have promising values in diagnosing MDD.
Methylphenidate and the risk of psychotic disorders and hallucinations in children and adolescents in a large health system
Authors: Man K K C , Coghill D , Chan E W , Lau W C Y , Hollis C , Liddle E , Banaschewski T , McCarthy S , Neubert A , Sayal K , Ip P , Wong I C K
Published: November 2016

Previous studies have suggested that risk of psychotic events may be increased in children exposed to methylphenidate (MPH). However, this risk has not been fully examined, and the possibility of confounding factors has not been excluded. Patients aged 6–19 years who received at least one MPH prescription were identified using Hong Kong population-based electronic medical records on the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (2001–2014). Using the self-controlled case series design, relative incidence of psychotic events was calculated comparing periods when patients were exposed to MPH with non-exposed periods. Of 20,586 patients prescribed MPH, 103 had an incident psychotic event; 72 (69.9%) were male and 31 (30.1%) female. The mean age at commencement of observation was 6.95 years and the mean follow-up per participant was 10.16 years. On average, each participant was exposed to MPH for 2.17 years. The overall incidence of psychotic events during the MPH exposure period was 6.14 per 10,000 patient-years. No increased risk was found during MPH-exposed compared with non-exposed periods (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.02 (0.53–1.97)). However, an increased risk was found during the pre-exposure period (IRR 4.64 (2.17–9.92)). Results were consistent across all sensitivity analyses. This study does not support the hypothesis that MPH increases risk of incident psychotic events. It does indicate an increased risk of psychotic events before the first prescription of MPH, which may be because of an association between psychotic events and the behavioural and attentional symptoms that led to psychiatric assessment and initiation of MPH treatment.
Serum metabolite profile associates with the development of metabolic co-morbidities in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Suvitaival T , Mantere O , Kieseppä T , Mattila I , Pöhö P , Hyötyläinen T , Suvisaari J , Orešič M
Published: November 2016

Psychotic patients are at high risk for developing obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. These metabolic co-morbidities are hypothesized to be related to both treatment side effects as well as to metabolic changes occurring during the psychosis. Earlier metabolomics studies have shown that blood metabolite levels are predictive of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in the general population as well as sensitive to the effects of antipsychotics. In this study, we aimed to identify the metabolite profiles predicting future weight gain and other metabolic abnormalities in psychotic patients. We applied comprehensive metabolomics to investigate serum metabolite profiles in a prospective study setting in 36 first-episode psychosis patients during the first year of the antipsychotic treatment and 19 controls. While corroborating several earlier findings when comparing cases and controls and the effects of the antipsychotic medication, we also found that prospective weight gain in psychotic patients was associated with increased levels of triacylglycerols with low carbon number and double-bond count at baseline, that is, lipids known to be associated with increased liver fat. Our study suggests that metabolite profiles may be used to identify the psychotic patients most vulnerable to develop metabolic co-morbidities, and may point to a pharmacological approach to counteract the antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
Algorithms for MS1-Based Quantitation
Authors: Liao Hanqing , Phillips Alexander , Jankevics Andris , Dowsey Andrew W.
Published: November 2016

MS1-based quantitation is performed by direct integration of peptide precursor signal intensity from the MS1 spectra across retention time, based on the assumption that these signals have a linear relationship with abundance across a relatively wide dynamic range. Since ionisation efficiency varies between peptides, only relative abundance changes between biological samples are usually established. Whether each sample is run individually ‘label-free’, or two or three samples multiplexed within each run by a MS1-based labelling technique such as stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), the informatics methods involved are broadly similar. In this chapter we present the key components of such pipelines, including the detection and quantitation of peptide features from the raw data, alignment of chromatographic variations between runs so that corresponding features can be matched, intensity normalisation to correct sample-loading differences and ionisation fluctuations, and methods to combine the peptide-level quantifications for the statistical analysis of differential protein expression across treatment groups. At each stage, the techniques have been designed for robustness against the systematic and random variation inherent in MS data, and errors during the preceding parts of the pipeline.
MS2-Based Quantitation
Authors: Vaudel Marc
Published: November 2016

MS2-based protein quantification techniques refer to tandem mass spectrometry based quantification of proteins relying on fragment ion spectra of peptides. The two main representatives of this class of quantification techniques are spectrum counting, and reporter ion based quantification. They are both widely used in proteomics, appreciated for the simplicity and swiftness of their execution. As a result, most proteome bioinformatics suites include MS2-based protein quantification modules. In this chapter, the principles of these quantification techniques are introduced, different bioinformatic implementations are presented, and a use case is demonstrated using free open source solutions. Finally, the main pitfalls of the data processing are discussed and the performance of these techniques critically evaluated. This chapter is thus a good starting point for scientists wanting to easily and critically conduct MS2-based protein quantification.
Data Formats of the Proteomics Standards Initiative
Authors: Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Perkins Simon , Jones Andrew R. , Deutsch Eric W.
Published: November 2016

The existence and adoption of data standards in computational proteomics, as in any other field, is generally perceived to be crucial for the further development of the discipline. We here give an up-to-date overview of the open standard data formats that have been developed under the umbrella of the Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI). We will focus in those formats related to mass spectrometry (MS). Most of them are based in XML (Extensible Markup Language) schemas: mzML (for primary MS data, the output of mass spectrometers), mzIdentML (for peptide and protein identification data), mzQuantML (for peptide and protein quantification data) and TraML (for reporting transition lists for selected reaction monitoring approaches). In addition, mzTab was developed as a simpler tab-delimited file to support peptide, protein and small molecule identification and quantification data in the same file. In all cases, we will explain the main characteristics of each format, describe the main existing software implementations and give an update of the ongoing work to extend the formats to support new use cases. Additionally, we will discuss other data formats that have been inspired by the PSI formats. Finally, other PSI data standard formats (not MS related) will be also outlined in brief.
R for Proteomics
Authors: Breckels Lisa M. , Gibb Sebastian , Petyuk Vladislav , Gatto Laurent
Published: November 2016

In this chapter, we introduce some R and Bioconductor software to process, analyse and interpret mass spectrometry and proteomics data. We describe how to programmatically access data, how to read various data formats into R, we review the existing infrastructure to reliably identify peptide-spectrum matches, describe how to analyse and process quantitative data, review MALDI and imaging mass spectrometry using Bioconductor packages and conclude with an overview of statistical and machine learning software applicable to proteomics data. All the use cases are accompanied by executable example code and further reproducible examples are provided in the companion RforProteomics package.
Enhanced hydroxyapatite nanorods formation on graphene oxide nanocomposite as a potential candidate for protein adsorption, pH controlled release and an effective drug delivery platform for cancer therapy
Authors: Bharath G. , Latha B. Swarna , Alsharaeh Edreese H. , Prakash P. , Ponpandian N.
Published: November 2016

Creatine phosphate used as a phosphorus source for synthesis of a HAp/GO nanocomposite toward protein/anti-cancer drug loading and selective pH dependent drug delivery platforms.
Target-induced click conjugation for attomolar electronic monitoring of Cu(ii) using horseradish peroxidase as indicator and nanogold particles as enhancer
Authors: Lv Jing , Tang Ying , Tang Dianyong , Zhang Jin , Tang Dianping
Published: November 2016

An electrochemical sensing protocol was designed for sensitive detection of copper(ii) at the attomolar level by coupling target-induced click conjugation with horseradish peroxidase-labeleing gold nanoparticles.
Hydrogen-bonding catalysis of sulfonium salts
Authors: Kaneko Shiho , Kumatabara Yusuke , Shimizu Shoichi , Maruoka Keiji , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: November 2016

The catalytic ability of trialkylsulfonium salts as hydrogen-bonding catalysts on the basis of the characteristic properties of the acidic α hydrogen atoms on alkylsulfonium salts was demonstrated.
Photochemical CO2 reduction in water using a co-immobilised nickel catalyst and a visible light sensitiser
Authors: Neri Gaia , Forster Mark , Walsh James J. , Robertson C. M. , Whittles T. J. , Farràs Pau , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: November 2016

Dye-sensitised photocatalytic CO2 reduction in water using an immobilised Nickel catalyst operates with efficiencies greatly exceeding the equivalent solution based system.
An ab initio study of the ground and excited electronic states of the methyl radical
Authors: Zanchet A. , Bañares L. , Senent M. L. , García-Vela A.
Published: November 2016

The ground and some excited electronic states of the methyl radical have been characterized by means of highly correlated ab intio techniques.
Proposing the prospects of Ti3CN transition metal carbides (MXenes) as anodes of Li-ion batteries: a DFT study
Authors: Chen Xingzhu , Kong Zhouzhou , Li Neng , Zhao Xiujian , Sun Chenghua
Published: November 2016

The Li migration pathway and the corresponding energy profiles on the C-side (black line) and the N-side (red line) of MXene.
A study of trap and recombination centers in MAPbI3 perovskites
Authors: Gordillo G. , Otálora C. A. , Ramirez A. A.
Published: November 2016

Trapping and recombination processes in thin films of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) were studied by means of transient photoconductivity measurements and theoretical simulations of the relaxation curves resulting from the photocurrent measurements; in particular, the influence of temperature, as well as of the sample intensity of temperature illumination and pressure inside the measurement system on the photoconductivity response were studied.
A first-principles study of the preventive effects of Al and Mg doping on the degradation in LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode materials
Authors: Min Kyoungmin , Seo Seung-Woo , Song You Young , Lee Hyo Sug , Cho Eunseog
Published: November 2016

Effects of Al and Mg doping on the prevention of degradation phenomena in Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 cathode materials.
The classification and representation of main group element compounds that feature three-center four-electron interactions
Authors: Green Malcolm L. H. , Parkin Gerard
Published: November 2016

Compounds that feature 3-center 4-electron interactions may be classified in terms of the number of electrons that each atom contributes to the interaction: Class I are those in which two atoms provide one electron each and the third atom provides a pair of electrons, while Class II are those in which two atoms each provide a pair of electrons.
Photogeneration of hydrogen from water by a robust dye-sensitized photocathode
Authors: Shan B. , Das A. K. , Marquard S. , Farnum B. H. , Wang D. , Bullock R. M. , Meyer T. J.
Published: November 2016

Structure and hydrogen evolution performance of the photocathode consisting of a tri-layer assembly on a macro-mesoporous ITO electrode.
The effect of green tea polyphenols on gut microbial diversity and fat deposition in C57BL/6J HFA mice
Authors: Wang Li , Zeng Benhua , Zhang Xiaojing , Liao Zhenlin , Gu Lihui , Liu Zhiwei , Zhong Qingping , Wei Hong , Fang Xiang
Published: November 2016

Quantitative and qualitative changes in gut microbial composition have been linked to obesity and obesity-related complications, and eating pattern has been shown to significantly impact the gut microbiome.
Melatonin and hydroxytyrosol-rich wines influence the generation of DNA oxidation catabolites linked to mutagenesis after the ingestion of three types of wine by healthy volunteers
Authors: Marhuenda Javier , Medina Sonia , Martínez-Hernández Pedro , Arina Simón , Zafrilla Pilar , Mulero Juana , Genieser Hans-Gottfried , Ferreres Federico , Gil-Izquierdo Ángel
Published: November 2016

The intake of red wine protects DNA molecule against oxidative attack.
New insights into mammalian signaling pathways using microfluidic pulsatile inputs and mathematical modeling
Authors: Sumit M. , Takayama S. , Linderman J. J.
Published: November 2016

A combined approach involving microfluidic pulsatile stimulation and mathematical modeling has led to deciphering of hidden/unknown temporal motifs in several mammalian signaling pathways and has provided mechanistic insights, including how these motifs process temporal signals and govern fate regulation.
Improved cycling stability of MoS2-coated carbon nanotubes on graphene foam as flexible anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ma Xiaoxuan , Liu Xusong , Zhao Jiupeng , Hao Jian , Chi Caixia , Liu Xiaoxu , Li Yao , Liu Shikun , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2016

Flexible binder-free MoS2-coated carbon nanotubes on graphene foam have been produced and this novel composite exhibited enhanced electrochemical behavior.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of novel electrospun BN/TiO2 composite nanofibers
Authors: Nasr Maryline , Viter Roman , Eid Cynthia , Habchi Roland , Miele Philippe , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: November 2016

We report the elaboration of novel BN/TiO2 composite nanofibers with different amounts of BN sheets and their photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation.
A novel PEG–haloperidol conjugate with a non-degradable linker shows the feasibility of using polymer–drug conjugates in a non-prodrug fashion
Authors: Heath Felicity , Newman Amy , Clementi Chiara , Pasut Gianfranco , Lin Hong , Stephens Gary J. , Whalley Benjamin J. , Osborn Helen M. I. , Greco Francesca
Published: November 2016

A PEG–haloperidol conjugate was synthesised, which retains binding to the dopamine D2receptor, showing the possibility of using polymer-drug conjugates as drugsper se' rather than as prodrugs.
Synthesis of an injectable, self-healable and dual responsive hydrogel for drug delivery and 3D cell cultivation
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Fu Changkui , Li Yongsan , Wang Ke , Wang Xing , Wei Yen , Tao Lei
Published: November 2016

An injectable, self-healable and dual pH and temperature responsive hydrogel was facilely prepared and applied as a potential carrier for drug delivery and cell cultivation.
Theranostic unimolecular micelles of highly fluorescent conjugated polymer bottlebrushes for far red/near infrared bioimaging and efficient anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Yang Cangjie , Huang Shuo , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Mingfeng
Published: November 2016

Theranostic unimolecular micelles of highly fluorescent amphiphilic conjugated bottlebrushes loaded with anticancer drugs are efficient for cancer imaging and therapy.
Self-reporting dynamic covalent polycarbonate networks
Authors: Schenzel Alexander M. , Moszner Norbert , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2016

The present study introduces the first polycarbonate system that can reversibly be transformed into small molecules.
Tin oxide nanostructured materials: an overview of recent developments in synthesis, modifications and potential applications
Authors: Mohanta Dipyaman , Ahmaruzzaman M.
Published: November 2016

Various structural modifications of tin oxide nanostructures leading to multidimensional applications.
A novel strategy for low level laser-induced plasmonic photothermal therapy: the efficient bactericidal effect of biocompatible AuNPs@(PNIPAAM-co-PDMAEMA, PLGA and chitosan)
Authors: Gharatape Alireza , Milani Morteza , Rasta Seyed Hossein , Pourhassan-Moghaddam Mohammad , Ahmadi-Kandjani Sohrab , Davaran Soodabeh , Salehi Roya
Published: November 2016

Bactericidal effect of modified gold nanoparticles based on plasmonic photothermal therapy.
Crystallization of calcium carbonate under the influences of casein and magnesium ions
Authors: Zhang Ao , Xie Hao , Liu Nian , Chen Bao-Li , Ping Hang , Fu Zheng-Yi , Su Bao-Lian
Published: November 2016

The significant morphological changes of calcium carbonate crystals were investigated and observed in the presence of casein and magnesium ions.
Rapid and pollution-free characterization of intracellular polyphosphate and orthophosphate using mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics in the denitrifying phosphorus removal process
Authors: Zhang H. , Tian J. Y. , Huang J. , Huang X. H. , Quan G. J. , Yan S. , Liu P. R.
Published: November 2016

Content of the intracellular Poly-P and orthophosphate variation may be predicted rapidly by mid-infrared spectroscopy and PLS method in denitrifying phosphorus removal process.
Tunable anchoring groups@acridone-linked triphenylamine based pendant chromophores and their effects on the photovoltaic performance as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Selvam R. , Prakash G. , Subramanian K.
Published: November 2016

In this study, a series of pendant chromophores bearing methacrylate polymers with different anchoring/acceptor groups were synthesized for use as sensitizers in the dye-sensitized solar cells.
Metal–organic frameworks MIL-88A with suitable synthesis conditions and optimal dosage for effective catalytic degradation of Orange G through persulfate activation
Authors: Wang Jiumei , Wan Jinquan , Ma Yongwen , Wang Yan , Pu Mengjie , Guan Zeyu
Published: November 2016

Possible mechanism for the activation of PS by MIL-88A involves heterogeneous and homogeneous reaction.
Self-assembly of urchin-like porphyrin/graphene microspheres for artificial photosynthetic production of formic acid from CO2
Authors: Li Qi , Zeng Qi , Gao Lina , Ullah Zaka , Li Hui , Guo Yufen , Li Weiwei , Shi Ying , Tao Guanhong , Liu Liwei
Published: November 2016

A porphyrin/graphene based photocatalyst with significant urchin-like structure is fabricated for producing formic acid from CO2 through artificial photosynthesis, and a 0.5% solar-to-formic acid conversion efficiency is achieved, which is greater than that of natural photosynthesis.
Design and synthesis of ZnO–NiO–Co3O4 hybrid nanoflakes as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Lu Lun , Wang Hui-yuan , Wang Jin-Guo , Wang Cheng , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: November 2016

ZnO–NiO–Co3O4 hybrid nanoflakes are fabricated via a simple hydrothermal method followed by a subsequent annealing process.
High proton conductivity in an unprecedented anionic metalloring organic framework (MROF) containing novel metalloring clusters with the largest diameter
Authors: Han Yun-Hu , Ye Yingxiang , Tian Chongbin , Zhang Zhangjing , Du Shao-Wu , Xiang Shengchang
Published: November 2016

An attractive metalloring organic framework (MROF-1) containing novel metalloring clusters with the largest diameter and shows a high proton conductivity.
A fast-response two-photon fluorescent probe for the detection of Cys over GSH/Hcy with a large turn-on signal and its application in living tissues
Authors: Wang Jian-Yong , Liu Zhan-Rong , Ren Mingguang , Kong Xiuqi , Lin Weiying
Published: November 2016

We developed a novel two-photon fluorescent probe for sensing Cys specifically. The two-photon fluorescent probe exhibited favorable properties and was successfully applied for imaging Cys in living cells and tissues.
Ring-opening crosslinking PEGylation of an AIE epoxy monomer towards biocompatible fluorescent nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Chunping , Xie Gaoyi , Zhang Xiqi , Yang Liutao , Li Yang , Liu Hongliang , Wang Ke , Wei Yen
Published: November 2016

Ring-opening crosslinking PEGylation of an AIE epoxy monomer towards biocompatible fluorescent nanoparticles is reported for cell imaging.
Metal-free half-metallicity in a high energy phase C-doped gh-C3N4system: a high Curie temperature planar system
Authors: Choudhuri Indrani , Bhattacharyya Gargee , Kumar Sourabh , Pathak Biswarup
Published: November 2016

A high energy phase of the C-doped gh-C3N4system leads to half-metallicity and high Curie temperature.
Optimal reactive power dispatch: a review, and a new stochastic voltage stability constrained multi‐objective model at the presence of uncertain wind power generation
Authors: Mohseni‐Bonab Seyed Masoud , Rabiee Abbas
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a comprehensive review of recent researches carried out in the area of optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) is presented. The literature review consists of a classification of ORPD problem, along with a survey on the strengths and weaknesses of different models proposed previously. Also, a stochastic multi‐objective ORPD (SMO‐ORPD) model is studied under load and wind power generation uncertainties. A two‐stage stochastic model is employed for dealing with the uncertainties. The considered objective functions are real power losses (PLs) and operation & maintenance (O&M) cost of wind farms (WFs). The proposed SMO‐ORPD problem is solved by considering voltage stability index (i.e. Lmax index). Besides, ɛ‐constraint technique and fuzzy satisfying approach are employed to pick up the best compromise solution. Two cases are considered as follows: (i) voltage stability relaxed SMO‐ORPD, and (ii) voltage stability constrained (VSC) SMO‐ORPD. In this study, reactive power compensation devices are modelled as discrete control variables. Hence, the proposed SMO‐ORPD problem is modelled as a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming optimisation problem. The SMO‐ORPD problem is implemented in GAMS environment, and it is examined on the IEEE 30 and 118‐bus test systems. The numerical results substantiate that in the case of VSC‐SMO‐ORPD, active PLs are higher than the other case, whereas O&M cost of WFs is not different considerably.
Circuit analysis and optimisation of SIW branch line coupler with improved modelling of small metallic post in FDTD
Authors: Karimabadi Sara Sadat , Attari Amir Reza
Published: November 2016

In this study an improved model of small metallic post has been used in finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. This model has the advantages of wide range stability for different values of post radius, good accuracy and easy formulation. By using this model accurate results have been obtained in FDTD with large mesh size and therefore memory and calculation time have been reduced. Moreover circuit model has been used for the analysis and optimisation of substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) branch line coupler. In this model a circuit is decomposed into several two or multi ports sub‐circuits. Next, the proposed FDTD model is used to determine the scattering parameters of the sub‐circuits. With a proper connection of the scattering parameters of these sub‐circuits, the scattering parameters of the overall structure have been determined. Based on the improved post model in FDTD and using the circuit model a branch line SIW coupler with wider bandwidth has been designed and fabricated.
Detection of surface cracks in metals using time‐domain microwave non‐destructive testing technique
Authors: Mirala Ali , Sarraf Shirazi Reza
Published: November 2016

This study theoretically investigates the application of ultra‐wideband (UWB) signals in crack detection as a microwave non‐destructive testing technique which is well developed in frequency domain in recent decades. To analyse UWB signals, with traditional frequency‐domain methods, is needed to cover a wide range of separate frequencies. Another approach is to solve the problem with time‐domain (TD) techniques in which fields are assumed as general functions of time instead of single frequency harmonics. The advantages of such TD numerical techniques are first, their applicability for arbitrarily wide‐frequency range by one‐time execution, and second that they give the potential for detection of small changes in the received signal that corresponds to small but sometimes significant defects of specimen. As it will be shown, using UWB pulses is an efficient way for detection of fine cracks which are of practical importance.
Compact log‐periodic dipole array antenna with bandwidth‐enhancement techniques for the low frequency band
Authors: Kyei Anim , Sim Dong‐Uk , Jung Young‐Bae
Published: November 2016

A compact planar log‐periodic dipole array (LPDA) antenna operating from 0.55 to 9GHz with high measured gain is proposed to be implemented in a reverberation chamber as a source antenna. To minimise the total size of the LPDA antenna, variants of top‐loading techniques are utilised, and a much smaller spacing factor is opted to specify the spacing between the elements. However, miniaturisation of the LPDA antenna limits the antenna's wideband characteristics over the desired range of frequencies. Hence, a feedline meander and a trapezoidal stub are incorporated into the design as impedance matching techniques to effectively enhance the bandwidth performance especially for the lower band of the antenna's operating frequency range. The LPDA antenna exhibits radiation patterns with and without a radome having the measured gain ranging from 2.48 to 7.89 dBi and from −1.20 to 7.94 dBi, respectively.
Design methodology for very high insulation voltage capabilities power transmission function for IGBT gate drivers based on a virtual prototyping tool
Authors: Am Sokchea , Lefranc Pierre , Frey David , Hanna Rachelle
Published: November 2016

For the operation of the semiconductor components in medium voltage converter or multilevel converter applications (where the DC bus voltage up to several ten kilovolts), their gate driver systems require very high galvanic insulation voltage capabilities. Hence, this study details a design methodology to optimise a power supply function for insulated gate bipolar transistor gate drivers with high insulated voltage capabilities. To achieve this, a dc‐to‐dc full‐bridge series–series resonant converter with a high air gap pot core planar transformer is selected. This air gap length and the dielectric material define the high insulation voltage capability. The objective of the study is to optimise the geometric elements of the transformer and its associated electrical components in the proposed converter. Magnetic and electrostatic modellings are provided. Maximise the converter efficiency (ηcon) is the main objective of the proposed optimisation design. Thus, the optimisation results are proposed: the converter efficiency (ηcon) as function of converter output power (Pout). Finally, to validate the authors’ proposed methodology, the experimental results are compared with the simulation ones. Then, the results of an improved optimisation design are provided.
High step‐up dual full‐bridge ZVS DC–DC converter with improved integrated magnetics and new resonant switched capacitor cell
Authors: Taheri Meghdad , Milimonfared Jafar , Abbasi Arand Bijan , Salehi Dobakhshari Sina
Published: November 2016

A high voltage gain dual interleaved full bridge converter with Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS), improved integrated magnetics, and a new resonant Switched ‐Capacitor‐Cell (RSC) is presented. By taking the advantage of a new resonant switched capacitor cell and transformers with low turn‐ratio as well as low leakage inductances, the desired high output voltage can be obtained. Furthermore, the output diodes operate in Zero Current Switching (ZCS) condition, and switches are maintained under ZVS condition over the whole range of output load variations. In addition, switches turn off near zero current leading to high overall efficiency. An interleaved approach (multi‐cell) is adopted over a single cell to increase the power handling capacity. Furthermore, transformers of dual cells are integrated into a single UU core which cuts down the total volume of the converter as well as the total core loss. Since secondary windings have opposite polarities, there exists no DC flux, and the top and bottom RSC cells operate in 180 degree out of phase. Taking the aforementioned characteristics into consideration, the proposed converter has a good performance for high voltage applications. Experimental results of a 3 kw prototype with an output voltage of 16 kV validate the features of this topology.
Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation: The Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Feng Xiang-Nan , Chan Kin , Mou Jennifer , Tam Yuk , Lee Kim , Houben Christoph
Published: November 2016

Background/Purpose Evaluating the long-term outcome of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP).

Methods We studied all patients treated for SIP at our institution between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014.

Results Twenty-three infants (13 males) with a median gestational age of 26 (range: 23–32) weeks and a median weight of 825 (range: 560–1,965) g composed this cohort. Seventeen (74%) infants had an extremely low birth weight (ELBW); nine (39%) infants were the result of multiple pregnancies.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was present in 16 (70%) infants. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors were administered in 12 (52%) infants.

Ten infants (seven males, 44%) were diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which was identified in the majority (8/10) at a median of 9 (range: 1–11) days prior to the perforation.

All patients presented with pneumoperitoneum and underwent a laparotomy at a median age of 9 (range: 2–16) days. Twenty-one patients had an ileal perforation. A temporary stoma was placed in 21 patients, whereas two got primary anastomosis. Two (8.7%) male infants died. During the long-term follow-up period (median 6 years), six (five males) (26%) infants developed moderate to severe disabilities in combination with cerebral palsy. No surgical complications were observed.

Conclusion The most important risk factor for SIP is ELBW (75%). The distal ileum is the most frequent site of perforation (88%). Approximately 40% develop IVH most often prior to the SIP. Moderate to severe neurologic disabilities are seen in more than a quarter of the children. Disability and mortality affect mostly the male sex. Long-term risks of surgical complications are very low.
Auswahl geeigneter Kontrollkliniken für die Durchführung der bundesweiten und einheitlichen Evaluation von Modellvorhaben nach § 64b SGB V. Analyse von Daten der Strukturierten Qualitätsberichte
Authors: Petzold T. , Neumann A. , Seifert M. , Küster D. , Pfennig A. , Weiß J. , Häckl D. , Swart E. , Schmitt J.
Published: November 2016

Hintergrund: Der Versorgungsbedarf psychisch erkrankter Patienten stellt besondere Anforderungen an sektorenübergreifende Versorgungsstrukturen dar. Mit dem §+64b SGB V wurde die Möglichkeit geschaffen, psychiatrische Erkrankungen durch multiprofessionelle, behandlungsphasen- und sektorenübergreifende Modellvorhaben zu betreuen und neue Finanzierungsformen zu implementieren. Diese Modellvorhaben in den Kliniken (Modellkliniken) gilt es, gegenüber der Regelversorgung zu evaluieren.

Ziel der Arbeit: Ziel der Analyse ist die Identifikation geeigneter Kliniken anhand definierter Kriterien als Vergleichsgruppe (Kontrollkliniken) mithilfe von Sekundärdaten.

Material und Methoden: Es erfolgte eine systematische Analyse Strukturierter Qualitätsberichte gemäß § 137 SGB V sowie zugeordneter Daten des Bundesinstituts für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (INKAR). Anhand a priori definierter K.O. Kriterien, Kriterien zum Patientenklientel (Gewichtung 50%) sowie Strukturmerkmale der Kliniken (25%) und des Umfelds (25%) wurde ein gewichteter Ähnlichkeitsscore zu jeder der 13 Modellkliniken berechnet, der max. 100 Punkte beträgt (perfekte Übereinstimmung).

Ergebnisse: Für die Auswahl von jeweils 10 Kontrollkliniken wurden alle Kriterien zusammengefasst. Der Median der gesamten Abweichung potentieller Kontroll- von Modellkliniken beträgt 34,3 (Spannweite: 17,6–66,7). Bei den 10 Kontrollkliniken je Modellklinik beträgt der Median 30,9 (Spannweite: 17,6–40,8).

Diskussion: Anhand des Algorithmus konnten strukturell ähnliche Vergleichskliniken identifiziert werden. Das Verfahren mit Nutzung der genannten Datenbanken und Ableitung spezifischer Kriterien der Strukturgleichheit eignet sich grundsätzlich für kontrollierte Designs zur Evaluation komplexer Interventionen basierend auf Routinedaten.
Was fördert die Verstetigung von Strukturen und Angeboten der Gesundheitsförderung?
Authors: Funk S. , Schaefer I. , Kolip P.
Published: November 2016

Die Verstetigung gesundheitsförderlicher Interventionen als Voraussetzung für langfristige Wirkungen gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Es liegen jedoch nur vereinzelt Kenntnisse darüber vor, wie es gelingen kann, Projekte in dauerhafte Strukturen und Regelangebote zu überführen. Die Evaluationsstudie der Universität Bielefeld analysierte mit einem Mixed-methods-Ansatz die erreichte Verstetigung ausgewählter Initiativen, die im Rahmen des Nationalen Aktionsplans IN FORM gefördert wurden, und ermittelte Faktoren, die den Verstetigungsprozess beeinflusst haben. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass Verstetigung ein vielgestaltiger und kontextabhängiger Prozess ist, der bereits in der Planungsphase eines Projektes mitgedacht werden sollte. Neben konzeptionellen Einflussfaktoren, die durch Projektaktivitäten beeinflusst werden können, sind insbesondere Kontextfaktoren entscheidend für eine gelingende Verstetigung gesundheitsförderlicher Interventionen.