bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced White Matter Integrity in Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Jiang Weixiong , Shi Feng , Liu Huasheng , Li Gang , Ding Zhongxiang , Shen Hui , Shen Celina , Lee Seong-Whan , Hu Dewen , Wang Wei , Shen Dinggang
Published: February 2017

Emerging neuroimaging research suggests that antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may be linked to abnormal brain anatomy, but little is known about possible impairments of white matter microstructure in ASPD, as well as their relationship with impulsivity or risky behaviors. In this study, we systematically investigated white matter abnormalities of ASPD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures: fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Then, we further investigated their correlations with the scores of impulsivity or risky behaviors. ASPD patients showed decreased FA in multiple major white matter fiber bundles, which connect the fronto-parietal control network and the fronto-temporal network. We also found AD/RD deficits in some additional white matter tracts that were not detected by FA. More interestingly, several regions were found correlated with impulsivity or risky behaviors in AD and RD values, although not in FA values, including the splenium of corpus callosum, left posterior corona radiate/posterior thalamic radiate, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. These regions can be the potential biomarkers, which would be of great interest in further understanding the pathomechanism of ASPD.
Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide integrated insight into osmotic, cold, and salt stress tolerance mechanisms in banana
Authors: Hu Wei , Ding Zehong , Tie Weiwei , Yan Yan , Liu Yang , Wu Chunlai , Liu Juhua , Wang Jiashui , Peng Ming , Xu Biyu , Jin Zhiqiang
Published: February 2017

The growth, development, and production of banana plants are constrained by multiple abiotic stressors. However, it remains elusive for the tolerance mechanisms of banana responding to multiple abiotic stresses. In this study, we found that Fen Jiao (FJ) was more tolerant to osmotic, cold, and salt stresses than BaXi Jiao (BX) by phenotypic and physiological analyses. Comparative transcriptomic analyses highlighted stress tolerance genes that either specifically regulated in FJ or changed more than twofold in FJ relative to BX after treatments. In total, 933, 1644, and 133 stress tolerance genes were identified after osmotic, cold, and salt treatments, respectively. Further integrated analyses found that 30 tolerance genes, including transcription factor, heat shock protein, and E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, could be commonly regulated by osmotic, cold, and salt stresses. Finally, ABA and ROS signaling networks were found to be more active in FJ than in BX under osmotic, cold, and salt treatments, which may contribute to the strong stress tolerances of FJ. Together, this study provides new insights into the tolerance mechanism of banana responding to multiple stresses, thus leading to potential applications in the genetic improvement of multiple abiotic stress tolerances in banana.
Scale up and pharmacokinetic study of a novel mutated chimeric tissue plasminogen activator (mt-PA) in rats
Authors: Raigani Mozhgan , Rouini Mohammad-Reza , Golabchifar Ali-Akbar , Mirabzadeh Esmat , Vaziri Behrouz , Barkhordari Farzaneh , Davami Fatemeh , Mahboudi Fereidoun
Published: February 2017

Because of high mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases, various fibrinolytic agents with diverse pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties have been developed. A novel mutated chimeric tissue plasminogen activator (mt-PA) was developed by the removal of first three domains of t-PA, insertion of GHRP sequence and mutation towards resistance to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Mt-PA protein was expressed in Expi293F cells. The expression level of mt-PA was found to be 5000 IU/mL. Following purification, the pharmacokinetic properties of mt-PA were evaluated in three doses in rats. Data related to mt-PA were best fitted to two compartment model. With the increase in dose, the Area Under the plasma concentration-time Curve (AUC0→∞) increased. The elimination half-life (t1/2) of mt-PA was in the range of 19.1–26.1 min in three doses while that of Alteplase was 8.3 min. The plasma clearance (CLp) of mt-PA ranged from 3.8 to 5.9 mL/min in three doses, which was several times lower than that of Alteplase (142.6 mL/min). The mean residence time (MRT) of mt-PA ranged from 23.3–31.8 min in three doses, which was 4–5 times greater than that of Alteplase (6 min). Mt-PA showed extended half-life and mean residence time and is a good candidate for further clinical studies.
Erratum: Validation of plasma microRNAs as biomarkers for myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Perfetti A. , Greco S. , Cardani R. , Fossati B. , Cuomo G. , Valaperta R. , Ambrogi F. , Cortese A. , Botta A. , Mignarri A. , Santoro M. , Gaetano C. , Costa E. , Dotti M. T. , Silvestri G. , Massa R. , Meola G. , Martelli F.
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6 Article number: 38174; published online: 01 December 2016; updated on: 22 February 2017 This Article contains errors in the Affiliations of M. Santoro and A. Mignarri. The correct affiliations for these authors are listed below: M. Santoro Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy.
Environmentally friendly chitosan/PEI-grafted magnetic gelatin for the highly effective removal of heavy metals from drinking water
Authors: Li Bingbing , Zhou Feng , Huang Kai , Wang Yipei , Mei Surong , Zhou Yikai , Jing Tao
Published: February 2017

The development of environmentally friendly sorbents with a high adsorption capacity is an essential problem in the removal of heavy metals from drinking water. In this study, magnetic gelatin was prepared using transglutaminase as a cross-linker, which could only catalyze an acyl-transfer reaction between lysine and glutamine residues of the gelatin and not affect other amino groups. Therefore, it was beneficial for the further modification based on the amino groups, and did not affect the spatial structure of gelatin, which can effectively prevent the embedding of active sites in the polymer matrix. After modification with the chitosan/polyethylenimine copolymers, the numbers of amino groups was greatly increased, and the magnetic composites exhibited a high adsorption capacity, excellent water compatibility and simple magnetic separation. The adsorption capacities of lead and cadmium were 341 mg g−1 and 321 mg g−1, respectively, which could be used for the removal of metal ions in drinking water.
New limits of secondary β-relaxation
Authors: Tripathy Satya N. , Rams-Baron Marzena , Wojnarowska Zaneta , Knapik-Kowalczuk Justyna , Paluch Marian
Published: February 2017

Glass is an ultraviscous liquid that ceases to flow on a laboratory timescale but continues to relax on a geological timescale. Quintessentially, it has become hopeless for humans to explore the equilibrium behavior of glass, although the technology of glass making witness a remarkable advance. In this work, we propose a novel thermodynamic path to prepare a high density amorphous state of matter (carvedilol dihydrogen phosphate) using high pressure. In addition, we provide the impeccable experimental evidence of heterogeneous nature of secondary β-relaxation and probe its properties to understand the various aspects of pressure densified glass, such as dynamics, packing and disorder. These features are expected to provide new horizons to glass preparation and functional response to pharmaceutical applications.
Comparison of DP3 Signals Evoked by Comfortable 3D Images and 2D Images — an Event-Related Potential Study using an Oddball Task
Authors: Ye Peng , Wu Xiang , Gao Dingguo , Liang Haowen , Wang Jiahui , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng , She Juncong , Chen Jun
Published: February 2017

The horizontal binocular disparity is a critical factor for the visual fatigue induced by watching stereoscopic TVs. Stereoscopic images that possess the disparity within the ‘comfort zones’ and remain still in the depth direction are considered comfortable to the viewers as 2D images. However, the difference in brain activities between processing such comfortable stereoscopic images and 2D images is still less studied. The DP3 (differential P3) signal refers to an event-related potential (ERP) component indicating attentional processes, which is typically evoked by odd target stimuli among standard stimuli in an oddball task. The present study found that the DP3 signal elicited by the comfortable 3D images exhibits the delayed peak latency and enhanced peak amplitude over the anterior and central scalp regions compared to the 2D images. The finding suggests that compared to the processing of the 2D images, more attentional resources are involved in the processing of the stereoscopic images even though they are subjectively comfortable.
Decreased levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 are correlated with improved hypoglycemia in patients with insulinoma
Authors: Li Xu , Yu Haoyong , Yin Jun , Li Lianxi , Zhou Jian , Li Ming , Li Qing , Chen Haibing , Liu Fang , Bao Yuqian , Han Junfeng , Jia Weiping
Published: February 2017

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) improves insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in obese or diabetic animal models and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for treating T2DM, obesity, and their related complications. However, little is known about the changes of FGF21 levels in response to endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. To explore its relationship with parameters of glucose metabolism in patients with insulinoma, eleven subjects with pathological insulinoma and twenty-two healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Interestingly, we found that the serum FGF21 levels increased significantly in patients with insulinoma at baseline compared with the control group (381.36 ± 107.12 vs. 62.59 ± 10.48 pg/mL; P = 0.001). Furthermore, FGF21 was positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.80, P = 0.003) and proinsulin (r = 0.72, P = 0.012) in subjects with insulinoma. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that FGF21 was independently associated with insulin (β = 0.80, P = 0.003). In addition, FGF21 decreased significantly after surgery, and its change was still correlated positively with the changes in insulin (r = 0.61, P = 0.048) and proinsulin (r = 0.84, P = 0.001). These findings suggested that the serum FGF21 levels could be involved in a complex adaptive response to insulin secretion and glucose metabolism in humans.
The hidden perils of read mapping as a quality assessment tool in genome sequencing
Authors: Lehri B. , Seddon A. M. , Karlyshev A. V.
Published: February 2017

This article provides a comparative analysis of the various methods of genome sequencing focusing on verification of the assembly quality. The results of a comparative assessment of various de novo assembly tools, as well as sequencing technologies, are presented using a recently completed sequence of the genome of Lactobacillus fermentum 3872. In particular, quality of assemblies is assessed by using CLC Genomics Workbench read mapping and Optical mapping developed by OpGen. Over-extension of contigs without prior knowledge of contig location can lead to misassembled contigs, even when commonly used quality indicators such as read mapping suggest that a contig is well assembled. Precautions must also be undertaken when using long read sequencing technology, which may also lead to misassembled contigs.
Generation of Gross Chromosomal Rearrangements by a Single Engineered DNA Double Strand Break
Authors: Qiu Zhijun , Zhang Zhenhua , Roschke Anna , Varga Tamas , Aplan Peter D.
Published: February 2017

Gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs), including translocations, inversions amplifications, and deletions, can be causal events leading to malignant transformation. GCRs are thought to be triggered by DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), which in turn can be spontaneous or induced by external agents (eg. cytotoxic chemotherapy, ionizing radiation). It has been shown that induction of DNA DSBs at two defined loci can produce stable balanced chromosomal translocations, however, a single engineered DNA DSB could not. Herein, we report that although a single engineered DNA DSB in H2AX “knockdown” cells did not generate GCRs, repair of a single engineered DNA DSB in fibroblasts that had ablated H2ax did produce clonal, stable GCRs, including balanced translocations and megabase-pair inversions. Upon correction of the H2ax deficiency, cells no longer generated GCRs following a single engineered DNA DSB. These findings demonstrate that clonal, stable GCRs can be produced by a single engineered DNA DSB in H2ax knockout cells, and that the production of these GCRs is ameliorated by H2ax expression.
Testicular Dnmt3 expression and global DNA methylation are down-regulated by gonadotropin releasing hormones in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus
Authors: Zhang Yize , Sun Xin , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Weimin
Published: February 2017

In vertebrates, DNA methyltransferase 3 (Dnmt3) homologues are responsible for de novo DNA methylation and play important roles in germ cell development. In the present study, four dnmt3 genes, dnmt3aa, dnmt3ab, dnmt3ba and dnmt3bb.1, were identified in ricefield eels. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that all four dnmt3 mRNAs were detected broadly in tissues examined, with testicular expression at relatively high levels. In the testis, immunostaining for all four Dnmt3 forms was mainly localized to spermatocytes, which also contained highly methylated DNA. All three forms of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh) in the ricefield eel were shown to decrease the expression of dnmt3 genes in the in vitro incubated testicular fragments through cAMP and IP3/Ca2+ pathways. Moreover, in vivo treatment of male fish with three forms of Gnrh decreased significantly the testicular Dnmt3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and the global DNA methylation levels. These results suggest that the expression of Dnmt3 and global DNA methylation in the testis of ricefield eels are potentially down-regulated by Gnrh, and reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of testicular Dnmt3 expression in vertebrates.
Copper treatment during storage reduces Phytophthora and Halophytophthora infection of Zostera marina seeds used for restoration
Authors: Govers Laura L. , van der Zee Els M. , Meffert Johan P. , van Rijswick Patricia C. J. , Man in ‘t Veld Willem A. , Heusinkveld Jannes H. T. , van der Heide Tjisse
Published: February 2017

Restoration is increasingly considered an essential tool to halt and reverse the rapid decline of vital coastal ecosystems dominated by habitat-forming foundation species such as seagrasses. However, two recently discovered pathogens of marine plants, Phytophthora gemini and Halophytophthora sp. Zostera, can seriously hamper restoration efforts by dramatically reducing seed germination. Here, we report on a novel method that strongly reduces Phytophthora and Halophytophthora infection of eelgrass (Zostera marina) seeds. Seeds were stored in seawater with three different copper sulphate concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 2.0 ppm) crossed with three salinities (0.5, 10.0, 25.0 ppt). Next to reducing seed germination, infection significantly affected cotyledon colour: 90% of the germinated infected seeds displayed a brown cotyledon upon germination that did not continue development into the seedling stage, in contrast to only 13% of the germinated non-infected seeds. Copper successfully reduced infection up to 86% and the 0.2 ppm copper sulphate treatment was just as successful as the 2.0 ppm treatment. Infection was completely eliminated at low salinities, but green seed germination was also dramatically lowered by 10 times. We conclude that copper sulphate treatment is a suitable treatment for disinfecting Phytophthora or Halophytophthora infected eelgrass seeds, thereby potentially enhancing seed-based restoration success.
AMPK deficiency in chondrocytes accelerated the progression of instability-induced and ageing-associated osteoarthritis in adult mice
Authors: Zhou Sheng , Lu Wanli , Chen Liang , Ge Qiting , Chen Dongyang , Xu Zhihong , Shi Dongquan , Dai Jin , Li Jianxin , Ju Huangxian , Cao Yi , Qin Jinzhong , Chen Shuai , Teng Huajian , Jiang Qing
Published: February 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease of the joints that is associated with both joint injury and ageing. Here, we investigated the role of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in maintaining a healthy state of articular cartilage and in OA development. Using cartilage-specific, tamoxifen-inducible AMPKα1 conditional knockout (AMPKα1 cKO), AMPKα2 conditional knockout (AMPKα2 cKO) and AMPKα1α2 conditional double knockout (AMPKα cDKO) mice, we found that compared with wild-type (WT) littermates, mutant mice displayed accelerated severity of surgically induced OA, especially AMPKα cDKO mice. Furthermore, male but not female AMPKα cDKO mice exhibited severely spontaneous ageing-associated OA lesions at 12 months of age. The chondrocytes isolated from AMPKα cDKO mice resulted in an enhanced interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated catabolic response. In addition, upregulated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-13 and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (phospho-NF-κB) p65 and increased levels of apoptotic markers were detected in the cartilage of AMPKα cDKO mice compared with their WT littermates in vivo. Thus, our findings suggest that AMPK activity in chondrocytes is important in maintaining joint homeostasis and OA development.
When to stop propranolol for infantile hemangioma
Authors: Chang Lei , Gu Yifei , Yu Zhang , Ying Hanru , Qiu Yajing , Ma Gang , Chen Hui , Jin Yunbo , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: February 2017

There is no definitive conclusion regarding the optimal timing for terminating propranolol treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH). A total of 149 patients who underwent detailed color Doppler ultrasound examination were included in this study. The characteristics and propranolol treatment of all patients were summarized and analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the lesion regression rate. Among the 149 patients, 38 were assigned to the complete regression group, and 111 were assigned to the partial regression group. The age at which propranolol treatment started, duration of follow-up after treatment discontinuation and rate of adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of oral propranolol treatment was shorter in the complete regression group. The age at which propranolol was terminated was younger in the complete regression group, and this group had a lower recurrence rate. Propranolol is safe and effective for the treatment of IHs that require intervention, but it should be stopped at an appropriate time, which is determined primarily by the lesion regression rate after propranolol treatment. Ultrasound is helpful in determining when to stop propranolol for IH.
Comparative RNA-seq analysis of transcriptome dynamics during petal development in Rosa chinensis
Authors: Han Yu , Wan Huihua , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Yang Weiru , Pan Huitang , Zhang Qixiang
Published: February 2017

The developmental process that produces the ornate petals of the China rose (Rosa chinensis) is complex and is thought to depend on the balanced expression of a functionally diverse array of genes; however, the molecular basis of rose petal development is largely unknown. Here, petal growth of the R. chinensis cultivar ‘Old Blush’ was divided into four developmental stages, and RNA-seq technology was used to analyse the dynamic changes in transcription that occur as development progresses. In total, 598 million clean reads and 61,456 successfully annotated unigenes were obtained. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis comparing the transcriptomes of the developmental stages resulted in the identification of several potential candidate genes involved in petal development. DEGs involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, petal expansion, and phytohormone pathways were considered in depth, in addition to several candidate transcription factors. These results lay a foundation for future studies on the regulatory mechanisms underlying rose petal development and may be used in molecular breeding programs aimed at generating ornamental rose lines with desirable traits.
Hypercrosslinked porous polymer materials: design, synthesis, and applications
Authors: Tan Liangxiao , Tan Bien
Published: February 2017

Hypercrosslinked polymers with a controlled micromorphology exhibited promising applications in gas storage, separation, catalysis and water treatment.
Sustainable production of pyromellitic acid with pinacol and diethyl maleate
Authors: Hu Yancheng , Li Ning , Li Guangyi , Wang Aiqin , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2017

An unprecedented and sustainable route to synthesize pyromellitic acid (PMA), a monomer of polyimide, with bio-derived pinacol and diethyl maleate was developed.
Glycine-functionalized copper(ii) hydroxide nanoparticles with high intrinsic superoxide dismutase activity
Authors: Korschelt Karsten , Ragg Ruben , Metzger Carmen S. , Kluenker Martin , Oster Michael , Barton Bastian , Panthöfer Martin , Strand Dennis , Kolb Ute , Mondeshki Mihail , Strand Susanne , Brieger Jürgen , Nawaz Tahir M. , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

Glycine-functionalized copper(ii) hydroxide nanoparticles (Gly-Cu(OH)2NPs) are functional superoxide dismutase mimics.
Catalytic enantioselective bromohydroxylation of aryl olefins with flexible functionalities
Authors: Li Jing , Li Zequan , Zhang Xun , Xu Bing , Shi Yian
Published: February 2017

A highly enantioselective bromohydroxylation of aryl olefins with flexible functionalities has been achieved with (DHQD)2PHAL as a catalyst and H2O as a nucleophile, giving a variety of optically active bromohydrins with up to 98% ee.
Identification of a fragmented small GTPase capable of conditional effector binding
Authors: Zhao Jia , Stains Cliff I.
Published: February 2017

A fragmented small GTPase capable of conditional effector binding is described.
Polyaniline-deposited cellulose fiber composite prepared via in situ polymerization: enhancing adsorption properties for removal of meloxicam from aqueous media
Authors: Avelar Dutra Flávia Viana , Pires Bruna Carneiro , Nascimento Tienne Aparecida , Mano Valdir , Borges Keyller Bastos
Published: February 2017

Polyaniline (PAni), cellulose fiber (CF) and a PAni–CF composite, which were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry, were investigated in adsorption studies of meloxicam (MLX) from aqueous media.
A DFT study on lignin dissolution in imidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , He Hongyan , Dong Kun , Fan Maohong , Zhang Suojiang
Published: February 2017

Co-interaction lead to dissolution of lignin in ILs: H-bonds and π–π stacking.
Stable plasmonic Ag/AgCl–polyaniline photoactive composite for degradation of organic contaminants under solar light
Authors: Ghaly Hossam A. , El-Kalliny Amer S. , Gad-Allah Tarek A. , Abd El-Sattar Nour E. A. , Souaya Eglal R.
Published: February 2017

A series of novel plasmonic photocatalysts of Ag/AgCl–polyaniline (Ag/AgCl–PANI) were successfully synthesized by deposition–precipitation reaction followed by a photo-reduction method.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots from an A2/B3 monomer set
Authors: Chae Ari , Choi Yujin , Jo Seongho , Nur'aeni Nur'aeni , Paoprasert Peerasak , Park Sung Young , In Insik
Published: February 2017

Strongly fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were simply prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis using succinic acid and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine as an “A2 + B3” monomer set with a high mass yield of 17.3%.
Preparation, characterization and tribological mechanism of nanofluids
Authors: Kong Linghui , Sun Jianlin , Bao Yueyue
Published: February 2017

This article is focused on various synthetic methods and characterization techniquesof nanofluids. Factors enhancing the stability and lubrication mechanism have been delineated in detail as well.
Rapid degradation of azo-dye using Mn–Al powders produced by ball-milling
Authors: Ben Mbarek W. , Azabou M. , Pineda E. , Fiol N. , Escoda L. , Suñol J. J. , Khitouni M.
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted on the reduction reaction of the azo dye Reactive Black 5 by means of the Mn85Al15particles prepared by melt-spinning and ball-milling processes.
Surface modification strategies for combating catheter-related complications: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Neoh Koon Gee , Li Min , Kang En-Tang , Chiong Edmund , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah
Published: February 2017

This review summarizes the progress made in addressing bacterial colonization and other surface-related complications arising from catheter use.
On the harmonization of methods for measuring the occurrence, fate and effects of microplastics
Authors: Rochman Chelsea M. , Regan Fiona , Thompson Richard C.
Published: February 2017

Welcome to this Analytical Methods themed issue on microplastics in the environment, guest edited by Chelsea M. Rochman, Fiona Regan and Richard C. Thompson. The editors hope that this editorial will facilitate discussions that lead toward harmonized methods that are informed by hypotheses, and ultimately produce data that can be synthesized and used to inform effective local and global policies that prevent and mitigate microplastics.
Hybrid metal–Cu2S nanostructures as efficient co-catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Park Jeong-Hyun , Ramasamy Parthiban , Kim Soonhyun , Kim Young Kwang , Ahilan Vignesh , Shanmugam Sangaraju , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: February 2017

Unique colloidal synthesis of monodispersed dumbbell shaped metal–Cu2S (M–Cu2S where M = Pt, FePt) HNs and their utilization in hydrogen production.
Full-colour carbon dots: from energy-efficient synthesis to concentration-dependent photoluminescence properties
Authors: Meng Xun , Chang Qing , Xue Chaorui , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: February 2017

A facile and energy-efficient method is presented for the large-scale synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots whose fluorescence emission wavelengths shift gradually from 630 to 400 nm with reduction in their concentration.
Encapsulation of enzymes in metal ion–surfactant nanocomposites for catalysis in highly polar solvents
Authors: Cao Xun , Ni Yan , Zhang Alei , Xu Sheng , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: February 2017

We proposed the use of organic surfactants to construct the metal ion–surfactant nanocomposites which encapsulated enzymes simultaneously.
Correction: Enhanced resistive switching effect upon illumination in self-assembled NiWO4 nano-nests
Authors: Sun Bai , Zhao Wenxi , Wei Lujun , Li Hongwei , Chen Peng
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Enhanced resistive switching effect upon illumination in self-assembled NiWO4 nano-nests’ by Bai Sun et al., Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 13142–13145.
Evidence of crystal packing effects in stabilizing high or low spin states of iron(ii) complexes with functionalized 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligands
Authors: Bridonneau Nathalie , Rigamonti Luca , Poneti Giordano , Pinkowicz Dawid , Forni Alessandra , Cornia Andrea
Published: February 2017

High or low spin states in iron(ii) complexes with functionalised 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligands are efficaciously driven by intermolecular contacts.
Correction: Boron-containing delocalised lipophilic cations for the selective targeting of cancer cells
Authors: Calabrese Gianpiero , Daou Anis , Rova Aikaterini , Tseligka Eirini , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Fatouros Dimitrios G. , Tsibouklis John
Published: February 2017

Correction for “Boron-containing delocalised lipophilic cations for the selective targeting of cancer cells” by Gianpiero Calabrese et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2017, 8, 67–72.
The impact of the molecular weight on the electrochemical properties of poly(TEMPO methacrylate)
Authors: Zhang Kai , Hu Yuxiang , Wang Lianzhou , Fan Jiyu , Monteiro Michael J. , Jia Zhongfan
Published: February 2017

This work reports the synthesis of high molecular weight poly(TEMPO methacrylate) and the molecular weight influence on electrochemical properties.
Poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)–valproic acid conjugates as block copolymer nanocarriers
Authors: Alfurhood Jawaher A. , Sun Hao , Kabb Christopher P. , Tucker Bryan S. , Matthews James H. , Luesch Hendrik , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: February 2017

We report nanoassemblies based on block copolymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) in which drug cleavage enhances the biological compatibility of the original polymer carrier by regeneration of HPMA units.
Bimetallic metal–organic framework derived porous carbon nanostructures for high performance membrane capacitive desalination
Authors: Ding Meng , Shi Wenhui , Guo Lu , Leong Zhi Yi , Baji Avinash , Yang Hui Ying
Published: February 2017

Porous carbons derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks exhibit tunable properties by controlling the ratio of metal ions (Zn and Co) in the precursors. With the optimal ratio of Zn/Co = 3 in the precursors, the porous carbons possess a superior electrosorption capacity of 45.6 mg g−1.
Broadband right‐angle transition from substrate integrated waveguide to rectangular waveguide
Authors: Zhang Guiyun , Yi Hao , Wang Shengshui , Han Minghua
Published: February 2017

A broadband E‐plane right‐angle transition from a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) to a rectangular waveguide (RWG) is proposed. A stepped waveguide, a coupling aperture, and two inductive posts are applied to provide a good impedance matching between the SIW and the RWG. A back‐to‐back transition prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured at Ka‐band. Measured results show a good agreement with the simulated one: the insertion loss of a single transition is <0.6 dB and the return loss better than 15 dB is obtained from 32.6 to 38.1 GHz. The broadband transition can be used in front‐end circuits of millimetre‐wave communication, radar, and measurement systems.
Second octave power amplifier design based on resistive‐reactive series of continuous inverse modes
Authors: Tang Qinghua , Li Yanghua , Li Wenguang
Published: February 2017

This Letter presents a methodology, which contains resistive‐reactive series of continuous inverse modes (Res.‐Rea. SCIMs), for the second octave power amplifier (PA) design. The bandwidth was extended by multiplying the current waveform of SCIMs with a cosine factor. The measurement of the proposed Res.‐Rea. SCIMs PA showed 67–78.8% drain efficiency and ∼10 W output power across a band of 0.5–2 GHz.
Energy‐efficient capacitor‐swapping reset scheme with MSB‐split DAC for SAR ADCs
Authors: Xie Liangbo , Nie Wei , Xiong Lian , Su Jian
Published: February 2017

An energy‐efficient DAC scheme with most significant bit (MSB) split structure is proposed for successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs. The proposed scheme consumes no switching energy in the first three conversion cycles, and the switching energy for the rest cycles is further optimised using the single‐side switching method. Furthermore, the proposed capacitor‐swapping reset scheme eliminates the reset energy. Taking the reset energy into consideration, the proposed scheme reduces the total average energy by 99.23% compared with the conventional SAR ADC architecture and hence achieves high energy‐efficiency.
Enabling cyber‐physical communication in 5G cellular networks: challenges, spatial spectrum sensing, and cyber‐security
Authors: Atat Rachad , Liu Lingjia , Chen Hao , Wu Jinsong , Li Hongxiang , Yi Yang
Published: February 2017

Cyber‐physical systems (CPS) help create new services and applications by revolutionising our world in different fields through their tight interactions and automated decisions. This is especially true with the ongoing increase in the number of physical things (sensors, actuators, smartphones, tablets, and so on) along with the explosive increase in the usage of online networking services and applications. Future fifth generation (5G) cellular networks will facilitate the enabling of CPS communications over current network infrastructure through different technologies such as device‐to‐device (D2D) communications. In this study, the authors discuss about the main challenges that cellular providers will face as the massive number of CPS devices attempt to access the cellular spectrum. A case study is presented on how to ease the spectrum access of these devices through D2D spatial spectrum sensing. Furthermore, the authors discuss about protecting these D2D links from eavesdropping, since security is becoming a critical aspect in the cyber‐physical space, especially with the large amount of traffic that is constantly flowing through the network.
Edge‐radiating slot antenna based on half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Zou Xiong , Tong Chuang‐Ming , He Huan , Geng Fangzhi
Published: February 2017

Lots of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) slot antennas appear to satisfy the extensive and intensive growth of wireless communication systems. However, there were few reports about edge‐radiating slot antenna based on SIW technology. In this study, a half‐mode SIW (HMSIW) edge‐radiating slot antenna is proposed for the first time by etching transversal slots both on the upper and lower surfaces of HMSIW. The radiation field of this antenna has been deduced from the field distribution of HMSIW. A 6‐slot‐pair antenna worked at 3.0 GHz with gain of 5.8 dBi is obtained by regulating the size and the number of slots. Through setting matching posts and a terminal load, the bandwidth can be expanded from 2 to 9.7%. The measured results show that the matching‐type antenna has radiation efficiency about 0.59, beam directions ranging from 0° to 53° and gains within 5.0–7.5 dBi in 3.05–3.35 GHz. This antenna has advantages of low profile, easy fabrication, wide bandwidth and frequency‐scanning property, which are great for microwave radar applications.
Comparative study of 2D‐OCDMA‐WDM system performance in 40‐Gb/s PON context
Authors: Mrabet Hichem , Dayoub Iyad , Attia Rabah
Published: February 2017

In this study, a optical passive networks system‐based 2D‐optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is proposed. For the uplink, 2D‐prime hop system (PHS) codes and 2D‐HC are employed. Nonetheless, a WDM scheme is used for the downlink. The system is firstly analysed and the performances are then provided in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) bit error rate (BER), Q‐factor and optical power budget as function of optical received power. The authors show that the proposed system can reach 40 Gb/s with a good BER value <10−10 when a vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser and an APD receiver are deployed in the optical network unit and optical line terminal, respectively. Moreover, it is shown that bit rate can be increased up to 150 Gb/s using 2D‐HC codes for the uplink. Finally, power budget for 524 network subscribers is achieved showing a long PON distance up to 41 Km with a maximum throughput equal to 285.1 Gb/s/Km using an emitted average power equal to 15 dBm.
Pd-Catalyzed Efficient Synthesis of Azacoumestans Via Intramolecular Cross Coupling of 4-(Arylamino)coumarins in the Presence of Copper Acetate under Microwaves
Authors: Balalas Thomas , Abdul-Sada Alaa , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra , Litinas Konstantinos
Published: February 2017

Azacoumestans have been synthesized in excellent yields by the Pd-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 4-(arylamino)coumarins in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 in acetic acid under microwave irradiation. 4-(Arylamino)coumarins, even those substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, have been prepared almost quantitatively by the reaction of arylamines with 4-bromocoumarin under microwave irradiation in water or by Pd-catalyzed C–N coupling under heating. Preliminary biological tests indicated significant inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase and antilipid peroxidation.
Cutaneous Lymphadenoma: A Trichoblastoma with Regressive Inflammatory Changes
Authors: Keesecker Sarah , Magro Cynthia , Dokania Vivek , Sclafani Anthony , Saab Jad
Published: February 2017

The authors address the entity of cutaneous lymphadenoma. Although considered benign, cutaneous lymphadenoma can be easily misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma because of its close clinical and histological resemblance. This entity is rare and controversial both in terms of its histogenesis and the various diagnostic terms assigned to it throughout the literature. While rare, cutaneous lymphadenoma should be considered in the differential of any facial nodule or papule in addition to the more common basal cell carcinoma, nevi, cysts, and appendiceal tumors.
Local Cutaneous Flaps in Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Lu Guanning , Kriet J. , Humphrey Clinton
Published: February 2017

Facial plastic surgeons use a variety of reconstruction techniques to overcome challenges in restoring the function, structural integrity, and intricate nasal contour in nasal reconstruction. Local cutaneous flaps provide excellent skin texture, thickness, and color match in nasal reconstruction. They offer an excellent cosmetic appearance for small- to medium-sized defects and are preferentially utilized when feasible. This article aims to provide an updated review of local cutaneous flaps for nasal defect repair and describe the major principles related to flap selection.
Mandibular Rim Trilogy with Botulinum Toxin Injection: Reduction, Projection, and Lift
Authors: Zhou Renpeng , Pan Benyun , Wang Chen , Wang Danru
Published: February 2017

“Onabotulinum toxin A (Botox) revolution” has brought the fundamental change in the facial rejuvenation as well as the concept of microinjection. The aesthetic standard tends to be the “globalization”; however, Asians have different aesthetic cultures and unique facial features compared with Caucasians. A new rejuvenation concept is proposed during our practice; the Asian face should preserve the original facial identity during Botox treatments. The lower face is treated with botulinum toxin to achieve a harmonious facial profile. Twenty young females ranging in age from 30 to 45 years consented and received the three-pronged procedure from March 2014 to April 2015; photography at baseline and follow-up visit were taken and analyzed. After posttreatment for 2 months, significant improvement was observed compared with the baseline. And the reduced masseter prominence and prominent chin were obtained, showing a favorable facial contour and harmonious appearance during the follow-up. The novel three-pronged approach to lower facial rejuvenation was aimed at the Asian characteristic of hypertrophic masseter, chin retrusion, and the facial sagging during the aging process. Botox treatment was a quite effective and safe strategy to improve the appearance and contour of the lower face in Asian patients.
Directed weighted network structure analysis of complex impedance measurements for characterizing oil-in-water bubbly flow
Authors: Gao Zhong-Ke , Dang Wei-Dong , Xue Le , Zhang Shan-Shan
Published: February 2017

Characterizing the flow structure underlying the evolution of oil-in-water bubbly flow remains a contemporary challenge of great interests and complexity. In particular, the oil droplets dispersing in a water continuum with diverse size make the study of oil-in-water bubbly flow really difficult. To study this issue, we first design a novel complex impedance sensor and systematically conduct vertical oil-water flow experiments. Based on the multivariate complex impedance measurements, we define modalities associated with the spatial transient flow structures and construct modality transition-based network for each flow condition to study the evolution of flow structures. In order to reveal the unique flow structures underlying the oil-in-water bubbly flow, we filter the inferred modality transition-based network by removing the edges with small weight and resulting isolated nodes. Then, the weighted clustering coefficient entropy and weighted average path length are employed for quantitatively assessing the original network and filtered network. The differences in network measures enable to efficiently characterize the evolution of the oil-in-water bubbly flow structures.
Editorial: In defense of science—What would John do?
Authors: Gad-el-Hak Mohamed
Published: February 2017

Recent onslaughts on the importance of pure research to our collective well-being are trending. In this essay, I discuss the issues involved and offer a rebuttal. The thoughts are inspired by my mentor, academic sibling, and idol John Leask Lumley.
Evaluation of four-point transient potential drop on conductive plates
Authors: Persvik Øyvind , Bowler John R.
Published: February 2017

We have derived an analytical solution for the transient potential drop due to a step function excitation of a four-point probe on a conducting plate. Similar expressions have already been developed based on a previous analysis for a conducting half-space. The purpose of this article, however, is to extend the theory to measurements on conductors of arbitrary thickness and thereby broaden the practical applicability of the technique. The results are useful for non-destructive measurements of the conductivity, permeability and wall thickness of metals. Further applications of the technique include monitoring material loss due to corrosion and measurement of factors that affect the electromagnetic properties of materials such as mechanical stress.
Setup for high-temperature surface Brillouin light scattering: Application to opaque thin films and coatings
Authors: Faurie D. , Girodon-Boulandet N. , Kaladjian A. , Challali F. , Abadias G. , Djemia P.
Published: February 2017

A setup combining surface Brillouin light scattering with a high-temperature chamber has been developed. The temperature of the sample is controlled with a Bühler HDK chamber for optical measurements (maximum temperature of 1600 °C), in controlled atmospheres or high vacuum (10−6 mbar). This setup allows the study of sound velocity of surface acoustic waves and of the elastic constants of opaque thin films and coatings in situ as a function of temperature from surface Brillouin light scattering, by analyzing the backscattered light from the sample at a fixed angle of incidence. In this paper, we will demonstrate the applications of this setup for metallic glass thin films devitrification study and evaluation of high temperature elastic properties of hard nitride coatings. This kind of study using surface acoustic waves is rare, in contrast to those made on transparent bulk materials.
A combined theoretical and experimental study of the ionic states of iodopentafluorobenzene
Authors: Palmer Michael H. , Coreno Marcello , de Simone Monica , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Jones Nykola C. , Grazioli Cesare , Peterson Kirk A. , Baiardi Alberto , Zhang Teng , Biczysko Malgorzata
Published: February 2017

A new synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectral (PES) study of iodopentafluorobenzene, together with a theoretical analysis of the spectrum, where Franck-Condon factors are discussed, gives detailed insight into the ionization processes, and this exposes the need for a reinvestigation of the vacuum ultraviolet spectral (VUV) assignments. We have calculated adiabatic ionization energies (AIEs) for several ionic states, using the equation-of-motion coupled cluster method for ionic states combined with multi-configuration self-consistent field calculation study. The AIE sequence is: X2B1 < A2A2 < B2B2 < C22B1 < D2A1 < E32B1. This symmetry sequence has a major impact on previous VUV spectral assignments, which now appear to be to optically forbidden states. Changes in the equilibrium structures for these ionic states are relatively small, but a significant decrease and increase in the C–I bond length relative to the X1A1 structure occurs for the X2B1 and C2B1 states, respectively. The PES shows major vibrational overlaps between pairs of ionic states, X with A, and A with B. The result of these overlaps is the loss of vibrational structure and considerable broadening of the higher energy PES state. Although the baseline is nearly re-established between the A and B states, where the two bands are nearly separate, the B state is also broadened by the A state. Only the C ionic state, which shows the most highly developed vibrational structure, can be regarded as free from vibrational coupling to a neighbor state. The Franck-Condon analysis of the PES bands X, A, B, and C is described in detail; the apparent simplicity of some of these bands is illusory, since almost all the observed peaks arise from super-position of several calculated vibrational states. The experimental AIE of the A state, which is submerged under the X state envelope, has been determined by the subtraction of the calculated X state envelope from the observed PES spectrum. The overlap of these PES bands and the apparent closeness of the potential energy curves describing them have been investigated, using the state-averaged, complete active space self-consistent field method. We have identified two structures, one where the potential energy curves for the X and A states cross and another for the A and B states. At these two conical intersections (ConInts), there is zero-energy difference within each pair of states. Although similar in energy, the ConInt for the crossing of the X with A states, and that for the A with B states, shows that the open-shell occupancies correspond to the 4 lowest AIE states, and all four states that are quite different from each other.
Optimal operation of distribution networks with presence of distributed generations and battery energy storage systems considering uncertainties and risk analysis
Authors: Afshan Razieh , Salehi Javad
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a probabilistic framework for the operation of distribution networks considering distributed generations (DGs) and battery energy storage systems. This framework considers the uncertainty of electricity prices and output power of DGs. To account for uncertainties, the probability distribution function is used, which generates scenarios by Monte Carlo Simulation at each hour. The aim of this paper is to calculate the distribution of daily profit and risk analysis. Value at Risk (VaR) is used as risk measure, and sensitivity of VaR with respect to changes in standard deviation is assessed. Numerical examples for two case studies are presented to illustrate the impact of uncertainty of DGs and prices on the profit and risk.
Resonant femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy with an intense actinic pump pulse: Application to conical intersections
Authors: Rao B. Jayachander , Gelin Maxim F. , Domcke Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

We theoretically investigate the feasibility of characterizing conical intersections with time-resolved resonant femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) using an intense actinic pump pulse. We perform nonperturbative numerical simulations of FSRS signals for a three-electronic-state two-vibrational-mode model, which is inspired by the S2(ππ*)-S1(nπ*) conical intersection in pyrazine. Our results show that moderately strong actinic pulses increase the intensity of vibrational fingerprint lines in FSRS transients. They facilitate the extraction of useful spectroscopic information by enhancing peaks revealing the coupling and tuning modes of the conical intersection.